Stake today announced it successfully raised $31 million in its oversubscribed Series B funding round led by Emirates NBD, with additional participation from MENA Venture Capital Fund, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), Property Finder, STV NICE, Wa’ed Ventures, GFH Partners, and Ellington Properties.

The investment marks a significant milestone in Stake’s evolution as a regulated fintech platform modernising how real estate is accessed, owned, and invested across borders. As global investors increasingly seek transparent, regulated exposure to real assets, Stake is positioning itself as the infrastructure layer connecting capital to high-quality real estate markets worldwide.

With this round, Stake’s total funding to date reaches $58 million, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in the Middle East.

Neeraj Makin, Group Head – Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, said, “Through our Innovation Fund, we are committed to making such strategic investments and fostering a culture of innovation. We recognise the growing demand for accessible real estate investment opportunities, and Stake’s platform provides a robust, compliant, and scalable solution that we are proud to support.”

“This round is more than capital. It is validation of a mission we have poured our lives into. To have institutions like Emirates NBD, Mubadala, Property Finder, MEVP, Wa’ed Ventures, GFH Partners, STV and Ellington Properties join us is a reminder that our region believes in ambitious ideas and in the power of technology to transform industries. Together, we are building the infrastructure for a new era of real estate ownership, one where borders do not limit opportunity and where every person, regardless of background, can participate in real estate wealth creation. This is just the beginning of what Stake will unlock,” said Rami Tabbara, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stake.

Saudi Arabia represents Stake’s most immediate and strategic growth market, underpinned by regulatory first-mover advantage and accelerating international capital inflows. In Q4 2024, Stake became the first CMA-regulated investment platform to open the Kingdom’s property market to global investors. Since then, the company has closed three real estate funds in Saudi Arabia, attracting 6,930 international investors and channeling more than SAR 416 million into the local real estate sector, directly supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to expand domestic and foreign investment.

“Saudi Arabia is a strategic growth market for us, and this round allows us to deepen our investment in the Kingdom by expanding our local capabilities and scaling our CMA-regulated offering to meet growing demand from both regional and international investors. We are committed to being a long-term partner to the market, helping channel capital into high-quality opportunities while supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to broaden foreign investment to the masses.” said Manar Mahmassani, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stake.

Beyond the GCC, Stake is advancing its international strategy to provide investors with diversified exposure across stable and high-growth markets. In October 2025, the company expanded into the U.S. industrial real estate market, one of the most resilient asset classes globally. Early traction has validated Stake’s cross-border investment model, with growing investor demand for exposure to income-generating U.S. assets and clear evidence of the platform’s scalability beyond regional markets.

In parallel, Stake continues to broaden its product offering. In October 2025, the company launched StakeOne, a new investment product designed to digitise access to full property ownership and after-sales asset management. The product expands investor access to premium properties in Dubai, including assets from leading developers such as Emaar, Ellington Properties, Dubai Holding, and more, while introducing streamlined ownership structures and a pathway toward listing ready-to-own properties with full ownership potential

As part of its long-term vision to fully digitise the real estate investment lifecycle, Stake is also advancing regulated tokenisation in collaboration with Property Finder and has already received the In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The initiative aims to enhance liquidity, transparency, and flexibility in real estate ownership by enabling fractional, tradeable exposure to high-demand assets that were historically accessible only to institutional investors.

Stake continues to deliver strong momentum across its core metrics, recording a GMV CAGR of over 130% and a revenue CAGR of over 100% over the last three years. The platform now serves more than 2 million users from over 211 nationalities across 181 countries, reflecting its growing global reach and investor confidence.

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Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out fresh dining offerings on two of its Australia‑based cruise ships, marking a bold enhancement to onboard experiences for travellers sailing from Sydney and Brisbane. According to the cruise line’s official announcement, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express will be launched on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, enriching the culinary options available to passengers on Pacific and regional itineraries. The changes also involve a transition away from previously operated venues such as Luke’s Bar and Grill, reflecting Carnival’s broader strategy to standardise popular specialty dining concepts across its fleet. These upgrades are set to take effect from May 4, 2026, aligning with the start of the peak cruising season in the Southern Hemisphere, and signal a focus on elevated guest satisfaction through menu innovation and premium food offerings.

New Dining Experiences on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter

Carnival Cruise Line’s latest dining rollout brings two well‑known and widely appreciated speciality restaurant concepts to its Australian‑homeported ships:

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse — A signature Caribbean‑themed premium steakhouse showcasing premium cuts of beef, seafood and gourmet sides alongside an extensive wine list. This restaurant replaces the shipboard Luke’s Bar and Grill venue on both vessels and will operate for an additional surcharge, offering a more formal dining experience for travellers seeking specialty cuisine.

Bonsai Sushi Express — A Japanese‑inspired takeaway concept serving made‑to‑order sushi, sashimi, rolls, poke bowls and salads, designed to complement Carnival’s roster of casual dining options while providing fresh, lighter fare. Already popular on Carnival Luminosa — another ship deployed in the region — this concept adds variety and choice for passengers.

These enhancements are part of the dry dock upgrades that Carnival Encounter is undergoing in Singapore and a planned dry dock for Carnival Adventure in early 2027, aligning with global cruise operations calendars and regional deployment schedules.

Deployments and Timetable for New Dining

The new dining options will be available to guests on both ships from their May 4, 2026 sailing departures, coinciding with early‑season Pacific and South Pacific itineraries. Carnival Adventure will offer these onboard as part of its 12‑night Fiji and South Pacific itinerary from Sydney, while Carnival Encounter’s 4‑night Airlie Beach departures from Brisbane will also feature the revamped dining lineup.

Carnival Encounter is already in dry dock in Singapore at the time of the announcement and is positioned to return to service with the new restaurants installed, while Carnival Adventure’s refit is scheduled soon after.

Travel Industry and Culinary Significance

The introduction of these concepts emphasises Carnival’s commitment to evolving its onboard product to meet rising passenger expectations for quality and variety. Specialty dining — particularly steakhouse and fresh sushi concepts — has become a hallmark of cruise product differentiation, drawing travellers seeking more than standard buffet and included dining experiences. By bringing these options to its Australia‑based ships, Carnival is aligning local deployments with global fleet trends and enhancing the appeal of regional cruises departing from Australian ports.

This dining focus follows Carnival’s broader fleet expansion and regional homeport strategies, particularly the integration of former P&O Australia vessels into its fleet — including Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter — to strengthen presence in Australia and the South Pacific market.

Travel Angle: What This Means for Travellers

Advantages for Travellers

Enhanced Culinary Variety
Passengers now have access to premium steakhouse fare and fresh sushi in addition to Carnival’s traditional dining options, giving more choice and satisfaction for gourmet‑minded cruisers.

Market‑Relevant Experience
Australian travellers often look for diverse flavours and fresh options, and the addition of Bonsai Sushi Express reflects this demand while Fahrenheit 555 provides premium multiple‑course meals.

Consistency Across Fleet
These dining concepts are already familiar to Carnival guests on other ships — such as Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa — creating a consistent premium experience for global passengers.

Increased Value Per Sailing
Robust dining experiences enhance overall cruise value, making Carnival’s Australian itineraries more competitive with other regional and international cruise offerings.

Disadvantages and Considerations

Additional Cost for Specialty Dining
Premium venues such as Fahrenheit 555 operate for an extra surcharge above the standard cruise fare, meaning travellers must budget for additional costs if they wish to dine there.

Limited Availability
Reservations for high‑demand dining venues may fill quickly on popular itineraries, especially during peak departure periods, requiring early planning.

Dry Dock Scheduling Impact
While Carnival Encounter is already in dry dock and Carnival Adventure will be later, some schedule changes or onboard experience adjustments may occur during retrofit periods.

Conclusion

Carnival Cruise Line’s introduction of new dining experiences on two Australian‑based ships for the 2026 season elevates the onboard experience for travellers in the South Pacific market. With the addition of Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter offer passengers broader culinary choices that align with global cruise trends and local preferences. Although specialty dining comes at an extra cost and requires reservation planning, the enhanced variety enriches the value and appeal of Australia‑homeported cruises and positions Carnival as a leading choice for quality cruise vacations in the region.

Japan’s inbound tourism in January 2026 saw an unexpected change, reflecting the evolving global travel dynamics. According to official data from the Japan National Tourism Organization, 3.6 million tourists visited the country, marking a 4.9% decrease compared to the same month last year. This drop represents the first decline in four years, highlighting shifts in international travel patterns. Travel experts suggest that political factors and calendar shifts, such as the timing of the Lunar New Year, played a key role in shaping these numbers. For global tourists, this trend presents unique opportunities to explore Japan with less crowded destinations.

Chinese Tourist Numbers Decline Amid Tensions

The most striking change in inbound tourism 2026 is the sharp 61% fall in arrivals from China, down to just 385,300 visitors. Official sources indicate that Beijing has advised citizens to avoid travel to Japan due to recent political statements by Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan. While this has impacted one of Japan’s traditionally largest visitor groups, other international tourists now have a chance to enjoy popular locations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with fewer crowds. For travellers, this makes exploring cultural landmarks and city streets a more intimate experience.

South Korea Emerges as the Leading Source of Visitors

South Korea has become the dominant source of visitors to Japan in 2026, with arrivals reaching a record 1.176 million, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores South Korea’s strong travel connection with Japan, particularly in urban hubs and shopping districts. For international travellers, these areas offer vibrant cultural interactions, cuisine sampling, and opportunities to experience popular seasonal events without overwhelming crowds. South Korean tourism trends also indicate that Japan remains a top choice for nearby Asian travellers seeking accessible and diverse experiences.

Taiwan and the United States Show Strong Growth

In addition to South Korea, visitor numbers from Taiwan rose by 17%, reaching 694,500 tourists, while the United States contributed a 14% increase with 207,800 arrivals. These trends suggest that Japan continues to attract a wide range of global travellers, drawn by its rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and scenic natural attractions. From cherry blossom viewing in spring to winter sports in Hokkaido, international tourists now have more opportunities to plan trips that match their seasonal preferences while navigating a less congested tourism environment.

Impact of Lunar New Year Timing

Another factor influencing Japan inbound tourism in 2026 is the shift in Lunar New Year celebrations, which occurred in mid-February rather than late January. This adjustment affected travel schedules, as many tourists traditionally plan visits around this period. As a result, January arrivals were slightly lower, creating a window for travellers seeking quieter travel experiences. For those planning future trips, timing travel according to local festivals, holiday shifts, and seasonal events can enhance the overall experience.

Hong Kong and Other Market Trends

Visitor numbers from Hong Kong fell by 18% to 200,000 arrivals, while other international markets remained steady. Despite these variations, Japan’s inbound tourism has largely recovered from the pandemic era, with monthly visitor totals frequently exceeding pre-COVID levels. For global travellers, this indicates a stable and welcoming environment, with numerous travel options, including cultural tours, culinary experiences, and scenic explorations.

Travel Tips for Tourists in 2026

Global travellers can make the most of Japan inbound tourism trends by adopting a few practical strategies. First, plan trips outside peak holidays to enjoy famous destinations with fewer crowds. Second, explore multiple regions beyond the usual hotspots to experience Japan’s diverse landscapes. Third, engage with local culture, including cuisine, festivals, and traditional crafts, to create memorable travel experiences. Finally, check official government travel resources for updates on travel safety, visa requirements, and tourism guidance, ensuring smooth and enjoyable visits.

Opportunities for a Unique Travel Experience

The current shifts in Japan inbound tourism provide a rare opportunity for travellers seeking authentic and less crowded experiences. Iconic destinations such as Kyoto’s temples, Tokyo’s vibrant streets, and Hokkaido’s winter resorts are more accessible, offering immersive experiences that combine history, culture, and natural beauty. Tourists can take advantage of these changes to plan unique itineraries that reveal Japan beyond the typical tourist path.

Looking Ahead in 2026

Despite fluctuations in visitor numbers from specific countries, Japan remains a top destination for global tourists in 2026. With diverse experiences, welcoming hospitality, and evolving travel patterns, international visitors can enjoy a richer, more personalised travel experience. Observing these trends offers valuable insight for planning future trips, making Japan an appealing destination for travellers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Aer Lingus launches its first direct service from Dublin to Barbados, operating three times weekly from March 31 to May 31, 2026, using the advanced Airbus A321XLR to connect Ireland with Barbados‘ iconic beaches and vibrant culture. Flights depart Dublin Airport Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 1:50 PM, arriving Grantley Adams International Airport at 6:00 PM local time for a nine-hour-ten-minute journey, with returns leaving Barbados at 7:30 PM to land in Dublin at 8:40 AM. This seasonal link will ignite Barbados tourism by slashing travel times for Irish visitors, funneling them into luxury resorts, catamaran cruises, and culinary trails that sustain the island’s economy through high-value European spending.

A321XLR Pioneers Long-Haul Comfort

The Airbus A321XLR debuts on Aer Lingus’ longest narrowbody route, featuring two-class configuration with lie-flat seats, enhanced fuel efficiency, and modern amenities for transatlantic comfort. Passengers enjoy optimized schedules maximizing Barbados daylight hours upon arrival, ideal for beachfront check-ins at Crane Beach or St. Lawrence Gap nightlife. This technological edge elevates tourism accessibility, drawing first-time Irish explorers to Barbados‘ platinum coast while minimizing carbon footprints compared to older widebodies, aligning with sustainable tourism goals.

Spring Schedule Optimizes Vacations

Timed for Ireland’s shoulder season, flights align with Easter breaks and May bank holidays, offering flexible two-week getaways to Barbados‘ east coast surf and west coast calm waters. Return timings preserve full final days for Harrison’s Cave tours or Mount Gay rum tastings. Strategic programming will amplify Barbados tourism peaks, boosting hotel occupancy from seventy-five percent baselines and channeling visitors into Oistins Fish Fry or Holders Season opera, vital for cultural tourism revenue diversification.

Grantley Adams Airport Gateway Role

Barbados‘ Grantley Adams International Airport streamlines arrivals with dedicated tourism desks, fast-track immigration for EU passports, and seamless transfers to beach shuttles. Proximity to Bridgetown’s Historic Garrison UNESCO site enables day-one immersions. Enhanced European direct lift strengthens Barbados tourism infrastructure, funding runway expansions and VIP lounges that accommodate growing transatlantic demand while spilling traffic to inter-island hops via LIAT or regional charters.

Irish Traveler Demographic Boost

Irish passengers favor Barbados for its English-speaking ease, British colonial ties, and cricket passion shared with Dublin’s Test Match fervor. Fares starting at euro two hundred twenty-nine one-way incentivize couples and families seeking all-inclusive escapes. This cultural affinity will supercharge tourism spending on flying fish cutters, Banks beer tastings, and Rihanna Drive selfies, positioning Barbados as Ireland’s top Caribbean choice over longer-haul alternatives.

Beach and Adventure Tourism Surge

Direct access unlocks Barbados‘ twenty-one miles of beaches from Bathsheba’s rugged Atlantic shores to Carlisle Bay’s turtle snorkels, with catamarans to Folkestone Marine Park. Golf at Apes Hill and hiking Gun Hill Signal Station await active travelers. Flight convenience drives tourism diversification beyond sun-lounging, supporting eco-operators offering bioluminescent kayak tours and mangrove safaris that preserve Barbados‘ biodiversity hotspots.

Culinary and Rum Trail Connections

Barbados, birthplace of rum, welcomes foodies to distilleries like St. Nicholas Abbey and Foursquare, paired with Bridgetown market street food. Crop Over festival extensions into spring enhance culinary calendars. Easier access elevates gastronomic tourism, filling farm-to-table restaurants and hosting pop-up chef events that spotlight flying fish and cou-cou, generating supplier revenues crucial for agricultural tourism sustainability.

Luxury Resort and Villa Partnerships

Properties from Sandy Lane to The Crane align promotions with Aer Lingus schedules, offering DUB-BGI packages with free airport transfers and welcome rum punches. Villas in Paynes Bay cater to groups. Airline-hotel synergies will heighten Barbados tourism luxury tier, attracting high-net-worth Irish for private chef dinners and yacht charters, funding community tourism training programs.

Sustainable Tourism Alignment

Aer Lingus’ efficient A321XLR reduces emissions per passenger on the route, complementing Barbados‘ Welcome Stamp digital nomad visa and plastic-free initiatives. Carbon offset programs integrate seamlessly. Green connectivity bolsters Barbados tourism credentials, appealing to eco-conscious Europeans who prioritize reef-safe sunscreens and turtle-watching guidelines, ensuring long-term viability amid climate pressures.

Inter-Island and Cruise Synergies

Grantley Adams serves as hub for Barbados-St. Lucia catamarans and regional flights to Grenada or Antigua, extending multi-destination Caribbean itineraries. Cruise ports benefit from pre/post stays. Direct Dublin lift cascades tourism across islands, balancing Barbados‘ visitor loads while promoting Welcome Stamp extensions for remote workers basing in Holetown.

Economic Multipliers for Bridgetown

Three weekly flights inject more than five thousand annual seats, ranking Irish among top-ten markets with high per-capita spends on jewelry, property, and education ties. Duty-free expansions capture outbound sales. Tourism windfall funds Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union scholarships and highway upgrades, stabilizing forex reserves through consistent European inflows.

Cultural Exchange Opportunities

Shared Commonwealth heritage fosters cricket tours to Kensington Oval and literary trails honoring George Lamming, resonating with Ireland’s storytelling traditions. Reggae festivals sync with Dublin’s music scene. Enhanced people-to-people links deepen Barbados tourism authenticity, inspiring Irish investments in Bajan rum brands and co-branded St. Patrick’s Day events.

Booking and Flexibility Perks

Fares include generous baggage, flexible changes via AerCredit, and IHG partnerships for bundled stays. Early bookings lock winter sun pricing before summer peaks. Urgency tactics accelerate tourism commitments, aiding Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association forecasts amid global recovery.

Year-Round Tourism Evolution

Spring service tests demand for potential extensions, complementing British Airways and Virgin Atlantic year-rounders. Marketing targets Dublin’s 1.5M transatlantic passengers. Seasonal success positions Barbados for permanent Irish gateway status, diversifying beyond UK reliance for resilient tourism growth.

Global Connectivity Momentum

Aer Lingus’ Barbados debut signals Ireland’s Caribbean ambitions, linking EU single market to CARICOM. Future A321XLR routes loom. Strategic airlift cements Barbados tourism as transatlantic bridge, blending Bajan warmth with Celtic spirit for enduring partnerships.

Image Credit: Aer Lingus Group DAC and Aer Lingus Ltd

Nexion Travel Group, a leading host agency, is responding to the growing demand in the luxury travel sector by offering more opportunities for aspiring travel advisors to enter the market. Nexion provides extensive assistance through its dedicated programmes, which assist advisors in developing their businesses within the luxury travel sector because of the rising demand for high-end travel services. The initiatives have gained popularity among people who want to work flexible hours while building relationships and providing expert customer service in the luxury travel industry.

In an age where luxury travel is becoming more accessible, more people are recognising the opportunity to build careers around delivering personalised travel experiences. Nexion’s efforts to support advisors looking to move into the luxury sector reflect the strong potential of the market, which has seen increasing accessibility and consumer demand for premium experiences.

Nexion’s Luxury Travel Programs for New and Experienced Advisors

As the demand for luxury travel surges, Nexion Travel Group has designed programs specifically for travel advisors eager to tap into the lucrative luxury market. One of their flagship initiatives, Leap Into Luxury, helps travel advisors move their businesses up-market and reach clients seeking high-end, custom travel experiences. This program provides comprehensive support, training, and networking opportunities, enabling advisors to elevate their services and cater to an affluent clientele.

The Luxury Sales Summit, an annual event hosted by Nexion, offers another key opportunity for advisors to engage with luxury suppliers and industry experts. The summit, held this year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, brings together a diverse range of advisors and suppliers for a series of discussions, presentations, and networking sessions. This event helps advisors forge connections with key industry figures, strengthening their position in the competitive luxury market.

Building a Successful Luxury Travel Business

According to Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion, the flexibility of the luxury travel advisor career is one of the key selling points for new entrants to the industry. She notes that no traditional luxury background is required to succeed in this space. With the right training and support, anyone with a passion for travel and service can build a successful luxury-focused business.

The luxury market, today, is less about formality and more about personalisation. Kurtis Haring, owner of Sojoura Travel, an affiliate of Nexion, highlights that today’s clients want to feel cared for and confident in their travel choices. This is where the expertise of a well-trained travel advisor becomes invaluable. Advisors can offer bespoke recommendations and ensure their clients experience the best of the luxury sector, from exclusive experiences to seamless itineraries.

For advisors new to the industry, Nexion’s structured training programs provide the tools needed to succeed. From foundational travel knowledge to advanced sales techniques, these programs equip advisors to build a sustainable luxury travel business. With strong backing from Nexion’s network of suppliers, advisors can offer their clients access to a range of exclusive products and services.

Why the Luxury Travel Market Is Thriving

Luxury travel continues to flourish, with consumers increasingly seeking out premium experiences. This trend is evident in the growing demand for unique travel services, with more people investing in high-quality vacations that offer tailored experiences and personalised service. The rise of luxury travel shows no signs of slowing, creating a substantial market for advisors to cater to.

Furthermore, travel advisors are well-positioned to serve the luxury sector, as more affluent travellers turn to experts to curate their experiences. Whether clients are looking for luxury cruises, private jet services, or custom-designed itineraries, the need for experienced travel advisors has never been greater. As the luxury market expands, so too do the opportunities for advisors to build businesses that reflect their expertise and passion.

Nexion’s Commitment to Growing the Luxury Travel Advisor Market

Nexion Travel Group’s comprehensive programs for new and experienced travel advisors are opening doors to success in the luxury travel industry. As more people turn to advisors for premium travel experiences, Nexion is positioned at the forefront of this growing sector, offering the support and resources needed for advisors to thrive.

Nexion established a community of skilled advisors who possess deep knowledge and receive full support through their various initiatives which include Leap Into Luxury and their Luxury Sales Summit event. Nexion assists advisors in building successful businesses through their dedicated resources which empower them to develop their future luxury travel expertise.

Planning a trip to New Zealand in 2026? There’s an essential detail every traveller must know — the International Visitor Levy (IVL). Introduced nearly seven years ago, this small fee has become a key part of New Zealand’s strategy to maintain its world-renowned landscapes and improve tourist facilities. Understanding how this charge works can make your journey smoother, while also supporting the country’s sustainability initiatives. From pristine beaches to alpine adventures, every visitor contributes to keeping New Zealand a safe and unforgettable destination.

What the International Visitor Levy Means for Tourists

The International Visitor Levy is a mandatory charge for most international visitors entering New Zealand. The fee applies when you apply for a visa or travel authority, and it is designed to fund conservation projects, maintain tourism infrastructure, and support sustainable travel. Essentially, it helps protect the natural landscapes, hiking trails, and visitor centres that tourists explore every day. This levy ensures that the breathtaking environments you enjoy remain preserved for generations to come.

For global travellers, this means your trip to New Zealand isn’t just a holiday; it’s also a contribution to preserving the country’s unique ecosystems. It’s a small cost compared to the rich experiences, cultural encounters, and natural wonders you’ll discover throughout your journey.

How Much Visitors Should Budget

The current International Visitor Levy is set at NZD $100 per eligible traveller. This cost is separate from flights, accommodation, or activity fees, and it applies to most tourists, short-term residents, and working holiday participants. Budgeting for this fee is a smart move when planning your trip to New Zealand.

While it is a mandatory charge for most visitors, certain travellers, such as citizens from Australia and some Pacific Island nations, may be exempt. Knowing whether you are required to pay will prevent unexpected surprises at immigration. The levy is collected electronically when you apply for a visa or travel authority, so paying in advance helps streamline your arrival experience.

Supporting Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

One of the main purposes of the International Visitor Levy is to maintain New Zealand’s extraordinary natural beauty. From the volcanic landscapes of the North Island to the glacier-carved valleys of the South Island, the country’s environment draws millions of tourists annually.

The levy funds conservation initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and visitor facilities across popular destinations. Hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and information centres are kept in top condition, ensuring tourists can safely enjoy every adventure. This system of sustainable tourism is crucial, as it balances the needs of travellers with the preservation of fragile ecosystems.

Paying the levy allows visitors to actively contribute to the protection of the landscapes they came to admire. It’s a simple way to support New Zealand’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism and responsible travel.

Planning Your Trip Around the Levy

Every traveller should factor the International Visitor Levy into their travel plans. Applying for the necessary travel authority well in advance is recommended. Early application ensures the fee is paid on time and reduces delays at the border.

Tourists should also include the NZD $100 levy in their budgeting calculations alongside accommodation, transport, and activities. For families or groups, this charge can accumulate quickly, so planning ahead is essential. Knowing the rules and exemptions before booking ensures a smooth and stress-free experience when landing in New Zealand.

Who Pays and Who Doesn’t

Most international visitors to New Zealand are required to pay the levy. This includes tourists from Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions outside Australia and select Pacific nations. Exemptions apply mainly to Australian citizens and certain regional residents.

Understanding your eligibility before you travel prevents confusion at immigration and allows you to focus on enjoying your journey. Whether you’re exploring the fjords, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, or experiencing cultural events, knowing your levy obligations keeps your travel experience seamless.

Making the Most of Your Contribution

The International Visitor Levy is not just a fee — it’s an investment in the travel experience itself. Funds are used to improve trails, visitor facilities, and conservation projects. Every contribution helps maintain the environment tourists come to explore.

For adventure seekers, it means safer trails, better-maintained parks, and clearer information. For nature lovers, it protects habitats and ensures wildlife thrives. For all travellers, it guarantees that New Zealand remains a world-class destination. Your trip becomes part of a wider effort to sustain the beauty and accessibility of one of the most remarkable countries on Earth.

Final Travel Tips

To make the most of your New Zealand holiday in 2026, plan ahead. Include the levy in your budget, apply for your travel authority early, and understand exemptions. Treat your visit as both a personal adventure and a contribution to conservation.

The International Visitor Levy ensures that New Zealand’s natural treasures remain protected while giving tourists an enhanced experience. By paying the levy, travellers support sustainable tourism practices that safeguard the environment, improve infrastructure, and enhance every moment of exploration.

Visiting New Zealand is more than a vacation — it’s a journey that preserves nature, promotes responsible tourism, and ensures the country’s wonders continue to amaze global travellers for years to come.

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is thrilled to announce the appointment of Todd Richards as the new Executive Chef of the luxury Forbes 4-star hotel. Chef Richards, an acclaimed Atlanta-based chef, award-winning author and four-time James Beard Award semifinalist, brings a wealth of experience and culinary innovation to the property. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel’s renowned dining experiences, further enhancing the luxury hospitality offerings of one of Atlanta’s most distinguished destinations.

Chef Todd Richards Brings Culinary Mastery to Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead

Chef Todd Richards arrives at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead following a distinguished career that has had a profound influence on Atlanta’s dining scene. His reputation as a celebrated chef extends well beyond the city, with his innovative approach to culinary storytelling and his deep connection to Southern cuisine. Richards’ previous experience includes serving as the opening chef for One Flew South at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which made history as the first airport restaurant to contend for a James Beard Award. Additionally, Richards is the chef and part-owner of Soul: Food & Culture, a popular soul food restaurant at Krog Street Market, where he continues to showcase his passion for authentic Southern flavors.

Richards is also a two-time published author. His first cookbook, Soul: A Chef’s Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes, won the 2019 IACP Award for Best American Cookbook and was named one of the Best Cookbooks of the Year by Grub Street and Food52. In 2024, he released his second book, Roots, Heart, Soul: The Story, Celebration and Recipes of Afro Cuisine in America, further cementing his role as a prominent figure in the culinary world. Richards’ deep-rooted knowledge of Afro cuisine and its impact on American dining culture is a testament to his expertise and commitment to preserving the traditions of Southern and soul food.

A Culinary Vision Focused on Excellence and Southern Innovation

At Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, Chef Richards is tasked with orchestrating all culinary operations, including the hotel’s renowned restaurant Brassica, signature tea service, in-room dining and banquets. Richards has expressed his excitement about returning to luxury hospitality, stating that the opportunity to lead the culinary operations at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is a thrilling next chapter in his career. He emphasized that his role will allow him to create a dining experience that reflects both the spirit of Atlanta and his Southern perspective.

Richards’ culinary philosophy focuses on creating seasonal, technique-driven dishes that evoke a sense of place while maintaining a sense of refinement expected from a luxury hotel. Drawing on his mastery of classic French techniques and his deep appreciation for thoughtful sourcing, Richards plans to elevate familiar soul food staples through nuanced execution and precision. His leadership will bring fresh takes on Brassica’s brasserie-inspired menu, transforming it into a destination dining experience that showcases the best of Georgia’s seasonal offerings.

Looking Ahead: Fresh Experiences and New Culinary Offerings

Chef Richards’ appointment comes at a pivotal time for Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, with the hotel preparing to celebrate the four-year anniversary of its signature restaurant, Brassica. In addition to an updated menu, Richards will oversee the introduction of a variety of special dining experiences, including themed teas and prix-fixe dining events. Among the upcoming events, the hotel will host a Bridgerton-inspired masquerade tea and a Galentine’s tea, offering guests a chance to enjoy creative and festive dining experiences that align with Richards’ vision of blending refinement with local flavor.

Guests of the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead can also look forward to new interpretations of Brassica’s signature dishes, which will continue to combine Richards’ Southern roots with his refined culinary techniques. Under his leadership, the restaurant will continue to be a must-visit destination in Atlanta, offering a unique culinary perspective that ties the essence of Southern hospitality with an elevated dining experience.

Chef Richards’ extensive culinary background and hands-on approach to leadership will ensure that Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead remains at the forefront of Atlanta’s fine dining scene. His commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and authentic dining experiences will play a pivotal role in the hotel’s continued success, providing guests with a memorable culinary journey during their stay.

Holland America Line introduces a new 26-day Legendary Voyage from Vancouver to Chile, offering an immersive journey along the Pacific coast that explores ancient civilizations, lush rainforests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Departing on October 7, 2027, this unique cruise takes guests through iconic destinations in Mexico, Central America, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, providing unparalleled opportunities to experience history, culture, and natural beauty. With visits to Mayan ruins, active volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and more, this voyage promises to be a deep dive into the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Latin America.

Holland America Line is set to launch a remarkable new 26-day cruise aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam, departing from Vancouver on October 7, 2027. As part of the Legendary Voyages program, this journey invites guests to traverse the breathtaking Pacific coast from North America to South America, culminating in the picturesque city of San Antonio (Santiago), Chile. This voyage offers an exceptional opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories of the region.

The Inca Coast: Mexico & Latin America Legendary Voyage promises to be a journey like no other. Combining visits to renowned cities, tranquil beach escapes, and the exploration of ancient ruins, rainforests, and volcanic terrains, this itinerary provides a deep dive into some of the world’s most fascinating destinations. With an emphasis on cultural connection and discovery, this cruise is designed for those who seek a profound travel experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

The adventure begins along the stunning California coast, with stops in San Francisco and San Diego. These iconic cities offer a blend of history, vibrant culture, and stunning waterfront views, providing the perfect prelude to the journey ahead. After leaving California, the ship will continue south to the alluring beach destinations of Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco in Mexico, known for their crystal-clear waters, laid-back atmosphere, and picturesque beaches.

The next major stop on the itinerary is Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala. This bustling port town serves as the gateway to some of Central America’s most renowned cultural and natural wonders. Guests can explore the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins, the charming colonial city of Antigua, and the active Pacaya volcano, which offers dramatic views and opportunities for adventure. From Guatemala, the voyage continues to Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica, where travelers can explore lush jungles, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife before the ship crosses the Equator en route to Ecuador.

In Ecuador, guests will enjoy an overnight stay in Manta (Quito), offering a range of excursion options that bring them closer to the heart of the country. The region’s lush rainforests, the otherworldly Galápagos Islands, and the vast Amazon rainforest all await discovery. These opportunities provide a deeper connection with Ecuador’s incredible biodiversity and natural beauty.

After Ecuador, the cruise continues down the coast of Peru, with a stay in Callao (Lima), one of the country’s most important cultural hubs. Lima’s vibrant culinary scene and rich historical heritage make it a must-visit destination, with highlights including Plaza Mayor, the grand Cathedral of Lima, and the Larco Museum, home to an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The journey then moves to the charming coastal cities of Salaverry (Trujillo) and General San Martín (Pisco), where travelers can further explore Peru’s rich cultural tapestry, including ancient ruins and colonial architecture.

One of the most captivating moments of the cruise will be the opportunity for stargazing off the coast of Arica, Chile. The clear skies here offer unparalleled views of the night sky, a perfect way to reflect on the journey so far. Finally, the ship will arrive in Coquimbo (La Serena), a city renowned for its beautiful beaches, colonial history, and proximity to Chile’s Elqui Valley, famous for its astronomical observatories and stargazing opportunities.

Throughout the voyage, guests will also enjoy a variety of enriching onboard experiences, designed to deepen their connection with the regions they visit. Holland America Line offers a range of educational programs, cultural performances, and local entertainment, all of which provide guests with the chance to learn about the rich heritage of the places they are exploring. The culinary experience onboard will also reflect the coastal regions visited, with dishes inspired by the diverse flavors of the Americas.

Holland America Line introduces a 26-day Legendary Voyage from Vancouver to Chile, exploring ancient civilizations, lush rainforests, and volcanic landscapes across Mexico, Central America, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. This immersive journey offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Inca Coast: Mexico & Latin America Legendary Voyage offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the world’s most culturally and geographically diverse regions. From ancient Mayan ruins to the tropical jungles of Costa Rica, from the vibrant cities of Peru to the remote landscapes of Chile, this journey offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, this voyage promises to provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Jamaica targets a strong 2026 comeback with expanded airlift, authentic travel experiences, and aims to attract 500,000 UK visitors annually by 2030.

Jamaica is setting its sights on 2026 as the pivotal year to revive its tourism sector, aiming for a substantial rebound after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in late 2025. With an ambitious target of attracting 500,000 British visitors annually by 2030, the island is focusing on key strategies, including expanding airlift, promoting community-driven tourism experiences, and continuing post-hurricane recovery efforts. By the end of 2026, the island is expecting to see tourism returns reaching 80% of pre-hurricane levels, reflecting its resilience and forward-thinking approach.

The tourism industry has faced a challenging year, with approximately 30% of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure impacted by the hurricane. However, recovery has been swift, with 70% of the island’s room inventory restored by early 2026, and the remaining properties set to be back online by the end of the year. During this rebuild phase, several resorts are seizing the opportunity to enhance their offerings, ensuring that when they reopen, they will provide upgraded, high-quality experiences for visitors.

A cornerstone of Jamaica’s recovery plan is the UK market. The United Kingdom is Jamaica’s largest and most important source of international visitors, with 2024 marking a peak of 230,000 British arrivals. However, visitor numbers dropped by 6% early in 2025 due to a reduction in flight capacity by TUI, which also ended its homeporting of the Marella cruise line in Montego Bay. Despite this setback, the island is focused on strengthening its ties with UK travellers. As part of this strategy, major UK airlines are expanding their services to Jamaica for the summer of 2026. TUI will add an extra weekly flight from both London Gatwick and Manchester to Montego Bay, British Airways will increase its London-Gatwick to Kingston service, and Virgin Atlantic will make its London Heathrow to Montego Bay route a daily operation.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has emphasized the critical role of this expanded airlift in achieving Jamaica’s long-term tourism goals. He set a target of 500,000 UK visitors annually by 2030, which he described as a vital milestone in the country’s tourism vision. This initiative reflects Jamaica’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its cultural and historical ties with the UK, as well as capitalizing on the deep-rooted diaspora connections.

In line with shifting travel preferences, Jamaica is adapting its tourism product to meet evolving demands. While traditional resort holidays remain popular, British visitors are increasingly seeking more authentic, immersive travel experiences. According to research from British Airways and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), British tourists are gravitating toward story-driven journeys and cultural engagement. Jamaica is responding by offering farm-to-table dining experiences, community volunteering programs, and culturally immersive itineraries that highlight the island’s rich heritage and local traditions.

Minister Bartlett also outlined plans for further development to enhance the island’s tourism appeal. Among these initiatives is the redesign of the Falmouth cruise port, which is set to become a more vibrant, engaging destination for cruise passengers. Additionally, five major resort developments are in the pipeline, positioning Jamaica to meet the demands of a new generation of travellers while revitalizing its tourism infrastructure.

As Jamaica enters 2026, it is not merely recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, but actively shaping the future of its tourism industry. By focusing on strategic airlift expansion, community-based experiences, and a reimagined tourism product, the island is well on its way to achieving its ambitious growth targets and establishing itself as a top destination for British travellers in the coming decade.

IHG Hotels & Resorts unveils a brand-new luxury property in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, strategically positioned to elevate tourism across Quintana Roo with direct beach access and immersive Mayan experiences. Nestled between Quinta Avenida’s vibrant nightlife and pristine Playa del Carmen shores, the development features two hundred fifty contemporary suites, an infinity-edge rooftop pool, and cultural wellness programming, drawing global travelers via nearby Cancún International Airport. This addition will transform Playa del Carmen tourism by channeling high-end visitors into local cenote tours, artisan markets, and eco-adventures, fostering sustainable growth for the Riviera Maya economy through year-round occupancy.

Prime Location in Playa del Carmen Heart

Centrally located steps from Playa del Carmen‘s iconic Fifth Avenue pedestrian zone, the IHG hotel offers walkable access to designer shops, street performers, and beachfront eateries while buffering guests from crowds via private pathways. Elevated architecture maximizes ocean vistas and integrates native palapa roofs with modern glass facades. This positioning amplifies Riviera Maya tourism by bridging urban energy with serene sands, encouraging extended stays that spill spending into Playa del Carmen‘s boutique hotels, spas, and dive operators servicing Cozumel ferries.

Luxurious Suite Configurations

Two hundred fifty airy suites span studio to two-bedroom layouts, blending Mexican textiles, marble baths, and private balconies overlooking Caribbean blues or lush courtyards. Tech-forward amenities include smart controls, Nespresso stations, and high-speed Wi-Fi complimentary for IHG One Rewards members. Suite diversity drives Playa del Carmen tourism for couples, families, and digital nomads, filling midweek gaps and partnering with Quintana Roo tour desks for bundled Xcaret park excursions and Tulum ruins day trips.

Rooftop Infinity Pool and Beach Club

The signature rooftop infinity pool merges seamlessly with horizon views, complemented by twenty-four-hour fitness center, yoga pavilion, and fire-pit lounges for sunset mixology. A dedicated beach club provides cabanas, watersports like paddleboarding, and snorkel gear for Mamitas Beach explorations. These facilities supercharge tourism in Playa del Carmen, attracting wellness seekers who extend visits for yoga retreats, boosting local instructors and marine conservation initiatives vital to Riviera Maya reefs.

Mayan-Inspired Spa and Wellness

Spa Maya channels ancient rituals with temazcal ceremonies, copal smudging, and treatments using regional honey, cacao, and sea minerals in open-air palapas amid cenote-like pools. Signature journeys incorporate sound healing and astrological alignments from Mayan calendars. Wellness emphasis revolutionizes Quintana Roo tourism, positioning Playa del Carmen as a holistic haven that supports indigenous healers and draws repeat international guests for seasonal detox programs.

Culinary Diversity Across Venues

Five dining concepts range from ceviche-focused beach grills and taquerias sourcing Riviera Maya farms to upscale rooftop fusion blending Oaxacan moles with Japanese techniques. All-day markets offer fresh juices, poke bowls, and vegan options with zero-waste ethos. Gastronomic variety elevates Playa del Carmen tourism, collaborating with Riviera Maya suppliers to amplify farm-to-table circuits and host pop-up chef residencies that viralize on social platforms.

Family-Friendly and Event Spaces

Kids’ club with Mayan storytelling, splash zones, and eco-craft workshops balance adult serenity, while ten thousand sq ft of pillarless ballrooms host weddings, MICE events, and cultural festivals. Flexible spaces accommodate incentives overlooking the sea. Family amenities broaden tourism demographics in Playa del Carmen, syncing with school holidays to sustain peaks and positioning Quintana Roo for corporate retreats amid rising remote work trends.

Sustainable Design Integration

Low-rise builds preserve mangroves, solar panels power common areas, and rainwater harvesting feeds lagoons, earning LEED certification. Bike rentals and electric shuttles minimize car dependency within Riviera Maya. Eco-practices attract green luxury travelers, fortifying Playa del Carmen tourism resilience against hurricanes while funding turtle releases and reef cleanups through guest contributions.

Seamless Cancún Airport Connectivity

Just forty-five minutes from Cancún International, the hotel arranges private transfers and partners with airlines for seamless arrivals, linking US, European, and Latin flights. Internal golf cart paths navigate to sister properties. Efficient access surges tourism volumes to Playa del Carmen, easing Cancún overcrowding by distributing luxury demand southward and stimulating airport-area services.

IHG One Rewards Enhancements

Elite benefits like suite upgrades, late checkouts, and club lounge access reward loyalty, with points redemptions starting at thirty thousand/night. Mobile keyless entry streamlines experiences. Program perks incentivize Riviera Maya tourism repeat visits, turning one-time explorers into advocates who amplify bookings through member referrals and social proof.

Economic Catalyst for Quintana Roo

Two hundred fifty keys generate hundreds of jobs in hospitality, spa therapy, and culinary arts, prioritizing local hires with training academies. Spillover fills Playa del Carmen‘s ferries, taxis, and cenote operators. Tourism infusion positions Riviera Maya for ten percent growth, funding infrastructure like expanded boardwalks and digital visitor centers.

Adventure and Cultural Linkages

Concierge-curated outings to Xel-Há snorkel parks, Rio Secreto caves, and Valladolid colonial towns integrate seamlessly. Partnerships with Quintana Roo parks ensure guided authenticity. Experiential programming deepens Playa del Carmen tourism, converting beach loungers into cultural ambassadors who extend itineraries across Yucatán Peninsula.

Luxury Benchmark in Riviera Maya

IHG’s entry raises competitive bars alongside Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree, emphasizing personalized service over mass scale. Rates from dollar four hundred fifty per night reflect value in experiential luxury. Elevated standards propel tourism evolution in Playa del Carmen, attracting influencers and media for viral exposure that sustains global allure.

Year-Round Tourism Momentum

Shoulder-season wellness retreats and holiday events balance peaks, with New Year’s beach parties and Day of the Dead altars. Marketing targets Europeans for winter escapes. Diversified programming ensures Quintana Roo tourism stability, mitigating cruise ship fluctuations in nearby Cozumel.

Future Vision for Playa del Carmen

IHG’s new hotel heralds Riviera Maya‘s next luxury chapter, fusing Mayan mysticism with contemporary ease. Digital campaigns and awards contention will ignite bookings. Ultimately, it cements Playa del Carmen as Caribbean Mexico’s premier tourism nexus, blending escapism with enlightenment for enduring prosperity.

Image Credit: IHG

Puerto Rico joins the ranks of Dominica, Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and more in bringing you the very best of the Caribbean, thanks to its perfect blend of pristine beaches and rich heritage. The island is renowned for its spectacular shorelines, from the famous white sands of Flamenco Beach to the hidden coves of Vieques, offering travelers some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the Caribbean. Beyond its stunning beaches, Puerto Rico is rich in cultural history, from the historic charm of Old San Juan, with its colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, to its vibrant local traditions, festivals, and cuisine. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on golden beaches or exploring the island’s diverse cultural roots, Puerto Rico is the ultimate destination for those looking to experience the best of the Caribbean.

Though many Caribbean islands have similar offerings of beaches and warm, sunny days, they stand apart due to their diverse landscapes and distinctive features. Some islands boast volcanic peaks, while others are home to secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, or pink sand beaches. Even the more remote islands, which require special flights or boat rides to reach, provide exclusive experiences that make them worth the journey. Here’s a look at 18 remarkable Caribbean islands that promise an unforgettable escape.

The Bahamas

While technically located in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas is often included in the Caribbean experience. This vast archipelago of over 700 islands has something for everyone, from lively New Providence Island with its resorts and vibrant nightlife to the serene Exumas, where swimming pigs and marine reserves steal the spotlight. Eleuthera offers a more tranquil retreat with its pink-sand beaches, while the Abacos are ideal for fishing, sailing, and exploring charming towns.

Curaçao

Curaçao, part of the ABC Islands in the Lesser Antilles, blends Dutch colonial charm with Caribbean warmth. Positioned just off the coast of Venezuela, this island features powdery white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rich wildlife. Explore Shete Boka National Park, where coral rock formations and rugged coastlines meet, or visit Christoffel National Park for lush landscapes, native orchids, and sweeping mountain views.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers a dynamic mix of landscapes, from its stunning beaches to lush mountains and tropical rainforests. El Yunque National Forest, a UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest, offers scenic trails leading to hidden waterfalls and natural pools. The island boasts over 300 beaches, ranging from secluded coves to lively shores perfect for water sports. For a magical experience, visit the bioluminescent bays, where the waters glow at night due to microscopic organisms.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a popular romantic destination, known for the iconic Pitons, twin volcanic peaks rising dramatically from the coast. The challenging but rewarding hike up these peaks offers breathtaking views of the island. The island also features natural sulfur springs, thermal baths, and mud pools—reminders of its volcanic origins. Beneath the waters, the island’s coral reefs are a haven for divers and snorkelers.

Barbados

Barbados, the easternmost island in the Caribbean, is famed for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, from kitesurfing and surfing to paddleboarding. The Scotland District, with its rugged landscapes and dramatic rock formations, offers a stark contrast to the island’s beach resorts. Crane Beach, known for its pink sand, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

St. Barts

This small but luxurious island attracts travelers with its exclusive resorts, high-end boutiques, and stunning beaches. St. Barts is perfect for those seeking an upscale Caribbean getaway. Gustavia, the island’s capital, is a picturesque harbor town with waterfront promenades, historic buildings, and world-class dining. The surrounding coral reefs and shipwrecks make it a fantastic destination for divers and snorkelers.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—each offering its own unique appeal. St. Thomas is known for duty-free shopping and vibrant nightlife, while St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park is perfect for nature lovers with its untouched beaches, hiking trails, and historic ruins. St. Croix offers a more laid-back experience with sugar plantation ruins and plentiful opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda, famous for The Baths National Park, is a tranquil haven known for its natural beauty. The park’s rock formations create unique pools and grottos that are ideal for swimming and exploration. The island’s crystal-clear waters make it a top spot for snorkeling and swimming, while Spring Bay offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views and natural swimming pools.

Grenada

Known as the “Spice Isle” for its production of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, Grenada is a cultural and natural paradise. The island’s white-sand beaches and rainforests are complemented by waterfalls, like the impressive Annandale Falls. Divers will find the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park fascinating, with its submerged statues and rich marine life. Grenada is also home to rum distilleries, offering visitors a taste of its heritage.

Dominica

Dominica is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with its pristine rainforests, volcanic features, and stunning waterfalls. The island is home to Boiling Lake, a flooded volcanic fumarole that bubbles with hot water due to the molten magma beneath the surface. Dominica remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and outdoor adventures, such as hiking through the rainforests or exploring the island’s wildlife.

Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Canouan is a hidden treasure in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, known for its untouched beauty and seclusion. The island’s remote location means that access is limited, but those who make the journey are rewarded with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and verdant hills. For spectacular views, hike up Mount Royal, the highest peak on the island, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands.

Jamaica

Jamaica is famous for its stunning beaches, rivers, and waterfalls. Dunn’s River Falls is one of the island’s most iconic spots, where visitors can hike up the falls or relax in the shallow waters at the base. The Blue Lagoon, with its translucent blue waters, is another must-see natural wonder. Jamaica also offers a rich cultural experience with music, cuisine, and a vibrant history.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos, while technically in the Atlantic Ocean, is often included in the Caribbean experience due to its stunning beaches and warm, inviting waters. Grace Bay Beach, located on Providenciales, is known for its soft white sand and calm, clear waters. The island offers excellent snorkeling and sailing opportunities, and the surrounding barrier reef is perfect for diving and paddleboarding.

Anguilla

Anguilla is a luxurious and laid-back island known for its pristine beaches, including the renowned Shoal Bay Beach. Visitors can enjoy the island’s colonial charm, with historical sites like Wallblake House, one of the oldest buildings on the island. The island’s clear, warm waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water sports.

Martinique

Martinique is an island of contrasts, with lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and picturesque beaches. Mont Pelée, an active volcano, offers hiking opportunities for adventurous travelers, while the island’s tropical blooms and hummingbirds make it a paradise for nature lovers. Martinique is also known for its delicious Creole cuisine and rum distilleries.

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands, is famous for its Seven Mile Beach, a stretch of soft sand and clear water. Visitors can shop at luxury stores in George Town or immerse themselves in nature at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, which is home to the endangered blue iguana.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, off the Yucatán Peninsula, is a prime destination for divers, as it sits on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The island offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Punta Sur Eco Park, with its lagoons and lighthouse, provides a stunning spot to take in the natural beauty.

Necker Island and Moskito Island

These exclusive private islands offer unparalleled luxury. Necker Island, known for its luxurious villas and lush greenery, is home to diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Moskito Island, located nearby, provides an intimate escape surrounded by turquoise waters and natural beauty.

Puerto Rico joins islands like Dominica, Jamaica, and the Bahamas in offering the best of the Caribbean, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage that blends history, vibrant traditions, and natural beauty.

Each of these islands presents a distinct mix of stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, the Caribbean offers an array of destinations that cater to every traveler’s desires. From the remote shores of Canouan to the lively streets of Barbados, these islands promise memories that will last a lifetime.

Samsung is getting ready to launch two new phones in its Galaxy A series. The phones, Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57, have appeared on Singapore’s IMDA website, which means they are almost ready for release.

The Galaxy A37 has the model number A376B/DS. This shows that it is a global version and can use two SIM cards at the same time. The Galaxy A57 has been spotted with the model number SM-A576B/DS, which is also a global dual-SIM version. While the IMDA listing does not show all the specifications, it confirms that these phones are coming soon.

The launch is expected to happen in March or early April. These listings show that Samsung is completing all the approvals needed to sell the phones worldwide.

Source – Samsung

Earlier leaks reveal that the Galaxy A37 will use the Exynos 1480 processor and is expected to run One UI 8.5. The cameras may include a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The battery is likely 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging, which is quite good for a mid-range phone.

The Galaxy A57 may have a 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It will probably run on the Exynos 1680 processor and have the same 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging. Its camera setup could include a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 12MP front camera for selfies.

Both phones are expected to be strong mid-range devices with modern design, good cameras, long battery life, and software updates for many years. These A-series devices are a good choice for users who want a reliable Samsung phone without paying for a flagship.

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Samsung is expecting very high profits in the first quarter of 2026. The main reason is the rising price of memory chips and strong demand for its new, fast memory – HBM4.

According to information via Chosun, Samsung is selling HBM4 at around $700 per unit, which is 20 to 30% higher than the older HBM3E model. The company started mass production of HBM4 on February 12. SK Hynix, another major Korean memory company, will also start making HBM4 soon and is expected to sell it at similar prices.

Last year, SK Hynix supplied HBM4 to NVIDIA at about $500 per unit, so prices have risen quickly in just six months. Samsung’s profits are not only from HBM4 but also from higher prices in general DRAM and NAND flash memory. Samsung is carefully managing how much HBM4 it produces, avoiding overproduction to keep profits high.

Source – Samsung Newsroom

With this strategy, Samsung’s operating profit for the first quarter could reach 32 trillion Korean won, breaking past records. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Samsung earned 20 trillion won. Global investment bank Morgan Stanley predicts Samsung could make 245.7 trillion won in operating profit for the whole year, a huge increase from last year.

Rising prices for HBM, DRAM, and NAND flash memory mean Samsung is likely to continue growing strongly. Its new HBM4 technology and smart production plans put it in a strong position in the global memory market.

The post Samsung’s HBM4 price increase hints at strong Q1 profit outlook appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Scottish Cup TV Schedule

World Soccer Talk’s Scottish Cup TV schedule consistently updates with each game from Scotland’s top cup tournament.

In many ways, the Scottish Cup resembles that of the FA Cup, Copa del Rey, DFB Pokal and any other major club tournament. The one caveat to that statement is that it, unsurprisingly, only applies to clubs in Scotland.

Clubs such as Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, and Aberdeen frequently excel in the competition, but the tournament consistently produces unexpected storylines. For example, the 2021 Scottish Cup Final featured St. Johnstone and Hibernian, proving that the trophy remains within reach for clubs across the country. This unpredictability is a hallmark of the competition, as shown again in 2024 when Celtic and Rangers met in the first Old Firm final since 2002.

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The 2016 Scottish Cup Final featured Hibernian and Rangers. For one, both clubs compete in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of league soccer in the country. Additionally, Hibs sought its first Scottish Cup title in 114 years. The dramatic final needed a stoppage-time winner to break Hibernian’s drought.

Despite playing in the second division, the triumph opened European potential for Hibs.

The Scottish Cup, also known as the Scottish FA Cup, guarantees a spot in the following season’s Europa League. Moreover, the competition used to have the runner-up reach the qualification stage, but that changed in 2014 to open up for placement in the Scottish Premiership.

Still, the Scottish Cup presents the opportunity for any club in the Scottish FA. Those in the Scottish Professional Football League, or the top four divisions, as well as the clubs in the fifth and sixth divisions qualify automatically. Clubs beneath that level, including amateur and junior teams, go through extended qualifying to reach the Scottish Cup.

History of the Scottish Cup

The Scottish Cup TV schedule features familiar names for soccer fans. Celtic has the most wins in the competition at 42. Just behind Scotland’s most successful side is its Old Firm rival Rangers, which has 34 Scottish Cups.

Despite the combined 76 Scottish Cups, there is still variety in terms of winners. In total, 25 different clubs can say they lifted the Scottish Cup. Yet, some of these clubs do not exist.

Aberdeen is the current defending champion for the 2025/26 season. They defeated Celtic 4–3 on penalties in the May 2025 final after a 1–1 draw at Hampden Park.

While the FA Cup is the oldest organized competition in the world, the Scottish Cup does produce the oldest trophy in the world. That is just because the current FA Cup trophy came around in 1911.

Interestingly, the Scottish FA uses the same trophy from 1874 in the celebrations after the final. Then, the winners receive a replica to hold on to, while the original goes back into a museum.

ESPN holds the rights in the United States to broadcast the Scottish Cup. Consequently, a number of games go through ESPN+.

Following a fairly successful era, Arne Slot is undergoing a restructuring at Liverpool, making radical changes to his squad. With the departures of Luis Díaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the team has decided to reinforce itself with new players. Virgil van Dijk continues to be a cornerstone of the team, making a summer departure unlikely. However, the Dutchman has already surprisingly identified one of the Reds’ stars as a potential future captain.

Even though Virgil van Dijk remains one of Liverpool’s best players, nothing about his future at the club is guaranteed. Despite being under contract until 2027, the veteran has not been offered a new deal. In addition, vice-captain Andrew Robertson and third captain Mohamed Salah appear to be heading toward an exit. In light of this situation, the Dutchman has already pointed to a possible future captain for the Reds.

After the latest game, Van Dijk was asked whether he considers Dominik Szoboszlai to be the future captain of the team. He replied, “He has been very good. Also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team. It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season. But also everything around it…in my opinion so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”

Unlike in previous seasons, Dominik Szoboszlai has become Liverpool’s most distinctive player. Due to his versatility, the Hungarian has made an impact as a right back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and even right winger. Additionally, he has shown great defensive commitment, leading by example. Given this, the 25-year-old has already established himself as a leader on the team and is among the favorites to be the future Reds’ captain.

Report: Liverpool near Szoboszlai future amid Real Madrid rumors

In a multimillion-euro transfer worth €70 million, Dominik Szoboszlai arrived at Liverpool as a full-fledged star, promising to lead the team in the near future. However, he did not have a good first season, even being labeled as a failed signing. Surprisingly, the Hungarian has raised his level of play, becoming linked with Real Madrid. In order to secure his continuity, the Reds have supposedly made a decision.

According to Graeme Bailey in TEAMtalk, Liverpool have decided to offer Szoboszlai a contract renewal, as his current deal expires in 2028. Considering his level of play and Real Madrid links, the Hungarian would be asking for £250,000 per week, doubling his current salary. With this, he would rise among the highest-paid players in the squad, and the front office appears willing to accept this request. For this reason, the Reds remain quite positive about his continuity.

Lionel Messi will be in the spotlight this weekend as Inter Miami travel to the West Coast to face LAFC in their opening match of the 2026 Major League Soccer season as they begin their title defense. Ahead of the clash with Son Heung-min, another global face of the league, the Argentine star has received a major squad boost.

After a preseason that fell well short of expectations, including the postponement of their final friendly against Independiente del Valle due to Messi’s injury, Inter Miami entered the final stretch of preparation with uncertainty surrounding the roster. Messi provided relief by returning to training on Wednesday, and now even more good news has arrived in Fort Lauderdale.

As reported by journalist Jose Armando, Germán Berterame has finally received his work visa and will be available for the MLS opener against LAFC. The Mexico international had been dealing with bureaucratic issues in recent days, preventing him from training with the Herons, but once clearance was granted he immediately rejoined the squad.

Inter Miami paid Monterrey $15 million to sign Berterame in one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history. The striker featured during preseason, debuting against Atlético Nacional in Colombia and even scoring his first goal in pink against Barcelona SC in Ecuador.

However, once the team returned to Fort Lauderdale, Berterame was sidelined awaiting permit approval, a situation that would forced him to miss the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico (now rescheduled for Feb. 26). This latest development makes the striker available to train alongside his teammates to prepare for the MLS opener.

All bureaucracy obstacles cleared at Inter Miami

During the 2026 preseason, Inter Miami had to deal with multiple administrative hurdles affecting several players, not only new arrivals but also returning members of the squad. In addition to Berterame, Micael also spent time away from team training while waiting for work authorization.

Head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the complications in comments to the club’s official media channels: “We’re still making a few adjustments because with visa matters and certain administrative issues, it can sometimes be a bit more complicated in this league to have everyone available at the same time. But we’re hopeful that we’ll be fully ready for the Saturday match.“

Other players who were navigating paperwork were midfielder Telasco Segovia and defender Maximiliano Falcón, both of whom were completing their green card processes. All have now finalized their documentation and are cleared to train and be available for the season opener.

Every Inter Miami player, including Mess, took part in Wednesday’s training session except Sergio Reguilón, who has been sidelined with an injury since the preseason opener against Alianza Lima in late January. Aside from the Spanish defender, the Herons will have a full squad available for the showdown with LAFC.

The signing of James Rodriguez by Minnesota United was the most significant transfer in Major League Soccer ahead of the 2026 season, as he is a global superstar who shined for years in Europe and continues to perform at a high level internationally with Colombia. This Saturday, the club opens its season against Austin FC, and all eyes are on the 34-year-old star.

“James Rodriguez has received his work visa and can now train, play in matches for Minnesota United FC,” reporter Andy Greder wrote on his official X account Wednesday. “The paperwork hurdle is cleared, but the question about his debut date is up in the air.”

Rodriguez was officially announced as a Minnesota signing nearly two weeks ago but had not been able to fully integrate with his new club due to pending administrative procedures, similar to what happened with Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende and German Berterame.

With those issues now resolved, the question is whether the midfielder will be ready to be considered for Saturday’s match. “While James Rodriguez has his work visa to play for Minnesota United, the Colombian did NOT travel with team to Austin on Wednesday,” Greder clarified.

“Loons coach Cam Knowles talks on Friday,” the report added, suggesting he will likely provide a clearer update on James’ status. “Colombian has a few official days of prep before Minnesota opens MLS season Saturday at Austin FC.”

When was James Rodriguez’s last official match?

Questions surrounding James Rodriguez’s availability for Saturday are understandable. Despite his undeniable talent, he is nearly 35 years old and has not trained regularly with his teammates over the past two weeks due to those administrative delays.

With only three days before Minnesota United’s 2026 MLS opener against Austin FC, it will be up to the player and the coaching staff to determine whether it is best for him to see action immediately with his new club.

If he does feature, it would mark Rodriguez’s first official match in more than three months. The last time the midfielder played was with the Colombia national team in a friendly against Australia on November 18 of last year. He played the full 90 minutes and scored one of the goals in a 3-0 victory.

At the club level, James Rodriguez’s inactivity stretches even further. He concluded his time with Leon of Mexico in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 on November 8 with a 2-1 loss to Puebla. After that, he parted ways with the Mexican club and has not played an official match since.

Europa League TV Schedule

We’re your No. 1 source for the UEFA Europa League schedule for fans in the USA.

In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast the UEFA Europa League until the end of the 2029/30 season. In total, it’ll be more than four full seasons of coverage from the Group Stage all the way to the league finals every year.

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For the Europa League, every single game will be streamed through the streaming service Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial.

Spanish-language rights for UEFA club competitions are held by TelevisaUnivision, which has sublicensed a package of matches to DAZN for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, DAZN exclusively streams a select package of matches that are not available on Univision, TUDN, UniMás, or ViX. DAZN streams three Spanish-language matches per round exclusively. For the tournament’s final stages—including the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Europa League Final—DAZN shares co-exclusive Spanish-language rights with TelevisaUnivision.

Annual Europa League Schedule

The UEFA Europa League has introduced a new format since the 2024/25 season, aiming to enhance the competition’s structure and provide fans with more engaging matches.

• Expanded League Phase: The traditional group stage has been replaced by a single league phase featuring 36 teams, increased from the previous 32.
• Number of Matches: Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents (four home and four away), instead of the previous six matches against three teams.
• Qualification to Knockout Stage:
  • The top eight teams in the league phase automatically advance to the Round of 16.
  • Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a two-legged playoff to compete for a place in the Round of 16.
  • Teams finishing 25th and below are eliminated from European competitions for that season.
• Scheduling: The league phase matches are spread over eight matchdays, providing a more streamlined and fan-friendly schedule.

Europa League History

After the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was discontinued in 1971–72, the Europa League – then called the UEFA Cup – was established. Popular during its time, the Fairs Cup was a tournament available to teams from cities that held trade fairs.

The competition became more difficult to manage as the number of teams competing increased, therefore UEFA opted to substitute the UEFA Cup. The event quickly gained a reputation for being very competitive as its popularity soared over the years. In order to keep fans interested, the UEFA Europa League changed its structure many times.

In the past, only the domestic league runners-up were eligible to participate. However, in 1999, it was combined with the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA’s former inferior European tournament.

Since then, the UEFA Cup has expanded to include the champions of domestic cup tournaments. And those teams that didn’t make it beyond the UEFA Champions League’s third qualifying round could still play in the UEFA Cup.

The same was true for the third-place teams in the UCL group stage. A total of three clubs chosen from the domestic League Cup winners and Fair Play representatives will also be participating.

Format changes and expansion

With more clubs from lower levels taking part, the number of teams competing grew, and the competition’s structure underwent many revisions. A group stage, similar to that of the Champions League, was added to the competition in 2004–05 as it grew to include more clubs.

Because of this change, not only was the level of competition raised, but lesser teams were given an equal opportunity to play in the European grand arena.

Becoming the ‘UEFA Europa League’

Its current name, the UEFA Europa League, dates back to the 2009–10 championship. Also at this period, the new Europa League replaced the UEFA Intertoto Cup, the third-tier tournament run by UEFA.

The current format calls for qualifying and a play-off to set the scene for the group stage at the beginning of September. Currently, there are 48 teams competing in the group stage. The teams who finish first and second in their respective groups will advance to the knockout round.

Except for the final, every elimination round is a two-legged tie, much as in the Champions League. A year after the tournament ends, the victorious team returns the trophy to UEFA. When the trophy is returned, the club will be allowed to retain a miniature version of it.

Europa League: 21st century and modern history

Over the years, the UEFA Europa League has played host to many memorable finals. Amazing comebacks and nail-biting finals have left a lasting impression on football fans from the tournament. As an example, consider Liverpool‘s 2000–01 season victory against Alaves, in which they rallied from a 3–1 halftime deficit to win 5–4 in a historically exciting final.

Also unforgettable from the 2020–21 campaign was the nail-biting final between Villarreal and Manchester United, which went to a penalty shootout. In a momentous occasion for the club, Villarreal came out on top, winning their first major European championship.

Winners of the Europa League now get automatic entry to the Champions League group stage, elevating the competition’s profile in recent years. Clubs are much more interested in participating in the tournament now that they may compete against the top teams in Europe.

UEFA Club Competitions

The UEFA Europa League isn’t the only European club competition. UEFA also features the following European football competitions: UEFA Champions League and UEFA Conference League.

Champions League TV Schedule

Find out where, when, and how to watch the giants of European soccer with our Champions League TV schedule.

In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast UEFA Champions League games. This also includes UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup until the end of the 2029/30 season. Coverage from the Group Stage all the way through to the final every year to determine who will be crowned UEFA champions will continue through the rest of the decade.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, a new sublicensing agreement between TelevisaUnivision and DAZN has changed how Spanish-speaking fans in the U.S. access the tournament. While TelevisaUnivision remains the primary Spanish-language rights holder, DAZN now exclusively streams 38 Champions League matches per season in Spanish.

These matches are streamed exclusively on the DAZN platform and are not simulcast on Univision, TUDN, UniMás, or ViX. In addition to these exclusive games, DAZN also shares co-exclusive rights with TelevisaUnivision for the most high-profile fixtures later in the tournament, including: All four Quarterfinals, both Semifinals, and the Champions League Final.

This partnership ensures that every single match of the competition is available with Spanish-language commentary across the combined platforms of TelevisaUnivision and DAZN.

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For the Champions League schedule, every single game of the super league will be streamed exclusively through the streaming service Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial. Very few games will air on TV via CBS and/or CBS Sports Network.

Annual Champions League Schedule

The UEFA Champions League has introduced a new format for the 2024/25 season, enhancing the competition’s structure and increasing the number of participating teams. This update aims to provide fans with more exciting and meaningful matches throughout the tournament.

• Expanded League Phase: The traditional group stage has been replaced by a single league phase comprising 36 teams, an increase from the previous 32.
• Number of Matches: Each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents (four home and four away), instead of the previous six matches against three teams.
• Qualification to Knockout Stage:
  • The top eight teams in the league phase will automatically advance to the Round of 16.
  • Teams ranked 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff to compete for a place in the Round of 16.
  • Teams finishing 25th and below will be eliminated from European competitions for that season.
• Scheduling: The league phase matches are spread over ten weeks, providing a more streamlined and fan-friendly schedule.

UCL on American TV, from past to present

An average of 2.1 million fans watched the 2023 Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan on CBS in the United States.

The Champions League started out on US TV in the late 1990s on ESPN. During the mid-2000s on ESPN is really when the competition began to become somewhat of a phenomenon in the US for the first time. By 2010 broadcasts shifted to FOX Sports, where UCL games in English would remain for nearly a decade.

In 2018, coverage moved to Turner Sports. English broadcasts on TNT and Bleacher Report Live were not particularly well received, similar to FOX’s tenure with the competition. However Turner’s viewership figures ended up much higher than FOX Sports due to better distribution for their networks.

Meanwhile Univision acquired the Spanish rights, which has proven to be a popular move.

CBS surprisingly swooped in to secure English-language UEFA club competition rights from 2021-24. Comprehensive coverage of games, across Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and the main CBS Network, have generally been received positively.

Both the CBS and Univision deals have since been extended (through 2029/30 and 2026/27, respectively).

Champions League History

Midway through the twentieth century, the Champions League’s history began. In 1930, Swiss club Servette attempted to establish a competition for the continent’s best clubs by fielding a national champions’ team.

Champion teams from the ten most powerful European soccer countries of the time were invited to compete in a competition known as “Coupe des Nations,” which was a huge success. Hungarian club Ujpest won the championship, but despite the tournament’s popularity, it was never held again owing to funding constraints.

Then almost two decades later, a precursor to the Copa Libertadores, the Campeonato Sudamericano de Campeones (South American Championship of Champions) began play in 1948 following years of planning and preparation. The notion of a continental club champions league only captivated French sports writer Jacques Ferran.

Thus, the European Football Association’s official history of the European Cup credits Jacques Ferran and Gabriel Hanot, writers for the French sports daily L’Équipe, as the tournament’s original creators. Hanot had a dream that was realized in 1955 when he saw the first European Cup play.

Meanwhile, Ferran revealed that the South American Championship of Champions provided the impetus for the creation of the European Cup in interviews with the Brazilian sports TV show Globo Esporte in 2015 and the Chilean daily El Mercurio in 2018. “How could Europe, which wanted to be ahead of the rest of the world, not be able to accomplish a competition of the same kind as the South American one? We needed to follow that example,” he said.

How did the European Cup come to be?

In April of 1955, officials from Europe’s top clubs got together to draft competitive guidelines. Game one of the inaugural UEFA Champions League, featuring Sporting Club de Lisbon and FK Partizan, has begun. The name “UEFA Champions League” did not appear until much later. The European Champion Clubs’ Cup or European Cup has been the name of this competition from its inception.

The first event included the best clubs in Europe, and Real Madrid came out on top. This event marked the beginning of a tournament that would come to stand as a benchmark for success and a showcase for thrilling contests.

Early editions of the European Cup used a knockout-style bracket that matched together national champions from different countries. Real Madrid, led by legends like Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas, established early dominance and won the championship five times in a row between 1956 and 1960. It was not until the 1960s, however, that the event was open to more than just the national winners.

Becoming the ‘UEFA Champions League’

The 1992 rebranding to the UEFA Champions League was a watershed moment for the event. Many people see the Champions League’s use of groups instead of a round-robin structure as what sets it apart from the European Cup.

The group stage increased the competition’s competitiveness and gave more teams from around Europe a chance to participate. This broadened the Champions League’s field of participants and paved the way for it to become a worldwide phenomenon.

However, a group stage was implemented in 1991; the name change only formalized the reorganization. The format of the tournament has evolved to include elements of both group play and round-robin play.

UEFA Champions League: 21st century and modern history

During the ’90s and ’00s, the Champions League schedule saw unparalleled levels of acclaim. The introduction of satellite television and other technological developments helped spread the game over the world. The competition was watched by people throughout the globe, not only in Europe. Because of this increase in attention, the Champions League has received significant commercial investment. This has turned it into a successful business with attractive sponsorship agreements and media contracts.

In the minds of soccer fans everywhere, the UEFA Champions League produces legendary occasions. The 2005 final between Liverpool and AC Milan and Manchester United‘s last-minute heroics against Bayern Munich in 1999 are just a few instances. These moments embody the raw passion, unpredictability and absolute brilliance that constitute the core of the event.

Teams and styles emerge

Soccer ideologies and tactical advancements have all met in Champions League games. The tournament showcased emerging playing styles as they became commonplace. In the 1990s, defense dominated as Italian teams controlled Europe. In the mid-2000s, Barcelona showed tiki-taka can beat the best teams with ease. Roberto Baggio’s dominant AC Milan side of the late 1980s and Pep Guardiola’s 2009-11 Barcelona epitomize these elite squads in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

Contemporary dynasties emerged in European soccer around the start of the 21st century. Real Madrid’s Galacticos era made long-term dominance by teams like Barcelona and Bayern possible. Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldo exemplified the wave of talent from across the world coming together on one team. However, that Real Madrid side never achieved what became the greatest feat for any club. The best teams of all time won the treble, a collection of three trophies in one season. Those trophies are the domestic league, domestic cup and the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City accomplished this in 2022/23 and PSG in 2024/2025.

Serie A TV Schedule

Browse the Serie A TV schedule for games shown on US television and online. Along with the schedule, find out how to watch Serie A in the USA.

How to watch Serie A on US TV

Paramount+ (via CBS Sports) and DAZN hold the rights to Italian Serie A in the United States.

Paramount+ remains the exclusive English-language home of Serie A in the US, streaming every match of the Serie A season plus Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, with select games also airing on CBS linear channels.

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Paramount+ is available on a number of devices including PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.

Starting with the 2025–26 season, DAZN holds the Spanish-language rights to Serie A in the United States. Each matchday, DAZN broadcasts 10 games in Spanish, including five exclusive fixtures and five additional non-exclusive ones, all tailored to Spanish-speaking audiences in the U.S., U.S. territories, and the Caribbean. This marks a shift from previous seasons, when FOX Deportes carried a limited selection of matches in Spanish.

Meanwhile, Serie A games in Canada are available via Fubo.

Radio coverage

Avid radio listeners can tune into channel 85 on SiriusXM to find Serie A coverage, both for live matches and weekly commentary of the Italian league. AS Roma fans can also check out Roma Radio on the TuneIn app.

Watch Serie A matches in local pubs

Finally, if you want to interact with fellow soccer fans while watching your favorite Italian club’s matches you could always find a local pub in or near your area. Many club websites provide a list of official sports bars here in America which show most, if not all, of that team’s matches (Note: If you happen to be in New York City, Smithfield Hall airs many Serie A games).

About Italian soccer schedules

The Italian soccer system mimics the other major leagues in Europe. Serie A is the top flight, represented by mainstay teams like Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma, Napoli and others. Beneath this, Serie B is the second tier, similar to England’s Championship.

We also have TV listings for Serie A teams playing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, summer friendlies, domestic competitions such as the Italian Cup, and games featuring the Italy national team. Bookmark this page and return to it often. You’ll find the latest schedule of TV games, in many cases posted before the information is officially released.

Watch Serie B games from the United States

You can watch select Serie B games on FOX Sports, however most games appear only on the somewhat obscure FOX Soccer Plus channel. Fubo does carry the network, however.

Serie A History

With the 1929-30 season, Serie A as we know it today had its start. On September 17, 1929, the first season of Serie A started, kicking off a legacy that is still going strong today. Seventeen teams battled it out for the title in the first season of Serie A.

In the first two games, the stage was set for an incredible trip that encapsulated the essence of Italian soccer Their first Serie A championship came from Ambrosiana-Inter, whose name was Internazionale back then. An exciting new sensation was born as the league’s popularity skyrocketed and passionate audiences went to stadiums all around Italy.

Regional organizations governed the tournament for almost twenty years. Between 1922 and 1929, many arrangements were tested until multiple interregional divisions merged into one. The second-highest level, Serie B, was also established during this period.

That was about the time when the dominant Fascist party in Italy ordered that no foreigners may play in the league. Many people of Italian ancestry came to the United States from South America, a phenomenon known as ‘rimpatriato’, which helped to mitigate this.

The Serie A has been played using a round-robin system since the 1929–30 season, with each team playing the other side both at home and away. Prior to this, the champion was decided via regional and inter-regional rounds.

Post-war renaissance and dominance of giants

The Grande Torino emerged in the years after WWII, ushering in a golden age of Italian soccer. From 1943 through 1949, Torino FC won five straight Serie A championships under the tutelage of coach Vittorio Pozzo. A tragic aircraft accident in 1949 killed several members of the Grande Torino squad and ended the team’s illustrious run. This incident is still a significant part of Serie A’s history.

The Serie A was put on hold from 1915 to 1919 and again from 1944 to 1945 because of the First and Second World Wars, respectively.

In the latter half of the 20th century, two soccer behemoths—AC Milan and Juventus—rose to prominence, becoming unstoppable in Serie A and leaving indelible marks on European tournaments. The 1989 and 1990 European Cup victories by the Rossoneri, coached by Arrigo Sacchi and subsequently Fabio Capello, proved Serie A’s dominance on the continent.

Contrarily, Juventus established their supremacy throughout a decade of consistent success in the 1980s and 1990s when they won several Serie A championships and the UEFA Champions League. The Bianconeri’s golden age was defined by players like Roberto Baggio, Paolo Rossi, and Alessandro Del Piero.

Serie A: 21st century and modern history

Twenty Italian teams have participated in each season of Serie A since 2004–05. A club may participate in the UEFA Champions League if they finish in the top four in Serie A; a team can participate in the UEFA Europa League if they finish in fifth place and win the Coppa Italia.

The three clubs finishing worst in the league are sent to Serie B. The top three teams from Serie B will be taking their spot.

A low point for Serie A occurred in 2006 during the Calciopoli scandal, which exposed extensive match-fixing and corruption involving several elite Italian teams. Four clubs from the Serie A were named: Fiorentina, Juventus, and AC Milan.

Point deductions, relegations, and hefty penalties were the consequences of the aftermath, which momentarily damaged the league’s prestige. But among Juventus’ numerous eras of supremacy, the most recent being from 2011 to 2020, when the Turin club won an unparalleled nine consecutive trophies.

With a fresh emphasis on luring A-list players and expanding its audience throughout the world, Serie A has been on the rise again in recent years. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent three years at Juventus (2018-2021), Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s second successful stint at AC Milan (2020-2023) and other international superstars have pumped up the competition and added interest to Serie A.

Teddy Atlas has delivered his verdict on vs , insisting that the outcome should ultimately be determined by Garcia’s psychological state. The pair will square off this Saturday at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena, with Barrios gearing up for the third defence of his WBC world title. His last two outings both resulted in a draw, […]

The post Teddy Atlas goes out on a limb with Barrios vs Ryan Garcia prediction: “That’s my guess” appeared first on Boxing News.

UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 play-off turu ilk maçında Azerbaycan'ın Karabağ takımı ile Newcastle United takımı karşı karşıya geldi. İngiliz ekibi Newcastle United mücadeleyi 6-1 kazandı.

UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 play-off turu ilk maçında Karabağ, Tevfik Behramov Stadyumu'nda Newcastle United'ı konuk etti.

İngiliz ekibi Newcastle United maçtan 6-1'lik galibiyetle ayrıldı.Rövanş mücadelesi, 24 Şubat gecesi İngiltere'de oynanacak.

“Qarabağ”ın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının pley-offunda “Nyukasl”a qarşı keçirdikləri ilk oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Azərbaycan və İngiltərə təmsilçiləri arasındakı ilk oyun bu gün Bakıda baş tutub və Ağdam klubunun 1:6 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə yekunlaşıb.

Qurban Qurbanov oyundan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Doğma meydanda belə bir məğlubiyyət almaq istəməzdik. Artıq elə bir səviyyədə çıxış edirik ki, burada belə məğlubiyyətlər qaçılmazdır. İlk qolları buraxdıqdan sonra futbolçularım, boks dilində desək, “nokaut”a düşdülər. Məğlubiyyətə baxmayaraq, azarkeşlər sonadək yanımızda oldular, birliyimizi göstərdilər. Onlara təşəkkür edirəm. Bu il futbol ölkəmizdə daha da populyarlaşdı.

Fasilədə futbolçuları sakitləşdirməklə məşğul idim. Belə davam etməməli olduqlarını söylədim. Rotasiyaları düşünmürəm. Qarşıda cavab oyunumuz var. 3-4 məşqimiz olacaq, daha da yaxşı hazırlaşmalıyıq. Qarşımızda səhvləri bağışlamayan rəqib var. Bunu yaddan çıxarmaq olmaz.

Mənim fikirlərim özünü sığortalamaq kimi düşünülə bilər. Amma bu belə deyil. Hər oyun keçdikcə rəqiblərin gücü fərqli olur. Pley-off mərhələsinə kimi çıxmışıqsa, bunu müəyyən uğur kimi qəbul etmək olar. Bu səviyyələrdə oynayanda bu kimi məğlubiyyətlərə də hazır olmalıyıq. Futbolumuzun da inkişafı üçün bu məğlubiyyətlər qaçılmazdır. Azarkeşlərin sona qədər stadionu tərk etməyib bizi dəstəkləməkləri təqdirəlayiqdir. Rəqibə də göstərdik ki, biz məğlub ola bilərik, amma oyundan qopa bilmərik.

Biz bu gün bacardığmızın daha yaxşısını etməyə çalışdıq. Qarşımızdakı rəqibə görə futbolçularımda bu gün həyacan da var idi”.

“Nyukasl”ın baş məşqçisi Eddi Hau UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının pley-off mərhələsində “Qarabağ”a qarşı keçirdikləri ilk oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, İngiltərə və Azərbaycan təmsilçiləri arasındakı ilk qarşılaşma bu gün Bakıda baş tutub və qonaqların 6:1 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.

Eddi Hau matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Bu gün yaxşı çıxış etdik. Dominant tərəf biz idik. Qapıçımız buraxılan qola görə kədərləndi. Müəyyən boşluğa yer verdik. Bunun üzərində işləməliyik. Buraya gəldikdən öncə də demişdim ki, bizi çətin oyun gözləyir. Püşkatmada bəxtimizin gətirdiyini deməzdim. “Qarabağ”ın keyfiyyəti çox yüksəkdir. “Çelsi”yə qarşı burada yaxşı oyun sərgiləmişdilər. Bu səviyyədə çıxış davamlı etmək, əhval-ruhiyyəni yüksək saxlamaq lazımdır.

Bizim İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında “Mançester Siti”yə qarşı oyunumuz var. “Qarabağ”la cavab matçımız da çətin keçəcək.

İkinci hissədə “Qarabağ” təzyiqi artırdı. Müəyyən qədər bizdə də yorğunluq var idi. Antoni Qordonun bir matçda 4 qol vurması bizi sevindirdi”.

Xatırladaq ki, “Qarabağ”la “Nyukasl” arasındakı cavab qarşılaşması fevralın 24-dən 25-nə keçən gecə İngiltərədə baş tutacaq.

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has written a recounting of his life and career in The Player’s Tribune, describing Luciano Spalletti as “like a father to me”, when he moved to Napoli from Lille at a difficult personal time.

In the article, titled ‘A Prayer From the Gutter’, he covers the entirety of his career, from playing barefoot in the streets of Nigeria as a boy, to having to help provide for his family at a young age – before his big break after a heartbreaking rejection.

It is quite the touching tale for the former Napoli man, and he was clearly very fond of his time in Naples.

Osimhen recounted how transfer negotiations at Lille prevented him from being able to go home and visit his dying father at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. He even considered “never playing football again” after the incident, as he was so “disgusted” by how the club operate as a business.

Osimhen said “When I left Lille, I was lost. When I came to Napoli, I was found.”

“I really have to thank the city and the fans and my teammates for turning my life around.

“I remember the first meeting I had when I arrived, I told the coach, Mr. Spalletti, “I am not well. I am very angry right now. Very sad. My head is not straight.””

Osimhen went on to describe Spalletti as “like a father to me. When I wasn’t doing something right, he came for my neck. But he believed in me deep in his soul, I swear. He thought I could be the best in the world.”

Osimhen: ‘Spalletti would sleep in his office at Napoli, I chose Galatasaray for their passion’

The Nigerian forward then described the hard working conditions expected at Napoli:

“We couldn’t even complain, because Mr. Spalletti was sleeping in his office during that time. He had a little bed set up. Like in the army. He had a wife at home, but for five months, he slept there.

“I remember before big matches he would tell us, “You guys don’t understand what will happen if you win the title. Me? They might speak about me for 2 or 3 years. But you players, they will speak about you until you are old men.””

His time at Napoli was summed up quite well in the end by the Galatasaray forward: “To win a title is one thing. But to win a Scudetto for Napoli for the first time in 33 years is true history. This is why I choose the teams that I choose.”

On this topic, he went on to describe why he left Napoli and, in particular, why he chose Galatasaray.

“When I left Napoli, do you know how many people told me, “Do not go to Turkey. Are you crazy?”

“A former agent even told me, “No, no, no. Don’t go there. It’s not a smart move.”

“But I think with my heart. I wanted to play for Galatasaray. How can I go from the emotion of Napoli to just any club? Impossible. Boring.

“I wanted to go to a top 3 club in the world in terms of passion. Those are the kind of people who really understand me. The ones who live football in a different way.”

Newcastle United’s emphatic 6-1 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League play-off was momentarily overshadowed by a heated confrontation between star man Anthony Gordon and captain Kieran Trippier.

Despite the Magpies effectively sealing their place in the last 16 with a dominant display in Baku, the visible friction between two of Eddie Howe’s key players became a major talking point.

What happened between Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier?

The disagreement erupted just before half-time at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.

Already leading 4-0, Newcastle were awarded a second penalty after Gordon, who is reportedly been put up for sale, was fouled by goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.

Having already converted one spot-kick and scored twice from open play, Gordon was determined to take the strike to complete a four-goal haul.

However, Trippier appeared frustrated with Gordon’s “greed” and insistent approach.

The veteran defender was seen engaging in a lively, heated exchange with the 24-year-old on the pitch.

The tension followed them into the tunnel; as the teams left for the break, teammates were forced to intervene and separate the pair as the argument continued.

A disagreement between Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier that continued going in at the half-time break ?@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Qdibtv23B5

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2026

More Stories / Latest News

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

“It’s just not happening..”: Journalist feels 26-year-old’s time is up at Leeds United

Feb 18 2026, 21:00

Report: Ligue 1 giants ready to raid Aston Villa for veteran star

Feb 18 2026, 20:50

Gordon’s record-breaking performance vs Qarabag

While the argument drew headlines, Liverpool linked Gordon’s performance on the pitch was nothing short of historic.

By netting four times in a single half, the England international shattered several long-standing records:

• Fastest Englishman: He recorded the fastest-ever hat-trick by an Englishman in Champions League history, needing just 33 minutes to reach the milestone.

• Shearer Surpassed: With 10 European goals this season, Gordon has officially eclipsed Alan Shearer’s club record for the most goals scored by a Newcastle player in a single European campaign.

• Elite Club: He becomes only the second player in the history of the Champions League to score four goals in the first half of a match, joining Luiz Adriano (2014).

Anthony Gordon rewrote the Champions League record books tonight. ?

? Most goals for Newcastle in a single campaign (10)

? First Newcastle player to score four in a match

? Fastest hat-trick by an English player

? Fastest hat-trick for an English club from kick-off

?… pic.twitter.com/ZgELMYJyn3

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 18, 2026

Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy added the gloss to a 6-1 scoreline that matches Newcastle’s biggest-ever win in European competition.

The post Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Joel Piroe has been linked with a move away from Leeds United in recent months.

He was linked with an exit in January, but a move did not materialise. It seems that he could be on the move at the end of the season. He has struggled to secure regular opportunities at the Premier League club, and he needs to leave to play more often.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Joel Piroe needs a fresh start

The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career, and sitting on the bench at Leeds United will not benefit him.

Journalist Graham Smyth believes that his time is up at Elland Road, and the English club is likely to cash in on him. It will be interesting to see whether he can join a club that offers regular opportunities.

He has shown his qualities with Leeds United in the past, and there is no doubt that he could be a very useful player in the right team.

“It’s just not happening for Joel Piroe,” Smyth said on the Square Ball podcast.

“You can talk about rustiness all you like, but the entire stadium at St. Andrew’s sensed that the ball needed to go to Calvert-Lewin earlier than it did, and he just hung on that fraction too long.

“He dwelt on it a little bit longer, which is a shame because we have seen him thread passes and cut defences open.

“It’s just not happening for him.”

More Stories / Latest News

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

“It’s just not happening..”: Journalist feels 26-year-old’s time is up at Leeds United

Feb 18 2026, 21:00

Report: Ligue 1 giants ready to raid Aston Villa for veteran star

Feb 18 2026, 20:50

Leeds need to replace Piroe

Meanwhile, Leeds United should look to add more quality and depth to the attacking unit. They need a reliable finisher who can find the back of the net regularly. They have been overly dependent on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

They are looking to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, and they need more quality and depth in that area of the pitch to compete at the highest level.

The post “It’s just not happening..”: Journalist feels 26-year-old’s time is up at Leeds United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Lucas Digne has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has been an important player for the West Midlands club, and LOSC Lille are now looking to bring him back, according to Media Foot. It will be interesting to see if he is attracted to the idea of joining his boyhood club once again.

Digne was also linked with Milan recently.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Can Villa afford to lose Lucas Digne?

Digne has been very useful to Aston Villa and is a key player for them. He has a contract with them until 2028, and it will be interesting to see if the English club is willing to sanction his departure. They are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will look to fight for trophies next season. They cannot afford to sell an experienced player like him.

Lille might have to make an attractive offer to convince them. Digne has been a reliable performer in the Premier League, and there is no doubt that he would be an excellent acquisition for the French outfit as well. He has the quality and the experience to help them improve. He knows the club well from his previous spell with them, and he could make an immediate impact.

More Stories / Latest News

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

“It’s just not happening..”: Journalist feels 26-year-old’s time is up at Leeds United

Feb 18 2026, 21:00

Report: Ligue 1 giants ready to raid Aston Villa for veteran star

Feb 18 2026, 20:50

Can Lille sign Digne?

It will be interesting to see whether the French outfit is willing to test Aston Villa’s resolve with an offer in the coming months. Villa cannot afford to lose their best players if they want to build a formidable team.

They must look to bring in a top-quality replacement before letting the French international defender leave the club. He is not just an important player for them, he is also one of the leaders of the dressing room.

The post Report: Ligue 1 giants ready to raid Aston Villa for veteran star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

A report via SportWitness claims the 31-year-old is looking to force a move away from the club in the summer.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Vlachodimos wants out

The 31-year-old Greek international has struggled for gametime since he joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest in 2024. Newcastle paid £20 million to sign the goalkeeper, but he is not a key part of their plans anymore. He needs to leave the club in order to play more often.

The goalkeeper joined Sevilla on loan last summer, and he has been a key player for them. The player is now looking to join the Spanish club permanently when his loan deal ends. His representatives are currently pushing for a permanent exit, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle are prepared to sanction the departure.

He is a quality player, and he showed that during his time at Nottingham Forest as well. He will be looking to play regularly, and Sevilla seems like the ideal place for him right now.

More Stories / Latest News

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

“It’s just not happening..”: Journalist feels 26-year-old’s time is up at Leeds United

Feb 18 2026, 21:00

Report: Ligue 1 giants ready to raid Aston Villa for veteran star

Feb 18 2026, 20:50

Newcastle must sell Odysseas Vlachodimos

Newcastle are unlikely to recoup the £20 million they paid for him, and they will have to accept a loss on their investment. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Newcastle already have Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale at their disposal. It does not make sense for them to hold onto the Greek International against his wishes. They should look to cash in on the player while he still retains some value. Sitting on the bench will only cause his value to plummet further.

It will be interesting to see whether Sevilla is willing to make an offer to sign him in the summer. He could prove to be a very useful player for them in the long run.

The post Report: £20m Newcastle ace wants to play for La Liga club next season appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Publisher CI Games and developer Hexworks have released the minimum and recommended PC system requirements for Lords of the Fallen 2, the sequel to 2023's Soulslike game. The specs are listed on the game's Epic Games Store page and match the previous game's CPU and RAM requirements. However, the GPU requirements have increased: from Lords of the Fallen's GTX 1060/RX 590 and RTX 2080/RX 6700 to Lords of the Fallen 2's RTX 2060/RX 5700 and RTX 3080/RX 6800 XT. As a reminder, the game is powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 5, just like the previous installment. Spec Minimum Recommended OS […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/lords-of-the-fallen-2-minimum-recommend-pc-specs/

The new State of Video Gaming 2026 Report from Matthew Ball, chief executive officer at Epyllion, is now available, and as usual, there are more than a few solid insights and takeaways to make note of. Like how software sales for the global video game market in 2025 rose by 5.3% to a staggering $195.6 billion, but at the same time, funding from private investors hit another major dip, dropping by 55%. Console software sales also hit an all-time high, recovering from the post-COVID slump to hit $41.6 billion in spending, a 2.3% increase compared to the highs of the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/global-video-game-content-sales-grew-to-195-6b-in-2025-while-private-funding-took-a-massive-dip/

New analyses regarding digital health interventions suggest that specially designed video games may offer a small benefit in improving attention symptoms for children with certain neurodevelopmental conditions. While the findings indicate a positive outcome in a research setting, the improvements were not large enough to be considered a standalone cure. These results were recently published in the journal Psychiatry Research.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a widespread condition that often manifests in children as difficulty sustaining focus or regulating impulses. This inattention is thought to stem from underlying differences in brain function related to neurotransmitter systems.

Standard treatments usually involve stimulant or non-stimulant medications, which can be highly effective for many children in managing core symptoms. However, these pharmaceutical options sometimes carry unwanted side effects, such as sleep difficulties or reduced appetite, prompting families and clinicians to search for additional approaches.

Over the past decade, various researchers have proposed digital interventions as a potential avenue for therapy. The underlying theory posits that certain video games designed to engage specific cognitive networks might stimulate brain activity in areas associated with attention.

Pengwei Ma, affiliated with Southwest University in China, aimed to evaluate the collective quality and consistency of the evidence regarding these digital therapeutics. Ma and the research team recognized that while individual experiments existed, their results were sometimes inconsistent or limited by small participant numbers.

To address this uncertainty with greater statistical power, the investigators conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. This approach essentially functions as a “study of studies.” Instead of running a new clinical trial with patients, the team comprehensively searched major scientific databases to locate existing, high-quality research papers. By pooling data from multiple smaller projects, researchers can sometimes detect subtle effects that might be missed in an individual trial with fewer participants.

The researchers specifically looked for randomized controlled trials, which are generally considered the gold standard for evaluating medical interventions. The analysis was narrowed to include only studies focusing on children aged twelve and younger who had received a formal clinical diagnosis of ADHD. The search ultimately identified ten reputable trials that met strict inclusion criteria, encompassing data from a total of 820 participants across different countries.

By combining the numerical outcomes from these ten separate trials, the investigators calculated an overall statistical measure known as an “effect size.” This number indicates the magnitude of the difference between groups that used the video game interventions and control groups that did not.

The combined analysis revealed that children who used the targeted video games experienced a measurable improvement in attention deficits compared to their peers. Statistical tests confirmed that this positive result was likely a genuine effect of the intervention rather than a chance occurrence.

It is important for a non-expert audience to contextualize the magnitude of this improvement. While the effect was statistically detectable, the researchers characterized the benefit as not biologically strong enough to be clinically meaningful on its own. To put this in perspective, medical researchers use specific numerical ranges to define how well a treatment works in a practical sense. Standard stimulant interventions for ADHD typically show a moderate to strong effect size in similar analyses.

The pooled effect size for the video game interventions fell into a range that scientists classify as small. This distinction is vital for parents and clinicians to understand when considering treatment options. A measurable change in a controlled research setting does not always translate to a major transformation in a child’s daily life skills or academic performance.

The analysis suggests that while digital interventions have a verifiable positive impact, they are not currently powerful enough to replace existing first-line treatments like medication or behavioral therapy.

The authors noted several aspects of the available data that require cautious interpretation. The review was limited to studies published in English and Chinese, potentially missing relevant research conducted in other languages. Furthermore, some of the included trials did not fully report methodological details, such as precisely how they ensured researchers remained unaware of which children were assigned to the treatment or control groups.

The review also highlighted variables that might influence how well these digital therapies work in future applications. There were indications that interventions lasting eight weeks or longer might be more effective than programs with shorter durations. Additionally, the researchers observed that video games incorporating physical exercise seemed to yield better results than sedentary cognitive games. Ma and colleagues suggested that future inquiries should investigate combining video game therapy with physical activity to potentially enhance therapeutic outcomes.

The ultimate conclusion drawn by the paper is one of cautious optimism. The findings support the idea that video games “may be therapeutic when added to other evidence-based therapies.” They appear best suited as a complementary tool within a broader treatment plan rather than a solitary solution for attention deficits in children.

The study, “Effects of video game intervention on attention deficit in children with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” was authored by Pengwei Ma, Zhuolin Xue, Kun Yuan, Peiyun Zheng, Junfeng Li, and Jindong Chang.

LinkedIn Premium has seen a 50% rise in subscriptions over the past two years.

Organic search clicks are shrinking across major verticals — and it’s not just because of Google’s AI Overviews.

• Classic organic click share fell sharply across headphones, jeans, greeting cards, and online games queries in the U.S., new Similarweb data comparing January 2025 to January 2026 shows.
• The biggest winner: text ads.

Why we care. You aren’t just competing with AI Overviews. You’re competing with Google’s aggressive expansion of paid search real estate. Across every vertical analyzed, text ads gained more click share than any other measurable surface. In product categories, paid listings now capture roughly one-third of all clicks. As a result, several brands that are losing organic visibility are increasing their paid investment.

By the numbers. Across four verticals, text ads showed the most consistent, measurable click-share gains.

• Classic organic lost 11 to 23 percentage points of click share year over year.
• Text ads gained 7 to 13 percentage points in every case.
• Paid click share doubled in major product categories.
• AI Overviews SERP presence rose ~10 to ~30 percentage points, depending on the vertical.

Classic organic is down everywhere. Year-over-year classic organic click share declined across all four verticals. Headphones saw the steepest drop. Even online games — historically organic-heavy — lost double digits. In two verticals (headphones, jeans), total clicks also fell.

• Headphones: Down from 73% to 50%
• Jeans: Down from 73% to 56%
• Greeting cards: Down from 88% to 75%
• Online games: Down from 95% to 84%

Text ads are the biggest winner. Text ads gained share in every vertical; no other surface showed this level of consistent growth:

• Headphones: Up from 3% to 16%
• Online games: Up from 3% to 13%
• Jeans: Up from 7% to 16%
• Greeting cards: Up from 9% to 16%

In product categories, PLAs compounded the shift:

• Headphones: Up from 16% to 36%
• Jeans: Up from 18% to 34%
• Greeting cards: Up from 10% to 19%

AI Overviews surged unevenly. The presence of Google AI Overviews expanded sharply, but varied by vertical:

• Headphones: 2.28% → 32.76%
• Online games: 0.38% → 29.80%
• Greeting cards: 0.94% → 21.97%
• Jeans: 2.28% → 12.06%

Zero-click searches are high — and mostly stable. Except for online games, zero-click rates didn’t change dramatically:

• Headphones: 63% (flat)
• Jeans: Down from 65% to 61%
• Online games: Up from 43% to 50%
• Greeting cards: Up from 51% to 53%

Brands losing organic traffic are buying it back. In headphones:

• Amazon increased paid clicks 35% while losing organic volume.
• Walmart nearly 6x’d paid clicks.
• Bose boosted paid 49%.

In jeans:

• Gap grew paid clicks 137% to become the top paid player.
• True Religion entered the paid top tier without top-10 organic presence.

In online games:

• CrazyGames quadrupled paid clicks while organic declined.
• Arkadium entered paid after losing 68% of organic clicks.

The result? We’re seeing a self-reinforcing cycle, according to the study’s author, Aleyda Solis:

• Organic share declines.
• Competition intensifies.
• More brands increase paid budgets.
• Paid surfaces capture more clicks.

About the data. This analysis used Similarweb data to examine SERP composition and click distribution for the top 5,000 U.S. queries in headphones, jeans, and online games, and the top 956 queries in greeting cards and ecards. It compares January 2025 to January 2026, tracking how clicks shifted across classic organic results, organic SERP features, text ads, PLAs, zero-click searches, and AI Overviews.

The study. Search Isn’t Just Turning to AI, it’s being Re-Monetized: Text Ads Are Taking a Bigger Share of Google SERP Clicks (Data)

Çempionlar Liqasının pley-off mərhələsinin “Qarabağ” – “Nyukasl” oyunundan (1:6) sonra meydan sahibi komandanın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırdı.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşdü…

– Əfsuslar olsun, belə məğlubiyyət oldu. İstəməzdik. Böyük futboldur, istənilən oyunda belə nəticələr ola bilər. Çempionlar Liqası başqa səviyyədir. Bəzən belə məğlubiyyətlər qaçılmaz olur. İlk dəqiqələrdən futbolçular böyük zərbə aldı. İlk qol, ikinci qol, penalti… Boks dilində desək, nokauta düşdük. Futbolçular özlərini ələ ala bilmədi. Rəqibin gücü də burda önəmlidir. “Nyukasl” sürətli futbol oynayan komandalardandır. Fiziki, texniki, taktiki hazırlıqları yüksək səviyyədədir. Azarkeşlərə təşəkkür etmək istəyirəm. Böyük hesabla məğlub olmağımıza baxmayaraq, sona kimi dəstək oldular. Bu, birliyimizi göstərir. Amma bu gün burda, bundan əvvəl Liverpulda böyük futbolun nə olduğunu gördük. Ruhdan düşmürük. İrəli pozitiv baxmalıyıq. Hər bir halda, futbolçular böyük yol gəldi, əziyyət çəkdilər. Azından fevrala kimi Çempionlar Liqasını hiss etdik. İnanıram ki, futbol Azərbaycanda bu il daha da populyarlaşdı. Dünya futbolumuzu daha yaxından tanıdı. İstəməzdik belə uduzaq, lakin bu məğlubiyyətlə barışmalıyıq.

– Belə hesabdan sonra futbolçulara nə dediniz? 
– Futbolçuları sakitləşdirdik, dedik soyuqqanlı olsunlar. Oyundan qopmalı deyildik. Belə məğlubiyyətlərdən sonra futbolçuları sakit olmağa çağırıram. Rəqibin gücünü bilirdik. Çalışırıq ki, onlara qarşı sona qədər mübarizə aparaq. Bəzən bu cür rəqiblər daha aqressiv, aktiv olurlar. Futbolçuların qərar verməsində gecikmələr olurdu.

– Bədavinin ikinci hissədə meydana daxil olması nəylə bağlıdır?
– Müdafiəni gücləndirmək üçün. O da özünü yaxşı göstərdi.

– Çempionatda “Sabah”la oyun var. Bu baxımdan, cavab matçında rotasiyalar olacaq?
– Xeyr, hələ cavab oyunu var. İngiltərədə cavab oyunu var. Onlar səhvləri bağışlamır, çox qol vurmaq istəyirlər. Ciddi rotasiyalar haqda düşünmürük.

– Bəhlulun zədəsi nə yerdədir?
– Sabah dəqiq məlumat olacaq. Əzələsini dartıb.

– İstənilən komandanın bir dönəm başının üzərini qara buludlar alır. İndi isə sanki sizdə bu dönəmdir. Futbolçuların bu gün bu durumda olması pley-off eyforiyası idi, ya fiziki yorğunluq?
– Fikirlərim özümüzü siğortalamaq üçün deyil. Qəbul etməliyik ki, oyundan-oyuna səviyyə daha qalxır, rəqiblər ciddiləşir. Daha məsuliyyətli komandalar olur. Böyük klublarla oyunlarda belə hesabları gözə almalıyıq. Futbolumuzun inkişafı üçün risklərə getməliyik. Özümüzü böyük məğlubiyyətlərə qurban verməyə hazır olmalıyıq. Bunu istəmiriksə, gərək 2-3 tur sonra məğlub olaq, deyək, böyük klublarla oynamırıq. Əvvəl bəlkə, 0:3-dən sonra azarkeşlərimiz stadionu tərk edirdi, amma bu gün fasiləyə 0:5 geridə olsaq da, bizi dəstəkləməyə başladılar. Onlar da artıq səviyyəni qəbul edib. Hamımız üçün böyük təcrübə oldu.

– “Liverpul”la oyundan sonra demişdiniz ki, bir də bu rəqibə qarşı oynasaq, fərqli olar. Amma bu gün də “Nyukasl”la matçda güclü pressinq qarşısında nəsə edə bilmədiniz…
– Belə oyunlarda birdən-birə gedişatda nəsə dəyişiklik etməyə vaxtımız yox idi. Bu günə qədər etməmişdiksə, çətin olardı. Gərək 2-3 məşq bunun üzərində çalışaq. Vaxtımız yox idi. Həmişə çalışırıq ki, edə bildiklərimizi daha yaxşılaşdıraq. Bu gün rəqibin hər hücumu keyfiyyətli idi. İkinci hissədə fərqli oynadıq, amma qarşımızdakı komandaya görə oyunçularımızda həyəcan var idi.

Şahin Cəfərov

Çempionlar Liqasının pley-off mərhələsinin “Qarabağ” – “Nyukasl” oyunundan (1:6) sonra qonaq komandanın baş məşqçisi Eddi Hau jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırdı.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis media nümayəndələri ilə görüşdə bunları dedi…

– Növbəti matç “Everton” və “Mançester Siti” ilə matçlar arasında olacaq. “Qarabağ”la cavab görüşünə əsas heyətlə çıxacaqsınız?
– Qarşıda “Mançester Siti” ilə oyunumuz var. Birinci bunu düşünürük.

– Elvin Cəfərquliyevin qolunu necə şərh edərdiniz?
– Qapıçımız məyus oldu. Dominant komanda idik, amma müəyyən boşluqlar verdik. Lakin qapıçımız məyus oldu.

– Penalti ilə bağlı nə deyə bilərsiniz?
– Yenidən baxanda daha yaxşı təhlil edə bilərik. Anton Qordon istəyirdi ki, ikinci qolu vursun. Bütün oyunçular komandaya kömək etmək istəyirdi.

– Azarkeşlərlə aranızda pozitiv anlar oldu.
– Qələbə önəmlidir. Azarkeşlərimizin dəstəyi böyükdür. Onların uzaq səfərə gəlib, bizə dəstək göstərməsi əladır.

– 4 qol vuran Qordonla bağlı fikirləriniz nədir? 
– Çox gözəldir. İnanılmaz pressinq etdik və yaxşı əks-hücum imkanlarımız oldu.

– Ardıcıl ikinci səfər oyununda qələbə qazandınız. Komandanın 1/8 finalda olduğunu demək olar?
– Yaxşı şansımız var. “Qarabağ” burda “Çelsi”yə qarşı yaxşı oyun sərgiləmişdi. Cavab görüşündə də qələbə qazanmağa çalışacağıq.

– İkinci hissədə birinci yarıdakı oyunu göstərməməyinizin səbəbi “Qarabağ”ın daha yaxşı oynaması, ya komandanızın yorulmasıdır?
– İkisi də ola bilər. “Qarabağ” bir az çox topla oynadı və tempimiz aşağı düşdü. İkinci hissədə biz də topla az oynadıq.

– “Qarabağ” düşəndə bəxtinizin gətirdiyini düşündünüz? 
– Belə düşünmədim. Mütəmadi deyirəm, “Qarabağ”ın oyunlarına çox baxmışam. Onların yaxşı keyfiyyəti var. Bura gələndə bilirdik ki, çətin olacaq. “Qarabağ” çox zəif deyil.

Şahin Cəfərov

Source

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Google's Jeff Dean explains why latency and cost make Flash Google's production tier for AI search, and why models are built to retrieve, not memorize.

The post Why Google Runs AI Mode On Flash, Explained By Google’s Chief Scientist appeared first on Search Engine Journal.

Xavier Laine via Getty Images

Figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics wraps up this week with the women's singles free skate competition. A winner among the best women's skaters will be crowned on Thursday after the free skate, or long program. At the conclusion of the women's short program, Japan's Ami Nakai was in first place in the women's singles competition, followed by her Japanese teammate Kaori Sakamoto, and Team USA's Alysiu Liu was in third. Also representing Team USA are Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito; the three women are known collectively as the "Blade Angels," and they'll all be competing in the free skate.

You can tune in to the women's free skate on Peacock and NBC starting at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 19, and it will also re-air on USA at 1:30 a.m. ET. 

For a complete schedule of every figure skating event at this year's games, a rundown of who is on Team USA, and how to watch, keep scrolling. And if you want to learn even more about every event at this year's Winter Games, here's a guide to everything you need to know about the Milan Cortina Games. 

How to watch the women's figure skating free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Date: Thursday, Feb. 19

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Milano Ice Skating Arena

TV channels: NBC

Streaming: Peacock, DirecTV and more

Where to stream the women's figure skating free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The entire women's free skate will be available to stream on Peacock. You can also tune in at 10:30 a.m. to watch the women's free skate warm-ups. 

Where to watch the women's figure skating free skate on TV

The women's free skate figure skating competition will be broadcast on NBC at 1 p.m. ET. The free skate will re-air on USA at 1:30 a.m. ET. You can stream both on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV and more.

How to watch Olympic Figure Skating without cable: 

Who is on the Team USA Figure Skating team?

These are the sixteen skaters on Team USA's figure skating team:

• Amber Glenn (Women's Singles)

• Isabeau Levito (Women's Singles)

• Alysa Liu (Women's Singles)

• Ilia Malinin (Men's Singles)

• Maxim Naumov (Men's Singles)

• Andrew Torgashev (Men's Singles)

• Madison Chock and Evan Bates (Ice Dance)

• Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko (Ice Dance)

• Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik (Ice Dance)

• Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea (Pairs)

• Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe (Pairs)

2026 Olympic Figure Skating Schedule:

Thursday, February 19

• Women's Free Skate: 1 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, re-air at 1:30 a.m. on USA)

Saturday, February 21

• Exhibition Gala: 2 p.m. (Peacock only)

• Exhibition Gala: 2:55 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)

• Exhibition Gala: 3:50 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)

More ways to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics

Kevin Durant has found himself at the center of more "burner" account accusations, the latest that swirled on social media while the Houston Rockets standout played in his 16th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.

The 37-year-old's alleged to be behind direct messages from an anonymous account that criticized players and coaches he's accompanied during a career that's seen him win two titles and one league MVP award.

"I know you gotta ask these questions, but I’m not here to get into Twitter nonsense,” Durant told reporters after Houston’s practice on Wednesday. "I'm just here to focus on the season, keep it pushing. But I get you have to ask those questions.

Durant added: "My teammates know what it is. We’ve been locked in the whole season. ... We had a great practice today, looking forward to this road trip."

At the moment, there's no evidence that actually links these critical comments to Durant. Still, social media ran rampant with the theory, circulating screenshots of an anonymous user who, among other things, blamed Rockets All-Star center Alperen Şengün for his defense, said that they couldn't trust forward Jabari Smith Jr. to make a shot or get a stop and took a dig at former Phoenix Suns star teammate Devin Booker.

Durant is quick to quip, confront and discuss with everyday social media users from his own verified account, which currently has 19.3 million followers. He isn't afraid to stir the pot online or engage with casual fans. Many love him for that kind of engagement, which he willingly offers and most NBA stars don't.

Durant was asked at this year's All-Star Weekend media availability on Saturday if he'd rather give up video games or Twitter, now known as X, for the rest of his life.

"I'm gonna go Twitter," Durant said before continuing jokingly, "because they don't deserve to hear this God-level-like talk I'm giving to them. They take it for granted."

But Durant has used burner accounts before.

In 2017, Durant posted in the third-person from his personal account, throwing shade on the Oklahoma City Thunder and then-head coach Billy Donovan while explaining his decision from the previous year to leave the team that drafted him for the Golden State Warriors, a Western Conference foe and the league's crown jewel at the time.

Durant owned his mistake and apologized for it in the aftermath of the social media storm he caused.

In 2019, according to The Athletic, Durant said in an interview on ESPN's "The Boardroom" that he used anonymous accounts as a way to speak out and dodge the notoriety that's often impossible to hide from as an NBA player.

Durant is playing in his 18th NBA season. He's played for five franchises.

Now with the Rockets, he's still among the best in the league. He's shooting above 50% from the field and north of 40% from 3. His 25.8 points per game are tops on the team.

While fourth in the West, the 33-20 Rockets will need a strong push to grab the No. 2 seed like they did ahead of last year's playoffs.

Durant's trying to tune out the noise, even if it's once again loud and scrutinizing his social-media presence.

Vikings rumor pinpoints former $84 million Pro Bowl quarterback as Minnesota's top target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Vikings will be in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason to compete with J.J. McCarthy, and it looks like the franchise could be reuniting with an old friend to fill the need.

According to SportsBoom's Jason La Canfora, executives around the league believe Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota once he is cut by the Atlanta Falcons is a realistic possibility.

La Canfora also added a nugget about McCarthy, stating that league sources have told him that the Michigan product is tricky to develop.

"There is now a growing sentiment among NFL executives in the market for quarterbacks that Cousins could very well end up back with the Vikings," La Canfora said. "McCarthy has proven to be difficult to be develop, according to multiple league sources, with his erratic play playing no small role in the franchise recently moving on from its general manager."

McCarthy had a rough 2025 season filled with injuries and erratic play. His abysmal showing in his technical rookie year played a part in the firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mendasa, who used the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on the young signal-caller.

It's clear Minnesota needs to bring in another quarterback to compete with McCarthy, and Cousins would be the perfect signing.

The 37-year-old already has experience in Kevin O'Connell's offense, and played well in eight starts for the Falcons in 2025, tossing 10 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 5-3 record.

Due to his age, Cousins will be cheap to sign, but he can still be a viable starter. Adding the four-time Pro Bowler to push McCarthy would be a logical move by Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings' de facto general manager.

On Wednesday, TMZreleased an exclusive report revealing a civil lawsuit has been filed against Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver Rashee Rice by Dacoda Jones — Rice’s “longtime partner and mother of his children” — alleging abuse, specifically from December 2023 to July 2025.

Jones — who has two children with Rice — says she was also subject to “other violent and abusive behaviors,” which included the Chiefs’ wideout throwing things at her, “punching walls, and breaking furniture.”

Jones claims the abuse caused “bleeding, swelling, bruising, and other pain and physical injury to her neck, face, mouth, arms, legs, chest, and shoulder.”

To make matters worse, Dacoda says most of the abuse occurred while she was pregnant.

Just under two hours after that news broke, Jesse Newell of The Athleticshared the expressed allegations submitted by Jones and her representatives directly from the lawsuit, corroborating the disturbing details referenced through the initial report.

Roughly three hours after TMZ’s report, the Chiefs released the following statement regarding Rice, per Nate Taylor of ESPN.

“The club is aware & remains in communication with the National Football League.”

The filing comes just over a month after the Plaintiff Jones used Instagram to publicly allege the claims from this lawsuit, including graphic photos as evidence. It prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, reported by USA Today at the time.

It is unclear whether Rice’s ex-girlfriend has filed a police report associated with the allegations. Police in Overland Park, Kansas told USA TODAY that they responded to a call at Rice’s home in 2024 but that no abuse report was filed. The Dallas Police Department, where Rice previously lived, told USA TODAY, “It is not our practice to look up individuals by name.”

That won’t stop the NFL from investigating.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Jan. 8, an NFL spokesman said, “We have been in contact with the club about the matter which will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy.”

At the time, the organization put out the following statement through Taylor after the accusations were made publicly on social media.

“The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League,” the Chiefs said in a statement. “We have no further comment at this time.”

That NFL investigation is still active and will likely stay open while this filing goes through the court process. We will keep you updated with the latest information as it is reported.

A trio of Utah residents took silver in the men’s speedskating team pursuit at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Tuesday.

Ethan Cepuran, Casey Dawson and Emery Lehman completed the course in 3:43.71 — 4.51 seconds behind gold medalists Italy.

A PODIUM FINISH 🥈

Congratulations to the reigning world record holders Utah’s Casey Dawson, Ethan Cepuran & Emery Lehman! pic.twitter.com/CX2LJitcRR

— Utah 2034 (@utah2034) February 17, 2026

“There’s always going to be bitterness. We came out here to win. The last four years was the dream to get gold at these Games. Today, we put in the effort we could and we tried our best. We put it all out there on the ice,” Lehman told the media afterward. “I’m just proud of these boys. We skated the hardest we could, and ultimately it didn’t work out in our favor. A medal is a medal; we’re always going to be proud about that.”

‘We earned our silver medal’

The three Americans had beaten China by 7.93 seconds in the semifinals held earlier Tuesday, with a time of 3:44.29, to advance to the finals. China then beat the Netherlands to win bronze.

Team USA has a strong win in semifinals and is headed to the Gold Medal race vs. Italy! pic.twitter.com/CQodBV63k3

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2026

“You can’t just be the best going in, you have to be the best on the day you compete,” Lehman said. “Italy was the best today and in every round. They’re the fastest time, they’re the best team. You could say we lost gold, but I think they’re just more prepared for the Olympics. They won that gold medal, and I think we earned our silver medal.”

Cepuran credited the home crowd of Italian fans as well as the “awesome” American fans.

“We knew it was going to be a battle through and through and that none of this was a given, none of this is guaranteed from the quarterfinal to the semi to the final. We had to be showing up each and every time on that line to make this happen. At the end of the day, we’re walking away with hardware, which is awesome,” he said.

Cepuran, Dawson and Lehman earned praise from gold medalistAndrea Giovannini, who told the media that the Americans inspired the Italian team.

“The Americans have really been an inspiration for us because in this four-year period, in these last two years, they have almost always won. They forced us to do everything in training, even (coach) Maurizio (Marchetto) kept inventing different trainings to try to raise the level,” Giovannini said in his Olympics press conference.

He added that he knew the gold was Italy’s halfway through the final, “but I want to make a mention precisely for the American team because it forced us, inspired us to raise our level.”

The end of an era

After seven years together, this was the trio’s final Olympics as a team.

“It’s a little bittersweet because you want to go out on top and send Emery off with a bang. There’s nothing like being able to celebrate across the line. That’s the thing that I miss most already, just being able to celly (celebrate) a little bit. Those are the moments that will stick with me forever,” Cepuran said. “Just being able to go across the line, put your hands up and just be like, ‘heck, yeah, we did it.’”

Cepuran, Dawson and Lehman won bronze together at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, which Dawson spoke about on Tuesday.

“In Beijing, that bronze-medal match made us bitter. We wanted to be in the gold-silver (final). So making that gold-silver match, being against Italy, (is) something that we’ll always look back on and be like, ‘We did that’. So it’s super cool,” he said.

Dawson hopes to “keep the legacy going.”

“We have a new generation of skaters coming up. For me personally, I’ll probably be focusing more on individual events over the next four years,” he said. “We have a couple of younger skaters that we need to develop. No one nearly strong enough yet, but we’re trying to get them there.”

Klint Kubiak continues hiring former Denver Broncos assistant coaches.

Kubiak, the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, has hired Zach Azzanni as the team's new wide receivers coach. Kubiak had two stints in Denver, overlapping with Azzanni in 2018 and again in 2022. They will now reunite in Las Vegas as Azzanni is following Kubiak to the Raiders.

Azzanni, 49, coached Broncos receivers from 2018-2022. Since leaving the club in 2023, Azzanni has spent time with the New York Jets (2023) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2024-2025) before returning to the AFC West. Las Vegas will mark his fifth team in the NFL, and his fourth team in a five-year span.

Azzanni is the fourth ex-Broncos coach Kubiak has hired, joining assistant head coach Mike McCoy, special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis and senior offensive advisor Rick Dennison. Kubiak also retained ex-Denver defensive coordinator Joe Woods as his pass game coordinator.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Raiders hire a 4th ex-Broncos assistant coach

Rockets' Kevin Durant responds to burner account allegations originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Houston Rockets star forward Kevin Durant made some headlines over All-Star weekend, but not necessarily for a good reason.

Durant was accused of using a burner account on Twitter (I still refuse to call it X) to bash some of his current teammates in Houston, including Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.

The Rockets returned to practice on Wednesday, and unsurprisingly, Durant was asked about the accusations, but he opted not to touch the topic.

“I know you got to ask these questions, but I’m not here to get into Twitter nonsense. … My teammates know what it is, we’ve been locked in the whole season,” Durant said.

You can’t blame Durant for sidestepping the question, as it’s not something that he really needs to address publicly. If there is any friction in the locker room as a result of the, let’s call it a scandal for the lack of a better word, then Durant can address that internally with his teammates.

This story will be updated. 

More NBA news: 

• Jalen Brunson sends clear message regarding his next contract with Knicks
• Jeanie Buss makes it clear that the Lakers are now Luka Doncic's team
• New Orleans Pelicans star forward named one of NBA's most overrated players

USA-Canada women's hockey gold medal game deemed not 'high demand' by Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Is it a surprise? Not at all.

But when Team USA and Canada meet in the women's hockey gold medal game on Thursday, it'll be one of the most-anticipated clashes of these entire 2026 Winter Olympics.

Tell that to the organizers.

For media members looking to cover the championship showdown, the game has been deemed not to be a "high demand" event.

MORE: Jake Canter had a 20% chance to live, but he just won an Olympic medal

As far as logistics, that just means media seating is first come, first serve.

The only "high demand" event on the Olympic hockey slate is the men's gold medal game. At an event like that, the press coordinator will organize where media members can sit so as to ensure the highest-priority outlets get appropriate seating.

The women’s hockey Olympic Gold Medal final between Canada and USA is not considered a “high demand” event, meaning media attending will get spots in the press box on a first come first serve basis.

The only hockey game considered “high demand” is the Men’s hockey final.…

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) February 18, 2026

MORE: A dog stole the show at the finish line of cross country skiing

It doesn't mean anything in particular about how the game will actually be covered.

The domestic broadcasts will throw their full resources at this huge game, which begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Thursday (7:10 p.m. local time in Milan).

At minimum, though, it's an odd language choice that isn't a great look.

They must feel, essentially, that seating for media members won't be oversaturated. Still, though, it's a huge gold medal game. Seems like the Olympics could've been safe on this one and deemed it "high demand," because for most sports fans, that's exactly what it is.

More Olympics news:

• This U.S. luge star was parodied on SNL
• Mikaela Shiffrin just broke the Olympics
• Czechia's go-ahead goal against Canada had 6 skaters on the ice
• U.S. women's hockey star's brothers go viral at Olympics
• Controversy and cursing with Canada curling
• Chloe Kim's silver medal has some controversy

Mets' offseason was MLB's most confusing for nine reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets did some major renovations with the roster this offseason. They let a lot of players leave, traded others, and added a ton of talent both to the pitching staff and the lineup.

There are plenty of moves the Mets made, and didn't make (Kyle Tucker), that shaped this offseason. But while the roster looks a lot different, the offseason was a very confusing one for the Mets.

Jayson Stark of The Athletic shared the opinion of 36 MLB insiders - ranging from scouts, managers, coaches, and executives - on the best and worst subtractions this offseason. The Mets dominated the lists, both positively and negatively, for a very confusing offseason.

Mets had very confusing offseason amid MLB insider polling

When asking about the "most irreplaceable subtractions of the winter," the Mets had three players make the list. Pete Alonso was second with 10 votes, while Edwin Diaz finished seventh with three votes.

Both losses were tough for the Mets and will be difficult to replace. But the Mets traded for Freddy Peralta, who received four votes and was tied for fifth.

On one hand, the Mets had two of the worst losses this offseason, while they were able to bring in one of the other top irreplaceable players this offseason.

Things only get even stranger. Stark also asked these 36 MLB insiders what the best subtractions of the offseason were. Another angle here is that these players were good players to trade away or cut ties with this offseason.

Stark's poll found nine votes cast for players leaving the Mets this offseason, specifically veterans such as Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, Ryan Helsley, and even one vote for Alonso.

More: Mets trade rumor on Brett Baty, Mark Vientos is unexpected update from Pirates

Letting those players walk, or in the case of McNeil and Nimmo, trading them away, were good moves in the eyes of MLB insiders around baseball.

However, while the Mets received praise for letting those players walk, they also found a way to add players who were positive subtractions around the league.

Marcus Semien was the second-ranked player in the offseason's best subtractions, as the Texas Rangers' moving on from Semien was praised by five MLB insiders.

That's not all, as Luis Robert Jr. (3 votes) and Devin Williams (2 votes) were also named as players who were good subtractions this offseason.

The Mets' offseason was incredibly confusing. They made a ton of roster moves, and made some great additions and additions by subtraction.

But, they also lost two key players in Alonso and Diaz, while adding a few questionable players like Semien, Williams, and Robert Jr.

More MLB news:

• Red Sox sign $6 million free agent formerly of Yankees, Blue Jays
• MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
• Former Yankees, Reds, A's outfielder agrees to $4M deal with Padres
• Tigers' contract details for Framber Valdez make for absurd record-breaking deal
• MLB analyst makes the case for the Phillies to sign 2x All-Star arm
• Pirates to sign former Padres, White Sox 3.55 ERA veteran righty on one-year deal
• Yankees to claim 23-year-old power-hitter off waivers from Rockies

Mitch Marner scored in overtime as Canada saw off the Czech Republic 4-3 on Wednesday to advance to the Olympic men's ice hockey semi-finals.

The other favourites for the title, the United States, face Sweden in their quarter-final later on Wednesday.

Both Canada and the USA have rosters packed with players from the NHL, who are competing at an Olympics for the first time since 2014.

Canada had cruised through the preliminary round and handed the Czechs a 5–0 defeat just six days ago.

But the Czechs, the 2024 world champions, provided a very different kind of resistance this time, taking the lead twice until Marner netted the crucial goal.

"(It was) adrenaline: trust in your skill that you work on so hard," said Marner.

"You just trust yourself to make a play there, and I was lucky enough to score."

Macklin Celebrini put Canada ahead within four minutes, before Lukas Sedlak levelled four minutes later.

The Czech Republic pulled ahead thanks to David Pastrnak's first goal of the tournament after a quarter of an hour.

The Canadians raised their game in the second period, outshooting their opponents 17 to 5. But they lacked precision in the final touch and only a blatant foul by Michal Kempny opened up the space for Nathan MacKinnon to make it 2–2. 

- Crosby blow -

Canada lost captain Sidney Crosby, a two-time Olympic champion in 2010 and 2014, who hurt his leg and did not return to the game.

The Czechs gradually tilted the balance back in the final period and regained the lead 3-2, with a blistering counter finished off by Ondrej Palat. 

The Canadian reply came with a long-range shot from Nick Suzuki before Marner delivered the winner.

"Somebody told me once we're in the entertainment business. If you don't find that entertaining, I don't know what makes your heart go," said Cooper.

"Everybody had faith. It was quite calm out there, and it paid off."

Defending champions Finland also scraped through to the final four by beating Switzerland 3-2 in overtime, while Slovakia thrashed Germany 6-2.

Artturi Lehkonen was the hero for Finland who had trailed by two goals as he scored the overtime winner in the three-on-three extra period.

The Slovaks, bronze medallists four years ago, dominated at the end of the first period with Pavol Regenda scoring after 19 minutes.

The rest of the game was a Slovak demonstration of skill, with Milos Kelemen and Oliver Okuliar scoring two quick-fire goals before Dalibor Dvorsky grabbed a fourth just after half an hour.

Germany's 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) MVP Leon Draisaitl set up Lukas Reichel to keep their hopes alive after 35 minutes but that was quickly extinguished at the start of the final period by Regenda's second goal.

To round things off, Tomas Tatar responded to Frederik Tiffels's power-play score after 50 minutes with a goal of his own. 

cfe-ea/gj

In a recent report, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are trailing Arsenal for on-loan Aston Villa winger Jadon Sancho. It has been stated that Spurs have fallen behind the Gunners in the race to land the Manchester United wide player next summer.

Sancho’s Loan Spell At Aston Villa So Far

The 25-year-old has caught the eye at times during his loan spell at the West Midlands club, but has struggled to be consistent for them in the Premier League. Sancho has found the back of the net once and secured one assist in 25 matches for Aston Villa this season across various competitions.

The English wide player has got a wealth of experience at the highest level and would be a real asset in Tottenham’s squad next season if they manage to get a deal done for him next summer.

His current contract at his parent club, Manchester United, will run out at the end of this campaign, which could open the door for Spurs to sign him on a free transfer at the end of this campaign.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St James’ Park on January 25, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

What Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Igor Tudor Do With Regards To Sancho?

Sancho has got the pace to cause some headaches for his marker out in the wide areas. He has got the vision to create some inviting chances in and around the opponent’s penalty area and is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet.

The English talent can even chip in by scoring and creating some important goals for his team in the final third. Sancho is primarily a left-winger but can also function as a right-sided wide player if needed. However, he has to find a way to be more consistent with his productivity up top.

We can expect Sancho to add more firepower to Tottenham boss Igor Tudor’s attack. He is good enough to serve a useful presence in the North London club’s match-day squad.

At 25, Sancho has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for Spurs to consider this summer. With all things considered, Tudor should focus on going all out to sign the English sensation on a free transfer later this year.

Barcelona are in desperate need of reasons for optimism after two dramatic defeats at the hands of Atletico Madrid and Girona. By the time March rolls around, they could well be nearing a fully fit squad with the exception of Andreas Christensen.

There was concern over defender Eric Garcia at Montilivi, after he was removed with 15 minutes to go. Garcia, Barcelona’s most used player this season, was taken off as an injury precaution, but it seems his muscles were fatigued more than anything, and MD say that an injury has been ruled out.

Pedri could get game time against Levante

Image via Eric Alonso/Getty Images

More promising still, Barcelona could have Pedri Gonzalez back against Levante this weekend. The Spain midfielder has missed their last seven games through a hamstring tear, and Barcelona had won all five of their games without him until last week, but his absence was glaring in both Madrid and Girona.

There is positive news say Diario AS though – Pedri could return to action against Levante on Sunday. The plan is that he will come off the bench to play 15 minutes if all goes well, and he could be back in the starting line-up against Villarreal the following week. He will have been out for a month on Sunday, after an initial diagnosis of four to six weeks out.

Gavi and Marcus Rashford injuries

Meanwhile the other two injured players are Gavi and Marcus Rashford. The England international has missed their last two games with knee pain, although it was an impact injury, and the expectation is that he will be able to play against Levante too. Gavi might be eased back in more slowly, after missing the past six months, but is now training with the ball again. He could also be back in action in March.

Losing a star player late in a promising season is a story Jimmer Fredette knows all too well. Fresh off BYU’s 80-67 victory at No. 6 San Diego State on Feb. 26, 2011, the Cougars (27-2) surged to No. 3 in the AP Top 25. Flying high as the nation’s leading scorer, the last thing Fredette expected was a plot twist that flipped the script.

When word came down that center Brandon Davies was suspended due to an honor code infraction, the Cougars were rerouted off the road to the Final Four and sent down a crooked path full of uncertainty.

“It wasn’t easy at first,” Fredette told the “Y’s Guys” livestream show this week. “That first week was definitely difficult. There is some shock value. That next game we played after Brandon, we got crushed.”

New Mexico rolled into the Marriott Center and stunned the Cougars 82-64.

“It was one of those things where we were trying to figure things out,” Fredette said. “We picked ourselves back up and said, ‘Hey listen, (Brandon) is out. We’ve got to figure this out. We still have goals and aspirations that we know we can reach with this team.”

The clarion call to everyone on the roster was for each player to do more.

Three days later, BYU responded by pounding Wyoming 102-78. As expected, Fredette scored 38 points, but Charles Abouo surprised the Cowboys by adding a career-high 25, including 21 in the second half.

The Cougars opened the Mountain West Conference Tournament in Las Vegas with a 64-58 victory against TCU. Fredette scored 24 points. Abouo added 14 and Noah Hartsock contributed 10.

BYU avenged its loss to New Mexico the following night with an 87-76 victory. Fredette scored a program-record 52 points, but the Cougars still needed Jackson Emery’s 14 and Kyle Collinsworth’s 11 and nine rebounds to advance past the Lobos.

Kawhi Leonard and No. 7 San Diego State caught BYU out of gas in the title game, but the Cougars rebounded in the NCAA Tournament. Fredette produced the bulk of the points and each night, a different supporting cast member elevated their performance to complement him.

Fredette scored 32 in BYU’s 74-66 first-round victory against Wofford, while Abouo, Hartsock and Logan Mangusson each added 10. During the Cougars’ 89-67 blowout of Gonzaga, Fredette delivered 34, Emery had 16 and Hartsock and Stephen Rogers both scored 10.

The season ended in the Sweet 16 with an 83-74 overtime loss to Florida. Fredette finished with 30 points and Collinsworth, a guard posing as Davies’ replacement, pulled down 15 rebounds.

BYU’s 34-5 record remains the best in program history. It is also remembered as the year that could have been so much more. They didn’t go as far as they hoped, but with Davies out, the Cougars stepped up their efforts and went as far as they could.

Losing Richie Saunders to a season-ending knee injury has the current No. 23 Cougars (19-6, 7-5) at a similar crossroads, but they are not without a blueprint to follow.

“I believe this team has the same capability to do that, but guys are going to have to step up,” Fredette said. “You are going to have to define specific roles for guys and say, ‘When you come in, this is what you do. We need you to shoot the basketball. When you are open, you are not passing up a shot, you are shooting it’ — because that is what Richie did. He gave us that shooting threat, that scoring threat.”

Scoring is only part of what made Saunders so valuable.

“We need someone hustling on that offensive glass, getting us extra possessions, tipped balls. Those are difficult to do but you can control them if you get guys out there that are willing to play hard and have that type of motor — those are things that Richie brought that are gonna be missed,” Fredette said. “AJ (Dybantsa) and Rob (Wright) are the guys who are going to have to lead this squad now. That two-headed monster is going to have to score a lot of points and make plays.”

The first post-Saunders test is Wednesday at No. 4 Arizona (7 p.m. MST, ESPN). The second is Saturday at the Marriott Center against No. 6 Iowa State (8:30 p.m. MST, ESPN). With the NCAA Tournament four weeks away, the Cougars have time to adapt to the new script and keep their story going.

Solace for Saunders

Watching Saunders’ season get cut short triggered memories of the freak leg injury that knocked Fredette out of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“My heart goes out to Richie. To see that happen and go down like that is heart-wrenching. For someone who has dealt with an injury during a really prominent time, it’s not easy,” Fredette said. “I hope that he knows we are thinking of him. We love him and if anybody is going to get back and be a great basketball player again and still reach all the goals he wants to reach, it’s going to be Richie because of his work ethic and determination. I hope he understands that. It’s far from over for him, but it’s a very tough thing to see.”

Banner moment

Back home in Colorado after a whirlwind weekend in Provo where BYU retired Fredette’s No. 32 jersey on Saturday, the 2011 National Player of the Year reflected on the scene that topped them all.

“The best moment was when the jersey was unveiled. That makes it so real, and it was just hanging up there and that thing is never coming down,” Fredette said. “You can picture it. You can envision it, but when it really happens, all of a sudden — it’s just up there and it’s gonna be up there forever. That moment was great when I was just sitting there hugging my kids, watching them, and counting it down. That is something that is going to be engrained into my mind and heart forever. BYU truly went all-out and I absolutely appreciate it.”

Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com.

Real Madrid win overshadowed by new racism controversy

Vinicius reports racist insult during Benfica match

Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist insult during Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Benfica in Lisbon.

Match stopped after Vinicius complaint

Real Madrid took important step toward Champions League last 16 after beating Benfica away on Tuesday but the focus quickly shifted to a new racism controversy involving Vinicius Junior.

The match was stopped for around 10 minute after Vinicius informed referee Francois Letexier that Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni had directed racist insult at him. Vinicius claimed he was called “monkey”

Prestianni who appeared to cover his mouth while speaking, has denied making any racist comment.

First time a player is accused

This incident marked first time Vinicius has accused opposing player of racism. Until now most previous cases involved fans, mainly in Spain.

Despite scoring fine goal in Lisbon, the Brazilian winger once again found himself at the center of attention for reasons unrelated to football.

His complaint triggered the standard UEFA anti-racism protocol leading to temporary halt in play.

A Long history of abuse

Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has faced repeated racist abuse.

Some of the most serious cases include:

January 2023: A doll resembling Vinicius was hung from bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground by Atletico Madrid supporters.May 2023: Racist chants at Mestalla Stadium during match against Valencia which sparked global outrage.2025: Five Valladolid fans were convicted of hate crime for racist abuse during 2022 match, a first of its kind in Spain related to football stadium insults.

More recently, racist chants were also reported outside the stadium of Albacete during Copa del Rey tie.

Strong reactions from teammates

Vinicius later wrote on X that racists are “cowards” who hide their words. He repeated his stance that he is fighting racism, not suffering from it.

Teammate Kylian Mbappe publicly backed him and called for Prestianni to be banned from the competition saying such behavior should not be tolerated in the Champions League.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United recently.

The Englishman came through Manchester City’s academy, but he is actually a Man Utd supporter.

And with Bruno Fernandes coming towards the end of his prime, Palmer would be an ideal replacement.

One of Palmer’s friends has now added to the speculation with a bold claim about the Chelsea star.

Cole Palmer’s friend wants him to join Manchester United

Cole Palmer has spent the last few days on holiday in Dubai, resting ahead of a busy end to the season.

As well as seeing his girlfriend and Chelsea teammates Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella, he also spent time with his friend, Tunde.

Tunde has since posted a picture of them on his Instagram story with a controversial caption.

“One day, I will get CP back to United, back home where he belongs,” Tunde wrote. “Go ask him who his favourite team is.”

One can only assume that Tunde has spoken to Palmer about joining United one day, which will greatly concern Chelsea fans.

How much would Cole Palmer cost Man Utd?

A potential move for Cole Palmer would be almost impossible for Manchester United to complete, even if he wants to go.

The 23-year-old signed a two-year contract extension with improved terms in June 2024, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

With seven years remaining on his deal after this season, Chelsea would not be under any obligation to facilitate a move.

Therefore, United would probably have to pay even more than Liverpool’s British record transfer fee of £125 million for Alexander Isak.

Read more:

If Notre Dame is to have the season that many pundits are projecting them to have, they could see an old familiar face on the opposite sideline in a College Football Playoff bracket.

The Oklahoma Sooners are expected to hire former Notre Dame assistant Deland McCullough as its new running backs coach, according to multiple reports, after he spent last season in the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders. CBS Sports first reported the expected hire.

McCullough helped shape one of the country's most productive backfields from 2022-2024 at Notre Dame. Under his watch, Audric Estimé delivered a 1,341-yard, 18-touchdown season in 2023. Also, Jeremiyah Love has emerged as a dynamic threat in the Irish offense and later finished near the top of Heisman Trophy voting. Love is now projected to be a first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

SOURCE: Oklahoma is expected to hire Deland McCullough as its new running backs coach. He spent last season as the Raiders RB coach and previously coached at USC, Notre Dame, Indiana and with the Chiefs. Would be a good get for OU if the deal gets finalized. CBS first reported…

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 18, 2026

At Oklahoma, McCullough will replace former Sooners star DeMarco Murray, who left earlier this month to become running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. The highly respected McCullough returns to the college game after one season in Las Vegas and places a coach with strong Notre Dame ties on the staff of a perennial playoff contender. In 2025, the Sooners had a record of 10-3 campaign and made a CFP appearance.

For Irish fans, McCullough’s latest stop underscores the continued demand for Notre Dame’s coaching talent and ensures another high-profile program is being shaped, in part, by a recent South Bend architect.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Sunny on X:@thesunnyv

This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Former Notre Dame position coach returns to college with CFP contender

Steve Lavin is out as the University of San Diego men's basketball coach following an 11-17 start to the season, On3's Pete Nakos reports.

The former UCLA and St. John's head coach joined the Toreros for the 2022-23 season. Under his watch, USD produced one winning season in four, an 18-15 campaign in 2023-24. USD fell to 6-27 last season and was off to a 5-10 start in WCC play prior to Wednesday's news of his dismissal.

Lavin's dismissal concludes far the worst coaching stint of his career after he previously found relative success with two traditional basketball powers. 

The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images

Lavin, 61, coached UCLA for seven seasons from 1996-2003. The Bruins made the NCAA tournament in each of his first six seasons. UCLA fired him after a 10-19 campaign in 2002-03, his first and only with a losing record with the Bruins. UCLA went 145-78 under Lavin, but never advanced beyond the Elite Eight.

Lavin returned to head coaching with St. John's in 2010. St. John's went 92-72 with Lavin as head coach and made the NCAA tournament twice in five seasons — his first and his last. St. John's tournament appearance in 2011 under Lavin was its first in nine seasons as Lavin helped return the previously proud program to relevance.

Per the school, Lavin and St. John's mutually agreed to part ways following a first-round NCAA tournament exit in 2015. Program icon Chris Mullin took his place. 

In between his coaching stints, Lavin has worked as a college basketball broadcast analyst. 

Tyreek Hill teases possible reunion with Chiefs after Dolphins releease originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Could a reunion between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyreek Hill be in the cards this offseason?

We can't say for sure, but Hill, who was cut loose by the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, is at least teasing the possibility of that happening.

In a recent post to his Snapchat, Hill posted a photo of himself with a Kansas City geotag, which means he was in town. A profile photo in the top left of the post featured Hill in his Chiefs uniform, also.

Hill has made it no secret that he would like to return to Kansas City.

In a cryptic post on social media in January, Hill said he would like "to go home," which many took as a clear message he wants a reunion with the Chiefs.

"Since we putting in request I want to go home," Hill said on X.

Tyreek Hill geotags that he is in Kansas City.

He also has a Snapchat profile picture of himself in a Chiefs uniform, as seen in top-left corner of the below post. pic.twitter.com/ueyA1PeC2S

— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 18, 2026

On paper, a reunion between the Chiefs and Hill makes sense, as Kansas City needs more firepower at wide receiver.

However, there could be multiple roadblocks that present that from happening.

Hill is coming off a season in which he suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL. As a result, there are doubts about Hill being able to play at all in 2026.

He's also going to be 32 years old on March 1, so there's no telling what Hill will have left in the tank when he does get healthy.

Then there's the off-the-field stuff.

Hill is being investigated by the NFL over domestic violence allegations from his estranged wife and if the league finds wrongdoing, Hill will face a suspension.

While it's fun to think about a Hill-Chiefs reunion, Kansas City should avoid it.

The Chiefs don't have a win-now roster and need to go through a transition year or two in order to get their financial house in order and get younger. Bringing in a 32-year-old wide receiver doesn't exactly fit what the Chiefs need right now.

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ESPN analyst makes stunning call on future of Chiefs' Travis Kelce originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The future of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is one that many are eagerly awaiting to see a resolution.

Will he play on in 2026? Or will the future Hall of Famer ride off into the sunset with Taylor Swift?

Those are the two options, and for most of Chiefs Kingdom, seeing No. 87 run around again is something they want to see.

But not everyone does.

ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum offered his thoughts on what he would do with Kelce on SportsCenter.

"I would move on from Travis Kelce," Tannenbaum said. "When you're in the front office, you have to project what a player is going to do, not what they've done. Travis Kelce is a first ballot Hall of Famer, but when you watch him and make an honest and sober evaluation of his 2025 performance, clearly his best days are behind him.

"If I was Kansas City, I would make the right, albeit difficult, decision, move on from Travis Kelce."

MORE:Super Bowl champion makes incredible Chiefs free agency plea

Chiefs won't "push" Kelce out

Head coach Andy Reid has stated that the Chiefs will wait and see what Kelce decides, not the other way around.

And Tannenbaum, a former general manager in the NFL, has made it clear he thinks Kelce's best is behind him, and at 36 years old, that is low-hanging fruit.

No, Kelce isn't the player he once was, but he had a better season in 2025 than he did in 2024, and he led the Chiefs in yards, targets, receptions and was joint-first in TDs. So, the production is still there.

Should the Chiefs force Kelce's decision and move on? That is quite the conversation starter.

More NFL news:

• Analyst reveals brutal way Bills get Josh Allen No. 1 WR
• Steelers biggest loser of Aaron Rodgers waiting game
• Analyst drops worrying future update on Ravens' Isaiah Likely
• ESPN analyst offers nightmare Lamar Jackson contract scenario for Ravens
• Chiefs tipped to make $20 million decision on Super Bowl champion
• ESPN drops monster update on Buccaneers WR Mike Evans
• Chiefs' selection in mock draft nightmare fuel for NFL

Forward Jordan Burks took charge, matching his career high with 23 points to go along with seven rebounds in the Knights’ 82-71 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs on Tuesday night.

Burks got off to a hot start, nailing four threes in the first half and had 16 points heading into the break. Senior Guard Themus Fulks said Burks is essential to the Knights’ success every game, even beyond his scoring ability.

“He’s important every night,” Fulks said. “I hate that it doesn’t show up all the time on the stat sheet because people don’t give him his flowers unless he has a lot of points or hits a lot of threes. He’s a focal point for our team, and without him we probably wouldn’t be in this position.”

UCF got off to an early lead and did not let up the entire game. Besides the first 14 seconds tied at zero, the Knights held the lead for the entire game.

UCF controlled a 42-28 lead at halftime in large part thanks to its defense. The Horned Frogs shot just 34% from the field in the first half and were 2-11 from beyond the arc.

UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins said the Knights did a good job of executing defensively in the first half.

“We just really concentrate on how we need to defend,” Dawkins said. “Every team comes out with a game plan, and our game plan was to understand who their personnel was and try to defend them accordingly, and I thought we did a good job of that in the first half.”

Forward Jamichael Stillwell returned for the Knights after missing the last game due to injury. Last game, Stillwell watched from the bench as his team surrendered a 14-point lead to West Virginia.

As TCU went on a 9-0 run in the second half to cut the Knights’ lead to 10 points, Stillwell was available this time around to staunch the Horned Frogs’ momentum with an opportunity to right the mistakes from last game.

“I think Coach called a timeout, and he said in the timeout, ‘The basketball gods put us in this situation again,’ so you really don’t get time to redo things,” Stillwell said. “That was a time to redo it, and we pulled it out this time.”

TCU head coach Jamie Dixon said he had a feeling Stillwell was ready to go for this matchup, despite being listed as a game-time decision entering the game.

“I’m not very bright,” Dixon joked. “But I knew that one was coming. We did everything anticipating he was going to play.”

The Knights now turn their attention to their upcoming road trip to Utah. UCF will play Utah on Saturday night at 9 p.m. and then BYU on Tuesday at 11 p.m.

For the first time since 2023, the New England Patriots are entering an offseason with stability at the head coaching position. Mike Vrabel, arrived in Foxborough last offseason, will be back with the organization after leading it to a 14-3 record and Super Bowl berth.

But while Vrabel will not be going anywhere anytime soon, his staff is set to experience some turnover. Not every assistant will be back for the 2026 season, while some internal reshuffling is in the cards as well.

In order to not get lost amid the news and rumors, we set up this up-to-date Patriots Coaching Staff tracker.

Patriots coaching hires

B.J. Edmonds (TBD): A former cornerback at Arkansas State, Edmonds served as a defensive graduate assistant at Kansas Wesleyan and Utah State before a two-year stint as a defensive assistant at Duke. In January, he was hired to coach running backs at Southern Miss but just a month later is headed to the NFL and the Patriots’ staff in an as-of-yet undisclosed role. | News

Patriots coaching departures

Robert Kugler (assistant offensive line coach): One of the few holdovers from the 2024 to the 2025 coaching staffs, Kugler served as assistant O-line coach under both Jerod Mayo and Mike Vrabel. His work caught the eye of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who hired him as tight ends coach under their new regime. | News

Milton Patterson (defensive assistant): An experienced college coach who spent several seasons in various roles at Florida A&M, Patterson arrived in New England last offseason to work as a defensive assistant. His stint on the Patriots’ staff lasted only one season, though. | News

Patriots internal changes

Terrell Williams (TBD): Williams was hired as Patriots defensive coordinator last year, but he struggled with medical issues for much of 2025. After having to work remotely for much of the offseason following an undisclosed “health scare” he was able to serve in his role for only one game: Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September and subsequently left the team. He has since been declared cancer free but will not resume his role as DC. Instead, he has been moved to a “high-ranking role” on Mike Vrabel’s staff. | News | Analysis

Zak Kuhr (promoted to defensive coordinator): Another offseason addition under Mike Vrabel in 2025, Kuhr stepped up in light of Terrell Williams’ medical episodes. He served as his on-the-ground replacement in the offseason and later was chosen as defensive play caller during the season. Kuhr did an admirable job and as a consequence was promoted from his inside linebackers coaching job to full-time DC. | News | Analysis

Vinny DePalma (promoted to inside linebackers coach): Formerly a linebacker at Boston College, DePalma came to the Patriots during the 2024 offseason. He spent the next two seasons as a defensive assistant working primarily with the linebacker position, and his promotion to inside linebackers coach was therefore only natural. | News | Analysis

Patriots interview tracker

Ephraim Banda (for defensive coordinator): Banda started his coaching career at the college level before making the move to the NFL as the Browns’ safety coach in 2023. Despite Cleveland struggling to play winning football particularly the last two years, the team’s defense — including his position group — kept playing at a fairly high level. As a consequence of this and the organization making a change at head coach and defensive coordinator this offseason, Banda has started receiving some interest from other clubs.

Patriots coaching staff tracker

Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda was among the coaches interviewed for New England’s defensive coordinator role. | Source

Southern Miss running backs coach B.J. Edmonds has been hired by the Patriots in an undisclosed role. | Source

Defensive assistant Milton Patterson will not be back with the Patriots in 2026. | Source

With Zak Kuhr moving up the ranks, so does Vinny DePalma: New England’s defensive assistant is expected to take over as the Patriots’ new inside linebackers coach. | Source

Zak Kuhr, who called defensive plays for a majority of the 2025 season, has been promoted to the Patriots’ defensive coordinator role. | Source

A young up-and-comer in NFL coaching ranks, quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant will not be going anywhere this offseason. | Source

The Patriots have decided to promote defensive coordinator Terrell Williams to a “high-ranking” role on their coaching staff. | Source

Robert Kugler, who served as an offensive line assistant for the Patriots in 2024 and 2025, is headed to the Steelers. He will serve as Pittsburgh’s tight ends coach. | Source

Patriots assistant Thomas Brown will not be hired as Cardinals head coach; Arizona has brought in Mike LeFleur to serve in that role. | Source

Mike McDaniel is set to become Chargers offensive coordinator, meaning that Patriots assistant Thomas Brown will not get the job he previously interviewed for. | Source

The Cardinals requested to interview Patriots tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown for their vacant offensive coordinator position. | Source

The Cardinals requested to interview Patriots tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown for their vacant head coaching position. | Source

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has offered a candid assessment of the state of Italian football on the European stage following a disastrous set of results for Serie A clubs.

The comments come in the wake of a bruising week for Italian sides in the Champions League play-offs, where Juventus suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat at the hands of Galatasaray and Atalanta fell to Borussia Dortmund. These losses have intensified the debate surrounding the competitiveness of Italian teams against their continental peers.

Speaking to Sky Sport, as relayed by TMW, Marotta addressed the recent struggles and the changing landscape of the league’s financial structure. When asked if there is too much focus on balance sheets rather than results, Marotta stated: “I don’t entirely agree. Our football has been in decline for a decade, the presence of funds arrived in a difficult historical moment. If we imagine that the two Milanese clubs are foreign-owned, it means that without that the situation would have been even worse. Since Oaktree arrived we have made greater investments compared to recent years. The model has changed, but I am not skeptical about the arrival of funds. There is fund and fund, it must be evaluated who wants to create a virtuous path and not just a speculative one. We are lucky.”

Marotta also looked to move past the recent controversy surrounding the Derby d’Italia against Juventus, choosing to focus on Inter’s own European task: “Let’s not get into the controversy or we won’t come out of it. Certainly this is a pitch that has problems, it is an old-generation synthetic and there are difficulties in adhering with the shoe when you run. But we must adapt to this situation as well.”

He concluded by expressing his hope for a turnaround in fortunes for the remaining Italian representatives: “I don’t want to add anything more, it’s a page that left bitterness in general. Let’s close it and think about this beautiful Champions League match, very difficult, hoping that the Italian teams manage to pass the round.”

Liverpool are in the market for a new midfielder in the coming transfer windows.

With the futures of almost all of the Reds’ currently midfielders questionable, the club may end up investing in multiple options in one window, much like they did in the 2023-24 season.

Several players are on Liverpool’s shortlist, with the club looking to build on the progress they made last summer.

A lot can change between now and the summer however, and it looks like Arne Slot’s side might not even get the opportunity to move for one of their targets, with the player set to sign a new deal and end any transfer speculation.

Liverpool target set to sign new contract

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is set to sign a new deal in Turin, ending Liverpool’s pursuit before it had even really taken off.

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Thuram has been on the Reds’ radar for a long time, and was a target before he made the move to Italy.

The report states that Thuram was once again a target for Slot’s side ahead of the summer window, but that the Frenchman has chosen to reaffirm his commitment to Juve and will sign a new contract before the season is over.

The 24-year-old has become a mainstay in Turin since his arrival, and is widely regarded as one of the top midfielders in Serie A.

Thuram signing a new deal is no doubt a blow to Liverpool, and it will narrow their options for the summer, but the Frenchman wasn’t believed to be top of the Reds' list and the club’s rebuild looks set to continue as planned.

Kees Smit, Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson and Warren Zaire-Emery are just some of the names that make up Liverpool’s midfield shortlist, and sales will likely dictate how many bodies the club add to the midfield.

American billionaire Leon Cooperman has deepened his investment in Manchester United, a new report has revealed.

United on the rise

After a turbulent 14 months under Ruben Amorim, United now appear to finally be getting back on track, with interim head coach Michael Carrick leading the charge.

United sacked Amorim in December last year, bringing an end to a turbulent spell marked by his rigid adherence to a tactical formation, fallings out with players, and a string of inconsistent performances and results. The final straw was his public outbursts, in which he appeared to be challenging the United hierarchy.

In his final press conference, after the 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road, Amorim insisted that he joined United to be the manager, rather than the head coach. He also strongly hinted at cracks in his relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox.

Carrick has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, winning four and drawing one of the five games he has taken charge of.

In an extremely short time, he has implemented a front-footed and aggressive style of play that has galvanised supporters.

At present, the Red Devils sit in fourth place in the Premier League table and firmly within the frame to finish in the guaranteed Champions League spots.

All eyes have been on what is happening on the pitch and now, there is some news off it.

A bigger slice

According to the Independent, American billionaire Leon Cooperman has upped his stake in United.

It’s understood that Cooperman now owns 5.2 percent of the club’s Class A shares, which are valued in excess of $50m.

The newspaper adds, “Cooperman is the founder of Omega Advisors, a New York-based investment firm. There is no sense he is planning a takeover of United.”

“Cooperman’s recently acquired shares were not bought from Ratcliffe or the Glazer family but a British investment firm, Lindsell Train, has cut its stake in United.”

Ratcliffe and the Glazer family hold most of the Class B shares, which carry weighted voting rights of 10 votes per share, compared to just one vote for standard Class A shares.

Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

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The frustration was obvious for Vic Schaefer after the No. 4 Texas women lost by double figures at No. 5 Vanderbilt.

“We've got no heart,” the Longhorns coach said in a blunt analysis.

He hasn't been alone, on the men's or women's side, when it comes to coaches angrily calling out their teams in the pressure-packed final month of the regular season.

The list has included No. 21 Tennessee's Kim Caldwell on the women's side and Colorado men's coach Tad Boyle. Then there was Kansas State's Jerome Tang, whose postgame comments after a lopsided loss at Cincinnati stood out in their intensity — and were ultimately cited by the school's athletic director when Tang was fired Sunday night.

It's a delicate dance for coaches, finding the balance between tough-love motivation and a softer-touch inspiration. Look no further than Schaefer, who went from letting his players have it after the loss to Vanderbilt to praising their response when they beat Tennessee three days later.

“I do think there's some motivating factors when you get in front of a microphone and talk about ... individual standards and program standards,” first-year Florida State men's coach Luke Loucks said this week. "But I also think it’s our responsibility as coaches to get the most out of our group. That's why we get paid a lot of money to do this.

"If it were easy to do, we wouldn’t get paid as much as we get paid. So we have to find ways to squeeze the orange, so to speak.”

Vocal criticisms

Indeed, it’s a long-running test for coaches in finding the right message to reach their players. Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.

That was true even before today’s transfer-portal era creating more yearly roster churn with fewer holdovers. But in any era, saying it publicly rather than in a team meeting or a closed-door practice magnifies the spotlight and potential blowback.

This month has offered plenty of examples:

—Caldwell after a 93-50 road loss to No. 3 South Carolina for the worst loss in program history on Feb. 8: “We just had a lot of quit in us tonight, and that's been something that's been consistent with our team. ... I have a team that will just quit on you.”

—Boyle after a 78-44 loss at No. 13 Texas Tech on Feb. 11: “I'm embarrassed by our performance. ... We deserve to be on a 6 a.m. flight out of Lubbock, commercial, Southwest — whatever airline you choose. We don't deserve a charter plane back to Boulder tonight.”

—Tang after a 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 11: “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year.”

—Schaefer after the 86-70 loss at Vanderbilt last Thursday: “I just thought they were tougher, they were more physical, more aggressive, we whined, we complained. We just have no heart. ... It’s probably the softest team I’ve had in years.”

Lasting messages

Some call-’em-out deliveries live on for years.

Notably, Pat Knight held nothing back in February 2012 after his Lamar men’s team lost at Stephen F. Austin, starting when he walked in and dismissed player Mike James from the news conference, saying: “You don’t have a clue what it takes to win.”

“We’ve got the worst group of seniors right now that I’ve ever been associated with. Their mentality’s awful, their attitude’s awful,” Knight said, even referencing off-court problems of “classroom, drugs, being late for stuff.”

Clemson men’s coach Brad Brownell understands the challenge of finding the right message amid rising frustration. Now in his 16th year, he’s the longest-tenured Atlantic Coast Conference coach after a multiyear sideline overhaul that includes retiring Hall of Fame titans such as Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, North Carolina’s Roy Williams and Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim.

“I think every so often, it’s OK to talk about your guys in a way that, hey, you expect more out of them, we’ve got to do a little better,” Brownell said. “But at the same time, obviously, our jobs are trying to inspire our players. We’re trying to bring out the best in them.

“So there’s a fine line with all of it. Obviously when coaches are winning, hey man, it’s tough love and we enjoy all the banter. But when coaches are losing, everything they say is looked at much more critically. And so I do think as a coach, you better keep that in mind.”

Tang's firing

Tang's comments, in particular, stood out as a viral moment even before the firing days later.

The Wildcats followed the loss to Cincinnati by playing with no names on the backs of their jerseys in Saturday's loss at No. 2 Houston. Tang said he was pleased with the team's preparation after the loss to the Bearcats, and said he even had players Abdi Bashir Jr. and Nate Johnson take the lead on scouting work for the Cougars.

“I thought it was the right message,” Bashir said. “I don't think Coach Tang said anything wrong. I think that people forgot why we're here. I think we needed to be reminded of that, like we're here to play for K-State. I think they responded the right way. Nobody took no hard feelings toward it.”

A day later, Tang was out of a job, coming with the Wildcats (11-15) near the bottom of the Big 12 three years after Tang’s first team made the NCAA Elite Eight. Athletic director Gene Taylor said the school was firing Tang for cause — a designation that could reduce or eliminate Tang's buyout — while pointing to contract terms about conduct that “could potentially bring embarrassment."

Taylor later said Tang's comments about the players “really concerned me.”

“Basically his comments about the student-athletes and the negative reaction to those comments from a lot of sources, both nationally and locally, is where I thought we needed to make the decision,” Taylor said.

Positive responses

Both Caldwell and Schaefer saw some positive response to their tough assessments.

Caldwell's Lady Vols beat Missouri by 45 points four days after the South Carolina debacle. As for Schaefer, his Longhorns regrouped after the Vanderbilt loss to beat Tennessee 65-63. And the coach had gone from saying he would call AD Chris Del Conte to apologize for his players' performance to praising their response.

“This team has a ton of heart,” Schaefer said. “I want to make sure y'all know that, we just didn't play with any on Thursday, in my opinion.”

Schaefer, who turns 65 next month, said he was “too far down the road to change” his belief that he must teach accountability.

“When they leave me, they go out in the real world, they understand: 'Hey, you can't show up for work and give that effort at my job because I might get fired,'” he said. "I think my kids understand that.

“I hope they do. I hope they know how much I love them and I care about them. ... Sometimes you just have to have those real conversations.”

___

AP freelancers Al Lesar in Tennessee and Jeremy Rakes in Texas contributed to this report.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Yankees want Ryan McMahon to learn a new position originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees traded for Ryan McMahon last July because he's an impressive third baseman.

They're now wondering whether he can add a new position to his talents.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Wednesday that they'd like McMahon to get some reps at shortstop this spring. The idea would be that he could be a backup option there if needed.

McMahon has played three innings at shortstop in his MLB career, all in 2020.

He has also played 750 games at third base, 244 gams at second base and 70 games at first base.

MORE: There's one question Pirates phenom Konnor Griffin needs to answer

McMahon was a 2024 All Star for the Rockies when he had a strong first half en route to a .722 OPS for the season.

In 2025, his combined OPS was .693. He mostly struggled once joining the Yanks.

New York had an even worse situation at third base before acquiring McMahon, though, so he'll likely have a long leash over there before the Yanks would even consider something different.

The Yankees will be without starting shortstop Anthony Volpe to begin the season due to injury. Jose Caballero will likely be the Opening Day starter.

It's not clear who would potentially play third base if McMahon played short -- maybe Amed Rosario? Regardless, Boone wants another option in his back pocket.

More MLB news:

• Team USA has a finalized WBC roster and an awesome lineup
• Dominican Republic WBC roster is loaded with stars
• An Edwin Diaz nightmare looms for the Mets
• Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
• How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland's Derek Jeter
• Yankees have signed a catcher from the country of Hungary

Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock is leaving his alma mater to join the Seattle Seahawks as running backs coach and senior offensive assistant, ending a seven-year run with the Huskies, according to multiple reports Wednesday.

For Notre Dame fans, Hammock is best known for engineering Northern Illinois’ stunning 16-14 upset of No. 5 Notre Dame in South Bend in 2024, a result widely regarded as one of the biggest shocks of that college football season and NIU’s first win over a top-10 opponent.

In the aftermath of that game, Hammock and Irish coach Marcus Freeman formed a bond, with Hammock offering feedback and support that Freeman later accepted. “We’ve talked on the phone multiple times, exchanged text messages,” Hammock said last fall, adding that he wants to see Freeman win a national championship.​

BREAKING: NIU head coach Thomas Hammock is leaving for an administrative offensive assistant role with the Seattle Seahawks, @Brett_McMurphy reports.https://t.co/DJTbktl4wJpic.twitter.com/Bp0c6zmIhm

— On3 (@On3) February 18, 2026

Hammock previously served as running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2014–18, where he worked alongside current Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, a relationship that helped pave his return to the NFL. NIU defensive coordinator Rob Harley is expected to serve as interim head coach.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Sunny on X:@thesunnyv

This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: MAC head coach with a Notre Dame upset is leaving college for the NFL

Less than a month after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are for sale. The team confirmed as much in an announcement today.

"The Estate of Paul G. Allen today announced it has commenced a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, consistent with Allen's directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all Estate proceeds to philanthropy," the statement read.

"The Estate has selected investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to lead the sale process, which is estimated to continue through the 2026 off-season. NFL owners must then ratify a purchase agreement," it continued.

Allen, co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation, purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for $194 million. Allen died in 2018 at age 65 and team ownership was transferred to the Allen estate, managed by his sister Jody.

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald was asked about a potential sale of the franchise leading up to Super Bowl 60.

"To go with the sale and the ownership... nothing's changed from two weeks ago or nothing's changed since I interviewed for the job with Jody two years ago," Macdonald said.

It obviously wasn't a distraction as the Seahawks earned a dominant 29-13 win.

2026 Super Bowl winners, losers: Drake Maye didn't give Patriots a chance

OPINION: Seahawks defense among best ever after Super Bowl destruction of Patriots

Macdonald went on to praise Jody's presence in the franchise.

"Jody is a fantastic owner," he said. "Supportive, steadfast in what she believes and what she wants the Seahawks team to be and what it should mean to our community.

And she can kind of see through the fog that sometimes maybe in the first year I had a hard time doing. So to have that type of guidance and that type of support has meant a lot. So I can say this: I love having Jody as our owner."

The Allen Estate also owns the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and is a minority owner of MLS's Seattle Sounders FC.

This could be the third NFL team sale in the last five years. In 2024, the Washington Commanders were sold for $6.05 billion, the richest sale in NFL history. In 2022, the Denver Broncos were sold for $4.65 billion.

As of August 2025, Forbes valued the Seahawks franchise at $6.7 billion. That valuation put them at 14th league-wide. That would reset the record for the richest sale in NFL history if it holds.

NFL team valuations

Valuations from Forbes as of August 2025.

1. Dallas Cowboys: $13 billion
2. Los Angeles Rams: $10.5 billion
3. New York Giants: $10.1 billion
4. New England Patriots: $9 billion
5. San Francisco 49ers: $8.6 billion
6. Philadelphia Eagles: $8.3 billion
7. Chicago Bears: $8.2 billion
8. New York Jets: $8.1 billion
9. Las Vegas Raiders: $7.7 billion
10. Washington Commanders: $7.6 billion
11. Miami Dolphins: $7.5 billion
12. Houston Texans: $7.4 billion
13. Denver Broncos: $6.8 billion
14. Seattle Seahawks: $6.7 billion
15. Green Bay Packers: $6.65 billion
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $6.6 billion
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: $6.5 billion
18. Cleveland Browns: $6.4 billion
19. Atlanta Falcons: $6.35 billion
20. Tennessee Titans: $6.3 billion
21. Minnesota Vikings: $6.25 billion
22. Kansas City Chiefs: $6.2 billion
23. Baltimore Ravens: $6.1 billion
24. Los Angeles Chargers: $6 billion
25. Buffalo Bills: $5.95 billion
26. Indianapolis Colts: $5.9 billion
27. Carolina Panthers: $5.7 billion
28. Jacksonville Jaguars: $5.6 billion
29. Arizona Cardinals: $5.5 billion
30. Detroit Lions: $5.4 billion
31. New Orleans Saints: $5.3 billion
32. Cincinnati Bengals: $5.25 billion

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Seahawks for sale: Here's how much Super Bowl champions are valued at

Headed into the 2024-25 season, Isi Ozzy-Momodu was an incoming Maryland women’s basketball transfer alongside Christina Dalce. Head coach Brenda Frese and the coaching staff made a conscious decision to mesh their strong personalities. 

“They made us roommates last year,” Ozzy-Momodu said. “That fueled the craziness between us.” 

While recovering from a torn ACL that season, Ozzy-Momodu’s job was to extend her personality to the rest of the team. 

A main target was Sarah Te-Biasu, the breakout star of last year’s team. 

“Sarah was very quiet. I would [see] that she would laugh in private,” Ozzy-Momodu said. “I’m like, she can’t be quiet and sitting up next to me because she was my locker buddy. I brought out her crazy side, too.” 

Ozzy-Momodu’s ability to light up the room has helped her become a leader and change the team’s dynamic. Despite this being her first season on the court, her two years in College Park have helped mold the locker room.

Dalce graduated after the 2024-25 campaign. With Ozzy-Momodu stepping into an increased on-court role — a similar one to Dalce’s — it’s her goal to make her attitude rub off on her teammates. 

“[Isi is] a naturally loud person, which is a good thing in our case,” Kyndal Walker said. “She’s energy all the time … She’s a good leader for our team.”

Frese described her as “more excited about her teammates’ success than her own.” That mentality translates on and off the court. 

Off the court, she likes to take her teammates on adventures, finding her ideas on TikTok. One example was bringing Te-Biasu, Walker and Ava McKennie on a roller-skating trip — where she admittedly fell over.

Ozzy-Momodu’s adventurous approach connects to her basketball journey.

Ozzy-Momodu’s life in basketball was not in the cards at first. It took until her final year at the City of London Basketball Academy to decide that she wanted to play at the next level. 

When Ozzy-Momodu originally took up basketball, it was an escape from her surroundings. 

“I grew up in southeast London, one of the craziest parts of London,” Ozzy-Momodu said. “Around the time when I started basketball, it was really good because that was when gang wars were happening. I had basketball to keep me away from that.”

Ozzy-Momodu had two main basketball influences: her childhood coach, Jackson Gibbons, and her sister, Ire. The older Ozzy-Momodu also played college basketball, both with Robert Morris and Eastern Michigan. Ire’s basketball career was what Isi said “really influenced my basketball career.”

Gibbons helped Ozzy-Momodu find a role in American junior college. She played at two of them before joining the Terps. 

Ozzy-Momodu first went to Eastern Florida in 2022-23, where she won the conference title before falling in the NJCAA tournament. 

But after a successful season, Ozzy-Momodu needed more competition. She discovered Gulf Coast State. With the Commodores, she experienced a breakout season, averaging 16.7 points and 11.6 rebounds. But her season ended abruptly with an ACL injury.

It was still time to make the jump to Division I regardless. And Brenda Frese made the call.

Missing all of last season added to Ozzy-Momodu’s journey and allowed her to completely assume her off-the-court leadership role. She’s been unafraid to reveal her personality to the world, doing postgame cartwheels, crazy dances and sometimes being introduced as the “Queen of London.” 

“I’m just very impulsive, I just do things,” Ozzy-Momodu said. 

On the court, Ozzy-Momodu has also been impactful — she’s averaging 8.1 points and 6.7 rebounds as a full-time starter. Her energy has been a major asset in helping Maryland pick up its key wins this season. 

But she’s also aided others in overcoming difficult times, and has preached taking a step back. 

“When it gets too serious, that’s when I start to try to lighten the mood,” Ozzy-Momodu said. “Most of the time we’re too focused, that’s when we get into our heads… we just need to be ourselves at that point, which is calm and collected.” 

She knows when to turn it on and off, but her mentality is clear. Her success this season has been predicated on “laughs, positivity … just being funny.” 

Maryland has had high highs and low lows this season, but one thing is clear — the vibe starts and ends with Ozzy-Momodu. 

“If I’m in a bad mood, it’s going to be a bad practice, because my mood is very contagious,” Ozzy-Momodu said. “I just always try to make sure I cover with a positive attitude.”

Houston Rockets All-Star forward Kevin Durant deflected questions about a possible social media burner account, though he did not deny the legitimacy of any claims.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Feb. 18 following a practice, Durant was asked about speculation that an account on X, formerly known as Twitter, might belong to Durant. The account handle, @gethigher77, was created in August 2021 and has just 75 followers and is following 75 other users. The account recently went private.

Over the All-Star break, screenshots emerged that showed the account openly criticizing current and former teammates of Durant.

“I know you’ve got to ask these questions, but I’m not here to get into Twitter nonsense,” Durant said. “I’m just here to focus on the season, keep it pushing, but I get why you have to ask those questions.”

More: NBA All-Star Game winners and losers: US vs World format is an upgrade

When pressed further and asked whether he had addressed the matter with his Rockets teammates, Durant once again deflected.

“My teammates know what it is,” he said. “We’ve been locked in the whole season. We enjoyed our break. We had a great practice today, and we look forward to the road trip.”

The Rockets, who are 33-20 and in a tight race near the top of the Western Conference, are set to go on a two-game trip to Charlotte and New York.

The screenshots from the @gethigher77 account led to speculation over the weekend that the tone and speech patterns were similar to messages Durant has used in the past from his verified accounts.

The images show direct messages sent from the account that seemingly disparage Rockets All-Star center Alperen Şengün and forward Jabari Smith Jr. Those direct messages are in the first person and imply that the Rockets are “this (expletive) ass team.” The messages also use offensive epithets.

“Your franchise player can’t shoot or defend,” one message reads, seemingly alluding to Şengün. “That's a wayyyyyyy bigger issue than my turnovers. Remember, these guys are your future.”

“I can’t trust Jabari to make a (expletive) shot or get a stop,” another message reads, before calling Smith a common epithet against people with a learning disability.

It’s important to stress that there has been no direct evidence tying Durant to the account and that the supposed link is, at this point, merely internet speculation.

Known to be active on his social media channels, particularly when responding to other users or trolls, Durant even said during a 2019 interview with ESPN that he used burner accounts.

“I wasn’t used to that amount of attention from playing basketball,” Durant said then. “I wanted a place where I could talk to my friends without anybody butting in on my conversations or mixing my words or taking everything out of context because I enjoyed that place.”

Previously, in 2017, Durant was seemingly caught using a burner account when a fan addressed his official account and Durant responded by speaking in the third person.

Then, in July 2023, after the launch of Threads, Durant posted a message to Twitter, saying: “On threads with the burner. Come find me.”

During a press conference Saturday, Feb. 14 at All-Star media day, Durant was asked if he was forced to give up X or video games for the rest of his life, which one he would choose.

“Damn,” Durant said then. “I’m going to go Twitter. I’m going to go Twitter, because they don’t deserve to hear this God-level talk I’m giving to them. They take it for granted, cuz.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kevin Durant burner account: Rockets star addresses speculation

AUDIO:

VIDEO:

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Don Amancio discuss:

• Benfica’s stance on what happened last night
• Kylian Mbappe’s leadership
• Great to see a lot of ex-players standing up for Vinicius 
• Jose Mourinho’s post-game comments
• Revisiting the ridiculous yellow card Vinicius received
• Deceiving stats from the Benfica game
• Video evidence UEFA can’t deny
• Vinicius’s insane UCL KO stats
• His partnership with Mbappe
• Mbappe’s staggering key passes stat
• Jarring stats from Real Madrid’s big games in the past two seasons
• Real Madrid’s goal conversion struggles
• Reasons for optimism
• And more.

Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively over on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid.

Managing Madrid is a hub for all Madridistas with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, podcasts. It also serves as a means for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Madrid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you.

The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going.

Hosts this week:

Kiyan Sobhani (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KiyanSo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Don Amancio (⁠⁠@DonShelby__⁠⁠)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden made headlines after his home debut by saying loyalty is overrated after joining his fourth different franchise since 2022.

“It’s basketball, the whole quote on quote loyalty thing is, I think it’s overrated,” Harden said last week.

“I think this is a business at the end of the day, and it’s a lot of money involved and a lot of decisions that have to be made. If a player isn’t producing, or if you don’t see him in your future, you know, if the front office, some of them have to do a job and want to keep their job. So they feel like they got to do what’s best keep their job, and they trade players.”

Donovan Mitchell was asked about those comments after practice on Wednesday and agreed with Harden. Loyalty in sports isn’t what it ideally should be, but many factors go into why it isn’t.

“I think as a sports fan, and as a diehard Mets fan, would I love for Jacob deGrom to still be here? Yeah,” Mitchell said. “You know, certain situations, it’s not always going [to work out]. It’s not always like that. For him to be honest with you guys and give that answer, I respect that. This is a business.”

And there are competiting interest at play, even internally.

“You can’t blame a guy for wanting to maximize his opportunity, maximize his life-changing money for his family,” Mitchell said. “On the flip side, it’s that weird side in sports where it’s like, this is a business, but there’s also the concept of, ‘Hey, I want to be here forever.’ There’s always that with every athlete.”

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Mitchell has seen how this dynamic works, even if he personally hasn’t changed teams as much as Harden has.

There were reports that Mitchell was open to being traded from the Utah Jazz back in 2022. It was also clear that this was something that the Jazz felt was in their best interest after they weren’t able to advance out of the second round with their team built around Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

“This season wasn’t very much fun this year,” Jazz CEO Danny Ainge said a few months before the team traded Mitchell. “This draft wasn’t fun. Free agency wasn’t very much fun. You’re over the tax, no draft picks, and our team loses in the first round. It wasn’t fun for us. We want it to be fun for our fans and our players, but we just haven’t had much flexibility to do anything over the last little while.”

Whether or not this was ultimately the right move for Utah is up for debate. What isn’t, is the fact that they felt that their core wasn’t good enough to win, and it was time to move on.

In many instances, it’s in the team’s and the player’s best interest to open up a new chapter. And in the NBA, things can change quickly, as Darius Garland found out.

“You look at my situation in Utah,” Mitchell said, “you go from being the one seed and the next thing you know (he snaps), it’s like that. It just happens. With DG, it was the same thing. The Jimmy Butler situation, the Dame [Lillard] situation, there’s other situations. It’s so fragile. Everything is so fragile. One day could be great, the next day (snaps again) can be like that.”

Some of Harden’s exits have been messy and seemingly not as mutually beneficial as you’d ideally like. That’s part of Harden’s complicated legacy and the business of sports.

“I don’t know his exact experience,” Mitchell said. “All I know, is pretty much what you guys know. But I do know there’s certain things that can kind of skew that. … Not just speaking of him, but as a whole in sports.

“So I really respect the fact that he was honest. I think a lot of guys relate to that. I think it also gives fans a unique insight on like, hey, there’s so much love here for sure, but there’s also things that can get in the way.”

Michail Antonio is in talks with Qatari club Al‑Sailiya as well as Championship side Charlton Athletic as he looks to return to regular football following his near-fatal car crash.

The former West Ham striker is keen to return to regular football and is currently training at Charlton's base in south‑east London.

Negotiations with both clubs are ongoing.

The 35-year-old featured for Jamaica at June's Concacaf Gold Cup after recovering from the accident, which happened in December 2024.

West Ham released Antonio in August and he later had a short spell training with Leicester City before suffering a minor setback.

After Charlton's defeat by Portsmouth on Saturday, manager Nathan Jones said there was "nothing yet" to announce, but added that "the wheels are still in motion".

In an exclusive interview with the BBC in March 2025, the forward said he felt like he was "close to dying" after the crash in Essex and that he believes he has been given "another chance at life".

"I shattered my femur bone in four different places," he said.

"I had one single keyhole surgery. They put a pole in my thigh with four bolts, so screws and bolts to knit it back together.

"My first surgeon said he didn't want me to put any weight on my leg for three months, which is around about now, and you can see that I am walking.

"We got a second specialist who said I needed to start putting weight on it, increasing from 10% up to 100% within three weeks.

"But I kept my crutches for a further two weeks. Overall, they say it will be between six to 12 months before my leg starts healing properly."

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Anthony Gordon's words proved rather prescient.

"In the Champions League, teams are much more open," he said just a few weeks ago. "They all try to play."

Never was that more apparent than on Wednesday night.

This was a new stage for both sides, neither of whom had reached the knockout stages of the Champions League before.

But the gulf in class was staggering.

Eddie Howe showed Qarabag huge respect by naming a strong side, but the Newcastle head coach also knew the hosts would leave gaps.

Gordon, in particular, exploited them as he led the line.

The forward was so hungry that, even after scoring his hat-trick, he grabbed the ball as designated penalty-taker to take the spot-kick for his fourth rather than giving it to Nick Woltemade.

Kieran Trippier, the stand-in captain, still appeared to be a little annoyed about that as the pair exchanged words after trudging off the field at half-time.

But it summed up Gordon's ruthless streak.

In truth, Gordon and his team-mates could have scored even more on a night Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski still, somehow, emerged with credit after making some fine saves.

Newcastle had 22 shots, 14 efforts on target and 39 touches inside the opposition box, but the visitors ultimately had to settle for just the six goals.

With the tie as good as over, Howe will now have the luxury of being able to rotate for the second leg at St James' Park next week - though you suspect Gordon will still be desperate to add to the 10 goals he has scored in the competition this season.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — In the wake of devastating injury news for starter Pablo López, who has an elbow injury that seems likely to require season-ending Tommy John surgery, the phrase “next man up,” has been continuously thrown around in the Twins’ clubhouse.

The Twins believed that their rotation depth was a strength this seaosn and now they’ll have to tap into it earlier than expected. As it sits now, with López out of the picture, the Twins have seven starting pitchers in the mix for five rotation spots, with some spots solidified and some up for grabs.

With Joe Ryan and Taj Bradley headed off to compete in the World Baseball Classic next month, the Twins should get an extended look at some of their rotation options. Here’s a look at that group.

Joe Ryan

Ryan established himself as an all-star starter last season, and with López out, he is at the top of the Twins’ rotation. The 29-year-old made 30 starts last year for the first time in his career, threw a career-high 171 innings and finished with a 3.42 earned-run average.

“If I can provide some guidance and some help for guys that need it, absolutely, I’m always going to be there,” Ryan said.

Bailey Ober

Ober is looking forward to this season after a difficult 2025 campaign marred by a hip issue that eventually forced a monthlong stint on the injured list.

He finished the season with a 5.10 earned-run average. He allowed 30 home runs, 14 in June alone. It was a far cry from the results the Twins have come to expect out of the right-hander, who has been among their most consistent in the previous few years.

Taj Bradley

The Twins acquired Bradley from the Rays in the trade deadline deal that sent Griffin Jax to Tampa Bay, and let him briefly acclimate to the organization at Triple-A before calling him up.

Aside from Ryan and Ober, Bradley has the most big league experience of the younger group, spending much of the past three seasons pitching at the major league level. He made six starts with the Twins in August and September to mixed results, but the early returns in camp have been promising.

“(There) were so many things Taj did well (Monday),” manager Derek Shelton said earlier this week. “His stuff looked really good, first and foremost. Hitters did not get great swings on him.”

Simeon Woods Richardson

Woods Richardson made one major league appearance in each 2022 and 2023 before staking out claim to a rotation spot in 2024. The starter made 28 starts for the Twins that year and 22 (23 games) for the Twins last year.

Many of his starts were limited to five innings or fewer last year, but he had a particularly strong finish, posting a 2.33 ERA across 27 innings pitched while turning in a couple of his longest outings of the year. The 25-year-old enters this year out of minor league options.

Zebby Matthews

Matthews, who is slated to start the Twins’ spring training opener on Friday against the Gophers, made 16 starts last season for the Twins, missing a period of time with a shoulder strain. Though he started the season in Triple-A, Matthews spent much of the summer pitching for the Twins.

David Festa

Festa was hampered by shoulder issues throughout 2025, eventually receiving Botox injections late last season to treat a case of thoracic outlet syndrome. Festa has been throwing bullpen sessions, but his health is still a question mark early on. Between injuries and stints at Triple-A, Festa made 11 appearances in the majors, 10 starts, last year and posted a 5.40 ERA.

Mick Abel

Abel, 24, was acquired as part of the return for Jhoan Duran at the last trade deadline. He made 10 major league appearances last year, eight starts, and could be the most likely candidate to begin the season back in Triple-A.

Shelton was raving about what he saw from Abel on Tuesday, citing his “electric stuff,” and the fact that the first pitch out of his hand was a 98 mph sinker to Byron Buxton.

“I’m coming in here and competing for a spot,” Abel said. “Whether I make it or not, I’m just here every day to get better and compete.”

Related Articles

• Twins look for “next man up,” in wake of Pablo López injury news
• Twins’ Pablo López likely to miss entire season
• Twins owner Tom Pohlad arrives at spring training, aims to ‘set a new culture’
• Pablo López experiences elbow soreness as Twins kick off full-team workouts
• After “different” offseason, Buxton preps for WBC, season

The Dallas Mavericks said star Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the NBA season as he continues to recover from knee surgery in March.

Nine-time All-Star Irving hasn't played this season as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament.

"This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one," Irving said in a statement. "I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process.

"I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows."

The Mavericks said that Irving is making "steady progress in rehabilitation and will remain actively engaged with the team through the remainder of the season".

ESPN reported that the Mavericks hope that Irving will be able to return to practice before the end of the season so that he can begin building on-court chemistry with sensational rookie Cooper Flagg.

The Mavs began preparations to rebuild around Flagg when they traded 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a multi-player deal at the trade deadline this month.

The deal also involved multiple future draft picks, including a first-round pick from Oklahoma City in this year's draft.

The Mavs are currently 12th in the Western Conference and at 19-35 are seven games outside of the play-in.

bb/jc

The New York Rangers are currently positioned to make two first‑round selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. Getting these picks right is a hugely important part of their current retool, since the Rangers prospects pipeline is not exactly overflowing with talent.

The Rangers have their own first-round pick, which likely is a lottery pick considering that they are 30th out of 32 teams in the NHL standings with 25 games remaining this season. They acquired the other selection from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the K’Andre Miller trade last summer.

That pick comes with a condition. It must be the better of either Carolina’s pick or one from the Dallas Stars, since the Hurricanes own each pick in 2026. Carolina and Dallas are two of the top five teams in the NHL at the Olympic break, so either way, this pick will be near the end of the first round when it transfers to the Rangers.

Previously, we analyzed why the Rangers should consider selecting a high-end defensemen, like Chase Reid from the Soo Greyhounds, with their own first-rounder. Now, we’ll take a look at this second first-round selection.

Depending on whom you ask, this draft class ranges from average to very good. We’re leaning toward the latter, which should allow the Rangers to draft for need rather than simply taking the best player available late in the first round.

To that end, one of their biggest needs is a scoring center, and there are several strong options in that range.

Ryan Roobroeck, C/RW, Niagara (OHL) 

The best option here is Niagara’s Ryan Roobroeck, the younger brother of towering center Dylan Roobroeck, whom the Rangers selected in the sixth round (No. 178 overall) of the 2023 draft. Listed at 6‑foot‑4, Ryan is big, though certainly not as tall as his 6-foot-7 brother, who scored 20 goals as a rookie pro with Hartford of the American Hockey League last season.

Younger brother Ryan is a natural goal scorer, one who’s second on Niagara with 30 goals in 49 games, including 10 on the power play and six game‑winners, though he’s currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Last season, Roobroeck led Niagara with 41 goals and 87 points, and he’s one shy of 100 goals over three seasons in the OHL.

ROOBS ON THE REBOUND 💥

Hometown boy, Ryan Roobroeck, opens the scoring in London.

📺: @FloHockey + @yourtvniagara#DogCountry | #NHLDraftpic.twitter.com/4PZNMyFbFR

— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) February 7, 2026

His wrist shot is one of the best in the draft class, and he’s made noticeable strides in his foot speed and defensive reads, turning himself into a reliable two‑way forward. With his scoring touch, he may beat his brother to the NHL.

But there are some concerns here. NHL Central Scouting has him ranked No. 27 among North American skaters, a drop from earlier projections which listed him to go in the middel of the first round.

Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville (QMJHL) 

Our second option is Egor Shilov of the Victoriaville Tigres, who’s ranked No. 17 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The 17‑year‑old center (6‑foot‑1, 185 pounds) posted a 23‑39‑62 line so far in 47 games and brings a creative, play‑driving presence down the middle.

Who else than Egor Shilov? 🐯

The prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft notches his 24th of the campaign! @TigresVicto#NHLProspectspic.twitter.com/gyb31d4Dlk

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) February 15, 2026

Shilov can run a power play, skates with speed and skill, and shows poise with the puck. His passing touch stands out, though he’s not shy about shooting when the lane is there. He thrives under pressure, but he’ll need to tighten his defensive game and improve on face-offs. Even so, he projects as a future top‑six center.

Ilia Morozov, C, Miami (Ohio) 

It’s unlikely he falls to the bottom of the first round, but if he does, Ilia Morozov is a home‑run pick for the Rangers. The 17‑year‑old Miami (Ohio) center is already 6‑foot‑3 and 205 pounds and plays with the maturity of a veteran. He’s No. 8 on Central Scouting’s list of top NA skaters.

At just 17 years old, freshman Ilia Morozov is helping build a new chapter at @MiamiOH_Hockey!

We go #InsideTheNCHC to learn about his path from Russia to Oxford, his early jump to college hockey, and his immediate impact with the RedHawks 🔴⚪#theNational // #RiseUpRedHawkspic.twitter.com/GKeRg6thcu

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) January 22, 2026

Morozov is a true 200‑foot player who fits seamlessly into a three‑zone system. He may not have Shilov’s pure playmaking ability, but he’s an offensive threat who has steadily improved while facing top competition in the NCHC. He’s strong on the forecheck, uses his size effectively, and looks like a player who will reach the NHL before age 20.

The freshman has 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 30 games, and blocked 21 shots at the other end of the rink.

Related Headlines

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• Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: AHL All-Star Brendan Brisson recalled by Rangers
• New York Rangers report cards: Grading goalies, defensemen at Olympic break

The last week of NCAA D1 wrestling duals is upon us, which means there are precious few collegiate contests for us wise and learned wrestling fans to enjoy. Thankfully, there are some excellent dual meets still on the docket, one of the most prominent of which is Cornell vs NC State, which is going down this Friday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

The Big Red will travel south from Ithaca, New York to the Reynolds Coliseum sporting an 8-6 dual meet record and riding a three dual winning streak. The Wolfpack are 14-4 on the season and will be honoring their seniors at home during their last competition of the regular season. Cornell is sticking around Tobacco Road for a dual at Duke University on Sunday, which will close out the regular season for both squads. 

Projected Lineups

125: #5 Vincent Robinson, NC State vs Greg Diakomihalis, Cornell

133: #18 Zach Redding, NC State vs #17 Tyler Ferrara, Cornell

141: #10 Ryan Jack, NC State vs #6 Vince Cornella, Cornell

149: #4 Koy Buesgens, NC State vs #2 Jaxon Joy, Cornell

157: Luca Felix, NC State vs #2 Meyer Shapiro, Cornell

165: #10 Will Denny, NC State vs Benny Rogers, Cornell

174: #7 Matthew Singleton, NC State vs #2 Simon Ruiz, Cornell

184: Donald Cates, NC State vs Louis Cerchio, Cornell

197: Patrick Brophy, NC State vs Aiden Hanning, Cornell

285: #2 Isaac Trumble, NC State vs #30 Ashton Davis, Cornell

Neither program has put out an official preview or set of probables at the time of publication, so some questions marks remain. Felix Luca has been getting most of the starts for NC State at 157 since the team lost Jackson Arrington to injuries in December, though coach Pat Popilizio has other options.

Cornell head coach Mike Grey has been using both freshman Cy Kruse and junior Ashton Davis at heavyweight. Who will ulimatley get that nod is TBD. Grey also had to bump Louis Cerchio up from 165 to 184 to take over for Christian Hansen, who suffered a season ending injury in December. You can read more about Cerchio's move in the latest edition of the Big Red Insider. 

And if you want to learn more about NC State's seniors who are being honored Friday night, the Wolfpack Insider has more details. Both insiders were composed by the prolific Brian Reinhardt.

Key Matchups

149: Buesgens vs Joy

The marquee bout of the evening is at 149, where two underclassmen are set to collide in a top five matchup. 

Joy is a grey shirt freshman who spent a gap year after high school at the Spartan Combat RTC. He's 21-0 on the season against D1 opponents, with his only loss this season coming at the Clarion Open to high school phenom, Bo Bassett, though Joy balanced out that loss with a pin over #9 Ethan Stiles at the same event.

The Ohio native then went on a tear at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, notching four ranked wins over #17 David Evans, #16 Eligh Rivera, #6 Collin Gaj, and #5 Kaleb Larkin (at 157) on his way to a title. Joy is a terror in the top position, with an inventive cradle series that has been the bane of many opponents this season, as evidenced by Joy's ten falls of either the pin or technical variety. 

Watch Joy's win over Larkin:

Buesgens, meanwhile, has been a revelation for the Wolfpack this season. The redshirt sophomore from Minnesota followed up on his solid but unspectacular redshirt freshman campaign, that saw him go 16-13 on the season and 0-2 at NCAAs, with an 18-2 record agains D1 opponents that includeds wins over #6 Gaj, #7 Casey Swiderski and #5 Aden Valencia, with his only losses coming at the hands of Gaj (revenge from the National Duals Invitational at a late January dual meet) and Stiles. 

This Koy-Joy matchup will be one of the most consequential bouts of the weekend, and could also decide the outcome of the dual meet. 

174: Singleton vs Ruiz

There's not much of a drop off from the 149 bout to what we could see at 174 in this dual. 

Singleton had his breakout season last year when he placed seventh at NCAAs. Before that, Singleton was redshirting after being thrust into the starting lineup as a true freshman at 165lbs in 2023. Singleton has been consistent this season, going undefeated at the National Duals Invitational, which included a pin over #6 Alex Facundo.

Watch Singleton defeat Facundo in Tulsa:

The Georgia native did get tripped up in his last dual and fell to Pitt's Luca Augustine in sudden victory, though he could still boast of a 13-2 record afterwards. 

For as good as Singleton has been lately, grey shirt sophomore Simon Ruiz has been slightly better. He placed fifth at NCAAs, which included a 10-0 major of Singleton in the consolation quarterfinals. Ruiz and Singleton split their two previous meetings during the 2024-25 season. The Wolfpacker prevailed 6-1 at the CKLV in early December 2024, but it was the Big Redder who emerged victorious just a few weeks later, 6-5 in a dual meet. 

This season, Ruiz, a graduate of New Jersey parochial powerhouse Delbarton, has an unblemished record, defeating all opponents, including Facundo, #14 Jared Simma, and #15 Myles Takats, and running his season record up to 12-0. 

Singleton will have an opportunity to even their collegiate series to 2-2, while Ruiz will be able to tilt the record even further in his favor. 

141: Jack vs Cornella

Our third and final projected top ten matchup of the evening. Both wrestlers are in their final year of eligibility and will be looking to leave it all on the mat (though it should be noted that Cornella may have another year of eligibility if he transfers to a non-Ivy school as a grad student). 

Injuries have derailed Cornella's sophomore and junior seasons. The Cornell captain from Colorado was unable to continue his postseason after getting injured at the 2024 EIWAs. That was after a solid grey shirt and freshman campaign that saw him go 1-2 at the 2023 NCAAs. 

Cornella spent the entire 2024-25 season off the mat and then only came back to action in the second semester of the current 2025-26 season. It didn't take long for Vince to shake off the mat rust as he hit the ground running, piling up a 15-1 record with the sole loss coming narrowly to Lehigh's Luke Stanich, 5-4. 

Watch Cornella defeat Ivy rival CJ Compostoo in the Southern Scuffle finals:

Ryan Jack didn't do much wrestling last season either, as the redshirt senior from Danbury, Connecticut, took a redshirt and only competed unattached in two Opens. This season, he's 12-5 and on a mission to replicate his breakout 2024 season that saw him climb to the 7th place step on the NCAA podium. 

Though his record is not as impressive as Cornella's, four of Jack's five losses were by one or two points, with only a tech-fall loss to #1 Jesse Mendez breaking that trend. This should be a close bout between two savvy veterans who still have something to prove. 

Predictions

125: Robinson, NC State over Diakomihalis, Cornell by major - NCSU 4, CU 0

133: Ferrara, Cornell over Redding, NC State by decision - NCSU 4, CU 3

141: Cornella, Cornell over Jack, NC State by decision - CU 6, NCSU 4

149: Joy, Cornell over Buesgens, NC State by decision - CU 9, NCSU 4

157: Shapiro, Cornell over Felix, NC State by major - CU 13, NCSU 4

165: Denny, NC State over Rogers, Cornell by major - CU 13, NCSU 8

174: Singleton, NC State over Ruiz, Cornell by decision - CU 13, NCSU 11

184: Cerchio, Cornell over Cates, NC State by decision - CU 16, NCSU 11

197: Hanning, Cornell over Brophy, NC State by decision - CU 19, NCSU 11

285: Trumble, NC State over Davis, Cornell by major - CU 19, NCSU 15

Bonus points will be crucial, and pins and techs will come at a premium. If Cornell wins the close lighter weight bouts, Shapiro could make things very tough for a Wolfpack come back with a tech or pin at 157, which he is very capable of. 

If it comes to that, it will be up to Denny and Singleton to get things back on course for NC State. Singleton is the only 'upset' I'm predicting but I see that more of a toss up. Similarly, the Wolfpack should be in competitive bouts at 184 and 197, although I am leaning toward Cornell in those bouts like I am in the lighterweights. 

The goal for NC State is to keep things within striking distance for Isaac Trumble, as the Wolfpack anchor is absolutely capable of getting six team points if that's what was needed. 

Now let's see what A.I. thinks is going to happen. 

Predicted Match Outcomes & Team Points

Match    Winner    Points

125    NC State (Dec)    3

133    Cornell (Dec)    3

141    Cornell (Dec)    3

149    Cornell (Bonus)    4

157    Cornell (Tech/Major)    5

165    NC State (Dec)    3

174    Cornell (Dec)    3

184    Cornell (Dec)    3

197    NC State (Dec)    3

285    NC State (Tech)    4

Team Score Projection:

NC State: ~19

Cornell: ~27

Pretty similar, though the robot did not want to pick an upset at 174. It also can't add very well, but I'm going to leave in what ChatGPT said just as a warning not to take these robo-predictions to seriously!

And we all get to find out what actually happens this Friday. See you then!

The Los Angeles Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches at the plate, leaving manager Dave Roberts with a tough choice ahead of the 2026 season: Who bats where in the order?

On Wednesday, Roberts made clear where his head is at regarding Mookie Betts, saying he expects Betts to bat third, as reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic.

Betts has previously batted in the No. 2 spot, but with the addition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker and a dip in offensive production in 2025, he’s being moved back a spot.

Shohei Ohtani is expected to keep his leadoff spot, Roberts added.

Expectations for Mookie Betts in 2026

Betts had a down year at the plate in 2025, but he spent this past offseason retooling his swing.

“More just rewiring my mechanics, my brain, the motor patterns,” Betts explained, as reported by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. “I think it kind of got out of whack early on, and once I got out of whack early, it was just like a snowball effect.”

With a bounce-back year at the plate and continued strong performance at shortstop, Betts could be a contender for the top player in the National League, an expectation Roberts has embraced.

“Mookie [Betts] will be in the MVP conversation this year,” Roberts predicted, as reported by Jack Vita of the Los Angeles Times.

A Return to Form for Betts?

Betts struggled in 2025, but that’s largely in relation to his own success.

He slashed .258/.326/.406. Compare that to 2024, when he slashed .289/.372/.491.

Before his time with the Dodgers, though, he led Major League Baseball in batting average and slugging.

In 2018, he slashed .346/.438/.640 en route to an American League MVP award.

Will history repeat itself in 2026? Only time will tell, but all indications thus far are positive for the Boys in Blue.

Do you think Mookie Betts will be MVP caliber again in 2026?

The Minnesota Golden Gophers finally saw themselves rewarded for their 8-game winning streak when they came in at #23 in both the AP and Coaches polls this week. The last time the Gophers were ranked 13 months ago it was just one week and out for Minnesota. For the Gophers to avoid that fate this time it will take at least one ranked win at home as Minnesota ends their regular season home schedule with a pair of ranked opponents beginning Wednesday night with a visit from the #10 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. It’s the Gophers annual breast cancer awareness game as well and they will be wearing their pink uniforms that are available to be bid on in an auction with all proceeds going to breast cancer research. Bids can be placed HERE. Wednesday night’s game will tip off at 7 PM and will stream on B1G+.

#10 Ohio State Buckeyes
Record: 22-4 (11-3)
NET Rank: 17

#23 Minnesota Golden Gophers
Record: 20-6 (11-4)
NET Rank: 9

KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN:

Keep Jaloni Cambridge in Check:

Minnesota has done a fairly good job of keeping their opponent’s star players in check during their 8-game winning streak—but that job will be significantly tougher Wednesday night against Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge. One of if not the favorite to win Big Ten Player of the Year, Cambridge was named to the Naismith Trophy’s late season watch list for National Player of the Year. Cambridge is second in the conference in scoring (22.8 ppg) and is also top 10 in steals (2.0 spg) and assists (4.5 apg). In conference play, Cambridge leads the Big Ten with 26.1 points per game. She is shooting 53% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc in Big Ten play this season. She has eleven games this season with 25 or more points including 29 in a one point loss to Maryland last Saturday. She averages nearly nine more point per game than any other Buckeye. If the Gophers can’t keep her in check, it could get ugly fast. But if they can, and force other players to need to account for her scoring, then Minnesota could pick up another huge home ranked win.

Break The Press:

Ohio State does one of the things that the Gophers have struggled all season with and that’s apply strong full court pressure. The Buckeyes are second in the Big Ten in steals and have forced their opponents to over 22 turnovers per game this season. Minnesota generally is very safe with the ball—they turn the ball over just 11 times per game, the best in Big Ten play. But they have struggled against a stiff full court press. It cost them a win over Maryland, it nearly cost them a win over USC, and Iowa made significant strides in coming back against the Gophers before they finally put them away. This is a massive opportunity for the Gophers, and if they blow it because they can’t handle the full court pressure yet again it will be very disappointing.

Rule The Boards—Get Second Chance Opportunities:

This is a game where the Buckeyes will match up will with the Gophers guards in speed and skill. They also have some size, so there will not be any distinct advantage for Sophie Hart and Finau Tonga in the paint. Where the Gophers will need to make up ground will be to dominate the rebounding totals. Minnesota averages three more rebounds per game that the Buckeyes, and Ohio State will give up plenty of rebounds. The Gophers also average nearly 3.5 more offensive rebounds that Ohio State per game. The Gophers need to get those boards and win the second chance points. Minnesota’s best looks from beyond the arc all night will likely come from offensive rebounds and kickouts to open shooters. Minnesota needs to knock those shots down and use that to their advantage.

Prediction:

Minnesota is on a roll and is extremely tough at home, but this is a very tough matchup for the Gophers. If Minnesota can do all the little things right a win is definitely possible, but the Buckeyes have only lost four games all season, all to ranked teams in UCONN, UCLA, Iowa and Maryland. Ohio State has dominated the Gophers in the recent past, but cracks are showing. Ohio State currently holds a 14-game win streak over the Gophers. Minnesota last beat the Buckeyes at home in 2016. It took then-ranked No. 5 Ohio State to overtime and won 90-88. But last season the Gophers took the Buckeyes to overtime in Columbus before falling 87-84. The potential is there—the Gophers just need to close. But I think they come up just a bit short yet again. Ohio State wins 84-79.

Next Up:

Minnesota celebrates Senior Night in their home regular season finale when they take on #18 Michigan State at 5 PM Sunday.

A little over a month ago, 2027 four-star defensive lineman Zane Rowe placed the Oregon Ducks within his top three schools alongside the Oklahoma Sooners and TCU Horned Frogs, the closer options for the Denton, TX, native.

On Wednesday, Rivals reported that Rowe has released a commitment date of March 13, with a different set of finalists than previously believed. Oregon and Oklahoma are still among the final four, but TCU has been bumped out for North Carolina and Washington.

Rowe is worth the push for all four programs, as he's the No. 12 edge and No. 90 player overall in the 2027 class per 247 Sports Composite. He competes for Denton Guyer High School and is the No. 11 player in the state of Texas.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder visited Eugene on Jan. 24 and apparently liked what he saw, as Oregon is considered among the favorites to land his commitment on March 13.

🚨NEWS🚨 4-star DL Zane Rowe will announce his commitment on March 13, @samspiegs and @Hayesfawcett3 report⌛️

His finalists are North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon and Washington.

Read: https://t.co/lNmGZGj2aEpic.twitter.com/gIObhyxoKD

— Rivals (@Rivals) February 18, 2026

Rowe spoke with Rivals on what he enjoyed about the program, first lauding their business connections on the West Coast before diving into their development on the field.

"They also have great development," Rowe said. "They have two DE going in the first round and another coming back for his senior year, so the depth chart is playing a big role. They’re recruiting my family and me, and came to visit me at school and showed my parents and me the plan. They showed their track record with Texas guys like Dakorien Moore. For them to come to DFW and then go play in Eugene, that’s the furthest you can go from Texas, so if you have success and thrive there, it’s a big deal to me."

It would be a big deal if head coach Dan Lanning could land a commitment from Rowe, who would immediately be the top-ranked player in the Ducks' 2027 class that features just one other four-star, though Cameron Pritchett is the No. 21 edge as opposed to Rowe's No. 11 ranking.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: 2027 4-star DL Zane Rowe announces commitment date, Ducks in the mix

In a stunning move on Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks hired a sitting head coach from a current FBS program to join their offensive staff.

The Northern Illinois Huskies will embark on their first season in the Mountain West Conference without a familiar face as their head coach, Thomas Hammock, will join the Seahawks as their running backs coach and a senior offensive assistant. The move comes after the franchise parted ways with former running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu in January following a leave of absence.

BREAKING: NIU head coach Thomas Hammock is leaving for an administrative offensive assistant role with the Seattle Seahawks, @Brett_McMurphy reports.https://t.co/DJTbktl4wJpic.twitter.com/Bp0c6zmIhm

— On3 (@On3) February 18, 2026

Hammock and the Huskies are coming off a 3-9 season, but the veteran coach has led the program to three winning seasons in the past five, with the Huskies making bowl appearances in 2021, 2023, and 2024. He has been at the helm of the program since 2019 and will finish his tenure at the school with a 35-47 record.

The Huskies also became the first-ever MAC team to beat a Top 5 opponent under his leadership with a win over No. 5 Notre Dame in 2024 – that Fighting Irish squad would finish the year as the College Football Playoff runners-up after losing to Ohio State in the National Championship, earning a record of 14-2 on the year.

It will be Hammock's second stint in the NFL. Before coaching with the Huskies, he served as the running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2014-2018, working under John Harbaugh. Between the college and NFL ranks, Hammock has spent 23 years in coaching, including 14 years as a running backs coach and seven years as a head coach.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Seahawks poach successful Division One head coach in surprise hire

NEED TO KNOW

• Caitlin Clark admitted that she'd "rather retire" than give up the one dessert LeBron James avoided while preparing for the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season
• The Indiana Fever star commented on ESPN's Instagram post alongside the Los Angeles Lakers star's headline and video where he shared which dessert he abstained from
• James admitted that giving up the sweet treat was hard, but skipping wine wasn't easy either

Caitlin Clark isn't playing games when it comes to her sweet tooth.

Lebron James recently made headlines for admitting that he gave up a particular dessert while preparing for the NBA season, and the WNBA star, 24, hilariously commented on ESPN's Instagram post about it on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The NBA legend, 41, revealed during this week's episode of “Mind the Game” that while he was out for the team's first 14 games of 2025 while coping with sciatica, he abstained from eating his beloved chocolate chip cookies and stopped drinking wine.

"I wasn’t playing obviously as the season started," James told Steve Nash on the show. "So I needed to give up something. I gotta sacrifice something — and I actually did two things that I love, that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert."

The The Los Angeles Lakers superstar made clear: "I completely took it out."

ESPN posted the clip of James in conversation with Nash when he made his cookie confession, along with the headline that announced his ban on the dessert and alcoholic beverage, prompting a flurry of comments — including one from the Indiana Fever star.

"I’d rather retire than do this. This is why he’s him," Clark wrote on the Instagram post.

James missed 14 games at the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, including opening night of his record 23rd NBA season, due to a right-side sciatic nerve injury sustained around early August. He returned to the court on Nov. 18.

While the cookie and wine ban was initially implemented for the month of November to better his back from injury, James revealed that he opted to keep up the healthy habit through December.

"I kept going," he said on the show. "I didn’t have my first drink and my first piece of dessert until New Year’s. New Year’s Day. So I ended up going basically two months."

While cutting cookies from his diet was a challenge, the basketball icon said giving up wine was no cake walk either.

"Not playing, being a little stressed, I maybe wanted a glass here. A glass there,” he shared, adding, "But it was good to give my body a break."

Clark, meanwhile, is a huge cookie fan. She even went viral for naming the sweet treat when a reporter asked her to share something she likes to do that comes close to her love for basketball during a press conference in May 2024.

"I like warm chocolate chip cookies, so I guess that... making those," she said with a laugh in response.

Read the original article on People

LOS ANGELES — It's time for the final event of the PGA Tour's west coast swing. 

The Genesis Invitational kicks off on Thursday from Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, marking the second straight signature event on Tour. The Tiger Woods-hosted tournament marks the final one before the Tour heads to Florida for a month and gears up for The Players Championship. 

Like it is every time he's in the field, Scottie Scheffler will be the man to beat. The top-ranked golfer in the world has racked up three straight top-four finishes on Tour this season, starting with his blowout win at The American Express last month. He was briefly tied for the lead last last week at Pebble Beach, too, but couldn't quite overcome a rough opening round. Scheffler is, naturally, a +300 favorite to win at BetMGM.

Rory McIlroy is back for a second straight start on Tour. He finished T14 last week, though was five shots back of winner Collin Morikawa. Tommy Fleetwood, Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele are among the other big names in the field this week.

If Scheffler can put together a full week, he's already proven that he's nearly impossible to beat. Even if he slips up early, recent history shows he'll likely find a way to be in contention come Sunday. 

Here's everything you need to know to keep up with the Genesis Invitational, and how much money is up for grabs this week.

The 2026 Genesis Invitational Basics

Dates: Feb. 19 - 22
Course: Riviera Country Club | Los Angeles, California
2025 Winner: Ludvig Åberg
FedExCup Points: 700
Purse: $20 million

How To Watch the 2026 Genesis Invitational

All times ET

Thursday & Friday
4 p.m. — 8 p.m. | Golf Channel

Saturday
1 p.m. — 3 p.m. | Golf Channel
3 p.m. — 7 p.m. | CBS

Sunday
1 p.m. — 3 p.m. | Golf Channel
3 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. | CBS

2026 Genesis Invitational Payouts

1. $4 million
2. $2.4 million
3. $1.4 million
4. $1 million
5. $840,000
6. $760,000
7. $700,000
8. $646,000
9. $600,000
10. $556,000
11. $514,000
12. $472,000
13. $430,000
14. $389,000
15. $369,000
16. $349,000
17. $329,000
18. $309,000
19. $289,000
20. $269,000
21. $250,000
22. $233,000
23. $216,000
24. $200,000
25. $184,000
26. $168,000
27. $161,000
28. $154,000
29. $147,000
30. $140,000
31. $133,000
32. $126,000
33. $119,000
34. $114,000
35. $109,000
36. $104,000
37. $99,000
38. $94,000
39. $90,000
40. $86,000
41. $82,000
42. $78,000
43. $74,000
44. $70,000
45. $66,000
46. $62,000
47. $58,000
48. $56,000
49. $54,000
50. $52,000
51. $51,000
52. $50,000
53. $49,000
54. $48,000
55. $47,000
56. $46,000
57. $45,000
58. $44,000
59. $43,000
60. $42,000
61. $41,000
62. $40,000
63. $39,000
64. $38,000
65. $37,000
66. $36,000
67. $35,000
68. $34,000
69. $33,000
70. $32,000
71. $31,000
72. $30,000

Eddie Howe, Newcastle United manager, told TNT Sports:

On four-goal hero Anthony Gordon, who now holds the record for most goals scored by a Newcastle player in a single Champions League campaign: "He was really good in that first half. He started the press, a number of his goals came from his attitude off the ball.

"He could have had more, but a very good display."

On not getting complacent at 4-0 up: "We wanted to keep the momentum in the second half. The game changed and they played lower on the pitch which made it more difficult for us.

"Overall it's a great day for us. We know the tie isn't dead or over but we are in a great position."

Records smashed as Newcastle United run riot

• Anthony Gordon has broken a Newcastle record for goals scored (10) in a single Champions League campaign. The previous record was held by Alan Shearer with six.
• Gordon is the third player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League for Newcastle United, along with Shearer and Tino Asprilla.
• Gordon becomes the second player to score four goals in the first half of a UEFA Champions League game - and he is the first to do so in the knockout stage.
• Newcastle United had seven English players in their starting lineup - Gordon, Barnes, Pope, Trippier, Burn, Hall and Willock - which is the most from a Premier League side since Manchester United against Monaco in 1998.
• Newcastle become only the second side ever to lead a UEFA Champions League knockout stage game by 5+ goals at half-time. The other was Bayern Munich vs FC Porto in the quarter-finals back in 2015.

CI Games release Lords of the Fallen 2’s PC system requirements CI Games has released Lords of the Fallen 2’s PC system requirements on the Epic Games Store, unveiling the levels of PC power that gamers will require to run this action-RPG sequel. On PC, Lords of the Fallen 2 (LOTF2) is expected to launch […]

The post Is your PC ready for Lords of the Fallen 2? appeared first on OC3D.

The decentralized exchange has begun offering crypto perpetual swaps after receiving a test license from Bermuda’s regulator, operating under DAO governance and formal oversight.

Ethereum onchain data and a bear pennant on the daily chart suggest that bears may target the $1,100 level. Would a dip to that zone represent a generational buy opportunity?

Starboard Value said that “time is of the essence,” stressing urgency in Riot getting “more material deals completed” related to AI and HPC.

Technical charts show Bitcoin price hanging on to softening support in the $68,000 to $65,000 zone, and a breakdown below the level could usher in new lows in the $50,000 range.

New Keyrock research finds not all newly created money impacts risk assets due to how fresh liquidity flows through the economy.

Two-year Bitcoin hodlers "absorbed" seller pressure in recent weeks, according to new research, but most analysts still expect new macro BTC price lows.

The French banking group’s digital asset unit deploys EUR CoinVertible on a third public blockchain, alongside Ethereum and Solana.

Although US President Donald Trump was not slated to appear at today's event, it will include two senators, the CFTC chair, and industry leaders.

Spain – Recently, the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) made a joint proposal regarding the Spanish aviation sector. Specifically, the organizations suggest for the next five years, (from 2027 to 2031) there to be a proposed annual reduction for the Spanish airport charges to be 4.9% (not including the rate of inflation) one time as a means to sustain Spain’s economic advantage keeps Spain as a viable option for international travel.

The Spanish airports are primarily operated by AENA, the country’s leading airport operator. AENA had previously proposed a 3.8% increase in charges per year over the next five years under the Third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III). However, the IATA and ALA have strongly opposed this proposal, arguing that AENA’s traffic forecasts have been inaccurate for years, resulting in excess charges imposed on airlines and passengers.

AENA’s Excessive Returns Under Scrutiny

The crux of the disagreement stems from AENA’s underestimation of passenger traffic growth during previous regulatory periods. From 2017 to 2025, passenger numbers exceeded AENA’s forecasts by an average of 15.3%, excluding the pandemic years. This gap between forecasts and actual traffic resulted in AENA earning an estimated €1.3 billion in excess regulated returns, which were ultimately passed on to airlines and consumers in the form of higher charges.

In the most recent year available (2024), AENA’s regulated return reached 10.2%, exceeding its expected return by four percentage points. This meant that nearly €400 million was overpaid by airlines and passengers alone, further highlighting the growing frustration with AENA’s financial practices.

Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, expressed his concerns, stating that AENA had manipulated the regulatory system for years, earning millions of euros more than it should have, to the detriment of passengers, airlines, and the Spanish economy. He emphasized that this practice must end, warning that if AENA’s proposal were granted, it would result in the highest regulated return of any comparable airport operator in Europe, describing it as unsustainable and unrealistic.

IATA and ALA’s Proposal: A Competitive Edge for Spain

IATA and ALA’s proposed 4.9% reduction in airport charges, however, would not hinder AENA from fulfilling its planned €10 billion investment program, which is designed to enhance Spain’s airport infrastructure. According to studies commissioned by both organizations from global consultancies Steer and CEPA, passenger traffic in Spain is expected to grow by around 3.6% annually on average, much higher than AENA’s more conservative estimate of 1.3%.

Under this more optimistic forecast, AENA would still be able to meet its financial obligations and fund the €10 billion investment plan, all while earning a return of 6.35% on capital. This return would be higher than what was originally intended under DORA II and would still provide reasonable returns to shareholders.

Schvartzman emphasized the broader economic benefits of the proposal, stating that a 4.9% reduction in charges would enhance Spain’s competitiveness as an international destination, driving investment and job creation across the wider economy. He added that, at the same time, AENA would still be able to fund its €10 billion investment plan and provide reasonable returns to its shareholders, describing it as a win-win situation for passengers, Spain, and the aviation industry.

A Shift Toward Sustainability and Reasonable Returns

IATA and ALA argue that reducing airport charges would not only benefit airlines and passengers but also lead to greater economic growth for Spain. The proposal seeks to strike a balance between sustainable airport investments and ensuring that Spain remains a competitive and attractive destination for international travelers.

By offering a more reasonable return on capital and reducing the financial burden on airlines, the industry could experience greater investment opportunities, including new routes and infrastructure developments that could further boost Spain’s economic competitiveness. Moreover, the reduction in charges would make flying more affordable for passengers, stimulating demand for air travel and supporting the broader tourism sector.

A Look Ahead: What’s Next for Spain’s Aviation Industry?

The Spanish aviation industry is at a pivotal moment. With AENA’s proposal for increased charges and the IATA and ALA’s counterproposal for a reduction, regulators will need to carefully consider the evidence and make decisions that will affect not only the airline industry but also the Spanish economy at large.

As Spain approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, maintaining a competitive edge in global tourism and air travel is paramount. The right decision on airport charges will play a significant role in ensuring that Spain continues to attract visitors from around the world while providing high-quality, efficient airport services.

Conclusion: Looking Towards a More Competitive Future for Spain

As negotiations continue, IATA and ALA are hopeful that regulators will take into account the potential benefits of reducing airport charges for both the aviation sector and the broader Spanish economy. A reduction in fees would allow airlines to pass on savings to consumers, encouraging growth in the tourism industry while still enabling AENA to fulfill its ambitious investment plans.

Spain’s aviation landscape stands at a crossroads, and the coming years will be critical in determining how airport charges are regulated. By aligning charges with the growth of passenger traffic, Spain can ensure that its airports remain competitive on the global stage while still maintaining the high standards of service and infrastructure that travelers expect.

As we move toward 2027 and beyond, the aviation industry and the Spanish economy will benefit from more reasonable airport charges, fostering a thriving, competitive environment for both passengers and airlines alike.

OTM 2026 in Mumbai presented Bintan and Singapore as two main attractions which enabled Indian visitors to travel between energetic world cities and peaceful tropical islands that existed one hour away from each other. Indian visitors to the Singapore Pavilion found it natural to extend their travel methods by flying to Singapore and using ferry service to reach Bintan’s quiet beaches which they wanted to experience.

Bintan Resorts made its OTM debut inside the Singapore Pavilion, underlining how closely the two destinations are working together in the Indian market. The joint presence aimed to position Bintan as Singapore’s island next door, turning a classic city-break into a short, easy island holiday without the need for complex planning or long-haul flights.

Strategy: deeper India push with Singapore Tourism

At OTM 2026, Bintan Resorts focused on expanding its trade network and strengthening relationships with India’s outbound travel community, using the Singapore Pavilion as a high-visibility platform. The team engaged with tour operators, OTAs, MICE planners and wedding specialists from across key Indian cities, spotlighting Bintan as an add-on to Singapore rather than a stand‑alone, hard‑to‑access island.

Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, Bintan Resorts, noted that India remains one of the destination’s most dynamic growth markets, and said the joint participation with Singapore Tourism helped showcase a twin-destination proposition while reinforcing long-term trade partnerships across India. He indicated that beyond trade outreach, Bintan aims to build stronger B2C visibility this year, so that more Indian travellers recognise the island’s mix of resort luxury, active experiences and value-led pricing.

For Singapore Tourism Board, India continues to be a key source market, with the destination promoting its vibrant city experiences, family attractions and strong MICE infrastructure through VisitSingapore’s international marketing platforms. By aligning with Bintan at OTM, Singapore Tourism added an island component to its pitch, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a gateway hub for regional travel in Southeast Asia.

Market momentum: 13,000+ Indian visitors and growing

Bintan welcomed over 13,000 Indian visitors in 2025, a figure that has encouraged the destination to sharpen its India strategy for 2026. Travel patterns show demand across family holidays, couples’ getaways, wellness retreats and small groups, reflecting the broader shift in Indian outbound travel towards shorter, experience-led breaks.

For 2026, Bintan Resorts is prioritising the FIT segment, aiming to attract independent travellers and small groups who value flexibility, along with a stronger push into MICE and destination weddings. Trade partners at OTM were briefed on how city-plus-island itineraries can be packaged efficiently, pairing Singapore’s events and business meetings with post‑event stays on Bintan’s beaches and golf courses.

Connectivity, access and on‑ground ease

A key message at OTM was Bintan’s ease of access from Singapore, which directly addresses Indian travellers’ preference for simple, time-efficient journeys. After flying into Singapore, visitors can board a direct ferry to Bintan, reaching the island in about one hour via Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, which serves Bintan Resorts.

Indian passport holders are eligible for visa-on-arrival when entering Indonesia, including Bintan, subject to prevailing regulations and payment at the ferry terminal, making the process relatively straightforward for short leisure trips. This combination of a well-connected Singapore gateway, a short sea crossing and simplified entry formalities allows Indian travellers to plan twin-destination holidays without navigating multiple complex visas or long internal transfers.

Experiences: beyond the beach, with a soft adventure edge

While Bintan is often imagined as a classic sun, sand and sea escape, its tourism pitch at OTM 2026 leaned strongly into experiences that resonate with today’s Indian traveller. The island’s northern coastline is home to a cluster of integrated resorts, beachfront properties and four golf courses designed by renowned architects, alongside spas, water sports and family-friendly attractions.

Signature events such as the Bintan Triathlon, Mandiri Bintan Marathon and Tour de Bintan have positioned the island as a hub for active, wellness-oriented holidays, appealing to travellers who want their beach break to include a sense of challenge or purpose. These curated events dovetail with VisitSingapore’s broader focus on immersive experiences and lifestyle-driven itineraries, allowing Indian travellers to build a narrative-rich trip that moves from urban food trails and attractions in Singapore to cycling routes, races and seaside wellness on Bintan.

For MICE and weddings, Bintan offers integrated event spaces, beachfront lawns and team-building environments that can complement Singapore’s world-class convention and exhibition facilities, giving planners the option of a split-city-and-island programme within a compact time frame.

India as a long-term partner market

Bintan Resorts enters 2026 with a clear view that India is not just an emerging market, but a long-term partner whose travellers are shaping the island’s offerings and strategy. Trade visitors at OTM were told that as Indian outbound travel continues to favour short-haul, experience-rich holidays, Bintan and Singapore are jointly positioned to satisfy both the appetite for international sophistication and the need for easy, restorative downtime by the sea. The people in the Oxford Theater Market 2026 did their final talks, which showed that Indian travelers andagents already planned their trips from Singapore to watch the sunset at Bintan’s beaches.

Palm Springs, California, a favorite winter destination for Canadian snowbirds, is experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers in 2026 as Canadians continue to boycott travel to the U.S. under President Trump’s administration. Despite the region’s typical appeal—sunny skies, golf courses, and the famed poolside martinis—a significant shift in Canadian travel habits has left local businesses grappling with fewer visitors this winter.

The travel boycott, which began more than a year ago in response to Trump’s immigration policies and political tensions between Canada and the United States, continues to impact Palm Springs and other U.S. destinations. Lois Chapman, a longtime visitor from Ontario, noted that her flight from Toronto in early February 2026 was mostly empty, with many Canadians choosing to stay home rather than travel to the U.S.

Chapman, who was volunteering at Modernism Week in Palm Springs, mentioned that the Canadian boycott was driven by frustrations with Trump’s rhetoric and immigration policies. “Canada feels hurt by the situation,” Chapman explained, noting that the political climate in the U.S. was a primary factor in her decision to shorten her usual trip to Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Faces Decline in Canadian Visitors as Travel Boycott Continues

The impact of the Canadian boycott is tangible for Palm Springs‘ tourism sector. Kenny Cassady, Director of Business Development for Acme House Co., a company managing vacation rental properties in the area, described the situation as increasingly uncertain. Normally, Canadian snowbirds would make long-term bookings well in advance, providing a measure of stability for hotels and Airbnb owners. However, this year, many of those visitors have either canceled or reduced their stay length, opting for more spontaneous domestic travel instead.

“Canadians have always been a reliable source of tourism dollars for us, and now, with fewer long stays, we’re all feeling the pressure,” Cassady said. “It’s been a lot of last-minute bookings, primarily from domestic travelers.”

This tourism slump is not just a seasonal inconvenience; it’s creating long-term challenges for local businesses. As snowbirds account for a significant portion of Palm Springs’ visitor base during the winter months, their absence leaves a noticeable gap in the local economy. Retailers, restaurants, and other tourism-dependent businesses are struggling to adjust to this sudden change.

How the U.S.-Canada Tensions Are Affecting Palm Springs’ Tourism

The strained U.S.-Canada relationship has led many Canadians to reevaluate their travel plans to the U.S. Trump’s statements, which have included mocking Canada and even threatening to annex the country, have led to a polarized response from Canadian residents. As McKenzie McMillan, a travel advisor based in Vancouver, pointed out, Canadians have changed their travel behavior, with many opting for Mexico and the Caribbean instead of traditional U.S. destinations.

McMillan explained that demand for leisure trips to the U.S. is now “very low,” especially for Canadians looking to avoid extra scrutiny at the border and navigating the risks of Trump’s immigration policies. For many Canadians, the decision to avoid the U.S. has become a form of protest—one that has left Palm Springs and other U.S. tourist destinations struggling with lower-than-expected visitor numbers.

Canadian Snowbirds Reluctant to Travel to the U.S.: What It Means for the Economy

In Palm Springs, where Canadians have traditionally played a huge role in supporting the local economy, the effects of this boycott are becoming increasingly visible. McKenzie McMillan noted that many of her clients, while still interested in U.S. destinations, are hesitant to make the trip due to political and safety concerns. “I’ve never seen Canadians so determined to stay home or go elsewhere,” he said, adding that the growing resolve to avoid the U.S. is reshaping how Canadians approach international travel.

This ongoing trend has had a devastating impact on tourist-dependent regions like Palm Springs. Not only are hotels and vacation rental companies facing cancellations, but local businesses that have long relied on the spending power of Canadian tourists are now adjusting to the new reality of fewer cross-border visits. For restaurants and tourist attractions in Palm Springs, this decline in Canadian travelers means less business and fewer opportunities for growth during the typically busy winter months.

Will Political Tensions Continue to Affect Canadian Tourism in the U.S.?

While the Canadian boycott is still ongoing, it remains uncertain how long it will last. U.S. travel officials have attempted to counter this trend with marketing campaigns targeting Canadian tourists, including efforts by Visit California to assure travelers that California is “more than 2,000 miles” from Washington D.C. However, many Canadians remain unconvinced, especially those living in areas like Vancouver, where the U.S. influence feels particularly close. The campaign’s success has been limited, and the reluctance to visit the U.S. is still deeply entrenched.

Palm Springs Councilman Ron DeHarte emphasized that the region must remain committed to welcoming Canadian visitors while also working to maintain its allure in the face of these challenges. Despite these efforts, Canada-U.S. relations are still a key issue for tourism in regions like Palm Springs.

Conclusion: What the Future Holds for Canadian Tourism in Palm Springs

For Palm Springs, the absence of Canadian snowbirds marks a significant moment in the region’s tourism history. The decline in Canadian visitors, driven by political tensions and immigration concerns, has altered the dynamics of one of the city’s most important visitor demographics. While some businesses are adapting, it’s clear that the ongoing boycott is having long-lasting effects on the local economy.

For Palm Springs, the future of Canadian tourism is uncertain, and it will require careful attention to local marketing and economic resilience in the months and years to come. Until then, many Canadians will continue to look elsewhere, with Mexico and the Caribbean seeing a significant uptick in bookings.

Viking has recently unveiled a series of new river cruise itineraries for 2027, focusing on the iconic Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. These exciting new voyages are designed to cater to the growing demand for cultural, historical, and culinary experiences in the heart of the United States. With an emphasis on authentic local experiences, these new itineraries promise to offer travelers a unique and immersive way to explore the American heartland.

Unveiling New Itineraries for 2027

In response to travelers’ desires for deeper cultural connections and unforgettable experiences, Viking has designed two new itineraries that will explore the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in unprecedented detail. One of the standout options is a 15-day voyage called “Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass,” which takes passengers on a journey between New Orleans and Louisville. The route offers an exploration of the culture, music, and cuisine that define these iconic regions, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Southern hospitality along the way.

For travelers looking for a shorter but equally rich experience, Viking has also introduced the eight-day “Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer” itinerary. This voyage travels between Memphis and Louisville, showcasing the history and charm of both rivers with stops in Tennessee and Kentucky. Guests will have the opportunity to explore these scenic areas and enjoy Viking’s luxurious amenities during their journey.

Expanding the Mississippi River Experience

For those seeking to immerse themselves even further in the majestic Mississippi River, Viking has introduced a comprehensive 22-day voyage titled the “Mississippi River Odyssey.” This itinerary covers the full length of the Mississippi River, taking guests from the vibrant city of New Orleans to the historic St. Paul, Minnesota. The journey offers a complete exploration of the river’s diverse landscapes, from the Southern bayous to the majestic bluffs in the upper reaches of the river.

In addition to the long-distance voyages, Viking also offers two eight-day cruises dedicated to specific sections of the Mississippi River. These include the “Lower Mississippi” route, traveling between New Orleans and Memphis, and the “Upper Mississippi” voyage, which runs between St. Louis and St. Paul. Both options provide travelers with a unique perspective of the river’s beauty, along with the convenience of shorter travel times.

A Comfortable and Stylish Cruise Experience

All of Viking’s Mississippi River cruises will be operated aboard the state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi, a 193-passenger ship featuring all-outside staterooms. This vessel combines Viking’s signature Scandinavian design with luxurious amenities, providing guests with the utmost comfort and relaxation during their river journey. The ship’s modern design, along with its thoughtfully crafted itineraries, makes it a perfect choice for travelers looking to experience the history and charm of the Mississippi River in style.

Viking’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience on the Mississippi River reflects the company’s understanding of what travelers are seeking. By offering cruises that include enriching cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and local culinary delights, Viking’s new Mississippi River voyages for 2027 promise to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey for those looking to explore the heart of the United States.

Highlighting Iconic Destinations Along the Way

One of the most appealing aspects of these new itineraries is the opportunity to visit several historic and culturally rich destinations along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The “Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass” route, for example, takes guests through New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant music scene and diverse cuisine. Louisville, the final stop on the journey, is famous for its horse racing and bourbon, providing a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.

Similarly, the “Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer” route will take guests to iconic cities like Memphis, known for its rich musical history, and Louisville, where visitors can enjoy world-class dining and unique cultural experiences. These locations are not only scenic but also deeply tied to the history of the United States, making them an essential part of the voyage.

The longer “Mississippi River Odyssey” route also features a variety of captivating stops, including Baton Rouge, Natchez, and St. Louis, each offering distinct attractions that reflect the diverse heritage of the river’s surrounding regions.

Exploring the Untapped Potential of the Mississippi River

Viking’s new voyages also highlight the untapped potential of the Mississippi River as a prime destination for river cruising. While the river has long been associated with Americana, it has often been overlooked as a major cruising destination. However, these new itineraries demonstrate Viking’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of the river, providing travelers with an immersive experience that goes beyond just sightseeing.

For many, the Mississippi River represents the heart and soul of the United States, and Viking’s new itineraries bring this iconic waterway to the forefront of American river cruising. With its focus on local culture, history, and cuisine, these voyages offer travelers the chance to experience the essence of the river in a way that is both intimate and enriching.

Conclusion: A Journey Through America’s Heartland

Viking’s unveiling of new Mississippi River voyages for 2027 offers an exciting new way for travelers to explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the American heartland. Whether opting for a shorter eight-day journey or the epic 22-day Mississippi River Odyssey, guests will have the opportunity to experience this iconic waterway in comfort and style. With its carefully crafted itineraries, Viking is poised to redefine American river cruising, providing a luxurious yet authentic way to explore the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

The Caribbean now has a new Nobu Beach Inn located on the island of Barbuda. Nobu Hospitality has now partnered with other businesses to open this beachfront accommodation. They opened the Nobu Barbuda restaurant in 2020, which has increased their popularity and presence on the island. Nobu Beach Inn is located on the southwestern side of the island and will allow you to enjoy and experience ‘barefoot luxury’ with no other distractions. The construction is expected to finish in 2026. The finished Nobu Beach Inn will have a variety of construction that will allow you to be sustainable with the island, as well as relaxed and refreshed. There will be plenty of activities, such as adventure, wellness, and relaxation on the island.

Robert De Niro’s project Nobu Beach Inn has a personal connection to him. More than 30 years ago, De Niro discovered Barbuda while on a boating trip and has respected the island and wished to build a resort. The resort would have engulfed the natural beauty of the island and blended with it. Partnering with James Packer and Daniel Shamoon, De Niro was able to make this retreat a reality with a mixture of luxury and modest sustainable accommodation that has now honored Barbuda’s history and created a new place for visitors to enjoy.

De Niro is passionate about the venture and hopes to establish a location where visitors can appreciate a thorough design that prioritizes their comfort and peace. The design of the resort aims to achieve a balanced approach to the island’s beauty and the simple design that complements nature.

Nobu Beach Inn, a Luxurious Beachfront Retreat

Nobu Beach Inn will span over 400 acres, with 36 rooms across 17 villas. The resort will include sustainable design and integrated villas that provide an oceanfront view and blend with the natural materials. Each villa will create an environment of integrated comfort. The villas will be designed to provide a unique experience that lasts a lifetime.

Five-Star Dining and Amenities

The resort will include an oceanfront grill that serves locally sourced fish and an omakase sushi bar with a sponsorship of Nobu. The residents will be offered a choice of five-star restaurants to dine in or to be served at the beachfront.

Nobu Beach Inn will feature an oceanfront pool, indoor and outdoor spa facilities, and extensive fitness offerings. To enhance wellness, guests will have access to visiting practitioners, fitness consultants, and chefs, ensuring complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Furthermore, a kids’ club and outdoor cinema will be available.

Barbuda’s Natural Wonder

Nobu Beach Inn’s dedication to nature goes beyond architecture. The resort will have a fully equipped water sports center and offer water skiing, dinghy sailing, and kite surfing. For those who are more relaxed, the resort will provide sunset cruises, beach picnics, fishing, scuba diving, and yacht or sailboat excursions to the nearby islands.

Nobu Beach Inn’s architecture will encourage guests to engage with Barbuda’s surroundings by creating winding paths and sand trails through natural areas, enhancing the landscaping and calm areas to relax.

Expanding Nobu’s Residential Portfolio

Nobu Beach Inn will include 25 luxurious beachfront residences in addition to its hotel accommodations. These residences will give Nobu’s expanding residential portfolio even more options, including turnkey ownership. The residences will include your choice of four or five-bedroom beachfront bungalows, and the residences can be customized to your liking. Each casual accommodation will include a pool and gardens, and pathways will be constructed to surround the home, providing maximum privacy and comfort.

All owners of these beachfront homes will have access to the full service and amenities of the associated resort. Owners can also choose to add their home to the resort’s rental program, giving them a flexible investment opportunity. For a starting price of $12 million USD, beachfront residences are a very exclusive opportunity to be one of a limited number of owners of the Caribbean’s last unspoiled beachfront.

Barbuda and Nobu Beach Inn

The recent opening of the Burton Nibbs International Airport, located in Barbuda, has opened up direct private access, connectivity for inter-island transfers, and now also offers rapid access for travelers with private jets. International travelers utilizing the V.C. Bird International Airport located in Antigua are now able to access direct flights to/from North America and Europe. In addition, Nobu Beach Inn is located only 10 mins away via helicopter.

The Beach Inn at Barbuda is sure to attract wealthy clientele. Additionally, the Beach Inn will attract travelers interested in health and wellness and those seeking peace and tranquility.

Nobu Beach Inn Opening Soon

Nobu Beach Inn will open soon and is expected to be one of the best luxury Caribbean hotels. Guests will be able to enjoy the first-class luxury offered by the Nobu brand while experiencing the Caribbean’s natural beauty and culture. Nobu Beach Inn will also highlight the brand’s commitment to sustainable & local community-focused tourism and world-class service.

De Niro’s vision for Nobu in Barbuda is soon to expand with the opening of Nobu Beach Inn, which will create new possibilities for travelers and locals alike. Not only will Barbuda be gaining a new & stunning beachfront hotel, but also exclusive residences and services, making Nobu Beach Inn one of the most sought-after destinations for years to come.

Conclusion

Opening in late 2026, the Nobu Beach Inn will combine magnificence with sustainability, revealing the natural beauty of Barbuda. With stunning beachfront villas, fine dining, wellness, and activities galore, the resort will offer a unique experience. As Nobu Beach Inn becomes part of the Nobu legacy and one of the most precious Caribbean islands, it will draw the most distinguished investors looking for an exclusive getaway.

Washington, DC Renowned for its exceptional service and luxury accommodations, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC has once again secured the coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. This remarkable distinction solidifies the hotel’s reputation as the only Five-Star property in the nation’s capital, underscoring its continued excellence in the luxury hospitality sector. The award celebrates over twenty years of sustained superior service, craftsmanship, and guest experiences that have set the hotel apart as a benchmark in Washington, DC‘s high-end hospitality scene.

A Legacy of Excellence in Washington, DC

Since opening in 1979, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC has stood as an iconic figure in the city’s hospitality landscape. Located in the heart of historic Georgetown, the hotel has been instrumental in shaping the global success of the Four Seasons brand. Combining timeless design with innovative service and an urban setting, it continues to set the standard for luxury in Washington, DC. Over the years, the hotel has garnered a reputation for delivering impeccable service, and this latest Forbes Travel Guide recognition is a testament to its enduring legacy.

Forbes Travel Guide’s Rigorous Standards

Forbes Travel Guide‘s Five-Star rating is awarded to properties that meet an exacting set of criteria, focusing heavily on service quality and overall guest experience. With a team of anonymous professional inspectors visiting locations across the globe, the guide evaluates properties on up to 900 objective standards. For a hotel to receive a Five-Star rating, it must demonstrate flawless service, luxurious amenities, and an extraordinary experience. In this instance, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC met these criteria with distinction.

Unmatched Service and Guest Experience

The hallmark of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC is its dedication to personalized service. Guests can expect a bespoke, thoughtful experience, where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations. From tailored concierge services to personalized room arrangements, the hotel’s commitment to guest satisfaction is unparalleled. This ongoing focus on delivering exceptional service continues to elevate the property’s status, making it a sought-after destination for discerning travelers visiting the nation’s capital.

World-Class Spa and Wellness Centre

The hotel’s Spa and Fitness Centre exemplifies its commitment to providing holistic well-being for guests. Spread across three expansive floors, the wellness center boasts nature-inspired interiors, creating a tranquil environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Featuring state-of-the-art treatment rooms, an intimate couples’ suite with a deep soaking tub, a co-ed relaxation lounge, and a serene indoor lap pool, the facility is designed to cater to both physical and mental restoration. This serene sanctuary allows guests to unwind fully during their stay, enhancing the overall luxury experience offered by the hotel.

Exceptional Dining and Culinary Excellence

Culinary offerings at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC are equally remarkable, with award-winning dining options such as Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. The hotel’s signature steakhouse is celebrated for its expertly prepared prime cuts, handcrafted cocktails, and sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Guests can indulge in a memorable dining experience that pairs exceptional flavors with impeccable service, further elevating the luxury experience at the hotel. This attention to culinary excellence complements the hotel’s broader commitment to providing guests with unforgettable stays.

Four Seasons: A Leader in Luxury Hospitality

As Four Seasons celebrates its 65th anniversary, the company continues to lead the global luxury hospitality industry, with an unmatched track record of Five-Star ratings. For the eleventh consecutive year, Four Seasons holds the highest number of Five-Star distinctions in the world, with 62 ratings across 42 hotels and resorts, 16 spas, and 4 restaurants. This consistent recognition highlights the brand’s ongoing commitment to excellence and its dominant position in the luxury hospitality market.

The Impact of Forbes Travel Guide’s Recognition

The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award is not just a mark of luxury; it is a reflection of the hotel’s continued efforts to push the boundaries of excellence in hospitality. As a leader in the sector, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC exemplifies what it means to offer a world-class experience, ensuring that every guest enjoys not just a stay, but an unforgettable journey in the nation’s capital.

A Commitment to Luxury and Sustainability

In line with Four Seasons‘ broader commitment to sustainable luxury, the Washington, DC property integrates eco-friendly practices into its daily operations. The hotel strives to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of luxury and comfort. From energy-efficient designs to sustainable food sourcing, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC ensures that guests enjoy a luxurious experience that also supports responsible travel.

The Future of Luxury in Washington, DC

With this prestigious recognition, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC solidifies its position as a cornerstone of luxury hospitality in the nation’s capital. As the city continues to attract both business and leisure travelers, the hotel remains a top choice for those seeking sophisticated accommodations, impeccable service, and an extraordinary experience. The latest Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide only reaffirms that Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC will continue to lead the way in Washington’s luxury hospitality sector for years to come.

Conclusion

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC‘s continued Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide underscores its unwavering commitment to luxury, service, and guest satisfaction. This prestigious award highlights the hotel’s exceptional standing in the global hospitality arena and its role as the only Five-Star hotel in Washington, DC. With its comprehensive wellness offerings, culinary excellence, and refined ambiance, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC sets the standard for luxury accommodations in the capital.

Golf enthusiasts will find irresistible golf courses which connect Lisbon, Casablanca and Lanzarote to Atlantic Horizons expedition of Swan Hellenic which serves as a mobile golf course designed for travelers who want both cultural experiences and the sensation of a perfect golf swing. The new sailing from Lisbon to Fuerteventura will launch on 7 September 2026 which features a six-night journey aboard the small expedition ship SH Diana and offers an extra package of five championship golf courses which visitors can enjoy between their time in medinas and their Atlantic Ocean views and their peaceful ocean periods.

New golf twist on Atlantic Horizons

The Atlantic Horizons, Lisbon to Fuerteventura voyage has been crafted as a compact cultural route, linking Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands with guided explorations in port and unhurried evenings back on board. Now, an add‑on golf package allows guests to book either the full five‑course experience or individual rounds in advance, turning a classic coastal itinerary into a dedicated golf holiday at sea.

Swan Hellenic positions the voyage as a way for guests to see what others don’t, pairing lesser‑visited Atlantic ports with curated experiences and expert‑led talks on board. Company leadership has suggested that nothing about the brand is just par for the course, indicating that the new golf element is intended as a natural extension of its culture‑driven style rather than a bolt‑on excursion list.

Five championship courses across three countries

The golfing journey opens at Palmares Golf Resort in Lagos, where Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s 27‑hole layout combines three loops, Alvor, Lagos and Praia with sweeping sea views that many travelling golfers build whole itineraries around. The course is known for its blend of parkland undulations and links‑style dunes, giving cruise guests a first round that feels firmly rooted in the Algarve’s sun‑drenched coastal scenery.

From there, SH Diana sails south to Casablanca for a round at Tony Jacklin Casablanca, an 18‑hole par‑72 set in the Bouskoura Forest. Here, strategic lakes, immaculate fairways and a tranquil woodland setting offer a different tempo, inviting players to shift from beachside vistas to a more contemplative, tree‑lined round without sacrificing the sense of being on a special journey.

Moroccan Atlantic fairways and medina days

In Essaouira, guests head ashore to play Gary Player’s Golf de Mogador, a course praised for its coastal dunes and Atlantic breezes, before returning to a city where whitewashed walls, souks and sea‑sprayed ramparts reward those who linger after their last putt. Further south, Agadir’s Golf du Soleil offers Championship and Tikida courses, giving golfers a choice of layouts while non‑golfers tap into spa time or beachside excursions laid on by the line.

The final round is staged at Costa Teguise Golf in Lanzarote, a John Harris design framed by a dormant volcano and more than 3,000 palms. Views out to the Atlantic reinforce that this is not a land‑locked golf break but a roving itinerary where every course day is followed by evenings on deck, stargazing or planning the next port over a drink rather than packing and unpacking between hotels.

Comfort‑first for golf travellers

Swan Hellenic’s official programme details highlight that the golf package has been set up with convenience firmly in mind, including transfers, green fees, manual trolleys, warm‑ups and refreshments, with optional e‑trolleys or e‑carts available subject to local conditions. The company also builds in full care services such as baggage handling, golf shoe care and club cleaning, allowing guests to travel lighter and move from cabin to course without fuss.

Pace of play is deliberately relaxed, with around four and a half to five hours allocated for each 18‑hole round on foot, which will appeal to travellers who prefer to savour the walk and course design rather than rush for a scorecard. When time allows, practice‑range sessions with complimentary balls are included, and the line notes that there is even a voyage golf award to add a touch of friendly competition to the sailing.

SH Diana: boutique expedition base

SH Diana, Swan Hellenic’s largest and most modern expedition ship, serves as the floating clubhouse for the voyage, combining ice‑strengthened capabilities with a deliberately intimate guest capacity. On board, guests can expect Scandinavian‑influenced interiors, multiple dining venues and an Observation Lounge designed for lectures and destination briefings, reinforcing the line’s identity as a cultural expedition specialist rather than a traditional mega‑ship operator.

The company’s broader 2025–2026 programme emphasises off‑the‑beaten‑track destinations and in‑depth cultural calls, and Atlantic Horizons fits within this philosophy by pairing golf with time in medinas, coastal promenades and historic quarters. For guests travelling with non‑golfing partners or friends, this means shore days can be tailored: one can head to the fairways, the other into souks, galleries or guided city walks, with both back on board for dinner.

Pricing, offers and tourism appeal

The golf package is priced at USD 375 per course or USD 1,500 for all five rounds, with additional play available to book for those who want extra time on selected courses. Travellers who confirm their cruise before the end of February are being offered an Elevated Expeditions promotion featuring free Wi‑Fi upgrades, onboard credit and savings on cruise fares, with lead‑in pricing from around USD 4,025 for the voyage itself.

For European tourism stakeholders and destination marketers, the product neatly taps two growth trends at once: golf tourism and small‑ship cultural cruising. Ports such as Lagos, Casablanca, Essaouira, Agadir and Lanzarote can expect to welcome guests who are not only likely to spend on green fees and club‑house lunches, but who may also extend their stays pre‑ or post‑cruise in local hotels and resorts, bringing additional value beyond the call itself.

A new way to play the Atlantic coast

For many travellers, the appeal of this Lisbon–to–Canary Islands route will lie in the chance to wake up to different Atlantic views knowing that their tee time, transfers and post‑round logistics have all been quietly handled in the background. Golfers who might once have pieced together a multi‑stop land itinerary across Portugal, Morocco and Spain now have another option: to let a small expedition ship do the moving for them, while they focus on the feel of the course underfoot and the character of each port.

The project insiders believe that Swan Hellenic considers this project as a permanent commitment which displays strong interest from travelers who desire their upcoming vacation to provide both luxurious experiences and meaningful activities which include stories that extend from Moroccan medinas to Lanzarote fairways. The September departure of the ship from Lisbon will create a silent atmosphere among guests who believe that their sporting activities constitute an integral part of their Atlantic voyage which they will remember forever after the last putt falls.

Image Credit: Swan Hellenic SH Diana

Brisbane Airport launches vibrant Lunar New Year 2026 festivities, welcoming the Year of the Horse with a 17.4 percent surge in flight capacity to key Asian hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Taipei, set to supercharge tourism flows between Queensland and Asia. Interactive exhibitions, lion dance performances, and prize activations fill the International Terminal through February 20, 2026, coinciding with record twenty-one percent year-on-year growth in mainland China arrivals in 2025. This momentum positions Brisbane as a premier tourism gateway, channeling high-spending Chinese visitors into local experiences and extending their stays for cultural immersions across the region.

Flight Capacity Explosion to Asia

Brisbane Airport reports massive increases, with China Southern Airlines boosting seats by 66.9 percent, China Eastern by 39.8 percent, and Cathay Pacific plus EVA Air each up 33.3 percent compared to last year’s Lunar New Year period. These enhancements target family reunions and festive travels, linking Brisbane directly to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Taipei during peak migration. The expansions will propel tourism by easing access for millions, driving economic infusions into Queensland hospitality, retail, and attractions as Asian travelers extend trips beyond family visits.

Year of the Horse Terminal Transformations

The International Terminal bursts with Lunar New Year spirit through red carpets, thematic displays, and cultural activations from 8am-11am and 6pm-9pm daily until February 20. Lion dances and interactive prizes create festive energy, blending tradition with modern travel. These elements heighten Brisbane tourism by immersing inbound passengers in Australian-Asian fusion, encouraging immediate spending at duty-free Lunar New Year collections like Penfolds wines and Glenmorangie whiskies.

WeChat Mini Program for Chinese Travelers

Brisbane Airport introduces a dedicated WeChat Mini Program offering Mandarin-language guidance for pre-trip planning, navigation, and post-arrival tips. This digital tool supports seamless journeys for Chinese visitors, from visa info to local transport. Enhanced connectivity will amplify tourism impacts, as second-largest inbound market China sustains high per-capita spending, fueling Brisbane‘s twenty-five million annual visitor forecast for 2026.

BrisAsia Festival Synergies

Integrating with BrisAsia Festival 2026, Brisbane Airport feeds festival-goers into events like Fortitude Valley’s February 21 Chinatown celebrations featuring dragon dances, firecrackers, and markets. Sunnybank Plaza’s February 28 rooftop party adds drone shows and fireworks atop Asian dining hubs. These tie-ins will diversify Brisbane tourism, drawing diaspora and newcomers to multicultural precincts, boosting off-peak revenues through extended tourism circuits.

Economic Momentum from Chinese Visitors

Chinese arrivals rank as Brisbane Airport‘s top inbound international group by spend, with 2025’s twenty-one percent growth signaling sustained vigor into the Year of the Horse. Increased seats to Shanghai and Guangzhou promise more business-leisure hybrids, supporting jobs in aviation, hotels, and tours. Tourism boards anticipate ripple effects, as high-value guests explore Gold Coast beaches, Sunshine Coast hinterlands, and Brisbane‘s riverfront from airport proximity.

Duty-Free Lunar New Year Deals

Brisbane Airport Duty Free rolls out fifteen percent discounts on Lunar New Year editions until March 3, 2026, spanning K-Beauty, premium spirits like Hennessy VSOP, and Penfolds Cabernet sets. Online pre-orders enable click-collect-fly convenience for departing celebrants. Promotions will spike tourism retail, capturing outbound Asian travelers while inbound ones stock festival gifts, enhancing overall passenger economics.

Cultural Performances Drive Engagement

Lion and dragon dances pulse through the terminal, captivating families and solo adventurers alike. Prize draws reward participation, tying into Year of the Horse themes of momentum and prosperity. Such spectacles position Brisbane Airport as a cultural hub, priming tourism mindsets for Queensland adventures and fostering repeat visits via memorable first impressions.

International Gateways Expansion

With connections to thirty-five global spots, Brisbane Airport forecasts robust Year of the Horse traffic, prioritizing Asia amid rising demand. Strategic capacity aligns with Queensland’s tourism recovery, linking Hong Kong‘s vibrancy and Taipei‘s heritage to Australian icons. This network will balance inbound Chinese surges with outbound Aussies chasing Shanghai festivals, creating bidirectional tourism vitality.

Sustainable Tourism Horizons

Brisbane Airport‘s initiatives promote eco-conscious travel, from efficient routing to cultural showcases minimizing waste. Aligning with government sustainability goals, events encourage public transport to terminals. Long-term, amplified Asia tourism will fund green infrastructure, ensuring Brisbane welcomes future waves responsibly while celebrating traditions.

Lasting Legacy for Queensland Tourism

Brisbane Airport‘s Lunar New Year 2026 activations herald a prosperous era, blending aviation prowess with festive heritage. By super-sizing flights to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Taipei, it cements Queensland’s Asia-Pacific stature. Vibrant terminals and digital aids will sustain tourism booms, turning transient travelers into lifelong advocates for Brisbane‘s warmth and wonders.

Princess Cruises has announced special promotions for its 2026 voyages to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada/New England. To celebrate 250 years of America, Princess Cruises has a limited time sale for up to $600 in instant savings, along with $99 deposits and free 3rd and 4th guests in staterooms on select cruises. This limited time sale is a great time for first time promotional guests to cruise with Princess and view America’s most famous landmarks and national parks.

As America’s 250th birthday draws closer, Marie Lee, the chief marketing officer of Princess Cruises, expressed how meaningful it is to celebrate this milestone by visiting the landmarks and natural wonders that helped shape the nation. In a press release, Lee stated that the 2026 sailings offer travelers the opportunity to explore a range of destinations, from the awe-inspiring wilderness of Alaska to the tropical allure of Hawaii and the historic coastal towns of New England. These voyages will allow guests to experience the places that are central to America’s story, all while enjoying the signature Princess experience the company is renowned for.

Princess Signature Sale: Exploring America’s Beauty by Sea

The newly launched Princess Signature Sale is available on a variety of cruises departing from U.S. homeports. It includes popular 2026 sailings to destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada/New England. Highlights of the sale include the following:

• Alaska Inside Passage (Roundtrip Seattle) – This seven-day cruise starts on July 4, 2026, aboard Royal Princess. The Alaska Inside Passage is one of the most iconic cruise routes, offering stunning views of glaciers, wildlife, and coastal landscapes.
• Canada & New England with Saint John – A seven-day cruise starting on October 24, 2026, aboard Majestic Princess. This sailing will explore New England’s historic charm, with picturesque coastal towns and vibrant fall foliage, as well as the rich history of Saint John, New Brunswick.
• Hawaiian Islands – A 16-day cruise starting on November 8, 2026, aboard Emerald Princess. This extended itinerary allows passengers to experience the tropical beauty of Hawaii, with multiple island stops and cultural excursions.

Commemorating America’s Milestone with Onboard Celebrations

In addition to discounted fares and exclusive offers, guests sailing with Princess Cruises throughout the year will have the chance to partake in special onboard entertainment, themed programming, and festive food and beverage experiences in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The company is ensuring that guests fully immerse themselves in the spirit of this historic year with celebratory experiences at sea.

One of the special commemorative offerings is a Pendleton blanket, designed to reflect the stunning landscapes of Glacier Bay National Park. Another exclusive item is the “Celebrating America 250 by Princess” collector pin, which serves as a keepsake for those who join in the anniversary celebrations.

Other onboard offerings will include additional commemorative merchandise that guests can take home to remember their unforgettable cruise experience during America’s milestone anniversary.

Princess Cruises Debuts New Ship for Largest Alaska Season Ever

Princess Cruises is also gearing up for its largest Alaska season in 2026, which will be highlighted by the debut of the brand-new Star Princess. This addition to the fleet will provide guests with an enhanced cruising experience through the wild landscapes of Alaska. The 2026 season will see the line operate eight ships, with 180 departures and 19 destinations across Alaska, allowing travelers to explore the region by sea.

Princess Cruises will also offer more than 20 cruisetour options, combining sea and land experiences for an immersive adventure through Alaska’s scenic wilderness. One of the most exciting new options is the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour, which blends a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights ashore. This once-in-a-lifetime tour takes guests to five national parks, including Glacier Bay National Park, Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway.

The National Parks Expedition Tour allows guests to experience Alaska’s majestic national parks like never before, blending the grandeur of sea voyages and land explorations. The cruise also features scenic rail travel, providing stunning views of the Alaskan landscape as it winds through mountain ranges and across pristine wilderness.

An Unforgettable Celebration of America’s Natural Wonders

Princess Cruises is proud to offer these specially designed sailings, allowing guests to celebrate America’s anniversary in style. Whether embarking on an Alaskan adventure, a Hawaiian escape, or a coastal exploration of New England, travelers will have the opportunity to witness some of the most scenic and historically significant regions of the United States.

In addition to offering exceptional itineraries, Princess Cruises ensures that all guests receive the signature service and luxury the line is known for, making these voyages a fitting way to mark a historic moment in American history.

Conclusion: Explore America’s Story with Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is making 2026 a year to remember with special offers, unforgettable onboard experiences, and exciting new itineraries that take you to the heart of America. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, the cruise line is inviting guests to journey through the stunning natural wonders and historic landmarks that have shaped the nation. And, of course, you’ll enjoy the comfort, luxury, and memorable moments that Princess Cruises is known for, making each trip truly exceptional.

Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or stepping aboard for the first time, there’s no better time to book your Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada/New England sailing. Join the celebration and make America’s 250th anniversary an unforgettable experience, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime aboard a Princess Cruise.

Quick Facts:

Viking Cruises has released new river cruise itineraries for the 2027 season. Among these are two new fully immersive experiences for the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Cruises will embark from the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi for each new offering, where passengers will experience the culture, history, and music of the Midwest and Southern United States. New cruise offerings include the 15-day “Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass” experience from Louisville to New Orleans, and the 8-day “Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer” experience from Louisville to Memphis. These new experiences will provide travelers with some of the oldest and most historically important food and music regions of the country.

New Itineraries Announced for Mississippi and Ohio Rivers

Viking has announced new itineraries for the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Their new packages will offer customers the opportunity to travel to and learn about the history of the cities and towns that are rich with the culture and history of the country. The company notes that many of the cities are closer to home for the customers, which means they may have the opportunity to visit some of the cities that, while they may have been previously overlooked, are rich in history. Aspen has also included the cities of New Orleans, Memphis, and Louisville in her itinerary, which will also serve those customers who wish to visit the cradle of our nation’s music, food, and history.

New Itineraries

Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass (15 Days; New Orleans – Louisville)

The most exciting itinerary for 2027 is probably the 15-day “Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass” cruise, starting from New Orleans and ending in Louisville. This cruise allows the participants to explore the culture of the Deep South, and for the first time, to travel along the Mississippi River, where the guests will encounter grand, historical, antebellum Southern estates and, most notably, Vicksburg where the guests will experience the history of the Civil War, and Greenville, the birthplace of the blues, and Tennessee, the barbecue capital of the United States, and the bourbon country of Kentucky. This itinerary is meant to celebrate the musical and culinary traditions of the South.

Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer (8 Days; Memphis – Louisville)

Those looking for a shorter trip can book the “Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer,” which is an 8-day trip from Memphis to Louisville. This trip will allow travelers to experience both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and the scenic wetlands, historic towns, and culturally rich cities that are located along both rivers. Learn about B.B. King and Elvis Presley in Memphis and later in Kentucky, experience the craftsmanship of the Louisville Slugger and the famous bourbon distilleries. This shorter trip provides a perfect introduction to the American heartland’s rich history.

Other Notable Itineraries

Along with these new options, Viking is continuing popular Mississippi River voyages, which include the 22-day “Mississippi River Odyssey,” which features travel from New Orleans to St. Paul. This long journey takes travelers the entire length of the Mississippi River and provides the opportunity to see grand mansions, Civil War era locations, and eat the famous regional food, including the popular barbecue located in Memphis.

If you appreciate the intricate cultural tapestry that the Lower Mississippi showcases, the “Mississippi Delta Explorer” has an 8-day voyage from New Orleans to Memphis. The cruise highlights the formative years of the Southern States, including the French history of Natchez and the Vicksburg battlefield. Guests will enjoy the local music and the made-famous regional Cajun and Creole dishes.

For those interested in stories of American pioneers, the “Heartland of America” itinerary has an 8-day cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul. Guests will be visiting and participating in the footsteps of Louis and Clarke, and learning about the Norwegian drift to the Midwest while sampling the local Wisconsin cheese and craft beer.

The Viking Mississippi: A New Way to Explore the Mississippi River

The Viking Mississippi is the latest riverboat, offering the latest in modern European design. Captaining 386 passengers, the Viking Mississippi provides 193 superior outside staterooms to ensure that all guests have staterooms facing the beautiful views of the American rivers. Viking has tailored the design of the Mississippi to ensure all guests have the greatest experience. With the addition of large and wide public areas, guests have space to relax and take in the beauty of the river.

The Viking Mississippi is the first to offer state-of-the-art technology and modern design for the Mississippi, and when combined with the luxury and comfort of Viking Ocean and River vessels, the Viking Mississippi provides the ultimate cruising experience.

Booking River Cruises with Viking

As part of an ever-increasing demand for domestic travel, Viking Cruises is focusing on American river cruising in the United States. Viking Cruises offers itineraries in the United States that please people of all interests, including history, music, and food. Viking offers itineraries on rivers that most Americans hold dear to their heart, with a lot of American history, providing offers on itineraries to the most visited and important places in America. Viking is providing people with an opportunity to travel to important places in American history. Viking river cruises focus on American history and bring people to travel to important places on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

Viking Cruises and Travel Offers

Viking River Cruises has recently opened its menus for the 2027 calendar year. Due to the Viking Savings Event, exclusive offers are valid for a short while. Offers for customers, customers in North America are receiving an all-inclusive cruise for a massive 35 % discount, and an international flight at no charge. Bookings for cruises with these incentives will end on February 28, 2027, and will begin on February 28, 2027. Customers who have traveled with Viking in the past will have additional savings when booking these special offers.

The Viking Savings Event applies to a variety of itineraries spanning Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition cruises, even including select sailings in 2026 to 2028. To book these time-sensitive offers, guests can reach out to Viking’s customer service team or travel advisors.

Final Thoughts

Viking’s new itineraries for 2027 on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers open the doors for members to travel to a variety of new culturally and historically impressive destinations in the United States. Viking river cruises for the United States will likely be some of the best American experiences for members, whether that is traveling to enjoy the lively sounds of the blues in Greenville, or enjoying the fine craft of bourbon on a river cruise in Kentucky. These new itineraries will be a great addition for the Viking Mississippi and will contribute to the ever-expanding modern developments in river cruising for Vermont, and provide even more incredible experiences to members in the country.

Google has launched its latest midrange phone, the Pixel 10a. It looks very similar to last year’s Pixel 9a, with most of the specs staying the same. Only a few small upgrades have been added.

Pixel 10a has a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 60–120Hz refresh rate. The screen is now brighter, reaching up to 3000 nits.  The phone still runs on the Google Tensor G4 chip with 8GB RAM. 

Also, the camera setup is similar as it offers 48MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide, and 13MP front camera. It comes with storage options of 128GB and 256GB.

Pixel 10a’s 5100mAh battery lasts over 30 hours normally, or up to 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode. Other features include IP68 water resistance, Gorilla Glass 7i, and Android 16 with 7 years of updates.

Image via Google

The Pixel 10a faces competition from the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. Samsung’s phone has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, and several AI features. These make the Galaxy S25 FE feel more premium, especially for users who want a bigger screen and better camera performance.

The price of the Pixel 10a has not changed from last year. It is $499 for the 128GB model and $599 for the 256GB model. Some users may feel paying full price for small upgrades is not very exciting. On the other side, you can grab the Galaxy S25 FE at $449 on Amazon.

Pixel 10a is a reliable phone with minor improvements and long-term software support. However, if you want a larger display or more advanced cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE may be a better choice for midrange buyers.

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While everyone is busy obsessing over the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new camera sensors, there is one hardware change that I think is actually going to change how we use our phones in public. It’s called the Smart Privacy Display, and for anyone who spends their morning on a crowded train, it’s a total game-changer.

We have all been there. You are sitting in a cafe or stuck in an elevator, and you can practically feel the person next to you reading your private messages or looking at your bank balance. Usually, the only fix is to stick a cheap, plastic privacy film over your screen. But let’s be honest, those things are terrible. They dim your screen, ruin your viewing angles even when you are alone, and make a $1,300 premium phone look like a budget device from 2010.

Samsung’s approach is technically different because it’s built directly into the display hardware through a tech it is calling Flex Magic Pixel.

How it actually work? Unlike a third-party protector, this “smart” display can actually control how light leaves each pixel. If you are looking at the screen head-on, it looks perfect, no loss in color, brightness, or sharpness. But the moment someone tries to peek from an angle, the pixels shift the light, making the screen look totally black or hidden to them.

The most impressive part is that you can customize everything in this feature. You can set specific rules in the One UI settings to protect only the sensitive stuff. Or you only want it to trigger when a private notification pops up, or when you are typing in a one-time password (OTP).

Samsung even teased this recently with an official video of a girl reading a “spicy” book on the subway, she tapped a toggle called Zero-Peeking Privacy, and her nosy neighbor was totally blocked out.

In addition to these features, there’s even an Auto Privacy mode that uses your location to realize you are in a public spot, like a bus or a busy airport, and it automatically activates. Thanks to its integration into the glass, it doesn’t mess with your 2600-nit peak brightness like those third-party protectors do.

Final Words:

I am currently using the S25 Ultra as my primary phone. I am doing everything on my phone, including banking, messages, emails, and even reading books.

When you are in a public place like a small restaurant, people peeking at the screen is a real issue. This privacy feature gives real peace of mind without extra accessories. This makes me happy because it’s a new idea and Samsung is the one showing everyone how to do it.

Rumor has it that even Apple is looking at similar tech for its future devices. If big companies are already getting in line, that shows how game-changing it could be.

The S26 Ultra will obviously have the usual speed and camera boosts, but for those of us who travel or just value our privacy, this privacy screen tech is probably the most practical reason to upgrade this year.

What do you think? Would the Smart Privacy Display make you feel more comfortable using your phone anywhere? Or is it a nice extra but not a must-have? Drop your thoughts on our X handle @thesammyfans, love to hear from the Samsung community! Stay tuned for the full reveal at Galaxy Unpacked soon. The future of phone privacy looks brighter (and more private) than ever. Sorry Apple!

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