This can’t be a coincidence – Apple picked the week of the MWC to drop a number of major announcements. And since most of the developments from the MWC are unlikely to come to the US, let’s look at what Apple has to offer.
The new iPhone 17e fixes several major annoyances of the 16e – it has proper MagSafe support now, you get good base storage (256GB), the improved Ceramic Shield 2 has an anti-reflective coating and the chipset was bumped up to an Apple A19. That’s a lot of power for $600! Okay, the 6.1” 60Hz display with a chunky notch isn’t ideal and neither is the single 48MP camera...
Atlas receive Chivas during Matchday 10 of the Liga MX Liga MX Clausura 2026 season. Below is all the essential information ahead of this matchup, including kickoff times and complete broadcast coverage for TV and streaming options available in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Atlas vs Chivas on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Atlas vs Chivas
WHAT
Liga MX
WHEN
8:05 PM ET / 5:05 PM PT • Satuday, March 7, 2026
WHERE
DirecTV Stream, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, CBS Sports Golazo Network, Univision, TUDN and ViX
One of Mexican soccer’s fiercest rivalries returns this weekend in Liga MX as Chivas Guadalajara and Atlas renew the heated Derby Tapatio with both sides chasing crucial points. Chivasopened the campaign with six straight wins but have stumbled with back-to-back losses to Cruz Azul and Toluca.
These results increase the urgency to rebound and stay near the top of the table. Atlasarrive with momentum after a key victory over Club Tijuana lifted them to 16 points, setting the stage for another high-stakes showdown between Guadalajara rivals determined to strengthen their place in the standings.
More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream
With DirecTV Stream, you can watch Atlas vs Chivas and tons more Liga MX games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick as well as Google TV, Samsung and Peloton.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial, and often shares with you a variety of different packages to choose from, so you can pick what suits you the best. That also includes packages filled with sports other than soccer including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and more.
DirecTV Stream has 140+ channels of live TV and unlimited DVR. That includes all of the most important soccer-related channels such as NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS as well as more niche soccer channels including FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN and GolTV.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Süper Lig'in 25.haftasında Beşiktaş evinde Galatasaray'a 1-0 mağlup oldu. Maça hakem kararları damga vurdu. İki takımdan da üst üste açıklamalar geldi. Beşiktaş İkinci Başkanı Hakan Daltaban ise VAR uygulaması için bir öneride bulundu.
Beşiktaş İkinci Başkanı Hakan Daltaban, Galatasaray'a 1-0 mağlup oldukları maçın ardından hakem kararlarına tepki gösterdi.
Hakan Daltaban'ın açıklamaları şöyle:
-Çok üzülerek, çok sıkılarak bu konuşmaları yapmak zorundayız. Beşiktaş spor kulübü değil, koca bir camia! Bu iller o kadar basit değil!
-Benim bildiğim futbolda oynamak isteyene, yol açılacağı öğretildi. Oynamak isteyenin önünün kesilemeyeceği öğretildi. Bugün bunu göremedik.
Yerde yatanları görmemek, yandan müdahaleleri görmemek...
-Bir haftadan beri bütün camiada ve futbol kamuoyunda derbiyi yönetecek 3. hakemi bulamadık! İki hakem geldi gitti, üçüncü hakemin ismi çıkmadı.
-Öncelikle oturalım ve iğneyi kendimize, çuvaldızı başkasına batırmalıyız.
-Genç hakemlerin arkasındayız ama arkadan gelecek gençlerin önünü açın! Hakem asla başrol değildir!
-Sahadaki hakem, VAR'daki hakem... Sahadaki hakemi hiç anlamadım! Mağlubiyet bahanesi değil, Türk futbolunun adaleti için konuşuyorum!
-Kartellerin olduğu yerde, devletin olmadığı yerde terör var! Beşiktaş camiası bu oyuna gelmez! 40 bin kişi bu yoklukta karnaval havasına geldi! Kimsenin bu insanların emeği ile oynama hakkı yok!
-Ozan Ergün, Orkun Kökçü'ye alkıştan sarı gösterdi ve doğru. Victor Osimhen'in sarısı varken, top vurdu. Osimhen'i iyi izleyin, 'Vurdum ama seni takmıyorum' dedi. Hakem kafasını çevirdi, hakem görmemeye çalıştı. Hakem adına utandım!
Sahadaki otoriteyi tanımayan, ikinci sarı kartı görme korkusu olmayan bir arkadaş vardı. Sahadaki arkadaşı çok fazla konuşmayacağım. Koşuyor, adrenalin falan...
-VAR'dakiler 4 dakika oyunu durduruyor, niye diye soran var mı? Peki görmeme nedir? Bunu kimse bize anlatamaz! Beşiktaş İkinci Başkanıyım ama VAR'da ben olsam, utanırım, yüzüm kızarır ve o kırmızı kartı veririm! Maçın 20. dakikası! Kırmızı kart gösterilemeyen arkadaş asist yaptı ya!
-Camiadan tepki var, Osimhen'in golünde çizgi doğru mu çekildi? Biliyor musunuz? İnanıyor musunuz? Biz de bilmiyoruz!
''8 KİŞİ KALMALIYDILAR''
-Galatasaray'ın 8 kişi bitirmesi gereken maç sonrası bir camianın ikinci başkanını çıkarıyorsunuz ve kükretiyorsunuz! Ayıp ya! Bu kadar insanın duygularıyla oynayamazsınız!
-19 Mayıs için bir teklifim var. Bu tarz özel günlerde koltuklara sembolik olarak çocuklar gelir oturur, 19 Mayıs'ta spor akademisinden çocukları getirin, daha iyi VAR hakemliği yapmazlarsa namerdim.
''VAR'I KALDIRIN''
-Hakem, Osimhen'in pozisyonunu görmemeye çalıştı. Hakem adına utandım. Sana ne diyelim!
-VAR çocuk oyuncağına döndü! Yapamıyorsanız, kaldırın! Kaldırın abi. Çok basit ya.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Almaniya çempionatında (Bundesliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 25-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə altı qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Altı qolun qeydə alındığı “Frayburq” – “Bayer”, eləcə də dörd qolun vurulduğu “Maynts” – “Ştutqart” görüşlərində qalib müəyyənləşməyib.
“Leypsiq” doğma meydanda “Auqsburq”a qalib gəlibsə, “Haydenhaym” “Hoffenhaym”a, “Volfsburq” “Hamburq”a, “Köln” də Dortmund “Borussiya”sına məğlub olub.
25-ci turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.
Kenan Yildiz insists he is happy to play anywhere for Juventus, while Khephren Thuram explained the special Luciano Spalletti celebration. ‘We’ve got to believe in ourselves.’
The Bianconeri had been showing some good performances and spirit to fight back from difficult situations, but hadn’t celebrated a Serie A victory since February 1.
They ended a run of two points from four rounds, along with Champions League and Coppa Italia elimination, by sweeping Pisa aside 4-0 in Turin.
It took a while to break the newly-promoted strugglers down, then the floodgates opened with Andrea Cambiaso, Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga on target.
Juventus back on track in Serie A
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
“I am happy for the victory, as we did well in the first half too, but much better in the second half. I believe we had some very good performances in recent games, we didn’t manage to win them, but are on the right track,” Yildiz told Sky Sport Italia.
Yildiz had not found himself on the scoresheet since January 25, so this was a significant breakthrough for the Turkish talent, along with his assist for Cambiaso’s header.
The breakthrough seemed to be when Jonathan David was substituted by Boga, moving Yildiz to a False 9 role.
“I am here to help the team, it doesn’t matter where, if the coach tells me to play centre-forward or on the left, that’s fine. I had some knocks today, including on my head, it hurt a bit, but I’m fine,” smiled Yildiz.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates and Luciano Spalletti Head coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Today was coach Spalletti’s birthday, and after the Thuram goal, the players ran over to hug the tactician on the touchline.
“I am not exactly a hitman, but it is good to score goals and it was a little gift for the coach to celebrate his birthday,” Thuram told Sky Sport Italia.
It seems as if the race for a top four finish will go down to the wire, as Como won today away to Cagliari to stay in fifth place.
“We believe, because we’ve got the team that can do it, so we must have belief. That’s where it all starts, we want to get into the Champions League and we’ve got to believe in ourselves.”
Juventus put in a competent second half performance to beat Pisa 4-0 this evening, with goals from Andrea Cambiaso, Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga sealing the win.
Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Yildiz, however, for his electric performance, assist for Cambiaso’s opener and scoring the Bianconeri’s third goal.
Best Juventus player: Kenan Yildiz – Once again very good tonight and proving truly talismanic in Juventus’ attack. Led the charge more than once, picking up a goal and an assist on the way to victory.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus scores his team’s third goal during the Serie A match on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Lowest Juventus rating: Jonathan David – Taken off at half-time after a poor half of football, the Canadian is still yet to hit his best levels at Juventus.
Coach: Luciano Spalletti 7.5 – On his birthday, the coach picks up a confident victory and will be happy with the way his team reacted to a difficult first half. Bringing on Boga for David helped significantly as the coach unwraps three points to celebrate.
Best Pisa player: Stefano Moreo – To give credit to the Pisa forward, he gave it his best shot. Fashioned a couple of good chances and could have scored on another day. Was strong in the air, putting some of his teammates to shame.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz in action during the Serie A match at Allianz Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Lowest Pisa rating: Francesco Coppola – Was poor today, beaten far too often by Juventus’ front line and completely ineffective in the build-up.
Coach: Oscar Hiljemark 5.5 – Was a game of two halves for the coach who is still fairly new to the club. He will be proud of his team’s display in the first half but perhaps let down by the second.
Juventus took a while to break Pisa down, but eventually ran out 4-0 winners with Andrea Cambiaso, Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz and Jeremie Boga goals to end their negative streak.
The Bianconeri were fresh off another determined comeback from 3-1 down to hold Roma 3-3, but had just two points from the last four Serie A rounds, along with Champions League and Coppa Italia exits. Manuel Locatelli returned from suspension, but Dusan Vlahovic, Emil Holm and Arek Milik were still out of action on Luciano Spalletti’s 67th birthday.
Pisa had one point from Oscar Hiljemark’s four games in charge, missing Simone Scuffet, Daniel Denoon, Isak Vural and Lorran, with Arturo Calabresi back in the starting XI.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Rafiu Durosinmi of Pisa Sporting Club in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
It was Pisa who had a big chance after four minutes, when Stefano Moreo’s glancing header at the near post on an Angori cross forced a tricky save out of Mattia Perin.
Khephren Thuram fired over and Francisco Conceicao tested goalkeeper Nicolas with a low drive, while Caracciolo threw himself in the path of a Jonathan David effort.
David also couldn’t keep a header down on Andrea Cambiaso’s assist, so the striker was substituted at half-time after a disappointing performance.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Jeremie Boga came on instead and made an immediate impact, brought down by Mehdi Leris for a yellow card within 120 seconds.
Juventus finally took the lead when Kenan Yildiz was sent down the right by Conceicao and stood up the cross for Cambiaso’s free header at the back post. It was a totally empty net, as Nicolas had been drawn to the near post and was not expecting the cross.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
They doubled their lead when Weston McKennie won it back on the edge of the area, Locatelli’s angled drive bounced off the far post, allowing Thuram to turn in the rebound from 12 yards. The players rushed over to celebrate with Spalletti on his birthday.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates after scoring the his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Boga fired over from a tricky angle on the Yildiz assist, then hit the side-netting after Conceicao harassed Nicolas into an error.
Yildiz got the third when he gathered from Conceicao on the edge of the area, committed Coppola with a shimmy, and blasted into the far bottom corner. It was his first Serie A goal since mid-January.
Cambiaso’s curler flashed just wide of the far top corner from the edge of the box. With the last kick of the game, Locatelli’s inspired slide-rule pass sent Boga through without breaking his stride to dribble around Nicolas and deposit into an empty net from a tricky angle.
Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram scored the club’s second goal in their match against Pisa in Serie A this evening, as the Bianconeri look to stroll to a comfortable victory to keep their top four hopes very much alive.
The French midfielder scored Juventus’ second in the second half, not long after Andrea Cambiaso’s opener.
Celebrating his goal, the Frenchman ran over to head coach Luciano Spalletti, who celebrates his 66th birthday today.
The rest of the team followed Thuram in involving the coach with the celebrations.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus celebrates his goal with his team-mates during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Video: Thuram celebrates Juventus goal with Spalletti
Nico Gonzalez marked another impressive display in Spain with a match-winning brace for Atletico Madrid against Real Sociedad on Saturday, further underlining his growing importance to Diego Simeone’s side, and edging Juventus closer to triggering a crucial financial windfall.
The Argentine winger came off the bench in the 54th minute with Atletico trailing 2-1, and produced a decisive impact, netting twice to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory in LaLiga’s 27th matchday.
It was exactly the kind of performance that is making his permanent move to the Spanish capital look increasingly inevitable, as noted by CalcioMercato.
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – MARCH 21: Nico Gonzalez of Argentina reacts after being sent off during the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Uruguay and Argentina at Centenario Stadium on March 21, 2025 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images)
Nico Gonzalez edges closer to permanent Juventus departure
The details of his transfer structure make for interesting reading from a Juventus perspective. Nico Gonzalez joined Atletico on an initial loan of €1 million, rising by a further million subject to certain sporting objectives, with a purchase option of €32 million that converts into an obligation under specific conditions.
The key trigger is appearance-based: Atletico must sign him permanently if he reaches 60% of Liga matches played, featuring for at least 45 minutes per game, equivalent to 21 qualifying appearances across the season.
Saturday’s outing counts as his 13th qualifying appearance in the league, with 18 total Liga appearances to his name so far this season, and 26 across all competitions.
With eleven games left this season, he requires eight more qualifying matches to trigger the obligation, a target that looks very much within reach given his increasing involvement under Simeone.
For Juventus, the €32 million fee would represent a welcome injection of cash ahead of what promises to be a busy and expensive summer transfer window.
Newcastle United have been warned not to spend big money on the potential transfer of Chelsea misfit Nicolas Jackson this summer.
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The Senegal international is currently on loan at Bayern Munich and hasn’t made a particularly positive impact there, having also struggled to perform consistently at Stamford Bridge.
Of course, the transfer market never sleeps, so Newcastle will, like many other clubs, surely already be looking at summer targets.
Jackson may well be one of them as Eddie Howe could probably do with more depth up front, but Mick Brown has told Football Insider that he doesn’t think it would be a good move for NUFC.
As well as being expensive, Brown says he’s also heard that Jackson doesn’t have the best attitude, so it certainly seems like one to avoid.
“He isn’t consistent enough in front of goal which Newcastle are looking for at the moment,” Brown said.
“That’s the issue they’ve had this season, consistency, and Jackson isn’t the person who’s going to go to St James’ Park and be the answer to everybody’s problems.
“From what I hear, there are a few question marks about his attitude and they’ve been there since his time at Chelsea, I think it’s a big reason they let him go.
“What type of money are Chelsea going to be asked for as well? Last summer it was around £70-80million I believe, so around that again?
“So if Newcastle want to sign a new striker, I can’t see Jackson being the one they go for, because it’s going to be expensive and I don’t think he’ll solve their problems.”
Newcastle signed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa last summer after selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool, but it looks like they’ll surely be in the market for further signings up front this summer.
Woltemade started well but has faded, while Wissa arrived injured and hasn’t made the desired impact, though they can surely aim higher than Jackson, who has now flopped at both Chelsea and Bayern.
Savinho scored a genuinely strange goal for Manchester City to equalise against Newcastle United in their FA Cup clash this evening.
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Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle a 1-0 lead earlier in the game, but good work by Jeremy Doku on the left-hand side set up Savinho to make it 1-1.
However, the Brazilian winger didn’t know too much about it, as he just stood waiting in the penalty area as the ball bounced in off him and over the line.
Watch below as Savinho somehow scored whilst standing completely still as though he didn’t quite expect Doku’s cross to get to him…
Savinho goal levels it up in Newcastle vs Manchester City clash
Savinho doesn't know much about it, but he's equalised for Manchester City at St. James' Park ?
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 7, 2026
City have fielded a heavily rotated line up tonight, with Pep Guardiola admitting before the game that all these changes are necessary due to the amount of games they’re playing.
Still, so far this second strong side is doing a decent job, with Guardiola still able to pick a lot of quality even if he’s resting the likes of Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rodri, Ruben Dias, Antoine Semenyo, and Marc Guehi.
Savinho is a very capable backup, and this is just the kind of moment he needed after struggling to really make that much of an impression since moving to the Etihad Stadium.
One thing City will really hope for now, however, is avoiding the score staying like this and going to extra time.
Arsenal also rotated a lot for their game earlier today but were able to get the job done in 90 minutes, and that could be important as these two face a busy schedule whilst competing for the Premier League title and preparing to play each other in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
Hardware executive Caitlin Kalinowski announced today that in response to OpenAI's controversial agreement with the Department of Defense, she’s resigned from her role leading the company's robotics team.
Lifting 17 pieces of major silverware with his boyhood club and helping Manchester City to a maiden Champions League crown, Phil Foden has acquired quite the resume for a player who doesn’t turn 26 until May. However, now remarkably considered as a real dark horse to feature for England at this summer’s World Cup over […]
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 19/20 Bookmaker: Luckster Desperate to get their European charge back on track, Espanyol will welcome Real Oviedo to Catalonia on Monday night. Espanyol Starting with the hosts, signing off 2025 in the midst of a sensational five-match La Liga winning run, Espanyol had rightfully received […]
The Packers will send defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Colts to complete the player-for-player swap.
Franklin, 29, has been with the Colts since being selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Syracuse product spent the early portion of his career as a backup before blossoming into a full-time starter in 2022.
Franklin has recorded at least 125 tackles in four consecutive seasons. That included an NFL-high 173 in 2024, a season during which he was named to the All-Pro second team and the Pro Bowl.
That Franklin was traded isn't a surprise. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported March 5 that the Colts were "speaking with teams" about trading for the veteran linebacker as they looked to get under the salary cap for 2026.
Franklin was entering the penultimate season of a three-year, $31.3 million extension he signed with the Colts in 2024. Trading him will save the Colts just under $5.8 million in cap space while incurring a $2.5 million dead-cap penalty, per Spotrac.com.
Here's what to know about the trade between the Colts and Packers.
Zaire Franklin trade details
Packers get:
LB Zaire Franklin
Colts get:
DL Colby Wooden
Franklin's arrival in Green Bay likely signals Quay Walker – a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft – will be leaving the team in free agency. The Packers will replace Walker with Franklin, who will serve as an experienced counterpart for athletic, third-year linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
The Packers will surrender the services of Wooden – a 2023 fourth-round pick from Auburn who generated a career-best 50 tackles as a full-time starter – to acquire Franklin. Wooden played 52.4% of the team's snaps last season, third-most among defensive linemen, so Green Bay will likely seek a replacement for him during free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Wooden will provide the Colts with solid depth along the interior defensive line, but the team will be thin at linebacker following Franklin's departure and the pending free agency of Germaine Pratt. Austin Ajiake is the lone remaining linebacker on the roster who played more than 100 defensive snaps last season, giving Indianapolis a big hole at the position.
Long Island will be in March Madness, punching the first official ticket of 2026 after defeating Wagner on Saturday, March 7 in the NEC tournament semifinals. The conference regular-season champion Sharks clinched the spot even though they haven't won the tournament title yet, thanks to who they will face in the championship game.
It will be Long Island vs. Mercyhurst in the NEC title, but Mercyhurst isn't eligible for the NCAA Tournament. Since it made the final with a win over Stonehill, it paved the way for the other participant to get the automatic bid.
Why Mercyhurst isn't eligible for NCAA Tournament?
Mercyhurst isn't able to be in March Madness because it is in the middle of its transition to Division I.
The Lakers officially made the jump from Division II to Division I in July 2024, starting the mandatory four-year process under NCAA rules. It means Mercyhurst isn't eligible for the NCAA Tournament until the 2027-28 season.
Another NEC team is going through a similar process in Le Moyne. The Dolphins made the jump in July 2023 and aren't able to make the NCAA Tournament until the 2026-27 season.
There was a scenario in place where Mercyhurst and Le Moyne made the NEC conference championship game. If both of those teams would have made it, then there would have been a game between the two losing semifinalists to determine who gets the automatic spot.
Long Island will have the chance to leave no doubt in their selection by winning the conference title. The Sharks and Lakers will play on Tuesday, March 10 for the NEC crown.
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Hannah Stuelke (45) goes up for a basket against Illinois Fighting Illini forward Cearah Parchment (30) on Friday, March 6, 2026, during a Big Ten women's basketball tournament game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini, 64-58. | Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The rematch we’ve been waiting for is here. Or maybe I should say, the rematch that the Michigan Wolverines have definitely been waiting for is here. After below-average performances up and down the roster — most notably from potential Big Ten Player of the Year Olivia Olson and fellow sophomore standout Syla Swords — in a road loss to the Hawkeyes, revenge is certainly on the minds Michigan today.
Add in the final spot in the Big Ten Tournament final to the stakes of this top-10 rematch, and baby, you’ve got a stew going!
(An obligatory RIP to Carl Weathers, and a tip for you to watch the first 3 seasons of Arrested Development if you haven’t before — you’ll thank me later.)
I am so interested to see how both of these coaching staffs make adjustments for this game. Iowa’s plan for Michigan in their first matchup was phenomenal (as was the crowd). The team has been playing really solid defense since that game, including yesterday against Illinois. That will need to continue today for a chance at the win, along with Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden staying out of foul trouble.
Michigan shot really poorly from deep in the last matchup, and Iowa won’t be able to count on that happening again. 3-point defense has been an issue at times (see, the Minnesota game and the second half against Illinois), so closing out on shooters will need to be a huge emphasis.
No matter what happens here, I still am incredibly impressed with the growth of this program this season. Iowa is pretty much locked into a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament, which means the postseason will return to Carver after a terrible one year absence. If you would have told me that would be the case at the beginning of the season, I honestly wouldn’t believe it.
This Iowa Hawkeyes team is really solid — let’s hope they prove it today and get another big win.
GO HAWKS!
How to watch:
Date: March 7, 2026 Time: 3:30 p.m. CST Matchup: No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes vs. No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, Indiana TV: Big Ten Network
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Freshman star Darryn Peterson scored 27 points in his likely Allen Fieldhouse finale, Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. had memorable senior send-offs of their own, and No. 14 Kansas routed Kansas State 104-85 on Saturday.
Peterson, the potential No. 1 pick in this year's NBA draft, was an efficient 10 of 15 from the field for the Jayhawks (22-9, 12-6 Big 12), who clinched a double-bye in next week's conference tournament by winning on Senior Day for the 43rd consecutive year.
White, a transfer from Illinois, had 23 points and 11 rebounds to cap his lone regular season in Lawrence, while Council — who arrived from St. Bonaventure — nearly had a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in his final game at the Phog.
The win was a much-needed confidence boost heading into the postseason for the Jayhawks, who had dropped four of their previous six games, and it extended their home win streak over their in-state rivals to 20 in a row.
P.J. Haggerty, who missed last week's win over West Virginia with an undisclosed injury, scored 21 points to lead the Wildcats (12-19, 3-15). Nate Johnson also had 21 points, while Khamari McGriff finished with 15.
The game was close only until midway through the first half, when Kansas ran off nine straight points to take control. It pushed the advantage to 46-33 by halftime, and the lead swelled to nearly 20 in the opening minutes of the second half.
Kansas State got within 11 on a couple of occasions, but Peterson and his senior teammates eventually poured it on.
The clinching blow came with about 12 minutes to go, when C.J. Jones fouled Peterson and then was whistled for a technical foul. The ensuing free throws were part of big run by Kansas that pushed the lead to 78-54 with under 10 minutes left in the game.
Up next
Kansas State will be the No. 15 seed for the Big 12 Tournament and play a first-round game on Tuesday. The Jayhawks will learn their seeding later Saturday and will open play in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 05: (R-L) Opponents Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira face off during the UFC It's On Seasonal Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live TONIGHT (Sat., March. 7, 2026)with UFC 326 exclusively live on Paramount+. The event goes down at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event is Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2 for the promotion’s special BMF belt!
UFC 326 Preview
Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira meet at UFC 326 for the first time since an ill-fated main event they fought back in 2015, in Saskatchewan of all places. The fight ended before it got started, with a freak injury. But this bout is projected to be a lot more fun, with both having blossomed into certified killers in the time between their first booking.
Holloway comes into the fight off a win over Dustin Poirier, where he first defended the BMF belt. Oliveira heads to the T-Mobile after dominating Mateusz Gamrot in Rio de Janeiro. Both men are firmly in the Legacy Fight era of their careers and no matter what happens tonight, neither should expect to be competing for a title not called BMF anytime soon. Still, there is history on the line here and the potential to create an epic moment that will be replayed ad infinitum or for however long this rock has left.
Our co-main event doesn’t have history on the line, or much going for it in the now, either. It’s Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder in the Middleweight division, an interesting match-up at least featuring two guys coming off big losses.
The featured “Prelim” is Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long. The undercard also has Donte Johnson vs. Cody Brundage and Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel. I think all the Codys will have tough nights tonight.
UFC 326 Start Date and Time
We’re getting used to this now, right? UFC 326 is the same as the last PLE, as far as the schedule goes. That means an earlier start and, so far, some great pacing.
UFC 326 airs entirely on Paramount+ right here. The early ‘Prelims’ start at 5 p.m. ET. The late ‘Prelims’ start at 7 p.m. ET. and the main card starts at 9 p.m. ET. Easy-peasy.
I’ll be doing live play-by-play, instant results, highlights and updates for all the fights right here from 5 p.m. ET. onward.
Come through and join the discussion thread below
UFC 326 QUICK RESULTS
Main card
155 lbs.: Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira
185 lbs.: Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder
135 lbs.: Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.
155 lbs.: Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson
185 lbs.: Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira
Prelims
135 lbs.: Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long
185 lbs.: Donte Johnson vs. Cody Brundage
145 lbs.: Ricky Turcios vs. Alberto Montes
125 lbs.: Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel
Early Prelims
125 lbs.: Sumudaerhi vs. Jesus Aguilar
205 lbs.: Rafael Tobias vs. Diyar Nurgozhay
145 lbs.: Jeong Yeong Lee vs. Gaston Bolanos
205 lbs.: Luke Fernandez vs. Rodolfo Bellato
UFC 326 PLAY-BY-PLAY UPDATES
Live stream begins at 5:00 p.m. ET. …
For more UFC 326: “Holloway vs. Oliveira 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
The Buffalo Bills reached agreement with center Connor McGovern on a four- year, $52 million deal, multiple outlets reported Saturday.
The deal reportedly includes $32 million in guaranteed money and it prevents McGovern from becoming a free agent next week. The $13 million annual average salary is third-highest for a center, according to spotrac.
McGovern, 28, is considered one of the top pass-blocking centers in the NFL. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
McGovern has played the past three years for Buffalo. He was the starting left guard in 2023 before moving to center.
McGovern played both guard positions in his first three NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He was a third-round draft pick in 2019 out of Penn State and missed his first season due to a pectoral injury.
He became a full-time starter in his third on-field season in 2022 and became a free agent following the season and signed with the Bills.
McGovern has started 49 regular-season games and seven postseason games for Buffalo. Overall, he has played in 94 regular-season games (78 starts).
Report: Eagles, Davis agree on extension
The Philadelphia Eagles and defensive tackle Jordan Davis agreed on a three-year contract extension that makes him the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history, ESPN reported Saturday.
The contract extension worth $78 million, including $65 million guaranteed, keeps Davis in Philadelphia for four more seasons.
Davis, the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had been set to enter 2026 making a guaranteed $12.9 million from a fifth-year option picked up prior to last season.
Davis, 26, has started every game over the past three seasons for Philadelphia, including the Super Bowl LIX win against the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2025.
He has recorded 8.0 sacks, 162 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 64 career regular-season games (56 starts).
Packers acquire Franklin from Colts
The Green Bay Packers are acquiring former Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden, multiple media outlets reported on Saturday.
Franklin, 29, is two seasons removed from leading the NFL with 173 tackles during a Pro Bowl year. He had 125 tackles to go along with two sacks while starting all 17 games in 2025.
A seventh-round pick out of Syracuse in the 2018 NFL Draft, Franklin has totaled 738 tackles, 10 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in 132 career games (82 starts) with the Colts.
Wooden, 25, recorded 50 tackles while playing in 17 games (16 starts) last season.
He has totaled 87 tackles in 47 career games (17 starts) since being selected by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Auburn.
Cowboys put second-round tender on Aubrey
The Dallas Cowboys placed the $5.7 million second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey, still hoping to sign the restricted free agent to a multi-year contract extension, ESPN reported Saturday.
The move allows Aubrey to sign an offer sheet with another team. The Cowboys would then have the right to match that offer or get back a second-round draft pick, which Dallas does not currently have after trading away their 2026 second-round selection for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
The Cowboys and Aubrey have been in discussions about his future in Dallas since last summer's training camp but have not been able to reach an agreement.
Aubrey reportedly was offered a deal that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, displacing Harrison Butker of the Chiefs ($6.4 million annual average salary). But Aubrey, a Pro Bowl selection in all three of his seasons and first-team All-Pro in 2023, rejected the contract, according to multiple reports, and wants something closer to three times the total value of his rookie deal.
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Reserve Chase McCarty scored 14 of his 20 points in the second half and Houston rallied for an 82-75 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday.
Kingston Flemings added 13 points, five rebounds and nine assists for Houston (26-5 overall, 14-4 Big 12 Conference), which clinched the No. 2 seed in the Big 12 Tournament and a spot in the quarterfinals on Thursday in Kansas City.
The Cougars trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half, but McCarty, a redshirt freshman, made 7 of 10 field goal, including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc to fuel the comeback.
Anthony Roy scored 18 points, Kanye Clary added 14 and Jaylen Curry had 13 for Oklahoma State (18-13, 6-12). Roy (four), Clary (four) and Curry (two) combined for all 10 of the Cowboys' 3-point baskets.
Oklahoma State took control early, making six of its first 12 from 3 to build a 28-18 lead. The Cowboys extended the margin to 34-21 on a turnaround jumper by Christian Coleman with 5:23 left in the first half.
But Houston closed the half on a big run to cut the deficit to 41-37 at halftime. McCarty made two 3-pointers in the final 1:30, including one following a steal by Milos Uzan with 11 seconds left.
Uzan's 3-pointer with 14:35 left gave the Cougars a 50-49 lead, their first of the game, and McCarty's 3 extended the margin to 73-64 with 4:27 left.
Oklahoma State closed within 74-73 on a layup by Andrija Vukovi, but Houston's Emanuel Sharp silenced the crowd with a 3-pointer to make it 77-73.
Up next
Houston: Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday.
The trade cannot be finalized until the start of the new league year, but the move will have ripple effects as the Packers begin the heavy lifting of the 2026 offseason.
Here's what the deal means for the Packers:
-- The future of Quay Walker has clarity. With Franklin arriving, the Packers clearly believe Walker will depart in free agency next week. In fact, Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports the Packers attempted to get a new deal done but couldn't, and Walker is expected to have a strong market.
-- Not wanting to get stuck in the linebacker market, the Packers proactively added a veteran with almost 5,000 snaps of NFL experience and four straight 100-tackle seasons.
-- Wooden's departure only adds to the massive need at nose tackle. The Packers are likely shifting to a 3-4 front under Jonathan Gannon, so it's possible Wooden (who transitioned from edge rusher) just wasn't a good fit. But Green Bay's roster is severely lacking in interior defensive line options, and finding a true nose tackle to anchor the front is undoubtedly a top need.
-- This is not a typical move for the Packers. Franklin turns 30 years old in July and is on a mid-level veteran contract, while Wooden is still 25 and on a rookie deal. Getting older and more expensive is not usually how the Packers operate this time of year.
-- The Packers are inheriting Franklin's contract, which has two years left. He'll cost roughly $7 million on the cap in 2026, and even with Wooden's contract exiting, the Packers are likely back over the salary cap ahead of Tuesday. Expect a few more moves in the coming days. Restructuring Franklin's deal (converting base salary to signing bonus) is possible.
-- This doesn't have to be the end of the work at linebacker, but the Packers have some flexibility. Franklin will be an expected starter next to Edgerrin Cooper, with Isaiah McDuffie and Ty'Ron Hopper as likely backups. Jamon Johnson is also under contract. The Packers may want to do more at linebacker, likely through the draft, but it's no longer required with Franklin as the short-term Walker replacement.
-- Jonathan Gannon was in Indianapolis as a defensive backs coach from 2018 to 2020, three seasons before Franklin became a full-time player, so there is some possible familiarity between coach and player.
-- Durability is certainly an asset for Franklin, who has played in 132 of a possible 133 games since entering the NFL. He missed one game in 2023. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, Franklin has played at least 1,000 snaps on defense in all four seasons.
-- While somewhat undersized at 6-0 and 235 pounds, Franklin tested like an elite athlete pre-draft in 2018, with elite jumps (38" vertical, 10-2 broad), a 4.62-second 40-yard dash and a three-cone time under 7.0 seconds. He'll enter Year 9 in 2026, so the Packers will hope the athleticism holds up.
-- Can he cover? Among linebackers with at least 250 snaps last season, Franklin had the worst coverage grade at PFF.
-- Don't watch Packers vs. Colts from 2024 if want to see the best of Franklin. Malik Willis and the Packers run game ran circles around Franklin and the Colts front in that Week 2 contest at Lambeau Field.
-- Franklin led the NFL in total tackles and was a Pro Bowler in 2024. He was PFF's second-worst graded off-ball linebacker in 2025. The Packers will hope he's more 2024 than 2025, but players nearing 30 are more likely to continue a regression than bounce back. By PFF grade, Franklin hasn't had a season above 61.0 since he became a full-time starter in 2022.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 7: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the third inning of a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on March 7, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jays 1 Phillies 0
The best part of this one was that Max Scherzer started and threw 4 no-hit innings, allowing just 1 walk with 1 strikeouts. He was helped out by some defensive play, but he got through the four innings on just 40 pitches (29 strikeouts). Max was terrific. I didn’t think he’d be ready for opening day but clearly (barring something bad happening) he will be. He did a good job of getting ready, before signing with the Jays.
Other pitchers:
Chase Lee: 1 inning, 1 walk, 1 k.
Josh Fleming: 1 inning, 2 hits.
Lazaro Estrada: 2 clean innings, 1 strikeout.
Connor (two o’s) Seabold: 1 inning, 3 strikeouts. Very nice job. Throwing 94-95 mph. He hit a batter.
On offense, we only got 5 hits, but scored the run they needed.
Myles Straw: 0 for 2, walk, k. .176. He was also picked off first.
Jesús Sánchez: 1 for 3. .227.
Eloy Jiménez: 0 for 3, 2 k. .346.
Daulton Varsho: 2 for 3. .450.
Tyler Heineman: 0 for 2, k. .222.
Nathan Lukes: 1 for 2. .176.
Carlos Mendoza: 0 for 2. .462.
Josh Kasevish: 0 for 2. .389. Made a couple of very nice plays.
Charles McAdoo: 0 for 2. .316. Looked good on defense again.
Others:
Rafael Lantigua: 1 for 1. .529.
Riley Tirotta: 0 for 1. .167.
Sean Keys: Walk. .211.
Jonatan Clase: 0 for 1, RBI. .267.
Edward Duran: 0 for 2. .000.
Yohendrick Pinango: 0 for 1. .118.
Josh Rivera: 0 for 1, k. .167.
Arjun Nimmala: 0 for 1. .143.
Cutter Coffey: 0 for 1, k. ..071.
The Jays are 4-8-2 this spring. And they have a split squad day tomorrow, both 1:00 Eastern.
Jays at Orioles: Cody Ponce vs. Tyler Wells.
Tigers at Jays: Bryan Sammons vs. Kevin Gausman.
And Team Canada beat Columbia 8-2 today. USA plays Great Britain today at 8:00 tonight
Omar Marmoush is officially Newcastle's biggest nightmare 👻
Whenever Newcastle face Manchester City, they will hope Omar Marmoush is not in his usual form.
The No. 7 was the man who helped turn it all around against the Magpies on Saturday in the FA Cup, after staying calm, cool, and collected at the back post before smashing the ball home for 2-1.
The moment reiterated Marmoush's love for scoring against Newcastle, too. He has now scored six goals in just five appearances against the club in his entire career.
Rory McIlroy worked hard to capture his first-ever Masters title in 2025, but a new injury could prevent the golf star from defending his historic win.
The Northern Irishman has pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week prior to the third round of play. However, the larger concern for McIlroy is his latest injury nearly a month before the 2026 Masters.
The PGA Tour confirmed McIlroy’s withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which marks just the second time the career Grand Slam winner has ever pulled out of a PGA tournament.
Last year, the Northern Irishman completed the historic feat when he captured his first Masters title at Augusta. McIlroy previously won the U.S. Open, PGA Championship and Open Championship before capturing the missing silverware in his collection.
The 36 year old finished in a tie for second place at the recent Genesis Invitational after opening the season in Dubai with a DP World Tour fop-five finish.
Rory McIlroy lines up his putt on the eighth hole during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
If McIlroy does recover in time for the event, the PGA Tour will face stiff competition from top players like Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Colin Morikawa.
“You can’t expect…” – What Liam Rosenior said about Romeo Lavia after Chelsea return
Romeo Lavia made his first start for Chelsea since November tonight against Wrexham and Liam Rosenior defended his performance after the game.
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Chelsea got past Wrexham in the FA Cup tonight, but it was far from plain sailing. The Blues got away with it after what was a pretty poor performance.
Speaking after the game, manager Liam Rosenior defended his players, and in particular Romeo Lavia who made a first start since November in midfield. Lavia wasn’t terrible, but the team as a whole struggle to control the game and create any chances at all in the first period.
“You can’t expect perfection from a player who has been out for four months,” said of the Belgian.
He’s right, of course. From Lavia’s perspective, tonight was just about getting some minutes in his legs.
Essugo impresses on Chelsea return
In fact, there was a player on the pitch who had been out even longer. Dario Essugo hasn’t played a competitive game since July at the Club World Cup thanks to a series of injuries. Tonight he came on as a second half sub, and ended up playing far more than was expected because of the 30 minutes of extra time.
He was really good, impressively sharp for someone who has been out for so long. The minutes he and Lavia picked up today should mean they’re both available as subs for the midweek game in Paris, and potentially even ready to be starters by next weekend in the Premier League. At most they’ve two weeks away from being in that position.
That’s a huge boost for Liam Rosenior and Chelsea in the run in.
In other news…
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Danny Rohl in danger of losing his head with Celtic obsession – Sutton
Chris Sutton reckons that it’s the time of the season when cool heads are required yet he believes that there are signs that the Rangers manager Danny Rohl is losing his…
Ahead of last weekend’s meeting with Celtic at Ibrox, all Rohl wanted to talk about was Celtic. His surprise that Celtic didn’t push on looking for more goals while leading in Stuttgart but still behind in the tie, or picking the Celtic team or trying to shoot down Luke McCowan’s assessment that on their day Celtic are still the best team in the league.
And he was at it again yesterday talking about the Celtic supporters this time, and the impact that they can make given that they will occupy the entire ‘Free’ Broomloan tomorrow. Rohl went on about getting his players to shut them up by playing the way that they did in the first half last week.
Martin O’Neill applauds the Celtic support. theRangers v Celtic. 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Writing in his weekly newspaper column today Chris Sutton picked up on this and reckons it’s perhaps the pressure now getting to the Rangers manager.
“Rohl showed signs of losing his before the Celtic game last week – and it will be interesting to see how he gets on this weekend in the Scottish Cup rematch,” Sutton noted in his Daily Record column.
“I was really surprised Rohl got mixed up in talking about Celtic’s team section and European performances before the league match. It’s kind of an unwritten rule in football not to talk about oppositions teams like that – especially when it’s Celtic,” Sutton said.
Luke McCowan at Pittodrie. Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“There was no need to react to Luke McCowan’s comments but it was the comments about the European performance and who would be playing that was bizarre. And it came back to bite him a bit.
“I think even Rangers fans would rather he minded his own business, as he’s got plenty to ponder himself. It will be really interesting to see how Sunday goes on the back of last weekend. I think this is a bigger game for Rohl than O’Neill.
Danny Rohl and Martin O’Neill look on during the Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Celtic at Ibrox on March 01, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“People will – rightly – cut him some slack for getting Rangers back in the title race after the start they had. But it does look like his ego got away from him a little bit. He should be concentrating on what really matters rather than a silly tit-for-tat.
“And the last manager you want to engage in a battle of wits is Martin O’Neill.
Clearly, Rohl is a good coach but you can get your comeuppance if you don’t back it up. The reality Is Rangers are unlikely to come up against a Celtic side as weak as this one and that means there’s a pressure to take advantage.”
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
NFL free agency starts in two days with “legal tampering,” and the Minnesota Vikings will embark on the process with interim general manager Rob Brzezinski in charge. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are expected to have heavy input on personnel, and here’s what folks know in the way of clues.
Minnesota’s next wave of moves is starting to come into focus.
The Vikings began the offseason severely over the cap, so free agency might be a bit different this time.
Several Early Signs Reveal Where the Vikings Could Pivot
March is here, and the Vikings’ roster is about to change.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts to an official’s call during the second quarter of a divisional matchup with the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Sep 25, 2022. O’Connell gestures from the sideline while communicating with players during the NFC North contest unfolding before the home crowd that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
1. Don’t Expect Splashy, Expensive Signings
For the 2026 Vikings, what you see on the roster in very early March might be what you get, for the most part.
Brzezinski said to ESPN this week: “We’ve spent a lot of money the last two years in free agency. And so our goal is going to be to keep our core in place, and that’s going to involve making some difficult decisions on some players, which you deal with on a daily basis.”
“But I think for the most part, our goal is going to be to draft and develop and to retain our core, and supplement with free agency. It just makes logical sense that that bill’s coming due. We do have to navigate it, and navigate it responsibly.”
That sounds like a man who’s been giving a directive to “take it easy” with the spending. The Vikings had their shots at fanciful splurges in the 2024 and 2025 free-agency periods; now is the time to be quieter.
2. A Collaborative Decision-Making Approach
Brzezinski was at the NFL Combine last month, and predictably, local media asked him about the confusing power structure. He replied, “We have to have protocol in place, and so the owners have asked me to handle that responsibility if that would occur. But our intent is to have complete and total collaboration, and I think the decisions are going to be pretty easy to make.”
“It’s an awesome responsibility. I’ve been here a long time. I know what this franchise means to our fans, and I just want to be a small part of one day delivering that championship.”
This sounds fabulous — in theory. All parties must work together in union and with cordiality. We shall see if that rings true.
Most expect O’Connell to have final say on offensive players, with Brian Flores pressing the button on defenders. Perhaps Brzezinski is the referee.
When you see “O’Connell guys” signed and “Flores guys” walk through that door, know that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no longer in the way.
3. A New QB Is Coming
After the regular season ended, O’Connell chatted with reporters for the 2025 autopsy press conference, and right away, they asked him about the 2026 quarterback strategy:
O’Connell declared, “Ultimately, I think in the quarterback room, it’s about having just the deepest, most talented room you possibly can, every single year. What that looks like at a pretty impactful position on your salary cap, when you’re able to possibly plan for your depth chart looking in a way where you can be competitive no matter what.”
“I think there has to be competition at quarterback. I think that’s what’s gonna make everybody better in that room. It’s gonna be what makes our entire offense thrive through that competition.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) stands on the sideline during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, Nov 24, 2024. Murray watches the action while teammates regroup during the road matchup as coaches confer nearby along the bench area late in the half that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
This was new lingo. Last offseason, the Vikings cleared the forest for J.J. McCarthy to walk through it by himself as the uncontested QB1. That won’t happen again.
Kyler Murray is probably on the way to the Vikings — or Geno Smith or Aaron Rodgers if Murray picks a different team.
It won’t be McCarthy-or-bust again.
4. Two Big Trade Pieces — in Theory
Most don’t believe McCarthy will be traded; it’s too early for that. However, the Vikings allowed Jonathan Greenard’s status to go public this week, a report saying the club would be open to trading him if it can’t find the money in the budget for his extension. Somewhat realistically, Greenard could be traded next week or anytime, really, before the draft.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates after recording a sack during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Sep 14, 2025. Greenard pumps his arms while teammates converge following the defensive stop that energized the crowd during the late game sequence inside the stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Meanwhile, due to Jordan Addison’s repeated and relentless shenanigans, there’s a small chance that Minnesota could trade him elsewhere for a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick. Greenard is more likely to leave than Addison, but the fact that two of the team’s 10 best players are gettable via trade is rare and noteworthy.
Minnesota has until May 1st to lock in Addison’s fifth-year option. They’ll probably do it, but it would be ultra-telling if they do not.
Garnacho stars as Chelsea survive late scare at Wrexham to progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals
Chelsea dug deep in extra time to beat 10-man Wrexham 4-2 in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The hosts got off to a fast start and took the lead in the 18th minute after Sam Smith latched onto a long ball over the top and the striker finished past Robert Sanchez.
At the other end, Alejandro Garnacho could’ve restored parity for the Blues after he got onto Pedro Neto’s cross at the back post, but his volley flew wide.
In the 40th minute, the visitors drew level after Liam Delap found Garnacho on the left, and the Argentine’s low effort was cleared off the line, but it bounced off the back of Arthur Okonkwo and into his own net.
Shortly after the restart, Garnacho could’ve fired the visitors ahead after he teed up with Delap again, but the winger flashed his effort wide before Jorrel Hato dragged his effort wide minutes later.
Chelsea continued to push for a winner and almost got it in the 71st minute, but Garnacho’s curling effort was comfortably collected by Okonkwo before Neto found the side-netting from a tight angle minutes later.
In the 78th minute, the Red Dragons retook the lead after Callum Doyle flicked in Josh Windass’ strike from a distance.
Four minutes later, Josh Acheampong restored parity for Chelsea after he found the roof of the net from close range.
In the 84th minute, the host almost got their third after George Thomason had his sights on goal from range, but Sanchez denied the Englishman.
On the stroke of full-time, George Dobson was sent off for a reckless challenge on Garnacho, and the hosts were reduced to 10 men.
Deep into stoppage time, Max Cleworth could’ve won the game at the death for Wrexham, but his long-range effort was parried away by Sanchez.
Six minutes into extra time, Garnacho fired the Blues ahead after he got onto Dario Essugo’s inviting cross.
Moments later, the Argentine could’ve increased the margin from a free kick, but his effort was tipped over the bar by Okonkwo.
Deep into extra time, Lewis Brunt thought he had drawn the hosts level after he met Kieffer Moore’s flick-on at the far post. But after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.
João Pedro completed the scoring in the 131st minute after he found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
On the eve of free agency, the Packers are bringing in a linebacker.
According to multiple reports, Indianapolis has agreed to trade Zaire Franklin to Green Bay in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden.
Franklin, 29, recorded 125 total tackles with seven tackles for loss and six quarteback hits in 2025. He also had 2.0 sacks, five passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
Franklin led the league with 173 total tackles in 2024, earning his first Pro Bowl berth. He was also a second-team AP All-Pro selection.
Franklin has been remarkably durable in his eight-year career, missing just one game for which he was eligible since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2018.
He has two years remaining on his contract.
Wooden appeared in all 17 games with 16 starts in 2025. A fourth-round pick in 2023, Wooden has appeared in 47 career games with 17 starts. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Green Bay acquiring Franklin likely means the club will not retain pending free agent Quay Walker.
After standout performances by both the U.S. women’s and men’s national hockey teams in the 2026 Winter Olympics, the post-tournament celebration quickly turned tense.
The backlash against the U.S. men’s hockey team began almost immediately after their gold-medal win against Canada when a video surfaced, showing FBI Director Kash Patel celebrating with players while holding his phone for a congratulatory call from President Donald Trump.
The brief exchange ignited widespread backlash as the video quickly went viral, overshadowing the women’s team’s historic victory only days earlier. During the call, Trump invited the men’s team to the White House, incorporating a joke that he “probably would be impeached” if he had not invited the women’s team as well.
Some players, including brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes, laughed at the comment, while other foreground players shouted “two-for-two,” referencing the women’s team’s championship win alongside their own.
Although a few players acknowledged the women’s win in comments later on, the main exchange fully diminished the weight of their achievement.
Women’s Team Dominates the Games
Many U.S. athletes delivered memorable performances at the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, including gold medalists Breezy Johnson (Alpine Skiing) and Alysa Liu (figure skating). The U.S. women’s hockey team, however, emerged as one of the defining success stories of the Games.
Team USA ultimately claimed 12 gold medals, eight of them won by women. Among the most dramatic moments of the tournament, the women’s hockey team defeated Canada 2–1 in overtime to capture the gold medal in a rivalry that has defined international women’s hockey for decades.
Captain and all-time leading scorer Hilary Knight helped guide the team throughout the tournament, while defender Megan Keller delivered a crucial goal in the gold-medal game. Laila Edwards also made history as the first Black woman to play for and win Olympic gold with the U.S. women’s hockey team, while her University of Wisconsin teammate Caroline Harvey was later named the tournament’s most valuable player.
The victory capped one of the most dominant Olympic runs in program history and solidified the women’s team as one of the defining stories of the Milan–Cortina Games.
Men’s Team Celebration and Immediate Response
The men’s celebration video and their decision to attend a White House celebration quickly dominated social media conversation and redirected attention away from the women’s victory.
“We’re so proud to represent the U.S., and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president, [it makes us] proud to be Americans,” Jack Hughes told the Daily Mail on Feb. 23. “No matter your views, we’re super excited to go to the White House tomorrow and be part of that.”
Hughes characterized the visit as a nonpolitical opportunity to celebrate the team’s achievement. Many, however, have argued that the issue was not the visit itself but the tone and timing of the locker-room exchange, which occurred only days after the women secured one of the most significant wins in program history.
Reaction online and across sports media was swift. Commentators and fans described the post-game celebrations as tone-deaf, arguing that the joking tone surrounding the women’s invitation appeared dismissive in the context of their historic achievement. For many watching, the moment highlighted a lingering frustration: even historic wins by women can be sidelined in conversations meant to celebrate them.
The backlash soon extended beyond social media as a petition circulated on Change.org urging the men’s team to skip both the White House visit and the State of the Union appearance. The petition argued that the moment minimized the women’s accomplishment and criticized the public exchange between players and political leaders.
Women’s Team and Family Response
The women’s team ultimately declined the White House invitation, citing previous academic and professional commitments. In a statement, a spokesperson said the players “deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement.”
Members of the women’s team have since addressed the controversy cautiously as the video continued circulating online. Speaking on SportsCenter on Feb. 25, Knight acknowledged the situation while emphasizing the broader support the team had received.
“We’ve felt a genuine level of support and respect,” Knight said, though she acknowledged the moment had been diminished by what she described as “a quick lapse.” She described the controversy as an opportunity for reflection on how women’s achievements are discussed.
“I think this is just a really good learning point to really focus on how we talk about women, not only in sport but in industry,” Knight said. “Women aren’t less than, and our achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed by anything else other than how great they are.”
The Hughes brothers also faced additional scrutiny because their mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes—a former U.S. national team player and current USA Hockey program consultant—entered the public conversation. In an interview with NBC’s TODAY, she emphasized that the dual gold medals represented a shared achievement for USA Hockey and encouraged fans to celebrate both teams.
Politics, Culture, and Public Perception
The controversy unfolded during a politically charged Olympics, where athletic performance and public messaging often collided. In a country already sharply divided along political lines, Trump’s public praise of the men’s team drew additional attention to the intersection of sports and politics.
The president posted a video from the Oval Office in which he called goaltender Connor Hellebuyck his “secretary of defense.” Meanwhile, athletes who publicly criticized the administration during the Games — including freestyle skier Hunter Hess — faced backlash in conservative media and online spaces.
Hockey itself was experiencing a cultural surge. Olympic viewership spiked, and the sport captured renewed mainstream attention. The success of the television adaptation of the queer hockey romance novel “Heated Rivalry,” celebrated for its inclusivity, reflected that broader enthusiasm. Yet the viral video revealed a tension between hockey’s “hockey is for everyone” messaging and the culture around male athletes’ public behavior.
Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Dominik Hašek praised the women’s team for declining the White House invitation, calling it a principled choice. Public Enemy co-founder Flavor Flav invited the team to Las Vegas for an alternative celebration. These responses underscore how public support can counteract dismissive narratives and elevate women’s accomplishments.
Broader Takeaways
Beyond the immediate controversy, many commentators argued the debate resonated with a wider audience — particularly young women watching how athletic achievements are recognized and discussed in public spaces.
As women’s sports continue to gain visibility, investment, and record-setting audiences, expectations around respect and representation are rising as well. Since the controversy, several members of both teams have appeared together at high-profile events. These include “Saturday Night Live,” hosted by Connor Storrie, star of the Crave series “Heated Rivalry,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Viewers widely saw the appearances as efforts to ease tensions and reshape the narrative.
The moment ultimately served as a reminder that as women’s sports grow in prominence, so too does public scrutiny of how their successes are acknowledged, as well as whether those achievements are allowed to stand on their own.
Each of the 31 conference tournament champions earns an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament, with the other 37 spots awarded to at-large participants by the tournament’s selection committee.
For the overwhelming majority of mid- and low-major leagues, the automatic berth from winning the conference tournament is the league’s only bid.
Because Mercyhurst reached the NEC Tournament final and isn't eligible for NCAA tournament play because of its transition from Division II, Long Island gets the automatic bid regardless of the result in Tuesday's championship game.)
Here’s a look at the champions of each of the 31 conference tournaments, all of which are on their way to the NCAA Tournament.
March Madness automatic bids: Who has secured 2026 NCAA tournament spots?
The NCAA tournament First Four on the men’s side begins on Tuesday, March 17 and continues on Wednesday, March 18.
The four men’s games, which are held in Dayton, Ohio, feature the final four at-large selections to the field, as well as the four lowest-rated No. 16 seeds. The winner of each matchup advances to the first round. First-round games will take place on March 19 and March 20.
When is Selection Sunday?
Date: Sunday, March 15
Selection Sunday for the 2025-26 college basketball season will take place on Sunday, March 15, with both the men's and women's NCAA Tournament brackets being revealed.
Dak Prescott was once a backup quarterback, drafted in the fourth round, but since then, he built a serious argument as one of the Cowboys' best quarterbacks ever.
Prescott was thrust into Dallas' starting role in 2016 as a rookie, and he never turned back. He was rewarded multiple times with lucrative contracts to remain with the franchise, and along the way, he's remained one of the best passers in the NFC, if not the NFL.
Whether it was during his time at Mississippi State or donning the famous blue-and-white star worn by plenty of NFL legends, Prescott has had a group of tight-knit supporters by his side during his football career.
From his fiancee to his siblings, here's what to know about Prescott's family.
Prescott's fiancee is Sarah Jane Ramos. The two were first linked in September 2023 when she watched Prescott take down the Giants in his season-opener.
Ramos was raised in Tampa Bay, Fla., according to People, and later attended Florida State University, studying criminalistics and criminal science. She moved into work as a wine specialist, now with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as an on-premise area manager. On her Instagram, where she has over 125,000 followers, Ramos describes herself as a "certified wine & spirits specialist."
After the two were first linked in 2023, Prescott and Ramos welcomed a daughter, Margaret Rose Jane Prescott, in February 2024.
In October 2024, Prescott and Ramos got engaged, with the quarterback getting help from his young daughter to propose.
Dak Prescott daughter: Margaret Rose Jane Prescott
Prescott and Ramos' first daughter, Margaret Rose Jane Prescott, was born in February 2024.
As Prescott threw for a career-high 4,516 passing yards in 2023, he credited his new fatherhood for his elite numbers, also announcing Ramos' pregnancy.
"It's dad strength is why I'm playing that way," Prescott said, per ESPN. "Super exciting, it really is ... I'm blessed. Thankful. Everyone knows what my mom means to me. Being able to raise a little girl, I'm excited for the challenges. It's not going to be easy, especially being my daughter -- or being a Prescott -- but I'm looking forward to every bit about it."
Prescott's mother was Peggy Prescott. She and Dak's father welcomed him in July 1993, and throughout the quarterback's life, he's said his mother was his "moral compass." Peggy Prescott died of colon cancer in 2013. Dak now honors her through a foundation he created, "Faith Fight Finish."
Dak and his brothers grew up with Peggy in Haughton, a small town in Louisiana. Dak's father, Nathaniel, told ESPN in 2013 that the football star was constantly communicating with his mother even after he left for college at Mississippi State University.
Peggy was a big supporter of her sons' football journeys; Dak's brother, Tad, told ESPN in 2013 about their mother always being the loudest supporter at high school games.
"With the cannon going off on the football field and people yelling, you could still hear my mom's sharp whistle over everybody,” Tad told ESPN. “She was not the mom that sat under a blanket and kept her mouth shut the entire game. You could hear her screaming, 'Hit him!'"
Prescott and the Cowboys took on the Arizona Cardinals for "Monday Night Football" in Week 9. It took place 12 years ago to the day that Peggy passed away from her cancer battle.
Dak Prescott taking a long moment here before Monday Night Football. Have to think he said some words for his late mother, Peggy, who passed away from colon cancer 12 years ago today. pic.twitter.com/lgUnA2EWBm
Peggy Prescott was first diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2012. She died in November 2013 at the age of 52.
Years later, Dak created a foundation called "Faith Fight Finish," something his mother often said. As of 2025, per its website, the group focuses on four pillars: colon cancer research, mental health & suicide prevention, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and offering assistance to those facing life-challenging hardships.
"Dak Prescott’s late mother, Peggy, instilled in him the moral compass that continues to guide him today," the foundation's site reads. "Dak’s mom taught him to always put Mind Over Matter and do the best you can with the cards you’re dealt, and it’s a lesson he intends to keep paying forward through Faith Fight Finish."
In 2022, Dak received the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his organization's research on cancer. In his acceptance speech, he spoke about his mother.
"I want to acknowledge the person who has had the biggest influence on my life, my mother, Peggy," Prescott said. "My mother was, and still is, my moral compass. And through my own charitable contributions, I seek to share her strength and courage with the world."
Dak also honors his mother in his play on the field, as he wears the No. 4 because her birthday was Sept. 4th.
For the Cowboys' 2025 season opener against the Eagles, a game that fell on what would have been his mother's 64th birthday, Dak was seen wearing a wristband that said "Happy Birthday Mom!"
Dak Prescott’s mother, Peggy, would be 64 years old today.
Prescott's dad is Nathaniel Prescott. Peggy and Nathaniel met in high school, starting to date in 1979. Although they eventually split, Dak's parents remained close friends even after their divorce.
“Peggy and I divorced, but that didn’t separate my relationship with my kids,” Nathaniel told the Fort Worth Star-Telegramin 2017. “Also, Peggy and I still had a standing date every Wednesday after our divorce. We were the best of friends. We just wasn’t the couple anymore.”
Nathaniel Prescott also played football in his youth, playing defensive end and outside linebacker at Grambling State University, he told the Cowboys in a 2017 interview. Eventually, injuries ended his football career.
In 2017, Dak said that he has a "tight relationship" with his dad and that Nathaniel has "always been there" for him. Nathaniel used to work as a city bus driver, but moved from Austin to Frisco, Texas, in 2017 to be closer to Dak.
Prescott was particularly close growing up with his two brothers, "Tad" and Jace. Dak was the youngest of the bunch. With Peggy running a truck stop for work, the three brothers grew up in a trailer home in a small town in Louisiana.
After being competitive together as children, Dak and Tad remain close to date, and the two have both opened up publicly about mental health struggles after Jace's death. Tad also has attended Dak's Cowboys games often, telling the Dallas Morning News in 2017 that he's an "emotional wreck" during the matchups.
"I don't know if I'm excited or thrilled until there's four zeroes on the clock and the game's over and we have a W," Tad said. "When he scores, if the camera could find me, I'm probably the one going craziest in the stadium. If there's a turnover or something goes bad, I'm the one sitting there with my hands on my face, tugging on my necklace."
Tad also has two daughters who support Dak and the Cowboys, as well.
Prescott's other brother is Jace Prescott. The Cowboys star said in 2020 that Jace, an older sibling, was "the reason I first started throwing the football.
Jace played football at Northwestern State. He was often Peggy's primary caregiver after her cancer diagnosis.
Tragic suicide
Jace Prescott died by suicide at age 31 in April 2020. Dak said that he first got the news from his father.
“I mean, obviously tears and tears and tears,” Dak told Graham Bensinger. “I mean, I sat there and tried to gather what had happened and wanted to ask why for so many reasons ... and as much as you want to ask why, I know my brother, and he had a lot of burdens on him.”
After Jace's death, Dak expanded the work of his "Faith Fight Finish" to also include mental health and suicide prevention services. Among the tattoos that the quarterback has, with others honoring his mother, are his late brother's initials on his arm.
Dak has continued to open up about his own mental health struggles since losing his brother.
“All throughout this quarantine and this offseason, I started experiencing emotions I’ve never felt before. Anxiety for the main one," Prescott told Graham Bensinger about the pandemic. "And then, honestly, a couple of days before my brother passed, I would say I started experiencing depression."
Caleb Wilson’s 2025-26 campaign with the North Carolina Tar Heels is finished.
The projected top-five pick was preparing to return to action after suffering a fracture in his left hand in February when he endured a season-ending right thumb injury during a Feb. 5 practice. Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game in 24 games.
The timing of the injury couldn’t have been worse, as the well-rounded forward isn’t on set to miss the NCAA Tournament but also the Tar Heels’ blockbuster showdown vs. the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday night.
Will Wilson still be in attendance for the marquee ACC matchup, though? ESPN’s Pete Thamel has a definitive answer.
“Caleb Wilson to be at Duke tonight to root on his teammates,” Thamel reported on X/Twitter Saturday afternoon. “He had surgery on his right thumb yesterday.”
While the Tar Heels will miss Wilson’s jaw-dropping vertical athleticism, effortless finishing in transition (thanks to his long strides), high-pointing ability to pick-and-roll situations, and mid-range game against the Blue Devils, it’s safe to assume they’ll appreciate his support from the sidelines.
Wilson’s commitment to showing up to the biggest game of UNC’s season positively reveals his true colors.
Despite being inactive, the former five-star recruit is still all-in on the Tar Heels’ program as they attempt to improve to 25-6 overall and 13-5 in ACC play on the final day of the regular season.
The Chiefs are bringing long snapper James Winchester back for the 2026 season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that they have agreed on a one-year deal with Winchester. The deal calls for Winchester to make $1.75 million.
Winchester was the highest-paid long snapper during the 2025 season and he remains at the top of the list with this deal.
Winchester has played in all 181 regular season games and 25 playoff games that the Chiefs have played since he joined the team in 2015. Winchester, who has 17 career tackles, is tied for 11th in franchise history in regular season games played.
Sanders gave the final tribute, speaking for about four minutes at a memorial service for Ponder on the university campus in Boulder.
He asked a big question: Why did this have to happen?
“When we're successful and we're excelling and we're overcoming adversity, we never ask God why then,” Sanders said. “But only in our demise and the sadness of life, we challenge and ask God why. I think I got the solution. Because as I look right there and look at a young man that was so full of life, full of respect, hustle and hard work and integrity. God, for real? And He whispered, `Dom was chosen.’ Dom was chosen to unite y'all. Dom was chosen to bring you together. Dom was chosen to override all ethnicities, social climates, background and ideologies and thought process. Dom was chosen.”
'I'm struggling with his,' Pat Shurmur says at memorial
Ponders’ death stunned his team a day before the Buffaloes began spring practice March 2. After playing high school football in Florida, Ponder redshirted at Bethune-Cookman in 2023 before arriving at Colorado as a non-scholarship quarterback. He only appeared in two games in 2025 as the team’s fourth-string quarterback.
But his big smile and personality touched the lives of many, including former Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who was asked to return to campus to speak about Ponder on Saturday after his contract expired in January.
“I’m struggling with this,” Shurmur said at the memorial, which was also livestreamed online.
Ponder's father notes the significance of No. 7
Shurmur said Ponder inspired him and recalled Ponder’s “bright smile.” He said he said he could talk about him “for days” and noted he graded players in different categories on a scale of zero to five.
“He’s all fives,” Shurmur said of Ponder.
He also was No. 7, as his father Wendell told the congregants. He previously wore jersey No. 22 at Colorado but had earned the right to wear No. 7 for the first time when spring practice started March 2, the day after he died.
“Seven serves as a stamp of God,” Wendell Ponder said. “The seven is mentioned in the Bible — the number seven — over 700 times. Seven represents perfection, completion and fulfillment. It signifies God's complete work, something finished, the way God intended. Now you were all number seven. Dom was with all of you. Forever. Amen.”
'This should have never happened,' Ponder's sister says
A GoFundMe page has been created to help Ponder’s family with funeral expenses and had raised more than $14,000 by Saturday afternoon. His mother Catrina also spoke at the memorial and read a written tribute from his younger sister, Monroe, who stood on stage as she read it.
“My brother was one of the funniest, most outgoing people you could ever meet,” Monroe said through her mother. “He laughed at everything. He made jokes about everything. And if he was comfortable with you, you definitely saw his weird side. He would say the most random, corny things and somehow make them hilarious.”
She said she talked to him every day and wanted to be like him.
“You were an amazing big brother, and I honestly don’t know what I’m gonna do without you,” she said. “This should have never happened, but I know you’re OK. I know you’re up there smiling, probably already telling jokes, probably fighting for that starting position in heaven. And I feel so honored that I got to be your little sister. I love you.”
Sanders appeared to get emotional at one point during his final tribute when he spoke again about how parents send their children to college to grow into adults, not to never come back.
“Your parents sent you here and you chose to come here to evolve into a man, not to not make it back home,” Sanders said. “But Dom… was chosen. God bless you.”
Canada Outlasts Argentina In Penalty Kicks, 3-2, After 0-0 Draw In Regulation Time At 2026 SheBelieves Cup, Presented By Visa
HARRISON, N.J. (March 7, 2026) – Canada outlasted Argentina 3-2 in a penalty kick shootout after regulation ended in a scoreless draw in the final matchday of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, presented by Visa.
Each team receives one point in the standings for the draw at the end of regulation. Canada receives an additional point for winning in penalties.
Canada finishes the tournament with five points in the SheBelieves Cup standings. Canada started their SheBelieves Cup campaign on a strong note with a commanding 4-1 win over Colombia in Nashville, Tenn., then fell short to the U.S. Women’s National Team 1-0 in Columbus, Ohio. On the other side, Argentina earned their first point of the competition following a 2-0 loss to the USWNT and a tightly contested 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Head coach Casey Stoney’s side was on the front foot early. Less than two minutes into the match, University of Notre Dame standout Anabelle Chukwu slipped a pass inside the box to Canada and Denver Summit FC fullback Janine Sonis. Her low cross was blocked by Solana Pereyra, who returned to the goal for Argentina after missing the team’s previous match against Colombia. Canada’s ensuing corner kick led to another heads-up play from Argentina’s goalkeeper as Portland Thorns midfielder Jessie Fleming’s long, swerving kick nearly snuck over the goal line for an Olimpico.
After Canada’s energetic opening minutes, Argentina settled into more possession. In the 11th minute, high pressure created a takeaway deep in Argentina’s attacking third and the first shot on goal of the match. Midfielder Catalina Ongaro collected the giveaway quickly and delivered a firm, right-footed strike from a difficult angle inside the box, but Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who recently signed with North Carolina Courage, had it covered.
The two goalkeepers closed out the first half with confident stops to keep the match scoreless. In the 35th minute, Sheridan punched away a direct free kick taken by Argentina midfielder Sofía Domínguez about 19 yards from goal. Later, Pereyra got just enough of her gloves on a left-footed rocket from Canada and Seattle Reign forward Jordyn Huitema, and the shot clanged off the crossbar.
The match shifted in the second half to favor possession for Canada which had a chance to break the deadlock in the 50th minute when Chukwu intercepted a weak pass back inside Argentina's 18-yard box. A heavy touch toward the endline and Pereyra coming on to defend her near post created a difficult angle for Chukwu to capitalize with a decent shot on frame.
Although Canada held the ball in Argentina’s half for a majority of the second 45 minutes, Argentina stood strong defensively, led by captain and Bay FC center back Aldana Cometti, and regulation concluded 0-0.
For the first time in the 2026 edition of the SheBelieves Cup, the winner of a match was decided by penalty kicks. In a showcase in goalkeeping, Sheridan and Pereyra combined to save the first three kicks. Then, the teams each converted consecutively – Fleming, Sonis and Julia Grosso for Canada, Agostina Holzheier and Agostina Vargas for Argentina. The shootout ended when Argentina midfielder Vanina Preininger’s kick sailed over the crossbar, securing the extra point for Canada.
- SHEBELIEVES CUP MATCH REPORT -
Match: Argentina vs. CanadaDate: March 7, 2026Competition: 2026 SheBelieves Cup, Presented by VisaVenue: Sports Illustrated Stadium; Harrison, N.J.Kickoff: 3:37 p.m. ETWeather: 48 degrees and cloudy
Cedar Hill (Texas) Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Jalen Brewster is once again the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies.
He made an early commitment to in-state Texas Tech at the beginning of October, and while he remains locked in, other programs aren’t going away, to no surprise. Brewster is giving other schools a look and this weekend he’s at Florida.
On Saturday afternoon, Brewster posted a photo on social media doing the chomp with new head coach Jon Sumrall:
Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong reported on Friday that Brewster had made it to Gainesville for the big spring weekend. The Gators would love to get thoroughly in the mix with the top-ranked D-lineman.
At the beginning of March, Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman provided an update on Brewster’s recruitment. Despite some coaching changes in Lubbock, TTU hasn’t missed a beat and has continued to make Brewster feel at home.
“It’s all about the people really,” Brewster said. “The culture out there is different. The players play all together … It’s really exciting knowing they went from being a nobody to now being a top contender.”
The likes of Miami, Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon have been mentioned alongside the Five-Star Plus+ prospect. An official visit to Miami for the weekend of May 29 was first reported by CaneSport’s EJ Holland. TTU has an OV locked in for the June 19 weekend.
Jalen Brewster Scouting Summary
Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power previously wrote this of Brewster, who continues to sit atop the Rivals300 rankings:
“Uber-athletic defensive line prospect with true game-wrecking ability. Measured in at around 6-foot-3, 300 pounds prior to his junior season. Tests as an elite athlete in the combine setting, easily cracking 5.0 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Carries that athleticism over to the field where he has flashes of dominance on Friday nights. Lines up all over the defensive line for Cedar Hill (Texas) while facing top competition. Dangerous pass rusher from any spot. Combines explosive get-off with the movement skills of a much smaller player, carrying elite testing numbers directly onto the field. Consistently collapses pockets and disrupts plays before they develop.
…Has legitimate game-wrecking moments on film. The quickness to dart into the backfield and the speed to hunt down ball carriers is eye-popping. May not possess premier length. Father was a third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys. Tracking as the top defensive line prospect early on in the 2027 cycle with the upside to be an early NFL Draft pick.”
Has A.J. Brown played his final game as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles?
The wide receiver's situation in Philadelphia is one of the early stories to watch this NFL offseason -- despite plenty of highs with the Eagles, including a Super Bowl title, Brown was as public as ever in 2025 about his desires to have an increased role in the Eagles' offense.
Now, as free agency begins and trade rumors fly, Brown has been mentioned as one of the biggest potential names who could be on the move. The question is: Will Howie Roseman and the Eagles pull the trigger on a deal, or keep Brown wearing green next fall?
The Sporting News is tracking the latest trade rumors surrounding Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Here are the latest rumblings.
The Eagles appear to have a high asking price for the wide receiver, as a first- and a third-round pick from the Patriots would be a quality return. Instead, some team will have to beat that on the trade market, as Brown is now the biggest name available.
Eagles, other teams looking for Brown resolution in next few days
Philadelphia and interested teams for Brown "want the situation resolved in the next couple of days," which would allow them to continue into free agency and the offseason with a set plan elsewhere. If a Brown deal is going to happen, it will likely be soon.
Eagles looking for 1st-rounder, 2nd-rounder, player in Brown deal
More reporting has Philadelphia seeking strong draft capital for Brown, as Anderson reported the team is eyeing a first rounder, second rounder and a player in any return package.
While the Eagles are "holding firm" on their "steep" price for Brown, Russini named a few connected teams. The Patriots have "poked around on it," while the Chargers have been "keeping tabs on the situation." Additionally, the Rams "discussed" trading for Brown, but have since moved on.
Schefter believes Brown won't be moved without 1st-rounder in return
In his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Adam Schefter said "I don't believe there's a chance in hell that the Eagles would move AJ Brown unless it included a first round pick."
Even if they could get a first, Schefter said, "I don't think they're all that interested in moving on from him."
Bills trade for D.J. Moore increases odds of Patriots trade for Brown
Buffalo addressed its wide receiver needs by adding Moore from the Bears, taking the team out of the Brown sweepstakes. Therefore, the Patriots remain a top spot for Brown, and as Jimmy Kempski said, New England now can't use a Moore trade as a backup if a Brown trade falls through.
The Eagles are said to be seeking a package similar to the Jets' for Quinnen Williams last trade deadline, according to Garafolo. If they don't receive that package, the team may just keep Brown.
New York received a first-round pick, a second-round pick and a defensive tackle in exchange for Williams.
Howie Roseman's "high price" in A.J. Brown trade talks has "remained firm," according to Dianna Russini, but teams remain interested in discussing a deal for the standout receiver.
The Athletic reported Monday that a trade was a possibility despite the Eagles' high asking price, so Roseman's demands don't yet seem to be deterring too many teams.
Eagles' asking price 'high,' but Brown trade remains a possibility
At the NFL Combine, there was a "growing sentiment that a change is on the table" when it comes to Brown's future in Philadelphia, per Berman. Howie Roseman has publicly said he'd listen to trade calls about any player, but the Eagles will not "give away" Brown.
Berman reports that there are "multiple" AFC teams interested in Brown, but the Eagles are also having internal conversations about how Brown will fit in new OC Sean Mannion's system.
As things stand, it appears that Brown isn't forcing a trade by any means, but the Eagles remain willing to listen to interested teams.
Brown's representatives have done 'recon' on trade landing spots
According to Breer, A.J. Brown's camp and representatives have done "recon" on potential trade landing spots.
“Brown's camp has done recon, too, on potential landing spots and which have a genuine interest," Breer said. "So, while [Howie] Roseman quietly has had talks, Brown's side has gauged whether there's greener grass elsewhere.”
Patriots interested in A.J. Brown, potential pairing with Stefon Diggs
MassLive reports that there is internal interest from the Patriots in acquiring Brown, who was coached by Mike Vrabel while in Tennessee. That interest is reportedly not dependent on Stefon Diggs' future with the team.
There is a "scenario where the Patriots could have both" Brown and Diggs on the roster, should they swing a trade for Brown.
In an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Schrager said that A.J. Brown "is not on the [trade] block by any means," as the team is not "proactively trading" him.
However, Howie Roseman is said to "always have his phone line open" to listen to offers.
Roseman said at the NFL Combine that "we're in the business of keeping great players and A.J. is a great player."
Howie Roseman on if the Eagles will listen to trade calls for A.J. Brown
When asked about A.J. Brown's future in Philadelphia, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said "I can't guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season."
Sirianni also spoke highly about Brown, saying he's looks "forward to continuing that relationship."
"He has meant so much to our football team these past four years. ... We want to keep good players around. ... Always excited to have him on the football team and look forward to continuing that relationship."
Mar 7, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Mets came from behind to defeat the Cardinals 3-2 in Kodai Senga’s first Grapefruit League outing.
Despite giving up two solo homers, which represented the entirety of the Cardinals’ runs, Kodai Senga looked solid in his spring debut. He touched 99 with his fastball and struck out two batters with the ghost fork working. Senga was working on his breaking stuff in the outing and filled the zone, not issuing any walks in 2 2/3 innings of work.
Down 2-0, the Mets threatened in the fifth, but Ronny Mauricio got picked off of first base for the second out of the inning, quashing a potential rally.
The Mets had a couple of web gems in this game. Luke Weaver made a nifty diving play on a roller toward first base in the bottom of the fifth, speeding to the bag and laying out, touching his glove to the bag to make the out; it was part of a scoreless inning of relief for Weaver. In the sixth, Cristian Pache showed off his range by leaping up against the wall to rob Nolan Gorman of a double.
The Mets finally broke through and cut the Cardinals’ lead in half in the sixth thanks to a Mike Tauchman RBI double, as he continues to make a strong case for the right field job. The Mets could have added on, but unfortunately Bo Bichette ended the rally by grounding into a double play and they had to settle for just the one run.
The Mets tied the game in the following frame, as Brett Baty and Luis Torrens sparked a seventh-inning rally with a pair of singles. Cardinals shortstop Yairo Padilla then committed a throwing error on a slow roller up the middle on which he rushed the throw, which skipped on by the first baseman toward the dugout to plate the tying run. Once again the Mets could not add on and left the bases loaded in the inning.
But the Mets put runs on the board in three consecutive innings late in the game, as a walk, a single, and an RBI hit from Wyatt young gave the Mets the lead in the eighth.
Jack Wenninger earned the win for pitching three scoreless innings to cap off the come from behind victory, striking out five Cardinals in the process. Brooks Raley and Luis García also each contributed a scoreless inning of relief.
The Mets take on the Yankees at Clover Park at 1:10pm EDT tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward!
Dublin romped to a 6-32 to 0-18 victory over Down at Parnell Park in Division 1B of the Nation Hurling League to deepen the Ulster side's relegation concerns.
The result leaves Down hoping for a Kildare victory over Carlow on Sunday to leave them with a chance of survival on the final day, but this 32-point loss to promotion-chasing Dublin has put a real dent in those hopes with a vastly inferior scoring difference.
John Hetherton hit two goals for the victors, with Dara Purcell, Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing, Fergal Whitely and Paddy Dunleavy also finding the net for Ó Ceallacháin's side that had 12 different scorers overall.
Down were competitive for long stages of the first half with Tim Prenter, Paul Sheehan and Finn Turpin all on target, but the first of Hetherton's goal in the ninth minute helped the Dubs into a 1-13 to 0-10 lead approaching the half.
They would extend that gap by the interval as Hetherton was picked out by Fergal Whitely for his second goal, while the full-forward then turned provider for Ó Dúlaing whose applied the finish with Dublin 3-15 to 0-11 up at the break.
There was no looking back in the second period as they powered on with Purcell netting his side's fourth goal five minutes after the restart and fifth followed soon after through Duleavy who was played in by Hetherton.
The scores were flowing for the hosts with Donal Burke, Darragh Power and Purcell on song, while a sixth goal arrived late on through Whitely.
In Division Three, Tyrone powered to a 3-22 to 0-11 win over Armagh.
Turlough Mullin, Kiefer Morgan and Aidan Kelly all found the net for Stephen McGarry's side who finish their campaign on a high.
Cavan fell to a 8-19 to 0-12 defeat by Sligo in Division Four.
’s hopes for victory were dashed after crashing out early in the Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway.
The reigning and four-time IndyCar Series champion, Palou, making his 100th career start, collided with Rinus VeeKay's #76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet and was left wrecked after just 22 laps on the 1-mile tri-oval.
After starting 10th on the grid, Palou’s #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda vaulted up into the top three shortly after taking the green flag. He settled into the position behind the Team Penske duo of pole-sitter David Malukas and Josef Newgarden.
A brief caution set up a restart on Lap 19, which saw Palou get jumped by Graham Rahal’s #15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda moments later. Then, with an opportunity to attempt a pass from the high line, VeeKay tried to move to the outside of Palou as the duo went through the dogleg. However, Palou continued to come up and VeeKay never lifted, leading to the two making contact and the former’s right-front slamming into the outside wall. Palou’s machine came to a rest on the inside of the track with damage significant enough to step out.
Alex Palou led the INDYCAR championship standings after every race since June 23, 2024.
“I haven't been able to see it,” Palou said, noting a replay. “I just, I don't know if I just squeezed someone or someone was trying to get there. Yeah, I mean, I don't know. I didn't think there was anybody there.
“(I) need to see if there was really that space or not, but yeah, unfortunate that we ended up in the wall so early and not even trying, but it's racing.”
VeeKay was able to continue on, but was left fuming at believing he was squeezed into contact by Palou.
“He drove up on me, man,” VeeKay said, over the radio.
VeeKay also felt he’s dealing with potential suspension issues, running five laps down in 23rd at the time of this release.
“Yeah, steering up to the left,” he said. “I think it's got suspension damage here.”
'Dangerous game' ready to land world-class star at Liverpool
Liverpool are ready to take advantage of a ‘dangerous’ game and sign a truly world-class star.
Journalist Christian Falk claims Bayern Munich are playing a 'dangerous game' with Michael Olise. The Frenchman's contract situation is a little dark right now.
Not that there's any question over Olise's immediate future. He has a contract into 2029 and Bayern are under no pressure to sell.
But Olise has made waves with his performances at Bayern and as Falk points out, he's not paid like the best players at the club. That's something that will eventually become a real problem.
Bayern are negotiating with Harry Kane right now and that leaves them hesitant to offer Olise a new deal when he's got so long left. They don't want to make Kane's negotiations more difficult, after all.
But that also risks leaving Olise a little edgy as he'll want the kind of money Kane is on. As Falk says, that's a dangerous game - and one Liverpool are apparently ready to take advantage of.
The journalist confirms interest from Liverpool. If Bayern make a mess of this, the Reds are ready to pick up one of the world's most exciting talents.
Michael Olise: Situation Summary
Performance and "Unsellable" Status
Olise is enjoying a prolific 2025/26 campaign with Bayern Munich, recording 13 goals and 25 assists across all competitions for Vincent Kompany’s side. In the Bundesliga alone, he has contributed 10 goals and 16 assists in 23 appearances. According to FotMob, Olise maintains an average match rating of 8.16 for the current season, reflecting his status as one of the most effective wide forwards in Europe. His performances have been so vital that Bayern Munich reportedly consider him "unsellable" and have no intention of entering negotiations, despite rumours of a theoretical €200 million (£172m) valuation.
Transfer Speculation and Liverpool’s Stance
While Sporting Director Richard Hughes has conducted "background checks" on the 24-year-old French international, reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano and Florian Plettenberg have recently indicated that Liverpool now view a deal as highly unlikely. Bayern Munich are reportedly working to extend Olise’s current contract, which runs until 30 June 2029, with plans to improve his terms to ward off interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain. Due to the difficulty of prising him away from Bavaria, Liverpool are reportedly shifting their focus to more realistic Bundesliga alternatives, such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
Recent Form and Fitness
Olise has remained largely injury-free this season, a significant improvement over his final year at Crystal Palace. He played 89 minutes in Bayern’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund on 28 February and was a standout performer in a 5-1 win over RB Leipzig in January, where he provided a goal and three assists. While he has occasionally rotated out of the starting XI during congested fixture periods, he remains a cornerstone of Bayern’s pursuit of a domestic and European treble. With no release clause currently active in his contract, the German champions remain in full control of his future heading into the summer of 2026.
Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder, and the model has highlighted a few plays that stand out.
After breaking down the numbers and stacking our projections against the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the most value.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Saturday, March 7.
Warriors vs Thunder computer picks for March 7
Warriors
Thunder
Podziemski o15.5 points -120
Gilgeous-Alexander u31.5 points -112
Green o1.5 3-pointers -130
Williams u9.5 rebounds -120
Horford u6.5 rebounds +125
Dort o1.5 3-pointers -170
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Warriors computer picks
Brandin Podziemski Over 15.5 points (-120)
Projection: 15.5 points
Brandin Podziemski has been on a hot streak, averaging 18.4 points over his last five games — 5.8 points higher than his season average.
Adding to the favorable setup, opposing starting point guards have attempted 7.7 threes per game against the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, the highest mark in the league, creating a matchup ripe for Podziemski to capitalize on.
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Draymond Green Over 1.5 3-pointers (-130)
Projection: 1.7 3-pointers
The Golden State Warriors should see an uptick in possessions today facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have played at the third-fastest pace in the league over their last five games.
That faster tempo could help Draymond Green, who has hit the Over on 1.5 made threes in four of his last 10 games.
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Al Horford Over 6.5 rebounds (+125)
Projection: 6.5 rebounds
The Warriors rank seventh in the league in road offensive rebounding, averaging 13.4 boards per game over their last five contests.
That extra activity on the glass creates a good opportunity for Al Horford, who has gone Over 6.5 rebounds in four of his last 10 games.
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Thunder computer picks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 31.5 points (-112)
Projection: 31.1 points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t been clearing this scoring line consistently, going Under 31.5 points in six of his last 10 games. While he remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players, tonight’s matchup against the Warriors presents a few factors that could keep him below that number again.
Golden State’s style of play often forces opposing stars into tougher, contested looks rather than allowing easy trips to the rim or free-throw line — areas where SGA usually piles up points. If those opportunities are limited and the Thunder offense remains balanced, there’s a strong path for him to finish just short of the 31.5-point mark again tonight.
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Jaylin Williams Under 9.5 rebounds (-120)
Projection: 8.5 rebounds
The Thunder have struggled on the offensive glass, ranking as the second-worst team in the NBA this season.
That trend aligns with Jaylin Williams going Under 9.5 rebounds in eight of his last 10 games and coming up short tonight on this prop against the Dubs.
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Lu Dort Over 1.5 3-pointers (-170)
Projection: 2.1 3-pointers
The Thunder have been one of the more aggressive teams from deep lately, ranking seventh in three-point attempts over the last 15 games.
That creates a favorable setup against the Warriors, who have allowed opposing starting small forwards to shoot a league-high 47% from beyond the arc this season.
With that in mind, Lu Dort has a solid path to cash the Over on 1.5 made threes which is a number he’s cleared in five of his last 10 games.
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How to watch Warriors vs Thunder tonight
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
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Months after finishing winless in 2025, Tyler Reddick has emerged as the most dominant force atop asphalt in 2026.
The 23XI Racing star has swept across victory lane in three straight races, becoming the first driver in NASCAR history to win their opening three events. Each victory has been more impressive than the last; on Sunday, Reddick surged to the front, fending off road course star Shane van Gisbergen to take home the gold at COTA.
Will the good times continue in Week 4 of the Cup Series season? Since 1972, only eight drivers have ever won four straight races at any point in a single campaign. Furthermore, Reddick has historically struggled at Phoenix Raceway, toiling across the dogleg.
Across 12 races at the one-mile track, Reddick has yet to capture the checkered flag. He has only two top-five finishes there, posting an average finish of 17.8—the tied-third worst mark among his oval tracks.
To win a Cup Series crown, drivers must find success in the Valley of the Sun. What better time to reverse the trend than now for Reddick, who will look to bring his glistening No. 45 chariot to paradise once more.
With that, here’s a look at the pole-sitter and starting grid for the 2026 Straight Talk Wireless 400 in Phoenix.
Who won the Straight Talk Wireless 500 pole for 2026?
Qualifying for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 took place on Saturday, with Penske Ford's Joey Logano earning his first pole position for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with a 26.561-second qualifying time (135.537 mph).
This will be Logano's 34th career NASCAR Cup Series pole start and third career Busch Light Pole Award at the Avondale, Ariz. track.
Complementing Logano in the front row will be defending series titleholder Kyle Larson. Larson clocked a 26.678-second qualifying time (134.943 mph).
Austin Cindric (26.731 seconds, 134.675 mph), Daniel Suárez (26.744 seconds, 134.610 mph) and Ryan Blaney (26.747 seconds, 134.595 mph) will close out Sunday’s top five in Avondale.
Ford's Brad Keselowski fell victim to car damage during practice and will start in a backup car in position no. 37.
The Houston Astros are adding to their catching depth by adding a veteran catcher who won a World Series with the organization in 2022.
Christian Vazquez signed a minor league contract with the AL West club on Saturday, according to an announcement made on the Astros' official X account. The deal includes an invitation to spring training.
Vazquez, 35, has 11 years of experience in the Major Leagues, spending parts of eight seasons with the Boston Red Sox, one half season with the Astros, and the past three years with the Minnesota Twins.
He's known as a defense-first backstop, hitting just .250/.299/.367 with a .666 OPS and a 162-game average of 12 home runs throughout his career.
How Vazquez fits into Astros' regular season plan
Vazquez should have a good chance for playing time in the Majors this season. Some of Houston's pitchers are familiar with the catcher, and he was behind the plate for the Astros' combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series.
Currently, Cezar Salazar is the backup catcher behind Yainer Diaz, but he has just 36 games of MLB experience under his belt.
Vazquez is in San Juan for the World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico, so when he reports to spring training depends on how far his squad advances in the tournament.
The Oklahoma Sooners' first big recruiting weekend of the spring is off to an incredible start, earning a commitment from four-star quarterback Jamison Roberts on Saturday. The Sooners have long been the favorite for Roberts, and now their quarterback is in the class. But that's not where the momentum stops. The Sooners have become the favorite to land the No. 1 tight end in the cycle, Seneca Driver.
Driver is in town for Oklahoma's Future Freaks weekend, and it looks like they've moved the needle in a big way in the four-star tight end's recruitment.
Steve Wiltfong, vice president of recruiting and transfer portal for Rivals, issued a prediction favoring the Sooners to land Driver. Oklahoma offered the Danville, Kentucky, product back in August, and since the hire of new tight ends coach Jason Witten, the Sooners have picked up a lot of momentum.
Driver ranks as the No. 18 player in the class, according to Rivals, and is the No. 62 overall player in 247Sports rankings. He has Power Four 29 offers at this point in his recruitment, with 11 of those coming from SEC schools, including Texas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Alabama.
Driver's an incredible athlete and shows the toughness that you need to be successful in the SEC. He wins with speed and displays strong route running. He's got strong hands and is able to go above the rim to make catches over the top of defenders.
There's still a long way to go in this recruitment, and the Sooners will have to battle with some of the best recruiting schools in the country to land a commitment from Driver. But they've put themselves in a strong position to land one of the best players in the 2027 recruiting class.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
INDIANAPOLIS — UCLA, in its second year in the Big Ten, will be playing for the conference tournament crown for the second straight season.
Top-seeded UCLA took down No. 5 Ohio State, 72-62, on Saturday afternoon at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to punch its ticket. The Bruins will play the winner of No. 2 Iowa and No. 3 Michigan in the championship game Sunday.
While UCLA led the entire game, Ohio State didn't back down quietly. After a 12-3 run by the Bruins to start the game, the Buckeyes held them to two points for the rest of the first quarter to fight their way back into the game. Ohio State couldn't keep up the momentum in the second quarter, however, as it shot just 27% from the field from the first half while UCLA shot 44%.
Ohio State stayed within single digits for most of the second half, cutting the deficit to seven points with 48 seconds left, but it wasn't enough.
Chance Gray was the catalyst for Ohio State, finishing with 23 points. Jaloni Cambridge has 12 and Elsa Lemmila had 10.
UCLA had a balance offensive attack with five players in double figures: Kiki Rice had 17, Angela Dugalic and Lauren Betts had 14, Gianna Kneepkens had 13, and Gabriela Jaquez had 10.
Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at capeterson@gannett.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67
HARRISON, NJ — The U.S. women look to return to the podium at the SheBelieves Cup as they meet Colombia for the finale of the 2026 tournament.
A five-year winning streak at this event on home soil was snapped last year as Japan took the 2025 SheBelieves title, but a win or draw today would return the silverware to the USWNT.
If the U.S. fall short at the final hurdle, Canada or Colombia could catch them if they reverse the goal differential advantage held by Emma Hayes' team.
The Sporting News is following the USA vs. Colombia match live, providing score updates, commentary, and analysis.
USA (4-3-3, right to left): 24. Tullis-Joyce (GK) — 23. Fox, 4. Girma, 14. Sonnett, 6. Patterson — 7. Yohannes, 17. Coffey, 16. Lavelle — 2. Rodman, 9. Sentnor, 21. A. Thompson
Colombia (4-2-3-1, right to left): 12. Tapia (GK) — 2. Vanegas, 3. D. Arias, 4. A. Guzman, 16 Carabali — 8. Restrepo, 6. Montoya — 17. M. Lopez, 7. Pavi, 10. L. Santos — 18. Caicdeo.
USA vs. Colombia key moments
26th min: There's a break in the action as Colombia goalkeeper Katherine Tapia is down off the ball needing treatment.
It's good for the U.S. to pause and get some coaching from the touchline, because they have been very sloppy so far. Colombia have been more incisive in the attack, and the U.S. is giving possession away needlessly. Colombia are pressing hard and it's causing the hosts problems. Lily Yohannes needs more control in midfield, and the U.S. outside backs need to stop wasting possession. Plenty of room for improvement so far from the title chasers, but it hasn't cost them quite yet.
Tapia gets some tape on her leg and is ready to continue.
12th min: The U.S. has come out in a flat 4-4-2 out of possession, with Rose Lavelle positioned high up the pitch alongside Ally Sentnor as a second outlet. In possession, they look to be in more of a 4-1-4-1 with Sam Coffey playing the lone defensive midfield position.
When Colombia get the ball they are looking to send it long for either Linda Caicedo or Leicy Santos.
Kickoff: We are under way at the home of the New York Red Bulls! Tobin Heath was honored before the match for her retirement from international football, as a New Jersey native. It was very chilly this morning, but has warmed slightly before kickoff. You can still see your breath in the stands, and the sky remains very overcast. The USWNT can win the SheBelieves Cup today with just a point!
Lineups: The USWNT starting XI has been submitted. Emma Hayes has largely stuck with the group that beat Canada last time out, with Lily Yohannes returning to the midfield, keeping Lindsey Heaps on the bench. Avery Patterson enters the lineup as Gisele Thompson takes a seat after starting the first two SheBelieves Cup matches.
Prematch: Welcome to Sports Illustrated for live, on-site coverage of the final match of the 2026 SheBleieves Cup!
The USWNT can win the SheBelieves Cup title with a win or draw in this game, while a defeat would open the door for Canada or Colombia depending on results and goal differential.
At Sports Illustrated Stadium for the final 2 matches of the 2026 #SheBelievesCup. The #USWNT will meet Colombia in the second game, but first its #CanWNT vs. Argentina. The US needs a win or draw to win the title.
It's unclear how much Emma Hayes will rotate the side from the first-choice XI that took the field against Canada. It's likely that Lindsey Heaps will come back into the side after playing the opener against Argentina but coming off the bench last time out.
Lilly Reale was sent home after picking up an injury in training, and cannot be replaced on the roster, and Catarina Macario was not called in as she remains on the shelf with Chelsea. Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson remain out long-term.
Emily Sonnett is the only player to have appeared on all 11 USWNT SheBelieves Cup rosters since the tournament began 2016.
Colombia team news
Colombia are with all their regular stars as they have no notable injuries to speak of at the moment.
Superstar Linda Caicedo snapped a four-game scoreless streak when she bagged the winner against Argentina last time out.
USA, Colombia upcoming schedules
USA upcoming fixtures
Date
Competition
Match
Location
Sat, Apr. 11
International Friendly
USA vs. Japan
San Jose, CA
Tue, Apr. 14
International Friendly
USA vs. Japan
Seattle, WA
Fri, Apr. 17
International Friendly
USA vs. Japan
Commerce City, CO
Colombia upcoming fixtures
Colombia have not yet announced their next fixtures following the March international break.
The Detroit Lionscontinue searching for stability at center, but another potential option has now come off the board.
According to multiple reports, veteran offensive lineman Connor McGovern, who many had pegged as a serious option for the Lions, has agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract extension to remain with the Buffalo Bills. The deal reportedly includes $32 million in guaranteed money, ensuring the 28-year-old will stay in Buffalo for the foreseeable future.
For Detroit, the development removes yet another possible solution at a position that has been under the microscope.
Lions Still Searching for Stability at Center
Since longtime Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow retired prior to the 2025 season, the Lions have been working to find a long-term replacement in the middle of their offensive line.
Detroit’s front office now faces a difficult balancing act.
While several veteran centers have been available in free agency, many of them have commanded large contracts, and the Lions may not be eager to commit that level of salary cap space to the position.
McGovern’s new contract underscores just how expensive the market has become.
A Key Piece for Buffalo
McGovern has been a steady presence along Buffalo’s offensive line and played a key role in protecting franchise quarterback Josh Allen.
The Bills clearly valued his reliability, locking him up long-term before he could hit the open market.
What’s Next for Detroit?
With McGovern now off the market, Detroit will have to continue exploring other options.
The Lions could choose to:
Target a different veteran free agent
Address the position in the NFL Draft
Or rely on internal options already on the roster
Whatever route general manager Brad Holmes ultimately chooses, the center position remains one of the most intriguing questions facing Detroit’s roster heading into the upcoming season.
And with another potential solution now gone, the Lions’ search continues.
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Credit: WWE
There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding next month’s WrestleMania 42, but the main event match between World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns is shaping up to be an all-timer. The hotly anticipated match between two of the most polarizing figures in modern wrestling history is headlining WWE’s return to Las Vegas, and these two are already off to the races.
Though they faced each other (and Seth Rollins) in the triple threat that headlined WrestleMania 41 Night 1 last year, their one-on-one bout at the upcoming WWE event feels different. It feels bigger (not just because it’s for the title), more heated, and a whole lot more real. It’s been one of the hardest-hitting feuds in WWE since it started a little more than a month ago, and I cannot wait to see where this goes.
Credit: WWE
The World Heavyweight Championship Is On The Line, But This Goes Deeper Than That
This match is technically for the World Heavyweight Championship, but it’s so much more than that, and you can feel it. Championship matches are nothing new for WrestleMania (we have two Royal Rumble matches and two Elimination Chamber matches each year to determine No. 1 contenders), but this feud between Roman Reigns and CM Punk feels like something that has been in the making for years.
From CM Punk seemingly throwing Reigns under the bus in his notorious The Art of Wrestling interview with Colt Cabana back in 2014 and inadvertently getting the fans to turn on WWE’s up-and-coming superstar of the next generation, to them butting heads at WarGames back in 2024 to their show-stealing match at WrestleMania 41, this is a collision course a decade-plus in the making. Sure, having a belt on the line raises the stakes, but this is about the past, present, and future of the business, not just gold around the victor’s waist.
Credit: WWE
Punk And Roman Aren’t Afraid To Get Personal, And It Feels Real
Though it feels weird saying this, wrestling is at its best when it feels real, and we’re getting that with Roman Reigns and CM Punk’s current feud heading into WrestleMania. Whenever these guys are in the same place at the same time since Roman stamped his ticket to the “Showcase of the Immortals” in late January, they haven’t held back and haven’t been afraid to get personal.
Much like CM Punk’s feud with Drew McIntyre (which resulted in a rare five-star match for WWE) or Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart back in the ‘90s, the current WHC program makes it feel like Punk and Roman genuinely can’t stand one another, despite being Zebros in the decorated Zootopia 2 a few months ago.
I didn’t think it could get more heated than Roman telling Punk he challenged him at Mania because he had always hated him for making his life so hard when he was getting started. But then came their most recent back-and-forth, where the champ told the challenger he was going to bury him next to his dead dad. Now I have no idea how intense this could get.
Honestly, I don’t know how any other match on the WrestleMania 42 card can compete with the banger these two are about to give us, but I guess I’ll have to watch with my ESPN Unlimited subscription to find out next month.
Garnacho Gets 8, Acheampong With 7.5 | Chelsea Players Rated In Hard-Fought Win Vs Wrexham
Chelsea faced off against Wrexham in the FA Cup earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a win on the road. The Blues made a slow start to the game as they conceded the opening goal in the 18th minute when Sam Smith found the back of the net. However, Liam Rosenior’s side equalised thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Arthur Okonkwo. The two teams went into the half-time break with a 1-1 scoreline.
Callum Doyle gave the home side the lead in the 78th minute, but Josh Acheampong equalised for the Blues just four minutes later. George Dobson was sent off by the referee in injury time as the match ended 2-2 after normal time.
Alejandro Garnacho put Chelsea 3-2 ahead in the 96th minute before Joao Pedro killed the game off in the dying embers of extra-time. The contest finished with the Blues earning a hard-fought 4-2 win away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player fared during the clash against Wrexham.
GK: Robert Sanchez – 6/10
He made a few decent saves at the back but conceded two goals this evening.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo – 6/10
Adarabioy struggled to impress as he looked a bit shaky when defending inside his half.
CB: Benoit Badiashile – 6/10
He dealt with the danger when he could, but failed to keep the Wrexham attackers quiet.
CB: Mamadou Sarr – 6.5/10
Sarr did his fair share of defending and was good on the ball.
WREXHAM, WALES – MARCH 07: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wrexham and Chelsea on March 07, 2026 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
RM: Josh Acheampong – 7.5/10
He came back to defend when he could and took his goal well in the 82nd minute.
CM: Romeo Lavia – 6/10
Lavia anchored the midfield well at times but offered very little inside the opponent’s half.
CM: Andrey Santos – 6.5/10
He struggled to get a foothold in the game but managed to earn an assist for setting up Acheampong’s strike.
LM: Jorrel Hato – 6.5/10
He was lively with the ball at his feet but failed to make a difference in the final third.
RAM: Pedro Neto – 6/10
Neto struggled to catch the eye during his time on the field.
LAM: Alejandro Garnacho – 8/10
He used his pace well at times on the left flank and managed to put Chelsea ahead in extra time.
ST: Liam Delap – 6.5/10
Delap used his strength to hold possession up for his team, but never looked like he would score.
Substitutes:
ST: Marc Guiu – 6/10
He failed to get into the flow of the game.
CM: Dario Essugo – 7/10
Essugo bagged an assist for setting up Garnacho’s goal.
LB: Marc Cucurella – 6/10
He was solid at the back.
RB: Malo Gusto – 6/10
Gusto gave away a cheap free-kick which went unpunished.
Chelsea Survive Wrexham Scare to Reach FA Cup Quarter Finals
Chelsea Survive Wrexham Scare to Reach FA Cup Quarter Final
Drama in Wales as Chelsea Overcome Wrexham Resistance
Chelsea advanced to the FA Cup quarter finals after a dramatic contest with Wrexham that demanded patience, resilience and eventually extra time. The Premier League side twice recovered from setbacks before securing a 4-2 victory in a tie that captured the spirit of the competition.
In front of a lively crowd in Wales, and with Wrexham’s owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watching on, the underdogs played with courage and clarity. Chelsea, despite their superior resources, were repeatedly forced to respond to the ambition of their hosts.
Wrexham made the first statement. Sam Smith timed his run expertly, taking advantage of Chelsea’s high defensive line before squeezing a shot inside the near post. It was a moment that sent the stadium into celebration and briefly placed the possibility of a famous FA Cup upset into view.
Chelsea needed a response and it arrived in unusual fashion before half time. Alejandro Garnacho drove forward and forced a defensive scramble. George Thomason attempted to clear but the ball struck goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and rebounded into the net for an unfortunate own goal.
Wrexham Refuse to Yield
The second half unfolded with energy and tension. Chelsea introduced changes after an underwhelming opening period, yet Wrexham continued to threaten.
Josh Windass struck a half volley from the edge of the area that was cleverly redirected by Callum Doyle, sending the home side back in front. The move captured Wrexham’s belief and organisation, qualities that made life uncomfortable for Chelsea throughout normal time.
That advantage lasted only four minutes. Josh Acheampong stepped forward and drilled a powerful effort inside the near post to level the score once more. Moments later Pedro Neto rattled the crossbar as Chelsea began to push harder for control.
Red Card Alters Chelsea and Wrexham Contest
The defining moment arrived deep into stoppage time. After consulting the pitchside monitor following VAR advice, referee Peter Bankes dismissed George Dobson for a high and forceful challenge on Garnacho in the 93rd minute.
Reduced to ten men, Wrexham were forced to defend deeper as extra time approached. The effort that had carried them through ninety minutes gradually began to fade.
Chelsea sensed the shift. Attempts from Andrey Santos and substitute Marc Guiu increased the pressure until Garnacho finally delivered the decisive moment. Left unmarked at the back post, he guided Dario Essugo’s clipped cross into the net to put Chelsea ahead for the first time.
Quarter Final Place Secured
Wrexham refused to accept defeat quietly. Lewis Brunt thought he had produced a dramatic equaliser in the 114th minute, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. Further attempts from Kieffer Moore and Windass ensured the closing stages remained tense.
Chelsea eventually sealed the result on the counter attack when Joao Pedro broke forward and finished calmly to make the score 4-2.
It was far from a comfortable evening for Chelsea, yet progress was secured. The result extends their unbeaten FA Cup run against lower league opponents to 25 matches and moves them into the quarter finals as they continue the search for a first triumph in the competition since 2019.
Celtic Plot Summer Move For This Hibernian Midfield Ace: Why He Could Replace McGregor In The Long Run
If a recent report from The Herald is believed to be true, Celtic are plotting a summer move for Miguel Chaiwa. There would be a significant overhaul to free up funds for the new manager, and the board might bring in the Hibernian midfield ace as part of the squad transition.
The 21-year-old Zambia international progressed through the ranks of Shamuel Academy before joining Atletico Lusaka back in his homeland. Swiss heavyweights BSC Young Boys scouted him for their reserves and eventually promoted him to their first team as a sporadic player. While his gametime was limited in the top flight, the Bern-based outfit loaned him out to second-tier side Schaffhausen for the second half of the 2023-24 season.
How He Has Been Pivotal To Gray’s Style of Play
Although Chaiwa was a part of Young Boys’ first-team plans for the 2024-25 season, the club sanctioned a €800k transfer to Hibernian, having failed to hand him enough minutes in the middle of the park. He has so far featured 24 times across competitions, primarily as a deep-lying playmaker in David Gray’s 3-4-1-2 formation [stats via Transfermarket].
Chaiwa took a while to settle in Scottish football, but has cemented a first-team role upon his return from the African Cup of Nations. He is contracted at Ewood Park until the summer of 2028, with Hibs having the option to extend his stay for a further year. They would look to maximise the profit from his sale, and Celtic, despite being well-equipped in the centre of the pitch, might step up interest in the coming days.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Miguel Chaiwa of Hibernian battles with Claudio Braga of Hearts during the William Hill Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian at Tynecastle Park on February 10, 2026 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Why Celtic Must Bring Him To Parkhead In The Summer Window
The Hoops are heavily reliant on Callum McGregor, who has been their driving force from the base of Martin O’Neill’s midfield setup. While they also have Benjamin Nygren, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan, none of them is suited for the ‘number 6’ spot. The Scotsman will be 33 in June, and the club must find a long-term suitor for their veteran skipper.
Meanwhile, Engels was a subject of interest from Nottingham Forest, who saw a bid of around £25m rejected in January. Celtic might struggle to keep hold of their prized asset; also, the Glasgow giants have yet to decide whether to trigger the one-year extension of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract beyond this summer. Hatate, a shadow of his earlier self, will be allowed to move on, and Bernardo, who has been a surplus to requirements at Parkhead, might explore a fresh challenge to attain playing time.
Chaiwa is known for his high-energy, box-to-box style, with strong dribbling and intercepting attributes. His concentration, flexibility, physical presence and technical traits would help him attune to the grind and demands at Celtic Park, and it remains to be seen whether the champions intensify their interest in due time.
Nico Gonzalez scores brace for Atletico: When will Juventus purchase obligation be met?
Nico Gonzalez marked another impressive display in Spain with a match-winning brace for Atletico Madrid against Real Sociedad on Saturday, further underlining his growing importance to Diego Simeone’s side, and edging Juventus closer to triggering a crucial financial windfall.
The Argentine winger came off the bench in the 54th minute with Atletico trailing 2-1, and produced a decisive impact, netting twice to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory in LaLiga’s 27th matchday.
It was exactly the kind of performance that is making his permanent move to the Spanish capital look increasingly inevitable, as noted by CalcioMercato.
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – MARCH 21: Nico Gonzalez of Argentina reacts after being sent off during the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Uruguay and Argentina at Centenario Stadium on March 21, 2025 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images)
Nico Gonzalez edges closer to permanent Juventus departure
The details of his transfer structure make for interesting reading from a Juventus perspective. Nico Gonzalez joined Atletico on an initial loan of €1 million, rising by a further million subject to certain sporting objectives, with a purchase option of €32 million that converts into an obligation under specific conditions.
The key trigger is appearance-based: Atletico must sign him permanently if he reaches 60% of Liga matches played, featuring for at least 45 minutes per game, equivalent to 21 qualifying appearances across the season.
Saturday’s outing counts as his 13th qualifying appearance in the league, with 18 total Liga appearances to his name so far this season, and 26 across all competitions.
With eleven games left this season, he requires eight more qualifying matches to trigger the obligation, a target that looks very much within reach given his increasing involvement under Simeone.
For Juventus, the €32 million fee would represent a welcome injection of cash ahead of what promises to be a busy and expensive summer transfer window.
The market was pretty thin at the center position coming in, and it just got a whole lot thinner. The Bills have resigned center Connor McGovern to a massive extension.
Linderbaum is not only the only great center option who appears headed for free agency, he is considered arguably the top free agent at any position and easily the top offensive lineman.
No doubt Linderbaum is going to get big money on the market. And no team is more equipped to meet his contract demands than the Raiders.
Las Vegas has some $130 million in cap space to use in free agency, which is more than they can spend. Making Linderbaum a must-sign. He is a three-time Pro Bowler who is still just 26 years of age. Adding him would give expected top pick QB Fernando Mendoza a proven veteran presence at center for at least his entire rookie contract.
Linderbaum's agent's phone should light up at the stroke of 9am Pacific time on Monday with the Raiders on the other end.
Right now, their 2026 room includes Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, Malik Turner, Junior Bergen and Colton Dowell. That's simply not enough to be a legitimate threat to defenses in 2026.
In recent weeks, there have been plenty of rumors that San Francisco will target Romeo Doubs in free agency, and 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is clearly in favor of that decision, as he posted his thoughts on his Instagram story.
Doubs, 25, played collegiately at Nevada from 2018-21, earning All-Mountain West honors twice before the Green Bay Packers took him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Over the last four years, he's caught 202 passes for 2,424 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Lenoir and Doubs are just one year apart and were raised in Los Angeles, with the former playing at Bishop Mora Salesian High School and the latter playing at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Reuniting these two in San Francisco would certainly give the 49ers a better chance of competing next year.
Two-time Atlantic 10 men’s basketball coach of the year Mark Schmidt announced he is retiring after his 19th season at St. Bonaventure, ending one of the most successful tenures in school history.
Schmidt made the announcement on Saturday, following a regular-season ending 68-63 loss to Davidson. The 63-year-old will stay on to coach St. Bonaventure (15-16, 4-14) in the conference tournament that opens on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
At 339-254, he is the winningest coach in Bonnies men’s basketball history. Schmidt took over in 2007-08, and transformed a program still reeling in the wake of a recruiting scandal that led to coach Jan Van Breda Kolff’s dismissal following the 2002-03 season.
“I’m a lucky guy. To be able to be the head coach at St. Bonaventure for 19 years is an honor,” Schmidt said. “When I first got the job, I remember someone telling me I was going to be here for three or four years and then I was going to be selling insurance. And that didn’t happen.”
He then credited former athletic director Steve Watson and school president Margaret Carney for placing their faith in hiring him after an 82-90 record in six seasons at Robert Morris.
“They allowed me to coach, they allowed us to build a program. And I think what we’ve done is pretty good, it’s pretty cool,” Schmidt said. “This program is back to being credible.”
Under Schmidt, St. Bonaventure posted seven 20-win seasons, including a program-best 26-8 finish in 2017-18. He earned conference coach of the year honors in both 2016 and 2021.
The Bonnies qualified for NCAA Tournament berths in 2012, 2018 and 2021, in which they went a combined 1-3. Their 65-58 win over UCLA in a First Four game in 2018 was the Bonnies first tournament victory since the Bob Lanier-led team reached the Final Four in 1970.
His departure comes two years after the program hired former EPSN NBA reporter and St. Bonaventure alum Adrian Wojnarowski to serve as general manager. Wojnarowski is expected to oversee the search for Schmidt’s replacement.
“I’m 63-years-old and it’s time to move. My family has sacrificed for 37 years,” Schmidt said, noting he wants to spend time with his wife traveling the world. “I couldn’t ask for a better 19 years. I’m not leaving because of anything that has happened. It’s just time.”
The Bonnies also earned three NIT berths and in 2020-21 won the A10 regular-season and tournament titles for the first time in the same season.
Before Schmidt, St. Bonaventure went a combined 24-88 in four years under Anthony Solomon. From North Attleboro, Massachusetts, Schmidt has a career coaching record of 421-344.
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) grabs a rebound Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, during the NCAA men’s basketball game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. | Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Wisconsin Badgers are taking on the Purdue Boilermakers at the Mackey Arena on Saturday, with tip-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on CBS.
Wisconsin is coming off a blowout win over the Maryland Terrapins on Wednesday, winning 78-45 on Senior Night. Braeden Carrington had another great performance, scoring 18 points while shooting 4 of 8 from three-point range to lead all scorers.
John Blackwell had one of his better performances recently, scoring 14 points on an efficient 6 of 9 from the field. It was the first time that Blackwell shot over 50 percent from the field since the Badgers beat Ohio State at home on January 31st.
Overall, the Badgers shot 48 percent from the field and 42 percent from three, while holding Maryland to only 45 points, its lowest output of the season. However, they were dealt a blow as Nolan Winter suffered an ankle injury that will cause him to miss today’s game against Purdue.
Without Winter, Austin Rapp is sliding back into the starting lineup, as Aleksas Bieliauskas moves to center.
Wisconsin is facing Purdue for the second time this season, getting blown out 89-73 at the Kohl Center in early January. That was a competitive game through one half, but the Boilermakers blew it wide open to open the second half in one of the uglier losses of the year for the Badgers.
But, since then, Wisconsin has really turned things around, jumping back near the top of the Big Ten standings, while securing three top-10 wins: Michigan, Michigan State, and Illinois. Purdue would be another major Quad 1A win to add to the resume on Saturday.
Heading into the game, the Badgers are seen as 9.5-point underdogs, with the over/under at 154.5 points.
Can the Badgers find a way to pull off the upset? Join us as our game thread is officially open!
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Arkansas coach John Calipari became the fifth Division I men’s basketball coach to reach 900 career wins with the Razorbacks' 88-84 victory over Missouri on Saturday.
Arkansas (23-8, 13-5 SEC) delivered Calipari the milestone victory without Southeastern Conference leading scorer Darius Acuff Jr., who missed the game with an undisclosed injury.
“If it meant anything, do you think Darius would have been playing today?” Calipari said. “I would have played him. That stuff, when you do this a long time, that’s the kind of stuff that happens if parents entrust you with their child.”
Calipari joins Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim, Rick Pitino and Roy Williams as the only coaches with 900 Division I victories.
Calipari, at 67, is the second-youngest coach to win 900 games behind Krzyzewski, who reached the milestone at the age of 64.
Calipari is also the third-fastest coach to reach the 900-win mark, accomplishing the feat in his 1,185th career game.
Calipari has coached five Final Four teams and won a national championship with Kentucky in 2012.
Missouri Coach Dennis Gates said that while he has not had the experience of coaching under Calipari, he still has a lot of respect for what Calipari has accomplished.
“Being able to be a coach that wins a national championship, that’s one of my goals,” Gates said. “Being able to be a Hall of Fame coach, that’s one of my goals. Obviously, compared to him, I’m in the infant stages of my career.”
Calipari is wrapping up his second season at Arkansas after spending 15 years coaching Kentucky. Prior to his time in Lexington, Calipari coached at Memphis for nine seasons after starting his collegiate head-coaching career with an eight-year stint at Massachusetts.
Colombia joins Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala as coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines spark an unstoppable tourism boom. Now, Colombia joins Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala as destinations where coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines are driving sensational travel growth. Everywhere you look, coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines are reshaping Latin America’s tourism map. Travel And Tour World urges travellers to explore how Colombia joins Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala as coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines ignite a tourism revolution. With coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines at the heart, this tourism surge is irresistible.
The Tourism Boom Driving Visitor Growth Across the Americas
Tourism across the Americas is experiencing an extraordinary transformation. Today, travellers are no longer satisfied with visiting only one type of destination. Instead, they seek a combination of experiences that engage culture, nature, and local life. Across countries like Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala, tourism growth is being powered by a fascinating trio: coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastal escapes. This combination offers travellers a chance to explore lush agricultural landscapes, historic towns, and scenic beaches—all in a single journey. The result is a tourism sector that is not only growing but evolving into a more immersive, meaningful experience for modern visitors. Governments, tourism boards, and local communities are investing heavily to support this growth. They recognise that tourism can stimulate the economy, create jobs, and preserve cultural and natural heritage. For the modern traveller, this is more than a vacation—it is an opportunity to experience the heart and soul of a destination.
Colombia: Transforming Tourism with Coffee, Culture, and Coastlines
Colombia has become one of the most dynamic tourism destinations in South America, attracting visitors from around the world. Its tourism boom is driven by a combination of coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastline experiences. The country’s famous coffee-growing regions, often called the Coffee Cultural Landscape, are nestled in the Andean highlands. Visitors are drawn to these areas not only for breathtaking views but also for authentic experiences that showcase the entire coffee process. Tourists can explore farms, meet coffee producers, and learn traditional cultivation techniques. Beyond coffee, Colombia boasts stunning colonial cities. Cartagena, for example, is a historic walled city full of cobblestone streets, colourful architecture, and centuries-old fortresses. Other cities, like Bogotá and Medellín, mix historical charm with modern cultural hubs featuring museums, galleries, and gastronomic experiences. Colombia’s coastlines provide a further attraction. The Caribbean coast offers tropical beaches, islands, and nature reserves where travellers can enjoy marine adventures and scenic views. Combined, these elements create a multi-dimensional tourism experience that appeals to a variety of travellers—from cultural explorers to nature lovers. Tourism in Colombia has grown rapidly in recent years, proving that destinations offering coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines can attract more international visitors and generate significant economic benefits.
Brazil: From Beaches to Heritage and Coffee
Brazil’s tourism story is evolving beyond its iconic beaches and Carnival celebrations. The country is now promoting a diverse tourism portfolio that blends colonial cities, coffee regions, and coastal destinations. Historic towns like Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Salvador are attracting travellers who want to immerse themselves in the country’s colonial past. These cities offer cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and vibrant local festivals that reflect Brazil’s cultural heritage. At the same time, Brazil’s coffee-producing regions, especially in Minas Gerais, are gaining attention as visitors seek experiential travel. Coffee farms are offering guided tours that explain the cultivation and harvesting process, allowing travellers to interact with farmers and experience authentic local life. Alongside heritage and agricultural tourism, Brazil’s coastlines continue to be a major draw. From the iconic Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro to the pristine beaches of Bahia, the country’s coastal areas provide opportunities for relaxation, water sports, and cultural events. By combining coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastline tourism, Brazil is attracting travellers who want both adventure and authenticity. This integrated approach is helping the country diversify its tourism economy while preserving its cultural and natural heritage.
Mexico: Blending Coffee, History, and Coastal Beauty
Mexico has long been a top tourism destination, yet the country is seeing a fresh surge in tourism due to its combination of coffee regions, colonial cities, and beaches. Historically, tourists were drawn to resort towns such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Los Cabos. Today, however, cultural and immersive experiences are becoming increasingly popular. Colonial cities like Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and Mérida are attracting travellers with their well-preserved architecture, historic plazas, and local arts and crafts. At the same time, Mexico’s coffee-growing regions in Chiapas and Oaxaca offer scenic highland landscapes, plantation tours, and direct interactions with coffee producers. These regions allow visitors to learn about sustainable agriculture while enjoying authentic cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Mexico’s coastlines continue to captivate tourists. The Yucatán Peninsula, with its turquoise waters and coral reefs, and the Pacific coast with its surf-friendly beaches, provide the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. By integrating coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines, Mexico is creating travel experiences that are both enriching and unforgettable. Tourism authorities are encouraging multi-destination trips that allow visitors to enjoy heritage, nature, and coastal recreation within one itinerary, fostering longer stays and higher spending.
Peru: A Diverse Tourism Destination Combining Coffee, Culture, and Coastlines
Peru’s tourism sector is increasingly being shaped by its combination of coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastal attractions. While Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley remain iconic, Peru is expanding its tourism portfolio to include cultural and agricultural experiences. Colonial cities like Cusco and Arequipa offer a fascinating mix of Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture. Tourists can explore historic streets, ancient churches, and local markets filled with traditional crafts. Beyond cities, Peru’s coffee regions, located in the Andean highlands and Amazon foothills, are becoming increasingly popular. Visitors can tour coffee plantations, observe harvesting and roasting processes, and interact with local farming communities. This form of tourism allows travellers to experience authentic rural life while supporting sustainable agriculture. Peru’s Pacific coast adds another dimension. Coastal cities and towns offer beaches, surfing opportunities, and vibrant culinary experiences that combine seafood with traditional Andean flavours. By promoting coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines together, Peru is offering a comprehensive travel experience that appeals to cultural enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. The country’s diverse landscapes and rich history make it an ideal destination for travellers who want to combine multiple experiences in one trip.
Guatemala: Emerging Tourism Star with Coffee, Colonial Heritage, and Natural Beauty
Guatemala is quickly emerging as a leading Central American tourism destination, driven by coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastal or lakeside escapes. Antigua Guatemala is the jewel of the country’s colonial heritage, offering cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and historic churches surrounded by volcanoes. The city hosts cultural festivals and provides an authentic window into the Spanish colonial era. Nearby coffee plantations provide immersive tourism experiences where visitors can learn about coffee cultivation, processing, and sustainable farming practices. These tours often include direct interactions with local farmers, giving travellers a deeper understanding of Guatemalan culture and life. Natural attractions further boost Guatemala’s appeal. Lake Atitlán, with its volcanic backdrop and surrounding Mayan villages, is one of the most scenic destinations in Central America. Visitors can hike, kayak, and experience local traditions. The Pacific coastline, although less explored, offers opportunities for relaxation and eco-tourism. Guatemala’s combination of coffee regions, colonial cities, and natural landscapes allows the country to present a unique tourism proposition. The integrated approach is encouraging longer stays, higher visitor spending, and greater engagement with local communities, contributing significantly to sustainable economic growth.
The New Face of Tourism in the Americas
The rise of coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines as key tourism drivers across the Americas reflects a fundamental shift in global travel behaviour. Modern travellers are no longer looking for mere sightseeing—they are searching for authenticity, cultural depth, and connection to local life. Coffee tourism allows visitors to experience traditional agriculture while contributing to rural economies. Colonial cities offer historical and architectural exploration, combined with cultural immersion through local food, festivals, and crafts. Coastal destinations provide relaxation, marine activities, and natural beauty, completing the triangle of experiences that modern travellers desire. Countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala are investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and designing experiences that integrate these elements. This multi-faceted approach has not only boosted visitor numbers but also diversified local economies and preserved cultural and natural heritage. Tourism boards are creating campaigns to highlight these combined experiences, encouraging travellers to explore multiple regions in a single trip. Airlines and travel operators are responding with packages that mix coffee tours, heritage walks, and beach stays, appealing to travellers seeking variety and depth. The result is a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry across the Americas, anchored by the powerful trio of coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines.
Why Coffee, Colonial Cities, and Coastlines Are Transforming Travel
The combination of coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines is proving to be a game-changer for tourism growth. Coffee regions provide a tangible and interactive experience that connects visitors to local agriculture and traditional practices. Colonial cities preserve history, architecture, and culture, offering both education and entertainment. Coastal areas provide natural beauty, leisure, and adventure activities. Together, these three elements create a comprehensive tourism package that appeals to a wide range of travellers, from families to solo adventurers, from luxury seekers to eco-conscious tourists. Countries that successfully integrate these elements are seeing higher visitor engagement, longer stays, and increased spending. This model also supports sustainable tourism by promoting community involvement, heritage conservation, and environmental protection. As travellers continue to seek meaningful, multi-dimensional experiences, destinations that combine coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines will remain at the forefront of tourism growth in the Americas.
Conclusion: A Sustainable and Immersive Future for American Tourism
The Americas are entering a new era of tourism defined by the integration of coffee regions, colonial cities, and coastlines. Countries like Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala are leading the way, offering travellers immersive, authentic, and diverse experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing. This approach not only attracts international visitors but also benefits local economies, preserves cultural and natural heritage, and promotes sustainable development. As tourism continues to evolve, the combination of agriculture, history, and scenic beauty will define the region’s appeal. Travellers can now enjoy rich coffee landscapes, explore centuries-old towns, and relax on pristine beaches—all in a single journey. The result is a tourism sector that is dynamic, sustainable, and deeply connected to the identity of the Americas. This integrated tourism model sets a new standard for destinations worldwide, demonstrating that growth, sustainability, and immersive experiences can go hand in hand.
Seoul has secured its place as a 24-hour global nightlife capital, ranking 25th in the Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations for 2026. This is a testament to the extraordinary nighttime appeal that combines traditional Korean drinking culture and state-of-the-art entertainment venues. With over 25,000 bars, lounges, pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues in busy metropolises like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam, Seoul offers a nightlife experience like nowhere else.
From the latest in karaoke and jazz bars to massive street parties and techno dance clubs, Seoul fuels the energy of every kind of night owl. Beverages range from affordable prices as low as 3.50 USD to luxurious cocktails as high as 18 USD, making Seoul a venue where every kind of drinker can find something to their taste. With improved safety and security, including state-of-the-art CCTV and the presence of Tourist Police, Seoul is a safe place to be at night.
Nightlife Hotspots That Define Seoul’s After-Dark Scene
Hongdae — Youth-centric nightlife district full of indie bars, live music venues, and spontaneous street performances.
Itaewon — Internationally diverse district, popular for expat bars, global cuisine, DJs, and themed club nights.
Gangnam — Premium nightlife with upscale clubs, rooftop lounges, and sophisticated bar culture. Across these zones, late-night dining, pub crawls, and immersive nightlife tours offer structured social experiences.
Top 3 Hotels to Elevate Your Seoul Nightlife Stay
To maximise Seoul’s nightlife experience, staying in well-located, nightlife-friendly hotels is crucial. Here are three standout options known for proximity to bars, clubs, and vibrant night scenes:
1. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul – Jongno A luxury flagship hotel in central Seoul blending world-class bars, lounges, and elite amenities — ideal for travellers seeking premium nightlife access near cultural and entertainment districts.
2. Grand Hyatt Seoul – Yongsan A renowned five-star property situated close to nightlife districts, with stylish bars, live music lounges, and excellent access to Hongdae and Itaewon nightlife.
3. Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel Itaewon – Itaewon A well-rated boutique hotel just steps from Itaewon’s bars and clubs, offering contemporary comfort and lively surroundings tailored to nightlife travellers.
(Honourable mentions: Lotte Hotel Seoul — known for its rooftop bar and club access; Park Hyatt Seoul — luxurious base near Gangnam nightlife).
Can’t-Miss Nightlife Events & Night Experiences in Seoul
Seoul’s nightlife isn’t limited to bars and clubs — it also includes dynamic events that define the city’s nocturnal culture.
Seoul Pub & Nightlife Tours – Curated bar and club crawls through Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam bring travellers to the best venues with skip-the-line access and local guides.
Live Music Nights – Jazz lounges, indie gigs, and live band nights are staples in Hongdae’s live house scene, often continuing until dawn.
Night Entertainment & Game Cafés – Seoul’s late-night entertainment includes gaming cafes and karaoke (noraebang) that stay open very late — blending food, drinks and play.
Themed Night Tours – Seasonal and themed nightlife events such as rooftop parties, DJ showcases, and cultural dance nights are regularly hosted across the city. (Official schedules vary yearly.)
Pro Tips for Enjoying Seoul’s Nightlife Safely and Smartly
Choose Official Transport: Use licensed taxis or popular ride-hailing apps at night — especially after late-night clubbing — for safe navigation across districts.
Stay Vigilant with Drinks: Although Seoul is generally safe, remain aware of drink safety and personal belongings.
Learn Essential Etiquette: Many nightlife venues follow strict local etiquette; greet staff respectfully and be mindful of cultural norms.
Explore Pub Crawl Tours: Guided nightlife tours offer curated and efficient experiences, often with group entry advantages.
Plan Around Weekend Peaks: Friday and Saturday nights are busiest — reservations for popular clubs and rooftops are recommended.
Safety Snapshot: A Secure Nighttime City
Seoul consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest cities after dark due to its extensive CCTV network, well-trained Tourist Police presence, and generally low violent crime rates. Its stay-out-late friendliness extends even to late-night street food explorations and public transport usage late into the evening.
Seoul at Night — Global Entertainment Meets Secure Urban Energy
Seoul offers a vibrant nightlife scene where traditional Korean social settings are combined with contemporary lounge bars, backstreet clubs, and urban dance floors. With over 25,000 nightlife venues and a safe environment, the ranking of Seoul at #25 in the 2026 Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations list is a well-deserved accolade. Whether you are looking to experience the bars in Hongdae, dance the night away in Gangnam, or join a curated pub crawl, Seoul offers a nightlife experience that meets international standards.
For those who have spent the winter dreaming of the Balearic sun, the wait is almost over. This year, the municipality of Calvia is not just “opening for the season”—it is making a statement. According to the latest forecasts from the Calvia Town Hall, nearly three-quarters of the region’s hotels will be operational in time for the Easter holidays.
In a move that signals robust confidence from international markets, 154 of Calvia’s 211 establishments—approximately 73%—will throw open their doors by early April. This isn’t just a minor uptick; it’s a calculated response to a surge in confirmed demand from the UK and Germany, ensuring that Mallorca’s largest tourist municipality is ready to welcome the first major wave of 2026 travelers.
A Strong Start for the Southwest
Calvia, which encompasses iconic resorts such as Magaluf, Palmanova, Peguera, and the upscale enclave of Santa Ponsa, is Mallorca’s heavy hitter when it comes to accommodation. The numbers for this Easter are impressive: 61,000 beds will be available, representing 77% of the total capacity in the municipality.
Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual, returning from the ITB Berlin tourism fair, emphasized that this early start is rooted in data. “This year, Easter falls very early, and the majority of hotels are available and operational,” Amengual noted. “This is very good news for extending the season, but it’s even better to demonstrate that we are prepared to do so.”
The preparation isn’t limited to hotel rooms. The “complementary sector”—the local restaurants, boutique shops, and beach bars that provide the soul of a Mediterranean holiday—is also gearing up for an early start. This synchronized reopening ensures that early-season visitors won’t find a “ghost town,” but rather a vibrant, fully functioning holiday destination.
Quality Over Quantity: The Shift to Upscale Tourism
While the sheer volume of rooms is notable, the real story lies in the quality of the offering. Over 28,000 of the beds available this Easter are located within four- and five-star establishments. This shift toward “quality tourism” is a strategic pillar for Calvia, moving away from the “sun and beach” stereotypes of the past toward a more sophisticated, year-round appeal.
The data shows a 6% increase in hotel openings compared to 2025, a significant jump considering that Easter was later in the calendar last year. This suggests that the “season” is no longer a fixed window between June and September, but a flexible, expanding timeframe that caters to the modern traveler’s desire for off-peak experiences.
Santa Ponsa: The New Hub for Global Luxury
Looking ahead to the autumn, the focus shifts from mass-market readiness to high-end exclusivity. Santa Ponsa has been selected to host the prestigious LOOP tourism fair, a business-to-business event that connects Europe’s leading luxury travel designers with top-tier tourism providers.
From October 22 to November 1, the municipality will become the epicenter of the global luxury travel industry. The fair is divided into three specialized components:
LOOP Wellbeing: Focusing on the growing intersection of travel and health.
LOOP MICE Autumn: Dedicated to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions sector.
The choice of venues for this event—the Kimpton Aysla Mallorca Hotel and the Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa—underscores the region’s ability to host world-class corporate and luxury events. These venues represent the “new Calvia”: stylish, wellness-oriented, and internationally competitive.
Why This Matters for Travelers and Locals
For the traveler, this news means more choice and better infrastructure during the “shoulder months.” Visiting Mallorca in April offers a different kind of magic—the almond blossoms may be fading, but the hiking trails are lush, the temperatures are perfect for cycling, and the beaches are serene.
For the local economy, the early opening is a vital step toward “deseasonalisation”—the holy grail of Mediterranean tourism. By spreading the arrival of tourists over more months, the pressure on local resources is reduced, and employment becomes more stable for the thousands of people working in the hospitality sector.
A Confident Outlook
The Mayor’s confidence isn’t just political rhetoric; it’s backed by the UK and German markets’ unwavering loyalty to the island. Following successful presentations at trade fairs in London and Berlin, it is clear that Calvia remains a top-tier choice for European holidaymakers.
As the shutters go up and the pool loungers are set out this April, Calvia isn’t just preparing for a busy week; it’s setting the tone for a year of growth, quality, and a renewed commitment to excellence. Whether you are looking for a family getaway in Palmanova or a luxury retreat in Santa Ponsa, Calvia is ready, waiting, and better than ever.
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) in Texas is currently grappling with a wave of flight disruptions, as severe weather conditions sweep across the region. The airport, known for its convenient location and accessibility, has been hit by over 141 delays and 23 cancellations, causing a ripple effect on travelers’ plans throughout the city and beyond. Passengers are experiencing delays not only in takeoffs but also in flight connections, with weather playing a significant role in the chaos.
Severe Weather Disruptions Cause Havoc at DAL
The past few days have seen heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and unstable weather conditions severely impacting operations at Dallas Love Field Airport. These weather-related disruptions have led to extensive delays, as well as cancellations, leaving many travelers stranded or forced to reschedule their flights. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the impact of the storm systems moving through Texas cannot be underestimated.
Why Are These Delays and Cancellations Happening?
Severe weather is often the culprit behind widespread delays and cancellations, and this case is no different. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued several warnings and ground delays for multiple flights departing from DAL. These weather-related issues, including thunderstorms and high winds, have forced air traffic control to slow down departures, leading to a backlog of flights waiting to take off.
Flight Disruptions Affecting Local and International Routes
Passengers flying from Dallas Love Fieldare finding themselves stuck, with many routes delayed by more than an hour. Long-distance flights that connect Texas to the East Coast, West Coast, and even international destinations have been hit hardest by the unpredictable weather. Delayed flights have led to frustrations, with travelers needing to adjust their connections and sometimes make last-minute changes to their itineraries.
Not only are domestic flights affected, but international travelers who are flying into Dallas from various global hubs have also faced delays. For example, flights from Mexico and Canada have been delayed by multiple hours, disrupting both business and leisure travel. While the weather has mostly impacted the early morning and midday schedules, the ripple effect is continuing into the evening.
The Toll on Passengers: Stressed Travelers Struggle with Delays
Passengers have been seen scrambling at Dallas Love Field, checking flight statuses and seeking updates on their departure gates. For many, the stress of canceled flights or missed connections has left them uncertain about their travel plans. With the ongoing weather conditions, it is not clear when the situation will improve.
Travelers report having to deal with customer service representatives for rebooking options, while others have been left with no choice but to spend additional time at the airport. The increasing frustration among affected travelers is palpable, as they struggle to find alternative routes or even secure a hotel room when faced with unexpected cancellations.
What Can Passengers Do to Minimize Disruption?
For those planning to fly through Dallas Love Field, the FAA recommends checking their flight status regularly and signing up for notifications. This allows passengers to stay updated on any delays or cancellations. Travelers are also encouraged to consider adjusting their travel plans by booking later flights or rerouting through nearby airports like Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which typically operates with a larger number of available flights.
Moreover, airlines have been working closely with passengers to offer flexible rebooking policies, especially for those who are stranded due to the bad weather. While delays are frustrating, most airlines are striving to assist travelers by rebooking them onto the next available flight without additional fees. However, availability remains an issue, as the number of flights that can be rebooked during these high-demand periods is limited.
Traveling in the Age of Weather-Related Delays
The weather has been unpredictable, and airports like DAL are not immune to the challenges posed by severe storms. This instance highlights how weather events are not just a seasonal inconvenience but an ongoing concern that can have a ripple effect across the aviation industry. With climate change and unpredictable storm systems on the rise, travelers can expect more disruptions of this nature in the coming years.
With this in mind, travelers are advised to consider weather insurance for their trips. This extra protection helps cover the costs of unplanned cancellations and delays, ensuring that travelers are not left stranded in situations like this. While it cannot prevent the weather from causing delays, it can offer financial protection when plans go awry.
Moving Forward: What Can Airports Do to Improve?
The Texas Department of Transportation has announced plans to improve infrastructure at Dallas Love Field and increase operational efficiency during adverse weather conditions. However, given the unpredictable nature of weather patterns, airports, airlines, and passengers will need to adjust their expectations as they navigate through such disruptions.
As weather events become more frequent, airports around the world, including Dallas Love Field, may have to implement new strategies to manage passenger flow during times of delay and cancellation. This could involve better communication and proactive management from airlines and airport authorities to ensure travelers are well-informed throughout their journey.
Conclusion: Ensuring Safe and Efficient Travel Amidst Disruptions
As travelers continue to face flight delays and cancellations due to severe weather conditions at Dallas Love Field, it is clear that airports and airlines need to develop more effective strategies to mitigate the effects of these disruptions. While the current weather patterns have had a significant impact, the situation is far from over. The Texas region, particularly Dallas, will continue to face such weather challenges in the future, making it crucial for passengers to remain prepared and flexible when traveling.
In conclusion, Dallas Love Field and its surrounding region are no strangers to weather-related disruptions, but this latest round of delays and cancellations serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and communication in the aviation sector. For now, passengers are encouraged to stay vigilant, check their flight statuses regularly, and take advantage of flexible rebooking options if their flights are delayed or canceled.
In a surprising shift, Canadians are increasingly choosing to boycott once‑beloved U.S. destinations, with a growing movement to explore alternative vacation spots both domestically and in Europe. This travel trend, which has gained momentum in 2026, reflects broader discontent with political and economic tensions between Canada and the US As Canadians find it harder to ignore the shifting landscape of bilateral relations and the rising costs of travel to the United States, many are reconsidering their travel plans.
Historically, Canadians have been among the most frequent international visitors to the U.S., particularly to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Niagara Falls. However, recent travel data reveals that this once robust travel corridor is now seeing a steady decline in Canadian visitors. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the number of Canadian travelers crossing the border to the United States has dropped significantly in 2025 and early 2026 — a trend that is expected to continue throughout the year.
This shift in Canadian travel preferences has been attributed to several factors, including rising political discontent, economic pressures from high exchange rates, and worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries. The U.S. government’s policy changes, especially regarding tariffs and immigration laws, have further fueled the sentiment of dissatisfaction. As a result, many Canadians are choosing to look beyond U.S. borders, opting instead for domestic destinations or international travel to European and Caribbean locations.
Why the Boycott Movement Is Gaining Traction
1. Political and Diplomatic Strains Between Canada and the U.S.
In recent years, political tensions between the Canadian government and the United States have led many Canadians to reconsider their travel to the U.S. Disagreements over key policies — such as trade tariffs, border security measures, and climate action initiatives — have played a role in shaping Canadian public opinion. According to CBC News, these tensions have led to a growing divide that has manifested in a travel boycott for many citizens seeking to make a statement or simply avoid dealing with what they perceive as an increasingly unfriendly political environment.
2. Economic Pressure and Currency Concerns
Another major factor contributing to this travel boycott is economic pressure, particularly the exchange rate. The Canadian dollar has lost significant value against the U.S. dollar, making travel to the United States more expensive. This currency discrepancy has added to the rising costs of flights, accommodations, and food during U.S. vacations, prompting many Canadians to reconsider their options. For many middle‑income Canadians, the cost of visiting the U.S. no longer justifies the experience, especially when alternative destinations are available for less money.
3. The Growing Appeal of European and Domestic Travel
As tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, many Canadians are turning inward, exploring the beauty and culture of their own country. Canadian tourism has seen a surge in bookings for destinations such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa, with visitors enjoying the scenic beauty of national parks and urban experiences without the hassle of crossing the border.
At the same time, Europe has seen a rise in Canadian travelers heading to cities like London, Paris, and Rome, where the exchange rate is often more favorable, and the cultural allure remains strong. As Europeans continue to travel to North America, some Canadians have opted to reconnect with their roots, choosing to explore European cities at a more leisurely pace without the political undercurrent of U.S. visits.
The Ripple Effect on U.S. Tourism
The decline in Canadian visitors is not just affecting popular tourist sites; it’s also causing ripple effects throughout U.S. local economies that depend heavily on tourism. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, which have traditionally attracted large numbers of Canadian tourists, have begun to feel the impact. According to Tourism Economics (a division of Oxford Economics), the number of Canadian tourists visiting U.S. attractions dropped by about 10% in 2025, with projections suggesting that this trend will continue through 2026.
Impact on U.S. Border Cities
U.S. border cities, including Niagara Falls (NY) and Detroit, are particularly feeling the pinch. With fewer Canadians crossing the border, local businesses — such as hotels, restaurants, and retailers — are reporting a sharp decline in revenue. Many of these establishments once relied heavily on Canadian visitors who made up a significant portion of the customer base, especially in seasonal tourism areas.
How the U.S. Is Responding
The U.S. tourism industry, particularly in the northern states, is looking for ways to reignite interest among Canadian travelers. Some destinations have launched marketing campaigns aimed at rebuilding goodwill and targeting Canadian visitors who have begun to turn away. For example, tourism boards in New York, Michigan, and California are collaborating to offer discounted packages for Canadian families and promoting cultural exchange initiatives that encourage cross-border tourism.
Looking Ahead: Is the Boycott a Temporary Shift?
Despite the strong current of Canadian boycotts against U.S. tourism, experts remain hopeful that the relationship between the two nations will stabilize. Political dialogue and a return to more favorable trade agreements may help reduce tensions. However, increased local tourism in Canada and a shift toward European travel could remain strong trends as long as the economic and political situation remains unchanged.
For now, many Canadians are focused on domestic vacations or visiting alternative destinations that align with their personal and political values, leaving U.S. tourism to reassess how to recapture the Canadian market. Whether this boycott will remain a temporary trend or a long-term shift in preferences will depend largely on the evolving political climate and the cost of travel across North America.
Summary In 2026, a growing number of Canadians are boycotting U.S. travel in response to political tensions, economic pressures, and exchange rate shifts. While tourism to the U.S. has dropped, countries like Europe and domestic Canadian destinations are seeing a boost in visits as Canadians opt for alternative travel options. This shift is having an economic impact on U.S. cities that traditionally benefit from Canadian tourism, particularly in border areas and major urban centers. The future of the boycott remains uncertain, but rebuilding relationships between Canada and the U.S. could play a key role in reviving cross-border tourism.
Spring break has transformed from a college tradition of wild parties and beach bashes into a nationwide getaway for all types of travelers. This year, Arizona joins top destinations like California, Utah, South Carolina, Florida, and Alabama to offer the perfect mix of experiences. Arizona brings breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, while California and Florida provide vibrant party scenes and pristine beaches. For families seeking relaxation, Utah’s serene national parks and South Carolina’s laid-back atmosphere offer an ideal escape, and Alabama’s quiet, picturesque shores are perfect for unwinding. These destinations combine excitement, relaxation, and adventure for spring breakers of every kind.
Once synonymous with college students indulging in beach parties and keg stands, spring break has expanded into a nationwide event, spanning from March to mid-April. Today, it’s not just about neon lights and wild music – it’s about finding the perfect getaway. Whether you’re seeking lively celebrations, outdoor adventures, family fun, or peaceful moments of relaxation, spring break now attracts everyone, from party-goers to those looking to reconnect with nature.
We’ve curated a list of top spring break destinations across the U.S. that cater to all types of travelers – from party hotspots and family-friendly escapes to scenic retreats and action-packed adventures.
Best for Partying
Miami Beach, Florida
The Vibe: Miami Beach is the ultimate hotspot for those seeking glamour, energy, and luxury. South Beach is the pulse of the action, with rooftop DJ sets, high-end clubs, and the perfect beachfront to catch the vibe.
Top Things to Do: Lounge on the famous white sand beaches with a mojito in hand while people-watching or explore the historic Art Deco district, featuring over 800 preserved buildings that highlight the city’s unique charm.
Where to Stay: The Marseilles Beachfront Hotel, located steps from the beach and nightlife, offers spacious rooms with Art Deco design. Rooms start at $230.
Panama City Beach, Florida
The Vibe: Panama City Beach (PCB) remains an iconic spring break destination, known for its neon-clad crowds and lively beach culture. While the scene has calmed a bit, it still offers high energy, especially with alcohol restrictions and a heightened police presence during peak times.
Top Things to Do: Bask in the sun on the stunning beaches, take a boat out to Shell Island for some privacy, or hop on a dolphin-watching cruise. For a more relaxed vibe, explore the shops and restaurants at Pier Park, located just steps from the beach.
Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Panama City Beach provides beachfront accommodations with Gulf views and a relaxing lazy-river pool. Rooms start at $250.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The Vibe: Cabo offers sun, beach clubs, boat parties, and a laid-back nightlife scene. It’s a spring break favorite known for a more relaxed atmosphere compared to typical loud party destinations.
Top Things to Do: Spend time on Medano Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Cabo, or take a boat trip to the famous El Arco rock formation, marking where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Snorkel in clear waters and soak up the stunning views.
Where to Stay: Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, located near the marina, offers five outdoor pools, a spa, and beautiful ocean views. Rooms start at $200.
Best for Families
Orlando, Florida
The Vibe: Orlando is the world’s theme park capital, offering endless family fun under sunny skies, with year-round warmth and expert crowd management.
Top Things to Do: Spend days at Walt Disney World’s 120+ attractions, visit Universal Orlando Resort for thrilling rides, and enjoy a relaxing beach day at Space Coast or take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa provides family-friendly accommodations, spacious rooms, multiple pools, and proximity to theme parks. Rooms start at $300.
San Diego, California
The Vibe: San Diego’s laid-back, casual vibe, combined with ideal spring temperatures, makes it a perfect destination for families.
Top Things to Do: Paddleboard in Mission Bay, explore La Jolla’s sea caves, or relax on the beaches of Coronado. Balboa Park is home to 17 museums, making it a great family outing. Don’t forget to try the fresh local seafood at Point Loma Seafoods.
Where to Stay: The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, located in Pacific Beach, offers a tropical atmosphere with palm trees, koi ponds, and beach access. Rooms start at $250.
Best for Scenery and Reset Energy
Sedona, Arizona
The Vibe: Sedona provides a peaceful desert escape surrounded by stunning red rock formations, making it an ideal place to reset and reconnect with nature.
Top Things to Do: Hike to breathtaking sites like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, or take a Jeep tour through the desert landscape. Sedona also offers wellness retreats for yoga, meditation, and spiritual experiences.
Where to Stay: Sky Rock Sedona, located on a hill with panoramic views, offers an outdoor pool and reasonably priced accommodations. Rooms start at $250.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The Vibe: Hilton Head Island offers tranquility with lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for families seeking a peaceful spring break.
Top Things to Do: Explore over 60 miles of bike trails, enjoy the island’s beaches, or visit the Gullah Museum to learn about the local history of African American descendants. A dolphin-watching cruise is also a must-do for families.
Where to Stay: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa provides direct beach access, several inviting pools, and a tranquil, peaceful setting perfect for relaxation. Rooms start at $290.
Best for Adventure
Moab, Utah
The Vibe: Moab is a haven for thrill-seekers, offering a Martian-like landscape perfect for outdoor adventurers.
Top Things to Do: Explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, go white-water rafting, or take on rugged off-road biking trails. The views alone are worth the adventure.
Where to Stay: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, located near Arches National Park, offers great amenities after a day of action-packed adventures. Rooms start at $250.
Lake Tahoe, California
The Vibe: Lake Tahoe offers the perfect mix of skiing, snowboarding, and beach relaxation. The area’s beauty and variety make it perfect for spring breakers looking to experience both winter and spring activities.
Top Things to Do: Ski or snowboard at Palisades Tahoe or Heavenly Mountain Resort. Away from the slopes, enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or a scenic 72-mile drive around the lake.
Where to Stay: The Landing Resort & Spa, located on the lakefront, offers alpine-inspired rooms and a perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Rooms start at $300.
Best for a Classic Beach Break
Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Vibe: Gulf Shores offers a peaceful, quiet beach break with beautiful white sand and turquoise waters, a great choice for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Top Things to Do: Spend time swimming, surfing, and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters. Visit Gulf State Park for nature trails and a butterfly garden, or enjoy water fun at Waterville USA.
Where to Stay: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, offers beachfront access, an infinity pool, and a fitness center. Rooms start at $250.
Final Thoughts
This spring break, Arizona joins California, Utah, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and more, offering the perfect mix of vibrant party spots, family-friendly retreats, and thrilling adventures for all types of travelers.
In conclusion, spring break has evolved into a diverse and inclusive experience, catering to everyone from party seekers to adventure enthusiasts, families, and those in need of a peaceful retreat. With destinations like Arizona, California, Utah, South Carolina, Florida, and Alabama, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, breathtaking natural landscapes, or a tranquil escape, these destinations offer the perfect mix of excitement, relaxation, and adventure. This year, make your spring break unforgettable by choosing the destination that best suits your ideal getaway.
In the current economic landscape, the hospitality industry is being positioned for a significant transformation as the FIFA World Cup approaches. It is anticipated by industry leaders that this international tournament, scheduled to occur from June 11 to July 19, will serve as a definitive turning point for a sector that has experienced recent fluctuations. The scale of the event is being compared to the cumulative impact of dozens of high-profile sporting events occurring simultaneously. Specifically, the scope of the tournament is being equated by AHLA spokesman Ralph Posner to the execution of nearly eighty Super Bowls within a singular month-long window. This immense scale necessitates a level of preparation and strategic tourism planning that extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the stadiums.
Projected Economic Contributions and Spectator Volume The financial forecast for the United States economy remains exceptionally optimistic, with projections suggesting that a total of US$30 billion could be generated through various commerce channels related to the tournament. While seven million spectators are expected to occupy seats within the stadiums, a much larger demographic of twenty to thirty million tourists is expected to enter the country. These figures represent a massive influx of capital that is expected to be distributed across multiple sectors, including transportation, dining, and retail, though the primary beneficiary is expected to be the hotel and lodging market. These visitors are not viewed merely as sports fans, but as international travelers whose extended stays will contribute to a sustained period of high occupancy rates.
Regional Distribution and Market Connectivity A unique aspect of the upcoming tournament is the geographical distribution of the matches across eleven US cities. Because of this wide spread, it is believed that the economic benefits will not be restricted to the host locations alone. Instead, a ripple effect is anticipated, where secondary markets and nearby destinations are utilized by travelers as they move between venues. For instance, Las Vegas is being highlighted as a primary beneficiary for fans traveling between Los Angeles and Kansas City, Missouri. By positioning itself as a central hub for entertainment and lodging, the city is expected to capture a significant portion of the spillover traffic from those attending matches in the West and Midwest.
Infrastructure Development and Venue Preparation In anticipation of the global spotlight, extensive renovations are being undertaken by property owners to ensure that facilities meet international standards. Within the city of Miami, specific hotel properties, such as those managed by Atkeson, are currently undergoing structural upgrades. Although certain renovations may limit immediate activity during the tournament, the long-term value of these improvements is being prioritized. Similarly, establishments in Washington are being marketed based on their strategic proximity to Philadelphia, where several key matches are scheduled to be held. By emphasizing accessibility and regional connectivity, these hotels are attempting to secure bookings from visitors who prefer the amenities of the capital while attending events in neighboring states.
The Role of International Tourism in Sector Recovery The reliance on the World Cup highlights a broader trend within the American travel sector, where international visitors are viewed as the primary catalyst for growth. After a period of relative stagnation in domestic tourism, the arrival of millions of foreign travelers is seen as the necessary spark for a full industry recovery. These travelers are expected to extend their trips beyond the duration of the matches, exploring various American landmarks and contributing to local economies that are not traditionally associated with professional soccer. The strategic integration of sports and tourism is being viewed as a masterclass in economic stimulation, where a single event is leveraged to bolster an entire nation’s service industry.
Challenges and Strategic Adaptations Despite the optimism, several challenges are being addressed by stakeholders. The logistical complexity of managing thirty million visitors requires seamless coordination between local governments and private enterprises. Concerns regarding price gouging, transportation bottlenecks, and staffing shortages are being managed through proactive planning. It is hoped by organizers that the lessons learned from previous large-scale events will be applied to ensure a positive experience for visitors. Furthermore, the passive role of the hospitality sector is being transformed into an active one, as hotels transition from mere lodging providers to curated experience hubs that cater to the specific cultural and linguistic needs of a global audience.
Long-Term Legacy and Industry Outlook The ultimate goal of the 2026 tournament extends beyond immediate profits. A successful execution of the World Cup is expected to solidify the United States as a premier destination for global sports tourism for decades to come. The infrastructure improvements made today are being viewed as permanent assets that will continue to attract high-value tourism long after the final match is played. As the countdown to June 11 continues, the focus remains on maximizing the economic lift and ensuring that the American hospitality industry is prepared to welcome the world with efficiency and sophistication.
The Tasmanian tourist industry’s exceptional achievement at the 2026 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards has completely changed the environment of national excellence. On the evening of March 6, 2026, at a famous gala event in Fremantle, the island state proved its superiority by winning eleven medals in a variety of categories. This outstanding accomplishment is seen as evidence of the government’s strategic support as well as the steadfast commitment of local businesses that keep pushing Tasmania’s tourism industry to new heights. The state has cemented its standing as a top vacation destination for both domestic and foreign visitors by winning two gold, one silver, and seven bronze awards, which highlight the superior tourism experiences that characterize the area.
The Unstoppable Gold Streak: How Two Icons Made History
The pinnacle of the evening was marked by the announcement of two gold medals for Tasmania’s most distinguished operators. The Dragonfly Inn, a renowned establishment in the state’s north, was awarded the gold medal in the Hosted Accommodation category. This victory is particularly significant as it represents the third consecutive national gold for the business, resulting in its formal induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Only two businesses across the entire nation achieved this milestone in 2026, placing the northern Tasmanian operator in an elite tier of Australian hospitality.
Joining this success was Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which secured the gold medal in the Major Tour & Transport Operators category. This latest accolade brings the company’s total tally of Australian Tourism Awards to fifteen, a record that underscores the consistent excellence provided by their eco-cruises and wilderness explorations. The success of these two entities is seen as a benchmark for the industry, proving that Tasmanian operators are not only competing but also leading on the national stage.
Silvers and Bronzes: The Secret Gems You Need To Visit Now
Beyond the top honors, the depth of the state’s tourism sector was further highlighted by a silver medal and a broad array of bronze recognitions. eGuide, a specialist operator based in the northwest of the state, was awarded a silver medal in the Tour & Transport Operators category. As a first-time national finalist, this achievement is regarded as a significant milestone for the regional operator, showcasing the growth of professional touring services outside the major metropolitan centers.
The seven bronze medals distributed across the state reflect the geographical diversity and specialized niches of the visitor economy. In the south, honors were bestowed upon the Australian Wooden Boat Festival for Major Festivals & Events, while the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site was recognized for its excellence in cultural tourism. The Aquila Eco Retreat also secured a bronze for Unique Accommodation. Meanwhile, the east coast’s Younique Stays took home bronze in the Tourism Retail, Hire & Services category. Northern operators were equally successful, with Peppers Silo Hotel recognized in the 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation category, Blue Derby Pods Ride for Adventure Tourism, and The Truffle Farm for Excellence in Food Tourism.
Millions In Investment: How The Government Is Buying Your Next Vacation
The success witnessed in Fremantle is supported by an aggressive government investment strategy aimed at future-proofing the state’s appeal. According to Jane Howlett, the Minister for Tourism, Hospitality, and Events, the Tasmanian Government remains committed to enhancing the sector through targeted funding and infrastructure projects. A key pillar of this support is the $35 million investment in a new convention centre in Launceston, which is expected to double business event capacity in the north and inject an additional $30 million into the regional economy annually.
Further economic stimulation is being provided through the Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme, a $50 million initiative offering concessional loans to operators who promote visitor dispersal outside of Hobart. This program is designed to encourage the development of high-quality products that align with the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy, focusing on sustainability and year-round visitation. By subsidizing the growth of regional businesses, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt in every corner of the state, from the rugged west coast to the pristine beaches of the east.
The Future Of Tassie: Why 1.4 Million People Can’t Be Wrong
As the industry enters the remainder of 2026, the momentum generated by the national awards success is expected to drive record-breaking visitation numbers. In the previous year, Tasmania welcomed over 1.4 million visitors, resulting in a total economic injection of $4.5 billion. The state’s standing has been further elevated by Hobart being named Expedia’s Destination of the Year for 2026, a title that has significantly increased global search interest.
To maintain this growth, the government has focused on improving air and sea access. The return of direct flights between Auckland and Hobart via Air New Zealand has already facilitated travel for over 80,000 passengers, while new routes connecting Newcastle and Canberra to Launceston are expanding the domestic market. Additionally, the ongoing multi-billion dollar investment into the TT-Line fleet and port facilities is set to revolutionize the way travelers arrive via the Bass Strait. With a combined focus on award-winning hospitality, innovative regional experiences, and robust infrastructure, the Tasmanian tourism industry is positioned to remain a dominant force in the Australian landscape for years to come.
The ongoing Middle East conflict, ignited by the recent strikes between the U.S. and Israel on Iran and the subsequent retaliatory attacks, has disrupted commercial flights across the region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key international travel hub, has been severely affected by the crisis, with major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah experiencing widespread flight cancellations and delays. This situation has led to significant inconvenience for passengers, with airlines such as FlyDubai, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways among those heavily impacted.
Major Airports Affected
The UAE’s international airports have been at the centre of air travel disruptions, with Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport all experiencing severe flight cancellations and delays.
Dubai International Airport, renowned for handling millions of passengers annually, has reported a staggering 462 flight cancellations and 321 delays today. As the world’s busiest airport in terms of international travel, the airport plays a vital role in connecting global travellers between Europe, Asia and Africa. However, the ongoing regional tensions have significantly hindered airport operations. Airspace closures, particularly over Iran, Iraq and Israel, along with partial restrictions in several Gulf nations, have contributed to the severe disruptions.
Airline
Cancellations
% of Cancellations
Delays
% of Delays
FlyDubai
156
44%
108
31%
Emirates
82
16%
106
21%
IndiGo
23
79%
3
10%
Air India
22
100%
0
0%
SpiceJet
17
73%
1
4%
Qatar Airways
10
100%
0
0%
Egypt Air
5
83%
0
0%
Gulf Air
5
50%
0
0%
Air France
4
100%
0
0%
British Airways
4
66%
0
0%
Pegasus Airlines
4
100%
0
0%
Oman Air
4
100%
0
0%
SunExpress
4
100%
0
0%
Pakistan International Airlines
3
50%
0
0%
Air China
3
60%
2
40%
China Eastern
3
75%
0
0%
Virgin Atlantic
2
100%
0
0%
Air Baltic
2
40%
0
0%
SriLankan Airlines
2
100%
0
0%
Kenya Airways
2
50%
0
0%
US-Bangla Airlines
2
50%
0
0%
Aegean Airlines
2
100%
0
0%
Sichuan Airlines
1
50%
0
0%
Royal Jordanian
1
20%
2
40%
United
1
50%
0
0%
El Al
1
100%
0
0%
Swiss
1
50%
0
0%
KLM
1
50%
0
0%
Belavia
1
50%
1
50%
Flynas
0
0%
4
17%
Air Sial
0
0%
2
33%
Smartwings
0
0%
2
66%
Uzbekistan Airways
0
0%
1
50%
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi has also been affected, reporting 62 cancellations and 42 delays. Although not as severe as those at Dubai International, the delays at Zayed International Airport have still led to considerable inconvenience for passengers, especially for those looking to catch flights to and from the UAE capital.
Airline
Cancellations
% of Cancellations
Delays
% of Delays
IndiGo
26
86%
1
3%
Etihad Airways
11
3%
28
8%
Qatar Airways
8
100%
0
0%
Gulf Air
5
83%
0
0%
Egypt Air
3
100%
0
0%
British Airways
2
100%
0
0%
Pegasus Airlines
2
100%
0
0%
Pakistan International Airlines
2
33%
0
0%
Air China
2
100%
0
0%
China Eastern
1
50%
0
0%
Atlas Air
0
0%
1
100%
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi
0
0%
11
20%
Air India Express
0
0%
1
7%
Sharjah International Airport, located in the northern part of the UAE, has seen 23 cancellations and 33 delays today. While the disruptions at Sharjah International Airport are on a smaller scale compared to Dubai’s, the operational impact remains significant.
Airline
Cancellations
% of Cancellations
Delays
% of Delays
IndiGo
6
75%
0
0%
Qatar Airways
6
100%
0
0%
Pegasus Airlines
4
100%
0
0%
SpiceJet
3
100%
0
0%
Egypt Air
2
100%
0
0%
Pakistan International Airlines
1
50%
0
0%
Air Arabia
1
0%
32
13%
Al Maktoum International Airport, another key airport in Dubai, has reported 9 cancellations and 14 delays, further contributing to the widespread disruption of travel within the region.
Airline
Cancellations
% of Cancellations
Delays
% of Delays
UTair
4
80%
1
20%
Norwegian Air Sweden
2
100%
0
0%
Emirates
2
9%
7
31%
Compass Cargo Airlines
1
20%
0
0%
Qanot Sharq
0
0%
2
100%
Ural
0
0%
4
80%
Impacted Airlines
The ongoing airspace restrictions and conflicts have led to the cancellation and delay of numerous flights across a range of international and regional airlines. FlyDubai, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, among others, have been forced to adjust their schedules due to these disruptions.
FlyDubai, a major low-cost airline operating out of Dubai, has been particularly affected, with several inbound and outbound flights cancelled or delayed. In response to the crisis, the airline has prioritised passengers with existing bookings for the limited flights that it is operating. Emirates, one of the largest carriers in the UAE, has also faced significant delays and cancellations. The airline announced it would prioritise passengers with confirmed bookings, but the operational restrictions continue to affect its services.
Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, has also seen a number of flights cancelled due to the ongoing crisis. Despite the challenges, the airline has indicated that it is working to resume operations as soon as possible, though the airspace closures are making it difficult to predict when full operations will be restored.
Qatar Airways has been similarly affected, with numerous flights cancelled or delayed as a result of the regional airspace restrictions. Other carriers, including Gulf Air, Air India and British Airways, have also experienced disruptions, further compounding the impact on travel in the UAE.
Probable Impact on Tourism
The current crisis and its impact on UAE airports are likely to have long-term repercussions for tourism in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. As the country’s tourism sector plays a crucial role in its economy, disruptions to global air travel are likely to be felt across various sectors.
Dubai, in particular, has been a global tourism hub, attracting millions of visitors every year. With its world-class infrastructure, iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and luxury hotels, the city has become a top destination for both leisure and business travellers. However, the ongoing disruptions at Dubai International Airport could deter tourists from booking flights to the city, especially if the current situation persists.
Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, has also seen a steady increase in tourism over the years, with visitors flocking to its cultural attractions, luxurious resorts and world-class shopping centres. The disruptions at Zayed International Airport are likely to cause a dip in tourist arrivals in the short term, particularly as travel uncertainty grows.
Sharjah, known for its rich cultural heritage, is also likely to be impacted by the disruptions. While not as heavily reliant on tourism as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah’s cultural attractions, museums and family-friendly activities make it a popular destination for regional tourists. The ongoing crisis, however, could see a reduction in the number of visitors to the emirate.
The longer the travel disruptions continue, the more likely it is that tourist arrivals will decrease in the affected cities. Increased uncertainty, coupled with the limited availability of flights, could push travellers to reconsider their plans to visit the UAE, at least until air travel operations return to normal.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers stranded due to flight cancellations or delays, there are a few steps that can be taken to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the ongoing disruptions. The first and most important step is to stay in constant contact with the airline. Given the rapidly changing nature of air traffic operations in the region, airlines are likely to provide regular updates regarding flight status and alternative arrangements for passengers.
Passengers are encouraged to visit their airline’s website or mobile app for the latest information on flight cancellations and delays. For those at the airport, it is advisable to check with airline staff or Dubai Airports, Abu Dhabi Airports, or Sharjah International Airport authorities for real-time updates.
In cases of flight cancellations, airlines may offer rebooking options or, in some cases, issue refunds. However, passengers should be prepared for limited availability of flights in the coming days, as airlines adjust their schedules in response to the ongoing airspace restrictions.
Passengers should also be prepared for extended wait times at airports, particularly as passenger volumes increase in the wake of flight cancellations. To minimise the impact, travellers are advised to arrive early, keep essential items with them and remain patient as airport operations continue to adjust.
-The flight information provided is sourced from FlightAware.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises launches new itineraries and three Mystery Cruises for 2026, marking its fiftieth anniversary with innovative tourism offerings from Brussels and Amsterdam. Departures on April 26 and May 3 feature surprise destinations on Super Ships like the new S.S. Emilie. European tourism elevates as these voyages encourage spontaneous bookings and deeper regional explorations.
The Mystery Cruises integrate into the fifty-night Rivers of the World journey starting April 16 from Brussels, blending Rhine, Seine, and Nile segments. Tourism in Paris and beyond surges with exclusive access to hidden gems.
Mystery Cruise Thrill
Guests board Mystery Cruises without knowing routes, sailing undisclosed European rivers with novel experiences. One April sailing serves as the second leg of the anniversary voyage, heightening excitement. Amsterdam tourism benefits from pre-cruise canal tours, extending visitor stays. The surprise element appeals to adventure seekers, boosting off-peak tourism in lesser-known ports along Rhine and Danube corridors.
New Ship Debut
S.S. Emilie, inspired by Gustav Klimt, debuts on Danube itineraries from Budapest and Passau, accommodating one hundred fifty-four passengers with two-bedroom suites. Eight voyages showcase art-deco elegance and wellness spaces, revolutionizing luxury tourism. Danube tourism in Vienna and Regensburg anticipates premium influxes for wine tastings and abbey visits. Eco-friendly design aligns with sustainable European tourism standards, minimizing river impacts.
Rivers of the World
The fifty-night epic spans Brussels to Amsterdam, mystery leg, Paris Seine, Nile on S.S. Sphinx, and Jordan stays, visiting three continents. All-inclusive perks cover transfers and gratuities, simplifying global tourism. Paris tourism thrives with Eiffel Tower dinners and Versailles excursions. This flagship elevates multi-river tourism, drawing high-net-worth explorers for transformative journeys.
Danube Innovations
S.S. Emilie sails new Danube routes, blending Budapest thermal baths with Melk Abbey hikes. Family-friendly Generations Collection adds kid activities, broadening tourism demographics. Vienna tourism gains from concert pairings and coffee house immersions. Extended itineraries encourage bike tours and private castle dinners, deepening cultural tourism.
European Port Impacts
Brussels launches voyages with Grand Place walks, feeding Amsterdam bike safaris. Paris‘s Seine leg hits Normandy beaches and Loire chateaus, supercharging heritage tourism. Lesser rivers like Moselle see debuts via mystery sails, revitalizing rural economies. Ports invest in docking for boutique ships, sustaining tourism infrastructure.
Onboard Luxuries
Uniworld’s Super Ships feature farm-to-table dining, local wines, and top-deck pools. Velvet decor and butlers define boutique tourism, with Wi-Fi and excursions included. Amsterdam tourism extends through Rijksmuseum partnerships. Generations sailings offer kids’ cooking classes, fostering family legacies in European tourism.
Sustainability Practices
Low-emission engines and zero-plastic policies support green tourism on Rhine and Danube. Shore power reduces idling, preserving waterways for future tourism. Community tours fund local charities, embedding responsible travel. Paris eco-excursions highlight urban sustainability, influencing global tourism trends.
Booking Strategies
Early reservations secure mystery dates and suite perks, with flexible cancellations suiting uncertain tourism planners. Digital platforms detail themes without spoiling surprises. Brussels tourism promotes combo packages with Atomium visits. Anniversary specials discount multi-voyage combos, maximizing tourism value.
Market Differentiation
Uniworld’s all-suite, boutique model contrasts mass-market lines, targeting luxury tourism. Mystery Cruises fill demand for novelty, capturing millennials and boomers alike. Amsterdam‘s Anne Frank House tours pair perfectly with sailings. Fiftieth festivities include gala events, enhancing celebratory tourism.
Passenger Profiles
Affluent couples seek romance on Seine, families embrace generations voyages, solos join mysteries for camaraderie. High repeat rates sustain European tourism loyalty. Diverse nationalities enrich onboard dynamics. Tailored excursions suit fitness levels, from gentle walks to active hikes.
Regional Tourism Revival
Post-pandemic, Danube tourism rebounds with S.S. Emilie‘s allure, channeling spend to Wachau Valley vineyards. Paris hotels near ports report occupancy lifts. Mystery routes spotlight underrated gems like Belgian Ardennes. Collaborations with UNESCO amplify heritage tourism.
Cultural Enrichments
Lectures on Klimt precede Vienna opera nights, while Seine sailings feature Montmartre artists. Brussels chocolate workshops kick off journeys, immersing in gastronomic tourism. Nile extensions blend European roots with Egyptian wonders. Artisan visits preserve crafts, funding community tourism.
Adventure Elements
Kayaks, e-bikes, and private hikes define active tourism on mysteries. Amsterdam canals host yoga sessions, promoting wellness voyages. Generations kids explore castles via treasure hunts. Varied paces ensure inclusivity across European tourism.
Global Extensions
Rivers of the World links Europe to Africa, inspiring hybrid tourism packages. Jordan Petra treks cap adventures, broadening horizons. Paris to Cairo air-seamless transitions ease logistics. Multi-continent appeal redefines luxury tourism boundaries.
Operational Excellence
Uniworld’s 1:10 crew ratio delivers personalized service, from welcome champagnes to farewell toasts. Top-deck bars overlook iconic skylines, capping memorable tourism days.
2026 successes forecast expanded mysteries and ships, solidifying Uniworld’s tourism leadership. Danube debuts pave Asian river entries. Anniversary momentum sustains bookings into 2027. Innovation keeps European tourism vibrant and exclusive.
Legacy Impact
Uniworld’s fifty years culminate in transformative tourism, turning rivers into lifelines. Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris ports celebrate renewed prosperity. Mystery allure promises endless discoveries, etching lasting memories.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are leading 2-0 against DC United on Matchday 3 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Stay with us for minute-by-minute coverage of the match!
Inter Miami are leading 2-0 against DC United at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The clash is part of Matchday 3 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, and the spotlight is on Lionel Messi, drawing the attention of the 70,000 fans in the stadium.
Inter Miami come off their first official win of the year, overturning the score against Orlando City thanks to a brace from Messi, recovering from the tough defeat against Los Angeles FC in the season opener. Now they face the challenge of extending that streak and climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
On the other side, DC United won their first match of the tournament against Philadelphia Union but then fell on the road to Austin FC in Texas. That puts them in the same position as Inter Miami in the MLS standings, setting the stage for an exciting encounter in Baltimore.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the MLS match vs. D.C. United.
Barcelona face Athletic Club in La Liga, and Robert Lewandowski drew attention for wearing a mask covering part of his face.
Barcelona have a key La Liga 2025-26 match this Saturday against Athletic Club, as a victory would allow them to maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid in the standings. Robert Lewandowski started the game on the bench, with a peculiar detail in his appearance.
The Polish forward is wearing a mask that covers part of his face as a precaution to prevent impacts in that area. This is due to a heavy blow he suffered to the head during last Saturday’s match against Villarreal, which caused a bone fracture in the inner part of his left eye socket.
The injury kept Lewandowski out of the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atletico Madrid last Tuesday, where Barcelona won 3-0 but failed to advance to the final after losing 4-0 in the first leg in Madrid.
After a few days of recovery from that blow, the 37-year-old is now fit to return to the field, but he must do so wearing the mask to avoid any impacts that could worsen the injury. In fact, during training sessions with his teammates over the week, he had to follow the same precaution.
Interestingly, Barcelona already had a player this season who had to play with a protective mask. Eric Garcia, in November 2025, suffered a facial blow that caused a nasal fracture during a UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge, forcing him to wear protection for several games.
Lewandowski has worn a mask before
During his years with Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski faced a similar situation. In the 2014-15 season, a fracture of the nose and jaw forced the forward to wear a mask to return to official action sooner than expected. At that time, he played five matches with the mask and scored two goals.
“I remember perfectly when I had to wear a mask, and it wasn’t pleasant,” Lewandowski said years later, according to Mundo Deportivo. “It was a tough challenge for me. I don’t remember playing well with the mask.”
He explained why playing with the mask made it difficult to perform on the field: “It’s hard, especially for forwards who play around the box. I remember having trouble reacting and seeing the ball and the opponents clearly.”
Robert Lewandowski warms up prior to the La Liga game between Athletic Club and Barcelona.
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 29. haftasında Amed Sportif Faaliyetler, konuk ettiği Serikspor'u 1-0 yendi.
Stat: Diyarbakır
Hakemler: Berkay Erdemir, Emrah Ünal, İbrahim Ethem Potuk
Amed Sportif Faaliyetler: Erce Kardeşler, Murat Uçar, Mehmet Yeşil, Syrota, Dia Saba (Dk. 62 Hasani), Diagne, Dimitrov (Dk. 46 Afena-Gyan), Hasan Ali Kaldırım (Dk. 81 Emrah Başsan), Sinan Kurt (Dk. 90+3 Atakan Müjde), Daniel Moreno (Dk. 72 Cem Üstündağ), Tarkan Serbest (Dk. 46 Çekdar Orhan)
Galatasaray, Süper Lig'in 25.haftasında Beşiktaş'ı deplasmanda 1-0 mağlup etti. Sarı-kırmızılılar için ilginç bir istatistik dikkat çekti.
Galatasaray, Beşiktaş ile yaptığı son 5 derbinin 4'ünde kırmızı kart gördü.
Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, 3 Ağustos 2024'te Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı'nda yapılan Turkcell Süper Kupa müsabakasıyla başlayan süreçte siyah-beyazlılarla 5. kez karşılaştı.
Süper Kupa maçında Galatasaray'dan Victor Nelsson kırmızı kart görerek takımını yalnız bıraktı. Ardından geçen sezonun ilk yarısında Galatasaray'ın sahasında 2-1 kazandığı Süper Lig müsabakası 11'e 11 tamamlandı.
Geçen sezonun ikinci yarısında Dolmabahçe'de yapılan derbide sarı-kırmızılı ekipte Przemyslaw Frankowski, 36. dakikada kırmızı kart görerek oyundan atıldı. Yaklaşık 1 saat 1 kişi eksik mücadele eden "Cimbom" sahadan 2-1 yenik ayrıldı.
Bu sezon RAMS Park'ta yapılan derbinin 34. dakikasında sarı-kırmızılı takımdan Davinson Sanchez kırmızı kart gördü. 10 kişi kaldığında 1-0 geride olan sarı-kırmızılı ekip, golü bularak derbiden 1-1 beraberlikle çıktı.
Galatasaray, Beşiktaş ile son müsabakada ise Leroy Sane, 62. dakikada kırmızı kartla oyundan atıldı.
Beşiktaş, Süper Lig'in 25.haftasında evinde ağırladığı Galatasaray'a 1-0 mağlup oldu. Siyah-beyazlıların deri karnesi oldukça zayıf.
Beşiktaş, bu sezon ligde oynadığı üçüncü derbide de taraftarını mutlu edemedi.
Sezonun ilk derbisinde Galatasaray'la deplasmanda 1-1 berabere kalan siyah-beyazlılar, Fenerbahçe ile Tüpraş Stadı'nda oynadığı maçta 2-0 öne geçmesine rağmen rakibine 3-2 yenildi.
Üçüncü derbisinde de iç sahada Galatasaray'a kaybeden Beşiktaş, bu sezon oynayacağı son derbide 3 hafta sonra Kadıköy'de Fenerbahçe'ye konuk olacak.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasındaki derbide Galatasaray, deplasmanda Beşiktaş'ı 1-0 yendi. Beşiktaş'ın kalecisi Ersin Destanoğlu maç sonunda hakem kararlarına tepki gösterdi.
Beşiktaşlı kaleci Ersin Destanoğlu,Galatasaray maçındaki hakem kararlarına sert tepki gösterdi.
Ersin Destanoğlu'nun açıklamaları şöyle:
-Maça çok iyi başlayamadık ama plan vardı, onu sahaya yansıtmaya çalıştık. Yeterince yansıtamadık. Bir kırmızı kart pozisyonu var. İnanılmaz! Trabzon'da Fener'de çağırırlar, VAR nasıl çağırmadı! Anlam veremiyorum! Adamı ilk yarı atması lazım, atmıyor. Osimhen'in pozisyonu var. Anlamıyorum. İzleyip de geldim. İnanılmaz, inanılmaz, anlam veremiyorum! O dakikadan sonra 10 kişi kalmaları da bir şey ifade etmiyor. Yere yatıyorlar. Kırmızı kartlar, sarı kartla es geçiliyor. Anlam veremiyorum. Cidden anlam veremiyorum. Millete verilmiyor, bize veriliyor. Maçın önüne geçti hakem.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de Galatasaray deplasmanda Beşiktaş'ı 1-0 yendi. Okan Buruk galibiyeti değerlendirirken TFF ve MHK'ya tepki gösterdi.
Galatasaray, Beşiktaş derbisinden 1-0 galip ayrılarak şampiyonluk yolunda zorlu virajı geçti. Maçın ardından teknik direktör Okan Buruk açıklamalarda bulunarak hakeme tepki gösterdi.
Okan Buruk'un açıklamaları şöyle:
-3-4 tane gol atma şansımız vardı. 10 kişiyle de yakaladık. Oraya doğru gittik. Düşündüğümüz gibi başladık maça. Rakip önde tekli karşıladı, topu bize bıraktılar, bunu bekliyorduk. Orada topa sahip olduk, pozisyonlara girdik. Son pasları iyi atsak skoru artırırdık. 20. dakikada penaltı verilmedi, maçı kırabilirdi. Verilse maçı kırabilirdik. 10 kişiyle iyi mücadele ettik. İlk yarıda da 10 kişi kalsak kazanmak için mücadele ederdik.
-İki takım da mutsuz oldu. 4 haakem de kötü günündeydi. Hem Galatasaray hem Beşiktaş hakemlerden mutsuz. Genel olarak mutsuzuz. TFF, MHK... Bizim de kötü olduğumuz yerler var, yanlışlar var. Ancak, hakemlerin bu kötü yönetimini düzeltmek için bir şeyler yapılmalı. Bu TFF'nin elinde. MHK başkanı da hiç gündeme gelmiyor. Eskiden MHK başkanları hep gündeme gelirdi. MHK başkanının da çıkıp performansların nasıl artacağını göstermeli. Her iki takım da hakemden mutsuz.
-Uzun zamandır kaybetmeyen bir takımı yendik. Beşiktaş'ı yenmekten çok, şampiyonluk yolunda aldığımız yola sevindik. 3 gün sonra bir Avrupa maçı oynayacağız. Bir süre sonra lig maçında eksik olacağız. Ben de olmayacağım ligde. 4. hakemin de iletişimi kötü. Maça, galibiyete sevinmedim. Durup dururken bana sarı kart gösterip cezalı duruma düşürdüler. Bu kadar keyfi kararlar verildi. Hepimiz mutsuz oluyoruz. Biz de kötü futbol oynattığımızda eleştiriliyoruz. Hep aynı şeyleri konuşmaktan futbol konuşamıyoruz.
"HAYIRLISI BÖYLEYMİŞ"
-İkinci yarı iyi savunduk. Takım savunmasını doğru yaptık. Uğurcan çok iyi oynadı. Yükselen, formda ve iyi takımı yendik. 11'e 11'i değerlendirmek lazım. Baskı yapan, çıkarmayan bizdik. Lang ve Yunus'u alıyordum tam, rakip kaleye daha iyi gitmek için dar alanda iyi oyuncuları hazırlıyordum. Hayırlısı böyleymiş. Bir sonraki maç Liverpool, çok başka maç. Liverpool dönüşü Başakşehir maçı, farklı olacak. Kazanmak önemli ve değerliydi. Sadece 3 puan değil, mental olarak da bizi güçlendiren bir galibiyet oldu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında Galatasaray'ı konuk eden Beşiktaş, Dolmabahçe'deki derbiyi 1-0 kaybetti. Son haftalardaki formuyla dikkati çeken siyah-beyazlı ekip, Victor Osimhen'in golünü engelleyemeyerek mücadeleden 1-0 mağlup ayrıldı. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın maç sonunda hakemlere tepki gösterdi.
Ligde 13, Türkiye Kupası'nda 4 olmak üzere oynadığı son 17 resmi müsabakada rakiplerine kaybetmeyen Beşiktaş, Galatasaray mağlubiyetiyle yenilmezlik serisine nokta koydu. Sergen Yalçın maçın ardından hakeme tepki gösterdi.
Sergen Yalçın'ın açıklamaları şöyle:
-Üzüldük. Derbiler önemlidir. Skor bizim moralimizi bozdu, üzdü doğal olarak. İlk yarı bir şey oynanmadı. Osimhen'in bir anlık yan toptan gol attı. İkinci yarı biz oynadık, pozisyonlar bulduk ama çeviremedik. Şanssızlık...
-İşin başka tarafı var. Futbolun kuralları var, sarı ve kırmızı kartlar var. Bu kartlar hakemin cebinde. VAR diye bir hakem var. Ona müdahale et diyorlar. Sane 20. dakikada atılmalı. Osimhen atılmalı ikinci yarı. Trabzon'da Bilal'i atıyorsun, Fenerbahçe maçında Orkun'u atıyorsun. Burada atamıyorsun. Nasıl olacak bu işler!
''KAFASINI ÇEVİRİYOR''
-Futbol artık bana göre çok siyasi oldu. Fenerbahçe derbisine ilk defa bir hakem geldi. Bugünkü hakem ilk derbisinde. Pozisyonlarda hakem 'bir şey yok' diye ellerini kaldırıyor sürekli, ne yaptığını bile bilmiyor. Osimhen'in ikinci sarısında adam bakmamak için kafasını çeviriyor. Normal değil.
-Kazanırsın kaybedersin bu olur. Çok komik geliyor bana. Bu kadar siyaset. Dünya kadar eurolar harcanıyor, çok büyük paralar harcanıyor. Çok çaba sarf ediyorlar. Bunların çiftliği değil burası.
-Beşiktaş var, Fenerbahçe var, Trabzonspor var. Bunlar normal değil, doğal akışa uygun değil. İkinci sarı karttan adamı nasıl atmazsın! Adamı 20. dakikada nasıl atamazsın! Senin işin bu. TFF seni bunun için göndermiş. Kuralları uygula demiş. Kurallar var oyunda. Hakem ve VAR'daki arkadaşlar kuralları uygula.
-Bilal'e kural var, Orkun'a kural var, bunlara kural yok. Pes diyorum pes! Galatasaray kazandı, okey ama bu biraz komik oldu, biraz komedi oldu.
-Galatasaray'ı tebrik ediyorum. Oyuna gelince, ilk bölüm bizim için çok iyi geçmedi. İlk yarıyı çok iyi oynamadık. Rakip de iyi oynamadı. Dengeliydi. 20. dakikada kırmızı kart pozisyonu vardı. Onun haricinde göze batan bir şey yoktu. İkinci yarı iyi başladık. Rakip bir kırmızı kart gördü. Ondan sonra daha baskın oynadık rakip yarı alanda. Pozisyonlarımız da vardı. Şanssızlık, beceriksizlik de vardı. Derbi maçı kaybetmek bizi üzdü. Şans faktörü de var işin içinde. Üzgünüz. Bundan sonrasına bakacağız ligde.
-Kaybetmemizi hakem faktörüne bağlamak istemiyorum. Kimse yanlış anlamasın. Bahane demeleri hoşuma gitmiyor. Maçın 20. dakikasında Sane'nin pozisyonu var. Dünyada kırmızı vermeyecek hakem var mıdır! Merak ediyorum. İkinci yarıda yaptığı hareket, ilk yarıdakinin 3'te 1. Asllani'ye yaptığı 3 kat daha ağırdı. Hakem pozisyonu görmedi, sarı kartla geçiştirdi. Oyuncu da biliyor kırmızı olduğunu, sarıya teşekkür etti. VAR'daki arkadaşlar, onlar hiç piyasada yok. Trabzon'da Bilal'de, Fenerbahçe maçında Orkun pozisyonunda varlar, burada yoklar. Bu tarafı üzücü. Çıkıp oynayalım, biri kazansın. Spor bu.
-Galatasaray'ın hakemden şikayetçi olması söz konusu bile olamaz! En son sırada onlar hakem konusunda."
"4. hakemden şikayetçiler."
-İsterse 24. hakemden şikayet etsin fark etmez. Onlar en son sırada bu konuda.
-Anlayışla karşılayamayacağımzı tek şey hakem! Kuralları uygulamaması! Kuralları uygulayamıyorlarsa çok büyük sorun var demektir! Bana Bilal'de, Orkun'da kural uyguluyorsun, burada uygulamıyorsun! Olmaz! Bu kadar futbolun içine televizyon sokarsan, VAR'dakiler her türlü kaderi etkiler. Maçın kaderini de etkiler. Bana da ver, ona da ver. Ne görüyorsan ver, sorun yok. Bugünkü maç, hakemlik adına skandaldır, büyük skandaldır! 20. dakikada Sane'nin kırmızısı, uzayda verirler, o vermese VAR'daki verir. Osimhen'e ikinci sarı kart kural! Niye atmıyorsun!
-5-6 tane oruçlu oyuncum var. 90 dakika 100 dakika oynadılar. Yazık günah değil mi onlara! Ona bizim sinirimiz. Sen benim geleceğimi nasıl etkilersin buraya gelip! Herkes işini en doğru şekilde yapmalı. Bugünkü arkadaşlar işlerini doğru yapmadı.
-Tezgahı güzel uydurmuşlar. Devam etsinler.
-Ozan Ergün son dakika atandı, bunu biliyorum. Onu söyleyeyim. Son dakika atandı. Hakem hatalarından yakınan biziz, maçları kaybeden biziz. Bir de o bölüm var. Nedense rakipler hiç kaybetmiyor bu hatalardan. Samsun maçında VAR çağırdı hakemi penaltı ver diye, adam VAR'dan bakıp penaltıyı iptal etti! Örneği yok Türkiye'de, örneği yok! Örneği yok! VAR 'gel penaltı' diyor. Adam vermiyor. Örneği yok! Kayseri maçında adam eliyle topu kornere attı, penaltı verilmiyor. Alanya maçında Gökhan'ın pozisyon yüzde yüz penaltı! Devreye girmiyor VAR. Nasıl oynayacağız böyle. Seneye ne olacak! Bizim hedefimiz şampyionluk diyoruz, nasıl oynayacağız böyle. Hoca konuştu ceza verelim sonra, ne kadar güzel ya! Kimse bir şey demesin. Uydurmuşlar tezgahı, devam etsin öyle! Biraz sinirliyim. Maça kaybettiğimize değil... Bu şekil olmaz. Kuralı uygula, yeter.
Galatasaray, deplasmanda Beşiktaş derbisini Victor Osimhen'in golüyle 1-0 kazandı. Takımın başarılı ismi Lucas Torreira maçın ardından geleceğine dair sinyal verdi.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında Galatasaray deplasmanda Beşiktaş'ı Osimhen'in golüyle 1-0 yendi. Sarı-kırmızılılar şampiyonluk yolundaki zorlu virajı böylelikle geçmiş oldu. Maçın ardından açıklama yapan Torreira ise daha uzun yıllar takımda kalacağının sinyallerini verdi.
Torreira'nın Beşiktaş maçı performansı şöyle:
Maç reytingi: 6.8
Kilit Pas: 1
İsabetli Pas: %90
Topla Buluşma: 49
Top Kaybı: 6
Savunma Katkısı: 4
MAÇ SONU AÇIKLAMA
Torreira'nın maç sonu açıklaması şöyle:
-Mutluyuz. Karakter gösterdik. Maçın her anında gösterdik. 1 kişi eksildikten sonra zorlandık ama karakter gösterdik. Daha fazla koştuk. Top geçirmedik neredeyse. Kalemizde gol görmedik. Ruhumuzu gösterdik. Zorlansak da kazandık. Bu tarz maçlar sonrasında şampiyonluk geliyor zaten.
-Milli araya kadar çok önemli ve çok zor maçlar var. Beşiktaş da çok iyi takım. Kendilerini çok geliştirdiler. Biz de çok özgüven sahibiyiz. Ayaklarımız yere basıyor. Bir yandan dinlenip Liverpool'a hazırlanacağız. Kulübe olan tüm desteği göstermeliyiz. Beşiktaş kıymetli bir takım. Biz de karakterimizi gösterip kazandık. Biz 3 kulvarda başarılı olmak istiyoruz. Bunun için elimizden geleni yapacağız.
Galatasaray, deplasmanda Beşiktaş derbisinde gülen taraf oldu. Sarı-kırmızılılar Nijeryalı yıldızı Victor Osimhen'in golüyle maçı kazandı. Osimhen maç sonunda yaptığı açıklamalar ile bir kez daha sarı-kırmızılı taraftarların gönlünü fethetti.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında Beşiktaş ile Galatasaray Tüpraş Stadı’nda karşılaştı. Hakem Ozan Ergün'ün yönettiği maç olaylı geçerken maçta bol bol sarı kart çıktı. Maçın kaderini belirleyen gol ise Victor Osimhen'den geldi. Nijeryalı yıldız bir kez daha taraftarın sevgisini kazandı.
Osimhen'in Beşiktaş maçı performansı şöyle:
Sofascore reytingi: 6.4
Gol: 1
Gol Beklentisi: 0.81
İsabetli Şut: 1
İsabetli Pas: %40
Topla İlerleme: 5
MAÇ SONU AÇIKLAMA
Osimhen'den maç sonu açıklama geldi:
-Kolay olmayacaktı. Zor bir rakipti. Binlerce taraftar vardı. Başta momentum vardı, golü bulduk. Kırmızıdan sonra zorlandık. Takım arkadaşlarımı güçleri açısından tebrik ediyorum. Çok agresif bir şekilde mücadele ettik son ana kadar. Çok mutluyum.
-Hocamın talimatlarını gerçekleştiriyorum. Takım arkadaşlarımdan beni heyecanlandıran, motive edenler vardı. Gol sonrası beni savunmaya çağırdılar. Bu kulübü çok seviyorum. Takımımla gurur duyuyorum. Birliktelik gösteriyoruz. Maç maç gitmemiz gerekiyor.
-Bu galibiyet bizi destekleyecektir. Ayaklarımız yere basmalı. Liverpool çok büyük bir takım. Evde oynayacağız. Dikkatli olursak, çok kolay olmasa da iyi iş yapabiliriz. Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde tüm maçlar zordur. İyi işler çıkarmak için mücadele edeceğiz.
Beşiktaş evinde Galatasaray'a 1-0 mağlup oldu. Taraftarın yoğun destek verdiği maçta kaptan Orkun Kökçü'nün stres altında olduğu ve bu durumun performansına yansıdığı da dikkatlerden kaçmadı.
Beşiktaş, Dolmabahçe'de istediğini alamadı. Derbide lider Galatasaray'a 1-0 mağlup oldu. Derbide hakem Ozan Ergün bol bol sarı kart gösterirken kart gören isimler arasında Beşiktaş kaptanı Orkun Kökçü'de yer aldı. Orkun Kökçü derbide istediği performansı gösteremedi.
Kaptanın Galatasaray maçı performansı şöyle:
Maç reytingi: 8.0
Oynanmış dakikalar: 90'
Gol Beklentisi: 0.27
İsabetli Şut: 3
Kilit Pas: 4
İsabetli Pas: %94
Top Kaybı: 15
MAÇ SONU AÇIKLAMA
Orkun Kökçü'den maç sonu hakem kararlarına tepki geldi:
-İlk yarıda daha iyi başlayabilirdik. İkinci yarı daha istekli, hırslıydık. İlk yarı atılacak kişi, ikinci yarı atıldı.
-Pozisyon bulduk, atamadık. O kırmızı karttan önce başka kırmızı kart vardı. Sırtını döndü, gitti. Yapacak bir şey yok, hep bize karşı oluyor.
Süper Lig'in 25.haftasında derbi heyecanı yaşandı. Beşiktaş evinde Galatasaray'a 1-0 mağlup olurken sarı-kırmızılıların kalecisi Uğurcan Çakır maça damga vuran isim oldu.
Süper Lig'de dev derbide Beşiktaş evinde Galatasaray'ı ağırladı. Dolmabahçe'deki maçta hakem Ozan Ergün bol bol kart gösterirken sarı-kırmızılar ilk yarıda Victor Osimhen'in golüyle 1-0 öne geçti.
Beşiktaş ise son haftalardaki yükselişini değerlendiremedi ve Galatasaray derbisini kaybetti.
Galatasaraylılar'ın başarılı kalecisi Uğurcan Çakır ise bir kez daha iyi ki dedirtti. Uğurcan Çakır, Beşiktaş derbisine 7 kurtartış yaparak damga vurdu. Uğurcan Çakır 8.2'lik reytingle maçın adamı oldu. Zamanında yüksek bonservisi nedeniyle transferi eleştirilen tecrübeli kaleci bir kez daha transferi için iyi ki dedirtti.
Uğurcan Çakır'ın performansı şöyle:
Toplam kurtarış:7
Engellenen Gol: 0.48
Topla Buluşma:63
Savunma Katkısı: 2
Tehlike Engelleme:2
Geri Kazanma: 13
MAÇ SONU AÇIKLAMA
Uğurcan Çakır'ın maç sonu paylaşımı şöyle:
-Şampiyonluk yolunda önemli bir 3 puan. Burası zor bir deplasman. Beşiktaş taraftarı çok iyi, herkes biliyor, çok iyi desteklediler takımlarını. İlk yarı ortadaydı. Burada 10 kişi oynamak da zor. Takım arkadaşlarımı tebrik ediyorum. Çok iyi mücadele ettik ve kazandık. İnşallah böyle devam ederiz.
-Tribünlerden tepki oluyor ama ben kimseye saygısızlık yapmak istemiyorum.Benim karakterimde böyle bir şey yok. Ben kendi performansıma ve takımımın başarısına odaklandım. Çok çalışıyorum. Ekstra çalışıyorum. Çok şükür iyi performans sergiliyorum. İnşallah böyle devam edebilirim. 3 puan benim performansımdan daha değerli.
-Milli ara geliyor. Burada bir maçımız var. O maçta da ülkemi temsil etmek istiyorum. Beşiktaş taraftarı, bugün olduğu gibi milli takımımız için gelecektir. İnşallah bu stadyumda kazanıp Dünya Kupası'na gitmek istiyoruz.
''UĞURCAN ÇAKIR'A AZ ÖDEMİŞİZ''
Okan Buruk maç sonunda Uğurcan Çakır'dan övgüyle bahsetti:
-Uğurcan bu maça çok motiveydi. Bu maça ekstra hazırlandı. Performansı beni şaşırtmadı, bu performansı bekliyordum. Kaleci performansının konuşulduğu bir maç seyrettirmek istemiyoruz. Rakip kalecinin konuşulması bizim için önemli. 11'e 10'ken çok kurtarışlar yaptı. Uğurcan gibi Türk kalecinin, karakter ve kişilik olarak, tecrübe olarak milli bir kaleci. Söylediğiniz para az veya çok gelebilir. Premier Lig'den kaleci isteyince 30 milyon Euro deniyordu en az. Uğurcan, Premier Lig seviyesinde bir kaleci. Şu an bakınca Uğurcan'a az ödemişiz."
Beşiktaş Süper Lig'in 25.haftasında derbide Galatasaray'ı 1-0 mağlup etti. Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı Galatasaray derbisinin 89. dakikasında Tüpraş Stadyumu'ndan ayrıldı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de Galatasaray deplasmanda Beşiktaş'ı 1-0 yendi. Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı'dan sürpriz bir hamle geldi.
Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı'nın maç devam ederken stadyumu terk etmesi dikkat çekti.
Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı, protokol tribününden takip ettiği maçta son düdüğü beklemeden stadyumdan ayrıldı.
Trendyol Süper Lig!'in 25. haftasında Beşiktaş sahasında Galatasaray'ı konuk etti. Kritik derbiyi Victor Osimhen'in attığı golle Galatasaray 1-0 galip tamamladı. İşte maçtan kareler...Devamı için tıklayınız
Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 25-ci turunun oyunlarına start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Başakşəhər” doğma meydanda “Göztəpə” ilə üz-üzə gəlib. Üç qolun qeydə alındığı oyunda meydan sahibləri qələbə qazanıblar. İstanbul derbisində isə “Beşiktaş” “Qalatasaray”ı qəbul edib. Son çempion və lider səfər matçından qalib ayrılıb.
Turun qalan görüşləri martın 8-də və 9-da keçiriləcək.
Bu gün Azərbaycan Basketbol Liqasında (ABL) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 18-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, üçüncü oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Əvvəlcə, “Şəki” evdə “Sabah”la üz-üzə gəlib. Şəki Olimpiya İdman Kompleksindəki qarşılaşma qonaqların qələbəsi ilə bitib – 102:82.
Günün ikinci matçı “Sərhədçi” İdman Mərkəzində “Abşeron Lions” və NTD arasında baş tutub. Abşeron təmsilçisi yekunda 107:88 hesablı qələbəyə sevinib.
Tura martın 8-də yekun vurulacaq. Daha əvvəl keçirilmiş görüşlərdə “Sumqayıt” “Quba”nı (117:116), “Sərhədçi” “Ordu”nu (70:67), “Naxçıvan” isə “Lənkəran”ı (104:73) məğlub edib.
A qrupu: Sabah – 35. Abşeron Lions – 34. Neftçi – 25. Gəncə – 25. NTD – 20. Şəki – 20.
B qrupu: Ordu – 34. Naxçıvan – 32. Sərhədçi – 25. Sumqayıt – 25. Quba – 24. Lənkəran – 23.
Xatırladaq ki, ABL oyunları dörd dövrədən və 20 turdan ibarət olacaq. Müntəzəm mövsümün oyunları A və B qruplarına bölünməklə keçirilir. Müntəzəm mövsümdə A qrupunu ilk 3 sırada tamamlamış klublarla yanaşı, B qrupunu lider bitirmiş komanda pley-offun 1/4 final mərhələsinə vəsiqə qazanacaq. A və B qruplarında digər yerləri tutmuş komandalar isə pley-offun 1/8 final mərhələsində üz-üzə gələcəklər. Bu mərhələdə ən tez iki qələbə qazanacaq klublar 1/4 finala yüksələcəklər. Həm 1/4 final, həm də yarımfinal seriyaları 2 qələbəyə qədər davam edəcək.
Final seriyasında isə ən tez 3 qələbə qazanacaq klub Azərbaycan Basketbol Liqasının çempionu olacaq.
Azərbaycanlı FIFA referisi Əliyar Ağayev və FIFA VAR referisi Nicat İsmayıllı bir neçə günlük gecikmədən sonra vətənə qayıdıblar.
Arena.az bu barədə AFFA-nın rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.
Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, Əliyar Ağayev və Nicat İsmayıllı Yaxın Şərqdə baş verən hərbi gərginlik səbəbindən bir müddət Küveytdən Azərbaycana qayıda bilmirdilər.
Bu gün referilərimiz təhlükəsiz şəkildə vətənə qayıdıblar. Azərbaycan Futbol Federasiyaları Assosiasiyası (AFFA) yaranmış vəziyyət zamanı göstərilən dəstəyə görə Azərbaycan Respublikasının Xarici İşlər Nazirliyinə və Azərbaycanın Küveytdəki səfirliyinə təşəkkürünü bildirib.
Alexis Saelemaekers has offered a warm and revealing insight into life under Massimiliano Allegri ahead of Sunday’s Milan derby, describing his manager as “special” and “unique”, and letting slip the nickname the coach has given him in recognition of his relentless work rate.
Speaking to DAZN, via MilanNews, the Belgian winger explained that Allegri calls him “scheggia”, literally translating to splinter or shrapnel but figuratively a nod to the explosive pace he brings every time he takes to the pitch.
“He calls me ‘scheggia’ because I always give one hundred percent,” Saelemaekers said.
“He is special to me, he is unique. The way he sees football, his attitude, he is one of the best I have had as a human being. The way he treats us, the way he jokes, the way he is serious when he needs to be. He manages that balance perfectly.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Massimiliano Allegri Head Coach of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Saelemaekers looks forward to Milan derby against Inter
Saelemaekers also captured the unique atmosphere that descends on the Milan squad in derby week, a mixture of intense focus and barely contained anticipation.
“The Milan-Inter rivalry will always be there,” he said. “As soon as the derby week begins, you are always thinking about it. Before a game like this, there is so much concentration that nobody speaks. What you eat, how much you sleep, it can all make a difference. You try to do everything at one hundred percent to arrive ready.”
With the title race finely poised and both clubs desperate for the points, Sunday’s clash at San Siro carries enormous weight. If Saelemaekers brings even a fraction of that relentless energy to the occasion, Milan will have a valuable weapon at their disposal.
Raffaele Palladino hails Atalanta for ‘never giving up’ after a fightback from 2-0 down to hold Udinese 2-2. ‘Now we are looking forward to the Champions League’ and Bayern Munich.
La Dea have been stretched a little thin in recent weeks, as they were coming off the Coppa Italia semi-final 2-2 draw with Lazio on Wednesday, and are preparing for next week’s European Round of 16 clash.
“I want to publicly thank my players for all they are giving during this packed season,” Palladino told DAZN.
“We could’ve crumbled when going 2-0 down, instead these lads showed the reaction of a great team, with energy and determination, refusing to give in.”
Palladino changed Atalanta after difficult start
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Udinese Calcio head coach Kosta Runjaic and Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino look on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
When trailing to the goals from Thomas Kristensen and Keinan Davis against the run of play, the coach switched Atalanta to a 4-4-2 formation, using Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic together.
It paid off, as Scamacca scored two headers in five minutes to equalise, although they also left themselves unbalanced and at risk of conceding another in stoppages.
“When you prepare a match, you always need to have two or three solutions in mind. Playing against a 3-5-2, you have different ways of opening them up,” explained Palladino.
There was tension at the final whistle when the referee ended the match without letting Atalanta take a corner, so Palladino stormed over to the fourth official to check the timer.
“I never protest with referees, I try to help them, so I went to the locker room afterwards and apologised to the referee and assistants for my tone. I also gave an explanation for my reaction, which was that Udinese had started wasting time since they first took the lead.
“We’ve got to improve this in Italy, we can’t let them get away with taking 40 seconds to take a throw-in. I expected a little more time at the end. The fans and the players want to see more football on the pitch.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Keinan Davis of Udinese Calcio competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta are the only side still competing in Serie A, the Coppa Italia semi-finals and the Champions League Round of 16, where they will host Bayern Munich in the first leg on Tuesday evening.
“I liked the spirit above all else. We are fighting in three competitions, and even if we are playing lots of games, we won’t complain,” continued Palladino.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“There are some who do complain, but my team enjoys playing football, and we are looking forward to the Champions League.
“It’s not easy to go two goals down after a good performance to the only shots on target, but these lads never give in, they always want to prove themselves. We must face everyone with this attitude, with nothing to lose, starting in the Champions League next week.”
Fabio Capello has offered a ringing endorsement of both head coaches ahead of Sunday’s Milan derby, backing Cristian Chivu and Massimiliano Allegri as two of the finest coaching minds currently operating in Italian football.
Speaking on Milan Vibes, via MilanNews24, the former Roma, Milan and Real Madrid coach drew on his own experience as a young coach to defend Chivu against any criticism of his relative inexperience.
“Chivu was placed there without much experience, but neither did I have much, with only five matches as a coach at the time,” Capello said.
“I know Christian well, I signed him as a player at Roma. He is an intelligent, sharp and successful person. He came in quietly and made the squad understand that they were still strong and capable of winning.”
Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Capello: ‘Allegri is still one of the best around’
Capello was also keen to credit the Inter hierarchy for the boldness of the appointment. “Betting on a young coach like Chivu means that whoever chose him knew what they were doing, that is a credit to the president and the directors,” he said, adding with a wry smile that critics once dismissed him as a yes-man early in his own managerial career.
On Allegri, Capello was equally effusive, pushing back firmly against any suggestion that the Milan coach’s best days are behind him.
“What Allegri is doing demonstrates that he is still one of the best around, an excellent coach, not a spent force,” he said. “He understands the material he has at his disposal. He knows the value of his players, which many young coaches simply cannot do, they cannot bring out the best in the human material available to them and just copy others.”
Capello also dismissed the tired debate between so-called ‘results men’ and ‘football philosophers’ with characteristic bluntness. “The story of pragmatists versus purists simply does not exist,” he said.
Luciano Spalletti outlined what he wants from Juventus on his birthday as they host Pisa in Serie A and explains why ‘the fans are our best barometer’ of form more than statistics.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
Today is coach Spalletti’s 67th birthday, so he is hoping for a gift not only on the field, but also potentially off it with a contract extension beyond June 30.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“I’ve had birthdays all over the world and with very different people, because I am at my age now very experienced with having birthdays.
“I am happy to spend this one here with my players, and seeing as they didn’t give me a present, I’d love to have a picture of them singing at the final whistle with our fans, celebrating,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
Juventus are fighters under Spalletti
The Bianconeri have been impressing the supporters with their sheer determination lately, fighting back repeatedly from almost impossible situations, but that hasn’t necessarily translated to results.
They are out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia, scraping only two points from the last four Serie A matches, including the epic comeback from 3-1 down to hold Roma 3-3.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
“When you look at the statistics, it’s about numbers, but not how those numbers arrived. The fact the fans are so close to us at this moment, despite not bringing home the results, that means we sent signals. They are our best barometer.
“We’ve got to win every game first within ourselves, and then on the field. This match tests you, and seeing as I am dealing with intelligent lads, I know they feel that, because these are the games that seem easy and really aren’t. This is not about the future, it’s about the details of every match, your mentality, self-discipline moment by moment, not looking too far into the future.”
Federico Gatti scored the last-gasp equaliser against Roma and is rewarded with a place in defence today, while Manuel Locatelli returns from suspension, but Michele Di Gregorio is again dropped in favour of Mattia Perin.
“With Perin, I didn’t want to keep chopping and changing, so I told them that we’d give Di Gregorio time off and a chance for Perin to have a run of games. We’ll see from the next game what happens.”
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Vincenzo Italiano has delivered a glowing assessment of January arrival Joao Mario ahead of Bologna’s Serie A clash with Verona, with the Juventus loanee continuing to impress since his move to the Emilia-Romagna club.
The Portuguese midfielder, who joined on loan from Juventus in the winter window, has settled quickly into Italiano’s system.
“He is recovering well from the knock he picked up against Pisa,” the Bologna head coach confirmed, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“He is loosening up more and more, he is smiling, and he has made himself available to play on the left as well, which was not straightforward for him. He has played two great matches and I am very happy.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Bologna FC 1909 head coach Vincenzo Italiano looks on during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 15, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Bologna coach Italiano positive ahead of Verona test
Italiano was in a broadly positive mood at his pre-match press conference, pleased with the direction his squad is heading after a period in which their league position had given cause for concern.
Riccardo Orsolini was another player singled out for encouragement, despite a recent dip in form.
“He needs to rediscover his sharpness, but I am convinced that at the first good opportunity he will find his rhythm again,” Italiano said. “He is already in double figures this season despite the difficult spell, and in training today he was scoring some great goals.”
On the subject of the upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Roma, Italiano was emphatic that full focus remains on Verona. “We are thinking only about tomorrow,” he said. “We have put right a league position that we were not happy with, and we want to keep collecting points. Roma can wait until Monday.”
Dallinga returned to training on the eve of the match after managing a tendon issue, while Lykogiannis also appears to have shaken off his own tendon complaint.
Dominguez is another option in reserve, with Italiano praising the midfielder’s impact whenever called upon from the bench.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to try offering €40m to try to convince Barcelona to sell talented young left-back Alejandro Balde.
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The 22-year-old has impressed a great deal at Barca in recent times, earning the reputation for being one of the best young full-backs in Europe.
While Barcelona would surely ideally keep Balde, they face interest from Man Utd, according to Fichajes, and there’s a recognition that they might need to accept an offer in the region of €40m to ease their financial issues.
It will be interesting to see if this develops into something concrete, but it would be quite the coup if the Red Devils could land themselves a top talent like this for a pretty reasonable price.
Alejandro Balde looks the part for Manchester United
We will surely see United making more changes to their squad this summer, with Balde looking like he could be a useful addition to give the club a long-term successor to the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw.
MUFC did sign Patrick Dorgu last January but he’s ended up playing further forward, so it could make sense to bring in Balde as the new first-choice left-back.
Given his age, rumoured asking price, and all-round profile, it’s hard to see this as anything other than an excellent potential signing for United.
The only worry is recent performance, with his form actually going down slightly this season with a WhoScored rating of just 6.70, but fans can probably be fairly confident of that just being a temporary blip.
United fans will surely be hoping something serious can develop here, but it probably won’t become clear for a little while yet if it’s a particularly realistic deal.
Fichajes can be quite speculative, so even if there’s interest from United, and it would undoubtedly be a fine signing, it doesn’t mean they’ll actually be able to do it.
Clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal could reportedly be in luck as Real Madrid are reportedly already prepared to consider selling Dean Huijsen.
The talented young centre-back joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth last summer after some hugely impressive form in the Premier League.
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Huijsen hasn’t been entirely convincing since the big move to the Bernabeu, however, and Fichajes report that he could now be available for just £54m.
The Spanish outlet does not name any specific clubs looking into signing Huijsen, but he was very strongly linked with all three of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea less than a year ago.
Dean Huijsen will surely still be on the radar of Premier League clubs
As reported by Fabrizio Romano last summer, Huijsen was being eyed up by all three of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, as per his post on X below…
?? Dean Huijsen scores, gets his 4th MOTM Award… with his future set to be decided soon, probably this month.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all involved in the race to sign Spanish CB with £50m release clause.
Huijsen’s fine form during his time at Bournemouth surely means those clubs would still be keen if there really were a genuine possibility of him coming back to England already.
Fichajes also state that the Spain international could cost just £4m more than Real paid for him in the summer, as reported by BBC Sport at the time.
That’s not a bad price to be paying for a talented young player who is perhaps just going through a bit of a wobbly spell due to being at a new club going through changes of managers and other issues this season.
Dean Huijsen could surely still be an important signing for Liverpool
Arsenal already have a lot of quality and depth in defence, so it probably wouldn’t make much sense for them to target Huijsen as a priority.
Liverpool, however, look in urgent need of strengthening in that department after conceding a lot of goals this season, and with Ibrahima Konate coming towards the end of his contract.
We’d still rate this as a superb signing for LFC – a strong fit for their current needs, and reportedly available for a very generous price…
Two legendary lightweights in a rematch 11 years in the making – follow our guide to live stream UFC 326 online and watch Holloway vs Oliveira 2 from anywhere.
Attackers deliberately crash browsers, impersonate IT staff, and convince employees to install malicious tools that deploy Havoc malware across corporate systems.
Apple has announced two notebooks that occupy entire entirely different pricing brackets, which is a first for the company, meaning that it can become confusing as you attempt to figure out if you should opt for increased savings and get the MacBook Neo or spend the premium to make the M5 MacBook Air your daily driver. This buying guide will highlight all the differences that you need to know so let us begin. Display The MacBook Neo and the M5 MacBook Air sport a unibody aluminum chassis, offering users a premium exterior regardless of how much they choose to spend. However, when […]
Galatasaray kalecisi Uğurcan Çakır, Beşiktaş derbisi ile ilgili konuştu. Ayrıca Mili Takım'ın Romanya maçı için Beşiktaş taraftarlarına mesaj gönderdi.
Azərbaycanlı FIFA referisi Əliyar Ağayev və FIFA VAR referisi Nicat İsmayıllı Yaxın Şərqdə baş verən hərbi gərginlik səbəbindən bir müddət Küveytdən Azərbaycana qayıda bilmirdilər.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu gün referilərimiz təhlükəsiz şəkildə vətənə qayıdıblar.
Azərbaycan Futbol Federasiyaları Assosiasiyası (AFFA) yaranmış vəziyyət zamanı göstərilən dəstəyə görə Azərbaycan Respublikasının Xarici İşlər Nazirliyinə və Azərbaycanın Küveytdəki səfirliyinə təşəkkür edib.
Qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan milli komandasının baş məşqçisi Siyasət Əsgərov dünya çempionatının seçmə mərhələsi çərçivəsində Macarıstan yığması ilə səfərdə keçirilən oyundan (0:1) sonra AFFA-nın mətbuat xidmətinə fikirlərini bildirib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis matçla bağlı bunları deyib:
“Təəssüflər olsun ki, minimal hesabla məğlub olduq. İlk oyundan sonra istəyirdik ki, bu qarşılaşmada ən azı 1 xal qazanaq. Rəqibi yaxşı təhlil etmişdik, komandanın gücünü, futbolçularının səviyyəsini bilirdik. Birinci hissədə bizi səhv etməyə məcbur etdilər və qapımıza yol tapdılar. Qarşıdakı oyunlarda yaxşı nəticə qazanmaq üçün tez bir zamanda səhvlərimizi analiz edib, onları aradan qaldırmağa çalışacağıq”.
Qeyd edək ki, millimiz növbəti oyununu aprelin 14-də səfərdə Andorra seçməsinə qarşı keçirəcək.
Qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan milli komandası dünya çempionatı – 2027-nin seçmə mərhələsində ikinci oyununa çıxıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, C Liqasının 3-cü qrupunda yer alan millimiz Macarıstan yığması ilə qarşılaşıb. Felksut şəhərindəki “Panço Arena”da təşkil olunan görüş meydan sahiblərinin 1:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.
Qeyd edək ki, millimiz ilk turda Bakıda Şimali Makedoniya yığması üzərində 2:0 hesablı qələbə qazanıb. Komandamız növbəti oyununu aprelin 14-də səfərdə Andorra seçməsinə qarşı keçirəcək.
Türkiyə Super Liqasında 25-ci turun oyunları keçirilir. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, İstanbul derbisində “Beşiktaş” “Qalatasaray”la üz-üzə gəlib. “Sarı-qırmızılar” 62-ci dəqiqədə […]
Azərbaycanlı FİFA referisi Əliyar Ağayev və FİFA VAR hakimi Nicat İsmayıllının Küveytdən ölkəyə qayıtması ilə bağlı problem aradan qalxıb. Msport.az […]
Qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan milli komandasının baş məşqçisi Siyasət Əsgərov dünya çempionatının seçmə mərhələsi çərçivəsində Macarıstan yığması ilə səfərdə keçirilən […]
Bu gün Azərbaycanın qadınlardan ibarət milli komandası dünya çempionatının seçmə mərhələsində ikinci oyununu keçirib. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, Siyasət Əsgərovun […]
Clemson men’s basketball avoided what could have been a damaging loss on Saturday, but it took a late push to finish the job.
The Tigers held off Georgia Tech 79-76 inside Littlejohn Coliseum, improving to 22-9 overall and 12-6 in ACC play. Clemson secured the win with free throws in the final seconds after a tense finish against the Yellow Jackets.
Ace Buckner delivered the final points of the afternoon. The sophomore calmly knocked down two free throws with three seconds left after Georgia Tech cut the lead to one, sealing the victory and preventing overtime.
Senior Butta Johnson came through in the clutch during the second half. Johnson finished with 15 points, with 13 of those coming after halftime, including a key three-pointer from the corner with 1:38 remaining that pushed Clemson ahead 75-70. That shot helped the Tigers regain control after a back-and-forth final stretch.
Graduate transfer Nick Davidson also scored 15 points before fouling out, while Carter Welling added 13 points. Clemson shot 44.6 percent from the floor.
Georgia Tech received a big performance from Jaeden Mustaf, who led all scorers with 28 points. Kowacie Reeves Jr. added 20 points and Akai Fleming chipped in 18 for the Yellow Jackets, who finished the season on a 12-game losing streak.
Clemson’s afternoon nearly unraveled earlier in the second half.
The Tigers trailed 47-37 after a Mustaf layup before rallying. Welling jumpstarted the comeback with a three-pointer and a tough jumper, trimming the deficit. Johnson followed with a three of his own, and moments later turned a steal into an and-one layup that gave Clemson a 48-47 lead and capped an 11-0 run.
From there, the game remained tight as the teams traded baskets throughout the final minutes.
Clemson appeared to have control late after Dillon Hunter split a pair of free throws to make it 77-74 with 14 seconds left. Welling grabbed the rebound on the missed second attempt but couldn’t convert the putback, allowing Georgia Tech one last opportunity.
Mustaf opted for a quick layup with four seconds remaining instead of attempting a tying three. Buckner was then fouled on the inbound and sank both free throws to extend the lead to three.
Mustaf’s desperation half-court attempt at the buzzer missed, allowing Clemson to escape with the win.
The Tigers struggled early, trailing 39-33 at halftime after a rough first half. Clemson went more than five minutes without scoring during a stretch when Georgia Tech put together a 12-0 run.
At one point the Yellow Jackets led 27-18 while shooting nearly 70 percent from the floor.
Mustaf paced Georgia Tech early, scoring 11 first-half points while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.
Clemson struggled offensively during that stretch, shooting just 35 percent in the first half. Davidson was responsible for much of the scoring with 12 points before the break, while the rest of the Tigers combined to shoot 6-of-24.
College football analyst says Clemson’s time in the CFP is done
Despite the slow start, Clemson avoided the upset and finished the regular season with another win.
The victory secured the No. 5 seed for the Tigers in the ACC Tournament. Clemson will face the winner of the 12/13 seed game on Wednesday night in Charlotte, with tipoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Ugo Onyenso and Malik Thomas each had 16 points, Sam Lewis scored 15 and No. 13 Virginia held off Virginia Tech for a 76-72 win on Saturday.
The Cavaliers (27-4, 15-3) had already clinched the No. 2 seed in next week’s Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, and are all but assured of a spot in the NCAA Tournament field. The Hokies (19-12, 8-10) entered squarely on the NCAA bubble and in seek of an AP Top 25 win to enhance their resume.
Ben Hammond led the Hokies with 21 points and five assists. He missed a pair of free throws with 2:09 to play trailing by four points.
Virginia went 15 for 17 at the free-throw line.
Virginia Tech outlasted Virginia 95-85 in triple overtime in the ACC opener for both teams on Dec. 31. Neither Virginia's Jacari White nor Tech’s Tyler Johnson played in that contest.
In this rematch, the home team raced out to a 12-0 lead. The Hokies, on the other hand, came out cold, missing eight of their first nine shots from beyond the arc.
The Hokies got to within six points before halftime, but the Cavaliers outscored them 14-4 over the final 5:50 and went to the locker room ahead 41-25.
Virginia Tech fought back after the break, tying the game at 51-51 with 10:56 to go before Virginia used an 8-0 spurt to reclaim control.
DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Fifth-seeded Notre Dame had three shots in the final 11 seconds with the game on the line, but top-seeded Duke hung onto its lead and came out on top 65-63 in the semifinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference women's basketball tournament on Saturday.
The Irish overcame a flat start and first-half deficit, taking their first lead of the game with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Notre Dame was up 49-46 at the start of the fourth quarter, A back-and-forth battle would ensue, and it ultimately leaned in the Blue Devils’ favor.
Hope looked lost for Notre Dame after a 3-pointer by Taina Mair gave the Blue Devils a 64-60 lead with just over a minute remaining. Hannah Hidalgo restored the team's faith with a clutch steal turned into a 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to 64-63.
After Duke's Riley Nelson went 1-of-2 on the free-throw line, Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey called a final timeout with 51.6 seconds remaining to draw up what she hoped would be the game-winner, but the Irish fell short in the final seconds of a hard-fought battle.
Hidalgo led the Irish with 24 points and eight rebounds.
Mair had a team-high 16 points and added eight rebounds for Duke. Toby Fournier added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Up next
The Blue Devils advance to the title game on Sunday, where they'll play the winner of the other semifinal between Louisville and North Carolina.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews says the team will keep fighting despite their difficult season and recent trade deadline moves.
Speaking to reporters before Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Matthews stressed that the team still owes fans and teammates a strong effort in the final stretch.
The Maple Leafs have struggled big time throughout the 2025-26 season. Toronto enters the game with a 27-25-11 record and sits near the bottom of the Atlantic Division with 65 points. A recent six-game losing streak has pushed the team further away from a playoff position in one of the NHL’s most competitive divisions.
Despite the standings, Matthews said the players cannot simply give up with 19 games remaining.
“I mean, I think just each night taking it one game at a time, making sure that we’re ready to compete each night,” Matthews said. “Having fun, sticking together, putting in an effort that we can be proud of when we leave the rink.”
Matthews added that the team has a responsibility to the fans who continue to support the club.
“I think it’s something that we owe to one another. I think we owe it to the fans that pay money to come watch us play, to go out there and put forth a good effort,” Matthews said. “So, that’s all we can ask for. I don’t think we’re looking at the standings and just kinda folding over.”
Auston Matthews says despite the standings and selling at the deadline, the team still owes it to the fans who pay money and show up to give a good effort in the remaining 19 games:
“It’s obviously not ideal, and it’s not fun. It’s never fun losing and being in this situation.… pic.twitter.com/unPmue1te7
Toronto’s struggles this season have come largely from defensive issues. The Maple Leafs average 3.16 goals per game but allow 3.46, one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
Auston Matthews’ offensive decline since 69 goal season
Meanwhile, Matthews continues to lead the team with 26 goals, while William Nylander tops the roster with 58 points. However, Matthews’ scoring pace has slowed compared with his historic 69-goal season in 2023–24. The decline followed an upper-body injury that affected much of the 2024-25 campaign.
Toronto now faces a difficult test against the Lightning, who hold a 38-18-4 record this season. The Lightning also won the previous matchup between the teams 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Easton Cowan (53) celebrates his goal at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Even with the odds against them, Matthews said the focus remains simple.
“It’s obviously not ideal, but we just take it one game at a time and go out there to compete and play to win.” Matthews said.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 26: Kris Bubic #50 of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game two of a doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The World Baseball Classic is in full swing now, but Spring Training soldiers on with those left behind. Sure, Harry Ford continued his weird dominance of the event while Shohei Ohtani continued to do very Shohei Ohtani things, and Oneil Cruz still hits a ball harder than anyone when he can make contact. Seth “Quarterrican” Lugo pitched four scoreless innings to lead Puerto Rico to victory, and Michael Wacha had a weird outing in relief for USA during their win over Brazil. But guys like Brandon Drury and Kevin Newman still want to find a way to play in MLB this year, so the games in the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues must go on.
Here’s today’s lineup; it continues to be uninspiring while seemingly half the team is scattered around the globe doing mercenary work for their ancestral homes.
Nothing against those guys I mentioned earlier, but when they join with Josh Rojas to form the heart of your order, it’s difficult to expect much of interest to happen.
Kris Bubic will take the mound for his second official appearance of spring. The stuff looked completely normal last time out, so the goal is just to see him continue to build up and not get hurt as we trudge toward Opening Day. Here are the guys on the roster who could pitch after him:
Sanchez, Aaron RHP
Way, Beck RHP
Chamberlain, Christian LHP
Cawyer, Zachary RHP
Johnson, Brandon RHP
Panzini, Shane RHP
Olivárez, Helcris LHP
Patteson, Hunter LHP
The odds are heavily against any of these pitchers making the Opening Day roster, though I did attempt to wishcast Olivárez onto the team in my latest roster prediction. But hey, if you don’t want to listen to this extremely Spring Training game, there is still plenty of WBC to watch! Team Italy is taking on Brazil as this post goes live, and Panama at Puerto Rico isn’t far off.
Don’t lose heart, Opening Day is less than three weeks away!
Racing Club de Lens’ Malang Sarr (27) is expected to be called up to the Senegal squad for the upcoming international break, according to Foot Mercato.
At 27, the former French Under-21 international with six caps is expected to feature in Pape Thiaw’s squad for the friendly matches against Peru and Gambia on 28th and 31st March. Two crucial matches with less than three months to go before the kick-off of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in which Senegal, recently crowned African champions, will be participating.
A well-deserved reward for the centre-back, who has had a stellar season with Les Sang et Or. Having become a key member of Pierre Sage’s squad, Sarr has started all 27 matches he has played in all competitions since the start of the season.
Having repeatedly expressed his desire to represent the Lions of Teranga in the past, Sarr has never had the opportunity to do so until now.
Spain thrash Ukraine, marching confidently towards the 2027 World Cup
Spain thrashed the weak Ukraine at the Mardan Antalyaspor stadium in the second round of the qualifying phase for the World Cup in Brazil in 2017.
The world champions, with seven changes in Sonia Bermúdez's starting lineup compared to her last initial proposal, dominated the game and the scoreboard with goals from Edna, Corrales, and Vicky.
Spain outperformed Ukraine in all aspects of the game, with a very uneven pace and ability in the duels, so much so that the Ukrainians barely troubled Misa, who returned to the goal today.
Ukraine, which scored its only goal of the match thanks to Ovdiychuk, was no match for the Spanish team, who are now looking forward to the clash against England at Wembley to determine the top spot in the group that will secure a place in the World Cup.
The fans have openly shared their sentiments, but Skubal is undeterred.
Barring a dramatic change of plans, Skubal’s first and only appearance in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA will be Saturday evening against Great Britain at Daikin Park in Houston.
He then plans to return back to the team hotel, pack his suitcase, and fly to Florida on Sunday to be back with his Detroit Tigers teammates at spring training in Lakeland.
If USA advances to the semifinals in Miami, as expected, Skubal plans to pitch one spring-training game for the Tigers, and then join Team USA in Miami – but only to be their highest-paid and most decorated cheerleader.
“It’s only a three-hour drive," Skubal said, “I can do that."
Certainly, Team USA officials would love Skubal to stay, and pitch in the semifinal or final, but that would require Skubal to alter his routine. He certainly isn’t going to pitch on short rest in the WBC, and he still needs to be ready for the Tigers’ season-opener March 26 at Petco Park in San Diego.
And, yes, he also has an astronomical payday waiting that will make him the richest starting pitcher in history, likely eclipsing $400 million – and perhaps close to $500 million.
Certainly, after just being with Team USA for a week of workouts and team bonding, Skubal concedes that he is smitten in his first WBC.
“These games are going to feel like playoff games or World Series games," Skubal said. “Those environments are what baseball is and that's where baseball is kind of going. That's why it is the best sport in the world because it is pretty international.
“When you look around at every pool, you look at all the different games going on around the world, those environments are always going to be pretty special. And that's what makes the game of baseball so beautiful."
The only real flaw of the WBC is the timing of the event. Players have been in camp for less than a month, and pitchers certainly aren’t ready to compete like it’s a postseason game.
“As far as the pitching standpoint," Skubal said, “timing is everything. If they can get the timing right to where it is not in a spring training ramp-up phase, I think that will reduce the risk of injuries for pitching, you know."
That's why why Skubal is leaving town, even though WBC fans have been openly critical about his one-and-done.
“The guys have been cool about it," Skubal said, “but I mean, obviously, like publicly, it’s a little bit different perception. But I think they understand what it means for me to be here. Obviously, I want to be in the room, you know, and that's cool for them to even take that aside and be like, 'it's awesome that you're here.'"
Players like three-time MVP Aaron Judge, captain of Team USA, has effusively praised Skubal for being on the team, condemning those who are critical over his limited role.
“He's got the two Cy Young awards, but this guy's about to make half a billion dollars here in the next offseason,’’ Judge said. “So, for him to put it all on the line for his country, and come out here and show up for us. ... You know, maybe it is just one game, but you know there's a risk with everything you do, and for him to take that risk and come out here and be with us, the boys love it."
Says Skubal: “I can’t wait to feel it. It's the first time I've ever been able to wear the USA jersey, and it's going to be special. My family and friends will get to enjoy that. It will be pretty special for everybody involved."
He still plans to pitch in the next WBC and would love to be in the 2028 Olympics, too.
“I'd love to come here and just have a game where I have 100 pitches and be ready to go," Skubal says. “So hopefully the Olympics, they get that at the All-Star break, and they get it right. That way we can send out the best lineup and arms, and they can be at max, full-go. And they don't have to worry about injuries.’’
It’s Tacoma vs. Seattle for the WIAA Class 3A high school boys basketball state tournament championship on Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome. The 253 vs. the 206.
No. 7 Lincoln faces No.1 Rainier Beach, the tournament favorite. Can the Abes pull off the upset in what’s sure to be a rocking environment? Here are three things to watch in Saturday’s contest.
STAR POWER
Rainier Beach features the nation’s No. 1 ranked recruit, senior Tyran Stokes. Stokes moved from California and transferred to Rainier Beach for his senior season, an instant reloading of Beach’s roster after the Vikings won the 3A state championship last year.
On the Lincoln side, guard Davion Shareef-Dulaney is one of the state’s top sophomores. He recently passed 1,000 career points in his first two high school seasons and his late-game heroics lifted Lincoln over Eastside Catholic in Friday’s semifinal win.
LEGACY PLAYERS
Lincoln sophomore Justus Holt is the son of former Lincoln star Justin Holt, who led the Abes to back-to-back 4A state titles in 2001 and 2002, his junior and senior years. He was named the 2002 Washington 4A state player of the year by The News Tribune, the Seattle Times and the Associated Press. He averaged 22.4 points per game as a senior.
Rainier Beach freshman JJ Crawford is the son of former Rainier Beach star and NBA player Jamal Crawford. Crawford led the Vikings to the Class 3A state championship in 1998. Rainier Beach beat Olympia in the title game and Crawford was named the state player of the year.
DOES MIKE BETHEA GET A RING FOR EVERY FINGER OR DOES RYAN ROGERS GET HIS FIRST?
Bethea is going for ring No. 10, the most recent of which came last year, when The News Tribune’s 2025 state player of the year Jaylen Petty (now starting for ranked Texas Tech as a true freshman) led the Vikings to the title. Lincoln coach Ryan Rogers, who grew up going to Lincoln games as a kid, is looking for his first title.
The 3A state championship tips at 7 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome on Saturday.
Australia vs Japan best bet: Australia moneyline (6¢ at Kalshi)
Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Team Japan are marquee names, with plenty of novice money supporting them. Australia is an up-and-coming team packed with talented youngsters.
Robbie Glendinning, hero of the 2023 WBC (.300, .991 OPS), has just one plate appearance so far, with a deeper, dangerous Aussie lineup. Travis Bazzana, 2024's top draft pick and Rays prospect Curtis Mead both have homers and OPS' over .900 in this year's WBC.
Japan isn't starting Yamamoto but 36-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano, a homer-prone pitcher who doesn't strike many out. Australia is more than worthy of a flier.
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Australia vs Japan players to watch
Can Australia stop Shohei Ohtani by giving him a taste of his own medicine, starting a two-way player of its own?
Unfortunately, Connor MacDonald isn't quite a poor man's Ohtani, however. He was released after hitting .187 as a corner outfielder in Low A for the Houston Astros organization in 2017.
He's now trying to revive his career as a pitcher and had a 6.23 ERA and 1.615 WHIP in the Aussie League last season. He gets the ball for Australia to face Ohtani, who is 5-for-6 in two WBC games with a pair of home runs.
Australia vs Japan opening odds
Moneyline: Australia 15¢ | Japan 97¢
Run line: Australia +1.5 | Japan -1.5
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
How to watch Australia vs Japan and game info
Location
Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
Date
Sunday, March 8, 2026
First pitch
6:00 a.m. ET
TV
FS1
Australia starting pitcher
Connor MacDonald
Japan starting pitcher
Tomoyuki Sugano
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Guirassy and Beier on target as Dortmund pile more misery on Köln
While Köln are in the middle of a tense relegation battle, defeats to Atalanta and Bayern Munich all but ended the season for Borussia Dortmund in March. As such, the hosts were far more energetic than their opponents in the early exchanges.
On his first start since early February, Ísak Jóhannesson created havoc in Dortmund’s box before a combined effort denied him. It was only five minutes after kickoff when they created the next big chance through the 19-year-old Youssoupha Niang, who was making his full Bundesliga debut. Gregor Kobel tipped his header over the crossbar.
Köln had five corner-kicks inside the first 15 minutes, but they were unable to create a chance from any of them. On the contrary, Dortmund’s first such opportunity initiated the opening goal of the match.
Lukas Kwasniok’s side defended the initial delivery before Maximilian Beier puts it back in the danger zone, where Serhou Guirassy awaited from an onside position. The Guinean made the all-important connection to beat Marvin Schwäbe in Köln’s goal.
Last season’s Champions League joint top-scorer spent a largely unsuccessful spell in Köln before coming back to Germany by signing for Stuttgart in 2022. Beier was also involved in the next big moment of the game with a dangerous play by Manchester City loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to stop him.
After a VAR check, the initial yellow card decision by Daniel Siebert was converted to a straight red. The 20-year-old center-back left the game in injury-time of the first-half in his first start since matchday 18.
The ten-man hosts remained adventurous after the restart as Kobel had to stay alert to deny Jakub Kamiński. Julian Ryerson blocked the follow-up attempt by the lively Niang. The rare chance served as a wake-up call for Dortmund as they extended their lead a couple of minutes later.
Beier continued to help his cause for World Cup selection with a smart finish after a one-two with Julian Brandt. After coming on as Guirassy’s replacement, Fábio Silva created more havoc for Köln’s defense.
Fellow substitute Cenk Özkacar initially conceded a penalty-kick for a foul on the striker before VAR intervened once again. Last season's 2. Bundesliga champions did get a deserved goal when Kamiński scored with Waldemar Anton's deflection making things harder for Kobel. Dortmund held on to the result in the additional six minutes to return to winning ways after damaging defeats in two competitions. Siebert waved away a couple of half-hearted penalty-kick shouts by the hosts late in injury-time.
Dortmund reduced the gap with Bayern back to 11 points, although the title race seemed to be over with only nine games left in the calendar. Before Werder Bremen and St. Pauli’s games on Sunday, Kwasniok’s side are only two points off the relegation playoff spot.
Köln will face direct rivals in successive games as the trip to Hamburg will be followed by the derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Dortmund will host Augsburg and Hamburg in their remaining fixtures this month.
No. 1 Tennessee (21-0, 1-0 SEC) is hosting No. 17 LSU (17-5, 0-1 SEC) on Saturday for Game 2 of a three-game softball series at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Rankings reflect the NFCA/GoRout Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll.
Game 2 can be watched on SEC Network+ with Will Boling (play-by-play) and Faith Cain (analyst) on the call.
The Lady Vols opened their three-game SEC softball series against LSU on Friday with a, 5-0, win. A series finale between Tennessee and the Tigers will be contested March 8 at 2 p.m. EDT.
Vols Wire is providing live updates of Saturday's softball game between Tennessee and LSU and are listed below.
Tennessee softball versus LSU live game updates
Game updates will begin after first pitch. First pitch between the Lady Vols and Tigers is slated for 3 p.m. EST. The game can be watched on SEC Network+.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Jordan Davis #90 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a sack during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
An emerging leader on the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense will be staying in Philly for years to come. Jordan Davis and the team have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $78 million with $65 million guaranteed, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Davis is now the highest-paid nose tackle in league history. The annual value of his new money ($26 million per year) puts him tied — with old friend Milton Williams — for second-most among NFL interior defenders. Only Chris Jones earns more on a yearly basis. If you factor in Davis was already set to make about $13 million in 2026, his next four years average out to $22.75 million annually, which ranks as the 10th-highest annual interior defender rate.
The Eagles have had one of the league’s youngest defenses the past couple of seasons, but now many are coming due for their second contracts, and it’s going to be expensive for the organization. The team previously picked up Davis’ fifth-year option to keep him in Philly through 2026 and now they are doing right by the 2022 first-round pick to pay him long term.
Davis’ new deal is well-earned; the 26-year-old defensive tackle made life-style changes during the past two offseasons that led him on a health journey that elevated nearly every part of his game.
Daviswas down 26 pounds heading into the 2025, and was able play 61 percent of the total defensive snaps — 167 snaps more than any of his previous three seasons. He had a career-high year in 2025, finishing with 72 total tackles, six pass breakups, six QB hits, and 4.5 sacks. Davis had a huge impact, week-after-week, and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against the Lions in Week 11.
He was a beast on defense and on special teams, where the DT notably blocked a field goal attempt against the Rams in Week 3 and he returned it for a 61-yard touchdown, ultimately earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Davis has proven that he’s committed to the team, to the city, and to his overall health, and will now get to continue building what has become a dominant defensive line for the Eagles.
McIlroy did not make his third round tee time at Bay Hill after suffering back spasms while warming up.
It is the only the third time in the Northern Irishman’s PGA Tour career that he has pulled out mid-tournament, and comes just a week before the season intensifies at TPC Sawgrass.
"While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back. As I started hitting balls on the range before the round, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms in my lower back," McIlroy said in a statement to the PGA Tour.
“Unfortunately, I'm not able to continue and have to withdraw. I was excited to compete this weekend. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year."
It was only the third time McIlroy has been forced to withdraw from a tournament. He left the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2009 with a flu virus and food poisoning, and he withdrew from the Honda Classic in the middle of the second round in 2013, first citing a sore wisdom tooth and a week later apologizing by saying his head was not in the right place.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) makes a jumpshot during an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Monday December 15th, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Rundown: The Los Angeles Clippers (30-32) wrap up a short two-game road trip with a Saturday night matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies (23-38) at FedExForum.
Los Angeles enters tonight's matchup following a 116-112 loss to the Spurs on Friday, a game in which they led by 25 at one point. Despite the squandered opportunity to win a fourth straight game, the Clippers have flipped the script after starting the season 6-21 – winning 24 of their last 35 contests. Los Angeles will look to improve on its subpar record on the road this season, claiming victory in just 14 of 33 games away from Intuit Dome. Kawhi Leonard continues to control the floor for LA, posting 27.9 points per game in 48 starts.
On the other end, Memphis is looking to snap a three-game home losing streak. The Grizzlies have struggled with staying healthy this season with top two scores Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. missing significant time. Memphis continues to search for answers at home, owning an 11-18 record in 29 games played at FedExFoum.
With Los Angeles looking to rebound after a frustrating loss and Memphis will multiple offensive threats, look for Los Angeles to glide to a controlling road win.
Second Pick: Los Angeles Kings Moneyline
Rundown: The Los Angeles Kings (25-22-14) conclude a six-game home stand with a cross-conference battle against the Montreal Canadiens (33-18-10) at Crypto.com Arena.
Montreal comes into the contest looking to avenge a tough 6-5 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks while Los Angeles is searching for back-to-back regulation wins since Dec. 6-8. Montreal led by a goal with less than a minute remaining when Anaheim's Chris Kreider knotted the game at five, eventually leading to the loss in shootout. The Canadiens currently hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting three points above the eight seed Boston Bruins. Cole Caufield continues to establish his presence in the offensive zone with the league's second most goals this season, sitting behind only Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL lead.
Los Angeles will look to end the home stretch on a high note and build on a 5-3 win over the New York Islanders. Los Angeles' newest King Artemi Panarin scored his first goal in Thursday's win, marking his 19th of the season. The Kings have struggled mightily this season on home-ice, posting a record of 10-14-7 in 31 games this season.
With Montreal in the midst of skating back-to-back nights and Los Angeles sitting just three points out of a playoff spot, expect the Kings to utilize the day-off to their advantage and come away with a victory.
Italy had lost to England in 32 previous Test meetings [Getty Images]
Italy (10) 23
Tries: Menoncello, Marin Cons: P Garbisi 2 Pens: P Garbisi (3)
England (12) 18
Tries: Freeman, Roebuck Cons: F Smith Pens: F Smith (2)
England's Six Nations campaign plunged deeper into crisis as second-half yellow cards for Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje paved the way to victory for a joyous Italy in Rome.
It is a third successive Six Nations defeat for England and Italy's first-ever win in the fixture after 32 unsuccessful attempts.
For head coach Steve Borthwick another uninspired and insipid performance, 18 months out from the Rugby World Cup, raises the most awkward and far-reaching questions.
England will go to their final-day meeting with France next week, earmarked as a possible Grand Slam decider at the start of the tournament, as minor characters attempting to somehow avoid their first single-win campaign in Six Nations history.
While England had made heavy weather of building a lead, they seemed well insulated against such a seismic shock with an 18-10 advantage and a little more than 20 minutes left.
However, Underhill was dispatched to the sin-bin for a high hit on Northampton's Danilo Fischetti before captain Itoje followed for mindlessly slapping the ball out of Italy scrum-half Alessandro Garbisi's hands.
England lost two players for 10 minutes and Italy gained momentum for the rest of the match, delivering the decisive blow eight minutes from time as Paolo Garbisi, Monty Ioane and Tomasso Menoncello combined thrillingly to put Leonardo Marin in under the posts.
At the final whistle, England's players stood around stunned as the disco lights and celebrations erupted around them. Italy had claimed history - England look to an uncertain future.
New-look line-up, same old problems
Itoje was shown his second yellow card of a Six Nations campaign in which England's discipline has been well below par [Getty Images]
England had vowed that, after lifeless defeats by Scotland and Ireland in the previous two rounds, Rome would be a return to the intensity and intent that marked a successful 2025.
Their afternoon got off to a bad start before the first whistle.
An injury to flanker Tom Curry forced England to make further changes to a line-up that had already been radically rejigged.
Underhill was promoted off the bench and into back row alongside Guy Pepper and Ben Earl, with Chandler Cunningham-South added to the replacements.
Their new-look side ran into painfully familiar problems however.
Against Ireland a fortnight ago, England made 16 visits to the opposition 22, but returned with a relatively paltry 21 points.
Once again, they had plenty of ball and possession, but precious little penetration through the opposition defence.
Italy's eager back row soaked up England's ponderous forward rumbles and when the ball went wide, their defensive shape was barely ruffled.
England's efforts were undercut by a string of errors. Fin Smith was charged down with relative ease by number eight Lorenzo Cannone, Alex Coles and Joe Heyes combined to spill line-out ball and Guy Pepper was bowled into touch as he attempted to make metres out wide, all inside the first 15 minutes.
In the build-up to the match, Borthwick had urged his side to chance their arm and throw one more pass. But Italy looked quicker witted and more ambitious throughout.
A pair of clever kicks from fly-half Paolo Garbisi - the second, a well-weighted sideways nudge to release Ioane - set up the field position from which the fly-half kicked the first points of the match on 21 minutes.
An accurate long line-out throw and an Earl rumble gave England the momentum to put Tommy Freeman in for his ninth Test try, although Smith pushed the kickable conversion wide and Italy lurked dangerously as England continued to splutter.
Five minutes before the break, Menoncello - Italy's leading metre-maker, clean-breaker and defender-beater so far in the championship - made good on the threat.
The 23-year-old carved past a startled Heyes on the fringe of a breakdown and galloped over to put Italy 10-5 in front.
England recovered. Albeit briefly.
A smart kick from Smith switched play to Tom Roebuck, and the Sale wing showed deft footwork to scamper in on the stroke of half-time.
A pair of Smith penalties after the break stretched England's lead out to 18-10 and England seemed to be turning the tide of the contest, with Underhill and Itoje both burrowing deep for turnovers.
However, with 25 minutes to go and the match seemingly there for the taking, England's contrived to hand the initiative back to Italy.
Underhill and Itoje watched on grimly from the sidelines as first Garbisi's boot and then their backline's all-court brilliance - Ioane stepping Roebuck in a sliver of space, Menoncello bullocking on and Marin gleefully scampering in - wrenched the contest out of their grasp.
England found some late urgency as they vainly chased the game. Ollie Chessum bust a hole to spin the Italian defence, but the scramble snuffed out the danger.
England looked dazed and at the end of days, as the clock went red, the ball went dead and the Stadio Olimpico lit up and leapt to its feet around them.
Defeat by France in Paris next weekend would mark only the third time in the 115-year history of the Five and Six Nations that England have lost four games in a single campaign.
In a move that stabilizes the Eagles' defensive front, Philadelphia has agreed to a three-year, $78 million extension with Jordan Davis, including $75 million guaranteed. Davis will play the 2026 season on his $12,938,000 fifth year option, giving the Eagles even more flexibility for the next year.
With the move now official, we're looking at instant analysis from the huge Saturday afternoon signing.
Davis has continued to improve
Davis has been a solid run-stopper, but prior to last season, he'd never played 600 snaps in a season. In 2024, he logged 27 tackles (15 solo), including 1.0 sack and two passes defended, while playing in all 17 regular-season games. His production increased during the postseason, with six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense, across four playoff appearances.
2025 breakout
After a spring and summer on the Peloton, Davis led all NFL interior DL in run stops (34) and ranked 3rd among DTs in tackles (career-high 72), trailing only Cameron Heyward (78) and Derrick Brown (73). Davis and Jalen Carter also tied for the 2nd-most batted passes (6) among interior DL, behind Brown (7). Davis had his fifth-year option picked up, but will Roseman extend Davis long-term?
Highest paid list
The $26 million per-season average puts Davis at No. 2 in the NFL, tied with former teammate Milton Williams and behind Chris Jones.
Mar 7, 2026; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Duke Brennan (24) reacts during a post-game interview after the game against the Xavier Musketeers at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
It was a grand finale for all three of the Wildcat seniors on Saturday afternoon.
The Musketeers got out to a 4-0 start, but Villanova (24-7) proceeded to go on a 23-5 run from there. That stretch, combined with a separate 15-2 run after that, allowed the Wildcats to go up 12 at halftime.
Villanova was sleepwalking defensively to start second half, allowing 17 Xavier points in the first five minutes. The Musketeers cut the lead to as little as six on multiple occasions, but as he usually does, Tyler Perkins made two critical three-pointers to push the lead back out. Those long-distance shots were part of an 11-0 run to get Villanova back to a 17-point lead with under eight minutes remaining.
The aforementioned seniors were the players of the game for the Wildcats. Duke Brennan recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds in his final home game of his college career, tying Villanova’s all-time record for double-doubles with Michael Bradley (14). To say that the 6’10” center has been a revelation would be an understatement.
Devin Askew, who moved back into the starting lineup for this game, nearly tallied a triple-double with 18 points, a season-high 8 rebounds, and a season-high tying 7 assists. The 6’5” guard shot 5/11 from deep. It will be interesting to see if Askew remains in the starting five, given Bryce Lindsay’s continued struggles (2 points on 1/5 shooting).
It wasn’t all about the upperclassmen in this one, as freshman Acaden Lewis scored 14 points and dished out a season-high 12 assists with only 1 turnover. Lewis’ previous high in assists was 8, which he accomplished on five occasions.
Fellow-freshmen Braden Pierce and Chris Jeffrey combined to score 10 points off of the bench, with Pierce setting a season-high with 6. Jeffrey played ahead of Lindsay at separate points throughout the afternoon.
Xavier was without its leading scorer Tre Carroll, who injured his hip in the previous game against Seton Hall. The senior was sorely missed. Jovan Milicevic had another 20-plus point outing against Villanova. The 6’10” sophomore scored 21 this time around, but on a less efficient 5/15 from the floor.
The Wildcats now move on to Thursday for the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament, where they await the winner of the 6 vs 11 game. Those opponents are still to be determined, but the game will be at 9:30 PM.
Among the 13 players from Texas A&M's 2025 roster who participated in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell will be missed after producing 11.5 sacks and 30-plus pressures during his final season in College Station, and won't be easily replaced heading into the 2026 college football season.
This offseason, coach Mike Elko and his staff signed 17 players from the transfer portal, including former Northwestern edge Anto Saka, who is highly regarded as one of the top pass rush specialists in the country, despite recording just three sacks last season.
Standing at 6'4" and over 250 pounds, Saka is built like a track star, and plays with an extremely high motor, and looks like a perfect fit in Mike Elko and new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill's scheme, and thanks to college football analyst Landon Tengwall's recent breakdown of Saka's skill set, Aggie fans who have yet to watch his tape can now enjoy a quck two and a half minute summary of what Saka can bring in 2026.
A former high school sprinter, Saka's reported 36 1/2 inch vertical and 10-4 broad jump will have NFL scouts attending every Texas A&M home game this fall, while his early production, including 5.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss during his 2023 redshirt freshman season, led to being placed at No. 56 in Feldman's last Freaks List before the 2025 season.
Per Pro Football Focus, Saka earned an impressive 82.5 PFF pass rush grade during the 2025 season and recorded 12 sacks during his Northwestern career. As Tengwell notes in his breakdown, Saka thrives off the edge as a power rusher, given his lower body strength and ability to consistently push the pocket with a simple bull rush.
While the Wildcats utilized Saka in twists & stunts more often than not, the Baltimore native is too dangerous lining up outside the tackle to replace Cashius Howell in 2026.
Texas A&M’s new DE Anto Saka might be one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC this year and this is why ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ufWwGTxTry
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
In an interview with old friend SoCalVal for "WrestlingNewsCo," Hemme discussed transitioning away from an onscreen role into her creative duties with TNA. And to hear Hemme tell it, it wasn't a difficult switch in the slightest.
"For me, it was a very organic transition," Hemme said. "There wasn't a whole lot of thinking because I saw a gap with women in the company being represented. And it wasn't because the men weren't doing it or weren't thinking about it, there just wasn't a person advocating.
"And there was all this stuff we could do with the merchandise, there was all these stories that could be told, but no one...there wasn't really this carved out person advocating for the women in that way. And so I just stepped into a spot. I really just started saying 'Hey, what about this?' and 'What about this?' and 'What about this?'"
Hemme credited several people, including current WWE executive Bruce Prichard, for "rallying behind me" and giving her the opportunity to contribute creatively. Hemme and her husband then proceeded to move to Nashville, where TNA was based at the time, in hopes she could land a full-time job on the staff.
"I really just showed up, and I just kept showing up until they finally gave me a job, because when I was moving there, there was no job," Hemme said. "I just was that committed that I would live there to show up every day."
If you use quotes in this article, please credit "WrestlingNewsCo" and provide an h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription
Max Dowman becomes Arsenals youngest FA Cup player
Max Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest-ever FA Cup player during their 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in the fifth round.
The midfielder, aged 16 years and 66 days, was handed a start by Mikel Arteta, marking his first senior appearance for the club in 123 days following a four-month injury absence.
Dowman had already made headlines earlier this season when he became the youngest player in Champions League history during Arsenal’s match at Slavia Prague.
His inclusion alongside 16-year-old defender Marli Salmon, who made his first start for the club, also created another milestone. Arsenal became the first Premier League team to start two players aged 16 or younger in the same side in any competition.
The Hale End graduate continues to add to an already remarkable list of records early in his career.
Randy Moss once revealed that he secretly visited Tom Brady’s hotel before eventually joining the New England Patriots.
The Hall of Fame wide receiver was determined to play with the legendary quarterback and decided to make his pitch in person.
It turned out to be one of the most memorable early moments leading up to their famous partnership.
Photo by Yoon S. Byun/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Randy Moss explains sneaking into Tom Brady’s hotel
Speaking on the New Heights podcast, Randy Moss recalled how he quietly entered the team hotel to meet Tom Brady for the first time.
“There were probably four or five hours before they go to the stadium on Monday night. I sneak in their hotel, meet [Tom] Brady for the first time.
“I said, ‘Look, dude, I’mma cut straight to it, I want to play with you. Whatever you can do to get me up here, do it,'” Moss said.
He added: “That night, I watched the game, Brady’s first time ever in his career, he throws five touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings. So, I’m sitting up here thinking I might’ve rubbed off on Brady a little bit.”
The moment reflected just how eager Moss was to team up with Brady. Not long afterward, the Patriots completed the move that brought the explosive wide receiver to New England.
Randy Moss recalls injury setback after joining Patriots
Moss also remembered how his first period with the Patriots did not begin as smoothly as he had hoped because of an injury.
“I had high expectations and ended up getting a hamstring injury that forced me out of preseason,” Moss stated. “And so, my first actual game in going out there and really doing it was Week 1 against the Jets.”
Despite that early setback, Moss quickly developed one of the most productive quarterback-receiver partnerships in NFL history with Brady.
The duo famously combined for record-breaking offensive numbers during the 2007 season. Looking back, Moss’ unusual hotel visit was an early sign of how determined he was to make that partnership happen.
SOUTH BEND, IN - JANUARY 15: The Louisville Cardinals logo is stitched on the shorts of Louisville Cardinals players during the game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 15, 2026 at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Darian Devries of the Indiana Hoosiers watches during the NCAA basketball game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on November 29, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Indiana men’s basketball (18-12, 9-10 Big Ten) is set to take on Ohio State (19-11, 11-8 Big Ten) on Saturday at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.
The Hoosiers’ last outing was a strong 77-47 win over Minnesota on senior night to snap a four-game losing streak. Indiana enters this matchup looking to play its way back into solid NCAA Tournament contention after aforementioned late season slide.
The Buckeyes’ last outing was a 94-62 win over Penn State on the road that followed an 82-74 win over Purdue. Ohio State is playing some of its best basketball to close out the season and will make for a tough opponent, especially as it honors a group of seniors that includes Bruce Thornton.
Here’s what to know about the game:
Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes
Game Time/Date: 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 7
Game Location: The Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio
Gutted John Mousinho applauds the Portsmouth fans after their draw with Blackburn [Shutterstock]
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho felt Pompey threw away two precious points by letting relegation rivals Blackburn score a 93rd-minute equaliser.
Portsmouth looked set to win when Connor Ogilvie netted six minutes from time at Ewood Park and Mousinho was not happy with his players' game management.
Pompey are five points clear of the drop zone in 19th - and Mousinho feels it should be seven.
He told BBC Radio Solent: "Blackburn had a really good chance early on but, apart from that, pretty cagey. We've given ourselves the opportunity to win the game and after we scored the goal, I thought we just completely threw it away.
"Stopped winning headers, stopped winning challenges, stopped winning second balls, let them back inside for the goal, dropped too deep, committed too many bodies forward at times. We didn't do any of the things we'd done so well for 85 minutes.
"There's that mentality switch when you go a goal ahead. I can accept us sitting deep, but then we have to dominate underneath the ball, win our challenges, you've got to come out and win second balls.
"We managed the game horrifically. We managed it so, so poorly and ultimately we got what we deserved."
Since joining Chelsea last summer, Joao Pedro has worked his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup plans.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti will be keeping a close eye on the Brazilians at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian also enjoying strong seasons.
Estevao already has his place in the squad locked in and is expected to play a big role in attack in the United States. Meanwhile, Santos will be hoping to earn a spot among the midfielders.
Over the past year, Pedro has scored goals against Brentford, Wolves and Aston Villa, while also impressing in matches against Manchester City and Arsenal. He has adapted well to Enzo Maresca’s system, showing an understanding of when to drop deep or make runs into the box.
His form hasn’t gone unnoticed back home. A post from Twitter account Brazilian Football claimed “Brazil loves him” after one of his goals this season.
Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images
Joao Pedro set to lead the line for Brazil at the World Cup
It looks like he’ll be joined by his Chelsea teammate, too. According to AS, Ancelotti now sees Pedro as Brazil’s starting striker for the World Cup.
The pair are expected to line up alongside Vini Jr in what should be an exciting attack on paper. Andrey Santos is already a lock for the squad, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few more Blues join them as well.
Other names in contention for the forward role include Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha.
No Brazilian has scored more Premier League goals over the last two seasons than Pedro, though he’s clearly taken his game up a notch since joining Stamford Bridge.
He has also benefited from playing alongside better players. Much has been made of how strong his partnership with Cole Palmer is this season.
It makes his goal tally even more impressive when you consider he wasn’t playing regularly as a number nine before moving to West London.
Lately, I have noticed that many of my drill class players are improving on dinking, spins, deep returns and adding new serves to their toolbox. One weakness I have observed, is the ability to attack at the NVZ line.
COACH MARY’S TIP FOR THE WEEK: Volley drills and tips
The team from the Flying Pickleball Academy has some great tips on on volleys, topspin roll volleys, and a great volley drill.
Instructor Susannah Barr explains when to hit a roll volley vs. a punch volley with 10 pieces of advice.
1. Stop hitting balls into the net!
2. If the ball goes lower, you need to roll it. Drop your paddle down to 6 ok-clock.
3. Lay your paddle back, rotate like a windshield wiper, and your paddle should end up high.
4. Partner feeds drop in the air.
5. Create topspin!
6. For the punch volley, this is a ball that is higher!
7. Notice that her opposite shoulder moves back to get the chest involved.
8. Susannah emphasizes that you need to get lower to hit the punch.
9. Check out her ready position!
10. When she finishes her shot, she recovers to a tiny split step to get ready for the return.
A great drill for volleying
Barr explains a useful drill:
Two feeders, two volleyers.
Five targets. Call out the colors you are aiming for.
Take your time, keep breathing, aim for your targets.
No tush push. It can be a backhand or forehand volley. Incorporated your hips, shoulders, body. No backswing. Using your off arm as a counter, going behind you, will help you with accuracy.
You can do this with a ball machine also.
Three opportunities to get involved
Kim Jagd is a part owner in the Coachella Valley Scorpions and she is holding an upcoming advanced clinic. Last week, we highlighted their open tryout camp in the Sunday article. They are now offering a 60+ team, and other playing options. On March 13-14th, Kim is running an advanced drill clinic at the Palm Desert Resorter, along with Scott Burr. If you mention my name, I will get credit for the referral. If interested call them at 442-227-5105 or go to www.scorpionpickleballcamps.com.
If this is not your cup of tea, I am offering a 3.5 level clinic on March 14 at Paradise Pickleball Club. I have a few spots left. Email me to enter: mgbarsaleau@gmail.com
Then, on Sunday, March 15 Paddle for St. Paddy’s Day RR at Rancho Mirage Community Park! Email me to enter: mgbarsaleau@gmail.com
The Detroit Red Wings may not be without Dylan Larkin for more than a game or two.
Larkin, the team's captain, was injured Friday, March 6.
As he came to a stop to take a shot in the third period against the Florida Panthers, his right leg bent awkwardly, leaving him in visible pain. He was able to make it to the bench on his own, but was helped down the tunnel at Little Caesars Arena.
Yet as bad as it looked, Larkin isn't expected to miss much time.
He'll miss the Wings' game on Sunday at the New Jersey Devils, the start of a four-game trip, but the fact Larkin is traveling is a huge relief for the team.
Larkin leaves hurt after a weird fall - skate slipped and made him do the splits. Seemed to be in some pain, have to hope nothing is torn... #LGRWpic.twitter.com/lUuUDxY1lF
"He'll need some time to recover," coach Todd McLellan said Saturday at LCA. "I can't give you a timeline on that. We'll see how it goes day by day.
"But when you start talking about the lower extremities and you see what happened, you're, OK, now what? So so far we're not talking about year ending or anything like that. That's a real good sign for him and for our team."
Larkin ranks third on the team in scoring with 55 points in 63 games, trailing Lucas Raymond (65 in 61) and Alex DeBrincat (63 in 63). Larkin has 28 goals and 27 assists, and his plus-7 rating, tied for third-best on the Wings.
The Detroit Red Wings may not be without Dylan Larkin for more than a game or two.
Larkin, the team's captain, was injured Friday, March 6.
As he came to a stop to take a shot in the third period against the Florida Panthers at Little Caesars, his right leg bent awkwardly, leaving him in visible pain. He was able to make it to the bench on his own, but was helped down the tunnel.
Yet as bad as it looked, Larkin isn't expected to miss much time.
He'll miss the Wings' game on Sunday at the New Jersey Devils, the start of a four-game trip, but the fact Larkin is traveling is a huge relief for the team.
Larkin leaves hurt after a weird fall - skate slipped and made him do the splits. Seemed to be in some pain, have to hope nothing is torn... #LGRWpic.twitter.com/lUuUDxY1lF
"He'll need some time to recover," coach Todd McLellan said Saturday at Little Caesars Arena. "I can't give you a timeline on that. We'll see how it goes day by day.
"But when you start talking about the lower extremities and you see what happened, you're, OK, now what? So so far we're not talking about year ending or anything like that. That's a real good sign for him and for our team."
Larkin ranks third on the team in scoring with 55 points in 63 games, trailing Lucas Raymond (65 in 61) and Alex DeBrincat (63 in 63). Larkin has 28 goals and 27 assists, and his plus-7 rating, tied for third-best on the Wings.
While they might be foes when they take the court at the NBA level, star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Dallas Mavericks rookie phenom Cooper Flagg have ties through their time playing for Duke. The latter player took some time to talk about the return of Tatum from the Achilles tendon injury he sustained in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals on the same night he played his first game in his native New England since being drafted by the Mavs, saying of the return "I found out probably the same time as everyone else, when they announced it."
"I saw on social media," added Flagg. "So (we) just found out he was playing and locked in on the game plan." That did not go so well for Dallas, the Mavericks falling to Boston 120-100.
"Obviously, he’s an incredible player, so he’s something you have to prepare for and be ready for in the game," said the Mavs rookie.
"He’s been a mentor for me, through my journey and from Duke to now, he’s been somebody that I’ve been able to talk to and get advice from," said Flagg. "So there’s him being a mentor, someone to tell me ‘keep going.’"
"I told him the same. I told him that it’s incredible what he’s able to do, and how big he came back is really incredible."
The Oklahoma Sooners have gotten to work early on in the 2027 recruiting class, and they're currently doing it better than anyone in the nation.
The Sooners have the No. 1-ranked class in the cycle, and with the addition of 4-star quarterback Jamison Roberts, they only stretched their lead over the pack. Roberts announced his commitment on Saturday afternoon, becoming the 14th member of Oklahoma's No. 1 class.
Roberts stands at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, and is rated as the No. 289 player and No. 22 QB in the cycle. He also held offers from schools like the Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Kentucky Wildcats, and Florida Gators, among others.
BREAKING: Four-Star QB Jamison Roberts has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells me for @Rivals
The 6’3 200 QB from Mobile, AL chose the Sooners over Georgia, Auburn, and Florida
While we are still early in the 2027 cycle, Oklahoma's class is looking stout thus far. Thave have a trio of 5-star commitments in OT Cooper Hackett, LB Cooper Witten, and OT Kaeden Penny. Roberts is the first QB in the mix this cycle for the Sooners.
The Sooners also brought in 4-star QB Bowe Bently in the 2026 class, so Roberts will have some work to do to make his way up the depth chart over the coming years.
Plymouth Township – The nerves were high in USA Hockey Arena Saturday, as the Division 2 state finals saw a rematch from last year’s title game between reigning champion Flint Powers Catholic and Livonia Stevenson.
Powers Catholic came out on top again, defeating Stevenson 4-1. The game was physical and aggressive, and Powers Catholic was able to take advantage of a number of Stevenson penalties.
The first period felt like the high-stakes rematch that it was, with both teams coming out with stout defense and a quick-paced attack. Powers Catholic was able to make the first attack at the goal, but Stevenson responded, limiting quality scoring chances.
Both teams had a pair of power plays to use to their advantage, but neither offense could really get anything going. That was until two consecutive Stevenson tripping penalties put Powers Catholic in a 5-on-3 advantage, which opened up the net for the scoring to begin.
As the period was 15 seconds to closing, Parker Bendall found an open Owen Perry, giving Powers Catholic the 1-0 lead heading into the intermission.
The defense by Powers Catholic was what stood out the most to head coach Travis Perry, however, noting how important it would be to complement an already strong offense.
“Our forte this year has been scoring goals,” Perry said. “We knew we were going to have to come down here at some point and play a couple gritty games. I thought our group as a defensive unit and our goaltending was great.”
Tensions started to flare in the second period, with nearly 17 minutes with either team in a power-play situation. Six minutes in, Gavin Vorwerk was able to take advantage of a Stevenson roughing to score on a power play once more and gain a 2-0 lead. The Stevenson penalties would be the story of the match.
An early third-period goal from Stevenson’s Dawson Wallis sparked a push of momentum that teased a comeback, but it never quite materialized.
In the midst of the Stevenson push, play was stopped as Powers Catholic goaltender Hunter Clark appeared to be injured, but he managed to stay in the game despite the wear and tear.
Clark’s resiliency despite the apparent injury might have been the saving grace for Powers Catholic in the middle of the Stevenson run, as Clark immediately had two big saves in the net to move the game back into the reigning champions' favor. Clark ended the game with 21 saves.
“The third period was tilted pretty heavily in (Stevenson’s) favor,” Perry said. “They got one early, which you never want. But Clark, he stood on his head when he needed to. He played every single game this year, every single minute of the season. He was a rock right there for us.”
From that point forward, Powers Catholic had complete control of the game and managed to add a deeper cushion to its lead. Ethan Haley scored an empty-net goal to make it 3-1, and Mr. Hockey prospect Ayden Cook topped it off with a goal of his own for the final score.
Having tasted the victory last year, the goal was always to try to repeat, but Perry noted how much the team has improved as the leadership grew.
“Our program has changed dramatically over the last few years,” Perry said. “It’s not about the wins or the losses, but the mentality. Now we know we can compete. We have the players, a great coaching staff and we know we can compete.”
England midfielder Georgia Stanway (R) celebrates after scoring the second goal in their 2-0 win over Iceland in Nottingham (Chris RADBURN)
European champions England made it two wins from two in their World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Iceland at the City Ground in Nottingham on Saturday.
After thrashing Ukraine 6-1 earlier in the week, England top group A3 ahead of world champions Spain, who were made to work hard by the Ukrainians for their 3-1 win in Antalya, Turkey.
Lucy Bronze, earning her 145th cap, powered England ahead midway through the first half after a cross from Lauren James on the left.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton needed to make a superb save to deny Sandra Maria Jessen, whose header was angling into the top corner, before Georgia Stanway sealed the win in the 78th minute.
"An important win. I think we played well, we know they're very disciplined, very powerful and really dangerous on the counter," England coach Sarina Wiegman told ITV.
"For the most part, we took that out so they didn't become dangerous. They had that one chance where Hannah Hampton did really well.
"Overall, we showed some good football. Of course, we want to score more goals but it starts with winning the game."
England head the group on goal difference ahead of Spain, who were made to wait until the 44th minute before Bayern Munich striker Edna Imadel put them ahead against Ukraine.
In the third minute of added time in the first half they added a second through London City Lionesses' Lucía Corrales.
Barcelona forward Vicky Lopez added a third from the penalty spot in the second half before Olha Ovdiychuk rescued a late consolation for the Ukrainians, who are playing in Turkey because they have not been able to host games in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022.
England and Spain meet in a repeat of the Euro 2025 final and the 2023 World Cup final next month.
- Bosnia score 13 -
Germany top Group A4 after a 4-0 win in Norway while Slovenia kept their hopes alive with a 1-0 victory at home against Austria, who have now lost their opening two matches.
Sweden were held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia in Group A1 with Italy hosting Denmark later on Saturday.
France also play later when they host Poland in Group A2 while Ireland, who came close to beating them on Tuesday, travel to the Netherlands.
In Group C1, meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina hammered Liechtenstein 13-1 in Zenica.
Selver Hodzic's side were 10-1 up at half-time.
The scoreline might have been even heavier had they capitalised on all of their chances -- they had 36 shots in total, 20 of them on target. They also hit the woodwork three times.
In spite of the scoreline, it was still a long way short of the women's international record of 21-0 which has occurred five times, most recently when Haiti saw off British Virgin Islands in 2022.
Only the winners of each of the four European 'League A' groups will qualify automatically for the World Cup.
The other 12 teams go into play-offs, which will also involve the four League B group winners and the six group winners and two best runners-up from League C.
After looking at some realistic, ‘Packersy’ free agent targets, let’s expand our minds a little and pick out some players who do not fit the usual prototype of a Green Bay free agent signing, with the sole goal of raising the team’s ceiling for 2026.
Brian Gutekunst has generally stuck to signing free agents who are entering their second contract, under 28 years old and that fill an overt need created by the departure of an important veteran or a draft pick that did not pan out.
Here are some potential options for Green Bay who break the mold:
Tight end: Charlie Kolar - $1.7M projected AAV
Tight end is not a glaring need, as the Packers have Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave coming back, but they could benefit from more of a blocking tight end with John FitzPatrick out of the picture with a long-term injury.
Kolar had a 71.5 run blocking grade in 2025, which was 10th in the NFL and up from 62.5 the year before. He has never had more than ten receptions in a season but was stuck behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely on the depth chart in Baltimore. He just turned 27.
He has athletic upside, posting a 9.10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) including a 4.62 40-yard dash, and is a big man at nearly 6-5 and 252 pounds, with 34.5” arms. The untapped potential as a receiver could make him a steal for whoever signs him.
Another option could be Daniel Bellinger from the Giants. He never topped 290 yards in a season and is more a satisfactory blocker with 60.9 and 62.9 grades over the last two years, but is another strong athlete, registering a 9.65 RAS including a 4.63 40 at over 6-4 ⅔ and 253 pounds.
Bellinger has gotten lost behind different tight ends but could make sense as a longer-term backup to Kraft when Musgrave likely moves on. His projected AAV of $2.5 million is actually more than Kolar, but it seems there is buzz around Kolar and he may make considerably more.
Defensive tackle: David Onyemata - $8.6M projected AAV
Of the 127 eligible defensive tackles in 2025, Green Bay’s top four of Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks, Devonte Wyatt and Warren Brinson ranked 88th, 109th, 110th and 115th in PFF run defense grade. That has to change.
Green Bay does not usually go for grizzled veterans on short-term contracts, but that’s what the free agent market is bringing at defensive tackle this year, and there are a bunch of options that would improve their run defense overnight.
Onyemata ranked eighth overall in run defense grade last season. He turns 34 this year but he actually improved from 2024, indicating he is not trending the wrong way. He also had a 67.1 pass rush grade last year and played 633 snaps overall.
Beyond Onyemata, there are a gaggle of logical options to help the defense, and specifically the run defense, including Calais Campbell, Roy Lopez, John Franklin-Myers, Shelby Harris, Da’Quan Jones and Sebastian Joseph-Day. Will the Packers break precedent to sign one?
EDGE: Jadeveon Clowney - $5.7M projected AAV
If Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare both find pastures new, the Packers could use a third edge rusher to put alongside Micah Parsons and Lukas Van Ness. Whoever that player is will probably need to start opposite Van Ness to open the season, before Parsons returns from injury.
Clowney has made a great career out of being a hired gun, and has not shown signs of slowing down, at least in terms of production.
He did only play 372 snaps last year, his lowest since 2014 (when he suffered a season-ending knee injury as a rookie), but still managed 40 pressures and 9 sacks (using PFFs numbers) in that time as well as 27 stops in the run game.
The 33-year-old could start the season across from LVN, then become a rotational rusher once Parsons is back. He would not threaten Van Ness’s long term role on the team or stunt his development, which would be a consideration.
Linebacker: Demario Davis - $9.5M projected AAV
Davis has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL over an impressively long period. In his age 37 season, he posted a PFF grade of 81.4 and played over 1,000 snaps for the Saints.
If he wants to chase a ring in Green Bay on a one-year deal, he could provide an upgrade over Quay Walker as the team’s Mike linebacker, helping to usher in Jonathan Gannon’s defense and also provide a great mentor for Edgerrin Cooper in his third year.
Cornerback: Jamel Dean - $12.5M projected AAV
In seven NFL seasons, Dean has never had a PFF coverage grade lower than 72.5. He has four interceptions to just one touchdown allowed since 2024 and last year allowed a passer rating of just 47.7.
He would instantly be Green Bay’s best cornerback, but is not their usual type as he turns 30 this year. The decline can come quickly at that position, and he will probably get paid more than any other free agent cornerback, which could take the Packers out of contention if they were interested.
There is another corner available who just turned 27 and had a breakout season in his fifth year, with a 73.5 coverage grade. It’s Eric Stokes! That relationship is probably over, but the team at least has familiarity with Stokes and could at least discuss the idea of a reunion.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones says his side will not relax despite moving nine points clear of the relegation zone in the Championship after their 1-0 win over Birmingham City.
The Addicks clinched victory thanks to Charlie Kelman's fifth goal of the season with 16 minutes remaining at The Valley.
"It was a huge win. We backed up the level of performance from last week against a really good side.
"When you look at where we both were last year - the level of play - I think we've closed that gap.
"A little bit more clinical finishing and we could've won two or three.
"Every win is massive in this league and this stage of the season. I felt it was thoroughly deserved.
Despite the sizable cushion to the bottom three, Jones says they do not feel safe yet.
"I don't think we're close [to safety]. You won't feel that way until it is mathematical. That wasn't our goal after the first 15 games. We didn't expect to be in this position.
"We picked up injuries at the wrong time but now we're coming through that.
"The performance levels have been good lately, we haven't lost many.
"Could we have won a few more? Yeah. Have we let ourselves down with one or two performances? Yeah. But we are fighting and competing at this level, it's only our first year back."
On Saturday afternoon, Boston College picked up their fourth ACC win of the season, 77-69, over Notre Dame.
It was a rough start for both teams. Notre Dame’s Cole Certa missed several good looks from downtown, while the Eagles committed several poor turnovers; we did not see the game’s first points until almost three minutes into the game. BC looked to get to the paint early, driving at the rack and getting Kapke some touches down low. Defensively, BC swarmed Carson Towt on the short roll and tried to recover to Irish perimeter shooters.
Notre Dame took their first lead of the game with a quick 6-0 run with just under seven minutes to play in the half, finally getting a couple jumpers to fall. The Eagles, meanwhile, went scoreless for over three minutes; the new starting lineup — with Shaw at the four and Kapke at the 5 — struggled to generate any kind of clean look.
The game went from bad to worse for BC as Donald Hand Jr. went down with a non-contact injury to the same knee he injured earlier this season; he left for the locker room unable to put weight on his right leg. Heading into the under-four media timeout, the Eagles trailed 28-21. Even after the timeout, BC’s offensive struggles continued — they closed the first half on a nine-minute field goal drought; it was only through a steady diet of free throws that the Eagles managed to stay in the game. By half, the Eagles trailed 33-30.
Boston College ended their 0-16 streak with a Kapke lefty hook two minutes into the second half. Unfortunately, the Irish offense also found some rhythm via a Certa triple and a Haralson layup; ND pushed their lead to nine points with just over 17 minutes to play. Fred Payne finally found an answer, getting a rare clean look from behind the arc through a solid Kapke screen.
BC finally found some offense through some strong defense, drawing even with the Irish on a 9-0 run that was punctuated by a nasty Payne alley-oop. ND was able to restore a two-possession lead, but were unable to extend beyond that; with 9:34 to play, Forte tied the game with a trey. BC forced a stop, before Fred Payne drilled another three to take BC’s first lead in the second half. The Eagles pressed their advantage through an 11-0 run, forcing multiple tough ND shots and running in transition.
In a season defined by late-game scenarios, it felt like a clutch scenario was inevitable. As the clock ticked under five minutes, BC found itself once again in a tight game — this time leading by five. A slew of Jayden Hastings free throws pushed the lead to nine with 2:52 to play, but Logan Imes drilled a deep 3 to cut it to six. This time it was Fred Payne who delivered an answer, as both teams traded buckets down the stretch. Ultimately, BC hint enough free throws to secure a 77-69 win. With a Syracuse victory over Pitt tonight, BC will head to Charlotte as the 15th seed in the ACC Tournament.
NFL free agency is on its way and the Buffalo Bills are getting good news. The team moved to keep a key interior lineman in-house. That comes before the market opens.
Connor McGovern agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed. He will not reach free agency. That keeps a starter at the position the Bills needed to protect.
General manager Brandon Beane had already shown urgency this offseason, per SI. He traded for D.J. Moore’s departure filled a need at receiver. Now the focus turned to the trenches.
McGovern was expected to draw big offers. Left guard David Edwards and McGovern were both set to test the market. Teams value proven interior linemen. Analytics outlets like Pro Football Focus flagged McGovern’s reliability. He did not allow a sack in over 1,000 snaps last year, per reports.
The #Bills are closing in on a deal to re-sign C Connor McGovern, sources say, as he gets a four-year deal. A priority for Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/mdKJvkrCf1
Source: Bills and C Connor McGovern reached agreement on a four-year, $52 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed. He will not get to free agency. pic.twitter.com/JOyDDFrC1B
The contract keeps stability up front. It also helps cap planning as free agency begins. The move removes one major question for Buffalo heading into March.
Fans and analysts will parse the dollars. For the team, the priority was clear. Keep a reliable center. Lock up the line. Get ready for free agency with one less hole to fill.
Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For This Talented Full-Back: One For The Future?
In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Manchester United are facing stiff competition for Benfica B full-back Daniel Banjaqui. It has been mentioned that the Red Devils would have to rival Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to land the Portuguese defender next summer.
Banjaqui’s Impressive Rise In Portuguese Football
Banjaqui has come through the youth ranks of Benfica and has done well to establish himself as an important member of their B team. The 17-year-old has made 11 appearances for Benfica B so far.
The talented teenager deserves a ton of credit for featuring in three senior matches for the Portuguese club. He is currently among the best young full-backs in Portuguese football, so it is no surprise that the Red Devils are hoping to land him this summer.
His current contract at Benfica will run out at the end of next season, which could open the door for Man United to sign him on the cheap later this year.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected following the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For Banjaqui: Is He A Prospect For The Future?
Banjaqui is a good tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required and is full of energy and running on the right flank.
The Portuguese sensation is primarily a right-back but can also serve as a right-sided wide player if told to do so. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and won’t take much time to adjust to life in the Premier League if the Red Devils manage to snap him up this summer.
We can expect Banjaqui to add more quality and depth to Man United head coach Michael Carrick’s defence in the long run. He is already good enough to challenge for a place in the Mancunian club’s match-day squad.
At 17, the future looks quite bright for Banjaqui as long as he continues to improve with each season. All in all, the Red Devils would be wise to move in for him soon as he is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the long run.
On Thursday evening, Nigerian radio personality SizZzle posted a tweet that had nothing to do with politics, war, or the White House. "What did Messi do to his fellow Argentinians to make them so Angry with him?" he wrote. "They are dragging the Hell out of him in his Instagram comments section since morning? Pls can Somebody give me the gist?"
The tweet hit 1.2 million views. A radio host in Bayelsa, Nigeria — thousands of miles from Buenos Aires, even further from Washington, D.C. — could feel something had shifted in Lionel Messi's universe before most English-language outlets had finished writing their headlines.
What did Messi do to his fellow Argentinians to make them so Angry with him? They are dragging the Hell out of him in his Instagram comments section since morning? Pls can Somebody give me the gist? 😳🫨😬
Inter Miami visited the White House on Thursday to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup championship. Messi showed up to do what championship teams in America have done for decades — shake the president's hand, take the photo, go home.
That is not what happened.
President Trump opened the event not with congratulations, but with a live briefing on the U.S.-Israel military strikes against Iran — strikes that had killed over 1,200 people. He spoke about demolishing the enemy "far ahead of schedule," then pivoted to Venezuela, Cuba, and tariffs.
Messi stood right next to him the entire time. He didn't speak. And when Trump finished, the room applauded. Messi applauded with them.
That was the clip. That was all it took.
Lionel Messi has been criticised for meeting US President Donald Trump and applauding his latest brief on the Iran war at a White House event honouring the Argentinian superstar and his Inter Miami team. pic.twitter.com/G06LQVAPs2
What followed wasn't the typical internet outrage cycle. It came from Messi's own people.
Argentine journalist Mariano Sinito called the image "a huge stain on Messi's legacy." One fan captured the emotional fracture perfectly: "Whatever happens, you'll always be my greatest idol, but you can't count on me for this." Palestinian journalist Abubaker Abed called the scene "utterly shameful and repulsive," naming Messi, Mascherano, Suárez, and De Paul specifically.
Then there was the defense. "Messi & Suarez are clapping, but I don't think they understand what Trump is saying," one commenter argued.
That might be the most devastating part of all. The greatest soccer player of his generation, standing next to the leader of the free world during a live war briefing, and the best his fans can offer is: he didn't know what was being said.
Image credit: @leomessi/Instagram
The Ronaldo Detail
Here's the part nobody's talking about. Four months earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo also visited the White House — not as part of any team tradition, but as a personal guest at a state dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He sat near Elon Musk. He got an Oval Office tour. The White House captioned a photo of him and Trump "Two GOATS." The backlash came and went within days.
Messi attended as part of a routine championship visit — the same tradition that has brought NFL, NBA, and MLS teams to the White House for decades. Trump admitted he didn't even know Inter Miami was coming. And the backlash still hasn't stopped. The difference is obvious: Ronaldo's visit didn't open with a live war briefing.
The Tradition Nobody Talks About
White House championship visits are as American as tailgating — and just as loaded.
LeBron James said no NBA Finals team wanted the invite. Megan Rapinoe famously said she wasn't "going to the f---ing White House." The political calculus of showing up — or not — is a skill American athletes have been developing for years. They look like photo ops. They function as political endorsements.
But Messi isn't an American athlete. He's an Argentine who spent two decades in Barcelona before moving to Miami in 2023. The tradition of championship teams visiting the White House isn't part of his playbook.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano tried to make this point the next day. "I thought we would talk about football but I guess I'm not lucky," he said. "We were following the protocol that is practically a tradition."
Protocol. Tradition. Except the tradition has never been routine — American athletes just made it look that way. Messi didn't have that playbook. And no one handed it to him on the way in.
Reporters are running Messi through because he dared to go to the White House and meet with Donald Trump.
But they don’t say anything about the fact that Maradona used to routinely meet with corrupt evil dictators. https://t.co/tNWtfeX74A
— Sovereign Wolf | Expat Consultant (@BowTiedYanqui) March 7, 2026
What This Is Really About
Messi has built a twenty-year career on being everywhere and nowhere at the same time — the most recognizable face on the planet with the least recognizable opinions. It's what made him brand-safe for Adidas, for Saudi tourism, for every sponsor that needed a global ambassador who would never say the wrong thing.
But that only works when you control the room. When the room controls you — when a president opens your trophy ceremony with a war briefing — silence stops being neutral. It becomes a blank screen everyone projects onto. Some saw endorsement. Some saw complicity. Some saw a man out of his depth.
Messi didn't walk into a controversy. He walked into an American institution that has always been one — and became the first person famous enough, global enough, and quiet enough to make the rest of the world see it for what it's always been.
CHICAGO — After an ugly loss against Creighton where everything from the players' effort levels to their desire to remain on the team came into question, Butler put together its best performance since late January, earning a 81-71 win over DePaul.
Butler ended its regular season with a 16-15 record and 7-13 in the Big East.
Finley Bizjack led Butler with 17 points. Michael Ajayi added 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Four Bulldogs finished in double figures. Bizjack reached 1,000 points for his career.
former IU player CJ Gunn had nine points on 3-of-15 shooting with six rebounds and five assists.
Here's what I liked, disliked and what the win means.
What I liked in Butler basketball's win vs. DePaul
The Bulldogs have been a man-to-man team for the majority of the season, but coach Thad Matta said after Wednesday's loss to Creighton that he was searching for schemes to get his players to play hard. The switch to a zone defense was effective. DePaul shot 2 for 13 from 3 in the first and 13 for 34 (38%) overall.
DePaul's defense sent multiple players at Michael Ajayi every time he touched the ball. The added attention to Ajayi gave his teammates room to operate. Jamie Kaiser Jr. had his best shooting performance in weeks, scoring 10 first-half points on 4-for-4 shooting, including 2 for 2 from 3. Kaiser finished with 15 points.
For the first time in a long time, it was Butler using a scoring run to take control of the game. The Dawgs led 39-32 at halftime and went on a 22-4 run to start the second half. The energy level the Dawgs showed in the second half was a stark contrast to their game against Creighton. They didn't look like the disinterested bunch on the floor against the Bluejays. Earning a blowout win on the road shows the players are still playing hard for their coach.
Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor continues to make strides as a point guard. He put his elite-level athleticism on display with an acrobatic layup and a powerful transition slam in the first half, but his decision making is where he needed to make progress, The freshman recorded four assists and just one turnover, showing a marked improvement from the player struggling to hold onto the ball and make proper reads when he first took over the point guard spot from an injured Azavier "Stink" Robinson.
What I disliked in Butler basketball's win vs. DePaul
If it works once, try it over and over again. The DePaul offense didn't have much success against Butler except when the Blue Demons were throwing lobs to their big men. Poor rotation allowed NJ Benson to come to the weak side and catch four alley-oops and one put-back slam in the first half. In the second half, backup center Fabian Flores joined the party catching a lob from Kruz McClure. Benson finished with a team-high 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Ajayi made the right reads with the ball on most occasions, but the grad transfer tried to force the issue at times too. Ajayi settled for mid-range shots on multiple occasions in the first half.
Butler led by as many as 29 points. The Dawgs built up a big enough cushion to hold off the late-charging Blue Demons, but their second half was much sloppier than the first.
What Butler basketball's win vs. DePaul means
Heading into Saturday only No. 3 Villanova and No. 4 Seton Hall were locked into its Big East Tournament seeds. Butler's win means DePaul misses its chance at a No. 5 seed and a first day bye. Butler will likely receive the No. 7 or No. 8 seed depending on the outcome of Providence's game against Georgetown.
NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Saturday responded to comments made by Mitchell Santner about silencing the home crowd in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad, saying such remarks have become common before major matches.
India will face New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand captain Santner had said his team would look to quieten the home crowd during the final. His statement was similar to one made by Pat Cummins before the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 at the same venue, when Australia defeated India.
"The goal is to silence the crowd. There are a lot of variables in T20 cricket, and it is fickle at times," the 34-year-old said. "If we go out about our business the same way we can upset another big team. There's obviously a lot of pressure on in there (on India) to win this World Cup at home."
Responding to the remark, Suryakumar said such statements are now repeated often before major games.
"Sab he same line chipka rahe hai. Kuch to naya bolo (Everyone is now saying the same thing. Come up with something new)," Suryakumar Yadav told reporters in the pre-match press conference.
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The 35-year-old India captain, who is the second-highest run-scorer for the team in the 2026 T20 World Cup, said leading the side in a World Cup final comes with pressure but he wants to enjoy the occasion.
He added that the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room remains positive as the team prepares for the final.
"It's a special feeling and everyone is very excited. We have a very good environment in the group. We are looking forward to the big final," he said.
"As a leader, there would be pressure; I cannot deny that. Definitely, there would be added pressure, the excitement is there of playing a World Cup final, that too in India," Suryakumar added.
India became the first defending champions to reach the final of the T20 World Cup. They will look to win the title and also become the first host nation to lift the trophy when they face New Zealand on Sunday.
March is a month defined by its trademark madness, but it can also be a time to bury the metaphorical hatchet.
After spending much of the past week critiquing Miami (Ohio) men's basketball and dumping cold water on its NCAA tournament aspirations, former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl made nice with RedHawks head coach Travis Steele as Steele made an appearance on TNT on Saturday, March 7, one day after Miami capped off an undefeated regular season.
Pearl, ever the charmer, broke the ice by telling Steele he felt like the fourth-year RedHawks coach was Cinderella and he was “the ugly stepmother,” drawing a laugh from Steele.
“I’ve also said teams are going to win their way in or they’re going to lose their way out, and you guys have won your way in,” Pearl said. “All you’ve got to do is go, ‘Hey, BP, scoreboard.’ You know I’ve been rooting for you. I’m proud of you.”
With a 110-108 overtime victory on Friday at Ohio, Miami improved to 31-0 and became just the sixth team since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985 to finish the regular season unbeaten.
While the RedHawks would earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament by winning the Mid-American Conference tournament, their potential candidacy for an at-large berth has been a subject of intense debate, particularly from Pearl, who’s in his first season as an analyst for TNT.
On Feb. 28, Pearl said Miami would have to win its conference tournament to make the cut for March Madness, noting that “as an at-large, they are not one of the best teams in the country.” Pearl’s comments drew extra attention and criticism because his son’s Auburn team is among the squads on the tournament bubble, with a 16-14 record heading into its regular-season finale against Alabama. Steven Pearl is in his first season as the Tigers’ coach after taking over for his father following his abrupt retirement last September.
"U are flat out wrong about @MiamiOH_BBall when u say we would finish last in the Big East," Sayler wrote on Twitter. "The disrespect is awful and u should not be near a TV studio covering this sport when u show your true colors! Even slipped in a 'we' when talking about Auburn, nice work!"
Though Miami made serious efforts to schedule “buy games” against teams from college basketball’s five power conferences, only to be turned down, the RedHawks have played no games this season against teams in Quad One of the NCAA’s NET rankings and their non-conference strength is schedule is rated as the fifth-easiest in Division I, according to KenPom. Their non-conference schedule included three games against non-Division I opponents.
Still, Miami is No. 21 of 365 Division I teams in strength of record and they’ve managed to go undefeated against Quad Two opponents, something that even top-10 teams like Michigan and Florida can’t say.
“We’re getting everybody’s best shot,” Steele said to Pearl. “It’s a Super Bowl everywhere we’re going. For our guys to be able to kind of withstand that, it just shows you the resiliency and the grit our team has. It’s really impressive.”
Pearl made sure to leave things on a positive note at the end of their two-minute conversation.
“Travis, you and me, it’s just business,” he said. “This is the business we’ve chosen. It’s not personal. I’m happy for you.”
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 12: Darious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Rams announced that Darious Williams is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The former undrafted free agent out of UAB broke his way into L.A.’s starting lineup in 2019 and helped the team win a Super Bowl in 2021, before leaving to sign with the Jaguars and then returning to the Rams over the past two seasons.
The Rams will save $7.5 million without Williams on the roster.
The 33-year-old cornerback was a cut candidate after appearing in 12 games last year, just three as a starter, recording 25 tackles and one interception. The Rams have started to address their need at cornerback by acquiring Trent McDuffie in a trade with the Chiefs this week and will continue to put resources into that position through the course of the offseason.
Williams had 12 career interceptions, including eight with the Rams over his 67 appearances with the team.
ROME (AP) — Como won 2-1 at Cagliari thanks to a screamer by midfielder Lucas de Cunha to stay in fifth place of Serie A on Saturday.
Cesc Fàbregas’ side has won three in a row in the Italian league and has only lost once in 11 games overall. Como had a scoreless draw with Inter Milan in the first game of their Italian Cup semifinal earlier this week.
Martin Baturina put Como ahead at Cagliari by scrambling in a goal in the 14th minute.
Sebastian Esposito leveled for the hosts in the 56th, only for de Cunha to send a shot from well outside the top right corner of the area just inside the far post for the 76th-minute winner.
The victory left Como level on points with fourth-placed Roma a week before they meet.
Also, seventh-placed Atalanta was trailing by two goals before Gianluca Scamacca scored twice in the 75th and 79th minutes to earn a 2-2 draw with Udinese.
Not Joel’s best day at the office today. He had a baffling goal-kick routine with Dez Williams, whereby Dez would stand next to him (literally) and pass the ball to Pereira, for Pereira to then go long. Luton eventually sussed this routine out and the first time they applied pressure to Pereira when receiving the ball short from Dez, he lost the ball under that pressure and was fortunate to only concede a corner.
This was followed up later in the first half by coming off his line to flap at a Luton cross from Reading’s left, which he miscued and directed towards his own net. Demonstrating that cats do have more than one life, he was saved this time by Dez Williams diving in to clear off the line.
I made a note that I thought he should have done better for Luton’s first goal, as he didn’t make himself big by bracing himself low and spreading wide to anticipate the shot. However, he may have been impeded by Doyle.
Andy Yiadom: 6
Pretty much just fine. Some of his better moments included blocks from low Luton crosses from Reading’s right, and he occasionally got forward well to provide an overlap. The highlight was when he received a ball outside of the box and put in a wicked effort after pouncing on a loose ball from a Randell Williams throw to really test Luton’s ‘keeper.
However, all too often he did seem susceptible to balls being played behind him, and while he still has pace to burn, he’s not quite quick enough to snuff out the risk before it reaches the Luton player, instead relying on his reading of the game to block the cross.
Subbed off for Matt Ritchie in the 72nd minute.
Paudie O’Connor: 6
Much like Yiadom, he was pretty much just fine.
What impresses the most about O’Connor, and did so today as well, is his willingness to put his body on the line – and he made a number of good and/or crucial blocks in and around the edge of the box. I don’t think we credit him enough for his ability to read the game in front of him, in order to get in a position to make the blocks.
He won some headers, because that’s what he does, and was also unfortunate to challenge the Luton ‘keeper in the first half for a header and give away a free-kick. He was also booked near the end of the first half for getting both arms around a Luton attacker to hold him back from making a dangerous-looking run in behind.
Derrick Williams: 7
How many babies do you know called Derrick? Or some variation of this name? Let me tell you: in the next year or two, the census will record many more Derricks being born in Berkshire owing to being named after this man.
His best moment of the game I’ve already mentioned: diving in to clear off the line from a Pereira mistake. However, he was a constant presence in defence, making countless crucial blocks and headers, and using his reading of the game and strength to ward off through-balls that broke Reading’s lines.
You know someone has to be very good to shunt Ward over to the left-back position, and Dez is really rather good. It will be noted that our attacking players changed the game today, but we wouldn’t have gotten a win without our BFD (Big ‘Effin Derrick) marshalling the back line.
Also picked up a yellow for protesting a referee’s decision – not without good reason, might I add.
Benn Ward: 6
Ward’s ability to come into the side and understand the way Reading play immediately has been really quite impressive. He seems to have developed an ability to read the right-back’s movements and work on a pivot with them; when to push forward and when to drop deeper to cover.
He won some headers, made some blocks and also played some tidy passes into midfield and occasionally up the line to Randell Williams, proving he is handy with his offensive thinking as well as defensive thinking.
Lewis Wing: 5
Not Wing’s best game today. I understand (though, don’t agree) that he nominally drops deeper, but when you are more often starting attacking transitions from behind your centre-backs, you know something isn’t right.
Wing often seemed to lose the ball in the middle of the park and struggled to pick the right passes today, and his set-piece work left a lot to be desired. The lowlight for this was towards the end of the second half, when he received the ball around the halfway line and had so much space ahead of him to move the ball forward, but instead moved the ball four or five metres to his right and then sent a long ball over the top to absolutely nobody.
However, he did make a good run through the middle in the second half to relieve pressure and win a free-kick in Luton’s half, and made a couple of defensive contributions by dropping over to the right and clearing the ball.
Liam Fraser: 5
I have very few notes for Fraser today. He does often seem to fly under the radar.
Good points: he does make good passing triangles with those around him to progress the ball up the field. Also played a delightful long ball forward to find Long Kelvin.
Bad points: I can’t recall a single defensive action he contributed to stop Luton breaking through our midfield lines.
Subbed off for Sean Patton in the 61st minute.
Kamari Doyle: 5
It’s just not quite clicking, is it? He is a willing runner and works hard for the team, but he just seems to struggle to make any kind of notable, positive impact on the games. Today was no different, albeit playing in an unfamiliar right-wing role.
He seemed to struggle to time his runs effectively when pushing forward to attack, and didn’t offer much of a final ball today. He did have a shot on target, but it was saved by the Luton ‘keeper.
Worst of all, Luton were able to score their first goal of the day owing to him letting his marker get away from him at the back post (Reading’s right side of the pitch), which I also think caused confusion for Pereira.
Subbed off for Paddy Lane in the 72nd minute.
Charlie Savage: 5
I think these ratings tell you the problem with Reading right now: our midfield. Savage started in the number 10 role and looked to drift to the right or left to help offer a progressive passing opportunity to a team mate. During the course of the game, he did provide good balls to Lane, Ward and Doyle.
When Fraser came off, Savage was dropped deeper into the midfield pivot with Wing. However, for the most part, he really was just a passenger and, much like Fraser, I don’t recall many defensive actions to support the Reading back line when under pressure.
Savage did provide a delightful assist from a corner in the first half (I’m not sure who scored, it was right at the other end of the pitch), but Reading were penalised by the referee for some kind of infringement and had to retake the set-piece.
Randell Williams: 6
We’ve missed this guy. Taking up a position on the left wing today, he made a number of good runs, often from receiving good passes up the line from Ward. He also almost turned creator with one of his famous long throws in the second half, which evaded everyone in the Luton box and bounced out to find Yiadom, whose effort was well saved.
However, I think his best contributions today were defensive ones. He has quite the engine and his ability to track back and offer cover and block crosses or nip in and win balls from wingers is quite handy, and helped take pressure off of the Reading defence, particularly in the first half.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan: 8
There was a chap in the row in front of me that earnestly pronounced: “I’m telling you, it’s on for a Kelvin hat-trick today!” I filed a note in my head to chuckle at this proclamation later in the day, and his friend told him if he gets this one right, he should get himself a lottery ticket.
Ehibhatiomhan actually put on something quite akin to a Jack Marriott performance today. He didn’t get much service, and in the first half he seemed to struggle to time his runs quite right or make himself enough of a physical presence/nuisance. He occasionally dropped back to support the defence, but was always too easily beaten and looked unwilling to commit himself.
However, he got himself in the right place at the right time for all of his goals and efforts, taken well within the box after timing a run correctly or reading the play to know where the cross needed to be met.
It’s no exaggeration to say that all he offered was goals, yet those goals won us the game. Clearly, he is learning from Marriott and let’s hope he can continue these types of industrial moments.
There will be some who question why Long Kelvin isn’t being awarded a 9/10, given Marriott picked up a 9/10 for his hat-trick versus Wycombe Wanderers. Here’s why: the difference between the two performances is that, today, Ehibhatiomhan was completely reliant on the service to score the goals, whereas Marriott, against Wycombe, was not just the scorer but also the architect.
Subs
Sean Patton: 6
Subbed on for Liam Fraser in the 61st minute, coming in as a number 10 to push Savage deeper into midfield.
Oddly enough, his performance was much more like one I’d expect of a centre-forward. He was hungry for the ball, always pressing the Luton defensive line and making himself available to receive a pass or carry the ball up the field.
For me, his movement helped to stretch the Luton back line and it’s clear we have quite a player developing on our hands here.
Matt Ritchie: 8
Came on for Andy Yiadom in the 72nd minute as Reading seemed to switch to a back three.
Provided an absolutely delightful assist for Reading’s (and Long Kelvin’s) second goal, but this was made entirely possible because he read the passage of play in front of the Luton defence to intercept the ball and play it into the middle quickly, then eventually receive the ball back over to the right and put in a quite delightful outside-of-the-left-boot effort to find Long Kelvin at the back post.
Not content with that, he decided to play in Long Kelvin for Reading’s winner. Ritchie’s starting to develop a niche within this squad as not just a “finisher” (ie someone who can help guide the team to see out the game), but also a super sub who can create chances.
Paddy Lane: 5
It took me a good five minutes to realise he had entered the pitch. I initially thought Ritchie came on for Kamari Doyle, but it was actually Lane who had done so, also in the 72nd minute.
He received a good through-ball from Patton on Reading’s left, outside of the Luton box, but was unable to beat his man and it led to nothing. Lane also provided a good cross deep into the second half but was unable to find anyone.
His best moment was probably receiving a good pass from Savage right at the end of the game, which he duly ran into the corner to try and run down the clock. However, he seemed to use his arm to control the ball and the ref did eventually stop play, presumably for that offence.
Finley Burns: N/A
Came on for Ehibhatiomhan in a direct swap. Yep: you read that right. Instead of coming on to make a back five to see out the game, Leam Richardson (seemingly) actively trolled Luton by bringing on a centre-back to play up top.
Burns doesn’t qualify for a rating because he came on after the 80th minute and just as well as it made no sense, but nor did it have to. Total LOL vibes, and it’s not often that happens when you’re a Reading fan. I could even go as far to far this was a total “Burn” for the Luton support. I’ll close the door on my way out…
Mar. 7—SPOKANE — Life works in mysterious ways. Just ask Eric Swanson.
Two years ago, he thought he walked off the Spokane Arena court after 33 years as head coach at Toutle Lake. His final game was against Adna in a consolation contest. He was able to go out with his then-senior son for the Ducks, Zach Swanson.
Yet once Adna's 2025 season ended, Luke Salme and Eric Swanson were chit-chatting and the conversation turned to seeing if the two C2BL coaching compadres would team up on the sidelines.
"He'd only been out for a year and said at the end of last season, 'Can I just come watch a practice,'" Salme, the Pirates head coach said. "I said sure, then he was hooked."
Hook, line and sinker.
From three decades of being on opposite ends to one year joined at the hip, Salme and Swanson created the ultimate coaching powerhouse that helped the No. 9 Pirates reach their first Class 2B boys state championship game in program history on Friday night.
For Swanson, he couldn't have imagined a practice viewing experience could turn into his fifth state title game as coach.
"There's a couple things I'd still like to do (while) I'm retired," Swanson said. "Told him I'd think about it for a day... The schedule worked. I've always respected Luke and I thought about it and told him I would.
"One circumstance: I'm all-in. It is all or nothing."
Since Zach Swanson was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the ninth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, him being away allowed Eric Swanson some relief after 500-plus wins at Toutle Lake. Still, an itch to come back never went away.
And after seeing a practice, and seeing more of what this Adna group could accomplish, Swanson couldn't stay away from the seat. He plops down in the first assistant coach chair.
"These kids have bought in and absorbed what we've taught them," Swanson said. "We're playing our best basketball than we've had all year."
Perhaps the biggest influence Swanson had in the 63-53 win over No. 6 Reardan came in the first quarter. Out of a timeout, the Screaming Eagles ended an 11-0 Adna run with a 3-pointer. The Pirates were in a zone defense.
They proceeded to plan man-to-man the remainder of the night.
"It only took one time for Swanee to threaten to tackle me (to switch back to man defense)," Salme quipped. "We developed a bond through coaching against each other, which is one of the coolest things in coaching."
Most of the time, Swanson has "free reign" to speak his mind and offer advice. Still, he always defers to his buddy.
"Luke is a great X-and-O guy," Swanson said. "He's great to work with. It was an easy fit."
It will be Salme's first state title appearance as a coach against No. 1 and unbeaten Colfax. Swanson went to four in Toutle Lake — two in the 1As and two in the 2Bs — but is 0-4.
"It is great; all about the kids," Swanson said. "You remember everything, the good, the bad, so it is pretty special."
Adna went through a run unlike any other to get to the final 2B game on Saturday afternoon. It ran off six straight wins and the defense has been the focal point of why it will finish no worse than second.
Swanson has gotten a front row seat to it all. A year away from the sidelines has made this unlikely run all that more exciting.
"They've worked their tails off and they deserve to go play in this game and this atmosphere," he said.
Buffalo is re-signing center Connor McGovern to a four-year contract, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. It will be worth a maximum value of $52 million with $32 million guaranteed.
McGovern, 28, spent the first three years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Bills ahead of the 2023 NFL season. He instantly became a starter in Buffalo, spending the 2023 campaign at left guard before moving to center full-time in 2024.
Since shifting to center, McGovern has generally thrived. The 6-5, 318-pound blocker made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and ranked fifth among interior offensive linemen in ESPN's pass blocking win rate metric during the 2025 season while allowing just 14 total pressures across 16 starts.
McGovern was considered by many to be the second-best center available in free agency behind only Baltimore Ravens star Tyler Linderbaum.
Retaining McGovern will guarantee the Bills will return at least four of the offensive line starters in front of Josh Allen for the 2026 NFL season. The lone exception will be left guard David Edwards, who is expected to test free agency after McGovern's extension.
Here's more to know about McGovern's contract with the Bills:
Connor McGovern contract details
McGovern is signing a four-year deal with the Bills that will pay him a total of $52 million. Here's a look at the full terms of his contract, per Schefter:
Term: 4 years
Total contract value: $52 million
Average annual value (AAV): $13 million
Guaranteed money: $32 million
McGovern's $13 million AAV ranks third-highest among NFL centers, per OverTheCap.com. Only Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs ($18 million) and Cam Jurgens of the Philadelphia Eagles ($17 million) are presently making more annually than McGovern.
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Passengers were left grounded across China, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE as a wave of aviation disruptions shook regional and international air routes. Qatar Airways, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Gulf Air, Emirates and other airlines suddenly face 40 flight cancellations with over 200 delays, creating significant pressure on airport operations and passenger schedules. As a result, the disruption is disrupting major cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu, where airports reported growing queues, delayed departures and frustrated travellers. Moreover, airline schedules shifted rapidly as carriers attempted to manage aircraft rotations and passenger connections. Consequently, hundreds of travellers struggled to rebook flights or adjust their travel plans across the affected networks. The situation also highlights how quickly operational challenges can spread across interconnected aviation routes linking China, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. For now, passengers grounded across these regions continue monitoring airline updates as Qatar Airways, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Gulf Air, Emirates and others work to stabilise schedules and reduce further delays.
Affected Cities and Airports
Flight disruptions reported in the table are linked to several major Chinese aviation hubs, including Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. These airports serve the key cities of Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, which are among the busiest air travel centres in China. Shanghai is represented by two major gateways—Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the city’s primary international hub, and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, which mainly handles domestic and regional flights. Meanwhile, Beijing Capital International Airport functions as one of the largest aviation hubs in northern China, connecting the capital with global and domestic destinations. In southwestern China, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport serves the city of Chengdu, a major economic and transportation centre in the region. Together, these airports form critical nodes in China’s aviation network, handling extensive passenger traffic and international airline operations.
Flight Cancellations
Airport
Airline
Cancelled
Cancel %
Delayed
Delay %
Shanghai Pudong Int’l
Qatar Airways
3
60%
0
0%
Shanghai Pudong Int’l
Sichuan Airlines
2
11%
3
17%
Shanghai Pudong Int’l
China Eastern
2
0%
48
10%
Shanghai Pudong Int’l
Gulf Air
1
100%
0
0%
Shanghai Pudong Int’l
Shenzhen Airlines
1
5%
2
11%
Shanghai Pudong Int’l
Emirates
1
16%
3
50%
Beijing Capital Int’l
Sichuan Airlines
8
21%
3
7%
Beijing Capital Int’l
Air China
2
0%
61
8%
Beijing Capital Int’l
Emirates
1
25%
0
0%
Beijing Capital Int’l
China Eastern
1
2%
3
8%
Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l
Sichuan Airlines
9
4%
22
11%
Chengdu Shuangliu Int’l
China Eastern
2
3%
12
18%
Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l
China Eastern
5
1%
40
14%
Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l
Shanghai Airlines
2
2%
15
20%
Overview of Flight Cancellations
The flight disruption data shows that cancellations are concentrated across several major Chinese aviation hubs and involve multiple international and domestic airlines. At Shanghai Pudong International Airport, six flights were cancelled, including three by Qatar Airways, two by Sichuan Airlines, and one each by China Eastern, Gulf Air, Shenzhen Airlines, and Emirates reporting operational disruptions, though some of these carriers mainly experienced delays rather than cancellations. At Beijing Capital International Airport, the situation was more severe, with Sichuan Airlines recording eight cancellations, the highest among all airlines listed, while Air China, Emirates, and China Eastern also experienced isolated cancellations alongside numerous delays. Meanwhile, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport reported eleven cancellations overall, with Sichuan Airlines accounting for nine and China Eastern for two. In Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, cancellations were comparatively lower but still notable, with China Eastern cancelling five flights and Shanghai Airlines cancelling two. Overall, the data indicates that Sichuan Airlines and China Eastern account for the majority of cancellations across the affected airports, highlighting operational disruptions within China’s domestic aviation network alongside impacts on international carriers.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The disruption highlights how quickly aviation operations can become strained across major air travel hubs. With 40 flight cancellations and more than 200 delays, passengers across China, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE experienced significant inconvenience as airlines worked to manage schedules and aircraft rotations. Major airports in Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu faced the heaviest operational pressure, particularly with carriers such as Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and Emirates adjusting services. Although airlines are actively working to stabilise operations and rebook affected travellers, the situation underscores the vulnerability of interconnected global aviation networks when delays and cancellations begin to cascade.
The US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost is becoming a major talking point across the American travel industry. In recent months, several hotel operators have reported a decline in international tourist arrivals. Overseas travellers play a key role in the hospitality economy because they often stay longer and spend more on accommodation, dining and sightseeing.
Travel industry observers say the drop in foreign visitors has created concern for hotel chains, tourism boards and local travel businesses. International travellers bring strong economic value to destinations. When their numbers fall, the impact spreads across airlines, tour operators, restaurants and local attractions.
Because of this situation, tourism leaders are now focusing on major upcoming events that could restore global travel demand. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is widely seen as the biggest opportunity for the US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost in the coming years.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Could Transform the US Travel Landscape
The US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost is expected to gain momentum when the FIFA World Cup arrives in North America in 2026. The tournament will run from mid-June to mid-July and will take place across several cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The United States will host matches in eleven major cities. These include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. These destinations are already popular with international visitors. The global football tournament will make them even more attractive for travellers.
The 2026 competition will also be the largest World Cup ever organised. For the first time, forty-eight national teams will compete in the tournament. This expansion will significantly increase the number of matches and visiting fans. Tourism experts believe this change will play a major role in driving the US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost.
Millions of Fans Expected to Travel Across the United States
Travel analysts predict that the US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost could bring millions of football fans to American cities. Stadium attendance during the tournament may reach several million spectators. However, the total number of visitors travelling to host cities could be much higher.
Many fans who cannot attend matches will still travel to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Cities are expected to organise public viewing zones, fan festivals and cultural events during the tournament. These activities will attract tourists from around the world.
Visitors are also likely to travel between different host cities to watch multiple matches. This trend will increase domestic travel across the United States. Airlines, rail services and car rental companies may also experience higher demand during the competition. All these factors support the growing expectation of a strong US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost.
Hospitality Industry Prepares for Increased Demand
The hospitality sector is already preparing for the expected US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost. Hotels in host cities are planning to expand services and improve guest experiences before the tournament begins. Many properties are upgrading facilities, improving digital booking systems and preparing multilingual services for international visitors.
Industry experts believe hotel occupancy rates could rise significantly during the World Cup period. Room prices in popular host cities may also increase because of high demand. Hotels located close to stadiums and city centres are likely to see the strongest booking activity.
Tourism authorities also expect the event to create economic benefits beyond accommodation. Restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping districts may experience a surge in customers as global visitors explore American destinations.
World Cup Travel Could Spread Tourism Beyond Host Cities
The US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost will not only benefit the cities hosting matches. Travel experts believe the tournament will encourage visitors to explore other parts of the country as well. Many tourists may extend their trips before or after attending games.
For example, visitors travelling to Los Angeles might continue their journey to the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas. Travellers attending matches in New York could also explore nearby destinations such as Washington DC or Boston.
This travel pattern will help spread tourism revenue across multiple regions. National parks, cultural landmarks and coastal destinations may receive increased attention from international visitors during the tournament season.
Early Planning Will Help Travellers Enjoy the Event
Tourism professionals recommend early planning for anyone hoping to attend the 2026 World Cup. The expected US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost means accommodation in major cities could sell out quickly. Travellers may benefit from booking flights and hotels well in advance.
Visitors are also encouraged to consider flexible travel plans. Staying in nearby cities and using public transport can sometimes reduce costs. Exploring multiple destinations during the trip can also create a richer travel experience.
For global travellers, the tournament offers a unique chance to combine world-class football with a journey across the United States. With millions of fans expected to arrive, the US Hotels World Cup Tourism Boost may turn the country into one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations in 2026.
The severe weather that struck Atlanta has caused massive disruptions for air travellers, with 300 flight cancellations and 463 delays reported today at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The chaos has been especially felt by passengers flying with Delta Air Lines, as well as Endeavor Air, Frontier Airlines and several other carriers. The storm, which began on Friday night, left travellers stranded on planes for hours and the US’s busiest airport continues to experience the aftershocks of this unprecedented disruption.
Major Airport Affected
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports and the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, was the epicentre of the travel disruption caused by the severe weather. The storm’s onset, which included hail and thunderstorms, was unexpected and forced Delta to ground 50 aircraft for safety inspections. Operations at the airport were severely hindered as a result, with flights delayed or cancelled throughout the day.
Due to these disruptions, the airport reported a total of 300 cancellations and 463 delays, bringing air travel to a near standstill. These numbers highlight the significant impact of the storm on travel within the US, particularly in Atlanta, which serves as a major connection point for domestic and international flights. Despite FAA-imposed ground stops and delay programs, many flights were unable to resume on time, leading to an accumulation of stranded passengers and operational standstills.
Impacted Airlines
As a result of the severe weather, several major carriers operating at Atlanta were deeply affected.
Airline
Cancellations
Cancellations (%)
Delays
Delays (%)
Delta Air Lines
244
18%
342
26%
Endeavor Air (DAL)
42
23%
36
20%
Frontier
6
4%
17
13%
Southwest
3
3%
13
16%
Qatar Airways
2
50%
0
0%
United
1
3%
6
20%
Spirit
1
3%
9
28%
Envoy Air (AAL)
0
0%
4
40%
JetBlue
0
0%
2
12%
PSA Airlines (AAL)
0
0%
9
56%
Jazz (ACA)
0
0%
2
33%
Korean Air
0
0%
1
33%
American Airlines
0
0%
5
18%
Republic
0
0%
3
17%
SkyWest
0
0%
10
29%
WestJet
0
0%
1
25%
Air Canada
0
0%
1
50%
Alaska Airlines
0
0%
2
33%
The largest impact was felt by Delta Air Lines, which operates a vast number of flights from the airport. Delta reported long tarmac delays and cancellations affecting flights both domestic and international. The airline has been working to restore normal operations at the airport, but significant backlogs remain due to a combination of weather-related delays, staffing shortages and gate unavailability.
Other carriers operating at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were also severely impacted by the storm. Endeavor Air, a regional carrier under the Delta umbrella, saw 23% of its flights cancelled and 20% delayed, further compounding the already fragile situation. Frontier Airlines, with 4% cancellations and 13% delays, also experienced interruptions in its operations, particularly with departures from Atlanta. Spirit Airlines and United Airlines also reported a mix of flight cancellations and delays, further straining the situation.
The ripple effects of this storm are still being felt, with significant delays across the US, causing travel disruptions not only for those in Atlanta but for passengers attempting to connect through the airport to other destinations in the US and internationally.
Probable Impact on Local Tourism
The ongoing disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are likely to have a notable impact on local tourism in Atlanta. The city, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant attractions, relies heavily on air travel to bring tourists in. With flight cancellations and delays affecting thousands of passengers, the ripple effects will likely extend beyond the airport.
Visitors planning to visit major attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site may find themselves rebooking flights or altering their travel plans. As air travel resumes, local hotels, restaurants and attractions could face a temporary decline in tourism numbers as people adjust their travel schedules.
The situation is also likely to impact business tourism, with meetings, conferences and events being affected by the uncertainty surrounding flight schedules. As Atlanta is a major hub for business travel, companies may need to reevaluate the timing of events or business-related travel.
However, as the weather improves and flight operations are restored to normal, the city’s tourism industry is expected to rebound, especially once passengers reach their destinations and resume their planned activities. But for now, the ongoing disruption presents a challenge for both local tourism and the US travel industry as a whole.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers impacted by the storm at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there are several steps they can take to navigate the ongoing disruptions and rebook their flights:
Stay Updated: Passengers are advised to keep an eye on their airline’s official website or mobile app for updates on flight status. Many airlines are working to provide real-time information on cancellations and delays. Travelers should also monitor Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s website for airport-wide updates on conditions.
Rebook Flights: Airlines like Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air have been working to rebook passengers on later flights. Travelers whose flights have been cancelled should reach out to their airline’s customer service either online or at the airport to secure an alternative booking. Many airlines have set up dedicated rebooking desks at the airport to assist passengers in these situations.
Consider Alternative Routes: For those with limited flexibility, considering an alternate route or nearby airports may help mitigate the impact of delays. However, passengers should keep in mind that surrounding airports like Charlotte Douglas International Airport or Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport might also experience some delays as a result of the storm.
Know Your Rights: The US Department of Transportation (DOT) provides information on passengers’ rights when experiencing long delays or cancellations. Delta Air Lines and other carriers are likely to offer compensation in the form of meal vouchers or hotel accommodations for stranded passengers. Passengers should review their airline’s contract of carriage for specific details on entitlements.
Stay Safe and Comfortable: Passengers who are still at the airport should ensure they stay comfortable by staying hydrated and nourished. With long waits expected, finding available seating, charging stations and staying updated on flight information will be essential. Airlines are likely to provide travel kits or updates through social media platforms.
-The flight information provided is sourced from FlightAware.
Tokyo (Japan), San Antonio (United States), and Asheville (United States) are at the center of a wave of new hotel launches and hospitality developments marking a strong start for the global hotel industry in March 2026. A number of high-end urban hotels and experiential accommodations have opened their doors, while several additional luxury properties are being prepared in other major destinations including Queenstown, New Zealand, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Industry developments indicate that hotel brands are increasingly focusing on luxury experiences, sustainable design, and immersive stays to attract travelers. New projects in leading travel destinations combine premium amenities, distinctive architecture, and curated guest services designed to appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Below is a detailed roundup of the most significant hotel openings and announcements shaping the hospitality landscape this week.
Luxury Hospitality Expansion Begins with New Hotel in Tokyo
One of the most notable additions to the luxury hotel market is 1 Hotel Tokyo, which has officially opened inside Akasaka Trust Tower in central Tokyo, Japan. The property marks the brand’s first entry into the Japanese hospitality market, bringing its environmentally focused design and wellness-oriented approach to one of the world’s most prominent travel destinations.
Key Features of 1 Hotel Tokyo
211 guest rooms and suites
Three dining venues
Full-service spa
Modern fitness center
Indoor swimming pool
The hotel has been designed with sustainability and natural materials as central elements, reflecting the brand’s commitment to environmentally conscious hospitality. Interiors incorporate organic textures and eco-friendly materials intended to create a calming urban retreat within Tokyo’s fast-paced metropolitan environment. The property’s location in the Akasaka district places guests close to several of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Popular areas including Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya are situated within a short distance, providing easy access to high-end shopping, nightlife, cultural attractions, and business centers. Starting room rates at the hotel begin around $680 per night, positioning it among the premium luxury accommodations currently available in the Japanese capital. Tokyo remains one of Asia’s most important tourism hubs, supported by strong infrastructure, international connectivity, and continued investment in hospitality and tourism facilities. According to tourism authorities in Japan, the country has been actively promoting sustainable tourism and high-quality travel experiences to attract international visitors.
Experiential Travel Drives the Launch of AutoCamp Asheville
Another major hospitality development is the opening of AutoCamp Asheville in North Carolina, United States, which introduces a different approach to accommodation focused on experiential travel and glamping. Located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, the property blends outdoor recreation with modern hospitality amenities. The development reflects the growing popularity of nature-focused travel experiences in the United States and other global destinations.
Accommodation and Amenities
AutoCamp Asheville features:
67 guest accommodations
Airstream Suites and cabins
Private fire pits and grills for each unit
Outdoor swimming pool
Electric vehicle charging stations
On-site restaurant
General store for travel essentials
Each Airstream suite and cabin has been designed to combine outdoor adventure with contemporary comfort, allowing guests to experience nature while maintaining access to hotel-style services and facilities. The property operates in partnership with Hilton, allowing travelers to book stays through the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Guests can redeem points or book traditional stays depending on their membership status.
Benefits for Hilton Loyalty Members
Travelers who hold Hilton Diamond status receive several additional benefits at AutoCamp properties, including:
Space-available room upgrades
Complimentary s’mores kit per stay
Bundle of firewood
Two complimentary bottled waters
These perks are designed to enhance the outdoor experience while encouraging repeat visits from loyalty program members. Asheville itself has become a major tourism destination in the southeastern United States, attracting visitors with its mountain landscapes, arts scene, craft breweries, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The growth of accommodations such as AutoCamp indicates a broader shift within the tourism sector toward hybrid lodging concepts that combine hotels, cabins, and outdoor recreation. Room rates at AutoCamp Asheville start at approximately $201 per night, while Hilton Honors members may redeem around 70,000 points per night depending on availability.
Historic Hospitality Expansion with The Monarch San Antonio
In San Antonio, Texas, another major hotel has opened its doors: The Monarch San Antonio, Curio Collection by Hilton. The property had been widely anticipated within the Texas hospitality sector and represents a significant addition to the city’s growing tourism and convention industry.
Property Highlights
The Monarch San Antonio includes:
200 guest rooms and suites
Three on-site restaurants
Full spa and wellness facilities
Modern fitness center
Large public art installation
The hotel operates under Hilton’s Curio Collection, a brand that focuses on distinctive upscale hotels that reflect local culture and architecture. San Antonio is one of the most visited cities in Texas, supported by attractions such as the River Walk, historic landmarks, and a thriving culinary scene. The city also hosts a wide range of conventions, festivals, and cultural events each year. The introduction of The Monarch is expected to strengthen San Antonio’s position as a destination capable of hosting high-end tourism and business travel simultaneously. Public art incorporated into the hotel property highlights the city’s cultural identity while contributing to the broader urban revitalization efforts taking place in parts of San Antonio.
Luxury Development Continues in New Zealand and Dubai
Beyond the latest openings, the hospitality industry is also preparing for upcoming luxury hotel projects in other global travel hotspots.
Two destinations expected to see significant hotel launches in the near future include:
Queenstown has become one of the world’s leading adventure tourism destinations, attracting travelers seeking skiing, hiking, and scenic landscapes. New luxury hotel projects in the region aim to capitalize on this popularity by offering high-end accommodations with direct access to outdoor activities and alpine scenery. Tourism authorities in New Zealand have emphasized the importance of sustainable development and visitor management as the country expands its tourism infrastructure.
Dubai: Continuing Growth in Ultra-Luxury Hospitality
Meanwhile, Dubai continues to expand its reputation as a global hub for luxury travel and hospitality innovation. The city already hosts many of the world’s most iconic hotels and resorts, and upcoming developments are expected to further strengthen its position as a premier destination for international tourism. New hotel projects in Dubai typically emphasize architectural innovation, luxury amenities, and large-scale entertainment experiences, reflecting the city’s strategy to attract global travelers year-round.
Trends Driving the Global Hotel Industry
The newest openings and planned projects reflect several broader trends shaping the hospitality sector worldwide.
1. Growth of Experiential Travel
Travelers increasingly seek unique experiences rather than traditional hotel stays. This trend is driving the development of properties such as glamping resorts and nature-focused accommodations.
2. Luxury Market Expansion
High-end hotels continue to grow in major global cities as travelers prioritize comfort, exclusivity, and premium services.
3. Sustainability and Wellness
Many new hotels are incorporating eco-friendly design, wellness facilities, and nature-inspired interiors to appeal to environmentally conscious guests.
4. Integration with Loyalty Programs
Major hospitality brands are integrating unique accommodation concepts into their loyalty programs, allowing members to earn or redeem points at a wider variety of properties.
Outlook for the Hospitality Sector in 2026
The first weeks of March demonstrate strong momentum for the hospitality industry as new openings, partnerships, and luxury developments continue to emerge worldwide. Cities such as Tokyo, San Antonio, and Asheville are benefiting from investment in innovative accommodations that blend modern design with distinctive local experiences. With additional hotel projects already planned for destinations including Queenstown and Dubai, the global hotel sector is expected to see continued expansion throughout 2026, driven by growing international travel demand and evolving traveler expectations. For travelers, these developments mean more diverse accommodation options, ranging from luxury urban retreats to immersive outdoor experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, hospitality brands are increasingly focusing on creating memorable stays that combine comfort, design, sustainability, and local culture a trend that is likely to shape the future of travel for years to come.
As of 2027, Ponant Explorations will allow you to embark on an unparalleled travel adventure, called the Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined, featuring the Le Lyrial. On this one-of-a-kind, if not wild, journey, you can travel with some of the most prestigious ocean scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). It is scheduled to depart on December 7, 2027, from Ushuaia, Argentina, and passengers will enjoy 11 unparalleled, polar educational travel nights, plus additional polar science, as it combines educational travel with polar science.
See Antarctica with the Experts: for an Approximate Totality Educational Time of 11 nights
The 2027 Antarctica Odyssey is the first and only time travelers will be able to visit the open, untouched, and real Antarctica, with its scientific landscapes. Unlike previous travelers, self-discovery will not rely on real-time, isolated, and scientific discovery. From WHOI, and as such, this new travel experience will set the standard for all future travel, as passengers will enjoy, in real-time, the most complex and vulnerable ecosystems, along with educational travel, providing real and current scientific discovery.
Ponant Explorations’ CEO, Samuel Chamberlain, said that the company considers educational travel to be a state of mind, not just a niche in a sector of the travel industry. With over 35 years of experience in responsible exploration, Ponant makes sure its guests get real experiences and become part of the scientific discoveries of the researchers currently working in the most remote regions of the world that are still untouched.
A Detailed Itinerary of Discovery
As part of the expedition to Antarctica, guests will spend a pre-night stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 6, 2027, and will then embark on a 10-night Journey. The cruise will leave from Ushuaia, Argentina (a.k.a. the southernmost city in the world), which will be a perfect starting point to begin polar explorations.
Guided excisions will be conducted on Zodiacs. They will land on the Antarctic continent and will get close and personal with some of Antarctica’s most famous wildlife, exceptional icebergs, and stunning glaciers. The educational part of this cruise will focus on polar scientific data collection (which includes hands-on experiential learning about the methodologies of real-world fieldwork, the polar regions of the world and their ecosystems, and the effects of climate change on the world.
Travelers will recognize that Antarctica is one of the most significant regions on Earth, and one of the most vulnerable. The travelers will gain first-hand knowledge from scientists about the environmental issues facing the region, their efforts, and the ongoing research aimed at protecting the future.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution & Antarctica
The partnership with Ponant Explorations and WHOI shows how necessary public engagement in scientific research is. As one of the most prominent independent research institutions in oceanographic studies, WHOI has added decades of experience in biological studies of the extremes of the Earth. The WHOI team on the Antarctic voyage will literally put the travelers in the middle of scientific research and discovery as they experience it, live and in person.
The Partnerships with Ponant Explorations have allowed travelers to engage with polar science as they experience it in real time, while also ensuring that they become educated about the most important and vulnerable regions of the Earth.
Pricing and Reservations: Special Adventure Opportunities
Ponant Explorations offers a singular expedition-type voyage for travelers interested in luxury and scientific activities. Starting from $15,060 and a Superior Stateroom with double occupancy, pre-voyage stay in Buenos Aires, included group charter, and round-trip airport transfers on embark and disembark days.
Many Analytic Educational journeys and experiences in personal growth are rare to Antarctica. Additionally, with a focus on sustainability, responsible travel, and education, Ponant’s Antarctica expedition meets the demands of emerging eco-tourism.
Educating and Traveling to the Polar Adventure
The fusion of luxury cruising and Ponant’s real scientific exploration of Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined voyage will change how travelers experience and explore the world’s most untouched places. The expedition will be the first of its kind and offers participants the opportunity to interact with some of the world’s most innovative and emerging scientists. Travelers will be participants in important citizenship activities and contribute to the body of knowledge about the world’s polar regions.
This expedition not only means personal discovery, but also means a contribution to the global conversation about the future of the Antarctic region and the rest of the globe. The role of Ponant in educating travelers about the importance of the polar region and environment will inspire an environmentally literate generation of travelers.
Final Thoughts: Unique and Unrepeatable Experience in Antarctica
The 2027 Ponant Explorations “Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined” cruise is a fantastic opportunity to visit Antarctica and see the wonders of the continent, along with some of the leading scientists and ocean researchers, currently conducting some of the most significant research in the world. The focus of the journey will be on sustainability, responsible exploration, and education. As Ponant and WHOI are completing their third year of partnership, it will further strengthen the connection travelers will have with polar science and the importance of protecting the most underserved ecosystems of the world.
There are significant operational disruptions that are going on today at Abu Dhabi International Airport. As a result, there have so far been 60 cancellations, 41 delays, and 1,000s of disrupted travel plans for the passengers. Major airlines including Etihad Airways, IndiGo, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air have been affected. This is happening amidst a global crisis for air travel because of geopolitical conflicts and a lack of operational airports.
As travelers are met with uncertainty and no clear signs of relief, the business of tourism and travel is further impacted. Travelers going to almost every corner of the world have been stuck. Many are experiencing hours of delays and for some. The direct impacts of this chaos & operational disruptions at one of the busiest airports in the UAE is primarily being felt by the travel industry.
Airlines Affected and Disruption Details
The major airline to feel the brunt of these delays and cancellations is IndiGo, with 26 cancellations (86% of its total flights) and just one delay. The low-cost carrier’s massive network in the region has been severely disrupted, leaving many passengers stranded. Following closely behind is Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, with 10 cancellations and a staggering 28 delayed flights, affecting hundreds of passengers worldwide.
Additionally, other airlines have also faced operational challenges. Qatar Airways and Gulf Air are among those most affected, with flights either cancelled or severely delayed. Even international airlines like British Airways and Air China have seen disruptions, with several of their flights either cancelled or delayed, stranding passengers in transit.
Other airlines like Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and Egypt Air have also experienced delays, though their impact has been less severe compared to Etihad Airways or IndiGo.
The total disruptions, including flight cancellations and delays, are having a far-reaching impact not only on travelers but also on regional tourism. The disruptions, especially during the peak tourist season, threaten to undermine the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi, one of the UAE’s key travel hubs.
Impact on Passengers and Tourism
The cancellation of 60 flights and delays of 41 others at Abu Dhabi International Airport today directly impact thousands of passengers, with ripple effects reaching various destinations across the globe. Passengers traveling for both business and leisure are among those affected, leading to widespread frustration and confusion.
Tourism in Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas is also taking a hit. As many international tourists travel through the airport to visit attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Corniche, these delays are putting a strain on the local tourism industry. The airport, serving as a gateway to the UAE for many international tourists, is experiencing an influx of disgruntled passengers and cancellations, which is hampering the smooth flow of visitors during the peak travel period.
The ripple effect is also expected to impact other tourist destinations in the Middle East as well. Airlines like Etihad Airways and IndiGo, which cater to regional tourists, are forced to cancel flights, exacerbating the strain on travel across the region. The UAE government is urging passengers to check with airlines for the latest flight information and is working closely with airport officials to minimize the impact on tourism.
Conclusion: How the Crisis is Affecting the Economy and the Future of Air Travel
Air travel disruption worldwide has also affected travel to and from Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Airport has seen extreme levels of flight delays and cancellations. Those affected by cancellations as well of the travel related businesses in the United Arab Emirates are experiencing the fallout. As travel becomes increasingly difficult due to political conflict and instability, the effects of the inability to travel will be most deeply felt in the regions of Abu Dhabi where tourism businesses are most economically active.
Disruptions affect travelers and report updates for travelers to the airline. They may need to look for other ways to travel. Improvements of region aviation infrastructure are prior. They need to manage the situation. Strain travel and affect tourism. That improves need to operational and stability and Middle East airports.
Travelers are encouraged to prepare for further disruptions and stay travel situation report updates. To fully resume services recovery from the disruptions will need to improve operations.
A major development in global aviation is set to reshape travel between the United States and Italy. The new American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight will soon connect Miami International Airport with Milan Malpensa Airport. This announcement has generated strong excitement across the travel and tourism industry. Airlines around the world are expanding long-haul routes as international travel demand rises again. The American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight reflects this trend. It creates a faster and more convenient connection between North America and northern Italy. For global travellers, the route will reduce travel time and eliminate the need for additional stopovers in European hubs.
Strong Demand for Italy Drives New Transatlantic Travel Routes
Tourism experts believe the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight is a response to rising demand for travel to Italy. The country remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Millions of visitors travel there every year to experience its culture, art, cuisine, and historic landmarks. Airlines constantly monitor travel patterns before launching new routes. The introduction of the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight shows that Italy continues to attract large numbers of travellers from the United States and beyond. By offering a nonstop journey, the airline aims to make travel easier, faster, and more appealing for tourists planning European holidays.
Milan Becomes a Strategic Gateway for Northern Italy Tourism
The arrival of the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight highlights Milan’s growing importance in global tourism. While Rome and Venice remain iconic destinations, Milan has become a powerful gateway for exploring northern Italy. Travellers landing in Milan can quickly reach several famous destinations. Lake Como, Verona, and the Italian Alps are only a short train ride away. High-speed rail connections make travel across the region simple and efficient. The American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight therefore offers visitors direct access not only to Milan but also to a wide range of nearby attractions and scenic destinations.
Milan Offers Culture, Fashion and World Famous Attractions
Tourists arriving on the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight will discover a city filled with history, style, and culture. Milan is widely known as Italy’s fashion and business capital. It hosts internationally famous fashion weeks and luxury shopping districts. Visitors can explore the magnificent Milan Cathedral, known as the Duomo, which dominates the city skyline. Another major attraction is Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper, one of the world’s most celebrated artworks. Museums, historic buildings, and elegant boulevards add to Milan’s charm. With the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight, travellers from across the Americas will find it easier to experience these iconic landmarks.
Miami Strengthens Its Position as a Global Travel Hub
The American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight also reinforces the strategic importance of Miami in global aviation. Miami International Airport already serves as one of the busiest international gateways in the United States. It connects North America with Latin America and the Caribbean. With this new route, Miami will strengthen its role as a bridge between the Americas and Europe. Travellers from many countries can connect through Miami before flying to Milan. The American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight therefore supports wider international connectivity and improves travel access for millions of passengers.
A Boost for Tourism and International Travel Growth
Industry analysts believe the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight will provide strong benefits for tourism in both countries. Direct routes often encourage more travellers to visit a destination because they simplify travel planning. Fewer connections mean shorter travel times and reduced travel stress. As a result, tourism authorities expect increased visitor numbers once the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight begins operations. Hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and local attractions in Milan could see higher international demand. At the same time, the route will strengthen travel ties between the United States and Italy.
What Travellers Should Know Before Planning Their Journey
Tourists planning to use the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight should prepare for an exciting arrival in northern Italy. Milan Malpensa Airport is located around fifty kilometres from the city centre. Travellers can reach downtown Milan by train, bus, or taxi. The Malpensa Express train provides one of the fastest connections to the city. Once in Milan, visitors can easily explore nearby regions using Italy’s efficient rail network. The American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight makes it possible for travellers to begin their Italian journey smoothly and explore multiple destinations during one trip.
A Promising Future for Transatlantic Tourism
The launch of the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight represents a strong sign of confidence in the future of global travel. Airlines are investing in new routes as passenger demand continues to grow. Direct connections between major cities help stimulate tourism, cultural exchange, and economic activity. For travellers dreaming of Italy, the American Airlines Miami to Milan direct flight offers a powerful new gateway to one of Europe’s most fascinating regions. With improved connectivity and easier access, Milan is ready to welcome a new wave of international tourists eager to discover its history, fashion, and unforgettable experiences.
France continues to dominate global tourism headlines as one of the most visited destinations in the world. A growing wave of American tourists visiting France is reinforcing the country’s position as a leading travel hotspot. Travel experts say visitors from the United States remain among the most important international travellers for the French tourism industry.
In recent years, millions of Americans have travelled to France for holidays, cultural trips and luxury experiences. Their presence is visible across major cities and popular tourist regions. Tourism authorities say the demand from American travellers remains strong even as global travel patterns shift.
For many visitors, France represents the perfect mix of history, culture, gastronomy and scenic beauty. From iconic monuments to charming countryside villages, the country offers experiences that attract travellers from across the world.
The steady rise of American tourists visiting France highlights how the destination continues to appeal to travellers looking for memorable and meaningful holidays.
Culture, Food and History Continue to Attract American Visitors
One major reason behind the growing number of American tourists visiting France is the country’s unmatched cultural heritage. France offers an extraordinary concentration of historic landmarks, world-famous museums and architectural treasures.
Cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux attract visitors who want to experience art, history and authentic European lifestyle. Paris remains a top attraction because of its famous monuments, museums and café culture. Travellers often visit landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Food also plays a major role in attracting international visitors. French cuisine is widely recognised as one of the finest in the world. Travellers enjoy regional dishes, fresh bakery products and renowned wines.
Many American travellers also participate in food tours, cooking classes and vineyard visits. These experiences allow visitors to explore French traditions more closely while supporting local businesses.
Because of this strong cultural appeal, American tourists visiting France often stay longer and explore multiple destinations during one trip.
Travellers Now Exploring Beyond Paris to Discover Regional France
Although Paris remains the most famous destination in the country, travel trends show that American tourists visiting France are increasingly exploring other regions as well.
Southern France has become particularly popular among international visitors. The French Riviera attracts travellers looking for beaches, sunshine and luxury lifestyle. Cities like Nice and Cannes welcome thousands of tourists every year.
Wine regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy also attract visitors interested in vineyards and gastronomy. Provence offers picturesque villages, lavender fields and beautiful countryside landscapes.
Tourism experts say travellers today are searching for authentic experiences rather than only visiting famous landmarks. Smaller towns and regional destinations provide a quieter atmosphere and deeper cultural connection.
The French tourism strategy encourages visitors to travel beyond major cities. This helps distribute tourism more evenly across the country while supporting local economies in rural areas.
For travellers, this means discovering a wider range of experiences that go far beyond the traditional Paris itinerary.
Luxury Experiences and High-Value Travel Continue to Grow
Another important trend linked to American tourists visiting France is the growth of luxury travel. Many travellers from the United States choose high-end experiences during their trips.
Luxury hotels, boutique accommodations and premium resorts report strong demand from American visitors. Private guided tours, gourmet dining and exclusive cultural experiences are also becoming increasingly popular.
Wine tourism is particularly attractive for international visitors. Regions such as Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy offer tastings, vineyard tours and culinary events that showcase France’s rich food culture.
Shopping tourism is another important element. Many travellers visit France to explore fashion districts, luxury boutiques and historic markets.
This growing interest in premium travel helps strengthen the country’s tourism economy and supports thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport and entertainment sectors.
A Positive Outlook for France’s Tourism Industry
The steady rise of American tourists visiting France reflects the country’s lasting appeal in global tourism. Travel analysts believe this trend will continue as international travel becomes more accessible and travellers seek authentic cultural destinations.
France benefits from strong air connectivity with the United States, making travel between the two regions convenient. Direct flights connect major American cities with Paris and other French destinations.
The country also offers excellent transport infrastructure. High-speed trains and modern highways allow visitors to explore different regions quickly and comfortably.
Tourism authorities remain optimistic about the future. They believe France will continue attracting travellers from around the world thanks to its culture, landscapes and culinary traditions.
For global travellers planning their next European journey, France remains one of the most exciting destinations. Whether enjoying the vibrant streets of Paris, relaxing on the Riviera or exploring quiet countryside villages, visitors can experience a unique blend of history, beauty and lifestyle.
As international tourism continues to evolve, one trend remains clear. American tourists visiting France are playing a major role in keeping the country at the centre of the global travel map.
As the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr approaches (expected between March 19 and 21, 2026), travelers across the Middle East face one of the most disruptive and volatile periods in decades. The ongoing military conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which intensified in late February 2026, has severely impacted air travel in the region. The conflict has led to airspace closures, flight suspensions, and extreme disruptions at key airports, including Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International (AUH), Kuwait International (KWI), Bahrain International (BAH), and Hamad International (DOH) in Qatar.
With many pilgrims intending to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah during the end of Ramadan, the travel restrictions have caused significant delays and even cancellations, leaving thousands stranded. Government officials, airlines, and travel authorities are scrambling to manage the chaos, providing limited options for travelers to reach their destinations.
The Impact on Eid 2026 Travel: Why It Matters
1. Significant Disruption to Umrah and Religious Travel
Eid marks the end of Ramadan, and traditionally, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, a pilgrimage that draws people from around the world. However, the ongoing conflict has disrupted these plans.
Official Postponements: The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, along with several other regional bodies, has advised their citizens to postpone all Umrah trips for the end of Ramadan. Indonesia, one of the largest contributors to Umrah travelers, had approximately 3,000 pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia as of March 2, 2026. The situation worsened due to the closure of regional air corridors and increased military activity in the region.
Stranded Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia’s government has implemented the “Nusuk” platform to regulate permits for travelers, but the sudden disruption has left many pilgrims unable to return home. Saudi authorities have issued statements urging citizens and international visitors to stay clear of military and energy infrastructure sites during their stay.
Rising Safety Concerns: The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs raised travel warnings, advising Australian nationals to “reconsider your need to travel” to Saudi Arabia. The advice urges pilgrims to avoid areas near military installations due to the ongoing risk of attacks and escalations.
2. Operational Paralysis of Major Hubs
Eid al-Fitr is typically a peak period for travel in the Middle East, especially for Gulf-based airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways. However, the 2026 conflict has forced these airlines to significantly scale back operations, leaving many travelers in limbo.
Limited Flight Capacity: Emirates and Etihad have resumed operations, but at significantly reduced capacity. Both airlines are only servicing roughly 70 to 82 destinations as of early March 2026. Priority for available seats is being given to passengers who were previously stranded, rather than those traveling for the Eid holiday itself.
Flight Cancellations: Thousands of flights have been canceled due to the ongoing tensions. Airlines like Turkish Airlines and Air France have suspended services to major Middle Eastern cities, including Riyadh and Dubai, into the first week of March. These cancellations are expected to extend well into the second half of the month if the situation does not de-escalate.
3. Economic and Booking Impact
The economic fallout of these travel disruptions is significant, not just for the airlines but for the broader Middle Eastern tourism industry. As travelers are unable to make their way to the region for Eid celebrations and pilgrimages, the region is facing a sharp decline in tourism revenues.
Decline in Tourist Arrivals: Analysts from Oxford Economics have revised their 2026 outlook, predicting an 11% to 27% decline in regional tourist arrivals. The loss of the usual Eid travel surge is expected to contribute to a $34 to $56 billion shortfall in regional tourist spending for the year.
Rising Costs: For those lucky enough to find flights, prices have spiked due to the necessity of rerouting. With airspace closures and military restrictions, alternative flight corridors, such as London to Hong Kong, have seen a 30% surge in ticket prices. Longer routes are now required to avoid the Persian Gulf, further inflating travel costs.
4. Government Travel Advisories for Eid
In light of the rapidly worsening situation, governments around the world have transitioned from caution to active intervention, advising citizens to reconsider travel during the Eid period.
Repatriation Over Leisure Travel: The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Dubai Media Office have shifted focus entirely to repatriation efforts. The UAE government has even announced that it will cover accommodation costs for stranded travelers, signaling that they do not anticipate leisure tourism resuming in time for the Eid holidays.
Avoid Airport Crowds: The German Travel Association and the U.K. Foreign Office have also urged travelers to avoid heading to airports in the Middle East without a confirmed and active booking. Many terminals remain partially closed or are being used for emergency logistics and repatriation efforts, further complicating travel plans.
Recommendations for Eid Travelers
If you have travel plans for the Eid period (March 18–25, 2026), here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Monitor “Safe Corridors”
Only a few “emergency air corridors” are currently open for civilian transit. The UAE and Oman have collaborated to create a “Southern Bypass” corridor, which serves as the primary route for flights to and from the region.
The Southern Bypass: Flights from Europe and Africa must enter via Egyptian airspace, then transition through Saudi Arabia and Oman. This route is the only viable corridor for safe air travel.
2. Verify Refund Rights
Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad have extended their full refund and free rebooking waivers through March 31, 2026, for passengers affected by the ongoing disruptions. It’s crucial to confirm your refund rights with the airline directly.
Land-Bridge Options: If you’re in the region and cannot find a flight out, Muscat (Oman) offers the most reliable land-bridge to access flights through the “Southern Bypass” routes.
3. Check Rebooking Policies
Airlines have implemented flexible rebooking policies for those whose flights are impacted. If you’re planning to travel during Eid, make sure you’re aware of your options:
Emirates: Free rebooking for flights until April 30, 2026, and full refunds for unused portions of tickets.
Qatar Airways: Free date changes up to 14 days, rebooking on partner airlines, and full refunds for passengers choosing not to travel.
4. Special “Extraction Flights”
For passengers stranded at Dubai International and Zayed International Airports, a limited number of “extraction flights” have been authorized. These flights are currently only available to Europe and South Asia via the “Southern Bypass” route. Emirates and Etihad Airways are the primary operators of these flights, with some additional flights from IndiGo and Finnair.
Critical Navigation Risks (March 2026)
As the situation remains fluid, several critical navigation risks are in effect:
GNSS Spoofing/Jamming: GPS interference has been reported throughout UAE and Oman airspace. Pilots are advised to rely on terrestrial navigation systems rather than satellite-based technology.
Debris Hazards: Interceptions of Iranian drones and missiles have created “falling burning metal” zones. These zones are continuously shifting to avoid major population centers and airports.
Conclusion
The 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period is proving to be one of the most volatile and disruptive times for Middle Eastern travel in recent history. The US-Israel-Iran conflict, combined with regional airspace closures, has led to massive flight disruptions, cancellations, and delays. Travelers should remain flexible, stay in close contact with their airlines, and consider land-bridge options for travel through Muscat.
Until a diplomatic resolution is reached, the region’s air travel remains uncertain, and it is likely that the fallout from this conflict will continue to impact flights and tourism well beyond the Eid period.
A number of high-stakes issues that require immediate attention from all residents are currently reshaping the public safety scene in the Lone Star State. As of March 2026, a coordinated response from state and federal authorities is required due to recent public safety, health, and infrastructure challenges that have affected people of Texas to a critical point. One of the main issues is the growing number of travel recommendations for Mexico because of cartel violence, which have significantly increased after high-profile military operations in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
Concurrently, the contentious reopening of Camp Mystic following a fatal flood that killed 25 children and other staff members over the previous summer is putting the state’s internal resilience to the test. The Texas A&M Forest Service has recorded wildfires around the state, mostly in North Texas, putting further strain on the state’s natural ecosystem. Local measles outbreaks have reappeared in the public health sector, with cases concentrating in unvaccinated populations and rural West Texas. Long-term developmental initiatives continue in the face of these crises, such as the successful launch of a new state park in the Palo Pinto Mountains, which provides a rare opportunity for recreation during a time of extreme societal strain, and major curriculum modifications in schools that emphasize health literacy.
Death at the Border! Why Traveling to Mexico Could Be a Fatal Mistake Today
The security situation south of the Rio Grande has deteriorated into what experts describe as war-like conditions. Following the reported death of a major cartel leader in a gunfight with Mexican authorities, a wave of retaliatory violence has swept through regions popular with Texan travelers. Consequently, the U.S. Department of State has issued the highest level of warnings for several Mexican states.
Shelter-in-Place Orders: Texans currently in Baja California, Quintana Roo, and Tamaulipas have been urged to remain in their residences or hotels due to road blockages and active criminal activity.
Border Reinforcements:Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to surge security resources along the border to prevent the spillover of violence into domestic communities.
Emergency Contact Protocols: Travelers are being encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy.
Camp Mystic Scandal: Will More Children Die if This Camp Opens Its Gates?
The decision to allow Camp Mystic to resume operations in the summer of 2026 has ignited a fierce legal and political battle. Located in Hunt, Texas, the camp became the site of a tragedy on July 4, 2025, when fast-rising floodwaters from the Guadalupe River swept through low-lying cabins. While the camp management has expressed a desire to move forward, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has publicly requested that the state health commissioner block the renewal of the camp’s license until exhaustive safety measures are confirmed.
A Texas judge recently ordered that the camp must preserve the damaged cabins as evidence for ongoing lawsuits filed by grieving families. While a total closure was not mandated, the court has prohibited the use of any facilities located near the river’s edge. The controversy underscores a broader debate regarding the safety of summer youth programs in areas prone to flash flooding.
Infectious Chaos! The Deadly Disease Making a Terrifying Comeback in West Texas
A major health crisis is unfolding as local measles outbreaks continue to spread. Centered predominantly in Gaines County and extending into Lubbock and Ector counties, the outbreak has been linked to international travel and low vaccination rates within specific rural communities.
High Hospitalization Rates: Data from Covenant Children’s Hospital indicates that approximately 17% of those infected have required hospitalization, with several children suffering from severe bacterial pneumonia.
Tragic Fatalities: The outbreak has already resulted in at least two confirmed pediatric deaths, the first such fatalities in the United States in over a decade.
Community Spread: Health officials are monitoring public exposure sites, including university campuses and local establishments, as the disease moves through the South Plains region.
Wildfires and New Parks: The Strange New Reality of the Texas Great Outdoors
The environmental sector is currently a study in contrasts. While the Texas A&M Forest Service battles blazes ignited by everything from dry conditions to floating lanterns in Mesquite, the state is also celebrating its first major park addition in a quarter-century. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located between Abilene and Dallas-Fort Worth, officially opened for visits on March 1, 2026.
This 4,871-acre sanctuary offers a needed reprieve for residents, featuring 16 miles of trails and the tranquil Tucker Lake. However, visitors are advised to remain vigilant; the opening occurs during a season where the threat of wildfires across the state remains elevated. Park staff are enforcing strict reservation systems for the spring break period to manage the high volume of visitors eager to explore the Cross Timbers hillsides.
The Classroom Revolution: What Your Kids Are Actually Learning in 2026
Education in Texas is undergoing a fundamental shift toward health and safety awareness. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has initiated comprehensive school curriculum updates for the 2025-26 academic year. These updates include new mandates for health education from kindergarten through grade 12, with a specific focus on mental health, substance abuse prevention, and navigating the healthcare system.
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is also hosting contests and conferences to engage students in safety advocacy. By integrating these topics into the daily curriculum, the state aims to build a more resilient younger generation capable of responding to the very public safety and health issues currently dominating the headlines.
Samsung has pushed a new update for its Home Up module, bringing it to version 17.5.00.24. The update is now available for download through the Galaxy Store, which gives users access to the latest improvements for this popular customization tool.
Home Up is a Samsung’s Good Lock module, which offers a variety of tools to personalize Galaxy devices. With Home Up, users can customize the home screen layout, change the style of folders, adjust the task changer, and tweak other interface elements that go beyond standard One UI options.
The latest update, version 17.5.00.24, does not come with official release notes from Samsung. This means it is unclear exactly what changes or new features are included. Usually, these updates focus on bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance optimizations to ensure Home Up works smoothly with the latest Galaxy devices and One UI updates.
Even without detailed information, updating Home Up is recommended. Good Lock modules are regularly updated to improve compatibility and offer a better user experience. Users may notice small improvements or hidden tweaks after installing the new version, even if they are not officially listed.
The update package is around 68MB. Users can download it directly from the Galaxy Store by opening the app, tapping the Menu option, and then going to Updates. Also, Home Up can also be updated via the Good Lock app, where all Samsung customization modules are available in one place.
Deal | Humble has launched a new All-Star Alliance bundle, offering 10 games in total worth $259. However, you can score them for only $18, saving around $241.
Changzhou Hualande Software Technology released Metal Hunter on March 6, 2026, as a free-to-play wasteland RPG. Despite being an "experimental imitation" of an abandoned 2012 project, the title has secured an initial 84% positive rating and a modest peak of 216 players.
An Apple VP has claimed in a recent interview that the MacBook Neo does not feature any design compromises, which definitely appears to be an honest take. The Neo has many compromises, but its design and build quality are unlikely to draw any major complaints.
Real-world benchmarks for Apple's M5 Max and Pro SoCs have started appearing, and the results sure do look promising. Interestingly, the improvements indicated by Geekbench AI are rather disappointing, likely due to lack of optimization.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is expected to arrive soon, taking the place of the Core Ultra 5 245K. With four additional efficiency cores and higher turbo clocks, the 250K Plus appears ready to cement its position as a powerful productivity machine.
The entertainment giant claims President Trump’s tariffs delayed Switch 2 pre-orders, causing it significant financial losses and leading to a less-than-optimal launch.
Much like flagship smartphones, flagship wireless earbuds have reached a plateau. Refinement is the name of the game in the premium TWS market, with new models focusing on improved audio tuning, better noise cancellation and squeezing an additional hour or two of battery life.
That’s the short story of the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5, which recently made their global debut. We’ve been using them for over a week ahead of their launch and found them to be a great option with superb sound, potent ANC and top-notch build quality. Read on for our detailed assessment.
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Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has been the subject of rumors about a possible move to Orlando City in Major League Soccer.
After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Antoine Griezmann will remain at Atletico Madrid this season. However, the possibility of a move to Major League Soccer to play for Orlando City remains on the table.
The Florida club’s interest was concrete, and reportedly there were negotiations to make the deal happen before the MLS transfer window closed on March 26. However, that would have meant leaving Atletico Madrid in the middle of the 2025-26 season, just ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad and with the UEFA Champions League in full swing.
Given this context, Los Colchoneros decided to keep the French forward, a decision confirmed by the sporting director. “He has a contract, he’s going to stay with us. He has this season and two more,” Mateu Alemany said on Saturday according to Marca. “He’s going to be with us, he’s going to continue, and nothing else.”
Alemany also highlighted Griezmann’s contribution to the team this season, with 12 goals and 2 assists in 38 matches across all competitions. “Antoine is in extraordinary form, he’s playing some outstanding matches. Fans will applaud him as always. He’s delivering spectacular performances, and that’s the most important thing,” said the sporting director.
Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany.
Orlando City remain a possibility for Griezmann
Even though Mateu Alemany’s words put an end to speculation about a mid-season exit from Atletico Madrid, the possibility of Antoine Griezmann moving to MLS in the near future remains high.
“Orlando City remain in talks over FREE transfer in July for Griezmann, focus on the summer window now,” reported Fabrizio Romano on his official X account shortly after Alemany’s statements.
The conditions of a potential MLS move are not minor in this case. Griezmann is under contract with Atletico Madrid until June 30, 2027, meaning any early exit would require approval from the Spanish club. In that scenario, they could insist on a transfer fee in exchange for terminating the contract. Orlando City’s negotiations, as well as the player’s own intentions, could be key to securing a free transfer.
Griezmann could leave with a trophy from Atletico Madrid
Over the last decade, Antoine Griezmann has developed a special bond with Atletico Madrid. He joined the club from Real Sociedad in 2014 and, aside from a brief spell with Barcelona between 2019 and 2022, has remained a key player for the team.
The French forward was not part of the two La Liga titles Atletico Madrid won under coach Diego Simeone: he arrived just after the 2014 trophy and was at Barcelona when the club won the next one in 2021. However, he did contribute to the Spanish Super Cup 2014, UEFA Europa League 2018, and UEFA Super Cup 2018 victories.
This season, Atletico Madrid are close to winning another trophy, as they will play the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. They also remain in contention in the UEFA Champions League, where they will face Tottenham in the round of 16. That means Griezmann has two opportunities to win another title with the club before potentially making his move to MLS.
Inter Miami visit DC United in Major League Soccer, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi.
This Saturday marks the start of Matchday 3 of the Major League Soccer season, with Inter Miami looking for another win to continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings. Their opponent will be DC United, who will host the match at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where a full crowd is expected due to the excitement surrounding Lionel Messi.
The Argentine forward played in the first two games of the season: a loss to Los Angeles FC in the opener and a victory last Sunday against Orlando City SC, where he scored a brace. Now Inter Miami have the chance to secure another win and reinforce their status as favorites to repeat as 2025 champions.
DC United have had an identical start to the season. They opened at home with a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union, but could not repeat that performance in their second match, falling by the same scoreline to Austin FC last Sunday. They now face the challenge of containing one of the most talented teams in MLS.
Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami
The performance shown by Inter Miami in their second game of the season was noticeably better than in their opener against Los Angeles FC. For that reason, head coach Javier Mascherano is opting to stick with most of the starting lineup.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami’s confirmed XI against DC United is: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael Silva, Noah Allen; Mateo Silvetti, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame.
With that in mind, DC United’s confirmed lineup to face Inter Miami is: Sean Johnson; Silvan Hefti, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, Keisuke Kurokawa; Joao Peglow, Brandon Servania, Matti Peltola, Jackson Hopkins; Gabriel Pirani, Tai Baribo.
DC United host Inter Miami CF in a 2026 Major League Soccer regular-season clash. Discover the full information about this matchup, including the date, venue, and broadcast options to watch the action live across the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch DC United vs Inter Miami on US television and via legal streaming:
Momentum will be on the line when Inter Miami and DC United meet after nearly identical starts to the MLSseason. DC United opened with a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union before falling by the same score to Austin FC.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami rebounded from an opening loss to Los Angeles FC by defeating Orlando City SC 4-2 in the Florida Derby behind a standout performance from Lionel Messi. With both clubs looking to build early-season momentum, this matchup promises intensity —make sure you don’t miss it.
Details on how to watch
Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch DC United vs Inter Miami and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices.
Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts.
Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasındaki Beşiktaş evinde Galatasaray'ı ağırladı. Galatasaray'da Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Beşiktaş derbisinde gördüğü sarı kartın ardından cezalı duruma düştü.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de Beşiktaş ile Galatasaray derbide karşı karşıya geldi. Hakem Ozan Ergün'ün yönettiği maçta bol bol sarı kart çıkarken Galatasaray forması giyen Abdülkerim Bardakçı'dan sarı kart gören oyuncular arasında yer aldı.
Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Beşiktaş maçında gördüğü sarı kartın ardından Süper Lig'de gelecek hafta oynanacak Başakşehir maçında cezalı duruma düştü.
Korktukları Trabzonspor'un önünü kesmek için İstanbul devleri ellerinden geleni ardına koymadı. Bordo-mavililerin el sıkıştığı isimlere çöküp transferleri sabote eden Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe'ye karşı taraftardan yönetime çağrı var:
- Ticaret kapıları kapansın, bu ihanet unutulmasın!
Trabzonspor’un devre arası transfer dönemi, sahne arkasında yaşanan büyük çekişmeler ve beklenmedik engellerle Türk futbol tarihine geçecek bir "operasyon" sürecine dönüştü.
Bordo-mavili yönetim kadroyu güçlendirmek için yoğun mesai harcarken, Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe’nin Trabzonspor’un önünü kesme çabaları transfer dönemine damga vurdu.
Bordo-mavililer, eksik bölgelerini büyük oranda tamamlasa da sol kanat transferinin gerçekleşmemesi taraftarı kızdırdı. Ancak bu boşluğun sebebi sportif başarısızlık değil, rakiplerin Trabzonspor’un güçlenmesini engelleme arzusu oldu.
OĞUZ AYDIN VAKASI
Trabzonspor’un her konuda el sıkıştığı ve bitirmek üzere olduğu Nhaga, son dakika müdahalesiyle Galatasaray tarafından adeta "kaçırıldı". Benzer bir senaryo da Kadıköy yakasında yaşandı. Fenerbahçe, Oğuz Aydın'ın Trabzonspor’da forma giymek için istekli olmasına rağmen genç yıldızı bırakmadı.
Bu hamleler, bordo-mavi camiada "sırtından hançerlenmek" olarak yorumlanırken, yönetime Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray'a ticaret kapılarının kapatılması öneriliyor.
Trabzonspor taraftarı sezon sonunda Batagov (Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray), Oulai (Galatasaray) ve Felipe Augusto (Fenerbahçe) gibi parlayan yıldızlar üzerinden benzer oyunların oynanacağını iddia ediyor. Trabzonspor taraftarının beklentisi o gün geldiğinde gerekli cevapların en üst perdeden verilmesi. İki kulüple iş birliği yapılmaması.
Trabzonspor'da düzenlenen iftar programı, Zeyyat Kafkas'ın çarpıcı açıklamalarıyla kritik bir basın toplantısına dönüştü. Eleştirilerin odağındaki yönetimin mesajı netti:
- Bize kızın ama takımı cam fanusa koyup koruyun.
Camianın merakla beklediği kanat transferi spekülasyonlarına ise isim verilerek son nokta konuldu.
Trabzonspor yönetiminin düzenlediği iftar programı, camiadaki soru işaretlerini gideren ve gündemi belirleyen bir basın toplantısına dönüştü. Yönetim adına önemli açıklamalarda bulunan Zeyyat Kafkas, taraftara ve camiaya kritik bir "kenetlenme" çağrısında bulundu.
Kulübün son derece hassas bir süreçten geçtiğini vurgulayan Kafkas, teknik heyet ve futbolcuların saha dışındaki tartışmalardan etkilenmemesi gerektiğini belirtti.
Kafkas’ın, "Bize kızın ama takımı cam fanusa koyup koruyalım" mesajı, yönetimin öz eleştiri yaparken takımı koruma altına alma isteği olarak yorumlandı.
TRANSFER AÇIKLAMASI
Kamuoyunda uzun süredir tartışılan ve bilgi kirliliğine neden olan kanat transferi konusu da toplantıda netlik kazandı. Zeyyat Kafkas süreci şeffaf bir şekilde anlattı.
Transfer listesindeki isimler ve görüşülen oyuncular hakkında detaylı bilgi verdi. Şimdiye kadar değinilmeyen teknik detayları paylaşarak spekülasyonların önünü kesti. Yönetimin bu konudaki yol haritasını açıkça ortaya koydu.
Bir diğer önemli nokta ise kulüp içi işleyişe dairdi. Başkan Ertuğrul Doğan ve Teknik Direktör Fatih Tekke'nin üzerindeki ağır yükün, kulübün diğer profesyonelleri tarafından da paylaşılması gerektiği vurgulandı. Kafkas'ın bu çıkışı, camiada "sorumluluk sadece birkaç kişinin omuzlarında kalmamalı" şeklinde karşılık buldu.
Zeyyat Kafkas’ın bu hamlesi, Trabzonspor üzerindeki kara bulutları dağıtmak ve taraftarla yönetim arasındaki iletişim kopukluğunu gidermek adına stratejik bir adım olarak değerlendiriliyor.
Fenerbahçe yöneticisi Murat Salar, ara transfer dönemi harcamalarına yönelik eleştirilere yanıt verdi:
- Dün sorumluluk mevkisinde değildik, bugün buradayız ama prensiplerimiz de görüşlerimiz de 2024 yılındakiyle aynı.
Fenerbahçe yönetiminde görev almadan önce yaptığı "Kulübün para problemi değil, harcama problemi var" çıkışıyla dikkatleri üzerine çeken Murat Salar, ara transfer döneminde yapılan harcamalara yönelik eleştiriler üzerine sessizliğini bozdu.
Salar, geçmişteki söylemleri ile bugünkü icraatları arasındaki tutarlılığın sorgulanması üzerine, prensiplerinden taviz vermediğinin altını çizdi.
SORUMLULUK AÇIKLAMASI
Kendisine yöneltilen "Görüşlerinizde bir değişim oldu mu?" sorusuna net bir yanıt veren Salar, sorumluluk almanın fikirleri değiştirmemesi gerektiğini vurguladı:
- Prensipler, içinde bulunduğumuz konuma göre değişmemesi gereken bir şey bence. Dün belki sorumluluk mevkisinde değildik ama şimdi sorumluluk mevkisindeyiz. Benim görüşlerim, dünkü görüşlerimle aynı.
''MALİ DİSİPLİN SÖZÜ''
Seçim öncesi süreçte savunduğu mali disiplin ve doğru harcama politikasına sadık kaldığını belirten Salar, açıklamasını şu sözlerle sürdürdü:
- Bireysel olarak seçim öncesinde, 2024 yılında neyi savunuyorsam aynı görüşleri savunmaya devam ediyorum. Prensiplerim de görüşlerim de aynı.
Bu açıklamalar, camiada "mali disiplin sözü" olarak yorumlanırken; Salar'ın, eleştirilen ara transfer dönemi harcamalarına rağmen kulübün kaynaklarını verimli kullanma konusundaki iddiasını sürdürdüğü görülüyor.
Fenerbahçe'de Mayıs ayı yaklaşırken taşlar yerinden oynuyor. Sadettin Saran'ın adaylık sürecinde en kritik isimlerden biri olan Hakan Bilal Kutlualp, desteğini çekerek rotasını efsane başkan Aziz Yıldırım'a çevirdi. Kutlualp'in aday adaylarıyla yürüttüğü trafik ve Saran'a yönelik sert eleştirileri, kongre öncesi dengeleri tamamen değiştirecek gibi görünüyor.
Fenerbahçe camiası şampiyonluk yarışına kilitlenmişken, Mayıs ayındaki seçim için de çalışmalar sürüyor. Son seçimin kilit isimlerinden Hakan Bilal Kutlualp’in hamleleri ve son açıklamaları gündeme bomba gibi düştü. Sadettin Saran’ın başkanlık yolundaki en büyük destekçilerinden biri olan ve Saran’ı "başkan seçtiren isim" olarak anılan Kutlualp, strateji değişikliğine gitti.
MESAFE KOYDU
Mayıs seçimleri öncesinde aktif bir rol üstlenen Kutlualp’in, şu anki tabloda Saran ile arasına mesafe koyduğu ve desteğini çektiği iddia ediliyor.
Kendisinin adaylığı şu anki şartlarda mümkün görünmeyen Kutlualp’in, farklı bir plan üzerinde çalıştığı konuşuluyor. Kutlualp’in, efsane başkan Aziz Yıldırım ile bir araya gelerek bazı aday adaylarını Yıldırım’a takdim ettiği ve seçim öncesi dengeleri değiştirecek bir köprü görevi gördüğü belirtiliyor.
''SANA SALLAYACAĞIM''
Hakan Bilal Kutlualp, mevcut seçim atmosferinin kulübe zarar verdiğini belirterek çarpıcı ifadeler kullandı. Kutlualp, Sadettin Saran ile arasında geçen diyaloğu şu sözlerle aktardı:
- Bu seçim gündeminin ortadan kalkması Fenerbahçe için çok hayırlı olur, çünkü bu durum kulübe zarar veriyor. Sadettin Başkan’a da bizzat söyledim, kendisini eleştirdim. Hatta kendisine, 'Bak kusura bakma, sana sallayacağım' dedim. O da bana 'Canın sağ olsun, peki' diye yanıt verdi.
Kutlualp’in bu çıkışı, Fenerbahçe muhalefetinde yeni bir bloklaşmanın sinyali olarak yorumlanıyor. "Sallayacağım" diyerek açıkça eleştireceğini belirttiği Saran’dan uzaklaşan Kutlualp’in, Mayıs ayındaki genel kurulda hangi ismi işaret edeceği şimdiden büyük merak konusu.
Sarı-lacivertli formayla kısa sürede devleşen ve Türkiye'ye duyduğu sevgiyle taraftarın gönlüne taht kuran Marco Asensio, sakatlık engeline takıldı.
Antrenmanda ağrı hisseden 29 yaşındaki yıldızın belirsizliği, kritik Samsunspor deplasmanı öncesi Tedesco'nun tüm planlarını altüst edebilir.
Fenerbahçe’de bu sezonun en parlak ismi olarak öne çıkan Marco Asensio, Samsunspor mücadelesi öncesi sakatlık korkusu yaşatıyor. Sarı-lacivertli taraftarların sevgilisi haline gelen İspanyol yıldızın bu akşamki maçta sahada olup olmayacağı belirsizliğini koruyor.
ÇALIŞMAYI YARIDA BIRAKTI
Hafta içinde takımla çalışmalara başlayan ancak son antrenmanın ilk bölümünde şiddetli ağrı hissederek çalışmayı yarıda bırakan Asensio, bugün tedbir amaçlı MR kontrolünden geçti. Teknik heyet ve sağlık ekibi, oyuncunun durumunu yakından takip ediyor.
Asensio’nun Samsunspor maçında riske edilip edilmeyeceğine dair nihai karar, maç saatine kısa bir süre kala yapılacak son kontrollerin ardından verilecek.
Sakatlık haberiyle sarsılan camiaya, Asensio'nun ülke ve kültüre dair yaptığı samimi açıklamalar moral oldu.
PLANLARI DEĞİŞTİREBİLİR
İspanyol yıldız, Türkiye'ye olan adaptasyon sürecini şu sözlerle özetledi:
- Türkiye'de kendimi yabancı gibi hissetmiyorum. Kültürümüz, insanlarımız ve enerjimiz birbirine çok benzer. Burayı gerçekten çok seviyorum.
Fenerbahçe formasıyla sergilediği performansın yanı sıra aidiyet duygusuyla da takdir toplayan 29 yaşındaki matadorun eksikliği, Samsunspor maçı öncesi Tedesco'nun planlarını değiştirebilir.
Konuk ekip Samsunspor, İstanbul deplasmanına oldukça kritik eksiklerle geliyor. Takımın as isimlerinden Zeki Yavru, Emre Kılınç, Afonso Souza ve Assouomou, Fenerbahçe maçının kadrosunda yer almadı. Bu eksikliklerin, özellikle Samsunspor'un maç başına 3.9 olan isabetli orta ve oyun kurma organizasyonlarını nasıl etkileyeceği maçın kilit noktası olacak.
Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran, yarın akşam oynanacak kritik Samsunspor mücadelesi öncesinde camiaya ve takıma güven aşıladı. Son dönemdeki form grafiğine yönelik eleştirilere "Birlik ve beraberlik" vurgusuyla yanıt veren Saran, galibiyetten şüphe duymadığını belirtti.
Başkan Saran, takımın psikolojik direncine dikkat çekerek şu ifadeleri kullandı:
- Alacağız, şüpheniz olmasın. En ufacık sallantıda biraz fazla dağılıyoruz. Birlik ve beraberliği boşuna söylemiyoruz. Kaybedilen bir şey yok. Ben takıma sonuna kadar güveniyorum. Samsun'u da rahatlıkla yeneceğimize inanıyorum.
Kağıt üzerindeki veriler, Fenerbahçe’nin baskın bir oyun karakterine sahip olduğunu gösterirken, Samsunspor'un eksik kadrosuyla nasıl bir direnç göstereceği merak konusu.
Fenerbahçe/Samsunspor
Maç Başına Gol 2.3 1.0
Toplam Şut (Maç Başı) 17.5 12.7
İsabetli Şut (Maç Başı) 6.3 3.4
Topla Oynama %59.2 %53.0
Büyük Şans (Maç Başı) 3.2 2.1
Yenilen Gol (Maç Başı) 1.0 1.1
İSTATİSTİKLER DİKKAT ÇEKİYOR
Fenerbahçe maç başına 2.3 gol ortalamasıyla oynarken, Samsunspor 1 gol ortalamasında kalmış durumda. Fenerbahçe'nin özellikle 32 sol ayak golü ile ligin en varyasyonlu hücum hattına sahip olması dikkat çekiyor.
Konuk ekip Samsunspor, İstanbul deplasmanına oldukça kritik eksiklerle geliyor. Takımın as isimlerinden Zeki Yavru, Emre Kılınç, Afonso Souza ve Assouomou, Fenerbahçe maçının kadrosunda yer almadı. Bu eksikliklerin, özellikle Samsunspor’un maç başına 3.9 olan isabetli orta ve oyun kurma organizasyonlarını nasıl etkileyeceği maçın kilit noktası olacak.
OpenAI on Friday began rolling out Codex Security, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered security agent that's designed to find, validate, and propose fixes for vulnerabilities.
The feature is available in a research preview to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, Business, and Edu customers via the Codex web with free usage for the next month.
"It builds deep context about your project to identify
Qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan millisinin baş məşqçisi Siyasət Əsgərov Macarıstana qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandalar bu gün dünya çempionatının (DÇ-2027) seçmə mərhələsi çərçivəsində Macarıstanda üz-üzə gəliblər.
Millimiz bu görüşdən 0:1 hesablı məğlubiyyətlə ayrılıb. Siyasət Əsgərov matçdan sonra AFFA-nın mətbuat xidmətinə açıqlamasında bunları söyləyib:
“Təəssüf ki, minimal hesabla məğlub olduq. İlk oyundan sonra istəyirdik ki, bu qarşılaşmada ən azı 1 xal qazanaq. Rəqibi yaxşı təhlil etmişdik, komandanın gücünü, futbolçularının səviyyəsini bilirdik. Birinci hissədə bizi səhv etməyə məcbur etdilər və qapımıza yol tapdılar. Qarşıdakı oyunlarda yaxşı nəticə qazanmaq üçün tez bir zamanda səhvlərimizi analiz edib, onları aradan qaldırmağa çalışacağıq”.
Qeyd edək ki, millimiz növbəti oyununu aprelin 14-də səfərdə Andorra seçməsinə qarşı keçirəcək.
Gianluca Scamacca scored two headers in five minutes for Atalanta to claw back a point against Udinese, after Thomas Kristensen and Keinan Davis efforts.
La Dea were stretched thin by being the only team still in three tournaments, as they held Lazio 2-2 in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, and were preparing for the Champions League Round of 16 with Bayern Munich. Their Serie A form suffered with a 2-1 loss at Sassuolo, but they remained in the race for the top four. Ederson and Giorgio Scalvini were struggling, with Charles De Ketelaere still out, but Giacomo Raspadori returned to the bench. Udinese ended their run of three straight defeats by crushing Fiorentina 3-0, but missed Oumar Solet, Nicolò Bertola and Alessandro Zanoli, so Branimir Mlacic got his first Serie A start just days before his 18th birthday.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Udinese Calcio head coach Kosta Runjaic and Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino look on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kingsley Ehizibue’s strike flashed just wide, as did the Gianluca Scamacca strike, while Marco Carnesecchi was alert on the looping Nicolò Zaniolo cross-shot that was going into the far top corner.
There were appeals for a potential Mlacic handling offence, but the Kamaldeen Sulemana cross hit his elbow, with the arm behind his back.
Lorenzo Bernasconi gave away an avoidable corner and it proved costly, because Thomas Kristensen shrugged off Odilon Kossounou for a glancing header from six yards on Zaniolo’s set play, giving Udinese the lead against the run of play.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Thomas Kristensen of Udinese Calcio celebrates after scoring their team’s first goalduring the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Scamacca was unlucky not to equalise at the dawn of the second half, his low drive from the edge of the box thumping the base of the upright.
Instead, Udinese doubled their lead in chaotic fashion. Sead Kolasinac acrobatically intercepted a Zaniolo low cross from the left inside the six-yard box, and charged down the Oier Zarraga effort, but could do nothing as Davis bent the finish around him and Carnesecchi into the far bottom corner.
Atalanta switched to 4-4-2 and Sulemana’s diving header was off target from a Bernasconi cross, while Nikola Krstovic drilled wide on a Davide Zappacosta assist.
The siege eventually paid off when Nicola Zalewski swung a cross from the left for a Scamacca free header from six yards.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 07: Keinan Davis of Udinese Calcio competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Udinese Calcio at New Balance Arena on March 07, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Udinese crumbled, as Maduka Okoye’s poor pass out from the back under pressure was intercepted, he made the save on Lazar Samardzic, but could do nothing when Scamacca nodded in the rebound to complete the comeback in just five minutes.
La Dea wanted all three points, Okoye getting down to fingertip a Krstovic daisy-cutter round the post for a corner.
Udinese also threatened, as Arthur Atta’s long-range thunderbolt grazed the crossbar, and Carnesecchi rushed out to smother at the feet of Adam Buksa.
Deep into stoppages, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp wasted a golden opportunity with a finish charged down from 13 yards.
There was controversy, as Atalanta had a corner with the last kick of the game, but the referee blew for full time before they could take it. Raffaele Palladino was furious and went over to check the timer held by the fourth official.
Atalanta 2-2 Udinese
Kristensen 39 (U), Davis 55 (U), Scamacca 75, 79 (A)
The Bianconeri performances have impressed the fans, above all the refusal to give in when fighting back from disastrous situations, but the results are starting to worry them too.
Out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia, they came back from 3-1 down to grab a last-gasp 3-3 draw against Roma last week.
It means in Serie A they managed only two points in the last four rounds, and with Como winning earlier today, they risk falling well behind in the fight for Champions League qualification.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Federico Gatti of Juventus celebrates scoring their third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Today is Luciano Spalletti’s 67th birthday, so he is hoping for a win as a gift.
Dusan Vlahovic returned to training over the last few days after three months out, but is not available today, along with Emil Holm and Arek Milik.
Manuel Locatelli returns from suspension to bolster the midfield, while Federico Gatti starts after his last-gasp equaliser with Roma.
David leads the attack with support from Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao and unexpected goal hero McKennie, the USMNT star fresh from signing a new contract.
It was reported Michele Di Gregorio would return in goal after he was dropped for a couple of matches due to some remarkable howlers, but instead Mattia Perin keeps the gloves.
Pisa are rock bottom of the Serie A table and seemingly doomed to relegation along with Hellas Verona.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: Gabriele Piccinini of Pisa Sporting Club in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
New coach Oscar Hiljemark has done little to turn the tide, as after his debut draw with Verona, there were three consecutive defeats to Milan, Fiorentina and Bologna.
The visitors are still without Simone Scuffet, Daniel Denoon, Isak Vural and Lorran, with Arturo Calabresi returning to the starting XI.
Former Juve players Juan Cuadrado and Samuel Iling-Junior are in the squad.
Stefano Moreo and January signing Rafiu Durosinmi lead the attack.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 06: Oscar Hiljemark, Head Coach of Pisa Sporting Club looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Pisa SC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 06, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Lazio have confirmed that goalkeeper Ivan Provedel will undergo surgery on his shoulder in the coming days, with Sky Sport Italia reporting the injury is likely to bring his season to a premature end, a significant blow for a club already navigating a turbulent campaign.
The club’s official statement revealed that persistent shoulder pain, linked to a previous match injury, prompted further investigation.
An MRI scan carried out at the Villa Mafalda clinic identified a lesion of the glenohumeral ligament alongside involvement of the glenoid labrum. Provedel will undergo arthroscopic stabilisation surgery in the coming days.
Ivan Provedel Lazio do not worry
Provedel surgery a major blow for Lazio in end-of-season run-in
The timing could hardly be worse for Maurizio Sarri, whose side still have a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Atalanta to navigate, as well as a demanding run of Serie A fixtures in the closing weeks of the season.
What makes the situation particularly concerning is the state of Lazio’s goalkeeping options.
The club sold Christos Mandas to Bournemouth on loan with an obligation to buy in January, leaving them with limited cover behind Provedel.
His likely replacement is 21-year-old Edoardo Motta, signed from Reggiana for €1.2 million earlier this year, a promising youngster, but one who arrives with considerably more development ahead of him than behind him.
The only other option available is 24-year-old Alessio Furlanetto, who has come through Lazio’s own academy but is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the club.
It is a precarious situation, and one that Lazio’s hierarchy will be acutely aware of as they attempt to salvage something meaningful from what has already been a deeply frustrating season.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Ivan Provedel of Lazio looks on as Jens Odgaard of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on December 07, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Ryan Gravenberch has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with Liverpool. While the Reds did not confirm the length of Gravenberch’s new deal, reports suggest he has signed a new six-year deal through to the end of the 2031-32 season. The Dutchman joined from Bayern Munich in September 2023 and has since […]
Eberechi Eze insisted that Arsenal are “doing everything we can to win all the silverware on offer” after they progressed into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The Gunners defeated Mansfield Town 2-1, with Eze bagging the winner after Noni Madueke opened the scoring in the first half. Since January 2025, no player has scored […]
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If Sony's allegedly going to take away the ability to play its PlayStation exclusives on PC, you can rebel by converting the PS5 into a straight-up PC. That's what Andy Nguyen, a security engineer, did by porting Linux over to the console and running GTA V on it via Steam. The best part? It actually plays really well, without any issues.
Valve's latest announcement puts the Steam Machine release for "this year," after changing the console's expected arrival date from the first quarter to the first half of 2026.
Galatasaray, Beşiktaş derbisinin 20. dakikasında penaltı bekledi. Beşiktaş'n Sane pozzisyonu için 'Daha ne olması gerekiyor?' paylaşımına "Penaltı için daha ne olması gerekiyor" sözleriyle cevap verdi.
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Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Jermaine Pennant thinks Liverpool should cash in on Mohamed Salah this summer and use the funds to go after Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise.
The Egyptian forward has just over a year left on his contract at Anfield, but there’s still regular talk about a possible move to the Saudi Pro League as we head towards the 2026 summer transfer window.
Despite picking up his form recently, with two goals against Wolves in back-to-back games, Pennant says he’d still be willing to let Salah leave if the club can get £100 million for him.
Barcola and Olise mentioned as possible Salah replacements
Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images
During a recent episode of his Wildcards podcast with Jermaine Jenas, Pennant explained why he thinks it’s time for Liverpool to sell Salah, even suggesting that the club should look to sign PSG’s Bradley Barcola or Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise as replacements.
Pennant said: “Who would I be getting rid of? If Saudi came in say there’s 75 million, 100 million, we want Salah. You know I would accept that fee and then with that money and I would probably maybe look to bring in Olise or Barcola.”
The former Liverpool man was then asked whether he thought his decision may be harsh on the Egyptian king given his recent displays but stood firm.
Pennant replied: “He scored two in two against Wolves…[but] yes. Still at 33 years old, yes.”
Salah could also leave for the MLS, though it’s hard to imagine any club in that division can afford such a high transfer fee, given that Heung-min Son’s move to LAFC for $26.5m is the record deal in North America at present.
The only caveat to Pennant’s point about selling Salah is whether or not Arne Slot needs him in 2026-27. We cannot forget he has a contract with Liverpool until the summer of 2027.
The Buffalo Bills and Ed Oliver had worked together to create some needed salary cap space ahead of the 2026 league year.
With the Bills needed to cut down another $22 million in salary cap space before the NFL's 2026 free agency period begins on March 11, the defensive tackle agreed to restructure his contract with the team. According to reports including KPRC-TV's Aaron Wilson:
#Bills Ed Oliver restructure: Converted $12.825M of 2026 salary to signing bonus, new salary $1.3M, salary cap figure $13.66M, added 2029, 2030 voidable years for salary cap purposes. Deal has $45.278M gtd. 2027: $14.4M base salary, $28.36M salary cap figure, option year 2028,…
In restructuring his deal, Oliver worked with team to complete a typical move completed by general manager in recent years.
Oliver, 28, covered $12.8 million of his 2026 base salary into a signing bonus, lowering his new base salary to $1.3M for the next year. Doing so cleared $10.26M in cap space.
While coming off an injury-filled season in 2025, Oliver is still expected to star on Buffalo's defensive front even with the switch to Jim Leonhard's new scheme the defensive coordinator will unveil next year.
Overall was Buffalo's first-round selection in 2019 at No. 5 overall. In 95 career games, Oliver has 30 sacks and 56 tackles for loss.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
Mikel Arteta handed both youngsters starting opportunities as part of his effort to introduce more emerging talents into the senior team. The decision reflected the club’s continued commitment to developing promising players from within its youth ranks.
The attacker has impressed both at the youth level and when given opportunities with the senior squad. His ability and performances have reinforced the belief within Arsenal that he can continue progressing and become an important player for the team.
Young talents given their opportunity
Arteta’s decision to start Dowman and Salmon underlined the trust placed in young players at the club. Arsenal has long emphasised the importance of developing talent through its academy, and both players are considered among the most promising prospects currently emerging from the youth system.
Salmon, who is also regarded as one of the standout performers in the youth team, was promoted to feature in the senior setup. Both players are under 18 and already gaining experience at the highest level of the game.
Opportunities such as this allow young players to adapt to the pace and demands of senior football while continuing their development under the guidance of experienced teammates and coaching staff.
Kepa praises rising prospects
Following the match, Kepa spoke positively about the impact and maturity shown by the two young players. He highlighted not only their performances during the match but also their familiarity with the senior environment through regular training sessions.
According to Arsenal Media, Kepa praised their composure and development:
“Wow , at 16, they play at the highest level. And how they play , they play so well.
“They’re special kids who are used to training with us, they’re used to being around us.
“They had the opportunity, I think they took it, and I’m so happy for them.”
His comments reflect the confidence within the squad that both Dowman and Salmon can continue progressing and potentially become key players for Arsenal in the future.
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The spotlight shifts to Ahmedabad as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team is set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. With anticipation building for the title clash, the Indian Railways has stepped in to help fans reach the venue by introducing a special train service from New Delhi to Ahmedabad.
On Saturday, the official handle of Northern Railway announced that the train had been arranged to assist supporters eager to witness the final in person. The move comes amid soaring flight fares and limited ticket availability for travel to Ahmedabad.
The special train is scheduled to depart from New Delhi at 11:45 PM on Saturday. Fans have been encouraged to secure their seats quickly to avoid missing the opportunity to travel.
“A Special Gift from Indian Railways for Cricket Lovers! Considering the increased flight ticket prices and unavailability of tickets, Indian Railways has announced a special train from New Delhi to Sabarmati for passengers' convenience, departing today, March 7, 2026, at 11:45 PM. Book your seat in this 19-coach train featuring 3rd AC and 2nd AC coaches.”
— RailwayNorthern (@RailwayNorthern)
Earlier, Western Railway had also revealed plans to run another special train for the final. This service will operate between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, offering fans an affordable and convenient way to travel for the highly anticipated contest.
The Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to witness a packed house for the tournament decider. India sealed their place in the final after edging past the England cricket team by seven runs in the semi-final, while New Zealand secured their berth by comfortably defeating the South Africa national cricket team.
Before the first ball of the final is bowled, spectators will also be treated to a vibrant closing ceremony. Puerto Rican Grammy-winning star Ricky Martin will headline the event alongside renowned Gujarati folk singer Falguni Pathak and Bollywood playback singer Sukhwinder Singh.
The International Cricket Council has also planned a musical entertainment segment before the toss, where the crowd of nearly 1,32,000 spectators is expected to dance to Martin’s iconic hit Un Dos Tres (Maria).
This will mark the second time that Ahmedabad hosts India in a World Cup final. The previous instance came during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, when Australia national cricket team stunned the hosts to lift the 50-over title.
Liverpool told to make move for 'wonderful' star who is a carbon copy of Steven Gerrard
Liverpool's first-team squad is set to change in the summer.
The Reds already welcomed several new faces to their ranks during the last summer transfer window but, once again, it feels like the Anfield outfit have fallen behind their rivals.
They're currently sitting outside of the Champions League spots and, unless they win the tournament, it feels unlikely that the club will qualify for it next term.
This is a clear sign of how unprepared Liverpool were to try and retain their Premier League title in the 2025-26 season and why some new players need to be brought in during the 2026-27 summer transfer window.
Without reinforcement across the pitch, it's hard to see how the Anfield outfit wouldn't do even worse than they did this term, which, for a team of their quality, would be a travesty.
Several players have already been linked with a Liverpool move but now, the club are being urged by one of their former players to go all in for a "wonderful" ace.
Danny Murphy urges Liverpool to make a move for Federico Valverde
On paper, Liverpool's midfield is the most stacked area among their ranks.
Players such as Curtis Jones and Trey Nyoni are hardly getting a look in due to the sheer quality of their teammates.
However, this amount of depth hasn't stopped midfielders from being linked with an Anfield switch and now, former Liverpool ace Danny Murphy is urging Arne Slot and Richard Hughes to make a move for Real Madrid's Federico Valverde.
In an interview with TEAMtalk, the former Liverpool star shared why he thinks Valverde would be a perfect fit for Liverpool.
"Call me old fashioned, but I’d be going for someone in the middle of the pitch who is a leader," he said.
"Someone everyone can look up to. A bit like Szoboszlai has done this season.
"I always look at Federico Valverde at Madrid. If they could get him, he’s everything. He’s as near to Gerrard as I’ve seen – he’s got wonderful athleticism and he can do everything.
"He’s not as good as Gerrard, but he’s a phenomenal player.
"They might not be able to get him out, but someone like that who can walk through the door and grasp it. There’s no risk with a signing like that, even if it costs £100 million."
Liverpool must make sure their next few signings improve their starting XI
Liverpool have a lot of work to do this summer.
Whether that be looking for a new manager or signing players who actually improve their ranks, after the disappointment of this season, changes need to be made.
And, while all of the players are extremely talented, Hughes and Slot must weigh up whether they actually improve the standard of their team.
Because, if the Reds want to try and win the Premier League and the Champions League next season, the players that get signed need to be better than those among their ranks at the moment.
Otherwise, they'll just be chucking money at their squad for no reason.
but, with how important he is to Real Madrid, his transfer feels more like a fantasy than anything else.
Here's hoping that the club have a clear plan in place ahead of the summer transfer window, otherwise, it could be curtains for Slot.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Nick Lodolo #40 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on September 28, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds will venture over to Surprise, Arizona for Saturday’s Cactus League action, the Kansas City Royals playing host for the day. The Royals will be starting veteran left-hander Kris Bubic, and perhaps with that in mind manager Terry Francona has rolled out a starting lineup featuring a lone left-handed hitter (TJ Friedl) to start the day.
Hat-tip to Redleg Nation’s Doug Gray for relaying the travel roster for the day, one that features red-hot regulars Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Sal Stewart in the heart of the lineup.
Fellow lefty Nick Lodolo will start for Cincinnati on the day, doing so now with a potential Opening Day start in his crosshairs with fellow starter Hunter Greene sidelined indefinitely with elbow stiffness. As things look at the moment, Greene will almost certainly not be ready to go on Day One, leaving the likes of Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer the most obvious candidates to get the honor.
In Lodolo’s first (and only, so far) start of Cactus League play, he fired a pair of scoreless IP with 4 K, nary a walk, and a pair of scattered hits, though that did come against the lowly Chicago White Sox. On Saturday, he’ll get the chance to show even more against a more potent Royals club even though their star, Bobby Witt, Jr., is away with Team USA playing in the World Baseball Classic.
Old friends Jonathan India, Brandon Drury, and Kevin Newman are in the starting lineup today for the Royals.
First pitch is set for the usual 3:05 PM ET, though there is once again no televised feed. Reds radio will be there for your ears, however, on 1360 WSAI.
Draymond Green: ‘I would get rid of the 65-game rule for awards. I understand why the 65-game rule was in play. And I can promise you guys love playing basketball and want to play. Sitting out with the Golden State Warriors sucks, man. They put you through these crazy workouts in the weight room. It's not a day off. Sucks. I promise you guys want to play. If guys have a freak injury like Joker, an injury like Shai, if they've been good enough in a voter's mind to get an award, let them get the award because again, it's also cost guys before. You can't change it now, right? Let them get the award. Talk to your voters. Hey man, I think y'all should take in account how many guys a game played, how many games a guy played. But people miss games for different reasons. If it's legit, it's legit. Injuries do happen to punish someone because they get injured. This is the consequence of this rule and it's to protect against something else, but it doesn't quite solve the issue. So, I would get rid of this rule as a whole, the 65-game rule.’
Iman Shumpert: I think people forget JJ Redick is a coach, but he's a player. So sometimes JJ Reick's line is different than how it would look for if you did that to a Phil Jackson. Like JJ is like a shooter, plays within a system, understands the game from his point of view. You know what I'm saying? He's going to give you guys a little more leeway to say f*ck you to him just cuz he's so fresh from playing. I don't think he's so far removed like like a George Karl get into it with you. You worry about that. A JJ Redick, it's like JJ Redick is such a basketball player, bro. It's like f*ck you JJ. JJ probably be like f*ck you and walk off like but JJ's not going to remember that sh*t. He's still going to drop the play and be a professional. So I don't read too much into that. (…) I don't think it's trouble in paradise.
Theo Pinson: My second year. Kenny Atinson is my coach. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan, all these guys just get there. We on a the path has changed. We in championship or bus mode at this point because you got bonafide guys. And it shifted so quickly. It took everybody a minute to get themselves together because like at first we had D'Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen. We were just in figuring it out. We just made the playoffs. We played Philly, blah blah blah. Everybody was like, "Yo, Brooklyn's on the way." Blah, blah, blah. And then these guys come. I'll never forget, bro. We played in Miami. I think we played the game and we had practice in Miami before we got on the plane. I don't know what the f*ck happened. I don't know. And I f*ck with Kenny Atkinson. That is my guy. He gave me opportunity. I f*ck with him. But I don't know what the f*ck happened, but Kenny was on one that day. This motherf*cker was going off. We were trying to run all types of sh*t like y'all know what Pistol is. Pistol is a like when you come down the court, guy sets like a flat screen on the sideline just to get the switch or whatever. People do it all the time in the playoffs just to get the matchups. And pretty much KD and them, they weren't really rocking all that like, ‘Hey, look, just give me the f*cking ball and all this shit.’ And we weren't, they weren't really running it, bro. Next thing you know, he flips the f*ck out. He's like, ‘Run the sh*t! I'm the f*cking coach! Run the sh*t.’ And everybody's like, “Oh sh*t.’ And I ain't he never seen it before. And he's yelling at superstars now? One game, he got an altercation in the huddle, the next morning he was gone. He got fired. That's when I was like, ‘Oh sh*t.’ The NBA is 1,000 percent a players’ league. (…) You don't talk to your star the same way you talk to everybody else.
Charles Barkley: All these guys who run these organization who talk about analytics, they have one thing in common. They a bunch of guys who ain't never played the game and they never got the girls in high school and they just want to get the game. I'm not worried about Daryl Morey. He's one of those idiots who believe in analytics. And listen, I wouldn't know Daryl Morey if he walked in this room right now. Daryl Morey: Yeah. Probably the most known clip about me out there. So, I would say mostly when I heard it, I felt like Charles was right cuz I didn't get the girls in high school. And yeah, it hurt a little bit. I got to be frank. I was like, man, Charles is good at what he does. So, it's true. We all love sports. And yeah, Charles's way in was getting a lot of rebounds and my way in was data. Daryl's reacting to an infamous Charles Barkley rampant from inside the NBA. The Hall of Famer was echoing what a lot of people felt at the time. Barkley: It's just a crap of some people who were really smart made up to try to get in the game cuz they had no talent, because they had no talent to be able to play. Shaquille O’Neal: I agree with you on that. Barkley: So smart guys wanted to fit in. So they made up a term called analytics.
Draymond Green: ‘Leandro Barbosa is a teammate that I still keep in contact with and was one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, one of the best guys you can be around. Having a veteran like that, the impact he had was his experience in the league and sharing those experiences with me as a young guy when things weren’t going right. He was one of the guys who would talk to you, pull you to the side, and say, ‘Hey man, work on this, try to do this, try to do that.’ He was just a great veteran leader and a great presence in our locker room, which was ultimately why he was brought back as a coach. He was an incredible guy to be around. Obviously, coming from Brazil, his outlook on travel and how much one should travel to gain different experiences in this world was big for me. When I first played with Leandro Barbosa, the only place I had ever been out of the country to was Canada, and I was just driving up to this camp I used to work at, Olympia Sports Camp, north of Toronto, way out in the boonies. Outside of that, I had never traveled outside of the United States. His thoughts on that and different things really stayed with me. Most importantly, his impact on us winning was huge. We all won our first championship together.
The Cowboys and kicker Brandon Aubrey have not been able to come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension, so the team has moved to a restricted free agent tender ahead of the 2026 league year.
According to multiple reports, the Cowboys have used the second-round tender on Aubrey. It carries a $5.81 million salary for the coming year and Aubrey will be free to talk to other clubs once free agency is underway. If he signs an offer sheet, the Cowboys will have a chance to match it or they will receive a second-round pick as compensation.
Aubrey said this week that "you’re not doing what’s right for you" if you don't test the market under those conditions.
The Cowboys signed the former Notre Dame soccer player in 2023 after he played in the USFL and he has gone 112-of-127 on field goals over three seasons. That includes a 35-of-44 mark from 50-plus yards and six field goals from 60 or more yards.
The Cowboys have also used a second-round tender on offensive lineman T.J. Bass. It carries a salary of $5.8 million.
Richard Jefferson: So 6 a.m. there's 40 federal agents at your house. Was there a helicopter, a batter ram? Gilbert Arenas: No the batter ram. It took them too long to get up the stairs, so I figured they set it… Jefferson: Over a speaker, like ‘we have you surrounded’. Arenas: Surrounded. Come outside with your hands up. Jefferson: I'm fascinated by this. Arenas: I just thought they came and got me. Jefferson: 6:00 AM they say, "We have you surrounded. Come outside." Gilbert Arenas: I knew they didn't have me surrounded though cuz the house is kind of big. So, you know what I mean? Like, I know they didn't get in the backyard, but I understood what they were saying. Jefferson: So, after that, they said, "You have you surrounded." They told you to come outside. Did you know why you were getting arrested? Arenas: No. This wasn't like we're telling people that we brought guns to an arena. This was completely different. Like even when I'm running down the stairs after you guys seen me like I'm running. Hey, I still didn't know why I was arrested. I just be honest. I wasn't shocked. (Laughs) When I got out and I was looking online, I was like, "Oh my god, I thought it was the…’.
Gilbert Arenas: Manu Ginobili, did he actually fit the Spurs program right or was Pop that brilliant to understand what he had and just let him play? And these guys are fit around your style because, you know, we're all smart enough to do it because Ginobili from Argentina, he is like the number one option. So, his style fits how he played: ISO player, let's get it, pick and roll, I'm going downhill. There was no Tim Duncan he passed the ball to. There was none of that. Think about his style of play. Flashy, up and down, speed, energetic, electric. That was his style of basketball. That wasn't the Spurs style of basketball. Those shooting guards and three men, you sit your ass in the corner, you pump, fake, one, dribble shot, right? Pass and swing shot. Ginobili was a wild card, but they recognized it. Let him do him. And you have to be a smart coach to understand when you have a guy like that on your team to utilize him. And then you get your Kawhi Leonard. I mean Kawhi was the Spurs player, right? That's your typical Spurs player. Derrick White, that's the Spurs motto, right? But sometimes, hey, we need a little bit of different here.
Malukas' 1st Pole Marks Beginning of Penske JourneyMeg Oliphant - Getty Images
Ahead of his second race in the iconic No. 12 Verizon Penske IndyCar, David Malukas finally captured his first pole position in IndyCar. Malukas will start next to his new teammate, two-time IndyCar champion and Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden, in the Good Racher 250 at Phoenix Raceway Saturday afternoon.
The Penske rookie is ready for the challenge and for the unique pressure that comes with racing for Roger Penske.
At 24 years old, the son of Lithuanian immigrants has found himself looking to settle after an early career stint as a journeyman, where he proved enough to be given one of the most sought-after seats in racing, and he’s ready for it. In a conversation with Road & Track, Malukas shared that his time moving from team to team has shaped the driver he is today. Each of these experiences added to the driver who ultimately put Penske on pole for the first oval race of the season.
Malukas path to Team Penske took him all over the IndyCar paddock, racing for Dale Coyne, being signed by Arrow McLaren but not completing a single race before being fired, then racing for Meyer Shank, and most recently for AJ Foyt Racing before being announced as Will Power’s replacement for the No. 12 Verizon Dallara/ Chevrolet.
"From all these different teams that I've had and different experiences from IndyCar, if it's from Honda, if that be from Andretti, and all these things, I think I can bring a perspective of how is Team Penske compared to to all these other cars," Malukas told R&T, "I feel like it's a lot of information and data that I have stored in there."
Malukas joins a Team Penske IndyCar team that has been running as a well-oiled team, with a driver lineup unchanged since Scott McLaughlin’s rookie season in 2021. This year, McLaughlin hits five seasons with Penske as Josef Newgarden hits a decade, driving for the Captain since Penske celebrated its 50th anniversary.
"From my side, it's trying to control the youth in me, right? Not getting too anxious or making these aggressive, exciting moves, keeping things under control so we can have that consistency. I feel like having that balance in the team between me, Josef, and Scott, I think it's going to be working really well. And I think so far after St. Pete, the way things are meshing and connecting, I think it's strong, and I think we're going to carry that on for the rest of 2026."
The driver he’s replacing, Will Power, had been with the team since 2009, when Malukas was eight years old. Malukas remembers spending his formative years being yelled at for riding his scooter inside while watching a brazen and bold Australian driver race to two championships and an Indy 500 win in the car he now gets the chance to pilot.
"This is who I grew up watching on TV," Malukas said of Power. "This is the person who got me IndyCar. I mean, the name itself, Will Power, right? I mean, it's incredible. I can't believe it."
For Malukas, racing against Power in his first IndyCar weekend was one of his first 'I've made it moments', solidifying that his career was real.
"For me, I remember actually doing an interview way back when I first did my first IndyCar race, saying 'I did my first practice session at St. Pete, and Will Power was passing on the outside', and I just couldn't believe it, I'm actually racing side by side with Will Power.
In that race, Power finished on the podium in third while the rookie's debut ended prematurely following a crash in turn four on lap 23.
"Fast forward a few more years, and dreams are still coming true. I get to say that now I can create my own legacy in the historic Verizon Chevrolet No. 12. I mean, so many dreams are coming true, but for me, with everything coming together, it's a lot of that hard work starts now. I've never tried so hard in my life to become the best driver I can because I want my name to be written across this team.
"I've worked hard to get here, and now it's really hard work to make sure that we can stay here and not just stay here, but to be remembered."
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 29, 2025: Rueben Bain Jr. #4 of the Miami Hurricanes rushes the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Getting Fernando Mendoza is call and all, but, now the first round of the 2026 NFL draft will not just be about the No. 1 pick for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders, of course, has several options and can trade up and down in the first round of the draft and through the seven rounds as they have the most draft capital in the league. We will be discussing that in earnest in the next several weeks.
For now, let’s look at the No. 14 pick.
The Raiders should have several options. They, of course, have many needs, which will change depending on what happens in free agency. But here are some names to keep an eye on at No. 14 for right now:
Miami pass-rusher Rueben Bain.
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.
Utah guard Spencer Fano
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman
Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper.
How do you like for the Raiders at No. 14 right now?
Just one day before his 20th birthday, Kyoma
Akimoto earned the biggest victory of his burgeoning MMA career
in Friday’s Rizin
Fighting Federation 52 main event in Tokyo. Akimoto clobbered
-450 betting favorite Mix early in the second round of their
featured featherweight clash.
In the opening seconds of the fight, Akimoto (12-1, 7-1 Rizin)
stuffed a takedown attempt from Mix (20-4, 1-1 Rizin), and the
fighters traded jabs until Akimoto stunned Mix for the first time
with a crisp combination that backed him to the corner. Mix
recovered, but Akimoto attacked his body with more punches and then
dropped him with a salvo to the face.
During the final 30 seconds of the round, Akimoto notched two more
knockdowns and punished Mix with knees and soccer kicks on the
ground. Mix narrowly made it to the bell, but his cornermen delayed
the start of the second round by not leaving the ring in a timely
manner following the one-minute break. Mix was given a yellow card
for stalling.
KYOMA AKIMOTO NEARLY STOPS PATCHY
MIX AT THE END OF ROUND 1!!!
Seconds into the second stanza, Akimoto dropped Mix with two left
hooks flush on the temple. Mix scrambled to his knees, only for
Akimoto to punt his heavily favored foe with a pair of brutal
soccer kicks to the face. Referee Naoya Uematsu had no choice but
to wave things off at that point, rescuing a bloodied and battered
Mix from his own toughness at the 37-second mark of the second
round.
Since suffering a deflating decision loss at the end of 2024,
Akimoto has racked up five straight victories including four
consecutive stoppages. He became the first man to ever finish Mix
inside the distance, placing himself in prime position for a
potential featherweight title shot.
In the 155-pound co-main attraction, Luiz
Gustavo (15-4, 7-4 Rizin) followed in the footsteps of mentor
Wanderlei
Silva by knocking out Taisei
Sakuraba (2-2, 2-2 Rizin), the son of Pride Fighting Championships legend and former
Silva rival Kazushi
Sakuraba. Gustavo rebounded after a slow start in the opening
round and melted Sakuraba with a right hook in the second
stanza.
Sakuraba held the advantage early into the bout, landing a series
of kicks to Gustavo’s ribs and evading the majority of the
counters. As Gustavo began to load up, Sakuraba could not get out
of the way in time of a thudding body kick that took some of the
wind out of his sails. The 27-year-old recovered well enough to
fire back, even getting off some of his own offense, but the tide
began to turn.
Coming out of his corner in the second round red-hot, the
ultraviolent Gustavo shredded open a cut above Sakuraba’s right eye
with knees. Soon after, he finished a combination with a head kick
that put the Japanese athlete on high alert. Sakuraba blocked the
worst of what came at him, only for Gustavo to follow up with a
clubbing right hook that shut Sakuraba’s lights out and sent him
crashing to the mat. The impressive knockout for Gustavo officially
came at 2:32 of Round 2.
A striking battle between featherweights Ryo Takagi
(10-3, 4-2 Rizin) and Shuya
Kimura (5-3, 1-3 Rizin) came to an unfortunate end due to a
doctor stoppage after the first round, though it appeared that
Kimura had been poked in his right eye which may have caused some
of the fight-ending damage.
Takagi wobbled Kimura with a right cross during the opening 90
seconds, but Kimura recovered and grazed his foe with an overhand
right to back Takagi into a corner. Takagi kicked Kimura’s left leg
and landed two right hands late in the round, but he appeared to
poke Kimura in the eye in the process. Kimura indicated that he had
been poked in the eye, but referee Tatsuro Nagase told him to fight
on. At the conclusion of the round, the ringside doctor determined
that Kimura could not continue. The broadcast showed multiple
replays, but no video displayed the sequence when Kimura appeared
to suffer the eye poke. With Kimura unable to continue, Takagi was
awarded the doctor stoppage TKO victory.
Opening up the main card, Koji Takeda
(19-8, 8-8 Rizin) put forth a valiant effort on just two days’
notice to upset recent Rizin featherweight title challenger
Viktor
Kolesnik (27-6-1, 4-2 Rizin). The bout took place at
lightweight due to Takeda’s very late participation, with Takeda
stepping in for Kolesnik’s original opponent, Kazuki
Aimoto.
Kolesnik easily won the first round with relentless kicks to any
target he could find, which rarely slowed until Takeda countered a
flying switch kick attempt chained into an unorthodox standing
arm-triangle choke. From there, the fight changed drastically, as
Kolesnik slowed while Takeda rallied. The Japanese athlete pinned
Kolesnik in the corner for prolonged periods of time and hopped on
his back in search of a rear-naked choke. Takeda’s clinch control
continued in the final round, with the 30-year-old inflicting
enough damage to sway the judges in his favor. Three matching
scores of 29-28 came down in favor of Takeda, who took home the
unanimous decision win as a shocked Kolesnik looked on.
Earlier on the card, Deep and Deep Jewels microweight champion Saori
Oshima (16-7, 5-1 Rizin) picked up a much-needed victory by
outpointing Keito Oyama
(9-8, 2-2 Rizin) in a women’s super atomweight contest at 108
pounds. Oshima, who had dropped three of her past four fights
including an unsuccessful Rizin title bid in November, put the
popular “Kate Lotus” on the ground and kept her there for most of
the match. While active on top for the first 10 minutes, Oshima
took her foot off the gas the final five but maintained enough
control to pull through. Oyama struck back with a plethora of
elbows from the bottom and even tried a pair of gogoplatas, to no
avail. Oshima prevailed via unanimous decision with a trio of 29-28
scores, and the woman known as “Little Giant” has now gone the
distance in five consecutive bouts.
The judges were not needed for any of the other seven preliminary
tilts. At 130 pounds, Yuki Ito
(20-7, 10-3 Rizin) annihilated former Legacy Fighting Alliance champ Carlos Mota
(8-3, 0-1 Rizin) in the first round. Punches were traded during the
opening 90 seconds, and Mota was aggressive moving forward, but Ito
floored him with a head kick and finished him off with a barrage of
punches to secure the finish at the 2:27 mark.
Jinnosuke
Kashimura (11-5, 2-1 Rizin) spoiled the Rizin return of
legendary Japanese competitor Hideo Tokoro
(36-34-1, 4-6 Rizin) at bantamweight. Kashimura scored an early
takedown and passed Tokoro’s guard. He then rolled into an anaconda
choke that rendered Tokoro unconscious just 66 seconds into the
fight.
Kyung
Pyo Kim (15-5, 4-1 Rizin) beat down Rizin lightweight staple
Yusuke
Yachi (28-16, 12-9 Rizin) en route to a second-round doctor
stoppage. Kim cut Yachi with an elbow in the first round, then hurt
him with a knee and followed up with punches on the ground. A
bloodied Yachi made it to the bell, and Kim make sure when the next
round began to target those wounds to further paint the canvas red.
Time was eventually called, and the doctor could not stem the
bleeding, which resulted in the bout being waved off at 4:25 of
Round 2.
Shoko
Sato (38-17-2, 1 NC; 4-2 Rizin) bounced back from his narrow
decision loss to current Rizin champ Danny
Sabatello in September by demolishing LFA’s John
Sweeney (14-4, 0-1 Rizin) in an extremely lopsided bantamweight
bout. While the opening minutes proved uneventful, Sato took
Sweeney down midway through the round and immediately went on the
attack. He bloodied Sweeney with two knees, mounted his foe and
brutalized him with vicious punches and elbows that came close to
meriting referee intervention. When a stoppage did not materialize,
Sato transitioned to a mounted triangle choke, forcing Sweeney to
hastily tap out at 4:49.
In what was easily his most impressive Rizin performance to date,
Tony
Laramie (12-3, 3-1 Rizin) picked apart Takaki Soya
(13-8-1, 4-4 Rizin) with leg kicks for two rounds before finishing
him with punches and hammerfists in Round 3. Soya could not put
much weight on his lead leg after absorbing a ton of damage from
Laramie’s kicks, and Laramie dropped him with a right hook and put
him away for a TKO win exactly two minutes into the third frame.
Laramie campaigned for a flyweight title shot following his
triumph.
Road FC champ Jung Hyun
Lee (8-3, 1-2 Rizin) prevailed against Shooto titleholder Jo Arai
(14-13-1, 0-3 Rizin) in a flyweight scrap between two competitors
each seeking their first Rizin victory. Arai started well with
flurries of punches to Lee’s body in the opening round, but the
tides turned as soon as Lee got back at him by spamming knees in
clinch situations. The body work wore Arai down as the fight
progressed, and Arai held on to get out of the rounds. At 3:44 of
the final frame, an onslaught of knees and punches drove Arai to
the corner and ultimately out of the fight.
Rizin 52 kicked off with a women’s super atomweight bout between
“Noel” Noeru
Narita (4-2, 2-1 Rizin) and Korean prospect Bo Mi Lee
(3-2, 0-2 Rizin). Early on, Lee reversed a takedown and held top
position in the scarf hold position. Narita scrambled out from the
bottom and trapped a kneeling Lee in a tight guillotine choke.
“Noel” pulled guard with the choke, and Lee was forced to submit
2:07 into the first round.
Almost eight months have passed since Caitlin Clark played in a basketball game. But after shutting down her WNBA sophomore season in mid-July due to nagging injuries, she will return to the floor on Wednesday to make her Team USA senior national team debut in the World Cup qualifiers.
Wearing “USA” on her jersey will induce some nerves, Clark said, which is something she’s unaccustomed to feeling on the court. But Clark said she’s worked to rehabilitate so she’s in better form than she was entering last WNBA season.
“It’ll probably take me a second to knock a little bit of the rust off,” she said Saturday morning on a Team USA video news conference. “I’m sure after the first minute of running around on the court, I’ll be just fine. But more than anything, I’m just really excited. I know how much work and how much time I put in to make sure my body’s as healthy as it can be, and to get back not only to a point where I feel like I’m myself, but I feel like I’m even better than where I was at the beginning of last season.”
Team USA tips off its five-game slate on Wednesday against Senegal in Puerto Rico. Though it already qualified for the World Cup in Berlin, the squad was still required to compete in the qualifiers. The tournament will be a welcome opportunity for USA Basketball to earn quality reps together and for national team director Sue Bird to evaluate several players before the 2026 World Cup, where Team USA will defend its five straight gold medals.
Six players, including Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, will make their senior team national debuts in Puerto Rico. Though Clark has played on three of USA Basketball’s youth teams, she understands the senior team has higher expectations and responsibilities. The World Cup will act as the halfway checkpoint to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which is Clark’s ultimate goal with Team USA.
“The amount of people that make it from the U-16 team to eventually get to make their debut on the national team is a very, very, very small number,” Clark said. “So getting to play in just this World Cup qualifier, obviously, is a huge honor within itself. I know getting to put on the jersey will be super special.”
She was a notable omission from the 2024 Olympic team, which sparked debate among fans and media. Many posited about the potential benefits of her inclusion simply for drawing an audience to the Team USA women’s games.
All five of Team USA’s World Cup games will be broadcast on truTV/TNT and streamed on HBO Max. As Clark returns to the floor and makes her Team USA senior debut, there will certainly be plenty of eyes on the young star, and on Team USA as the squad begins its building period for the 2028 Games.
“I think the more eyeballs we can get on the game, the better. And obviously there’s certainly a demand for it, and that’s why TNT is doing it,” Clark said. “There’s people that are really craving this product right now, so that makes me super excited. I think that adds a fun element.”
Having Clark healthy again will be a boost for Team USA, but also a positive sight for Indiana Fever fans who are eager to welcome her back.
She appeared in just 13 games last season with the Fever after suffering a groin injury, and then a bone bruise. She played through injuries during her limited season and said she “wasn’t as healthy as I probably should have been,” but she still tallied five double-doubles and one triple-double. Though her shooting percentages dipped from her rookie season, she averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists for the much-improved Fever.
Clark said the nagging injuries were challenging as her availability yo-yoed throughout the season. She played in the first four games of the season before missing the next five. Clark played in five games during June — including dropping 32 points against the then-reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty — before being sidelined another four games. The point guard returned for four games in July before ultimately shutting it down for the rest of the season.
“I think that was (what) probably almost played with my mind even more than knowing I was going to be out for a set period of time,” Clark said. “I was always trying to come back, always trying to come back. And then I’d get hurt in another way, and then finally, obviously shutting it down.”
This offseason, Clark didn’t play overseas or in Unrivaled, like many WNBA players. Instead, she opted to train in Indianapolis. In December, during Team USA’s training camp at Duke, she said she felt “great” and that she felt like herself on the floor. Clearly, that performance and her overall Team USA resume was enough for Bird to name her to the 12-member World Cup qualifiers roster.
Clark said she has been doing as much as possible to simulate live basketball in her training and pickup sessions as much as possible, but that “nothing will quite emulate this type of environment.”
No. 22 Tennessee (21-9, 11-6 SEC) will host No. 25 Vanderbilt (23-7, 10-7 SEC) Saturday in a regular-season finale for both schools.
Tipoff between the Vols and Commodores is slated for 2 p.m. EST at Food City Center. ESPN will televise the contest.
Saturday will mark the 211th meeting the all-time series. Tennessee has a 133-77 record in previous games between the schools. The Vols are 79-21 in games contested in Knoxville. Tennessee has won eight of the last 10 games against the Commodores, including the last two between the two in-state schools.
The Vols defeated Vanderbilt, 69-65, on Feb. 22 at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee first played Vanderbilt on Feb. 11, 1922 with the Vols prevailing, 20-5.
Tennessee's basketball results versus Vanderbilt since 2019-20 season
2019-20: Tennessee 66, Vanderbilt 45
2019-20: Tennessee 65, Vanderbilt 61
2020-21: Tennessee 81, Vanderbilt 61
2020-21: Tennessee 70, Vanderbilt 58
2021-22: Tennessee 68, Vanderbilt 60
2021-22: Tennessee 73, Vanderbilt 64
2022-23: Tennessee 77, Vanderbilt 68
2022-23: Vanderbilt 66, Tennessee 65
2023-24: Tennessee 75, Vanderbilt 62
2023-24: Tennessee 88, Vanderbilt 63
2024-25: Vanderbilt 76, Tennessee 75
2024-25: Tennessee 81, Vanderbilt 76
2025-26: Tennessee 69, Vanderbilt 65
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Drew Dober and Michael Johnson meet on the UFC 326 main card Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 17-11
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson UFC 326 preview
UFC lightweight knockout leader (10) Dober (28-15 MMA, 14-11 UFC) enters his first fight of the year on the heels of a third-round TKO win in a Fight of the Night vs. Kyle Prepolec. That victory snapped a three-fight skid stretching back to 2023.
Johnson (24-19 MMA, 16-15 UFC), co-leader for knockdowns in the lightweight division (13), comes into this matchup riding a three-fight winning streak. His run includes wins over Darrius Flowers, Ottman Azaitar, and Daniel Zellhuber – Johnson's best stretch since a four-fight streak from 2013 to 2015.
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson UFC 326 expert pick, prediction
In a fight that should be the main-card opener, Michael Johnson meets fellow action-fighting veteran, Drew Dober.
Considering the history of these two fighters in and out of the UFC, it's honestly surprising that we never saw this matchup booked before, and I'm glad we're getting it now.
Age aside, this fight should be plenty volatile given the nature of the southpaw vs. southpaw dynamics between two dangerous strikers.
Dober has a slightly better record against other UFC-level lefties, standing officially at 5-4 in comparison to Johnson's 3-4 (though Johnson's loss to Beniel Dariush is a highly controversial one).
However, with numbers never fully telling the story in this kind of combat sport, I tend to lean on other stylistic factors – such as who has the better lead hand. In this case, I believe that Johnson has the better lead hand and boxing technique, in general.
Johnson is not beyond having the rug pulled out from underneath him, so no one should be shocked if he succumbs to Dober's power. That said, I'll go ahead and side with Johnson to be the one who finds a knockout, likely by the end of Round 2.
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson UFC 326 odds
Despite the oddsmakers opening "The Menace" as the favorite, public money came in on the underdog to push this fight to pick'em odds, making Johnson -115 and Dober -105 via FanDuel.
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson UFC 326 start time, how to watch
Dober and Johnson are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:40 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+ and CBS.
Formula 1, FOM and Bernie Ecclestone have been ordered to pay £250,000 in legal costs for its ongoing case against Felipe Massa over the outcome of the 2008 world championship.
Massa has been seeking approximately £64million in damages due to losing that year’s title to Lewis Hamilton, believing it was because of the disgraced 2008 Singapore Grand Prix that he did.
Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr purposefully crashed at Turn 17 via team orders to trigger a safety car period and aid team-mate Fernando Alonso to victory.
Massa was leading the race early on though, but then a botched pitstop under the safety car cost him even a podium, as Ferrari prematurely released him with the hosepipe still in his car.
The Brazilian ultimately lost the championship by one point and the outcome wasn’t seen as contentious until former series boss Ecclestone conducted an interview with F1-Insider in 2023.
During the interview, he admitted that he and then FIA president Max Mosely had learned about ‘Crashgate’ but decided to not intervene to avoid tarnishing F1’s image - though Ecclestone later claimed that his quotes were mistranslated.
Bernie Ecclestone
Bernie Ecclestone
Regardless, Massa filed a lawsuit with his legal team saying at the time that its client was the “victim of a conspiracy” that cost him “tens of millions of euros” - the Brazilian added that he was seeking “justice”.
Since then, the defendant has been ordered to pay the £250,000 related to part of the court costs for Massa, who has argued - alongside his lawyers - that no further appeals should be allowed and that the case should now proceed to trial, requiring the defendant to produce full evidence
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 07: Seiya Suzuki #51 of Team Japan celebrates hitting a two run home run in the first inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between South Korea and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 7, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The WBC got wild yesterday and earlier today with eight games. I’ll try to get you as caught up as I can. There were some good performances from Cubs players as well.
Right fielder Yoelkis Guilbert and third baseman Yoán Moncada both homered as Cuba slipped past Panama, 3-1.
Guardians pitcher Logan Allen, whose mother is Panamanian, started for Panama. Guilbert, who plays in the Cuban League and winter ball in Mexico, hit a solo home run off him with two outs in the second inning. In the third, Moncada connected for a home run off of Allen with a man on to make it 3-0 Cuba.
Meanwhile, Panama couldn’t do much off of six Cuban pitchers. They managed to get one run when former Braves infielder Johan Camargo singled home Cardinals minor leaguer Leonardo Bernel. But that was all the offense they could manage.
Catcher Miguel Amaya started for Panama and went 0 for 3 before he was pulled for a pinch-hitter. Christian Bethancourt, who is back with the Cubs these days, was 0 for 1.
Once starter José Quintana left the game, Puerto Rico had no problem putting away Colombia, 5-0.
Quintana was magnificent for Colombia. He allowed only one baserunner over three innings, a leadoff walk in the third. But thanks to a 4-6-3 double play, Quintana faced the minimum over his three innings.
But former Mets and Angels minor leaguer Adrián Almeida came on to pitch the fourth and he retired Puerto Rico in order in that inning. But then he came out for the fifth and got rocked for five runs. After A’s teammates Carlos Cortes and Darell Hernaiz both singled to start the inning, an error by Colombian third baseman Gio Urshela allowed one run to score and opened up the five-run inning. Eddie Rosario and Martin Maldonado had RBI singles, Willi Castro hit an RBI double and Heliot Ramos had a sacrifice fly.
Colombia managed just five singles, three of them by outfielder Harold Ramírez who was 3 for 4.
Team Mexico scored three runs in the eighth inning and four in the top of the ninth to turn a tight contest into an 8-2 blowout.
Javier Assad got the start for Mexico and he shut down the British batters for 3.2 scoreless innings. Assad allowed two hits. He walked one and struck out two.
Mexico struck first in the top of the second with a solo home run by Braves infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. The blast came off of Great Britain starter and Red Sox minor leaguer Jack Anderson.
Mexico then pushed across four more runs in the top of the ninth. Great Britain got a consolation run in the bottom of the inning on a double by Trayce Thompson.
Cubs minor leaguer BJ Murray Jr. was 1 for 3 with a walk for Great Britain.
The US tacked on another run in the third inning when Cal Raleigh walked with the bases loaded.
It looked like the rout was on when the US scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning. Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for one run, then Brice Turang emptied the bases with this three-run double [VIDEO]
But Michael Wacha let the Brazilians back in the game when he allowed three runs in the bottom of the seventh. Former Astros minor leaguer Victo Masai hit a two-run home run. [VIDEO] which was the key hit of the inning.
But Brazil ran out of pitchers who could throw a strike and Team USA scored seven runs on three singles and five walks in the top of the ninth.
Brazil’s pitching staff clearly struggled to find the plate as they walked 17 (!!) US batters and hit two of them.
Alex Bregman was 0 for 1 with four walks and one hit by pitch. He scored twice and had one RBI.
Pete Crow-Armstrong took over center field after Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch (purely precautionary, we were told) and was 0 for 2 with a bases-loaded walk in the ninth.
Jan Novák, who had two years in rookie ball with the Orioles over a decade ago, got the start against Chinese Taipei and got rocked for two runs in the first and four in the second.
After Fairchild’s home run, the game was pretty much over as Czechia could only manage four hits. A’s minor leaguer Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang, Diamondbacks minor leaguer Yu-Min Lin and former Diamondbacks farmhand Kai-Wei Lin combined on the shutout, which ended after seven innings because of the mercy rule.
Korea jumped out to an early lead over the favored hosts, but in the end Japan had too much talent and prevailed 8-6.
Korea jumped all over Samurai Japan starter Yusei Kikuchi, scoring three runs in the top of the first. Jung Ho Lee hit an RBI single, followed by a two-run double by LG Twins first baseman Bo Gyeong Moon [VIDEO].
Shohei Ohtani (who else?) brought Japan level with a solo home run in the third. But Japan wasn’t done. After Softbank outfielder Kensuke Kondoh struck out, Suzuki and Masataka Yoshida went back-to-back to give Japan a 5-3 lead.
But Japan proved to be too much for Korea and scored three more times in the seventh. Suzuki walked with the bases loaded and then Yoshida hit a two-run single.
Korea tried to rally off of Softbank Hawks reliever Yuki Matsumoto in the top of the eighth. Jung Hoo Lee led off the inning with a double and would come around to score on a two-out single by the NC Dino’s Ju Won Kim. Matsumoto then loaded the bases, but Hyeseong Kim struck out with the go-ahead run on first to end th threat.
Venezuela scored four runs in the fifth inning and had little trouble in their first game against the Netherlands.
Ronald Acuña Jr. led off the bottom of the first inning with a double off of Netherlands starter Antwone Kelly, who pitched for the Pirates Double-A affiliate in Altoona last year. Acuña scored two batters later on a single by Luis Arraez.
Nicaragua gave the powerhouse Dominicans an early scare, but eventually won going away thanks to home runs by Junior Caminero, Julio Rodríguez and Oneil Cruz.
Dominican starter Christopher Sánchez struggled, giving up one run in the top of the first inning and two in the second. Blue Jays minor league outfielder Ismael Munguia had one RBI single of Sánchez in the first. Brewers Triple-A shortstop Freddy Zamora had an RBI double in the second and Chase Dawson of the indy ball Schaumburg Boomers had an RBI single. [VIDEO]
However, the Dominicans scored twice in the bottom of the first with an RBI double by Ketel Marte and an RBI groundout by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. So it was 3-2 Nicaragua until the bottom of the third inning, when Rodríguez singled home Juan Soto.
Julio Rodríguez made it 6-3 with a solo home run in the seventh. Then the Dominicans exploded for six runs in the bottom of the eighth, highlighted by this monster 450-foot three-run home run by Oneil Cruz. [VIDEO]
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 19: Punter Austin McNamara #14 of the New York Jets hits a long punt from deep in his own zone during the NFL 2025 game between Carolina Panthers and New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 19, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.(Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As we head into the offseason, at least there’s one position the Jets don’t need to worry about right now. After an impressive first NFL season, punter Austin McNamara is under contract for 2026 and the Jets control his rights as an exclusive rights free agent in 2027. They’ll even retain some control over him in 2028 when he’ll be a restricted free agent.
At the end of each season we like to take an in-depth look at how the Jets’ punter(s) performed. It’s now time to do the same for McNamara to see if his 2025 season actually stands up to scrutiny.
Last year, we concluded that despite a downturn in his raw numbers, Thomas Morstead hadn’t been as bad as it seemed and was still worthy of holding a job at the NFL level. While that ended up not being with the Jets, he did hold down a job all year, but his raw numbers were again underwhelming as it looks like the Jets may have moved on at the right time.
For McNamara, the November winner of the AFC’s special teams player of the month award, it was a solid first year that saw him among the league leaders for most of the season in raw numbers, although he ended up outside the top 10 for gross average and tied for 7th in net average.
One reason for this was that he was punting from deep inside the Jets’ territory a lot more often earlier in the year, enabling him to boom it long and bolster those gross numbers. In the second half, he got more chances for directional punting which often hurts a punter’s raw numbers even if they do it well.
21 of McNamara’s first 29 punts came from inside the Jets’ 35, including nine of 10 at one stage. However, only 10 of his next 36 were from inside the 35, including eight in a row from outside the 35 at one point.
McNamara was ranked as the second best punter in the league on analysis site Pro Football Focus, though, which would take into account the situational variations.
Our own metric seeks to take into account field position and ignores the effects of penalties to assess how optimal a punter’s performance was over the course of the season.
GGN readers who’ve followed our analysis on Morstead and Braden Mann over the past few years will be familiar with this metric, which we call ANPP and is designed to measure how efficiently a punter performs when taking into account field position. (A more detailed explanation of what this statistic entails is here).
This metric provides us with a sliding scale from 60 to 70 within which virtually all punters will land over a large sample size. Anything close to 60 means your job is in danger and anything close to 70 means you’re among the league’s best.
Morstead still posted a 67 last year, which translates to above average on our sliding scale, but it was a drop-off from his own performance in the previous season and Mann’s numbers with the Eagles. But how did McNamara fare?
In 2025, McNamara posted an ANPP of 73 percent. That’s a spectacular number, one of the best we’ve ever seen over a full season sample size. (Mann posted an incredible 78 one year in college, although he never got close to that number again).
It’s enough to make it worth asking if the recent changes to the ball preparation rules have had a positive effect on punting to the point where maybe our sliding scale should move up to 65-to-75. This would render Morstead’s 2024 performance as below average while still making McNamara’s 2025 number close to elite. This can be something we reconsider next season.
In conclusion, McNamara’s 2025 season does hold up to scrutiny, by any measure, with the second half drop-off in gross numbers easily explained with the additional context and therefore no cause for concern.
It also warrants mention that Chris Banjo deserves some credit because his coverage units did a consistent job of limiting return yardage all year, despite the fact two of the candidates to be the primary gunners (Irv Charles and Kris Boyd) missed the entire season. Those gunner roles were shared between the likes of Kene Nwangwu, Arian Smith, Ja’Markis Weston and Qwan’tez Stiggers, each of whom made positive contributions.
In 2026, McNamara will need to maintain that consistency but if he can continue to prove that last year was no accident, he is well on the way to being able to establish himself as one of the league’s elite punters.
Manchester City open negotiations for Brighton’s Diego Gomez – Elliot Anderson deal facing Manchester United threat
Manchester City have begun exploratory steps towards a potential move for Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez this summer, as per reports emerging from Paraguay.
The Blues are expected to progress their summer rebuild under director of football Hugo Viana in the summer, having bolstered Pep Guardiola’s ranks with the January acquisitions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January.
City bid farewell to Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, Scott Carson and James McAtee last summer, with Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish also leaving on season-long loans with a firm expectation of permanent exits at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Executives at the Etihad Stadium are also understood to be lining up a potent replacement for Pep Guardiola, who will be out of contract at Manchester City in 2027 and has been heavily linked by a potential departure at the end of the current season.
Why are Manchester City interested in Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez?
Gomez has garnered a lot of interest following his diligent performances at the Amex Stadium. The 22-year-old is becoming an increasingly significant player for Fabian Hürzeler due to his constant movement off the ball and ability to carry the ball forward quickly.
Brighton’s recruitment model has always prioritised signing young talents with high potential who can quickly adapt to the demands of the Premier League. Gomez fits that description.
Since moving to England, his blend of athleticism and positional awareness has piqued the interest of analysts, especially in systems that focus on aggressive pressing and quick midfield transitions.
Reports from South America indicate that Manchester City are among the clubs monitoring his development. Paraguayan journalist Erwin Velázquez has reported that scouts from the Etihad Stadium have attended Brighton games in recent weeks, assessing Gomez’s performances ahead of the summer transfer window, as relayed by Sport Witness.
Would Diego Gomez be a good fit under Pep Guardiola?
According to research from the International Centre for Sports Studies, Gomez currently ranks as the most dynamic midfielder in the Premier League based on movement metrics.
The study found he averages more than 44 explosive sprints for every 30 minutes of possession, a figure that places him ahead of high-profile names such as Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Those numbers show the attributes that have begun to attract interest from the top clubs. When Brighton have the ball, Gomez constantly attacks space, either by creating passing lanes or driving forward with the ball to break the opposition’s defensive lines. His ability to consistently perform at a high level of intensity has become a key part of his game.
Earlier reports from Paraguayan journalist Chris Pérez indicated that meetings were expected in March between Gomez’s representatives and one of the Premier League’s big six clubs. The latest update suggests that Manchester City could be the side involved in those preliminary discussions.
How advanced is Manchester City’s interest at this stage?
At this moment, such contact would probably highlight early-stage informal enquiries rather than formal negotiations. Clubs in the Premier League often begin conversations with their prospective targets about a possible transfer months before the transfer window opens.
This gives them time to think about how well a player fits into their system, the financial deal involved, and their overall squad planning. If the link grows stronger, the move will have a symbolic significance in Paraguay.
Ivan Alexis, a journalist in Paraguay, has highlighted that if Gomez were to join City, he would be the first Paraguayan player to work with Pep Guardiola. This has already gained a lot of attention in the country’s media. For now, Gomez is concentrating on his role at Brighton, striving to establish his reputation in English football.
His recent games, which included a fantastic goal in a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest last week, have only made people more intrigued by his rapid and constant improvement on the south coast.
Several factors will determine whether Manchester City’s interest in the player turns into a formal offer – Brighton’s asking price, the player’s potential for further advancement as well as City’s own midfield plans will all play a significant role.
Right now, the process seems to be in the monitoring stage but early signs point to Gomez’s performances putting him on the radar of one of Europe’s challenging tactical environments.
Bayern Munich move ahead of Barcelona in race for 16-year-old German wonderkid
FC Barcelona are always alert to young and upcoming talents across the globe, with a view to signing them at an early age and developing them at La Masia.
The strategy has led to the signings of several youth prospects, with the likes of Juwensley Onstein, Ajay Tavares, and Hamza Abdelkarim, among others, arriving as recently as the January transfer window.
However, according to BILD (h/t SPORT), Bayern Munich have taken a decisive step forward in recent days by formally expressing their interest in the player.
The Bavarian giants have contacted the youngster’s agency, 11Wins, which also represents Jamal Musiala, to communicate a “concrete and formal interest” in the teenager.
This strategic move places Bayern in pole position in the race for the midfielder, overtaking both Barcelona and Real Madrid, whose scouting departments had been monitoring Eichhorn’s progress for months.
Recent developments suggest Eichhorn’s departure could happen sooner rather than later. The youngster has already begun taking decisive steps regarding his future, focusing on making the jump to professional elite football from the second division club.
Kennet Eichhorn is a special talent. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB)
A key factor behind his desire to leave is the sporting situation at Hertha BSC. The club’s current struggles in the second division have left it unlikely to secure promotion this season, creating a sense of stagnation.
Faced with that scenario, Eichhorn appears convinced that his development would be better served in a club competing at the highest level of European football.
No shortage of suitors
Another factor fueling the interest of major clubs in Eichhorn is his relatively modest release clause. The teenage midfielder has a buyout clause between €10-12 million, making him a highly attractive opportunity in the transfer market.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid see Eichhorn as a typical example of the type of talent they aim to recruit early, before his market value rises significantly.
Several other clubs have also been linked with the player, including RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Despite the broad interest, Bayern Munich appear determined to secure the deal quickly. They have accelerated negotiations and are presenting the Allianz Arena as the ideal environment for Eichhorn’s development.
The Top Performers in the EFL: Saturday's key statistics
It was another action-packed Saturday across 'The 72' and Playmaker is here to run you through some of the outstanding performers and statistics from the EFL.
From the slickest passers enroute to the most tenacious tacklers via the busiest goalkeepers, we have all the headline stats you need to know from this afternoon.
Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Kyle Leahy will have another opportunity to prove to the St. Louis Cardinals that he has what it takes to be a starter as he’ll be on the mound to do battle with the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium. According to MLB.com, Kodai Senga will make the Spring Training start for the Mets. The Cardinals have Masyn Winn leading off again for some reason while JJ Wetherholt is 5th in the lineup.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - OCTOBER 18: Reinier de Ridder waits backstage during the UFC Fight Night event at Rogers Arena on October 18, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
Reinier de Ridder had moments of doubt about his future following UFC Vancouver.
A former two-division champion in ONE, de Ridder made immediate waves after signing with the UFC in 2024, winning his first four fights, including a victory over former champion Robert Whittaker. “The Dutch Knight” found himself on the cusp of a title shot, but that all came crashing down in October, when “RDR” got stopped by Brendan All at UFC Vancouver.
Afterward, much was made of de Ridder’s collapse during the bout as he gassed out early in the fight, and speaking with media during the UFC 326 Media Day, “RDR” acknowledged that fighting five times in 11 months wreaked havoc on his body.
“Just on all levels, my bloodwork, everything was in the trash,” de Ridder said about his medical evaluations after UFC Vancouver. “Everything was bad. But mostly standing out, severe anemia, very, very low red blood cell count. Just worked my body to shit, basically.”
In fact, things were so bad for de Ridder that he wasn’t just affected on fight night, but for a long time afterward. So much so that he began to wonder if this was the end of his fighting career.
“At least I knew what was wrong with me at that point,” de Ridder said of his evaluation. “I was very happy with that. I had something to work from. But it took a long time to find my body back, to get everything started, to get the right treatment, and find everything out. That wasn’t easy. So, there were a couple weeks there, [where] I couldn’t complete a training session, I couldn’t walk up the stairs without being tired. So, there was a little while there thinking, ‘I might never fix this stuff. It might be over.’”
But despite the hardship it caused, de Ridder admits that if he were put in the same position again, he’d probably do the same thing.
“With the opportunity there, most likely I make the same dumb decision to fight again, because it was too cool,” de Ridder said. “I was on such a roll. I knew my body wasn’t there, but I just thought if I could get him out of there in the first round — and I was close — then we wouldn’t be talking about my health right now.”
Fortunately, de Ridder’s health issues appear to be solved now. He returns to action this weekend against Caio Borralho in the co-main event of UFC 326 in Las Vegas.
NFL analyst Jay Busbee believes a current Minnesota Vikings quarterback could eventually follow a career path similar to Sam Darnold.
Darnold’s career has often been cited as a reminder that early struggles do not always define a quarterback’s long-term potential.
Busbee now thinks another highly touted passer could eventually experience a similar resurgence later in his career.
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Jay Busbee predicts JJ McCarthy could become an NFL reclamation success
Speaking during a discussion on Yahoo! Sports, Jay Busbee suggested Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy could eventually follow a redemption-style career arc.
“I’m going off script here. I’m taking J.J. McCarthy in 2028. He’s going to be a reclamation project. He’s going to win somebody a Super Bowl,” Busbee said.
Busbee’s comment suggests he believes McCarthy may face challenges early in his professional career before eventually thriving in a different situation.
The idea mirrors the path taken by Sam Darnold, who entered the NFL with major expectations but needed time and a new environment before finding success.
If Busbee’s prediction proves accurate, McCarthy could eventually emerge as one of the league’s most surprising comeback stories.
Jay Busbee also names Mac Jones as an immediate Sam Darnold comparison
Busbee also identified another quarterback he believes fits the Sam Darnold mold in the more immediate future.
“This is a guy who had a lot of college pedigree. He had a lot of skills. He was not in the right situation early in his career. He is in the right situation now in San Francisco,” Busbee continued.
He concluded, stating: “If he is able to get out of San Francisco, either through trade or some other form of way to get his release, there are a lot of teams that could really use a Mac Jones.”
Busbee believes Jones still possesses the tools that once made him a highly regarded prospect coming out of college.
With the right opportunity, he thinks the former first-round quarterback could revive his career in a way similar to Darnold’s resurgence.
FORMER CUBS IN ATHLETICS CAMP: Mark Leiter Jr., Brooks Kriske.
CUBS IN THE WBC: Alex Bregman, 0-for-1 with four walks and a HBP. Pete Crow-Armstrong, 0-for-2, one walk. Miguel Amaya, 0-for-3. Seiya Suzuki, 3-for-7, two home runs, two walks, four RBI, four runs. Daniel Palencia: 1 IP, two strikeouts. Javier Assad, 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, two strikeouts.
Here are today’s particulars.
The Cubs lineup was not available at posting time. Please check BCB social media for the Cubs lineup.
Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Gavin Hollowell, Riley Martin, Jack Neely, Jeff Brigham and Connor Schultz.
Mason Barnett will start for the A’s. Other A’s pitchers scheduled today: Hogan Harris, Justin Sterner and Matt Krook. The A’s are a split squad today.
No TV today. There will be a radio broadcast on The Score.
Please visit our SB Nation A’s site Athletics Nation. If you do go there to interact with A’s fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.
These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
Third-seeded UNC met the sixth seed Virginia Tech in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals yesterday evening. The prior matchup of these two teams was a defensive struggle that went to OT, with UNC prevailing 66-63 and blocking two late three-point attempts to preserve the victory. Would the rematch follow suit?
In the first quarter, UNC struggled offensively, with Lanie Grant contributing eight of UNC’s 11 points. The rest of the team went 1-11, and the Tar Heels trailed 16-11 at the quarter’s close. In the 2nd quarter, UNC played some of its most impressive ball of the season. Defensively, the Heels locked down the Hokies, limiting them to three field goals on 15 attempts and adding two blocks and four turnovers. Offensively, UNC shot a blistering 56% in the second frame, with Elina Aarnisalo a perfect 3-3, with two from range plus two free throws for a total of 10 points. Nyla Brooks added eight points and Nyla Harris added six more to finish the first half with nine. UNC led 40-27 at the half.
The third quarter featured more Lanie Grant, who poured in 11 more points, recording a season-high 21 in only three quarters of play. Six other Tar Heels added buckets of their own. Fouls started to mount for the Tar Heels, though, as the Hokies made 10 trips to the free throw line in the third and matched UNC point for point. UNC led 64-51 after three.
In the fourth frame, UNC leaned on its First Team All-ACC leader, Nyla Harris. Nyla went 4-4, with eight points, four rebounds, and a block, most of it while playing with four fouls. Aarnisalo added six more, and UNC’s defense held Virginia Tech without a field goal the last five minutes of the game to wrap up an 85-68 victory. UNC’s 85 points was the most surrendered by Virginia Tech this season. Grant led the way with 21, while Harris and Aarnisalo contributed 19 and 18, respectively.
UNC next faces Louisville, who stomped Syracuse by 28 in the earlier game. UNC opened conference play against Louisville in their lone matchup, on Dec. 14 at home. The game went to OT, but UNC failed to score in the extra period and lost 76-66. This UNC team has come together over its last 15 games, winning 14 of them and taking #1 seed Duke to the wire at Cameron in a game in which Duke shot 21 free throws to UNC’s zero. Louisville lost two of their last three regular season games, to Virginia and Notre Dame at home, but the demolition of Syracuse suggests a refocused and confident Cardinals team.
Throughout history, some professional wrestling commentators are instantly loved for their personality and enthusiasm at the broadcast desk, while others spend years trying to earn the audience's respect. The latter couldn't ring more true for long-time WWE commentator Michael Cole, who has only started to get his flowers within the last four years. Specifically, Vince McMahon's departure from WWE allowed Cole to be himself, having no longer being given constant direction to convey information that he did or did not want to deliver, and now one of his colleagues has praised him for his dedication to the role.
During a recent edition of "Something To Wrestle," WWE producer Bruce Prichard was asked if Cole is one of the most underrated commentators in history, and explained how the 57-year-old carved his own path in the wrestling business.
"100%. I don't think that people really realize what a hard worker and how prepared Michael Cole is and how much he puts into his gig. No matter what he's doing. From day one, always wanted to learn, willing to do anything and everything and thrived. He didn't want to replace anybody. He didn't want to be anybody else. He just wanted to be Michael Cole doing what he was asked to do. And Michael, because of doing that has his own identity now. But I think Michael has always been very well prepared and he's good at his job and he's done it for a long time."
Next year, Cole will celebrate 30 years in WWE, as he first started his career as a backstage interviewer in 1997 before transitioning to a play-by-play commentator.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Something To Wrestle" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Cade Povich #37 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches live during practice at Ed Smith Stadium on February 12, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One of the oddities of spring training is when you get a split squad and two different sets of Orioles are playing at once. That’s what’s happening here on Saturday, with one set of Orioles staying in Sarasota to play some Twins, and another set of Orioles traveling to the Braves spring home to play a game there.
Tough luck if you want to watch on TV or streaming. Although this game was initially listed for a MASN broadcast, it isn’t now. I don’t know why they changed their plans. The Sarasota game is Orioles radio only. If you have access to the Braves feed on MLB.tv, you can watch the road guys in action. That game has a Braves radio feed as well.
Home Orioles starting lineup
Heston Kjerstad – RF
Adley Rutschman – C
Pete Alonso – 1B
Taylor Ward – DH
Blaze Alexander – CF
Coby Mayo – 3B
Leody Taveras – RF
Thairo Estrada – 2B
Wehiwa Aloy – SS
Cade Povich is the starting pitcher for the home Orioles today.
It is not worth getting worked up too much about spring training lineups and this is doubly true on a split squad day where the team is required to send a minimum number of MLB players along on its road game. Still, there are a couple of interesting things.
One, Alexander playing center field. It seems like “maybe this fast middle-infielder can handle center field” is one of those perpetual thoughts that is seldom tried. Remember how often we heard it about Jorge Mateo, for instance. He started a total of 14 games in center field for the Orioles. It wasn’t an ongoing thing. We’ll see if Alexander playing there becomes a thing or if it’s just a weird one-off for this split squad day.
Two, Aloy is in the starting lineup. It’s not typical to see a player who isn’t even a non-roster invite make a start – Aloy’s appearances are “borrowed from minor league camp.” Easier to make it work on a split squad day, especially when the expected starting shortstop, Gunnar Henderson, is away with Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, not that Team USA’s manager seems to have the savvy to recognize Henderson as a starting lineup-caliber player there.
Road Orioles starting lineup
Dylan Beavers – CF
Ryan Mountcastle – 1B
Samuel Basallo – C
Bryan Ramos – 3B
Reed Trimble – RF
Weston Wilson – LF
Sam Huff – DH
Willy Vasquez – 2B
José Barrero – SS
Luis De León is the starting pitcher for the road team. It’s too bad there’s not a local broadcast for one of the team’s top pitching prospects in action. On the other hand, there’s not much to see with the rest of this.
Probably it means nothing, but I do have a slight eyebrow raised at Colton Cowser not being in either of these starting lineups. If he doesn’t play tomorrow either, that might be a thing to keep an eye on.
I follow Orioles news very closely and I could not tell you one thing about Willy Vasquez or José Barrero.
I don’t know whether Vance Honeycutt is available for either of these teams to try to continue his perfect and homer-heavy sporadic spring at-bat streak.
Mar 6, 2026; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (30) hits during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Journalist says McKennie’s new deal is a message to Spalletti
Luciano Spalletti is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Juventus in the coming weeks, and the club has already begun demonstrating its confidence in the manager through several recent decisions. Since arriving in Turin, Spalletti has worked to stabilise the team and implement his ideas, and the Bianconeri appear eager to continue building around his leadership.
In recent months, Juventus have handed new contracts to several players who have performed well under the current manager. These renewals are seen as a clear sign that the club wants to maintain continuity within the squad while supporting the direction set by Spalletti.
Juventus backing manager’s project
The club believe that keeping key players satisfied and committed will help maintain a competitive team as they prepare for next season. Juventus possess a strong squad, and the leadership believes that stability will allow the group to continue improving under Spalletti’s guidance.
Ensuring continuity is a major part of the club’s long-term plan. By retaining important players, Juventus hope to give its manager the foundation needed to build a team capable of consistent success. Maintaining harmony within the squad is also viewed as an important step in keeping the manager fully supported in his role.
McKennie renewal seen as key signal
One of the players considered vital to this strategy is Weston McKennie. The American midfielder has previously faced several attempts by the club to move him on, yet he has remained at Juventus and continued to deliver important performances.
Under Spalletti, McKennie has become an even more significant figure in the squad. His versatility and work rate have made him a valuable asset, and his contributions have now been rewarded with a new contract.
The renewal has been interpreted as a clear demonstration of the club’s commitment to the manager’s project. As reported by Tuttojuve, Pierfrancesco Archetti explained the reasoning behind the decision.
“The renewal of Weston McKennie’s contract was a clear signal that the club intends to embrace the coach’s vision. The American is the ideal player for Spalletti, who uses him everywhere and constantly sings his praises.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a sack against Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Maxx Crosby trade saga came to an end Friday night. The Raiders agreed to trade their star edge rusher to the Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks over the next two years. According to multiple reports, the Cowboys were heavily involved in trade talks, but they ultimately drew the line at sending two first-rounders to Baltimore.
Both the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys had been working on this for days. They kept communication with the Raiders.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were another team trying to put together a big trade package that would get it done.
“We would not give up two first rounders” was what I reported this week per a team source and they stuck to it.
As one person person familiar with the situation explained “we talked about a lot of things” but the 2 1st rounders was just something they simply weren’t going to… https://t.co/oqwOGkXgNW
Naturally, there will be some disappointment here. Just like Earl Thomas and Jamal Adams, the Cowboys were heavily connected to a difference-making defensive star in trade talks, but ultimately fell short. However, this one is notably different.
In the cases of Thomas and Adams, the Cowboys were (by all accounts) just being too stingy in negotiations. They wanted to get an impact player without giving up anything of real value, which is simply not how business is done these days.
In the Crosby situation, Dallas was willing to make an aggressive offer. Reports indicate they offered the 12th overall pick this year, next year’s second-round pick, and a significant player for Crosby. That would easily be the biggest haul this organization has given up in a trade in quite some time.
That’s one reason these events should feel encouraging: the Cowboys appear to actually be serious about pursuing difference-makers this offseason.
The other reason it’s a positive is because Dallas seemingly conducted themselves with a clear process, one that they stuck to. According to Jane Slater, they had established their line in the sand ahead of time: they weren’t going to give up multiple first round picks to land Crosby.
It’s a fair sticking point. They just gave up Micah Parsons – who’s had more pressures than Crosby in each of the last four years – for two first-rounders. It makes sense that they wouldn’t want to give up the same amount of capital for a player two years older. Crosby is undoubtedly in the same tier as Parsons, but the Cowboys would effectively be breaking even in that scenario, all things considered.
Fans can quibble with the logic, and they surely will, but the Cowboys outlined their process for negotiating on a trade for Crosby. They drew a line in the sand on how much they’d give up, and worked every angle to make a deal work within those parameters. In the end, when the only way to top the Ravens’ offer was to break those parameters, they held true to their process.
Even though it meant losing out on Crosby.
Brian Schottenheimer has spoken often about being a process-oriented head coach. That approach paid off with the way he built his offensive staff last year, and it’s looking promising for the defensive staff now, with Christian Parker drawing rave reviews early on.
With this move – or, rather, lack thereof – the Cowboys seem to have embodied their head coach’s philosophy on the personnel side, too. How often in the Mike McCarthy, Jason Garrett, or Wade Phillips years would the coach preach a certain way of doing things only for Jerry Jones to cut corners in pursuit of a big name?
The Ezekiel Elliott reunion comes to mind, even as McCarthy was singing Rico Dowdle’s praises. Greg Hardy wasn’t exactly a fit for Garrett’s “right kind of guy” player profile. And there’s certainly no need to relitigate the Roy Williams trade that Phillips wasn’t exactly on board with.
Of course, none of this is to say that Schottenheimer has usurped control of the organization and is running the whole building now. But the willingness to stick to their guns while negotiating with the Raiders is reflective of the exact mindset Schottenheimer has espoused, and it’s a very good sign for the way this organization is functioning right now.
Sørloth's ludicrous form summed up in one European stat 😯
Atlético de Madrid will love what they're seeing from striker Alexander Sørloth lately, even if they're not seeing him on the pitch a lot.
On Saturday against Real Sociedad, the Norwegian opened the scoring within five minutes after flicking the ball home at the near post following a corner.
It means he has now scored 30+ goals since the start of last season, proving to be the best output across Europe's top five leagues.
Sorloth has hit that figure in only 31 games; the next fewest are Robert Lewandowski (42), Sehou Guirassy (49), and Harry Kane (50).
Does he deserve to be in conversation for Europe's best frontman? The statistics surely support it!
The Los Angeles Dodgers, as most MLB teams do, have given multiple players chances during Spring Training, and five players took the opportunity in the first half of the preseason to capitalize.
The Dodgers’ starting lineup is mostly set, with a big payroll leading to multiple key starters locked in, though some spots in the bottom of the order and on the depth chart are up in the air.
The World Baseball Classic has led to multiple starters departing from spring camp, and a handful of injuries are giving opportunities for position players to get multiple at-bats.
Feb 27, 2026; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) looks on before a game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Here are five players who are lighting it up in the first half of Spring Training:
Santiago Espinal
At 31, Santiago Espinal is having a late-career renaissance. He was signed on a minor league deal after the Cincinnati Reds and the rest of the MLB did not present him with a more tangible deal.
With the injury to Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim away on WBC duty, Espinal has been stealing the show in the battle for the second base role.
Through 22 plate appearances, an admittedly small sample, Espinal is hitting .625/.636/1.1125 with a 307 wRC+. He has two home runs, two doubles, and 10 hits, along with drawing four walks and driving in eight runs.
He is doing all of this while flashing high-quality fielding, which he has always had. With the Reds, Espinal was a subpar hitter, putting his MLB career in jeopardy, though his 2026 Spring Training is giving it new life and then some.
Espinal, even if his numbers come down to earth some, will be a part of the infield platoon as long as he hits at least league average — anything else is gravy.
Ehrhard, who came via the Boston Red Sox in the Dustin May deal, did not come with much hype, but his Spring has looked quite promising.
The 23-year-old is having an amazing spring with 30 plate appearances, the highest total entering Friday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.
He has nine hits, four of which are doubles, a triple, and four RBIs, along with working three walks and stealing two bases.
Even with a higher sample size than any other Dodger, Erhard has a wRC+ of 159, with a slash line of .346/.433/.577.
Ehrhard is an outfielder in a crowded prospect pool, but stacking more performances as he has will potentially open the door for him to serve a role, either as a trade piece or in the platoon.
Noah Miller
Miller is the No. 31 prospect according to FanGraphs, and he came via the Dodgers, along with outfielder Manuel Margot.
The infielder has 26 plate appearances, hitting .381/.500/.629 with a 190 wRC+. Additionally, he has hit a home run, racked up five walks and five RBIs, and recorded two doubles.
He does a good job of fielding as a shortstop, along with showing good speed and quality ability as a contact hitter.
Mill has struggled to hit in Triple-A, but he has figured things out on offense; his skill set could lead to a substantial role in the platoon down the line.
In which he has 10 hits, two doubles, and two home runs, along with three RBIs and four walks.
He is slashing .400/.500/.450 with a 160 wRC+. He has serious power, which makes it surprising that he does not have a home run, but his approach at the plate has shone.
He has a full season of time with the Double-A team coming up, but if De Paula keeps hitting well, he could get to Triple-A sooner rather than later, leaving him one step away from a major league spot.
With Teoscar Hernandez in his mid-30s and his deal coming to an end soon, De Paula looks in line to replace him or serve as a key trade piece in a deal down the line for a star.
James Tibbs III
Tibbs, the other piece in the Dustin May deal, is also impressing. He is on the older side for a prospect, but at 23, he is showing good flash on offense.
He is hitting .292/.393/.625 with a 152 wRC+. The outfielder has 4 hits, including a triple and 2 home runs, with 5 RBIs.
While he has walked four times, he has 10 strikeouts, showing his aggressive power approach.
Tibbs III is the No. 9 prospect on FanGraphs. They project him to be more of a platoon player, but if he can keep hitting well and improve his fielding, he could be an everyday starter.
As the No. 13 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Tibbs III has the pedigree to become a major league starter, and his offensive production thus far in the spring is raising the likelihood that he improves his ceiling.
Jersey Bulls are unbeaten in their 10 games in 2026 [BBC]
Rai Dos Santos scored a hat-trick as Jersey Bulls beat Hassocks 3-0 in Isthmian League South East.
The victory keeps the island side a point outside the play-off places and extends their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
James Queree and Dos Santos went close for Bulls in the opening 10 minutes before the latter gave the island side a 17th-minute lead.
He got on the end of Miguel Carvalho's cross, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home for his third goal in five games.
Lewis Finney should have levelled moments later but blasted over from close range.
Dos Santos had two good chances to double the lead before the break, but made no mistake moments after the restart as he got on the end of Toby Ritzema's through ball and curled an effort into the top corner.
Hassocks came close to levelling straight away as Luke Campbell cleared off the line before James Sunley saw an effort deflected wide seconds later.
Ritzema went on to go close with a header while Bulls had a penalty appeal turned down when Dos Santos went down in the box with 18 minutes left.
Hassocks goalkeeper James Shaw pulled off an excellent save soon after to deny Lorne Bickley before Dos Santos completed his hat-trick as he calmly slotted home after breaking through one-on-one inn the 89th minute.
Gateshead's mini-revival continued as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Solihull Moors in the National League.
Goals from Harry Chapman and Ben Radcliffe mean second-bottom Gateshead have picked up 13 points from six games since halting their 16-match losing run in all competitions.
Solihull, without a win in five matches and beaten in their previous four at home, took the lead in the sixth minute through Darius Lipsiuc and Joe Sbarra struck the woodwork for the home side soon after.
However Chapman levelled in the 36th minute and, after Conor Wilkinson had missed a 76th minute penalty for the hosts, Radcliffe completed the turnaround three minutes later.
The North Carolina Tar Heels are getting set for round two against the Duke Blue Devils as the 2025-26 college basketball regular season comes to an end on Saturday night. After winning the first matchup in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels are hoping for a sweep.
Prior to Saturday's game, Pete Thamel reported just how close Wilson was to playing on Saturday during a segment on ESPN's College Gameday. The reporter stated that Wilson was cleared by the program for five-on-five drills on Thursday. That was the next hurdle in returning to the court.
It likely means that Wilson would have played against Duke. The star freshman hit the tip of his thumb on the rim on a dunk and X-rays revealed the injury.
Brutal news not only for the Tar Heels but for Wilson who was targeting this game as a return. The Tar Heels did go 5-1 without Wilson in the lineup and his return would have hopefully propelled them on a run in March.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
The NFL’s new league is only a few days away. Teams are trying to lock down some of their pending free agents.
The Dallas Cowboys have been very busy in trying to retain their top talent. After franchise tagging George Pickens, they turned their focus to special teams.
The Cowboys have now reportedly placed a second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey. The Cowboys have been trying to hammer out a deal on their pending free agent.
Cowboys placed the second-round, $5.76 million tender to kicker Brandon Aubrey, per source. Aubrey now can sign an offer sheet with another team that the Cowboys would have the right to match. If they don’t, they would get back a second-round pick. pic.twitter.com/MgPcCRCrpq
Aubrey’s representatives have been trying to get the Cowboys to sweeten their offers in a long-term extension. Rumors have circulated that Aubrey’s agent has demanded north of $10M per year.
The second-round tender means the Cowboys will pay Aubrey half of that. However, another team can still offer Aubrey a contract.
If the Cowboys don’t match another team’s offer, they will be compensated with a second-round pick. In essence, it makes it very unlikely a team will sign Aubrey to a big deal for a second-round pick.
Aubrey and his representatives can still work out a deal with the Cowboys once he signs the tender. The tender pays him $5.76M for 2026 if they cannot work an agreement out.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks a field goal during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aubrey has been a stellar kicker for the Cowboys since joining them in 2023. He has received Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in each of his first three seasons.
For now, Aubrey’s 2026 appears to be set as the Cowboys kicker–barring a stunning turn of events come next Wednesday.
Mozilla is now working with Anthropic's Frontier Red Team to identify and patch potentially dangerous security vulnerabilities in Firefox. According to Mozilla, the AI company approached them a few weeks ago with results from a newly developed, AI-assisted bug-hunting method. The approach appears to work, Mozilla said, and could ultimately...
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Major international tennis tournaments in the United States are drawing global spectators in March 2026 as the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open prepare to host leading players and thousands of […]
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created a ripple effect far beyond the region, severely disrupting travel for Muslim pilgrims who have come to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage. Thousands of pilgrims, including those from Indonesia and Malaysia, find themselves stranded in the kingdom, grappling with the uncertainty of their return journey amid heightened security concerns.
Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population in the world, has been particularly affected. With over 58,000 Indonesian pilgrims currently stuck in Saudi Arabia, many are facing significant challenges as flight disruptions and cancellations have become rampant. The Indonesian government is actively negotiating with Saudi authorities and airlines to alleviate the financial strain on these pilgrims, who are struggling with unexpected hotel bills and the rising costs of extended stays.
Humanitarian Crisis in Saudi Arabia
For the affected pilgrims, this situation is more than just an inconvenience – it is a full-scale humanitarian crisis. Some pilgrims, unable to afford the additional costs of extended hotel stays, have expressed their emotional and financial stress. The Indonesian government, through its Vice Minister for Hajj and Umrah, has advised those still planning to travel to postpone their trips until at least April to ensure their safety.
The government’s response has focused on reducing the financial burden on those stranded, with efforts aimed at securing better terms for flights and hotel stays. The unexpected nature of this situation has left many pilgrims uncertain about when they will be able to return home.
Global Impact Beyond the Middle East
The travel disruptions caused by the conflict have extended far beyond the Middle East, affecting pilgrims traveling to and from countries around the globe. Malaysia has also felt the effects, with over 1,600 Malaysian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. To assist with this, Malaysia has established a 24-hour operations center in Jeddah to manage the crisis and ensure that all affected citizens are cared for.
In response to the crisis, Malaysia Airlines has resumed limited return flights from Jeddah and Medina, although only for a short period. The country’s foreign ministry is working with diplomatic missions and airlines to facilitate the evacuation of stranded Malaysian pilgrims, helping to ensure that their journey back home is as smooth as possible under the current circumstances.
Emotional Strain on Pilgrims
The emotional toll of these disruptions has been particularly evident among the pilgrims who had planned their journeys for months. Many pilgrims from various nations had planned their Umrah trips around the holy month of Ramadan, a time when spiritual activities are heightened, and religious devotion is at its peak. The travel chaos has taken the focus away from the sacred pilgrimage itself, casting a shadow over what should have been a deeply spiritual journey.
Maged Kholaif, an Egyptian pilgrim, recalled his distress when his flight from Saudi Arabia to Kuwait was canceled as the war began. Left stranded with his wife and mother-in-law, he eventually made the difficult decision to travel overland to Kuwait, where he was finally reunited with his children. This story is one of many that illustrates the chaos that has disrupted this once peaceful journey.
Tourism and Travel Concerns Grow
The broader implications of this crisis also extend to the global tourism and aviation sectors, as airports in the Gulf region serve as crucial transit hubs for travelers heading to Europe, Asia, and Africa. With airports in Saudi Arabia now operating under tense conditions, the effects of this disruption will likely ripple across the globe.
As flight schedules continue to be affected, passengers trying to reach their final destinations are also facing major delays, and some have chosen to cancel their planned trips altogether. Javed Khizer, a U.S. resident, said that after monitoring the escalating situation in the Middle East, he and his family decided to cancel their planned Umrah pilgrimage entirely. This sentiment of caution is shared by many who fear for their safety and wish to avoid further disruption.
Religious Devotion Amid the Chaos
Despite these challenges, some pilgrims have managed to carry on with their spiritual journeys. Majid Mughal, a U.S. citizen, traveled with his family to Saudi Arabia despite the growing tension. They learned about the conflict en route but decided to continue with their pilgrimage after assessing the situation. For Majid and his family, the situation has remained relatively stable, and they continue to focus on their religious rituals while keeping a close eye on flight updates for their return.
As tensions in the Middle East persist, pilgrims like Majid are trying to maintain their focus on the spiritual aspect of their journey, finding solace in the rituals of Umrah despite the surrounding chaos. However, this experience underscores the deep complexities that religious tourism now faces in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.
The Uncertainty of Return
The future of the current travel situation remains uncertain, as the conflict continues to evolve and its effects on global travel remain unpredictable. Pilgrims across the globe are left waiting in uncertainty, hoping that diplomatic efforts and airline cooperation can facilitate their safe return home. The Indonesian and Malaysian governments, among others, are working relentlessly to ensure that their citizens are able to return home safely, but the challenges of the situation are far from over.
As the days unfold, the humanitarian and logistical difficulties will likely persist, as thousands of pilgrims continue to face the emotional and financial strain of being stranded far from home. This situation serves as a reminder of how conflicts in one region of the world can reverberate across the globe, affecting the lives and travel plans of ordinary people.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
As countries like Indonesia and Malaysia work to manage the effects of this travel disruption, it is clear that the road ahead will be fraught with challenges. The conflict in the Middle East has not only impacted the lives of those directly involved but has also left a significant mark on the global Muslim community. While the uncertainty of returning home continues to loom over thousands of pilgrims, many remain hopeful that the resolution of this crisis will allow them to safely continue their journey back home.
The lasting impact of this crisis on travel and tourism may also prompt a reevaluation of how religious pilgrimages are planned and managed in times of conflict.
The Government of Maharashtra has initiated the ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy, which is a women-centric scheme aimed at promoting women entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. The tourism policy has provided financial assistance and backing to women entrepreneurs who want to venture into the tourism industry, making them an integral part of the tourism industry, which is going to shape the tourism scenario in the coming years.
The tourism industry has been steadily growing in the country, and Maharashtra has now positioned itself as a major hub for tourism, which not only promotes sustainable growth but also helps women entrepreneurs to come into the tourism industry. The tourism policy has provided women entrepreneurs with interest-free loans up to Rs 15 lakh and interest reimbursement, which helps them start their own business and have a direct impact on the tourism industry and the economy.
Promoting Gender Equality and Sustainable Growth in Tourism
The ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy aims to make women entrepreneurs a central part of the tourism industry’s future in Maharashtra. By focusing on the empowerment of women within the sector, the policy addresses both gender equality and the need for sustainable tourism development. As tourism continues to be one of the most significant economic drivers globally, the ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy aligns with future tourism growth strategies by ensuring that women play a key role in shaping this growth, both in urban and rural areas.
Women-led businesses will enrich the tourism ecosystem by offering more diverse, inclusive, and innovative tourism products and experiences. This will support the long-term sustainability of the industry, while also attracting tourists looking for unique, authentic, and responsibly managed travel options. With women at the forefront of entrepreneurship, Maharashtra’s tourism sector is on track to create inclusive growth that benefits the entire region.
Enhancing Maharashtra’s Tourism Infrastructure for the Future
The Aai Tourism Policy not only helps in empowering women but also contributes to the future growth of Maharashtra’s tourism infrastructure. By incentivizing the creation of women-owned businesses in the tourism sector, the policy will ensure that more tourist-friendly services are developed to cater to the growing demand for both domestic and international tourism. With a focus on sustainable tourism, the policy encourages businesses that align with eco-friendly practices, benefiting the environment and contributing to the long-term growth of Maharashtra’s tourism economy.
As more women become active in the tourism sector, the future of Maharashtra’s tourism will be marked by increased diversity, innovation, and sustainability. This evolution will align with global trends where tourists are increasingly looking for responsible and authentic travel experiences that respect local communities, cultures, and environments. By investing in women-led initiatives, Maharashtra is creating a future-proof tourism industry that is adaptable and aligned with international tourism standards.
Driving Future Tourism Trends: Women as Key Players in Maharashtra’s Growth
As the tourism sector grows, it is clear that women entrepreneurs will be at the forefront of this change. The ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy is helping to foster the next generation of women leaders in tourism, positioning them as influential contributors to the growth and sustainability of the industry. Women are driving future tourism trends through their entrepreneurial ventures, from opening eco-tourism lodges to running cultural tours and offering wellness travel experiences that appeal to modern tourists seeking unique and responsible travel options.
In the coming years, we can expect women-led tourism businesses to be pioneers in innovative tourism solutions—whether it be through creating new ways to engage eco-conscious tourists, promoting local heritage, or offering inclusive and accessible travel experiences for diverse populations. As women continue to lead, Maharashtra’s tourism sector will grow into a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable industry, able to meet the evolving demands of global travelers.
Promoting Women’s Safety and Inclusivity in the Tourism Industry
Another critical aspect of the ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy is its focus on safety and inclusivity, particularly for women tourists. As tourism expands, ensuring the safety of women travelers is paramount. The policy not only supports women in entrepreneurship but also addresses the specific needs of women tourists by offering safer, more inclusive travel experiences. By improving tourist safety and accessibility for women, Maharashtra sets a benchmark for other regions in India to follow, ensuring safe and welcoming environments for all travelers.
This initiative will have a far-reaching impact on tourism safety, particularly for solo women travelers, who are increasingly choosing India as a travel destination. Providing empowered women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to thrive ensures that tourism in Maharashtra remains not only lucrative but also equitable for all.
Empowering Women for a Sustainable and Thriving Future in Tourism
The Aai Tourism Policy introduced by the Government of Maharashtra is a vital component of a sustainable future for the tourism industry of Maharashtra. The policy, which promotes women entrepreneurship and addresses the needs of women in the tourism industry, plays a vital role in the economic empowerment of women and the growth of the tourism industry.
With the policy’s emphasis on gender equality, tourist safety, and sustainability, Maharashtra is poised to become a leader in the tourism industry of the world—a place where women entrepreneurs will be able to grow, a place where the tourism industry will grow to the benefit of all.
Palma de Mallorca, which ranks among Spain’s top tourist destinations, will implement cruise ship arrival restrictions beginning in 2027 to fight against overtourism. The local authorities announced their plan to decrease environmental and social impacts which result from large numbers of cruise passengers visiting the city during its peak travel season from June to September. The cultural heritage protection and overcrowding control measures work as a complete system to achieve their intended goals.
New Rules to Reduce Cruise Passengers in Palma
Under the new guidelines, the number of daily cruise ship berths in Palma will decrease by 1,000 during the busiest summer months, from 8,500 to 7,500 passengers daily. The reduction is aimed at managing the environmental impact of mass tourism and providing a more enjoyable experience for both tourists and the local community. As part of the new rules, only three cruise ships will be allowed to dock at the Port of Palma per day, and only one of these ships will be permitted to carry more than 5,000 passengers.
These changes will be enforced between 2027 and 2029, with officials confirming that the 8,500 daily cruise ship capacity will remain outside the summer months. This decision comes after extensive consultations with local residents, who have raised concerns about overtourism and its negative effects on daily life in Palma and other parts of Mallorca. The move is widely seen as a response to the protests that have occurred in recent years, where residents demanded stricter control over tourism numbers and a focus on sustainable growth.
Balearic Islands Struggling with Overcrowding
The Balearic Islands, of which Mallorca is the largest, have long struggled with the pressures of overtourism. In 2024, the islands saw over 18.7 million visitors, and that number exceeded 19 million in 2025. With a local population of around 1.2 million, this influx of tourists has raised serious concerns among residents. Many argue that the local infrastructure, environment, and cultural sites are being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of visitors, leading to significant disruptions in everyday life.
Overcrowding has resulted in increased pollution, the rising cost of living, and the degradation of historical and natural sites. In response, local governments have started to adopt policies aimed at controlling the influx of tourists, particularly those arriving via cruise ships, which contribute significantly to the problem.
Sustainable Tourism: A Future for Palma
Palma’s new regulations are part of a broader strategy to embrace sustainable tourism while maintaining the city’s allure as a top global destination. By limiting the number of cruise ship arrivals, Palma hopes to ensure that tourism remains an asset rather than a liability, both for residents and the environment. The city plans to focus on enhancing the quality of the tourist experience rather than expanding sheer visitor numbers.
Local officials are also prioritising environmental sustainability. They’ve made it clear that cruise ships meeting the requirements for zero-emission or transitional fuels will be favoured under the new rules. These measures are expected to help reduce the environmental footprint of the cruise industry, which has been heavily criticised for its contribution to air pollution and carbon emissions.
In addition, the local authorities have announced that they will take a more active role in monitoring the impact of tourism on public services, local businesses, and the environment. A governance committee will oversee the implementation of the new cruise limits and ensure the measures are adhered to over the coming years.
Broader Impact of Cruise Ship Limitations
The changes in Palma will likely serve as a blueprint for other destinations grappling with overtourism. Cities such as Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam have already introduced similar measures to control tourist flows, including caps on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock each day.
As the cruise industry continues to grow, it’s expected that more cities will follow Palma’s lead in establishing guidelines that not only curb overcrowding but also prioritise the welfare of the local population. The goal is to create a tourism model that balances economic prosperity with environmental and social responsibility.
A Step Toward a More Sustainable Future
Palma de Mallorca has established new restrictions on cruise ship arrivals, which demonstrate its dedication to sustainable tourism practices. The city aims to protect its cultural and environmental resources by decreasing visitor numbers during peak times while providing residents and visitors with a better experience. The city demonstrates sustainable tourism practices through its current changes, which will serve as a model for other tourist destinations that want to protect their future.
Sunset World Group is starting a new marketing strategy to sell more internationally. They announced this new strategy at the Tourism Showcase at the ANATO event in Bogotá, Colombia, from February 25 to 27, 2026. For many years, they have been one of the most important players in Mexico’s Caribbean vacation club markets; now, they are trying to broaden their operational reach and commercial activity.
Introducing a New Commercial Direction Marketing Focused on the Balance
In the short time that he has been in the position, the new Corporate Commercial Director of Sunset World Group, Mauricio Leyva, is already starting to bring in a new marketing direction aimed at other strategic openings. The idea is to achieve a more horizontal and integrated approach, combining the strength of classical distribution channels with the new digital ones, and to reach tour operators and travel agencies.
This transition is part of Sunset World’s long-term goals of progressing partnerships with major business stakeholders and diversifying its presence in different distribution channels. The market has reacted positively to the company’s efforts. The new strategy shows commitment to achieving quick positive results and sustaining efforts to maintain relevance in the ever-changing global tourism industry.
Strengthening Alliances and Expanding Distribution Channels
With commercial revamping, Sunset World aims to develop a new, distinct Commercial Department to create a more commercial position with international travel agencies, tour operators, and online distribution channels. This approach allows the company to gain access to new market spaces, customer bases, and more significant developments in the travel industry.
Mauricio Leyva, who has been the primary influence of the aforementioned changes, has been optimistic about the response from the market. He is confident of this approach and argues that reaching the business objectives is equally justified. This is particularly true within the all-inclusive resorts, and more so, in the family travel market. Through diversification in its distribution channels, Sunset World Group is set for more growth in the global tourism market.
Hacienda Tres Ríos Renovation: Important for Developing Competitiveness
Along with its new commercial strategy, the Sunset World Group is improving guests’ experience at its flagship hotel, Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park. In the Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Ríos is being renovated comprehensively, with almost 96% of its facilities being upgraded, including guest rooms, restaurants, and the lobby.
With the renovation, Tres Ríos does not just want to modernize the facilities, but improve the guests’ experience and the competitiveness of the all-inclusive resort. The company’s emphasis on quality as they invest to elevate the property will likely increase visits and strengthen the brand on the international level.
Increasing Sunset World Group’s Portfolio
Sunset World Group is a family-owned business with more than three decades of experience in the field of hospitality and is currently managing six hotels located in the Mexican Caribbean, of which four are in Cancún, and one each in the Riviera Maya and in Playa del Carmen. All the resorts are family-oriented and all-inclusive. The resorts are well-known for providing excellent family vacation experiences.
With the expansion of its services, Sunset World Group is committed to providing quality services to the global traveler at a good price. This vision allows the business to combine tradition and innovation to keep providing excellent experiences to the guests.
Sustainability and Innovation
Sunset World Group is dedicated to sustainability and the environment, as is evident in their strategy and focus on sustainability as they work to improve the carbon footprint and utilize more efficient systems at their 6 hotels by converting traditional energy systems to renewable sources and using wind and geothermal systems in the hotels. All hotels in the Group use renewable energy sources, which are considerably less damaging to the environment.
The company also strives to provide more innovative and adventurous gastronomy activities to its guests so that guests can choose activities suited to them, be they of any age or gender, and enjoy as many activities as they want. Sunset World Group is known for its strong commitment to environmental protection and has become the leader of the hospitality industry in Mexico.
The Secret to Sunset World Group’s Future Success
Sunset World Group has made the decision to diversify its business model beyond the Mexican Caribbean. Sunset is confident that the new business model will expand the company’s presence worldwide. Sunset’s new business model will expand its global presence. Sunset will continue to partner with stakeholders within the international travel and tourism marketplace, online travel agencies, and tour operators in the international travel and tourism marketplace.
Sunset World Group will continue to partner with stakeholders within the international travel and tourism marketplace, online travel agencies, and tour operators in the international travel and tourism marketplace. Sunset World Group is prepared to expand its operational footprint and its status as an included value proposition to customers among all-inclusive resort operators within the tourism sector. Additionally, Sunset World Group is prepared to expand its operational footprint and its status as an included value proposition to customers among all-inclusive resort operators within the tourism sector.
Conclusion: Sunset World Group’s New Direction
Sunset World Group diversifying their distribution channels and expansion of its market reach is a positive way of cementing its status as a global leader in travel and tourism. With a focus on building new partnerships and improving multi-channel sales and guest experience at Hacienda Tres Ríos, the company has what it takes to succeed in the travel industry. Sunset World Group has redefined family-oriented holidaying through innovation and sustainability, making the future of global hospitality promising.
Hundreds of passengers were stranded in Thailand today as 590 flight cancellations and delays hit major airports in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. The most affected airlines include Qatar Airways (11 cancellations in Bangkok, 8 in Phuket), Flydubai (3 cancellations in Krabi), Etihad Airways (3 cancellations, 1 delay in Bangkok), Emirates (3 cancellations and 4 delays across Bangkok and Phuket), and Turkish Airlines (2 cancellations and 2 delays in Bangkok). Regional carriers also saw significant delays, led by Thai AirAsia (104 delays across Bangkok and Krabi), Thai Lion Air (33 delays across Bangkok and Krabi), Thai Airways (83 delays across Bangkok and Chiang Mai), Thai Vietjet Air (65 delays across multiple airports), and Bangkok Airways (26 delays). Airports impacted include Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (273 delays, 21 cancellations), Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (139 delays), Phuket International Airport (84 delays, 9 cancellations), Chiang Mai International Airport (34 delays), and Krabi International Airport (27 delays, 3 cancellations). Travelers flying through Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi encountered widespread schedule disruptions affecting both international and domestic routes.
Updated Today: Airports across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi recorded 557 delays and 33 cancellations, affecting hundreds of flights across Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok experienced the highest disruption levels with 273 delays and 21 cancellations.
Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok recorded 139 delays, mainly impacting low-cost carriers.
Phuket International Airport reported 84 delays and 9 cancellations, with Qatar Airways accounting for most cancellations.
Chiang Mai International Airport saw 34 delays, indicating moderate operational disruption.
Krabi International Airport recorded 27 delays and 3 cancellations, all cancellations involving Flydubai flights.
Major airlines facing disruption include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air.
Most Affected Airports
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok experienced the most severe disruption levels, with 273 delays and 21 cancellations recorded. Several international carriers including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air, and Arkia reported cancellations or delays, while regional operators such as Thai Airways, Thai Vietjet Air, Bangkok Airways, and Thai AirAsia contributed heavily to delay totals.
Don Mueang International Airport
The second-largest disruption center was Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, which logged 139 delays and no cancellations. The majority of delays affected low-cost carriers including Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, Nok Air, and Indonesia AirAsia, reflecting congestion primarily on regional and domestic routes.
Phuket International Airport
At Phuket International Airport, authorities recorded 84 delays and 9 cancellations. Most cancellations were linked to Qatar Airways, while delays were spread across carriers such as Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines operating routes to regional destinations.
Chiang Mai International Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport experienced 34 delays with no cancellations. Delays were distributed across airlines including Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Vietjet Air, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Korean Air, impacting primarily domestic and regional travel.
Krabi International Airport
Operations at Krabi International Airport saw 27 delays and 3 cancellations, with all cancellations attributed to Flydubai services. Delays were spread across airlines such as Thai AirAsia, AirAsia, Scoot, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air, and Thai Airways.
Airlines Most Affected by Flight Cancellations and Delays
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways recorded the highest number of cancellations among international carriers, with 11 cancellations at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and 8 cancellations at Phuket International Airport, making it one of the most significantly affected airlines during the disruptions.
Flydubai
Flydubai experienced 3 cancellations at Krabi International Airport, representing the entirety of cancellations recorded at that airport today.
Emirates
Emirates reported two cancellations and four delays at Suvarnabhumi Airport along with one cancellation at Phuket International Airport, affecting several long-haul services.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways experienced three cancellations and one delay at Suvarnabhumi Airport, disrupting flights connecting Bangkok with the Middle East.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines faced two cancellations and two delays at Suvarnabhumi Airport, impacting routes linking Bangkok with Istanbul and onward destinations.
Thai AirAsia
Thai AirAsia recorded some of the largest delay volumes, with 82 delays at Don Mueang Airport, 12 at Krabi, 10 at Chiang Mai, and 9 at Suvarnabhumi, making it one of the most heavily impacted carriers in Thailand today.
Thai Lion Air
Thai Lion Air saw 31 delays at Don Mueang Airport and 2 at Krabi, affecting multiple domestic and regional routes within Southeast Asia.
Thai Vietjet Air
Thai Vietjet Air experienced delays across several airports, including 45 delays at Suvarnabhumi, 9 at Phuket, 7 at Chiang Mai, and 4 at Krabi, contributing significantly to the national delay total.
What Can Affected Passengers Do?
Check real-time flight status updates before traveling to airports such as Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport.
Arrive early at airports including Phuket International Airport or Chiang Mai International Airport, as delays can affect boarding schedules.
Monitor airline notifications and email alerts for updates from carriers like Thai AirAsia, Qatar Airways, or Emirates.
Contact airline customer service desks at terminals if flights departing Krabi or Bangkok experience sudden schedule changes.
Consider flexible travel arrangements or rebooking options when flights are delayed at busy hubs such as Bangkok or Phuket.
Flight disruptions today across Thailand impacted major tourism and transport hubs including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi, producing a combined 557 delays and 33 cancellations. The most severe operational impact occurred in Bangkok, where Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport together accounted for a large portion of the disruptions. International carriers such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines experienced cancellations or delays on long-haul routes, while regional carriers including Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air, and Bangkok Airways contributed heavily to delay totals. Airports in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi also reported delays affecting domestic and regional services, highlighting how operational disruptions across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi can ripple through the broader aviation network of Thailand.
San Antonio, Texas is globally known for its lively San Antonio River Walk, a 15-mile network of walkways that follows the San Antonio River through the heart of the city. While the downtown portion is often crowded with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, a lesser-known section called Museum Reach offers visitors a quieter and more culturally rich experience. According to tourism information from official city and state sources, the Museum Reach spans roughly 3.5 miles and connects several of the city’s important cultural institutions, parks, and public art installations. This stretch combines nature, heritage, and urban design, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking a more relaxed exploration of San Antonio’s iconic river corridor. The pathway is lined with native plants, scenic bridges, and striking artworks, creating an environment that reflects both the region’s natural heritage and its creative spirit.
A River Walk Experience Designed Around Culture and Nature
The Museum Reach section forms a vital extension of the larger San Antonio River Walk, designed to connect downtown with historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks further north. Unlike the bustling commercial district in the central River Walk area, this segment provides a calmer environment where visitors can stroll, cycle, or explore museums at a leisurely pace. The trail is surrounded by landscaped riverbanks featuring native vegetation that supports the river ecosystem and highlights the natural character of South Texas. Public art is another defining feature of the Museum Reach. Large installations and sculptures are placed throughout the route, turning the river path into an open-air gallery.
Urban Segment: Connecting Downtown to the Arts District
The southern portion of the Museum Reach is known as the Urban Segment, which stretches for about 1.3 miles beginning near Lexington Avenue. One of the first landmarks along this route is the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, a major performing arts venue that hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and cultural events throughout the year. The center plays an important role in San Antonio’s arts scene and serves as a gateway to the Museum Reach pathway. Continuing north along the river, visitors encounter the San Antonio Museum of Art, one of the region’s most prominent art institutions. The museum houses collections representing global cultures and artistic traditions, including works from Asia, Latin America, and the Mediterranean world, as well as contemporary art from Texas. The museum is particularly known for its extensive collections of ancient Mediterranean art, including artifacts from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. These exhibits provide insight into thousands of years of cultural history while complementing the modern creative energy found elsewhere along the River Walk.
A Unique Wildlife Spectacle at the I-35 Bridge
Further along the route, the River Walk passes beneath the Interstate 35 bridge, where visitors may witness one of the city’s most fascinating natural events. Each year between approximately April and October, tens of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats gather beneath the bridge. At sunset, the bats leave their roosts in large groups to hunt insects across the surrounding urban landscape. This nightly emergence has become a seasonal attraction for visitors and wildlife enthusiasts. The bridge area also features a striking art installation suspended overhead. The sculpture titled F.I.S.H., created by artist Donald Lipski, depicts 25 brightly colored longear sunfish measuring roughly seven feet in length. The species represented in the sculpture is native to the San Antonio River, and the artwork visually celebrates the river’s ecological heritage.
The Grotto: A Hidden Artistic Landmark
Just north of the bridge lies one of the most visually distinctive features along the Museum Reach. The installation known as The Grotto, designed by artist Carlos Cortés, rises approximately three stories along the riverbank. The structure resembles a natural rock formation but contains intricate details carved into its surfaces. Waterfalls cascade down the installation, and hidden sculpted faces are embedded within the stone-like design. Visitors often pause to explore the structure and discover these hidden elements, making it one of the most photographed art installations along the River Walk.
Pearl District: A Culinary and Cultural Hub
The Urban Segment concludes near the Pearl District, a revitalized historic area that has become one of San Antonio’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Originally home to the historic Pearl Brewery, the district has been transformed into a mixed-use community featuring restaurants, shops, markets, and cultural spaces. One of the most prominent institutions in the district is the Culinary Institute of America, which operates a campus focused on Latin American culinary traditions. The institute attracts students and chefs from across the world and contributes to San Antonio’s reputation as a growing food destination. Visitors to the Pearl District will find numerous places to enjoy local cuisine, specialty beverages, and artisanal foods, making it a natural stopping point along the Museum Reach route.
Park Segment: A Green Corridor Through Brackenridge Park
Beyond the Pearl District, the Museum Reach transitions into its second portion, the Park Segment, which begins near Josephine Street. This 2.25-mile stretch runs through the expansive Brackenridge Park, one of the largest and most historic parks in San Antonio. The park serves as a green oasis within the city, offering shaded trails, picnic areas, and access to several family-friendly attractions. Among the park’s most popular destinations is the San Antonio Zoo, which houses hundreds of animal species and is considered one of the city’s leading educational attractions. Another key institution within the park is the Witte Museum, a museum dedicated to the natural and cultural history of Texas. Exhibits at the Witte explore topics such as prehistoric life, regional ecosystems, Indigenous cultures, and the history of the cattle industry that shaped the American West. Together, these attractions make the Park Segment particularly appealing for families and travelers interested in science, nature, and regional heritage.
River Transportation and Scenic Exploration
Visitors exploring the Museum Reach can choose between walking the scenic pathways or traveling by water. A lock and dam system near Brooklyn Avenue regulates the water level along the River Walk, enabling boats to navigate between downtown and the northern sections of the river corridor. As a result, river shuttles can transport passengers between the central River Walk area and the Pearl District. This system provides an alternative way to explore the river while offering scenic views of the surrounding architecture, landscapes, and public art installations.
Seasonal Celebrations Along the River
Although the Museum Reach can be enjoyed year-round, it becomes particularly vibrant during the holiday season. During December, the river corridor hosts The River of Lights, an annual celebration in which thousands of lights illuminate trees, bridges, and riverbanks throughout the area. The festive display transforms the pathways into a glowing nighttime attraction and draws both residents and travelers. The event highlights the River Walk’s role not only as a tourism destination but also as a central gathering place for community celebrations.
A Different Side of the San Antonio River Walk
The Museum Reach offers a distinctly different perspective on the San Antonio River Walk. Instead of the busy restaurant-lined promenades typically associated with the downtown section, this stretch emphasizes art, nature, and culture.Travelers exploring this area encounter museums, historic neighborhoods, wildlife habitats, and landscaped parks all connected by scenic walkways along the river. For visitors seeking a more relaxed and immersive way to experience San Antonio, the Museum Reach reveals a side of the city where cultural institutions, environmental design, and public art come together along one of Texas’ most iconic waterways.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is facing significant operational disruptions, with reports showing a total of 18 cancelled flights and 43 delayed departures, further adding to the already chaotic air traffic environment across global travel hubs. The number of cancellations and delays has left passengers stranded and disrupted travel plans for thousands of travelers both within Turkey and internationally.
This disruption is part of a larger, ongoing issue in the aviation industry, as airports globally are seeing increased flight delays and cancellations due to a combination of factors including ongoing regional geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions, and severe weather conditions. For passengers flying from Istanbul, the impact has been keenly felt, with many international flights experiencing severe delays.
The Ripple Effects of Global Aviation Disruptions on Istanbul
The ripple effects of this disruption extend far beyond the immediate vicinity of Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Globally, aviation systems have been under immense pressure as airlines and airports work to manage unforeseen delays. The Turkish government has worked with aviation authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to coordinate operations, but the strain is evident at airports like Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, which handles one of the busiest domestic and international routes in Turkey.
While the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has yet to release a full statement on the cause of the recent operational disruptions, sources within the government suggest that a combination of airspace restrictions and higher-than-usual passenger traffic has played a role in the delays. Additionally, several European airlines reported delays linked to similar causes, with ripple effects impacting flights in and out of Istanbul.
For travelers, this means longer waiting times, uncertain schedules, and potential financial losses. Reports from Skyscanner and FlightStats, two of the most widely used real-time flight tracking platforms, have confirmed the growing list of delays and cancellations.
What Travelers Can Expect Amidst the Chaos
Travelers affected by these delays are left with few options but to wait out the uncertainty. Istanbul’s busy airport infrastructure has added a layer of complexity for passengers looking to reroute or reschedule their flights. Those traveling on international routes or connecting through Turkish hubs have found themselves in limbo, unable to access their connecting flights. For many passengers traveling on budget airlines, rerouting options remain limited, with no guarantee of an immediate resolution.
The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has instructed all airlines operating at Sabiha Gökçen to prioritize passenger welfare, offering compensation for affected travelers. However, the airport’s facilities have been overwhelmed with requests, leading to extended queues at customer service desks. Travelers are advised to check their flight status online and consult with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary delays.
Airlines such as Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines are reportedly working closely with the authorities to mitigate the disruption, but delays and cancellations remain common. The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has assured passengers that airlines are complying with new regulations designed to alleviate congestion and improve overall operational efficiency at the airport.
The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on Turkish Aviation
One of the driving forces behind the chaos at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is undoubtedly the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. As tensions escalate in certain regions, particularly surrounding the ongoing conflict in neighboring countries, air traffic management becomes increasingly difficult. Airspace restrictions in some parts of Turkey, as well as neighboring nations, have created bottlenecks for airlines operating out of Istanbul.
Travelers and industry experts alike have pointed out that the increasing frequency of these disruptions calls for a deeper reevaluation of airspace management strategies and more robust contingency plans for both airlines and airports. These disruptions are not limited to Istanbul or the Middle East, as airports around the world have reported delays linked to similar regional conflicts and shifting air traffic routes.
For those planning to travel through Istanbul in the coming days, it is advised to keep updated on the latest developments via official channels like the Turkish Airlines website and Skyscanner flight alerts. The airport is working diligently to improve communication and expedite the resolution of these disruptions, but travelers should be prepared for ongoing delays until the situation stabilizes.
The Road Ahead: What Will Be Done to Resolve the Crisis?
In the immediate future, aviation authorities are expected to take additional measures to alleviate congestion atSabiha Gökçen International Airport. This may include expanding flight schedules, improving passenger flow management, and possibly even securing additional resources for the airport’s ground operations. It remains to be seen whether these measures will provide a long-term solution to the ongoing issue of air traffic congestion in Istanbul, or if they will only temporarily relieve the pressure.
In addition to immediate operational adjustments, the Turkish government has pledged to work with IATA (International Air Transport Association) and other global bodies to improve the overall security and efficiency of air travel in the region. Increased investment in technological infrastructure is expected, with smart tracking systems and real-time notifications becoming more prevalent in airport facilities to assist both passengers and airlines in managing delays.
Travelers hoping to avoid the chaos are advised to explore alternate routes and stay informed about the latest information regarding flight statuses. For those already in Istanbul, remaining patient and staying up to date on airline communications is key to navigating the current travel turbulence.
Conclusion: The Lingering Effects of Flight Disruptions in Istanbul
As the aviation world continues to grapple with delays and cancellations stemming from a mix of political and operational challenges, Istanbul remains a key focal point for travelers seeking to transit between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Passengers using Sabiha Gökçen should be prepared for potential delays, while airlines work to manage ongoing disruptions that have plagued air travel across the region. While Turkey’s authorities remain committed to resolving the situation, only time will tell how quickly they can restore normal operations to what was once a bustling hub for Turkish and international air traffic.
Travelers who find themselves stranded or facing cancellations are encouraged to check with their airlines, remain flexible with their travel plans, and use available airport resources to secure their next best travel options. Despite these disruptions, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport remains one of Turkey’s most significant aviation gateways, and efforts are underway to ensure that it can once again return to smooth operations.
The sober-curious trend is transforming the world of luxury travel in 2026. Alcohol-free holidays have become more popular because travellers now choose to experience activities that promote their present moment awareness and mindful state. The wellness tourism industry is expanding because resorts and destinations throughout the world now provide alcohol-optional retreats. The sober-curious movement receives its first major drinking-free spaces from these two locations, which include the peaceful Utah deserts and the lively Bali jungles.
Rancho La Puerta, Tecate: Mexico’s Wellness Retreat for Mindful Travel
Nestled at the foot of Mt. Kuchumaa, Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, is one of the pioneers of the wellness retreat movement. Established over 80 years ago, this expansive 4,000-acre property has long been a sanctuary for those seeking to disconnect from the noise of daily life. Unlike traditional resorts, alcohol consumption here has been minimised for decades, providing a serene space for guests to focus on fitness, health, and well-being.
In 2026, Rancho La Puerta continues to redefine what it means to relax and rejuvenate. New offerings, such as the Longevity Track, highlight healthy aging through fitness and wellness practices. Guests can enjoy more than 80 fitness classes each week, take part in restorative sound baths, and explore the transformative power of movement, all while being far removed from the distractions of alcohol-fueled socialising.
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort: A California Retreat Focused on Relaxation
Southern California’s Murrieta Hot Springs Resort blends wellness with relaxation in a way that appeals to sober-curious travellers. The resort’s focus on hydrotherapy, which includes sauna rituals, contrast bathing, and Kneipp Walks, makes it a natural fit for those looking to nourish their bodies and minds without alcohol.
The resort’s emphasis on sleep optimization is another draw for sober-curious visitors. With medically guided routines and smart beds designed to enhance rest, guests can wake up feeling rejuvenated and energised. The combination of restorative hydrotherapy and sleep-focused rooms creates an environment where guests can truly disconnect from the stress of modern life and re-energize in an alcohol-free atmosphere.
ULUM Moab: A Desert Retreat in Utah’s Dark Sky Sanctuary
For those seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s wonders, Moab, Utah, stands out as a top destination for sober-curious travellers. Known for its rugged landscapes and outdoor adventures, Moab has recently gained popularity as a go-to retreat for those looking to reset their nervous systems and disconnect from the pressures of modern life.
ULUM Moab, a luxurious resort in this awe-inspiring desert setting, offers a range of sober-focused experiences. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Moab provides some of the clearest night skies in the United States. Visitors can engage in ranger-led astronomy programs that foster connection with the cosmos in an environment free from distractions. The focus on nature, coupled with sunrise hikes and guided outdoor activities, ensures that guests are fully immersed in the present moment, allowing for a truly restorative experience.
Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape: Alcohol-Free in Bali’s Heart
Bali has long been a favourite for those seeking spiritual connection, and Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, enhances that experience by removing the walls, both literally and figuratively. The resort’s no-doors, no-walls philosophy encourages a deeper connection with nature, promoting presence and mindfulness.
At Buahan, guests can experience the joy of an alcohol-free lifestyle through carefully crafted non-alcoholic beverages. The Botanist Bar offers a selection of house-made kombuchas and tonic infusions made from locally sourced, foraged ingredients. Guests can also learn about traditional Balinese wellness practices in hands-on workshops like jamu-making, where they craft elixirs from turmeric, ginger, and honey. This unique approach provides a sense of nourishment that alcohol simply cannot offer, promoting both mental and physical well-being.
Sober-Curious Travel Is Here to Stay
As the sober-curious movement grows, these destinations are setting the standard for mindful, alcohol-free travel experiences. Whether it’s Rancho La Puerta’s fitness-focused wellness, Buahan’s deep connection with nature, Moab’s celestial serenity, or Murrieta Hot Springs’ healing hydrotherapy, these places are revolutionising what it means to relax and recharge in 2026.
The travel industry has begun to embrace the sober-curious trend because it enables travelers to experience alcohol-free activities which help their body and mind regeneration. Alcohol-free vacations will remain a popular option for travelers who want to experience complete presence during their journeys according to current trends.
In a major setback for airlines, travelers have experienced major disruptions at the Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) with 54 flights today already canceled while 43 have been delayed. Airlines have to deal with the loss of customers, and the Middle Eastern region of the world also suffers. Royal Jordanian, Ryanair and Qatar Airways have blamed the disruptions for leaving travelers stranded at the airport.
Affected Airlines and Flights
The majority of cancellations today have impacted passengers flying with Royal Jordanian, the national carrier, which accounted for 27 cancellations, making up 21% of total disruptions. In addition to the cancellations, Royal Jordanian also experienced significant delays, with 37 flights affected, or 29% of the total delays at the airport. Other airlines such as Ryanair and Egypt Air also saw disruptions, with Ryanair experiencing a 100% cancellation rate for its flights today, while Egypt Air had 5 of its flights cancelled.
Other notable airlines like Qatar Airways, Pegasus Airlines, and Buzz also reported total cancellations for their scheduled flights, with Qatar Airways’ operations being hit particularly hard, with 100% of its flights canceled. Additionally, airlines such as FlyDubai and British Airways saw a mix of cancellations and delays, further exacerbating the situation.
Impact on Affected Cities and Passengers
The disruptions at Queen Alia International Airport are not limited to Jordan alone. The ripple effects are being felt in various cities across the Middle East and Europe. Passengers who were supposed to fly from or arrive in major cities such as Amman, Cairo, Doha, and Dubai have experienced significant inconvenience.
With more than 100 flights disrupted, the number of affected passengers could be in the thousands. These delays and cancellations have left many travelers stranded at the airport, scrambling to rebook flights or find alternative routes. Long queues and overcrowded terminals are the immediate challenges faced by passengers. The most affected travelers are those who were flying internationally to destinations like Doha, Cairo, Dubai, and beyond.
Tourists who were hoping to explore Jordan and its famed sites like Petra, the Dead Sea, and the ancient ruins of Jerash have found their plans significantly delayed. This disruption is likely to negatively affect the tourism industry, especially with the upcoming peak tourist seasons. As passengers struggle to rearrange their trips, they may decide to postpone or even cancel their vacations, leading to a drop in tourism numbers for the country.
Economic and Tourism Impacts
The airline disruptions at Queen Alia International Airport come at a crucial time for Jordan’s tourism sector, which has been experiencing a resurgence after the pandemic. Jordan, a country rich in cultural heritage and historical sites, relies heavily on tourism, and interruptions like these can deter international visitors. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, may see a decline in the number of tourists during a time when the economy could benefit from their presence.
Moreover, business travelers attending conferences or meetings in Jordan may face serious setbacks, potentially leading to financial losses. The ripple effect could extend beyond the airport and into the hospitality sector, where many travelers who were planning to visit Jordan’s iconic landmarks will now have to adjust their schedules.
Conclusion: Navigating the Disruption
Flight delays and cancellations at Queen Alia International Airport shows that there are challenges that need to be fixed in the local aviation sector. There are no public updates from the Jordanian government and the concerned authorities, so travelers are advised to visit the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website, and the Queen Alia International Airport website for the most recent changes.
As the disruption continues, the airline and airport staff are required to inform travelers of the situation and cancel, rebook, or compensate travelers accordingly. The tourism sector must prepare for an expected drop in visitors as these issues unfold. However, with right approach, there is hope for the tourism industry in Jordan to bounce again.
In the meantime, travelers are urged to check with their airlines for the latest information, including travel alternatives. Travelers will have to manage the aviation crisis as efficiently as possible to preserve the tourism image of Jordan.
Thousands of passengers across the United States are facing travel chaos as Delta, Southwest, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, and other major carriers struggle with widespread disruptions. Today, 825 cancellations have wreaked havoc on travel schedules, leaving passengers stranded or forced to adjust their plans. The most affected airports include Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and several others, where the storm of cancellations and delays has created a ripple effect. Travelers heading to or from these key cities are experiencing significant hold-ups, making it difficult to reach their destinations on time.
Storms and Tornadoes Hit Michigan and Oklahoma, Leaving a Path of Destruction
Michigan and Oklahoma have been at the center of the storm’s fury. The tornado-producing storms caused devastation across southern Michigan, including Cass County, St. Joseph County, and Branch County on March 6. At least four people were killed, and homes, businesses, and agricultural structures sustained heavy damage. The storms continued into Union City, where damaged trees and wrecked buildings marked the aftermath. In Oklahoma, at least four deaths were reported, with two people killed when a tornado struck their home near Beggs. Another deadly tornado earlier in the day near Fairview claimed the lives of a woman and her daughter.
The severe storms triggered tornado warnings, which disrupted transportation systems and delayed flights across affected areas. Authorities are working on damage assessments, and the National Weather Service has deployed survey teams to assess whether the damage was caused by one or multiple tornadoes.
Airspace Volume Causes Ground Delays
ASE (Aspen/Pitkin County Airport) – Average delay: 54 minutes Airspace volume is causing significant delays at ASE, with travelers experiencing an average delay of 54 minutes. This type of delay typically results from high traffic volume in busy airspaces, leading to slower processing times.
HDN (Yampa Valley Airport) – Average delay: 120 minutes Yampa Valley Airport is facing even longer delays, with an average delay of 120 minutes. The delays here are also due to airspace congestion, which has been a widespread issue at several airports across the U.S. today.
TEX (Vicksburg Tallulah Regional Airport) – Average delay: 109 minutes Similar to ASE and HDN, TEX is also grappling with delays due to airspace volume, causing passengers to wait longer than expected.
Weather-Related Delays Impacting Airports
DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport) – Average delay: 71 minutes Severe thunderstorms have led to ground delays at DFW, where passengers are experiencing an average delay of 71 minutes. Thunderstorms can cause temporary closures of runways or slow air traffic movement, affecting both departing and arriving flights.
TEB (Teterboro Airport) – Average delay: 192 minutes Wind-related delays are making things even worse at Teterboro Airport, with an average delay of 192 minutes. Strong winds can pose safety concerns for aircraft, leading to slower operations.
EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport) – Average delay: 55 minutes Low ceilings at EWR are causing ground delays, as low cloud cover and fog impact visibility for flights attempting to take off or land.
Airports and Cities Most Affected by the Disruptions
Several major U.S. airports have seen the brunt of the delays and cancellations today. These include:
Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL): As the busiest airport in the U.S., ATL has seen a staggering 461 cancellations and 377 delays, affecting passengers traveling to and from the region.
Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW): With 121 cancellations and 504 delays, DFW is another major hub experiencing widespread disruptions.
Chicago O’Hare International (ORD): ORD continues to be a hot spot, with 121 cancellations and 351 delays impacting both domestic and international flights.
Denver International (DEN): With 65 cancellations and 234 delays, Denver’s passengers are facing significant disruption as well.
Los Angeles International (LAX): 18 cancellations and 120 delays are being reported, causing frustration for travelers on the West Coast.
Newark Liberty International (EWR): EWR has had 12 cancellations and 116 delays, creating challenges for passengers traveling to and from New Jersey.
Miami International (MIA): With 12 cancellations and a whopping 192 delays, MIA is also severely affected, particularly for international travelers.
Boston Logan International (BOS): 16 cancellations and 96 delays are disrupting flights, making it difficult for passengers heading in and out of the Northeast.
Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA): This airport has experienced 17 cancellations and 60 delays, further exacerbating travel disruptions.
Philadelphia International (PHL): With 5 cancellations and 47 delays, passengers flying through Philadelphia are facing moderate disruptions.
Other airports experiencing notable delays and cancellations include Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Chicago Midway International (MDW), Kansas City International (MCI), Salt Lake City International (SLC), and Washington Dulles International (IAD). Each of these airports has reported varying levels of delays and cancellations, affecting passengers across the U.S.
Airlines Affected by Today’s Disruptions
Multiple major airlines have been affected by the delays and cancellations across the country, adding to the frustration for passengers.
Delta Air Lines: With 297 cancellations and 438 delays, Delta is seeing significant operational challenges today.
SkyWest Airlines: 158 cancellations and 308 delays indicate widespread disruptions for passengers traveling with this regional carrier.
Southwest Airlines: Among the most affected, Southwest has faced 54 cancellations and 645 delays. This large number of delays is especially concerning for travelers.
American Airlines: With 47 cancellations and 601 delays, American Airlines has seen a notable number of disruptions, impacting travelers across its extensive domestic network.
Endeavor Air: As a regional airline under Delta, Endeavor Air has seen 46 cancellations and 67 delays, contributing to Delta’s overall delays.
Analysis: Impact on U.S. Airports, Cities, and Airlines
These disruptions are not isolated to one part of the country but span across several critical U.S. airports and cities. Major airports like Dallas-Fort Worth, Newark Liberty, and Aspen are seeing varying degrees of delays and cancellations. Severe weather conditions in Dallas and Teterboro, combined with airspace congestion at several regional airports like Yampa Valley and Vicksburg Tallulah, are the primary drivers of today’s operational challenges.
The impact of these disruptions is felt across both major airlines like Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines, as well as regional carriers such as SkyWest and Endeavor Air. Travelers heading to or from these airports should prepare for extended waiting times and possible cancellations.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
Passengers impacted by the disruptions should take several steps to manage their travel plans:
Check Flight Status Regularly: Travelers should monitor their flight status frequently for real-time updates on cancellations or delays. Airline apps and airport websites are the best sources for this information.
Contact Airlines for Rebooking: Passengers facing cancellations should reach out to their airline’s customer service for rebooking options. Many airlines offer rebooking free of charge in the event of cancellations caused by weather or air traffic issues.
Consider Alternative Routes: If you’re facing extended delays, it may be worth looking for alternative routes or even flying into a nearby airport, if feasible. Check with the airline for options and availability.
Prepare for Extended Waits: With average delays ranging from 45 to 192 minutes, passengers should prepare for extended waits at the airport. It’s advisable to bring food, water, and entertainment to stay comfortable during the wait.
Conclusion
Today’s travel disruptions in the U.S. highlight the challenges airports and airlines face when weather conditions and airspace congestion take a toll on operations. With 3,524 delays and 825 cancellations reported, affected passengers need to stay updated on their flight status and remain flexible with their travel plans. As always, ensuring a proactive approach will help minimize the inconvenience caused by these disruptions.
Samsung has started teasing its new smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy M17e 5G, in India. The company has created a special teaser page for the phone on Amazon India. This page confirms the phone’s name and also shows a small preview of its design and colours before the official launch.
The Amazon teaser page shows a banner with the tagline “All in One Monster.” This suggests that Samsung plans to offer a combination of good performance, battery life, and useful features in this budget smartphone.
The teaser image gives a quick look at the phone’s rear design. It confirms that the Galaxy M17e 5G will come with a dual rear camera setup. The image also shows that the volume buttons are placed on the left side of the device.
Image via Amazon
Samsung has also revealed the two colour options for the smartphone – Purple and Green. Since this is only the first teaser, more information about the phone is expected to be shared on the Amazon page soon.
Earlier reports suggest that the smartphone features the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and runs on Android 16. It may include a 6.7-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 6500mAh battery with 25W fast charging, a 50MP rear camera, and an 8MP front camera. More details should be announced soon.
SamsungGalaxy S26 Ultra introduced several new camera features, and one of the most exciting ones is Horizon Lock. This feature helps keep videos straight and stable, even if the phone is tilted or rotated while recording. Here’s an amazing example for that.
Ahead of that, let’s talk about Horizon Lock. It is a software-based stabilization feature. It works like a digital gimbal and uses the phone’s sensors and software to keep the horizon level in a video. Even if the phone rotates completely, the feature tries to keep the video looking straight.
A video shared online by @jan_agrs showed how powerful this feature is. In the test, three smartphones were attached to a bicycle tyre to compare their video stabilization while the wheel spinning. The phones used in the test were the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Each phone recorded the video using its best stabilization mode. The iPhone 17 Pro Max used Action Mode, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra used Super Steady mode. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra recorded the video using Horizon Lock with Super Steady mode.
There is only one way to test the Horizontal Lock Video feature on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
When the bicycle tyre started spinning fast, the difference between the phones became clear.The videos from the other phones showed some shaking and rotation. But the video recorded by the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra looked much more stable.
The horizon in the video stayed straight even while the phone was spinning around with the wheel. Because of this, the video looked very smooth and steady. The stabilization shown in the test looks very impressive.
A fresh leak from a notable tipster shares early details of a new FEVM mini PC. The system is shown to feature a slim form factor and is reported to be powered by an Intel Panther Lake processor, with OCuLink and Thunderbolt 4 ports.
The entertainment giant claims President Trump’s tariffs delayed Switch 2 pre-orders, causing it significant financial losses and leading to a less-than-optimal launch.
Samsung took a lot of inspiration from the Apple MacBook Pro 16 for the new Galaxy Book6 Ultra and both look pretty equal when you remove the logos. The design also includes the keyboard, because Samsung ditched the numpad from the old Galaxy Book4 Ultra.
When the DART probe hit the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022, it also changed the trajectory of a more massive asteroid located nearby. And this discovery could help astronomers prevent potential dangers to Earth.
The Mind Graphics 2 is now available to purchase. This Khadas eGPU comes with a desktop Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, and it can connect to a host device through the proprietary Mind Link or USB4. The retail price is $1,349.
Renders of the Oppo Find N6, that surfaced last month, showed the smartphone in three colors. Now, a new set of Find N6 renders has surfaced, giving us our best look yet at the smartphone and showing the foldable in new colors.
These renders, shared by reliable leakster Evan Blass, show the Oppo Find N6 in three new colors, including orange, because of course.
Oppo Find N6's leaked renders
Blass didn't share any other details about the Oppo Find N6; however, Oppo previously confirmed that Find N6 would feature a Hasselblad-tuned 200MP quad-camera setup.
Rumors claim the...
It took extra time, but Chelsea secured its spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals, narrowly defeating Wrexham 4‑2 at the Racecourse Ground.
Cup competitions are built on nights like this. The lights are brighter, the crowd louder, and belief grows with every minute the underdog stays alive. At the Racecourse Ground, the atmosphere crackled with that familiar FA Cup magic as Wrexham pushed one of England’s giants, Chelsea, to the brink.
For long spells it felt as if another famous chapter might be written in the club’s modern fairytale, one fueled by passionate supporters, the presence of celebrity owners in the stands, and a team refusing to bow to superior opposition. Yet by the end of a dramatic evening filled with twists, controversy, and late heartbreak, the dream slipped agonizingly out of reach. What followed was a chaotic, emotional contest that ultimately decided who would move on to the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
From the opening whistle, the home side showed no intention of playing the role of respectful underdog. Wrexham stayed organized defensively but were ready to attack whenever an opportunity appeared. Despite early possession from Chelsea, the first major moment belonged to the host. A long ball from the back caught the visiting defense off guard, allowing Sam Smith to break free and slot a composed finish into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted as the underdog took the lead.
Even though the goal required a VAR check, the decision stood. The Racecourse Ground roared with belief, sensing that something special might be unfolding. Chelsea struggled to respond immediately, rattled by Wrexham’s energy and direct play. But eventually the Premier League side found a way back.
Dreamland! 🤩
Sam Smith slots home to put @Wrexham_AFC ahead against Chelsea! 👏
A swift attacking move ended with Alejandro Garnacho driving forward before a shot ricocheted off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo for an unfortunate own goal, leveling the match before halftime. By the break, the contest stood at 1-1, setting the stage for a gripping second half.
A little bit of luck hands @ChelseaFC the equaliser against Wrexham.
The second half transformed the match into a true cup classic. Wrexham continued to press forward and were rewarded when Callum Doyle cleverly redirected a long-range effort into the net, giving the home side the lead once again and sending the stadium into delirium.
For a moment, the upset seemed within touching distance. Yet the Blues responded almost immediately. Defensive lapses allowed Josh Acheampong to fire a powerful shot into the roof of the net, leveling the score once more and keeping the visitors alive. The match was now a frantic back-and-forth battle.
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ollie Rathbone of Wrexham
As time ticked away, tension escalated. In stoppage time, Wrexham suffered a major setback when George Dobson was sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge on Garnacho. The dismissal meant the host would have to face extra time with 10 men, drastically shifting the balance of the contest. Still, the home side refused to collapse.
An instant response ⚡️ ️ Josh Acheampong brings Chelsea back level immediately against Wrexham!
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the hosts defended bravely at the start of extra time, hoping to drag the match toward penalties. But eventually the pressure told. A well-worked Chelsea move ended with Alejandro Garnacho finishing from close range, a goal that briefly confused the crowd as the ball bounced out of the net before anyone realized it had crossed the line.
Timing the volley perfectly 👌
Alejandro Garnacho gives @ChelseaFC the lead for the first time on the night.
Chelsea finally had the lead. Even then, Phil Parkinson’s players refused to surrender. The home side pushed forward desperately and nearly found an equalizer dramatically. One moment seemed destined for FA Cup folklore when Brunt bundled the ball into the net, appearing to force the game toward penalties. However, the celebrations were cut short. The decision left the crowd furious and the home side stunned.
Chelsea then delivered the decisive blow. With Wrexham pushing forward, space opened for the visitors. Joao Pedro collected the ball outside the area and produced a superb finish into the corner, finally ending the contest.
The goal confirmed a 4-2 victory after extra time for Chelsea, sending the Premier League club into the FA Cup quarter-final. Despite the defeat, Wrexham left the field to a standing ovation from supporters and co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Athletic Club receive FC Barcelona in a Matchday 27 clash during the 2025/26 La Liga campaign. Here’s all the essential information for this highly anticipated contest, including kickoff schedules and details on how to watch the broadcast live via TV or available streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Athletic Club vs Barcelona on US television and via legal streaming:
After Real Madrid’s 2–1 win over Celta de Vigo tightened the title race in La Liga, league leaders Barcelonaenter the weekend with just a one-point cushion and plenty of urgency as they prepare for a tough test against Athletic Club.
The Catalan side remains the favorite, but the Basque squad—currently battling in the middle of the table with hopes of securing a European spot—has built a reputation for frustrating top contenders and could shake up the standings with an upset.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Athletic Club vs Barcelona and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
Now with ESPN+, you can stream Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, Eredivisie, NWSL, USL and more.
Even better, ESPN is now offering The Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ for only $14.99 per month. Not only do you get all of the soccer with ESPN+, but you also get hit movies and TV shows with Hulu AND you get Disney+ that features Star Wars, Marvel movies, Disney movies and shows, films from Pixar and feature documentaries from National Geographic.
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, ESPN+ also includes UFC, MLB, MLS, NHL, select PGA TOUR golf, Top Rank Boxing, cricket and Grand Slam tennis from Wimbledon to the US Open and Australian Open. Plus you get instant access to your favorite college sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, softball and more.
There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
has named one opponent he would be eager to face next, despite that particular fighter being in negotiations for a different opportunity. The 27-year-old comes off a dominant victory over Mario Barrios, who he floored in the opening round before claiming a unanimous verdict down the stretch. In doing so, Garcia dethroned his man to […]
Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında ağırladığı Göztepe'yi 2-1 mağlup eden RAMS Başakşehir'de teknik direktör Nuri Şahin, maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında ağırladığı Göztepe'yi 2-1 mağlup eden RAMS Başakşehir'de teknik direktör Nuri Şahin, çok önemli ve değerli bir galibiyet aldıklarını söyledi.
Şahin, Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadı'nda oynanan karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında açıklamalarda bulundu.
Karşılaşmanın ilk 15-20 dakikasında oyunu kontrol ettiklerini belirten 37 yaşındaki teknik adam, "Daha sonra oyun Göztepe'nin istediği ritme döndü. Onların oyununa ayak uydurduk. Ancak ikinci yarıda yaptığımız değişikliklerle, kalitemizle ve çok güzel bir golle maçı kazanmayı bildik. Yolumuz daha uzun ama büyük ve önemli bir adım attığımızı düşünüyorum. Çok değerli ve önemli bir galibiyet." ifadelerini kullandı.
Turuncu-lacivertli takımın ligde puanını 42'ye çıkarması ve Göztepe'yi geçerek averajla 5. sıraya yükselmesi hakkında da konuşan Nuri Şahin, "Bu maçı kaybettiğimiz takdirde Göztepe ile aramızdaki puan farkı 6'ya çıkacaktı. Doğru yoldayız. Bu tarz maçları kazanmayı bilmek çok önemli. Bu maçı ligin kritik bir galibiyeti olarak görebiliriz." diye görüş belirtti.
Karşılaşmanın ilk yarısında Christopher Operi'nin sakatlanarak oyundan çıkmak zorunda kalması ve Kazımcan Karataş'ın gördüğü sarı kart sebebiyle cezalı duruma düşmesine ilişkin Şahin, "Operi'nin zaten biraz hassasiyeti vardı. Takımla beraber olmak istedi. Kazımcan da 3-4 gündür hastaydı. Onunla başlayamadık. Operi olmazsa da elimizde çok oyuncu var. Ebosele, Onur ve Ömer Ali var. Ebosele de işin içine yavaş yavaş girmeye başlıyor. Çok fazla sıkıntı olacağını düşünmüyorum." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında Beşiktaş evinde Galatasaray'ı ağırlayacak. Mücadele öncesi Galatasaray teknik direktörü Okan Buruk'tan açıklama geldi.
Galatasaray teknik direktörü Okan Buruk Beşiktaş derbisi öncesi açıklamalarda bulundu.
Sergen Yalçın'ın açıklamaları şöyle:
-Rakibimizin yükselen bir performansı var. Transfer döneminde gelenlerle birlikte daha yukarıya giden bir Beşiktaş var. Bunun bilincindeyiz. Bu aya 4 puan önde girmemiz çok önemli. Avrupa'da son 16'yız. Kupada çeyrek finaldeyiz. Bu özgüven takımlar için önemli. Bu oyuna olumlu yansıyacaktır. İki takım da kazanmak için oynayacak. Şampiyonluk yolunda deplasmandasınız ama biz her maçı kazanmak zorundayız. Aynı şekilde Beşiktaş'ta kazanmak için elinden geleni yapacak. İnşallah güzel bir maç olsun. İnşallah iyi futbolun konuşulduğu bir maç olur. İki tane kaliteli kadro var.
-İki takımın orta sahasında hücuma giden oyuncular var. Torreira, Lemina ile birlikte oynayınca hücum katkısı oluyor. Sara'nın da aynı şekilde. Çok formda, iyi iki takım oynayacak. Sakin kalmak ve topa sahip olmak çok önemli. Rakip bazen tekli bazen ikili karşılıyor. Bunlarla ilgili rakibimizin bize uygulayacağı baskıya göre nasıl pozisyon alacağımız önemli olacak. Sakin kalmamız, topla oynamamız, iyi hücum etmemiz lazım. Hem set hem geçiş oynayacak oyuncularımız var. Beşiktaş iki kanadıyla geçişlerde etkili oluyor. Oyunu kalite belirleyecek. Duran toplar önemli. İki takım da etkili. Burada gerçekten iki takım için de zor olacak bir maç. Maçın başından sonuna kadar gidecek bir müsabaka. Kazanmak istiyoruz. Kazanmak bizim için çok önemli. Puan olarak tabii ki ama bu zorlu trafikte her kazandığımız maç bizi bir sonrakine daha güçlü hazırlıyor.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında Beşiktaş evinde Galatasaray'ı ağırlayacak. Mücadele öncesi Sergen Yalçın'dan açıklama geldi.
Beşiktaş teknik direktörü Sergen Yalçın Galatasaray derbisi öncesi açıklamalarda bulundu.
Sergen Yalçın'ın açıklamaları şöyle:
-Zor bir derbi. Galatasaray lider, epeyi fark var. Biz son dönemde iyi bir grafik yakaladık. Oyuncu ve takım performansları yukarı çıktı. Bu grafiği devam ettirmek istiyoruz. Bugün belirleyici olacak şey takımın mental ve fiziksel durumu, birebir eşleşmeler. Umarım güzel ve seyir zevki, mücadele gücü yüksek bir müsabaka olur. İnşallah biz mutlu ayrılırız.
-Takımımızın durumu gayet iyi. Bilal ve Emirhan eksik, ikisi de önemli oyuncular. Onları bekliyoruz. Moral motivasyonumuz iyi, konsantreyiz. Bu maçın önemini, değerini biliyoruz. Derbileri oynamak da kazanmak da zordur. Mutluluğu çok daha fazladır. Bakalım, umarım güzel bir gece olur.
Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında konuk olduğu RAMS Başakşehir'e 2-1 yenilen Göztepe'de teknik direktör Stanimir Stoilov maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında konuk olduğu RAMS Başakşehir'e 2-1 yenilen Göztepe'de teknik direktör Stanimir Stoilov, çok fazla pozisyona girdiklerini ancak değerlendiremediklerini söyledi.
Bulgar teknik adam, Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadı'nda oynanan karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında açıklamalarda bulundu.
İyi mücadele ettiklerini belirten Stoilov, "Mağlubiyeti kabul etmek oldukça zor. Maç boyunca iyi şeyler ortaya koyduk. Başakşehir 2 fırsat yakaladı ve bunları gole çevirdi. Kaçırdığımız goller var. Bu kadar fazla fırsat yakaladığımızda gole çevirmemiz gerekiyor. Bu şekilde oynamaya ve mücadele etmeye devam edersek Avrupa kupaları hedefimizin peşinden gideceğiz. Buna ulaşmak için her şeyi yapacağız." ifadelerini kullandı.
Qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan millisi dünya çempionatının (DÇ-2027) seçmə mərhələsində növbəti matçına çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Siyasət Əsgərovun baş məşqçisi olduğu komanda bu gün C Liqasının 3-cü qrupunda Macarıstan yığması üz-üzə gəlib.
Felksutdakı “Panço Arena”da baş tutmuş görüşə Bakı vaxtı ilə saat 20:00-da start verilib. Görüşü Portuqaliyadan olan hakimlər briqadası idarə edib. Matçın baş hakimi Filipa Pereyra Kunya olub. Ona yan xətt hakimləri Andreya Souza və Kristiana Moreyra Kosta kömək ediblər.
Qarşılaşmanın taleyini bir qol həll edib. Meydan sahibləri minimal hesabla qalib gəliblər.
Xatırladaq ki, Azərbaycan millisi qrupdakı ilk oyununu bir neçə gün öncə Bakıda Şimali Makedoniya yığmasına qarşı keçirib və 2:0 hesablı qələbəyə sevinib.
DÇ-2027-nin seçmə mərhələsi C Liqası, 3-cü qrup 7 mart
Macarıstan – Azərbaycan 1:0 Baş hakim: Filipa Pereyra Kunya. Baş hakimin köməkçiləri: Andreya Souza, Kristiana Moreyra Kosta Dördüncü hakim: Sara Alves (Hakimlər briqadası Portuqaliyadandır). Felksutd. “Panço Arena”. Saat 17:30.
“Karvan”ın baş məşqçisi Füzuli Məmmədov Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 23-cü turunda “Sumqayıt”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Yevlaxda baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.
Füzuli Məmmədov matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Maraqlı oyun oldu. Hər iki komanda meydanda döyüşkən futbol nümayiş etdirdi. Meydanın hər mövqeyi uğrunda mübarizə getdi. Futbolçuların meydandakı döyüşkənliyi mənim üçün xoşdur. Pis olan odur ki, qapımıza iki penalti təyin olundu. Qapımızı toxunulmaz saxlamaq üçün çox çalışırıq. Oyun ərzində rəqibin elə də çox qol epizodu olmadı. Cərimə meydançasının içində diqqətsizlik etdik. Keçidlər zamanı yaxşı fürsətlərimiz oldu. Amma onları dəyərləndirə bilmədik. Qələbə qazanmaq istəyirdik. Futbolçular çox istəkli idilər. Onların hər birinə təşəkkür edirəm. Qarşıdakı matçlara hazırlaşacağıq.
Hər oyuna ciddi hazırlaşırıq. Həm futbolçular, həm də məşqçilər korpusu olaraq oyunlara çox ciddi yanaşırıq. Bu matça da qələbə üçün çıxmışdıq. Qalib gələcəyimizə inanırdıq. Təəssüf ki, cərimə meydançasının daxilində səhv etdik. 2 qol vurub qələbə qazanmaq çətin olur. Sevindirici məqam odur ki, komanda 2 oyundur məğlub olmur. Xal fərqini aradan qaldırmaq üçün növbəti matçlarda mütləq qələbə qazanmalıyıq.
Qapıçı Pedro Mateusdan çox razıyam. Qapıçımız hər oyunda özünü yaxşı tərəfdən göstərir. Qapıçılar üzrə məşqçimizin işini də dəyərləndirməliyik. Pedro kritik qurtarışlar edir. Amma komandanın əziyyətini də yerə vurmaq istəmirəm.
Araz Abdullayev uzun müddət zədəli oldu. Bu oyuna kimi 3 məşqdə iştirak edib. Zədədən qayıtdıqdan 2 gün sonra yeni eyni yerdən ağrı hiss etdi. Onu müalicəyə göndərdik. Yaxşı müalicə keçdi. Qarşıda oyunlar var. Komandaya kömək etmək üçün çox çalışmalıdır”.
Cesc Fabregas insists the 2-1 Como victory away to Cagliari was ‘the win I am most satisfied with this season’ due to their exhaustion after the Coppa Italia. ‘Jean Butez is ready for international duty.’
The Lariani were in Serie B only two seasons ago, yet now find themselves playing every three days in Serie A to challenge for a top four spot, and in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
They held Inter to a 0-0 draw on Tuesday evening and today didn’t drop a single point, winning 2-1 in Sardinia with Martin Baturina and Lucas Da Cunha.
Fabregas proud of Como progress
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Martin Baturina of Como scores his goal 0-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“I liked the way the lads reacted today, as this performance proves what the team is made of, they have great mentality that is growing game by game,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.
“We were all exhausted today, there were so many matches in a row, we were so tired. That is why this is the win I am most satisfied with this season. It is genuinely a major step forward for the team.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: the coach of Como Cesc Fàbregas look on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
It was far from a simple task, because Sebastiano Esposito’s diving header had temporarily drawn Cagliari level, and Como had to thank a Butez fingertip save on Michel Adopo.
“Como invested in young players and some of them, even if they didn’t cost very much, are world class,” insisted Fabregas.
“Since he arrived, Butez has worked like an animal. He always wants to learn more, and he knows everything depends on how much you want it. He is a leader not just for his qualities, but also in the locker room. I think he is ready to make the step up for international duty with France.”
This result puts Como temporarily in joint fourth place alongside Roma, who have a difficult trip to Genoa tomorrow evening and the distraction of the Europa League.
Are the minnows genuinely contenders for a Champions League spot?
“We are not there yet. We are on the right track, but there are many games still to go. I saw definite progress in the team today, it was one of the most difficult matches of the season, and the credit for that also goes to Fabio Pisacane for giving his identity to the Cagliari squad,” concluded Fabregas.
Raffaele Palladino insists Atalanta won’t hold back against Udinese, even with Bayern Munich coming up. ‘Going all out is in our DNA, we must attack and be aggressive.’
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
However, do not expect Atalanta to take their foot off the gas for today’s Serie A match with Udinese.
Palladino will never leash Atalanta potential
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates and fans during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I cannot tell my team to hold back. Going all out is in our DNA, it has been long before I arrived at Atalanta, our mentality must be to attack and be aggressive,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“We’ve seen against Sassuolo, for example, that the moment we don’t do that, we slip up.”
Last week, Atalanta fell to a surprising 2-1 Serie A defeat to Sassuolo, damaging their prospects of a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
“We know playing is also a way of training, so we try to give 100 per cent in every match. It doesn’t always work, but our idea must be to go on the attack.”
There are some changes, as USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah receives a rare start in the Atalanta jersey following his move from Milan.
“He has some characteristics we need right now, especially against one of the most physically strong teams in the league. He can give us intensity, he scored two goals in his last two games, and I ask him to defend well. With Ederson out, there are only three midfielders, so he is making the most of the opportunity to make his mark.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 04: Yunus Musah of Atalanta scores his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Olimpico Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Palladino also outlined his changes based on neutralising the strengths of an Udinese side who beat Fiorentina 3-0 last week.
“I make my choices based on the characteristics of the squad and the opponents. Kolasinac is good at reading the spaces, Udinese play 3-5-1-1 with Zaniolo behind the striker, Ekkelenkamp will attack the space and try to get behind our defenders, so we are prepared.
“It’s going to be a game decided by the individual duels, whoever wins those will have the best chances of winning the match.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Before kick-off, Palladino will receive his award as Serie A Coach of the Month for Februrary.
“I might be banal, but this prize belongs to everyone, because I can do zero by myself. The club chose me and supported me, the directors and staff shared all the preparation with me, and naturally the biggest credit for results goes to the players on the field. I share the prize with everyone.”
Roma are down to the bare bones for tomorrow’s match with Genoa, as Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Mario Hermoso and Wesley miss out.
It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
Gian Piero Gasperini is struggling with a decimated squad and discovered this week it will be that way for a while, because both Dybala and Evan Ferguson required surgery.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Wesley Franca is suspended, while both Soulé and Hermoso have not yet recovered and are left behind in the Capital.
It is hoped that they can at least be on the bench for next week’s Europa League Round of 16 clash with fellow Italians Bologna.
Artem Dovbyk is another long-term absentee, so we could see Roma start Bryan Zaragoza with Lorenzo Pellegrini in support of Donyell Malen.
Roma squad for Genoa
Svilar, De Marzi, Gollini; Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Tsimikas, Celik, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi; Cristante, Pellegrini, El Aynaoui, Kone, Pisilli; Malen, Venturino, Vaz, El Shaarawy, Zaragoza
Como continue their march on the Champions League places with a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Como, thanks to Martin Baturina and a Lucas Da Cunha stunner.
The Lariani climbed into fifth place with back-to-back victories over Juventus and Lecce, then held Inter to a 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final first leg draw on Tuesday. Jayden Addai was the only long-term absentee, whereas the Sardinians were decimated by injuries to Yerry Mina, Luca Mazzitelli, Gianluca Gaetano, Alessandro Deiola, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Andrea Belotti, so Michael Folorunsho was a False 9.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: the coach of Como Cesc Fabregas look on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Como took the lead with their first chance of the game, winning it back in midfield, then Lucas Da Cunha’s scuffed finish turned into an assist for Martin Baturina to sweep home from close range.
Cagliari should’ve equalised on the half-hour mark, as first Michael Folorunsho’s strike was charged down, then the move continued and Ibrahim Sulemana hit a fresh-air shot on Marco Palestra’s roll across from 12 yards.
Como lost Maxi Perrone to a bruised thigh, replaced by Mergim Vojvoda and dropping Baturina into midfield.
The hosts did equalise when Palestra surged up the right from his own half and put in a cross, the Adam Obert scuffed volley turned into an accidental assist for Sebastiano Esposito’s diving header from seven yards.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Ze Pedro provided brave defending by charging down a Nico Paz screamer with his face, Juan Rodriguez doing the same on an acrobatic Alvaro Morata attempt.
Palestra was booked for simulation after squirming between two and losing his balance, but Como restored their lead thanks to a sensational strike from Lucas Da Cunha. He gathered 20 metres from goal and unleashed an unstoppable effort off the outside of the left boot, swerving into the far top corner.
A corner was flicked on by Gabriele Zappa for Semih Kilicsoy at the back post, cleared with difficulty by Marc-Oliver Kempf.
Jean Butez needed a fantastic fingertip save to push the Michel Adopo strike round the base of the near post.
Cagliari 1-2 Como
Baturina 14 (Co), Esposito 56 (Ca), Da Cunha 76 (Co)
There are increasing reports Marcus Thuram won’t be fit to start against Milan, so there are various different ways Inter could set out their attack.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale is pressured by Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri are the only side within reach of the Serie A leaders, albeit with a 10-point gap, so this fixture could very well decide the Scudetto race.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Cristian Chivu confirmed the France international had not trained today due to flu symptoms and a fever, but Sky Sport Italia are increasingly reporting that he won’t be ready to play tomorrow evening.
The most predictable option is to see Francesco Pio Esposito partnered by Ange-Yoan Bonny, which would be the first time they had started a Serie A match together.
Compal’s AI Book concept replaces the palm rest with a color E-Ink touchscreen that remains visible when the lid is closed, raising durability concerns.
Liverpool have officially confirmed that star midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has committed his long-term future to the club, putting pen to paper on a bumper new contract.
The Dutch international, who has become the heartbeat of the Reds’ midfield, signed the extension at Anfield on Saturday, following months of speculation regarding interest from abroad.
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Liverpool officially confirm new deal for Ryan Gravenberch
The club officially announced the agreement, revealing that Gravenberch has signed a six-year extension that will keep him on Merseyside until June 2032.
The deal represents a significant pay rise for the 23-year-old, reflecting his status as one of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet.
“I feel really, really good. I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
New Gravenberch deal fends off interest from European heavyweights
The timing of the contract is a massive statement of intent from Liverpool’s sporting hierarchy.
In recent months, rumours had intensified linking the Dutchman with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona, both of whom were reportedly monitoring his situation as a “top priority” for the summer of 2026.
By tying Gravenberch down until 2032, Liverpool have effectively issued a ‘hands-off’ warning to the European elite.
With the midfield anchor secured, the club now turns its attention to securing a similar long-term agreement for Ibrahima Konate.
Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation for Liverpool midfield
Ryan Gravenberch has been nothing short of a revelation since his move from Bayern Munich.
While his debut season under Jurgen Klopp was one of adaptation, his transformation under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 campaign was historic.
Shifted into a deeper “number 6” role, Gravenberch evolved into one of the best defensive pivots in world football.
His ability to break lines with his signature driving runs and his elite interception rate were the foundation of Liverpool’s success.
He played an integral role in returning the Premier League title to Anfield last May and was rightfully rewarded with the Premier League Young Player of the Season award and a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
The Premier League table has been given a radical shake-up as a supercomputer has predicted how the final standings will look at the end of the season.
The data-driven forecast, conducted by CasinoHawks (via The Sun), suggests a historic shift at both ends of the table, including a title winner decided by the narrowest of margins and a traditional “Big Six” powerhouse facing the drop.
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Arsenal to edge Man City for Premier League title
In the race for the crown, the supercomputer predicts that Arsenal will finally end their title drought, finishing at the summit with 86 points.
The Gunners are tipped to secure 26 wins, edging out Manchester City by a single point after Pep Guardiola’s side finishes on 85.
The battle for Champions League football also sees a return to form for Manchester United, who are predicted to finish third with 68 points.
They are followed by Chelsea in fourth with 65 points, beating out Liverpool and Aston Villa for the final elite European spot on goal difference, as all three clubs are projected to finish level on points.
Tottenham to relegate along with Burnley and Wolves
While the title race is gripping, the most shocking revelation from the supercomputer is the predicted demise of Tottenham.
In what would be one of the most stunning collapses in Premier League history, Tottenham are tipped to finish 18th, suffering relegation with just 31 points.
They are predicted to go down alongside Burnley (29 points) and Wolves (18 points).
The prediction raises serious questions: could the unthinkable really happen to Spurs? Since taking the reins, manager Igor Tudor has failed to make a positive impact, with performances steadily worsening rather than improving.
The squad appears devoid of confidence, and based on the current trajectory and these latest figures, a drop to the Championship looks increasingly like a grim reality.
With no more wins predicted for the remaining campaign, the North London club faces a desperate fight to prove the data wrong.
Arsenal avoided an FA Cup upset as they defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 to progress into the quarter-finals of the competition. After Will Evans cancelled out Noni Madueke’s opener at One Call Stadium, Eberechi Eze lashed in the winner after 66 minutes to keep the Gunners’ hopes of winning the quadruple in 2025-26 alive. Arsenal should […]
Nintendo of America filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government on March 6 in the U.S. Court of International Trade, seeking a refund of tariffs it paid under President Donald Trump's executive orders.
The PI Network price is suddenly back on traders’ radar this weekend. Not because it exploded into a massive rally but because something subtler is happening beneath the surface: volume is quietly heating up.
And in crypto markets, rising volume during a price recovery tends to get people paying attention. According to data from CryptoQuant’s spot volume bubble map, trading activity has started climbing alongside the recent PI/USD move. Now, before anyone starts screaming “breakout,” there’s a catch. The indicator still labels the current volume environment as neutral.
Oddly enough, that’s not bad news. Neutral volume during a rising price trend often hints that accumulation might still be underway rather than a full-blown speculative frenzy.
PI Network Price Volume Trend
Take a closer look at the volume map and the pattern becomes clearer. The bubbles tracking spot activity have been gradually expanding, signaling a rise in trading interest. But they’re not glowing red-hot or light orange yet. In other words, momentum hasn’t strengthened yet and to reach peak speculation territory it needs some more efforts to do it.
For long-term watchers of the PI Network price chart, that distinction matters. If volume remains controlled while price edges upward, it can suggest investors are slowly building positions rather than chasing a short-term pump.
Still, crypto has a long history of teasing traders before pulling the rug.
The $0.28 Fakeout Warning
History provides a useful cautionary tale here. Back in Q4 2025, the asset surged from roughly $0.19–$0.20 but ran into a stubborn ceiling at $0.28. That level ultimately triggered a loss of strength, turning the rally into what traders later labeled a classic fakeout.
Fast forward to Q1 2026, and the story looks slightly different. This time, the asset found support much lower, in the $0.13–$0.14 zone. From there, it managed to reclaim $0.20, a move that technically signaled a shift in short-term trend.
But the real test hasn’t arrived yet. If price once again stalls beneath $0.28, the market could start asking uncomfortable questions about whether history is repeating itself.
Network Updates Fuel Investor Interest
So why the renewed attention now? Two recent developments inside the ecosystem appear to be driving the interest.
First came the announcement that Protocol v19.9 migration has been successfully completed, with the next upgrade, v20.2, targeted for completion before Pi Day 2026. Node operators were advised to ensure their systems are updated ahead of the next phase.
Then things got even more interesting. A separate update revealed a proof-of-concept project exploring a new Pi Node utility for decentralized AI training and computing tasks. The project reportedly uses spare computing power from over 421,000 Pi Nodes to process AI-related workloads.
The initiative was conducted in collaboration with OpenMind, a robotics startup backed by Pi Network Ventures. The experiment showed that Pi Nodes could handle AI workloads and return useful results quickly, an early step toward integrating the network into distributed AI infrastructure.
If the PI Network price climbs decisively above $0.28, the probability of the current rally being another fakeout drops significantly. Rising volume on CryptoQuant’s chart could then signal accelerating momentum.
And if that momentum continues building, some traders believe the next long-term target could eventually stretch toward $1. But first things first. The market still has one stubborn ceiling to deal with.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de dev derbi heyecanı Dolmabahçe'de yaşanacak. Son haftaların formda takımı Beşiktaş, üç kulvarda da yoluna doludizgin devam eden lider Galatasaray'ı konuk edecek.
Trendyol 1. Lig'de evinde Bandırmaspor, evinde İstanbulspor'u 1-0 mağlup etti. Maç sonucunda iki teknik adamda maç hakkındaki görüşlerini dile getirdi.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - FEBRUARY 09: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates a win over the Arizona Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse on February 09, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kansas returns to the friendly confines of Allen Fieldhouse to wrap up the Big 12 regular season with the second edition of the Sunflower Showdown.
The Jayhawks are 204-97 against K-State all-time, with the ‘Hawks taking the most recent matchup by an 86-62 count in Manhattan back on Jan 24.
Kansas has six seniors that will be honored today: Melvin Council Jr, Tre White, Wilder Evers, Justin Cross, Jayden Dawson, Nginyu Ngala.
KU will enter the Big 12 Tournament next week as either the 3, 4, or 5 seed, pending the outcome of today’s matchups. Top 4 seeds get a double-bye; seeds 5-8 get a single-bye. K-State has locked up the #15 seed.
Kansas has not lost a home finale since 1983, a streak of 42 in a row.
KU is 54-18 against K-State inside Allen Fieldhouse.
KU has won 19-straight against K-State inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Since the inception of the Big 12, KU is 58-9 against KSU.
KU’s 204 all-time wins against K-State are the most by one school over another in NCAA D1.
Arteta ‘very proud’ of Arsenal teenagers after squeaking past Mansfield
Mikel Arteta says he is “very proud” of Max Dowman and Marli Salmon after both teenagers started for Arsenal in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Mansfield Town.
The Gunners were made to work hard by the Stags, who created multiple openings throughout the game, but were the hosts undone at Fields Mill by a stunning strike from Eberechi Eze.
The League One outfit dared to dream after Will Evans cancelled out Noni Madueke’s opener, but ultimately it was Arsenal who put their name in the hat for Monday’s quarter-final draw.
“It was a proper FA Cup game and credit to Mansfield the stadium and the atmosphere the fans created there was a bit of banter,” Arteta told TNT Sports after the full-time whistle.
“They made it really difficult for us. If not, you have to be more ruthless in front of goal than we were today.
“The margin becomes smaller, and you give hope to the opposition. We made a mistake on the goal which cost us the momentum and belief for them. Overall, happy with the performance.”
Arteta ‘very proud’ of Arsenal teenagers Dowman and Salmon
Through Dowman and Salmon, Arsenal became the first ever Premier League side to start a competitive game with two players aged 16 or under in any competition. Arteta also handed 18-year-old Jaden Dixon, who joined the club from Stoke City last month, his debut off the bench.
“We have two 16-year-olds in the starting line-up, which I don’t think has ever happened, and I am very proud of them,” Arteta added.
“I think everyone feels involved. We have the desire that, game by game, we can get closer to the things that we can achieve.”
‘Easy decision’ – Gravenberch explains why he signed new Liverpool deal
Ryan Gravenberch has committed his long-term future to Liverpool after signing a new contract with the club.
The Reds announced on Saturday that the midfielder put pen to paper on renewed terms, reportedly until 2032.
Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2023 and has gone on to make 123 appearances in all competitions. He also played a key role in last season’s Premier League title win after being deployed in a new role, as a number six.
Ryan Gravenberch explains why signing new Liverpool deal was an ‘easy decision’
The Netherlands international explained that he wanted to continue his career at Anfield after settling with his family in Liverpool, and added that he has a great relationship with the club, head coach Arne Slot and the supporters.
“I feel really, really good,” Gravenberch told Liverpoolfc.com. “I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
The 23-year-old added: “For the short term, [my aim is to] end the season as good as possible. And for the long term: win many more trophies with Liverpool.
“I have a really nice relationship with [the fans]. Always when I do something good in the stadium I hear them singing my chant.
“I’m really grateful for the supporters because without them we would not be where we are now. In the future, we want to give them many more [trophies], so hopefully we can get that done.”
Morehead State Eagles forward Anouar Mellouk (8) boxes out Clemson Tigers guard Butta Johnson (4) Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, during the NCAA men’s basketball game at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, South Carolina. Clemson Tigers won 83-56. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Night three of the OVC Tournament did not disappoint. Of all six tournament games now, five of them have had final margins within 10 points. As we head into the title game tonight, let’s recap the madness from Friday’s late-night extravaganza in Evansville.
Tennessee State leads UT Martin from buzzer-to-buzzer
After last night, it is clear that coming into the championship game, no one looks more unstoppable than the Tigers. Aaron Nkrumah and Travis Harper II combined for 33 points as Antoine Lorick dropped a 13-point double-double as well on their way to a 68-55 win over a UT Martin team with high expectations headed into conference play. The Tigers took its first lead a 5-3 and never looked back, winning the matchup despite their second-lowest scoring against an OVC opponent all season.
“We knew that they were going to come ready to play,” Tigers head coach Nolan Smith said. ”If we came out mentally weak, then this could have been a very different game. When you see a team the week before, you can definitely come out and mentally relax, but it’s tournament time, and these two guys beside me [Aaron Nkrumah and Dante Harris] were ready, mentally. They got the team ready, and again, we started the game the way we really wanted to start and then just kept plugging away.“
As for UT Martin, a season of apparent destiny ends at the hands of Smith’s squad. While the Skyhawks did not lift a trophy in the OVC, they inched one step closer to contention, and they stole the hearts of an entire nation with their wins earlier in nonconference. Head coach Jeremy Shulman found a new way to success. In a college basketball environment that has occupied itself with the transfer portal and focusing on the poaching of players from other programs, Shulman gets on a plane and takes a trip to Europe. There, he has found diamond after diamond that has slowly developed his program into the way it is. It is apparent that the Skyhawks will be back here, still looking for that NCAA Tournament berth, and it will be sooner than later that we see Shulman lifting that championship trophy.
“This is my 29th year coaching,” Shulman said. “In 29 years, it’s just wild to be coaching that long, and this is the most enjoyable team that I’ve ever had, ever. Ever. That includes teams where we won 31 games, but this team, the people in this program, the coaching staff, the administration, and, of course, the players. It’s just that these guys were such a joy to coach every single day, like every day. There were no bad days. It’s bizarre to be able to say that in college basketball these days, but like there were no bad days. This group every day, these guys wanted to practice every day. They wanted to watch for every day. They want to get better every day. They were great human beings. And so it just obviously a very, very proud of a very hard, you know, knowing that we aren’t continue to play tomorrow.”
Morehead State finds a way over a hungry SEMO squad
All signs pointed to Southeast Missouri playing in its second-consecutive OVC title game with a win Friday night, but head coach Johnathan Mattox, and his crew don’t listen to signs.
“I showed the guys a clip this morning,” Mattox said. “I’m watching the Tennessee State-SEMO game, which happened last Thursday. Mind you, this is the same night we clinch at least a share of the regular season championship… The announcer says he wouldn’t be surprised to see SEMO and Tennessee State in the championship game of the tournament. I showed that to our guys this morning, ‘what y’all think?‘ [looks at his players] Like, yeah, so to your point, yeah, we’ve been counted out, but that’s okay. I told them, ‘y’all been proving people wrong all year. We were preseason picked fifth. We had two all-conference players. I thought we should have had three. We had guys think it’s going to be Tennessee State and SEMO? That’s okay. We’ll prove them wrong again.’”
The Eagles trailed for the entirety of the second half against the Redhawks before taking a 61-60 lead with 1:46 to go behind a George Marshall fadeaway. A similar play would put the nail in the coffin for Mattox’s team, who is now headed to the OVC title game against a team with whom they split the season series.
As for SEMO, Brad Korn and Co. fall short once again in a thriller of a way. Braxton Stacker’s 17 were not enough, as this Redhawk squad that has come so close to an NCAA Tournament bid is headed back to Cape Girardeau. We were are starstruck by Luke Almodovar and his leaping ability, came to love the returning trio of Stacker, Brendan Terry and Troy Cole Jr. and we knew after last season’s loss to SIU-Edwardsville in the title game, that they would be back. They did not quite get there and fell just five points short.
Now, Korn looks to the future of a program that now must be rebuilt. Stacker and Terry are on their way out. The return of guys like Almodovar and BJ Ward remain up in the air. Either way, the transfer portal will be a valuable asset to the Redhawks.
Championship preview
As we look towards 8 p.m. tonight, the fans expect to be entreated to an offensive onslaught, as the two best teams on that side of the ball (according to KenPom) duel in the Ford Center. The only difference? Tennessee State averages over 70 possessions per game, while Morehead State only 65.4.
The objective for both squads looks like it’s going to be enforcing the pace. In both matchups between the two this season, at least one time has exceeded 90 points, with their matchup in Nashville resulting in a 105-100 OT thriller. In an odd turn of events, the two least-stereotypical OVC squads in terms of playstyle will be looking for a tourney bid tonight (which could bode well for a March Madness upset come time for the Big Dance, but that’s a talk for later).
In a scoring-heavy game, the matchups are going to be crucial for either team. This will be a faceoff between the best of the conferences backcourts, with Dante Harris, Travis Harper and Aaron Nkrumah facing off against George Marshall, Davion Cunningham and Chase Dawson. This makes the frontcourt matchups even more vital, with Antoine Lorick III most-likely having to see Anouar Mellouk following a career-high 22-point performance against SEMO and Jalen Pitre matching up with Jon Carroll.
Two high-energy coaches, two stellar offenses, two star backcourts, two longtime OVC members and two squads who have proven doubters wrong on their way to playing for a bid to the greatest tournament in sports.
The first tournament bid gets decided tonight at 8 p.m. CT.
On a night when Jayson Tatum's return had spirits sky high in Boston, there was one dark cloud:
Just-acquired center Nikola Vucevic broke the ring finger on his right hand and underwent surgery for it on Saturday, and likely will miss about a month, the team announced.
Nikola Vucevic today underwent successful ORIF surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger.
He will be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
ORIF stands for “open reduction and internal fixation,” and it's the kind of surgery for displaced or other serious fractures where the surgeon opens up the body part and inserts metal fasteners into the bone to hold the pieces together (it is not just fingers, it can be any body part).
Vucevic suffered the injury in the first quarter of Boston's win over Dallas and did not return to the game. Boston acquired Vucevic at the trade deadline to add front-court depth and optionality heading into the playoffs, and since coming over from the Chicago Bulls, Vucevic has averaged 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Expect to see more Luka Garza with Vucevic out for the next month.
Vucevic is on an expiring $21.5 million contract with Boston and will be a free agent after this season unless he signs an extension with the team before July 1.
CORAL GABLES, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Boston College forward Boden Kapke (33) handles the ball while defended by Miami forward Malik Reneau (5) in the first half as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Boston College Eagles on February 28, 2026, at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Who: Boston College Eagles (10-20, 3-14 in ACC) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (13-17, 4-13 in ACC)
When: Saturday March 7th, 2026
Tip-Off Time: 12pm EST
How to Watch: ESPN U
This is the final stop! Boston College hosts Notre Dame for senior night and the final regular season game of the season. If they win, they enter into a potential tiebreaker scenario with Notre Dame and Pitt for the final slot in the ACC tournament. Let’s go Eagles!
Troy Murray, who spent the majority of his 15 NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks before becoming a fixture in the team’s broadcast booth, died Saturday following a years-long battle with cancer. He was 63.
“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply heartbroken today as we mourn the loss of Troy Murray, our beloved ‘Muzz,'”‘ and our love and support go out to his family,” team chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement released by the Blackhawks. “Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk, so far beyond his incredible playing career with a presence felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years.”
We’ll miss you, “Muzz”
From all of us here at the Blackhawks, we extend our deepest condolences to Troy’s family and friends, our alumni and the many fans who loved him dearly
In addition to his work as an analyst on the Blackhawks’ television and radio broadcasts since 1998, Murray remained connected to the franchise through his work with the Blackhawks Alumni Association.
Murray joined the Blackhawks when they drafted him in the third round (57th overall) of the 1980 NHL draft, after he led North Dakota to an NCAA title.
Murray would go on to play for Chicago from 1982-91, debuting in the 1982 Stanley Cup playoffs. He scored 196 regular season goals and 15 more in the playoffs in his first stint with the Blackhawks. He won the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward in 1986.
From 1991-96, Murray played for five teams to finish his career — the Winnipeg Jets, the Blackhawks again, the Ottawa Senators, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Colorado Avalanche.
Murray won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 1996 in his final NHL season.
“He jumped at every call to support our local community with our Foundation,” Wirtz wrote in the statement. “He never missed a chance to say ‘hello’ in our press box and always knew the perfect time for a joke just when someone around the office needed it most.” And he absolutely loved bringing Blackhawks hockey to you, our fans, night after night with a dedication to his craft that never wavered to the very end.”
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 29: Chris Brazzell II #17 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks on during the first half of the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aside from the offensive line, Cleveland’s wide receiver room is another area that has to be addressed early on in the 2026 NFL Draft next month. If Andrew Berry and Co. choose to address offensive tackle at No.6, then there are a few receivers who could be viable options at picks No.24 or No.39.
Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell would probably be a better value at No.39 as of right now, but he’s a player who’s definitely rising up draft boards due to his surprising athleticism and short-area quickness despite being 6’4”.
There’s been a lot of naysayers out there when it comes to drafting wide receivers from Tennessee, but Brazzell appears to be incredibly different on film than most Josh Heupel-groomed pass-catchers.
Yes, he wins vertically like every other Volunteer receiver, but he has legitimate contested-catch ability and can actually break down to be effective in quick-game schemes. He’s unusually good on whip routes and in-breakers and could provide a new type of weapon for Todd Monken to utilize in multiple areas of the field in 2026 and beyond.
He’s one of the better receivers in this class when it comes to performance at the catch-point as well. Very few players in this cycle are as consistent as Brazzell when it comes to the details, such as showing his hands late so defensive backs can’t swipe them away early. He also times his jumps well, which allows him to consistently be a rung or two higher than whoever is covering him.
Depending on where he plays, either at “X” or “Z”, he’ll have to refine his release packages a bit more because NFL corners are going to be constantly jamming him to try and slow him down early on. Once he has an open running lane downfield, that 4.37 speed and long strides allow him to outrun almost any cornerback that’s covering him.
It’d be exciting to see a player like Brazzell rotating around on the outside with Jerry Jeudy and whoever else Cleveland decides to add to the wide receiver room in 2026. Brazzell would undoubtedly be a potential source of explosive play ability alongside Isaiah Bond going forward, and his versatility could be dangerous in a Todd Monken offense.
TimesofIndia.com in Ahmedabad: Mitchell Santner was slightly overwhelmed when he settled into his chair to address the media ahead of the T20 World Cup final against India in Ahmedabad. The room was packed and before the floor opened for questions, hands were frantically raised to shoot queries at the New Zealand captain. The over fifteen minutes of questions and answers mostly manuevered around the expected lines but before he got up, the all-rounder spoke about the pressure India will carry in this game.
The pressure of hosting an event. Of defending a title. Of carrying the hopes of a nation is no small matter. When you combine the three, things reach next level. Meanwhile, opponents view this feeling for the hosts as an advantage and an opportunity for themselves.
Thousands will pass through the turnstiles and fill this gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium for the title clash. It's no surprise that only a handful would cheer for the BlackCaps as another Sea of Blue is expected. The jersey sellers have already blocked the premium slots around Gate No.1 and Gate No.2, and they clearly favour blue, as it was their preferred hue, showing unfamiliarity with the opposite camp's colours.
For any opposing captain, feeling out of place at the Narendra Modi Stadium isn't strange and Santner could well take cues from how Pat Cummins & Co. silenced nearly 1,00,000 people on November 19, 2023. Are they, like Cummins, looking to silence the crowd?
"Yeah I guess that's the goal isn't it, to silence the crowd but I think that there is a lot of variables in T20 cricket and it is fickle at times. We've seen throughout the whole World Cup that a lot of teams are on similar pages and it comes down to some little moments in every game that changes the outcome. So I think England were very close to chasing that the other night, we've seen South Africa playing very good cricket all the way through and then I guess had a little hiccup against us and you're out.
"So I think for us it's taking confidence in that that we can If we go about our business the same way we can upset another big team and I think there's obviously a lot of pressure on India to win this World Cup at home. I mean it would be, I guess if we don't win it'd be pretty cool to win a home World Cup so I think that comes with a lot of added pressure as well. So if we can go out there and try to put, I guess, the added pressure on them and see what happens," said Santner during the press conference on eve of the match.
New Zealand are no stranger to ICC knockouts. They have reached three finals — the 2015 ODI World Cup, the 2019 ODI World Cup, and the 2021 T20 World Cup - but their last limited overs title came back in 2000 when they beat India in the final of the Champions Trophy in 2000. The most recent ICC title came when they beat the same opposition in the 2021 World Test Championship final.
The 'good boys' have hardly finished first in cricket but have been consistent enough to challenge the best in the business in multi-nation tournaments. The first semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata showed why they can't be taken lightly as they walloped the then-unbeaten South Africa by nine wickets with 7.1 overs to spare.
"I wouldn't mind winning a trophy but yeah I think - you look at this group and the groups that have been in the past we are pretty consistent in these tournaments because we try not get overruled by the situation or opponents, we just go out there and do our thing as a unit. It's been no different this time. And again, it's going to be obviously a challenge.
"Everyone knows we're probably not the favorites, But we don't mind. We know we can, if we do our little things well and put in a strong team performance, put us in a pretty good position to hopefully lift the trophy. But yeah, I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once," said Santner.
They haven't had a perfect campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup but after surviving the Colombo leg and acing the Kolkata semi-final, they run into another team which is yet to play a perfect game. India dropped their contest at this venue during the Super Eight clash vs South Africa, and the Aiden Markram-led unit showed how beatable the hosts are in their own backyard. Even in the 499-run feast at the Wankhede on Thursday, the difference was just seven runs, further highlighting how the Men in Blue can be tested and pushed.
Captains generally prefer to downplay the final hype but Santner is embracing it. He is aware that it's not just another game but they will approach it with the mindset they have in the games preceding the title clash.
"It's easy to say it's just another game but everyone knows it's probably not. But I think the way you go about it has to be the same whether it's your preparation, what that looks like on the day leading up to the game. And I think, it always comes down to a couple of moments, especially in T20 cricket, where if you can squeeze the opposition or take the advantage through there. I think we saw it the other night.
"I don't know, it always comes down to fielding at some stage, but if you can be very consistent in the way you approach the game with bearing a couple of moments where you could potentially be a little bit more ruthless or what that looks like, but I think - I don't think you have to reinvent the wheel. It's just you're making a final, you're coming up against another team who's also playing some pretty good cricket So it's never that easy," said Santner.
The good boys of cricket are ready to take the big boys on in their own backyard. The crowd, noise and burden of expectations will be a challenge, and Kiwis are ready to embrace it.
🚨 Atleti-Real Sociedad: starting line-ups confirmed with surprises
Atlético de Madrid seeks its third victory against what will be its rival in the Copa del Rey final, a Real Sociedad that Pellegrino Matarazzo has made competitive once again.
Today the match is being played at the Metropolitano Stadium with the following lineups:
Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Hancko, Giménez or Lenglet, Ruggeri; Mendoza, Lookman, Almada, Koke, Giuliano and Sorloth.
Mendoza joins Koke and Almada in midfield. Giménez and Hancko are the center-back pairing.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Jon Martín, Caleta-Car, Sergio Gómez; Barrene, Yangel, Marín, Sucic, Carlos Soler and Oskarsson.
Turrientes, Guedes, and Oyarzabal start the match resting on the bench.
Report: Contract Uncertainty Leaves Manchester City Facing Major Decision
Phil Foden’s Contract Dilemma Reflects Manchester City’s Changing Landscape
Phil Foden has long represented the ideal Manchester City footballer, a local talent refined within an elite system, trusted by Pep Guardiola and celebrated as a symbol of continuity. Yet as this season unfolds, questions about his form have quietly evolved into something more consequential. His contract situation now sits at the centre of the discussion.
According to reporting by Sam Lee of The Athletic, Foden’s campaign has become unexpectedly complicated. A player who once looked central to City’s future suddenly finds himself navigating reduced minutes, rising competition and an uncertain negotiation period at a critical stage of his career.
Contract Talks Amid Uncertain Form
Foden’s current deal expires at the end of next season, a situation that would normally trigger swift renewal talks. In his case, however, circumstances are more delicate.
Lee notes that “it is inconceivable that he would not get a new one, but negotiations cannot be easy to conduct given the uncertainty over his output”. For a club built on ruthless standards, even the most beloved academy graduate must justify his place.
Guardiola’s Faith Still Visible
Despite the dip, Guardiola’s public backing remains unwavering. His language towards Foden often carries an emotional tone rarely used by elite managers.
Photo IMAGO
“Step by step, he will be back,” Guardiola said recently. “He’s my son. He’s our son.
“We try to protect him and get him back to his best. We need his best to come back where we are.
“He’s a human being. Eight or nine years’ career, sometimes you have ups and downs. It’s as simple as that.”
That relationship was visible during City’s win at Anfield earlier this year, when Guardiola embraced Foden after Erling Haaland’s late goal. Yet the moment carried a quiet irony. Foden had remained on the bench throughout the match.
Competition for Attacking Roles
City’s tactical evolution has complicated matters further. Guardiola’s recent preference for a 4-2-2-2 structure has limited attacking midfield places.
Haaland and Antoine Semenyo often occupy advanced roles, while Bernardo Silva remains indispensable. Behind them, players such as Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders compete directly with Foden for limited opportunities.
Even promising academy midfielder Nico O’Reilly has impressed since Rodri’s return to fitness.
For a player once considered untouchable within the squad, that depth changes everything.
World Cup Year Raises Stakes
There is also an international dimension. Foden previously admitted that personal issues affected his form.
“I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally,” he said last May. “Sometimes there’s things in life bigger than football. This season I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully, come next year, I can get my head mentally right.”
He also acknowledged the impact on performances.
“If everything was OK (off the pitch), I’d definitely be better on the field.”
With a World Cup approaching and England manager Thomas Tuchel prioritising players in strong club form, Foden’s club minutes suddenly matter even more.
His contract situation therefore carries wider meaning. It represents belief in a player City still view as fundamental, while also reflecting the reality of modern squad competition.
For Foden, renewal talks may ultimately depend on rediscovering the joy he once described so clearly.
“I need to play with a smile on my face,” he said earlier in the season, “which I’m doing.”
Manchester City will hope that smile returns soon.
Our View, EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester City supporter’s perspective, the contract discussion around Phil Foden feels slightly uncomfortable. Few players embody the club’s modern identity quite like him. Academy graduate, Premier League winner, Champions League contributor, and a player capable of producing moments that feel uniquely City.
That is why the current debate feels so unusual.
Supporters understand dips in form, every player experiences them. What feels different is how crowded City’s attacking options have become. Cherki, Reijnders and Semenyo have all added new tactical layers, while Bernardo Silva continues to deliver relentless consistency.
In that environment, Foden’s contract becomes more than a formality. It becomes a statement of long term trust.
Fans will likely ask a simple question. Is this still the player Guardiola wants to build around over the next five years?
Many would answer yes without hesitation. Foden’s peak level during the 2023-24 title season remains extraordinary. Few English players possess his close control, movement between lines and ability to score decisive goals.
Yet the Forest match showed something supporters rarely associate with him, hesitation. If contract talks stall, it may reflect that uncertainty.
City fans will hope the opposite happens. A new deal, renewed confidence, and a reminder that the club’s most natural talent still belongs at the centre of Guardiola’s project.
Ryan Gravenberch says he is ‘proud to stay for many more years’ after signing new Liverpool contract
Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has signed a new long-term contract, extending his three-year spell at the club.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Gravenberch’s new contract will keep him at Liverpool until 2032.
The Dutch midfielder, who joined from Bayern Munich in 2023, has become an integral player for the Reds, establishing himself as regular in the starting line-up.
He played played a key role in last season’s Premier League triumph, forming a solid midfield with Alexis McAllister and Dominic Szoboszlai.
Reacting to his new deal, Gravenberch told liverpool.com: “I feel really, really good. I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We have been here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
Liverpool have struggled this season, but Gravenberch ‘aims to end the season as good as possible’ and hopes to ‘win many more trophies with Liverpool’.
The Netherlands international has made 123 appearances for the Merseyside giants, registering 20 goal involvements and winning two trophies.
Gravenberch’s new deal underlines Liverpool’s desire to keep their best players. The club’s next priority is agreeing a new contract with Ibrahima Konate, whose deal expires next summer.
How to watch Newcastle v Man City, team news, predicted line-ups and more
Newcastle United and Manchester City will face each other for the fifth time already this season when they meet in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening.
Manchester City travel to St James’ Park hoping to replicate the success they enjoyed against Newcastle in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Kick-off time
8pm UK time, Saturday 7th March
How to watch:
TNT Sports 1 and Prime Video
Streaming also available on Discovery+
Injuries and suspensions
Newcastle United: Jacob Ramsey (suspended), Bruno Guimaraes (out), Tino Livramento (out), Lewis Miley (out), Fabian Schar (out), Emil Krafth (out), Sandro Tonali (doubt)
Manchester City: Josko Gvardiol (out), Mateo Kovacic (out), Max Alleyne (out), Nico O’Reilly (doubt)
A stunning last-minute strike from William Osula sealed the win, securing Newcastle’s first home league victory in almost two months.
Manchester City suffered a major setback in the Premier League title race in midweek after being pegged back twice in a frustrating 2–2 home draw with Nottingham Forest.
Before that draw, the visitors had been on a run of six straight victories in all competitions, however they now find themselves seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
What’s been said?
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said: “The games against Manchester City have all been close. We’ve had chances against them. I don’t think we’ve been as clinical as we need to be to win those games and, of course defensively, we need to be watertight.
“They’re always going to test you. They are a difficult team to pin down at every moment. It will be a proper FA Cup tie where it’s one of those end-to-end games. That will suit us and we will need to get the crowd involved.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said: “Many times, in the two seasons and last season especially, and this season as well normally we react well [to set backs].
“We have to defend better in some departments and still we are not a complete team to compete, to be solid and that is the reality. But we are in the process of many changes and we can learn quicker and still there is nothing lost.”
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) makes a throw against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
NFL free agency is set to start on Monday as the legal tampering period opens. The Jets will be looking for help at the quarterback position. It may come as a surprise, but some of the biggest names available will come with a small price tag.
Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, and Geno Smith are among the quarterbacks set to hit free agency. All three are being released by their respective teams. The trio will likely sign for a new team for the league minimum. To understand why, we need to discuss what offsets are and why they matter.
Despite their imminent releases, Murray, Tagovailoa, and Smith all have a lot of guaranteed money in their 2026 contracts. That means their current teams will still need to pay their salaries after they are cut. Reports also indicate their contracts include offsets.
What is an offset?
It reduces the amount a team has to pay a released player after he signs with a new team.
When Murray signs a new with a new team, he will not make additional money on top of the salary the Cardinals are paying him. Every dollar he receives from his new team is one less dollar Arizona is required to pay him. His new salary reduces Arizona’s obligation.
The same is true of Tagovailoa and Smith (assuming reports about their contracts including offsets are accurate).
Offsets are commonly put into big money deals.
The inclusion of offsets changes the calculus of the contracts these quarterbacks will receive in free agency. Since Murray, Tagovailoa, and Smith won’t make more money on a new contract, they are incentivized to seek league minimum deals. Why saddle your new team with a bigger cap hit than necessary when you’re making the same amount of money either way?
On one hand, this could be a benefit to the Jets. Suddenly these quarterbacks will become inexpensive to acquire. Getting Kyler Murray at the league minimum is very different from trading a Draft pick for Murray and taking on a contract that guarantees him $60 million.
On the flip side, it could make landing one of these quarterbacks a bigger challenge. The Jets are entering the offseason among the league leaders in salary cap space. If these quarterbacks are signing for the league minimum, the Jets can’t outbid the opposition like they would be able to for most players. The pick will come down to other factors like situation and fit where the Jets will likely be a tougher sell. (And yes, I know these quarterbacks have enough flaws that the Jets would be justified lacking interest in them.)
To be clear, I’m not necessarily saying the Jets will be interested in all of these quarterbacks. I only wanted to note the dynamics here because they are a tad unusual and could come into play in the event the Jets are interested.
Jake Paul is supporting the Cwmavon Hornets ABC after the death of head coach, Nigel Davies [Getty Images]
A boxing club in south Wales had such a shock when professional boxer and influencer Jake Paul sent support they initially thought it "was fake".
Jake Paul stepped in to help the Cwmavon Hornets ABC in Neath Port Talbot after the death of its head coach and founder Nigel Davies.
Davies guided more than 100 national boxing champions and represented Wales in European and world championships.
Paul, who founded the anti-bullying organisation Boxing Bullies Foundation, found out about the Cwmavon club when a former boxer from the club started working for him, and he donated 16 pairs of boxing gloves.
The influencer described how boxing changed his life and it was an easy decision to help out.
Boxers at the Cwmavon Hornets ABC are excited and incredibly grateful about the support from Jake Paul [Cwmavon Hornets ABC]
Davies founded Cwmavon Hornets in 1995 and ran it until his death in August 2025.
The club described him as "more than a coach" and a second father or grandfather to many of the boxers he coached.
They said: "Everyone misses him."
During his career he worked with boxers including Anthony Joshua, Joe Cordina, Fred Evans, Andrew Selby and Sean McGoldrick.
He was known for embracing local talent and growing a strong community, and coached at two Olympic games in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
Jake Paul sent 16 pairs of Boxing Bullies branded gloves to the club at the beginning of February [Vicky Davies]
When ex-Cwmavon Hornets boxer Ethan Gilbert started working for Paul's media team, he told him about the club and Davies' support.
Davies' death really hit home for Ethan, he felt as if a piece was missing from the Cwmavon Hornets.
Gilbert said: "It felt like a full circle moment, from being a kid training there to now being in a position to give something back."
Gilbert dropped the gloves off to the club and loved seeing everyone's reaction.
"Everyone was so excited, they were saying 'How does Jake Paul know about our little club?'"
Gilbert created a video of the gloves being used and sent it to Jake Paul, who was "landed" to see everyone's excitement and said: "This is exactly what we're trying to do with Boxing Bullies."
Gilbert hopes more can be done for Welsh boxing clubs and believes boxing helps young people stay on the right path.
Members of the Cwmavon Hornets and Davies' family ran the Richard Burton 10k run in memory of Davies in October 2025 and Paul made a video of support which was shared on Instagram.
In the video Paul passed on his condolences to the club and wished everyone good luck, saying: "It's for a good cause."
Gethin Davies, Davies' son, said of the video: "It was such a shock, I thought it was fake at first.
"There's been a lot of fake stuff going around with Jake Paul. When I found out, I thought 'fair play'.
"He didn't have to do that, did he? We appreciate all the help we get."
The club now has so many members that it might have to relocate to bigger premises.
Gethin Davies said: "The gym went from strength to strength."
The Cwmavon Hornets made a Facebook post thanking Paul, his team and Gilbert, and it read: "Ethan trained at the Hornets with Nigel in the past and kindly spoke to Jake about our gym and about Nigel's legacy after his recent passing - something that means a great deal to us.
"Support like this really does make a difference to our club and our boxers. These gloves will be put to great use, helping our members train, build confidence and enjoy the sport."
Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul, 29, is an American influencer, actor and professional boxer.
He rose to fame posting on social media channels, amassing millions of followers and billions of views and was ranked by Forbes as one of the highest-paid creators on YouTube over the past 20 years.
Paul has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Dance Camp and Airplane Mode.
Boxing Bullies wrote on Instagram: "Together, we made sure to send over boxing gloves in honour of Nigel's service to the sport. It's powerful to now see them in the hands of Cwmavon Hornets and being put to proper use by the club he cared so deeply about."
Jake Paul said in a statement to BBC Wales: "Ethan reached out to me about supporting his hometown club and it was an easy yes.
"Boxing changed my life, gave me opportunities I'll always be grateful for, and if we can help put gloves in young fighters' hands and give them belief, discipline and direction, that's what it's all about.
Rampant Scotland dynamited French Grand Slam dreams with a stunning seven-try victory at Murrayfield that blew the Six Nations championship wide open.
In a staggering contest of 13 tries and 90 points, Gregor Townsend's men were astonishing in every way until a madcap endgame that saw France run in a battery of tries.
The Scots landed seven scores and a half century of points against the previously imperious but now seriously beleaguered French.
Darcy Graham put them ahead early. Louis Bialle-Biarrey - scoring in his ninth consecutive Six Nations match - and Theo Attisogbe hit back in rapid order to seemingly put France in control.
But, no. Steyn and Pierre Schoman scored before the half was out. Then Ben White darted over early in the new half, followed quickly by Steyn and Graham, each for their second of the match.
Tom Jordan added a seventh as France reeled - 47-14 after just over an hour and then 50-14 when Finn Russell banged over a conversion.
France came back with a barrage of tries late on - and claimed what could prove a decisive bonus point - but it was too little, too late for this game.
This was a glorious, bewilderingly brilliant day for these Scotland players. Dublin awaits the on the final day.
The Detroit Lions have experienced a very interesting offseason up to this point, and the ripple effects are already showing up in the latest mock drafts.
In a new two-round 2026 NFL mock draft from Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Detroit lands two players who could immediately address major roster needs, starting with a powerful offensive lineman in the first round.
Lions Add Offensive Line Depth in Round 1
With the No. 17 overall pick, Brugler projects the Lions selecting Kadyn Proctor, a massive offensive lineman from Alabama Crimson Tide football.
Detroit’s offensive line remains one of the strengths of the roster, but recent roster changes, including the release of veteran interior lineman Graham Glasgow, have created a need for depth and long-term stability.
Brugler believes Proctor could provide exactly that.
“The return of Taylor Decker in 2026 gives the Lions options on draft night, but it doesn’t eliminate offensive line from being the move here. Proctor has the talent to give Detroit immediate depth at both tackle and guard, especially after the release of Graham Glasgow. He’d be a long-term building block.”
Proctor impressed scouts during the pre-draft process, including a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine where he recorded an unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.26 out of 10.
That mark ranks 114th among 1,519 offensive tackles tested since 1987, highlighting his rare athletic profile for a player of his size.
If drafted by Detroit, Proctor could potentially see early playing time at guard while also developing as a long-term option at tackle.
Lions Land Combine Star at EDGE in Round 2
Brugler also addresses another major Detroit need in the second round.
With pick No. 50, the Lions select Dani Dennis-Sutton, a dynamic edge defender from Penn State Nittany Lions football.
Dennis-Sutton was one of the biggest winners of the 2026 NFL Combine, posting a staggering Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.96 out of 10.
That score ranks:
9th-best defensive end out of 2,046 prospects since 1987
Highest among edge defenders at the 2026 Combine
His athletic testing numbers drew comparisons to elite pass rushers such as Jevon Kearse, Danielle Hunter, and Maxx Crosby.
A Potentially Perfect Draft Haul
If Brugler’s projection plays out, Detroit would walk away with two players who could contribute immediately.
A versatile offensive lineman capable of playing multiple spots along the line
An elite athlete at EDGE who could bolster Detroit’s pass rush
For a Lions team hoping to remain in Super Bowl contention, adding young talent in the trenches could be exactly what the roster needs.
Of course, general manager Brad Holmes has a history of surprising draft decisions. But if the Lions followed Brugler’s blueprint, Detroit fans would likely be thrilled with the result.
Championship side Wrexham host Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup today, with both clubs looking to book a place in the last eight as they face off at the Racecourse Ground.
The Welsh side, who have found recent success after the involvement of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, are looking for the biggest result since the takeover as they welcome the Blues, and are hoping to make the quarter-finals for just the third time in their history.
Meanwhile, Liam Rosenior’s side are hoping to make the last eight for the fifth time in seven seasons. While the Blues haven’t won the competition since 2018, they’ve been runners-up in three of the last six seasons.
But while Chelsea will likely regard the FA Cup as their best chance at a trophy this term, they won’t disregard the threat posed by Wrexham as the Championship outfit look to make more history.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game:
When is Wrexham vs Chelsea?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5.45pm on Saturday, 7 March at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, Wales.
How can I watch it?
Viewers can watch the match live in the UK on both TNT Sports 1 and BBC One, with coverage starting at 5pm on TNT and 5:30pm on the BBC. Subscribers can also stream the action on discovery+, or watch for free on BBC iPlayer. In the US, the FA Cup can be viewed on ESPN.
Team news
The hosts could be missing a key trio in the form of George Dobson, Issy Kabore and Nathan Broadhead, who are all doubts. Dobson required surgery on his wrist, while Broadhead took a knock last time out and Kabore has supposed tightness in his hamstring.
Ben Sheaf, Liberato Cacace and Matty James are also doubts, while Lewis Brunt and Aaron James are both sidelined.
For Chelsea, Romeo Lavia will feature but this match will likely come too soon for Dario Essugo and Estevao and Jamie Gittens is also sidelined until later this month. The main decisions for Rosenior will concern who to start, considering the club have a Champions League tie against PSG coming up, as well as who to pick in goal, after dropping Robert Sanchez for the win at Aston Villa.
Phil Parkinson's Wrexham are pushing the reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 1997 but Chelsea stand in their way of a last-eight berth and harbour their own ambitions of lifting the FA Cup for a ninth time, and a first since 2018. But, they are only the fourth favourites to go the distance in the competition.
Apr 25, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Nick Bosa (Ohio State) takes the stage prior to the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft in Downtown Nashville. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
It’s that time again, when we look at the previous drafts of the San Francisco 49ers and reflect. We’re lucky to have video of each draft, thanks to YouTube poster and 49ers fan Marvin49. We’ll look at every year of the Kyle Shanahan era through 2025. Today it’s 2019.
The 2019 NFL Draft was the draft that defined the Kyle Shanahan 49ers.
Eight years later, the fingerprints of this class are still all over the team’s identity. The pass rush revolved around one player. The offense revolved around another. And a fifth-round linebacker joined with the guy they took the year prior to make a tandem not unlike Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
But of course, it can’t go smoothly.
The lead-up was nothing more than a slow-motion race to the bottom. The 49ers lost Jimmy Garoppolo to a knee injury in 2018 and suddenly found themselves staring at the possibility of the first overall pick. This year, the first pick was obvious: Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa.
Unfortunately, the Arizona Cardinals kept getting in the way.
The Steve Wilks-led Cardinals had three wins in 2018, two of which were against the 49ers. The 49ers finished with four wins, which dropped them to the second overall pick.
I mean, you can’t make this up. The 49ers are in a race for the first pick and don’t stink as much as another team. Said “other team” still managed to beat the 49ers twice while also getting the worst record in football.
This is where I’d say, “Because, 49ers.” But in hindsight, things couldn’t have worked out any better.
The Cardinals hired Kliff Kingsbury, and Kingsbury made it clear he wanted Kyler Murray. Arizona took the quarterback first overall, and the San Francisco 49ers happily walked away with Nick Bosa. Bosa quickly became the centerpiece of the 49ers’ pass rush and one of the most dominant edge rushers in football. Entire offensive game plans revolved around slowing him down via double and triple teams.
This first-round pick was definitely not a bust. It was a pick that changed the defense overnight. Even in 2025, before his season ended early, Bosa showed exactly why: appearing in three games and helping seal late wins in two of them. Then came the gut punch in Week 3 — a torn ACL that ended his season. This guy changed the 49ers’ defense. And we’re still talking about the first selection.
With their next pick, Kyle Shanahan went back to a player he had gotten to know at the Senior Bowl: Deebo Samuel.
Samuel became one of the most unique offensive weapons seen in years. The “wide back” role — part receiver, part running back, all wrecking ball — became a defining feature of the Shanahan offense almost immediately. Defenders knew he was coming and still struggled to stop him.
Samuel eventually moved on from San Francisco and was traded to the Washington Commanders. Still, his impact on the offense remains obvious whenever you look back at the peak years of the Shanahan system.
In 2025, with Washington, Samuel appeared in 16 games and caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns while adding 75 yards rushing and another score on the ground. And he might be looking for a new team in 2026, with reports that the Commanders might not bring him back.
OK, so we’re two for two. Can they do things in threes? No, because the next pick was a wide receiver: Jalen Hurd. On paper, Hurd looked like the perfect Shanahan weapon. A former running back turned receiver with size, versatility, and physicality. And none of that was ever shown when he made the pros.
A back injury in his rookie preseason landed him on injured reserve. A torn ACL wiped out the following season. Another injury in 2021 eventually led the 49ers to move on. Hurd later signed with the New England Patriots in July 2023 but retired the following month without ever appearing in an NFL regular-season game.
But don’t worry, things get back on track with the fourth pick. On track to erect a mighty kingdom, we call (or called…since it’s now off the map) Punterville. Australian punter Mitch Wishnowsky was next. A punter who wasn’t afraid to lay wood when needed and had some nice wheels on him as well.
The team moved on from Wishnowsky in May 2025. His season turned into a brief tour around the league — signing with Washington, being released three days later, and eventually landing with the Buffalo Bills. Punterville or no Punterville, one must travel to be a punter.
The good picks kept coming with the 49ers now getting the steal of the class: linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw paired with Fred Warner to form one of the best linebacker duos the franchise has seen since the Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman days. His most famous moment came during the 2019 season when he stopped Seattle inches short of the goal line in Week 17 to secure the NFC’s top seed.
Unfortunately, since the 49ers drafted well, they couldn’t pay everyone, so Greenlaw went to the Denver Broncos in 2025. The 49ers were in the mix to retain him, but Denver just had more cash.
In hindsight, it might have been disappointing for the 49ers to have extended him and then have the 2026 that Denver did with Greenlaw. He missed the first six weeks of the 2026 season, and a spat with a referee in his first game back got him suspended for the next. He finished the year with 43 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits, and 1 interception across 8 games.
And…that’s pretty much it for players that made impact. There were still some picks left. Picks like tight end Kaden Smith, who didn’t make it through his rookie season before being waived. Or Justin Skule, who managed to make it past a single season, but just being on the roster might be the only thing we remember.
Things for this draft ended with cornerback Tim Harris. Harris never appeared in a game for the 49ers and was waived in 2020. He bounced around briefly before spending time in the XFL in 2023.
You can’t nail them all, but this draft was what made the 49ers a juggernaut for future years. It’s so strange to be writing this and only seeing one player from it still on the team.
The top Vikings edge rushers are versatile and talented. All of Jonathan Greenard (in the trade rumors), Andrew Van Ginkel (a cyborg), and Dallas Turner (oodles of potential) offer much to like.
What’s needed is depth.
So, the decision to graft Bo Richter back onto the roster makes a lot of sense. Consider the word coming from ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Vikings tendered exclusive rights free agent LB Bo Richter.”
Edge Rusher Bo Richter Back in the Mix for Minnesota
Mr. Richter has been in the NFL for a pair of seasons. He made the leap from college to the pros after going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. At least part of the reason why he didn’t see a selection sunk into him is due to not having the coveted length.
At 6’1″, Richter is shorter than a prototypical NFL edge rusher. An ideal world would have those along the edge being built like Danielle Hunter. Insane muscles while also having super long arms attached to a very tall person.
Possessing that build has many benefits. First, there’s the better ability to wrestle with offensive tackles. Getting one’s mitts into the blocker before the blocker can get one’s mitts into oneself is important. Likewise, long arms help to get in the way of passing lanes (think batted balls at the line of scrimmage, an issue for J.J. McCarthy) and wrap up ball carriers.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Alas, Richter needs to make do with the way he’s built.
Consider how he was described going into his draft year. The NFL’s Lance Zierlein with the analysis: “Richter is an undersized edge defender with short arms, but his athletic profile gives him a chance to compete for a roster spot. He has muscles on muscles and a strong base that allows him to play through edges and maintain balance at contact. He also has plus pursuit speed and racked up impact stats on the other side of the line. His rush is more effort-based than skilled, and that production might not translate as a pro. However, his pro day testing was terrific, and he plays with a nice GPS toward the ball. Richter might need to prove he can play off-ball linebacker, but his traits and special-teams potential should help his chances.”
The draft expert’s opinion is that Richter should have been chosen in the 6th or the 7th.
A few things jump out in the above description. Being a rugged, all-effort player is a good thing, especially since he’s so athletic and explosive. So, too, is it a good thing to have a “GPS toward the ball.” So far, playing off-ball ‘backer hasn’t materialized, but the tidbit about being a special teams ace looks prescient.
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) attempts to intercept the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota made him a Viking with the offer of an undrafted contract that had $15,000 in guaranteed money. Even for undrafted players, Bo Richter didn’t demand huge wealth.
Since then, Richter played fourteen games as a rookie and seventeen games as a sophomore. He had 8 tackles in 2024 and 11 tackles in 2025. Plus, there was a fumble recovery in his debut NFL season.
Looking under the hood shows that his two seasons have involved 81 snaps on defense alongside 639 snaps on specials teams. So, a small percentage of the defense’s portion of the pie but darn near the whole pastry for special teams.
The Vikings still have work to do to get the roster to where it needs to be. Re-welcoming Richter back into the mix, though, is a nice move since he’s quietly a piece of the puzzle. The 25-year-old will need to keep earning his spot, but expect Richter to be out there for the Vikings in 2026.
Free agency begins on Monday before the real thing gets rolling on Wednesday, March 11th.
They say luck favors the brave. Right now, Lady Luck might be walking towards the Kansas City Chiefs in the form of a reigning MVP. The Kansas City Chiefs just shook up their locker room, and now the backfield is screaming for a playmaker. That’s perfect timing, because a running back built for this offense just became available in NFL free agency.
Chiefs Free Agency Plans Hint at Major Backfield Upgrade for Patrick Mahomes
Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Now, after a recent roster shakeup by the Kansas City Chiefs opened up fresh cap room and depth-chart flexibility, league insiders believe the door may have quietly cracked open for a potential Kenneth Walker III signing.
Walker wrapped up his latest campaign with the Seattle Seahawks with 221 carries for 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns, according to NFL research. He averaged a healthy 4.6 yards per carry while starting all 17 games — proving he’s not just explosive, but durable too. And that reliability is gold for a contender looking to steady its backfield.
If that résumé wasn’t impressive enough, Walker punctuated the year by earning MVP honors at Super Bowl LX, putting a massive exclamation mark on his breakout season.
Now Kansas City appears ready to do its homework.
The Chiefs recently dealt cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a broader effort to create cap flexibility. The move doesn’t fully solve their financial puzzle, but it’s enough to spark leaguewide chatter that the reigning Super Bowl MVP could be high on Kansas City’s wish list.
Still, one move alone might not be enough to seal the deal.
“The Kansas City Chiefs are interesting here,” reporter Albert Breer said on The Herdpodcast. “Trent McDuffie clears just under $14 million in cash and $14 million in cap space for the Chiefs. That’s about what I think Kenneth Walker is going to cost. So there’s some interesting sliding doors there, and I just think that the Chiefs are one to watch.”
Walker isn’t the only back who could bring juice to Kansas City’s offense. If the pursuit stalls, the Chiefs could pivot to Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars — another dynamic runner who would fit nicely in Andy Reid’s scheme.
What seems far less likely is Kansas City waiting until the draft to fix the backfield. Around the league, the expectation is that the Chiefs will try to stabilize the running back room in free agency before using the draft to stack more offensive weapons.
At the same time, Kansas City is quietly preparing for life after Travis Kelce. The franchise hasn’t had to worry about the tight end position for years thanks to Kelce’s Hall of Fame-level production, but with the veteran nearing the twilight of his career, succession planning has become inevitable.
Kelce could still return for the 2026 season, but the Chiefs are already doing their homework on potential long-term replacements. According to Breer, Kenyon Sadiq is one name that could pop up on Kansas City’s radar.
If the Chiefs manage to land Walker in free agency, the front office would gain valuable breathing room in the draft — allowing them to shift their focus toward future cornerstones, including the next star at tight end.
Returning from a serious injury is never easy for an athlete, and Jayson Tatum admitted he experienced plenty of emotions before stepping back onto the court for the Boston Celtics. Speaking after his return from an Achilles injury, Tatum revealed that he felt both nervous and anxious leading up to his first game back. Despite being one of the most accomplished stars in the NBA, the All-Star forward suggested that the moment brought a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “It’s been a long time coming,” Tatum said. He added, “I just felt really anxious” before the game.
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks the ball in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Achilles injuries are among the most challenging setbacks for basketball players, often requiring months of rehabilitation and careful recovery. For Tatum, the process involved extensive work with trainers and medical staff to regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
While the Celtics remained supportive throughout the process, Tatum admitted that the mental side of returning to the court was just as difficult as the physical recovery.
Celtics Counting on Their Star
The return of Tatum is crucial for Boston, as he remains the centerpiece of the franchise’s championship aspirations. Over the past several seasons, he has developed into one of the league’s most dynamic scorers and leaders.
With teammates rallying around him and the home crowd showing strong support, Tatum said those early nerves quickly faded once the game began.
Looking Ahead
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
For the Celtics, having their superstar back healthy could be a major boost as the season progresses. Tatum’s ability to score, create offense, and lead the team makes him one of the most important players in the league.
While his return may have started with some nerves, Tatum’s focus now is simple: continuing to build confidence and helping Boston compete at the highest level. After months of recovery, just stepping back on the court was already a major victory.
MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 03: Nick Boyd #2 of the Wisconsin Badgers attempts a shot over Daniel Jacobsen #12 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of the game at Kohl Center on January 03, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Wisconsin Badgers conclude the regular season with a trip to Mackey Arena to take on the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3:00 P.M. CT on CBS, and the Boilermakers are 7.5-point favorites.
Wisconsin sent its seniors out the right way with a dominant 78-45 win over the Maryland Terrapins last Wednesday. Braeden Carrington led all scorers with 18 points off the bench, while John Blackwell provided 14 points. The big question mark coming into this next game will be the status of Nolan Winter, who went down with a lower-body injury in the second half of Wednesday’s game. His status for the game is undetermined.
What has happened to the Purdue Boilermakers since the last time Wisconsin saw them in the Kohl Center?
Opponent Preview
In our last meeting with Matt Painter’s squad back on January 3rd, the fifth-ranked Boilermakers took a close game with the Badgers in the first half into a second-half rout, winning 89-73. Purdue, which led 45-38 at halftime, found itself up by as many as 25 points with under nine minutes left in the game.
Since that win, the Boilermakers are ranked 15th in the AP Poll, having gone 10-6 since January 3rd, with upset losses to Indiana and Ohio State on the road. Last Wednesday, Purdue survived an upset scare by holding off the Northwestern Wildcats 70-66 at Welsh Ryan Arena. C.J. Cox was tremendous against the Wildcats with a career-high 27 points.
Braden Smith continues to be the engine for the Purdue Boilermakers, averaging 14.7 points and 8.7 assists per game. Smith, the Big Ten’s all-time leader in career assists, is now chasing Bobby Hurley’s NCAA record of 1,076 career assists. Should the Boilermakers make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, Smith should be able to break that record.
Purdue sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer is also close to breaking some records. The senior shooting guard, who is shooting at 40.7 percent from long distance, is five three-pointers shy of surpassing former Boilermaker great (and noted thorn in the Badgers’ side) Carsen Edwards’ 281 three-point shots.
Finally, in the frontcourt, is Trey Kaufman-Renn, the Boilermakers’ leading rebounder at 8.9 rebounds per game. While his scoring has fallen from 20.1 points last season to 13.3 points per game, he has averaged 16.5 points in Purdue’s last six games.
Score Prediction
The Badgers have a rare opportunity to pick up back-to-back wins at Mackey Arena for the first time since 2012-2014. However, with Nolan Winter’s potential absence threatening to weaken Wisconsin’s depth in the post, gaining a win in West Lafayette will be an enormous challenge. Couple that with Senior Day for Smith, Loyer, and Kaufman-Renn, and this spells like a long afternoon for Wisconsin.
Lincoln City captain Tendayi Darikwa has won 14 caps for Zimbabwe [Getty Images]
Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala says there were "allegations of racist comments" made towards captain Tendayi Darikwa by a Cardiff City fan during Saturday's League One game.
The Imps moved top of League One after a 2-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium, but the game was halted for four minutes after the opening goal, with referee Tom Reeves speaking to both dugouts.
Following the match, Skubala said: "There were allegations of a supporter making racist comments to Tendayi Darikwa.
"We have to follow the due processes.
"The referee did everything right, he went straight to Tendayi and then spoke to us. Tendayi was happy to carry on, but now it goes up higher."
Darikwa continued as Lincoln added a second goal to move two points clear at the top of League One, opening up a 13-point gap to third-place Bolton Wanderers in the process.
"There is no place at all for it in the game – from fans, players or anyone," Skubala added.
"Hopefully we can get to the bottom of it. The referee was very professional, did the right job and hopefully we can sort this out."
When asked about the incident involving Darikwa, Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy said: "The referee said there was an incident involving the supporters and the captain of Lincoln when they scored.
"They said it would be dealt with after the game."
The referee will submit his end-of-game report to the Football Association, who will then determine if there is any further action to be taken.
The NHL schedule maker probably thought it was a great idea to have all three games between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils this season set for the month of March, assuming a playoff push by each Metropolitan Division rival.
Though it seemed like a great idea, the reality is that the Rangers and Devils meet Saturday at Prudential Center for the first time, five months into a shockingly disappointing season for each team. They will also play March 18 and 31 at Madison Square Garden.
They are the bottom two teams in the Eastern Conference, each with an unsightly minus-26 goal differential. The Rangers (24-29-8) are last in the conference and tied for 29th overall in the NHL. However, they’ve shown signs of life after the Olympic break, picking up six of a possible eight points (2-0-2), and come off an impressive 6-2 whipping of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.
The Devils (31-29-2) are winners of three in a row, after losing two straight out of the break. Like, the Rangers, the Devils come off a home-ice win over the Maple Leafs, a 4-3 shootout victory on Wednesday. That leaves them nine points out of the final wild card in the East with 20 games to play, and a host of teams ahead of them.
So, the team across the river is still breathing, even if just barely, making this a compelling contest against the Rangers, whose playoff hopes expired during a miserable month of January.
For the record, the Rangers are 135-102-11 with 27 ties all-time against the Devils. Last season, the Rangers lost three of four games against the Devils, and were shut out twice at Prudential Center. Overall, they were outscored 16-4 in the season series.
3 storylines when Rangers visit Devils
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Standing pat
The NHL Trade Deadline came and went Friday without much activity by either the Rangers nor Devils. The Rangers held on to center Vincent Trocheck, who was scratched for roster management purposes Thursday as a prime candidate to be moved with the team in a retool phase. The Rangers had a steep asking price for the 32-year-old and refused to budge off that, with no team meeting the ask.
“It didn’t make any sense to do something just to say we did it, or to do something just because we wrote a letter,” Rangers general manager Chris Drury explained, also referring to the retool pan he publicly announced in mid-January.
So, Trocheck’s expected to play Saturday, though he could be moved in the offseason. The retool is far from over, even though the Rangers acquired a couple more prospects and draft picks in minor deals Friday. They did trade Sam Carrick to the Buffalo Sabres. And former first-round pick Brennan Othmann was shipped to the Calgary Flames.
The Devils also stood pat at the deadline. Though expected to move veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and with rumors swirling around former No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec, the Devils didn’t make a trade Friday.
Left or right
John Jones-Imagn Images
Braden Schneider played recently on his off (left) side on the second defense pair alongside Will Borgen. But that changed Thursday, when he flipped sides with Borgen, who’s also a right-hand shot. And per coach Mike Sullivan, there’s a clear reason why.
“We think we get a better version of ‘Schneids’ when he’s on the right side,” Sullivan explained Friday. “So, we tried Will there to see how Will would adjust. There’s a lot of subtleties to the position. It’s not as simple as just — I think it’s harder for a defenseman to play his off side if he’s not used to it than it is for a wing to play the off side.”
With Adam Fox back in the lineup, the Rangers want to keep Schneider in a top-four role, and not drop him back down to the third pair. So, right now, the Rangers dress four right-shot defensemen — including Fox on the top pair and Vincent Iorio on the third pair.
Schneider had an assist against the Maple Leafs and was much more involved in moving the puck from the right side. Iorio, it should be noted, logged more than 16 minutes TOI on Thursday, and played his most complete game since the Rangers claimed him off waivers prior to the Olympic break.
Going fourth
Carrick was a fourth-line staple in his two seasons with the Rangers, and his grit, leadership, and PK skills will be missed. Juuso Parssinen replaced him in the middle of the fourth line Thursday, when Carrick was held out of the lineup due to roster management.
Flanked by rookie Jaroslav Chmelar and Adam Edstrom, who returned from a 33-game injury absence, Parssinen’s line logged 6:43 TOI 5v5 and posted an expected goal share of 63.32 percent, per Natural Stat Trick. They outshot and out-chanced the Maple Leafs 3-1 when on the ice together, and Chmelar scored his first NHL goal on a pretty rush and finish.
After back-to-back UFC losses at bantamweight, Patchy Mix left the promotion and the division.
But the move to featherweight and RIZIN were not the cure for what ails him. Mix (20-4) on Saturday was stopped for the first time in his career when Kyoma Akimoto (12-1) – just 19 – finished him with a TKO in the second round in the RIZIN 52 headliner.
The stoppage came 37 seconds into the second frame, not long after Akimoto put Mix on the canvas toward the end of the first round and appeared to nearly have him finished.
Mix was considered one of the best non-UFC fighters when he was Bellator's bantamweight champion. After the PFL bought Bellator, Mix was stuck waiting for a fight. He asked to be released, and the UFC quickly brought him on board.
The UFC even set him up to make a quick ascension to title contention with a matchup against the much-heralded Mario Bautista this past June for his promotional debut, but he dropped a decision. Then he lost a split decision to former KSW champion Jakub Wiklacz in October in his follow-up.
Akimoto has won five straight fights, including four by stoppage. Although he was a heavy underdog to Mix, a 4-1 betting favorite, he now has easily the biggest win of his young career.
Check out highlights of Akimoto's finish of Mix below.
KYOMA AKIMOTO NEARLY STOPS PATCHY MIX AT THE END OF ROUND 1!!!
Texas State men’s basketball’s run in the Sun Belt Championship ended Friday, as Southern Miss eliminated them, 81-77. The Bobcats finish their final season in the Sun Belt with a 19-13 overall record.
Texas State had won eight of its last nine games ahead of the tournament. But away from Strahan Arena, they could not muster the same momentum they had against Appalachian State. There were moments, like when the Bobcats tied the game at 64 with 5 minutes and 34 seconds, showing flickers of resistance. But the Golden Eagles responded with a 10-4 run that proved fatal.
“Tonight, the tougher team won,” Texas State head coach Terrence Johnson said after the game.
Here are some takeaways from Texas State’s loss.
Getting to the line
Texas State’s physical defense has been a staple of its play, which held opposing offenses to 71 points per game in the regular season. But Southern Miss used that to its advantage, drawing 25 personal fouls and making 28-of-37 free throws. Texas State went 17-for-20 from the free-throw line.
Southern Miss forward Tylik Weeks is the Sun Belt’s leading scorer, which is buoyed by his ability to play through contact and draw fouls. He leads the conference in free throws, averaging eight per game.
Weeks recorded 32 points on 9-of-18 shooting, while also going 14-for-14 at the charity stripe. He did most of his damage in the second half, scoring 23 points and shooting 11 free throws.
“We ran up against a hot team. A team that understands the way the game is being called in today’s game, and does a really good job in exploiting that,” Johnson said.
Texas State Bobcats guard Mark Drone (4) puts the ball up during the first half as the Bobcats play the Texas A&M San Antonio Jaguars at Strahan Arena in San Marcos, Nov. 5, 2025. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
Eight minutes into the game, Texas State forward DJ Hall put up a floater that Southern Miss forward Djahi Binet slammed off the glass. The referees quickly flagged it for goaltending, and with it, Hall set the program record for most points in a season by a freshman. Hall led the Bobcats with 25 points and 11 rebounds against the Golden Eagles, ending the season with 500 total points.
In this day of NIL, there’s no guarantee that he’ll stick around for next season like other Texas State greats. If he doesn’t, he’s already left his mark on the Bobcats. If he does, Texas State will have a building block on which to build its team in the Pac-12.
Ready for the Pac?
Johnson said after the game that he wished the Sun Belt got the notoriety and credit it deserves as a basketball league. Afterall, the parity showed in the seeding, as Texas State ended up as a fifth seed despite finishing in a six-way tie for second place.
He’ll face notoriety, and then some, in the Pac-12. The top of the conference is composed of a group of schools — Gonzaga, San Diego State, Utah State and Colorado State — that are notorious for their success in men’s basketball. Johnson did not make light of how challenging the move up in competition will be.
"This is one of the largest leaps in modern-day realignment," Johnson said.
Even if Texas State's season didn't end on a bright note, the peak crowds at Strahan Arena showed that there can be an appetite for men's basketball in San Marcos. The pedigree of the teams the Bobcats will face could draw even more fans. To take advantage of the opportunity the Pac-12 offers, Johnson said investment in building the program must grow.
"I thought that we did the things we needed to do in this league to show that we're marketable," Johnson said. "Now we need to figure out a way to do things in the next league to show that it's sustainable."
PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique could only crouch down and watch as Monaco's attacks kept coming in waves, his players powerless to stop them.
After weeks of saying his team is attacking and defending better than last season, despite mounting evidence to the contrary, Luis Enrique’s body language spoke for itself.
And afterward he simply could not gloss over Friday's 3-1 home defeat to Monaco in Ligue 1, which could have been far heavier given how easily the visitors' swift counterattacks pierced PSG's midfield and flanks.
“We were very imprecise for many parts of the match, we made some unusual mistakes. We made mistakes, a lot of mistakes," he said. “This is a crucial moment in the season, but it’s up to us to turn things around, to regain our confidence. I want to be optimistic.”
It was PSG's seventh defeat of the season in all competitions, and fourth in the past 13 games. Next up is Chelsea at home on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 game.
“What I want to say is that I don’t want to lose faith in this team," said Luis Enrique, who sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as his players. “It’s not the best result to arrive in the Champions League, we’re aware of that."
An exhausting season saw some players having around 60 games, and then getting scant recovery time before facing Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup one month later.
Key players like Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, forward Désiré Doué and midfield schemer João Neves have had persistent muscle injuries this season, which suggests they did not have enough of a break over the summer.
Dembélé and Vitinha, for example, played the whole game against Tottenham. Three weeks later, Dembélé and Doué — who started the match against Tottenham — both picked up muscle-related injuries playing for France.
Physical and mental fatigue
PSG's high-octane play requires constant mobility, with speedy players darting all over the field, while the counter-pressing from the forwards requires Dembélé to harry defenders — like he did so efficiently when PSG routed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final.
But this style of play is hugely demanding physically, and some of PSG's players — notably Vitinha, who is well below his best — are looking exhausted.
This has translated into clumsy mistakes on the field from midfielders like Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery, who gave the first goal away against Monaco after failing to dribble out of the the penalty area. Lee Kang-in lost possession in midfield leading up to Monaco's third goal.
“It’s one of the things we need to improve. We clumsily gave the ball away," PSG left back Nuno Mendes said. “Running toward our goal (defending) is not what we like. We like to run at the opponents’ goal.”
Luis Enrique acknowledge that mental fatigue is creeping in and affecting confidence.
“When there are problems it’s the mind that shuts down first. It’s a strange, unpleasant feeling,” he said. “Confidence isn’t something you buy at Monoprix (the supermarket), you have to build it day after day. We’re having some difficulties, but we have to keep hoping we can turn things around.”
Jermaine Pennant has highlighted just how important Florian Wirtz has become to Liverpool this season, especially when it comes to linking play between the lines.
Wirtz faced plenty of criticism early on after his move to England, mainly because he wasn’t contributing with goals or assists right away.
But over time, he’s settled in and become a key part of the side. And according to Pennant, Liverpool don’t look like themselves at all when Wirtz isn’t playing.
Florian Wirtz’s impact on Liverpool
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Jermaine Jenas asked the former Liverpool winger: “You get the job at Liverpool, Arne Slot has been sacked. What’s the first thing that you do? You know, let’s say you got the job start of January, the windows open. Who would you have sold? Who would you have looked to bring in? Who would you be building the team around?”
Pennant replied by picking out Wirtz and explaining how crucial he is for connecting midfield to attack.
He said: “I think probably Florian Wirtz. I think we see when he’s not playing how Liverpool literally just look dead. He is the spark in that team. He does connect the midfield to the front line. He’s just good on the ball.”
Wirtz’s influence on Liverpool supported by the stats
After a quiet start, the 22-year-old has now contributed six goals and eight assists across all competitions.
Since their arrivals last summer, Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have developed a strong partnership, with the pair combining for six goals so far this season – more than any other duo in the squad.
It’s the most by any duo in a single campaign when both players are aged 23 or under, matching the record set by Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen back in 2002/03.
With Wirtz returning from injury off the bench against Wolves, there’s every chance he and Ekitike will set a new club record before long.
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Jai Opetaia celebrates winning against David Nyika during the IBF And Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Title Fight between Jai Opetaia and David Nyika at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on January 08, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When Jai Opetaia inked a deal with Zuffa Boxing earlier this year, the hard-hitting Australian Cruiserweight champion had dreams of one day holding all four division titles.
Now, that goal has been dashed after International Boxing Federation (IBF) has decided to sanction Opetaia for his historic Zuffa Boxing championship fight against Brandon Glanton this weekend (Sun., March 8, 2026) in Las Vegas, Nevada, which will be for the company’s inaugural strap (see it here).
That means that once the fight is over, Opetaia — who is also The Ring Cruiserweight champion — will be stripped of the belt since IBF will not recognize Zuffa as a sanctioning body.
“The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has withdrawn sanction of the optional defense of the IBF Cruiserweight title between champion Jai Opetaia and #15 ranked contender Brandon Glanton scheduled for March 8, 2026,” said an IBF spokesperson (via Boxing Scene). “With sanction withdrawn, the Opetaia vs. Glanton bout is now an Unsanctioned Contest.
“IBF Rule 5.H. states in part – ‘An Unsanctioned Contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn,’” it continued. “If a Champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the Champion wins or loses the bout’.”
Just hours prior to the ruling, Opetaia (29-0) fielded questions from the media and denied any rumors that IBF’s title wouldn’t be on the line.
“Yes, it will be [on the line] — don’t listen to rumors,” he said at Zuffa Boxing 4’s press conference. “Don’t believe everything you see on the Internet because everyone is spreading rumors. I am very grateful that the boys have been on board.
“It is my dream to become undisputed, and unless everyone doesn’t work together toward that dream, I can not accomplish that,” he concluded.
It’s a big blow for not only Opetaia, but Zuffa Boxing, too, ahead of the promotion’s first-ever historic title fight. Dana White is adamant in his stance that he won’t work with other sanctioning bodies, which includes the IBF, WBC, WBO and WBA, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that IBF decided to act.
One can’t help but wonder if IBF’s ruling will affect other boxer’s decisions to defect over to Zuffa Boxing (see full list of recent signings here), if their goals are to become undisputed in their divisions. Then again, if one-fight paydays such as Conor Benn’s reported massive $15 million check he will receive later this year become the norm, it could tip the scales in Zuffa’s favor.
Former UFC two-division champ Daniel Cormier just added more fuel to the speculation of a Francis Ngannou and UFC reunion soon, following his release from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) this week.
On Friday morning, an MMA news bombshell was dropped. The PFL decided to cut former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. While the news surprised many, it shouldn’t have. After signing with the promotion following an ugly fallout with the UFC three years ago, he competed inside the SmartCage just once and instead was more focused on boxing.
With just one fight left on his deal, the move made business sense for the PFL as they undergo a major restructure and aim to be more cost-effective. Soon after Ngannou’s release, speculation began about a potential return to the Octagon. However, last year, UFC CEO Dana White went public about how much he deeply dislikes the Cameroonian giant. It makes a reunion unlikely.
Yet, the company is trying to put on a historic mega-event at the White House in June. At the UFC 326 weigh-ins, White revealed that one of the bouts on the card just fell through, and the video of Campbell informing matchmaker Mick Maynard about the news suggests it was probably a big one. Plus, booking bouts with big-name talent is always difficult in general.
Can Francis Ngannou be a backup option for the UFC White House card?
🤔DC says the UFC could get Francis Ngannou to fight at the White House event
“If Jon Jones gives you too many problems to get on the White House — Francis Ngannou is on the market.
That is why it could come as no surprise that former two-division champ and current UFC analyst Daniel Cormier poured some fuel on the idea of bringing Ngannou back to the company.
During a Friday live stream, Cormier suggested that current heavyweight king Tom Aspinall signing a management deal with White’s new rival, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, could make a UFC pivot to Ngannou more likely. Furthermore, he added that if they can’t get a rumored deal done with Jon Jones for the White House card, Ngannou would be another big-name backup option.
Cormier admits the issues between Ngannou and White are a huge hurdle. However, he used CM Punk and Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE after bitter departures as proof that no bridge is fully burned in the sports and entertainment business.
It remains to be seen if the UFC will seriously consider it, but if Ngannou is willing to return at a reasonable rate, he still has quite a few money fights left, and the company is driven by money-making opportunities.
Top marksman: Leverkusen’s Grimaldo leads the Europa rankings
Set pieces near the penalty area are a matter for the boss at Bayer Leverkusen. When Alejandro Grimaldo places the ball, it’s a red alert for the opposition.
That was the case again today in the Werkself’s clash with SC Freiburg. The Spaniard once again curled the ball in successfully against the Breisgau side. It was already his fifth direct free-kick goal of the current season. This also puts him at the top of the ranking within Europe’s top five leagues.
With today’s masterpiece, he overtook Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. For Leverkusen, it could mean another Bundesliga victory. Next Wednesday, the master of free kicks will face the corner kick specialists from Arsenal FC.
Liam Rosenior has made the call to drop Robert Sanchez, and it now seems likely that Mike Penders will be taking over as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Sanchez was left out in favour of Filip Jorgensen for the Premier League match against Aston Villa, and the Spaniard did well enough that he’s expected to keep his place for the FA Cup game against Wrexham.
There’s growing anticipation at Stamford Bridge about Penders’ arrival this summer. The Dutchman is currently Strasbourg’s number one, but he’s already being talked about as a long-term solution in west London.
Liam Rosenior praises Mike Penders’ ability on the ball
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Rosenior, who previously managed Strasbourg, is already familiar with the young Belgian and how he was used further up the pitch during his time in France.
The Blues boss spoke about Penders’ skills to Discovery, calling him ‘outstanding’ in possession.
He said: “When Mike came, we realised very, very quickly that he’s an outstanding operator in possession. And what that enables you to do is it enables you to have an extra man in terms of your passing angles.
“So having him that high looks crazy because a lot of teams don’t do it, but actually gives us a lot of control where we know we probably won’t lose the ball because we have an extra passing option.”
Sanchez has struggled with passing out from the back during his time at Stamford Bridge.
He put his team-mates under real pressure against Arsenal. It was Mamadou Sarr’s first Premier League start for the club and this is something he wouldn’t have appreciated.
Chelsea coaches are reportedly keen for Penders to become number one at Chelsea next season and will be keeping a close eye on his performances over in France for the remainder of this campaign.
Strasbourg are now managed by Gary O’Neil and are among the favourites to win this season’s Conference League, just one year after Chelsea achieved the same feat.
Some of you may be confused. And it's OK; it took me a few years to figure this one out.
The new league year begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11. That's when free agents can sign contracts with new teams. But the two-day negotiating window, which opens at noon ET on Monday, is when free agency now begins.
The league adopted the negotiating window (sometimes called "legal tampering") in 2012, to counter the rampant tampering that was happening before free agency opened. Before that, free agency often launched at midnight of the first day of the league year. And, amazingly, nine-figure deals would be negotiated from scratch to signature before the sun rose in New York. Likewise, players would be on planes to visit teams early the next morning — proving that there were communications before communications were allowed.
Of course, tampering is still rampant. One of the General Managers who appeared with us during Scouting Combine week in Indianapolis seemed to come very close to blurting it out during his interview. Everyone knows that, by the time the league convenes in Indiana for a week, the agent for every looming free agent is assessing the market and lining up options. It actually begins before that.
And while it's a violation of the rules, the league doesn't have the resources or inclination to investigate the dynamic comprehensively. It's better to ignore it and let everyone do it and take action only when someone says or does something blatant. (Then again, former Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said at the Combine in 2020 that the Bucs would be trying to sign Tom Brady once free agency began, and the league office didn't even blink.)
So, in many ways, free agency has already started. As of Monday, the usual suspects (the agents) will start leaking to the usual suspects (the "insiders") details about who will be going where.
On that point, remember this. Many of the initial reports will feature exaggerated, embellished, and in some instances fabricated numbers regarding the value of new contracts. The agents use those irregularities to create perceived wins, as part of the ongoing effort to recruit new clients. By the time the truth emerges as to a given deal, few care.
If you care about keeping tabs on what happens in free agency, don't wait until Wednesday afternoon. Be ready to go on Monday at noon ET.
If not a little earlier. Frankly, it won't be a surprise if reports begin to emerge this weekend as to which teams will be targeting which players once the ability to negotiate and reach deals eventually starts.
Through it all, remember this: None of the deals done between Monday at noon ET and Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET are truly done until signed. Multiple players have backed out of a deal that was negotiated to conclusion during the tampering period. While that will lead to hard feelings and frayed relationships between agents and teams, it has happened.
Which means that it's important to stay plugged in from the moment the tentative deals are done on Monday and Tuesday to the point on Wednesday at which those deals become signed, sealed, and delivered.
The Olean Star reports that "the relationship between Schmidt and (Adrian) Wojnarowski deteriorated considerably over the past year. According to sources, Woj did not recruit certain players that Schmidt wanted to target and he brought in players that did not fit Schmidt's system. Then as the season wore on, Woj took issue with Schmidt not giving players that he had a big hand in recruiting enough minutes."
Woj had taken over as the general manager of the men's basketball team at his alma mater, and apparently that made things tough this season.
The four seasons before Schmidt was hired at Bonaventure all featured single-digit wins.
It took him just one year of rebuilding before he got to 15 wins in his second season.
They haven't won fewer than 14 games in a season in his entire tenure.
That includes three NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to the Round of 32.
Schmidt is the all-time leader in wins at St. Bonaventure, with 339 and counting.
And this isn't like other jobs. Bonaventure, with an enrollment of less than 3,000 students, is one of the few smallest Division I basketball programs in the country.
In the NIL era and transfer-heavy era, it's hard to get recruits to come to Olean.
Schmidt did it well pretty much every year since he took over for the 2007-08 season, coming aboard from Robert Morris.
Now, Saturday will be his final home game. The Schmidt era is just about done in Olean.
Popular fast food chain Wendy’s has been quite active on social media recently with its viral “Chief Tasting Officer” role, and now the burger joint is extending its offer to a current NFL quarterback.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had plenty of struggles with the AFC team during the 2025 season. However, Wendy’s tried to console the NFL veteran with a hilarious joke on social media this week.
Wendy’s and Smith have featured in a viral X exchange after the burger chain extended the Raiders quarterback a half-hearted “Chief Tasting Officer” job offer.
A Wendy's-Geno Smith (never frozen) beef is not what we expected to see this weekend pic.twitter.com/DuvyrF08ya
However, Smith didn’t take too kindly with the Wendy’s joke and decided to poke fun at the fast food brand. The Raiders QB posted an article about the company’s 2025 sales struggles with the caption “Get ya cheese up 1st.”
Recently, Wendy’s gave fast food lovers a huge job opportunity with its CTO job posting, which includes the chance to make content for the company and a $100,000 salary.
Smith is currently contracted with Las Vegas after joining the AFC West team from the Seattle Seahawks in 2025. However, it’s been a tough road for Smith and the Raiders after going 3-14 and earning the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is helped off the field against the New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Last season, Smith only managed to throw for over 3,000 yards with Las Vegas. The bigger concerns for the team came with the NFL veteran’s 17 interceptions, which led the league amongst starting quarterbacks.
It’s unclear if the Raiders will opt to keep Smith for the upcoming NFL season, especially if the team drafts Indiana star Fernando Mendoza with the top pick.
Will Fazakerley took his tally to eight goals for Guernsey FC this season [Fran Torode]
Guernsey FC consolidated third place in the Southern Combination Premier Division after a 7-2 win over Crawley Down Gatwick at Victoria Park.
It was the first time Crawley Down Gatwick had visited the island since they were on the receiving end of Guernsey's biggest-ever win - an 11-0 victory in January 2014.
Guernsey, who beat their opponents 6-2 in December, ensured another big win over the Sussex side as they started superbly - Will Fazakerley firing home after just 13 seconds having been set up by Charlton Gauvain.
The islanders were 3-0 up inside the opening seven minutes thanks to Ross Allen's sixth-minute strike before Fazakerley headed in his second moments later.
Guernsey goalkeeper Josh Addison kept the lead intact with some good saves before Sam Murray made it 4-0 in the 37th-minute as he reacted after Brandon Wallace's effort came back off the bar.
Gauvain made it 5-0 two minutes later before the visitors pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time through Alex Tidy.
It became 6-1 12 minutes into the second half when Allen got his second of the game before Murray and Fazakerley both went close to adding to the tally.
Guernsey got their seventh goal when Callum Le Lacheur headed in at the far post from Wallace's 81st-minute cross from the left before Oli Leslie made it 7-2 in the 89th minute.
The Fredericksburg Battlin' Billies hold up a UIL trophy after a 4A Division II State Championship basketball game in San Antonio on Friday, March, 6, 2026. (Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-News)
Twelve teams will be crowned 2026 girls basketball state champions between Friday and Saturday. Some teams, such as Fredericksburg, have already won their title. Westlake girls basketball and Glenn are among those hunting for a trophy.
During the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints had 44 sacks, seventh most in the NFL. Their edge rushers were responsible for 31.5 of those sacks, with 20.5 coming from Cameron Jordan and Chase Young. Young, at just 26, played the best football of his career. In his 15th season, Jordan revived a Hall of Fame career after a couple down years in production.
Jordan, who turns 37 in July, will hit the open free agent market for the first time. While many feel the Saints could still get him back, getting a younger edge rusher to pair with Young is still an offseason need. Most feel that New Orleans will do this through the draft, but there are several talented edge rushers that will be avaliable in free agency. This becomes a bigger need if Jordan does depart, with the Saints then potentially looking to pivot to one of these targets.
Edge rusher free agents
Odafe Oweh (age 27)
K'Lavon Chaisson (27)
Azeez Ojulari (26)
Arnold Ebikete (27)
Al-Quadin Muhammad (31)
Kwity Paye (27)
Jaelen Phillips (26)
Haason Reddick (31)
Charles Omenihu (28)
Former Saint Trey Hendrickson is also a free agent, but he'll command an astronomical salary and isn't a great fit for Brandon Staley's scheme. Oweh is also expected to draw a big multi-year deal because of his age and potential, albeit inconsistent career production. Another former Saint, Al-Quadin Muhammad, is coming off career-best numbers in Detroit. Like Hendrickson, both 2017 New Orleans draft choices, Muhammad is more of a traditional defensive end in a four-man front and may not fit as an every down stand-up rusher.
Omenihu and Paye fit that same kind of athletic profile. However, consider that those same concerns were present with Cam Jordan going into 2025. The Saints may still take a strong push to land Muhammad, Paye, or Omenihu if losing Jordan. A Hendrickson reunion still seems unlikely because of the finances.
Chaisson, Reddick, Ojulari, Ebikete, and Phillips all fit the athletic profile of a stand-up edge rusher. A former LSU star, Chaisson finally had a breakout year with 7.5 sacks and 18 QB hits, nearly equaling his previous five-year totals. It likely earns him a big payday. Reddick also won't come cheap, but his is more because of career production. However, he might be able to be signed to a fairly reasonable one-year deal to revive his career after poor production last season in Tampa Bay.
Phillips is another potential one-year contract at a fairly reasonable price. Like Chaisson and Chase Young, Phillips is a former first round choice who has yet to live up to his potential. After seeing what Young accomplished in Brandon Staley's scheme, Phillips may see that same possibility for himself.
Ojulari and Ebikete could be under-the-radar targets for a defense. Ojulari was an underrated playmaker for the Giants along the edge before injuries slowed him immensely last year with Philadelphia. Ebikete has always made plays as a rotational player in Atlanta and brings some added versatility in coverage or inside linebacker.
Saints' outlook in free agency
Chase Young needs a running mate. Carl Granderson has been a decent rotational player but hasn't shown he can be consistently productive. A Jordan return checks off the immediate need, but doesn't change the fact that the Saints will need someone as an eventual replacement. It's most likely to come through the draft, as early as their eighth overall choice or sometime in Day 2.
Jordan leaving increases the immediate need. It could still be filled through the draft, but also could make the Saints pursue an Odafe, Chaisson, even take a swing for Hendrickson or bank on a revival from Reddick. The most likely scenario, whether or not Jordan returns, is that New Orleans looks for an edge rusher in the draft. Don't be surprised if they also target someone like Ebikete, Phillips, or Ojulari, players that may come somewhat cheaply and add quality youth to the rotation.
Western Conference foes collide on Saturday as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum.
Jaylen Wells has been a steady presence on offense for a team plagued by injuries, and my Clippers vs. Grizzlies predictions expect him to clear his scoring line in a favorable matchup.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this inner-conference matchup on Saturday, March 7.
Clippers vs Grizzlies prediction
Clippers vs Grizzlies best bet: Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points (-112)
Jaylen Wells is scoring a career-best 12.7 points per game on the season, though his scoring average is up over the last month. Across his last 14 games, Wells has averaged 15.9 points, and he’s dropped 20.3 across his last three.
In that span, Wells scored 14+ eight times overall and in three of six at home. In three matchups with the Los Angeles Clippers, Wells posted scoring totals of 16, 17 and 13. The Memphis Grizzlies are sharing the love on offense, but Wells has been the most consistent scoring option over the last five weeks.
Clippers vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
The Grizzlies are giving most of their players 25-26 minutes per game, and a number of young options have emerged as scoring threats. With the Los Angeles Clippers playing the second leg of a back-to-back set on the road, their defense could be less effective against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gregory Jackson II has scored 18.2 points per game across his last nine appearances, going for 14+ six times. He’s reached 14+ points in four straight home games and in five of his last six at FedExForum.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is enjoying a revival in Memphis. He’s averaged 14.2 points across his last 11 contests, going for 10+ in eight of them. O-Max has started seven straight games, and he should see enough playing time to reach double digits tonight.
Clippers vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points
Gregory Jackson II Over 12.5 points
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Points Prop Aplenty
Kawhi Leonard is averaging a career-best 27.9 points per game this season, and he’s found success against Memphis. In three tilts with the Grizzlies, Leonard finished with 21, 24 and 39 points.
After a challenging matchup with the San Antonio Spurs’ elite defense on Friday, Leonard gets a favorable matchup with a Grizzlies’ unit ranked 11th in defensive rating this season.
Clippers vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points
Gregory Jackson II Over 12.5 points
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 9.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Over 26.5 points
Clippers vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Los Angeles -6 (-110) | Memphis +6 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles -270 | Memphis +220
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
Clippers vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit the Team Total Over in 13 of their last 15 games (+10.70 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Clippers vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SC, FDSN, SE-MEM
Clippers vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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Feb 7, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Houston Mallette (95) strips the ball from Auburn Tigers forward Sebastian Williams-Adams (33) during the second half at Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images | John Reed-Imagn Images
The eight-game winning streak for the 16th-ranked Crimson Tide is over after the upset loss in Athens this past Tuesday, and with it, so too are the slim hopes of backdooring a share of the SEC Regular Season Title. Alabama’s chances of playing its way up to a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament just got a lot harder as well, as it will likely take a deep run in Nashville (assuming the committee hasn’t already set the bracket before the Tide even takes the floor on Friday) in order for Nate Oats’ team to push up to that 3-line and avoid sharing a quadrant with one of the absolutely loaded 1-seeds this year. It was a tough loss considering all of that, but it was far from a bad one – this ain’t your dad’s Dawgs in Athens this year.
Regardless, Alabama must turn the page, as it is officially March. Senior Day has arrived in Tuscaloosa, and the Tide will be looking to send its departing players out with a final victory in Coleman Coliseum against the hated Auburn Tigers on Saturday night. Nepo-baby Steven Pearl and his Tigers have been in a free fall since these two teams met in Lee County last month, as they have dropped seven of their last nine games and have fallen from safely in the Big Dance to smack-dab on the cutline. A Tide win tonight would put Auburn at 16-15 going into the SEC Tournament next week, and it’s simply unfathomable to me that the committee would put a .500 team in the field – I don’t care how tough their strength of schedule was this year.
So, Alabama has a chance to not only sweep Auburn, but also essentially eliminate them from the NCAA Tournament and vanquish them to the NIT.
From Last Time
Three Keys to Victory Defend without Fouling. Auburn’s offense is heavily Iso-driven. This team does not share the ball well (301st in the country in A/FGM). However, they are very good at getting past defenders in one-on-one situations and drawing contact in order to get to the free throw line. In fact, they are #2 in the entire country in doing so. Whoever is guarding Hall better be absolutely ready to go. He’s personally 28th in the country in individual Free Throw Rate. Guy has a deep bag of moves, so whether it’s Amari Allen, Latrell Wrightsell, TBB (if he plays), etc. his primary defender needs to be exhausting his energy on the defensive end of the court. Offensive Boards. The Tigers are one of those teams that utilize their athleticism and their desire to live in the paint as a springboard for being really good at offensive rebounding, where they rank 14th in the country. However, they don’t have much size or depth, so they also give up a ton of offensive boards (242nd in OREB% Allowed). Alabama hasn’t been great in either category, so the Tide needs to bring some real effort here today. Auburn can’t really shoot the ball very well (233rd in the country in 3P%), but they are truly an elite team at getting into the paint and – if they aren’t getting fouled – using their physicality to get extra possessions at the rim. Attack in Transition. As I mentioned, Auburn isn’t very deep. They only really play 7-8 guys any given game and their Bench Minutes are dead-last in the SEC. Alabama needs to run the Tigers all game if they can. Get out in transition and wear these dudes out. Auburn is already pretty poor defensively, but they turn into turnstiles when they get tired.
When these two teams met in Auburn earlier this season, Alabama played one its sloppiest halves of the year and found itself trailing 41-37 at halftime. Honestly, I remember thinking, “just clean up some of these turnovers and mistakes and this should be an easy Tide win”. And Oats’ team did just that. The gameplan was pretty well executed outside of those dumb mistakes, as Alabama attempted as many free throws as Auburn did, kept it competitive on the glass, and made light work of Auburn’s porous defense whenever they didn’t turn it over – most of which were unforced.
The Tide went 20/36 from two, 12/23 from deep, and 20/23 from the free throw line. That’ll do. On the flipside, Oats chose to let Auburn attempt a bunch of jump-shots – which looked like it was going to backfire on him early on – but ultimately, the law of averages prevailed, and the Tigers couldn’t buy a shot down the stretch when it mattered most.
As mentioned earlier, since that loss to Alabama, Auburn has been downright bad. Bart Torvik has the Tigers ranked as the 80th best team in the country since the start of February, with an eFG% allowed of 59.8%, which ranks 359th in the country. That nearly 60% eFG% is driven primarily by a truly atrocious perimeter defense. Get this, since February 1st, Auburn is dead last in the entire country in 3P% allowed at 44.7%. Of all 365 teams that play D-1 basketball, Steven Pearl’s Tigers are literally the worst at defending the arc right now. Think that might be kind of important when playing a Nate Oats-coached team?
The Tide is listed as an 8.5-point favorite tonight. I know it’s a rivalry – and Auburn has literally everything on the line – but if they play defense like they have been, this could be an absolute ass-kicking. Game tips at 7:30 PM and will be televised on ESPN if you can’t make it out.
🤯 Penalty drama in Wolfsburg: HSV pile more misery on VfL
It’s quite a curious affair, what’s happening this Saturday afternoon in Wolfsburg. After a penalty converted by Eriksen in the first half put VfL in the lead (22’), HSV managed to equalize before the break. Once again, a penalty whistle following a foul preceded the goal.
Shooting star Luka Vuskovic was fouled, took the penalty himself, and converted the spot kick from eleven meters—albeit not particularly well.
Even after the teams returned from the locker rooms, the story of this match continued to be dominated mainly by penalties.
Once again, it was Vuskovic who was fouled, brought down in the box by Adjetey. After a brief discussion, Jean-Luc Dompé stepped up as the taker and converted—much more confidently than his teammate before—into the bottom left corner to give Hamburg the lead (58’).
In terms of the standings, the club from the north now pulls a full nine points clear of the highly relegation-threatened Lower Saxons, who are now existentially in crisis and will surely give everything in the final minutes to try and prevent this fiasco.
Even before the match, there were rumors that today could be Coach Bauer’s do-or-die game. With a defeat, Wolfsburg would remain in 17th place in the table—worst case, after this matchday, five points adrift from safety.
As an HSV fan, you’ll surely be delighted once again this afternoon that Hamburg has the cheat code Luka Vuskovic. Winning two penalties in a single match—after all, that doesn’t happen every day. As a center-back, the 19-year-old is now also HSV’s top scorer in the Bundesliga with five goals, together with teammate Rayan Philippe.
Serie A | Cagliari 1-2 Como: Spectacular Da Cunha raises ambition
Como continue their march on the Champions League places with a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Como, thanks to Martin Baturina and a Lucas Da Cunha stunner.
The Lariani climbed into fifth place with back-to-back victories over Juventus and Lecce, then held Inter to a 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final first leg draw on Tuesday. Jayden Addai was the only long-term absentee, whereas the Sardinians were decimated by injuries to Yerry Mina, Luca Mazzitelli, Gianluca Gaetano, Alessandro Deiola, Gennaro Borrelli, Mattia Felici and Andrea Belotti, so Michael Folorunsho was a False 9.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: the coach of Como Cesc Fabregas look on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Como took the lead with their first chance of the game, winning it back in midfield, then Lucas Da Cunha’s scuffed finish turned into an assist for Martin Baturina to sweep home from close range.
Cagliari should’ve equalised on the half-hour mark, as first Michael Folorunsho’s strike was charged down, then the move continued and Ibrahim Sulemana hit a fresh-air shot on Marco Palestra’s roll across from 12 yards.
Como lost Maxi Perrone to a bruised thigh, replaced by Mergim Vojvoda and dropping Baturina into midfield.
The hosts did equalise when Palestra surged up the right from his own half and put in a cross, the Adam Obert scuffed volley turned into an accidental assist for Sebastiano Esposito’s diving header from seven yards.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Ze Pedro provided brave defending by charging down a Nico Paz screamer with his face, Juan Rodriguez doing the same on an acrobatic Alvaro Morata attempt.
Palestra was booked for simulation after squirming between two and losing his balance, but Como restored their lead thanks to a sensational strike from Lucas Da Cunha. He gathered 20 metres from goal and unleashed an unstoppable effort off the outside of the left boot, swerving into the far top corner.
A corner was flicked on by Gabriele Zappa for Semih Kilicsoy at the back post, cleared with difficulty by Marc-Oliver Kempf.
Jean Butez needed a fantastic fingertip save to push the Michel Adopo strike round the base of the near post.
Cagliari 1-2 Como
Baturina 14 (Co), Esposito 56 (Ca), Da Cunha 76 (Co)
Arteta ‘very proud’ of Arsenal duo – and provides updates on duo’s injuries after being forced off in FA Cup win over Mansfield
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Max Dowman for his “exceptional” performance, as his side progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over League One side Mansfield Town.
The visitors took the lead through Noni Madueke’s curling strike before Will Evans levelled for Mansfield early in the second half.
However, substitute Eberechi Eze made the decisive impact, producing a superb finish from the edge of the box to restore Arsenal’s advantage and seal their place in the last eight.
While Madueke and Eze found the scoresheet, it was another English midfielder who caught the eye. At just 16 years of age, Max Dowman dazzled once again in the Arsenal side.
The 16-year-old registered three shots on target and created several chances, drawing high praise from his manager.
“Well, [I am] very proud of him, very proud as well of Marli (Salmon),” Arteta said.
“Obviously, two 16-year-olds starting in the FA Cup. That tells us a lot about them, their personality and the quality that they have.
“And Max, I think he was exceptional,” he said.
Dowman had been out since November with an ankle injury, but showed no signs that the injury had affected him, embarking on mazy runs through Mansfield’s midfield with ease.
“[It says a lot about] his quality,” Arteta continued. “Because when the ball is bouncing all over the place and you have people in your back, the way he handles time and space and the touches that he takes, it’s just incredible.
“Especially at the speed that he delivers those actions. But that tells you the talent that we have,” Arteta added.
Arteta also explained that Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were forced off during the game with “niggles”.
“Both of them had little niggles. They were uncomfortable to continue.
“I knew this could be a possibility, especially with the conditions we were playing today so we had to take them off.”
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“Happy that I’m here” – Ryan Gravenberch says new Liverpool contract was an ‘easy’ decision
Ryan Gravenberch has said that it was an ‘easy’ decision to commit his long-term future to Liverpool, following this afternoon’s news that he has signed a new contract at Anfield.
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The midfielder has put pen to paper on a six-year deal which’ll keep him at Merseyside until 2032, having joined from Bayern Munich two-and-a-half years ago and become an integral presene in the team which won the Premier League last season.
The 23-year-old also became a father for the first time in August 2025, and he voiced his delight at securing an agreement to remain with LFC for the rest of his 20s.
Gravenberch: New Liverpool contract was an ‘easy’ decision
Speaking to Liverpool FC’s official website and social media channels, Gravenberch beamed: “I feel really, really good. I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
“It has a special place in my heart. I became a dad here. I also won the [Premier League] title with Liverpool, and there are no better days than that, so I’m really happy that I’m here.”
Gravenberch commits to Liverpool for his peak footballing years
The past 12 months have brought plenty of joy for Gravenberch in a sporting and personal sense, and the Liverpool hierarchy deserve credit for moving so quickly to tie down the Dutchman for what should be his peak footballing years.
When the Reds were riding the crest of a wave at the start of the current campaign, Virgil van Dijk said that his compatriot had been ‘in the form of his life‘, with the 23-year-old having been named the Premier League Young Player of the Season just a few months prior.
It attests to how happy the midfielder is with life at Anfield that, even with his team running the real risk of missing out on the Champions League next term, he had no qualms about committing his long-term future to LFC.
Richard Hughes will be delighted to secure that new long-term deal for Gravenberch, but now the attention of the sporting director must turn to doing likewise for Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson as they rapidly approach the end of their respective contracts.
It looks like Valve’s Steam hardware is no longer launching “in the first half of this year It looks like Valve has delayed its new Steam hardware, but things aren’t as bad as they first seemed. Initially, Valve’s new “Steam Year in Review” post stated that “We hope to ship in 2026”. Now, Valve has […]
Original Xbox emulation is now possible on Android through a community port of the Xemu emulator. Early testing shows mixed results, with some games running while others struggle with performance.
Nguyen, known online as theflow0, has turned a retail PlayStation 5 into a Linux gaming box powerful enough to run Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced with ray tracing at 1440p and 60 frames per second.
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Luxury cruise travel is set for a major upgrade in 2026. Scenic Group, a leading operator of river and yacht cruises, has introduced a new pricing model designed to make travel planning simpler, clearer, and more rewarding. The new structure offers travellers across the UK, Europe, the Americas, and beyond a transparent way to choose the fare that fits their style, whether they prioritise flexibility, savings, or premium inclusions.
For decades, luxury cruise pricing has been complex, often confusing even seasoned travellers. Scenic Group’s updated system replaces older, bundled deals with a straightforward four-tier model. This change empowers global travellers to understand exactly what they pay for and the benefits each fare includes, making luxurious journeys more accessible and easier to plan.
Four Fare Options Tailored for Every Traveller
The new structure provides four clearly defined fare options. Each is designed to meet different traveller preferences, from last-minute adventurers to early planners seeking maximum value.
The Full Fare offers complete flexibility. It is ideal for travellers who prefer to decide on their departure date closer to the cruise. Full Fare travellers enjoy all standard cruise inclusions, including fine dining, on-board entertainment, and guided excursions, without being bound by early payment requirements.
The Select Fare is aimed at travellers who book early. It includes up to 15% savings on the base fare and offers a convenient payment schedule for those planning well in advance. This fare is perfect for holiday-makers looking to combine smart budgeting with the luxury cruise experience.
For travellers seeking additional value, the Preferred Fare includes everything in the Select tier plus perks such as flight credits or reduced airfare for river and yacht cruises. It also offers faster payment timelines, allowing travellers to secure their bookings efficiently.
The Preferred+ Fare is the ultimate choice for those who want maximum benefits. It combines all Preferred features with additional discounts, sometimes reaching several hundred dollars. This tier is ideal for travellers ready to commit early and enjoy the most extensive range of inclusions and benefits.
Why This Matters to Travellers
The new pricing system gives cruise-goers clear, actionable options. Instead of navigating confusing promotions or layered discounts, travellers can now select a fare that matches their priorities: flexibility, affordability, or extra perks.
For UK travellers planning a European river journey, a Mediterranean exploration, or a Caribbean adventure, understanding these options simplifies budget planning. Those seeking historic castles, vineyard tours, or tropical island escapes can now align their itinerary with the fare tier that best suits their travel style.
Moreover, early planners benefit from additional incentives, while spontaneous travellers retain full flexibility. This approach ensures that Scenic Group cruises are accessible to a broader range of travellers, while still maintaining the company’s reputation for ultra-luxury experiences.
Travel Planning Tips for 2026 Luxury Cruises
Travellers should consider their priorities before selecting a fare. Early bookers can maximise savings and perks through the Preferred and Preferred+ tiers, while those seeking flexibility may prefer Full Fare. Selecting the right tier ensures a smooth and stress-free planning process.
Using this pricing system strategically can also allow travellers to experience more destinations without breaking the budget. For example, river cruises along the Danube or Rhine in Europe, or luxury yacht voyages in the Caribbean, can be chosen with confidence, knowing what each fare includes.
Consulting professional travel advisors or certified booking agents can further enhance the planning experience. Advisors can provide guidance on which tier offers the best value for specific travel dates, destinations, and cabin categories.
A Clearer Path to Luxury Travel
The introduction of this four-tier model marks a significant evolution in the luxury cruise industry. It prioritises transparency, convenience, and value, giving global travellers the confidence to plan their trips without ambiguity.
This model also reflects growing demand for clarity in the travel sector. Travellers increasingly want to know exactly what they are paying for, and the Scenic Group new pricing structure delivers that clarity. It allows holiday-makers to focus on experiences rather than complicated fare structures.
Whether your dream is a scenic river voyage through Europe, a tropical Caribbean escape, or an expedition in polar regions, this new pricing structure provides a clearer and simpler way to secure the perfect cruise. By understanding the options and aligning them with personal priorities, travellers can enjoy a luxury cruise that is both stress-free and memorable.
With Scenic Group’s updated fare system, planning a luxury cruise in 2026 has never been easier. From cost savings to exclusive perks, travellers now have all the tools they need to make informed decisions and embark on unforgettable journeys worldwide.
For Liverpool’s only five-star hotel, The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery Collection, spring means new adventures and new offers for hotel experiences. The hotel is also the perfect getaway to celebrate Mother’s Day. Enjoy seasonal family dining, relaxing spa treatments, and family activities.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Luxurious Dining and Pampering
For those looking to treat mothers and maternal figures to something special this spring, The Municipal Hotel & Spa is an ideal destination. The hotel offers an extraordinary Mother’s Day dining experience at the charming Botanic Tearoom. Guests are welcomed with a selection of fresh, flavour-rich dishes, starting with comforting spiced butternut squash soup, sweet potato falafel with saffron aioli, and a delectable Stornoway black pudding sausage roll. The experience continues with a selection of finger sandwiches, including hot smoked salmon, Wiltshire ham, and vintage cheddar.
The highlight of the experience is the seasonal sweets – freshly baked scones, bilberry crumble macarons, chocolate and passion fruit fondant, and Liverpool tart. The grand finale is a shared dessert: a stunning chocolate sphere filled with cherries and adorned with crystallised sugar and edible flowers, offering a delightful experience for guests to enjoy together.
Traditional Sunday Roasts for a Celebratory Meal
If a classic Mother’s Day roast is what you’re after, head to the hotel’s Seaforth Restaurant for a traditional yet elevated experience. Guests can enjoy premium cuts of meat, indulgent seasonal accompaniments, and delicious desserts in a space that combines historic grandeur with modern refinement. It’s a wonderful way to show appreciation for loved ones while enjoying excellent food and great company.
Spa Experiences for Rejuvenation and Luxury
To complement the indulgent dining offerings, The Municipal Hotel & Spa provides a serene environment for relaxation. The hotel’s exclusive spa treatments are perfect for treating someone special to a well-deserved break. Guests can choose from a variety of revitalising spa rituals designed for deep restoration and rejuvenation.
Signature spa treatments include The Timeless Collagen Ritual, a facial designed to lift, plump, and restore radiance, and Beyond the Hour, a comprehensive treatment journey combining reflex-inspired footwork, massage, a facial, and a soothing scalp treatment. These bespoke therapies are ideal for those seeking relaxation or an indulgent escape from the everyday.
Exclusive Products and Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers
For a longer-lasting touch of luxury, The Municipal Spa offers an exclusive range of botanical spa products, including Ritual Oil, Body Butter, and Body Buff. These can be purchased as a part of the Municipal Spa Ritual Collection, allowing guests to continue their wellness journey even after leaving the hotel. It’s also a perfect gift for those wanting to present something truly special on Mother’s Day.
Gift vouchers for dining, spa experiences, or overnight stays are available for those who wish to offer a flexible and thoughtful present. Vouchers provide the recipient with the option to choose their ideal experience, whether it’s indulging in a luxurious afternoon tea, a spa ritual, or an unforgettable overnight stay at Liverpool’s only five-star hotel.
A Memorable Mother’s Day Experience in Liverpool
This Mother’s Day, The Municipal Hotel & Spa in Liverpool is the ultimate destination for families looking to celebrate the women who mean the most to them. From indulgent dining options to luxurious spa treatments, there are countless ways to show appreciation in style. Whether enjoying an afternoon tea in the elegant Botanic Tearoom or retreating to the spa for a moment of pure relaxation, every guest is guaranteed to feel cared for and indulged.
Planning Your Visit
As Mother day’s day is approaching, exclusive Mother’s Day dining experiences will soon be available to guests at The Municipal Hotel & Spa. Mother’s Day guests will be encouraged to secure reservations soon. As the only five-star hotel in Liverpool, guests can take complete advantage of the hotel’s luxurious five-star services along with seasonal spring offers. With Liverpool’s Municipal Hotel & Spa, guests are guaranteed to relax while receiving quality services.
Mother’s Day, Spa, and Luxury are all words that will describe your time at Liverpool’s Municipal Hotel & Spa. Amazing spring break experiences won’t simply be available at the Liverpool’s Municipal Hotel & Spa, but guests will have the opportunity to create memories with the ones they cherish.
Mallorca, Spain Authorities in Mallorca, one of the Mediterranean’s most visited island destinations, are preparing to introduce stricter limits on cruise tourism in the coming years. Officials in Palma, the capital of the island, have outlined a policy that will reduce the number of cruise ship passengers permitted to arrive daily during the peak summer months beginning in 2027. The move reflects growing efforts by regional and local authorities to manage tourism flows and protect the island’s historic districts and public infrastructure. The new framework focuses on regulating cruise ship arrivals at the Port of Palma, one of the busiest cruise gateways in the Balearic Islands. By lowering passenger capacity during the summer season and restricting the number of large vessels docking each day, officials aim to strike a balance between tourism revenue and the quality of life for residents.
Mallorca Introduces Seasonal Passenger Limits
Under the proposed plan, daily cruise passenger capacity in Palma, Mallorca will decrease during the summer travel period between June and September. The number of cruise passengers allowed to disembark each day will fall from 8,500 to 7,500 during these peak months once the new regulations are implemented. This seasonal reduction will apply during the busiest tourism period, when cruise ships and international visitors arrive in large numbers. Outside the summer season, the passenger limit will remain unchanged, allowing up to 8,500 cruise visitors per day. Authorities have scheduled the new restrictions to operate for several years, covering the period between 2027 and 2029. During this timeframe, port and municipal officials will monitor the effectiveness of the measures in managing visitor numbers and maintaining sustainable tourism practices.
Restrictions on the Number of Cruise Ships
In addition to reducing passenger capacity, the policy also introduces new limits on the number of cruise vessels permitted to dock in Palma on any given day. Only three cruise ships will be allowed to berth at the Port of Palma daily under the revised framework. Among these vessels, just one ship will be permitted to carry more than 5,000 passengers. This measure is designed to prevent multiple mega-cruise ships from arriving simultaneously, which can overwhelm the port area and surrounding urban spaces. By staggering arrivals and limiting the size of vessels allowed to dock, officials hope to reduce crowding in the city center and improve visitor management.
Overtourism Concerns Drive the Decision
The decision to regulate cruise arrivals comes amid growing concerns over overtourism across Mallorca and the wider Balearic Islands. Over the past several years, residents in Palma and other parts of the archipelago have increasingly voiced concerns about the impact of high visitor volumes. Issues raised include overcrowded streets, pressure on local infrastructure, rising housing costs, and strain on public services. Public demonstrations have taken place across the islands, highlighting frustration among residents who believe tourism growth has exceeded sustainable levels. Local authorities have therefore begun introducing measures designed to balance economic benefits with community wellbeing. The cruise sector has been a particular focus because large ships can deliver thousands of passengers into the city within a short period, significantly increasing congestion in historic districts and popular attractions.
Historic Center Protection Measures
One of the primary goals of the new cruise management policy is to protect the historic center of Palma, which is known for its narrow streets, cultural landmarks, and centuries-old architecture. The city’s old town is home to several important heritage sites, including the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, a landmark that attracts large numbers of visitors each year. Managing tourist flows in this area has become a priority for city planners and tourism authorities. By reducing the daily volume of cruise passengers during the busiest months, officials expect fewer simultaneous arrivals in the historic core. This approach is intended to help preserve the character of the city while still allowing tourism to contribute to the local economy.
Tourism Growth in the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, are among the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean. Recent tourism data highlights the scale of visitor demand. The archipelago welcomed approximately 18.7 million travelers in 2024, while visitor numbers surpassed 19 million the following year. In comparison, the resident population across the islands is estimated to be around 1.2 million people. This disparity between visitor numbers and local population has intensified debates about tourism management and sustainability. Many policymakers now view regulated tourism growth as essential for protecting natural landscapes, heritage sites, and community life.
Cruise Tourism’s Role in the Local Economy
Cruise tourism remains a significant economic contributor for Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. Visitors arriving by cruise ships spend money on excursions, dining, shopping, and transportation, supporting a wide network of local businesses. However, the economic benefits are often balanced against the logistical challenges created when large cruise ships dock simultaneously. High visitor volumes can place stress on transportation systems, public spaces, and essential services. By adjusting cruise arrival policies rather than eliminating them entirely, authorities are attempting to maintain the sector’s economic contribution while improving overall tourism management.
Port of Palma as a Major Mediterranean Hub
The Port of Palma has long served as a major cruise hub in the western Mediterranean. Its strategic location makes it a popular stop for itineraries connecting Spain, France, Italy, and other Mediterranean destinations. The port is equipped with multiple cruise terminals capable of accommodating large modern vessels. During peak travel periods, several ships can arrive on the same day, bringing thousands of passengers ashore. The upcoming regulations aim to better distribute cruise arrivals throughout the season and reduce peak-day congestion. Limiting the number of ships and passengers should make it easier for port authorities to manage traffic flows and ensure smoother operations.
A Wider Trend Across European Destinations
The initiative in Mallorca reflects a broader trend across European tourist destinations seeking to address overtourism. Several major destinations have already introduced policies aimed at limiting cruise tourism or controlling visitor numbers. Measures adopted in various cities include caps on daily visitors, restrictions on large ships, and new environmental regulations. In the case of Mallorca, authorities are focusing specifically on passenger limits and vessel size restrictions to ensure the island remains an attractive destination while safeguarding the wellbeing of its residents.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the implementation timeline set to begin in 2027, local officials have several years to coordinate with cruise operators, port authorities, and tourism stakeholders. During this period, planners will continue refining operational details and monitoring tourism trends. The multi-year trial period through 2029 will allow policymakers to evaluate whether the passenger cap successfully reduces congestion and addresses community concerns. For travelers planning future Mediterranean cruises, Mallorca is expected to remain a key stop on many itineraries. However, the new regulations signal a shift toward a more carefully managed tourism model.
Conclusion
The decision by officials in Palma, Mallorca to limit cruise passenger numbers represents a significant step in the island’s evolving tourism strategy. By lowering daily passenger capacity during peak months and restricting the number of large vessels docking at the Port of Palma, authorities aim to ease pressure on historic areas and public services. As visitor numbers continue to rise across the Balearic Islands, managing tourism growth has become a central priority for local governments. The new cruise regulations are expected to play an important role in ensuring that Mallorca remains both a thriving travel destination and a livable community for residents.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is facing significant economic and logistical challenges as a combination of global travel disruptions, stricter U.S. visa policies, and a growing geopolitical climate cast a shadow over anticipated tourism revenues. While FIFA had initially projected the tournament would generate $30.5 billion in economic output and create 185,000 jobs in the U.S., data from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), aviation analytics firm Cirium, and economic forecasting firm Tourism Economics suggests that these optimistic projections may be overly ambitious.
The primary concern is a sharp downturn in international tourism, particularly from markets like Canada, Europe, and Asia, which had been expected to contribute significantly to the U.S. economy during the World Cup. Early data from the NTTO highlights a nearly 5% decline in global visitation to the U.S. in January 2026 alone, with forecasts predicting a further drop of up to 6.5% for the entire year.
Key Challenges Threatening the 2026 World Cup Boom
1. Decline in Inbound U.S. Tourism
One of the most immediate threats to the projected windfall for U.S. host cities comes from a downturn in inbound tourism. Experts are pointing to a “second Trump Slump,” a reference to a period in 2017 when international visitation to the U.S. dropped due to political tensions and stricter travel policies. Data indicates that Canadian visitors, typically a major contributor to U.S. tourism, have decreased by 27% in January 2026 alone, with analysts blaming a weaker Canadian dollar, rising inflation, and recent U.S. trade tariffs.
Furthermore, border enforcement measures, heightened political rhetoric, and new travel advisories from countries such as Germany are leaving potential international tourists hesitant to visit the U.S. The result has been a noticeable dip in global tourism numbers, just months before the start of the World Cup.
International flight bookings to U.S. host cities are lagging significantly. According to Cirium’s aviation analytics, bookings from Europe to host cities have dropped by 5%, while bookings from Asia are down by 3.6%. These numbers suggest that many travelers are either opting for alternative destinations or postponing their travel plans altogether due to the broader geopolitical instability affecting global travel.
The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, as well as rising oil prices, are also contributing to global travel uncertainty. With long-haul flights becoming more expensive, tourists from markets like Europe and Asia are less inclined to commit to expensive international travel. Additionally, geopolitical instability in key markets is causing reluctance in potential World Cup tourists, further delaying bookings.
Initially, FIFA projected that ticket sales for the World Cup would be split evenly between domestic and international visitors. However, early ticket sales data suggests that U.S. residents are dominating the ticket-buying landscape, reducing the anticipated influx of international visitors.
This shift poses a critical risk to the projected $30.5 billion economic impact of the tournament. International tourists are historically significant drivers of higher per-capita spending, particularly in areas such as lodging, dining, and retail. A domestic-heavy audience, while helpful in filling stadiums, doesn’t generate the same level of economic activity. On average, international visitors spend four times more per person than domestic travelers, and a decline in international ticket sales could result in significant revenue gaps for U.S. host cities.
4. Cancellation of Official Fan Festivals
In another blow to the tourism sector, several U.S. host cities have already scaled back or completely eliminated their official FIFA Fan Festivals, which traditionally attract large crowds of international fans. These festivals, usually set up as public viewing areas, offer free access for ticketless tourists to enjoy the World Cup atmosphere. The decision to cancel or scale back these events is attributed to logistical challenges and a lack of sufficient funding from federal authorities.
One such example is the cancellation of the fan festival in Jersey City, New Jersey, which had been slated to take place in conjunction with the World Cup’s New York/New Jersey venue. The absence of these fan festivals, which typically serve as hubs for last-minute travelers, is expected to further reduce the incentive for international tourists to visit the U.S.
Regional Impact and Economic Projections
New York/New Jersey
The New York/New Jersey Host Committee had projected an economic impact of $3.3 billion from the World Cup, expecting to draw 1.2 million visitors. However, these projections are at risk due to the decline in international tourism. The committee had been relying heavily on high-spending international visitors, especially given that MetLife Stadium is hosting the World Cup final. Local businesses and tourism officials are now concerned that without a robust influx of international tourists, they may fall short of these lofty economic goals.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, another key host city, has seen its projected economic impact for the World Cup increase from $594 million to $1.1 billion. However, the city’s tourism committee is cautious about the “crowding out” effect—the phenomenon where non-soccer tourists avoid visiting due to the high prices during the event. As infrastructure costs soar, a shortfall in international fans could severely damage the city’s bottom line.
Mexico
Mexico’s World Cup-hosting cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, are expected to receive a $2.73 billion boost, with projections indicating up to 5.5 million visitors over the tournament’s duration. However, with the U.S. experiencing a downturn in its own tourism numbers, the expected flow of visitors to neighboring Mexico may also face delays.
Visa and Border Processing Delays
Another significant barrier to international tourism is the ongoing delays in U.S. visa processing. A Presidential Proclamation issued in January 2026 has limited or suspended visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries, adding further barriers to international travelers attempting to secure tickets to the World Cup. The delays in obtaining B1/B2 tourist visas are particularly acute in key markets like India, where wait times for visa interviews can stretch up to 8 months.
For tourists hoping to attend the World Cup in June 2026, these visa delays make it almost impossible to finalize travel plans. The U.S. State Department has indicated that the wait times for interviews and subsequent administrative processing are growing exponentially, making it difficult for anyone without a valid visa to attend the tournament.
Conclusion
While the 2026 FIFA World Cup was initially expected to serve as a massive economic boon for the U.S., the latest data suggests that tourism projections may need to be recalibrated. A combination of declining international travel, political friction, weak flight bookings, and logistical challenges is jeopardizing the tournament’s ability to meet its projected economic output. U.S. host cities and tourism officials will need to adjust their expectations and develop strategies to mitigate the growing risk of lower-than-expected international attendance.
As the World Cup approaches, the clock is ticking for the U.S. to address these mounting issues. Only time will tell if the country can overcome these barriers to realize the dream of hosting one of the world’s most economically impactful sporting events.
Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel is preparing for its highly anticipated grand opening in July 2026. This lifestyle destination is set to make its mark by breathing new life into the historic 1913 Gwynne Building, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Fountain District. As the brand’s second property, following the success of the Fidelity Hotel in Cleveland, this new venture is set to enhance Cincinnati’s hospitality scene, with a team of seasoned experts at the helm.
A Strong Leadership Team Set for Success
The announcement of key appointments for the new hotel marks an exciting phase in its development. Michael Dunbar has been appointed as the General Manager, Nicholas Bilski as Director of Food and Beverage and Jessica Tomain as Director of Sales and Marketing. All three bring extensive experience in the hospitality industry and are highly regarded within the sector.
Michael Dunbar’s appointment as General Manager is a key milestone in Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel’s journey. With over 25 years of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality, Dunbar brings a wealth of expertise to the role. His career began with the launch of the original W Hotel in New York City and he has since held prominent positions at Manhattan’s Relais & Châteaux property, The Surrey. His proven ability to lead historic hotel transformations is evident, having overseen the $30 million rebranding of Dream Midtown in New York City. Dunbar’s deep ties to the Cincinnati community, having previously served as General Manager at the 21c Museum Hotel and Graduate Cincinnati, make him the perfect fit for this new venture. His leadership philosophy focuses on building up by building within, ensuring that the hotel’s operations are rooted in strong community and employee relationships.
Culinary and Beverage Excellence
At the helm of the hotel’s culinary operations will be Nicholas Bilski, who joins the team as the Director of Food and Beverage. Bilski brings nearly two decades of experience in large-scale culinary operations, entertainment venues and destination properties. His most recent role as Area Director of Food and Beverage for Graduate Hotels involved overseeing multiple properties and managing brand-wide banquet compliance and new openings. His career also includes leadership positions with Levy Restaurants and Sodexo and expertise in stadium operations and special events with Major League Baseball.
Bilski’s experience in creating memorable dining experiences will be crucial in shaping the food and beverage offerings at Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel. His focus will be on building scalable systems that support the hotel’s culinary vision while fostering a culture of warm, intentional service. Bilski’s passion for people-first leadership, combined with his ability to manage large-scale operations, ensures that the hotel’s guests will be treated to exceptional dining experiences that reflect the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Sales and Marketing Strategy for Success
Jessica Tomain, appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing, brings over 15 years of experience in driving revenue and brand positioning for luxury and lifestyle properties. Tomain’s background includes serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, where she played a key role in securing national recognition for the property, including being named the #1 Hotel in the Midwest by Condé Nast Traveler and the Top Hotel in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report. Her expertise in driving strategic partnerships and exceeding revenue goals has earned her a strong reputation within the local hospitality industry.
At Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel, Tomain will oversee all sales, marketing and public relations efforts, ensuring that the property becomes a central figure in the city’s hospitality landscape. She will focus on embedding the hotel into the city’s cultural fabric, aiming to establish it as a premier downtown destination for both business and leisure travellers. Her strategic approach to brand positioning and marketing will play a crucial role in the hotel’s success.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Future
As Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel prepares to open its doors in July 2026, the appointments of Michael Dunbar, Nicholas Bilski and Jessica Tomain signal a commitment to excellence in hospitality. Their combined experience and leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the hotel provides an exceptional guest experience, becoming a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s growing hospitality scene.
With its rich history, prime location and expert team, Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel is set to offer a unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm. The new hotel is poised to attract both locals and visitors, becoming a premier destination for those seeking top-notch hospitality in the heart of Cincinnati.
Delta Airlines, in response to the conflict in the region, has announced that all flights from New York JFK to Tel Aviv (TLV) through March 22, as well as all flights from Tel Aviv to JFK through March 23, are being cancelled. These cancellations are part of Delta’s efforts to provide a safe flying experience for their customers, as well as their response to the events in the region.
Customers who are impacted by these changes will be notified of their cancelled flights through the Delta App and by the contact details included with their booking, starting March 7. Customers are advised not to wait to receive these notifications, as they are able to book new travel now.
Flexible Rebooking and Travel Waiver for Affected Customers
Delta is offering a travel waiver for all customers with flights to or from Tel Aviv through March 31, allowing them to make flexible changes to their travel plans. Passengers are encouraged to visit the Delta app or delta.com to review rebooking options and make changes to their travel as soon as possible. The travel waiver provides more flexibility, giving customers the ability to reschedule or cancel their travel without incurring additional fees.
This flexibility reflects Delta’s commitment to customer care during challenging times, ensuring that travelers can make adjustments based on their individual circumstances. The waiver also covers flights scheduled for travel to Tel Aviv through the end of the month, providing peace of mind for customers.
Impact on Delta’s Operations
The decision to cancel flights to and from Tel Aviv follows careful consideration of the ongoing conflict and the safety of passengers. Delta has prioritized clear communication with affected customers and is offering easy access to rebooking services to ensure that travelers can adjust their plans quickly and conveniently.
For customers who may not have been directly affected by the cancellations but are still concerned about their travel to or from Tel Aviv, Delta’s flexible approach gives them the ability to modify or postpone their trips without financial penalties.
How to Make Changes to Your Flight
Delta urges customers to take proactive steps by visiting the Delta app or delta.com to check for the latest updates on their bookings. Those affected by the cancellations can choose from several rebooking options and are encouraged to rebook or cancel their flights without penalty. For additional assistance, Delta’s customer support team is available to help guide passengers through the process of making adjustments to their travel plans.
Looking Ahead: Delta’s Commitment to Passenger Safety
While Delta Airlines works to accommodate customers affected by the flight cancellations, the airline remains focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all its passengers. As the situation in the region evolves, Delta continues to monitor developments closely and will take further action as necessary.
The airline is dedicated to maintaining transparency and clear communication with its passengers, providing updates on any additional changes to its flight schedule. With safety and flexibility as top priorities, Delta is working to ensure that all affected customers are well-supported during this challenging period.
The Future Impact of Delta’s Actions on Air Travel and Cruise Tourism
The current situation also underlines Delta Airlines’ flexibility and willingness to adapt in crisis situations, which will have long-term implications for air travel in the future. By providing waivers for travel, Delta Airlines is setting an example for other airlines on how they should deal with crisis situations, which is vital for air travel.
In the future, when global tourism continues to flourish, it is likely that the adaptability of airlines in dealing with unforeseen circumstances will play an important role in maintaining passengers’ trust in air travel. This situation may also encourage other players in the aviation industry to further improve their crisis management capabilities so that passengers can travel through uncertain situations with more ease.
Vail Resorts Recently Announced a Major Price Drop for the Upcoming 2026/27 Epic Pass Season. Gen Z Skiers Get Up to 20% Off Epic Passes for the 2026/27 Season. The Epic Pass for the 2026/27 season has just been released for purchase. The price for the season is $869, which is $220 less than the price of the same pass purchased by customers outside of the age discount.
The Epic Local Pass is priced at $649, meaning customers in this age range will get a 20% discount compared to customers outside of the age discount. With this, customers of the younger age range will get to experience the best ski resorts for a much more reasonable price. Vail Resorts understands the desire for unique experiences in younger customers, especially those in the Gen Z category, and have acted in a way to satisfy this demand.
The new pass prices focus on assisting younger skiers in optimizing their ski seasons by offering economical ways to travel to some of the best ski resorts in the world, such as: Vail Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City Mountain, and Breckenridge. With this, the company appeals to the Gen Z demographic, known for valuing experiences instead of physical items. These pass prices being less expensive means younger generations will have the opportunity to get into their passion for skiing.
Epic Friend Tickets: The Best Social Skiing Experience
Besides the new pass prices, Vail Resorts will also re-introduce Epic Friend Tickets for the 2026/27 season, giving Epic Pass holders the opportunity to spread their love of skiing to more people. These tickets will be at one-half price, and early season pass buyers will have the opportunity to receive up to ten Epic Friend Tickets, making skiing as a group more economical. This also adds more community spirit and fun, and it encourages the younger generation to take their friends and family along. For those who haven’t upgraded to an Epic Pass, Vail Resorts has provided a new opportunity for savings. Discounted Epic Pass tickets from eligible skier purchasers bring the ticket price of the Epic Pass to about $700 and the ticket price of the Epic Local Pass to just $470 (an Epic Pass ticket savings of $175). These savings are a great financial opportunity for younger skiers and snowboarders who plan on skiing and snowboarding more over the 2026 ski season.
Endless Opportunities to Ski Legendary Resorts
The Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass allow skiers and snowboarders to access some of the best skiing locations, including Vail Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, and Park City. With the Epic Pass, customers get unlimited skiing and snowboarding at over 37 different resorts. Young skiers and snowboarders get the best of winter with the Epic Pass.
Along with skiing, Vail Resorts has included more food and drink options at all of their locations, and their restaurants add even more value to the skiing experience. Guests can enjoy Insta-worthy food and meals, and they can take in the beautiful mountain scenery to recharge. Mountain dining quick and easy meals are 20 percent off, which helps parents with young kids to travel and explore new foods while creating memories on the slopes.
An Amazing Chance for Kids to Go Skiing
With the 2026/27 ski season getting closer, Vail Resorts is trying to be the first ski company to be financially easy to go skiing with for kids. There is also a new discount of $220 off skiers and snowboarders above the age of 18 for the first time. For kids under the age of 18, the Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass are under $649, and the winter season is under $649 as well. Kids can enjoy skiing without a large investment, while older kids enjoy the Epic Pass, which gives great access to the best ski slopes.
Some young travelers will appreciate the Epic Pass because of its value. You will also get Epic Friend Tickets, dining discounts, and other benefits paired with Epic Pass affordability to make a great deal. You will want to get the 2026/27 season Epic Pass while discounts are just a new season away.
The Ocean Riviera Paradise in the Caribbean peninsula has now achieved Four Diamond status through the American Automobile Association (AAA). Only the top hotels in North America are awarded AAA’s coveted Four Diamond rating for exemplary service and design. Ocean Riviera Paradise’s Four Diamond Rating is further testimony to their commitment to an exquisite customer experience through their opulent hotel suites and top-tier service.
Another Achievement to Their Trophy Room
The criteria for the Four Diamond Rating focus on the quality of design, comfort, and service demonstrated at all high-end resorts and hotels in North America. Only the best of the best are awarded this rating, and now Ocean Riviera Paradise can officially consider themselves to meet this caliber.
The rating of the hotel is also indicative and suggestive of their excellent customer service. At the Ocean Riviera Paradise, the staff are celebrated and commended for their attention to detail and for delivering high-quality service at a luxurious level. These traits have earned the hotel a spot among the best in the world. Ocean Riviera Paradise has a variety of top-tier services that are testaments to their service, including top-of-the-line televisions, stunning ocean views, and excellent customer service.
The Effect the Resort Has Had on the Riviera Maya Tourism Industry
The Ocean Riviera Paradise Resort is a great achievement in the history of Riviera Maya, as it adds to the brand value of the region as an emerging destination for luxury travel. Riviera Maya’s beaches, clear blue water, and lively surroundings have always attracted travelers, and a Four Diamond Resort like Ocean Riviera Paradise will provide a new level of luxury to visitors.
This award is a milestone in the history of the resort and also for Riviera Maya as it continues to position the destination as the best choice for high-end travelers. With the demand for premium quality services rising, Ocean Riviera Paradise Resort is the new addition to the Riviera Maya that promises an unforgettable experience.
A World of Luxury and Personalized Comfort
As a resort, the Ocean Riviera Paradise has blended sophistication with relaxation to give customers an exceptional Caribbean experience. The resort has activities that serve customers on all occasions, whether it is to unwind with family, enjoy a romantic experience, or have a fun-filled family vacation. The resort has been purposefully designed to provide relaxation and entertainment, ensuring an amazing experience for all visitors.
Visitors looking for an extravagant getaway have an ideal option in Ocean Riviera Paradise as the resort also offers exceptional dining experiences, beach amenities, and personalized services. The immense detail in the dancing and stylish interiors, as well as the experiences offered, gives this resort an edge over others in the region. The stunning views of the Caribbean Sea also help relax and calm vacationers.
Continuing the Pursuit of Excellence
The Four Diamond Award from AAA is a certification that Ocean Riviera Paradise is using as a stepping stone. This resort is determined to provide its guests with an experience that each of them will never forget. With this award, the resort is pushing the bar higher for what is expected in luxury tourism in the Riviera Maya and has positioned itself as a leader in a very competitive tourism location.
The resort is celebrating its award while keeping its standards and service at the highest levels to create unique experiences for each of the guests. This is also a clear indication to travelers that the Ocean Riviera Paradise is a resort that will always be consistent in its efforts to provide excellence.
Importance of Certification for Travelers
For travelers, the AAA Four Diamond certification represents luxurious accommodations and unparalleled customer service. From the moment guests arrive, they will enjoy wonderful service and amenities that the Ocean Riviera Paradise offers. AAA Certification tells travelers that the Ocean Riviera Paradise is committed to providing a wonderfully personalized, memorable experience.
This recognition distinguishes the Ocean Riviera Paradise from other Riviera Maya resorts. All guests can be confident that the Ocean Riviera Paradise will provide uncompromised excellence in service and luxe amenities.
Setting New Standards for Excellence in the Riviera Maya
It is the first time that the AAA Four Diamond Certification has been given to a resort in Riviera Maya. This prestigious award now places the Ocean Riviera Paradise in an elite group of luxurious accommodations that offer guests a personalized experience. Ocean Riviera Paradise sets the standard for luxurious hospitality in Riviera Maya. Ocean Riviera Paradise is the best choice for family vacations, romantic getaways, and even short, luxurious escapes.
Las Vegas, along with cities like Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Philadelphia, is gearing up for a major tourism revival as the 2026 World Cup promises to inject billions into the US economy. The event offers a much-needed boost to the hospitality industry, which has been severely impacted by a decline in foreign visitors.
The US hospitality industry, reeling from a significant drop in foreign tourism, is looking towards the 2026 World Cup as a potential savior, hoping the event’s global draw will reverse the current downward trend. With many hotels across the country facing tough times, the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, presents a beacon of hope as the industry aims to recover from the financial hardships caused by decreased international travel.
In 2025, foreign visits to the US dropped by 5.4 percent, with Canadians showing a noticeable decline of 21.7 percent. For the hospitality sector, international tourists play a crucial role, often staying longer and spending more money than domestic travelers. At hotels managed by Sonesta Group in Washington and Miami Beach, nearly a quarter of business comes from foreign visitors, and the recent downturn has left hotel owners feeling the pressure.
Many industry professionals, while hesitant to publicly blame the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, acknowledge that his actions—such as imposing tariffs, tightening immigration rules, and negative rhetoric—have strained international relations and led to reduced travel. Canadians, in particular, have been discouraged from visiting, with many expressing their decision not to travel out of principle or due to political differences with the US. Brazilian tourists, too, have chosen to travel to Europe and other destinations instead, citing less favorable conditions in the US.
The state of tourism has also affected major destinations like Las Vegas, where hotel revenue is down by a staggering $6.7 billion in 2025. Despite the tough conditions, some hotels, like the Bellagio resort, have managed to stay afloat by lowering prices to attract guests. However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain, with the hospitality workforce, numbering over two million, facing anxiety about the future.
World Cup: The Potential Lifeline for the US Hospitality Industry
As the US economy grapples with the effects of decreased tourism, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has emerged as a source of optimism. Spanning 11 US cities, the event is expected to attract millions of visitors, offering an economic windfall for the country. According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), the World Cup is likened to having nearly 80 Super Bowls in just over a month. This extraordinary influx of visitors could help offset the revenue losses seen in 2025 and give the entire hospitality sector a much-needed boost.
Hotels in host cities like Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Philadelphia are expected to see an uptick in bookings, with fans traveling from all corners of the globe to witness the games. Even cities not directly hosting matches are poised to benefit, as international tourists extend their trips to explore other US destinations. Las Vegas, for example, anticipates an influx of fans stopping over either before or after attending games in other cities.
Organizers are projecting that the World Cup will not only bring millions of fans to the stadiums but will also generate substantial economic activity across the country. With an expected 20-30 million tourists and a potential $30 billion boost to the US economy, the event promises to be a game-changer for the country’s hospitality industry.
Hotels in Washington and Miami Eye the World Cup Boost
For hotel managers, the World Cup offers a glimmer of hope. While the Miami Beach property is undergoing renovations and unable to accommodate large groups of World Cup fans, hotels in Washington, D.C., are strategically highlighting their proximity to Philadelphia, one of the key World Cup venues. The World Cup presents an opportunity for hotels to showcase their locations and capitalize on the influx of tourists, offering packages and deals for fans traveling to nearby cities for matches.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, there are still significant challenges to overcome. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, threatens to further disrupt global travel. The volatile political landscape adds an additional layer of uncertainty, with hoteliers unsure of how this geopolitical tension will affect tourism in the lead-up to the World Cup.
A Cross-Country Recovery: The Ripple Effect of World Cup Tourism
The potential impact of the 2026 World Cup is far-reaching. Hotels in non-host cities, including those in secondary markets and smaller regions, are also hoping to capitalize on the global attention. As international visitors travel to the US for the World Cup, they may decide to explore other attractions, stay at local hotels, and contribute to the broader economy.
The benefits of the 2026 World Cup are expected to extend beyond the host cities. Destinations across the US are preparing to capitalize on international visitors who will likely extend their travels, exploring multiple markets. This ripple effect could revitalize the entire hospitality sector, providing a much-needed boost to cities that have been facing challenges in recent years.
The World Cup’s ability to rejuvenate the tourism sector is a testament to the power of sports tourism. Large-scale international events like this often have a transformative effect on the local economies of host cities, and the World Cup will be no exception. It has the potential to restore confidence in the US hospitality industry, bringing much-needed revenue and revitalizing jobs that have been hard hit by the decline in international travel.
Looking to the Future: Can the US Hospitality Sector Sustain Post-World Cup Growth?
While the 2026 World Cup is poised to offer a short-term financial boost, the long-term prospects of the US hospitality industry will depend on how the sector adapts to changing global dynamics. The recovery is likely to be uneven, with some regions benefiting more than others. It will also depend on the ability of hotel owners, managers, and industry professionals to navigate shifting political landscapes and economic conditions.
As the World Cup approaches, the focus will shift to ensuring that the industry is prepared to meet the influx of visitors. Hoteliers are already fine-tuning their strategies, offering specialized packages and ensuring their properties are ready to handle the demand. However, the true test will come after the event when the global spotlight moves on, and the industry will need to maintain momentum to sustain its recovery.
The hospitality sector is at a crossroads, and while the World Cup presents a tremendous opportunity, it will not be a cure-all. The industry must continue to innovate, address the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, and work to restore the trust of international tourists. With careful planning, however, the US hospitality industry can emerge stronger and more resilient in the years to come.
Europe is preparing for a major shift in the way travellers experience its seas, ports and coastal cities. The European Union has introduced a comprehensive maritime and ports strategy designed to strengthen competitiveness, modernise infrastructure and accelerate sustainability.
For tourists, this is not just political news. It signals smoother cruises, cleaner ferry rides and better connected coastal holidays across the continent. Europe’s ports are about to become more than transport hubs. They are set to become powerful gateways to tourism growth.
A New Vision for Europe’s Coastal Gateways
Europe’s ports handle hundreds of millions of passengers every year. They serve cruise ships, ferries and private vessels. They connect islands, coastal towns and major cities. Yet many ports face ageing infrastructure, rising environmental pressures and growing global competition.
The new EU strategy addresses these challenges directly. It aims to strengthen Europe’s maritime industry while making ports more efficient and resilient. Investment will support modern terminals, digital systems and improved logistics.
For travellers, this means faster boarding, clearer information and more reliable schedules. Ports will be better equipped to handle peak tourist seasons. Delays could reduce. Passenger flow could improve. The entire journey may feel simpler and calmer.
Digital Ports Mean Easier Travel
Technology is central to this transformation. The strategy promotes digitalisation across port operations. Smart systems will help manage arrivals and departures in real time. Data sharing between ships and port authorities will improve coordination.
Tourists can expect clearer digital displays, updated mobile information and streamlined check-in systems. Automated procedures may shorten waiting times. Enhanced communication tools could keep passengers informed of changes instantly.
Digital transformation also improves crisis management. In cases of disruption, ports can respond faster. This builds confidence among travellers who rely on smooth connections during holidays.
Cleaner Seas and Greener Holidays
Sustainability sits at the heart of Europe’s maritime vision. The strategy supports the shift to cleaner fuels and shore-side electricity. When ships dock, they can connect to onshore power supplies instead of running engines. This reduces emissions in busy port cities.
For travellers, the benefits are visible and immediate. Cleaner air in harbour areas enhances the holiday atmosphere. Coastal communities benefit from lower pollution. Destinations remain attractive for future generations.
The strategy aligns with Europe’s broader climate ambitions. It encourages investment in alternative fuels such as green hydrogen and sustainable biofuels. Over time, cruise ships and ferries operating in European waters are expected to become significantly more environmentally friendly.
Eco-conscious travellers increasingly choose destinations based on sustainability. Europe’s maritime upgrade responds directly to this demand.
Stronger Security for Peace of Mind
Safety remains a priority for international visitors. The new framework strengthens both physical and cyber security across European ports. Modern surveillance systems and updated screening technology will enhance protection.
Cybersecurity measures will safeguard digital infrastructure and passenger data. As ports rely more on technology, resilience becomes critical. Strong systems protect not only trade but also tourists.
Importantly, these improvements aim to increase safety without slowing travel. Smarter screening and coordinated systems can actually speed up processes while maintaining high standards.
Better Connections Beyond the Port
The strategy also highlights the importance of stronger links between ports and inland transport networks. Rail and road connections will receive attention, ensuring that travellers can move quickly from harbour to city centre or countryside.
For tourists arriving by cruise or ferry, this could transform the travel experience. Seamless transfers reduce stress. Efficient rail links allow visitors to explore more destinations in less time.
This integrated approach supports regional tourism growth. Smaller coastal towns may attract more visitors if connections improve. Inland cultural and natural attractions also stand to benefit from better accessibility.
Boosting Europe’s Global Competitiveness
Beyond tourism, the strategy aims to reinforce Europe’s position in global maritime industries. Stronger ports support economic growth, innovation and job creation. A competitive maritime sector attracts investment and strengthens supply chains.
For the tourism industry, this stability matters. Reliable ports mean reliable itineraries. Cruise operators prefer efficient and modern terminals. Ferry services expand when infrastructure supports growth.
By investing in resilience and innovation, Europe aims to remain a leading destination for sea-based travel. The Mediterranean, Baltic, Atlantic and Black Sea regions all stand to gain from coordinated improvements.
A Future-Focused Travel Experience
Europe’s maritime transformation is about more than infrastructure. It is about reimagining the traveller experience. Modern terminals, sustainable operations and digital systems combine to create a new standard for coastal travel.
Visitors can expect ports that feel welcoming rather than industrial. Clear signage, smoother passenger flows and environmentally responsible operations enhance the start and end of every journey.
Cruise holidays may become quieter and cleaner. Island-hopping by ferry may become faster and simpler. Coastal tourism could grow stronger as confidence rises among global travellers.
What It Means for Travellers Worldwide
For holidaymakers planning European adventures, this strategy offers reassurance. The continent is investing in its future as a maritime tourism leader. It is responding to climate challenges. It is strengthening security. It is embracing innovation.
The changes will not happen overnight. But the direction is clear. Europe’s ports are evolving into smart, green and highly connected gateways.
For travellers, that means smoother sailings, healthier destinations and better holiday experiences. Europe’s sea routes are entering a new era. And the next generation of coastal journeys promises to be more efficient, sustainable and exciting than ever before.
Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch two new mid-range smartphones – the Galaxy A37 5G and the Galaxy A57 5G. These phones have appeared in several leaks and rumors over the past few weeks. Now, new images and details about their features, colors, and pricing have surfaced online.
The new information has been shared by well-known tipster Evan Blass. He posted screenshots that seem to be from official promotional pages of both phones. The screenshots reveal some important features and specifications of the upcoming devices.
The Galaxy A57 5G is expected to come with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. This should be enough for multitasking, gaming, and storing many apps and photos. The phone will reportedly feature a 120Hz Super AMOLED+ display that offers smooth scrolling and bright colors.
For photography, the Galaxy A57 5G could include a triple rear camera setup. This may feature a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5MP macro camera. Samsung may also add an AI Creator Suite with tools including AI Best Face and Auto-Trim for better photos and videos.
Image via Evan Blass
The phone is also expected to include a 5,000mAh battery with fast charging support. It may come with a slim 6.9mm design and weigh around 179g. The leaked information suggests it could be available in Dark Blue and Grey colors.
The Galaxy A37 5G may also offer 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It is expected to feature a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5MP macro camera. The device may also include a bright display and 5G connectivity.
Image via Evan Blass
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, which should easily last a full day with normal use. They may also support dual SIM and offer good performance for everyday tasks.
The Galaxy A57 5G could cost around R429 (around $26) per month for 48 months under a contract plan. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A37 5G may be priced at around R399 (around $25) per month for 36 months. Samsung has not officially confirmed these details yet. Stay tuned for more information.
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 was launched last year as a budget-friendly tablet with an 11-inch display. A new database listing now suggests Xiaomi may be preparing another version of the tablet with a smaller screen size.
Apple's M5 Pro GPU has arrived on Geekbench, revealing promising performance improvements over its predecessors. The OpenCL performance continues to be quite disappointing, however, with the RTX 5060 Laptop GPU pulling well ahead in the test.
2025–26 Saudi Pro League action continues on Matchday 25 as Al Nassr face NEO. Fans in the USA can find all the essential information here, including kickoff times and full broadcast details for both television and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Al Nassr vs NEOM on US television and via legal streaming:
Pressure is mounting in the Saudi Pro Leaguetitle race as Al Nassr prepares for a pivotal clash against NEOM. Following wins by Al Hilal and Al Ahli, second-place Al Nassr enters the matchup with 61 points and a chance to seize sole possession of first place with a victory.
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr understands the stakes in a tight championship battle, while mid-table NEOM looks to capitalize on the spotlight opportunity by earning a statement result and climbing the standings.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Al Nassr vs NEOM and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Sadio Mane of Al Nassr celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo
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