Uğurcan Çakır, Liverpool karşısında gösterdiği performansla bir kez daha parmak ısırttı. Bayern, Inter ve Manchester United'dan sonra Atletico Madrid'i de peşine taktı. Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek'in "50 milyon Euro'ya vermem" dediği Uğurcan ise Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 turu rövanş maçı için iddialı olmayan ama inançlı ifadeler kullandı.
Trabzonspor'a ödenen "yüksek bonservis" bedeli yüzünden Başkan Dursun Özbek yerden yere vurulmuştu... ancak milli kaleci Galatasaray'da gösterdiği performansla her hafta üzerine koya koya gitmeye devam ediyor.
UĞURCAN ÇAKIR İÇİN SIRAYA GİRDİLER
Sezon başında Monaco, Uğurcan'ı transfer etmediği için bin pişman... Trabzonspor Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, 20-25 milyon Euro civarında bir rakama "söz verdiği için" satmaya hazırdı. Ancak Fransızlar son anda vazgeçti. Liverpool maçında ise Uğurcan'ı Atletico Madrid de izledi. Zaten hali hazırda Manchester United, Inter ve Bayern'in mili kaleciyi yakından takibe aldığı biliniyor.
DURSUN ÖZBEK 50 MİLYON EURO'DAN AŞAĞIYA VERMEYECEK
Bu takımların dışında Aston Villa ve West Ham gibi takımların Galatasaray'ın Trabzonspor'a ödediği bonservis bedelini ödemeye çoktan hazır olduğu konuşuluyor. Başkan Dursun Özbek'in "Uğurcan Çakır için 50 milyon euro'luk teklif gelsin vermem" dediği de biliniyor.
LIVERPOOL'A GEÇİT VERMEDİ
Uğurcan'ın Liverpool performansı da parmak ısırttı:
Toplam kurtarışlar 7
Engellenen Gol 1.14
Kurtarış (Ceza Sahası İçinden Atılan Şut) 5
Uzaklaştırma 1
Başarılı çıkışlar 1 (1)
Hava Topu Alma 1
HACIOSMANOĞLU'NUN YORUMUNA MESAFELİ CEVAP
Bu arada Uğurcan Çakır, TFF Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu'nun maçtan sonra “Turu kesin geçtik, sıradaki rakip gelsin” açıklamasına iddialı olmayan ama inançlı bir cevap verdi.
- İnşallah! Maçlar oynanmadan kazanılmıyor. Ama temennisi güzel. İnşallah İngiltere’de de turu geçen taraf biz oluruz. Galibiyete inandık, taraftarımız harikaydı ve tek farkla da olsa galibiyet almayı bildik. İnşallah turu geçen taraf biz oluruz. Şimdi Başakşehir, sonra Liverpool maçına odaklanacağız.
UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 turu ilk maçında sahasında İspanya ekibi Rayo Vallecano ile karşılaşacak Samsunspor'un teknik direktörü Thorsten Fink, "Taraftarlarımızın önünde tekrar bir tarih yazabiliriz." dedi.
Fink ve futbolcu Joe Mendes, Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadı'nda düzenlenen basın toplantısında açıklamalarda bulundu.
Alman teknik adam, kendisi için maçın nerede oynandığının önemli olmadığını belirterek, "Benim için önemli olan ilk karşılaşma ve elbette ki evimizde taraftarımızın önünde oynamak bir avantajdır. Ama sonuçta tek karşılaşma oynamayacağız, iki karşılaşma oynayacağız. Yarın çok önemli bir karşılaşma oynayacağız. Buna bakmıyorum açıkçası. Taraftarımızın bizi çok iyi bir şekilde destekleyeceğini düşünüyorum. Maçı kazanmak için de iyi bir fırsatımızın olacağını düşünüyorum. Elbette güzel bir karşılaşma olacak. Taraftarlarımızın önünde tekrar bir tarih yazabiliriz." ifadelerini kullandı.
Kendi oyun stilleri olduğunu dile getiren Fink, "Rayo Vallecano çok iyi bir takım, bunu da biliyoruz. Konferans Ligi'nin en iyi takımlardan bir tanesi ve topa sahip olmada da çok iyiler. Barcelona karşılaşmasında da topa sahip olmayı çok iyi bir şekilde başarmışlardı. Ama bizim de yaptığımız, başardığımız şeyler var. Fenerbahçe karşılaşmasında da çok iyi bir takım performansı gösterdik. Kendimize inanıyoruz bu konuda. Tabii ki ikinci karşılaşma kolay olmayacak deplasmanda. Olabildiğince iyi bir pozisyon almak istiyoruz. Nasıl bir skor aldığımızın bir önemi yok. Yeter ki kazanalım." şeklinde konuştu.
Konferans Ligi'nde Rayo Vallecano'nun bugüne kadar çok iyi performans gösterdiğine işaret eden Fink, şunları kaydetti.
"Kendi liglerinde oynamış oldukları son 5 karşılaşmayı kaybetmediler. Güçlü bir takım ve çok tehlikeli hızlı oyuncuları var. Kesinlikle zor bir karşılaşma bekliyorum. Ama futbolda her şeyi gördüm. Rayo Vallecano çok iyi bir takım. Konferans Ligi'nde iki galibiyet, üç beraberlik aldılar ve çok iyi bir performans gösterdiler. Güçlü rakiplerine karşı oynasalar bile baskılı bir şekilde oynuyorlar. Topa sahip olmayı çok iyi bir şekilde başarıyorlar. Ama bizim de öz güvenimiz yerinde Fenerbahçe'ye karşı da çok iyi bir performans gösterdik. Ben geleli 3 hafta oldu. Her geçen gün kendimizi geliştiriyoruz. Kendimize güveniyoruz. Son 16'da olan bütün takımların bir kalitesi var. Kolay değil sonuçta burada olmak. Çeyrek finale kalabileceğimize inanıyoruz."
Defans oyuncusu Mendes ise mental anlamda karşılaşmaya hazır olduklarını aktararak, şunları kaydetti:
"Karşılaşmaya tamamen odaklanmış durumdayız. Umarım en iyi şekilde istediklerimizi sahaya yansıtır ve istediğimiz sonucu alırız. Benim hayalim her zaman elimden gelenin en iyisini yapmaya, çalışmak ve takıma destek olmak. Kafamda tek olan tek şey bu. Başka bir şey yok."
Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran gündeme dair açıklamalarda bulundu. Saran, Lookman transferinin olmama nedeni de açıkladı.
Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran, FB TV'de gündeme dair açıklamalarda bulundu.
"HER YERDE KUPA HEDEFLİYORUZ"
"Evet çok yoğun bir dönemdeyiz. Birçok branşta mücadele eden bir kulübüz. Ben ve yönetim kurulum çok mesai harcıyoruz. Her branşta zirveyi zorluyoruz. Geçen hafta Antalya'da atletizm yarışmalarındaydım. Her yerde kupa ve şampiyonluk hedefliyoruz. Yoğun bir dönemden geçiyoruz ama bir taraftan keyif de alıyoruz."
LOOKMAN AÇIKLAMASI
"19 Aralık’ta benim yurt dışı yasağım kalkınca, Lookman transferi için Milano’ya gittim. Menajeriyle görüştük, görüşme gayet iyi geçti. Bize 1 hafta sonra teminat mektubu istediler. Süreç ilerledi ve Atletico Madrid devreye girdi. Hocamızla Lookman’ı görüştürdüm, o da gelmek istiyordu. 35 milyon euroya kadar çıktık. Ancak sonra Atalanta bir daha teminat mektubu istedi. Vermek istemedikleri belli oldu."
"KENDİ KENDİME 'EYVAH' DEDİM!"
"Futbolda çok zorlu bir dönemde geçiyoruz. Birçok anlamda. Ama önce nereden geldiğimizi konuşmamız lazım. Seçildiğimde Samandıra'da ölü toprağı vardı. Oyuncularla ilk görüşmemden sonra kendi kendime 'Eyvah!' dediğimi hatırlıyorum. Camiada, oyuncularda şampiyonluk ümidi yoktu."
"SAKATLIKLAR PEŞ PEŞE GELDİ"
"Bugün gelinen noktada umut var. İnancın zedelendiği bir dönemdi. Süper Kupa kırılma dönemi oldu. Transferler etki etti. Futbolda ilk kupamızı aldık.
Geldiğimiz noktada birtakım aksaklıklar yaşıyoruz.Futbolun doğasında var bu sakatlıklar. Ama çok peş peşe geldi. Alvarez'in ameliyatı, Archie, Jayden, Çağlar, Talisca, Skriniar... Bir de üzerine Tedesco'nun hastalığı, maalesef talihsiz oldu."
"ŞAMPİYONLUK UMUDUMUZ YÜKSEK DERECEDE VAR!"
"Avrupa'da çok önemli bir mücadele verdik. Evimizde çok iyi oynamadık ama orada çok çok iyi oynadık. Orada taraftarımız da inanılmazdı. Hatta dünya basınına konu bile oldu. Bizim için her kupa çok önemli. Ben takımımdan çok memnunum. Karakterli bir takım. Hep söyledim. 'Tekmeye kafayla giren bir takım kuracağız' dedim. Transferde buna da özellikle dikkat ettik. Geldiğimiz noktada şampiyonluk umudumuz var. Yüksek derecede var. Sakatlar dönünce bambaşka bir futbol göreceğiz, buna inanıyorum. Benim için en önemlisi takımın ruhu, pes etmemesi. Bir aile ortamı oluştu. Ben ve arkadaşlarım umutluyuz."
"İYİ TRANSFER YAPTIK"
"Devre arası transfer zordur. Kimse takımını bozmak istemez, isterse de çok para ister. Ona rağmen iyi transfer yaptık. Guendouzi bence apayrı bir futbolcu. Mert Türkiye'nin en iyi kalecilerinde, efendiliği abiliğiyle çok şey katıyor. Sidiki hocamızın başından beri istediği, taraftarın destek olması gereken bir oyuncu. Kante konusunda eleştirildim ama cumhurbaşkanımıza tekrar teşekkür ediyorum."
Qadınlardan ibarət basketbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisi bu gün Avropa çempionatının seçmə mərhələsində növbəti oyununa çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, yığmamız səfərdə Bolqarıstan komandası ilə üz-üzə gəlib.
Plovdiv şəhərindəki “Kolodrum Arena”da təşkil edilmiş oyunda komandamız növbəti məğlubiyyətinə üzülüb. Millimiz 40:120 hesabı ilə uduzub.
Xatırladaq ki, Azərbaycan millisi Bolqarıstan yığmasına qarşı keçirdiyi ev oyununda 48:141 da hesabı ilə məğlub olmuşdu. Komandamız bu qrupda Monteneqroya (62:104) və Ukraynaya (34:98) da uduzub. Yığmamız yer aldığı E qrupunda 4 xalla sonuncu – dördüncü sırada qərarlaşıb. Qrupa 8 xala malik Bolqarıstan yığması liderlik edir. Ukraynanın 5, Monteneqronun 4 xalı var.
Qeyd edək ki, basketbol üzrə növbəti Avropa çempionatının final mərhələsi 2027-ci ildə təşkil ediləcək.
Fabio Kapello İtaliya A Seriyasının 28-ci turunda baş tutmuş Milan derbisini – “Milan”la “İnter” arasındakı oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xatırladır ki, sözügedən komandalar arasındakı oyun “Milan”ın 1:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.
79 yaşlı italyan mütəxəssis derbidəki nəticəyə belə şərh verib:
“İnter” hiddətli deyildi, dəlisov deyildi. Bilmirəm, nə olmuşdu, amma “neradzurri” bu oyunu derbidə oynamalı olduqları kimi oynamadı. “Milan” isə ayıq-sayıqlığını oyunun lap sonuna qədər qoruyub-saxlamaqla diqqətlə fəaliyyət göstərirdi”, deyə Kapello vurğulayıb.
Yeri gəlmişkən, “Milan”ın portuqaliyalı cinah hücumçusu Rafael Leao “rossoneri”nin cari mövsümə hədəfini açıqlayıb:
“Biz çox yaxşı mövsüm keçiririk və qarşımızda, UEFA Çempionlar Liqasına qayıdışı məqsəd müəyyənləşdirmişik”, deyə Leao vurğulayıb.
“Milan”ın 30 yaşlı fransız mərkəz yarımmüdafiəçisi Adrien Rabyo isə cari idman forması haqda qənaətini açıqlayıb:
“Hələ də tərəqqi edə bilərəm. 30 yaşımda hələ də zirvəyə çatmamışam, amma daha, çox təcrübəliyəm”, deyə Rabyo vurğulayıb.
“Milan”ın baş məşqçisi Massimiliano Alleqri də “rossoneri”nin fransalı əsas qapıçısı Mayk Menyan haqda qənaətini açıqlayıb:
“Menyan komandamızın çox vacib hissəsidir”, deyə Alleqri vurğulayıb.
Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar has sent a message of solidarity with Tottenham Hotspur’s Antonin Kinsky. ‘A similar thing happened to me on my Champions League debut.’
The Giallorossi are preparing for the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 against fellow Italians Bologna, which kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar competes for the ball with Finn Jeltsch of VfB Stuttgart during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“A similar thing happened to me eight years ago, I too made a mistake in my Champions League debut, and it took quite a few years for me to get over it,” Svilar told Sky Sport Italia.
“I feel bad for him, but I’ve seen him play many times, and in my view he will become a great goalkeeper. This incident will only help him to reach that level.”
Of course, Svilar was not taken off the pitch after just 16 minutes of the tie, which is what coach Igor Tudor did to Kinsky last night, replacing him with Italy international Guglielmo Vicario.
He was also only 18 years old when making that Champions League bow for Benfica in a 1-0 group stage home defeat to Manchester United in October 2017, and stayed on for the entire match.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Mile Svilar of Roma in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AS Roma at Stadio Sant’Elia on December 07, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the Roma shot-stopper is focused on the Europa League tie with Bologna, hoping to shore up the defence after conceding five goals in the last two Serie A games.
“It can happen over a long season. On the other side, we are scoring more goals recently, and our defence was solid for such a long time, it will go back to that.”
The team had already been ticking up the results at the end of last season and only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification under Claudio Ranieri.
How have things changed for the Giallorossi with Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm?
“He likes a more direct approach, without too many passes in defence, as we want to make our quality count going forward.”
A legend of the Napoli locker room who goes back to the Diego Maradona days has anointed Scott McTominay as a ‘Neapolitan-Scotsman’ now he ‘can’t do without our coffee.’
The Scotland international has flourished in Italy since making the move from Manchester United in 2024, as he won the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana, being named Player of the Year in Italy’s top league.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli inspect the pitch during a stadium familiarisation ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 against Manchester City at City of Manchester Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Now the 29-year-old has become a true member of the local family, embraced by an icon of the club’s history, kit man Tommy Starace.
The figure has been part of the staff since the days when Diego Armando Maradona was the star man, and one of his main jobs is keeping everyone busy with a steady supply of freshly made espresso.
“Coffee is not just coffee, it is love, it means respect for a person, that we are grateful to have you with us,” he added.
“We Neapolitans have a good heart, so we like to welcome everyone with the same perfume of coffee in the air.”
It is not the only Italian habit that McTominay has picked up, because he also confessed that he used to hate eating tomatoes because they “tasted like red water,” but changed his mind after trying the Neapolitan version.
Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma are not prioritising Serie A ahead of the Europa League clash with Bologna, despite an injury crisis in attack. ‘Donyell Malen’s situation is very rare.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The second leg will be at the Stadio Olimpico next week, as we know only one Italian team will make it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
It is confirmed that the Giallorossi will be without suspended Gianluca Mancini, plus injured Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, but Mario Hermoso is included in the list.
Gasperini has reduced Roma options
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
“We’ll see tomorrow, at the moment Hermoso is available and could play, but he’s been out for a while, so we’ll see if it’s from the start or off the bench,” explained Gasperini in his press conference.
“At least one Italian team will get through for sure. It’s true the trend for Italian teams in Europe has not been good this season, even worse if we add in the Nazionale struggles, so evidently it’s not a coincidence.
“We all need to dig deep and explain what the problem is, the coaches, clubs, and probably the media too. It’s not about a tactical issue, there’s something deeper that probably stems from the youth academies and the way teams are built.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, hugs Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Considering he has won the Europa League with Atalanta, but also that Roma have a Serie A battle with Como this weekend for fourth place, which is the priority for them?
“Every game is important, we cannot make calculations, but take them one at a time trying to give our best in each one,” replied the coach.
“The priority is both competitions, perhaps a few weeks ago we also had the Coppa Italia and therefore saw Serie A as the priority, but we never thought about just letting anything go.
“I don’t see any way of giving less in a match situation. It’s possible we won’t play as well in some games as others, but it won’t be by choice.”
The January signings have made a big impact, most notably striker Malen, who will finally get to play in the Europa League with Roma after he was cup-tied for the league phase due to his time with Aston Villa.
“We are scoring more goals, the trend is positive thanks also to the arrival of Malen, who has made us more dangerous in attack,” confirmed Gasperini.
“We have certainly lost several important players in attack, but Malen has given us something extra. Bryan Zaragoza needs time to adapt, he’s only been here for a month, so the situations like Malen who hit the ground running in a new team are very rare.
“With both Dybala and Soulé out, we have had to rotate players in those support roles. Lorenzo Pellegrini has played there most consistently, but Lorenzo Venturino, Robinio Vaz and Stephan El Shaarawy can all play there.”
Has Gasperini spoken to Pellegrini about his future, with the contract running down?
“No, this is not something we need to discuss now, as it’s a fundamental stage of the season, and we need to focus on the pitch.”
Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has been released from hospital, as the surgeon who operated on his shoulder warns ‘this is the equivalent of an anterior cruciate ligament tear for a midfielder.’
The shot-stopper sustained the injury in training and it was identified by an MRI scan as a lesion of the glenohumeral ligament alongside involvement of the glenoid labrum.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Ivan Provedel of Lazio gestures during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Provedel must wear a brace stabilising his movements for at least a month, after which he can begin the rehabilitation treatment.
This is expected to be a long process, with reports it will require four to five months on the sidelines, ending his season early.
“Provedel was highly motivated and eager to get back on the field. However, this is a serious injury. For a goalkeeper, a shoulder issue like this is the equivalent of a torn anterior cruciate ligament of the knee for a midfielder.”
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 27: Ivan Provedel of SS Lazio during the SS Lazio training session at the Formello Sport Centre on January 27, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio have been forced to use their second choice goalkeeper, Edoardo Motta, who was signed from Reggina in January.
He made his Serie A debut in Monday evening’s 2-1 victory over Sassuolo and only turned 21 in January.
The deadlock was broken just seconds after the restart when Alejandro Grimaldo swung an inviting delivery into the heart of the Arsenal box.
Andrich, who had narrowly escaped a red card in the first half, rose highest to power a header past David Raya, leaving the “set-piece experts” shell-shocked.
Leverkusen manager went straight to Arsenal set-piece coach
In a moment of pure sporting theater, Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand immediately sprinted toward the Arsenal technical area following the goal.
According to TNT Sports, Hjulmand went straight to Arsenal’s renowned set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, to celebrate.
The exchange appeared to be a pointed reference to the pre-match tension between the two camps.
Bayer Leverkusen manager, Kasper Hjulmand, immediately went over to Arsenal's set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, after they scored from a corner against the Gunners ? pic.twitter.com/aBSbQPbi5R
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
Hjulmand had spent the build-up to the game questioning the legality of Jover’s blocking tactics, suggesting that Arsenal often push the boundaries of the rules.
To see Leverkusen beat Arsenal at their own game, scoring from a corner, provided a moment of supreme irony that Hjulmand clearly couldn’t resist highlighting.
Bayer Leverkusen’s “No corners allowed” mind games
Ahead of the match, Leverkusen had leaned into the the set-piece merchants narrative surrounding Mikel Arteta’s side by placing “No Corners Allowed” warning signs around the corner arcs at the BayArena.
The signs, which featured a red slash through a corner flag, were shared across social media with the caption “Worth a try.”
Bayer Leverkusen posted “no corners allowed” ahead of facing Arsenal…
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
While many viewed it as harmless banter, the tactical preparation behind it was evident as Leverkusen neutralised Arsenal’s primary threat throughout the first half.
By scoring from a corner themselves, Leverkusen have not only taken the lead in the tie but have also struck a significant psychological blow against Jover and Arteta.
With the match still ongoing, Arsenal now face the challenge of proving they can find a breakthrough in open play against a Leverkusen side that seems to have solved their set-piece puzzle.
Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins has been linked with a move away from the German club at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old defender has done well for the German outfit, and clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring his progress. It will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for him at the end of the season.
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In an interview with The Mirror, the defender has revealed that he has read the reports linking him with Premier League clubs, but he is happy at the German club and is not considering a move.
He told: “It actually bounces off me pretty well. I’m reading these rumours for the first time myself, which is why I’m partly surprised. I’m very happy to be here at Eintracht.”
Collins has impressed in Germany, and he brings physicality to English football as well. He could prove to be a useful acquisition for clubs like Liverpool. Liverpool needs more depth in the defensive unit, especially with players like Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez expected to leave in the summer.
It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to test the resolve of the German club with an offer in the summer. The player is valued at £34 million, and they have the financial muscle to get the deal done. Even though the player has claimed that he is happy in Germany, the opportunity to join a club like Liverpool will be hard to turn down.
Similarly, Arsenal are an elite club. However, they have plenty of quality defenders at their disposal. They might not be able to offer Collins a regular starting role. He needs to join a club where he can play every week. Perhaps the move to Liverpool would be best suited for him.
Robert Andrich should have been sent off in the opening stages of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen, according to BBC reporter Alex Howell.
The midfielder, who was already on a yellow card, escaped a second booking for a cynical foul that has now left Mikel Arteta’s side facing a mountain to climb in Germany.
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The incident occurred early in the first leg of the round-of-16 tie at the BayArena.
Having already been cautioned in the very first minute for a heavy challenge on Viktor Gyokeres, Andrich appeared to strike again just moments later, manhandling the Swedish striker to stop a dangerous Arsenal counter-attack.
(Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Andrich lucky to avoid sending off
Despite the clear nature of the infringement, the referee opted for a final warning rather than a dismissal.
Howell, providing live commentary on the match, highlighted the leniency of the officiating.
Howell tweeted:
“Andrich is very lucky to not get a second yellow for that foul on Gyökeres. One of those where you can imagine him getting one if he hadn’t been booked already.”
Andrich is very luck to not get a second yellow for that foul on Gyokeres. One of those where you can imagine him getting one if he hadn't been booked already
The decision to keep eleven men on the pitch for the hosts sparked immediate frustration from the Arsenal bench.
Andrich goal makes it worse for Arsenal
The failure to dismiss the German international became significantly more costly just seconds after the restart.
In the 46th minute, the very man who should have been in the dressing room found himself in the right place at the right time.
Andrich rose highest to meet a delivery in the box, heading the hosts into a 1-0 lead and punishing Arsenal for their inability to capitalize on their early dominance.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
The goal has completely shifted the momentum of the tie, leaving the Premier League leaders reeling in a hostile atmosphere.
Should Leverkusen hold on to their lead, or extend it, the decision to spare Andrich will undoubtedly be the main talking point for Mikel Arteta in his post-match assessment.
Chelsea and Newcastle United are interested in signing the FC Koln winger Said El Mala.
According to German publication Kicker, Chelsea is making serious efforts to sign the 19-year-old attacker at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see if they can get that deal done. The player has registered 12 goal contributions this season, and he has impressed with his performances in German football.
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He has the technical attributes for the Premier League as well, and he could be a very useful acquisition for Chelsea. They need someone who can take on defenders and beat them in one-on-one situations. They need to add more unpredictability in the final third.
El Mala could be a solid long-term acquisition for Chelsea. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be quite exciting for the young attacker as well. It would be a huge opportunity for him, and he will look to prove himself at the highest level.
Regular football in the Premier League could accelerate his development and bring out the best in him.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are on the player as well. They have an ambitious project and are looking to build a team capable of regularly fighting for trophies. They need more cutting-edge in the final third, and the 19-year-old would be an asset for them. It will be interesting to see whether they can convince the player to join the club rather than move to Chelsea.
El Mala will look to play regularly at a high-level and both clubs could be interesting opportunities for him. It will be interesting to see what he decides in the end.
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Gray, who joined Spurs from Leeds United for £40 million in 2024, has been a rare bright spark in an otherwise calamitous season for the North London club. However, it appears his future does not lie at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich not interested in Archie Gray
Speaking to CFBayern, Christian Falk dismissed the rumours of a potential move, claiming that Bayern Munich are ‘not interested’ in signing Archie Gray.
The primary reason for Bayern’s lack of interest is their commitment to their own youth setup.
While there is no doubt about Gray’s quality, Bayern already possess a strong pool of emerging talent coming through their academy ranks.
The club is reportedly focused on the development of 19-year-old Lennart Karl, who has already broken into Vincent Kompany’s first-team squad, as well as highly-rated prospects David Santos and Noel Aseko.
Archie Gray could be a man in demand if Spurs are relegated
While Bayern have bowed out of the race, a move to Germany remains a distinct possibility.
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly considering Gray as a potential long-term replacement for Julian Brandt, who is expected to leave the Signal Iduna Park at the end of the season.
The interest in Gray comes amid growing uncertainty at Tottenham. Currently sitting just one point above the relegation zone following a string of defeats under interim boss Igor Tudor, Spurs could face a mass exodus of talent if the unthinkable happens and they drop into the Championship.
Gray’s versatility, having played at right-back, center-back, and across the midfield this season, has also attracted interest from Real Madrid.
However, reports suggest the youngster has reassured Spurs that he is prepared to ‘lead the fightback’ even if they are relegated.
Whether Tottenham can resist substantial bids for their £55 million-rated generational talent remains to be seen.
Arsenal are interested in signing the SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
The 20-year-old Swiss midfielder has impressed in the Bundesliga, and Arsenal are hoping to secure his signature at the end of the season. He could cost around £43 million, according to TEAMtalk, and it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal is prepared to pay up for him.
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They have the resources to get the deal across the line, and they should be able to convince the player to join the club as well. Other clubs are monitoring his progress, and Arsenal might need to act quickly in order to win the race for his signature.
The highly talented box-to-box midfielder will add energy, drive, and creativity to the team. His arrival will be bad news for Christian Norgaard, who has already struggled for regular opportunities since joining the London club. It is fair to assume that signing the Bundesliga midfielder will signal the end of Norgaard at Arsenal.
It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The young midfielder will need regular opportunities to continue his development. He must seek assurances on game time before joining Arsenal. Sitting on the bench at a big club would be detrimental to his development.
The technically gifted midfielder has the qualities to succeed in English football, and Arsenal could nurture him into a future star. They have done well to groom young players in the past.
Mikel Arteta has done well in handling young players since taking over at Arsenal as well. He could play a key role in developing the 20-year-old midfielder. Arsenal are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be hard for the youngster. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can finalise a deal.
Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is being linked with a return to the Premier League, and Liverpool is keen on securing his signature.
According to reports from Spain, they would be willing to pay €70 million in order to sign the talented young defender. The 20-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has previously shown his quality in the Premier League with Bournemouth. There is no doubt that he can succeed in La Liga as well, and it will be interesting to see whether Real Madrid is willing to sanction his departure.
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They need quality and depth in the defensive unit, and the 20-year-old is a long-term asset. It would not be a surprise if they refused to sanction his departure.
Meanwhile, Liverpool needs more quality in the defensive unit. They are likely to lose Ibrahima Konate in the summer when his contract expires. The French International has not signed an extension with the club. In addition, Joe Gomez could be on his way out of the club as well. He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and Liverpool will not be able to provide him with that opportunity.
Signing a talented young central defender should be a priority for Liverpool, and the Spaniard would be ideal for them. He knows the Premier League well, and he could make an immediate impact. The opportunity to join Liverpool could be an interesting option for the player, especially if Real Madrid is willing to sanction his departure. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few months.
Real Madrid paid €50 million for him, and the opportunity to make a quick profit could be tempting. Also, Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, knows the player well from his time at Bournemouth, and he might be able to convince the player to return to England.
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Following rampant and rapid adoption and proliferation of the agentic AI tool OpenClaw, Chinese authorities have warned government-run institutions and companies not to install the tool — and warned everyone about its potential security implications
Gasperini: ‘Roma not setting priority, Malen situation is very rare’
Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma are not prioritising Serie A ahead of the Europa League clash with Bologna, despite an injury crisis in attack. ‘Donyell Malen’s situation is very rare.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The second leg will be at the Stadio Olimpico next week, as we know only one Italian team will make it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
It is confirmed that the Giallorossi will be without suspended Gianluca Mancini, plus injured Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, but Mario Hermoso is included in the list.
Gasperini has reduced Roma options
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
“We’ll see tomorrow, at the moment Hermoso is available and could play, but he’s been out for a while, so we’ll see if it’s from the start or off the bench,” explained Gasperini in his press conference.
“At least one Italian team will get through for sure. It’s true the trend for Italian teams in Europe has not been good this season, even worse if we add in the Nazionale struggles, so evidently it’s not a coincidence.
“We all need to dig deep and explain what the problem is, the coaches, clubs, and probably the media too. It’s not about a tactical issue, there’s something deeper that probably stems from the youth academies and the way teams are built.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, hugs Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Considering he has won the Europa League with Atalanta, but also that Roma have a Serie A battle with Como this weekend for fourth place, which is the priority for them?
“Every game is important, we cannot make calculations, but take them one at a time trying to give our best in each one,” replied the coach.
“The priority is both competitions, perhaps a few weeks ago we also had the Coppa Italia and therefore saw Serie A as the priority, but we never thought about just letting anything go.
“I don’t see any way of giving less in a match situation. It’s possible we won’t play as well in some games as others, but it won’t be by choice.”
The January signings have made a big impact, most notably striker Malen, who will finally get to play in the Europa League with Roma after he was cup-tied for the league phase due to his time with Aston Villa.
“We are scoring more goals, the trend is positive thanks also to the arrival of Malen, who has made us more dangerous in attack,” confirmed Gasperini.
“We have certainly lost several important players in attack, but Malen has given us something extra. Bryan Zaragoza needs time to adapt, he’s only been here for a month, so the situations like Malen who hit the ground running in a new team are very rare.
“With both Dybala and Soulé out, we have had to rotate players in those support roles. Lorenzo Pellegrini has played there most consistently, but Lorenzo Venturino, Robinio Vaz and Stephan El Shaarawy can all play there.”
Has Gasperini spoken to Pellegrini about his future, with the contract running down?
“No, this is not something we need to discuss now, as it’s a fundamental stage of the season, and we need to focus on the pitch.”
Take another potential free agent off this summer's list.
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz signed an eight-year contract extension on Wednesday, March 11 with a cap hit of $8 million. That will make him the team's third-highest player behind Logan Cooley ($10 million cap hit next season) and Mikhail Sergachev ($8.5 million).
Schmaltz, 30, ranks second on the team in goals (24), assists (35), and points (59) in 62 games. He already has passed his career best in goals and is on pace to shatter his top season in points (63 last season).
He had been No. 2 on USA TODAY Sports' most recent list of top potential free agents and is the latest player to come off what had been an impressive class.
Here are some of the top remaining pending unrestricted free agents:
Top remaining free agents
10. Anthony Mantha, Pittsburgh Penguins
He has rebounded in his first year in Pittsburgh with 24 goals and 48 points. Current cap hit: $2.5 million.
9. Charlie Coyle, Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets held onto their free agents at the deadline because the team has turned things around since Rick Bowness was named coach. With 51 points, he's on pace to set a personal best. Current cap hit: $5.25 million.
8. Anders Lee, New York Islanders
He has been the Islanders' captain since 2018 and is good for 20-plus goals. He had 29 last season. Current cap hit: $7 million.
7. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer is 40. He'll either re-sign with Washington or retire. He hasn't indicated his plans. Current cap hit: $9 million.
6. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers
The goalie has won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and two Vezina Trophies. He'll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.
The 39-year-old has expressed an interest in playing more and he recently said the Penguins would wait until after the season to negotiate. He's averaging a point a game but has dealt with an injury and had an ill-timed five-game suspension. Current cap hit: $6.1 million.
4. John Carlson, Anaheim Ducks
Carlson, the Capitals' all-time leader in scoring among defensemen, was traded to the Ducks in a shocker. He ha 46 points in 55 games. Current cap hit: $8 million.
3. Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden Knights
The defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this season by the Flames. He can provide offense with a 50- and a 49-point season. He's at 36 points this season. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.
2. Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning
The defenseman is having a breakout season with 17 goals and 58 points and filled in well while Victor Hedman was out twice with injuries. Current cap hit: $975,000.
1. Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres
The forward can score (two 36-goal seasons) and also kills penalties. He's at 28 goals this season for the surging Sabres. He wants to stay in Buffalo and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen wants to keep him. Current cap hit: $4.75 million.
Which 2026 free agents have signed extensions recently?
Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov, eight years, $136 million, a record for its total amount and $17 million cap hit
Edmonton's Connor McDavid, two years, $25 million. The $12.5 million cap hit equals his current one and places him second on the team behind Leon Draisaitl.
Edmonton's Jake Walman, seven years, $49 million
Winnipeg's Kyle Connor, eight years, $96 million, richest contract in team history
Edmonton's Mattias Ekholm, three years, $12 million
Vegas' Jack Eichel, eight years, $108 million
Colorado's Martin Necas, eight years, $92 million
New Jersey's Jacob Markstrom, two years, $12 million
Colorado's Scott Wedgewood, one year, $2.5 million
Los Angeles' Adrian Kempe, eight years, $85 million
Montreal's Mike Matheson, five years, $30 million
Tampa Bay's Ryan McDonagh, three years, $12.1 million
Los Angeles' Artemi Panarin, two years, $22 million
San Jose's Kiefer Sherwood, five years, $28.75 million
Seattle's Jordan Eberle, two years, $11 million
Utah's Nick Schmaltz, eight years, $64 million
What is the NHL salary cap for 2025-26 and beyond?
The 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons could have minor adjustments up or down based on revenues:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 18: Kevin Byard III #31 of the Chicago Bears stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With less than two hours to go before the official start of NFL free agency, the New England Patriots have added another veteran to their roster. Kevin Byard, a former Tennessee Titans third-round draft pick who was voted first-team All-Pro with the Chicago Bears in 2025, will join the team on a reported one-year, $9 million contract.
Let’s put a grade on the signing based on everything we know so far.
Instant grades: Patriots sign S Kevin Byard
Bernd Buchmasser: The 32-year-old Byard is a bit on the older side, but he has not shown any signs of slowing down. He remains a ballhawking presence in the secondary, is capable of playing the deep field exceptionally well, and was a respected locker room presence in both Tennessee and Chicago. Add the connection to Mike Vrabel and a solid price tag and you get a very good pickup capable of making a major impact. | Grade: A
Pat Lane: The Patriots were in need of more playmakers on defense, and they certainly got one with Byard. He was a first team All-Pro last season, and led the league in interceptions, but he also turns 33 before the season starts. I love the pickup for this season, but I still want them to bring back Jaylinn Hawkins, or draft another safety, to set them up for the future. | Grade: B+
Andrew Guindon: Signing Byard is great for immediate production in the secondary. He’s coming off an AP first-team All-Pro season in 2025 in his tenth season, and that’s the third time in his career Byard’s been elected an All-Pro. The veteran brings substantial experience and can help Craig Woodson blossom. 2026 will be Byard’s age-33 season, so it’s still important to draft a safety or retain Jaylinn Hawkins. | Grade: A-
Matt St. Jean: Safety is an incredibly important position in New England’s defense, and Byard is a perfect fit next to Craig Woodson. Byard has four seasons with five or more interceptions, bringing a playmaking ability to the defensive backfield that is needed. I’m curious what the long-term plan is for the position with Byard on the older side and only signing a one-year deal, but this is a clear improvement over Jaylinn Hawkins in the short term. | Grade: A
What do you think about the Patriots signing Kevin Byard? Do you like the move? Do you not? And how would you grade it? Please head down to the comment section to discuss.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 04: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) lines up for a play during the second half of the NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on January 4th, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Vikings fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Yes, it’s that time again, ladies and gentlemen. . .time for an SB Nation Reacts survey about our Minnesota Vikings!
Sort of.
Given that the Vikings really haven’t done a whole lot here in the early stages of free agency, one of our two questions for this week has to do with our division rivals instead. We want to know which of our three NFC North rivals you think has had the best free agency period so far. I mean, after all, so far. . .with the start of the new league year less than an hour away as I write this. . .the only new addition the Vikings have made is former Steelers’ cornerback James Pierre. The other three teams in the division have made quite a few moves between them, so we want to know who you think has done the best so far.
We do have a question about our team, though. The Vikings did have two fairly significant losses in the “legal tampering” period in punter Ryan Wright and wide receiver Jalen Nailor. We’re curious to see which one you folks think is the bigger loss to the team. It may seem like a strange question on its face, but given that the Vikings have depth at the wide receiver spot and Wright was pretty solid last year (and he was very good at his holding duties), perhaps there are more things to consider.
As always, we invite you to get involved by casting your vote in our survey and by sounding off in the comments section.
Have at it, folks! We’ll have the results of our survey for you sometime over the weekend.
Where does Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla rank among pro sport coaches in New England? The Celtics head coach has some competition among his peers in other sports and leagues. From Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora in Major League Baseball and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in the National Football League to Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm in the National Hockey League, Mazzulla has some serious competition in any popularity contest among New England Sports Fans.
Charisma of course plays a role, but so does success in the recent term, with the Celtics coach perhaps enjoying something of an advantage there over some of his peers.
The folks behind the "98.5 The Sports Hub" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Zolak and Bertrand" show that saw the hosts talk it over. Check it out below!
The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms with tackle/guard Matt Pryor on a one-year, veteran qualifying contract for the league minimum.
Qualifying contracts result in only a portion of the base salary counting against the salary cap. Pryor’s minimum base salary is $1.3 million, but only $1.075 million (the league minimum for players with two credited seasons) is charged to the cap.
The maximum allowed for a signing bonus is $187,500. That’s what Pryor will receive and it is added to the cap charge.
That makes the total value of his contract $1,487,500 with $1,262,500 counting against the cap.
It’s important to realize that with the contracts and cap hits known for Pryor, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne ($4.78 million), running back Tyler Allgeier ($4.35 million) and defensive lineman Roy Lopez ($4.39 million), four cap charges of $1.005 million, $1.017 million, $1.039 million and $1.048 million were pushed out of the top 51, which is what counts against the cap until the beginning of the regular season.
So, while the total cap charges for the four new players is $14.783 million, the net addition to the cap is $10.674 million because of the players exiting the top 51.
Contracts not yet official are restructures for running back James Conner and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting that will lower their cap figures from $9.83 and $9.245 million respectively, plus new deals for guard Isaac Seumalo, punter Blake Gillikin and quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Overthecap.com currently has the Cardinals' cap space at $36.678 million, but with effective space of $25.154 million projecting the team’s rookie pool for draft choices.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Igor Tudor is the first Tottenham manager to lose all of his first four matches in charge [Getty Images]
Tottenham Hotspur owner Enic does not plan to take the decision on Igor Tudor's future out of the hands of the club's executive team despite the manager's poor start.
Tudor finds himself under major pressure having lost all four of his games in charge, conceding 14 goals in the process.
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange were both at the forefront of the decision to appoint the 47-year-old following the sacking of Thomas Frank last month.
Tottenham, who face Liverpool on Sunday, can fall into the Premier League relegation zone at the weekend and face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals following the 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Relegation would represent a disastrous scenario for Spurs, and Tudor has failed to halt the team's slide towards the bottom three.
In addition to concerns over results, sources are indicating that there is a growing disconnect between members of the squad and Tudor, with a number of players left unconvinced that the coach can lead the team to safety.
Tudor's decision not to approach goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to offer his support after he was substituted 17 minutes into the loss at Atletico has also not gone down well with members of the squad.
Sources have indicated to BBC Sport that the club's owners are not, and have never been, involved in the day to day running of the club, even during Daniel Levy's era, allowing those on the ground to make decisions, and will leave any call about Tudor to the Spurs executives.
It is understood that the decision to sack Frank in February was taken by Venkatesham and Lange before being ratified by the ownership.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Enic decides to take matters into its own hands if Tottenham's relegation fears worsen in the coming weeks.
The make-up of Tottenham's internal structures have changed dramatically in recent months.
Venkatesham's arrival in the summer of 2025 was followed by Levy's shock departure as executive chairman after 25 years at the club in September.
Since Levy's exit, the Lewis family - who effectively own Tottenham - have been far more visible than in previous years while also ratifying the appointments of Fabio Paratici - who has since left for Fiorentina - as co-sporting director and Rafi Moersen from Manchester City as director of football operations.
Family figurehead Joe Lewis is understood to have taken more of a peripheral role in recent months with younger generations of the family including Lewis' children Vivienne and Charlie becoming more prominent.
Nick Beucher - the grandson-in-law of Joe Lewis - has also taken a greater involvement.
Following Levy's exit, Peter Charrington, the club's non-executive chairman, said: "This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch.
"I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future.
"We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the club, led by Vinai and his executive team."
Regression is a busy word during any fantasy draft season. Shrewd managers are trying to figure out what performances are real from the previous season and putting in legwork to see where regression will occur. Mind you, regression doesn’t have to be a negative word — players can positively regress to their means, too. But usually, when the R-word is dropped into a fantasy discussion, we’re talking about a player who’s likely to come down from an unexpected level of production.
But sometimes a fantasy pick can give back some stats in the new season and yet still be worth the fantasy slot. Let’s have a discussion about some guys I like to call “Regress and Win” players.
Everyone listed in this article is coming off a strong year that’s become distrusted in the fresh market. With that, all of these players could play worse than last year and yet still potentially return a fantasy profit because their ADPs are so reasonable.
SS Geraldo Perdomo, Diamondbacks
2025 finish: SS3/Overall Hitter 11
2026 ADP: SS8/Overall Hitter 45
Perdomo was probably the most improved player in the National League last year. He clouted 20 homers — more than tripling his career high — and posted an excellent .290/.389/.462 slash. He finished fourth in the MVP vote and won a Silver Slugger Award, too.
But while the pop was a shocker, Perdomo’s season was also built with skills he already owned. His 27 steals were merely a result of more aggressive running — he was 16-for-20 on swipes back in 2023. He’s always had a keen batting eye and excellent contact skills; they merely improved in 2025.
The Diamondbacks might have seen Perdomo’s breakout coming, signing him to a four-year, $45 million extension before the year, despite the presence of respected SS prospect Jordan Lawlar. Arizona now sees Lawlar as a potential outfielder; shortstop belongs to Perdomo.
Most of the projection systems see Perdomo giving some pop back this year, but I’d be shocked if he didn’t hit for a plus average, and he’s a good baserunner in his mid-20s. Perdomo is a switch-hitter and will open the year as Arizona’s leadoff man, good for stat collecting. I will always love those rare hitters who walk more than they strike out. Perdomo's Yahoo ADP in the low 60s presents a buying opportunity.
OF Byron Buxton, Twins
2025 finish: OF9/Overall Hitter 20
2026 ADP: OF25/Overall Hitter 60
Buxton was baseball’s No. 1 prospect back in 2014, and we’ve been dreaming of his potential ever since. Injuries have mostly robbed him of his upside; after logging 140 games in the 2017 season, Buxton didn’t get past 92 appearances in any of the next six years. Heartbreak became a yearly appointment.
So it’s been fun to see Buxton back in the game the last couple of years. His 102 games in 2024 felt somewhat fortunate, and he backed that up with 126 games — and a career-best 488 at-bats — last summer. Buxton was a whirlwind on the field in 2025, slashing .264/.327/.551, ripping 35 home runs, stealing 24 bases in 24 attempts. The pedigree was always there — this was the payoff.
The power and speed will be there, it’s just a matter of how many games you’re getting for 2026. Would four dynamic months of Buxton — and two months of a fill-in — justify his current ADP? Is it possible Buxton has finally learned how to handle the rigors of a long season, or finally stopped being comically unlucky with injuries? I’m not going to aggressively attack Buxton at his market cost, but I’d like to secure at least one share — just to make sure I’m covered for any possible FOMO. When he’s able to play, he’s a show.
OF Christian Yelich, Brewers
2025 finish: OF10/Overall Hitter 24
2026 ADP: OF30/Overall Hitter 69
Check your league rules with respect to Yelich’s position eligibility. He played 19 games in the outfield last year (18 starts), which keeps him OF-eligible in the Yahoo game. Flexibility for the win.
Yelich’s counting stats last summer (88 runs, 29 homers, 103 RBI, 16 steals) were a little snappier than his slash line, which slipped to .264/.343/.452 last year. His OPS+ dropped 31 points last year, from 152 (elite) to 121 (solid, if unspectacular). We often talk about how player development isn’t always linear but player decline often is. Maybe the next OPS+ for Yelich will be somewhere in the 100-115 range.
But the Brewers will handle Yelich carefully, letting him DH more often than not. And while Yelich missed more than half of the 2024 season, he’s otherwise been fairly durable; he landed between 550 and 575 at-bats in the 2025, 2023 and 2022 seasons. I recognize he’s entering his age-34 campaign, but this looks like one of those boring-value veterans we love to target on draft day. I like the depth of the Milwaukee lineup and I expect Yelich to be productive as the team’s cleanup man.
Other possible Regress and Win hitters: Trevor Story, Brice Turang, Maikel Garcia
SP Andrew Abbott, Reds
2025 finish: SP25
2026 ADP: SP51
Abbott has been a useful starter for three years in Cincinnati, and in a different era, we would probably accept those results at face value. He’s had a playable ERA every season, moving from 3.87 to 3.72 to 2.87. His WHIP last year was a tidy 1.15, and he struck out 149 batters in 166.1 innings. When Hunter Greene hit the shelf a few days ago, it wasn’t a surprise when Abbott grabbed the Opening Day assignment for the Reds.
Alas, we play fantasy baseball in the Age of Enlightenment, where we have access to secondary stats and nuanced data — which often has us questioning a breakout. Abbott critics will note that he’s beaten his FIP every year, which is another way to suggest he’s been lucky. Abbott has also succeeded despite a high fly-ball rate and a fastball that sits just under 93 mph.
But let’s recognize that even if Abbott pitched to last year’s 3.66 FIP (or 3.56 xERA), he’d still be providing fantasy value. And an extreme fly-ball rate doesn’t have to be a negative; when a pitcher has an extreme slant to his batted-ball profile in any direction, it shows he’s exerting control over his outcomes. I think it’s prudent to focus on Abbott’s career ratios of 3.42 and 1.24 as starting points this year, and given his inexpensive ADP, he’s well-slotted to be a useful fantasy rotation piece.
Other possible Regress and Win pitchers: Nick Pivetta, Matthew Boyd
The Big East announced the last of the 2025-26 men’s basketball awards on Wednesday afternoon in advance of the start of the conference tournament, and we got a bit of good or at the very least somewhat unexpected news out of New York. Marquette guard Nigel James has been named Big East Freshman of the Year by vote of the head coaches in the league!
James finished his inaugural collegiate campaign as the second-leading scorer in the BIG EAST, at 19.3 points per game. It is the highest scoring average by a freshman in league play since the 2002-03 season, when Syracuse’s Carmelo Anthony averaged 21.4 points per outing. The Huntington, N.Y. guard reached double figures in 19 of 20 conference games.
A five-time BIG EAST Freshman of the Week award recipient, James ranks among the conference’s leaders in five different statistical categories – overall and BIG EAST only. James is one of only two freshmen nationally to average at least 19.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in league play. He scored 20 or more points on eight occasions, including three games with at least 30 points. James is one of only four freshman in the country to have at least three 30-point performances in league play.
Guard Nigel James Jr. of the Marquette University men’s basketball team has been named the BIG EAST Conference Freshman of the Year, the league office announced Wednesday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.
The Huntington, N.Y. native is the third Marquette player (Dominic James – 2005-06, Henry Ellenson – 2015-16) to earn the accolade since the program joined the BIG EAST in 2005-06.
Earlier this week, James Jr. was named All-BIG EAST Third Team and earned a spot on the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team as well. He reached double figures in scoring in 19-of-20 league outings and ranked among the conference’s top-10 in five different categories (season long and BIG EAST only).
And they made a list of accomplishments, too:
James Jr. was also one of just two freshmen (Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas) in the nation to contribute at least 19.0 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per outing in conference matchups.
First BIG EAST freshman since Troy Murphy of Notre Dame in 1998-99 to have at least three 30+ point games in league regular season play.
First MU true freshman to have three games of 30-or-more points in a season.
Only BIG EAST player with three games of 30-or-more points in 2025-26.
Fourth among BIG EAST players with 10 outings of 20-or-more points (eight in league play).
Tied for 21st (top BIG EAST newcomer) in the country among freshman in scoring (16.4 ppg.), sixth in assists (4.8 apg.) and eighth in steals (1.9 spg.) through March 10.
Had first 30-point, 12-assist BIG EAST game (at Xavier) since Chris Thomas of Notre Dame against Miami on Feb. 23, 2002 (only two occurrences since 1996).
In a regulation game, James Jr. is the fourth freshman in the country with 30 points and 12 assists since 2001-02 (twice by Trae Young, Corey Sanders and Chris Thomas).
Scored 38 points vs. Providence on Jan. 19, the most by a Marquette true freshman.
On pace to finish in top-10 of nine different freshman season categories at MU.
No word on exactly what the voting was, but the press release says that the other award winners here — Zuby Ejiofor from St. John’s is Player and Student-Athlete of the Year, Seton Hall’s Shaheen Holloway is Coach of the Year — are unanimous picks for their trophies. By omission, that means James is not a unanimous pick, but that tracks with both 1) My pick of Villanova’s Acaden Lewis as FOY, and 2) Acaden Lewis getting a Second Team spot in the All-Big East awards and James ending up as Third Team. If there’s even one coach that’s not Marquette’s Shaka Smart voting for Lewis (coaches can’t vote for their own players) then that’s enough to make it not a unanimous pick.
Oh, and one more thing? Ben Steele made sure he clarified a comment from James at the press event for the awards: Nigel James will be back in a Marquette uniform next season.
Nigel James Jr makes it official: I want to finish my career at Marquette. It was never a question with me. #mubbhttps://t.co/GJ8mMyWgCZ
Marquette returns to action later tonight when they face Xavier in the first round of the Big East tournament. The winner of that game will advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday, where #2 seed UConn awaits them.
We’re traveling back to 1994 for the latest edition of our bi-weekly offseason series over on our YouTube channel (please subscribe, you haven’t already done so), as we cover arguably the greatest comeback in program history where Penn State rallied from a 21-0 deficit at Illinois to clinch a Rose Bowl berth and preserve their undefeated season. One of us may have even gotten a little carried away when it came to dressing up as a mid-90’s PSU student.
Once again, here’s a reminder of the categories we’ll be covering:
State of The Program Going Into The Game: What was Penn State as a program at this time? What were the vibes like? Fans happy? Hopeful? Set the stage for the game as diehards who lived it.
Most Rewatchable Play: Talk about a few different plays that stick out. These are “impressive” plays not necessarily the most “pivotal” — which is its own category.
Mandela Effect: Is there a specific moment or play from that game that on the rewatch provides context to a moment we maybe misremember?
Biggest Gaffe: Clock management at some point? A bad decision on third down? Stupid throw? THE BIASED BIG TEN REFS?!
The Yaacov Yisrael “Hey, Remember That Guy”: Who was a random Penn Stater in the game you haven’t thought about in a long time?
Man, It’d Be Nice To Have This Guy: Player in the game who would be most helpful on the current Penn State team?
Pivotal Moment: Plays that swung the game or decided it, specifically later in the game.
Apex Mountain Performance: Was there anyone who had a ball out performance? Maybe the game was the “peak” performance for the team as a whole? Or a coach for the entire tenure? Or the program for the decade? Think big picture with this, though this can always come back to who had the best game.
Rewatchability Ranking: Scale of 1-10, 1 being abhorrent and 5 being fun, how fun is this game as a rewatch?
What We Wish We Knew Then: Basically, what was the impact of this end result? If your current self could travel back in time and explain the fall out of this game, what would you say? Think of it as a sliding doors moment, too.
Also, here’s the video we used as our main reference if you want to watch beforehand:
Wyness Questions Rangers’ Board Shake-Up: Are They Trading Influence For Short-Term Compliance?
Rangers have made two significant boardroom departures as the club move to satisfy UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, with the Ibrox side and fellow 49ers Enterprises-owned Leeds United both holding realistic Europa League qualification prospects for next season.
The development, reported exclusively by Football Insider, has attracted sharp commentary from Keith Wyness, the Scottish football administrator who spent four years as Aberdeen’s chief executive between 2000 and 2004, before leading Everton and Aston Villa in substantial executive tenures and who now runs a consultancy advising elite clubs. Wyness, currently in his mid-sixties, knows boardroom politics inside out, and his reading of this situation deserves attention.
Rangers Board Shake-Up Puts UEFA’s Multi-Club Ownership Rules Under the Microscope
UEFA imposed a March 1st compliance deadline requiring clubs sharing ownership structures to demonstrate clear separation, and Rangers responded by removing board members with direct ties to Leeds. It was a step that protects their European football interests ahead of a potentially significant campaign.
49ers Enterprises, the investment vehicle connected to the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise, holds stakes in both clubs, creating an obvious conflict the moment either secured European qualification. Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness acknowledged Rangers’ action shows willingness but was careful not to overstate what it actually changes.
With 49ers Enterprises Growing Across Global Football, Are Rangers Quietly Trading Boardroom Influence For Short-Term Compliance?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 01: Youssef Chermiti of Rangers celebrates scoring is team’s opening goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Wyness made clear that the board departures tick the right boxes on paper, yet the deeper structural tension between multi-club ownership and competitive integrity is far from resolved. He pointed out that roughly 70 multi-club groups now operate across European football, making a blanket ban practically and financially unworkable. These networks pour considerable money into the sport, and UEFA finds itself torn between protecting sporting fairness and looking after its own commercial interests at the same time.
“I don’t think it really makes that much of a difference, but it sort of shows they’re doing something. “And they’ve got to come to grips with this as a bigger problem. Whether they ban them overall at some stage, I think it would be very hard because there are now about 70 different multi-club groups.
“So it would be very hard to ban them. But there may be some strict laws coming in, and I’m sure they’re thinking about it going forward. But also, on the other hand it’s bringing a lot of money into the game.
“So they’re probably conflicted in what they’re thinking about the whole multi-club ownership issue. But it’s one to watch, and we’ll certainly be watching it in the days ahead.”
For Rangers specifically in March 2026, this tension carries particular significance. The club maintain competitive Scottish Premiership ambitions and hold genuine Europa League prospects, with 49ers’ financial backing providing a stability that supporters recognise as essential in the modern game. Losing boardroom voices directly connected to that ownership group, however, procedurally necessary, risks thinning the internal communication channel between club leadership and the parent entity at a pivotal moment in the season.
The reality is that UEFA’s current framework offers surface-level fixes rather than structural ones. Rangers have done precisely what regulations require, but the relationship between Ibrox and Elland Road remains intact. Whether that proximity eventually shapes loan arrangements, transfer priorities, or squad-building strategy is the question supporters actually want answered, and neither UEFA nor either club have come close to addressing it yet. Nor do we expect it to be addressed frankly.
Florida State men’s basketball (17-14, 10-8) begins its ACC tournament against Cal (21-10, 9-9) in the Spectrum Center in Charlotte tonight, starting the daunting task of winning four games in four days in search of the program’s second-ever conference tournament title.
The Seminoles defeated the Golden Bears earlier in the season, 63-61, in a late-January matchup that helped spark FSU’s dominant six weeks down the stretch. Chauncey Wiggins led the way with 18 points on 7-9 shooting from the floor while Florida State held Cal to 34% from the field. However, the Golden Bears were short-handed in that game and will have forward Lee Dort back for tonight’s contest.
Florida State is playing some of its best basketball of the season and finished the year on a three-game winning streak, including a double-digit win on Senior Day against SMU last Saturday. If Luke Loucks’ team defeats Cal, the Seminoles would face Duke tomorrow night in the ACC tournament quarterfinal.
Over the weekend, the Seminoles collected some hardware and broke a few records. Guard Robert McCray V was named All-ACC third-team and Loucks finished fourth in ACC Coach of the Year voting. Florida State men’s basketball also broke the program record for most threes made and the highest offensive efficiency in a season.
Tonight’s game should boil down to winning the margins on two things: three-point shots and rebounding. Cal finished dead last in the ACC in offensive rebounds per game and third to last in opponent rebounds per game. However, the Golden Bears finished in the top four in the conference in three-point percentage and opponent three-point percentage. On the flip side, the Noles finished towards the bottom of the ACC in those two three-point statistics, but rank sixth in the conference in offensive rebounds per game. If this game turns into a shootout, FSU will be in trouble, but if the Noles can run Cal off the line and make them go one-and-done, they have a great chance to win.
Cal is two different teams when they play at home and when they go on the road. The Golden Bears went 16-4 at home this season but only 4-7 away from home. Luckily for them, they played Saturday against Wake Forest and did not have to play across the country before the tournament, but it is always difficult for the West Coast teams on the East Coast.
Players to know:
G Dai Dai Ames: Ames, also named to the All-ACC third-team, led Cal in almost all major categories, including points per game (16.9), minutes (31.9), and free-throw percentage (87%). However, in the previous matchup between the sides, FSU held Ames to only 11 points on 5-15 shooting without a trip to the free-throw line. The junior should get his, but making him work for it and rendering him inefficient should be the goal for the Noles.
G Justin Pippen: The son of NBA great Scottie Pippen, Justin torched the Seminoles for 19 points on 4-9 shooting from three as he willed the Golden Bears back into the game earlier this season. However, even though Pippen is second on the team in scoring (14.2), he has struggled in his last three games, including being held scoreless against Georgia Tech.
Barcelona will have to shell out €50m for Serie A defender; Man United also keen – report
AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after defenders in the upcoming summer transfer market.
The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international has attracted interest from several major European clubs after establishing himself as one of the defensive pillars of the Italian side.
His performances in Serie A and in European competitions have not gone unnoticed, and his name has already appeared on the agendas of several giants, including FC Barcelona.
€50 million for Ndicka
Now, according to reports from Italy (h/t Fichajes), Roma have no intention of letting one of their most important players leave easily. As such, the Italian capital club have set Ndicka’s price at around €50 million.
This is a significant figure that complicates any attempt by Barcelona to finalise his signing. After all, the club’s financial situation forces the Blaugrana to carefully evaluate any major investment.
Ndicka on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Catalans are looking to strengthen their defence ahead of next season and are particularly interested in signing a left-footed centre-back. And Ndicka possesses several of the qualities valued by Barça’s sporting department.
He is a powerful defender, comfortable in building play from the back and experienced at the highest level. In addition, he is currently in the prime years of his football career, making him a player capable of delivering immediate performances.
Manchester United also keen
In addition to his €50 million price tag, what could complicate matters further for Barcelona is the interest from Manchester United in Ndicka.
The Premier League giants are also looking to reinforce their defence and see the Ivorian as an attractive opportunity to improve the squad.
Unlike Barcelona, Manchester United do not appear to be deterred by the price demanded by Roma. So, it remains to be seen who comes out on top in this transfer battle.
Kentucky (20-12) advances to play No. 8 seed Missouri in the second round on Thursday. The Wildcats had not played on a Wednesday at this tournament since the SEC brought the event back in 1979.
Garrison, who entered with just two made 3-pointers on the season, made back-to-back 3-pointers during an 8-0 run that gave Kentucky a 73-64 lead with 9:32 remaining.
Oweh grabbed his own miss and brought it out to the 3-point arc before sinking a jumper from the free-throw line for an 83-76 lead. After an LSU layup at 49.6, Denzel Aberdeen made two free throws for a seven-point lead.
Aberdeen finished with 16 points for Kentucky. Kam Williams, who played in a game for the first time since Jan. 21 due to a broken foot, had three points in 17 minutes.
Max Mackinnon scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half for LSU (15-17). Mike Nwoko had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Marquel Sutton and Jalen Reece each scored 11.
Mackinnon made a 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer, off a nice drive and pass from Reece, to pull LSU within 46-43 at the break.
Reece’s steal and fast-break layup pulled the Tigers within 79-74 with 2:53 remaining following a 6-0 run, but that's as close as they got as Oweh made a driving layup at the other end for a seven-point lead.
Up next
The Wildcats lost to Missouri 73-68 at Rupp Arena on Jan. 7.
The New England Patriotshave agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Romeo Doubs from the Green Bay Packers on a four-year deal worth up to $80 million, as announced on Tuesday.
With Doubs now on board to replace Stefon Diggs, the Patriots still need to add another veteran to their receiving corps. New England may also consider trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, but doing so could require a significant draft pick, and the Patriots might be hesitant to give up a high pick after securing Doubs.
New England could take a different route in finding a veteran wide receiver, and here are two names the Patriots should consider trading for.
Los Angeles Chargers, WR, Quentin Johnston
The Chargers selected Johnston in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but his career hasn't unfolded as many expected. After 46 career games, he has recorded 144 receptions, totaling 1,877 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Johnston stands tall at 6-foot-2, which would make him a valuable target in the red zone for Drake Maye. Johnston is due a $4.5 million cap hit this season, and New England would have the opportunity to pick up his fifth-year option this offseason for the 2027 season, which would carry a $16 million cap hit.
The Chargers could be a team that trades for Brown, which might make them willing to part ways with Johnston. The Patriots could snag Johnston for a mid-round pick, and they should be all over it if Los Angeles makes him available.
Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Similar to Johnston, Addison was a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and his career has been quite a rollercoaster during his first three seasons. In his initial two seasons, he recorded 1,786 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns over 32 games. However, last season was challenging as he appeared in only 14 games due to a three-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's Substance Abuse Policy following a DUI charge in 2024. He recorded only 610 receiving yards and scored three times this past season.
Addison is slated to earn $4.3 million this season, and he has a fifth-year option for 2027 worth $18 million. For New England to acquire him, it will likely need to package a Day 2 pick at the outset. Yet, if the Patriots can tap into the potential he showed during his first two seasons, they could end up getting a real bargain.
The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Chris Williams to a one-year, $2 million contract in NFL free agency, according to a report from ESPN insider Adam Schefter. Williams will help the team replace veteran David Onyemata, who signed with the New York Jets on Day 1 of free agency.
A former undrafted free agent, Williams has appeared in 44 games, recording 43 tackles (26 solo), 10 QB hits and four sacks. The 27-year-old spent his first two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, playing in just 13 games as a rotational defensive lineman.
"Former Bears DL Chris Williams reached agreement today on a one-year, $2 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, per his agents Alan Herman and Jamie Mullen," Schefter reported on Wednesday.
In 2024, Williams signed with the Bears and recorded a career-high three sacks. He spent the last two years in Chicago, appearing in 31 games. Last season, he recorded 14 tackles (six solo), and one sack. Williams is a solid depth addition for a Falcons team that is short on cap space.
The 2026 NFL free agency period officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday afternoon. Make sure to follow along with each Falcons transaction using our 2026 NFL free agency tracker!
Köln's Florian Kainz announces retirement from football
After multiple setbacks over the past few years resulting from injuries, Köln's former captain and current midfielder Florian Kainz has announced his retirement.
At only 33-years-old, this retirement may come as a shock to those who have not watched Köln this season.
However, he has struggled massively for game time for the reason that he has been riddled with injuries this season and also the emergence of Said El Mala which has prevented him from playing in his native left wing position.
He has played 11 games this season in the Bundesliga this season but only has one start which was in November with a stunning free kick against Köln's opponents this Saturday, Hamburg.
After a lengthy injury recovery, Kainz finally made a comeback for a single minute when he came on against Stuttgart and unfortunately gave away the ball for the 3-1 goal from Deniz Undav.
He also has failed to appear for Austria since 2024 but was instrumental in Köln's promotion last season towards the final games under Friedhelm Funkel where he scored twice against Nurnberg on the penultimate matchday.
On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine marvel at Bam Adebayo's big night as he passed Kobe Bryant for 2nd most points in a game in NBA History with 83.
To round out the show, Tom and Dan take a look into the Lakers' success with Austin Reaves and Luca Doncic on the floor without LeBron James.
All this and more on this week's episode of The Big Number!
1:10 Big number: 83 - Bam Adebayo’s points vs. Washington 27:10 Little numbers: 6 - players in play-by-play era w/30 pt quarters 31:05 Little numbers 26: number of personal fouls Adebayo drew 36:25 Little numbers: 22 - number of Adebayo 3pt attempts 40:10 Most unlikely sports record ever? 42:24 Lakers 10-2 without LeBron
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo celebrates with teammates after he scored 83 points, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
It’s a traditional four games per day 16-team bracket, with the top four teams earning byes to the quarterfinals and teams five through eight entering the fray in Thursday’s second round.
Site
Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville has established itself as the SEC Tournament’s usual home, as it is slated to host right through 2030.
Gm. 1: (16) LSU (15-17, 3-15) 82, (9) Kentucky 87 Gm. 2: (13) Mississippi State (13-18, 5-13) vs. (12) Auburn (16-15, 7-11), 3* The Tigers won 91-85 in Starkville on 2/18. Gm. 3: (15) Mississippi (12-19, 4-14) vs. (10) Texas (18-13, 9-9), 7 The Longhorns won 79-68 in Austin on 2/7. Gm. 4: (14) South Carolina (13-18, 4-14) vs. (11) Oklahoma (17-14, 7-11), 9:30* The Gamecocks won 85-76 in Norman on 1/20.
Second Round (Thurs. 3/12)
SEC Network will air all four games.
Gm. 5: (9) Kentucky (20-12, 10-8) vs. (8) Missouri (20-11, 10-8), 12:30 The Tigers won 73-68 in Lexington on 1/7. Gm. 6: Gm. 2 winner vs. (5) Tennessee (21-10, 11-7), 3* Gm. 7: Gm. 3 winner vs. (7) Georgia (22-9, 10-8), 7 Gm. 8: Gm. 4 winner vs. (6) Texas A&M (21-10, 11-7), 9:30*
Gm. 13: Gm. 9 winner vs. Gm. 10 winner, 1 Gm. 14: Gm. 11 winner vs. Gm. 12 winner, 3:30*
Championship (Sun. 3/15)
Gm. 15: Semifinal winners, 1 (ESPN)
Mayhem Potential
Data originally posted by Bob Vetrone Jr. on Twitterin 2020 with my own additions for the seasons beyond.
Since 2011, the No. 1 seed has won five of the 14 SEC Tournament titles that were up for grabs, with Florida’s 2025 title boosting the No. 2 seed’s total to four. No team seeded lower than fifth has won the crown since the conference scrapped divisions for the 2011-12 season.
1 seed (5): 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2023
2 seed (4): 2011 (East), 2016, 2022k, 2025
3 seed (2); 2012, 2013
4 seed (2): 2018, 2024
5 seed (1): 2019
NCAA Bid Totals In The 68-Team Era
14 bids (1): 2025 (24-13, Florida national champion, 16 teams)
The SEC smashed the 2011 Big East’s record of 11 bids last season, but that lower total is the max the conference can expect in 2026. Plus, Florida is the only No. 1 seed threat, unlike the four last year.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: Luis Castillo #58 of the Seattle Mariners warms up before the spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Peoria Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mariners take on the Rockies and their ace Chase Dollander today. Luis Castillo will take the ball for the Mariners.
Also scheduled to pitch for the Mariners: Casey Lawrence, José Ferrer, Matt Brash, Carlos Vargas, Yosver Zulueta
Injury news:
Bryce Miller will throw a 25-pitch bullpen today as he continues to work his way back from oblique soreness. The Mariners won’t say whether or not he’ll be ready to start the season but it doesn’t feel likely at this point; Cooper Criswell seems like a lock to make the roster at this point, and maybe both him and Emerson Hancock.
Roster moves:
Yesterday the Mariners re-assigned RHP Nick Davila to minor league camp; today they made several more cuts, optioning Blas Castaño and Domingo Gonzalez to Triple-A Tacoma and re-assigning OF Lazaro Montes, RHP Tyler Cleveland, RHP Michael Morales, OF Spencer Packard and C Nick Raposo to minor-league camp.
Game information:
Game time: 1:10 PT
TV: no
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, Seattle Sports app, Gameday, Mariners.com
This morning, the media—and everyone at PGA TOUR HQ—experienced the clear-eyed, well-considered vision of an outsider who is unburdened by the compromises and controversies of his predecessor.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.— To understand Brian Rolapp’s quiet confidence during Wednesday morning’s PGA Tour state of the union press conference, it is instructive to hear the gently dismissive musings of one of Rolapp’s former wingmen at the National Football League: “What passes for a crisis in golf—at the NFL, we call that Tuesday.”
Last summer, Rolapp left his plum post as the commissioner-in-waiting at the NFL to take the Tour’s newly created CEO position because a recognized rare opportunity: to reshape an entire sport. Rolapp is not a golfer and that gives him a clarity that is rare in the cloistered world of Tour politics. Should the Players Championship be considered the fifth major? Rolapp never thought about that until six months ago and has no emotion invested in the issue; he does, however, recognize that the debate is good for ginning up interest in the event, and that’s enough for him.
The Tour commissioner has traditionally met the media on Wednesday of Players week in the cozy confines of the press room. These gatherings revealed much about the big boss’s personality and leadership style. Tim Finchem was pugnacious, obfuscating, awkward… but somehow coldly effective at pressing his agenda. Jay Monahan, a people-pleaser to his core, just wanted everyone to get along, so he never said anything edgy…until LIV Golf activated the competitive streak in the former college hockey defenseman. Rolapp’s presser was moved to the Tour’s sleek $75 million headquarters, creating a crackling atmosphere. With staffers lining every inch of the three-story atrium, the gathering felt a little like Mad Max’s Thunderdome, if all the inhabitants were dressed for a Young Republicans mixer. Despite the glitzy setup, Rolapp avoided hubris.. “I'm a big believer in transparency and feedback,” he said. “I'm also a big believer in making sure you know what you don't know. Humility and knowing what you don't know is a completely underrated leadership attribute in my view. I don't come from the golf world; there's a lot I need to learn.” And so the first half-year of his tenure had been a long listening tour during which got an earful from edgy players, self-interested sponsors and calculating TV execs.
The consensus that Rolapp has forged was unveiled on Wednesday. Or, the contours were. Emphasizing that details were still being worked out and unlikely to be finalized before June, Rolapp presented his vision for a reshaped PGA Tour with fewer tournaments but more big-time events, bigger fields that are also more top-heavy with stars, splashier venues in major markets instead of the quaint mom-and-pop tourneys that currently crowd the schedule. It is the clear-eyed, well-considered vision of an outsider who is unburdened by the compromises and controversies of his predecessor. Rolapp doesn’t care about getting into Seminole; the key takeaway from his tenure at the NFL is that the product is king, and he is laser-focused on improving the Tour’s offerings. Small-market tournaments with few stars? They’re a goner. Sponsor’s exemptions are likely to disappear, because the Tour wants a meritocratic structure that identifies and rewards the best players, not relies on the random whims of an insurance company CEO. Match play in the FedEx Cup playoffs? Hell, yeah! As Rolapp pointed out, it’s supposed to be win-or-go-home.
Details will continue to evolve; the takeaway from Wednesday morning was Rolapp’s soothing competence. Under heavy duress from LIV Golf’s arrival four years ago, the PGA Tour was forced to reinvent itself on the fly. It was a messy, chaotic process. Some of the missteps and miscalculations had continued to hover over Ponte Vedra Beach like a stinkcloud. The Rolapp era promises reinvention and renewal. No wonder his first big public press conference was held at Tour HQ: it’s a glass box, and on Wednesday morning all you could see were blue skies.
London, United Kingdom - October 13: Chris Williams of Chicago Bears looks on during the NFL match between Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Atlanta’s already diving headfirst into signing depth pieces. Earlier they grabbed special teamer and linebacker Channing Tindall, and now they’re scooping up ex-Bears defensive lineman Chris Williams.
This is another rotational member of the defensive front, joining ex-Brown Cameron Thomas. Where Thomas is likely to primarily play end and come off the edge, Williams will help replace some of the beef the Falcons lost with the departures of Kentavius Street and David Onyemata. The former undrafted free agent has not been a plus run defender in his career to this point, but he has been able to generate pressure, with PFF crediting him with 25 pressures and four sacks as a part-time player with the Bears in 2024 and 2025.
Former Bears DL Chris Williams reached agreement today on a one-year, $2 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, per his agents Alan Herman and Jamie Mullen.
For an attacking front that likes to rotate and aggressively attack opposing quarterbacks, Williams should be a good fit on passing downs, and he’s had at least limited playing time lining up on both the interior and at end. Early downs and clear run situations are where he’ll need to improve, as he’s had a high missed tackle rate in his career and has graded out poorly against the run in every year except 2025. The Falcons, who had a shaky run defense last year, have to keep adding plus early down defenders to this group, but they may have viewed some improvement from Williams as a good sign for his ability to be well-rounded in Atlanta. Certainly Ian Cunningham would be familiar enough with Williams to endorse him.
We’ll see what his role looks like, but give him a warm welcome to Atlanta!
The New England Patriots have plenty of positions to address during free agency and only so much time to do it...
If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will have to put together another near-flawless offseason as it brings aboard pass-rushers, wide receivers, offensive linemen, linebackers, and tight ends -- a group that reportedly now includes safety Kevin Byard.
Let's take a look at the newest tenant at One Patriot Place!
... it wouldn't be this front office without bringing in someone they already have a relationship with.
New England kicked off its offseason with the additions of defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones, fullback Reggie Gilliam, offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, and linebacker K.J. Britt -- none of which had any significant overlap with members of the coaching staff or front-office.
Byard does, as he spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans, where he overlapped with new head coach Mike Vrabel, senior defensive assistant Terrell Williams, defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr, safeties coach Scott Booker, cornerbacks coach Justin Hamilton, and defensive line coach Clint McMillan from 2018-2023.
Byard isn't just a familiar face, either -- he is the NFL's interception leader (36) since he entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and his presence alone turns his new club's secondary into one of the league's best alongside Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, and Craig Woodson.
If you were looking for a game-changing addition, this very well could be it.
The Patriots' next move should be:
... add some pieces to the front-seven!
New England has curiously eaten away at its own depth throughout the first few days of free agency, so it's time to turn things back in the other direction and keep adding players to the front-seven -- though the options are dwindling with Wednesday's reported signings of Trey Hendrickson (Baltimore Ravens) and K'Lavon Chaisson (Washington Commanders).
Cam Jordan, Joey Bosa, Bradley Chubb, AJ Epenesa, Arnold Ebiketie, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Kyle Van Noy are still available on the open market. Maxx Crosby and Jonathan Greenard have been reported to be available via trade. It's time to get moving if they want to improve on the edge, because thus far, that unit has gotten worse.
If you're looking for answers about the secondary, the unit looks pretty set in stone for next season. The Patriots might want to consider drafting the veteran's replacement sooner rather than later, however, as he reportedly was only brought in on a one-year deal.
The Jacksonville Jaguars scored a touchdown with the signing of Liam Coen as head coach, who quickly revitalized the team from one with a 4-13 losing season to the 13-4 divisional champions. He did so well that, despite the Jaguars not making it far in the playoffs, he was a strong contender for the NFL Coach of the Year.
Under Coen's leadership, quarterback Trevor Lawrence finally unleashed his full potential, and ended the season with an eight-game winning streak. In a new interview with the Jon Gordon Podcast, he explained what helped him build a winning culture in Jacksonville.
He first mentioned growing up in a family of football coaches; his grandfather coached, and his father was a Division III head football coach and high school coach. This gave him an example to build from at a young age.
"I was very fortunate to have an example of what leadership looks like at a very young age, at what communication looks like, at what collaboration really looks like and how important the relationships truly are on any team," Coen said. "Whether it's a classroom of students as a team, whether it's a football team at every level, how important the true 'team' word is.”
That connection with his father continues today with Coen's time coaching the Jaguars.
My dad has a locker here in our offices, in our facility. He comes almost every day to practice and will sometimes sit in and listen to some of the film sessions. He doesn't get involved, but he's just, he loves it. I mean, it's our connection. I grew up on his sidelines and his locker rooms and his meeting rooms. And now we've got an opportunity to do it on the other side, right? And so much of the values and foundation of teaching and coaching comes from him. And so when it comes to toughness, mental and physical toughness, grit, integrity, the things that we're trying to ultimately teach these guys and this generation comes from my dad. And so a lot of, shoot, my post-game celebration with our team comes from my dad. And so many of the things that I find myself saying to our players currently are things that at some point along the line, he either said to me personally or to the teams that he was coaching.
In a clip shared on social media, Coen talked about shunning social media and putting his attention on himself, his family, and his team.
"I remember sitting on my couch and I was scrolling. I thought to myself, I'm like, what am I doing? Let's be honest, right? When your name is out there and it's all good stuff, that feels good. And when it's not good, it hurts," he said, adding, "Wait, so I'm going to let somebody else's words in the metaverse impact and affect my life, my work, my joy. It's not happening. I got off all social media, put my head down and work my tail off. I want to pour into people. I want to pour into my family. I want to pour into what I'm passionate about, which is this work that I'm doing here."
“Put my head down and work my tail off.”
Coach Coen on pouring into his players, family, and passions.
Judging by the improvements in the Jaguars' NFLPA report card, Coen has done a good job fostering the team environment and winning culture he set out to create. And part of that is undoubtedly the rebirth of the Jaguars into a gritty, resilient team that takes negative perspectives or league disrespect and turns it into fuel.
"Who grows from, hey man, you're doing awesome, it's great, no problems, we're good?" Coen asked. "We don't get better from that and that's not what we're trying to do, right. We want to see our players ultimately trying to win a world championship," he continued, adding, "Hard moments, hard times is when we grow."
The team culture he ultimately built is what he calls CLEATS, which stands for commitment, love, energy, authenticity, toughness and being situationally smart.
"That's really the that's what you want the people to be," he said. "And you want to also portray and live. That's the culture that you live. That's every day."
Jamie Erdahl on Dec. 27, 2025 in California Credit: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Jamie Erdahl of Good Morning Football said she's away from the show due to the "tragic health situation" of a family member in a post on X on Wednesday, March 11
Edrahl said she'll return to the show on Monday, March 16 and thanked her "leaders at the NFL for allowing me this time at home"
Colleagues and fans offered "prayers" and support in the replies of Erdahl's post
Good Morning Football host Jamie Erdahl shared that she's been away from the show because of a family member's "tragic health situation."
Erdahl, 37, said, "Since curiosity is mounting," she has decided to "share what I feel comfortable with" about her absence in a post on X on Wednesday, March 11. "I have been away from @GMFB due to an extremely personal + tragic health situation of an immediate family member," she revealed.
Erdahl, who has been on the NFL Network morning show since July 2022, thanked "my leaders at the NFL for allowing me this time at home" before sharing that she'll return to her desk on Monday, March 16.
Jamie Erdahl on Nov. 13, 2021 in Tennessee Credit: Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Her post on Wednesday garnered support from fans and colleagues, including NBC Sports columnist Matthew Berry who replied with "prayers & love" to Erdahl and her family.
Since curiosity is mounting I’ll share what I feel comfortable with: I have been away from @GMFB due to an extremely personal + tragic health situation of an immediate family member. I want to thank my leaders at the NFL for allowing me this time at home. I’ll be back on Monday.
Just a few weeks earlier, on Feb. 22, Erdahl shared additional sad news when she revealed the death of her dog, Toby, in a post on Instagram.
Alongside photos of her late dog, Erdahl wrote, "We let Toby go today. Bone cancer took him from us too soon. My heart hurts. It’s throbbing from the vast joy this dog brought into our lives for almost 9 years."
Referencing her three daughters, Erdahl continued: "You helped us bring these 3 baby girls into the world and showed them how kindness, love, and gentle soul can make every day better. I’ll love you until the end of time. And I’ll always be waiting for your paw to come across my arm as we drive down the road."
Before joining Good Morning Football in 2022, Erdahl served as a CBS Sports sideline reporter since 2014.
She and her husband Sam Buckman, a former NFL agent, share three children: Brooke Marie, 6, Avery, 4, and Nora James, who will celebrate her second birthday on March 30.
The FBI has enlisted the UFC to run an upcoming training seminar.
Several current and former UFC fighters will host the seminar March 14 and 15 at FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Va. The sessions will be exclusive for academy students and senior FBI staff.
“I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth - helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people. Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry and we’re extremely honored to be partnered with him, the professionals, and the UFC. We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her.”
Current UFC stars Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler and Manel Kape will join promotional alumni Jorge Masvidal, Claudia Gadelha, Chris Weidman, and Renzo Gracie, as well as UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, in teaching the seminar.
"I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” UFCCEO Dana White said. “Our UFC fighters are some of the baddest men and women on the planet, and they areheading to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts. It’s an incredible opportunity for ourathletes to experience, and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques."
A partnership between the UFC and FBI has been rumored since Patel assumed office as FBI director in February 2025. Patel has attended various UFC events before and during his tenure.
McIlroy was spotted by Golfweek's Adam Schupak arriving at The Players Stadium Course, fewer than 24 hours before his scheduled first competitive round. He was heading into the clubhouse.
McIlroy is set to tee off at 1:42 p.m. ET Thursday off the first, playing alongside Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama. It's hard to imagine McIlroy not giving it a go this week, but if his back doesn't cooperate, he may not be able to defend his title.
McIlroy, winner of The Players in 2019 and 2025, and No. 2 behind only Scottie Scheffler in the Official World Golf Ranking, had not appeared at the tournament yet this week.
The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that they have offered quarterback Daniel Jones a new deal worth $88 million.
Jones will get $50 million in 2026, fully guaranteed at signing, and is scheduled to make $37 million in 2027 with bonuses for each game played.
Jones will also receive $100,000 in bonuses for each game the team wins with him playing at least 50 percent of snaps — and up to a total of $6 million in incentives.
He also has $60 million in injury guarantees. Not bad for a guy whom the New York Giants gave up on.
It seems the story of the past few years in the NFL has been the rebirth of quarterbacks in new cities
First, it started with Sam Darnold, who moved from a starter in Minnesota to starting as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks.
Before he was injured, Jones was having an MVP-type season for the Colts and almost led them back to the playoffs.
Sometimes, a new start is what some quarterbacks need. It may revive their careers, at least that’s what Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa are hoping.
Tua has already moved on with the Atlanta Falcons, and Murray is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.
We will see next season if the same magic that worked for Daniel Jones in Indy rubs off on them.
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 18: K.J. Britt #3 of the Miami Dolphins walks off of the field after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hours before the start of the league new year, the New England Patriots continued to add to their roster as they agreed to terms with linebacker K.J. Britt on a one-year contract.
Let’s break down what the moves mean for the team from a big-picture perspective.
Linebacker depth
The top of the Patriots linebacker room is set with Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss remaining under contract. The depth behind them, however, is a question mark as restricted free agent Jack Gibbens remains without a tender while the team released Jahlani Tavai on Monday.
After starting a career-high 11 games in Tampa Bay in 2024, Britt saw his role decrease with the Dolphins as he played just 14% of Miami’s defensive snaps across 17 games. Still, he brings 76 games on experience to the depth chart at 26 years old. Britt is known best for his work in the run game.
Special teams boost
Britt’s biggest contribution will be on special teams, where he has been a core player throughout his career. During his career, Britt has regularly appeared across five units — kick coverage, kick return, punt coverage, punt return, and field goal block. In his lone season in Miami, he logged 77% of their special teams snaps and posted a career-high 10 special teams tackles.
Britt will likely assume the role Tavai held, as the former Patriot linebacker appeared on the same five units last season while playing 71% of their special teams snaps.
Room for youth
Britt joins fellow 26-year-old Marte Mapu as the youngest players in the Patriots’ linebacker room. Even if the team brings back Gibbens, it should be expected they continue to get younger (and perhaps more athletic) at the position. The NFL Draft would be the likely place to start.
“I think we’d like to maybe address that in the draft. It looks like a good year at linebacker as well,” Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said at the Combine last month.
Rob Gronkowski has turned up the heat on Logan Paul by warning him what can happen when trash talk carries onto a football field.
The former New England Patriots tight end was responding after Paul dragged his name into the growing NFL boxing feud.
Now Gronkowski wants the issue settled in person when both men appear at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles.
Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images
Rob Gronkowski warns Logan Paul ahead of March 21 flag football game
The Up & Adams Show carried Gronkowski’s response after Logan Paul kept talking about current and former NFL players.
“If Logan Paul wants a piece of me, we’re both playing in the flag football game on March 21 in LA. And I can tell you this, the last time players talked trash to me on a football field, I threw someone out of the club.
“I broke necks, I laid out defensive ends, I pummeled safeties,” Gronkowski reminded Paul.
The timing matters because this is no longer just online back and forth.
Gronkowski and Paul are both expected to be at the same event, which gives the feud a real stage after days of escalating shots from both sides.
For Gronkowski, the point was simple. If Paul wants to talk like that, then he can deal with him face to face on the field.
Rob Gronkowski’s response came after Logan Paul’s $1m NFL challenge
That reaction did not come out of nowhere. Paul recently claimed no current or former NFL player could beat him in a boxing match, then attached a $1 million price tag to the challenge.
Le’Veon Bell quickly took him up on it, but the fight then fell apart after Paul said WWE would not let him risk getting hurt in an exhibition bout.
“No one can tackle me. So if Logan Paul wants a piece of me, I’m down to throw it down on the field and even throw my fist and just go at it, an all-out brawl on the flag football field. I don’t care.
“It’s flag football, and it’s a family event. I will fight him on the field if he wants to fight me right there and then in the flag football. No problem,” Gronkowski concluded.
That is why Gronkowski sounded so irritated. From his point of view, Paul was happy to call out football players when it suited him, but far less eager once one of them actually accepted.
Now Gronkowski has offered a different kind of test, one that would put the two of them in the same place with a lot of eyes watching.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: A view of the Big East logo on the court at Capital One Arena after the game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Connecticut Huskies on January 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All games on Peacock + NBCSN
Game 1: No. 8 Butler Bulldogs 16-15 (7-13) vs No. 9 Providence Friars 14-17 (7-13) at 4:00 PM
Betting Line: Providence -1.5 (subject to change)
Winner faces No. 1 St. John’s Red Storm 25-6 (18-2)
Game 2: No. 7 Marquette Golden Eagles 12-19 (7-13) vs No. 10 Xavier Musketeers 14-17 (6-14) at 6:30 PM
Cristian Quinonez beat Kris Moutinho in Mexico | Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Two more fighters have been removed from the UFC roster after its latest event in Mexico City with Erik Silva and Kris Moutinho joining Felipe Bunes and Jose Medina, MMA Fighting has confirmed the news with sources close to the situation.
Venezuela’s Silva (9-4) lost via first-round submission to Francis Marshall on the Feb. 28 show, dropping to 0-3 under the UFC banner.
The 38-year-old featherweight was stopped in every UFC appearance after a Contender Series victory over Anvar Boynazarov in 2022, suffering a leg injury against Muhammad Naimov in between submission losses to TJ Brown and Marshall.
Moutinho (14-8) earned another chance in the UFC three years after his first 0-2 stint in the organization, and once again was let go after back-to-back defeats against Malcolm Wellmaker and now Cristian Quinonez.
Moutinho’s first UFC run between 2021 and 2022 had knockout losses to Sean O’Malley, which earned him a Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts, and Guido Cannetti.
After winning a second Super Bowl in the 2024 season, the Philadelphia Eagles had an up-and-down 2025 campaign.
Despite one of the league's best defenses and plenty of star talent on the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles made a much quicker playoff exit than they anticipated, which has already led to significant changes. While Nick Sirianni remains head coach, he brought in a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, with more changes expected.
From A.J. Brown's uncertain future, to needs for a tight end, pass rusher and more, Philadelphia figures to have a busy offseason as it looked to retool for 2026.
The Sporting News is tracking all the Eagles' latest moves as free agency gets under way, from official signings and trades, to rumors and rumblings. Here's how Philadelphia's offseason is shaping up.
With the Eagles needing an impact pass rusher, after also reportedly showing interest in now-Raven Trey Hendrickson, one name to watch will be the Vikings' Jonathan Greenard, per Schefter. Greenard is known to be available on the trade market.
Additionally, while there was some buzz about Jalen Carter being on the trade block this offseason, Schefter reports that Carter was never made available and "never shopped."
Philadelphia's first external potential starter of the offseason will be a cornerback, as Schefter reports the team has agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with former Seahawks DB Riq Woolen.
He's set to start opposite of Quinyon Mitchell in 2026, also meaning Cooper DeJean won't have to become a full-time corner.
Philadelphia bringing in pair of TEs, but Goedert remains on open market
Philadelphia is bringing back tight end Grant Calcaterra on a one-year deal, per Schefter, and also reportedly agreed to a contract with former Jaguars veteran Johnny Mundt. Neither are expected to become starting options, but Calcaterra will be a backup, while Mundt is known for his run-blocking.
Defensive back Michael Carter II has signed a renegotiated contract with Philadelphia, per Berman, after the team acquired him last season. Carter was set to count more than $10 million against the cap.
Bradley Chubb a name to watch in replacing Phillips
The Athletic's Zach Berman reports that with Phillips gone, the Eagles could eye another former Miami Dolphin in Bradley Chubb, who has experience with DC Vic Fangio.
Ian Rapoport reports that the Eagles haven't found "any momentum" in an A.J. Brown trade yet, and once free agency is "off and running" it could be off the table.
Philadelphia in need of pass rushers following Jaelan Phillips-Panthers deal
Jaelan Phillips, the former Dolphins EDGE who the Eagles acquired at last season's trade deadline, has left Philadelphia to sign a four-year, $120 million deal with the Panthers, per Schefter.
Phillips had been heavily connected to an extension with the Eagles, but he lands a massive deal to go to Carolina. Immediately, star-level pass rushing becomes a big need for Philadelphia; Phillips was considered their best pass rusher in 2025, and he leaves a void the team will need to fill.
The Eagles had a "walkaway number" for Phillips, per Zach Berman, which came to fruition.
The first major domino of Philadelphia's free agency was extending DT Jordan Davis, who had a breakout 2025 and became one of the best players in the league at his position.
Davis received a three-year extension worth $78 million, per Zach Berman. He becomes the highest paid NT in NFL history.
MONTGOMERY, AL - JULY 03: Lucas Braun #12 of the Columbus Clingstones pitches during the game between the Columbus Clingstones and the Montgomery Biscuits at Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium on Thursday, July 3, 2025 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Natalie Buchanan/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
The life of a baseball prospect is defined primarily in small moments. Over the course of long seasons across multiple years it’s rare to feel that any stand out, or that any stretch of play is particularly pivotal in a player’s progression. However, every year there are some you can point to and see as interesting and immediate headliners for the season.
Stretches of bad play, injuries, or competition from the system around them can put the future of certain players in more immediate question. Others may simply be in a position to have a true breakthrough and put their name in the organizations headlines.
Today, we look at five players who have the most to define this season. Whether it be their roles, their projections, or their national profile, these prospects will be among the most-watched in the Atlanta Braves system this upcoming season and their stories will help shape the way the Braves approach the future.
Isaiah Drake
After a dreadful season in 2024 the sentiment towards Isaiah Drake swung rapidly red, and even following an impressive 2025 his national reputation is still trying to recover. Drake was awful in 2024, but with the combination of his age and the injuries that riddled that season it was not a huge surprise that he bounced back in 2025. He cut down his strikeout rate by nearly a third while hitting for more power throughout the middle of the season, and although he didn’t bring much pop when promoted to High-A his swing and batted ball profile still improved drastically. Drake is heading into this upcoming season at age 20 and has all of the time in the world to tap into his explosive athleticism. While the upcoming players on this list are in more of a time crunch to improve, Drake really just needs to prove that 2025 wasn’t a fluke and to earn respect similar to other players in the system that he performed on-par with or better than last season. Drake’s biggest hole is still his ability to tap into his raw power, but he’s no longer the slappy player that struggled to produce extra base hits in 2024. His ceiling on top prospect lists will be limited until he can grow into at least double-digit home run power, but the 2026 season will be Drake’s opportunity to prove wrong the people who bailed on him a year ago.
Luis Guanipa
Guanipa built up a boatload of hype in the rookie leagues, but since his full-season debut late in 2024 he has looked overmatched against Single-A pitching. That is, when he is even able to play. Guanipa has battled injuries throughout his young career, and in 2025 that limited him to just 29 games with Augusta and another 6 rehabbing down in the complex league. Guanipa made some improvements from 2024 to 2025, most notably with his contact rates, but the questions around his approach and his ability to produce have popped up consistently. Guanipa produces plus bat speed and is strong for someone with his frame, but that simply is not translating to in-game pop at this moment in time. Guanipa struggles to lift the ball with any authority and produced well-below average power numbers last season, and though he has cut down on his strikeouts he hasn’t shown much discipline at the plate. He can get his bat to the ball throughout the zone, but without a major turnaround and a healthy season he may not be seen as a top prospect after this season. It’s not totally dire, as Guanipa is only 20 and the physical traits are still largely there, but without major improvement in 2026 in a third go at A-ball it’s going to be hard to project Guanipa to the upper levels.
Herick Hernandez
Hernandez was impossible in two starts following the draft in 2024, and a large reaction followed with some seeing him as a potential draft steal from the fourth round. Hernandez never really repeated the highs of those two starts in 2025, though he did still flash the potential with his plus slider. The improvement Hernandez showed with his splitter has salvaged his ability to project to a starting role in the future, but that outcome seems to grow narrower with each passing start as his consistency and command did not take any steps forward in 2025. He struggled to locate any of his four pitches, and while he will likely get another shot to start in the upcoming season the Braves are not exactly a patient team when it comes to pitchers. He needs to show significant improvement with his command and quickly in order to remain as a starter, with the likely outcome being a fairly swift move to the bullpen. Hernandez has plenty of room to grow into a major league arm even if that came to pass, but it would not be a surprise if 2026 is his last chance to prove himself even given how little professional experience has.
Lucas Braun
Lucas Braun is coming off of a great season, but he’s now reached the trap that so many pitchers before him did. He’s going to get his first full crack of Triple-A and may even get the chance to pitch in Atlanta this season, but this is the level that the starting room suddenly starts to get crowded. The Braves have a constant rotation of pitchers competing for those spots, and even if it was only a three-game sample Braun didn’t do a whole lot to separate himself in his brief Triple-A stint. His command of all of his pitches and the depth of his arsenal were still on display, but he struggled to miss bats and relied on weak contact to get through his starts. Braun diversifying his arsenal, especially using a sinker more often, helps him in this regard, but we’ve seen multiple guys with his below-average velocity profile hit a wall at Triple-A. Opportunities come and go quickly in baseball, and Braun needs to seize his chance this season and force himself into the conversations when rotation spots open up. Otherwise, more pitchers are going to keep getting healthy and advancing through the system and the window might shut surprisingly quickly.
Hayden Harris
Hayden Harris has performed well in spring training, which is the first step for him actually locking down a major league role this season. His first taste of Triple-A in 2024 proved that even his elite fastball wouldn’t be enough to survive high-level hitters, and he and the Braves made their necessary fixes headed into 2025. With a new sweeper and fledgling splitter Harris made mincemeat of minor league hitters last season, with an absurd 0.52 ERA and 2.07 FIP. His major league debut wasn’t all that impressive, however, and showed the next step in his progression. Harris needs to prove once and for all that his command, which fluctuates between solid and below average, can stay consistently around average or better. He especially needs to make sure he’s keeping his fastball above the hands of hitters, as the only time he really struggles is when his fastball leaks down in the zone. 2026 is his big chance to lock down a major league role and put a stamp on one of the best paths to the bigs in recent memory.
CORAL GABLES, FL - MARCH 07: Miami guard Tre Donaldson (3) drives to the basket while defended by Louisville guard Kobe Rodgers (11) in the second half as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Louisville Cardinals on March 7, 2026, at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Much has been made of Michigan Basketball’s transfer portal haul this past offseason with the additions of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr, Elliot Cadeau and Aday Mara. Rightfully so, as this group of transfers led the Wolverines to a Big Ten regular-season championship.
However, with the regular season wrapped up, we decided to take a look at how the season went for each of Michigan’s outgoing transfers that are still playing college hoops.
Tre Donaldson, Miami
The former Michigan point guard put together an excellent senior season with the Hurricanes. He played more than 85 percent of Miami’s minutes and scored a career-high 16.8 points per game. He also dished the ball out much better as a senior than he had as a junior, as his assists per game jumped from 4.1 to 5.9. He will be one of the leaders on a tournament-bound Miami team.
Justin Pippen, Cal
Pippen transferred from Michigan to Cal in hopes of getting more playing time. His gamble certainly paid off, as he started all 29 games and played more than 31 minutes per game. He shot a respectable 36 percent from the field and 33 percent from deep while pouring in 14.2 points per game. He also led Cal in assists and steals. Cal won’t be making the NCAA Tournament, but he was undoubtedly one of the best players at Cal this season.
Sam Walters, SMU
Like Pippen, Walters also transferred out in the hopes of seeing more minutes. Unfortunately, Walters wasn’t as successful. He played just nine minutes per game for the Mustangs and scored just 2.5 points per game. For context, that’s less minutes and less scoring than he had in his one season at Michigan. He has been dealing with an undisclosed injury that held him out of the last few games of the season.
Phat Phat Brooks, Central Michigan
Brooks stayed in the state of Michigan to play for the Chippewas, where he was one of their primary scorers. He tallied 11 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. I’m sure he relished getting 28 minutes per game compared to the 3.2 minutes he was seeing in Ann Arbor.
Jace Howard, Fordham
Howard transferred to Fordham this past offseason to play for the Rams. Unfortunately after just two games, he was forced to medically retire after suffering several concussions.
Terrance Williams III, USC
After playing four seasons in Ann Arbor, Williams transferred to USC prior to the 2024-2025 season. Last year, he suffered several injuries that allowed him to play in just seven contests. He was healthy this year and appeared in 30 games. However, he wasn’t able to replicate any of the success he had at Michigan, as he notched 2.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, a stark contrast to the 12.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game he had in his last season at Michigan.
Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
Reed had his coming-out party of sorts in his second year at UConn, as he was arguably the best player on a team fighting for a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. He started 26 games for the Huskies and averaged 13.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. He has legitimately blossomed into one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the country despite still being a hideous free throw shooter (55.9 percent).
Dug McDaniel, Kansas State to Memphis
After spending just one year at Kansas State, McDaniel moved on to Memphis and was instantly the Tigers’ best player. This season, he led Memphis in scoring (14.0 points per game), assists (4.7) and steals (2.0) while playing far more minutes than anyone else on the roster. However, the Tigers did not have a great season and are nowhere near the NCAA Tournament bubble.
George Washington III, Richmond to Florida Gulf Coast
Sadly, Washington’s career has still yet to really take off. After one season at Michigan, he transferred to Richmond and remained stashed deep on the bench. He searched for greener pastures this offseason and ended up at Florida Gulf Coast, where he continued to be a benchwarmer. Je played in just 14 games, averaging 8.9 minutes and 3.1 points per game.
Isaiah Barnes, Tulsa to Valpo
Barnes spent two years at Tulsa and started nearly every game. For his graduate year, he transferred to Valpo, where he appeared in 29 games but started in just 13. He was used mainly as a role player off the bench. In his one season at Valpo, he averaged 3.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game.
Frankie Collins, Arizona State to TCU to Vanderbilt
Collins continued his world tour of college basketball this year by transferring to Vanderbilt. In nine games for the Commodores, he came off the bench and had some success, scoring 7.8 points, grabbing 4.2 rebounds and dishing out 4.7 assists per game. Sadly, he tore his meniscus in December, sidelining him the rest of the year. A few weeks ago, Vanderbilt announced he was no longer with the program.
Julián Alvarez provides fresh Atlético Madrid future update
Atlético Madrid star Julián Alvarez has provided a fresh update on his future with the club.
This of course comes fresh off another stellar performance on the part of the Argentine in the colours of the Rojiblancos.
Atlético were back in action on the continent on Tuesday night, welcoming Tottenham Hotspur to Spain’s capital for a Champions League clash.
And en route to a 5-2 romp, the aforementioned Alvarez proved himself the star of the show.
The former Manchester City man was responsible for two goals and an assist, to take his tally for the campaign to 23 direct goal contributions.
Post-match at the Metropolitano, Alvarez was therefore pulled in for an interview with the media.
And during as much, amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future, the attacker provided the following update on his plans beyond the summer:
“I don’t know. Maybe yes, maybe no (will I be at Atlético next season). I have nothing to say other than I’m happy. On social media, a lot of things get talked about, but it’s nothing. We’re very happy competing in all competitions, so everything is going very well.”
Bayern Munich's Croatian defender #44 Josip Stanisic celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16, first leg football match between Atalanta and Bayern Munich at the Gewiss stadium in Bergamo, on March 10, 2026. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino sounds like a man whose team just got runover by Bayern Munich, but he is looking for ways to bounce back and learn from the 6-1 defeat.
“Congratulations to Bayern Munich. They’re a very strong team, truly unplayable at times. It’s not the result we wanted, even though we knew we were facing arguably the best team in the world. I’ve never seen players with this quality and control, they really impressed me. If you sit deep, they still hurt you. If you press them, they always play the ball in the right place and with the right pace. We were never able to counterattack, they had a counter-pressing that won the ball back immediately. I told my players to keep their heads up because we played against an extraordinary team that is destined to go all the way. In life, you either win or you learn, and we’ll learn from this defeat,” Palladino said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Atalanta already pulled off one Champions League miracle this season…does it have another in the aura chamber?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
The 2025 NFL league year was a successful one for the Patriots. On Wednesday afternoon, it will officially come to an end.
While the season runs from September to early February, the league year extends beyond those dates and traditionally starts in mid-March. Today is that day: the calendars are being flipped to 2026.
The new league year will officially begin at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11. At that point, free agency and the trading window begin while teams need to be under the salary cap.
What does all of that mean for the New England Patriots, though? Let’s find out.
Where can I find Patriots news and rumors?
Our 2026 Patriots free agency tracker will be updated regularly and can be seen as your hub for all things New England free agency. Not only do we have all the latest news and rumors in there, but also links to dozens of follow-up articles dissecting every move, player, and contract.
In addition, we also encourage you to visit our up-to-date Patriots roster for an updated look at New England’s depth chart as well as the team’s list of free agents.
What is free agency?
Explained in the most basic of terms, free agency is the signing period for players who are without an NFL contract. There are several categories of free agents depending on their previous experience in the league and the deals they last signed, but basically speaking there is a distinction between unrestricted, restricted, and exclusive rights free agents.
Theoretically, all of them remain under contract until the clock strikes 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. However, the UFAs were already allowed to speak to teams during the so-called legal tampering period that opened on Monday at noon. That said, they are not allowed to officially sign anything until the official start of free agency.
Not every free agency necessarily has to make it to free agency, though. Between contract extensions, restricted and exclusive rights tenders or the franchise and transition tags, organizations have tools at their disposal to prevent their talent from entering the market.
As far as the RFAs and ERFAs are concerned, they were not subject to legal tampering. Any of them who have not received appropriate tenders by their previous clubs at 4 p.m. on Wednesday will also be free to negotiate and sign with any club.
Which Patriots are free agents?
The Patriots entered the offseason with 14 players headed for free agency. After a series of transactions both internally and externally, that number is now down to five:
As soon as the clock strikes 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, all of them will be on the market and free to sign (or re-sign) with any of the teams in the league.
What are compensatory picks?
While there are a few exceptions each year, a vast majority of unrestricted free agents is also eligible to factor into the NFL’s compensatory formula. In basic terms, if a team loses more and higher-value free agents than it signs it is entitled to draft pick compensation. Only 32 such selections are handed out each year, however, and no club can get awarded more than four in a single year.
The Patriots have received no such extra picks in each of the last three seasons, and it also seems unlikely they will get any for 2027.
The period for players to qualify for compensation runs through the Monday after the NFL draft, which is April 27 this year. From that point on, signings will no longer be factored into the NFL’s calculations.
Players who have been released by their respective teams or are entering free agency as restricted or exclusive rights free agents cannot become CFAs.
What is the salary cap?
The salary cap was first introduced in the mid-90s and stipulates how much money a team can spend in any given season. The number changes each year and is dependent on league revenue.
For the 2026 season, the salary cap has been set at $301.2 million per team, up from $279.2 million a year ago. The Patriots are currently projected to have between $30 and $50 million available, depending on two contracts that have not yet been factored into the calculations (WR Romeo Doubs, LB K.J. Britt).
What is the Top 51 rule?
Teams are allowed to carry up to 90 players non-exempt players on their active rosters, but not every one of their contract is directly counted against the salary cap. In fact, only the 51 biggest cap hits are; if a player from the top 51 gets removed either through release or trade, another moves up to take his place.
This Top 51 rule will remain in place until after roster cutdown day and shortly before the start of the 2026 regular season in September. At that point, all 53 active players plus additional expenses will hit the cap.
What is the NFL trading window?
Teams can talk and agree to trading players throughout the offseason, but those moves can not be made official until the start of the new league year. The Patriots have already been taking advantage of that, facilitating one trade earlier this month:
The Patriots will reportedly get a fifth-round draft pick in 2027 back for the veteran center. The terms of the trade will not become official until after the new league year has begun, though.
Mainz' Jae-sung Lee celebrates scoring his side's first goal with teammates during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FSV Mainz 05 and VfB Stuttgart at the Mewa Arena. Torsten Silz/dpa
Mainz refuse to see the Conference League as a burden but rather want to draw confidence from it in their fight against Bundesliga relegation.
The Germans have reached the knock-out stages in Europe for the first time and visit Czech Cup winners Sigma Olomouc on Thursday for the first leg of their last 16 tie. The return leg is next week.
"We want to advance as far as possible. I don't think that worsens our chances in the league," sporting director Niko Bungert said, adding that they "will find a good mix to be successful in Europe and still not to lower our chances in the Bundesliga."
Mainz qualified directly for the knock-outs in seventh place while Olomouc just made the play-offs where they eliminated Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.
In the Bundesliga, Mainz are just above the danger zone in 15th, ahead of St Pauli only on goal difference before Sunday's visit to fellow strugglers Werder Bremen who are one point ahead of them.
Mainz moved out of the bottom three with three straight victories a few weeks ago but have since not won in four matches of which thery drew the last three.
"If we perform well in Europe that also gives us a boost for the league. You can get confidence there. That's what we want to do," forward Paul Nebel said.
Nebel has overcome a modest first part of the season and is back in the starting 11, but partly because influential Nadiem Amiri remains sidelined with injury.
Amiri and Sheraldo Becker will miss the match at Olomouc and coach Urs Fischer stressed his team is not the favourite in the tie.
"We're playing an away game against a strong team and need simply to focus on ourselves. Sigma Olomouc are efficient, dangerous, they will be a hard piece of work," he said in a news conference ahead of the match.
"We want to do well and are looking forward to this task."
The Ravens, trying to revive an inept pass rush, were desperate enough last weekend to trade two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to land Crosby, despite knowing the premier edge rusher is in full rehab mode after his January surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Then, after flunking Crosby on his physical on Tuesday – fueling the perception they merely had buyer’s remorse because they already knew the knee isn’t good to go at this point – the Ravens turned right around and agreed to sign Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million free agent contract.
That’s assuming, of course, that Hendrickson, 31, passes his physical.
The Ravens were desperate enough to quickly reverse course. Remember, after leading the NFL with 17 ½ sacks in 2024, Hendrickson’s 2025 campaign was cut short halfway through by a hip injury that led to core muscle surgery. Yet the Ravens are apparently good enough with that to pay him $28 million per year.
Granted, the Ravens had every right to pull out of the trade for Crosby that was struck before the start of NFL’s new league year at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. It’s a stunning reminder that nothing is official, including the bevy of free agent deals agreed to during the (supposed) two-day “legal tampering” window, until the ball drops on the new calendar.
But man does it stink, leaving the Raiders to pick up the pieces without those two first-round picks – one in April, another in 2027 – that they thought were coming from Baltimore. And suddenly, the hefty price that Raiders GM John Spytek had working on the market for a Crosby deal has gone up in smoke.
Of course, it’s rather standard for any trade – and especially one involving so much premium draft capital – to be contingent on a player passing a physical.
It’s just that one team’s flunking grade doesn’t cover all 32. Remember the time when Drew Brees, coming off shoulder surgery in 2006, was flunked on a physical by the Miami Dolphins? Instead, the New Orleans Saints signed Brees. And later this year, Brees, No. 2 all-time for passing yards and TDs, will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
I’m guessing that Ravens GM Eric DeCosta surely knows that history. Pressed to juice his defense, DeCosta conceivably entered into the Crosby sweepstakes with his eyes wide open when considering the risk. Crosby finished the 2025 season on injured reserve, shut down by the Raiders because of the knee injury – which left him hopping mad while Las Vegas, without its best player for the final two games, hurtled toward clinching the No. 1 pick overall in April that undoubtedly will be used to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza – and all of the potential trade partners knew the rehab is in midstream.
As of mid-day Wednesday, the Ravens had not publicly commented on why they pulled out. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Ravens consulted multiple team doctors – including Jonathan Cooper of the Dallas Cowboys – who reviewed Crosby’s MRI scans.
Interestingly, the Cowboys – whose team owner, Jerry Jones, recently declared that he wasn’t interested in pursuing “medical redshirts” this year in the draft and free agency, despite a history for waiting on players rebounding from injury – were not seriously in the mix to make a play for Crosby nor Hendrickson.
In any event, if the Ravens had second thoughts about giving up those first-round picks – and with the upcoming draft purportedly deep in edge rushers – they certainly had some cover and incentive.
The incentive might have been the market for Hendrickson, who didn’t attract offers that would have put him in Crosby’s range ($35.5 million per year). With a $28 million average, Hendrickson ranks 11th in average pay for edge rushers, according to Spotrac.com, with the $46.5 million for Micah Parsons topping that scale.
So, as it turns out, the Ravens can keep their picks and hope Hendrickson brings enough of the heat they envisioned getting from Crosby. That’s a theory gaining steam in NFL circles.
Then there’s the cover. The risk assessment for Crosby, 28, involved projecting how well his knee will hold up in future years.
Take stock of what Crosby’s surgeon, Neal ElAttrache, told ESPN:
“We respect the work of the Ravens staff with Maxx regarding the contract physical exam. We also understand the challenge the staff faces when tasked to provide a future risk assessment based on an evaluation early in the recovery process. The timing of this assessment is unfortunate because the apparent risk will lessen as his recovery progresses and his return to performance over the next few months becomes clear.”
Why didn’t the Ravens wait before offering such an enticing package to land Crosby? Had they held off until closer to the draft in late April, Crosby would have been further along with his rehab, as ElAttrache alluded to. By then, however, some other team might have swung a deal.
That’s where the desperation seemingly inspired their actions. Desperate to land a premier defender, the Ravens were willing…until a less-risky option emerged with Hendrickson.
Whether that ultimately proves to be the right decision will be revealed in time.
No. 9 seed Kentucky Basketball opened SEC Tournament play Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with a tightly contested matchup against No. 16 seed LSU. In a game that featured several momentum swings, Kentucky leaned on senior guard Otega Oweh to pull away late and secure a much-needed 87-82 victory over the Tigers.
The Wildcats and Tigers battled back and forth for much of the afternoon, with neither team able to build a comfortable lead. LSU kept pressure on Kentucky with timely scoring and defensive stops, but Oweh stepped up when the Wildcats needed him most. The guard made key plays down the stretch, helping Kentucky maintain control and hold off LSU’s late push.
For Kentucky, simply playing on Wednesday in the first round of the SEC Tournament was a rare sight. Historically, the Wildcats have finished high enough in the conference standings to earn at least a single bye, and often a double bye, allowing them to avoid the opening day of the tournament. This season’s ninth-place finish forced Kentucky into an earlier start than usual.
Despite playing on Wednesday, Kentucky managed to survive and advance, winning by five against LSU.
With the win, Kentucky moves on to the second round of the SEC Tournament, where it will face No. 8 seed Missouri on Thursday at 12:30 PM ET. Kentucky will have to win and play five straight days if they want to win the SEC Tournament this year.
Here are four things to know from day one of the SEC Tournament
Otega Oweh continues to star for Kentucky
Otega Oweh continues to be the star for Kentucky. In Wednesday’s SEC Tournament opener against LSU, Oweh delivered exactly what the Wildcats needed, dominating both halves and showing why he has become a cornerstone of the program since transferring from Oklahoma.
In the first half, Oweh scored 13 of Kentucky’s 46 points, added five rebounds, two assists, and a steal while playing 19 of 20 minutes. His presence on both ends of the floor kept the Wildcats in a back-and-forth contest and helped set the tone for the second half.
Oweh carried that dominance into the second half, continuing to score, rebound, and facilitate as Kentucky pulled away to secure the win. His ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations has made him a very important piece for Kentucky and a reliable force for the team’s postseason ambitions.
Mark Pope and Kentucky will need Oweh to maintain this level of intensity as they advance deeper into the SEC Tournament and prepare for the NCAA Tournament. While the rest of the roster will need to complement his efforts, there’s no question that Kentucky’s success heavily depends on Oweh performing at this elite level. His consistency and leadership make him the driving force behind Kentucky’s hopes for a strong postseason run.
Kam Williams makes his return from injury
Kentucky fans got a welcome sight on Wednesday as Kam Williams made his return to the court in the first round of the SEC Tournament against LSU. Williams had been sidelined since breaking his foot against Texas on January 21st, but less than two months later, he was back and ready to contribute for the Wildcats.
Many expected Williams to be on a strict minutes restriction, but the forward played 12 of 20 minutes in the first half, showing no signs of rust. In the first half, he went 1-for-2 from the field and drilled one 3-pointer, although Williams did not score a lot. He helped to grab multiple rebounds, played tough defense, and helped space the floor, allowing teammates like Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen to attack the rim more effectively. His presence also opened opportunities for big men Brandon Garrison and Andrija Jelavic to get easier baskets inside.
Williams being off the availability report meant Kentucky could count on him in a crucial first-round matchup, and he didn’t disappoint. His energy and floor spacing helped the Wildcats secure a victory against LSU, giving Kentucky momentum heading into the next round. Fans can take comfort knowing that Williams is back in action and ready to make a difference as Kentucky continues its SEC Tournament run.
Collin Chandler has to find his confidence again
After a standout performance against Vanderbilt in Rupp Arena, where Collin Chandler scored 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting and 6-of-8 from three-point range, expectations were high.
Chandler scored just 3 points against Texas A&M and 2 points against Florida, showing his confidence wasn’t there. In Kentucky’s first-round SEC Tournament matchup against LSU, Chandler did put up 7 points in the first half, but it was clear he was still trying to find his rhythm. He started the game settling for long-distance shots, missing two early threes, and struggled defensively as LSU repeatedly attacked him off the ball.
Kentucky will need Chandler to regain confidence and consistency as Kentucky looks to make a deeper run in both the SEC and NCAA Tournaments. With the team relying on multiple players to contribute, Chandler will have to start scoring again, but also improve his defense.
Chandler’s talent is there, but to help Kentucky advance, he must translate the potential that he has into production. The Wildcats will rely on him and the rest of the roster to step up in the coming rounds.
Brandon Garrison steps up in a big way
When Kentucky needed a steady presence in the paint against LSU, Brandon Garrison answered the call with one of his best performances of the season. With freshman starting big man Malachi Moreno battling foul trouble and struggling to find consistency in the game, Garrison stepped off the bench and delivered a huge boost for the Wildcats.
Moreno had a tough game. The freshman not only dealt with foul issues but also took a hit to the face while attempting to contest a poster dunk. That opened the door for Garrison to take on a bigger role, and the junior made the most of it.
In the first half, Garrison quietly produced solid numbers with 6 points on 3-of-4 shooting, while also contributing two blocks, three rebounds, and an assist. His defensive presence helped Kentucky stay competitive in a tightly contested matchup.
The second half, however, is when Garrison truly took over. The veteran forward scored double digits after halftime, knocked down multiple three-pointers, and came up with several steals. His energy and versatility gave the Wildcats a spark when they needed it most.
Many Kentucky fans expected a breakout season from Garrison in his second year under Pope, but until now, they had only seen flashes, including a strong showing earlier in the season against Oklahoma. Against LSU in the SEC Tournament opener, Garrison finally delivered the type of performance the BBN had been waiting for.
Now, time to celebrate win No. 1 in this year’s SEC Tournament!
The Patriots did end up patching together an effective safety room during last season’s Super Bowl run. Newcomers Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins teamed up to play a total of more than 1,200 and 1,100 snaps, respectively.
Kyle Dugger started the season in the mix before being traded away in Week 8. This left Dell Pettus as the only true safety on the roster.
Hawkins’ 71 tackles and four interceptions were more than enough to make his one-year, $2.3 million contract worth it. But it was nothing compared to Byard’s season with the Chicago Bears that earned him first-team All-Pro honors.
Byard had 93 tackles in 17 starts. He made four tackles for loss, defended eight passes, and led the league in interceptions with seven on the season.
Byar has quietly been one of the best safeties this century. He has made 155 starts, recorded 36 interceptions, and has 972 career tackles.
He also had some of the best years of his career under head coach Mike Vrabel for the Tennessee Titans.
Byard is an instant upgrade for nearly any secondary in the NFL and should be set up to have another career year in Foxboro.
Xbox details Project Helix at GDC 2026 At their “building for the future with Xbox” event at GDC 2026, Microsoft detailed some of the “innovation” inside their next-generation “Project Helix” console. As mentioned before, Microsoft has confirmed that this new system will play both Xbox Console and PC games. Furthermore, Microsoft has confirmed that this […]
Minecraft developer Mojang has announced the date and time for the first Minecraft Live 2026 show in a new trailer. Here's everything you need to know.
At GDC 2026, Microsoft outlined the future of PC and Xbox game development, positioning Windows as the foundation for the next-generation of gaming via unified GDK.
SolidRun, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance system-on-module (SOM) solutions, single-board computers (SBC) and network edge solutions, announced its new P100 COM Express Type 6 module family, powered by AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P100 processors. Designed for real-world edge deployments where systems don't sit still, the P100 COMx6 series targets mobile platforms as well as harsh, mission-critical environments across industrial automation, transportation, medical systems, and robotics.
"Edge AI is moving out of controlled environments and into the real world, like mobile platforms, harsh industrial sites, and mission-critical deployments where serviceability, and longevity matter as much as raw compute," said Dr. Atai Ziv, CEO of SolidRun. "Our new P100 COM Express Type 6 modules are built to deliver powerful AI performance at the edge while improving the mechanical durability and serviceability product developers need to deploy confidently in demanding environments."
NVIDIA has officially confirmed the ROP count for its Pro-Viz RTX PRO 5000 "Blackwell" graphics card, listing it at 160 ROPs for this GPU. Reddit user "xmikjee" posted on the NVIDIA subreddit that his recently purchased RTX PRO 5000 "Blackwell" graphics card with 48 GB has 160 ROPs instead of the 176 that our database and several online sources initially suggested. However, NVIDIA has confirmed for TechPowerUP that this is an error and that the card officially comes with 160 ROPs, as detected by our GPU-Z software. GPU-Z reads the ROP count on the GPU as soon as the driver is installed. This means that "live data" is shown and read using NVIDIA drivers that are probed by the GPU-Z utility, which then reports the ROP count. Coincidentally, another user in the thread mentioned that his card also runs with 160 ROPs as detected by GPU-Z.
To understand why the ROP count on the RTX PRO 5000 "Blackwell" matters, it's helpful to know how NVIDIA structures its GPUs. The chip is built in layers, starting with Graphics Processing Clusters (GPCs) at the top, breaking down into Texture Processing Clusters (TPCs), and then into Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), which are the cores doing the actual work. ROPs follow this same hierarchy, with each GPC contributing 16 ROPs. On a fully loaded "Blackwell" GB202, that totals 192 ROPs across 12 GPCs. The RTX PRO 5000 "Blackwell" takes an interesting path. With 14,080 CUDA cores, pointing to just under 7 GPCs worth of compute, you might expect a leaner configuration. However, NVIDIA used 10 fully active GPCs on the card, leaving some SMs off. This results in a ROP count of 160, which is notably strong for a professional card at this tier. It suggests that NVIDIA was quite generous with the silicon it left enabled and indicates the segmentation the company is doing within the GB202 SKU. Considering the very expensive RTX PRO 5000 "Blackwell" professional graphics card that NVIDIA lists for $5,099 on its Amazon store, this is a valid compromise.
Framework has taken a remarkably transparent approach to recent RAM price increases that affect the pricing of both its laptops and its standalone RAM sales, sticking to monthly price updates throughout the ongoing RAM shortage and maintaining a blog post with monthly updates on the industry situation. Framework's March memory pricing update will see prices on DDR5 SODIMMs increase to as much as $13-18 per GB, with lower capacity sticks seemingly trending towards the higher end of that price bracket. The price increases in question have also affected the Framework Desktop and some pre-built SKUs of the Framework Laptop 16.
Framework also confirmed that it has "started to deplete" its stockpile of low-cost SSDs that were sitting in inventory, and the company predicts that prices for the Laptop 12, 13, and 16 will continue to trend upwards in the coming months as a result of both the storage and RAM price increases. For the time being, the OEM still has supply of 2, 4, and 8 TB SN850X SSDs that are priced below market averages. The impacts of the DRAM crisis on silicon fabrication have also begun to become apparent, since the Intel Core i5-1334U in the Framework 12 is in limited supply.
Avalue Technology Inc. (TPEx: 3479.TWO) has officially launched the new EAX-R680BP ATX industrial motherboard, which is centered around a highly expandable platform architecture. Supporting the next-generation Intel Core Series 2 processor, it offers flexible dual PCIe Gen 5 card configuration capabilities. Designed for AI inference, high-performance computing, and data-intensive storage applications, the EAX-R680BP empowers system integrators and enterprise users to build computing platforms that balance performance, scalability, and long-term stability.
As edge AI, smart manufacturing, and data-driven applications continue to grow, the need for high-bandwidth expansion and computational acceleration in system architectures becomes ever more apparent. The EAX-R680BP industrial-grade motherboard from Avalue features an ATX form factor design that fully leverages the advantages of expansion flexibility and versatility. When combined with the Intel Core Series 2 processors, the EAX-R680BP motherboard provides a stable and scalable hardware foundation for a variety of applications. Thanks to its PCIe Gen 5 high-speed channel design, the motherboard can support the simultaneous operation of multiple GPUs or high-performance expansion cards, meeting the performance density demands of next-generation AI and edge computing.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung refining rather than reinventing its flagship formula. Reviewers are positive about the excellent cameras, a Snapdragon processor that benchmarks neck-and-neck with Apple's latest, and the standout Privacy Display that limits viewing angles for added security. Faster charging, improved low-light photography, and Super Steady video round out an update that moves the needle without raising the price.
Despite operating in a different league than traditional Big Tech giants, Oracle has heavily invested in the AI-driven future of computing and cloud services. The Austin-based company has committed billions to build massive data centers, but recent rumors suggest that this ambitious strategy could be at risk, signaling potential trouble...
Clriti turns your strategy docs, notes, or bullet points into stakeholder-ready roadmaps in seconds. Generate tailored views for execs, engineering, delivery, and sales, and switch between timeline, Gantt, Now/Next/Later, swimlane, and other formats from the same data. Use presentation mode, drag-and-drop timelines, and branded themes to share polished plans. Collaborate with your team, upload documents to auto-structure initiatives, export to PNG, PDF, or PowerPoint, and control everything with a natural-language AI command bar.
Viktor Juskin, Co-Founder of LegalBison, explains how crypto founders must navigate the complex 2026 regulatory landscape, from MiCA and DORA compliance to DAO liability and jurisdictional strategies across the EU, U.S., and UAE. Viktor Juskin is Co-Founder and Managing Partner…
Mastercard is enlisting more than 85 crypto firms, fintechs, and banks into a new partner program designed to keep stablecoin payments running over its own rails. Mastercard is recruiting more than 85 digital asset companies, payment providers, and financial institutions…
MSC Cruises announced upgrades to the MSC Yacht Club restaurants, part of the company’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept. The company said in a press release that the refurbishment will be rolled out across its three Fantasia-class ships, set to undergo drydocks in December 2026, April 2027 and February 2028. The restaurant onboard its fourth Fantasia-class ship, the...
EU Tourism Support Fund will power sustainable, digital and unforgettable travel stays across Europe — a game‑changer for global travellers exploring continent.
Travelers disrupted at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport as EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways cancel 14 flights affecting Beirut, Cairo, Amman, Doha.
Kellton Tech launches Zourney, an innovative AI-first B2B travel platform designed to automate corporate bookings, optimize costs, and global travel management.
Qatar provides free extended accommodations and visa relief for travellers stranded by airspace closures from the Iran war while coordinating with authorities to ensure safe departures and stability.
The US tourism sector is entering a bold new phase. Kansas joins Florida, Texas, California, New York, New Jersey and more US states in a powerful shift that is transforming the future of leisure and theme park tourism. Across the …
Sleep tourism rises in 2026 with a surge in global interest. Discover how sleep-focused vacations are helping travelers reset their routines and recover from burnout.
Australia's new Subclass 407 visa rules, effective 11 March 2026, will reshape foreign worker training programs in Sydney, Melbourne, and major cities across Australia
Agentic web browsers that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to autonomously execute actions across multiple websites on behalf of a user could be trained and tricked into falling prey to phishing and scam traps.
The attack, at its core, takes advantage of AI browsers' tendency to reason their actions and use it against the model itself to lower their security guardrails, Guardio
The MacBook Neo is officially available to order today, and Amazon has a first-time discount, bringing the already affordable price down to just £569.97
The hacktivist group claimed the attack was in retaliation for a U.S. strike on a Tehran school that killed more than 175 people, most of them children.
For years, venture capitalists have been skeptical of beverage startups, citing thin margins and brutal distribution as reasons most brands never break out. But a new wave of “functional soda” companies has been challenging that assumption, including Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand that grew from a kitchen experiment into a $1.95 billion acquisition by PepsiCo. On this episode of […]
Samsung had to spend a tremendous amount of money to purchase chips from Qualcomm. Over the years, Samsung’s spending on Snapdragon processors has increased significantly, and the Galaxy S27 may flip the script after all.
According to Chosun, Samsung is planning to push Exynos even harder in the Galaxy S27 series next year. The Ultra version could stay stuck to Snapdragon, while the base and Plus would increase the Exynos utilization.
If that happens, Samsung’s processor bill drops a lot. Samsung’s semiconductor division starts pulling its weight in mobile again, instead of just being the company that makes everyone else’s memory chips.
Meanwhile, Exynos has a reputation problem that won’t disappear overnight. Samsung has to deliver this time, with the Galaxy S26 itself. Not just a chip that’s “good enough” or “close to Snapdragon in most scenarios.”
The S26’s Exynos 2600 seems to have cleared that bar, at least based on early reception. But one generation doesn’t rebuild trust. The S27 will be the real test, the moment Samsung either proves it can compete or Snapdragon is necessary.
If the S27 lands with Exynos across the board and people barely notice, that’s when the balance of power starts to shift.
Samsung dropped nearly 14 trillion won last year buying chips from Qualcomm. The 2025 business report reveals that approximately 13.8 trillion won went to application processors alone, up 26.5% from the year before.
Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Pro and Ultra US launch went live today. The company quietly delayed the entry-tier Galaxy Book 6, leaving only the Pro and Ultra available to purchase right now.
The South Korean tech giant flipped the switch on sales for its new laptop lineup this morning, but is anyone hunting for that $1,049 base model? You’re out of luck.
Here’s what you can buy
The 14-inch Galaxy Book 6 Pro with an Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB storage runs $1,549. Bump that same chip to a 16-inch screen with double the storage, and you’re looking at $1,849.
Want 32GB of RAM? Add another hundred bucks per screen size, landing you at $1,949 or $2,049, depending on whether you go smaller or bigger.
Samsung’s throwing in $50 discounts on all of these, which feels less like generosity and more like table stakes in March 2026.
The Galaxy Book 6 Ultra starts at $2,399, and that version pairs 32GB RAM and 1TB storage with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H and an Intel Arc B390 GPU. If you want discrete graphics, you’ll need the $2,949 model.
It swaps in the GeForce RTX 5060 but downgrades the processor to the Core Ultra 7 356H. So you’re paying $550 extra for a GPU bump while getting a technically slower chip.
Samsung confirmed weeks ago that the base Galaxy Book 6 would start at $1,049. The Galaxy Book 6 Pro and Ultra are available now at Samsung.com and through retail partners.
A prominent analyst has revealed that all-new MacBook Pros with OLED display are likely to launch later this year or early 2027. Touch input support has also been reiterated, although no further details were shared.
A new World War I team-based shooter, Over The Top: WWI, has landed on Steam. Launched on March 6, the game has seen increased popularity, with concurrent player count growing steadily.
The successor to the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, is shaping up to be a powerful smartphone. Previous rumors have hinted at the cameras and batteries, and a new leak has clarified some display specifications.
Recently, astronomers have discovered a collision between two neutron stars in an unexpected area of the universe. This event is a first and could help solve two important mysteries surrounding these celestial objects.
Ahead of the imminent launch, the real-life OnePlus 15T has made a debut in a live session held by the company. This gave a detailed look at the compact flagship phone and highlighted its design elements.
EA has laid off an undisclosed number of developers across Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive just months after Battlefield 6’s record October 2025 launch, citing a “realignment” toward live-service support.
Xiaomi’s Smart Camera C302 has been released in countries across Europe. Most recently, it landed at the brand’s online store in Spain. Its features include smart human and pet detection and tracking.
GMKtec has officially announced the launch date for the Evo-T2 mini PC with the powerful Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor. Featuring the impressive Arc B390 iGPU, the Evo-T2 should be a potent mini PC with great multicore and GPU performance.
Xiaomi has confirmed the battery capacities of its Poco X8 Pro and Poco X8 Pro Max smartphones ahead of their upcoming Indian and global releases. At the same time, the company has also teased that a special edition model will be joining the pair in both markets as Xiaomi reprises its Iron Man partnership.
Last week, Apple launched the MacBook Neo, its cheapest MacBook yet, but obviously not a cheap machine per se - just cheaper than the other MacBooks.
The Neo is now expected to ship around 4.5 to 5 million units this year, with 2-2.5 million before the end of June. The laptop is currently being exclusively assembled by Quanta, with Foxconn perhaps becoming a second supplier in the near future.
Luxshare is actively seeking to become an assembler for the Neo 2, aligning with its intention to become the world's largest laptop assembler, for which it's already rapidly expanded its...
YouTube's biggest growth these past few years has come from viewership on TVs, and the Google-owned company is now looking to make some more money from that.
One way to do it is the introduction of unskippable 30-second ads on TVs. These are now available for advertisers globally. The company explains to advertisers that its AI "dynamically optimizes between 6-second Bumpers, 15-second standard, and 30-second connected TV-only non-skippable ad formats, ensuring your campaign reaches the right audience at the right time".
Obviously, the solution is to pay for YouTube Premium if you...
The road to the 2026 World Cup is already generating intriguing storylines, and one of the most fascinating could involve three legendary figures of the modern game. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could be joined by Guillermo Ochoa in making history at the tournament.
The road to the 2026 World Cup is already generating intriguing storylines, and one of the most fascinating could involve three legendary figures of the modern game. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could be joined by Guillermo Ochoa in making history at the tournament, as the experienced Mexican goalkeeper suddenly finds himself back in contention for a remarkable career milestone following a major injury to the Mexico national team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The development came after a devastating injury to Luis Malagon, the regular starter for the national team and goalkeeper for Club America, which could now dramatically reshape the squad heading into soccer’s biggest tournament. The situation has unexpectedly reopened the door for Ochoa, a long-time cult hero for Mexico, to return to the world stage in what could become one of the most remarkable chapters of his career.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is the historic significance that may await if everything falls into place.
Malagon suffers devastating injury blow
Mexico’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup suffered a huge setback during a CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Club America and Philadelphia Union.
During the match, Malagon received the ball near his goal and attempted to clear it, but as he planted his foot to strike the ball, his leg suddenly gave way. The goalkeeper collapsed immediately, clutching his left foot in visible pain. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch, and the 29-year-old was eventually carried off on a stretcher.
Confirma @Andres_Vaca_ que Malagón sufrió una ruptura en el tendón de Aquiles.
Aproximadamente 6 meses de recuperación.
Nunca es buen momento para lesionarse, pero a tres meses del Mundial, caray…
After the match, Club America manager Andre Jardine revealed the worrying initial diagnosis. “We think it’s an injury that’s pretty serious,” Jardine explained. “Probably an Achilles tendon injury. Hopefully it’s not a complete tear, but probably a partial tear at the very least that will keep him sidelined for a good amount of time.”
Early medical assessments suggest that the Mexican shot-stopper may require surgery and could face six to nine months on the sidelines, effectively ruling him out of the World Cup. The injury represents a huge blow for both club and country. Malagon had been El Tri’s most trusted goalkeeper since Javier Aguirre returned as national team manager in 2024 and was the starter when Mexico won the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Nations League in 2025.
Luis Malagon of America celebrates
The historic milestone suddenly within reach
While Malagon’s absence is tragic for the player, it has unexpectedly opened a door for veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. At 40 years old, Ochoa remains active with Limassol in Cyprus and has made it clear that he still hopes to represent Mexico at the upcoming World Cup.
If selected, Ochoa could achieve a milestone that no player in history has ever accomplished, appearing in six different FIFA World Cups. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are also aiming for the same unprecedented achievement. Each has already played in five tournaments:
Messi: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
Ronaldo: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Argentina
Ochoa has an identical record, having featured for Mexico in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. If the trio were selected for the 2026 tournament, they would become the first players ever to participate in six World Cups, rewriting a piece of soccer history.
Lionel Messi (left), Guillermo Ochoa (center), and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
Real Madrid and Manchester City clash in the first leg of the 2025-26 Champions League Round of 16, a game you won't want to miss a single detail of in our live coverage.
Real Madrid and Manchester City go head-to-head on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg of the 2025-26 Champions League Round of 16, a heavyweight clash between two of the competition’s perennial contenders. Stay with us throughout the evening as we bring you every key moment from what promises to be a memorable night in Madrid.
Real Madrid return to Champions League action following a controversial playoff series against Benfica, in which Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni emerged as two of the central figures. However, Los Blancos head into the game far from their sharpest form, having managed just two wins from their last four matches across all competitions, including a defeat at home to Getafe at the Bernabéu.
Manchester City, meanwhile, arrive in better shape despite dropping points in the Premier League title race with Arsenal. Their last defeat came against Bodø/Glimt on January 20, and since then Pep Guardiola’s side have gone on an 11-game unbeaten run, collecting nine wins and two draws across all competitions.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF.
Vinicius Júnior’s Real Madrid and Erling Haaland’s Manchester City meet in the UEFA Champions League with a curious trend hanging over the tie.
The showdown between Real Madrid and Manchester City is, without a doubt, the most attractive matchup of the Champions League Round of 16. Without Kylian Mbappe but with Vinicius Junior leading the attack, the Spanish side will try to take advantage at home in the first leg. However, they must be cautious of the ever-dangerous threat posed by Erling Haaland.
Beyond the significance of this match and the quality of both teams, recent history adds another intriguing layer to the matchup. Real Madrid and Manchester City have faced each other in the knockout stages of the Champions League in five of the last six editions.
Although the winning side has varied each time, with three victories for the Spaniards and two for the English club, one unusual statistic has remained constant: the team that scored the first goal of the series ended up being eliminated.
That pattern even repeated itself in the match they played during this season’s league phase at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. On December 10, 2025, Real Madrid took the lead through a goal from Rodrygo, but the Citizens turned the score around with goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Recent history between Real Madrid and Manchester City
The run of frequent meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League began in the 2019-20 season. In that tie, the Spanish club scored the first goal through Isco, but they were eventually eliminated after losing both matches in the Round of 16.
In 2021 the two sides did not face each other, although they came close. Manchester City reached the final against Chelsea, who in the previous round had eliminated Real Madrid with a 3-1 aggregate score. That was the only edition in the last seven in which the two clubs did not meet.
Real Madrid won the title in the 2021-22 season. On their way to the trophy, they had to eliminate Manchester City in the semifinals, doing so with a 6-5 aggregate score. The series had started in favor of the English side with a goal from Kevin De Bruyne, but they were unable to hold onto that advantage.
In 2023, the trophy was lifted by Manchester City for the first time in their history. In the semifinals, they got their revenge and defeated Los Blancos, who had opened the scoring in the series thanks to a goal from Vinicius. The 4-0 win in the second leg showed the dominance of Pep Guardiola’s side that year.
In the 2023-24 season, it was Real Madrid who advanced on penalties, even though that quarterfinal series had started with a goal from Bernardo Silva. And a year later, Haaland put Manchester City ahead early in the first leg of the playoff round, but the series ended with a convincing 6-5 aggregate victory for the Spanish side.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Manchester City's Erling Haaland.
Eden Hazard may have retired a few years ago, but he has remained quite active in the world of soccer. For that reason, he decided to speak out about all the pressure surrounding Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. He also made some surprising comments regarding the Brazilian’s early retirement.
After announcing his retirement in 2023, former Real Madrid star Eden Hazard stayed away from everything related to soccer for quite some time. Nevertheless, the Belgian decided to break his silence, speaking about Vinicius Jr. He not only acknowledged his great talent but also talked about all the challenges he must face. He even chose to give some surprising comments about the Brazilian’s retirement, delivering a strong critique.
“Nowadays, people talk more about what he does off the pitch or what he goes through, rather than what he brings to the game. People forget what an exceptional player he is. All this must weigh on him. It can’t be easy to take to the pitch thinking only about soccer. I wouldn’t be surprised if, at 30, he said he was leaving, that he was quitting soccer, because nothing would change anyway,” Eden Hazard said, via RTBF.
While Vinicius Jr. remains one of the best players in the world, everything surrounding the Brazilian veers far from soccer, with accusations of racism and on-field behavior being the main topics. Although he managed to overcome these criticisms at first, this season his performance has dropped noticeably, making pressure a possible factor. Because of this, the Belgian points to potential burnout for the 25-year-old star that could lead him to retirement.
Far from Vinicius being the only one affected in this regard, Lamine Yamal has also been a victim of this pressure, as everything around him revolved around matters outside of sport. Because of this, the Spaniard decided to step back from social media and the press. While the Brazilian often plays a provocative character, he frequently becomes a target of racial discrimination and harsh criticism—something that should never happen.
Vinicius claimed he was discriminated
Vinícius Jr. emerges as a leading figure against racism in soccer
Throughout his sporting career, Vinicius Jr. has always been a highly provocative figure, angering many opponents and fans. Because of this, he has become a target of racial discrimination from some spectators, who demand that he tone down his constant provocations. Nevertheless, the goal is not to change the Brazilian but to eliminate any form of discrimination from soccer, with him serving as a leading figure in this cause.
International Football Association Board (IFAB) are reportedly advancing a rule aimed at prohibiting players from covering their mouths when addressing an opponent. If they do so, they would receive a yellow card. With this, they aim to ensure that any accusation of discrimination can be verified on video and sanctioned, according to multiple media outlets.
With this, the Brazilian emerges as a transformative figure, as he has not stayed silent in the face of discrimination and has pushed for changes within FIFA. Because of this, Vinicius may not consider early retirement as an option, since his strong mentality and resilience make him a role model in the sport. Instead, he aims to regain his best form and transform the reality for other players.
Former Real Madrid star Eden Hazard and Vinicius Jr.
Wrexham TV schedule and streaming links Wrexham AFC’s Hollywood-fueled rise through the English football pyramid has made them one of the most followed clubs in the United States. Now competing in the EFL Championship, the Red Dragons have moved into a new tier of visibility. For fans in America, following Wrexham in 2026 requires a […]
Wrexham TV schedule and streaming links
Wrexham AFC’s Hollywood-fueled rise through the English football pyramid has made them one of the most followed clubs in the United States. Now competing in the EFL Championship, the Red Dragons have moved into a new tier of visibility. For fans in America, following Wrexham in 2026 requires a shift toward CBS Sports platforms, which now serve as the primary home for the league.
Coupled with a documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, the club’s on-field success and promotion back to the English Football League in 2023 have spiked their popularity.
Wrexham AFC: At a Glance
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Stadium: SToK Cae Ras (The Racecourse Ground)
Owners: Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Founded: 1864
Navigating Wrexham Broadcasts in America
Our Pick:
Includes: Champions League, Europa League, Serie A, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, & More
As a member of the English Football League (EFL), Wrexham’s television rights are distinct from those of the Premier League.
The EFL Championship: CBS Sports & Paramount+
Starting with the 2024/25 season and continuing through 2026, CBS Sports is the exclusive rights holder for the EFL in the US.
Paramount+: This is the primary destination for Wrexham fans. The vast majority of their Championship fixtures are streamed live here.
CBS Sports Network: High-profile matches, such as local derbies or late-season promotion battles, are occasionally moved to the CBS Sports Network cable channel.
Amazon Prime Video: If you prefer to keep your streaming services in one place, you can subscribe to Paramount+ as a Prime Video Channel. This allows you to watch live Wrexham league matches directly through the Amazon Prime app.
iFollow Wrexham: While many games are on Paramount+, fans can still access certain non-televised matches via the club’s own iFollow international subscription service.
Domestic Cup Competitions
The FA Cup: Wrexham’s storied relationship with the FA Cup continues to be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States.
The Carabao Cup: These knockout fixtures are part of the EFL package and are streamed via Paramount+.
The Red Dragons’ Global Journey
The 2025/26 campaign marks a historic milestone for Wrexham AFC as they test themselves in the highly competitive EFL Championship. Under the steady leadership of Phil Parkinson, the club has successfully transitioned from a National League underdog to a legitimate force in the second tier of the English game.
While the ownership of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds brought the initial global spotlight, the club’s identity remains rooted in its community and its storied home at the SToK Cae Ras. For supporters in the US, following Wrexham is no longer just about a documentary series; it is about watching a historic Welsh club fight for a place among the elite of world football.
After waling off in tears from the Champions League game against Atalanta, Bayern Munich have confirmed the injury of Alphonso Davies.
Alphonso Davies sent shockwaves through the soccer world on Tuesday when the Canada captain broke down in tears during Bayern Munich‘s UEFA Champions League clash against Atalanta. After images of the emotional moment went viral and concern mounted over the severity of the injury, Bayern have now provided an official update on his condition.
Bayern were dominant in Bergamo in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UCL, taking a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime. With the result well in hand, head coach Vincent Kompany opted to make changes, introducing both Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, each returning from lengthy injury absences earlier in the 2025-26 season.
In the 70th minute, Davies appeared to pull up suddenly while in possession, immediately crouching and burying his face in his hands. Just a minute later, the Canadian left back, who had managed to contribute an assist to Michael Olise in the 64th minute since coming on, was substituted off for Tom Bischof, walking off the pitch visibly distraught and struggling to contain his emotions.
Bayern Munich released a statement on Wednesday confirming that Davies had sustained a right hamstring strain, specifically a muscle tear in his right thigh. No details were provided regarding the grade of the injury or a projected recovery timeline.
Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern Munich.
Davies entered the 2025-26 season still working through the final stages of his ACL recovery, and between that and subsequent setbacks, he has already missed 26 games for Bayern this campaign. Most recently, a muscle fiber tear had kept him out of Bundesliga fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach, making Tuesday’s appearance against Atalanta his comeback game.
Suffering yet another injury in that context appeared to overwhelm the defender emotionally, and the images of him in tears resonated deeply with fans around the world.
How long will Davies be sidelined?
With Bayern yet to disclose the full severity of the injury, Davies’ recovery timeline remains to be seen in the coming weeks. That said, the fact that he was able to walk off the pitch unassisted is an encouraging sign, pointing to a less severe outcome than if he had needed to be helped or carried off.
In the best-case scenario of a Grade I hamstring strain, the British Journal of Sports Medicine puts the median recovery time for professional soccer players at 14 to 21 days. If that proves to be the case, Davies would miss the upcoming March international window with Canada but could realistically return to action for Bayern in early April.
After several months, Pedri could regain Gavi, his key midfield partner. Following his appearance on the bench against Newcastle, Barcelona have reportedly set a date for his anticipated comeback, giving coach Hansi Flick a significant boost.
Since the arrival of Hansi Flick, Barcelona have experienced a rebirth in their style of play, imposing high pressure and an impeccable offensive approach. For this, the Pedri and Gavi duo in midfield stood out as one of the team’s best assets, providing defensive solidity and creativity. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old star has been sidelined for several months following knee surgery, but he reportedly already has a date for his comeback to the pitch.
While Gavi suffered an ACL injury in 2023, he managed to play many games with the Blaugranas in the 2024-25 season, being a regular for coach Hansi Flick. Nevertheless, the Spaniard was still dealing with discomfort in his knee, making him underwent an arthroscopy to solve a meniscus injury at the start of the current season. After seven months of absence, the 21-year-old star reportedly now has a date for his return to the pitch.
Pablo Gavi entered Barcelona’s squad list against Newcastle United, but he had not yet received medical clearance. Despite this, the sporting department has reportedly already defined his return to the pitch. According to Fernando Polo in Mundo Deportivo, the 21-year-old star would be ready to get some minutes against Sevilla on March 15. Nevertheless, he could take some more time before becoming a starter again.
Although his possible return is a boost for the Blaugranas, Hansi Flick faces the difficult task of finding him a spot in the starting lineup. With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong or Marc Bernal fixed in the core of the play, Gavi might not have room as a starter. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old midfielder could be key in the rotation, contributing in the build-up but also in the attacking midfield, offering a different profile from Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez.
Pablo Gaviria ‘Gavi’ of FC Barcelona looks on during a La Liga game vs Real Betis.
Gavi may face uphill battle to regain his starter spot under Flick
Before his injury, Gavi used to be a regular starter in the midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong, leaving Pedri in more advanced roles. Nevertheless, coach Hansi Flick has adjusted the entire midfield in his absence, giving Fermin Lopez an undisputed starting role, which has turned Pedri into a complete player, being key in the organization. Because of this, the 21-year-old star could face difficulties regaining his spot as a starter.
Being one of the players most protected by Flick, Gavi’s continuity at Barcelona is fully assured. Nevertheless, the coach might not include him as a starter in midfield, but rather as a key rotation option alongside Pedri, as it seems unlikely that he will change his current approach. In this way, the Spaniard could remain like Dani Olmo: Key in the rotation with substantial minutes, but rarely a starter, something that might not sit well with him.
Pedri and Gavi of FC Barcelona smile following the UEFA Champions League.
Fenerbahçe Futbol Takımı, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında 13 Mart Cuma günü Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük'e konuk olacağı maçın hazırlıklarına başladı.
Sarı-lacivertli kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre, Fenerbahçe Can Bartu Tesisleri'nde teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco yönetimindeki antrenman, salonda yapılan core hareketleriyle başladı. Ardından sahada yapılan ısınma, çabukluk, koordinasyon ve pas çalışmalarıyla devam eden idman, taktiksel ve bireysel programlarla sona erdi.
Sarı-lacivertli kulübün başkanı Sadettin Saran ve yönetim kurulu üyeleri de antrenmanı yerinde takip etti.
UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 turu ilk maçında deplasmanda Samsunspor ile karşılaşacak olan Rayo Vallecano'nun teknik direktörü Inigo Perez Soto, "Bu tür turnuvalarda kimin favori olduğunu söyleyemeyiz." dedi.
Soto ve futbolcu Oscar Trejo, Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadı'nda düzenlenen basın toplantısında açıklamalarda bulundu.
İspanyol teknik adam, potansiyellerini bildiklerini söyledi. Samsunspor'un yapacağı her türlü değişikliğe karşı etkili olacaklarına işaret eden Soto, "Bende büyük bir heyecan var tüm oyuncularımda da var. Büyük bir macera ile buraya geldik. Yarın bu tura başlayacağız. Benim için de futbolcular için de çok önemli, sahada elimizden geleni yapacağız. Takım olarak ne yapacağımızı biliyoruz. Zayıflıklarımızı biliyoruz. Bu tür turnuvalarda kimin favori olduğunu söyleyemeyiz. Yarın bu turun ilk maçında herşeyi görmeye başlayacağız." ifadelerini kullandı.
Soto, yarınki stadyumun atmosferine ekip olarak hazır olduklarını vurgulayarak, "Bu tip sahalara alışığız. Bazen kontrol edemediğimiz durumlar var. Grup aşamasında bu tür zorlukları gördük. Yarın burası cehennem gibi olacak aslında ve bu duruma heyecanlıyız. Sakatlıklarımız var bazı oyuncularımız buraya gelmedi ancak bir sonraki maçta olacaklardır. Oyuncular kendilerini hazır hissetmedi ve teknik direktör olarak bunu normal karşılıyorum." şeklinde konuştu.
Trejo: "Alıştığımız gibi oynayacağız"
Tecrübeli oyuncu Oscar Trejo ise kişisel seviyede en yukarda olduğunu belirterek, "Bu elemede olduğum için mutluyum. Alıştığımız gibi oynayacağız. Tadını çıkarmaya çalışacağız. İşi evimizde oynayacağımız maçta bitirmek istiyoruz. Yolculuk çok güzel geçti. Burada karşılanma şeklimizden memnun kaldık. Bu anları yaşamak için buralara kadar geldik. Yarın iyi mücadele edeceğiz. Burada bir sürü taraftarımız olacak. Zor olduğunu biliyoruz, seyircilerimizle birlikte olmak çok güzel. Takımımda kontratım devam ediyor. Öncelikle yarına konsantre olmam lazım." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Panathinaikos AKTOR Başantrenörü Ergin Ataman, çalıştırdığı Yunan ekibinin son 2,5 yılda Fenerbahçe Beko'dan sonra Avrupa'nın en başarılı kulübü konumunda olduğunu söyledi.
Kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre, Ergin Ataman yarın Avrupa Ligi'nde Zalgiris Kaunas ile oynanacak maç öncesinde Yunan medyasına konuştu.
Ataman, "Bu bizim için çok önemli bir maç, çünkü Zalgiris ile aramızda bir galibiyet farkı var. Son 5-6 maçta çok iyi oynadılar. Umarım yarın Telekom Center'da taraftarın desteğiyle, büyük maçlardaki gibi agresif ve öz güvenli bir şekilde oynarız. Son saniyede, düdük çalınmayan fauller yüzünden birkaç maç kaybettik. Yarınki maç kesinlikle çok önemli, çünkü geriye sekiz maç kaldı ve kazandığımız her maç bizi iyi pozisyonlara yaklaştırıyor, kaybettiğimiz her maç ise play-off'ları riske atıyor." dedi.
Ataman, "Takımda son 2,5 yıldır birlikte oynayan yedi oyuncu var ve bu 2,5 yılda, herkese hatırlatmak isterim ki bizden daha iyi sonuçlar alan Fenerbahçe'den sonra Avrupa'nın en başarılı kulübüyüz. 1 Avrupa Ligi şampiyonluğu, 1 Yunanistan şampiyonluğu ve 2 Yunanistan Kupası. Bazen normal sezonda maç kaybettik. Bunu umursamıyorum. Sadece geçen yıl olduğu gibi Dörtlü Final'de kaybettiğimizde ya da Paris'e karşı düdük çalınmayan bir faulle veya Fenerbahçe'ye karşı son saniye basketiyle kaybettiğimizde umursuyorum. Şimdi takımın öz güven kazanması ve büyük hedefler için oynaması önemli. Hedeflerine ulaşma yeteneğine sahip." ifadelerini kullandı.
Bu sezon da şampiyonluk hedeflediklerini belirten Ataman, "Bu takım normal sezon maçlarında bazı sorunlar yaşayabilir, bazı takımlar normal sezonda bizi yendiklerinde çok mutlu oluyorlar, ama biz sadece şampiyonluğu kazandığımızda mutlu oluyoruz. Sadece kazandığımızda mutlu olacağız. Bu benim hedefim ve koçluk felsefem." şeklinde konuştu.
Son haftalarda alınan kötü sonuçların ardından büyük takımların zor durumların üstesinden geleceğini kaydeden Ataman, şunları aktardı:
"Dimitrios Giannakopoulos'un bazı oyuncularla görüştüğünü biliyorum, ama elbette gelebilir, o kulübün sahibi, başkanı, onu antrenmanlarda görmekten mutluluk duyarız ve tüm maçlarda da onu görmekten mutluluk duyarız. Bu takımda bir aileyiz. Hepimiz takımın başarılı olmasını istiyoruz. Takıma yardımcı olmak istediği için tüm maçlarda yer alacağına inanıyorum. Büyük takımlar zor durumların üstesinden gelebilir. Her maçı kazanamazsınız, bu yüzden zihinsel ve fiziksel olarak agresif kalmak önemlidir ve kulüpte sahip olduğumuz bu zihniyeti mayıs ve haziran aylarında göreceğimize inanıyorum."
Türkiye Futbol Federasyonundan yapılan açıklamaya göre, 14 Mart Cumartesi günü Papara Park'ta oynanacak ve daha önce saat 16.00'da başlayacağı duyurulan müsabakanın başlama saati 20.00 olarak güncellendi.
Qadın voleybolçular arasında keçirilən Azərbaycan çempionatında (Yüksək Liqa) bu gün 17-ci tura start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Oyunlar UNEC-in və “Milli Aviasiya Akademiyası”nın idman zalında təşkil olunub. “DH Volley” kollektivi UNEC-i 3:0 (25:13, 25:15, 25:18) hesabıyla üstələyib. “Milli Aviasiya Akademiyası” isə “Gəncə”ni 3:2 (23:25, 25:19, 20:25, 25:17, 15:13) hesabı ilə məğlub edib.
Azərbaycan çempionatında 17-ci tura martın 12-də yekun vurulacaq.
UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde Galatasaray'a 1-0 yenilen Liverpool'da Alexis Mac Allister'ın kariyerini farklı bir futbol ortamında sürdürmek istediği ve bu nedenle kulüp yönetimine ayrılık isteğini ilettiği iddia edildi.
Eski Fenerbahçe Futbol AŞ Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Barış Göktürk, 2027 yılında gerçekleştirilecek olağan seçimli genel kurulda başkan adayı olacağını duyurdu.
There are strong reports of a significant change behind the scenes for Roma’s business model, but Francesco Totti is only asked to be a brand ambassador without powers.
GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Francesco Totti, former captain of Roma, reacts prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 28, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
These were boosted when he was spotted back in the stands for some home games, something he had largely tried to avoid after his ill-tempered exit from the club in the summer of 2019.
That was under previous owners, so it was suggested the Friedkin family with help from Claudio Ranieri and coach Gian Piero Gasperini were talking to Totti about a return.
However, Sky Sport Italia now report Roma do want Totti to have a purely ceremonial role as brand ambassador, with no decision-making powers.
This was the kind of thing he had rejected in the past, but might be more amenable towards now.
Meanwhile, there are bigger changes afoot, as Calcio e Finanza claim exclusively that Roma have decided to purchase the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini training ground in Trigoria, after leasing the land for 20 years.
The structure had originally been sold for €30m in December 2005 as a way of balancing the books.
Davide Massa has been assigned to the Como vs. Roma Serie A fight for fourth place, while Gianluca Manganiello gets Inter-Atalanta, but Daniele Doveri drops to Serie B after the Derby della Madonnina.
The AIA (Italian Referees Association) has confirmed the referees chosen for this weekend’s Serie A matches.
The biggest game of the round is arguably the showdown for Champions League qualification, as Como and Roma are locked together in the table and go head-to-head at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday.
Leaders Inter try to get back on track against Atalanta, which will be officiated by Gianluca Manganiello in another top seven duel.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Referee Daniele Doveri shows the yellow card to Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Notably, there is no Serie A fixture this weekend for Doveri after his work in the Derby della Madonnina, but this does not mean it is a demotion.
Instead, he is trusted with the extremely difficult and important Serie B promotion clash between Monza and Palermo, which could prove decisive for who gets to be in the top flight next season.
Serie A Week 29 referees
Torino vs. Parma (Maresca, VAR Ghersini)
Inter vs. Atalanta (Manganiello, VAR Gariglio)
Napoli vs. Lecce (Abisso, VAR Nasca)
Udinese vs. Juventus (Mariani, VAR Maggioni)
Verona vs. Genoa (Marchetti, VAR Marini)
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Federico La Penna referee reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Pisa vs. Cagliari (La Penna, VAR Paterna)
Sassuolo vs. Bologna (Bonacina, VAR Serra)
Como vs. Roma (Massa, VAR Fabbri)
Lazio vs. Milan (Guida, VAR Chiffi)
Cremonese vs. Fiorentina (Di Bello, VAR Aureliano)
The striker pulled up during the Serie A match against Cagliari on November 29, 2025, and it was immediately apparent this was a very serious injury.
It was diagnosed as a high-grade lesion to the muscle-tendon junction of the left adductor longus.
Vlahovic all set for Juventus return
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Vlahovic took part in the entire training session with his Juventus teammates at the Continassa camp near Turin today and is widely expected to be in the squad for the trip to Udinese.
He even scored a goal in today’s game between ranks, confirming his condition is good.
He had scored six goals and provided two assists in his 17 competitive appearances this season before that setback.
His performances in the remaining 10 matches of the campaign could well decide whether or not he signs a new contract with Juventus, seeing as the current deal expires on June 30.
Cagliari have suffered yet another devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury, as left-back Riyad Idrissi is the latest to be ruled out for six months.
The 20-year-old, who has three caps for Italy at Under-21 level, is a product of the Sardinian youth academy and had impressed this season with two goals and an assist in 26 competitive appearances.
Idrissi only latest Cagliari casualty
ITALY – JANUARY 31: Cagliari’s coach Fabio Pisacane looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
He featured in the 2-1 Serie A defeat to Como over the weekend, and tests showed his injury was worse than previously thought.
A club statement confirms Idrissi has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The player will go under the knife with a specialist over the next few days, but this type of injury generally requires four to six months on the sidelines.
It is something of an epidemic at Cagliari, as this season alone they have lost Andrea Belotti, Mattia Felici and Idrissi all to ACL tears.
Roma have named their squad list for the Europa League Round of 16 against Bologna, missing big names like Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini, but Mario Hermoso is included.
The first leg kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
The Giallorossi have been dealing with a lengthy injury crisis for some time now, and many of the problems are localised in the attack.
Good and bad news for Roma
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The good news for coach Gian Piero Gasperini is that defender Hermoso completed the training session and is in the squad, though it remains to be seen if he will start.
There is more pressure on the defence, as Gianluca Mancini is suspended for the first leg of this Europa League tie.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Bryan Zaragoza is tipped to start in support of Donyell Malen, while Bryan Cristante can be moved into a more advanced role too.
This leaves Manu Koné and Niccolò Pisilli in midfield, benching Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Iran has confirmed that it will not be participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The announcement comes as a direct consequence of the escalating military conflict between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance, which saw the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of strikes.
Sports minister confirms Iran will not participate in World Cup
(Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed the decision on state television on Wednesday, stating that the current political and security climate makes participation impossible.
The minister emphasised that the Iranian team would not be safe in a “hostile country,” especially given the recent history of conflict. Donyamali said (via The Sun):
“Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup.
“In view of the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars were forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people were killed.
“Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of participating in this way.”
The decision follows reports that the U.S. and Israel launched “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28, 2026.
While FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently stated that President Donald Trump had offered assurances that the Iranian team would be welcome, Tehran has officially rejected the offer.
Iran accuse Australia of taking Women players hostage
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
This comes after Iran leveled serious allegations against Australia regarding members of the Iranian women’s national football team.
Esmail Baghaei Hamaneh, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused Australian authorities of taking athletes “hostage” under the guise of offering asylum.
The claims follow reports that five members of the women’s squad sought humanitarian visas in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem during a tournament on the Gold Coast.
Hamaneh lashed out on social media, referencing a Tomahawk attack on a school in Minab that reportedly killed 165 schoolgirls.
“They slaughtered more than 165 innocent Iranian schoolgirls… and now they want to take our athletes hostage in the name of ‘saving’ them?” Hamaneh wrote (via New York Post).
“The audacity and hypocrisy are staggering. To Iran’s Women’s football team: don’t worry — Iran awaits you with open arms. Come home.”
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the French goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier.
The 24-year-old has done quite well in France, but the move to PSG has not gone as planned. He has struggled for regular playing time this season, and a report from MediaFoot claims the player could be open to a move.
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Tottenham have made enquiries for the French goalkeeper, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for them. It is no secret that they need more quality in that area of the pitch.
Guglielmo Vicario has been error-prone, and Antonin Kinsky had a horror show on his Champions League debut for Spurs last night.
Tottenham need an upgrade in that area of the pitch, and the French goalkeeper could be ideal for them. He is highly rated in France, and he has a bright future. Even though he has struggled for regular opportunities in recent weeks, his talent is beyond doubt. He will be hungry to prove his quality at the highest level, and his desire to succeed will be upon us for Tottenham. It will be interesting to see if they follow up on their enquiry with an official offer to get the deal done.
PSG manager Luis Enrique has previously labelled him as a “top-class” keeper. He is still quite young, and he could improve with coaching and experience. He has all the attributes to develop into a top-class player for club and country. It will be interesting to see if PSG is willing to sanction his departure in the summer. Tottenham might have to submit an attractive offer in order to get the deal done.
The opportunity to move to England could be exciting for him, especially if Tottenham is prepared to provide him with regular opportunities.
Arsenal are currently fighting for the league title and are at the top of the Premier League table.
They are currently favourites to win the league this season, but their style of play has left former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel frustrated.
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The former Chelsea midfielder revealed to talkSPORT that Arsenal have been overly dependent on set pieces to win matches. He added that they have spent nearly £1 billion on improving the team, but they have not been able to win games in style.
He also added that Arsenal are cheating their way to the title. His claims will not go down well with the Arsenal fans, and it will only add to the bitterness between the two clubs and their respective sets of fans.
Mikel said: “When I watch Arsenal play right now, they depend solely, solely on corner kicks. You have spent almost a billion, Mikel Arteta, almost a billion. And you’re telling me the only way you can win games is through corner kicks? It’s ridiculous.
On recognising them as champions, he added: “Not if they go on and win the way they’re playing right now. No, I wouldn’t, because for me it’s cheating; they’ve cheated their way to winning the Premier League. So I wouldn’t recognise them as winners because, for me, it’s illegal the way they’re winning games. It’s illegal.”
There is no doubt that Arsenal have a quality team, but their style of play has often been branded as negative. For a team packed with several top-quality players, perhaps fans and neutrals would have expected a more adventurous style of football.
That said, Arsenal have not won a major trophy for over two decades. They will be desperate to win the Premier League title, regardless of their style of play. Mikel Arteta has been under a lot of pressure after the kind of backing he has received in the transfer market.
He will be hoping to deliver a major trophy this season, and winning the Premier League title would be a huge relief for him. The Spanish manager is unlikely to care what others have to say about his style of football, especially if he manages to deliver the league title.
Lamine Yamal scored a penalty with the last kick of the game to snatch Barcelona a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. Harvey Barnes thought he had gifted Newcastle a slender advantage to take to Camp Nou next week, but Malick Thiaw gifted Barcelona a […]
UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 turu ilk maçında sahasında İspanya ekibi Rayo Vallecano ile karşılaşacak Samsunspor'un teknik direktörü Thorsten Fink, "Taraftarlarımızın önünde tekrar bir tarih yazabiliriz."...Devamı için tıklayınız
Fenerbahçe Futbol Takımı, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında 13 Mart Cuma günü Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük'e konuk olacağı maçın hazırlıklarına başladı.Devamı için tıklayınız
UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 turu ilk maçında deplasmanda Samsunspor ile karşılaşacak olan Rayo Vallecano'nun teknik direktörü Inigo Perez Soto, basın toplantısında açıklamalarda bulundu.Devamı için tıklayınız
Panathinaikos AKTOR Başantrenörü Ergin Ataman, Zalgris Kaunas ile oynayacakları maç öncesi Fenerbahçe Beko hakkında flaş bir açıklamada bulundu. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have initiated talks with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva over the possibility of the Portuguese attacking midfielder joining them as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season. However, the Serie A giants face serious competition from Galatasaray and Inter Miami for the services of […]
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insisted that his team must earn the right to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after losing to Galatasaray in their first-leg clash. Mario Lemina’s seventh-minute header was the difference at RAMS Park as Arne Slot’s side endured another frustrating performance in front of goal on Tuesday. The Reds […]
Minisforum has announced it is readying a new NAS that comes with OpenClaw pre-installed. The NAS will be powered by AMD's flagship Ryzen AI Max+ 395 to help accelerate AI workloads that users program OpenClaw to execute.
The Steam Machine is on track for launch this year despite component shortages setting Valve back. Hardware aside, the company has just provided a major update on the software side of things with new verified programs for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, and they seem to be as straightforward as expected.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have initiated talks with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva over the possibility of the Portuguese attacking midfielder joining them as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season. However, the Serie A giants face serious competition from Galatasaray and Inter Miami for the services of […]
The investment makes Strive the latest corporate to add the yield-generating security to its balance sheet as companies explore Bitcoin-linked treasury instruments.
Bitcoin enters its most psychologically challenging cycle phase as BTC sellers and rising losses signal prolonged uncertainty and potentially more pain ahead.
VanEck products will be available on fintech 401(k) provider Basic Capital, offering retirement savers potential exposure to digital assets through exchange-traded funds.
Eight in ten Performance Max advertisers are receiving connected TV (CTV) impressions via YouTube, as reported by Smarter Ecoommerce’s Mike Ryan. Google has expanded the channel’s reach over the past year — and the trajectory is only accelerating.
The timeline of how we got here:
Q2 2025: Google began serving CTV ads using standard product feed images, meaning advertisers with no video assets were suddenly generating TV impressions from their existing catalog photos
January 2026:Google announced shoppable CTV ads — letting viewers browse products and scan QR codes to purchase directly from their TV screen, pulling directly from Google Merchant Center product feeds.
Why we care. CTV is no longer a specialist buy. If you’re running PMax, you’re almost certainly already on the big screen — and Google has been steadily upgrading what that means for commerce. Google is automatically turning your product feed images into TV ads and allocating budget to CTV impressions, with no action required on your part.
Without actively checking your channel performance breakdown, you have no visibility into where your spend is going or whether auto-generated creative is actually fit for a 65-inch screen.
What advertisers should do right now:
Pull your Channel Performance report — Google’s native channel breakdown will show you exactly how much of your PMax spend and impressions are going to CTV. If you haven’t looked, you may be surprised.
Audit your feed images — since Q2 2025, those product photos are being used to generate CTV ads automatically. Low-quality images that worked fine in Shopping are now appearing on 65-inch TV screens. Clean them up.
Check if shoppable CTV applies to you — if you’re running PMax with a Merchant Center feed, your campaigns may already be eligible for shoppable CTV formats. Google reports that Demand Gen campaigns including TV screens drive 7% incremental conversions at the same ROI. Understand whether that inventory is working for you — or being wasted.
Think about creative — feed images as CTV ads is a floor, not a ceiling. Advertisers who invest in purpose-built video assets optimized for the TV screen will outperform those relying on auto-generated formats.
The big picture: YouTube CEO Neal Mohan confirmed that TV has surpassed mobile as the primary device for YouTube viewing in the U.S. by watch time, and YouTube has been the #1 streaming platform in the U.S. for two consecutive years. PMax advertisers are already there — the question is whether they’re managing it intentionally or just along for the ride.
Yahoo today introduced MyScout, a customizable homepage inside Yahoo Scout, its beta AI answer engine.
How MyScout works. Logged-in users can customize the homepage with tiles that pull information from Yahoo properties (e.g., Mail, News, Sports, Finance, Games). Examples include:
Inbox previews from Yahoo Mail.
Stock updates from Yahoo Finance watchlists.
News topics and trending stories.
Scores and schedules for favorite teams.
Weather, shopping comparisons, and games.
Users can add, remove, reorder, or create tiles based on topics or queries they want to follow.
Some tiles update in real time, such as stock prices.
Other tiles refresh throughout the day with updates like email, sports scores, and breaking news.
The experience will become more “agentic and personalized” as the system learns from user activity, Yahoo said.
New publisher features. Yahoo says Scout supports the open web by linking users directly to original sources used in its AI answers. To support that goal, Yahoo News is also launching new publisher features designed to help you grow recurring audiences on its platform:
Publisher brand pages that aggregate your articles, videos, and social feeds on Yahoo.
A follow feature that lets users subscribe to your content and receive curated newsletters in their inbox.
Availability: Yahoo Scout — including MyScout — is available in beta for U.S. users at Scout.com and through the Yahoo Search app on iOS and Android.
The San Francisco 49ers have been looking for a trade partner for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the last two months, but it doesn't appear that they've had much luck in their search.
Aiyuk, 27, had a strong start with the 49ers, catching 269 passes for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns through his first four seasons. After signing a massive extension in 2024, he recorded just 25 receptions for 374 yards before tearing his ACL in Week 7.
The wide receiver apparently cut off communication with the team in the offseason and has his guarantees voided. While he was still seen around the building from time to time, he was just rehabbing, and even that eventually stopped.
Many believe that Aiyuk will reunite with his college quarterback, Jayden Daniels, with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal when the release is made official.
Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou exchange words - Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Francis Ngannou has revived talks of a would-be dream fight against Jon Jones in light of two-weight champion's falling out with UFC.
Jones retired and vacated the Heavyweight Championship in 2025, thus seeing Tom Aspinall, the Interim Champion, promoted to Heavyweight Champion. But for a while prior to that, Aspinall had been dismissed by Jones as an opponent in favor of a bout against Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira.
Jones had since said he was in negotiations with the UFC to return on the White House card, which will feature Pereira fighting Jones' second-to-last opponent Ciryl Gane for the Interim title. But no Jones, as Dana White would continue to dismiss any talks with Jones about the event as "bulls***."
Ngannou responded to Jones following the address, having also left UFC as Heavyweight Champion following a pay dispute.
"Watching this story unfold yesterday was very interesting. I have lots to say, but for now, Jonny boy, if you manage to get your freedom, then let me know," he wrote. "You deserve that $30M+ after everything you've done for the sport, and they should be rolling out the RED CARPET for you."
Watching this story unfold yesterday was very interesting. I have lots to say, but for now, Jonny boy, if you manage to get your freedom, then let me know. You deserve that $30M+ after everything you've done for the sport, and they should be rolling out the RED CARPET for you. https://t.co/K0WdvlURUs
Many would and have said that Jones waited for Ngannou to leave before making his move on the Heavyweight title, having spent much of his career at Light Heavyweight as a two-time champion. There was always hope from fans and talks of a fight between them, but it never materialized.
MK Dons become second team this season to join the '70 club'
MK Dons thrashed Gillingham 5-1 in League Two last night to become just the second club in the top four tiers to score more than 70 goals this season.
Championship leaders Coventry City were the first team to hit the 70-goal mark when Jack Rudoni levelled the scoring for the Sky Blues in the 2-1 win away to Sheffield United last month. Frank Lampard's team are now up to 74 league goals for the season.
Last night, the Dons' big victory put their total up to 72 goals, with Marvin Ekpiteta bagging what turned out to be goal number 70 before Ben Wiles and latter Liam Kelly added to that tally.
Paul Warne's side are by some margin the fourth tier's top scorers with top-of-the-league Bromley and Swindon Town the only other teams that come close having both netted 59 times each.
Elsewhere in the EFL, League One Cardiff City look most likely to be the third team to hit 70 league goals this season with the Bluebirds sitting on 69 goals this season ahead of their game away to Exeter City.
Other teams close to that number are Lincoln City (66) and Ipswich Town (64) but they're still some way off the free-scoring Dons.
The Buckinghamshire side will be hoping to add to their tally when they face a tricky tie away to Swindon Town in the Dons' bid to return to League One.
After an intense run of away fixtures, Celtic have been able to enjoy a rare midweek with no matches ahead of this Saturday's clash against Motherwell at Celtic Park.
That free midweek has given the Hoops more time to rest, recover and prepare in the build-up to Saturday afternoon’s match and it has given Martin O’Neill a chance to reflect on the Hoops’ recent exertions and on his own admiration for the efforts that the players have put in to secure positive results.
Speaking to Celtic TV ahead of the weekend’s match, the Celtic manager said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the team.
“They’ve shown great resilience, great character, all the words that you normally associate with sides who come through a period like this.
“It was really tough I must admit. I had a look at it particularly when the rearranged game against Aberdeen fell in there.
‘You’re travelling away to Stuttgart, Ibrox and then Aberdeen on the Wednesday, that was three games in six days.’
“And then the fourth game we had in a 10 day period was Ibrox again in the cup.
“But to come through in the manner that the team did, it was a nice sign that they are prepared to battle and compete.”
Martin O'Neill's full interview is available on Celtic TV
The Hoops go in to Saturday’s match against Motherwell in second place in the Scottish Premiership table, with an opportunity to cut the deficit to Hearts to two points before the Edinburgh side take on Kilmarnock later on Saturday night.
Three points will be hard to come by for Celtic, however, with Motherwell, who have been in good form this season, still reeling from their defeat at the hands of Dundee last weekend and Martin O’Neill says that he expects a tough test when the Steelmen come to Glasgow’s East End on Saturday afternoon.
“It will be a major test for us.” The Celtic manager said. “We can go in to the game with some confidence because of the recent results.
“Myself, Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham went to Dens Park last weekend to see them against Dundee and that result was a setback for them but they’ll come here with loads of confidence.
“They could easily be the best footballing side at this minute so they’ll come and play without fear, so it’s up to us be up to the test.”
Rafaela won his first Gold Glove last season for the Red Sox, and while he offers defensive versatility, Alex Cora has said this offseason that the plan is for Ceddanne to be the full-time center fielder in 2026.
"Rafaela has a strong case for the title of best defensive center fielder, and his 20 DRS trailed only Steven Kwan (22) among all players in 2025," Reuter wrote on Wednesday. "His on-base skills are lacking, but his 4.8 percent walk rate actually represented an improvement from the 2.6 percent mark he logged as a rookie. With his glove, a 90 OPS+ with 40 extra-base hits and 20 steals will consistently make him a 4-WAR player."
Here's what the rest of the top 10 looked like on Reuter's list:
9. Mike Trout 8. Trent Grisham 7. Michael Harris II 6. Steven Kwan 5. Daulton Varsho 4. Jackson Merrill 3. Byron Buxton 2. Pete Crow-Armstrong 1. Julio Rodríguez
Rafaela slashed .249/.295/.414 last season with 54 extra-base hits, 16 home runs, and 20 stolen bases.
NEW DELHI: After India won their third T20 World Cup under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, former opener Aakash Chopra said it would be difficult for Shubman Gill to return to the T20I side, let alone become captain.
Gill, who currently leads India in Tests and ODIs, had made a comeback to the T20I squad in 2025 after 14 months and was even named vice-captain during the Asia Cup.
However, his form remained underwhelming, failing to score a half-century in 15 matches, which eventually led to his exclusion from the World Cup squad.
With India performing strongly and winning the tournament, Chopra believes the team is unlikely to consider Gill for T20I leadership again.
“It’s going to be difficult, although the Indian team thought that it would become easier if there were one captain for all three formats. However, it won’t happen at all. I feel we won’t be able to do that because he is the Test and ODI captain, but he can’t get the T20I captaincy. At this moment, even his name coming is difficult because of the way the Indian team has been playing, especially the last four games,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra also suggested that Gill should focus on excelling in longer formats rather than trying to adjust his game for T20Is.
“When are you talking about 250, and that too in a World Cup, then you don’t think you need an anchor. Shubman Gill can adapt and change, but we shouldn’t lose Shubman Gill, the Test batter, in trying to find that, and lose the Shubman Gill who can become an absolute giant in ODIs. I think it’s going to be difficult for Shubman Gill,” he noted.
As Duke awaits its first game in the 2026 ACC Tournament on Thursday night, other teams are fighting for the chance to advance, and maybe, pull off a miracle run to earn an NCAA Tournament berth by winning the conference title.
The top-ranked Blue Devils will face the winner of Wednesday evening’s game between Florida State and Cal, who are the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds, respectively.
On Tuesday, Pitt took care of business against Stanford and is currently battling NC State in the opening game of the day in Charlotte. SMU ousted Syracuse, ending the Adrian Autry era in charge of the Orange. The Mustangs take on Louisville on Wednesday afternoon.
Wake Forest outlasted Virginia Tech on Tuesday and will now face Clemson in Wednesday’s nightcap for the right to play UNC.
Here is the updated bracket as Day 2 of the tournament rolls on.
Steven Pressley is seeking to lead Dundee to back-to-back wins over fierce rivals United - but admits he doesn't "enjoy" derby fixtures.
The Dark Blues, who won 1-0 at Tannadice in January, can replace United in seventh place with a home victory on Sunday.
"I don't enjoy it, to be perfectly honest," Pressley said.
"I think if you asked any manager, unless they lie to you, there's a lot of relief at the end of it.
"It's not a game or a period you particularly enjoy. It's okay if you get the right outcome, as we did at Tannadice, but it's not an enjoyable game.
"It goes without saying that the derby games carry that extra pressure, that extra burden. We're not hiding from that fact."
Opposite number Jim Goodwin is under pressure with inconsistent United set to miss out on the top six, but Pressley is braced for a "difficult challenge".
"That's what goes with the territory when you play at a club where you do play a derby that there's such fierce rivalry around," he added.
"Whether it's Tannadice or whether it's Dens, the importance doesn't change. Your own supporters expect you to get a result, so that doesn't change.
"That's for both sides at the weekend. Dundee United supporters will turn up expecting their team to win, as will Dundee fans, and ultimately that brings a degree of pressure."
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Robert Gasser (54) throws during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds Saturday, September 27, 2025 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a battle between two lefty starters, the Milwaukee Brewers are set to take on the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon, as Robert Gasser starts opposite Andrew Abbott.
The Brewers dropped their last game on Monday to the Dodgers, as the bullpen faltered late in that one. They had the day off yesterday but are back in action in Goodyear today.
After Gasser, the Brewers are also expected to deploy several relievers in the form of Grant Anderson, Craig Yoho, Trevor Megill, and Jared Koenig.
Sal Frelick leads off for the Crew, followed by Andrew Vaughn and Gary Sánchez. Luis Rengifo, Brandon Lockridge, and David Hamilton make up the middle of the order, with Reese McGuire, Luis Lara, and Jesús Made to round things out.
Also of note: Today is Jackson Chourio’s 22nd birthday, which means you’ll hear “he’s only 22?!” for the next 365 days.
First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. CT and will be available via a radio broadcast from the Brewers website.
Four days after his UFC 326 loss, de Ridder (21-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) announced Wednesday that he has his sights set on a new division: light heavyweight.
"I came up a little short," de Ridder said in an Instagram post. "I think it could've gone either way, but I'm happy I got my body back most importantly and was able to go three hard rounds. I think I've got a lot more to show. ... I'm coming at 205, baby."
De Ridder, 35, started off red-hot in the UFC after a successful tenure with ONE Championship. De Ridder held titles there at middleweight and light heavyweight.
De Ridder won his first four UFC fights against Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, Bo Nickal, and Robert Whittaker. However, his momentum came to a screeching halt when he retired on the stool vs. Anthony Hernandez.
Bayern Munich's German midfielder #10 Jamal Musiala celebrates scoring his team's sixth goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16, first leg football match between Atalanta and Bayern Munich at the Gewiss stadium in Bergamo, on March 10, 2026. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
After Bayern Munich’s vague release on the injury status of Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, and Jonas Urbig, there were bound to be leaks.
Sure enough we have timelines from Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia):
The time-off according to @BILD:
Jonas Urbig: 8-10 days
Alphonso Davies: around 3 weeks
Jamal Musiala: a few days
Sky Germany’s Kerry Hau also had information on Musiala, which states the attacking midfielder will miss this weekend’s match against Bayer Leverkusen at a minimum:
Jamal Musiala will sit out at least the match against Bayer Leverkusen. The scan on Wednesday was fine: It’s not a new injury, but rather a stress reaction in his ankle joint, which was also affected by his fibula fracture in July 2025. The discomfort in the ankle joint had minimally occurred more frequently in recent weeks, and a bit more toward the end of the Atalanta game. Hence the break now – and continued dosed appearances in the coming weeks.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
A Conversation with Ricardo Neto, A Rising Star in Benfica’s Youth Ranks
One of the top talents from Benfica’s vaunted academy, we speak to Ricardo Neto about winning multiple major titles with Portugal’s youth national team and the sacrifices he’s made as a young footballer on the rise.
Take a trip across Europe’s most glamorous metropolises, and you’re bound to find a number of Benfica academy products who are suiting up for the biggest clubs in the continent. Start in Istanbul, where you’ll find new arrivals Ederson and Nélson Semedo shoring up Fenerbahçe’s defense and helping them challenge Galatasaray for domestic supremacy. Then, head to Rome, where you’ll see Nuno Tavares bombing up and down Lazio’s left flank.
Head northwest to Paris, where you’ll see Gonçalo Ramos and João Neves, who, fresh off leading Paris Saint-Germain to a maiden Champions League title, have them on course for a fifth straight Ligue 1 championship as well as another deep continental run. From there, you can hitch a ride across the English Channel to find Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias, who have helped Manchester City achieve a historic dynasty in the Premier League. Over in Barcelona, you’ll find their ex-teammate João Cancelo helping the Blaugranas push for silverware on all fronts.
To end your journey, it’s only fitting to head to where it all began: Lisbon. Specifically, the Estádio da Luz. Here, you’ll find two homegrown prospects in António Silva and Tomás Araújo challenging each other for a starting spot in central defense alongside Nicolás Otamendi. You’ll also find a number of teenage prospects like Anísio Cabral, José Neto, and Daniel Banjaqui, who, fresh off leading their country to international glory, are now making their presence known at Benfica.
If he plays his cards right, Ricardo Jorge Gomes da Costa Neto might very well be the next Seixal product to become a first-team regular under José Mourinho.
Born on August 26, 2008, Neto was mainly raised in the Casal da Boba housing complex in Amadora, but switched back and forth between living with his mother and father after their divorce. After joining Benfica’s academy in 2018, Neto started off playing for the Águias’ U-11 side twice a week before eventually playing on a more regular basis and ascending the ranks. By the time he made it to the U-15 level, when he started playing for Portugal’s youth teams, Neto had no doubts whatsoever that this was what he wanted to dedicate his life to.
After an impressive 2022-23 season that saw him win the U-15 national championship, Neto would establish himself as one of the most promising center backs in Portuguese football after winning the U-17 Second Division National Championship in 2023-24 before claiming the National Championship with the ‘Juvenis’ the following season. And shortly after this domestic success, Neto got his very first taste of international glory.
Having played 26 times for Portugal’s youth teams thus far, Neto wrote himself into the history books last season when he helped Portugal win their seventh UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Albania. Six months later, Neto was called up for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where he helped lead Seleção das Quinas to victory for the first time.
Since then, Neto has kept his head down and continued work hard in school while also making inroads for both Benfica and Portugal, debuting in the UEFA Youth League as well as making his maiden appearance for Benfica B in the Premier League International Cup. If he can continue progressing at this rate, it will seemingly only be a matter of time before he makes his first team debut under Mourinho.
We caught up with the promising 17-year-old in a Q&A session.
Urban Pitch: You were part of the national teams that won the U-17 European Championship and the U-17 World Cup, and nine of the players from those squads are also with you at Benfica. What is it like growing up in that kind of environment, surrounded by players who have already achieved so much together? How does it influence the level of training and competition on a daily basis?
Ricardo Neto: I think it helps a lot that we’ve all been together for a while, that we all know each other. We already know what each one is going to do on the pitch, we already know how to deal with certain emotions shared by a colleague of ours. And I’m not just talking about Benfica, but the entire national team: I think it was good for us to not change the team so often. That’s what made us win the World Cup and the European Championship: being a family, always being together, that helped a lot in the games. It didn’t come so much at an individual level, but more from the collective.
At Benfica, even at older youth levels and especially when players are younger, teams often take part in anywhere from five to 20 international tournaments. Beyond the experience of traveling and playing football at such a young age, do you think these tournaments help your development? In what ways do they make a difference to a player’s career?
They contribute not only to me, but to all the athletes who develop at Benfica. It helps them to understand the style of football played by other teams from other countries, not just being familiar with Portuguese football, not just being comfortable with one type of league. Perhaps it encourages us to strive harder for bigger things, to explore different places, and not remain in the same place forever.
Benfica gathers its most promising young players from regional academies of the club across the country, bringing them together in Seixal at the U-13 level. For example, you came from the Lisbon area, but Tomás Soares came from Benfica’s Academy in Braga. When you first met all the group as they were entering their teenage years, who stood out the most as the best player?
I think it was Tomás Soares. I already knew him previously after facing him in a U-11 tournament, but when I saw him at the U-14 level, he was different, he was more mature, he imposed himself more in the game, and he was one of the key players in winning the championship that year.
You obviously haven’t had a normal adolescence, you’ve had to let go of some things in order to become a professional footballer. Has it been difficult to make these sacrifices and give up normal childhood experiences?
I think these sacrifices are necessary because in the end, it will pay off. It’s difficult to give up so many things in order to achieve my objectives. I don’t live the life of a normal teenager: I have a very different regime, a more rigid routine, I haven’t been able to go out with friends at any point. My life has been very focused on football.
What has it been like entering this season after winning the U-17 EUROs and having to keep your feet on the ground after this triumph?
I think, in a way, the fact that I was champion points many eyes at me, just like everyone else who was playing in the World Cup. But I think that shouldn’t affect our performance level, because football never stops. As much as we’ve won the EUROs and World Cup, that’s not what makes us professional players. It’s what we do in the present. We need to have a winning mindset and keep working, not stop there, we need to always want more.
It seems that Seixal not only knows how to produce great players, but also great men with a lot of maturity. Why do you think that is?
I think Benfica has helped all the athletes a lot with this. The Benfica coaches help athletes not only on a sporting level, but also personally, by helping them grow as people. Whether they like it or not, this affects athletic performance and mentality. I think it’s important for a player to have a good mentality, otherwise, their performance will not be the same.
You may not be a full-fledged professional yet, but reaching a level like the U-17 World Cup takes a lot of sacrifice and effort. Is there a moment of adversity where you had to grow and get back up?
I think it was during the transition from U-14 to U-15. As we were already facing teams with more name recognition, I saw that things were becoming more serious and that I couldn’t continue to have the same behaviors that I had before, I couldn’t have the same routines, it had to be different. I had to do things another way if I was to reach the level that I wanted to reach.
Lastly, what’s the message that you’d like to leave for all of the Benfiquistas around the world?
I’ll be here at this club for a while, trying to help them win a lot of titles, and helping them out in games in a certain manner.
Roony Bardghji: ‘My dream is to win every title with Barcelona’
Roony Bardghji was one of Barcelona’s only signings last summer, with the forward joining from Copenhagen for just €2 million.
It was a smart investment for the Catalans, as Bardghji was regarded as one of the most exciting young players coming out of Sweden in recent years.
So far this season, Bardghji has been a bit-part player for Barcelona. But he is excited about the road ahead, notably lauding the club in a recent interview with SPORT.
Bardghji on Messi, Barcelona and more
Born into a Syrian family in Kuwait, Bardghji revealed that his love for Barcelona came from his father, who was a big fan of Lionel Messi.
“I think it’s because of my father. Years before I was born, he started following Barcelona, and when Messi arrived, he fell in love with him. And when I was born, he always made me watch Messi and Barcelona’s matches,” he said.
Although he was born in Kuwait City, Bardghji’s family moved to Sweden soon after, but the road wasn’t easy.
“Starting over with two children, ages six and two, and without a network of contacts wasn’t easy,” his mother, Rola, said.
However, Bardghji added that his parents never stopped believing in him and supporting him in every way they could.
Can Bardghji make a breakthrough at Barcelona? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“My father always dreamed that my brother and I would play football, and there are more opportunities in Europe than in the Middle East. That was another reason why we moved as well,” he said.
During his youth career, Bardghji has played for youth teams of Copenhagen, Malmo and Rodeby, before he eventually joined Barcelona last summer.
Talking about his love for Barça, the young winger said, “Playing for Barça has been a dream of mine since I was little. When I was a child, I watched Barça matches with my father. We’ve always been fans of the team.”
“I’m very proud to be here. I worked very hard to get here and I’ve achieved it, but this is just the beginning. My dream is to win every title with Barça: Champions League, La Liga,” he concluded.
Bardghji’s comments come in the midst of reports that suggest Barcelona could be willing to offload the player in the coming summer, for nearly ten times his transfer fee.
With just over 500 minutes of action this season, the Swede hasn’t yet made a telling impact at Barcelona.
Kyle Walker lifts lid on Pep Guardiola dinner that stopped Bayern Munich transfer in 2023
Former Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has revealed how a meal with Pep Guardiola saw him rebuff interest from Bayern Munich and sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Walker had agreed a two-year contract with Bayern Munich in 2023 and looked set to join forces with now England manager Thomas Tuchel in the twilight of his career, having helped Manchester City win their premier UEFA Champions League title en route to a historic treble.
Manchester City also saw treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan join Barcelona on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract amid a major exodus at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2022-23 campaign – that also witnessed Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer leave.
However, Walker rebutted interest from Bayern Munich and put pen to paper and signed a fresh deal at Manchester City as he was voted club captain upon Gundogan’s departure, going on to spearhead the Blues to a historic fourth successive Premier League title in 2024.
How did Pep Guardiola convince Munich-bound Kyle Walker to stay on at Manchester City?
The 35-year-old left Manchester City to join Burnley last summer after a loan spell at AC Milan and as England prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Walker has announced his retirement from international football in an exclusive interview with The Overlap.
In conversation with former Manchester United captain and current broadcaster Gary Neville, Walker has shed light on how he nearly joined Bayern Munich from Manchester City and how Guardiola stepped in to hijack Tuchel’s approach for the Sheffield-born defender.
“Two years ago,” Walker said, when asked by Neville when Tuchel tried to sign him at Bayern Munich. Neville added: “What happened?” as he attempted to piece together how an attractive transfer to the Allianz Arena broke down for Walker.
“Pep (Guardiola) took me for dinner and I decided to stay at Man City! He took me out for dinner in Manchester,” Walker added. “We went there (Tast) and we had a nice meal – and I decided to extend my stay at Man City.”
How did a final contract renewal at Manchester City work out for Kyle Walker?
Walker went on to captain City to a record fourth Premier League title on the trot as Guardiola’s side added another record to the books.
The Englishman lost his place in the starting XI in the following season and moved to Italy on loan midway through Guardiola’s most challenging year in England – a decision he has since looked back at with some form of regret.
On his decision to extend his Manchester City contract in 2023, Walker added: “I’m so happy I did because we won another league, four-in-a-row and I was the captain for that. That’s something I can always hold dearly to me.
“I was very, very happy to be captain of that great club and to win four (Premier League titles) in a row was obviously special.”
Walker was sold to Burnley upon his return to City from loan in the Serie A last summer and although the right-back did not receive a farewell at the Etihad Stadium, he can hold his head high as one of the greatest full-backs in English football.
It was really easy on Sunday to see flat tires or tires come apart during the Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway and say ‘tire failure’ but everyone with a reputable resume know that teams with problems were largely responsible for their fate.
As best described by Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 crew chief Adam Stevens, there is a risk-versus-reward balance
“It’s so tough,” Stevens said with a laugh on Tuesday during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “It’s just a quirk of our sport that the fans don’t understand. We just don’t know the load, air pressure and camber (combination) with certainty where we’re going to have a problem.
“What we do know is generally the tires make the most grip at higher camber settings and they last the longest at lower air pressure settings so, those two material facts are polar opposites of working together so the only way to really know where the edge is unfortunately is to cross it. You can think you know but you don’t know until you cross it or somebody else crosses it and you know exactly what they have going on.”
Stevens said, as a competitor, he has to ‘sneak up’ on the line and hope that crossing over it happens early enough in the race that his team can recover from it.
“It’s a quirky part of the sport and I don’t know how to get around it,” Stevens said. “In practice, we all get to break our down tires down and then Goodyear can cut them and see if there are any internal failures going on.
“But the tires are blowing because they are overloaded for a sustained amount of time. That load decreases as the lap times slow down and as the air pressures come up. So, there’s a lot of variables and the tires are laid up by hand. They’re made by humans, not machines, so there is a variability there and we could maybe all of practice at the same setup, air pressure and camber, and not have any problems and then get in the race and have a problem.”
Also speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, crew chief for William Byron and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 team Rudy Fugle echoed those competitive sentiments.
“The reason we want to go lower is -- for most of the time, especially with this really short sidewall -- as the driver leans the car into the corner, that sidewall has a ton of flex, and gives the driver a ton of feel before he goes from spinning out to tight.
“He can feel all of that … and make a decision on, ‘hey, I’m too loose, or I’m too tight, I’m going to pick up the gas and add steering wheel,’ and with this NextGen, with its shorter sidewall, this tire has way less so the driver is on edge.”
This is why, he says, there were way more snappy-spins in the first year of the NextGen in 2022 as drivers adapted to that sidewall.
“So the lower air pressure gives that sidewall way more flex, way more feel,” Fugle said. “When you have a tire that digs, the low air pressure generally means it survives way longer, so you make it a 60-lap run and it just survives a lot longer.
“So we want to push down to those limits and we have gotten to where we kind of have a calculation of trying to know, like air pressure, load (and) camber; what we can do.”
Remember, air pressure builds over the course of a run, no matter where you start it, but also, lower air pressure increases contact patch and overall mechanical grip.
Hosting his own show on SiriusXM, longtime crew chief turned broadcast analyst Todd Gordon also says drivers have a degree of responsibility to take care of whatever setup they are given too.
“At old Auto Club, the fast way around was you turned down across the apron in 3 and 4, and transition back up,” Gordon said. “I had a conversation with Joey (Logano) and told him that I could go lower (on air pressure) if you commit to me that you’re not going to pass anyone on the backstretch for four laps … and where drivers choose to race can impact tire life as well.”
Remember, at Phoenix, drivers can use the short cut by cutting across the apron on the restart, and that can shock the tires into an eventual degradation process too.
“So yes, camber is one, air pressure becomes one, how you install where you choose to be aggressive, how much load you’ve got into the setup, how much it shocks the load” Gordon added. “And then, how aggressive your driver is.
“Phoenix is tough on them because everybody wants to bail off and, and shorten the dog leg on cold tires first lap at speed. You're driving across … and I mean, we see sparks and everything else coming out of these cars … It’s a brutal transition both down and back onto the race surface.”
This is also why, for years, Goodyear built much harder and way more durable tires, which negatively hurt the racing. To move towards the direction the industry has gone over the past three years, teams had to accept responsibility for all the things they’re admitting to this week, and not assign blame to the tire manufacturer.
The racing product has improved and crew chiefs and drivers have also earned the ability to take high risks for higher rewards over the course of any given race weekend.
Real Madrid and global health company Abbott have announced the second edition of the Abbott Dream Team program, a joint initiative designed to discover and develop young soccer talent across the United States.
The program will host free open tryouts in six major U.S. cities, giving aspiring players aged 18–19 the opportunity to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: an all-expenses-paid trip to Spain to train at Ciudad Real Madrid, the club’s iconic training complex.
The initiative reflects the continued collaboration between Abbott and Real Madrid aimed at combining elite sporting opportunity with education around nutrition and health, two pillars the organizations believe are essential to athlete development.
Tryouts across the United States
Beginning May 19, the program will host tryouts for an expected 1,000 participants, from which 16 players will ultimately be selected to form the 2026 Abbott Dream Team.
The tryouts will take place in the following cities:
Miami — May 19 AutoNation Field (Davie, Florida)
Washington, D.C. — May 21 Howard University
Houston — May 27 South Houston High School
Kansas City — June 2 Shawnee Mission Soccer Complex
Los Angeles — June 4 California State University, Los Angeles
Chicago — June 9 Intentional Sports
The selected players will travel to Ciudad Real Madrid, where they will train in the same facilities used by one of the most successful clubs in football history.
Marcelo and Sabrina Ionescu join the program
The 2026 edition of the Abbott Dream Team will also feature the involvement of Real Madrid legend Marcelo and WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu, both of whom will help promote the initiative and mentor young athletes.
Marcelo, one of the most decorated players in the club’s history, represents the pathway young players dream of when they step onto the field. Ionescu, a four-time WNBA All-Star and investor in women’s soccer, brings a broader perspective on athlete development and opportunity.
Together they will champion the program’s philosophy that education around nutrition and accessible opportunities in sport are key ingredients for long-term success and performance.
Building momentum ahead of the World Cup
The tryouts arrive as the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest soccer event to take place in the country in more than three decades.
By targeting young players in multiple regions of the country, the Abbott Dream Team initiative aims to expand access to elite football environments while highlighting the importance of health and nutrition in athletic performance.
Players interested in participating can learn more and register for tryouts at AbbottDreamTeam.com.
For the 16 players eventually selected, the reward will be unique: the chance to train at Ciudad Real Madrid and experience the professional environment of one of the world’s most iconic clubs—a moment that could shape the trajectory of their sporting future.
Although the “official” start to the new league year doesn’t kick off until this afternoon, all 32 teams around the NFL have been busy filling needs since the weekend. The unofficial start of free agency opened on Monday with the “legal negotiation period,” but even before that, plenty of teams finalized extensions with their top priorities on the 2025 roster.
Coming off a surprising 2025 campaign and their first playoff victory in 15 seasons, the Chicago Bears’ approach to the start of free agency could be considered prudent, if not conservative. Despite arriving “a year too early” and having their franchise quarterback in the middle of his rookie deal, the team’s exorbitant spending from last offseason had lasting ramifications as the team geared up for another crucial offseason.
Heading into the week, the Bears ranked 26th in the league in cash spending for 2026. For a team that appears to be on the verge of Super Bowl contention, it stood to reason that with some quick salary cap manipulation, they could easily make a few splash moves without severely compromising their flexibility for 2027 and beyond. Instead, general manager Ryan Poles and his front office avoided any semblance of an eye-opening free agent contract. They chose to take a more economical approach to “improving” their roster at least, to this point in the offseason.
Free agency has often been labeled “dangerous waters” for any team looking to build a perennial contender. While that might be true to some extent, most successful teams blend key free-agent acquisitions with strong draft classes. Part of that equation involves the ability to avoid regrettable contracts handed out to outside free agents. Still, a bigger factor, especially for teams like Chicago, is ownership’s willingness (and ability) to spend cash when needed. Some might see that as an attempt to call the McCaskey family cheap, while others will understand the dynamic of how ownership works at the NFL level. Simply put, the McCaskeys are not a cash-rich family and tend to operate more like a mom-and-pop shop than they do a modern-day NFL franchise.
While every rule has its exceptions, fans must understand the financial dynamic at play. Sure, there have been times when the Bears have been in the Top 10 concerning cash spending for a period of time, but it’s easy to understand why the front office might have been given a tighter budget for this offseason, in comparison to ones before it. Not only is the franchise in a three-year battle with the state of Illinois to help fund a new stadium, but, for the first time since the days of Jay Cutler, Chicago is on the verge of paying top dollar for a quarterback. If there were ever a time for the Bears to be more frugal with finances, this would be it.
With that in mind, the timing couldn’t be much worse. Although the team outright owning an indoor stadium capable of generating year-round revenue would be the greatest value a professional sports team can have, the future on the field hasn’t been this bright since the days of the Mike Ditka-led Bears in the 1980s. Balancing the long-term outlook of a new stadium, a potential record-setting second contract for Caleb Williams, and maximizing their window to win a Super Bowl as early as next season is not an easy task. That said, if there were ever a time for ownership to sign off on extra cash for a splash move, this might be it.
Just before the start of last weekend, news broke that the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens had agreed to a trade in principle that would send star edge rusher Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for the Ravens’ next two first-round picks. In some ways, the new breaking provided a sense of relief for an ongoing conversation that felt repetitive and borderline, tiring. It also allowed Bears fans to “move on” to the free agency period ahead, while speculating how they would move forward after “missing” on a big target like Crosby.
After two full days of acquisitions and movement around the league, the news of the Ravens backing out of the Crosby deal on Tuesday night sent shockwaves through the sports world. Although it would be disingenuous to say this is unprecedented, the layers of this failed deal are extremely rare. If there was going to be a team to create this type of situation, Baltimore’s history of failing players during the medical process was notable.
With the questionable ethics in their decision now in the rearview mirror, it’s worth wondering what Crosby’s market looks like moving forward. As many have stated over the last 24 hours, the pool of interested teams has shrunken drastically. After all, the original agreement in principle happened on Friday night, and with the first wave of free agency in the books, many teams have either filled their needs or don’t have the financial flexibility to make it work.
This is where the Bears come into the picture. Although things can change, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who were rumored to be the “runner-up,” have dropped out of the conversation after landing Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. Others, like the Washington Commanders, have added two higher-priced veterans, Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson, which should take them out of the running.
It should also be noted that while certain teams might still require a pass rusher, the list of potential trade partners shrinks even further when the financial aspect is added to the equation. Looking at teams with a pressing need at defensive end, the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and, of course, the Bears all come to mind. Could the Los Angeles Chargers or San Francisco 49ers enter the conversation as well?
Diving into each specific team’s current cap situation would take far too much time. Still, to summarize, the Bears are the only team mentioned above without a quarterback under a veteran contract. Sure, the Bills and Lions just cleared a large amount of space by restructuring their respective quarterback contracts, but both have trickier cap situations than what meets the eye. For instance, the Lions now have close to $30 million in available space, but have key players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and Jack Campbell all up for extensions within the next two offseasons. Considering all four players are expected to receive sizable contracts, does paying a second edge rusher north of $30 million per year make sense for them? Looking at the Bills’ situation, it’s hard to envision many scenarios where they can clear not only enough cap space in the short-term but also sustain a good roster with so many high-priced veterans already on the roster. However, I would argue that they are at least in a better position than the Lions to make a potential splash.
The Eagles are another interesting team on the list, especially after losing Josh Sweat and Jaelen Philips to free agency in back-to-back years. Even after extending nose tackle Jordan Davis on a record-setting deal, general manager Howie Roseman possesses more than enough future flexibility to make this trade and extend a guy like Jalen Carter in the coming months. Roseman is known as one of the more aggressive general managers in the league, so it’s best not to rule them out of anything.
With all of the “contenders” in front of us, where does that leave the Bears?
On the surface, Chicago is quickly approaching their “break-even” point for the year when it comes to available cap space. Once the official numbers for Devin Bush and Kentavius Street are released, some work will be needed to keep them under the cap for the remainder of the calendar year. That said, the Bears have more flexibility than almost any other team potentially interested in the league.
Through five offseasons, general manager Ryan Poles has managed the team’s salary cap with virtually zero risk. While some may point to a few bad free-agent signings, the team has executed just one simple restructure during Poles’ five-year tenure. According to Over The Cap, Chicago’s simple restructure potential is $64.5 million, which ranks well inside the Top 10 for flexibility. If Poles wanted to add the riskier element of tacking on void years to their restructures, their flexibility would expand by close to $114 million in available potential.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that there shouldn’t be an expectation for Chicago to get anywhere near either figure when creating additional cap room. This is simply an illustration to show how flexible the Bears can be.
In a hypothetical scenario where the Bears trade for Crosby, they could immediately turn around and convert the majority of his $30 million base salary into a signing bonus. In that scenario, they could save $21.525 million of the inherited $30.782 million cap charge for 2026. Of course, that would come with a $7.3 million dead charge from 2027 through 2029.
Fitting Crosby into the team’s financial plans would be far from “easy,” but isn’t that the case with almost any blockbuster trade, including one involving one of the league’s more elite players on a high-cost contract? That’s where the risk assessment must take place. Crosby will be 29 before the start of the regular season, and, given the current wear and tear on his body, it stands to reason that he could exit his prime more quickly than other players his age. Even so, if the Bears can play out the life of his contract with him at his current level, that’s worth the cost of doing business.
As always, there’s a scenario in which Poles and his front office don’t see the risk-versus-reward as “worth it”. That said, there were plenty of credible sources who confirmed that, at least to a certain extent, the Bears were “in” on Crosby the first go-around., whichshould lead anyone to believe that with a lower “price” on a trade this time around, it should only make a potential deal for a star player at their biggest position of need that much more palatable to complete.
Assuming head coach Ben Johnson and Poles are in lockstep on pursuing a potential deal with the Raiders, it will be up to George McCaskey to sign off on the financials to make a trade possible. It’s easy to remember a time when they faced a similar dilemma when they ultimately traded the world for another Raiders edge rusher in Khalil Mack. While that didn’t pan out in the long term, the argument for a better head coach and ascending quarterback capable of Patrick Mahomes-like success is a strong one to consider. It’s been a long time since the Bears have found themselves in a position where they have enough pieces on the roster to justify a move like this making sense. If ownership truly cares about winning Super Bowls, then this is a move they must consider approving.
It’s easy as an outside voice to sit here and push for this type of move, without bearing the financial responsibility for it. While most fans are aware of that, the NFL is a business of taking chances, and more importantly, it’s a business of striking while the iron is hot. Assuming the price for Crosby is no longer a pair of first-round picks, which is reasonable to expect, Chicago should absolutely re-engage with the Raiders on a potential deal to bring Crosby to the Windy City. Scared money doesn’t make money, and for the first time in a long time, the Bears are in a spot both from a roster and cap perspective to take a gamble and see if it pays off with a Super Bowl or two.
The time to win is now, and the opportunity to capitalize on the Raiders’ misfortunes may never materialize in the same way again. Assuming the head coach and general manager are ready to take a swing for the fences, the McCaskey family must be ready to grant them the financial backing to do so.
March Madness is on the horizon, but before we get to the Big Dance, we have to get through many conference dances.
The Atlantic 10's men's basketball tournament will run from March 11 through March 15, with the championship on Sunday, March 15. The final game of the tournament will grant the winner an automatic bid into the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament, with the Selection Sunday show happening a few hours after the game.
Saint Louis enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the conference. The way that the bracket is laid out, the Billikens will have to win just three games to win the championship, having a bye through the first two rounds.
The fun of March comes from whether or not a break helps or hurts a team while others build momentum. Regardless, Saint Louis will have a target on its back as an Atlantic-10 conference tournament champion is crowned.
The Sporting News has everything you need to know about watching the 2026 Atlantic 10 men's basketball tournament, including TV and live stream information for every game.
Atlantic 10 basketball tournament bracket 2026
The current seeding, bracket, and regular-season records for the 2026 Atlantic 10 men's basketball tournament are listed in the table below. All 14 teams in the Atlantic 10 make the conference tournament.
Seed
Team
Record (Atlantic 10)
1
Saint Louis
27-4 (15-3)
2
VCU
24-7 (15-3)
3
Saint Joseph's
21-10 (13-5)
4
Dayton
21-10 (12-6)
5
George Mason
23-8 (11-7)
6
Davidson
19-12 (10-8)
7
Duquesne
17-14 (9-9)
8
Fordham
17-14 (8-10)
9
George Washington
17-14 (8-10)
10
Rhode Island
16-15 (7-11)
11
Richmond
15-16 (5-13)
12
La Salle
9-22 (5-13)
13
St. Bonaventure
15-16 (4-14)
14
Loyola Chicago
8-23 (4-14)
Where to watch Atlantic 10 men's basketball tournament
Nearly all of the Atlantic 10 men's basketball tournament game sin the first three rounds will air on USA, with the other game airing on CNBC. The semifinals and the championship will air on CBS Sports Network.
All of the 2026 Atlantic-10 men's basketball tournament games can be streamed with DIRECTV. The championship will also be available on Paramount+.
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The 2026 Atlantic 10's men's basketball tournament begins on Wednesday, March 11, and concludes with the championship on Sunday, March 15. All games will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
For a complete tournament schedule, see below.
Wednesday, March 11
Game
Time (ET)
TV/Live stream
Game 1: No. 13 St. Bonaventure 99, No. 12 La Salle 80
FC Internazionale Milano and Opus are honoured to present Inter The Opus 118 Marquee Edition, an extraordinary celebration of 118 years of Nerazzurri greatness. Strictly limited to just 118 hand-numbered copies worldwide, this rarefied edition transcends publishing to become a monumental work of art, immortalising the club’s most iconic triumphs, its legendary moments and the unwavering devotion of Inter supporters across the globe. It is a work commissioned for posterity.
Over the past year, the Opus creative team has worked in official collaboration with Inter historians, custodians of the club archives and esteemed club authorities to craft what will stand as the most luxurious tribute ever produced to the Nerazzurri legacy. Together, they have explored the depths of Inter’s historic vaults, unveiling rare archival treasures, unseen photography and extraordinary documents never before released to the public. Complementing these discoveries, exclusive new commissions have been created specifically for this edition, capturing with artistry the passion, innovation and indomitable spirit that define Inter.
The result is not simply a chronicle of victories. It is a celebration of a club whose influence extends beyond football into global culture, the exciting tale of everything that entails being "Internazionale. Since 1908."
It will be the first Opus dedicated to a Serie A side as part of the prestigious Opus Collection, which already includes editions on some of the biggest icons in global sport, music, and show business.
Inter The Opus 118 Marquee Editionis a collector’s masterpiece, created with uncompromising artisanal precision. Printed to the most exacting standards, the Inter Opus is adorned with a solid sterling silver Inter crest, plated in 22-carat gold, mounted upon a sumptuous hand-bound leather cover.
INTER WET PLATE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION
A defining element of this edition is the Inter ‘Wet Plate’ photographic Collection. Undertaken as a tribute to heritage and craftsmanship, this feature captures the soul of Inter through a 150-year-old photographic process known as ‘tintype’, in which images are created on chemically treated metal plates. Exclusive sessions within the Inter Trophy Room and at San Siro stadium form the heart of this collection, reproduced as silver halide large format prints, in which their luminous depth echoing the enigmatic beauty of the original metal plates.
To further enhance the uniqueness of this Opus edition, each owner can elect to have their very own photographs and treasured memories designed over additional pages and included in their edition through Opus’s complimentary bespoke ‘Tailor Made’ service.
Weighing in excess of 34kg, measuring 1 meter wide when opened, and spanning more than 800 lavishly produced pages, the 118 Marquee Edition is monumental in both scale and significance.
Priced at €19,080, Inter The Opus 118 Marquee Edition is not merely a book, it is an heirloom of devotion, a statement of allegiance and a legacy to be a treasured investment for generations by every true Interista.
Inter The Opus will be completed at the end of this sporting season and will also be available in two other different smaller formats for all fans and enthusiasts all over the world.
118 Marquee edition owners will also receive the Inter Portraits Collection: 26 commanding portraits of the current Inter team and legendary icons, captured by acclaimed Opus photographer Zenon Texeira. Produced in ultra-high definition on heavyweight paper, Texeira’s portraits elevate sporting icons into fine art subjects.
As one of baseball's most dangerous left-handed sluggers, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson has finished in the top 10 in MVP voting twice in his career.
He's also a model of consistency and health, playing 162 games in five of the 10 seasons of his career with the Athletics and Braves. You'd have to go back to April of 2021 for the last time the 31-year-old was on the injured list.
Olson is a three-time Silver Slugger and led the Majors with 54 home runs and 139 RBIs in 2023, but he offers way more than possessing enough power to hit the ball out of the ballpark.
It's one of the reasons Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer chose him over Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as MLB's top "dual-threat" first baseman.
"It's Olson's range that sets him apart from other first sackers," Rymer wrote. "He's a good athlete among slow-moving hulks at the cold corner, particularly on plays to his left toward the foul line."
Rymer also listed Michael Busch of the Chicago Cubs as an honorable mention for this honor, but Olson is the clear choice. The Braves will need another All-Star caliber season from the 31-year-old after the NL East club missed the postseason in 2025.
New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch is looking to give up his stake in the team as the NFL looks into his ties with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, according to ESPN.
Tisch and his siblings Laurie and Jonathan, the children of the late Preston Robert Tisch who purchased a 50% stake in the team in 1991, are reportedly requesting to transfer their remaining stakes in the franchise to their children. Per the memo, none of them will have any interest in the team following the transactions:
"Prior transfers to these Trusts were completed pursuant to 2023 and 2024 Finance Committee approvals," the memo, dated March 11, states. "The Sellers now propose to transfer their entire remaining interests, totaling 23.1% of the Club, to the Trusts. ... Following the transactions, the Sellers will no longer own any interest in the Club."
Tisch almost immediately released a statement minimizing the connection and disavowing Epstein’s actions:
"We had a brief association where we exchanged emails about adult women, and in addition, we discussed movies, philanthropy, and investments. I did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island. As we all know now, he was a terrible person and someone I deeply regret associating with."
The emails in question were mostly from 2013, five years after Epstein was convicted of procuring a child for prostitution. There is also one exchange from 2017 in which Tisch tells Epstein he was talking "fondly" about him with a friend and wants to "stay in touch." Epstein was charged with sex trafficking minors in 2019 and died in his cell a month later from what investigators ruled as a suicide.
In an email exchange with the subject line "Ukrainian Girl," Tisch asks "pro or civilian?" about a woman he met through Epstein, to which Epstein responds "do you want to know if she as sweet as she seems? boyfriends? trustworthy, etc. she is earnest. is a civilian, but russian, and rarely tells the full truth , but fun."
Epstein then sends a second reply, saying "send me a number to call I dont like records of these conversations." He later tells Tisch he "did very well" with an acquaintance, who is "a little freaked by the age difference."
A different conversation has Tisch outright asking if one woman, described by Epstein as "tahitian" and "exotic," is a "working girl."
There are more conversations, such as when Tisch asks if he "can expect 'trouble'" while discussing a visit to Epstein's house. Epstein responds by offering to invite "the russain [sic]," to which Tisch asks "Is she fun?"
Asked to clarify if that meant Tisch was under investigation, Goodell again said the NFL would first attempt to determine the “facts” and then conclude whether they warranted an investigation.
“I don’t even know the status of all the [DOJ’s document] release,” he said. “I know that 3 million documents came out last week. Listen, we’ll continue to follow any of the facts that come up and determine if we open an investigation based on those facts.”
It’s unclear what the line is between an investigation and just looking into the facts of something. It’s also unclear if the league will take any more steps if Tisch becomes merely the father and uncle of some Giants co-owners rather than a stakeholder himself.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce will be back catching passes from Patrick Mahomes for the Kansas City Chiefs one more time.
The Chiefs made official their deal to bring the four-time All-Pro tight end back for a 14th season Wednesday, when the new league year made pending contracts official. The 36-year-old Kelce had decided in recent days to shove off retirement for another year rather than end a superlative career that includes three Super Bowl rings with a 6-11 record this past season.
The one-year deal for Kelce is worth $12 million with incentives that could push the total to $15 million.
“You always need to take a step back, breathe and let the emotions of the season settle down and see where the body is," Kelce said during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday. “Man, I’m still in love with this game. I still love going to work, putting on the pads, grinding it out and just playing the game.”
Kelce had indicated as far back as the NFL scouting combine that he wanted to play for Kansas City if he returned.
“My best opportunity was playing for the Chiefs yet again and running this thing back,” Kelce said. "There’s a lot of pieces in Kansas City that I just absolutely love and I can’t wait to get back in the building with them.”
Kelce also said his fiancee, pop superstar Taylor Swift, played a role in his decision to return.
"We share the same love for what we do, and fortunately we’ve had this desire since we were kids in our selective professions,” Kelce said. “It’s amazing to see her keep going to the table, keep finding new things to write about, keep finding new melodies and, on top of that, still seeing her have that love and joy in what she does.
“Of course that’s motivating. That’s motivating for anybody to see, let alone my fiancée, knowing that I’m going through something where I’m trying to figure out exactly what the future holds for me."
As for the Chiefs, the chance to keep playing for coach Andy Reid and alongside best buddy Mahomes — who hopes to be ready for Week 1 after late-season surgery on a torn knee ligament — was enticing.
So was the chance to play once more for Eric Bieniemy, who is returning for a second stint as Kansas City's offensive coordinator after the departure of Matt Nagy.
The Chiefs were happy to give Kelce some time to make his decision. But they also were hopeful that it would come by the start of the new league year, giving them some cost certainty for free agency and roster certainty ahead of the NFL draft.
“I think we’ve kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we’ve prepared for either scenario,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said during last month’s scouting combine. “Coach (Reid) had mentioned he’s had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea and Travis’ crew, we’ve had some good dialogue there.
“Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back and we’ll just let that process play out.”
Kelce began contemplating retirement even before last season, but he quickly decided that he didn't want his career to end with a Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia. He instead redoubled his offseason conditioning work and returned in his best shape in years, and he wound up catching 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season.
But whether he can sustain that pace yet again is a big question mark. Kelce turns 37 in October.
“The biggest thing coming back was that we’ve got to be even more hungrier than we’ve been before. Talking to Pat and Coach Reid and the guys, it’s pretty (evident) there’s a lot of ‘dog’ mentality right now to get this thing fixed," Kelce said. “That mentality itself is already motivating me to get to where I need to be during the season.”
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Channing Tindall #41 of the Miami Dolphins looks on during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Falcons are set to sign another linebacker, but this one is more of a special teams addition than a defensive one.
Channing Tindall, who spent last season with Arizona and the three prior to that with Miami, has taken at least 50% of his team’s special teams snaps over the past three seasons. He had five special teams tackles in seven games this past season, which was sixth on Arizona despite Tindall playing significantly fewer snaps than the five guys ahead of him. As he bounced between the practice squad and roster, Tindall had just four defensive snaps, but over 100 on teams.
Former Dolphins and Cardinals LB Channing Tindall is signing a one-year deal with the Falcons, per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown @UniSportsMgmt.
You should see more of these kinds of signings, as the Falcons were disastrously bad on special teams in 2025, including some embarrassing efforts covering kicks and punts alike. Tindall’s history to this point suggests a sure-tackling option with good instincts on special teams, and the Falcons need that.
If the Falcons are envisioning him having a larger role on defense, we’ll have to see it. Tindall played linebacker and came off the edge at times at Georgia, and is a good enough athlete for Jeff Ulbrich to take a longer look at in a slightly larger role, especially if the Falcons don’t make any major additions at the position group. Right now, though, I’d pencil him in as summer competition for the fourth inside linebacker role and a prominent role on coverage units if he does make the team.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Quarterback Daniel Jones plans to stay with the Indianapolis Colts for at least two more years.
The two sides agreed to a new contract, a deal that will pay Jones up to $100 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person requested anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.
Jones will receive $88 million over the next two seasons with $50 million guaranteed. He can make an additional $12 million through incentives.
Jones led the Colts offense to a productive 10-game start. But following the bye week, Jones played through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then wound up suffering a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December.
It's unclear whether he will be ready to play when the season opens in September, though general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen have said they remain hopeful Jones will be able to participate in training camp.
Injuries also limited Jones, the No. 6 overall draft pick in 2019, to just six games in 2023 and he started 10 games for the New York Giants in 2024 before he was benched, leading to his release.
But Jones found a perfect home in Indy.
He completed 68 percent of his throws last season for 3,101 yards — his highest total since leading the New York Giants to the playoffs in 2022. He also threw 19 touchdown passes, his highest total since 2019, and had eight interceptions.
Ballard made it clear in January that his top offseason priorities were re-signing Jones and receiver Alec Pierce, who led all NFL qualifiers in yards per reception in 2024 and 2025. Indy placed the transition tag on Jones last week as team officials and Jones' agents continued working on an extension, and the Colts agreed to a four-year deal worth $116 million with Pierce on Monday.
Jones and Pierce developed a close rapport both on and off the field last season, and the Colts were so committed to keeping them together that Ballard also traded longtime No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round draft pick Monday.
Indy could still be in the market for a backup quarterback, too, after giving Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade. Richardson, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2023, lost the starting job to Jones in training camp last season and then suffered an eye injury during a freak pregame accident in October, another injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season.
___
AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi also contributed to this report.
The Baltimore Ravens’ failed trade for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby sent shockwaves through the NFL. While the rest of the league and its executives scrambled to process the news, one prominent NFL player made his feelings on the matter very clear.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was happy to see the Ravens immediately pivot to Trey Hendrickson in the hours after the team backed out of the Crosby trade. Williams made that clear by dropping a smiling emoji on an Instagram post in which the NFL announced the Hendrickson signing.
Caleb Williams left an interesting comment on the NFL’s official Instagram post about the Ravens signing Trey Hendrickson.
Caleb seems pretty happy that Baltimore pivoted away from trading for Maxx Crosby. pic.twitter.com/yOmXVUEWtw
While the Bears haven’t been mentioned in rumors for Crosby, the team is in desperate need of an elite pass rusher. The team is well-aware that Crosby fits that mold. His statistics speak loudly, but the Bears got to see Crosby’s game-wrecking ability in action when the two teams met last season. Crosby did not record a sack in that contest, but accounted for five tackles, including three tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, an interception and three passes defended. He singlehandedly blew up multiple Bears drives early in the contest.
The Bears went on to win that game 25-24, but needed a late field-goal block to get the job done.
Williams’ emoji response also raised eyebrows after he appeared on Crosby’s podcast back in February. The two had strong chemistry and a lot of mutual respect for each other.
None of this means the Bears are suddenly going to pull off a trade for Crosby, of course. Even if that’s truly what Williams desires, he’s not the team’s general manager. It’s going to take a willingness from Ryan Poles and Raiders general manager John Spytek to come to an agreement if Crosby is going to wind up in Chicago.
The Bears still seem well-equipped to make the addition. While pass rusher was a major need for Chicago entering free agency, the team did not address the position during the first couple days of free agency.
The Bears may have missed out on Crosby the first time around, but the team now has another shot to take that plunge. At least one current Bears player would be fully supportive of the move if it happens.
On weekends, CBS will air 11 regular-season matches via its main broadcast network, in addition to multiple postseason games (including the league championship), along with nine Wednesday matches among the 25 more on CBS Sports Network. And a new streaming partner, Victory+, will carry a quarter of the league’s games, accessible for free.
The point is: The league won’t lack for prime-time visibility.
🗺️ Expansion success: There is no bigger illustration of the league’s growth trajectory than the most recent expansion fees paid by its two first-year clubs:
💰 Sponsorship landscape: Want an incredible data point? NWSL’s most lucrative jersey sponsorship is for a team (Atlanta) that won’t kick off for two more years. Overall, you can get a great sense of sponsorship variety via our review of 2026’s jerseys. CVS Pharmacy and Yeti are new league-wide sponsors, and there is a new trading-card deal with Panini. The league also has a new brand campaign, “Imagine Missing This,” focused on its big moments and stars.
🌟 And of course, star power: Led by the boundary-breaking Trinity Rodman (of my Spirit!), but including new faces in new places like Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Croix Bethune (KC Current), Eva Gaetino (Denver Summit) and Portilho (San Diego Wave).
Whether you’re an NWSL superfan or simply want to follow the league in a low-maintenance way, I highly recommend our (free!) women’s soccer newsletter, Full Time.
Get Caught Up
WNBA labor-deal “deadline” passes: The league said not getting a deal done by yesterday would impact the calendar for things like the rookie draft, free agency, the expansion draft and training camps. That’s a lot to get done by the scheduled opening day, May 8. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said there’s still “work to do” after the two sides convened all night, meeting until 5 this morning.
FIFA cuts WC budget by $100M: Per Adam Crafton’s reporting, “FIFA’s staff in the U.S. have been left feeling under strain due to repeatedly being informed that FIFA’s operating budget has been cut for the tournament, including those working on safety, logistics, security and accessibility.”
Related, part 1: FIFA is cool with TV networks inserting unprecedented World Cup in-game ads during the designated mid-half “hydration breaks.” (The idea of ads mid-game during a break in play doesn’t faze me, just as it didn’t with additional ads during NFL RedZone. It’s just hard to square with cutting $100M from the operating budget.)
Part 2: There is a continuing standoff between the folks in Foxboro (the site of the Boston-area World Cup games) and organizers over who is going to cover the cost of security. The townies are holding firm on permitting the games without the cash, and fewer than 100 days out, it’s hard to see FIFA or Robert Kraft not making things whole to ensure a smooth situation.
Trump college sports roundtable fizzles: Friday’s confab was derailed by having too many attendees, too few well-informed attendees and a lack of a clear agenda. (Essentially: The politics of college sports in a nutshell.)
(Speaking of college sports, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey floated that the conference might have to come up with its own rules on eligibility and other topics, outside of the NCAA. There are no simple answers here.)
Travis Kelce puts off TV career for one more Chiefs season: As Andrew Marchand pointed out, Kelce would likely have made more on TV this season than he will on the field.
Tom Brady flag football exhibition moved: I appreciate Fanatics giving the *real* Team USA flag football players the platform later this month in L.A. (sensibly moved from Riyadh), but I think those folks have every incentive to try to embarrass the NFL players participating. Nothing spices up a commercial exhibition like the potential for unintended consequences.
In its statement, the team seemed bummed but resigned. The Hawks will still have a halftime performance by the rapper T.I. They said they’ll have wings, but didn’t specify if they would be Magic City-inspired lemon pepper or plain ol’ State Farm Arena wings.
But remember those Magic City x Hawks collab sweatshirts from last week’s MoneyCall that were taken offline after a brief preorder window, but were still to be sold in the arena Monday at the game? Not anymore, although if you preordered one, you’ll still receive it (turning it into a potential collectibles bonanza for those folks who did).
Meanwhile, what happens to all that inventory they can’t sell? Presumably sent to the same remote locale as “Atlanta Falcons: Super Bowl LI Champions” merch.
It is a rare moment in MoneyCall that, for now, “What I’m Wondering?” remains unanswered. Perhaps the erstwhile “Magic City Monday” should retain some mystery. That said: We have reporters digging into it, and I’m hopeful to have more concrete info next Wednesday.
Grab Bag
Explainer: Prediction markets = sports gambling?
The discourse about and tension around whether or not prediction markets are sports gambling come down to “letter” and “spirit” of the law:
• “Letter”: The whole nationwide PM surge has come from an expansive definition of “event contract,” which is regulated at the federal level, unlike sports betting, a state matter.
• “Spirit”: An overwhelming percentage of action on prediction markets (like 90-plus percent) is basically indistinguishable from what you’d see on a traditional sports betting app.
Parsing that is at the heart of a multi-billion-dollar industry going through even more radical disruption than the original Supreme Court decision to legalize sports gambling.
Data Point: “$70M-80M”
That’s Lionel Messi’s estimated annual comp package from Inter Miami in MLS — in the words of Inter Miami’s owner Jorge Mas, mind you — including $12M in base, another $8M-ish in annual bonuses and $60M from his equity stake in the club.
Name to Know: Jack Ohman
The star Yale pitcher who turned down lucrative opportunities to transfer to a bigger school so he could continue being at an MLB front-office feeder school, where he could network his way to a team exec job later in his career.
Management Case Study: 23XI Racing
How did Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin go from “concept of a team” just a few years ago to 2026 NASCAR Cup Series sensation? Part of it is sparing no expense. Part of it is outstanding management hiring. Part of it is infusing MJ’s competitive DNA. Really enjoyed this dive by my colleague Jordan Bianchi.
IRL experiences, FTW: My colleague David Ubben had his first Cameron Indoor Stadium experience last weekend for Duke-UNC. Vivid descriptions!
More college hoops! Selection Sunday — one of the best days of the sports year — is in four days. Great moment to get familiar with Illinois’ unique Balkan recruiting pipeline.
Speaking of which: Bracket challenge season! Join me and other MoneyCall readers in an NCAA Tournament bracket challenge. Because I used to be college basketball editor at ESPN.com, I’m using the ESPN platform. You can sign up now, but it won’t open to enter picks until Sunday. Link for men’s tournament | link for women’s tournament.
This offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have a major decision to make with two players. Trent Williams might be traded if his $39 million contract can't be altered, while Brandon Aiyuk is all but certain to be cut.
Aiyuk's future is the much more certain one. As ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported, the 49ers are planning to release Aiyuk at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 11th. If not right at the start, then it will come shortly afterwards.
Either way, Aiyuk is likely gone. But the 49ers are going to face some financial repercussions for this decision. Wagoner shared the dead cap figures from cutting Aiyuk, which make this decision even more impactful for San Francisco moving forward.
49ers dead cap hit amid Brandon Aiyuk's expected release explained
"SF is expected to use post June 1 designation," Wagoner reports, "which is why they had to wait until the new league year begins."
By using a post June 1 release, the 49ers will spread the dead cap hit for Aiyuk on the rest of his $120 million contract over the next two seasons.
San Francisco will be taking on a $13.325 million dead cap hit in 2026 and a $21.247 million dead cap hit in 2027 with this expected release plan, Wagoner shared, according to OverTheCap.com.
Wagoner also mentioned that San Francisco will get a $4.987 million credit toward the 2027 cap with this expected release plan for Aiyuk.
While the 49ers will take on a lot of dead money by cutting ties with Aiyuk this offseason, they will be saved in the future.
San Francisco might take a short-term hit with this dead cap charge, but in the long-run, they will be saving a lot of money by moving on from Aiyuk in this manner.
According to Over The Cap, by designating Aiyuk as a post June 1 release, the 49ers will get $33 million in cap savings in 2027 and $34.9 million in 2028.
While this massive extension didn't go to plan for the 49ers or for Aiyuk, as he played just seven games and made just 25 catches for 374 yards since signing the deal.
But, with the 49ers moving forward this offseason, they will be saving a lot of future money by parting ways with the 27-year-old wide receiver who was a first-round pick by the 49ers in the 2020 NFL Draft.
An Aussie hasn't won the Women's Australian Open since the the legendary Karrie Webb did so in 2014. Webb made her professional debut at the event and won it five times.
This week, as the championship moves to Adelaide for the first time since 2020, the country's top players are trying to change that. This week marks the first time that two reigning major champions from Australia are in the field, with Minjee Lee winning the KPMG Women's PGA last summer in Texas and Grace Kim claiming the Amundi Evian Championship in a playoff over top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul.
"I think it's probably the week that we put the most pressure on ourselves because it is something that we want so badly," said Green.
Kim won the Australian Women's Amateur at Kooyonga Golf Club in 2021 and made her debut in the Aussie Open on the same course in 2018.
"Kooyonga is always I think at the top of the list in Australia for me," said Kim.
The men's and women's events have been played concurrently in recent years but were separated after several high-profile players complained that combining the events diminished both.
Lee, who said she enjoyed playing in the same field as her brother, PGA Tour star Min Woo Lee, came to Kooyonga in January for a preview and believes it will present a good test.
"I really would like to get my name on that trophy," said Lee.
The event, co-sanctioned by the LET, was part of the LPGA schedule for several years. Past winners include former world No. 1s Inbee Park, Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko. Lydia Ko won it as a co-sanctioned LET event, as did two-time Aussie Open winner Jiyai Shin.
Park won the last edition co-sanctioned by the LPGA in 2020 at Royal Adelaide.
“I think we can make it attractive for certain players to come down for sure, we might not get that LPGA sanctioning again but we can make those events big enough and attractive enough that they want to come down and play,” Webb said.
“You don’t need 20 (LPGA players), if you get the right two or three of them (in addition to the Aussies), that draws the attention of the world media to that event.
“For the longest time that’s what they’ve done with men’s golf, that’s what they did last year at the Australian Open, there wasn’t a lot of big names there, but Rory (McIlroy) was there, so the world golf media followed it because Rory played, you just need the right players to commit to playing.”
There are fewer rivalries in the NFL than the one that exists between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. And more just got added to that after the Saints snatched up linebacker Kaden Eliss from the Falcons in the throes of free agency.
But things get even funnier from there. Elliss is being brought back to his former team in New Orleans to replace Demario Davis, who the Saints lost to the Jets. That also marked a reunion for Davis who returns to a team he is also familiar with. Elliss formerly served as the backup to Davis in New Orleans, originally selected by the Saints in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL draft. He has the ability to explode into something special in New Orleans, flying under the radar as one of the lesser talked-about great talents in the NFL. He finished out the 2025 season leading the Falcons in tackles (107), also with 3.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, one interception and six passes defended as a team captain.
Here's a look at what fans on social media had to say about Elliss returning to New Orleans:
I’m so glad I don’t have to hate Kaden Elliss anymore.
When it comes to looking for more ways to infringe upon the ability of players to get the most out of their downtime, the NFL can be some sort of an instigator. A troublemaker.
The league's latest instigation of trouble as it relates to the regular-season schedule comes from a potential cash grab on the night before Thanksgiving.
On the surface, it makes sense. It's a quiet night. Plenty of people are at home, or at the home of the relatives with whom they'll have an awkward feast the next day. Why not drop a football game into the mix and rack up an easy 30 million viewers?
But there's a problem. When Christmas lands on a Wednesday, the NFL can have the December 25 teams play the prior Saturday. In November, Saturday isn't an option, due to the calendar limits of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
As a result, and as reported by Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal, teams emerging from byes would get the short-week short straw on the night before Thanksgiving.
That would essentially eliminate the full-blown bye experience for those teams, giving them a mini-bye on the front end and a mini-bye on the back end. (If the bookend games are played on Sundays, they'd actually have more time off after the Thanksgiving Eve game than before it.)
The powers-that-be won't care. It's another opportunity to peel one of the Sunday games from the pile and drop it into a standalone spot that will generate a larger audience, and a lot more money. It's precisely the kind of game Netflix and/or YouTube would covet — an event. An extension of the Thanksgiving complement of games, which now has three on Thursday and one on Black Friday.
Whether the players on the teams that will have their annual two-week bye chopped in half (almost) like it or not, it's another way to stuff more cheese into the pizza. And to cram more cash into the coffers of ownership.
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free-agent linebacker Channing Tindall on a one-year contract, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday. Tindall will give the team more depth at linebacker after losing starter Kaden Elliss on Day 2 of NFL free agency.
The Miami Dolphins drafted Tindall in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia. After spending his first three NFL seasons in Miami, Tindall signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2025.
The 25-year-old has appeared in 51 games over the last four seasons, contributing mostly on special teams. Tindall has recorded 24 career tackles (12 solo) since entering the league. Last year, Tindall played in seven games for the Cardinals.
"Former Dolphins and Cardinals LB Channing Tindall is signing a one-year deal with the Falcons, per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown," Schefter wrote on social media.
The Falcons have also agreed to terms with former Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris. Free agent contracts won't become official until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET when the new league year officially begins.
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 25: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a relatively non-eventful first day of free agency for the Detroit Lions. While they came away with a starting center in Cade Mays and a depth option at offensive tackle in Larry Borom, Detroit wasn’t very active.
Turning calendar to Tuesday, the Detroit Lions made another move to fill a hole on the roster. Last week, the Lions agreed to trade David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, leaving the team with a true vacancy at the RB2 spot. On the second day of free agency, Detroit added former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco on a one-year deal worth up to $1.81 million. But for a former, two-time Super Bowl champion, why did the Chiefs choose to let Pacheco walk in free agency for such a paltry price? Does he have the chance to return to form after an injury he suffered in 2024?
To get the inside scoop, we spoke with Ron Kopp Jr.—Contributing Editor for Arrowhead Pride—who both watched and spoke to Pacheco during his four seasons in Kansas City. Here’s some insight into the Lions’ newest running back.
1. When Isiah Pacheco became the lead back for the Chiefs in the second half of the 2022 season, he was a key piece to their victory in Super Bowl LVII. What about him as a player from his rookie season is still a dependable part of his game heading into 2026?
Pacheco came into the NFL with a high-motor, high-energy style on all fronts. After he was drafted, he immediately told reporters in his presser that he’ll be “willing to take a grown man’s job” and ended up leading the backfield in carries by 100 as a rookie. He is reliable as a lead back in the sense that he will treat every carry like it’s a do-or-die moment. With the Chiefs’ offense built through the passing game, it was important to have Pacheco’s full-speed burst (4.37 40-time) each of the limited times he was given the ball to maximize those opportunities.
2. Pacheco suffered a brutal fibula fracture in the early parts of the 2024 season, and his return from that injury led him to his least efficient season as a runner in his four-year career.
What part of his game was most impacted by the injury, did he look improved from that standpoint in 2025, and do you see him capable of returning to his pre-injury form with another offseason of training?
The injury zapped Pacheco’s elusiveness and change of direction, which are already skills he doesn’t excel in. He is a stop-and-start, linear runner who makes it work because of how explosive and momentous he is when it opens up for him. He was shiftier before the injury, but in the Chiefs’ zone-run scheme, it appeared the knee injury really hampered his quickness navigating the box.
3. What will Pacheco bring to the Lions backfield when it comes to pass protection and receiving?
Pacheco has improved at pass protection over his four seasons, taking the foundation of having a dog-like mentality to take on blitzing linebackers with enjoyment and building on it with calmer hands and feet. Early in his career, he was more hit and miss, but he has become reliable to help keep a pocket clean. As far as receiving, his hard-nosed run style makes him a notable checkdown option; he has the speed to turn a missed tackle from a DB into a huge play.
4. What stood out most about Pacheco’s intangibles—whether it was his leadership, work ethic, competitiveness, or another quality—that made him valuable to the Chiefs?
While it became clear that the Chiefs need more from the lead back than Pacheco was willing to provide, his constant energy and high emotions became a big part of the offense, something I believe the unit missed when he was sidelined. I’ve always compared him to the Tasmanian Devil, which may point to his run style, but it also points to the constant, almost overwhelming passion and energy he brings to each snap. It was an underrated factor in his impact with KC.
5. Are there any particular moments from games or specific matchups from Pacheco’s time in Kansas City that Lions fans should check out to get a sense of what he will bring to Detroit’s backfield? What did those performances reveal about him as a player?
Trey & Creed's down blocks blown open the lane, then Pacheco reads the leverage of Jawaan at the 2nd level perfectly for a 16-yard gash pic.twitter.com/SxyYJL3Erv
In 2025, he showed off a lot of what I consider his strengths during the Jaguars game where 27 of his 36 yards came after contact. Before his injury this year against Washington in Week 8, he was starting to play with the speed/power combo we were used to.
4×1 set, Pacheco looks to have a standard flat route, so Logan Wilson overpursues outside to make sure he doesn’t get beat to the edge. Pacheco then cuts back on an angle route for a wide-open score.
The striker pulled up during the Serie A match against Cagliari on November 29, 2025, and it was immediately apparent this was a very serious injury.
It was diagnosed as a high-grade lesion to the muscle-tendon junction of the left adductor longus.
Vlahovic all set for Juventus return
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Vlahovic took part in the entire training session with his Juventus teammates at the Continassa camp near Turin today and is widely expected to be in the squad for the trip to Udinese.
He had scored six goals and provided two assists in his 17 competitive appearances this season before that setback.
His performances in the remaining 10 matches of the campaign could well decide whether or not he signs a new contract with Juventus, seeing as the current deal expires on June 30.
Matheus Cunha has dismissed talk about Manchester United’s struggles, insisting he only sees the positive side of playing for one of football’s biggest clubs.
The Brazilian forward has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Old Trafford.
Despite the pressure that comes with representing United, Cunha says he focuses only on the opportunity in front of him.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Matheus Cunha refuses to focus on the negative side of Manchester United
Fabrizio Romano shared Cunha’s response when he was asked about the pressure and criticism surrounding Manchester United.
“I never think about the negative side of Manchester United. For me, it’s an extraordinary club,” Cunha said.
The Brazilian forward joined United after building a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking players.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Cunha has quickly become a key figure in the team’s attack with a series of strong performances.
His pace, creativity, and work rate have made him one of United’s most consistent attacking outlets during the current campaign.
Matheus Cunha believes the ‘giant’ will wake up
Cunha also made it clear he believes the club is on the verge of returning to its former dominance.
“I joke that the giant is sleeping, and that we are going to wake it up,” a confident Cunha stated.
The Brazilian has been one of the bright spots in United’s season, contributing goals and assists while regularly leading the line.
Cunha believes that with the current squad and momentum, Manchester United can soon return to competing at the very top again.
West Virginia guard Honor Huff (3) is defended by BYU center Keba Keita (13) during game Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Morgantown, W.Va.
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Kathleen Batten, Associated Press
KANSAS CITY — Long after his show-stopping performance led No. 10 seed BYU to a 105-91 win over No. 15 seed Kansas State in a Big 12 tournament first-round game Tuesday night, freshman AJ Dybantsa was the topic of the day in college sports.
Scoring a tournament freshman record 40 points, on 15-of-21 shooting, will do that for a teenager. Dybantsa also added nine rebounds, six assists and three steals as the Cougars improved to 3-2 in Big 12 tournament games in their three years in the conference.The question now is, what will Dybantsa and his teammates do for an encore?
It won’t take long to find out.
The 22-10 Cougars will face No. 7 seed West Virginia (18-13) at 5 p.m. MDT Wednesday at T-Mobile Center in a second-round game for the right to move on to face No. 2 seed Houston on Thursday. The game has been moved from ESPNU to ESPN2, perhaps because of the way Dybantsa thrilled the country on Tuesday.
According to OptaSTATS, Dybantsa is the only Division I player in this century to have a game that included 40 or more points, five or more rebounds, five or more assists, three or more steals and 70% or better shooting with no fouls.
Wednesday morning, Dybantsa was named to the 2025-26 The Sporting News All-America First Team, along with Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson and Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas.
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley, the Big 12 Player of the Year, made the third team. In his address to the media Tuesday morning, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said Dybantsa — not Bradley — should be considered for National Player of the Year honors.
“I mean, it is an honor for him to be the Big 12 commissioner (and say that),” Dybantsa said. “I feel like this is the best league in the world for college basketball. And for him to recognize my talents and think I should be up there (as) one of the best players in the country, this means a lot.”
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) is fouled by Kansas State Wildcats forward Taj Manning (15) while driving to the basket for a layup during the second half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) hangs on the rim after a fast break dunk during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kansas City Chiefs head coach and BYU alumni Andy Ried, left, attends a game between BYU and the Kansas State Wildcats with his wife, Tammy, right, during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) drives to the basket for a dunk during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A young fan holds up a sign as he cheers for BYU during the first half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU fans cheer during the second half of the game between BYU and the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) reacts after the play during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) celebrates after scoring during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward Khadim Mboup (7) reaches for a loose ball ahead of Kansas State Wildcats guard Nate Johnson (34) during the second half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kansas State Wildcats guard CJ Jones (3) drives past BYU guard Robert Wright III (1) during the first half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU guard Robert Wright III (1) celebrates after making a 3-pointer during the first half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU center Keba Keita (13) dunks on Kansas State Wildcats forward Khamari McGriff (21) during the first half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dunks during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU head coach Kevin Young directs his players during the first half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) passes the ball to the corner during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU guard Aleksej Kostić (6) reacts after turning the ball over during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) reacts after a basket during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Players on the Kansas State Wildcats bench celebrate a 3-pointer during the first half of the game against BYU during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) and guard Aleksej Kostić (6) celebrate on the bench after a BYU basket during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang looks on during the first half of the game against BYU during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kansas State Wildcats guard CJ Jones (3) drives to the basket for a layup against BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) during the first half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) defends Kansas State Wildcats guard Nate Johnson (34) during the first half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) and forward Dominique Diomande (24) celebrate after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) celebrates with forward Mihailo Boskovic (5) after making a 3-pointer during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives past Kansas State Wildcats guard PJ Haggerty (4) during the second half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kansas State Wildcats guard CJ Jones (3) attempts to pass the ball away from BYU guard Kennard Davis Jr. (30) after slipping on the court during the first half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU center Keba Keita (13) grabs a rebound over Kansas State Wildcats forward Taj Manning (15) during the second half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU guard Richie Saunders (15) greets teammates at the bench during a timeout during the second half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kansas State Wildcats forward Taj Manning (15) grabs a rebound over BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the second half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kansas State Wildcats guard David Castillo (10) and BYU forward Dominique Diomande (24) battle for a loose ball during the second half of the game during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) celebrates with forward Dominique Diomande (24) after the play during the first half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) celebrates after making a 3-pointer during the first half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) celebrates with guard Robert Wright III (1) and forward Dominique Diomande (24) after dunking during the first half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) celebrates with forward Dominique Diomande (24) after scoring a fast break dunk to take a 50-49 lead into halftime of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
AJ Dybantsa’s father, Ace, center looks on during the first half of the game between BYU and the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Wednesday’s game is a rematch of a Feb. 28 game won 79-71 by West Virginia in Morgantown. The Mountaineers took a 40-26 halftime lead and held off a late BYU rally by dominating the offensive glass. West Virginia grabbed 18 offensive rebounds — a lot of them the result of gathering long-rebound shots that weren’t close to going in — and turned them into 15 second-chance points.
Honor Huff led WVU with 19 points, while Rob Wright III had 23.
Wright left BYU’s win over K-State with 11:52 remaining in the game and did not return because he took an elbow to the mouth from KSU’s CJ Jones that dislodged a tooth and cut his lip so badly that it required stitches.
Wright was tested for a concussion, but cleared protocol and told the Deseret News he expects to play Wednesday. He also said that he won’t enter the transfer portal after the season, noting that if he does leave BYU it will be for professional basketball.
AJ Dybantsa of @BYUMBB is the only Division I player this century to have a game with:
Kenpom has BYU as a 6-point favorite in the game, with a 69% probability of a win. Because WVU has a No. 58 NET ranking, the game will be a Quad 2 opportunity for BYU.
West Virginia should be well-rested, having defeated UCF 77-62 at Hope Coliseum in Morgantown last Friday. The Mountaineers haven’t won back-to-back games since Jan. 17 against Colorado and Jan. 21 at Arizona State.
Tight end Isaiah Likely catches the ball against the New York Jets. | Getty Images
The new league year starts on March 11th, but it’s already been a whirlwind start to 2026 for the New York Giants.
The “Legal Tampering Period” that serves as the pickup beat to the new league year was an interesting one for the Giants. True to reports that the new regime believes there’s talent in the building and is more inclined to “tinker” with the Giants’ roster than overhaul it, the Giants didn’t make many dramatic moves.
The biggest moves so far are bringing back right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, and the additions of tight end Isaiah Likely and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Beyond that, the Giants have made smaller moves. On the offensive side, they agreed to terms with fullback Patrick Ricard and wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. On the defensive side of the ball, the Giants agreed to terms with cornerback Greg Newsome II, safety Ar’Darius Washington, and linebacker Micah McFadden.
The biggest changes came on the the special teams, with the Giants agreeing to terms with All-Pro specialists punter Jordan Stout and placekicker Jason Sanders. Considering how volatile and unreliable the Giants’ kicking game was last year, those might be almost as important as bringing back Eluemunor.
The Giants aren’t done yet and there will be more signings as free agency actually gets going. But for now we just want to ask the fans: Do you like what the Giants did to open free agency?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Former North Carolina Tar Heel wide receiver Ryan Switzer is climbing up the coaching ranks following his college and NFL career.
While at North Carolina, Switzer was a standout for the Tar Heels and then played in the NFL. After that, he opted to enter the coaching ranks, and now he's quickly climbing it. The Oregon Ducks have announced their coaching staff for the 2026 season and Switzer has been hired as an offensive assistant.
This comes after he spent a few years at Tulsa serving as wide receivers coach, recruiting coordinator, interim head coach, and passing game coordinator.
This is a big step up in the coaching ranks for Switzer, who now joins an Oregon program that has been in the College Football Playoff the past few years. He gets to learn under Dan Lanning who has become one of the best coaches in the country as well.
During his time at North Carolina, Switzer had 2,912 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. He left as the best punt returner in program history, tying the NCAA single-season record with five return touchdowns as a freshman. He was named a two-time First-Team All-American in 2013 and 2015.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 12: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 12, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
According toNFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts were recently in ‘pole position’ for Cincinnati Bengals former All-Pro free agent edge Trey Hendricksonbefore the Baltimore Ravens shockingly ‘backed out’ of trading for Las Vegas Raiders fellow All-Pro edge Maxx Crosby on Tuesday evening—and signed Hendrickson instead on Wednesday morning:
From @GMFB: Explaining the Maxx Crosby medical risk, what the #Ravens believed, and why the #Colts were in pole position for Trey Hendrickson… until Baltimore jumped in. pic.twitter.com/KSG4qc1ciR
While far from a guarantee that Hendrickson, who was expected to make a decision on Wednesday regardless of Baltimore’s later entry, would’ve actually signed with Indy among other heavily interested suitors, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Colts made a recent “competitive bid” closer to around $25 million per year.
On Colts and Trey Hendrickson, per sources: IND made what it hoped was a competitive offer. Colts were in the mix as of Tues. After the Maxx Crosby trade dissolved, Ravens' offer turned things upside down. Colts wanted to be closer to $25M/year. Baltimore’s deal is for $28M/yr.
While Hendrickson is 2 years older than Crosby, and coming off his own injury (hip/pelvis ailments to be exact), the Ravens now get to keep their next two first round picks, instead of trading them to the Raiders for Crosby.
However, it was the Colts who are now caught in those surprising shockwaves of the Ravens reneging on their deal with Las Vegas. It potentially cost them a former NFL First-Team All-Pro pass rusher, who combined for a whopping 35.0 total sacks from 2023-24 under their veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in Cincinnati.
Having to replace starting defensive end Kwity Paye, who coincidentally recently signed with the Raiders of all other NFL teams, Holder expects the Colts to also pivot to another remaining impact pass rusher. However, there’s quite a bit of drop off from Hendrickson to the leftover free agent pass rushers after the first waves of free agency, so whether they’ll be actually successful in such an attempted feat remains unclear.
For what it’s worth, the Colts seem like the longest of long shots to trade for Crosby now, after already surrendering their next two first round picks for former New York Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner ahead of last season’s trade deadline in a blockbuster move.
The Colts appear to be poised to make another move on a pass rusher, it’s just a matter of who exactly now.
Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League game against Midtjylland at The City Ground (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Pereira confirmed Stefan Ortega "may be a couple matches out", with Dan Ndoye also unavailable, however, Jair Cunha is fit and "will be in the match".
Asked whether there would be a point where he sacrifices the Europa League to focus on Premier League survival, he responded: "We'll see. For now, we try to be competitive in both."
He added: "I need to try to balance, to be competitive in the next game and afterwards against Fulham. It is important for the players to be ready to help the team, we need to be ready to challenge and perform."
Pereira also went on to praise his side's work ethic as they try to balance Europe with their relegation battle: "We have quality in the squad, they are working hard, with good energy, trying to understand the tactical demands. We will be ready."
On the club dropping ticket prices and the importance of having a full stadium: "I know as a club, we need to be ready as a club. Not only the players, but the supporters, everyone must be ready for this fight, for this big challenge. Not only in the Europa League but in the Premier League. We need to be committed. We need the support of our fans. We need to feel the energy and we need to make them proud of our work."
He continued: "I think it was a good decision to make because it's not easy for the supporters. On Thursday night, in the rain, it may be raining, it's not easy to come. But the passion, what makes the difference is the passion that we feel inside of us."
Pereira admitted Midtjylland, who they lost to in October, will "not be easy to face", particularly with their set-pieces: "We must learn with the last game against them and play with our qualities, because we have the spirit. We have our qualities, our tools, our organisation, our dynamics. Tomorrow I believe that, with our supporters, we can play in a very good level and to get a good result."
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Runaway European star Marco Penge’s move to the U.S. and the PGA Tour has been equal parts exciting and daunting. He has chosen an NBA team (Lakers), is getting used to drive-through ATMs, turning right at (some) red lights and the many options at Starbucks. Apart from that, it’s taken a couple months to adjust to playing full-time on the PGA Tour for the 27-year-old Englishman ahead of making his Players Championship debut.
Last year, long and straight drives, formidable long-iron play and some clutch putting catapulted Penge from the DP World Tour to the PGA Tour this season. He won three DPWT titles, nearly overcame Rory McIlroy in the season-long Race to Dubai title and narrowly missed out on a spot on Europe’s Ryder Cup team. Penge also earned his TPC Sawgrass debut by finishing top of the 10 DP World members who secured PGA Tour cards for this year.
Penge, now ranked 38th in the world, was comfortably the DP World Tour’s best performer among the full-time members. Then it was time to move his young family to the U.S. Not to mention, Penge and his wife, Sophie, have welcomed a second child—Romeo, born on Feb. 24—while Penge was dealing with weeks-long stretches on the road.
“That was the first challenge, and we're really enjoying being based over here and my wife's really enjoying it, which is the main thing because obviously playing tournaments week to week, but she's moved away from her family and support system,” Penge said at TPC Sawgrass on Wednesday.
Penge and his wife chose Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., as their base, then found a club (Old Palm) to begin practice. That wasn’t before one club turned him away, which Penge said was due to his wearing of a T-shirt and shorts because he had just flown into Orlando and drove to Palm Beach Gardens.
Once settled, Penge began preparing his game for the PGA Tour.
“[I’m enjoying] the golf courses [on the PGA Tour]; I've dreamt of playing golf courses like [TPC Sawgrass] and the condition that it's in, it's just unbelievable,” he said. “I'm loving playing with the best players in the world week to week and learning every week. It's an experience that you should only get better from.”
With an average drive of almost 320 yards and 72 percent of greens in regulation hit on the DP World Tour last year, one could be forgiven for assuming Penge would be contending – possibly winning – soon after his debut as a PGA Tour member at Torrey Pines. But he missed the cut there and at the WM Phoenix Open before a T-64 at Pebble Beach. He showed his talent by leading through two rounds at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera but faded to T-16.
“I think just adapting to the conditions and [course set-ups]; every area of your game is under pressure over here,” Penge said. “I find in Europe you can get away with a couple areas of your game being not so great. [TPC Sawgrass] is a perfect example [of difficult PGA Tour setups]. You've got to hit it straight off the tee. Yes, if you hit it long, great, but if it's not on the fairway, then it's a bit of a waste of time. If you're missing greens, then you're going to find it tough to get up and down. When you do hit greens, [imprecise iron shots] could leave you with downhill, across the slope putts. Your pace needs to be good when holing out.
“It's a real test every area, and that's the part that I'm enjoying because it's highlighted a couple areas of my game that need to be better … and parts of my game that are good enough to be playing against the best guys.”
While Penge ranks third on the tour for strokes gained/off the tee, he could improve his approach play (150th) and putting (147th). He is acutely aware, even when beating an elite field at Riviera through two rounds by shooting 66-64.
“Yeah, obviously leading after two rounds was good, but I still didn't feel like I was quite happy with where my game was,” Penge said. “I felt certain areas were kind of carrying certain parts of my game. My iron plays been pretty appalling all year, but I've just changed my iron shaft and now I've kind of got the ball flight in the window that I want it to be. It took four or five weeks to kind of get that right, but we finally got there.”
Just in time for the Players. Penge wasn’t exempt into last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, so TPC Sawgrass is his first signature event at a demanding golf course in almost a month. If Riviera is any guide, Penge hopes the moment and TPC Sawgrass’ varying tests will force him to produce his best golf.
“I feel like this is where I belong and where I've always destined to be and I still haven't fulfilled my potential, but I'm trying as hard as I can to fulfill that and that's how I compare myself week to week is to what I know I can achieve and hopefully one day I can fulfill that,” Penge said.
The New York Knicks head to Utah looking to bounce back from a tough start to their west coast trip.
New York dropped back-to-back games in Los Angeles, completing a stretch where they played 12 playoff contenders in 16 games.
Now, the Knicks get to play just their fourth opponent with a losing record since February 4. My Knicks vs. Jazz predictions & NBA picks look for New York to get a cover on Wednesday, March 11.
Knicks vs Jazz prediction
Knicks vs Jazz best bet: Knicks -14.5 (-110)
The New York Knicks will relish the chance to play the outmanned Jazz.New York has played more games against .700 teams (4) than sub .500 teams (3) over the last 16. The Utah Jazz has played three losing foes in the last five, producing the 4-1 ATS record that has them as a trendy upset pick here.
This will be just New York’s fourth game this season with a point spread this large. They’re 3-0 ATS, winning by an average of 28.7 points. Utah has two 30-point losses in the five games where they’ve been this large an underdog, going 3-2 ATS.
Knicks vs Jazz same-game parlay
The Knicks play at the No. 24 pace in the NBA, the Jazz at No. 5. Something’s got to give. Utah has played just five games this season with an Over/Under cutoff this low. New York has gone Under in four of their last five with a cutoff this high.
Mikal Bridges has struggled with consistency scoring this season and appears to be taking on more of a “glue” role in recent games. He’s played fewer than 30 minutes and taken fewer than 10 shots in each of the last three games—both are his longest streaks of the season.
Meanwhile, his rebounding and assist rates are both up. It may only be a temporary change, but it should last at least another game.
Knicks vs Jazz SGP
Knicks -14.5
Under 229.5 points
Mikal Bridges Over 3.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Rebounds aplenty for Knickerbockers
Utah has been outrebounded on the year and is slightly below average on both the offensive and defensive boards. That’s what makes the Knicks’ rebounding props so odd. Whatever the reason, there are bargains to be had.
OG Anunoby has pulled down 21 boards in the last three games. He’s been below five just once in the last six games.
Karl-Anthony Towns has had 12 or more in each of the last seven, averaging 13.9 over that span. Neither is a lock to hit their over, but they’re definitely priced right with both in plus odds.
Knicks vs Jazz SGP
Knicks -14.5
Mikal Bridges Over 3.5 assists
OG Anunoby Over 5.5 rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 12.5 rebounds
Knicks vs Jazz odds
Spread: New York -14.5 (-110) | Utah +14.5 (-110)
Moneyline: New York -1000 | Utah +650
Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Knicks vs Jazz betting trend to know
New York and Utah have gone under in seven of their last 10 head-to-head matchups. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Jazz.
How to watch Knicks vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSG Sportsnet, KJZZ 14
Knicks vs Jazz latest injuries
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On Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN was the first to report that tight end Jack Stoll was signed by the Cleveland Browns in free agency. Stoll played last season with the New Orleans Saints, his only year with the team. Fowler reports that the Browns and Stoll have agreed to a one-year deal. Terms of the contract are not yet disclosed.
Stoll, 28, played collegiately with the Nebraska Cornhuskers and was an undrafted rookie signing by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. Outside of a short four-game stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, Stoll played his first four seasons with Philadelphia. In 57 games for the Eagles, Stoll had 22 receptions for 193 yards.
New Orleans signed Stoll to a one-year contract in free agency last offseason. He'd be a backup to starter Juwan Johnson. Stoll appeared in 15 games, making four starts and playing 209 offensive snaps with another 132 on special teams. He caught 6 passes for 46 yards on 11 targets, including his first career touchdown reception.
Stoll became expendable when the Saints reached an agreement with Noah Fant on the opening day of free agency. While Stoll was used primarily as a blocker, Fant brings similar blocking ability with a vastly increased receiving threat. Stoll joins a Cleveland team with tight end David Njoku currently still available on the free agent market.
One of the most important categories for a game to be Steam Deck Verified is that the game's UI must scale well on the device's small screen. When it was earlier confirmed that Valve would be loosening the requirements for the Steam Machine Verified program, we speculated that the display scaling and resolution might be one of the areas Valve would relax its requirements. Now, at GDC 2026, Valve has confirmed that this is the case, providing additional guidelines for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame Verification process. According to the document, the Verified program will be split into Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame Standalone—the latter being labelled "Standalone" because the Steam Frame can also operate connected to a PC or Steam Deck.
According to Valve's presentation, all Steam Deck Verified games will be Verified for the Steam Machine, but not all Steam Machine Verified games will necessarily be Verified for the Steam Deck—this is largely a result of the Machine's claimed performance. At a minimum, games must be able to run at 1080p, 30 FPS, with the same controller support and input expectations as the Steam Deck—meaning full support for controller-only input. Games with controller compatibility issues—for instance, requiring a mouse and/or keyboard to play or interact with the UI—will be rated Steam Machine Playable. Any games that are unsupported on Deck because of SteamOS will get the same rating on the Steam Machine, and any games that are unplayable on Deck because of performance issues will be re-evaluated for the Steam Machine in new testing.
According to Department of Justice documents reviewed by Reuters, servers at the FBI's New York field office were compromised on February 12, 2023, by a foreign national after they were inadvertently left vulnerable by Special Agent Aaron Spivack, who was navigating the agency's complex procedures for handling digital evidence.
QuickWise turns your documents, website, and FAQs into a data-grounded AI support chatbot that answers customer questions instantly. It uses a RAG pipeline with source citations, a corrections system to override mistakes, and an FAQ priority layer to enforce authoritative answers. QuickWise also includes built-in support ticketing with automatic bot-to-human handoff, analytics, an embeddable widget, a documentation portal, and API/webhooks. Deploy in minutes, manage multiple chatbots, and track deflection and satisfaction from one dashboard.
Most people have no idea what they're actually worth. Money is scattered across bank accounts, investments, property, and debt, with no single view tying it together. Finsory fixes that with one elegant dashboard and six dedicated modules: real-time net worth tracking, a monthly ledger, property and vehicle valuations, investment portfolio performance, and private lending management. Every asset and liability visible in one place.
You wouldn't run a business without knowing your numbers, so why run your financial life without clarity? Finsory gives you the same insight that CEOs demand, applied to your personal wealth.
Cathay Pacific said that to cater for an upsurge in market demand for Europe, extra passenger flights to London and additional capacity to Zurich will be operated in March. The airline is adding eight more […]
Goldman Sachs has emerged as the largest institutional holder of spot XRP exchange-traded fund shares, with nearly $154 million in holdings across multiple XRP ETF products. Despite the sizable institutional exposure, XRP has struggled to move above $1.50 in recent weeks.
13F Filings Show Institutional Positioning in XRP ETFs
Goldman Sachs filed its 13F report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The latest filings show that 83 institutions reported holdings in XRP ETFs. Together, the top 30 investors hold around $211 million worth of XRP ETF shares.
Among them, Goldman Sachs holds the largest position, with about $154 million in XRP ETF shares, putting it far ahead of other institutions that reported their holdings.
Although Goldman Sachs holds a large position, institutions control only a small part of the total XRP ETF market.
As of now, spot XRP ETFs held roughly $1.21 billion in total assets. The $211 million disclosed through 13F filings represents about 16% of those assets. The remaining 84% of ETF ownership comes from investors who are not required to file 13F reports.
Because of this structure, much of the daily trading activity in XRP ETFs is driven by investors outside the institutional reporting system.
ETF Experts Say Retail Demand Still Drives XRP Market
Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas commented that the non-reporting majority of ETF investors is likely dominated by dedicated XRP supporters rather than casual traders.
The token remains central to the strategy of Ripple Labs. At a recent event, Brad Garlinghouse described XRP as the company’s “North Star.”
XRP Price Failing To Rally
Despite large institutional exposure through XRP exchange-traded funds, XRP has struggled to move above the $1.50 level for nearly a month.
However, overall market sentiment has weakened due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Technical levels show that $1.50 remains a strong resistance zone. If the token breaks above this level with sustained buying pressure, the price could move toward $2.
The Bitcoin price is hovering near $69,926, but not everyone is convinced the worst is over. In fact, some voices like Arthur Hayes in the market are openly saying they wouldn’t buy right now even if they had fresh capital ready to deploy.
In a recent appearance on the Coin Stories podcast, he made it clear that if he had $1 to invest today, it wouldn’t be going into BTC just yet. He’d wait. Specifically, he’d wait for central banks to start printing money again.
Because according to this view, it’s not war that’s bullish for crypto. It’s the monetary response that follows.
Bitcoin Price Hinges On Money Printing
Well, the argument is simple: geopolitical conflicts can initially trigger risk-off reactions across markets. That means equities fall, liquidity dries up, and yes, the crypto often gets dragged down with everything else.
LATEST: Arthur Hayes says he would not invest in Bitcoin right now and would wait for the Fed to start money-printing, warning BTC could fall below $60,000 if geopolitical tensions persist. pic.twitter.com/OnHu6EpxP7
The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran could create exactly that environment. If the conflict drags on, the theory goes, markets might see a broader sell-off before policymakers step in with stimulus. And that’s the moment many large traders are waiting for.
Once central banks begin easing monetary policy and liquidity floods back into the system, assets that thrive on abundant money supply historically start to move. For anyone tracking a Bitcoin price prediction narrative, that policy shift is seen as the real catalyst not the conflict itself.
War Could Trigger Market Liquidations
But let’s be real for a second. Before the liquidity wave comes the storm.
The warning is that prolonged geopolitical stress could trigger a sharp sell-off across equities and crypto markets alike. In that scenario, the Bitcoin/USD pair might not just dip, it could experience cascading liquidations.
One potential target mentioned? A drop below $60,000. That kind of move wouldn’t be unprecedented. The asset briefly touched the $60K level back on early february, before stabilizing and drifting into a mild recovery phase.
Still, traders watching the Bitcoin price chart know how quickly momentum can flip once leveraged positions start unwinding.
On-Chain Metrics Suggest Bottom Missing
And then there’s the on-chain data often the reality check when narratives get loud.
Two metrics are currently raising eyebrows, as well. First is Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL). Historically, major cycle bottoms have appeared when NUPL drops below zero. So far, that hasn’t happened yet.
Second is Supply in Profit. Right now, roughly 58.6% of supply remains in profit, comfortably above the 50% threshold that historically coincided with major market bottoms. For context, the last major cycle bottom in November 2022 occurred when the metric dropped to around 45% while prices hovered near $16,000.
So what does all that suggest? Simply put, the Bitcoin price may not have reached its ultimate floor yet, even if the long-term outlook remains bullish.
Interestingly, despite the caution, the same long-term outlook still includes a bold projection: a potential $250,000 valuation by 2026. But before that kind of rally can happen, the market might have to endure one more shakeout.
A new exchange-traded fund (ETF) linked to XRP—the Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF—is scheduled to launch in the US around March 11, 2026. The fund has already submitted its application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the news has generated widespread market interest.
Amidst the ongoing exploration of digital asset investment channels by traditional financial institutions, ETFs are seen as a crucial tool connecting traditional capital with the crypto market. Once these investment products gain wider acceptance, market liquidity and institutional participation are expected to increase further.
In a volatile market, investors are seeking more stable ways to participate.
CLS Mining participates in the digital asset ecosystem through cloud computing power.
In the cloud computing power service sector, CLS Mining is gradually gaining market attention.
CLS Mining provides cloud computing power solutions for digital assets, allowing users to participate in blockchain network computing power operations without purchasing or maintaining mining equipment.
Through the cloud computing power model, users can choose different computing power plans according to their needs, and the system will automatically allocate computing power and calculate returns.
This model provides a simpler way for investors to participate in the blockchain industry but lack technical experience.
Technology and Security System
CLS Mining enhances platform stability through multiple technical measures, including:
• Multi-layered data encryption system
• High-performance server architecture
• Real-time computing power monitoring system
• Annual financial and security compliance audit conducted by PwC
• Insurance provided by Lloyd’s of London to ensure the secure custody of digital assets
• Cloudflare Enterprise Protection and McAfee® cloud security system
In addition, the platform’s mining farm uses green energy, such as hydropower and wind power, to improve overall computing power efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
User Experience Feedback
Users from different regions have stated that the cloud computing power model makes it easier for them to participate in the blockchain industry.
Michael, a user from Berlin, Germany, said:
I have been paying attention to XRP, but I don’t want to watch the market every day. I am particularly satisfied with the high stability and transparency of the cloud mining service through CLS Mining.
Daniel, a medical practitioner from the United States, said:
The platform’s operation is simple, and the revenue data is transparent, making it ideal for people who are long-term followers of the digital asset industry.
About CLS Mining
CLS Mining is a platform specializing in cloud computing power services for digital assets. It is committed to providing simple and transparent computing power solutions to users worldwide through technological optimization and computing power management.
CLS Mining aims to provide users with a more convenient way to participate and obtain stable cash flow.
The BNB price might be getting its groove back after a major decline from ATH and this time the action isn’t coming from just the usual spot traders. Nope. The real fireworks are happening inside the derivatives segment, where leverage-hungry traders seem to be piling in again.
Data shows derivatives activity around BNB is picking up steam, with Open Interest climbing to $550.86 million. That number alone doesn’t guarantee anything, of course. But paired with funding rates leaning toward improving long positions side, it definitely hits the odds higher that traders are increasingly betting that the next move might be upward rather than sideways for much longer.
And honestly? The market structure is starting to reflect that optimism slowly due to a recent case against Binance got dismissed, making sense to the shortterm momentum.
Derivatives Traders Step In
Let’s start with the obvious signal: derivatives demand. Open Interest sitting at $550.86 million means a sizable amount of capital is locked into active BNB futures contracts. More importantly, funding rates are currently aligned with long-side positioning, indicating traders are willing to pay a premium to maintain bullish exposure, per Santiment charts.
Now, here’s the interesting twist. The Futures Volume Bubble Map suggests the market isn’t overheated, at least not yet. Instead, it’s sitting in a neutral zone after coming from ATH. That’s the kind of environment momentum traders actually like because it leaves room for growth without the immediate risk of a crowded trade collapsing.
If optimistic demand keeps building, those volume bubbles could shift toward light orange, which could increase the odds of rising derivatives momentum. And when that happens, things can move fast.
Naturally, anyone staring at a BNB price chart will want to watch that transition carefully.
Binance Futures Market Surges
But the bigger story isn’t just BNB price itself. It’s what’s happening across the exchange, as well.
On Binance, the futures-to-spot volume ratio has surged to 5.1, a level not seen in about 1.5 years, the highest reading since mid-2023. Put simply, the futures market is now processing more than five times the trading volume of spot markets, which means that people are trading all sorts of pair and giving the fundamentals a boost to Binance as well.
That’s not a small shift. That’s structural. When the majority of trading moves toward derivatives, price action tends to become faster, sharper, and far more volatile.
Futures Growth Drives Market Shift
The data from analyst maartunn makes the trend even clearer. He said, in 2025, total trading volume on Binance reached $32.39 trillion. Derivatives activity alone accounted for $25.4 trillion, up from $21.21 trillion in 2024 showing a 19.7% increase year-over-year.
Spot trading, meanwhile, didn’t budge. It stayed flat at $6.99 trillion across both years.
Well, traders appear to be shifting toward leverage and hedging strategies rather than simple spot accumulation. Futures offer flexibility and risk, obviously, but they also attract liquidity.
That liquidity matters. Because when derivatives volume expands while spot markets stagnate, the result is often explosive price swings once demand returns.
And that brings us back to the BNB price. If derivatives liquidity continues building and bullish positioning strengthens, the BNB/USD pair could find itself with plenty of trading fuel. The BNB price prediction crowd will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the next derivatives surge.
Revolut secures a full UK banking license, rolling out FSCS‑protected deposits for 13 million users while keeping crypto trading outside deposit insurance. Fintech giant Revolut has secured approval from the UK’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to launch Revolut Bank UK,…
The price of Across Protocol token surged sharply after a governance proposal suggested a major structural shift for the project. ACX saw a sharp surge in activity, trading at about $0.063 at the time of writing. The token gained roughly…
WPA Hash has unveiled its 2026 growth roadmap, focusing on global infrastructure expansion, AI-driven optimization, and structured cloud-mining contracts. #sponsored
The AIDAbella is resuming service in Palma de Mallorca on March 11 following its AIDA Evolution refurbishment. The cruise ship had previously spent seven weeks in a shipyard in Marseille, where it underwent a comprehensive overhaul and modernization. According to a statement from the company, the upgrade included new and additional restaurants, bars with enhanced...
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has presented its winter 2027–2028 itineraries across Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and the South Pacific aboard the Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara. Sailing from October 2027 to May 2028, the season features more than 60 voyages and introduces 14 new ports of call, according to a press release. “Our Winter 2027–2028 season reflects...
Royal Caribbean is debuting a new America’s Got Talent stage show on the Legend of the Seas in August 2026. America’s Got Talent LIVE will deliver a reimagined extension of the global variety show, marking the first time the series will headline at sea, the company said in a press release. “At Royal Caribbean, we...
Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) has issued a statement saying that there would be no price increases until next March. The company said that the prices for its entire 2026-2027 program would remain competitive despite the geopolitical context in the Middle East and its impact on fuel costs. “While airfares are gradually increasing, we want...
Carnival Cruise Line launches limited-time 2026 cruise value packages with savings on drinks, WiFi, excursions and dining for passengers booking extras before deadlines.
An analytical report examining multiple flight cancellations across major Brazilian airports, including São Paulo–Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro–Galeão, Brasília, São Paulo–Congonhas, and Campinas. The report analyzes airline disruptions affecting international routes to Doha, Dubai, and Washington as well as key domestic connections within Brazil.
Hilton announces the 2026 opening of Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, its first hotel in Hawai‘i, offering guests stunning ocean and mountain views.
Discover the exciting Alaska 2026 cruise season with insider travel tips, popular routes, and early booking guidance for an unforgettable northern voyage.
Botswana wins top honours at ITB Berlin as Destination of the Year for Thrilling Experiences while Tourism Minister Boipuso Wynter Mmolotsi earns conservation award.
Scenic Group announces three new riverboats to be launched by 2028, expanding its fleet and enhancing luxury river cruising in Europe and Southeast Asia.
U.S. airlines, including United and Delta, face skyrocketing airfares amid the Middle East crisis and surging oil prices. Higher fares expected for 2026.
All the ways to watch PSG vs Chelsea live streams from anywhere and for free, as the defending champions seek revenge for their Club World Cup final defeat.
All the ways to watch Real Madrid vs Man City live streams from anywhere and for free, as the Bernabéu hosts the pick of the Champions League Round of 16 ties.
Apple's new MacBook Neo is collecting praise, and we're learning more about its build and even the costs of repairs — and it's looking more attractive all the time.
Disney Imagineers packed a 5.5-million-pixel screen, 2,400 hidden speakers, and a flying performer system into the Disney Adventure’s central stage — all while staying within strict cruise ship weight limits.
External sound cards are a supremely underrated gaming accessory that can enhance your experience immensely - and one of my favorites is discounted right now.
People quitting ChatGPT after OpenAI’s Pentagon deal should export their data, copy their memories, and delete their chats before closing their account.
According to a Reuters report, a foreign hacker broke into a server that was part of the FBI’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein — without realizing they had hacked an FBI server.
WordPress’s new browser-based service lets users create private sites without hosting or signing up, turning the platform into a personal workspace for writing, research, and AI tools.
It’s March 11, and Samsung opened the general sale of the Galaxy S26 series in the US. Preorder perks are gone, and there’s no way to access them now. Trade-in values have been revised as well, and don’t make sense now.
The increased prices are now visible on the sale page, and it’s not a good time for purchase. If you were eager, it’s too late now. You should wait till June, when Samsung could slash prices by offering seasonal discounts stateside.
Galaxy S26
Galaxy S26 starts at $900 in the US, whereas the 512GB version bumps the price by $200. This is a steep increase, driven by the surging costs of DRAM and NAND chips. Samsung is letting you save up to $380 by trading your current phone.
The middle child of this lineup costs $1100 for 256GB and 1300 for 512GB. Trade-in savings are limited to $480, with the most recent flagship scoring the most. You get a $150 Samsung Credit even when you don’t sell your device to Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra now costs $1300 for the 256GB version in the US. Samsung has removed the double storage upgrade offer. The price of the 512GB version has spiked to $1500, and the 1TB model hits a massive $1800.
Trade-in discounts are now capped at $720, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Z Fold 7 paying back the most. If you don’t trade your existing device, Samsung still has a decent offer: a $150 instant savings upon Ultra purchase.
Samsung Odin is a famous tool that lets Galaxy users flash firmware through a personal computer. Years after serving Samsung fans, Odin might become irrelevant with each smartphone lineup coming after the Galaxy S26 series.
Galaxy S26 series doesn’t feature a download mode, which is the primary requirement for the Samsung Odin tool to function. The feature’s departure was rumored earlier and it’s now confirmed after the devices went official.
Samsung may have found the Download mode a barrier in solidifying Galaxy’s security. Alternatives may have also been discussed, but the firmware flashing tool has ended up saying goodbye, starting with the Galaxy S26 series.
Galaxy users will feel the impact at the worst time. If something goes wrong with a new firmware update, there will be no option but to wait until an official fix arrives.
Previously, power users managed to roll back to the previous build. It required downloading firmware from third-party providers. The Odin tool allowed them to manually flash the firmware using a personal computer.
Samsung also dumped the Wipe cache from the recovery menu. The process has been integrated into the system software installation process. It was pretty famous among power users, and it was used after each firmware install.
Galaxy S26 marks the beginning, with future devices following suit. It remains to be seen whether only flagship models remove Download mode or if this shift expands to other lineups, such as Galaxy Z, A, M and Tab series models.
Honor has finally revealed the price of its new foldable. Launching in China before the Oppo Find N6, the Magic V6 retails for just as much as its predecessor. In that sense, Honor may have provided an insight into how much its new foldable may cost globally.
Honor has confirmed that the Chinese version of its new foldable will ship with superior battery capacities than its global counterpart. While the Honor Magic V6 comes with a 6,600 mAh battery globally, the same device features up to a 7,150 mAh capacity in China.
The launch of Vivo's next high-end smartphone is almost upon us. While the company is keeping quiet about some aspects, it has now confirmed that the Vivo X300s will surpass its X300 and X300 Pro siblings when it comes to battery capacity out of the box.
Lenovo is now selling its latest Yoga 9i Aura Edition 2-in-1 laptop. Equipped with an Intel Panther Lake processor and 32 GB of RAM, the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Gen 11 Aura Edition is already available in North America and Europe, including the UK.
Apple has absorbed the costs to expand market share with its $599 MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e. It is expected to do the same with this year’s iPhone launches.
The new AOC 16T20E2 portable monitor has arrived, featuring a 15.6-inch FHD display with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The monitor also packs a built-in stand with a magnetic cover for protection when on the go.
A maker collective has developed a fully 3D-printable chassis for RC cars—and spent six months testing, breaking, and refining the design along the way. Early prototypes failed due to broken drive shafts, worn bearings, and poorly tuned suspension geometry. The final result: a modular, repair-friendly design with downloadable print files.
Some information about the Xiaomi 18 generation is already available, but two leakers have just explicitly commented on the successor to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leica Leitzphone, which will apparently be available once again in 2027. It will be particularly exciting to see how Xiaomi will improve its optical zoom technology at the end of 2026.
It has been widely reported that the DJI Avata 360, with its aggressive pricing, aims to undercut the Antigravity A1 in particular. Now, for the first time, concrete European prices for the 360-degree drone itself and three bundles have been leaked. There's also news regarding availability - pilots will apparently have to wait a few more days for the drone after the launch date.
Satechi's latest foldable docking station adds a stand and a range of ports, including an SD card reader and HDMI, to the Apple iPhone, iPad and Microsoft Surface Pro.
A new report from Yogesh Brar, a notable tipster, suggests that OnePlus will launch a 12-inch Android tablet soon. It will reportedly feature a battery with a capacity of over 12,000 mAh and be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
Amazfit’s Falcon 2 smartwatch seems to be in development. This previously rumored wearable was recently spotted in the code behind a recent Zepp app update.
It looks like the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models will not be getting a design overhaul, at least for the front, as previously expected. There have been rumors debunking those claims and now another leaker has reiterated the same.
Valve downplayed the significance of the memory shortage at its GDC 2026 presentation. Despite the company’s lack of concern, gamers are still missing a firm Steam Machine price and release date. High DDR5 RAM costs threaten to delay the mini PC further or make it unaffordable for many buyers.
Casio has launched the Edifice EFR574DE-7AV chronograph in the US. The $220 stainless-steel watch features a blue tachymeter bezel, white dial with three sub-dials, 100-meter water resistance and an estimated five-year battery life.
A recently released Amazfit smartwatch is receiving software version 3.4.0.3. This update for the Active Max brings a new app, two activities and a range of optimizations to the wearable.
Spring is the perfect time to start a new hobby, spend some quality time outdoors in the sun or buy a new smartphone. Amazon kicked off its Spring Deals sales event, and there are a bunch of offers on deck.
The Pixel 10 series is available with some nice discounts. We start off with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which can be had for €1,429. It was the first foldable to bring IP68 ingress protection and also offers a great 8.0-inch LTPO OLED folding screen, triple cameras with a dedicated 5x telephoto and Google’s clean take on Android 16 with 7 promised updates.
...
The Apple iPhone 17e is on sale as of today, and we managed to get ours from the store and in for review! If you'd prefer the video version you can find it here.
It starts from $599/€700/£600/INR 64,900 and 256GB - last year's 16e had a base storage of 128GB and cost the same at launch (except in India). So double the storage for the same price - nice!
The box contents are the same - you get a SIM tool and a USB-C cable, but it's a nice braided one.
So what's new on the iPhone 17e? MagSafe, for one. Ask anyone to say what they'd like added to the cheapest iPhone, and they'll...
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, a dramatic development has suddenly placed one qualified nation’s participation under serious question.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, a dramatic development has suddenly placed one qualified nation’s participation under serious question. The uncertainty intensified after a senior government official declared that his country could refuse to take part in the tournament entirely, creating a potential headache for soccer’s governing body and the tournament’s organizers.
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will feature 48 national teams, the largest edition in the competition’s history. Yet a geopolitical crisis unfolding in the Middle East has cast a shadow over one national team’s involvement, despite the country having already secured qualification months ago.
The situation escalated after the nation’s sports minister publicly ruled out participation, arguing that the current political and security conditions make it impossible for the national side to compete on the global stage. The remarks mark the first official government statement directly addressing the team’s presence at the World Cup since the conflict intensified. Iran, whose national soccer team had comfortably qualified for the tournament, now faces a highly uncertain future regarding its participation.
The controversy erupted after Ahmad Donyamali, the country’s sports minister, addressed the issue in an interview on state television. His comments suggested that the national team could boycott the tournament entirely due to the escalating conflict involving Western powers. Speaking to state television, Donyamali said:“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”
Mehdi Taremi (L) is Iran’s biggest star.
The minister’s statement referred to the recent military conflict involving the United States and Israel, which Iranian authorities say led to the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered retaliatory strikes across the region. The remarks represent the clearest indication yet that Iran could withdraw from the tournament, a scenario that would be unprecedented in modern World Cup history.
What does FIFA think about it?
Despite the growing uncertainty, FIFA has continued to emphasize its intention to include every qualified nation in the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently met with Donald Trump at the White House to discuss preparations for the global event. Following the meeting, Infantino posted a message on social media indicating that the United States government had reaffirmed its openness to welcoming the Iranian team.
Infantino wrote:“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.” He also emphasized the broader significance of the competition, adding: “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever.” However, while the governing body remains committed to the team’s inclusion, the ultimate decision may depend on the political leadership of Iran itself.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino shows U.S. President Donald Trump the World Cup Trophy in the Oval Office.
Group-stage schedule already set
Before the controversy emerged, Iran had already been drawn into Group G for the tournament. The national team is scheduled to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand during the group stage.
All three matches were planned to take place in the United States, including games in Los Angeles and Seattle. The team had even selected a training base at the Kino Sports Complex in Arizona, with preparations already underway before the latest political developments placed those plans in jeopardy.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of kickoff revolves around the absence of Kylian Mbappe, whose unexpected omission has raised serious questions about Madrid’s chances in one of the most anticipated ties of the tournament.
A massive European night awaits at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where Real Madrid hosts Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash. Yet one of the biggest talking points ahead of kickoff revolves around the absence of Kylian Mbappe, whose unexpected omission has raised serious questions about Madrid’s chances in one of the most anticipated ties of the tournament.
The French superstar, who has been a central figure for the Spanish giant throughout the campaign, will not take the field for the showdown. His absence adds another layer of intrigue to a rivalry that has become one of the defining matchups of modern Champions League soccer. While the clash between the two clubs already carries enormous stakes, the situation surrounding Mbappe’s availability has created additional uncertainty.
Encounters between Real Madrid and Manchester City have become increasingly common in recent seasons. The two clubs have developed a fierce rivalry in Europe, frequently meeting in decisive knockout ties.
The matchup at the Bernabeu marks their 16th meeting in the Champions League, with the record remarkably balanced. Both clubs have won five matches each, while five encounters ended in draws, highlighting just how evenly matched the rivalry has been. Including this latest meeting, the fixture is now the third most-played matchup in the history of the competition.
The most recent encounter between the clubs came earlier in the season during the league phase. The Citizens managed to secure a 2-1 victory in the Spanish capital, thanks to goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland, overturning an earlier strike from Rodrygo. That result strengthened City’s position in the standings and reinforced the perception that the English club has grown increasingly comfortable playing at the Bernabeu.
The real reason Mbappe is missing
As anticipation built ahead of the knockout clash, fans began to notice that Mbappe was absent from training and unlikely to be included in the squad. In fact, the French forward is currently recovering from a knee injury that has forced him to miss several matches in recent weeks.
The problem stems from a sprain in his left knee, which has troubled the 27-year-old since late 2025. Although the injury is not considered severe enough to require surgery, Madrid’s medical staff and coaching team decided it was best for him to continue his recovery rather than risk aggravating the issue.
According to a statement released by representatives of the player:“In agreement with the club, he is undergoing further tests on his knee with the aim of optimising his follow-up care and preparing for his comeback.”The statement added:“No surgical intervention is being planned at the moment.” The decision highlights the club’s cautious approach, especially considering how important Mbappe remains for the remainder of the season.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Arbeloa explains the decision
Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed that the decision to rest Mbappe was made collectively by the medical staff and coaching team. Speaking ahead of the match, Arbeloa said: “It was a bit of a consensus between everyone, and we think the best thing is that he stops, that he recovers and comes back at 100%.”
The manager also hinted that the recovery could take some time: “It’s not going to be a question of days; it will be a bit longer, but I can’t say how long. Hopefully not too long.” Despite the setback, the Spanish manager offered a positive update regarding the player’s progress: “He’s better. Obviously, we have to take it one day at a time and see how he is evolving,” the coach explained.
With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game.
Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action.
Lionel Messi’s next match is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, when Inter Miami will be visiting Nashville SC at Geodis Park for the first leg of the Round of 16 in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Messi heads into the fixture in fine form after finding the back of the net in the 2-1 away win over D.C. United in Matchday 3 of the MLS.
As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the March international window. La Albiceleste will face Spain national team in the Finalissima on Friday the 27th, followed by a friendly against Qatar national team on Tuesday the 31st.
The 2026 MLS campaign has only just begun for Messi, who has featured in three official matches so far, scoring thrice without registering an assist. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during the MLS match against LAFC.
Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title
The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.
Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.
Amid a heavily criticized season, Julián Álvarez has been surrounded by rumors of a possible departure from Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona and Arsenal reportedly interested. In light of this, he decided to speak about his future, leaving a surprising response.
Julián Álvarez was pointed out as the cornerstone of Atlético Madrid, as they decided to pay €75 million to Manchester City. Although he shined in his debut season by scoring 29 goals, he is not having his best campaign, no longer being an undisputed player for coach Diego Simeone. Because of this, the Argentine has been surrounded by rumors about a move to Barcelona or Arsenal, deciding to break the silence with some surprising statements.
After scoring a brace against Tottenham, Julián Álvarez faced questions about his future with Los Colchoneros next season. He responded, “Maybe yes, maybe no, you never know. I’m very happy here. It’s a question that keeps coming up, but I’m happy. I’m focused on the day-to-day, working to improve and give my all. I never said anything bad about the club. I’m very grateful. The people showed me their affection, and I’m very happy.”
During the 2025-26 season, the Argentinean has been a well-known target for Barcelona and Arsenal. For that reason, Julián’s statements are not well-received among Los Colchoneros, while coach Diego Simeone and sporting director Mateu Alemany consider him a cornerstone. If the Gunners or the Blaugranas decide to chase him, they will need to pay around €150 million, as per Diario Sport.
Julián Álvarez may not have expressed a desire to leave Atletico Madrid, but his words left the door open to that possibility. Because of this, fans have expressed considerable frustration, as not only is he performing below expectations, but the rumors of his departure continue to grow. Nevertheless, coach Simeone keeps him as a regular in the rotation, as he already has 16 goals and stands as the team’s top scorer alongside Alexander Sorloth.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona.
Presidential candidate Laporta could push Julián away from Barcelona
Throughout the entire 2025-26 season, Julián Álvarez has reportedly been a priority target for Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco. Despite this, the Argentine is under contract with Atletico Madrid until 2030, making his departure considered quite complex. Although Barcelona seemed to keep him as a clear objective, the words of former president and candidate Joan Laporta could move his arrival away for next season.
“He’s a great player, and they say he’d fit into Barça’s system. He’s not a player worth breaking the bank for. First, he’d have to show his willingness to come, and it would have to be at a renewable price,” Joan Laporta said, via SER Catalunya. While he leaves the door open for a move, his comment on Álvarez not being worth breaking the bank for might distance Julián from joining Barcelona, as it could be perceived as a slight.
Taking advantage of these words, the Gunners could gain a foothold, as Atletico Madrid might be more open to negotiating with them, unlike with the Blaugranas, who are a direct rival in LaLiga. Because of this, Julián Álvarez could regain his prominence and become a key player for a team that truly considers him capable of leading a project or spearheading an attack.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Tottenham TV schedule and streaming links Following Tottenham Hotspur from the United States has never been more vital for supporters as the club navigates a season of significant transition. Now competing in the UEFA Champions League following their continental success last spring, Spurs are a fixture of mid-week and weekend television. World Soccer Talk's Tottenham […]
Tottenham TV schedule and streaming links
Following Tottenham Hotspur from the United States has never been more vital for supporters as the club navigates a season of significant transition. Now competing in the UEFA Champions League following their continental success last spring, Spurs are a fixture of mid-week and weekend television. World Soccer Talk’s Tottenham TV Schedule provides the current broadcasting landscape to ensure you never miss a minute of the action from North London.
Tottenham Hotspur: At a Glance
Manager: Igor Tudor
Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Major Honors: 2 League Titles, 8 FA Cups, 2024/25 UEFA Europa League Champions
Current Pillars: Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons
How to Watch Tottenham in the United States
To see every Spurs match in the 2025/26 season, fans must navigate a combination of traditional networks and primary streaming platforms.
Premier League: NBC Sports & Peacock
The Premier League remains the core of the Spurs schedule, with NBC Universal holding the exclusive US rights.
National TV: Marquee matchups for Tottenham are typically broadcast on USA Network or the main NBC channel. These can be streamed through live services like Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Peacock Exclusive: Many of Tottenham’s league fixtures—particularly early Saturday kickoffs—are found only on Peacock Premium.
Spanish Language: Look to Telemundo or Universo for high-quality Spanish broadcasts.
UEFA Champions League: Paramount+
Following their 2025 Europa League title win, Spurs have returned to the Champions League.
Paramount+: This is the exclusive English-language home for every UCL fixture.
ViX: Provides the corresponding Spanish-language streaming coverage for European nights.
Domestic Cup Ties: FA Cup & Carabao Cup
The FA Cup: All rounds of the FA Cup are broadcast exclusively on ESPN+.
The Carabao Cup: These fixtures generally air on Paramount+, which serves as the US home for the English Football League’s cup competition.
The Identity of the Modern Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur has entered a new chapter defined by a blend of proven international stars and a commitment to elite young talent. Under the lights of their world-class stadium, the club continues to chase the “Glory, Glory” tradition that has defined its history. Having re-established themselves as a force in Europe, the focus now remains on finding domestic consistency during a transitional season.
The current identity of the squad is anchored by the leadership of captain Cristian Romero. With the summer 2025 arrivals of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, the Spurs attack has taken on a new, explosive dimension. The club is building toward a future that honors its heritage of attacking, entertaining football while competing against the elite of the global game.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is gearing up for fight number 69 after suffering just the third defeat of his career last year. The Mexican icon was relieved of his undisputed super-middleweight world championship by Terence Crawford last year, his first loss at 168lbs and third overall after coming up short against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and […]
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında 14 Mart Cumartesi günü deplasmanda Trabzonspor ile karşılaşacak Çaykur Rizespor'un savunma oyuncusu Samet Akaydin, izleyenlere keyifli bir maç izletmek istediklerini söyledi.
Mehmet Cengiz Tesisleri'ndeki antrenman öncesinde basın mensuplarına açıklamada bulunan Samet, Türk futboluna ve Trabzonspor camiasına başsağlığı dileğinde bulunarak, "Orhan Kaynak hocamızın vefatı hepimizi derinden üzdü. Böyle zamanlarda futbol konuşmak biraz zor oluyor. Hem Trabzonspor camiası hem de tüm futbol ailesi için çok üzücü bir kayıp. Kendisine Allah'tan rahmet, ailesine ve yakınlarına sabır diliyorum." dedi.
Son haftalarda yakaladıkları çıkışın kendilerini çok mutlu ettiğini belirten Samet Akaydin, "Öz güvenimizi de yerine getirdi. Bu seriyi yakalamaya ihtiyacımız vardı. Bunu başardığımız için mutluyuz. Şu anda takımın öz güveni tamamen yerinde ve sahaya en iyi şekilde odaklanmış durumdayız. Takım olarak mutluyuz ve inşallah bunun devamını getiririz." ifadelerini kullandı.
Amaçlarının Çaykur Rizespor'u en iyi yerlere götürmek olduğunu anlatan 31 yaşındaki futbolcu, "Bu şehir de bunu hak ediyor, buna ihtiyacı olduğunu düşünüyorum. Biz de sahada elimizden gelenin en iyisini vermeye çalışıyoruz. Takım içinde birlik ve beraberliğimiz çok iyi, her şey yolunda. İnşallah bundan sonra böyle devam eder." diye konuştu.
Samet Akaydin, hafta sonu oynanacakları Trabzonspor maçıyla ilgili olarak, şunları kaydetti:
"Ben her zaman iki şehre de dost şehir diyorum. Buna gölge düşürenler olabilir ama ben her zaman bu iki şehri dost olarak görüyorum ve böyle kalmasını temenni ediyorum. Güzel bir maç olmasını diliyorum. Biz sahaya öz güvenli bir şekilde çıkacağız. Öz güvenimiz şu an tam. Elbette kazanmak için gideceğiz. Trabzonspor da şampiyonluk yolunda ilerliyor. Onlar da kazanmak isteyecek. İnşallah güzel bir mücadele olur ve izleyenlere keyifli bir maç izletiriz. Umarım maçın sonucu da bizim adımıza güzel olur."
Sezon sonunda sözleşmesinin sona ereceğini hatırlatan Samet, "Şu anda tamamen Çaykur Rizespor'a odaklanmış durumdayım. Bu takımın kaptanıyım ve abilik yapıyorum. Bu şehre gerçekten çok alıştım, Rize'yi de takımı da çok seviyorum. İnşallah aramızdaki küçük pürüzleri de giderip bir anlaşma sağlarız, bakalım. Ben Çaykur Rizespor'u gerçekten çok seviyorum. Buraya geldiğim günden beri başta taraftarlar olmak üzere herkes bana çok büyük sahip çıktı. Çaykur Rizespor eski günlerimi yeniden hatırlattı diyebilirim. Bundan dolayı çok mutluyum. İnşallah sezon sonunda iki taraf için de güzel bir sonuç olur." açıklamasını yaptı.
"Hedefimiz Dünya Kupası'na gitmek"
Samet Akaydin, Romanya ile Dünya Kupası yolunda önemli bir maç oynayacaklarını belirterek, "İstanbul'da oynayacağız ve bu maçı kazanmak istiyoruz. Hedefimiz Dünya Kupası'na gitmek. Gerçekten çok istiyoruz. Ülke olarak bunu hak ediyoruz. Ülkemizin de buna ihtiyacı var. Dünya Kupası'nda yer almamız gerektiğini düşünüyorum. Romanya maçına en iyi şekilde hazırlanıp sahadan iyi bir sonuçla ayrılacağımızı düşünüyorum. Ben de milli takım ve ülkem için elimden gelenin en iyisini vermeye çalışacağım. İnşallah o şans gelirse, en iyi şekilde değerlendirmek isterim." ifadelerini kullandı.
Rumen takım arkadaşı Valentin Mihaila ile Türkiye-Romanya maçı ile ilgili konuştuklarını anlatan Samet, şöyle devam etti:
"Kura çekimi yapılmadan önce Mihaila ile tabii ki biraz şakalaşmalarımız oldu. Çünkü Mihaila ve Romanya takımı, Türk milli takımının gücünün farkındaydı, zaten bunu biliyorlardı. Kura çekimlerinde Türkiye ile eşleşmek istemiyorlardı. Kura çekimine bakarsak, oradaki en güçlü hedef bizim olduğumuzu düşünüyorum. Onlar da öyle düşünüyordu. Tabii ki onlar da bizi çekmek istemiyorlardı. O gelince aramızda şakalaşmalar oldu. Mihaila bizim güçlü bir takım olduğumuzu zaten biliyordu. Romanya Milli Takımı gerçekten güçlü bir takım ve Mihaila da çok kaliteli bir oyuncu. Biz de kendi aramızda ona 'sizi her türlü yeneceğiz' tarzında şakalar yapıyorduk, o da gülüyordu. Böyle espriler geçti aramızda."
Samet Akaydin, teknik direktör Recep Uçar'ın geldiği günden beri takımla iletişiminin üst seviyede olduğuna değinerek, "Her oyuncuyla birebir konuşuyor. Sıkıntısı olan herkes kapısını çalıp yanına gidebiliyor ve yardımcı olmaya çalışıyor. Biz de geldiği günden bu yana hocaya yardımcı olmaya çalışıyoruz. Futbolcularla abi, kardeş ilişkisi gibi bir uyum var ve futbolcular arasında hiçbir sorun olmadı. Bunun karşılığını da iyi futbolla aldığımızı düşünüyorum. Daha iyi sonuçlar da alabilirdik. Sonuçlarda biraz geç kaldık. Puan tablosunda da rahatladığımızı düşünüyorum. Tabii bunu bitti anlamında söylemiyorum. Hedefimiz daha üstüne koyarak daha yukarılara oynamak. Çünkü takımımızda bu kalite var. İnşallah sezon sonunda daha iyi bir yerde bitiririz." şeklinde konuştu.
AFFA Hakimlər Komitəsinin sədri Rəhim Həsənov Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 23-cü turundakı mübahisəli epizodlara şərh verib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, komitə sədri ənənəyə uyğun olaraq, 22-ci turun oyunlarında qeydə alınmış mübahisəli epizodlarla bağlı fikirlərini bildirib.
Mütəxəssis Azərbaycan Kubokunun 1/4 final mərhələsinin oyunlarındakı mübahisəli epizodlarla da bağlı fikirlərini dilə gətirib. Rəhim Həsənov ümumilikdə 5 matçda qeydə alınmış mübahisəli epizodları dəyərləndirib. O, hakimlərin həmin vəziyyətlər zamanı düzgün qərarlar verdiyini bildirib.
AFFA Hakimlər Komitəsinin sədrinin Premyer Liqanın və kubokun son oyunlarındakı mübahisəli epizodları təhlil etdiyi həmin videonu təqdim edirik:
Azərbaycan millisinin hücumçusu Nəriman Axundzadə yeni klubu olan MLS təmsilçisi “Kolumbus Kru”nun düşərgəsinə qoşulub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ABŞ təmsilçisi sosial şəbəkə hesablarında 21 yaşlı hücumçunu azarkeşlərinə təqdim edib.
Axundzadə artıq yeni komandasının heyətində ilk məşqinə də çıxıb.
Xatırladaq ki, Nəriman fevralın əvvəlində Ohayo ştatını təmsil edən “Kolumbus Kru” ilə 3,5 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb.
“Qarabağ”ın yetirməsi hesab olan Nəriman Axundzadə 2023-cü ildən Ağdam klubunun əsas komandasında çıxış edirdi. Sağ cinah vingeri “Qarabağ”ın əsas komandasında 127 oyuna çıxıb. O, bu oyunlarda 35 qola imza atıb, 17 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
Azərbaycanın U-19 və U-21 yığmalarında da forma geyinmiş hücumçu 2023-cü ildə əsas millimizdə debüt edib. O, Azərbaycan yığmasının heyətində keçirdiyi 13 oyunda məhsuldar fəaliyyəti ilə diqqət çəkməyib.
“Qarabağ”la 2028-ci ilin 30 iyununadək müqaviləsi olan Nərimanın keçidi üçün ABŞ klubu Azərbaycan çempionuna 2,5 milyon avro ödəyib.
“Kolumbus Kru” MLS-in cari mövsümündə artıq 3 oyun keçirib, 2 heç-heçə edib, 1 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb. Nərimanın yeni komandası hazırda 2 xalla 11-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb.
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 30. haftasında lider Erzurumspor FK, deplasmanda Ümraniyespor'a 3-1 yenildi. Bu sezon 3. kez mağlup olan Erzurumspor FK'nin 12 maçlık galibiyet serisi sona erdi.
Vincenzo Italiano admits he would gladly have avoided the all-Italian Europa League duel with Roma, but Bologna ‘hope to tease some weaknesses out of them tomorrow.’
It kicks off on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET) at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
The draw was unkind to the Italian teams, as while it means at least there will be one representative in the quarter-finals, it can only be one of the two sides who entered the tournament.
Bologna had a terrible start to 2026 and seemingly had turned a corner with a run of victories, but faltered again at the weekend with their home defeat to rock bottom Hellas Verona.
Italiano would have avoided Bologna vs. Roma
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Vincenzo Italiano head coach of Bologna FC looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“Roma have some weaknesses and we hope to tease those out of them tomorrow. As I said before, I had hoped in a different draw, because we could’ve gone far together in this competition, but instead one of the two Italians must go out.
“We are stuttering in our home games lately, but hope to change that tomorrow.”
The coach gave injury updates, as Juan Miranda and Torbjorn Heggem are back in training, but it remains to be seen if either of them could start.
He did hint that Tommaso Pobega has “a very good chance” of being in the starting XI, though Thijs Dallinga could finally give Santiago Castro some rest ahead of the Serie A showdown with Sassuolo.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“Roma defend well and have now found a striker in Donyell Malen who is doing very well, giving their aggressive style of football an outlet. We know him too, as we already played against his Aston Villa earlier in the season.
“Gian Piero Gasperini has set the example for all coaches, winning important trophies both at team and individual level. He continues to exhibit wonderful football and I have incredible respect for him.”
Will the two coaches go out to dinner together?
“We’d need a restaurant that stayed open late, because we’d have so much to talk about!”
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
The second leg will be at the Stadio Olimpico next week, where the Rossoblu lost 1-0 in the opening game of the Serie A season back in August.
“I am not thinking about the second leg, because after tomorrow we already have another Serie A match to play, so there’s time for that. Obviously, it won’t be an easy atmosphere for us at the Olimpico, but we know that.
“The trouble with an Italian derby is we know each other so very well. It’s a new experience for me too, facing another Italian side in Europe.”
Santiago Castro scores the opening goal for Bologna in the Europa League play-off 1st leg against SK Brann (@bolognafc1909)
Bologna’s home record has been the most surprising aspect of their campaign so far, as since the start of December 2025 they have amassed just three victories at the Stadio Dall’Ara, two draws and eight losses in all competition.
“I analysed all those games, and some we deserved to lose, with others we could’ve won with a bit more concentration. The attitude is not the issue, but we are paying a heavy price for some distractions, and have the time to make up for it,” noted Italiano.
“We did win five games after that difficult period, and a situation like Verona can happen, in Serie A anybody can beat anyone else, it’s always a struggle. We have more difficulty against teams who let us take control of the game, leading us to become a bit too superficial in our preventative marking.
“Tomorrow is a big opportunity for us to progress in Europe, but we won’t be able to judge the season until the end.”
Igor Tudor’s handling of Guglielmo Vicario during Tottenham’s 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid has given Inter a significant boost, with the Nerazzurri keen on signing the Italian goalkeeper next summer.
Tudor dropped Vicario for Antonín Kinský in a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, but the 22-year-old’s early mistakes led to Vicario’s introduction after just 17 minutes.
Inter already opened Vicario talks
According to various sources, Inter have already opened talks with Vicario’s entourage, having identified the ex-Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper as their main target in goal for 2026-27.
Vicario is eager to return to Italy in the summer, and Tudor’s management against Atletico Madrid seems to have only reinforced his desire.
According to Gazzetta, in fact, Vicario expected to start the match at the Wanda Metropolitano, believing his status within the team would be respected.
The Pink Paper adds that Juventus and Monaco are also closely following Vicario, and that Inter’s second option to replace Yann Sommer is Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Raul Jimenez of Fulham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Tottenham’s asking price for Vicario is reportedly around €20m, but if Spurs are relegated from the Premier League, then the goalkeeper’s price would be further reduced.
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igor Tudor Head Coach of Juventus FC looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Napoli are prepared to make Rasmus Hojlund’s move from Manchester United permanent for €44m as the Red Devils are reportedly unwilling to reduce the striker’s transfer fee.
Napoli are destined to sign Hojlund on a permanent transfer from Manchester United for €44m, reports TMW.
Hojlund set for 44m Napoli transfer
The Denmark international joined the Partenopei on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy last summer.
The obligation to purchase is tied to Napoli’s Champions League qualification this season, but it seems like a fairly feasible target as the defending Serie A champions currently sit third in the standings with a five-point lead over fifth-placed Roma.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli shoots during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to the report, Napoli will try to lower Manchester United’s demands, but the Red Devils are unwilling to give any discount, especially because the Azzurri seem close to securing Champions League qualification.
Hojlund has scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli says the club’s medical staff is assessing Moise Kean ‘day by day’ and hopes the Italian striker will be available for the next crucial Serie A match against Cremonese.
Fiorentina star Kean will miss tomorrow’s Conference League Round of 16 first leg game against Rakow, Vanoli confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday.
Kean to miss Fiorentina vs. Rakow
“We are continuing with a recovery process and evaluating him day by day. The target is to have him in Cremona,” the Viola coach said via TMW.
Kean has sustained a fibula injury, and Fiorentina hope he’ll be back for the next Serie A match away at Cremonese. It’s a crucial fixture for the Tuscans, who are just one point above the Grigiorossi in the relegation zone.
Gudmundsson is expected to be available tomorrow but is not in his best shape.
“Right now, he must regain full fitness after an ankle problem. He misses being decisive, but he still does important things,” Vanoli said.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Pisa SC at Artemio Franchi on February 23, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“I like him more in his new role than as a support striker. He must only find that spark; we know he can be decisive in the final games.
“We are focused on this game. The Conference League is an important trophy that we want to honour and go as far as possible. We find a team that did very well in the league phase. They defend well and have only conceded two goals. We must think that we’ll play across two games, so we have to be smart. We’ll think about Cremonese on Friday.”
According to Tuttosport, Everton and West Ham have recently scouted Torino midfielder Cesare Casadei.
Ex-Chelsea and Inter midfielder Casadei has attracted interest from Everton and West Ham, according to Tuttosport.
Everton and West Ham interested in Casadei
The two Premier League clubs will be looking for midfield reinforcement in the summer, although the Hammers must first secure Premier League survival.
The Italian midfielder, 23, has scored five goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season.
He joined Torino in January 2025 on a permanent €13m deal from Chelsea.
During his time in England, he had played for Chelsea, Leicester City and Reading FC, collecting 11 Premier League appearances.
A product of the Inter Academy, Casadei is Torino’s best scorer since January with one goal in Coppa Italia and four in Serie A despite not being a regular starter.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Cesare Casadei of Torino celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
No other Torino player has scored more goals since the start of the year.
Casadei’s contract with Torino expires in June 2029.
He has yet to make his senior Italy debut, but scored four goals in 16 appearances with Italy U21.
FERRARA, ITALY – MARCH 26: Cesare Casadei of Italy U21 during the UEFA Under21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and Turkey U21 at Stadio Paolo Mazza on March 26, 2024 in Ferrara, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Liverpool are plotting a summer move for Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad.
The 24-year-old Japanese international has done well in Spain, and he could prove to be a useful acquisition for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah has not been at his best this season, and the Egyptian has been linked with an exit. Liverpool will need to replace him properly, and they have identified the La Liga attacker as an option.
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According to reports from Spain, they would be prepared to pay €80 million in order to get the deal done. The reported offer would be hard for the Spanish club to turn down, and they are likely to sanction his departure if the offer is presented in the summer.
Convincing the player to join Liverpool will not be difficult either. It would be a huge opportunity in his career, and he will look to join the Premier League champions if the opportunity presents itself.
Liverpool needs more quality on the flanks, and ideally, they should look to invest in a left-sided attacker as well. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in two quality wingers in the summer. They have also been linked to Yan Diomande.
The 24-year-old Japanese international has the technical attributes to succeed in English football, and he will look to make his mark in the Premier League if the move goes through.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has “serious chances” to leave the club this summer, following a nightmare season that has left the North London side fighting for Premier League survival.
Despite signing a new four-year contract extension just last August, the 27-year-old’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is now shrouded in uncertainty.
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Taking to X, Romano revealed: “Cuti Romero has serious chances to leave Tottenham in the summer. Top clubs have started to call as exit is a possibility despite new deal signed last summer. Romero could be open to a sale, as Telegraph and TyC Sports reported.”
??? Cuti Romero has serious chances to leave Tottenham in the summer.
Top clubs have started to call as exit is a possibility despite new deal signed last summer.
Romero could be open to a sale, as Telegraph and TyC Sports reported.
The World Cup winner is reportedly frustrated with the club’s lack of ambition and the chaotic managerial changes that have seen Igor Tudor struggle to stabilise a squad left in disarray by Thomas Frank.
Several European heavyweights have already registered interest. Atletico Madrid remain long-term admirers, with Diego Simeone reportedly viewing Romero as the ideal leader for his defense.
Real Madrid and Manchester United are also said to be monitoring the situation closely, especially with the Argentine potentially available for a fee in the region of £60 million.
Tottenham also open to selling Romero as part of squad rebuild
While the ‘world-class‘ Romero’s departure would be a massive blow to the fans, the Spurs hierarchy appears increasingly resigned to a parting of ways.
It has been reported that the club is planning a ruthless summer overhaul, with Romero identified as one of the primary high-value assets to be cashed in on to fund a rebuild.
Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold has confirmed that Igor Tudor will lead the pre-match press conference on Friday, signaling that the interim manager will remain in the dugout for the crucial trip to Anfield.
The news comes in the wake of a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, a result that has left fans and pundits questioning if Tudor is the right man to prevent a historic relegation.
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Taking to X, Gold broke the news of the club’s decision: “Spurs have confirmed that Igor Tudor is scheduled to take his press conference on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm ahead of the Liverpool match.”
Igor Tudor expected to remain in charge for the Liverpool game
Despite the outcry following the disaster in Madrid, the Tottenham hierarchy appears to be sticking with Tudor for at least one more game.
The 47-year-old’s brief tenure has been nothing short of a nightmare; since replacing Thomas Frank 25 days ago, he has lost all four of his matches in charge, conceding a staggering 14 goals in the process.
While Tudor claimed the move was made to protect the young keeper, the tactical chaos has reportedly left players unconvinced by his leadership.
Spurs could still sack Tudor amid serious relegation threat
While he will face the media on Friday, Tudor’s position remains incredibly insecure.
Tottenham currently sit in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone. With rivals like Nottingham Forest and Wolves beginning to pick up points, the once-unthinkable prospect of Championship football for the first time since 1977 is now a grim reality.
Match
Venue
Result
vs Arsenal
Home
Loss 1–4
vs Fulham
Away
Loss 2–1
vs Crystal Palace
Home
Loss 1–3
Atletico Madrid
Away
Loss 5-2
Igor Tudor is winless since taking interim role at Tottenham
The board, led by executive Vinai Venkatesham, is reportedly under immense pressure to act before the upcoming international break.
Suffering last-gasp Champions League heartbreak at St. James’ Park on Tuesday night as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate on Tyneside, Newcastle know that they have an almighty battle on their hands when they travel to Catalonia next week. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to an end last weekend as they […]
AFFA-nın Elit-Məşq layihəsinin yeni direktoru məlum olub.
Futbolpress.az-ın əldə etdiyi məlumata görə, bu post Mirbağır İsayevə həvalə olunub .
Bunadək layihənin direktoru Yunis Hüseynov idi.
İsayev ilə AFFA arasında bu gün müqavilə imzalanıb.
Mütəxəssis “Səbail”də akademiya koordinatoru vəzifəsini icra edirdi. O, daha əvvəl “Neftçi”ni əsas və gənclərdən ibarət, “Kəpəz”in isə əsas komandasını, həmçinin Azərbaycanın U-17 yığmasını çalışdırb.
AFFA Hakimlər Komitəsinin sədri Rəhim Həsənov Misli Premyer Liqasının XXIII turunun və Azərbaycan Kubokunun 1/4 final mərhələsinin oyunlarındakı mübahisəli qərarları şərh edib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, sədr qərarların düzgün olduğunu bildirib.
“Liverpul”un baş məşqçisi Arne Slot Çempionlar Liqasında “Qalatasaray”a uduzduqları görüşü şərh edib.
Futbolpress.az UEFA-nın saytına istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis 0:1 hesabıyla bitən matçla bağlı bunları deyib:
“Standart vəziyyətlər zamanı hər faulda hakim “Qalatasaray”ın lehinə qərar verirdi. Ləğv olunan qolumuzdan öncə də Van Daykı formasından çəkirdilər. Lakin qərar fərqli oldu. Gördük ki, atmosferdən təsirlənən tək biz olmamışıq”.
Komandalar arasndakı cavab oyunu martın 18-də olacaq.
Iranian media just released a list of potential economic targets, including offices and infrastructure of Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, and more in the Middle East.
The two companies have worked together for more than a decade, with IBM unveiling what it described as the world's first 2nm node chip in 2021 as part of the partnership.
Suffering last-gasp Champions League heartbreak at St. James’ Park on Tuesday night as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate on Tyneside, Newcastle know that they have an almighty battle on their hands when they travel to Catalonia next week. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to an end last weekend as they […]
Google’s branded queries filter in Search Console is now available to all eligible sites. Google’s new branded queries filter, announced Nov. 20, lets you separate branded and non-branded search traffic in the Performance report.
Why we care. Separating branded and non-branded queries has long required manual regex filters or keyword lists. This update gives you native segmentation in Search Console, making it easier to measure brand demand versus discovery traffic.
Google’s announcement. Google confirmed the broader availability in a LinkedIn post today:
“The branded queries filter in Search Console is now available to all eligible sites! This feature helps you analyze the queries driving traffic to your site by automatically differentiating between branded and non-branded queries.”
The details. The branded queries filter appears in the Search results Performance report. It lets you segment queries into two groups:
Branded: Queries containing your brand name, variations, misspellings, or brand-related products and services.
Non-branded: All other queries.
When applied, Search Console limits metrics — impressions, clicks, CTR, and average position — to the selected group. The filter works across all search types (Web, Image, Video, News) in the report.
Insights report. Google also added a new card to the Search Console Insights report that shows a click breakdown between branded and non-branded traffic.
The card helps you measure brand recognition by comparing traffic from users already familiar with your brand versus those discovering your site for the first time, Google said.
Google’s brand classification. Google uses an internal AI-assisted system to determine whether queries are branded. The system can recognize:
Brand names in multiple languages
Misspellings and variations
Queries referring to unique brand products or services
Some queries may be misclassified due to the contextual nature of brand detection, Google said. The filter is strictly a reporting feature and doesn’t affect search rankings.
What to watch. Today’s announcement indicates it has reached all eligible sites, though some properties may still not qualify due to query and impression volume requirements.
We joke every time we hear Google’s John Mueller answer a question with “it depends.” But actually, it’s true.
There are few definitive answers or universally established facts in SEO. Do meta titles matter? Yes. Is internal linking a good practice? Yes. Is duplicate content bad for SEO? Yes.
But if I tried to make a list of SEO questions with a single, clear, absolute answer, it wouldn’t be long.
That’s the real challenge: we operate in an industry where things almost always depend on context, intent, competition, your website’s situation, and the platform itself.
Yet over and over, we see questions framed as if there must be one right answer. SEO tips are often shared as universal truths — one-size-fits-all for websites, industries, and business models.
My purpose here is simple: to shift that mindset. Especially if you share SEO advice publicly, let’s move away from “this is the only way” and toward “this is one way, depending on your situation.”
Is schema important for SEO?
The idea for this article came to me when I saw Mueller respond to a Reddit thread about the importance of schema markup. He replied, “This question will stick with us for the next year and longer, and the short answer is yes, no, and it depends…”
And he’s absolutely right.
Is schema important for rankings in Google? Not directly, in most cases.
Is schema important for rich results eligibility? Yes.
Is schema important if you’re running ecommerce and want product snippets, pricing visibility, and review stars? Very likely.
Is schema important if you’re a news publisher trying to appear in Top Stories, Google Discover, and other news-specific areas? Highly recommended.
Is schema important for LLMs to cite your website? Structured data can help certain large language models interpret content more clearly. For example, as confirmed by Fabrice Canel, principal product manager at Microsoft Bing, schema markup helps Microsoft’s LLMs better understand your content.
Schema isn’t a special case of “it depends.” It’s just a familiar one. The same logic applies across almost every debate in our industry, including arguably the biggest one right now.
This has become one of the most debated topics going into 2025 and 2026. Is SEO the same as generative engine optimization (GEO)?
Well, it depends. If we’re talking about core tactics — content quality, structured information, entity relationships, internal linking, bot accessibility, and content discoverability — then yes, there is significant overlap.
But if we’re talking about platforms and how they operate, then no. SEO traditionally optimizes for search engines like Google. GEO aims to influence visibility within generative systems like those developed by OpenAI and others.
The mechanics differ:
Traditional search retrieves and ranks documents.
Generative systems retrieve, synthesize, and generate responses.
That doesn’t mean one replaces the other. It means the context changes.
So, do you still think GEO is the same as SEO? (Yes, no, and it depends are all correct answers.)
Can a one-year-old website outrank older websites?
This was another Mueller moment on Reddit, where he responded with: “I think I’m trying to say ‘it depends’?”
Is domain age a ranking factor? Not directly.
Can a newer website outrank an older one? Generally yes. Specifically, it depends on a lot of factors:
Is the newer site producing better content?
Is it targeting underserved queries?
Does it have a stronger brand presence on social channels?
There are too many moving parts to give a universal answer, and that’s exactly the point.
While it’s tempting to say yes, the standard answer is no. 404s don’t automatically hurt your website’s performance in search.
Fixing 404s is on every technical SEO checklist. It’s a good practice and definitely reduces your website’s technical debt. They don’t naturally hurt your performance in search because Google understands that pages are retired naturally.
Products go out of stock. Articles get removed. Content evolves. A 404 status code, by itself, is not a penalty trigger.
Unless your website creates a large number of 404s in a short period, which can happen during website migrations, for example. If a significant percentage of previously indexed URLs start returning 404s, that can absolutely impact your search visibility for the whole website. Especially if the number of 404s is a noticeable percentage of your website’s pages.
But imagine this: a website with tens of thousands of pages, or even millions of pages, and they have 10 404s. These are definitely not a high-priority fix. Right?
Yes, I would ignore them, especially if your dev team has higher-priority items in their queue. They’re just 10 links. They don’t matter…
Unless they have valuable backlinks linking to them.
Or unless those URLs are heavily linked internally, meaning users and crawlers repeatedly encounter them.
Or you’re running a news website and content is timely, and these 404 pages are ranking in search for time-sensitive keywords instead of your status 200 working content pages.
See what happened? The answer changed based on context. For every rule, there seems to be an exception.
To be a great SEO, you cannot simply operate off a checklist:
You have to ask:
How many?
How fast did they appear?
Are they receiving links?
Are they indexed?
Are they affecting users?
What’s the opportunity cost of fixing them right now?
And once again, it depends.
The real skill in SEO
The real skill in SEO isn’t memorizing best practices or having the best, most comprehensive checklist.
It’s knowing when different things apply and understanding:
Which factors matter in this situation.
Which tactics are leverage points for this business model.
Which platform you’re optimizing for.
What your backend is.
And many, many more.
Saying “it depends” means you understand the question well enough to know it has no single answer.
In an industry shaped by evolving algorithms, multiple platforms, and constantly shifting user behavior, knowing this is foundational.
So maybe instead of rolling our eyes every time we hear “it depends,” we should recognize it for what it is — the most honest answer in SEO.
The largest annual survey of PPC professionals finds the industry under growing pressure — more opaque platforms, weaker measurement, and AI tools that help but haven’t transformed the day-to-day.
Why we care. More than half of practitioners (53%) say PPC is harder than it was two years ago, up from 49%. The dominant reason isn’t competition — it’s that platforms are making more decisions advertisers can’t see or override, and that gap is only widening.
With 89% of digital spend flowing to just three companies, advertisers who don’t build measurement infrastructure independent of platform reporting are increasingly flying blind.
By the numbers:
1,306 respondents surveyed November–December 2025 across agency, freelance, and in-house roles
62% cite platform opacity as the top reason PPC has gotten harder; 53% blame measurement loss
5.2 hours/week saved on average through AI tools — 55% save just 1–5 hours; almost no one saves 20+
59% now use LLMs for ad copy, up from 42% last year — the fastest-growing AI use case
73% of in-house teams now keep PPC fully in-house, up from 44% two years ago
20% of clients plan to replace agency work with AI — vs. just 12% planning to switch agencies
$1 trillion in global digital ad spend in 2025; 89% flows to Google, Meta, or Amazon
What they’re saying. Exact match keywords remain the most trusted feature (75% use them often or always). AI Max for Search has the lowest adoption of any tracked feature — 34% have never used it (but then it’s the youngest of Google’s major updates). Auto-apply recommendations are firmly distrusted across the board.
Between the lines. Agency survival is the subtext of the whole report. Finding talent and growing revenue are both flagged as “very or often challenging” by 62% of agency respondents. And the threat isn’t defection to rival agencies — it’s clients cutting agencies out entirely by using AI in-house.
The big picture. Practitioners seem to have found a pragmatic relationship with AI — use it for copy and research, distrust it for autonomous decisions. The harder problem is one AI can’t solve: platforms are taking more control while giving advertisers less visibility. That gap is widening, and there’s no clear fix in sight.
"In the fourth quarter, it turned into not a real basketball game," Wizards coach Brian Keefe said after his team let Bam walk all over them. "They obviously kept him in the game, and there was a lot of foul calls, 16 free throws in the fourth quarter... He still got some free throws 40 feet from the rim. Can't explain some of those calls, but that's all I've got to say on that."
"I walked in [the Lakers coach's office] and I saw the score. He was at the free throw line, and I saw the score, and they've been playing great basketball lately, and I said to my coaching staff, 'He's rolling'" Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "They all kind of looked at each other. They're like, Are you kidding? Right now? I was like, 'No, what's up? They're like, they're 36 and 28 or wherever they are. They're getting ready to be 37 and 28,' and they're like, 'No, Bam has 77' and I was like, huh? And I watched the last three minutes, and that was a different type of basketball."
Other people were sticking up for Bam, or just congratulating him.
Loved every minute of Bam’s 83. The absurd possessions. The home broadcast raving about his unselfishness when he made a pass. Spo’s ridiculous challenge. Fouling up 20+ to stop the clock. The bombs from 3. Washington fouling a different player so Bam wouldn’t get the shot. The…
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has agreed to restructure his contract in a move that frees up approximately $12 million in much-needed salary cap space for the team entering the NFL's new year, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the discussions were to remain private. ESPN was first to report the restructuring.
The move converts $15.2 million of Allen's salary this season into a signing bonus, and comes a year after he signed a $330 million contract extension that ran through 2030.
What is essentially a move on paper for Allen is significant for the Bills because it provides general manager Brandon Beane payroll flexibility to add players as the NFL’s signing period opened on Wednesday.
The Bills were projected to be about $4 million over the cap entering the day.
Upon formally signing his four-year, $52 million contract on Tuesday, McGovern revealed that Allen played a role in bringing the two sides together.
“It doesn’t hurt when you have 17 (Allen’s number) in your corner,” said McGovern, who was otherwise preparing to test the free agent market.
Buffalo is undergoing a transition with Joe Brady taking over as coach, replacing Sean McDermott, who was fired in January following nine seasons. Though the team’s offense remains mostly in tact, the defense — previously overseen by McDermott — is being overhauled under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.
The Miami Heat star scored a historic 83 points in the team's 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, and praised the Las Vegas Aces champion for her support.
During a postgame news conference, Adebayo was asked by reporters about how he was processing his feat of scoring the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history, behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points scored in 1962.
A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo. Credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty
The center, who sat at the mic next to Wilson, noted how his girlfriend was away for a week and missed the game where he scored his 10,000th career point on Sunday, March 8.
"She was complaining about how I got my 10,000 points and how she wanted me to wait, so to have 83 [points] the first game she's here is very special," Adebayo, 28, said.
"The behind-the-scenes, the workouts and the conversations are very motivating. Obviously, you see what she does and you get inspired everyday by that," he added of his girlfriend. "I'm thankful to have her in my life."
To a visibly choked-up Wilson, Adebayo added, "She's gonna cry by the way."
Bam Adebayo and A'ja Wilson react to the Miami Heat star' 83-point game on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Credit: ESPN/YouTube
Wilson, 29, spoke to the press about why she was "hiding" in the tunnel at the Kesaya Center in Miami during the game.
"I see the countless hours that he puts in. I see the early morning workouts, the questioning, the self-doubt. I see all that," she explained of the Heat star. "So to see him thriving so well in that space during that time, I didn't want to mess up any mojo."
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"We are the two most routine people ever, and I'm like, 'Alright, if I'm not in my seat, he's doing pretty well.' I remember I sat down and you missed your free throw, and I'm like, 'Alright. Let me go back to the back', " she recalled with a laugh.
Wilson added, "But at the same time, I knew I just wanted to be there to show my support. This has been an incredible game, obviously, but journey for Bam. Witnessing it firsthand, the highs and the lows of it, it's been so much fun."
Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat smiles during his historic 83-point game on March 10, 2026. Credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty
The WNBA MVP then praised her boyfriend for inspiring her in her own life, both personally and professionally.
"I know he says that I'm his inspiration, but I don't think he has a clue how much he inspires me to continue to be the person that I am, but to show up for him," she said. "That's my biggest goal. Always to be present and show up for him."
A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces. Credit: Travis Bell/NBAE/Getty
In making history, the Heat star surpassed Kobe Bryant's 81 points, which has stood second on the list for 20 years.
Wilson and Adebayo first sparked dating rumors after being spotted together ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. They remained tight-lipped for months, until the Aces player subtly confirmed their romance in February 2025 during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Later that month, Wilson was honored with a jersey retirement by her alma mater, the University of South Carolina. During her speech, she gave a subtle shout-out to Adebayo, who was sitting courtside.
"I wouldn't be who I am today without the love, support and sacrifices of so many people," she said. "What a blessing to have those most special to me courtside today, especially my favorite Olympian from out of town."
The Ringer's Zach Lowe believes the Boston Celtics are the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference and make the NBA Finals in June. He said so during a new Zach Lowe Show that aired Monday.
“Are they the favorites (in the East)?” Lowe asked rhetorically. “I am conservative when I may calls like that, but I'll say this” No one else in the East has given me a reason to call them favorites over Boston … I guess I (need) to see more from Tatum, but they right now feel like the most coherent and complete team out of the top four to me.”
By the "top four", Lowe was referring to the other contenders in the East outside of Boston: Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks.
Boston fell to the Knicks in the second round of last year's playoffs, in which Tatum tragically ruptured his Achilles tendon during Game 4.
The Celtics made a ton of offseason changes that had them talked about as a lottery team intering the 2025-26 season. Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla, and the rest of the Celtics' organization never agreed with such assessments, even if they kept their opinions in-house.
Boston has torn apart all expectations and grown into a true contender during what was supposed to be a gap year. Neemias Queta has emerged as a Most Improved candidate, and Boston's young wings -- Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, rookie Hugo Gonzalez, and even Ron Harper Jr. -- have all surged ahead in their development.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard continue to add value to their offerings. Jaylen Brown has leveled up.
This has all contributed to the Celtics trending in a direction that no one outside of the Auerbach Center saw coming.
The Detroit Lions may not receive a compensatory draft pick for the departure of veteran wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond, and the reason comes down to the structure of his new contract.
According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, Raymond has agreed to a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears worth up to $5.055 million, including $3 million guaranteed.
The contract details include:
$1 million signing bonus
$2 million guaranteed salary
$15,000 per-game active roster bonuses (up to $255,000)
Up to $1.8 million in playtime and playoff incentives
However, as noted by cap analyst Nick Korte, Raymond’s base average per year (APY) of roughly $3.255 million likely falls below the threshold needed to qualify as a compensatory free agent loss for Detroit.
How the compensatory formula works
The NFL awards compensatory picks based on a confidential formula that weighs several factors, including:
Average salary per year (APY)
Playing time
Postseason honors
Generally speaking, players must sign larger contracts to qualify as compensatory free agents that would generate draft compensation for their former team.
Because Raymond’s deal is relatively modest, especially compared to many free-agent wide receiver contracts, it likely won’t register in the compensatory pick formula.
Raymond’s role in Detroit
Raymond spent several productive seasons with the Lions after joining the team in 2021. Known for his speed and versatility, he contributed as both a receiver and one of the NFL’s more dangerous return specialists.
During his time in Detroit, Raymond became a trusted depth target for quarterback Jared Goff and a key contributor on special teams.
But while his departure may create an opportunity for younger players on Detroit’s roster, it appears unlikely to produce any additional draft capital for the Lions.
Florentino Perez still dreams of pairing Man City megastar with Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid
According toL’Equipe, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez still harbours dreams of signing Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland and pairing him with superstar Kylian Mbappe at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It is no secret that Los Blancos have long admired the Manchester City and Norway striker and have held a strong interest in acquiring his services.
In fact, as per the report, about a year and a half ago, Real Madrid had a dream that perfectly fit the club’s long tradition of assembling “Galactico” squads: bringing together Haaland and Mbappe in the same attack.
The idea of pairing two of the most explosive forwards in world football captured the imagination of the club’s leadership and supporters alike.
While they were successful in signing Mbappe after his contract expired at PSG in 2024, a move for Haaland did not take place.
Real Madrid’s dream. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Although such a transfer currently appears very complicated to carry out, the idea has not been completely abandoned inside the Real Madrid offices.
The possibility remains alive, at least as a long-term objective, even if the circumstances required to make it happen would be extremely difficult to align.
Haaland is not currently experiencing the best run of form in his career, but that is unlikely to prevent him from starting on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite that, he has already plundered 29 goals from 39 matches this season in all competitions, along with seven assists.
For Real Madrid to stand a chance of progressing in the competition, they must make sure that Haaland has a quiet outing across the two legs.
Five players who could strengthen the Greens in March
Exclusive
New faces for Algeria
Algeria/@FAF
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Vladimir Petkovic is leaving no stone unturned, eager to assess every possible option in his squad to ensure he has the best at his disposal for the big event.
With a long list of injuries and several players struggling for form, here are five contenders who could make their return to the national team during the March international break.
Mehdi Léris (Pisa)
After clocking up 26 matches for Pisa in Italy, Mehdi Léris is poised for a comeback more than two and a half years since his last call-up. The 27-year-old, capped four times, could provide a valuable solution at right-back.
Rafik Guitane (Estoril)
He was called up just once during the last Arab Cup and was hoping for a spot in AFCON 2025, but luck wasn’t on his side. With eight goal involvements (three goals, five assists) in 22 outings for Estoril, Guitane is making waves as the best dribbler in the Portuguese league, boasting 65 successful dribbles.
Amin Chiakha (Rosenborg)
Seven minutes across two games—that’s all the playing time Amin Chiakha has seen with the Algerian national team. He hasn’t donned the green jersey since March 25, 2025. With a shortage of attacking options, he could get another chance in the upcoming camp, especially now that he’s finding his feet at Rosenborg.
Yassine Titraoui (Charleroi SC)
Called up for the November break, the Charleroi SC midfielder couldn’t convince Vladimir Petkovic for a spot in either the Arab Cup or AFCON. Nevertheless, he’s posted four goals and two assists in 33 appearances across all competitions in Belgium.
Kevin Van Den Kerkhof (Charleroi SC)
Absent from the squad since June 2024, Kevin Van Den Kerkhof is another strong candidate for the right-back slot. He’s featured in 24 matches (two goals, one assist) for his Belgian club this season.
NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson expressed heartfelt gratitude after playing a key role in India’s successful campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, saying the moment felt like the realisation of a long-cherished dream that he once believed had slipped away.
Samson scripted a remarkable comeback during the recently concluded tournament, battling inconsistency and spells on the bench to emerge as India’s leading run-scorer. He delivered crucial performances when it mattered most, producing a string of half-centuries from the virtual quarterfinal against West Indies cricket team to the title clash against New Zealand national cricket team.
The keeper-batter was also adjudged Player of the Tournament for his consistency, amassing 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. His tally included 27 fours and 24 sixes, and he finished as the third-highest run-getter in the tournament.
He also surpassed Virat Kohli’s tally of 319 runs in the 2014 edition to register the most runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup.
Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Samson admitted that he had always dreamed of achieving such a milestone for the country but never imagined it would unfold the way it eventually did.
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“Unbelievable, I think I already said before, I had the dream to achieve this, but I didn't know it would happen so exactly in this current moment. So very grateful. I absolutely don't have words for it, to be very honest. I know, I think genuine prayers and genuine wishes are very powerful, and when they are given by such a huge crowd, I think I can't ask for more. I think they definitely, genuinely wish and pray for me,” Samson said.
— BCCI (@BCCI)
India, who defended their T20 World Cup crown by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs, became the first team to win the marquee event three times since its inception in 2007 and the first to successfully defend the title in consecutive editions.
Reflecting on the support he received from fans across the country, Samson said the prayers from supporters meant more to him than any personal achievement.
“I think that is much, much bigger than anything for me in this life. I want to thank each and every one of you out there who has wished for me, who has prayed for me. Thank you so much, and this means the world to me. You definitely can have a dream, you can definitely think that that's what you want to achieve, but you can't plan the way to get there. That is something only one person can do. I actually lost it,” Samson added.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup, the wicketkeeper-batter endured a difficult home T20I series against the Black Caps, where he managed just 46 runs across five matches. Samson revealed that he believed his dream had been shattered after the series against New Zealand.
“I think I left it alone after the New Zealand Series. I thought my dream was broken. I actually wanted to do this, wanted to be the man for India in this World Cup, but after the New Zealand Series, I thought that I didn't utilise my opportunity, and the dream is broken. But I think the world and God's grace, things turned around, and I'm very happy that what has happened here,” Samson concluded.
Brentford's majority owner Matthew Benham says head coach Keith Andrews proved to be an "outstanding" candidate at a time of high risk for the Bees.
Andrews - a former set-piece coach at the club - succeeded Thomas Frank during the summer at a time when the Bees also lost strike duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to Manchester United and Newcastle respectively.
Speaking to presenter Roger Bennett from the Men in Blazers podcast at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference 2026, Benham discussed how he viewed losing key players, citing an increase in probability of relegation given both walked out the door.
On replacing Frank, he explained: "I'm a big believer in sort of the collective making decisions. Not in a group think way. So I don't like the idea of me saying 'oh I think we should go for Keith, does everyone else agree?' And they all say 'yes boss'.
"It's more myself, Phil Giles - who's a director of football, Lee Dykes, the technical director, and Ben Ryan, head of performance. The first thing we did, the four of us, we go away separately and think about, who could be interesting and then we come together to talk and and all four of us thought, you know, Keith seemed like a really, really strong candidate.
"He is clearly, as you have seen, an amazing communicator, fantastic leader. We knew that he was very good with with the players and also with the existing staff. We realised we were in a bit of a high-risk scenario anyway with all the sort turnover of staff and players.
"So we could have brought in a sort of big name from outside who comes with an entourage that would have had a lot of risk. It just seemed that Keith was like the clear logical candidate. Maybe we were in a bubble because then when it got announced and there was all this uproar we were like 'what have we done?'
"But from where we were sitting it just seemed that Keith was like a clear outstanding candidate."
Benham also spoke at length about buying into Brentford in 2005.
"For the first few years of being financially involved, really from 2005 until I took over fully, I didn't really see a serious long term prospect," he explained.
"It was more like a labour of love, the team I supported as a kid. This is a bit of fun, could I put enough money in to be a third or fourth division team?
"It was around the summer of 2013 that I thought it could be a bit more than a labour of love.
"Until then the conventional wisdom was unless you're a huge club with a huge following and stadium then you'll always be a lower league team. But it got to a stage where the TV deal in the Premier League was so big that it seemed you didn't need this traditional support to make a viable business.
"If we got to the Premier League we would have that TV money. But if we weren't the money was washing around and Premier League teams would buy the top players in the Championship. We could climb up via the transfer market."
Ronda Rousey says Dana White was happy to see her return to fighting, even if it was not with the UFC.
She recently booked her first MMA bout in a decade and says she is giving the UFC some much-needed competition by signing with a different promotion.
As one of the sport’s biggest names, ‘Rowdy’ has called out several issues with the UFC that fans have long complained about, including fighter pay.
She also spoke about how White reacted when she told him she would not be coming back to the UFC.
Ronda Rousey says Dana White gave his blessing for her return after she told him about Netflix move
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
On 16 May, two former UFC champions will step back into competition, with Francis Ngannou joining Most Valuable Promotions’ first MMA event.
Despite initially proposing a fight against Gina Carano to the UFC, Rousey has already clarified her reasons for not making a return to the organisation.
When asked during MVP’s press conference if the failed talks left any bad blood, she denied it.
She said: “No, not at all… He [Dana White] was the one that was like, ‘I want you to make as much money as possible. Don’t stay here and take less for me’. He gave me his blessing to go out and do it on my own.
“If anyone’s been his apprentice on how to be a promoter, it’s been me.”
She added that she let White know about her approach to Netflix because of their longstanding friendship.
Despite being concerned he might be upset, Rousey said White had nothing but positive things to say about her decision.
“He was like, ‘I could never be upset with you. I love you so much. I want you to do great, I want this to be successful,’” ‘Rowdy’ revealed.
Rousey also pointed out that many of her issues with the UFC stem from White no longer being an owner but rather an employee now.
In reality, his gaffe on national television can't totally be undone with the result of a ballgame.
In what will go down as one of the more significant managerial oversights in the middle of a championship, DeRosa went on his own network with friendly hosts and claimed that the Americans ‒ sitting at 3-0 and apparently indomitable ‒ were already through to the quarterfinals.
Alas, the buzz of their postgame celebration after vanquishing Mexico had hardly worn off when DeRosa joined MLB Network for the sort of interview he'd conducted hundreds of times. But an Italian team with legit big league power loomed in their final game.
And the Americans got crushed. And, in fact, suddenly have their own fate out of their hands.
Though the odds remain in their favor, a viable scenario ‒ Mexico beating Italy while scoring four or fewer runs ‒ exists to send Team USA home after pool play for the first time in WBC history.
Yes, this Team USA ‒ of Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber’s tape-measure power, Bobby Witt Jr.’s all-around brilliance, Paul Skenes’ utter dominance. Yes, the best collection of talent in a half-dozen WBCs.
On paper, they wouldn’t be going home because DeRosa misspoke, or because he rested a handful of so-called regulars. Heck, No. 9 hitter and part-time center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in four of their runs with a pair of homers in an urgent comeback that fell short in the 8-6 loss to Italy. Lineup hot takes are almost worse in the WBC than the regular season, especially with the blue chip depth Team USA enjoys.
No, they’d be going home largely because the club was perhaps one starting pitcher short of unbeatable. Nolan McLean, entering his first full season as a New York Met, was not up to the task of putting the paisans down, leaving with a 3-0 deficit after giving up a pair of rockets to Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel and White Sox farmhand Sam Antonacci.
“I misspoke… Completely misread the calculations.”
Manager Mark DeRosa confirms he did not know Team USA could still be eliminated during pool play pic.twitter.com/n5Gbo3SxcB
Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen – a former teammate of several Team USA members – threw the ball terrifically. The deficit grew. Perhaps DeRosa could have lifted long reliever Ryan Yarbrough before his outing mushroomed into "wear it" territory, a situation that looked worse when the USA nearly clawed back all of an 8-0 deficit.
The looks on the faces of Team USA as all this unfolded were startling. A mix of astonishment, a sinking feeling that they could, in fact, be eliminated, perhaps doing mathematic machinations as the espresso shots flew in the Italians' dugout.
Funny thing about ballplayers: Some are thoroughly locked in to what's happening on a given day. Others don't know what day it is, nor whether they just took part in a historic Farris-Buehler matchup.
But a lot of that stuff isn't their job. Their job is to show up and ball. The button-pushing, the logistics, the bigger picture after The Neverending Today – that's the manager's job. The surprising thing about DeRosa's gaffe is that he's not a major league manager parachuting in from Florida or Arizona.
His lone job, other than gassing up his guests on MLB Network or playing wingman when Rob Manfred's in a union-bustin' mood, is managing the WBC team. Look, we all fall victim – present company included – to WBC Brain, misinterpreting pool-play standings and looming tiebreakers.
Yet this is DeRosa's whole deal. That three teams finishing pool play 3-1 is potentially bad news, and that there was one Team USA game remaining, against an unbeaten team, should have been seared into his brain.
Alas, he verbally punched their ticket, acknowledged at a pregame press conference both that he "misspoke" and also he "completely misread the calculations," and now his MLB Network friends have reportedly removed the video. A public service, in a sense, as more news networks would be wise to remove disinformation rather than spread it.
“It’s weird. We want to win this game even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.” -Team USA manager Mark DeRosa earlier today
Team USA’s ticket was not, in fact, punched to the quarterfinals, and now they’re in danger of missing out pic.twitter.com/xMPAdLODTY
The sequence does little to tamp down the notion that the Americans are a bit less passionate about this event than their rivals. Save for the grit-and-grind, Jim Leyland-led group that won it all in 2017, Team USA has always been Team Taciturn, the staid actors in an event fueled by passion. The guard has come down a little bit in recent events, but a Team USA game won't be confused for an international party anytime soon.
For that, DeRosa can be thankful. Imagine if he were managing Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic or Venezuela, and erred in his miscalculations, and then his team got their butts kicked by an underdog. The noise might be a bit louder than a few hot takes from a handful of vodcasters.
Of course, an Italy win over Mexico makes all this so much Mountain Valley Spring Water under the bridge. Or a Mexico win with a lot of runs on the board. DeRosa will certainly be watching, and will full well know the score.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a dire need for linebacking help heading into the offseason. Lavonte David remains up in the air, SirVocea Dennis has not been the player they hoped for, and the depth behind them isn't much to look at, either, in terms of production. So, the team made an agreement to sign Alex Anzalone from the Detroit Lions as he completes his homecoming to Florida, but what if they get Lavonte David back, too?
Auman reported, "No decision yet on Bucs linebacker Lavonte David, but he's choosing between retiring or returning to Tampa and not listening to any outside offers, per his agent, Ron Butler."
Until they know for sure, they have to remain flexible on the market, but one of those options is now gone, and it has gone to the Carolina Panthers. Linebacker Devin Lloyd is in agreement to sign with the Bucs division rival to help their continued overhaul of the defense.
Lloyd was seen as a fit for the Bucs, but they now have to look for David to return, as the market is now depleted. As for the NFL Draft, there are some pieces, but by the time the Bucs are on the clock at pick 15 the top tier of talent should be drafted well before.
The updated ranking is impressive, but comes after the Raiders, Titans, and Commanders shelled out hundreds of millions to free agents, including Las Vegas making Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid center in NFL history.
The reworking of the deal means it clears the $75 million cap hit for 2026, as Baltimore and Jackson have been unable to agree on terms for a contract extension, with the Wednesday afternoon deadline fast approaching. After a near-MVP season in 2024, Jackson was battered and missed four games, going 192-302 passing (63.6 completion percentage) for 2,549 yards (196.1 per game), 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 103.8 passer rating.
On Thursday, March 5, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported a huge trade. The Chicago Bears agreed to send wide receiver D.J. Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-round pick.
This trade is a win for both sides. For the Bills, they get a new wide receiver one. As for the Bears, they can open up more playing time for Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.
From Buffalo’s perspective, there’s a lot to be excited about. Josh Allen will have a proven talent at wide receiver outside of Khalil Shakir. Additionally, Moore will be paired back up with his former offensive coordinator, Joe Brady.
ESPN sources: the Chicago Bears are working to finalize a trade that would send WR D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills.
Compensation still is being discussed, and the trade cannot be processed until the new league year begins, but both sides are pushing to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/pMM4pvGFaZ
The most intriguing part of this deal for the Bills is the reunion between D.J. Moore and Joe Brady. Brady was Moore’s offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021 in Carolina. In those years, Moore put up back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons while hauling in eight touchdowns. The Panthers didn’t have much team success while the two were together. However, Brady helped Moore officially break out and make a name for himself in the NFL.
Since their time together, Moore has had nothing but praise for his former offensive coordinator. Just a month ago, during an interview with Yahoo Sports’ Matt Harmon, Moore said Buffalo’s offense “has been electric.” Moore added, “He might just open it up this year,” when asked about Brady’s offense going into next season.
Despite not being together for over four seasons now, the respect between the two hasn’t been lost. Furthermore, their dynamic will likely make it easy for Brady to quickly integrate Moore into the Bills’ new look offense next season.
With Moore, Shakir, and Kincaid, the Bills look to have a respectable group of pass catchers for the first time since trading Stefon Diggs. Additionally, with Josh Allen at the helm, Moore should be able to thrive.
Familiarity with Joe Brady’s offense and the best quarterback of his career so far could make this the perfect situation for Moore.
I asked DJ Moore last month what he liked about playing in Joe Brady's offense back in Carolina when he was the OC. He highlighted the nuance, along with the new routes and concepts, Brady brought to the table.
D.J. Moore will likely slot in as the Bills’ wide receiver one going into next season. However, Tony Pauline reported that the team was still looking to add more at the position.
The Bills reportedly liked former Packers’ wide receiver Romeo Doubs before he signed with the Patriots on Tuesday. While there’s still interest in adding more depth at the position, they’ll have to turn their attention elsewhere. Already, though, they have been linked to other options, such as Hollywood Brown orChristian Kirk.
Brown or Kirk could complement the Bills’ existing offensive weapons nicely. Another target to ease Moore and Shakir’s burden is exactly what the team needs.
If they fail to bring another wide receiver in during free agency, they could always pivot to the draft. Some interesting prospects the Bills may target are K.C. Concepcion and Omar Cooper Jr.
It’s time for the #Bills to make big moves at WR, in free agency, trade market or the draft. @KevC_Sports and I look at some of the top options in the draft, free agents and trade ideas on the latest #Buffalo End Zone podcast. #BillsMafia LINK: https://t.co/vkThUddwVc
Regardless of how the Bills choose to get their receiver, they should be getting one of a specific type: another outside receiver. Khalil Shakir has secured the slot position, and Moore will be taking up one of the two outside spots. Thus, all they need is another bigger receiver to play opposite Moore, who can be more of a jump ball target, with Moore only being 6-foot.
When factoring in their moves so far with a healthy Dalton Kincaid and last season’s top rushing offense, there’s a lot to be excited about. It’s still early in the NFL’s offseason, and the Bills have a lot of work left to do on the defensive side of the ball. But addressing arguably their biggest need early on will allow them to shift their focus to the draft.
What’s Next?
While D.J. Moore might not have been most Bills fans’ first option for a big move at the wide receiver position, the fit is perfect. He knows Joe Brady’s offense, fills a huge need the team had, and has proven in two different places that he can be productive.
Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane came into the offseason knowing the roster had a lot of holes, and he got going early. Addressing this position was the first thing he needed to get done.
As for the rest of the offseason, the Bills still need to find a new safety partner for Cole Bishop. They also need a replacement for David Edwards at guard, and depth at the linebacker and edge rusher positions.
With a splash move like D.J. Moore already done, it’ll be interesting to see how creative Beane gets to fill out the rest of the roster. Nevertheless, the addition of Moore alone already has other NFL teams trembling.
F1's Mercedes Power Unit Customers Anni Graf - Formula 1 - Getty Images
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix was a voyage of discovery for all the Formula 1 teams, with everyone still learning about their new cars and power units—and in particular, how the latter have to be operated. And of the most intriguing outcomes of the weekend was the obvious frustration of Mercedes customers McLaren and Williams, with both teams wrestling with the possible fact they may be on the back foot due to a lack of information flow from their common power unit partner.
The circumstances brought to mind a similar situation in the first year of the V-6 hybrid rules back in 2014. McLaren ran a single season with the new Mercedes power unit that year, before switching to a Honda engine the following season. The works Mercedes team dominated 2014, and customer team Williams also benefited with some strong showings. McLaren, however, had a dire season by its standards.
At Suzuka, then-team boss Ron Dennis, frustrated by his cars' performance, made his feelings known. “One thing that jumps [at] you if you look at all of the qualifications of all of this year is the time difference between the Mercedes-Benz works team and the other teams,” he said in 2014. “What that means is that in my opinion, an opinion held by many people in our organization, is that you have no chance of winning a world championship if you are not receiving the best engines from whoever is manufacturing your engines.”
Former McLaren team boss Ron Dennis.Mark Thompson - Getty Images
“A modern Grand Prix engine in this moment in time is not just about transparent power,” Dennis continued. “It’s about how you harvest the energy, it’s about how you store the energy, and effectively if you don’t have control of that process—meaning access to source code—then you are not going to be able to stabilize your car in the entry to corners, etc, and you lose lots of lap time. So even though you have the same brand of engine that does not mean you have the ability to optimize the engine.” (Mercedes boss Toto Wolff later denied customers didn’t get fair treatment.)
In more recent seasons, the FIA has very closely regulated the power unit supply situation, so that manufacturers are obliged to give the customers the same hardware and software and modes and so on. Over the last few years, there was never any suggestion that customers of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains were at a disadvantage; the fact that McLaren comprehensively beat the works team in 2024 and 2025 is proof of that.
Mark Sutton - Formula 1 - Getty Images
That may have changed with the 2026 power units, though, and the incredibly complex energy management associated with them. Inevitably, Mercedes (and Ferrari) have been a step ahead of their customers over the last few years as they've developed the power units. It’s natural that the works teams would be totally embedded in that process, and thus come into this year with more knowledge. Customer teams knew that would be the case. However, as everyone has run their new cars on track, the customers have discovered the knowledge gap is apparently bigger than they had anticipated—and they feel Mercedes hasn’t been giving them the full story on how to fully optimize the power units.
Winter testing, and even practice in Australia, only revealed so much. The real story came during qualifying in Melbourne, where Mercedes was eight-tenths of a second ahead of the field, including McLaren—which dug into the data after the race to see where the missing time was. "I can say that we spent a lot of time looking at several overlays—not only obviously with HPP teams, in particular Mercedes, but also to other competitors,” said McLaren boss Andrea Stella. “The result of this analysis seems to direct to the fact that we have work to do as a team, in collaboration with our HPP engineers. We have work to do to exploit the potential of the power unit.”
Stella admitted McLaren has some catching up to do. “Now, it's not obvious how you do that,” he said. “We are in a journey of knowledge, probably—or maybe I should say certainly a journey that is earlier than the works team. The works team and HPP will have worked together for a long time, so they will have collaborated, talked about how to use the power unit. That's fair enough. But we'll definitely intensify the collaboration with HPP, because our understanding is that there is some low-hanging fruit that we should be able to cash in.”
McLaren’s Andrea Stella and Zak Brown.Mark Sutton - Formula 1 - Getty Images
"Let me say, since we are a customer team... this is the first time that we feel we are on the back foot—even when it comes to the ability to predict how the car will behave, and the ability to anticipate how we can improve the car,” he added.
A cynic might suggest McLaren is simply frustrated it has lost the advantage it had over the past couple of years. But the view of Williams boss James Vowles is another story. His team has other problems at the moment with an overweight, under-performing car; however, when a guy who was part of the works organization for many years comes close to being critical, take note. "What Mercedes are doing on the power unit is something that caught us off-guard,” said Vowles. “It took a qualifying for us to really see just how off the pace we are, in that regard. That's probably three-tenths, something in that ballpark.”
“I'm confident Mercedes have provided us—because they're very good at this—with the ability to do what they're doing. I don't know how to do that right now, as I talk to you today," he said. "And that's what we're working through in the background right now. What have we missed, and how do we get there faster?”
Like Stella, he suggested the information flow isn’t what he’d like it to be. “It is not an open door, as you would imagine,” he said. “Because that's where the performance is found. So it is down to us to try and work around it. But I would say we have to acknowledge we, as Williams, do not have the sophistication that they have—the level of technologies. And definitely, that's on us."
"I would say the converse is that there's some inherent knowledge they have, which we don't. That's down to us to figure out.”
SOPA Images - Getty Images
As for Wolff, he downplayed the situation when asked about it. "I think it's clear when you roll out new regulations, there's so much to learn,” he said. “Whether you have a customer that's on your gearbox or suspension, and in the same way, on the power units, the development slope is very steep. And you can never deploy things to make everybody happy. But I think most important is, we are trying to provide a good service.”
March 11 (UPI) -- A group of runners held a certified event over 3,000 feet underground, earning them a Guinness World Record for the deepest marathon.
The marathon took place in Garpenberg, Sweden, and featured 55 runners from across 18 countries. The course measured 3,669 ft. and 10 inches underground.
Guinness World Records noted that the depth is between the height of the world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls, and the U.K's highest mountain known as Ben Nevis.
Runners had to wear headlamps to compete in the event, which contained 11 laps and raised around $1million for charity.
"It' hot, it's humid, it's a bit dusty, but we're good," one of the competitors told Guinness World Records.
The event was a joint venture between companies BecomingX, ICMM and Boliden. The previous Guinness World Record for deepest marathon went to the Crystal Mine Underground Marathon in Germany, which took place 1,640 ft. and 5 inches below sea level.
Runners strap headlamps on to tackle deepest marathon over 3,000 ft undergroundhttps://t.co/bfxoFBJEsa— Guinness World Records (@GWR) March 11, 2026
Hendrick Motorsports has officially revealed Alex Bowman's status for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bowman will miss the Cup Series event at Las Vegas, the team announced. Justin Allgaier, a driver for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series, will drive the No. 48 car in his place.
Bowman is still experiencing lingering symptoms from his vertigo diagnosis, and it is unclear when he will return to the No. 48 car for Hendrick Motorsports. After four races in 2026, the Hendrick Motorsports driver sits 36th in the point standings with a 77-point deficit to the Chase bubble.
The main priority for Hendrick Motorsports is making sure Bowman is 100% recovered from his vertigo before putting him back in the No. 48 car. It is a very disappointing development for Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports, and the No 48 team, but Allgaier will try his best to have a good run at Las Vegas this weekend.
Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's derby against Dundee United.
Here are the main points:
Dundee's victory over in-form Motherwell last weekend was "no surprise" to the Dundee boss, adding his players "showed an incredible resilience and determination to find a way to get a result".
Pressley believes there's "a lot more to come" from his players but is pleased "they want to get better all the time".
The head coach says the Dundee derby is a "terrific spectacle and a great game of football" and, in the wake of the pitch invasion and violence that followed last weekend's Old Firm showdown, he insists "we want the attention to be on the pitch".
Dundee can leapfrog their city rivals in the table with a win but Pressley insists his players "don't need" that motivation.
Having lost their previous home meeting with United 1-0 in August, Pressley says: "It was sore, it was hard for the players and myself. We don't want to experience that again."
Pressley knows how important Sunday's derby is for "momentum" and wants his side to "get the right outcome".
But the 52-year-old admits he "doesn't enjoy" derby outings, adding "there's a lot of relief at the end of it".
United have just one win in five games but Pressley says: "Form is over the course of a season. You can have five or six good performances, that doesn't mean you don't get relegated. When I look at form, I look at the form for the 29 games. At present, Dundee United's form is better than ours."
Clark Robertson remains unavailable, Billy Koumetio returned to full training on Tuesday and while the weekend may still come too early for him, Pressley insists "he's certainly a consideration".
Adebayo and Wilson have a special relationship. They show up for one another. So it shouldn't surprise anyone that Wilson was courtside as the Miami Heat center made NBA history against the Washington Wizards. It also shouldn't be surprising that Adebayo, who has previously trolled Wilson, was trolled mid-performance by his girlfriend.
"Welp, won’t have the highest career high in the house anymore, but at least it gives me something to go after," Wilson said on Threads, along with an iconic America's Next Top Model meme of fake crying.
For context, in 2023, Wilson tied the record for most points scored in a single WNBA game with 53 points against the Atlanta Dream. Adebayo's previous career high before Tuesday's matchup was 41 points. So, as you might imagine, Wilson wasn't done with the jokes.
After Adebayo's breakout performance, she posted "Go ahead and pee in that cup my boi!" with a laughing Charlie Murphy meme, suggesting that Adebayo would be drug tested by the NBA for that sort of game.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 26: General manager Brandon Beane of the Buffalo Bills arrives to the stadium prior to the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Buffalo Bills have made a series of moves to both get under the 2026 salary cap and agreed to signings and trades that will add to their cap load. Let’s recap everything they’ve done and assess where they are heading into the league year Wednesday.
The Bills entered the offseason projected to be $9 million or so over the salary capaccording to Spotrac, a national sports contract website. Then they re-signed Alec Anderson and Phadarian Mathis to low-level contracts, which doesn’t impact the top 51 contracts by much.
Buffalo Bills cut several players to shed cap commitments
In March, the Bills released several players with bloated contracts. WR Curtis Samuel ($6 million), Taylor Rapp ($3 million), and Dane Jackson ($1.2 million) were all released. If you add the totals up, it’s $10.2 million but those players were replaced in the top 51 contracts with players making $1 million each, so it’s a total savings of $7.2 million at this point. As the Bills add players, those $1 million rostered players will drop back out of the top 51, so we’ll just use the full amount.
The Bills also traded Taron Johnson, clearing $1.9 million in cap space
Added $12.1 million in cap space
Tyler Bass and Dawson Knox take pay cuts
Another move to create cap space was to actually lower what they were paying to two veterans in Tyler Bass and Dawson Knox. We know the numbers for Bass, who is making $1.5 million less in 2026. We don’t have numbers yet for Knox, but it is incredibly likely that part of his new contract was lowering his very high cost in 2026.
It’s safe to assume Knox’s number will go down by at least $3 million, and likely to be in the $4 to $6 million in cap savings range in 2026.
Added $4.6 to $7.5 million in cap space
Bills restructures create cap space
The biggest move the Bills have done this offseason to create cap space was move $15 million of Josh Allen’s salary into a bonus, pushing $12 million into future years. They pulled that lever Wednesday morning.
The Bills also used restructures with Ed Oliver, clearing $10.25 million, and Spencer Brown, creating $10.4 million in space.
Added $32.65 million in 2026 cap space
Buffalo Bills cap savings so far
When you total up the restructures, roster cuts, trade, and pay cuts, the Bills created $49.5 to $52.5 million in cap space, pushing some into the future and shedding some completely.
That would seem to give the Bills somewhere between $40 million and $43 million in cap space heading into free agency BUT they also signed a big contract before the league year starts. Since he was under contract, the Bills don’t need to wait for the new league year to execute the deal.
Connor McGovern’s new deal taps into Bills cap space
McGovern signed a four-year deal for $52 million for an average of $13 million per season. Assuming that the first season will be higher in cash outlay due to signing bonus, you can probably assume his 2026 cap hit is going to be around $6 to $7 million. Since McGovern was going to be a free agent, that is off the top.
We can say the same for Mitch Wishnowsky’s deal, but it’s going to be much smaller and have a smaller cap hit.
Subtracts $6 to $7 million in 2026 cap space
Buffalo Bills cap space heading into the 2026 league year
If you take the Bills $40 to $43 million in cap space and subtract the $6 to $7 million from the Connor MvGovern contract, the Bills sit somewhere between $33 million and $37 million in available cap space entering the 2026 league year at noon.
The DJ Moore trade can now become official and count against the cap
The Buffalo Bills have created enough cap space to trade for DJ Moore. His current cap hit is $24.5 million and they need to fit that number under their cap before they can restructure it to lower the number.
Subtracts $24.5 million in 2026 cap space
Once they complete the trade, they will restructure the move. I think the Bills should do it over four years instead of adding a void year due to Moore’s age. That would spread $22.185 million over four years, saving $16.6 million in 2026 cap space. If they add the void year, it would push $17.75 million so they might just add the void year anyway. We are using round numbers here, so let us split the difference.
Adds $17 million in 2026 cap space
What cap space do the Bills have to add free agents
When all is said and done then, the Bills will have in the neighborhood of $25.5 to $29.5 million to sign free agents. Please remember that will include both the deals that were agreed to this week during the tampering period.
CB Dee Alford ($3.23 million cap hit in 2026)
QB Kyle Allen ($1.9 million cap hit in 2026)
After accounting for that combined $5 million in cap space, the Bills still have plenty of room to be players in 2026 if they want.
Buffalo Bills have roughly $20 to $25 million in cap space
What can the Bills do to create more cap space in 2026?
They can also add more cap space by restructuring the contract of Dion Dawkins. I would personally rather they leave the contract alone to give themselves more flexibility in 2027.
If they restructure the max amount for Dawkins, they can add $11 million in cap space for 2026.
Adding that $11 million in dead cap to his current 2027 dead cap number, his cap hit would be $25 million if he was on the team and $25 million if he was cut. So they wouldn’t be able to open cap space by releasing him if he declines.
RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 17: Quadir Copeland #11 of the NC State Wolfpack celebrates the win with the rest of the team after the college basketball game between the UNC Tar Heels and the NC State Wolfpack on February 17, 2026 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. (Photo by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Yes hello I’d like to order one (1) victory please.
The SEC Tournament will tip off Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. No. 9 seed Kentucky will face No. 16 seed LSU in the tournament's first game. Tipoff between the Wildcats and Tigers is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. EDT (SEC Network).
Tennessee (21-10) is a No. 5 seed in the SEC Tournament. The Vols open play on Thursday in the second round against the winner between No. 12 seed Auburn (16-15) and No. 13 seed Mississippi State (13-18).
Lunardi projects the Vols as a No. 5 seed in Portland, Oregon. Tennessee is projected to face No. 12 seed Northern Iowa in the first round. The winner would advance to play either No. 4 seed Texas Tech or No. 13 seed Utah Valley in the second round.
The NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced March 15 on Selection Sunday (6 p.m. EDT, CBS).
For the third time in the last four seasons, Iowa State begins its Big 12 Tournament run against the same opponent it just faced to close the regular season.
The No. 7 Cyclones meet Arizona State Wednesday morning in the second round at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Iowa State enters postseason play at 25-6 overall and 12-6 in Big 12 play, while the Sun Devils arrive at 17-15 and 7-11 in conference games.
The two teams met just days ago in Ames, where Iowa State used a dominant second-half surge — highlighted by a 24-0 run — to pull away for an 86-65 victory.
Now the stakes rise with a spot in the Big 12 quarterfinals on the line.
Cyclones to watch
Milan Momcilovic The junior sharpshooter has been one of the nation’s most dangerous perimeter threats this season. He holds the Iowa State single-season record for three-pointers with 114 and is shooting an eye-popping 50 percent from deep.
Tamin Lipsey
The senior guard, and Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, continues to be the engine of Iowa State’s defense and transition offense, averaging double-digit points while filling the stat sheet with assists, rebounds and steals.
Open thread
Can Iowa State replicate the second-half dominance from Saturday?
Who steps up offensively if Arizona State slows the three-point attack?
Tip-off is set for 11:30 a.m. CT — drop your predictions, reactions, and in-game takes below.
VfB Stuttgart vs. FC Porto Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
VfB Stuttgart's Europa League odyssey continues with the visit of Porto tomorrow evening at 18:45 CET at the MHP Arena. The first-leg clash will viewed as a great chance for the Swabians to make a sharp start.
The league phase of the competition proved to be a positive one for Sebastian Hoeneß' side. Five wins and three defeats ultimately left them just outside the top eight direct qualifying places by a solitary point.
Regardless, it set them up to face Celtic FC in the play-off round. The Scottish champions were simply swatted aside in the first-leg which ended 4-1, while the return fixture played out in a meaningless 0-1 defeat in truth.
Home advantage has treated the Swabians well so far with four wins from a possible five. That makes it all the more daunting for Porto who, despite only one away defeat so far, will be aware of the threat Stuttgart possess.
Finishing fifth in the table gave them more room to focus on the domestic front recently. With 25 wins, 3 draws and just a solitary loss, Porto sit top of the Liga Portugal with four points to spare over Sporting Lisbon.
Perhaps even more impressively, head coach Francesco Farioli's has only leaked 17 goals in 38 games across all competitions. If a solid defence remains as their backbone, Stuttgart could be in for a frustrating night.
Team news:
VfB Stuttgart will be grateful that their bill of health is in a decent state for tomorrow. Only Josha Vagnoman (thigh) and young talent Lazar Jovanovic (back) are the only doubts for tomorrow night's clash.
Centre-half Nehuén Pérez (achilles rupture), Luuk de Jong and Samu Aghehowa (both ACL tears) remain as the only long-term absentees for Porto. Regardless, the their squad quality should be well able to cope without them.
"It’s been made clear by multiple people around the NFL at all levels that Baltimore had all the information and understood where Maxx Crosby’s knee was in terms of his recovery timeline," Russini wrote on Wednesday. "Many in the league believe GM Eric DeCosta and the Ravens ultimately just got cold feet."
The Patriots were one of the first teams linked to Crosby in trade rumors. After reports indicate that K'Lavon Chaisson is signing with the Washington Commanders, the Patriots could really use Crosby. The Patriots are signing Dre'Mont Jones, but that does not mean their pass rush is fixed.
The Patriots' willingness to swing a trade is dependent on two things now. First, is Crosby actually healthy? Second, are the Raiders willing to come down in their asking price in the wake of recent events? Crosby's agent assures teams that he is on track to be ready by Week 1, and his rehab is going as expected.
"Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery and if anything is ahead of schedule according to his surgeon Dr Neal El Attrache," his agent wrote on X on Tuesday. "Maxx remains on track to return during the offseason program & will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past 7 seasons."
As for the second situation, the Raiders are reportedly maintaining their asking price of two-first round picks. Additionally, Crosby does not seem to be asking for a trade, so the Raiders have no incentive to take less. According to Ian Rapoport, his mindset is that he is ready to play football for the Raiders now.
It seems like trading for Crosby at this time would cost the Patriots too much. Even though he is reportedly going to be ready by week 1, the Patriots should hold off on a trade if it will require multiple first-round picks.
Steve Kerr is going to speak his mind. That's what he's done throughout his 12-season tenure as the Golden State Warriors' head coach. Backlash doesn't deter him.
He said Tuesday before the Warriors' 130-124 overtime defeat to the Chicago Bulls — their fifth loss in the past six games — that he wasn't even aware of Stephen A. Smith's response to him once again pushing for a shortened NBA season that he believes would lead to a more competitive and healthier league.
Although Smith prefaced his opinion by conceding that Kerr often makes profound statements that deserve everyone's attention, the ESPN pundit went on to criticize the nine-time NBA champion's desire to reduce the league's 82-game schedule by 10 games.
"Minimum salary in the NBA is over 1.2 million. The median salary in the NBA is over seven million. The maximum salary in the NBA goes anywhere on average like $54 million. We're talking about individuals signing $250, 350 million contracts. And now you come to us talking about there should be 10 less games?" Smith said on Tuesday's episode of "First Take."
"What the hell do you want next? You want us to put a diaper and a bib on these guys?"
Smith added: "I assure you, you don't hear players that are making a million dollars or even making $5 million talking about how there should be less games. You know why? Because they want to position themselves to make that paper. Only when you get to that point do you say stuff like that. Steve Kerr didn't say that when he was playing. ... The NBA just signed an 11-year, $77 billion contract. How do you get that if you don't play those games?"
"I don’t hear hockey players talking about playing less games." – Stephen A. Smith responds to Steve Kerr suggesting a 72-game NBA schedule pic.twitter.com/rAoUhmX6Bc
This all came up again because Kerr was asked Monday ahead of the Warriors' 119-116 loss to the Utah Jazz what he would address if he was the NBA commissioner.
"That was my answer," Kerr said Tuesday. "And the reason is cause my No. 1 concern is the quality of the NBA product. And I think limiting the schedule would encompass a lot of issues: Player health, player availability, tanking — I think all of that stuff would improve. And I think the quality of play would improve.
"We don't practice much at all. If we had those extra days for practice and a fresher team, the quality of the product would be better."
Kerr then got to the part of the discussion Smith was targeting.
"I know that it's a question of revenue," he said. "I'm not an idiot. Everybody would have to agree — to improve the product, we would actually have to make a little less revenue. It's not really an American concept anymore, but I'm of the belief that it should be.
"I think quality is going to matter long term. And I think for the long-term health of the league, we need to think about this. And that means everyone would have to consider the ramifications. So of course it's about money, but you have to be careful, too. Just having more of something doesn't automatically mean you're going to make more money if the product isn't good. I know it's a controversial subject, but I'm going to keep speaking my mind cause I think it's important."
The Warriors have been riddled by injuries this season. They're currently 32-33 and ninth in the Western Conference standings.
Kerr said back in November that he was "very concerned" about the league's dramatic change in pace and frequency of play leading to more injuries across the NBA.
At the time, the Warriors were on a six-game road trip, during which Kerr said they hadn't had a single practice because of their cluttered slate.
As of Tuesday, NBA teams were averaging 115.2 points per game, the most since the 1969-70 season, according to ESPN, which also reported that players had combined to cover 37.1 miles per game during the 2025-26 campaign at an average speed of 4.29 mph.
Those are both highs since player tracking started in 2013-14, per ESPN.
Star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby was an unofficial member of the Baltimore Ravens for about four days. He was traded from the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, March 6, and the deal would have become official when the new league year began on Wednesday, March 11.
Before that deadline, though, the Ravens backed out of the deal, and reports cited that the defensive end failed his physical. This stirred up some controversy because the Raiders had made it clear to teams that Crosby was progressing from a knee injury he sustained in the middle of the 2025 season that ended up requiring meniscus surgery.
The morning after going back on the trade, Baltimore then signed Trey Hendrickson to a four-year deal. This makes it seem like the Ravens just wanted their first-round picks back and to just move forward with Hendrickson on a cheaper deal, despite his being older.
Now, Crosby's future is uncertain as he returns to the Raiders. He can still be traded, but now there are questions about the status of his knee and the surgery he had in the offseason.
Here is what we know about Crosby's failed physical and the meniscus surgery that caused the Ravens to back out of the trade.
Physicals are an interesting thing in the NFL. While the results will be pretty conclusive, a team can choose to take them and fail the player or look past them and pass the player. For Baltimore, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that they had conversations with the surgeon who did the surgery and the Las Vegas medical staff before offering trade packages.
Per Russini, the Ravens' doctors and independent doctors alike agreed that Crosby's short-term outlook was "positive." The concern comes with Crosby's long-term outlook, with him playing on a three-year deal, and that is where Baltimore drew the line. The Ravens reportedly did not like the draft capital they were giving up in exchange for two first-round picks, and the long-term outlook came back into the deal.
Did Maxx Crosby fail his physical?
Crosby is not healthy. He is still recovering from the knee surgery that he had at the end of the 2025 season. Crosby did fail his physical, but it is up to individual teams whether they like the results enough to look past it, given the recovery projections.
What is Maxx Crosby's knee injury?
Crosby suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee on October 19, 2025, when the Raiders were taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. He played through it, dealing with the injury for the majority of the season and underwent surgery in early January.
Crosby is expected back for the 2026 preseason and should be fully ready to play when the regular season begins.
Crosby suffered his knee injury in mid-October when the Raiders were taking on the Chiefs. The defensive end was on the receiving end of a low block from Chiefs tight end Noah Gray that caused Crosby to go head over heels after getting hit. Crosby initially thought that he was dealing with maybe a knee bruise or a sprain and kept playing through it. It was determined in December that it was actually a tear, and he needed surgery to fix it.
Here is the play where Crosby suffered his knee injury.
Maxx Crosby surgery
The star pass-rusher underwent surgery to repair his torn meniscus in January 2026. Initially, it was thought that Crosby would just need a meniscus trim, which would have his recovery measured in weeks. In reality, the defensive end underwent a minor meniscus repair, which upped the return timeline to months. According to Ian Rapoport, Crosby's recovery is expected to take between two and four months, and initially, the NFL analyst thought that a deal for the defender would be more likely to take place at the draft in April or in the preseason.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell wrote about the difference in the procedures and what it means for Crosby's future outlook.
"A meniscus trim allows a player to recover more quickly than a repair, but teams I've spoken to in the past about these injuries generally believe that trims create more complications down the line and shorten careers," Barnwell said. "Meniscus repairs require longer recovery times, but they're more likely to produce stable knees after recovery and fewer deleterious long-term effects than the trims."
Crosby himself said that he expects to be fully back in June on his podcast "The Rush with Maxx Crosby." He is already off of crutches and going through his rehab program.
There are still a few months to go in his recovery, so his official return to the field is still unknown. He could advance faster than expected, or suffer a setback, but for now, the assumption is that he is well on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Dominican Republic vs Venezuela best bet: Dominican Republic -2.5 (-110)
Dominican Republic has the most productive lineup in the tournament, plating 35 runs through three games.
They own a remarkable +29 run differential and have won each game by at least nine runs. Venezuela has faced the same opponents and scored 13 fewer runs while failing to create the same kind of separation.
Venezuelan starter Eduardo Rodriguez has posted a 5+ ERA in back-to-back seasons and allowed 21 home runs (5th most) to right-handed bats last year.
Righties Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and Manny Machado destroy left-handed pitching, and should power Dominican Republic to a convincing victory.
Dominican Republic vs Venezuela same-game parlay (SGP)
Dominican Republic is an electric offensive side that has averaged more than 11 runs per game themselves. They score runs in bulk and have the ability to flirt with this Over themselves.
While their offensive ceiling should lead to another healthy victory, Venezuela is a dangerous offense as well and have the ability to get to Sandy Alcantara — who struggled mightily last — in the early going before they bring their flamethrowers in to tighten up late.
Vladdy has three hits through two games and is a contact machine, particularly against left-handed pitching.
Julio Rodriguez star player prop
Julio Rodriguez best bet: 2+ total bases (-110)
Julio Rodriguez consistently barrels the ball against lefties and excels when facing low-to-mid 90s fastballs, which is where Eduardo Rodriguez lives. Add in his elite speed and one good swing is likely to result in extra bases.
Run line: Dominican Republic -2.5 (-110) | Venezuela +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under: Over 11 (-115) | Under 11 (-105)
How to watch Dominican Republic vs Venezuela and game info
Location
LoanDepot Park, Miami, FL
Date
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
First pitch
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FS1
Dominican Republic starting pitcher
Sandy Alcantara
Venezuela starting pitcher
Eduardo Rodriguez
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Iowa State men's basketball is headed back to the Sanford Pentagon, this time to open the 2026-27 regular season, the school announced March 11.
The Cyclones will play Memphis in a neutral-site game at Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Nov. 2. Tip-off time and TV designation are to be determined.
Iowa State played Mississippi State earlier this season and defeated the Bulldogs, 96-80.
"We're excited to head back to Sioux Falls next season,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said in a statement. “Our experience there last year was first-class, and we're looking forward to another great experience there next season against Memphis."
This will be the second meeting all-time between Iowa State and Memphis. The Cyclones previously defeated Memphis in Otzelberger's first year as Iowa State head coach, topping the Tigers 78-59 on Nov. 26, 2021.
Iowa State is 25-6 heading into the Big 12 Tournament. Meanwhile, Memphis is 13-18 going into the AAC Tournament. It has been a down year for the Tigers, after finishing 29-8 in the 2024-25 campaign.
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5
The Indiana Hoosiers are feeling very “bubbly” as they head to Chicago for their Big Ten tournament opener tonight versus the Northwestern Wildcats.
The Hoosiers are on the cusp of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament and need at least a win or two in the conference postseason to bolster their stock with the selection committee.
In tough times, head coach Darian DeVries is going to lean on one player he knows very well: his son. Tucker DeVries is wrapping up his college career for IU and playing his best basketball over the last month.
My Northwestern vs. Indiana predictions and college basketball picks like Tucker to top his scoring prop on Wednesday, March 11.
Northwestern vs Indiana prediction
Northwestern vs Indiana best bet
Northwestern vs Indiana best bet: Tucker DeVries Over 13.5 points (-105)
Tucker DeVries has been a jack of all trades for the Indiana Hoosiers, playing the wing but also banging down low with the Hoosiers’ rotation running short.
They meet a Northwestern Wildcats team also going small without 6-foot-11 forward Arrinten Page (illness). Even with Page in, Northwestern plays small. It gets beat up in the paint and roughed up on rebounds.
DeVries is a tough matchup. He’s able to bully smaller defenders and burn bigger ones from the perimeter.
He’s averaging 14.5 points over his last eight outings, and projections range from 14 to as high as 17 points tonight.
Northwestern vs Indiana same-game parlay
The Hoosiers need style points during the Big Ten tournament if they want to get off the bubble. Indiana is an efficient half-court offense that can score at the rim against a dreadful (and tired) NU defense.
DeVries shoots a lot of 3-pointers and can scrap for buckets around the rim. Without Page, the Wildcats get small, and the Hoosiers' senior can pick his spots.
If NU is going down, Nick Martinelli is going down swinging. The Big Ten legend is battling on the boards with nine or more rebounds in three of his last four games.
Northwestern vs Indiana SGP
Indiana team total Over 74.5
Tucker DeVries Over 13.5 points
Nick Martinelli Over 7.5 rebounds
Our beyond the arc SGP: Hoosier Daddy
The Wildcats are one of the worst rebounding teams in the country, and the coach's kid will draw smaller defenders who will struggle to box him out on the boards.
Northwestern vs Indiana SGP
Indiana -6.5
Tucker DeVries Over 13.5 points
Tucker DeVries Over 6.5 rebounds
Indiana team total Over 74.5
Northwestern vs Indiana odds
Spread: Northwestern +6.5 | Indiana -6.5
Moneyline: Northwestern +210 | Indiana -260
Over/Under: Over 142 | Under 142
Northwestern vs Indiana betting trend to know
Indiana is 14-2 SU and 10-6 ATS when laying -5.5 or higher this season. Find more college basketball betting trends for Northwestern vs. Indiana.
How to watch Northwestern vs Indiana
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Tip-off
6:30 p.m. ET
TV
BTN
Northwestern vs Indiana key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 16: Patrick Taylor Jr. #32 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on between plays against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Allegiant Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 49ers defeated the Raiders 22-19. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As we head into Day 3 of free agency, the San Francisco 49ers have added a pair of backup offensive linemen. One might compete for the starting spot at left guard, while the other is a “just in case” at left tackle for Trent Williams. The splash signing of Mike Evans at wide receiver gives the team some flexibility heading into the NFL Draft.
It’s telling that some of the 49ers’ free agents, like Jauan Jennings and Brian Robinson Jr., haven’t inked deals yet. Those are the kinds of players that usually sign on Wednesday or Thursday after the first initial wave has passed.
Today is the day the 49ers will likely part ways with Brandon Aiyuk, likely tender their restricted free agents, and look to find an interior pass rusher, perhaps from the Dallas Cowboys.
So far, Trey Hendrickson has signed with the Ravens after the Maxx Crosby debacle. Hendrickson’s deal is for 4 years and $112 million. We’ll see how busy Wednesday is in free agency.
Kyle’s update, 8:40 a.m. PT: Daniel Jones, who is expected to be ready by the start of the season, received a two-year, $88 million deal to return to the Colts. Danny Dimes received $50 million in Year 1 of the deal.
Kyle’s update, 11:40 a.m. PT: Former Bears safety Kevin Byard is headed to the New England Patriots. Byard reunited with Mike Vrabel after playing for him for six seasons with the Titans.
Kyle’s update, 12:01 p.m. PT: The Niners are re-signing a running back, but it’s not Brian Robinson Jr. According to Equity Sports, the 49ers re-signed running back Patrick Taylor Jr.
Taylor Jr., who turns 28 in April, landed on the Injured Reserve after hurting his shoulder in August. He becomes the fourth running back on the roster, after Christian McCaffrey, Jordan James, and Isaac Guerendo.
Taylor Jr. played 292 snaps in 2024, with 172 of those coming on offense. The 49ers also moved Taylor Jr. around the formation, which is a sign they liked his versatility. It also helps that he contributed on special teams. Taylor Jr. played 120 snaps spread out through each of the four coverage teams.
Carwyn Leggatt-Jones made his Scarlets debut against Glasgow in November 2025 [Getty Images]
Teenage fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has been released by Wales Under-20s to play for Scarlets against Connacht in the United Rugby Championship on Friday (19:45 GMT).
The URC fixture is rearranged from round two in October when the Llanelli side could not travel to Galway due to Storm Amy.
The game now clashes with the Six Nations and none of the Scarlets' senior Wales players have been released.
However, it has been deemed Leggatt-Jones will benefit more from club action than the under-20s' final fixture against Italy in Newport on Sunday (13:00 GMT).
Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies said: "With the squad as it is, it was key that he was available to us.
"We've given him a couple of opportunities this season and it's another chance for him to progress further."
Scarlets have used Sam Costelow and Joe Hawkins at fly-half this season, but both are with Steve Tandy's Wales squad.
That meant Leggatt-Jones made his first senior start against Benetton before the Six Nations and he pulled the strings against Edinburgh a fortnight ago.
The Llandovery College student started the first three rounds of the junior Six Nations and came off the bench in Ireland last Saturday.
Wales Under-20s head coach Richard Whiffin said: "It was our decision and in the best interest of the player.
"Whether it was Friday night with Scarlets or Sunday with Wales, it would be a great experience.
"For him to keep getting minutes at the top end shows how good a player he is to be backed by his club team, and that will help his development.
"It's important that we don't put too much on him because he is still an 18-year-old schoolboy, but I am sure he will rip into it with the Scarlets and give a good account of himself."
Johnny Williams joined Scarlets in 2020 from Newcastle [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Costelow has remained with the Wales squad to recover from an ankle injury suffered against Scotland.
He is in camp ahead of the Principality Stadium fixture against Italy along with hooker Ryan Elias, flanker Josh Macleod, centres Hawkins and Eddie James and Ellis Mee, Blair Murray and Tom Rogers in the back three.
Scarlets are stretched, but have been boosted by the return of centre Johnny Williams, who missed the trip to Edinburgh with a calf injury.
"Almost two thirds of our team are away with Wales at the moment, but I am really happy with the side that we are able to select," added Davies, who names his team at midday on Thursday.
"It's a really competitive team with some exciting players in it, so I am not dismayed. We have a strong squad and these boys are capable of fronting up."
Scarlets would climb above Dragons into 14th place with victory in Galway.
Connacht would leapfrog Ospreys into ninth and a bonus-point victory would move them level with Bulls in the last play-off spot.
Uncapped Billy Bohan was this week called into the Ireland squad to join fellow prop Finlay Bealham, back row forward Cian Prendergast and centre Bundee Aki.
Tottenham Hotspur is in turmoil, with interim head coach Igor Tudor facing an increasingly untenable position following a disastrous 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid and a stark warning from the Supporters’ Trust.
The crisis has even prompted former manager Harry Redknapp to play down his chances of a dramatic return, despite the club's alarming slide.
Tudor's brief 26-day tenure has seen the club plunge into unprecedented depths, becoming the first Tottenham boss to lose his opening four games.
The latest humiliation in Madrid, which included young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky being substituted after just 17 minutes due to two costly errors, marked the club's sixth consecutive defeat – a historical low for the club.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) did not mince words, labelling the performance and result against Atletico "a total disgrace."
Spurs were thrashed by Atletico Madrid, with Antonin Kinsky taken off inside 17 minutes (PA Wire)
In a scathing statement, the THST declared: "It’s symptomatic of the abysmal state of things at Spurs right now. Emergency action is needed as right now we are sleepwalking off the edge of a cliff. Being a Spurs fan has never been so difficult, but supporters will not sit by and watch the club continue to decline."
They further demanded that "at the very least those in Madrid should have their match tickets refunded."
Tudor, who is scheduled to speak at a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, notably refused to address questions about his future post-match.
Speaking to the Press Association at Cheltenham, Redknapp, who previously managed Spurs between 2008 and 2012, expressed his doubts about a comeback.
"I’ve been asked a few times if I’d go back to Spurs and it’s probably not going to happen, is it?" he said.
While admitting, "Would I go back? Of course I would, but I doubt very much it’s going to happen”, Redknapp revealed his current focus lies elsewhere.
"My only concern at the minute is The Jukebox Man (his horse) in the Gold Cup, I’m nothing to do with Spurs any more."
He added that the club "haven’t been in touch, not at all”, but voiced concern for their league status: "They’ve got it all on to stay up, it’s going to be hard. I’m looking at their fixtures and (Nottingham) Forest are playing all right, West Ham are playing very well, it’s going to be tough for Tottenham."
He concluded by wishing both clubs well: "I hope Spurs stay up and I hope West Ham stay up."
Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood offered a blunt assessment of Tudor’s impact.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Sherwood described Tudor as "a firefighter who has a can of petrol in his hand," suggesting he is "adding fuel to the fire rather than restoring confidence to the players."
Igor Tudor is under huge pressure after losing all four of his matches in charge (PA Wire)
Sherwood criticised Tudor’s tactical indecision, stating: "He keeps chopping and changing things, which is a worry to be honest. He’s gone from three at the back to four at the back, then back to three again, with players playing out of position.
“I’ve scratched my head at some of the decisions he’s made since he came in."
Sherwood speculated that the upcoming international break after the Nottingham Forest game could provide "a good opportunity for a new manager to come in and have a look at things."
With Tottenham just one point above 18th-placed West Ham, the pressure intensifies ahead of their daunting visit to Anfield on Sunday.
The Colts initially placed the transition tag on Jones, ensuring that they would be able to match any offer in free agency.
Instead of exploring other opportunities, Jones will extend his stay in the Hoosier State, hoping to prove that his breakout 2025 is now the rule, rather than the exception. Jones is still recovering from a torn Achilles that ended his season in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. At the very least, his rehab can continue in a familiar place.
Jones revived his career in his seventh NFL season, leading the Colts to an 8-5 record in 13 starts, completing 68% of passes, throwing 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Now he has parlayed that into another long-term deal.
Here's what to know about Jones' new contract with the Colts.
Daniel Jones contract details
Jones inked a two-year, $88 million contract with the Colts, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The deal could be worth up to $100 million with incentives and will pay him $50 million in 2026.
It marks the quarterback's second big contract in the league, with Jones already totaling over $122.8 million in career earnings, according to OverTheCap. Drafted by the New York Giants with the No. 6 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Jones experienced three up-and-down seasons with Big Blue.
The hiring of Brian Daboll proved to be a good thing for Jones' development, turning in a playoff appearance, his first and only to that point, with a 9-6-1 record while completing 67.2% of passes for 3,205 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions.
All of that led to the quarterback receiving a four-year, $160 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. He was promptly released by the Giants in Nov. 2024 and then signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.
He finished the season with the Vikings and then landed with the Colts in free agency ahead of the 2025 season, signing a one-year, $14 million deal to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting job.
Jones won that competition and, essentially, a second lease on NFL life in the process.
Daniel Jones career earnings
Jones has made about $122.8 million in his NFL career, according to OverTheCap.
The offseason always represents two sides of the NFL coin for teams.
The New York Giants are no different, of course. In with the new for free agency means familiar faces wind up exiting.
Here's where they're going:
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
The Giants' former second-round pick followed Brian Daboll and will be one of Cam Ward's top playmakers with the Titans following his first 1,000-yard receiving season.
The ascending talent finally hit his stride, and now the 24-year-old will head to Tennessee where he will be one of the stars in the secondary for former Jets coach Robert Saleh and the Titans.
TE Daniel Bellinger
Bellinger wound up choosing to follow Daboll to the Titans as well, and he's hoping for more opportunities after the Giants signed Isaiah Likely in free agency.
Schlottmann stepped up in reserve last season and showed he could be a capable starter when needed. He's on the train to Nashville as well, following Daboll and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo to the Titans.
S Dane Belton
Belton thrived on special teams and in a reserve role at safety. He's staying in New Jersey, but flipping sides in MetLife Stadium by joining the Jets.
Where does Daniel Jones' new contract with the Indianapolis Colts rank compared to the other quarterbacks around the NFL?
As far as the contract details and what Jones' salary cap hit will be, we do not have that information yet.
But what we do know is how much he is earning on a per-year basis, along with how much of the contract is guaranteed. Those figures we can compare to other recent quarterback contracts.
Where does Daniel Jones' new Colts' contract rank with other quarterbacks?
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Jones is signing a two-year contract to remain with the Colts. This is an $88 million deal and could be worth up to $100 million with incentives. The contract also includes $60 million guaranteed.
Excluding the incentives, on paper, Jones will earn $44 million per year over the next to seasons. That ranks as the 16th-most among quarterbacks entering the 2026 NFL season, according to Over the Cap.
The Colts and QB Daniel Jones are finalizing a two-year, $88 million deal that can be worth up to $100 million with incentives, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
The $60 million in guarantees that Jones is receiving also ranks as the 16th-most in football -- right in the middle of the pack. In both instances, Jones' deal exceeded what Sam Darnold received from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason.
Jones' total contract value of $88 million ranks as the 18th most among current quarterback contracts.
Including incentives, which would put this deal at $100 million if Jones were able to hit on all of them, Ian Rapoport notes that this is the biggest two-year deal in NFL history.
Less than 17 hours after beating Oregon, Maryland men’s basketball is back at the United Center in Chicago for a rematch with Iowa. The Terps are 1-1 against the Hawkeyes this season.
Tip off is slated for noon ET. This is your space for thoughts, observations or whatever you would like to share, but please be respectful.
The Ravens saw their blockbuster trade for Raiders' edge pass rusher Maxx Crosby fall through. They were fortunate to have a quick fallback plan — signing now former Bengals edge pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson was Sporting News’ top-rated unrestricted free agent. But was Baltimore smart to make such a quick pivot from Crosby to win the sweepstakes to take Hendrickson from division rival Cincinnati
Here are five reasons the Ravens’ reevaluating the Raiders deal and rejecting Crosby and rebounding with Hendrickson is the better outcome:
5 reasons Ravens signing Trey Hendrickson is better than Maxx Crosby trade
The Ravens can keep their first-round draft picks in 2026 & 2027
This is the obvious advantage. The Ravens still have the opportunity to add an impact player at No. 14 overall on April 23 and hold on to their top pick next year, too. Don't blame the Ravens for having reasonable doubts about whether Crosby, working to get healthy from his knee (meniscus) injury, was worth giving up two significant future considerations.
Trey Hendrickson is less of a short-term injury risk than Maxx Crosby
Hendrickson did have an injury-riddled 2025 season, dropping his pass-rush production in his final season of his otherwise strong Bengals tenure. He first had issues with back and hip injuries in October and needed to have core muscle surgery in December. Hendrickson is also 31, while Crosby is 28.
Hendrickson's injuries are more linear and seem to be less of a concern, but Crosby currently rehabbing his knee in the offseason, should worry teams.
Trey Hendrickson can make a better schematic transition from end in the Ravens’ defense
Hendrickson has played 4-3 defensive end throughout his career with the Bengals. He broke out with his first big sack season (13.5) playing that position for the Saints in 2020. His free-agent signing with the Bengals was key to getting them to Super Bowl 56 after the 2021 season.
Before delivering for defensive coordinators Dennis Allen and Lou Anarumo at the end, Hendrickson spent his first three seasons in New Orleans as an outside linebacker.
Crosby has always played end since being drafted by the Ravens in 2019. Baltimore's new defensive braintrust, Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver, will keep their 3-4 foundation and should be able to mold Hendrickson as a hybrid better into remaining effective getting to the quarterback. He can be either impactful, starting opposite Mike Green on the second level with some opportunity to rush from the inside of the three-man front.
Trey Hendrickson is a cheaper investment than Maxx Crosby
Hendrickson got a four-year, $112 million contract upon joining the Ravens. That is $28 million in average annual salary and with $60 million of the contract guaranteed, or a little more than half of the deal. Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Raiders in March 2025, putting him at $35.5 million per season with $91.5 million overall guaranteed.
Crosby will turn 29 in August. Hendrickson turns 32 in December. But for the Ravens' purposes, they were looking at who could provide more pass-rush bang for the buck over the next two years. That discount on a slightly older player who can have the same on-field impact is significant.
The Ravens can better manage their salary cap for this season and beyond
Crosby, with his Raiders' contract, was set to count $35.791 million against the salary cap in 2026 with the number going down to $29.782 million in 2027. Although Hendrickson's cap numbers are yet to be determined, he won't carry that same burden in restricting the Ravens' spending elsewhere.
Crosby had to be a much better acquisition than Hendrickson to make up for the fact that he came at a much higher price, personnel and contract-wise. The Ravens shouldn't get heat for not wanting an unhealthy Crosby, but rather praise for being able to still land Hendrickson.
Man United unlikely to reduce Hojlund fee for permanent Napoli transfer
Napoli are prepared to make Rasmus Hojlund’s move from Manchester United permanent for €44m as the Red Devils are reportedly unwilling to reduce the striker’s transfer fee.
Napoli are destined to sign Hojlund on a permanent transfer from Manchester United for €44m, reports TMW.
Hojlund set for 44m Napoli transfer
The Denmark international joined the Partenopei on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy last summer.
The obligation to purchase is tied to Napoli’s Champions League qualification this season, but it seems like a fairly feasible target as the defending Serie A champions currently sit third in the standings with a five-point lead over fifth-placed Roma.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli shoots during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to the report, Napoli will try to lower Manchester United’s demands, but the Red Devils are unwilling to give any discount, especially because the Azzurri seem close to securing Champions League qualification.
Hojlund has scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 19: K'Lavon Chaisson #44 of the New England Patriots recovers a fumble for a touchdown during the NFL 2025 game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New England Patriots’ defensive edge is going to look drastically different in 2026, that is one of the main takeaways from the first few days of NFL free agency week. After the team signed Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $36.5 million contract on Monday, it saw two departures at the position on Wednesday.
Bringing aboard Chaisson, Harold Landry, Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson in the offseason and trading away Keion White in October, 2025 was a year of change for the Patriots’ defensive edge. By November, Jennings remained as the only player on the roster who had been with the club before new head coach Mike Vrabel’s departure.
Four months later, he is gone as well, and so is Chaisson. As mentioned above, they as well as Landry were the top three in snaps played on the edge in 2025.
In turn, the group now looks as follows:
Defensive edge (5): Harold Landry III (2), Dre’Mont Jones (—), Elijah Ponder (91), Bradyn Swinson (43), Jesse Luketa (—)
Landry and Jones project as the current starters on the edge with Ponder a candidate to increase his role heading into his sophomore season. While that means more stability than a year ago — the biggest change is Jones effectively taking over for Chaisson — the uncertainty surrounding the group as a whole remains significant.
How will Landry look coming off a season disrupted by a nagging knee injury? How quickly will Jones adapt to his new team? Are Ponder and Swinson ready for more prominent roles? All those questions will get answered eventually, and they will decide the group’s success in 2026.
All-around questions
The questions above all relate to particular players, but it is their impact on the game as a whole that will be important in 2026. And if we look at those who have departed, we can see that both the pass rush and the run defense will be impacted.
Chaisson and Jennings were fundamentally different players in that regard, of course. The former was a quality pass rusher, whose 73 pressures and 10.5 sacks ranked first on the team in 2025. The latter remained one of the stoutest edge setters in all of football. If you put them in different situations, their impact was less pronounced: Chaisson’s run defense was suspect for much of the year, while Jennings’ 25 pressures in 18 games were solid but ultimately replacement level.
Still, both played well in their primary roles. How those will be filled remains unclear, especially in Jennings’ case. That said, the Patriots’ coaching staff seemed content with him playing a limited role and ultimately releasing him, so they are likely not sweating the situation either.
More help needed
The Patriots considered the edge as a primary area to improve all offseason, and they acted accordingly. They expressed interest in, among others, Ravens Raiders edge Maxx Crosby and eventually decided to sign Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year pact.
What Wednesday shows, however, is that they are far from finished building the group. While a blockbuster move such as trading for Crosby seems unlikely, there are still several players on the market worth taking a look at. Names to keep an eye on include the likes of Al-Quadin Muhammad, A.J. Epenesa, Arnold Ebiketie or D.J. Wonnum — complementary pieces who would improve the group’s overall depth and serve as safety nets in case Elijah Ponder or Bradyn Swinson do not develop as hoped.
While more free agency investment could happen, the Patriots likely will take a close look at the edge class in this year’s NFL Draft. They already had some pre-draft contact with some of the top players available such as Cashius Howell (Texas A&M), Akheem Mesidor (Miami), R. Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) and Zion Young (Missouri).
Even with Jones brought aboard, the Patriots very well could invest a high draft pick at the edge. More help, especially from a longer-term perspective, is needed.
Special teams impact
While their primary focus was on defense, both Chaisson and Jennings also were actively involved in the kicking game in 2025.
Chaisson was a mainstay on the punt coverage team particularly early in the season, and ended with 129 snaps in the game’s third phase (23.4%; 16th). Jennings, meanwhile, played mostly on the kickoff return and coverage teams but also saw the occasional snap on the punt units as well; he finished with 194 special teams snaps (35.4%; 11th) and seven tackles (8th).
Replacing those parts of their contributions will not be quite that big of a task. Still, it is another angle for the Patriots to consider when it comes to roster construction.
Financial gains
While the Patriots are losing two proven players on Wednesday — one of them by choice, of course — they are gaining some more cap space. Releasing Jennings before the final year of his current contract created net savings of $2.85 million.
His non-guaranteed $3 million salary and $867,647 worth of likely to be earned roster and workout bonuses are now off the books, while his $1 million signing bonus proration remains as dead cap. Meanwhile, a player with a cap hit of $1.01 million will take his spot on the Top 51 list.
In total, salary cap expert Miguel Benzan projects the Patriots to be $50.13 million under the cap with all but one signing (WR Romeo Doubs) considered.
The Chaisson departure, meanwhile, does factor into the NFL’s compensatory draft picks formula. But while he is the fourth qualifying free agent to leave the team this week, it appears no additional picks will be headed New England’s way in 2027:
At the moment, two of the Patriots’ compensatory free agents this offseason remain unaccounted for: offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. Not only are they unlikely to sign contracts that would massively impact the formula, both are realistic candidates to ultimately be retained by the club.
For a fourth straight year, therefore, it seems New England will not gain any extra draft capital through the compensatory process.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 28: Brandon Maclin #0 of the DePaul Blue Demons dribbles up the court past Kayvaun Mulready #45 of the Georgetown Hoyas during a college basketball game at Capital One Arena on January 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The postseason has arrived, and your Georgetown Hoyas (14-17, 16-14) are heading to Madison Square Garden to face the sixth-seeded DePaul Blue Demons (16-15, 8-12) in the first round of the 2026 BIG EAST Tournament. After over a decade of disappointment, many of the Georgetown faithful are frustrated to be appearing in the last slot on day 1 at the Garden. Fans genuinely want the players to succeed here and in each game, but certainly not as a detriment or deterrent to positive change in the near future.
Winning tonight and building momentum with strong performances on both ends of the floor, regardless of the result, would be tremendous. There are no moral victories, but the season will end on a loss for all but one team. If they can’t see a banner, fans want to see discipline, defense, and determination.
The Hoyas enter tonight’s 9 p.m. tipoff with fresh momentum after a gritty 80-79 victory over Providence to close out the regular schedule. Senior center Vince Iwuchukwu led the way in that finale, recording a double-double with a career-high 25 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Hoyas fans have heard the unfortunate news that All-BIG EAST Third Team selection KJ Lewis will indeed miss the remainder of the season with a left ankle injury.
Stepping into a larger role is sophomore guard Kayvaun Mulready, who recently earned a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll after averaging 16 points over the last two contests.
The Hoyas roster will need a collective effort against a DePaul squad that finished with the second-most conference wins in their program’s history under coach Chris Holtmann.
The two programs split their regular season matchups, with Georgetown securing a 70-61 victory at Capital One Arena in late January behind a 16-point performance from junior Malik Mack. The Blue Demons are coming off an 81-71 loss to Butler, but senior forward NJ Benson has been a formidable presence inside, averaging 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds over his last seven games.
Other Wednesday matchups include Providence vs. Butler (4PM) and Xavier vs. Marquette (6:30 PM). Winner of tonight’s DePaul-Georgetown (9PM) game will face Villanova tomorrow.
The bracket is locked in! 🔒
See you 🔜 at the 2026 BIG EAST Men's Basketball Tournament presented by JEEP. pic.twitter.com/gpdHWK0MKD
Georgetown men’s basketball will travel to New York to face the sixth-seeded DePaul Blue Demons in the first round of the 2026 BIG EAST Tournament Presented by Jeep. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.
FOLLOW THE HOYAS Wednesday’s game can be seen live on Peacock with John Fanta calling the play-by-play, Donny Marshall providing analysis and Caroline Pineda reporting from the sidelines. The game can be heard locally on Team 980 and on the SiriusXM app with Rich Chvotkin on the call in his 52nd season. A link to the live stats can be found on GUHoyas.com.
ABOUT THE HOYAS In its last outing, Georgetown (14-17, 6-14 BE) defeated Providence on March 7, 80-79, at Capital One Arena to close the regular season.
Vince Iwuchkwu scored a career-high 25 points on 9-for-13 shooting and a squad-best 10 rebounds off the bench to nab the double-double and lead a quintet of Hoyas in double-figure scoring.
Kayvaun Mulready was GU’s next leading scorer with 12 points, followed by Malik Mack and Caleb Williams with 11 points apiece, with Jeremiah Williams rounding out those in double figures with 10 of his own.Mulready dished out a team-high seven assists.
Despite entering as the lowest seed, Head Coach Ed Cooley said the outcome of this year’s tournament is not predictable.
“This is the most open the Big East tournament’s been, in my opinion, in the 24 years I’ve been in the league,” Cooley said during a March 9 press conference before the team travelled to New York City.
This year, Georgetown and DePaul split their two regular-season matchups. The Blue Demons won the first meeting Jan. 6, defeating the Hoyas 56-50 in Chicago after Georgetown went 1-for-23 from the field in the second half. On Jan. 28, the Hoyas responded with a 70-61 win at home.
Even in their loss, Cooley said Georgetown has played well defensively against DePaul this season.
“Overall defensively, the two games we’ve played them, I think it’s been two of our better defensive games,” Cooley said.
Georgetown will need to contain key DePaul players, including guard CJ Gunn and forward NJ Benson, and Cooley said finishing defensive possessions will be critical. “We’re doing a great job on everybody’s initial actions,” Cooley told The Hoya. “But in the last couple of games, what’s hurting us is our inability to complete the defensive possession by rebounding the ball.”
Georgetown men’s basketball enters the Big East tournament dead last, as the No. 11 seed, but head coach Ed Cooley is optimistic about the Hoyas’ chances. Georgetown plays No. 6 seed DePaul tonight at 9 p.m. https://t.co/YhMC7GpimC
Georgetown University’s KJ Lewis was named to the All-BIG EAST Third Team, as announced by the league office in New York on Sunday. The announcement comes at the conclusion of the regular season that saw the team finish with an overall record of 14-17 with a 6-14 mark in BIG EAST play. The Hoyas will be the 11th seed in the upcoming 2026 BIG EAST Tournament presented by Jeep.
In a 1-1 week, Mulready averaged 16.0 ppg on 52.4% (11-21) shooting from the field, 44.4% (4-9) from beyond the arc, and a perfect 6-for-6 performance from the charity stripe. In the win against Providence to sweep the series, the sophomore managed 12 points to go along with a career-high five steals and a pair of assists.
Against St. John’s, he tallied a squad-best 20 points to go along with seven rebounds and two helpers. He became the fifth GU player to achieve a 20-point outing this season. This is Mulready’s first accolade from the league this season and first in his career. It is the ninth recognition for the Blue & Gray this campaign as KJ Lewis, Malik Mack and Julius Halaifonua have also picked up honors.
Sources: Seton Hall's Shaheen Holloway has been named Big East Coach of the Year.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor has been named Big East Player of the Year.
“You know, this game was indicative of our entire season, you know, coming down to the last shot, last play. I thought Providence played really well in the second half. We matched it, overcame it. They came up with energy in the second half and we had to bounce back. I mean, this game was clearly indicative, and we were fortunate today just to get a win. You know, the win that we needed. Looking forward to going to New York and facing DePaul.” – Head Coach Ed Cooley
“Honestly, it’s just the work I put in and the coaches and just them trusting and believing in me. I mean, my teammates kept giving me the ball in the second half. You know, they told me to go to work, you know … I mean, we kept trying to pick each other up as many times as possible, whether it’s a deadball, time out, media, whatever, just stay in poise. Ignore the loudness or the Providence fans, so just ignore them. We’ve been in tougher situations, environments, and we’ve been in close games. It feels like every single game. So it’s nothing new.” – Vince Iwuchukwu
The winner of Wednesday night’s game advances to Thursday’s quarterfinals against third-seeded Villanova. That game is scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. CT tip on FS1. LAST TIME OUT DePaul (16-15, 8-12 BIG EAST) closed out the regular season against Butler, falling 81-71. NJ Benson had a personal-best in conference play with 24 points, in addition to 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season.
The Blue Demons’ defense held Butler without a field goal for the final eight minutes of the game but couldn’t complete the comeback attempt. The Blue Demons finished the regular season with the second-most BIG EAST wins in program history and highest seed in the tournament.
Full schedule of the 2026 BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Tournamet presented by JEEP! 📺 pic.twitter.com/jlTKUIIGIb
A late second half comeback for DePaul men’s basketball wasn’t enough to pull back from a deficit Saturday afternoon at Wintrust Arena as Butler won, 81-71. NJ Benson had a personal-best in BIG EAST play with 24 points for his fifth double-double of the season. DePaul (16-15, 8-12 BIG EAST) held Butler (16-15, 7-13 BIG EAST) without a field goal for the final eight minutes of the game, nearly erasing a double-digit deficit.
Kaleb Banks added his sixth double-digit outing of the year with 11 points, followed by a trio of nine- point scorers in Brandon Maclin, Layden Blocker and CJ Gunn. Maclin and Gunn both had career- high assists with seven and five, respectively.
Six seasons after winning the BIG EAST Tournament MVP with Georgetown, Dante Harris is named the OVC Tournament MVP for Tennessee State. pic.twitter.com/WewIJEbsFb
“There’s always excitement going into the conference tournament,” said DePaul coach Chris Holtmann. “Our guys are a pretty resilient group, and they’ve got a good way about them right now. They were disappointed they didn’t get the five seed and the bye. Being the six seed, I think they feel good about that.”
Georgetown’s second season under coach Ed Cooley ended with a 71-67 loss to DePaul in the opening round last year. The Hoyas (14-17) were picked sixth in the preseason poll, but finished under .500 for the fourth time in five seasons. Georgetown lost seven straight before eking out an 80-79 victory over Providence on Saturday. Georgetown lost 11 of 17 conference games by single digits, including a two-point loss to UConn on Jan. 17 and a three-point loss at St. John’s on March 3.
I caught up with Big East commissioner Val Ackerman after Trump's college sports roundtable (which she attended) and amid Big East tournament(s) week.
The Blue Demons find themselves with the sixth seed, the highest in program history. They will play against the No. 11 seed, the Georgetown Hoyas on March 11 at 8 p.m. CT. In their last matchup, the Blue Demons fell 70-61 on the road. To rebuild their momentum following the two-game skid as they head into the tournament, senior forward NJ Benson highlighted watching film in a postgame press conference after their 81-71 loss to Butler in the regular season finale.
“Coach has started to show us a lot of response clips in the room — tight huddles and responding to bad calls or missed plays and diving on the floor, just the plays that win you games,” Benson said. “We haven’t been doing a lot of since Marquette.”
The Hoyas are 6-14 in Big East play. Georgetown ranks fourth in the Big East with 9.7 offensive rebounds per game led by Vincent Iwuchukwu averaging 2.2. DePaul is shooting 43.7% from the field this season, 0.3 percentage points higher than the 43.4% Georgetown allows to opponents.
Georgetown averages 6.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than DePaul allows. The teams play each other for the third time this season. Georgetown won the last matchup 70-61 on Jan. 29. Malik Mack scored 16 to help lead Georgetown to the win, and Brandon Maclin scored 19 points for DePaul.
While the Hoyas are the 11-seed, by no means will they be a pushover. While they have lost 7 out of their last 8 games, they won their last contest of the season, beating Providence at home 80-79 on Saturday night. However, once again they will be playing shorthanded without arguably their best player in KJ Lewis.
Lewis was the Hoyas’ leading scorer (14.9), and his absence has been felt. He injured his left ankle and has missed the last three games. However, several other players have been stepping up in his place. One player to keep an eye out for is sophomore guard Kayvaun Mulready. The 6’4″ sophomore guard has been Lewis’s de facto replacement. On the season, Mulready averages just 5.3 points in 15.7 minutes per game.
After limping into the Big East tournament having lost two straight home games–both by double-digits–to Villanova and Butler, the DePaul Blue Demons will head to the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden looking to hit the reset button… https://t.co/10SCektxaT
The last time these two teams met, Georgetown controlled the paint. The Hoyas scored 30 of their 70 points in the paint, and DePaul couldn’t get much going inside. Benson was held to just four points and six rebounds across 27 minutes in that contest.
However, things have been much different over the past five weeks. Benson has been one of the best big men in the conference, averaging 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks over his past seven games. The senior forward will also enter this game with some fuel after not being selected to any of the Big East conference teams on Sunday. Benson averaged 11.7 points and 7.6 rebounds in the regular season.
With the early shooting struggles, the Blue Demons leaned more on NJ Benson in the second part of the first half. Benson had his way inside across the first 20 minutes, catching some lobs and finishing some second-chance opportunities.
He led the team with 15 points in the first half. On the defensive side, Butler’s size was too much for the Blue Demons. They had a hard time boxing out Butler down low. The Bulldogs had nine offensive rebounds in the first half, which resulted in 10 second-chance points. Those 10-second-chance points were the difference for Butler heading into the break.
Although DePaul made four of its last seven shots to end the half, the team went into the locker room with a seven-point deficit (39-32).
This season, the Blue Demons have shed the “lowly DePaul” label and, to be honest, have gotten the best of Georgetown in recent history, even though the Hoyas had a solid 70-61 home win in late January.
The Blue Demons have lost their last two games, with the Butler loss being the most damning. In the loss to the Bulldogs, DePaul shot 37.1% from the floor and 22% from the three-point line.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a dire need for linebacking help heading into the offseason. Lavonte David remains up in the air, SirVocea Dennis has not been the player they hoped for, and the depth behind them isn't much to look at, either, in terms of production. So, the team made an agreement to sign Alex Anzalone from the Detroit Lions as he completes his homecoming to Florida, but what if they get Lavonte David back, too?
Until they know for sure, they have to remain flexible on the market, but one of those options is now gone, and it has gone to the Carolina Panthers. Linebacker Devin Lloyd is in agreement to sign with the Bucs division rival to help their continued overhaul of the defense.
The Panthers previously added Jaelen Phillips in free agency as well, which has them in the upper echelon of classes this offseason.
Lloyd was seen as a fit for the Bucs, but they now have to look for David to return, as the market is now depleted. As for the NFL Draft, there are some pieces, but by the time the Bucs are on the clock at pick 15 the top tier of talent should be drafted well before.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jones is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and there is also a high chance he's back when training camp kicks off.
"Recovering from a torn Achilles, Colts QB Daniel Jones is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, and one source even said he expects him to be ready for training camp," Schefter said.
Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon in December 2025, but is making fast progress and looks to be the Colts' Week 1 starter for the second straight year.
In 13 starts this past season, Jones tossed 19 touchdowns to eight interceptions and had Indianapolis in first place in the AFC South. He revived his career with the Colts, and now cashes on a lucrative short-term extension with the franchise.
With Jones back in the fold, Indianapolis will finally have some continuity at quarterback, and a ton of questions have been answered.
We'll see what other moves general manager Chris Ballard makes in free agency as the Colts work to end their five-year playoff drought in 2026.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Dominic Canzone #8 of the Italy runs to first base in the first inning against Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Brazil and Italy at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I’m putting the open thread up today, because the Jays don’t play until the evening and there is nothing pressing as far as Jays news. I have a couple of things I want to write about, but they will take awhile.
Jose Berrios wanted to play for Puerto Rico but can’t because of insurance issues. It seems funny that a guy making $19 million this year, won’t be playing because of insurance issues. But then it isn’t health insurance, it is insurance for his contract. If he were to get hurt and miss this season, the insurance would be needed to cover his contract. I can understand insurance companies not wanting to be on the hook for the, roughly $70 million left on his contract. Especially with him missing time last year with an elbow issue.
The WBC is a bit of a tough sell for MLB teams. If something bad was to happen to the top player from the Yankees or Blue Jays or whoever, you know that it will be harder to get them to let players go to it in the future. But it is fun to watch the baseball (especially the big upsets). I wonder how much a $100 bet on Italy would have paid? Likely not as much as I think, because a number of people will bet on the long shot.
Anyway, as always, use the thread to talk about whatever you are interested in (within site rules). I’m all for religion and politics, as much as I like people swinging their arms, but just not in my face. I do have a personal rule, I’ve hit that age where I’m sometimes sitting with groups of men around my age, having coffee and I’ve said I’m happy to sit and chat but when politics become the subject I get up and leave. I’m not going to change a mind, and they aren’t going to change my mind, so let’s not do it.
Though, strangely enough for a devote atheist, I’ve been having pretty deep conversations with friends about religion lately. As long as they understand they aren’t going to convert me, I’m ok with it all.
Much has been said about the Oregon Ducks' standout true freshmen during the 2025 season, with the running back duo of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. along with wide receiver Dakorien Moore heavily impacting the offense while cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. was an absolute star on the defensive side of the ball.
But a player who hasn't been talked about as much is linebacker Nasir Wyatt, who served as a pass rush and blitz specialist last season in limited reps. He was on the field for 39 total defensive snaps, to be exact — a small fraction of the Ducks' defensive snaps considering they played in 15 games.
Normally, a player who averaged just 2.6 snaps per game wouldn't come into his next season with high expectations, but that's not the case for Wyatt. And it's not just that he was a four-star recruit and the No. 18 linebacker in the 2025 class, per 247 Sports Composite. It's not just his 6-foot-2, 228-pound frame with explosion and speed. Rather, it's the product that the California native put on the field in his limited snaps.
In 2025, he finished with 11 tackles, seven quarterback pressures, four tackles for loss, three sacks (third on the team) and a forced fumble — again, all in just 39 total snaps, a mark that starting edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti routinely surpassed in a single game.
To say that Wyatt gave everything he had in the limited reps that he saw is an understatement. But for Wyatt to take the next step and be on the field for snaps, there's certain parts of his game that he'll have to work on.
"I think he's just got to continue to grow and develop in his knowledge of the scheme," Oregon defensive coordinator Chris Hampton said in an exclusive interview with the Bleav in Oregon Podcast. "He has to show that he can play on first down versus run, second down versus run, which I think he can. I'm fired up about him. I think everyone in the organization is. I think this guy can have a big season for us. We're happy that he's here, and he's working extremely hard in the offseason. I can tell from some of the meetings we've had that his knowledge and IQ has tremendously skyrocketed since last season."
Presumably, one of the biggest things across the offseason that Wyatt can improve upon body wise is his weight. Putting on more muscle will allow him to not get pushed around by bigger players, as he entered college with a slighter frame for an edge rusher. However, making sure that he still has the same explosiveness off of the edge is paramount.
Hampton certainly believes that he can do so, touting Wyatt as someone who could have a strong campaign this fall.
"I think he can be a guy to have a breakout season for us," Hampton said. "As part of the ‘who’ you were talking about, you know, when you asked about what's the defense going to look like? Think a lot depends on guys like Nas, and how they continue to develop."
The entire defensive line is coming back, with Tuioti and Uiagalelei being joined by defensive tackles Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington. But with that, much of the depth behind them departed, leaving Wyatt and several other holdovers, along with multiple transfers, to pick up the slack behind the starters.
While there isn't necessarily pressure, as Wyatt will be just a true sophomore next season, the onus is on him to become a more well-rounded player so that he can be on the field and do exactly what he did last season, but at a higher rate: wreak havoc upon opposing offenses.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: The Players Championship Trophy is seen as Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, speaks during a press conference prior to THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 11, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The PGA Tour is in its Brian Rolapp era.
The Tour’s new CEO spoke on Wednesday ahead of the Players Championship beginning, his first public address before the Tour’s signature event (no pun intended) given that he is still relatively new to the job.
Overall Rolapp addressed a future for the PGA Tour that will be built around six particular themes.
It is clear that Rolapp wants the Tour to have more events of a signature variety. He noted that the Tour wants to essentially double the “big time” events and that when you toss in the major championships, Ryder Cup, and Tour Championship… there should ideally be 21-26 events that carry serious weight and status.
Rolapp also noted that the Tour wants to have larger fields for more equitable opportunities throughout itself and that there will be a cut in these hypotheticals. This runs counter to the current Signature Event model.
One of the biggest things that Rolapp noted was that the PGA Tour wants to begin its season on the West Coast in a big fashion and that they want to have an event that concludes in primetime on the East Coast. Many have often said that the PGA Tour should begin the week after the Super Bowl, and right now they run into that.
It is clear that the PGA Tour also wants to continue to tap into big media markets as any sports business would. Rolapp also noted that promotion and relegation are options that are being considered in the future, and match play is something that could return to specific formats and events.
Overall Wednesday was a very strong step from the PGA Tour’s newest point of leadership. It is clear that they have established the greatest Tour in the world and that they are intent on capitalizing on it as much as they can.
The Indianapolis Colts were pretty much linked to Trey Hendrickson from the very first signs of discontent.
It was hard to read a Hendrickson rumor dating back to last summer that didn't include the Colts in the mix.
That's what makes Wednesday's Hendrickson news particularly disappointing. He's signing in free agency to leave the Cincinnati Bengals and join the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens backed out of their trade to get Maxx Crosby and pivoted to Hendrickson, shutting out anyone else who was interested.
And to be clear, the Colts were still interested. They just were $3 million per year short.
"On Colts and Trey Hendrickson, per sources: IND made what it hoped was a competitive offer. Colts were in the mix as of Tues. After the Maxx Crosby trade dissolved, Ravens' offer turned things upside down. Colts wanted to be closer to $25M/year. Baltimore’s deal is for $28M/yr."
Microsoft confirms two Critical Office flaws (CVE-2026-26110 and -26113) that trigger via the Preview Pane. Here’s why "local" doesn't mean you're safe from remote threats.
GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, introduces the Z890 Plus Series Motherboards engineered to support the new Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus series processors. Highlighting AORUS ELITE DUO X and Z890M FORCE DUO X WIFI7 models built on innovative CQDIMM technology, these dual-DIMM designs deliver uncompromised memory performance, superior signal integrity, and refined features tailored for mainstream gamers and performance-focused users.
Designed for optimal memory performance without tradeoffs between capacity and speed, the Z890 AORUS ELITE DUO X and Z890M FORCE DUO X WIFI7 models support 128 GB memory per DIMM via Quad-Rank memory modules, enabling full 256 GB capacity with just two memory modules. Through optimized motherboard circuit design, GIGABYTE reduces memory channel loading and enhances signal integrity to ensure high frequency under heavy workloads, boosting speed up to DDR5-10266. Complementing the hardware advancements is GIGABYTE's sophisticated D5 DUO X BIOS tuning technology. Through an optimized clock driver architecture, GIGABYTE's BIOS intelligently manages timing, signal synchronization, and voltage behavior to unleash potential performance.
ASRock, the global leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, mini PCs, gaming monitors, power supply units and AIOs, today announced that its Intel Z890, B860, and H810 series motherboards fully support the newly launched Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors, including the Ultra 7 270K Plus, Ultra 5 250K Plus, and Ultra 5 250KF Plus. With this support, gamers and creators can fully leverage the performance improvements of the latest processors, delivering enhanced gaming experiences and improved productivity.
Intel today introduced three new Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors, including the eight-core Ultra 7 270K Plus, as well as the six-core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Ultra 5 250KF Plus. Featuring increased E-core counts and updates through the Intel Platform Performance Package (IPPP), these processors deliver improved gaming performance and stronger multitasking capabilities. To further simplify installation, ASRock has integrated the IPPP driver into its Auto Driver Installer (ADI) utility on all 800 series models. Users only need to download the installation tool from the official support page to quickly enable the IPPP and enjoy noticeably improved gaming performance.
The full release of Fedora Linux 44 is drawing near, and, as such, the Fedora Project has officially made Fedora 44 Beta available for download for those who want to test the upcoming version of the workstation Linux distribution. Fedora 44 has a long changelog, but some of the biggest changes are simply newer versions of the included defaults, like the move to Gnome 50 and KDE Plasma 6.6 as well as an update to Linux 6.19. Like many distributions that use KDE, the Fedora 44 KDE Desktop edition officially makes the move from SDDM to Plasma Login Manager as the default. In general, Fedora 44 also improves things like the installer, which no longer automatically and unnecessarily creates network profiles for devices not involved in the initial configuration. This makes it easier to configure these devices later when necessary.
Fedora 44 also adds support for Budgie 10.10, which is itself migrating from X11 to Wayland, Fedora changes the build infrastructure to make package builds more predictable and reproducible. Wayland support and the built-in emojis are also now better supported thanks to the upgrade to IBus 1.5.34, and various other frameworks and programming languages have been updated to improve security and modernize the OS. Fedora 44 launches officially on April 14, 2026, but beta ISOs for Fedora Workstation (with Gnome) and Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop can be downloaded ahead of the official launch. There are also the usual ISOs for server, cloud, and IoT versions.
MSI proudly introduces its latest generation of motherboards, purpose built to pair seamlessly with the new Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series processors. MSI 800 Series (Z890/B860/H810) motherboards are engineered to unlock the full potential of the newest desktop architecture, delivering and improved overall performance compared to the existing Intel Core Ultra Series 2 desktop processors. This ensures you can build a powerful, reliable system tailored to your needs.
"MSI bridges the gap between Intel's cutting-edge architecture and the high-speed demands of modern users. By pairing Intel's new Core Ultra 200S Plus Series Processors with its increased core counts and 5.5 GHz clock speeds, MSI's robust 16-phase Duet Rail Power System on the MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II, we've created a platform that doesn't just run the latest games; it masters them. This is the definitive foundation for the next generation of high-performance computing", said James Yeh, VP, Computing & Display Group, MSI.
MSI today announces that its AI gaming desktops, the MEG Vision X AI and MPG Infinite X3 AI, are now equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series processors (Arrow Lake-S Refresh). Featuring up to the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus with 24 cores (8P+16E) and a 5.5 GHz max boost clock, these updated systems deliver faster gaming performance and significantly improved multitasking.
Performance Refined with Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series
The Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series brings targeted but meaningful upgrades over its predecessor—adding 4 more cores on both the Ultra 7 and Ultra 5 CPUs, a +200 MHz bump on P-Core all-core frequencies, and official DDR5-7200 MT/s memory support. The result is approximately 9% faster gaming performance compared to the previous generation, alongside massive leaps in multithreaded workloads—making these systems a compelling choice for gamers and creators who multitask heavily across streaming, editing, and gameplay simultaneously. The processors remain fully compatible with Intel 800 Series chipsets, meaning users get a meaningful performance uplift without any platform overhaul required.
Called Phase, the device is startup Pixelpaw Labs' first product. It's being advertised as bridging the gap between a mouse, a controller, and a mobile gamepad.
The YouTube channel, appropriately named Dr. Semiconductor, recently posted a video showing off the DIY lab, which was built to handle at least some of the early processes involved in chipmaking.
Remove Sora watermarks in 5 seconds. Lossless. It fetches the original clean video (no AI inpainting), so quality stays intact and the process is fast. How it works: paste a Sora share link, wait about 5 seconds, then download. It’s freemium.
Global Entry has resumed in the United States, a move welcomed by the travel industry as policymakers work to keep the aviation system functioning during a partial government shutdown. The U.S. Travel Association said the […]
Hickory Global Partners, a global corporate travel consortium, has announced its most popular and expensive cities for business travel, based on 2025 booking data from its platform for travel agencies, corporate travel departments and corporations. Hickory’s […]
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has confirmed that Jakarta will host the inaugural FIA Rallycross World Cup from 5-6 December 2026, […]
LOT Polish Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, presents the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner with onboard fast Wi-Fi. This allows passengers to write and receive messages, surf the internet, stream content and much more during […]
Travel in Germany has changed significantly. With an increasing number of people traveling for a combination of both work and leisure, it is common for people to spend more time in a single location, and/or […]
With the Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF scheduled to launch on March 11, 2026, XRP is once again in the spotlight of global capital markets.
The Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF has officially launched on US stock brokerage platforms. What makes this product unique is that it not only allows Wall Street funds to legally hold XRP, but also attracts a large number of investors seeking passive income through “enhanced returns” strategies (such as covered call options).
Recently, several cryptocurrency analysts have made optimistic predictions: with the official launch of the new XRP ETF, the price is expected to surge by 415% in the short term, followed by a longer-term acceleration towards the important $1,000 mark.
This prediction has immediately attracted significant investor interest. However, despite market expectations of price increases, many XRP holders and traditional cryptocurrency investors have made a more rational choice: to allocate a portion of their funds to Investor Hash in anticipation of the new ETF era, ensuring immediate cash flow and stable returns.
After the new ETF launch, investors can leverage the Investor Hash cloud computing platform to earn daily returns.
During the new ETF launch phase, Investor Hash offers investors the opportunity to automatically acquire cloud computing power using its high-performance mining solutions—requiring no mining hardware, technical expertise, or high electricity costs. Users simply select a contract to automatically earn cloud computing power rewards. The platform supports fully automated processes for XRP, BTC, and ETH, with daily settlements and instant payments, easily achieving passive income.
These high-yield solutions enable users to earn stable passive income daily. Rewards are continuously paid out regardless of market fluctuations. This guaranteed and market-independent cash flow is unattainable with traditional cryptocurrency investments.
About Investor Hash
Investor Hash is headquartered in the UK and strictly adheres to the EU regulatory framework MiCA and MiFID II financial standards. This compliance system provides comprehensive legal protection for the platform in terms of transparency, operational compliance, and investor rights.
Furthermore, Investor Hash has successfully passed numerous internationally recognized audits and security certifications, including:
Annual financial and security audit by PwC
Guardian insurance from Lloyd’s of London
Cloudflare enterprise firewall + McAfee® cloud security system
Multi-layered encryption architecture and 24/7 real-time security monitoring
With its global compliance framework and best-in-class security architecture, Investor Hash is one of the few platforms that can simultaneously ensure compliance, security, and transparency. We currently accept: USDT, BTC, ETH, LTC, USDC, XRP, BCH, DOGE, SOL (Solana), and other popular cryptocurrencies.
Step 2: Choose a mining plan. Select the cloud mining plan that best suits your needs from a variety of options.
Step 3: Earn Rewards. Rewards will be automatically distributed daily after contract activation.
Conclusion
The launch of the new XRP ETF is changing market expectations: analysts are optimistic that it could see a short-term gain of 415% with a long-term target price of $1,000. In this environment, more and more investors are choosing a dual strategy—investing in the long-term value of the ETF while also obtaining a stable daily cash flow through the Investor Hash platform.
For investors looking to participate in XRP investment and simultaneously obtain stable returns, Investor Hash offers a more robust and secure option. Now is the ideal time to leverage cloud computing capabilities for investment, before the ETF market peaks.
Visit https://investorhash.com and join Investor Hash now!
How MSB registration, FBO structures, real-time USDT-to-USD conversion, and multichain support enable institutional-grade crypto-to-fiat flows for global users.
The promise of cryptocurrency has always been financial sovereignty. But that promise breaks down when users try to pay rent, buy groceries, or handle real-world expenses in fiat currency.
Traditional banks freeze accounts. Exchanges impose withdrawal limits. Transfers take days. Legitimate crypto users worldwide — traders, international freelancers, digital nomads, and cross-border businesses — navigate a fragmented maze just to access their own money. This friction is amplified in emerging markets.
EvoCash is building infrastructure to fix this, establishing itself as a crypto-to-fiat bridge designed for global users.
The Compliance Foundation: MSB Registration
EvoCash’s platform starts with proper compliance structure. The company holds Money Services Business (MSB) registration with FinCEN under the Bank Secrecy Act, a compliance registration enabling money transmission services in the U.S. and internationally.
This MSB registration carries obligations: AML procedures, KYC verification, suspicious activity reporting, and ongoing monitoring. It provides legitimacy that unregistered platforms lack — critical for global users seeking a compliant crypto-to-fiat bridge.
The FBO Account Structure: Partnering for Scale
EvoCash partners with licensed financial institutions to provide USD accounts structured as For Benefit Of (FBO) arrangements — accounts held “for the benefit of” end users.
The partner institution provides regulatory compliance and FDIC insurance. EvoCash provides the Web3 interface, wallet integration, fiat on-ramp/off-ramp functionality, and real-time conversion technology.
Advantages:
Speed to market using existing banking infrastructure
Compliance structure with partners handling banking regulations
User protection through licensed institutions
International scalability without local banking requirements
The Conversion Engine: Real-Time USDT-to-USD
The core innovation is seamless conversion between stablecoins and fiat. When a user converts USDT to USD:
USDT transfers from the user’s Web3 wallet to EvoCash’s liquidity pool
The conversion engine executes at market rates across multiple sources
USD credits to the user’s FBO account
Funds become immediately available
This happens in real-time — not days. No wire transfer holds. No manual review processes. This is critical for international users across time zones.
For traders, it means locking in profits instantly. For freelancers, receiving crypto income and paying USD bills without friction. For emerging market users, accessing fiat without traditional banking restrictions.
Multichain Infrastructure: Flexibility for Global Operations
EvoCash supports assets across Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, and other major chains — critical for serving global users.
Benefits:
Users keep assets on preferred chains without forced bridging
Cost optimization through lower-fee networks
Deeper liquidity pools for better conversion rates
International businesses manage assets across jurisdictions through one interface
The technical challenge is maintaining security and compliance across different blockchain protocols while providing unified user experience. EvoCash’s wallet integration handles this abstraction layer.
Global Onboarding: The Fiat On-Ramp for Everyone
Traditional banking requires local residency. EvoCash’s MSB registration and FBO structure enable global onboarding — users access USD accounts regardless of location after completing KYC.
This serves:
Digital nomads travelling full-time who need USD access globally
International freelancers in emerging markets earning from global clients
Developers in underserved regions paid in crypto needing fiat access
Workers sending remittances across borders
The compliance framework includes identity verification, address confirmation, and source of funds documentation — standard KYC aligned with MSB registration requirements.
The Integrated Ecosystem: Beyond Conversion
Beyond real-time USDT-to-USD conversion and fiat on-ramp/off-ramp, EvoCash provides a complete financial stack:
Multi-asset crypto trading
USD balances functioning like checking accounts
Access to precious metals for portfolio diversification
Integrated USD payment processing for international operations
This eliminates platform fragmentation — users operate from a single interface instead of juggling exchanges, conversion services, bank accounts, and payment processors.
The Visa Card Integration: Completing the Ecosystem
EvoCash is pursuing approval for a Visa card linked to stablecoins through issuing partners. The card, currently under review, would connect to users’ crypto-backed USD balances, enabling point-of-sale spending worldwide.
This allows users to:
Spend USD balances globally
Make ATM withdrawals in local currency
Receive merchant acceptance anywhere Visa is supported
Maintain real-time balance visibility across crypto and fiat
Once approved, it completes the loop: earn in crypto globally, convert to USD instantly, spend in the real world — all within a compliant infrastructure.
Why This Architecture Matters
The crypto industry has produced countless “bank alternatives” that operate in compliance gray areas or provide limited functionality. EvoCash’s architecture aims for properly structured infrastructure with MSB registration that works for crypto-native users and international participants.
MSB registration provides a compliance foundation. FBO partnerships provide banking infrastructure. Real-time USDT-to-USD conversion provides liquidity. Multichain support provides flexibility. Global onboarding provides accessibility. Fiat on-ramp/off-ramp provides bidirectional flows.
The result: a platform that doesn’t force users to choose between crypto innovation and financial legitimacy. It delivers both at institutional speed with consumer simplicity — particularly for international users underserved by traditional banking.
For crypto to truly disrupt traditional finance and serve global users, infrastructure like this isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Learn moreabout EvoCash’s compliant infrastructure for global users
Global markets briefly rallied after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the conflict with Iran could be “essentially over” and may end soon. The remarks eased geopolitical concerns and quickly lifted sentiment across risk assets.
Cryptocurrencies reacted within minutes. Bitcoin moved back toward the $69,000 level, Ethereum held above $2,000, and XRP also saw renewed buying interest. While such reactions are common during geopolitical developments, they also highlight a familiar reality in crypto markets: prices can shift quickly on headlines, but the underlying blockchain ecosystem continues to evolve.
Smart Contracts and the Shift in Participation
As volatility becomes a regular feature of digital asset markets, many participants are rethinking how they engage with crypto.
Instead of relying solely on predicting price movements, attention is increasingly turning toward smart contract–driven systems, where transactions and financial agreements execute automatically once predefined conditions are met.
These automated mechanisms are becoming a key part of blockchain infrastructure, enabling networks to process activity more efficiently while reducing the need for constant manual oversight.
As blockchain adoption grows, the conversation is gradually expanding beyond trading alone.
From Asset Ownership to Network Participation
As on-chain activity expands, the networks supporting it must scale as well.
Greater transaction volume requires:
Increased computational resources
Stable validation capacity
Efficient processing infrastructure
For this reason, some market participants are beginning to look beyond simple asset ownership. Instead, attention is shifting toward participating in the operational layer of blockchain networks themselves.
This shift is bringing growing interest to platforms designed to simplify infrastructure-level participation.
BI DeFi: Simplifying Access to Blockchain Infrastructure
One platform exploring this model is BI DeFi, a UK-registered digital asset platform offering a cloud-based computational contract system.
Rather than requiring users to purchase and manage mining hardware, BI DeFi allows participation through computing contracts that operate within the platform’s infrastructure. This removes many of the operational burdens associated with traditional mining, including equipment maintenance, cooling systems, and electricity management.
Key features of the platform include:
Entry starting from $100
A $17 registration reward
Support for major digital assets including BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL
Automated 24-hour settlement cycles
At the infrastructure level, the platform also emphasizes operational safeguards and security measures, including:
Strict segregation of user assets and operating funds
Independent audits conducted by PwC
Custody insurance provided by Lloyd’s of London
Enterprise-grade security with layered encryption and continuous monitoring
Short-term reactions to geopolitical events—such as the recent rally following Trump’s comments—demonstrate how quickly sentiment can shift in cryptocurrency markets.
But beyond daily price movements, the digital asset ecosystem continues to evolve at the infrastructure level. As blockchain networks expand and smart contract activity increases, participation is gradually extending beyond trading toward engagement with the systems that power the network itself.
Within this broader transition, platforms such as BI DeFi are positioning themselves as part of the growing infrastructure layer of the digital asset economy.
February’s CPI delivered what the Federal Reserve had hoped for—but possibly too late. Inflation held at 2.4% YoY, while core CPI slowed to 0.2% MoM from 0.3% in January, signaling easing price pressures. However, the data reflects conditions before recent geopolitical shocks and the surge in oil prices. Meanwhile, the labor market is softening, with 58K jobs added vs 126K expected and unemployment rising to 4.4%. As the March 18 Fed meeting approaches, policymakers face a dilemma: cut rates based on cooling inflation, hold steady despite weakening jobs, or signal future easing while monitoring energy-driven risks.
Binance has filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over a February 23 report alleging the exchange stopped investigating $1.7 billion in crypto flows linked to Iran-connected networks after Donald Trump pardoned founder Changpeng Zhao. Binance strongly denies the claims, saying it continued the probe, removed related accounts, and shared corrections before publication. The company, previously fined $4.3 billion in 2023, is seeking a jury trial, calling the article misleading and damaging.
Fresh Coinglass data shows ETH and BTC trapped between opposing liquidation bands, where a few hundred dollars either way can unleash over 1.9 billion dollars in forced flows. Fresh Coinglass data puts hard numbers on where the next violent squeeze…
ICP price jumped over 10% after the token was listed on Upbit, adding roughly $100 million to its market cap within hours. Internet Computer (ICP) rallied on March 11 after its token ICP was listed on the South Korean exchange…
A crypto bull run could be on the horizon after President Donald Trump hinted that the ongoing Iran war will end soon, and as the Fear and Greed Index continues rising. Bitcoin (BTC) price rose to $71,000, while Ethereum was…
MetaMask has integrated the Uniswap API as a core swap provider, routing in-wallet trades through Uniswap v2, v3, v4, and UniswapX across 16+ networks for deeper, CEX-like liquidity. MetaMask has integrated the Uniswap API as one of its core swap…
Anchorage Digital has taken a strategic stake in Immunefi and its IMU token, tying a U.S.-chartered crypto bank directly into on-chain bug bounty infrastructure for DeFi security. Anchorage Digital, the first federally chartered crypto bank in the United States, has…
Circle stock price is in a strong bull run this month, reaching its highest level since November last year, and this trend may continue as the market capitalization of the USDC stablecoin nears an $80 billion milestone. CRCL stock jumped…
Across Protocol is considering a C‑Corp pivot that lets ACX holders swap tokens for equity in AcrossCo or USDC, testing whether token-era DAOs migrate to traditional cap tables. Cross-chain bridge Across Protocol is exploring a radical restructuring that would let…
Pi Coin price rose for three consecutive days and is slowly nearing its highest point this year as demand from investors continues rising ahead of the Pi Day event. Pi Network (PI) token rose to $0.2325 today, March 11, a…
The crypto market showed a muted reaction after US CPI data held at 2.4%, leaving investors watching Federal Reserve policy and Bitcoin price levels. The latest inflation data from the United States landed almost exactly where economists expected. February’s Consumer…
Osmosis has proposed converting OSMO to ATOM and tightening Cosmos Hub integration, testing whether chain mergers can boost liquidity, governance, and valuations. Interoperable DEX Osmosis has put forward a sweeping proposal to convert OSMO into ATOM and migrate its core…
Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed details of two now-patched security flaws in the n8n workflow automation platform, including two critical bugs that could result in arbitrary command execution.
The vulnerabilities are listed below -
CVE-2026-27577 (CVSS score: 9.4) - Expression sandbox escape leading to remote code execution (RCE)
CVE-2026-27493 (CVSS score: 9.5) - Unauthenticated
Princess Cruises unveils its 2028 World Cruise with a 115-day voyage featuring cultural experiences, luxury cruising and safari adventures, boosting global cruise tourism.
Long-haul travelers are increasingly seeking greener, off-beat and locally immersive trips to Europe, reflecting a growing trend in responsible travel and regional tourism growth.
P&O Cruises offers bonus onboard spend money for fly-cruises, enhancing your travel experience with added perks and luxury while exploring top destinations.
In a landmark move set to redefine corporate travel in India, Thomas Cook India Limited, the country's leading omnichannel travel management company, alongside its group company SOTC Travel,
Cologne, Germany – The iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, is set to introduce an admission fee later this year. This move comes as the cathedral faces rising maintenance costs, which …
SeaDream Yacht Club expands its fleet with 27 new ports in 2027 and 28 in 2028, offering unique, immersive destinations across the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
All the ways to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal live streams from anywhere for free, as the Gunners visit the BayArena in the Champions League Round of 16.
Most of the earbuds deals I've seen in the Spring Deal Days sales are fine rather than fantastic — but Nothing's Ear (a) at this new lowest-seen price are a no-brainer
The LA-based startup is trying to corner the commercial truck market with its electric and hybrid trucks that offer a lower cost of ownership and a better driving experience.
Meta’s Moltbook acquisition may look odd at first, but the deal could signal how Meta sees AI agents shaping future advertising and commerce on an agentic web.
WhatsApp is rolling out parent-managed accounts for under-13 users, limiting features to messaging and calls while giving parents PIN-protected controls, alerts, and approval over contacts and groups.
Taya is trying to address privacy concerns around note-taking wearables with its device that can be worn as a pendant and records only the user's voice.
Something unexpected happened for SamsungGalaxy S26 users after the latest software update. Many people noticed that the “Hey Plex” voice command suddenly disappeared from the Perplexity app on their phones. Soon after this change, new information appeared online that explained what might be happening.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has confirmed the reason behind the change. Replying to a user comment online, he said that the wake phrase is being changed. Instead of “Hey Plex,” Samsung phones will soon support a new command – “Hey Perplexity.” This means the voice activation feature is not being removed completely, but it is simply getting a new name.
The feature allows users to activate the Perplexity AI assistant with their voice.Once the wake phrase is enabled, users can say the command, and the assistant will open instantly, even if the phone screen is off. This makes it easy to ask questions, search for information, or perform quick tasks without touching the device.
Earlier, Samsung introduced this feature in partnership with Perplexity when the Galaxy S26 series launched. The phones came with several AI assistants, including Gemini, Bixby, and Perplexity. Users could choose which assistant they preferred and switch between them through the device settings.
However, after the February 2026 security update, the “Hey Plex detection” option was removed from the settings. Because of this, the wake phrase stopped working on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, although the assistant can still be opened using the side button.
With the CEO now confirming the change to “Hey Perplexity,” the voice wake-up feature is expected to return in a future update for Samsung devices. Stay tuned.
Back Market, an online marketplace for certified refurbished electronics, and Google have teamed up to bring old and dated laptops back to life with a $3 USB stick. This drive basically has the ChromeOS Flex installer, a lightweight, cloud-based OS.
Microsoft’s March 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes 79 flaws, including two publicly disclosed zero-days. Windows 11 gets KB5079473 and KB5078883, while Windows 10 receives KB5078885.
Oppo has provided certain influencers with early access to its Find N6 foldable. Seemingly, the company's claims of a near-invisible display crease were accurate thanks to Oppo's upgraded hinge and display components.
Sapphire has showcased a brand-new gaming mini PC, powered by up to an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 "Strix Halo" APU with 16-cores and a powerful Radeon 8060S GPU that trades blows with desktop-class discrete GPUs. Pricing and availability details for the mini PC are under wraps for now.
Anbernic has shared what to expect from the RG Vita Pro before it launches. Unlike the cheaper RG Vita, the RG Vita Pro should be powerful enough to emulate the PS Vita library across its 1080p display.
Lenovo is preparing to launch a new high-end tablet later this month. Joining the Legion Y700 Gen 5 in China, the new tablet has already been confirmed to rival the Xiaomi Pad 8 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and a 144 Hz display. Now, Lenovo has revealed prospective battery life for the Xiaoxin Pro 13, too.
Amazon’s Spring Deal Days are the first major sales event from the retailer for this year. Here we will focus on tablets and smartwatches, but we will also have a look at smartphone deals soon.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+ are 10.9” and 13.1” tablets, respectively, with 90Hz IPS LCDs. Both are powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset and have expandable storage. The smaller slate has an 8,000mAh battery, while the larger one has a 10,090mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+
£125...
Real Madrid face Manchester City in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 edition. Here you can find kickoff times along with TV and streaming information for viewers in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City on US television and via legal streaming:
A marquee Round of 16 clash arrives early in the bracket as two of the tournament’s top contenders square off, with Real Madrid meeting Manchester City in a matchup that feels worthy of a final. Madrid punched their ticket after a fiercely contested and controversial knockout battle with Benfica.
Now Vinicius Jr. leads a star-studded squad aiming to keep its championship run alive. Standing across the pitch is a Cityside loaded with elite talent and riding strong form, making this heavyweight showdown one of the most anticipated series of the Round of 16.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
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.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
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).
Bodø/Glimt will face Sporting CP in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 edition. Here you can find kickoff times along with TV and streaming information for viewers in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP on US television and via legal streaming:
After stunning Inter Milan with wins in both legs of the knockout stage playoffs, Bodø/Glimt now aim to keep their Cinderella run alive when they meet Sporting CPin the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Sporting also exceeded expectations earlier in the competition, securing direct passage to the knockout rounds during the league stage despite entering as underdogs. With both teams riding the momentum of surprising results, this matchup has all the makings of an entertaining clash!
More details of how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP 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 (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), 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.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
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).
After a hard-fought series against Benfica, Real Madrid face Manchester City, seeking a spot in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. With Kylian Mbappe out, fans are keeping a close eye on Vinicius Jr., who looks set to make a difference in terms of goalscoring.
Real Madrid face Manchester City in a promising competitive series in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Nonetheless, coach Álvaro Arbeloa encounters a significant challenge, as he will be without key players like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. In contrast, coach Pep Guardiola has his full roster available. Given these circumstances, fans are closely monitoring Vinicius Jr.’s status, as he stands out as the team’s greatest hope.
After training normally with the group, Vinicius Jr. will start, leading Real Madrid‘s offense. In Mbappé’s absence, the Brazilian emerges as the solution to the team’s lack of goals. With this, the 26-year-old star has a great opportunity to reverse his low impact in the competition, as he has only scored three goals, compared to the Frenchman’s 13. However, he has already proven himself capable of leading the team.
Alongside the Brazilian, Álvaro Arbeloa will opt for Brahim Diaz as his key partner, considering his experience in big games and his standout performance in the African Cup of Nations. However, the coach will rely on Ferland Mendy at left back due to Álvaro Carreras’s recent injury. While the French defender brings extensive experience, he has only logged 202 minutes this season, raising concerns among fans.
Unlike Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City arrive with their entire roster available, having Erling Haaland back after missing the previous game. Alongside the Norwegian, Antoine Semenyo is expected to play a crucial role, opening spaces in the defense of coach Arbeloa. Given the numerous absences of Los Blancos, the Citizens could make the difference, as they come into the match with eleven consecutive games without a defeat.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid misses a chance as he is challenged by Matheus Nunes and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City.
Real Madrid lineup vs. Manchester City
Unlike the previous encounters against Manchester City, Real Madrid arrive at the Champions League Round of 16 with seven important absences: Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Álvaro Carreras, Rodrygo, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and David Alaba. Because of this, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be forced to make tough changes in the lineup, relying on a system similar to the one used in the series against Benfica, but with Vinicius Jr. leading the attack.
With this in mind, Real Madrid will lineup as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch; Vinicius Jr, Brahim Diaz.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid
Following a convincing victory against Newcastle United, Manchester City arrive in great form to face Real Madrid. Nevertheless, coach Pep Guardiola will have three absences: Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic. Despite this, the Citizens have managed to establish key consistency, with Rodri Hernandez close to his best level and Rayan Cherki playing a crucial role, while Erling Haaland keeps dominating in the scoring side.
Considering this, Manchester City could play as follows: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Rayan Ait Nouri; Rodri; Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki, Nico O’Reilly; Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Bayer Leverkusen receive Arsenal in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 edition. Here you can find kickoff times along with TV and streaming information for viewers in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal on US television and via legal streaming:
All signs point to a highly competitive showdown as Arsenalenter the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League as one of the tournament’s hottest teams. The Gunners dominated the group phase with a perfect record, securing a direct spot in the Round of 16 and reinforcing their status as a serious contender for the title.
Standing in their way are Bayer Leverkusen, who battled past Olympiacos in a tightly contested series to keep their campaign alive. While Arsenal enter as the clear favorite based on form and depth, Leverkusen know the pressure is off and will aim to shock one of Europe’s top sides in what promises to be a must-watch clash.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
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.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
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).
The Nissan Kicks hits a record 5th place in Mexico in February.
The Mexican new light vehicle market is stable in February at -0.2% year-on-year to 118,305 units. The year-to-date volume is up 4.4% to 250,084. Nissan (-5.5%) remains by far the most popular carmaker in the country but sees its share drop to 17.1%. Chevrolet (+4.4%) is solid in 2nd place with 12.7% share, with Volkswagen (+0.4%) and Kia (+3.4%) in tow. Weak month for Mazda (-10.5%) and Toyota (-1.4%). Ram (+54%) posts the largest YoY gain in the Top 10, while Geely (+283.6%) is up to a record #11. Notice also Jetour (+707.7%), Cupra (+89.6%) and Changan (+63.9%).
Model-wise, the Nissan Versa (-24.6%) freefalls but still keeps the lead with 5% share vs. 6% so far this year. In contrast the Chevrolet Aveo (+13%) is in great shape at 4.5% share and is also up 19.8% year-to-date. The Kia K3 (+5.8%) and Nissan NP300 (-22.3%) ensure the Top 4 is identical to YTD. The Nissan Kicks (+15.5%) is up 20 spots on January to a record 5th place, its previous best being #6 hit in March and August 2025. The Ram 1200 (+128.8%) improves a further two spots on a record January showing to an all-time best #6. The Nissan Magnite confirms its instant blockbuster status at #8, its highest ever ranking also reached in August and December 2025.
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Joey Logano takes responsibility for violent restart crash after 'rough day'
Welcome back to MoneyCall, The Athletic’s weekly sports business cheat sheet.
Cathay Pacific said that to cater for an upsurge in market demand for Europe, extra passenger flights to London and additional capacity to Zurich will be operated in March. The airline is adding eight more […] 
Arthur Hayes says he would not invest in Bitcoin right now and would wait for the Fed to start money-printing, warning BTC could fall below $60,000 if geopolitical tensions persist. 
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-harry-styles-monologue-saturday-night-live-SNLTIPS0326-e42d8ea036f341e996ec7c2e13523e78.jpg "<p>Will Heath/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p>")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-lead-image-MALDIVESHOTELS0226-310b98a257774ed98a0595026201aac6.jpg "<p>Soneva Resorts</p>")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-header-ruka-coaster-ruka-ski-area-finland-FINNISHICECOASTER0326-8e839277daa34f9c8530811600b3fbcb.jpg "<p>Ruka Ski Area</p>")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-header-airstream-autocamp-asheville-AUTOCAMPASHEVILLE0326-830a25dc9c01494ca924eff0da43fa75.jpg "<p>Matt Kisiday/AutoCamp Asheville</p>")
Adapted remarks from Google VP Christy Abizaid’s keynote at the "Growing Up in the Digital Age" Summit at Google Dublin. 
Global Entry has resumed in the United States, a move welcomed by the travel industry as policymakers work to keep the aviation system functioning during a partial government shutdown. The U.S. Travel Association said the […] 
Hickory Global Partners, a global corporate travel consortium, has announced its most popular and expensive cities for business travel, based on 2025 booking data from its platform for travel agencies, corporate travel departments and corporations. Hickory’s […] 
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has confirmed that Jakarta will host the inaugural FIA Rallycross World Cup from 5-6 December 2026, […] 
LOT Polish Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, presents the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner with onboard fast Wi-Fi. This allows passengers to write and receive messages, surf the internet, stream content and much more during […] 
Travel in Germany has changed significantly. With an increasing number of people traveling for a combination of both work and leisure, it is common for people to spend more time in a single location, and/or […] 
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-grand-canyon-steam-train-STEAMTRAINSCHED0326-ad7eca0059d547fea733c0b6ec9e87a9.jpg "<p>Xanterra Travel Collection</p>")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-honopu-beach-kauais-na-pali-coast-ONLYSWIMBEACH0226-2eba5aa0d177434e8f5710463aaff956.jpg "<p>Michael Dauchot/Getty Images</p>")
The Nissan Kicks hits a record 5th place in Mexico in February.