The PGA Tour announced Tuesday that on the recommendation of the Future Competition Committee, the PGA Tour is going to look much different starting with the 2028 season.

The new model used by the PGA Tour will be a two-tiered structure where players will move between the PGA Tour Championship Series and the PGA Tour Challenger Series. The two series will have a promotion and relegation structure based on performance.

“From day one, the focus of the Future Competition Committee has been to build the best version of the PGA TOUR, and to do so in a way that reflects the voice of our players and the expectations of our fans,” said PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp. “The result is a new competitive model grounded in meritocracy, with clearer pathways, higher stakes and more consistency when the best players compete together.”

PGA Tour’s CEO Brian Rolapps Letter to Fans:

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp penned a letter to fans about the new structure coming up in 2028. Below is the entirety of the letter.

Written by Brian Rolapp

Today marks a pivotal moment for the PGA TOUR as we move forward with a new competitive system, starting in the 2028 season.

Throughout this process, we have listened closely to players, partners and our fans. You told us you wanted to see the best players in the world competing against one another more often. You wanted clearer stakes as the season unfolds. And you wanted a more dramatic finish to the season that rewards excellence and makes every tournament matter.

This new model is our response.

One TOUR. Two compelling series of events, played at the most worthy courses, for the highest stakes, culminating in a true postseason that crowns the best golfer in the world.

Every event serves a distinct purpose, contributing to one unified objective—to be the strongest, most compelling golf platform in the world, for the benefit of our fans, partners and players.

While our competitive model is evolving, we remain committed to making a positive impact. Since 1968, the PGA TOUR has been guided by the belief that golf can be a force for good. As the PGA TOUR grows, so will our ability to support the communities where we play.

Today's announcement represents meaningful progress, but our work is far from finished. We will continue refining elements of the model and sharing public updates as we move toward implementation.

Thank you for your passion for the PGA TOUR and for the game of golf. Your feedback helped shape this work, and we will continue listening as we build the strongest, most competitive golf platform in the world.

PGA Tour Championship Series

The Championship Series is meant to create a consistent playing schedule for the best players in the world. Under this model, the PGA Tour has announced that they have already lined up 10 of the initial events and expect about 15 events in total. All with prize purses of at least $20 million. Once the four majors, the Players Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and possible other events are scheduled, the premier players in the world will be playing 23-24 events for a season.

These events will feature a 120-player field and feature 36-hole cuts for the top-65 players and ties. The schedule is expected to run from February - August. Events will have no alternate lists and no sponsors exemptions.

The PGA Tour Championship Series will also see a change to the postseason portion of the tour’s season. These changes include bringing match-play back and moving the Tour Championship around to various prestigious golf courses, including many that the tour will play for the first time such as Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, Cypress Point Club in California and Seminole Golf Club in Florida. According the the PGA Tour’s press release, many of these courses will be new to the PGA Tour schedule and allow fans to see a variety of new courses.

PGA Tour Challenger Series

The PGA Tour also announced that the Challenger Series will be played at the same time as the Championship Series. It will feature 144-player fields and will again have a 36-hole cut to the top 65 players and ties.

There will be some Challenger Series events played on off weeks for the Championship Series, there are currently approximately seven events of this nature scheduled so far. Players from the Championship Series will not be allowed to compete in these events.

There will be an independent points system for the Challenger Series. Points will not flow between the two-tiers. This is supposed to be more intuitive for fans and media, while keeping competitive outcomes and retention rates consistent.

The main factor for the implementation of the Challenger Series is that it has a clear path to the Championship Series. The top 90 finishers will be fully exempt for the Championship Series for the following season, while those who fail to retain membership may risk relegation to the Challenger Series.

The PGA Tour also announced that a minimum of 20 players from the Challenger Series will be promoted to the Championship Series for the following season. So there is a clear path to promotion for players who play well on the Challenger Series.

Challenger Series players will also have two ways for automatic promotion to the Championship Series - winning multiple Challenger Series events in a season or by winning a major championship.

Promotion and Relegation

Once the normal season concludes, there will be a series of events played in the fall, currently slated to be 4-6 events. Here Championship Series players will have the opportunity to improve their standing, or in some cases, retain their spot on the Championship Series and avoid relegation to the Challenger Series.

There will still be a traditional Q-School to provide access for players to get into the new “ecosystem” that the PGA Tour is establishing. Besides the Challenger Series, the PGA Tour is continuing to work on pathways for players in development.

“This model positions the PGA TOUR for the future,” Rolapp said. “Our focus now shifts to finalizing the details and preparing for implementation in 2028.”

Statement From Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods, who has been outside the country seeking treatment after a DUI arrest in March, returned in time to approve these major board changes.

"This work was bigger than any one player or person -- it was about designing the strongest possible version of the PGA Tour for the future generations of fans and players," Woods, chairman of the Future Competition Committee, said in a statement. "From the beginning, the committee's focus was on delivering a better experience for our fans, while creating a model that best sets up the tour, its players and its partners for long-term success and stability."

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Former BIS general manager Agustín Carstens said stablecoins can enhance financial inclusion and innovation but stressed the need for global regulatory frameworks to enable coexistence with fiat money.

The mark of a great player?

Not letting an early blunder affect his or her game.

Exhibit A today is one Lionel Messi, who overcame an embarrassing penalty kick miss to connect twice to power Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Iraq at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.

Of course, we're not talking about an ordinary player here.

He can bend steel with his bare feet and make friends, foes, fans, and media shaking their heads in amazement.

There is a reason many soccer observers call him the GOAT.

Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, is playing like someone almost half his age, collecting goal after goal after goal.

Through two games, he has tallied a World Cup-best five times, and in the process snapped former German star Miroslav Klose's record of 16 career World Cup goals. Messi has 17 and counting, with at least two other matches - in Argentina's final Group J match in Arlington on June 27, and the Round of 32.

"For me, Lionel Messi is the best of all time," Klose told Süddeutsche Zeitung after the Argentine superstar broke his record. “Congratulations, champ!”

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FORBES | By Michael Lewis
Cape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A Game

The good, bad and ugly of Messi vs. Austria

Not bad for someone who botched a penalty kick.

That came in the 12th minute when he somehow shanked his left-footed attempt wide right of the net. It was his third penalty kick miss in the World Cup.

"The truth is that it is spectacular how it happened," Messi said. "Today I had the penalty that I could have increased the score with, but if I had made the penalty, perhaps I wouldn't have reached the other two either. You never know, but I'm happy with the result, the participation, and the work of the team."

Messi, who has tallied all five Argentina goals, atoned for the miss, breaking Klose’s record in the 38th minute with a 20-yard shot. He caught Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facundo Medina’s pass go by him and directly to Messi.

Five minutes into stoppage time, Messi put away a rebound save of his own shot, slotting the ball home from the left side of the area, to give the South Americans some breathing room.

Austrian head coach Ralf Rangnick walked away impressed.

“Someone who is 39 years old and can score two goals, and five goals overall at the beginning of the World Cup, well, that makes a difference,” he was quoted by the Associated Press. “We knew that he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that he’s one of the best, and he is the best.”

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FORBES | By Michael Lewis
How USMNT Can Take Advantage Of Finishing 1st In Its World Cup Group

Messi leaves his teammates speechless

Messi has not only wowed opponents, but he has also left his teammates mesmerized.

“There are no words to describe what he does,” midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said on the FIFA website. “Obviously, he’s small, but whenever you watch him, it’s a dream. And today, being able to experience it first-hand, I’m really enjoying it.

“The other day, I heard my dad say that it’s one thing to watch him from the stands, and another to watch him on TV. And I’d say it’s something else entirely to watch him out on the field, right there with the rest of them. The things he does are simply incredible. The way he reacts at the last moment to whatever’s happening. So, anyway, I’m just happy that he’s able to enjoy himself and score goals.”

Added forward Julian Alvarez: “I don't even know what to say. It's impressive. Honestly, there aren't many more words to add. We see it every day, so many years showing off his magic, his talent. He's the greatest of all time and we just try to enjoy him every time.”

Messi is a changed player from his prime. He knows that he can't beat players 1 v 1 on a consistent basis as he did in the past. He once had a signature move in which he would catch an opponent on the wrong foot and then speed away.

Instead, he has adapted, using his ridiculously high soccer IQ to be in the right place at the right time to put the ball into the back of the net for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. He lets his teammates join in on the action.

Again, the mark of a great player.

And that's not to forget how he can target teammates with passes, short, medium, or long.

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FORBES | By Michael Lewis
10 Players Who Are Expected To Leave Their Mark At The World Cup

Mbappe is right behind Messi

Regardless of what transpires, this will be Messi's sixth and final World Cup.

As marvelous as he has been, Messi might not wind up as the all-time goal-scoring leader, because a much younger star is keeping pace with him. That would be French striker Kylian Mbappe, who has 16 after the 27-year-old forward scored twice in a 3-0 triumph over Iraq in Philadelphia later on Monday. That match was delayed by a thunderstorm for more than two hours.

While Argentina and France likely won’t meet until the knockout rounds, they have won the last two World Cups, the French in 2018, the Argentines in 2022.

The Messi-Mbappe goal-scoring battle has emerged as the intriguing subplot of this World Cup.

And the fun has just begun.

Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

When the Wimbledon draws are announced on Friday, all eyes will be on Serena Williams.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion will be the most anticipated X factor in the women’s draw as she makes her return to The All-England Club as a 44-year-old wildcard.

“I’m looking forward to watching her, to the draw coming out,” ESPN’s Mary Joe Fernandez said Monday on a Zoom call with reporters. “No one's going to want to face her. Let's see how it goes.”

The GOAT of women’s tennis was already slated to play doubles with her older sister Venus at Wimbledon before being granted a singles wildcard on Sunday.

Williams last played competitive singles at the 2022 U.S. Open, when she lost to Ajla Tomljanović in the third round, and said she was “evolving” away from tennis.

When she takes the court at Wimbledon, which runs June 29-July 12, it will have been over 1,400 days since she last competed in a singles match at The All-England Club.

“It’s pretty bold, I have to say,” Fernandez said. "I always had an inkling that she would. I didn't see her just coming back to play doubles. I think to me it's a sign of confidence that she feels like she's ready.

“I’m excited. I’m excited to see how she’s playing, how she's moving, how the serve is firing. I saw a little bit of the doubles, her first round. It looked like she was getting pretty good miles per hour on the serve.”

She added: "I remember when Martina played at Wimbledon, I think she was 47 [when she won a match in 2004]. I think she played before. Still it's a remarkable testimony to her that she has that confidence that she can do it.

With a win Williams would become the fourth-oldest woman to win a main-draw match in the Open Era. Martina Navratilova was the oldest (47) at Wimbledon in 2004.

Williams has won Wimbledon seven times, most recently in 2016, and also lost in the final in 2018 and '19 as she was bidding for a record-tying 24th major title.

“I would call this Serena being Serena,” ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe said. "It's very Serena like to do something audacious like this.

"I didn’t think for one minute she was coming back to play doubles. It should be pretty cool, pretty exciting. Hopefully she’ll be able to be competitive right off the bat."

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

World Cup matches have a special buzz - spans of scoreboards, bright lights and music pumping through hulking speakers. What’s fueling all the magic? It’s not national pride.

The World Cup’s seven American host cities are projected to spend more than $860,000 in total on electricity bills to power the matches that take place at their stadiums, according to a study from Texas-based electric company Payless Power. Fully or partially enclosed stadiums will have the highest electric bills.

“Looking at electricity use on a per-match basis rather than totals reveals a clear pattern,” the study said. “The type of roof over a stadium has a major influence on the energy required for each game.”

Los Angeles is predicted to pay the most for its match-day venue at $19,108, followed by San Francisco ($16,432), New York/New Jersey ($13,179), Boston ($12,367) and Atlanta ($11,839).

Total costs for each city are highest in Los Angeles at $152,864 for eight matches, and lowest in Seattle, where six matches are projected to cost $38,106.

As for actual usage, Dallas leads the way with a projected consumption of 99,925 kWh, enough to power 1,035 area homes for one month.

Houston is slated to use 97,344 kWh, which could power 785 homes in the area for a month, while Atlanta will use the third-most energy with 96,020 kWh, enough to keep the lights on for 884 local homes.

The three top energy users this World Cup are cities with indoor stadiums, which require more power to keep their air conditioning running.

The electricity bills cities face are part of a wider theme of a high-priced global soccer experience.

Tickets cost as much as 10 times more than some games at the 2022 World Cup, with the lowest-priced tickets to the USA’s knockout-stage match costing just over $2,800 after going for just over $500 in mid-May, according to ticket price tracking site Ticket Data.

Food and beverage costs are hammering wallets, too.

Miami Stadium offers caviar-topped hash browns for $75 and a hot dog-French fry-Coke combo costing $19.35 before tip. Lobster rolls are $34 at Kansas City Stadium.

Beer, which has become a popular concession at games where temperatures reach into the 90s, is costing as much as $17 per cup.

Julian Garcia is on a Major League Baseball roster today for the first time. Called up by the Cincinnati Reds at 31 years old, he’s the epitome of a ballplayer conquering the longest of odds to finally “make it”.

If and when Garcia gets into a game, he’ll be in truly elite company. Since Alonzo Knight threw the very first pitch in an MLB game 150 years ago on April 22, 1876, only 23,688 men in the history of the planet have appeared in an MLB game.

Manager Terry Francona is hoping the right-hander can help bolster a bullpen ravaged by injuries and inconsistency. Reds relievers rank 29th of 30 MLB teams in effectiveness. The veteran manager told Reds reporter Charlie Goldsmith earlier this month that bullpen blowups are taking a toll. Asked why the Reds’ young pitchers are walking so many, Francona replied:

“If I had that answer, my eyes wouldn’t be feeling how they do today, or my head. The pitching guys give them as much as they can. You don’t want to overwhelm them. The game goes fast, you’re trying to hold a runner and you’re not throwing strikes. The hope is guys start to get better, and as they do things will slow down. One thing leads into another.

“The last thing I tell every pitcher when they come into the game is attack the zone. It’s a habit.”

Garcia has never been considered a pitcher with pinpoint control. This year at Triple-A Louisville, however, he has been missing bats with an exceptional slider – throwing the breaking ball more than 40% of the time. He has 53 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings, a 3-0 record, and has left stranded more than 80% of the runners on base against him.

Garcia’s Rocky Road

The right-hander had to wonder if he would ever see a big-league clubhouse, yet kept chasing his dream even after no organization offered him a contract.

Released by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, Garcia did not pitch in 2023. It was his second long layoff. After a good 2019 season in Class A ball, the entire 2020 minor-league season was canceled by the Covid outbreak.

“It’s just been crazy because I went into early camp and did well,” he said in an interview with his college’s magazine back then. “I had a really good month before camp started, getting my innings in and getting my pitch count up. It stinks because I ended up in Double A last year and this is a year where I could have opened some more eyes or maybe even get a chance to help out the big-league team.”

When he came back in 2021, he had an awful season, going 0-9 with an 8.43 earned run average for four Phillies farm teams. When he opened 2022 with an 0-1 record and 8.86 ERA over 21 1.3 innings, he was released.

Garcia revitalized his career with the Kansas City Monarchs in the independent American Association in 2024 and 2025, fashioning a 14-3 overall record in 41 games, including 31 starts. He fanned 278 and allowed only 156 hits in 203 2/3 innings.

The Reds took notice and signed him last August. Garcia pitched well in three games for Double-A Chattanooga (1-1, 1.13 ERA, 21 strikeouts and four walks in 16 innings).

The Colorado native faced long odds from the start as a 10th-round draft pick in 2016 out of Metropolitan State University of Denver. The school is known more for winning Division II national championships in men’s basketball (2000 and 2002) and women’s soccer (2004 and 2006).

Garcia signed for $80,000 as the 287th pick overall. Only nine of 60 selections at No. 287 have played in an MLB game, according to baseball-reference.com.

Cincinnati Reds’ 2026 Forecast

Is the glass half full or half empty? The Reds are in last place in the NL Central Division – but only 2 1/2 games out of a potential playoff spot. The 2026 season reaches the halfway spot of 81 games played, 81 remaining later this week. Getting guys back and avoiding more injuries can turn things around quickly in Cincinnati.

Right-hander Pierce Johnson, out since May 27 with a sore right elbow, was activated this afternoon. All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, out since June 1 with a strained right hamstring, could rejoin the Reds this week.

Closer Emilio Pagan, sidelined since May 6 by a left hamstring strain, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today and then hopefully go out on a rehab assignment. Top starter Hunter Greene had elbow surgery on March 11. He threw four scoreless innings in the Arizona Complex League last Thursday and is due to continue his comeback this week for Louisville.

Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, lefty Brandon Williamson and right-hander Graham Ashcraft may return later in the season from their injuries.

Julian Garcia’s role right now is just to contribute in a positive way and help hold the fort until those players rejoin the roster.

His MLB debut is a reward for his hard work and is not intended to rival in importance that of Jackie Robinson or even George Wright – the first man to step to the plate in an MLB game in 1876.

It will be nice story about perseverance and hope. The Cincinnati Reds hope Garcia can help them persevere and perhaps conquer long odds for the rest of the 2026 season.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

After initially refusing to meet with the Utah Jazz, Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson met with the franchise over the weekend ahead of Tuesday’s NBA Draft at Barclays Center.

Peterson initially just met with the Washington Wizards, who own the No. 1 pick, but has now met with the team holding the No. 2 pick.

“Yeah, we met,” he said Monday at NBA Draft media day in response to question from Jake Fischer, adding that the meeting was not in Salt Lake City. “[It went] good, just another Chicago kind of meeting,” he added, referring to the site of the NBA Draft Combine, where meetings are held.

Rutgers star Ace Bailey refused to work out for the Jazz last year amid similar gamesmanship, but Utah ended up drafting him at No. 5 and he made the All-NBA Rookie Second Team.

Peterson said he spoke with Utah’s Keyonte George, his potential future backcourt mate, after the Draft Lottery.

Multiple mock drafts, including ESPN.com, have Peterson going No. 2 to the Jazz behind BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, with Duke forward Cameron Boozer going No. 3 to the Memphis Grizzlies in what could be a historic draft because of it’s depth and star potential.

Still, all three players said Monday the believe they deserve consideration for the top pick.

“For sure,” Peterson said when asked if he’s the best player in the draft.

Why?

“I’m supposed to, I think I prove it all the time,” he said.

Peterson said he felt a special connection when he met with Washington.

“I went out there and met with the staff and GM and connected, which is something huge for me,” he said. “I want to have a connection with those guys on the court.”

Asked if he feels he’s in competition with Dybantsa and Boozer for the top spot, Peterson said: “I’m in competition with everybody in the draft. I guess it’s the top three, but I feel like I’m in competition with everybody.”

ESPN’s Jay Bilas called Peterson "the most talented prospect in the draft."

“Darryn Peterson is the most talented prospect in this draft,” he said. “AJ Dybantsa looks like he was made in a lab to play in the NBA. Cam Boozer is the best pure basketball player. Caleb Wilson is the most explosive athlete.”

Still, Peterson has questions hanging over him, namely how will he react to an 82-game season after he battled hamstring, quad and cramping issues all season long at Kansas.

Peterson’s cramping got so bad, he was hospitalized with a full-body cramp during the offseason, after taking too much creatine, he later said.

Now he says he’s back to peak physical condition.

“I’m back,” he said Monday. “I’m feeling great. Never felt better, actually. I’m super excited.”

Asked what he learned during his year at Kansas, he said. “I learned stuff is going to happen to you in your career that you can’t control. I feel like I controlled everything I could control, I got through it."

Now Peterson is waiting to get through this historic draft and see where he stacks up with Dybantsa, Boozer and the rest.

Wherever he lands, Peterson said, “I want to win championships. I kind of with that mindset already.”

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Toronto Blue Jays have had to shuffle virtually all areas of the roster as they continue to get hit with injury setbacks this season.

And while the club has remained competitive in a shallow American League playoff race despite the issues, it now seems like one of its most experienced late-inning arms could soon be ruled out for the rest of the season.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Dodgers Legend Clayton Kershaw Offers 1-Word Response On MLB Pride Hat Update

Toronto Blue Jays’ Key Veteran Sees Harsh Setback In Return Attempt

The Blue Jays have relied on a rotating cast of relievers while waiting for veteran right-hander Yimi Garcia to complete his recovery from elbow surgery last year. The team signed Garcia to a two-year, $15 million contract before the 2025 season with the expectation that he would return and remain a key part of their bullpen.

Instead, he logged just 21 innings last year and now appears in danger of missing this season altogether as his rehab hits a snag.

“Veteran reliever Yimi Garcia might not be on the verge of returning to the Jays bullpen after all,” Gregor Chisholm wrote for the Toronto Star last week. “Garcia, who has yet to appear in a big-league game in 2026 because of an elbow injury, pitched on one day’s rest for the first time this season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Thursday and his fastball velocity dipped from around 95 m.p.h. to 93. (Manager John) Schneider also told reporters that Garcia reported soreness following the outing.”

The development is particularly concerning because the Blue Jays had recently appeared optimistic about García’s progress. Instead, the veteran reliever is once again facing questions about how his arm is responding to an increased workload.

“The 35-year-old right-hander, who made 73 appearances in 2023 but has battled injuries since then, is tentatively scheduled to pitch for Buffalo again this weekend before the Jays re-evaluate his progress,” Chisholm added.

That next appearance could prove critical in determining whether Garcia can still realistically contribute in Toronto’s big-league bullpen later this season.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Braves’ New Slugger Pushes Matt Olson Into Surprising Role After Refusal

Toronto Blue Jays Facing Uncertain Timeline With $15 Million Veteran

The latest setback continues a frustrating recovery process that has stretched throughout the year.

“The right-hander did show improved velocity during his most recent appearance for Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, but as yet he hasn't been able to bounce back quickly after an outing as he completes his recovery from surgery late last season to remove scar tissue from his elbow,” CBS Sports added. “Over his last four rehab appearances between Single-A Dunedin and Buffalo, Garcia has a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP over 3.2 innings with a 4:3 K.”

Toronto still has time to evaluate Garcia before making any long-term decisions. But with each setback, the possibility grows that the veteran reliever may not be able to make a meaningful impact in 2026.

For a bullpen that expected Garcia to occupy an important late-inning role, that would represent another significant challenge as the Blue Jays push toward the postseason.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The MLB best home run bets have run well lately. Unfortunately, Jo Adell and the Dodgers’ Max Muncy didn’t hit home runs on Friday, dropping the season’s record for home run props to 13-44, with three no-bets.

Every article won’t provide winning home run bets. They’re rightfully priced at long odds because they’re long-shot wagers, and the two incorrect picks on Friday could be the start of a cold streak, as those are always just around the corner in this particular betting market.

Still, it’s been a profitable season for MLB best home run bets to date. Anyone who’s bet $100 on each of the suggested home run props at the listed odds has profited $1,127. Players with +329 and +425 odds to hit a home run offer an excellent opportunity to add to the season’s profits tonight.

MLB Best Home Run Bets

Jackson Chourio (Milwaukee Brewers - OF)

Over 0.5 Home Runs (+329) at DraftKings Sportsbook

Brady Singer is a punching bag for hitters this year. Among tonight’s probable starters, Singer has the third-highest home runs allowed per nine innings (2.32 HR/9) in 2026.

The 29-year-old righty has allowed 17 home runs in 14 starts in 2026, coughing up at least one in 10 of those starts, and permitting multiple homers in five turns. Singer has allowed nine homers in six starts at home, avoiding a home run in only one of those starts, and allowing multiple homers in three of them.

The Brewers should take him deep at least once, but multiple players could launch home runs against him tonight. Picking one hitter from the Brewers was challenging, but Jackson Chourio was the top pick.

The 22-year-old right-handed-hitting outfielder has hit 10 home runs in 41 games and 192 plate appearances this season. Chourio has hit seven of his 10 homers in 136 plate appearances against right-handed pitching this year.

The toolsy outfielder also has fantastic batted-ball data. Among 259 qualified hitters in 2026, Chourio is tied for 20th in barrels per plate appearance rate (9.6%), 29th in barrels per batted-ball event rate (14.1%), tied for 34th in hard-hit rate (48.8%), tied for 21st in fly-ball and line-drive exit velocity (96.8 mph) and tied for 135th in launch-angle sweet-spot rate (33.6%).

Chourio’s likelihood of hitting a home run tonight is also enhanced by where he’s playing. Great American Ball Park’s 118 park factor for homers since 2025 is tied for the third-highest mark since 2025. Chourio should take advantage of his plus matchup and park factors tonight and hit a home run.

Alec Burleson (St. Louis Cardinals - 1B)

Over 0.5 Home Runs (+425) at theScore Bet

Alec Burleson hit a career-high 21 home runs in 152 games and 595 plate appearances in 2024 before dipping to 18 home runs in 139 games and 546 plate appearances in 2025. Burleson has bounced back with 13 homers in 74 games and 326 plate appearances this year, putting him on pace for a new career high.

The left-handed-hitting first baseman has a career-high 49.6% pull rate and a career-high 14.1% home runs per fly-ball rate (HR/FB) this year. His 91.6 mph average exit velocity in 2026 is only 0.1 mph behind his career high 91.7 mph on only 39 batted balls in his MLB debut in 2022.

Burleson’s batted-ball data is mostly good this year. Among 259 qualified hitters this year, Burleson is 40th in barrels per plate appearance rate (8.4%), tied for 74th in barrels per batted-ball event rate (11.2%), 40th in hard-hit rate (48.3%), 39th in fly-ball and line-drive exit velocity (95.7 mph) and tied for 125th in launch-angle sweet-spot rate (33.9%).

Burleson has drilled 12 of his 13 home runs this year in 225 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, and he’s hit five in 113 plate appearances against righties at home.

He has a desirable matchup to hit a home run tonight. Merrill Kelly has allowed 15 home runs in 12 starts this year, coughing up at least one in nine starts. He has allowed multiple homers in four starts, including in three of his last four starts. Burleson should connect for a home run tonight.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

It’s 2026, and Danhausen is the King of New York. These are his words, and as superlative as they sound, WWE’s breakout star makes a compelling case.

Danhausen has only been with WWE for three months. Just one financial quarter, and what a boon he’s been to their business. In short order, Danhausen has become a Top-2 merchandise mover, and after his pivotal role in the New York Knicks’ first NBA Championship in 53 years, he is now the centerpiece of a WWE/New York Knicks licensing deal celebrating the world champions. As we speak, commemorative Danhausen t-shirts are available for sale on the NBA Store.

Some are already close to selling out.

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson—who many consider to be the current King of New York—recently acknowledged WWE’s rising star after Danhausen’s “uncursing” of the Knicks vaulted the long-suffering franchise to glory.

“At first I was a little skeptical, but you have to believe it now,” said Brunson following New York’s feel-good win.

Given his mainstream ubiquity over the span of just a few months, Danhausen seems like an overnight success. The truth is, he’s been a merchandise sensation for years—even dating back to his days on the independent scene and later in AEW. But after AEW’s mismanagement of what is now arguably pro wrestling’s biggest sensation of 2026, WWE simply picked up the pieces and amplified an already proven formula.

Danhausen Fell Into AEW’s Lap, Then They Fumbled Him

Danhausen debuted with AEW in January 2022, and given the built-in indie mindset that runs through the company’s DNA, he was an instant hit in Jacksonville. Danhausen was booked using a “more with less” formula, playing a bit role where he wrestled a handful of matches while putting his supernatural fingerprints on the product through his now-iconic curses.

AEW victims of Danhausen’s curses included Adam Cole, Jon Moxley, William Regal and The Young Bucks, who were cursed in February of 2022 ahead of AEW and the Young Bucks’ darkest day: A violent backstage fight with CM Punk following AEW All Out 2022 in September. This literal Black eye for AEW sparked a chain reaction that led to Danhausen’s eventual release in 2026. Danhausen is a noted friend of CM Punk. His signings with both AEW and WWE came after Punk’s arrival. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t The Sportster.com) even reported that Punk was a driving force behind Danhausen’s WWE arrival at Elimination Chamber, which took place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago.

Danhausen fell out of favor with AEW shortly after CM Punk’s firing in 2023. Despite recovering from an injury that year, Danhausen was not used on AEW TV in 2024 and 2025. This was hardly a coincidence given his proximity to Punk. But despite being banished to the AEW bench for two years, Danhausen defied the odds through his one-man merchandising empire.

Danhausen Outsold AEW Top Stars Despite Being Benched By Tony Khan

Despite staying in AEW against his will, Danhausen somehow managed to remain atop the merchandising charts, outselling some of the biggest stars in AEW and pro wrestling at large.

Danhausen’s only AEW-related appearance from 2024 to 2025 was a cameo at ROH Final Battle in December of 2024. Danhausen’s lack of usage led to frustration. In 2025, Danhausen requested AEW to not pick up the option on his contract. AEW President and CEO Tony Khan did the opposite, opting to add injury time to an already dormant Danhausen. Amazingly, Danhausen remained a Top-13 t-shirt seller even after vanishing from AEW TV for multiple years.

Per Pro Wrestling Tees year-end data, here are Danhausen’s merch sales during his entire tenure with AEW:

Danhausen’s Pro Wrestling Tees Rankings (2022 to 2025)

• 2022: No. 1 (Outsold CM Punk and MJF)
• 2023: No. 4
• 2024: No. 3
• 2025: No. 13 (Outsold then AEW world champion Jon Moxley and Stone Cold Steve Austin, who has a licensing deal with Pro Wrestling Tees.)

Danhausen was a ready-made star before he even bursted out of a box in WWE, which is a ready-made promotional machine. This was an obvious match made in Heaven, and the results have fed generations.

WWE is currently producing a Danhausen documentary based on his role in the Knicks’ historic championship, where he cursed the franchise, which promptly dropped back-to-back games against the Atlanta Hawks. Danhausen’s “uncursing” at the behest (and payment) of a New York Knicks fan immediately led to the Knicks’ 13-game playoff win streak. This was the second-longest NBA playoff win-streak of all time, and the dream run ended with banners (and fists) flying in New York.

AEW’s trash proved to be WWE’s treasure. This has been a theme with AEW, which has seen the likes of Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Penta, Ricky Saints, Jade Cargill and now Danhausen achieve career-defining success in AEW’s wake. But the truth is, none of these stars were ever trash. And when it came to Danhausen, he just needed the proper platform to showcase his treasures, and it has already paid of in spades.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The NFL season is rapidly upon us, and it is time to decide how you are going to spend those hard-earned dollars. (For those of you who are already making your bank roll on NBA, MLB, and Golf, welcome). This is just a primer on the difference between the vast ways you can spend (and/or) make your money through betting.

Gambling isn’t new. In ancient China, the Book of Songs records a game where those who played drew wood tiles in what resembled a modern-day lottery game. That was in 2000 B.C. And then there are the famous Biblical references to gambling that include the scene where Roman soldiers cast lots to see who would win the garments of the crucified Jesus.

Betting isn’t new; the options are now more diversified. So, let’s see a few of the options and which one is going to be your (and mine) folly for the season.

Predictive Markets

Predictive markets are the new kids on the block. Currently, the biggest names are Kalshi, Crypto.com, and Robinhood.

Operating Platforms

If you are in a state that bans sportsbooks, predictive markets may be for you. The platforms that offer prediction markets are structured like financial exchanges. Because they are structured this way, these platforms can operate across the United States and are taxed more like financial securities or futures and not gaming wages.

These platforms are also federally regulated.

The Similarities

Predictive markets are closer to prop bets that you would make with a sportsbook and even on some DFS platforms. These are bets that are contingent on a very specific outcome ( for instance, will Player X score higher than X amount of points). And while we know about the ability of manipulation involved when betting on one person (who has some control of the outcome) to do X or Y, in a predictive market, the ability to manipulate increases because the scope of what you can wager on is almost limitless.

The most recent example, non-sports-related, was when a US soldier used classified information to ‘predict’ that the United States would capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The soldier collected $400,000 on the back of the classified information. He is now being prosecuted for his actions.

Predictive markets, like sports betting, can be manipulated. The manipulation just expands because in predictive markets, you can bet on more than sports.

The Difference

Besides offering you more than sports to wager on, prediction markets are peer-to-peer financial exchanges. This allows the contract prices to move up and down based on supply, demand, and implied probability. Their ability to use YES or NO shares priced between $0 and $1 directly translates to the probability of an event occurring in real time. This means you can buy and sell positions mid-game as probabilities shift. You are “day trading” an event before it ends.

Prediction markets allow you to wager on politics, the weather, economics, and popular culture in addition to sporting events, exceeding the options you are given with ‘traditional’ sports books.

Sportsbooks

Operating Platform

Sportsbooks strictly cover athletic events, game stats, and player props. The platforms that offer sports betting are classified and regulated as gambling. This requires state-by-state licensing in the United States, generating traditional gaming tax revenue.

The Difference

Sports betting is a house-backed game with fixed odds. You are betting against a centralized bookmaker who is setting those odds with a built-in mathematical edge that helps guarantee profitability for “the house”.

While some sportsbooks allow you to “cash out” (at a lower sum), unlike the predictive markets that allow you to “day trade” an event before it concludes, with sportsbooks you are locked in to the initial price of the wager.

DFS ( Daily Fantasy Sports)

The apps that provide DFS are regulated differently from traditional sportsbooks. DFS apps are legally classified as games of skill rather than games of chance (sportsbooks). When playing in a DFS contest, you are:

• Playing in person(s)-to-person contests
• You are drafting real-life athletes and are competing against other users' lineups
  • You choose the size of the tournaments and which prize pools suit you
• DFS also allows player prop betting when you predict whether a particular athlete will go more or less (higher or lower) than their projected stat line

Because this is perceived to be games that require skill, DFS play can be legally available in states where traditional sports betting is not allowed.

Which One Is Right For You: Choices

https://imgflip.com/i/14h53g

Availability

The first course of action is to determine if your state allows SportsBooks or DFS. The answer can make your decision a lot easier.

If there is a choice to be made, make it on the knowledge of how much you can safely lose. Because whether you are playing in the predictive markets, traditional sportsbook, or DFS, “may the odds be ever in your favor”, because general speaking, they are not.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchises, which means their players often find themselves at the center of conversations that extend beyond wins and losses.

Whether it involves league policy, community initiatives or on-field traditions, Dodgers players are often asked for their input on the larger discussions surrounding the sport.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Mets Reunite With Braves’ Former Infielder After Surprising Cut

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Reenters Pride Night Debate

Most recently, that meant weighing in on a controversy surrounding their division rival San Francisco Giants, after several players modified or refused to wear rainbow-logo hats for a recent Pride Night event.

“This year, three pitchers on the Giants – including that night’s starter, Landen Roupp – appeared to protest the spirit of the symbolism. Roupp wrote ‘Gen 9:12-16’ on his hat, a reference to a Bible verse about rainbows — recasting the design as a reference not to Pride but to God’s covenant with the living after the Flood,” CNN’s Hannah Keyser wrote. “The others added similar Biblical messages.”

That decision has ignited a debate about the decision, with LGBTQ advocates and Vice President JD Vance weighing in. And as the debate continues over what players should and should not place on their uniforms, Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw has reentered the spotlight.

For years before the latest Giants’ event, Kershaw would modify his own hats with handwritten Bible verses when the Dodgers celebrated Pride Night. After MLB officials indicated that they warned the Giants pitchers that their own modifications went against official policy, they were asked if those same warnings had been sent to Kershaw in the past.

“I asked the league whether warnings had been issued in two other instances in which players had written on their caps, including Clayton Kershaw last year writing the same Bible verse on his Pride Night cap that the Giants’ pitchers wrote this year,” the Los Angeles Times’ Bill Shaikin wrote. “MLB declined to comment.”

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs Former All-Star Could Miss Rest Of Season After Injury Setback

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Offers 1-Word Response To Teammate On Pride Night Warnings

But Kershaw reportedly told his former teammate, active Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen, that MLB had never encouraged him to stop modifying his Pride hats with a one-word response to the question.

“I straight up asked Clayton last year, ‘Did they call you when you put that on your hat?’” Treinen told Shaikin. “He said, ‘No.’”

That response has raised questions about a double standard imposed by MLB following the controversy around the Giants’ modifications. It seems the league could be cracking down on its rules now that the issue has caught national attention, while it allowed a former superstar pitcher to make similar changes to his own uniform with impunity.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

After several offseason changes to the pitching staff and infield, the Toronto Blue Jays have spent much of this season searching for answers in the outfield as well.

The roster has been tested by injuries that have forced the front office to continually evaluate its organizational depth, slotting in options like Jesus Sanchez and Yohendrick Pinango while Addison Barger and Anthony Santander dealt with setbacks.

And recently another outfield staple has gone down with an injury.

“In a scene too familiar, another member of the Blue Jays left Friday’s loss to the Orioles early. This time, it was Daulton Varsho,” MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson reported earlier this month. “The Blue Jays’ center-fielder is dealing with left wrist discomfort, the club says, which was evident on two swings he took in his first at-bat of the game. On a swinging strike and foul tip, Varsho appeared to be favoring that left wrist.”

Varsho returned to the lineup and might have put that injury behind him for good but shortly before he came back, the Blue Jays acquired some lower-level depth for the outfield.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Mets Reunite With Braves’ Former Infielder After Surprising Cut

Toronto Blue Jays Add Former AL West Outfielder

After an American League West division team cut ties with a young outfielder, the Blue Jays quickly snapped him up.

“(Rhylan) Thomas signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Monday,” CBS Sports reported this week. “He reported to the Blue Jays' complex in Florida earlier this week to begin his time with the organization, but Thomas should eventually settle at Triple-A Buffalo. The 26-year-old outfielder had previously been part of the Mariners' and Astros' 40-man rosters earlier this season but had played exclusively at the Triple-A level for both organizations, slashing a collective .253/.304/.307 with two home runs and six steals across 184 plate appearances.”

Thomas enjoyed a brief cup of coffee in the big leagues with the Seattle Mariners last year, and he could be a key outfield reserve for the Blue Jays if they continue to suffer injury setbacks.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs Former All-Star Could Miss Rest Of Season After Injury Setback

Toronto Blue Jays Add 26-Year-Old Outfielder

Thomas arrived after spending the first part of this season bouncing between organizations in the AL West.

“Houston claimed Thomas off waivers from Seattle in early May,” Anthony Franco wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “They kept him in Triple-A, where he has spent the entire season. He has a modest .253/.304/.307 line over a combined 185 plate appearances between the two AL West affiliates. Thomas’ scant big league experience consists of three games for the Mariners last May. He went 1-8 with a double.”

While Thomas is unlikely to immediately factor into the major-league roster, his ability to provide Triple-A depth could become more important if Toronto suffers additional outfield injuries.

For now, the Blue Jays will hope Varsho's wrist issue proves minor. But by bringing in Thomas, the organization has quietly added another potential option as it prepares for the challenges of the season's second half.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Forget about being green.

With apologies to Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being Barbie, or ATL Peach Barbie, or better yet, ATL Barbie, which is the nickname Angel Reese prefers these days since transferring her prominent face and game in April from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream.

If Reese isn’t the most famous 24-year-old woman on the planet, she is deep in the mix with the likes of Caitlin Clark, her archenemy in sneakers since their college days, and Billie Eilish, who can sing more than a little, but who doesn’t have the combination of Reese’s other stuff that includes picking and rolling.

About Reese’s other stuff . . .

She strutted across the runway at Victoria’s Secret fashion show when she wasn’t promoting the wares of the women’s retailer in general. She made Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. She hosts a podcast. According to Forbes, she has deals with 2K Sports, Amazon, Beats by Dre, Coty, General Mills, LVMH, McDonald’s, Panini, Reebok and The Hershey Company.

Consider, too, she spent last year ranked 15^th on Forbes’ list for world’s highest-paid female athletes at $9.4 million.

It also helps Reese’s notoriety that she is a splendidly athletic 6-foot-3 and can use that with her 165 pounds to rebound like crazy during WNBA games while doing more feats, ranging from swatting shots of opponents toward the stratosphere or performing efficiently in the post.

She took LSU to the women’s Final Four national championship over Clark and Iowa in April of 2023, and a month later, she celebrated her 21^st birthday by buying a black Mercedes-Benz.

She could afford it.

She was the queen of NIL (name, image and likeness) deals. According to Yahoo Sports, she tied with UCLA quarterback Chase Griffin for the second-most among male and female college athletes with 26.

That’s a lifetime of visibility for Reese, and we’ve yet to mention the youth leagues around her native Baltimore area, where she competed against older players and even boys who rubbed their eyes over the hoop skills of a girl.

Which made me wonder . . .

With Reese sitting across the way Saturday afternoon in Atlanta at State Farm Arena after she did much to help the Dream stay among the WNBA elite at 11-4 following a 113-96 victory over the Indiana Fever, I wanted to know: What’s it like being Angel Camille Reese on an average day?

What is the response you get when you’re walking around town here in Atlanta compared to what you got in Chicago?

Reese formed that (ahem) Barbie smile before wasting zero time answering in the only way she knows.

Charismatically.

“Well, one,” said Reese, with that smile becoming an infectious laugh, causing nearly everybody else in the room to follow suit.

Then she added, “I think everybody knows I’ve never walked around town anywhere. I can’t walk around town. I wish. One of my teammates was just asking me, when is the last time I was able to stroll just down the street. Unfortunately, I have not been able to do that, but I do appreciate the support here in Atlanta, even though I haven’t been able to talk to them.

“But I do enjoy the fan base here. It’s amazing. It’s healthy. Everybody comes out and really supports us. Just to be able to see Atlanta show up.”

It sort of did BB (Before Barbie), and why not?

The Dream were loaded with backcourt All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, and point guard Jordin Canada was among the league’s best. The bench eventually became long and gifted with Te-Hina Paopao, Madina Okot and others, and then the Dream caused nightmares for their opponents with one of the grandest deals ever during WNBA free agency.

On April 6, the Dream snatched Reese away from her frustrations with a dysfunctional Chicago franchise by giving the Sky first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028. The Dream also received the right to swap second-round picks with Chicago in 2028. With no hope of challenging anytime soon for a world title, and with the WNBA’s seventh-high payroll, Chicago just wanted to unload a disgruntled Reese and her contract, which sat on the verge of rising toward the far side of the moon.

Atlanta couldn’t care less.

See the list of talented Dream players.

Nevertheless, Reese is a pricy addition.

Since she was the seventh overall pick by Chicago in the 2024 WNBA draft, she is in the third year of a four-year rookie contract. It initially was worth $324,383 overall, but she and 37 other players on existing deals had their salaries adjusted to match the updated rookie scale in the new collective bargaining agreement signed last month. Spotrac.com noted that her base salary for 2026 jumped from $75,000 to $350,692.

According to Yahoo.com, “Reese’s contract has a team option for the 2027 season. If exercised, she’d earn $396,282 – unless she receives All-WNBA honors this season, in which case she’d be eligible next season for a maximum contract worth up to $1.4 million. That’s not a far-fetched scenario for Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star who led the league in rebounding average in each of her first two seasons and was named to the All-Rookie team in 2024.”

Those are future Dream worries.

As for now, here’s all you need to know: The Dream just had their 51^st consecutive home sellout, the longest streak in the WNBA. Granted, they normally play in the smallest facility in the league (Gateway Center Arena, with a capacity of 3,500), but a sellout is a sellout.

Not only that, but the Dream’s growing popularity -- featuring energetic crowds and nationally known local performers during games -- forced the franchise to schedule five games this season at State Farm Arena (basketball capacity of around 17,000). The Dream announced last week they’re adding a sixth home game this season at State Farm Arena when defending world champion Las Vegas Aces come to town on August 3.

Indiana is without the Las Vegas distinction of two WNBA titles in the last three years, but Indiana does have Clark.

She contributed the most to the league’s record TV and attendance numbers in 2024 with her ability to nail shots from everywhere on the court, deliver impossible passes to teammates and become a massive draw at home and on the road courtesy of her ability in a flash to get under the skin of opponents, referees and also teammates and coaches.

Clark and Reese began feuding when their college teams made consecutive trips to the women’s Final Four national championship game. Reese won the first one with LSU while delivering a taunting gesture toward Clark along the way, but Clark and Iowa took the rematch in 2024.

Their battles in the WNBA have featured physical play and trash talk, so this was just more of the same Saturday. It ended back-to-back games between Atlanta and Indiana, and the Dream also took the other one Thursday (108-101), but that was on the road.

For Saturday’s home game, everybody came to hug the Dream.

Well, mostly Barbie.

Latto was there, along with Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins, Dawn Staley of South Carolina coaching fame, prolific boxer Claressa Shields, local rapper Fabo and Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens.

Jaleel White also was there.

You know, Steve Urkel.

“They show up. Atlanta’s big. Everybody loves being in the ‘A.’ The celebrities and everybody else,” said Reese, whose eight rebounds against Indiana gave her 1,000 in 79 games to become the fastest WNBA player to reach that milestone. “It’s like the mecca here, and this is during the summertime, when everybody is rolling through the city, and everybody wants to be here, which makes it really cool.

“And when you win, it makes it even better.

By the way, Dream officials said in their press release last week regarding the switch of the Las Vegas game from tiny Gateway Arena to larger State Farm Arena on August 3: “The game will also serve as the Dream’s Barbie Game Day, celebrating the iconic brand’s legacy of inspiring women and girls to imagine their limitless potential.”

Yeah, well.

To translate: That August 3 game is all about the Dream’s living Barbie, the one who doesn’t get out much.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The future looks bright for USA Gymnastics. Team USA’s junior gymnasts took the 2026 Pan American Championships by storm, soaring to 13 medals in Rio de Janeiro – the most of any delegation at the continental championship.

On Thursday, both the junior men’s and women’s contingents claimed team titles. The women’s squad dominated the field with a 153.264 total, topping second-place Canada (147.030) and host-country Brazil in third (141.931).

With a 224.394 team total, the men’s squad also comfortably secured gold in Rio this week, edging out Canada (220.761) and Brazil (213.828). Team USA’s top individual athletes also claimed hefty hardware.

The junior women swept the team, all-around, and individual titles, where 14-year-old Amia Pugh-Banks led the way. Pugh-Banks secured three individual gold medals, claiming gold in the all-around final and on the vault and floor exercise, the latter ending in a tie.

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FORBES | By Caroline Price
U.S. Women Win Pan American Gymnastics Title, Men Hold On For Bronze

Vivi Crain finished just behind Pugh-Banks for silver in the all-around and added gold on the balance beam to her three-medal haul. Sydney Williams claimed uneven bars gold, while Addalye VanGrinsven medaled on all four events, collecting two silvers and two bronze medals.

On the men’s side, 18-year-old Maksim Kan claimed a pair of silver medals on pommel horse and still rings, while Ori Reilly secured silver on horizontal bar and bronze on parallel bars. Hunter Simpson finished just ahead of Reilly on the parallel bars, earning his first individual silver medal.

With junior competition concluded, all eyes turn to the senior event finals on Sunday, June 21. Competition begins at 8:35 a.m. ET, and fans can stream the action live on the Pan American Gymnastics YouTube page.

2026 Pan American Championships Schedule

All times converted to Eastern Time.

Sunday, June 21

8:35 a.m. – 9:05 a.m. ET: Men's Floor Exercise Final

9:10 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. ET: Men's Pommel Horse & Women's Vault Finals

9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. ET: Men's Still Rings & Women's Uneven Bars Finals

10:20 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. ET: Men's Vault Final

10:55 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. ET: Men's Parallel Bars & Women's Balance Beam Finals

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET: Men’s High Bar & Women's Floor Exercise Finals

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FORBES | By Caroline Price
U.S. Women Claim All-Around Gold And Silver At 2026 Pan American Championships

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

For the fifth annual Forbidden Door, AEW will join forces with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, CMLL and Stardom for a one-night showcase of the four promotions crossing paths at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on Sunday, June 28.

The show is headlined by the Men's and Women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Finals, with the winner of each match earning a world championship opportunity at All In.

Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland will face off for the first time since Forbidden Door 2024, with a chance to headline Wembley Stadium hanging in the balance. The story being told has centered around the Aerial Assassin, but could AEW shock everyone by taking the rivalry in a different direction? Perhaps not, but these are two of the company's biggest stars, and the match should deliver.

Mercedes Moné and Maya World will also go head-to-head in the women’s final. For World, it would mark the culmination of making the most of an opportunity created when Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize left an AEW Collision taping in the fall of 2025. It would be a major upset if she earned a world title match at All In, but given the magnitude of this show, it would be a major surprise if Moné didn't win the Owen Hart Tournament for the second consecutive year and punch her ticket to Wembley.

Before that, Thekla will defend the AEW Women's World Championship against Stardom's Starlight Kid. It has been a strong title reign for the Toxic Spider, and if she emerges victorious here, her path to All In becomes much clearer.

Additionally, an all-star steel cage match will see members of The Conglomeration, led by Mark Briscoe and joined by Darby Allin, take on MJF and the Don Callis Family. Briscoe has been calling out Long Island's own for weeks in pursuit of an AEW World Championship match, and if his team wins at Forbidden Door, the odds are he'll finally get his opportunity.

These matches, along with others, have been confirmed for Forbidden Door as of June 20. Here's how the card stands:

Updated AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door 2026 Match Card

AEW Continental Championship Match
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Bandido

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Match
Shota Umino (c) vs. PAC

AEW World Tag Team Championship Match
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage (c) vs. David Finlay and Clark Connors

Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Final
Mercedes Moné vs. Maya World

Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Final
Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland

AEW Women’s World Championship Match
Thekla (c) vs. Starlight Kid

Steel Cage Match
Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly, Konosuke Takeshita and Darby Allin vs. MJF, Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, Jake Doyle, Kazuchika Okada and Andrade El Idolo

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The UFC made a move to part ways with three veterans on the roster on Friday, June 19. Thiago Moises was the biggest name on the list, which also included Ariane Carnelossi. The promotion also snipped bantamweight veteran Cameron Smotherman, who is unfortunately best known for his viral collapse at a weigh-in in January. Let's talk MMA.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Fighter: Cameron "The Baby-Faced Killa" Smotherman, bantamweight
• Age: 28
• Record: 12-7 overall, 1-3 in the UFC
• Why cut: Three straight losses, capped by a May KO to Kai Asakura
• Best known for: Collapsing at the UFC 324 weigh-ins in January

Why Did The UFC Release Cameron Smotherman?

Smotherman is known for the collapse, but that's not why he was cut. Before the collapse, which happened ahead of his scheduled fight with Ricky Turcios, Smotherman had lost back-to-back bouts. The Turcios fight was canceled.

Smotherman returned to the Octagon in May, where he was knocked out in the first round by Kai Asakura. The three-fight skid is what got him cut.

His 1-3 UFC run opened with a decision win before the slide, and in a bantamweight division this deep, three losses in a row is usually the threshold. The UFC regularly moves on from fighters whose results dip, even ones with name recognition. His release surfaced through roster-watch channels rather than a formal announcement.

What Happened At Cameron Smotherman's Weigh-In?

Smotherman passed out seconds after walking off the scale, and it was a scary scene. He later said it wasn't a hard cut, that he came in relatively light, and that the cause was never confirmed. Even so, weight cuts remain the most dangerous aspect of combat sports.

The moment came at the UFC 324 weigh-ins in January, on the night the promotion launched its Paramount broadcast deal. He made 135.5 pounds, then collapsed face-first as officials and medical staff rushed in, and his bout was scrapped. The clip spread across social media within minutes.

What Did The Collapse Say About Weight Cutting?

The collapse should encourage fighters to compete closer to their natural weight, but this issue is not new. Fighters and most athletes are always looking to gain an edge, and rehydration to a bigger size is seen as an edge.

The clip became fresh ammunition for critics of MMA's weight-cut culture, reviving calls for tighter fight-week monitoring, rehydration limits, or additional weight classes. Fans split over who carries the blame, from the fighter and his team to the commission and the promotion. It is a debate the sport keeps having every time a scale moment goes wrong.

What's Next For Cameron Smotherman?

Smotherman's career probably isn't over. I could see him popping up as an opponent for a bigger name early in their career with PFL or MVP MMA. A road back to the UFC will be tough, but he's only 28, so we will see.

At 28, a regional rebuild is a realistic path, and promotions like the PFL often add experienced names to test prospects. A spot on a future MVP MMA card would fit a fighter with his recognition. Whether he climbs back to the UFC may hinge as much on stacking wins as on moving past the weigh-in clip.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Chicago Cubs entered this season looking to build on a return to the playoffs with an even deeper run. But amid numerous injuries and some poor performances at the plate from key players, the team is struggling to maintain postseason positioning.

Before the season started, a major reason for optimism was the anticipated return of former All-Star left-hander Justin Steele. After missing most of 2025 following elbow surgery, Steele was expected to rejoin the rotation sometime in late spring and potentially provide a significant boost down the stretch.

But recent comments from Cubs leadership suggest the timeline remains uncertain, and the possibility of Steele missing most — or even all — of the remainder of the season cannot be ruled out.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Dodgers’ Alex Vesia Offers ‘DFA’ Response Amid Brutal Stretch

Chicago Cubs Temper Expectations On Justin Steele Return

Earlier this week, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged that Steele's recovery process has not gone as smoothly as hoped.

“I’d say (we’re) hopeful. ‘Optimism’ might be strong,” Hoyer said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times’ Vinnie Duber. “He’s had some setbacks. The hope is he can avoid (further) setbacks and help us later in the season.”

Those comments represent a noticeably cautious tone compared to earlier expectations for Steele's return. The left-hander had originally been viewed as a potential midseason reinforcement for a team with postseason aspirations. But now it appears he is just one setback away from missing the entire campaign.

Manager Craig Counsell echoed that concern while discussing the importance of avoiding additional complications.

“He’s got enough runway,” Counsell said, per Duber. “We can’t afford setbacks.”

Those statements combined to highlight a delicate balance facing the organization. While there is still technically time for Steele to contribute in 2026, any delay increases the likelihood that the season could end before he is fully ready to return.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
San Francisco Archdiocese Joins Trump Administration On Giants’ Pride Night Decision

Chicago Cubs Injury Setbacks Alter Original Recovery Timeline For Former All-Star Justin Steele

Steele once appeared to be the Cubs’ franchise ace of the future, but he has had a hard time staying on the mound.

“Steele last pitched in a major-league game on April 7, 2025,” according to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney. “That month, he underwent season-ending surgery on his left elbow. By spring training, the Cubs were targeting late May or early June for his return to the 2026 rotation.”

Instead, Steele remains sidelined as the calendar moves deeper into the summer.

The former All-Star has been one of the most important pitchers in the Cubs' recent resurgence, establishing himself as a frontline starter before his injury. For now, the Cubs are refusing to shut the door completely on a 2026 return. However, the team seems to be aware that Steele could miss the whole season if he suffers another setback.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The card is set for WWE Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 27. After an especially epic episode of SmackDown from Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, we know every match that will happen in Riyadh. Let's talk wrestling.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event: WWE Night of Champions 2026 (12th edition)
• Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Start Time: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT
• U.S. Stream: ESPN streaming service
• International: Netflix (most markets)
• Main Hook: King and Queen of the Ring finals plus an Undisputed WWE Championship triple threat

What Is The Full WWE Night Of Champions 2026 Card?

We saw a Triple Threat match for the WWE championship added in the first segment of SmackDown.

• Undisputed WWE Championship (Triple Threat):Cody Rhodes (c) vs. GUNTHER vs. Sami Zayn
• King of the Ring Final:Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso
• Queen of the Ring Final:IYO SKY vs. Liv Morgan
• United States Championship:Trick Williams (c) vs. Ricky Saints
• Women's United States Championship:Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
• Steel Cage Match:Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker

That makes six matches spanning both brands, with the two tournament finals carrying the heaviest long-term stakes. WWE assembled the lineup almost entirely through tournament progress and television angles over the past few weeks.

What's At Stake In The King And Queen Of The Ring Finals?

A trip to SummerSlam in Minnesota and a title shot is on the line for the winners. Jey Uso will automatically pick Cody Rhodes, or whomever holds the blue brand's title after NOC. Oba Femi will almost certainly choose Roman Reigns.

On the women's side, Liv Morgan is already the Women's World Champion, so she'll go after WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley, if she's healthy. IYO will likely look to run it back against Liv for her title if she wins at NOC.

Both finals reward the winner with a world title shot at SummerSlam, which makes them the most consequential matches on the card. Oba Femi's rapid main-roster ascent has positioned him as a potential first-time world champion, while Jey Uso carries heavy Bloodline storyline weight into the final.

Which Championships Are On The Line In Riyadh?

It's not old school NOC with every title in the company on the line, but there is a good amount of gold up for grabs.

The Undisputed WWE Championship headlines after Sami Zayn's actions turned the Cody Rhodes–GUNTHER Clash in Italy rematch into a three-way for Riyadh. Trick Williams defends the United States Championship against Ricky Saints, who earned the shot by winning a No. 1 contender's match on SmackDown. Tiffany Stratton also defends the Women's United States Championship against Jade Cargill, the first time that title is defended on a premium live event.

How Can You Watch WWE Night Of Champions 2026?

ESPN is the way to watch in the United States. In fact, the promotion is packing the first hour with marquee matches again for this premium live event.

Internationally, the show streams on Netflix in most markets, with SuperSport carrying it in Sub-Saharan Africa and Abema in Japan. It starts at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT from Kingdom Arena, an early bell that North American fans will need to plan around. For the full date, time and location details, the event is set for Saturday, June 27.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Team USA’s women’s gymnasts collected more hardware on Friday at the 2026 Pan American Gymnastics Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The American women came away with gold and silver medals in the all-around final.

After leading Team USA to gold in Wednesday’s team final, 17-year-old Claire Pease claimed individual all-around gold and first-year senior Charleigh Bullock secured silver. Brazil’s Thais Fidelis shared the podium with the American duo, winning bronze in a distant third place.

The result marked the first 1-2 finish for the U.S. women since 2018, when Grace McCallum and Trinity Thomas claimed gold and silver, respectively.

Team USA’s Yul Moldauer claimed bronze in the men’s all-around final later that Friday in Rio, joining his bronze from the men’s team final. Competition is far from over for Moldauer, who qualified for five of seven individual finals.

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FORBES | By Caroline Price
U.S. Women Win Pan American Gymnastics Title, Men Hold On For Bronze

Women’s All-Around Final Results (Top Five)

1. Claire Pease (United States) 54.498
2. Charleigh Bullock (United States) 54.032
3. Thais Fidelis (Brazil) 52.232
4. Sophia Weisberg (Brazil) 51.365
5. Lia Monica Fontaine (Canada) 51.166

Rio de Janeiro Play-by-Play

The top qualifiers began Friday morning’s competition on the vault, where Pease took an early lead after a strong Yurchenko double full, earning the highest vault score of the day (14.166).

Though Bullock was the highest-scoring American in the qualifying round, she scored just a 13.133 on Friday – a one-point decrease from her team final result.

Though her vault was near-perfect, the rookie balked on her first attempt, incurring a full-point neutral deduction. Per the World Gymnastics (FIG) code, Bullock was allowed a second attempt, which she completed successfully. Without the neutral deduction, Bullock would have scored a 14.133.

Known for her prowess on the uneven bars, Bullock redeemed her qualifying-round mistakes with a massive effort, hitting her difficult connections for a competition-best 14.266. Pease also delivered strong bars work, tallying a 13.666. She will contend for the women’s uneven bars title on Sunday.

On beam, Pease posted the highest score of the day (13.533) while showcasing her trademark elegance. Bullock posted a strong 13.333 just behind Pease, positioning the 15-year-old for more medal potential in Sunday’s event final.

Closing the event on floor, Pease simply needed to perform without major error to claim her first senior international title. While the former U.S. junior champion came up short on her difficult first tumbling pass, she closed her individual all-around effort with a serviceable 13.133 – good enough for gold.

Though Bullock’s floor routine gained nearly two-tenths on Pease in the final rotation, it was not enough to overcome the one-point neutral deduction.

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FORBES | By Caroline Price
Olympic Champion Hezly Rivera Withdraws From Pan American Championships

What’s Next for Team USA

Next up, Pease, Bullock, and U.S. teammate Simone Rose will take on the individual event finals this Sunday. Pease will compete on vault, bars, and floor, Bullock on beam and floor, and Rose on vault, bars, and beam.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Toronto Blue Jays have spent much of the 2026 season searching for answers.

Despite entering the year with postseason expectations and a roster built around one of baseball’s most recognizable stars, the Blue Jays have struggled to find consistency. Injuries, uneven offensive production and an increasingly competitive American League landscape have all contributed to a disappointing start.

Much of the attention, however, has centered on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The franchise cornerstone signed a massive long-term extension that minted him as the face of the organization for the foreseeable future. But as the season has unfolded, questions about his production have become impossible to ignore.

That conversation reached a new level this week when manager John Schneider publicly addressed suggestions that Guerrero could benefit from being moved down in the lineup.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Giants’ 3-Time World Series Champ Sends Tony Vitello Message, Calls For Rebuild

Toronto Blue Jays Skipper John Schneider Offers Response On ‘Demoting’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr

Guerrero remains one of the club’s most talented hitters, but his power numbers have fallen well below expectations as the team at large struggles to regain its American League pennant winning form.

“It’s hard to look at Guerrero’s stats this year and justify the $500-million U.S. contract that he signed last season,” Dan Bilicki wrote for the Toronto Sun. “He has lacked any sort of power in his bat, having hit just three home runs this season. In fact, he hasn’t gone yard in a month (May 17 against the L.A. Angels) and he has yet to have a home run at Rogers Centre this season.”

Those issues have motivated observers to wonder if moving Guerrero lower into the batting order could help, potentially easing some of the pressure he might feel to produce.

During a recent appearance on Sportsnet 590, Schneider was asked if he felt Guerrero could benefit from being moved down in the lineup as he struggles to put together his typical power numbers at the plate.

“He gets it, he hears what everyone’s saying, he wants to have more slug than what he has right now,” Schneider said in response. “He’s the face of our franchise… He’s too good to kind of try to motivate by demoting him, he’s too good for that.”

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Dodgers Quickly Sign Cardinals Castoff Backstop After Will Smith Injury Setback

Toronto Blue Jays Say Vladimir Guerrero Jr Faces ‘Astronomical Pressure’

While some may think that a simple move down in the order would help ease the pressure on Guerrero, Schneider made it clear that wouldn’t be the case. In fact, he feels that acknowledging the issues with such a move would just add to the discourse about his shortcomings this season.

“The dude lives with astronomical pressure that people don’t understand,” Schneider said during the Sportsnet 950 appearance. “Just his normal day is different than anyone… The less that we can kind of feed into the narrative of Vlad the singles hitter… I don’t want to add anymore fuel to that fire.”

The Blue Jays continue to view Guerrero as the centerpiece of both their present and future. His on-base skills and overall offensive profile remain valuable, even if the home runs have disappeared for much of the season.

More importantly, Toronto appears to believe that confidence and patience offer a better path forward than a lineup shakeup.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Josh Hokit is the unruly class clown of the UFC who won't stop with his antics until his peers stop laughing at his lame jokes.

Hopefully, we're beginning to see the smiles turn upside down. Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion and current analyst Daniel Cormier took aim at Hokit's recent reckless and disgusting insult of former first lady Michelle Obama during his post-fight interview at the White House.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Who: Daniel Cormier, UFC Hall of Famer and current broadcaster
• What: Publicly condemned Josh Hokit's post-fight insult of Michelle Obama
• Where: UFC Freedom 250, White House South Lawn, June 14, 2026
• The win: Hokit stopped Derrick Lewis by second-round TKO to move to 10-0
• Also on record: UFC CEO Dana White condemned the remark

What Did Daniel Cormier Say About Josh Hokit?

There was a lot, but it can be summed up as follows: this isn't funny anymore. It's disgusting, unnecessary and it's going to cost you more than you'll gain.

On his podcast, Cormier called the comment "gross" and "disgusting" and stressed there was no upside to saying it. He praised the former first lady as "as classy a person as you will ever meet," arguing the jab was an unnecessary shot in a setting that called for unity. His closing message to the heavyweight was blunt: "get it together, dude."

What Did Josh Hokit Say About Michelle Obama?

Hokit targeted Obama saying the former first lady "is a man." No matter if you're a Republican, Democrat or whatever, attempting to insult someone on this level is out of bounds and as Cormier pointed out, it divides people, as if we need any help with that concept.

After the post-fight interview in the Octagon, Hokit doubled down on the insult in another post-fight interview.

The remark overshadowed a milestone night and a finish over Derrick Lewis that should have defined his story on the historic White House card. UFC CEO Dana White quickly condemned the remark, saying he hates that kind of nonsense.

Why Does Cormier's Criticism Carry Weight?

Cormier's criticism carries weight because he's not always the most outspoken person when it comes to these kinds of issues. He is often painted as a company man who plays it very safe with his commentary.

Cormier was dealing with his own X fiasco, but still found Hokit's comments important enough to address. Some might say that's strategic focus switching. No matter the motivation, his points are spot-on.

The "X fiasco" refers to a since-deleted post from Cormier's account showing alleged messages with Eric Trump about "rigged" White House fights, which Cormier says came from a hacked account he had no part in.

Speaking out still carried risk, because he knows Hokit personally and trains with him at his gym. That insider relationship, plus his standing as a two-division champion calling a Freedom 250 broadcast sold as a celebration, is what makes the rebuke land harder than the outside political noise.

What's Next For Josh Hokit?

Hokit is without question the hottest heavyweight prospect in the sport. He has also benefited from the attention his persona-filled mic work has delivered. He's been seemingly taking guidance from Chael Sonnen, someone who masterminded the bad guy role during his fight days, but never stooped to these levels of skullduggery.

As it is, Hokit seems to be lined up for a huge heavyweight clash in his next fight. It's very possible he could face Alex Pereira next in a bout that could lead to a title shot for the winner.

That persona has fueled his rise, but it also fuels the backlash. Pereira, though, is coming off a Round 2 KO loss to Ciryl Gane on that same card, where Gane claimed the interim heavyweight title, so any Hokit matchup reads as a floated callout rather than a booked eliminator.

If Hokit keeps leaning on stunts over substance, the fighting Cormier respects risks becoming the footnote.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Los Angeles Dodgers attempted to shore up their only real roster weakness from last season by acquiring All-Star closer Edwin Diaz.

Shortly into his tenure with the team, though, Diaz was sidelined with a significant injury. Initially, it seemed like the other relief options were going to fill in for him without much of a problem, but that effectiveness has suddenly been called into question.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Giants’ 3-Time World Series Champ Sends Tony Vitello Message, Calls For Rebuild

Los Angeles Dodgers Relievers Endure Brutal Stretch After Key Injury

“The bullpen entered Sunday with a 6.71 ERA since ending that scoreless streak on May 25,” the Los Angeles Times’ Maddie Lee noted earlier this week. “Only the (San Francisco) Giants and (Colorado) Rockies produced a worse mark over that stretch. None of the Dodgers’ relievers have been dominant in recent games.”

Though the Dodgers should have several high-leverage arms to fill in for Diaz, virtually all of their relief options have struggled lately.

“Tanner Scott has been credited with three saves but also two losses,” Lee added. “Kyle Hurt’s ERA has risen from 0.60 to 4.22. (Jack) Dreyer, who went 10 straight games without giving up a run before landing on the injured list with left shoulder discomfort, has surrendered five home runs in seven appearances since returning on May 31.”

For a club with championship aspirations, every stumble draws scrutiny. And few areas have drawn more criticism than a relief corps that went from one of baseball’s hottest units to one struggling to protect leads and close out games.

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Dodgers Quickly Sign Cardinals Castoff Backstop After Will Smith Injury Setback

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Alex Vesia Offers ‘DFA’ Response Amid Struggles

As the Dodgers bullpen sees its fortunes turn, one key piece has now responded to fans’ growing anxiety.

Calls for the team to take some drastic action with its underperforming pitchers evidently irked veteran reliever Alex Vesia, who decided to send a response through the media.

“We clicked off 40-something (scoreless innings) then we had a couple tough ones and online everybody is supposed to get DFAed,” Vesia said on Wednesday, according to The Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett. “We believe in our guys in here. I certainly do. We’re going to have ups and downs but I think it helps us grow so at the end of the day that adversity right now will help us in the postseason.”

Though Vesia made a rational point about ignoring the more drastic solutions proposed by some fans during the stretch, it isn’t too hard to imagine the Dodgers’ three-peat championship aspirations being derailed by a struggling bullpen.

Even with a stellar starting rotation and a lineup of superstar hitters, a World Series can be lost if the Dodgers remain liable to cough up leads in the final innings. And if the team can’t fix its bullpen woes sooner or later, some members might be designated for assignment.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

WWE has caught lightning in a bottle with Chad Gable, but will the company actually capitalize on a golden opportunity?

In early 2025, Gable, whose had his fair share of ridiculous gimmicks in the past, undertook yet another one as “El Grande Americano.” Despite widely being considered one of the world’s best in-ring performers, Gable was left to perform as a faux luchador in a storyline that largely served comedic purposes.

When Gable underwent shoulder surgery in the summer of 2025, he was replaced temporarily by Ludwig Kaiser, who donned the El Grande Americano mask and gimmick. After missing roughly half a year of action, Gable ultimately returned to WWE at the 2026 Royal Rumble, doing so as the “Original El Grande Americano” and igniting a storyline against Kaiser in a “Battle of the Americanos,” if you will.

Little did WWE know that it had struck gold with a gimmick that had been set up to be midcard comedy fodder.

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FORBES | By Blake Oestriecher
WWE Continues To Drop The Ball With LA Knight

The storyline between the two Americanos, taking place largely on WWE’s satellite lucha libre-focused brand AAA, reached its climax at AAA’s Nocha de Los Grandes earlier this month. That’s when AAA delivered a Mask vs. Mask match between Kaiser and Gable under the “Americano” masks. The match, won by Kaiser, forced Gable to reveal himself as the Original El Grande Americano and was widely and heavily praised by critics across the pro wrestling landscape.

The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer (h/t Cageside Seats) broke the traditional five-star scale and gave the instant classic a whopping 5.75 star, writing, “This was the best AAA match I’ve ever seen, arguably the best WWE match and a top tier match of all-time.” On CageMatch.net (h/t Sports Illustrated), fans instantly rated the match as a 9.67 out of 10, instantly catapulting it into the top 20 all-time.

Now, WWE is finally taking notice of Gable and his potential to be a main event star. According to a report from WrestleVotes Radio (h/t NoDQ), some WWE officials are advocating for Gable to receive a strong push immediately: “There is a strong internal push within WWE to feature Gable in a significant way. There is reportedly support for Gable to have a prominent role at SummerSlam 2026, as the event is scheduled to take place in his hometown of Minneapolis.”

Since Gable’s unmasking as Americano, he has turned babyface on Raw, where he’s been receiving massive crowd reactions after the incredible work he did in the Americano storyline. In addition, the bidding for his Americano mask on Fanatics blew away WWE officials. That seemingly would guarantee a monster push for Gable on WWE’s main roster, but the company’s history suggests that’s far from a sure thing.

Just recently, WWE fans have watched the company drop the ball with stars like LA Knight, Rusev, Drew McIntyre and essentially the entire men’s tag team division, just to name a few. In other words, there’s no such thing as a sure thing for Gable, despite his long-running reputation as an incredible in-ring performer and one of WWE’s most underrated and unappreciated stars.

The key, of course, is to strike while the iron is hot, which hasn’t been WWE’s strong suit in the Triple H-led creative era. Triple H has, oftentimes to the company’s detriment, played the long game with red hot storylines, waiting so long to pull the trigger on a major turn, title change or character development that it doesn’t have the same impact once he finally does.

That could happen with Gable too, but it shouldn’t.

As Gable, realizing his faults as the heel Americano, has been embraced by the same luchadores he once mocked, he’s quickly gotten over as one of WWE’s top fan favorites. What that should lead to is Gable defeating Penta, one of the greatest lucha libre stars of all-time, for the prestigious Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam.

That’s a title Gable should have won two years ago and never did, so it would be a full circle moment if and when he finally captured IC gold. That title has recently been held by the likes of Gunther (who had a record-breaking reign), John Cena, Sami Zayn, Bron Breakker and Uso. It’s not a world title, of course, but it’s a potential stepping stone to bigger and better things for Gable.

The former Americano would instantly be presented as a top-level star if and when he ended Penta’s impressive IC title reign in front of his hometown fans at one of WWE’s flagship PLEs. From there, WWE could continue to portray Gable as a top babyface, elite in-ring worker and main eventer on par with the likes of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and CM Punk.

That’s a tall task and not necessarily a likely one, but given Gable’s soaring popularity, the least WWE can do is try.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Chicago Cubs have spent much of the last decade balancing modernization with preservation around one of baseball’s most recognizable landmarks.

While Wrigley Field has undergone extensive renovations under the ownership of the Ricketts family, the organization has also worked to maintain the historic character that makes the ballpark unique.

That balancing act continued this week as the Cubs pushed forward with another significant change surrounding the stadium. Unlike previous renovations focused on infrastructure or fan amenities, this latest development centers on advertising and it looks like fans will surely notice the changes if and when they are implemented.

“Aldermen approved a Chicago Cubs-backed plan Wednesday to allow three new signs to go up on buildings overlooking iconic Wrigley Field,” Jake Sheridan reported for the Chicago Tribune. “The team will be allowed to add one new sign up to 69 feet tall on North Sheffield Avenue, as well as two new smaller signs on its West Waveland Avenue rooftops.”

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Giants’ 3-Time World Series Champ Sends Tony Vitello Message, Calls For Rebuild

Chicago Cubs Fans Set For New Experience At Wrigley Field

The decision marks another step in the Cubs' long-term effort to maximize the value of properties surrounding Wrigley Field.

Since acquiring the franchise in 2009, the Ricketts family has steadily expanded its footprint throughout the Wrigleyville neighborhood. That strategy has included purchasing rooftop properties and neighboring buildings while integrating them more closely into the club's overall business operations.

“During the time the Ricketts family has owned the Cubs, the team has begun purchasing buildings across the street from the ballpark, operating rooftops and erecting advertising across the street from the ballpark,” NBC 5 Chicago noted following the latest advertising approval. “It’s unclear when the new signs will be added, but it is expected the signs will replace banners advertising the Wrigley Field rooftops…”

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FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Dodgers Quickly Sign Cardinals Castoff Backstop After Will Smith Injury Setback

Chicago Cubs’ Historic Ballpark Presents Unique Advertising Challenges

Unlike many modern stadiums, Wrigley Field presents unique restrictions because of its landmark status.

“The ballpark is a landmarked space, making it difficult to add signs inside the stadium, but the advertisements will be profitable for the team,” Sheridan added. “The team has already fostered an environment with little intrusive advertising and created an open space for fans.”

That special designation limits the organization's ability to add new signage and advertising directly inside the ballpark, making nearby rooftop and building locations particularly valuable.

Though the team has not officially outlined its plans for the new ads, it seems all but certain that Cubs fans can expect a tweaked experience with new promotions visible from their seats in the near future.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com