Ranking and visibility are no longer the same thing. For 20 years, SEO teams optimized for SERP position. Higher rankings meant more visibility, more clicks, and more traffic. That relationship is breaking down.
Earlier this year, Ahrefs found that only 38% of pages cited in Google AI Overviews also ranked in the traditional top 10. Eight months earlier, that number was 76%.
The implication is straightforward: being highly ranked no longer guarantees being seen.
In AI-generated answers, visibility is determined by inclusion โ and by how your brand is represented when it appears. That representation is determined by a different set of signals.
Four distinct patterns determine how brands appear inside AI-generated responses:ย
When an AI model lists three CRM options, the order matters. Up to 74% of users choose the AIโs top recommendation, according to a Growth Memo and Citation Labs AI Mode study.
This reinforces how heavily people rely on the first option presented.ย
About 26% of users overrode the AIโs order entirely when they recognized a brand they already knew. This is a shift from how users behave in traditional search. And 56% of users built their own shortlist from multiple sources. In AI Mode, 88% took the AIโs shortlist without checking further.ย
The AIโs curated answers carry that much weight. But mention order isnโt stable. SE Rankingโs August 2025 analysis found that when you run the same query three times, AI Mode only overlaps with itself 9.2% of the time.ย
The sources change. The order changes, sometimes dramatically.
The lesson: Mention order creates an advantage, but it isnโt deterministic. Brand recognition can trump position.
The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need.
Not all mentions are created equal. Some brands get a single sentence. Others get a full paragraph explaining their strengths, use cases, and differentiators.
The difference comes down to how much citation-worthy information AI systems found about you.
When Semrush announced its AI Visibility Awards in December 2025, it analyzed more than 2,500 prompts run through ChatGPT and Google AI Mode. Category leaders like Samsung in consumer electronics didnโt just appear more often. They got more detailed descriptions when they did appear.
Challenger brands like Logitech in gaming accessories showed up, too, but typically with shorter mentions focused on a single differentiator.
The top 4.8% of URLs cited 10+ times by ChatGPT share a common trait. Theyโre comprehensive pages that answer โwhat is it,โ โwho uses it,โ โhow to choose,โ and โpricingโ in a single URL.
Word count seems to matter, too. Pages above 20,000 characters average 10.18 citations each. Pages under 500 characters average just 2.39.
The lesson: If AI systems have thin data about your brand, you get thin mentions.
AI systems donโt just cite sources. They characterize them by tone, which reveals how much confidence the AI has in your authority.
HubSpotโs AEO Grader, launched in early 2026, classifies brands into competitive roles: leader, challenger, or niche player. Theyโre positioning labels that determine how persuasively AI presents you.
Semrushโs awards data showed that category leaders have less than 20% monthly volatility in AI share of voice. Once AI systems establish you as a leader, that perception tends to stick.
The language reflects this correlation.ย
Most brand mentions in AI answers are neutral or positive. But neutral isnโt the same as enthusiastic.
The difference between โalso offers project management featuresโ and โconsidered one of the top three project management platformsโ is authority signaling.
The lesson: AI doesnโt just say your name. It frames your reputation.
Comparative positioning is the closest thing to traditional rankings in AI answers: how youโre positioned when multiple brands appear together. But instead of Position 1 vs. Position 2, itโs โbetter for Xโ vs. โbetter for Y.โ
Amsiveโs research found clear positioning hierarchies.ย
Kevin Indigโs Growth Memo research revealed a critical nuance. When AI positioned a brand as โbest for startupsโ versus โbest for enterprises,โ users self-selected based on that framing, even if both brands technically served both segments.
The lesson: Youโre not competing for position 1 anymore. Youโre competing to own a specific positioning niche in AIโs mental model of your category.
We already covered the 38% overlap stat. The interesting question is why it dropped so fast. The answer: query fan-out.
When an AI Overview triggers, Google doesnโt just evaluate the top-ranking pages for the userโs actual query. It breaks the question into multiple sub-queries, retrieves relevant passages from across its index, and synthesizes them into a single response.
Your page might rank No. 1 for โbest project management softwareโ and still get skipped. The AI pulled from pages ranking for โproject management for remote teamsโ or โintegrations with Slackโ instead. One query to the user. A dozen queries behind the scenes.
SE Rankingโs February 2026 research found that Googleโs upgrade to Gemini 3 replaced approximately 42% of previously cited domains and generates 32% more sources per response than its predecessor. Traditional ranking positions became even less predictive overnight.
Semrushโs analysis of 17 months of clickstream data reveals an unexpected pattern: Over 20% of ChatGPT referral traffic goes to Google. That share rose from roughly 14% at the start of the study to more than 21% by early 2026.
The biggest beneficiary of ChatGPTโs growth is Google.ย
Users go to ChatGPT to get an answer, then head to Google to confirm findings or research brands they just discovered. For users, theyโre complementary steps in a single journey.
Most ChatGPT prompts donโt match traditional search language. Between 65% and 85% of prompts couldnโt be matched to any traditional search keyword in Semrushโs database of 27 billion keywords.
That level of specificity doesnโt exist in keyword databases โ and itโs becoming more common.
If position doesnโt matter the way it used to, what does?
Traditional rank trackers canโt measure these signals.
The 2026 measurement model requires parallel tracking. Traditional SEO metrics still matter for the portion of search that remains blue links. AI visibility requires tracking how often your brand appears and how itโs represented in AI-generated answers.
A new category of tools has emerged to support this shift.
None of these tools replace traditional SEO infrastructure. They supplement it.
Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform.
The ranking obsession isnโt going away entirely. Traditional search still drives traffic. But measuring success solely through rankings misses the larger shift.
AI answer engines now act as gatekeepers, surfacing only the brands they consider citation-worthy.
Visibility depends on how often youโre included, how youโre described, and how youโre positioned relative to competitors.
Traditional rank trackers canโt capture that. It requires a different measurement model. Thatโs what determines visibility now.
Sumqayฤฑtฤฑn โOdlar Yurduโ komandasฤฑ AFFA U-12 Liqasฤฑndan kษnarlaลdฤฑrฤฑlฤฑb.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, bu barษdษ AFFA ฤฐntizam Komitษsinin iclasฤฑnda qษrar qษbul edilib.
Liqada โOdlar Yurduโ โ โMษhษllษ uลaqlarฤฑโ matรงฤฑ รผรงรผn birincilษrin heyษtindษ yetษrsay oyunรงu olmadฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ baล tutmayฤฑb. ฤฐntizam Komitษsi mรถvsรผmdษ รผรงรผncรผ dษfษ kluba texniki mษฤlubiyyษt verib vษ โOdlar Yurduโ yarฤฑลlardan kษnarlaลdฤฑrฤฑlฤฑb.
PSJ qapฤฑรงฤฑsฤฑ Lukas ลevalyeni satmaq istษyir.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, bu barษdษ insayder Nikolo Skira mษlumat yayฤฑb. Baล mษลqรงi Luis Enrike qolkiperin performansฤฑndan razฤฑ deyil. PSJ yayda ลevalye รผรงรผn gษlษcษk tษkliflษri dษyษrlษndirษcษk.
Qapฤฑรงฤฑ bu mรถvsรผm 26 oyunda 28 qol buraxฤฑb.
โFษnษrbaฤรงaโdan ayrฤฑlan Domeniko Tedesko ฤฐtaliyada รงalฤฑลa bilษr.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, mรผtษxษssis โFiorentinaโda baล mษลqรงi postuna namizษdlษr arasฤฑndadฤฑr. Bu barษdษ โFirenze Violaโ nษลri mษlumat yayฤฑb.
โFiorentinaโya hazฤฑrda Paolo Vanoli rษhbษrlik edir.
Komanda A Seriyasฤฑnda 34 turdan sonra 37 xalla 15-ci sฤฑradadฤฑr.
โNeftรงiโ mรถvsรผmรผn sonunda futbolรงusu Kristian Kostin ilษ yollarฤฑnฤฑ ayฤฑracaq.
Futbolpress.az-ฤฑn ษldษ etdiyi mษlumata gรถrษ, rumฤฑniyalฤฑ mรผdafiษรงi ilษ mรผddษti bitษcษk anlaลma yenilษnmษyษcษk. Baล mษลqรงi Yuri Vernidub Kostinin durumundan razฤฑ deyil vษ onu planlarฤฑna daxil etmษyษcษk.
Kostin รถtษn yay โNeftรงiโyษ transfer olunub. O, Premyer Liqada cษmi 5 oyuna รงฤฑxฤฑb.
ลahin Cษfษrov
Almaniyanฤฑn โBayerโ klubu futbolรงusu Edmond Tapsoba ilษ mรผqavilษni uzadฤฑb.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, bu barษdษ Bundesliqa tษmsilรงisinin mษtbuat xidmษti mษlumat yayฤฑb. 27 yaลlฤฑ mรผdafiษรงinin anlaลmasฤฑ 2031-ci ilin yayฤฑna kimi artฤฑrฤฑlฤฑb.
Tapsoba 2020-ci ildษn โBayerโdษ รงฤฑxฤฑล edir. Mษrkษz mรผdafiษรงisi bu mรถvsรผm Bundesliqada 26 oyunda 5 qol vurub.
Sassuolo are lining up a move for former Milan defender Ignazio Abate as a potential replacement for Fabio Grosso ahead of next season.
The Neroverdi are expected to face strong interest in Grosso, with clubs such as Fiorentina and Bologna monitoring his situation, and have already begun identifying possible successors.
According to SassuoloNews, via MilanNews24, Abate has emerged as a leading candidate after impressing in his early coaching career.
The coach enjoyed a highly successful spell with Milanโs Primavera side, guiding them to strong results in youth competitions, before continuing his development at Juve Stabia.
This season, he has led the Serie B side into the play-off race, further enhancing his reputation as one of Italyโs most promising young coaches.
Despite being under contract until 2027, the opportunity to step up to Serie A could prove decisive. Sassuolo are believed to have already held initial talks with Abate, with a positive response and a two-year contract discussed as part of the project.
A key factor in Sassuoloโs interest is Abateโs track record in developing young talent, something that aligns closely with the clubโs long-standing philosophy. His work at youth level, particularly in European competitions, has marked him out as a coach capable of building and improving emerging players.
His arrival could also influence transfer strategy, potentially opening the door to players he has previously worked with and trusts.
For Abate, the move would represent a major step in his managerial career, offering the chance to establish himself at the top level and continue the pathway from promising coach to a permanent figure in Serie A dugouts.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Gianluca Rocchi didnโt meet with Inter directors on April 2, 2025, but other match officials did, leading to Andrea Colomboโs appointment for the Nerazzurriโs Serie A match against Bologna.
More details are emerging regarding the new refereeing scandal involving Rocchi, VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni, and three other VAR officials.
Rocchi is under investigation for participation in sports fraud, butย will not appear for interrogation with the Milan Prosecutor tomorrow, April 30, unlike Gervasoni.
Rocchi is suspected of havingย influenced VAR decisions and appointed referees liked by Inter, which the Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta has strongly denied.
So far, no evidence has emerged that Rocchi held talks with Inter regarding referee appointments, and no players or club directors from the Nerazzurri or any other Serie A club are under investigation.
Rocchi is alleged to have attended a meeting at San Siro on April 2, 2025, the day of the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg between Milan and Inter.
During that meeting, he reportedly decided to appoint Colombo for a Serie A match between Bologna and Inter on April 20, 2025, and Doveri for the Coppa Italia semifinal second leg between Inter and Milan, thereby making him ineligible to officiate the Final, a match Inter ultimately didnโt even reach.
According to Gazzetta and other Italian media, including ANSA and La Stampa, wiretaps from that meeting appear to suggest that Rocchi didnโt speak to Inter directors but rather to referees or members of the refereeing world.
Rocchi and his lawyer still have not received the full set of documents containing accusations from the Milan Prosecutor, yet the former Referee Designator wonโt show up for an interrogation tomorrow.
Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella has revealed he came close to quitting football during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also praising Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as a rare and vital presence.
Montella admitted that the uncertainty of that period left him questioning his future in the game. โDuring COVID I wanted to stop,โ he said, with quotes via La Gazzetta dello Sport.
โI was well with my family and didnโt have offers that excited me. Going to Adana, a completely different world, reignited me.โ
That decision ultimately reshaped his career, leading him to the Turkey national football team job and a historic World Cup qualification. โAn entire people is happy and for me that is the greatest reward,โ he noted.
Turning to Calhanoglu, Montella highlighted the Inter playmakerโs importance to both club and country. โCalha is one of those deep-lying playmakers who are becoming rare,โ he explained. โHe is a champion you miss when he is not there. With him next to you, you feel safer because in difficult moments you can give him the ball knowing you are handing it to a bank.โ
Montella refused to be drawn into transfer speculation surrounding the midfielder, adding: โI never get involved in personal choices. For me, it is enough that he is happy, wherever he decides to play.โ
The former Roma forward also addressed the situation at his old club, declining to judge the reported tensions involving Claudio Ranieri and Gian Piero Gasperini. โIt is delicate to judge from the outside,โ he said. โI have great respect for both and I donโt know what led to this ending. Itโs a shame, because the fans believed in this project.โ
Montella also spoke about Italyโs wider struggles, suggesting structural issues remain. โThe national team is not as poor as it is made out to be,โ he argued. โBut perhaps we need to go back to basics, teaching young players technique rather than overwhelming them with tactics.โ
For Montella, the journey from uncertainty to renewed purpose has been clear. โHere I have rediscovered the flame of passion,โ he said, a stark contrast to the moment he once considered walking away from football altogether.
Milan have taken significant steps forward in their pursuit of Lazio defender Mario Gila, with the Rossoneri now understood to have met the playerโs wage demands ahead of a potential summer move.
The Spanish centre-back is one of the clubโs primary defensive targets, with coach Massimiliano Allegri keen to strengthen his back line.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are prepared to offer Gila a four-year contract with an option for a fifth, starting at around โฌ3m per season plus bonuses, with incremental increases built into the deal.
However, negotiations with Lazio are yet to begin formally and are expected only after the Coppa Italia final in mid-May. The Biancocelesti are likely to demand a fee in excess of โฌ30m, and President Claudio Lotito is not expected to lower his valuation easily, particularly given Real Madridโs 50% sell-on clause.
Competition also remains fierce, with Juventus, Napoli and Inter all tracking the Spaniard, though Milan are determined to avoid a bidding war while maintaining a strong position.
In midfield, Milan are also pushing to secure Leon Goretzka on a free transfer when his Bayern Munich contract expires at the end of June. The German international is viewed as a key addition in terms of experience and leadership, especially with the club planning a reshuffle in the middle of the park.
Both Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could depart if suitable offers arrive, creating space for reinforcements. Goretzka has received interest from the Premier League but is believed to be open to a Serie A move, with Milan currently leading the race.
The Rossoneri are expected to accelerate talks once the season concludes, as they look to reshape the squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the Turkish international defender Ferdi Kadioglu.
The 26-year-old left back has done quite well since joining Brighton, and he has been a key player for them. According to a report via Turkish publication Sporx, Manchester United are closely monitoring his development, and they could look to make a move in the summer.
It is no secret that they need a quality left back. They will need to replace Luke Shaw in the long term, and the Turkish International could be ideal. Kadioglu has shown his quality in the Premier League with Brighton, and he has the quality to play for a bigger club as well.
The opportunity to join Manchester United could be exciting for Kadioglu. It would be a step up for him, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Manchester United is set to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season, making them an attractive destination for quality players.
Kadioglu is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. He has a contract with the English club until 2028, and Brighton could demand a premium for him. Manchester United will need to improve multiple areas of the squad, and they are unlikely to pay over the odds for the Turkish international.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can secure an agreement with Brighton over a reasonable deal.
Kadioglu has been a reliable defender in the Premier League, and he has shown that he can impact games on the other end of the pitch as well. The Turkish defender delivered an outstanding performance against Chelsea in his last match, scoring the opening goal and creating multiple opportunities for his teammates.
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Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly both eyeing up a potential transfer move for Porto midfielder Alan Varela this summer.
The 24-year-old has impressed during his time with Porto, having also previously caught the eye at former club Boca Juniors.
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Having shown he can make the step up to playing in Europe, one imagines Varela might now be keen to develop further and test himself in a more competitive league like the Premier League.
With a โฌ75m release clause in his contract, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, it seems Varela is on the radar of the two Manchester clubs as we edge closer to the next transfer windowโฆ
EXCL: Alan Varela is attracting serious interest, with Porto setting a โฌ75m release clause.?
?Man City view the Argentine as a Rodri replacement if he moves on, while Man Utd see him as the ideal successor to Casemiro.@Ekremkonur & @Sportsboomcom https://t.co/oYUXUPCHiO https://t.co/Idpjlvkw7Q
โ Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) April 29, 2026
The reporter posted the following on X: โAlan Varela is attracting serious interest, with Porto setting a โฌ75m release clause. Man City view the Argentine as a Rodri replacement if he moves on, while Man Utd see him as the ideal successor to Casemiro.โ
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Varela certainly seems like one to watch in the weeks and months ahead, as he looks more than good enough to be on the list alongside the other midfielders United and City have been linked with in recent times.
Varela may well have some tempting offers available to him this summer, and weโll perhaps see other big clubs joining the race for the Argentineโs signature before too long.
Porto have often sold their best players to elite European sides if the money is right, but one imagines theyโll insist on Varelaโs release clause being met.
That means heโs going to be one of the more expensive options on the market, so not necessarily the safest investment when thereโll also be proven Premier League players worth looking at as well.
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Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in signing Ibrahim Maza from Bayer Leverkusen.ย
According to a report from TEAMtalk, the two Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old playmaker, and they could look to make a move in the summer. Maza has impressed in Germany with Leverkusen, and he has the technical attributes for English football as well.
Maza can play as an attacking or central midfielder. He will add creativity and goals from the middle of the park. Manchester City could certainly use someone with his skill set. They have yet to properly replace Kevin De Bruyne, and they are likely to lose Bernardo Silva at the end of the season as well. They need more creativity in the middle of the park.
The 20-year-old could be a long-term acquisition for them, and Pep Guardiola could groom him into a future star.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will need more creativity from the middle of the park as well. They have been overly dependent on Enzo Fernandez for goals and creativity from the midfield. The Argentina International has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season, and they will need to fill the creative void after his departure.
Maza has five goals and six assists this season. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the 20-year-old to join the club.
The opportunity to play for Chelsea or Manchester City could be exciting for Maza, especially if they are prepared to offer him a key role in the starting lineup.
Leverkusen could demand a premium for him as well. He has a contract with them until 2030. It remains to be seen where he ends up.
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Arsenal are interested in signing the Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez at the end of the season.
According to reports from Spain, Mikel Arteta has already phoned the Argentine striker to register his interest, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can convince him.
Even though they have Viktor Gyokeres at their disposal, the Swedish International has not been prolific enough. Also, his overall game needs a lot of refinement. Arsenal need someone who can lead the line, score goals consistently, and create opportunities for his teammates in the final third.
The South American is a complete forward who could be the ideal acquisition for the North London outfit. He knows the Premier League well from his time at Manchester City, and he could make an immediate impact.
He has 19 goals to his name this season, and he has picked up nine assists along the way as well. He is also quite effective from direct free kicks, and Alvarez could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack.
Arsenal have a formidable defensive unit and a reasonably good midfield. However, they need more quality in the final third. They need to invest in a reliable striker and a quality winger. Alvarez could make a big difference for them. He is at the peak of his career, and according to the report, he is looking for a more ambitious project.
Arsenal will certainly have more resources than Atletico Madrid, and they are more likely to sign the top-quality players needed to compete regularly with elite clubs. It would not be a surprise if heโs attracted to the idea of returning to England.
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Paris Saint-Germain reportedly seem to be making progress on a potential transfer move for Lille midfield wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The talented young Frenchman has long looked one of the biggest prospects in Europeโs big five leagues, with Arsenal mentioned to us as one of his main admirers.
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Still, weโve also previously reported for the Daily Briefing about PSG being alongside a long list of elite sides such as Manchester United and Liverpool in also eyeing Bouaddi.
Now the latest is that PSG have intensified their efforts to win the race for the 18-year-old in recent weeks, as per the X post from journalist Abdellah Boulma belowโฆ
?Le PSG avance en coulisses sur le dossier Ayyoub Bouaddi. Lโintรฉrรชt sโest intensifiรฉ ces derniรจres semaines, avec plusieurs prises de renseignements et la prรฉsentation dโun projet sportif au joueur du LOSC. Les รฉchanges se poursuivent mais Olivier Letang se montre exigeant
..รโฆโ Abdellah Boulma (@AbdellahBoulma) April 29, 2026
The post translates as: โPSG is making progress behind the scenes on the Ayyoub Bouaddi file. Interest has intensified in recent weeks, with several inquiries and the presentation of a sports project to the LOSC player. Discussions are ongoing, but Olivier Letang is proving demanding ..To be continued.โ
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This certainly looks like a deal that could be a good fit for all parties involved, as PSG have tended to do well with signing top young French players in recent times and building around them.
However, there is also a lot of competition in that PSG midfield, with Bouaddi perhaps unlikely to start regularly when Luis Enrique also has the likes of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Warren Zaire-Emery to choose from in that position.
This could be a blow for Arsenal, who would surely be able to give Bouaddi more of a key role straight away next season.
Mikel Arteta has Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield at the moment, but heโs barely been able to rotate this term due to seemingly not trusting Christian Norgaard very much.
That could surely have allowed Bouaddi to come in and play a part pretty quickly, with the teenager perhaps then ideal to eventually replace the likes of Rice and Zubimendi as first choice once they get older and past their peak.
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. โ Long before he earned his first Kentucky Derby ride on Pavlovian at age 43, Edwin Maldonado had to overcome an unusual problem for a jockey.
At 5-foot-7, heโs slightly too tall for his chosen profession.
โWhen I first started, you donโt know how to control your weight and it was very hard,โ he said. โYou do all the wrong things. You starve yourself. Drinking too much soda, sugar. But now I know what I can eat and canโt eat. Itโs second nature.โ
But in a sport where the riders need to weigh in at around 110-115 pounds with enough strength to control a 1,200-pound animal, nothing can kill a career quicker than height. But as Maldonado journeyed from small tracks in Texas, Louisiana and Canada before establishing himself on the high-profile Southern California circuit, he developed a skill that came in handy for the specific situation trainer Doug OโNeill encountered with Pavlovian.
If you need a rider who can get a horse to start quickly, Maldonado is your guy.
โIt was just a huge addition,โ said OโNeill. โHeโs such a good gate rider, and youโve really seen the asset of that on Pavlovian since they teamed up.โ
While trainers typically want more decorated jockeys in the biggest races, OโNeill has historically had a different approach. In 2012, he gave the relatively inexperienced Mario Gutierrez his first Derby ride aboard Iโll Have Another and his second four years later with Nyquist.ย
They won the roses both times.ย
This situation is different in that Gutierrez was the regular rider back then for a lot of horses trained by OโNeill and owned by J. Paul Reddam at their home base in Southern California. These days, Emisael Jaramillo tends to get first call for OโNeillโs mounts.
But Pavlovian was a special case. After his first eight races, he was nowhere close to the Kentucky Derby mix with just one win and all kinds of trouble getting out of the gate cleanly. At the Cal Cup Derby in mid-January, Pavlovian hopped in the air with his first step, slightly veered to his left, bumped with another horse and was shuffled back to last before closing to a solid third.ย
A tactical change was needed โ as well as a new rider.ย
When OโNeill brought the horse to New Mexico for the Sunland Derby in mid-Feburary, he said Maldonado was the โfourth or fifthโ rider down their list but was willing to sacrifice a mount in a stakes race at Santa Anita the same day to make it happen.ย
In that race, Pavlovian was throwing his head around a bit right before the gate opened but Maldonado managed to get him looking straight ahead and running from the first jump. Forwardly placed the entire way around, Pavlovian wore down Express Kid in the stretch and won by a nose, getting him on the path to Louisville.ย
โCredit to (Maldonado) for having faith in us that we werenโt putting him on a bum,โ OโNeill said. โAnd it worked out great, him winning the way he did and Paul just being the most generous, loyal guy in the world immediately said, โWell, weโve got a new rider for Pavlovian.โ So that was really cool.โ
And Maldonado, who was born in Ohio but grew up in Puerto Rico, is grateful for the opportunity. While he has just shy of 1,700 wins to his credit, he has made his living largely in races far less glamorous. With just 20 graded stakes wins and only two Grade 1s on his rรฉsumรฉ, itโs not easy to get rides in the biggest races.ย
โJust being here is a winner,โ he said. โIt really hasnโt hit me yet. Weโll see when the time comes. I tend to focus (under) pressure. Iโm hard on myself. I love the game. Iโm very competitive so itโs just a dream come true for me to be here. I have to slow down my excitement.โย
Lack of Derby experience, however, doesnโt mean disaster. In 2022, Sonny Leon gave Rich Strike a picture perfect ride to the winnersโ circle in his one and only Derby mount. Stewart Elliott, a journeyman at smaller tracks in the mid-Atlantic, got the ride on Smarty Jones as a 2-year old at Philadelphia Park and never looked back.ย
โIt takes for you to believe in yourself,โ Maldonado said. โNobodyโs going to believe for you. Mental toughness. Itโs not easy. Itโs a mental game, physical as well, but I think itโs more mental.โย
Thatโs why Maldonado has spent a lot of time in his career reading, he said. Among the books he mentioned was โThe Secret,โ by Rhonda Byrne, a book that claims much of what happens to us is driven by our thoughts. While controversial and less than scientific, itโs the kind of thing Maldonado needed as he struggled with weight earlier in his career.ย
Though no fault of his own โ he simply grew beyond the ideal jockey height of 5-foot-3 or 5-foot-4, making it hard to keep his weight down โ it was a big challenge he had to overcome in an unforgiving sport where a pound or two on the back of a horse makes a huge difference.ย
โI eat fruits and vegetables,โ he said. โBeyond eating, I take herbs, I take minerals. I cleanse my gut. After you do that once every six months, youโre good. Itโs not (glamorous), but if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle without doing it the wrong way or the bad way, thatโs what you have to do. In a way, Iโm glad I got the opportunity now after 25 years that Iโm a little more seasoned in this sport. But it all goes together, the food you eat and your brain. Your gut is your second brain.โย
Maldonadoโs height hasnโt hurt his prospects on Pavlovian, who looks like a live longshot (30-1 current odds) after backing up the Sunland Derby win with a near wire-to-wire win in the Louisiana Derby when he just got beat at the wire by Emerging Market. Though many handicappers will dismiss Pavlovian based on his first eight races, he performed like a different horse once Maldonado got on his back.ย
โHeโs so athletic and heโs so light, heโs like a lizard on a log,โ OโNeill said. โHeโs just so good and has a great ability to stay off the horseโs mouth leaving there and let them find themselves in good position. At the end of the day 99% of this is all about the horse and they make trainers look smart, owners look smart and jockeys look brilliant. I think Edwin is humble enough and smart enough to realize that. Though his abilities have definitely changed the tactics and weโre seeing newfound speed we didnโt see before, itโs really the horse is evolving and heโs getting better and better and heโs coming into the race in a great space.โ
Though a true speed dual in the Kentucky Derby would compromise the chances of anyone close to the lead, Maldonado is likely to get Pavlovian out of the gate quickly and have him forwardly placed coming out of the No. 16 post. If he can get that done and put him in a clear position at a good cruising speed, itโll simply come down to whether the horse is good enough.
โI think thereโs no strategy,โ Maldonado said. โI think you have to be there in the first flight. Itโs not a secret. Itโs 20 horses. Itโs gonna go fast. But he did it already. The Louisiana Derby was a big race for him. He went through the fire and proved he can hang with them.โ
โCalm as you likeโ is a lyric from Liverpool fansโ chant lauding Virgil van Dijk, and that perfectly sums up the Dutch defenderโs response to rumours of a potential exit from Anfield for Alisson Becker.
The 33-year-oldโs future with the Reds has become a topic of increasing speculation, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that Juventus have already made a โserious approachโ for the goalkeeper.
BBC reporter Aadam Patel noted how, when quizzed recently about the possiblity of the Brazil international leaving, Arne Slot didnโt exactly shut down the discourse or defiantly state that our number 1 wouldnโt be heading out the door.
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Van Dijk has been speaking about the future of his fellow long-time Liverpool teammate, and he suggested that not even Alisson knows at this point what comes next for him, with the captain taking a philosophical stance on the speculation.
The Dutchman said (viaย Liverpool Echo):ย โEveryone can feel a certain way about it. There are rumours but if there is anything concrete then we will all find out. For me, Iโm never worried.
โThere is always going to be a day where you โ including myself โ will go. If itโs going to happen โ and I have no idea about it and I donโt think at this point he has an idea about it โ then we will, as a club, adapt to that.
โWe have been through everything together, positive things and some negative things unfortunately as well, so it would definitely be a big blow and a miss; but I donโt think, for me, itโs a good idea to think ahead about what could or could not happen.
โHeโs very important for me as one of the leaders in the team and I think he is very important on the pitch because I think he is one of the best โ in my opinion, the best โ goalkeeper in the world. Heโs trying to be back as soon as possible to help us for the last four games and thatโs our main focus.
โWhatever happens after that is not something you should ask me. Would I love him to stay? Of course, thereโs no doubt about that.โ
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The message from Van Dijk seems clear โ thereโs no need to panic about Alisson leaving just yet.
Liverpool are currently going through a time of enormous transition with the gradual erosion of the squad which gave us the best of times under Jurgen Klopp.
We already know that Mo Salah and Andy Robertson will leave at the end of this season, while our captain and first-choice goalkeeper are in or approaching their mid-30s and have just over a year remaining on their respective contracts.
In an article for The Athletic this week, James Pearce echoed the thought of many a Reds fan by declaring that allowing Alisson to depart in the same summer that weโre losing two other stalwarts in the Egypt winger and Scotland left-back would be a โmistakeโ by the club.
Every footballerโs career has an expiry date, and we all know that players come and go as the years progress, but itโs essential that Liverpool do everything they can to retain their number 1 for at least one more season.
The finite shelf life is something that Van Dijk acknowledged, but as the captain rightly said, his teammate of more than eight years remains a crucial presence at Anfield. Letโs hope it stays that way for the 2026/27 campaign.
Cole Palmer could be thinking of leaving Chelsea in part because of the toxic dressing room situation at the club.
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The rumours about Cole Palmer wanting to leave Chelsea have faded a little in recent times because the focus is so squarely on the managerial situation. But you can expect them to come straight back in the summer.
Gareth Barry has been speaking about Palmerโs potential desire to leave in quotes picked up by the Evening Standard.
โAny player wants to be playing in a settled dressing room at a settled club. If youโre in a dressing room that is perhaps slightly toxic, it is hard to go into training and perform every day, itโs not nice,โ Barry said.
โAny player, Cole Palmer and others, if they arenโt seeing a long-term settled future at Chelsea, itโs natural for them and their agents to start looking and thinking โwhere can we go and achieve thingsโ in what ultimately is a quick career as a football player.โ
Of course Chelseaโs dressing room situation isnโt helping Palmer. But we think it would be a big stretch to blame his poor form on that. Part of it is physical, and beyond his control, but heโs got to take responsibility for a lot of it himself.
Another player who could leave the Blues this summer is Nicolas Jackson, and there are a number of clubs lining up to try and make that happen.
Matt Law accused Chelseaโs โselfishโ players of ruining their own season with petty behaviour over the course of the last few months.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES โ STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillipsโ SPTC podcast here:
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โพ๏ธ Phils make a change: The Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson after a 9-19 start, tied with the Mets for the worst in baseball. Bench coach Don Mattingly will take over as interim manager alongside his son, Preston, who is the team's GM. Former Red Sox skipper Alex Cora was reportedly offered the position but declined.
๐ย Steelers tag Rodgers: Aaron Rodgers still hasn't decided whether he's playing in the NFL this fall, but if he does it will likely be with Pittsburgh after the Steelers placed the right-of-first-refusal tender on him, a rare tag that allows them to match any offer he receives this offseason.
๐ย Jones pleads guilty: Damon Jones became the first defendant to plead guilty after the FBI's gambling probe that led to more than 30 arrests. The former NBA player and assistant coach admitted to selling insider information to sports bettors and participating in a poker scheme backed by the Mafia.
โฝ๏ธ PSG 5, Bayern 4: PSG and Bayern Munich's highly-anticipated Champions League semifinal clash did not disappoint, as the reigning champs outlasted the German giants in a nine-goal slugfest ahead of next week's second leg in Munich.
๐ย Exec of the Year: Celtics president Brad Stevens has been named the NBA's Executive of the Year after Boston earned the No. 2 seed despite missing Jayson Tatum for most of the season. Stevens also won the award in 2024, making him the 12th executive with multiple wins.
See what else is trending onย Yahoo Sports.
After the most tanking-filled season in NBA history, the league seems to have settled on a plan to fight the scourge of racing to the bottom of the standings.
The "3-2-1" lottery: The crux of the proposal is to expand the draft lottery from 14 to 16 teams and give each team either one, two or three ping-pong balls, significantly flattening the odds of landing the No. 1 pick and penalizing the teams with the worst records.
The relegation zone: Reiterating the middle bullet above, this system implements what the league is calling "draft relegation," wherein the bottom three teams do not have the best odds of landing the top pick.
Of note: That latter provision would have impacted a number of current playoff rosters, most notably in San Antonio where the Spurs would not have been able to draft all three of Victor Wembanyama (No. 1 in 2023), Stephon Castle (No. 4 in 2024) and Dylan Harper (No. 2 in 2025).
Looking ahead: This framework reportedly has support from a majority of teams, though minor modifications could be made before an owners vote on May 28. If approved, it would take effect starting with the 2027 NBA Draft.
San Antonio, Texas โ The Spurs dominated early and held on late for a 114-95 series-clinching victory over the Trail Blazers, sending San Antonio to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
What's next: Awaiting the Spurs in the conference semifinals are either the Timberwolves (up 3-2) or Nuggets, two teams who held rare winning records over San Antonio this season. Denver went 3-1 against them; Minnesota went 2-1.
Boston, Massachusetts โ Joel Embiid (33 pts), Tyrese Maxey (25-10-5) and the 76ers kept their season alive with a 113-97 comeback win over the Celtics to send the series back to Philadelphia down 3-2.
Meanwhile, in New York: The Knicks bludgeoned the Hawks, 126-97, to take a 3-2 lead behind 39 points from Jalen Brunson and double-doubles from Karl-Anthony Towns (16-14) and OG Anunoby (17-10).
Buffalo, New York โ The Bruins staved off elimination against the Sabres with a 2-1 victory on David Pastrลรกk's gorgeous overtime game-winner, sending the series back to Boston for Game 6.
More NHL playoffs: The Oilers beat the Ducks, 4-1, in Edmonton to force Game 6; The Wild beat the Stars, 4-2, in Dallas and will now have a chance to clinch at home.
With May just around the corner, a few teams have separated themselves as clear contenders atop our latest power rankings, while others have plummeted into shocking pits of struggle that wonโt be easy to dig themselves out from.
Top 5: Hereโs the cream of the crop, courtesy of Yahoo Sportsโ Jordan Shusterman.
6-10: Reds (19-10), Pirates (16-14), Rays (18-11), Tigers (15-15), Diamondbacks (15-13)
Dive in:Full rankings
Ahead of Saturday's Kentucky Derby, we dive into the world of horse betting syndicates, where algorithms are changing the game โ and maybe ruining it.
Dan Wolken, Yahoo Sports:
The sixth race at Del Mar on a random Saturday last July should not have been memorable in any way. Running for an $81,000 purse, a 4-year-old Thoroughbred named Nanci Griffith won the one-mile race and paid $14.80 to win on a $2 bet.
But for many of those who backed the winner, the payout was a massive disappointment. As the gate opened, the tote board showed Nanci Griffith's odds at 18-1. When she crossed the wire, however, the odds had changed to 6-1, meaning those who held winning tickets collected less than half of what they might have expected at post time.
Unlike sports wagering, where a bettor is playing against a bookmaker and locks in their odds at the time of the bet, American horse racing has long been based on a parimutuel system where the bettors are wagering against each other.
Once all the money goes into a pool, the racetrack takes a fixed percentage off the top and what's left is divided up among the winning bets. As a result, the odds shown to the public on TV or computer screens are constantly shifting based on what percentage of total money is being bet on each horse.
Gambling decisions at the racetrack, however, are often based on perceived value. Someone may be willing to bet on a horse at 7-1 but might think differently if the odds were 2-1.
While odds changes are part of the game, someone who makes a bet 10 or 15 minutes before a race would typically not expect the final odds to be dramatically different from what they were at the time of the wager.
That wasn't the case at Del Mar last July. Such a big drop in the blink of an eye โ the result of a massive bet on Nanci Griffith right before the gate opened โ was one of the more notable examples of a topic that has roiled horse racing and its most loyal gamblers in recent years.
Known in horse racing circles as CAWs โ or Computer-Assisted Wagering syndicates โ these well-funded groups of professional gamblers have built algorithms to model horse races, track public betting patterns and make large wagers when they identify an inefficiency.
Thanks both to technology and the special privileges some racetracks have given them, the CAWs are able to upload tranches of bets directly into the wagering pool at lightning speeds โ far faster than any regular player could do it on a phone app or at a racetrack window.
The ability to do it at the very last moment โ sometimes significantly changing the odds for people who already made their bets โ has become both the subject of a class-action federal lawsuit and a source of frustration for some high-profile voices who believe it has created too much inequity between the CAWs and the common fan.
๐ย NBA Playoffs
The Magic (up 3-1) look to complete a stunning series victory over the top-seeded Pistons in Detroit (7pm ET, Prime), and the Lakers (up 3-1) look to eliminate the Rockets in Los Angeles (10pm, ESPN). Plus: The Cavaliers (tied 2-2) host the Raptors in a critical Game 5 (7:30pm, ESPN).
Pistons on the brink: Detroit is just the third 60-win team in NBA history to go down 3-1 in its opening playoff series. Each of the previous two (2007 Mavericks, 2011 Spurs) won Game 5 but lost the series in six.
๐ย NHL Playoffs
The Penguins, who've won two straight since going down 3-0, hit the road against the Flyers (7:30pm, TNT) as they try to force a Game 7. Plus: The Lightning (tied 2-2) host the Canadiens (7pm, ESPN2) and the Golden Knights (tied 2-2) host the Mammoth (10pm, TNT).
See-saw affair: The Lightning and Canadiens have alternated one-goal wins all series, with three of the four games requiring overtime. If the trend holds, Montreal will win by a goal tonight (possibly in OT) to take a 3-2 series lead.
โฝ๏ธ Champions League, Semifinal
Atlรฉtico Madrid host Arsenal in the first leg of their semifinal matchup (3pm, CBS), six months after the Gunners thrashed Atlรฉtico, 4-0, in the league phase.
Trying to break through: No clubs have played more Champions League matches without winning the title than Arsenal (223) and Atlรฉtico (190).
More to watch:
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Minneapolis (Timberwolves, Wild) is one of four cities with teams currently alive in both the NBA and NHL playoffs.
Question: Can you name the other three?
Answer at the bottom.
What a photo.
Hailey Baptiste demolished her racket after losing six match points against Belinda Bencic on Monday at the Madrid Open. The American ultimately won the match and advanced to the quarterfinals, where she knocked off world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after saving six match points.
Trivia answer: Denver (Nuggets, Avalanche); Philadelphia (76ers, Flyers); Boston (Celtics, Bruins)
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Shaquille O'Neal's youngest daughter is leaving the Florida women's basketball team for another SEC rival.
Me'Arah O'Neal announced her commitment to Kentucky on Monday, April 27 via social media after electing to enter the transfer portal earlier this month. She averaged 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game as a sophomore with the Gators, who fired coach Kelly Rae Finley after the program missed the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
O'Neal was a McDonald's all-American as a recruit and her father, the 15-time NBA All-Star, recently declared her to be "the best athlete in the family โฆ She makes me jealous. I wish I could shoot like that."
OFFSEASON: Winners, losers of womenโs college basketball transfer portal so far
There are three other O'Neal children to have played college basketball. Shareef played men's basketball atย UCLAย andย LSU, Amirah played women's basketball atย LSUย andย Texas Southern. Another brother,ย Shaqir, averaged 5.3 points this past season atย Sacramento State, where Shaquille O'Neal currently serves as the men's basketball general manager for coach Mike Bibby.
Former Chicago White Sox star Alexei Ramirez has been provisionally banned from baseball after testing positive for four anabolic steroids during the World Baseball Classic in March, where he made headlines as the tournament's oldest ever player.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) confirmed on Wednesday that the 44-year-old Cuban tested positive for "metabolites of mesterolone, metandienone, oxandrolone and stanozolol."
These substances, the Lausanne-based agency noted, are "associated with promoting rapid muscle growth, increased strength and enhanced physical performance."
The ITA informed Ramirez of the positive result from a sample taken during the tournament.
Ramirez had returned to the Cuba roster after a 20-year absence, featuring as a bench player to break the record previously held by Roger Clemens, who was 43 when he represented the United States in the 2006 WBC.
Cuba failed to advance from the pool phase in the recent tournament.
Known for his nine-year career in Major League Baseball, Ramirez spent seven years at the Chicago White Sox between 2008 and 2015.
He was the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2008 after making his debut earlier that year at the age of 26.
He also played in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2014 and won the Silver Slugger Award twice in 2010 and 2014.
Ramirez went on to have short spells at the San Diego Padres and the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 before walking away from Major League Baseball.
He also boasts an Olympic gold medal with Cuba from the 2004 Athens Games and won the Baseball World Cup the following year in Rotterdam, Netherlands, before being part of a silver medal-winning team at the 2006 World Baseball Classic in San Diego, California.
During his MLB tenure through 2016, he hit 115 home runs and recorded 590 RBIs.
In the past, the Icon League has already welcomed some absolute superstars. Some of them even stepped onto the artificial turf themselves, like Ricardo Quaresma,ย Nani, or Marcelo.ย
But if anyone was born for the small-sided game, itโs probably the king of Jogo Bonito, Ronaldinho.
And it almost happened that the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner would have stopped by the Icon League. At least thatโs what Sidney Friede said on the sidelines of matchday nine.
The reason he didnโt come was reportedly a party after the last Clรกsico, which caused the Brazilian to miss his flight.ย
Which player would you like to see in the Icon League? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in ๐ฉ๐ช here.
Karl-Anthony Towns had time for one more question. Actually, make it two. Heโd just finished his postgame press conference at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks jumped out to a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, in large part due to New Yorkโs increased willingness to run offense through its All-Star center.
Towns has answered question after question about his offense, his shot attempts, his touches, his rhythm with team captain and All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. He hasnโt quite spoken about his defense, a wild card for a Knicks team with championship aspirations, an aspect of his game shining through in Round 1.
Towns is quietly having one of the best defensive stretches of his NBA career. He added to his playoff tally with two more blocks and two more steals in the Knicksโ 29-point Game 5 victory over the Hawks on Tuesday. Towns had 12 blocks and 13 steals total over the life of the Knicksโ Eastern Conference Finals run under head coach Tom Thibodeau last season.
Through the first five playoff games this season under Mike Brown, heโs already up to nine blocks and seven steals.
โI donโt know,โ he said in a walk-and-talk with the Daily News. โBut Iโm glad you know that Iโm able to do something I feel is one of my best assets.โ
The scouting report calls it a good shot. Towns takes it personal. In Game 5 on Tuesday, both CJ McCollum and Jalen Johnson had Towns where they thought they wanted him: on an island, at the top of the key in an isolation situation. Both have come to learn Towns is quicker, lankier and more agile than they expected.
โHeโs big. Heโs very big and still can move,โ McCollum told The News after shootaround Wednesday morning. โObviously, heโs athletic enough to move laterally and heโs big enough to protect the basket.โ
With just over a minute left in the first quarter of Game 5 and the Knicks up 10, McCollum used a Tony Bradley screen to draw Towns on a switch. McCollum accelerated. Towns stuck with him stride for stride. And when McCollum used a short step-back to create space behind the left wing, Towns stuck with him again. McCollum jacked up a three, but Towns got a piece. Airball. Knicks ball, out in transition on the way up the floor, a byproduct of what Towns believes is an understated part of his defensive game.
โActually switching on the guards,โ he told The News. โToday it was one of those moments where I had to guard an All-Star like Jalen Johnson and my team just trusted me to meet the moment.โ
That moment came with 8:48 to go in the second quarter. The scouting report told Johnson, much like it told McCollum, to attack with Towns as his primary defender. Johnson had Towns isolated at the top of the key and turned a between-the-legs crossover into a hesitation drive down the middle of the lane. It didnโt fool Towns, who stood his ground, absorbed the contact, then punched Johnsonโs floater attempt out of the sky.
โI always think defense is about effort and energy. So when everybodyโs locked in, I always feel like itโs never one guyโs fault,โ said Miles McBride. โItโs never one guyโs problem. Itโs a whole team thing. So when everybodyโs locked in, it just carries over.โ
Towns doesnโt need to open social media to understand what the critics say about his defense. He can see it through opposing game plans, though the opponentsโ desire to attack him in pick-and-roll and isolation situations. He knows opponents consider defense a weakness in his game.
โI think itโs personal anytime you step on the court, sure,โ Towns said. โYou want to be the best version of yourself against your competitors. So, yeah. All of us are just competing at the highest level against each other. You want to do your best.โ
For what itโs worth, McBride doesnโt agree with the scouting report on his All-Star teammate. Heโs watching Towns play the best defense of his career.
โI wouldnโt know. I donโt know what people really say,โ he said. โFor us, heโs great. So, Iโm always going to rock with him. I believe in him.โ
Townsโ averages of 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals mark the best defensive playoff series of his career. He had three blocks and a steal in Game 1, two blocks in Game 2, two blocks and two steals in Games 3 and 5, and two steals in Game 4.
Those are only the counting stats, numbers failing to account for deterred shots and solid defensive rotations that force turnovers or contested shots elsewhere on the floor.
Towns, for example, had to defend four different players on one possession with 1:47 left in the second quarter on Tuesday, first the cross-court pass to Onyeka Okongwu, then the swing-swing that left him on Dyson Daniels, and then another swing to McCollum after Josh Hart lost his footing on a cut to the rim. Towns was not credited with a block or steal on this play, but he rotated efficiently and forced a miss on McCollumโs floater. The Hawksโ guard had a miserable 3-of-10 shooting night.
โ[KATโs defense] has been pretty good. You have to give him a lot of credit,โ head coach Mike Brown said ahead of tipoff on Tuesday. โHe was trying to rebound, trying to be strong when he switches onto the small, heโs trying to sit down. He just has to keep pushing himself, including transition and all, so that we can be impactful or effective on that floor.โ
There were hiccups, of course. Team defense remains a work in progress. On two separate possessions, Brunson and Towns had defensive miscues that led to wide-open Dyson Daniels field goals: first with 5:30 left in the second quarter, when neither of the All-Stars shifted over to Daniels behind the 3-point line, then again with 6:25 to go in the third, when Brunson gambled on a steal in a pick-and-roll scenario. Daniels got a free roll to the rim before Towns realized the Hawks guard was wide-open.
โYou can tell [Towns] is working [on defense], particularly in the pick and roll,โ said Hawks head coach Quin Snyder. โWe have some guys [on our team] we need to attack [on offense]. One of the biggest things for us is making people move. Everyone is a better defender individually and collectively on a front side. Thatโs not something weโve done at the level I believe we can do it.โ
The Knicks will be tested by a far superior offensive team in the second round. If itโs the Boston Celtics, who are up 3-2 in their first-round series, head coach Joe Mazzulla will certainly draw up plays tailored to attack the Knicksโ All-Star center. If the Philadelphia 76ers pull the upset, itโll be Joel Embiid going toe-to-toe with Towns for a vintage battle between superstar bigs.
Towns wants desperately not just to be a Knick, but to deliver the franchise he grew up idolizing its first NBA title since 1973. On his walk from the interview room out of MSG, he wore a black leather jacket decorated in the logos of each of New Yorkโs pro sports franchises. He wore a New York Yankees Subway Series fitted cap turned backwards and another World Series oversized T-shirt atop his baggy jeans.
For the Knicks to reach heights unseen in more than 50 years, Towns will need to continue playing the kind of defense heโs proven capable of during this playoff stretch.
โ[KATโs] been playing great [defense]. I canโt express that enough, and heโs been locked in,โ Brunson said at the podium after the game. โHe talked about voicing opinions and things that we needed to do for us to be successful. And I think us just communicating, being on the same page, and everybody has helped us.
โBut particularly him โ heโs been great.โ
Some draft picks just make sense. The Baltimore Ravensโ selection of Olaivavega Ioane falls squarely into that category. The national media is still in awe of what felt obvious from the start. This year's 14th overall selection said he felt a "family environment" during his predraft visit at the team facility. It seems the organization feels the same way.
Then there are the national voices. ESPN's Field Yates recently named his favorite picks from every round of the NFL Draft. Ioane is one of his five favorite picks from Round 1, not necessarily because he was the flashiest name on the board, but because of the complete picture: value, fit, and projection.
"Baltimore's long-standing "stick and pick" preference yielded another strong value in Round 1. Ioane fills a significant need and was the clear-cut best natural guard in the class (I do believe No. 10 pickย Francis Mauigoaย will move from tackle to guard for the Giants). Ioane is nasty, tough, extremely reliable and disciplined."
That's the Ravens' formula. Ioane isn't just a good player. As you've no doubt heard, he embodies what it means to "play like a Raven."
Physical. Disciplined. Reliable. The kind of interior presence that sets the tone before the ball is even snapped. For a team that has always prioritized controlling the line of scrimmage, this selection wasnโt just about filling a needโit was about reinforcing an identity. Baltimore has long built its roster from the inside out, and Ioane fits seamlessly into that philosophy. He brings toughness in the run game, consistency in pass protection, and the type of edge that defines winning football in the AFC North.
That's not projection. That's immediate impact with long-term value. What makes this pick stand out even more is how quickly Ioane can contribute. This isn't a developmental project that needs years to find its footing. He enters the league with the tools and temperament to compete right away, potentially stepping into a starting role from Day 1.
His presence alone should help stabilize the interior offensive line and create cleaner pockets for Lamar Jackson. That matters because when Baltimore is at its best, everything starts up front.
That's translation. There's a reason this pick landed on Yates' list. It checks every box. The Ravens didn't overthink this. They didn't chase trends. They stayed true to who they are and trusted their evaluation. In doing so, they may have landed one of the safest and smartest players in the entire first round. If Ioane becomes what many expect, this won't just be remembered as a good pick.
It'll be remembered as another reminder that Baltimore rarely misses when it sticks to its blueprint. They don't just draft well. They set the standard for how it's done every offseason.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: ESPN draft analyst highlights why Ravens struck gold with Vega Ioane
The New York Giants added seven new prospects throughout the 2026 NFL Draft, and some, like first-round picks Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa, are expected to become immediate starters. New starters mean Giants general manager Joe Schoen has more potential roster changes coming.
One could even involve trading a player that Schoen signed to a $30 million contract just two years ago.
According to The Athleticโs Dan Duggan, Mauigoaโs arrival could lead the Giants to consider trading offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. Mauigoa played offensive tackle at Miami, but the Giants are expected to have him play guard instead. Duggan believes Mauigoaโs presence, along with newly signed Daniel Faalele, could make Runyan more expendable in New Yorkโs eyes.
โAn under-the-radar potential trade chip for the Giants: Left guard Jon Runyan. Odds are that Runyan will remain the left guard like he has been for the past two seasons. But with Mauigoa expected to step in at right guard, that leaves a crowd of guards to battle Runyan for his starting spot. If Harbaugh favorite Daniel Faalele impresses in training camp, his $1.3 million cap hit would represent a bargain compared to Runyanโs bloated $11.8 million cap charge. The Giants could create $9.3 million in cap savings if they cut or trade Runyan. The most likely outcome is that Runyan emerges from a pool of flawed challengers, and the Giants arenโt in position to deal away serviceable offensive linemen even if Runyan loses his starting job. But itโs something to consider, especially if money is tight around cut day.โ
The Athletic on Jon Runyan Jr.
The Giants are trying to build the best team possible under John Harbaugh. If he believes Runyan is one of the teamโs five best starters, then weโd expect him to stick around, even if he costs more than Faalele.
At this point, Faalele should be viewed as a low-cost insurance policy, should one of the Giantsโ guards get hurt. He even has experience playing offensive tackle too. But that doesnโt mean the Giants should trade one of their prized free agency additions from two offseasons ago, even if Runyan hasnโt quite lived up to expectations (67th out of 81 guards graded by Pro Football Focus in 2025)
In the final year of his contract, the Giants could use this season to determine whether Runyan really is the right fit, or if they could get by with a less-expensive option, such as someone like Faalele.
Related: New York Giantsโ Kayvon Thibodeaux Trade Price Revealed
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Exeter boss Rob Baxter says the prospect of Saturday's European Challenge Cup semi-final at Ulster is a measure of how far the club has progressed this season.
A year ago the Chiefs had just suffered a club-record 79-17 loss at Gloucester and dispensed with the services of long-serving coaches Rob Hunter and Ali Hepher.
It was the nadir of a campaign which saw them win just four league matches and also lose all of their European fixtures.
Now they are fourth in the Prem and have a European semi-final as they prepare for a key month of games.
"Now, it would feel really disappointing if we don't see something off or get to at least one big game," Baxter said.
"Getting this far and then slipping up and maybe not getting to the final of the European competition, or maybe dropping out of the top four so we don't get to a semi-final, it would actually feel quite disappointing now because we've got to where we are.
"But if you'd have flipped it around and someone said last season 'next season, you're going to be chasing these things now' everyone would have gone 'yeah, we'll take it and it's going to be brilliant and that'll be fine'; this shows you how sport is."
Alongside coaching changes, Exeter brought in a number of experienced players over the summer.
The likes of Len Ikitau, Andrea Zambonin, Stephen Varney and Tom Hooper have added know-how to a group of talented young players like Greg Fisilau and Paul Brown-Bampoe.
For many of the Chiefs side it will be their first taste of a high-pressure knockout game - the club has not made the Prem play-offs in five years and or won a European knockout game in the past two seasons before the current campaign.
"It feels daunting and it's a challenge and this is tough, but the reality is it's brilliant," adds Baxter.
"It's brilliant to be in the European semi-final. It's brilliant to be in the top four of the Premiership.
"They're fantastic opportunities for us and what I've got to do is just keep guiding the guys [in a way] that brings the best out of us, not the worst out of us."
May will be a defining month for the Sandy Park side, both at home and in Europe.
Chiefs also face Prem leaders Bath at home, Harlequins at Twickenham, a possible European final and a trip to third-placed Leicester before the end of the month.
"The season now for us is going to be defined by the next month of fixtures, and that's it," Baxter added.
"So May will determine whether we feel really good about ourselves, or we feel okay about ourselves, or we feel bad about ourselves.
"It's a really interesting scenario this next month of fixtures."
Bruno Fernandes wants assurances over Manchester Unitedโs ambition before committing to a new contract at Old Trafford.
Fernandes will enter the final 12 months of his deal with the Red Devils in the summer, at which point the club are keen to agree an extension.
The 31-year-old has had a spectacular season, scoring eight Premier League goals and adding 19 assists. He needs just one more assist to equal the Premier Leagueโs single-season assist record, held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandesโs form has helped Manchester United to the brink of Champions League qualification, and he now wants assurances over the clubโs ability to compete for trophies.
Last week, Fernandes, who has only won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his six-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, told The Wayne Rooney Show that he wants to win the biggest trophies.
โI want to win the Premier League. Iย want to win the Champions League. I never hide from that.โโ the midfielder said.
The Telegraph are reporting that Fernandes will seek assurances over ambition and investment before signing an extension. There is a โฌ65m release clause in his contract, which clubs are considering. There is long-standing interest in the club captain from the Saudi Pro League.
Read โย Manchester United plot player-plus-cash bid for AC Milan star
See more โย Arsenal chief scouts Galatasaray trio โ including Osimhen
If youโre excited about Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne in a Minnesota Vikings uniform, well so is ESPN, who identified the best value selections per round in last weekโs draft.
Minnesota waited until Round 6 to grab Claiborne, but his speed gives the backfield something it lacked.
The Vikings picked Claiborne in Round 6 after a trade up the board, and according to Jordan Reid, that choice represented the top value of that round.
Some hype for a Vikings draft, which has felt rare in the last four years.
Reid: Round 6 Best Value Is Claiborne
ESPNโs Matt Miller named Washington Commanders running back Kayton Allen as his top-value draft pick from Round 6, but Reid disagreed, nominating Claiborne.
Reid explained, โThe Vikings traded up to select the former Wake Forest back. While Minnesota restructured Aaron Jones Sr.โs contract this offseason, thereโs room for another receiving running back on the roster. Claiborne could potentially fill Jonesโ role in 2027.โ
Claiborne is the Vikingsโ first serious attempt to find a rookie halfback since Ty Chandler in the 2022 NFL Draft, or, arguably, Alexander Mattison before that in 2019. Itโs been a while.
In Good Hands with Frank Smith
The Vikings kept their main coaches in place this offseason โ head coach Kevin OโConnell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips โ but underneath those three, Minnesota experienced a significant overhaul. One such newcomer is Frank Smith, who served as Mike McDanielโs offensive coordinator in Miami for the last four seasons.
One of his claims to fame? Unlocking and cultivating DeโVon Achane from Texas A&M in 2023, a speedster who has remarkably similar characteristics to โ you guessed it โ Claiborne.
These are the measureables:
Devon Achane
Height: 5โ9โณ
Weight: 185 lbs
Speed: 4.32
Demond Claiborne
Height: 5โ10โ
Weight: 195 lbs
Speed: 4.37
So, yes โ optimistic Vikings fans are convinced that Smith will pull a rabbit out of the hat in Minneapolis. It could happen.
SI.comโs Will Ragatz on Claiborne: โClaiborne is an electric playmaker with 4.37 speed at 5โ10โ and 188 pounds. He had 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in 2024, then followed that with another 1,000 yards and 10 TDs last season. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2025.โ
โClaiborne is undersized and wonโt bring a ton of physicality to the RB room, but he wins with his elite burst and agility on the edge. He can find a hole, make a cut, and explode through it for big plays with his high-end speed. He also caught 51 passes over the past two seasons.โ
If Claiborne doesnโt transform into Achane, heโs probably looking at a career similar to that of Nyheim Hines or Jerick McKinnon, based on his size and toolkit.
Ragatz added, โThe Vikings did quite a bit of homework on Claiborne in the pre-draft process, including hosting him on a top-30 visit at TCO Performance Center, so this pick doesnโt come as a surprise (other than the fact that they traded up to do it). This is great value for the Vikings in the sixth round and makes a lot of sense for their future.โ
โThey needed some youth and explosiveness to join Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in their running back room, and they got it. No one wouldโve batted an eye if they had taken Claiborne with one of their fifth-round picks (he was 144th on the consensus media board), so to get him at 198 feels well worth parting with a 2027 sixth.โ
The Speed Is There
Want to know a dirty little secret about Vikings football right now? It needs speed. Jalen Nailor, perhaps the teamโs fastest player, skedaddled in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders, his hometown team. Heโs a goner. The aforementioned Chandler was as fast as hell โ when he wasnโt on injury reserve. Heโs a New Orleans Saint. And wide receiver Rondale Moore tragically passed away in February.
All the speed merchants left. Meanwhile, Minnesota drafted no wide receivers last week, which would normally be a chance to replenish the speed fountain.
Itโs only Demond for speedy newcomers, assuming a quick undrafted free agent doesnโt climb the depth chart in August.
When Will He Play?
Claiborne has one problem post-draft: he has two very seasoned veterans in front of him on the depth chart. Aaron Jones is back for Year No. 3 as a Viking after a few weeks of fans believing that heโd be a roster-cut casualty. Jones accepted a paycut and will hold down the RB1 or RB2 job once again.
His teammate, Jordan Mason, is in the prime of his career, turning 27 this summer. Unless Claiborne completely and utterly rips training camp and the preseason apart โ see: Adrian Peterson in 2007 โ Claiborne will probably be designated as the firm RB3 in 2026. Heโll likely battle the incumbent, Zavier Scott, for the job.
Of course, injuries could alter everything. Thatโs how injuries work. Suppose Jones gets hurt โ that happens to him โ Claiborne could be tapped on the shoulder for RB2 duty as early as September or October.
Otherwise, 2027 is a convenient timeframe for Claiborneโs possible emergence as RB1.
And according to Reid, that wonโt be a bad thing for the Vikings. His value is paramount.
The Boston College baseball team picked up three wins out of their most recent four games over the past week, beating Notre Dame on Saturday and Sunday to win their weekend series before knocking off UMass Lowell on Tuesday evening. The Eagles are now at an impressive 34-14 on the season and 16-8 in ACC play as we enter the final few weeks of the season.
Over the weekend, the Eagles continued their strong run in conference play, taking another ACC series by taking two of three at Notre Dame in a series that, for some reason, did not have a video stream for any of the three games.
Sundayโs game was by far the most exciting from the weekend slate, as the two teams played a back and forth affair that saw BC trailing by a run heading into the top of the ninth inning. After Ty Mainolfi drew a four pitch walk to start the inning, senior Kyle Wolff came to the plate with one out and was able to play the hero, hitting a two-run home run to left field to put the Eagles ahead for good by a 7-6 score. It was Wolffโs third home run of the weekend after a big day at the plate on Saturday and hopefully a sign that he is coming out of a slump that he has been in for much of the season. Gavin Soares got the final three outs in the bottom half of the inning, fishing off a brilliant relief appearance that saw him go 3.1 innings where he struck out six and allowed just one hit. Nick Wang hit a home run in the first inning as well, giving him 14 on the season and 38 in his BC career, putting him alone in third place all time in program history.
The first two games of the series were much less exciting, with both teams winning once by a mercy rule and neither game going the full 9 innings. AJ Colarusso was roughed up a bit in Friday nightโs 12-2 loss, allowing six earned runs in just 4.1 innings of work in his shortest outing since way back in early March. Things went a whole lot better for BC on Saturday, however, with the Eagles scoring four in the third inning and twice in the fifth before exploding for 10 runs in the eighth en route to a 16-1 win. Kyle Wolff homered twice, Julio Solier added one of his own, and every BC starter had at least one hit on the day. On the mound, Brady Miller had another strong outing, going 5.2 innings and allowing just four hits and one run while striking out six to pick up the win and lower his season ERA to an impressive 2.58. It was Millerโs third consecutive win and he has now gone five innings or more in six straight starts as he continues to put together an outstanding sophomore campaign.
On Tuesday evening, BC traveled to Lowell for what looked like an easy matchup on paper. The River Hawks entered the game with a 16-23 record and a three game losing streak, having been swept by Bryant over the past weekend. And for a while, thatโs how things went. BC jumped out to a 7-2 lead after five innings of play, but had to hold on late as Lowell scored twice in both the sixth and seventh innings to make it a 7-6 game. Sean Hand pitched a bit of a bumpy seventh inning as Lowell made their comeback, but he shut things down in both the eighth and ninth, needing just seven batters to get through them and pick up a nine out save. At the plate, Ty Mainolfi had four hits and Gunnar Johnson drove in two runs to help make it three wins in a row for the Eagles.
LOOKING AHEAD
BC will have another great chance to stack some wins together this upcoming weekend, as they head down to South Carolina to take on Clemson in a three-game series. Itโs been a rough season for Clemson, as they are currently sitting at the bottom of the ACC standings after being swept by Louisville to drop their conference record to 6-15. BC , meanwhile, is in a fantastic spot in conference play, with their 16-8 record good for third overall. There is a bit of a gap between them and the two teams tied for fourth (Miami and FSU are currently both at 12-9 and will play each other on the final weekend of the regular season), so the Eagles are in a great spot to finish in the top four and grab a double bye in the ACC Tournament.
Some of the biggest names in soccer -- past and present -- are heading to the Triangle this spring.
The Soccer Tournament, better known as TST, has released the full groups and schedule for its 2026 event in Cary, bringing six days of fast paced, winner take all soccer to WakeMed Soccer Park.
The global 7-on-7 soccer festival runs May 27 through June 1 and features three separate competitions -- men's, women's and a brand new mixed tournament -- each with a $1 million prize on the line.
Organizers say this year's event will be the biggest yet.
"We have over 2,000 athletes flying in from all over the world," TST CEO Jon Mugar said. "There will be 159 game winning goals over six days, including three million dollar goals."
In total, 76 teams from 15 countries will compete, representing professional leagues across four continents. That includes international clubs like Wrexham AFC, Villarreal CF, Cagliari Calcio, Club Amรฉrica and Orlando Pirates, along with hometown favorites such as the North Carolina Courage.
Fans can also expect star power on and off the field.
Celebrity led teams are once again part of the men's tournament, including Gerard Piquรฉ's Kings League All Stars, Sergio Agรผero's KRร FC and Dreamville FC, organized by rapper J. Cole's Dreamville Records.
Several high profile matchups are already drawing attention, including Kings League All Stars vs. KRร FC on May 27 and Club Amรฉrica taking on Villarreal CF the following day.
The women's tournament continues to grow as well, expanding to 16 teams for the second straight year. Two time defending champions U.S. Women return with a roster that includes World Cup winners Heather O'Reilly, Jessica McDonald and Allie Long.
Hope Solo's Solo FC is also back and will face the North Carolina Courage during group play on May 29.
A major addition this year is the debut of "TST Mixed," a co ed competition that mixes men and women on the same roster and alternates play throughout the match. The format will have women on the field for the first and third quarters and men playing the second and fourth.
That new bracket sets up one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament: Landon Donovan's Sneaky FC facing Hope Solo's Solo FC on May 30.
Tournament play is spread across six days, starting with men's group matches on May 27 and building toward championship games on June 1, when all three $1 million finals will be decided.
Tickets and full schedule details are available here.
Zaragozaโs goalkeeper has been handed a thirteen-match suspension following his altercation with Pulido.
It was an image that went around the world and, without a doubt, reflected very poorly on Spanish football. Andradaโs punch on Pulido during Zaragozaโs match against Huesca has now been punished by the Committee.
An exemplary sanction was expected, and that is exactly what happened. Andradaโs aggression will see him miss thirteen matches, a historic punishment that sets a precedent.
The player apologized after the match, and the club condemned his actions while reserving the right to take any disciplinary measures it deems appropriate against him.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in ๐ช๐ธ here.
According to a report from The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, the New York Jets are scheduled to host well-traveled quarterback Russell Wilson. From which the idea came to do so may surprise you.
In the NFL, the tables can turn in an instant, which is the intriguing aspect of this report. Jets quarterback Geno Smith reportedly suggested that New York bring in Russell Wilson on a free agent visit. Things come full circle due to Geno Smith being Russell Wilson's backup in Seattle from 2019 to 2021. It's a funny league for sure.
The Jets do not have much experience at the backup position, but they have a couple of QBs with only a few starts under their belts, as well as the team's new rookie out of Clemson, Cade Klubnik.
Currently, the Jets have Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook, and Cade Klubnik, and together they have only a handful of starts. New York is building something special and wants to address every need this offseason, and did very well in the NFL Draft a few days ago.
If the Jets decide to sign Wilson and he becomes the starter, although highly unlikely at this point, he would get to play against a former Denver Broncos team that just wasn't the right fit for either party by any stretch of the imagination.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Jets to host Russell Wilson on a FA visit: Whose idea may surprise you
Every year, championship projections spark debate, but few carry as much weight as those produced by ESPN. Using advanced analytics, simulations, and roster evaluation, their projections offer a data-driven glimpse into how the NBA landscape might unfold. This latest ranking of teams with the highest probability of winning the NBA Finals doesnโt just reflect talentโit captures momentum, depth, health, and how well each roster is built for the grind of postseason basketball.
What stands out immediately is the gap between the top contender and the rest of the field. The numbers suggest a league where one team has separated itself through consistency and dominance, while a cluster of challengers tries to close that gap before itโs too late. At the same time, several traditional powerhouses find themselves with surprisingly slim odds, highlighting just how competitive and unpredictable the modern NBA has become.
RELATED: NBAโs last 5 champions
These rankings also tell a deeper story about team-building philosophies. Franchises leaning into youth and development are beginning to break through, while others built around veteran cores are navigating the fine line between experience and decline. Ultimately, the percentages arenโt guaranteesโtheyโre snapshots of probability in a league where a single injury, hot streak, or breakout performance can completely reshape the title picture. That tension is exactly what makes the race to the Finals so compelling.
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 0.5%
Despite the star power and global spotlight that always follows the Lakers, their path to a title looks exceptionally narrow this season. Inconsistency, depth concerns, and the grind of a competitive Western Conference have made sustained momentum difficult to maintain. While their veteran leadership can still produce flashes of brilliance, the margin for error is razor-thin. For Los Angeles, even reaching the later playoff rounds would require near-perfect execution and a bit of luck.
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 0.5%
Torontoโs position near the bottom of these odds reflects a team still searching for identity and cohesion. The Raptors have intriguing pieces, but translating potential into consistent, high-level performance has been a challenge. Competing in a strong Eastern Conference further complicates their chances of making a deep run. Their focus may ultimately lean more toward development and long-term growth than immediate championship contention.
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 0.8%
The Nuggetsโ low probability is surprising given their recent pedigree, but it underscores how quickly the leagueโs balance of power can shift. Injuries, roster turnover, or simply tougher competition may have tempered expectations. Still, their core experience means they canโt be entirely dismissed, especially in a playoff setting. If they find rhythm at the right time, they remain one of the more dangerous underdogs.
RELATED: US cities with teams alive across NBA, NHL, and NFL playoffs
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 0.9%
Cleveland has shown flashes of being a disciplined, well-structured team, but their odds suggest theyโre still a tier below true contenders. The Cavaliers rely heavily on cohesion and defensive intensity, yet questions linger about their ability to consistently generate offense in high-pressure moments. In a deep Eastern Conference, even advancing past the early rounds presents a significant hurdle. Their growth is evident, but a championship leap may still be a season or two away.
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 6.9%
Detroitโs relatively higher odds compared to the bottom tier signal a team on the rise, fueled by youth and emerging talent. The Pistons have begun to show signs of turning potential into tangible results, making them a compelling dark horse. However, their inexperience could be exposed in a long playoff run against seasoned opponents. If their core continues to mature quickly, they could outperform expectations and disrupt the bracket.
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 7.6%
The Knicks have built a reputation as a gritty, resilient team capable of competing with anyone on a given night. Their physical style and defensive commitment make them a tough out in a playoff series. Still, questions about offensive consistency and star-level shot creation linger when games tighten late. New Yorkโs path to the Finals would require both sustained health and timely offensive breakthroughs.
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 14.9%
Boston remains firmly in the contender conversation, backed by a well-balanced roster and playoff experience. Their two-way versatility allows them to adapt to different matchups, a crucial trait in the postseason. However, the Celtics have occasionally struggled with closing out games under pressure, an issue that could define their ceiling. If they sharpen their late-game execution, they have the tools to make a legitimate Finals push.
RELATED: Ranking the current NBA playoff duos
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 19.7%
San Antonioโs emergence near the top of the list reflects a rapid and impressive ascent. Blending youthful energy with disciplined structure, the Spurs have become one of the leagueโs most intriguing contenders. Their ability to play unselfish, efficient basketball has translated into consistent success. While playoff inexperience could be a factor, their ceiling is undeniably high if they maintain composure in high-stakes moments.
Chance of winning NBA Finals: 47.3%
Oklahoma City stands as the clear frontrunner, a testament to their depth, cohesion, and sustained excellence throughout the season. The Thunder have combined elite defense with dynamic offensive versatility, making them a nightmare matchup for opponents. Their confidence and chemistry suggest a team peaking at the right time. Anything short of a Finals appearance would feel like an underachievement given their commanding position.
In the end, ESPNโs projections offer a compelling framework, but the NBA has never been decided on paper. The postseason has a way of rewriting expectations, rewarding teams that peak at the right moment. Until the final buzzer sounds, every contenderโno matter the oddsโstill has a chance to define its own story.
The Ducks advanced to their fourth straight national semifinal before falling in a tight battle with Quinnipiac.
Oregon acrobatics and tumbling made another deep postseason push at the NCATA National Championships, advancing to the semifinals for the fourth straight season before seeing its run come to an end Friday night against Quinnipiac at the Felix Event Center in Azusa, California.
The No. 2-seeded Ducks opened the tournament Thursday with a convincing 262.510-251.165 quarterfinal win over Gannon, then came up short one day later in a 260.990-256.010 semifinal loss to third-seeded Quinnipiac.
Oregon finished the season 6-3, recording its fourth straight winning campaign and again earning at least one victory at the NCATA Championships.
Oregonโs postseason opened with one of its most complete performances of the season. The Ducks never trailed against Gannon, winning all six events and steadily increasing their lead throughout the meet.
Oregon jumped ahead 36.500-35.400 in the compulsory event by outscoring the Golden Knights in all four heats. The Ducks followed with a 28.650 in acro, highlighted by Angelica Martin and Cassidy Cu posting a 9.900 in the five-element heat and a 9.775 in the seven-element heat.
The pyramid event was Oregonโs best of the day. The Ducks scored 29.200, with marks of 9.825 in inversion pyramid, 9.600 in synchronized pyramid and 9.775 in open pyramid. That gave Oregon a 2.575-point lead at halftime.
From there, the Ducks kept widening the gap. Oregon won toss 28.150-26.300, led by a 9.600 in the 450 salto toss, then dominated tumbling 56.000-50.150. Sophomore Morgan Willingham led the event with a 9.850 in the aerial pass.
By the time the team event arrived, Oregon had built a double-digit lead and closed the meet with an 84.010 to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Fridayโs semifinal was a much tighter contest. Oregon and Quinnipiac traded momentum throughout the night, and the Ducks carried a narrow 0.9-point advantage into the final event before the Bobcats surged ahead in the team event.
Quinnipiac took a slim lead after compulsory, 36.500-36.200, but Oregon responded in acro. Behind a 9.700 in the five-element heat from Cu and Martin, the Ducks moved in front and built their largest lead of the meet at 64.400-62.275.
Oregon maintained its edge through pyramid, where all three Duck heats scored 9.500 or better. The event was separated by just 0.050 points, and Oregon entered halftime with a 93.250-91.175 lead.
Quinnipiac started cutting into that margin after the break. The Bobcats won toss 28.350-27.600, then edged Oregon in tumbling 54.225-53.800 despite another strong aerial pass from Willingham, who scored 9.775.
That left Oregon with a small lead heading into the team event, but Quinnipiac delivered the stronger final routine to win the meet and advance to its first championship appearance since 2018.
The loss ended Oregonโs pursuit of another national title, but it also closed an important chapter in the sportโs history. The 2025-26 season marks the final year acrobatics and tumbling will compete without NCAA championship recognition, with the sport set to be officially added 16 years after its inception.
Oregon remains one of the foundational programs in the sport. The Ducks and Quinnipiac are two of the six programs that helped launch the inaugural NCATA season in 2011, making Fridayโs semifinal not only a postseason battle but a meeting between two programs that helped build the sport from the beginning.
For Oregon, the weekend was another reminder of the programโs consistency on the national stage. The Ducks advanced to their fourth straight semifinal and reached that round for the 13th time in program history.
Entering the NFL Draft, one of the Las Vegas Raidersโ biggest needs was wide receiver. They selected a pass catcher โ but not until the sixth round. While their draft has been praised, with good reason, the Raiders couldnโt address every need.
For a team that desperately needs a go-to option for quarterback Fernando Mendozaโs future, waiting until pick No. 195 says a lot about where general manager John Spytek stands on the current roster. Letโs take a look at where the room stands and who could emerge as the playmaker theyโll need in 2026
The Raiders used 2nd-and 4th-round picks on Jack Bech and Dontโe Thornton Jr. last year. The duo combined for 30 receptions and 359 yards as rookies โ not exactly eye-popping stuff. In fact, both will feel added pressure as they enter training camp later this summer.
Beyond that, Tre Tucker led the team with 57 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns in 2024 โ a modest stat line that figures to be a baseline, not a ceiling, under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Tuckerโs speed is a plus, but he hasnโt done anything in the course of his career to establish himself as a key receiver, even in the slot.
"I'm just so blessed for the opportunity."
โ Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 28, 2026
A look back at Fernando Mendoza's first day in Las Vegas.
Read more โก๏ธ https://t.co/YQbM15vTrTpic.twitter.com/0Qk126T4F8
Free agency additions filled out the depth chart without solving the core problem. Jalen Nailor, who spent time in Minnesota with Kirk Cousins, averaged roughly 440 receiving yards each of the past two seasons with 10 combined touchdowns, as the fourth receiver behind Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Jordan Addison. Not exactly WR1 sort of potential.
Dareke Young, a special teams standout in Seattle, and veteran Phillip Dorsett โ a Super Bowl champion who spent last season on Atlantaโs practice squad and hasnโt appeared in a regular-season game in two years โ round out the group. Sedrick Jackson and Brendan Rice have minimal NFL track records.
The room is versatile and well-rounded. It is not deep with proven pass catchers.
Also read: Las Vegas Raiders Draft Recap: Getting to know the picks, including Fernando Mendoza
Nobody has locked down the No. 1 spot yet and thatโs actually an opportunity. The question is who steps up and makes Kubiakโs offense run through them.
The dominoes start falling at training camp. Chemistry with Mendoza and Cousins, learning Kubiakโs system, carving out roles โ all of it gets sorted between now and September.
Bech and Tucker are the most likely candidates to lead the group, but donโt expect them to look the same as they did in Chip Kellyโs offense a year ago. The scheme is different, the quarterback is different and the opportunity in front of them is bigger.
TRE TUCKER. What a catch by the rookie pic.twitter.com/tZff1ht7cO
โ Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) November 5, 2023
Kubiakโs offense thrives on versatility. In Seattle last season, Smith-Njigba was the engine, lining up outside, in the slot and in the backfield and turning jet sweeps into chunk gains. He was everywhere, and defenses couldnโt pin him down.
The Raiders donโt have a Smith-Njigba. But Tucker plays a similar style: quick, shifty and dangerous in space. That makes him the most natural fit for that role in Kubiakโs system.
Without a true No. 1 receiver on the roster, Kubiak is betting on his current group to produce. The blueprint is clear: recreate Smith-Njigbaโs versatility and production, just with the pieces already in the building.
Also read: Las Vegas Raidersโ 2026 Draft Pick โMay Never Play Football Againโ
Malik Benson arrives in Las Vegas with legitimate production. He led Oregon in receiving last season with 43 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns, lining up outside, in the slot and turning touch passes into jet sweep gains โ the exact kind of versatility Kubiak is looking for.
Bensonโs calling card is speed โ he ran a 10.4-second 100 meters in high school and it shows up on tape. He tracks the deep ball cleanly at full stride, forces safeties to respect his vertical presence and creates separation without relying on 50/50 balls.
Oregon WR Malik Benson is the FASTEST player in the 2026 draft classโก๏ธ
โ Cam (@42Cyc) March 24, 2026
With true game breaking speed, I see him as an excellent deep threat in the NFL or even an All-Pro kick returner.
Even with a 4.37 40-yard Dash, he plays even faster than that, and he is absolutely ELECTRIC. pic.twitter.com/tPENgScTmz
At Oregon, his intermediate and deep route production took a significant leap, and his catch rate climbed while drops nearly disappeared. Heโs not a short-area weapon or a run blocker, but in a system that wants to push the ball downfield, he can tilt coverages in ways that benefit every receiver around him.
Not only will Benson have chances in the offense, but also on special teams. He was the Ducksโ punt returner last year. He had a breakout season as a punt returner, totaling nine returns for 161 yards, including an 85-yard punt return touchdown. ย
Heโs not walking in and taking over. But come roster cuts, four months of reps will do the talking.
Related Headlines
For fans, the NFL Draft is the finish line. For the Packers, itโs more like the starting gun.
All of the weeks and weeks (and months and months) of work the Packersโ personnel department did to put together their draft board and then execute their vision did little more than reward them with more work to do. Theyโve acquired the lump of clay that they must shape into the 2026 Green Bay Packers. Now they must begin to shape it.
Fortunately for the personnel guys, they get to hand off that process to the coaching staff. They get to take the baton and run now. And that might be the harder process, or at least harder to define. On draft weekend you either get your guys or you donโt, but you come out of the weekend with your picks. Shaping those players into a cohesive championship contender is much more difficult. The setbacks are much harder to anticipate, control, and account for. Development isnโt always linear.
But either way, the process has started. The draft was just the beginning. The 2026 Packers are under construction. The season will be here before you know it.
Okay, that last sentence is a bit of copium. But itโs April and nothing interesting is going to happen until July. What can I do?
What draft experts said about Packers top UDFA J. Michael Sturdivant | Packers Wire
I donโt know if itโs a great year for UDFAs in Green Bay, but if someoneโs going to make noise, Sturdivant is a good bet.
Revisiting most impactful draft-day trade for 32 NFL teams | ESPN
Draft day trades can reap big dividends or be very dangerous.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst was smart to hold onto his โ27 draft picks | Packers News
The Packers look like theyโll have 11 picks on the way in 2027. Draft weekend next year is going to be busy!
South Carolina Coach Knows Why Brandon Cisse Will Be Hit With Packers | Sports Illustrated
Everybody who works with Brandon Cisse seems to really like what heโs about.
Packersโ post-draft depth chart: Pressing questions at QB, RB and kicker | The Athletic ($)
There are always going to be questions, but if your biggest issues coming out of draft weekend are backup QB, running back depth, and kicker, Iโd say youโre doing pretty well for yourself.
2,082 participate in Wisconsin clean-up project, break world record | UPI
Good work, Cheeseheads!
Cowboys made best pick in entire 2026 NFL Draft, writes ESPN expert originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboys had a clear mission in the 2026 NFL Draft: Improve the defense.
It certainly looks like they did that, and ESPN's Matt Miller is quite a fan of how they started things off.
Miller, a draft expert, ranked his favorite picks of the three days of selections.
He gave the Cowboys the No. 1 spot on that list for their choice of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall.
Dallas was sitting in the 12th pick but traded up a spot with the Miami Dolphins to get to 11 and ensure, after Downs had slid to that point, that no one else would swoop in front of them to get him.
"Myย favorite pickย of the draft, Downs will be an immediate playmaker in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's scheme," Miller writes. "Aย three-time All-Americanย and a national champion, Downs' work ethic and culture-setting ability are as important as his on-field skills. He has football savvy and a great feel for the game, which gives him alignment versatility and will allow him a faster acclimation than most rookies. The expectation is that he'll become a high-end starter with All-Pro potential during his rookie contract. The combination of player, need and value made this the best pick of the 2026 draft."
MORE:ย Diego Pavia, Shedeur Sanders and an NFL QB problem that goes back to Tim Tebow
The only risk with Downs is positional value. Safety isn't viewed in the same tier as cornerback or edge rusher among defensive spots.
Still, though, that was less of a worry at the 11th pick than it would've been in the top-five, and there's still a case Downs should've been picked much earlier.
The Cowboys got maybe the best player in the draft, not accounting for such value, with the 11th pick. That should work out nicely.
Premier League injury news is always so important and with the margins so slim up and down the league, player availability is crucial.
We've seen in recent seasons how a sudden slew of injuries can derail a season, or even an entire managerial project, and quite simply players and managers are just hoping to get lucky and avoid injuries that will impact their season.
MORE โPL table predictions | All the new kits | Betting odds | Schedule, how to watch
Sometimes availability is the best ability.
Below we keep you up to date on all of the latest Premier League injury news, with details on who is out, unavailable due to suspension and who is struggling for fitness at all 20 clubs.
OUT: Mikel Merino (ankle), Kai Havertz (groin), Jurrien Timber (groin)
OUT: Boubacar Kamara (knee), Alysson (unspecified) | QUESTIONABLE: Amadou Onana (knee)
OUT :Justin Kluivert (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Lewis Cook (thigh), Julio Soler (thigh)
OUT: Jordan Henderson (knock), Vitaly Janelt (ankle), Rico Henry (thigh), Antoni Milambo (knee), Fabio Carvalho (torn ACL)
OUT: Diego Gomez (knee), James Milner (unspecified), Adam Webster (knee), Stefanos Tzimas (unspecified) | QUESTIONABLE: Solly March (muscular)
OUT: Josh Cullen (knee), Jordan Beyer (hamstring), Connor Roberts (lower leg) | QUESTIONABLE: Hannibal Mejbri (hamstring), Axel Tuanzebe (calf), Zeki Amdouni (knee)
OUT: Estevao (thigh), Jamie Gittens (thigh), Filip Jorgensen (groin), Levi Colwill (torn ACL - MORE), Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Reece James (thigh)
OUT: Evann Guessand (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Tyrick Mitchell (achilles), Cheick Doucoure (knee)
OUT: Jarrad Branthwaite (thigh), Beto (concussion), Jack Grealish (ankle - MORE)
OUT: Kevin (ankle), Alex Iwobi (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Kenny Tete (foot), Ryan Sessegnon (unspecified)
OUT: Ilia Gruev (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Gabriel Gudmundsson (thigh)
OUT: Mohamed Salah (hamstring), Giorgi Mamardashvili (knee), Jayden Danns (thigh), Hugo Ekitike (achilles), Wataru Endo (ankle), Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee - MORE) | QUESTIONABLE: Alisson Becker (unspecified)
OUT: Ruben Dias (unspecified), Josko Gvardiol (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Rodri (groin)
OUT: Lisandro Martinez (suspension), Matthijs de Ligt (unspecified - MORE) | QUESTIONABLE: Matheus Cunha (hip), Luke Shaw (muscular)
OUT: Valentino Livramento (groin), Fabian Schar (ankle), Emil Krafth (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Anthony Gordon (groin)
OUT: Murillo (thigh), Callum Hudson-Odoi (thigh), Willy Boly (knee), Nicola Savona (knee), John Victor (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Jair Cunha (ankle), Ibrahim Sangare (knock)
OUT: Romaine Mundle (thigh), Bertrand Traore (knee), Nilson Angulo (unspecified) | QUESTIONABLE: Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Simon Moore (wrist)
OUT: Xavi Simons (ACL), Cristian Romero (knee), Mohammed Kudus (groin), Wilson Odobert (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Ben Davies (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Guglielmo Vicario (groin), Destiny Udogie (muscular), Pape Matar Sarr (shoulder), Dominic Solanke (thigh)
OUT: Lukasz Fabianski (back)
OUT: Yerson Mosquera (suspension), Enso Medina (knee), Sam Johnstone (knock) | QUESTIONABLE: Ladislav Krejci (neck)
Wisconsin football extended an offer to three-star class of 2027 linebacker Matthew Brady Tuesday evening.ย
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound defender owns offers from roughly 15 programs thus far, including from Michigan State, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Army, Wyoming and North Dakota State. 247Sports considers the Bloomington, Illinois, product the No. 1,203 overall recruit, No. 111 linebacker and No. 41 player from Illinois for the class of 2027.
Brady joins a collection of 2027 linebackers, headlined by blue-chippers Kaden Henderson, Prince Goldsby and Brayton Feister, to receive an offer from Luke Fickell's program at this stage of the recruiting process. He's scheduled to officially visit Michigan State the weekend of May 29. The visit to East Lansing marks his only official visit plan for the summer window, per 247Sports.
#AGTG After a great conversation with @TufBorland I am blessed to have received an offer from Wisconsin!! @BadgerFootball@CoachFick@CoachMikeTress@JackChastain25@PatLambert13@BryanSanborn07@CCHSsaintsFB@BrauchtKevin@CPHighland@EDGYTIM@AllenTrieu@TomLoy247โฆ pic.twitter.com/SOX36PSPPA
โ Matthew Brady (@MatthewBrady007) April 29, 2026
Wisconsin's class of 2027 has risen in national hierarchies following a recent string of high-profile commitments, most notably quarterback Jack Sorgi and safety DJ Davis. As of April 28, 247Sports pegged UW's 2027 cohort as the No. 12 class in the nation. On3/Rivals, meanwhile, put the Badgers at No. 19.
Contact/Followย @TheBadgersWireย on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onย Facebookย to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Badgers football Matthew Brady Recruiting Offer
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Letโs get to your questions.
Jared Trioloโs rehab assignment from a right knee patellar injury was transferred to Double-A Altoona, so the 28-year-old is getting closer to a return. He went 3 for 4 with a home run, three RBI, two runs and a walk in his first game with the Curve on Tuesday night.
When Triolo does return, the Pirates will have to decided what the corresponding roster move will be, but it wonโt be Konnor Griffin.
The Pirates never gave any indication they were close to sending him down when he was off to a slow start to begin his career. Lately, it looks like Griffin is turning a corner.
The 20-year-old homered for the second time as part of a two-hit performance on Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. Griffin has multiple hits in three of his last five games and is batting .389 with a 1.143 OPS, two home runs, five RBI, two runs and two steals during that stretch.
Griffin wonโt be the corresponding move. It will probably be either Nick Yorke or Billy Cook when the time comes.
Jared Jones will begin a rehab assignment with the Bradenton Marauders tonight and is projected to return to the Pirates in about a month if all goes well.
Getting Jones back would not only give the starting rotation a potential boost but could help improve a suspect bullpen if Carmen Mlodzinski goes back to being a reliever.
If Jones struggles, they will absolutely be in the market for a starting pitcher. Even if he doesnโt, the Pirates should still be looking to trade for a veteran.
I was pretty surprised the Pirates didnโt make another veteran addition to the staff in the offseason. Donโt get me wrong, they still have a strong rotation, but the depth is a huge concern. Iโm not high on Thomas Harrington. What Hunter Barco did last night was commendable, but heโs looked overmatched at the big leagues. Josรฉ Urquidy was bad to start the year and got sent down. Mike Clevinger settled for a minor-league deal for a reason and is hurt.
If the Pirates ultimately get where they want to go, which is the postseason, Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler will all have to far exceed their career innings totals and Jones will be on an innings limit Thatโs a lot to ask, and a lot of wear and tear on an overall young rotation.
Have I agreed with every decision Don Kelly has made? Of course not. There are several decisions Iโve questioned over the first month of the season. But if Iโm being frank, I think people are being far too hard on Kelly.
He has the Pirates over .500 over a month into the season. Their ability to bounce back after tough games for most of the season speaks to the culture thatโs been established. I often find that managers are the scapegoats when things donโt go well โ look at Alex Cora in Boston and Rob Thompson in Philadelphia. I also feel like managers are the true deciding factor in only a handful of games over a 162-game season.
Players have to execute, and the roster construction is not perfect. There are tons of factors that go into a decision, some which arenโt as obvious to see.
Has Kelly been perfect? No. Do I think heโs still doing a pretty good job overall? I do. Calling for his job a month into the season when the team is largely performing well doesnโt make any sense.
It looked like Marcell Ozuna was starting to turn a corner but heโs fallen into another slump. Over his last six games, the veteran has one hit in 18 at-bats and has struck out eight times.
I asked Kelly before yesterdayโs game what he has to do to get back in a groove. Hereโs what he said:
โContinue to go. I donโt know if you guys saw his work [on Monday], it was amazing. Didnโt translate as well to the game, but heโs right there working on the right things, has continued to do that. Just continue to work and the hitting group have been diving into.โ
The Pirates have continued to applaud Ozuna for his work ethic, but eventually that work will have to translate to results. Through 25 games, heโs hitting .160 with a .470 OPS and carries a -0.9 bWAR. The sample size of 102 plate appearances is large enough to be concerned.
Are we at the point where the Pirates will cut ties? Not quite. $12 million is a steep investment the Pirates made. Theyโll give him some more time to work out of his struggles, but the Pirates arenโt in a position this year to continue to give him a long leash like they couldโve in prior years.
The post Pirates Q&A: How Long is Ozunaโs Leash? Trade for Starter Eventually Possible? appeared first on Pittsburgh Baseball Now.
For a typical football club, the future of an increasingly injured, 32-year-old forward headed toward free agency wouldnโt cause much of a stir, but Roma is no ordinary club, and Paulo Dybala has never been an ordinary player. Since arriving in the capital four years ago, the man affectionately known as La Joya has delighted Giallorossi supporters with a level of attacking skill and grace not seen since the latter days of Francesco Tottiโs legendary career.
In that light, itโs no wonder Dybalaโs future has weighed heavily on the club. Even in his reduced capacity as a 1,500-minute-per-season player, Dybala could deliver dizzying highs with his wicked left foot and keen intellect, scoring several golazos among his 45 goals for the club. However, with a string of muscle injuries dragging him down over the past 18 months, those moments of magic were fleeting. Dybala could still turn a match on its head, but they were interspersed with swaths of mortality.
With his contract expiring at the end of June and Roma facing another summer revolution, Dybalaโs future with the club has come into question. While there have been suggestions that he could sign an incentive-laden deal to remain with the club, Dybala has been the subject of constant transfer rumors over the past several months.
And, according to ESPN, Dybala has reached a preliminary agreement with Boca Juniors.
Argentina forward Paulo Dybala is closing in on a summer move to Boca Juniors โณ pic.twitter.com/G2OLJv2UjT
โ ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 29, 2026
It may sound strange to say, but when it comes to football rumors, ESPN, the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader in Sports, isnโt the most reputable source of football journalism. Still, Dybala has been linked with Boca Juniors for several months, and with his former Roma teammate Leandro Paredes giving him the soft sell, not to mention Dybala and his wife recently welcoming a newborn daughter, the lure of returning home to Argentina may be too difficult to resist.
This story will surely shift in the coming weeks, but the Dybala to Boca train is picking up steam.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Gianluca Rocchi didnโt meet with Inter directors on April 2, 2025, but other match officials did, leading to Andrea Colomboโs appointment for the Nerazzurriโs Serie A match against Bologna.
More details are emerging regarding the new refereeing scandal involving Rocchi, VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni, and three other VAR officials.
Rocchi is under investigation for participation in sports fraud, butย will not appear for interrogation with the Milan Prosecutor tomorrow, April 30, unlike Gervasoni.
Rocchi is suspected of havingย influenced VAR decisions and appointed referees liked by Inter, which the Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta has strongly denied.
PISA, ITALY โ MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
So far, no evidence has emerged that Rocchi held talks with Inter regarding referee appointments, and no players or club directors from the Nerazzurri or any other Serie A club are under investigation.
Rocchi is alleged to have attended a meeting at San Siro on April 2, 2025, the day of the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg between Milan and Inter.
During that meeting, he reportedly decided to appoint Colombo for a Serie A match between Bologna and Inter on April 20, 2025, and Doveri for the Coppa Italia semifinal second leg between Inter and Milan, thereby making him ineligible to officiate the Final, a match Inter ultimately didnโt even reach.
LONDON, ENGLAND โ NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta and other Italian media, including ANSA and La Stampa, wiretaps from that meeting appear to suggest that Rocchi didnโt speak to Inter directors but rather to referees or members of the refereeing world.
Rocchi and his lawyer still have not received the full set of documents containing accusations from the Milan Prosecutor, yet the former Referee Designator wonโt show up for an interrogation tomorrow.
Julian Brandt will most likely not join Roma. The German midfielder will not renew his contract with Borussia Dortmund and is preparing to leave the club on a free transfer.
Despite the Giallorossiโs interest, the future of the Giallorossiโs number 10 seems already sealed.
According to Sport Bild, the player is reportedly very attracted to the idea of โโmoving to Spain.
To play in La Liga, he would even be willing to join a club that isnโt at the top of the competition.
The main reason for this choice is said to be personal: his partner lives in Catalonia, and it would be easier for Brandt to stay close to his family.
Therefore, the possibility of a move to the Premier League is now over, as is the one that took him to Roma and Serie A.
La Liga seems to be the most likely option at the moment.
Several Manchester United players produced brilliant performances during Monday eveningโs 2-1 win over Brentford, but only one has been named in Troy Deeneyโs BBC Team of the Week.
United beat Brentford to advance within touching distance of securing Champions League football.
Casemiro broke the deadlock as he nodded home a brilliant headed delivery from Harry Maguire. Casemiroโs goal marked his ninth of the Premier League season and extended a fine run of form in his farewell tour.
Benjamin Sesko doubled the Red Devilsโ advantage shortly before the break, finishing off a sweeping counter-attack.
Amad was taken off at the interval and replaced by Noussair Mazraoui as interim head coach Michael Carrick retreated to a three-at-the-back system. The change paid dividends, with United becoming more solid and compact.
Mathias Jensen pulled one back for the visitors in the 87th minute to set up a furious finale, but United managed to hold on for all three points. Casemiro won the man of the match award for his sensational performance.
He, together with Kobbie Mainoo, delivered a brilliant performance in the centre of the pitch.
But the pair seemingly did not do enough to earn spots in the BBC Team of the Week, and neither did Sesko. Only one United player has been included in the XI โ Maguire.
Deeney included Maguire as part of a backline that also has Piero Hincapie (Arsenal), Kevin Danso (Tottenham Hotspur) and Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham).
On why he picked Maguire, Deeney wrote, โBack from a two-game suspension, just see the difference in Manchester Unitedโs team when Maguire is there.โ
โHeโs just a solid individual who gets stuff done. He got the assist for the opening goal against Brentford and just brings a level of authority to that United backline.โ
Maguire made the 600th appearance of his career against Brentford, in what was a landmark milestone for the England international.
United are next in action on Sunday when they host Liverpool.
Feature image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the worldโs leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Sometimes, it pays to put the numbers down and take a deep historical look at things. Teams fire managers in the season nearly every year, but it is fairly rare to see teams fire their manager before the halfway point in the season. In fact, coming into the season it had only happened six times since 2000. However, the Philadelphia Phillies were the second team this season to fire their manager on Tuesday morning. The Boston Red Sox also fired Alex Cora last week.
This is obviously pertinent since many in Astros nation are calling for the head of Joe Espada. Thoughts usually go back to 2004 when the Astros fired Jimy Williams after the midpoint of the season and Phil Garner led them to the NLCS. However, that one doesnโt count because Williams had made it through the halfway point. We can break these six situations down to see if success should be predicted with a change here in Houston. Obviously, every situation is different, so past results are not a guarantee of future results, but it pays to look at the history of these things.
The Marlins make the list three times since 2000. What we want to do with all of these is look at the record before and after the change to see if there was general improvement. Like I have said many times, our memories often play tricks on us.
2001: John Boles (22-26)
Tony Perez (54-60)
Those winning percentages are almost identical. So, at best the move would be ineffectual and Perez did not continue to manage long after taking the job. As you can see, the Marlins did this again just a couple of years later. It would be fair to assert that few teams are run more shoddily than the Marlins.
2003: Jeff Torberg (16-22)
Jack McKeon (75-49)
This is obviously probably the historical example people will go back to. The Marlins won the wild card and went on to beat the Yankees in the World Series. This was a veteran laden team that seemingly needed a kick in the pants. They may have turned around on their own. I suppose we will never know.
2011: Edwin Rodriguez (32-39)
Jack McKeon (40-50)
So, lightening does not strike twice. The Marlins tried it again with the aging McKeon and the team did not get any better and eventually finished in fourth place in the NL East. When doing a longitudinal study one can look at the aggregate or simply go situation by situation. In two out of the three situations, the teamโs fortunes were not improved.
All that is old is new again. Rob Thomson was the beneficiary of this move in 2022 and that story should seem familiar since that was the team the Astros beat to win their second World Series title. Like with the Marlins, the Phillies were beneficiaries of the wild card as they were not able to overtake the Braves in the NL East, but got hot at the right time.
2022: Joe Giradi (22-29)
Rob Thomson (65-46)
An 87 win team usually does not get very far in the playoffs and it is nothing to write home about. The Phillies got hot at the right time to be sure. Was that Thomson? Who the heck knows? Giradi had been a playoff manager with the Yankees and Phillies prior to that, so there is reason to believe he could have righted the ship on his own. Now, the Phillies will try to have lightening strike twice with Don Mattingly.
Two teams did this last season as well. It is important to note what the objective is. If you fire a manager that early in the year you are trying to turn things around. Maybe you think you have an outside shot at the playoffs or maybe you are so far out of the hunt that you just want to get an earlier look at a managerial candidate.
2025: Bud Black (7-33)
Warren Schaeffer (36-86)
I canโt call Schaeffer a failure per se. His winning percentage was better than Bud Blackโs because can you really be that much worse a .175 clip over 40 games. They won 43 games, but this is one of the worst teams statistically in baseball history. Schaeffer deserves extra credit for avoiding what the White Sox had achieved before them. However, the further you get away from it, the more it looks like you are just spinning your wheels.
2025: Ron Washington (36-38)
Ray Montgomery (36-52)
Iโve never been a Washington fan, but this one was more due to health concerns than anything else. The Angels obviously tabbed Kurt Suzuki this year, so Montgomery was not particularly impressive. This might be the only case where the interim manager performed significantly worse than the initial manager. I suppose at least any team thinking of doing this could hang their hat on that.
Simply put, most teams either performed about the same or worse before and after firing their initial manager. The 2003 Marlins and 2022 Phillies were notable exceptions. Obviously, every situation is different and the lab is not a place to recommend moves necessarily. Simply put, if history is our guide then it is more likely than not that any interim manager this year would fare about as well as Joe Espada has. However, I suppose there is always a chance it would work.
Following a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has adopted two new regulations for the upcoming World Cup. At the initiative of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, professional players can in future be sent off with a red card if they cover their mouths during a confrontation with opposing players.
The background to this decision is an incident between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior in the Champions League, in which racist insults were allegedly concealed behind a raised shirt. Infantino justified the move by saying that covering the mouth strongly suggests the urgent suspicion of impermissible remarks and that a tough crackdown is necessary for a credible fight against racism. Whether this regulation will also be introduced in other competitions such as the Bundesliga or the Champions League is, for the time being, at the discretion of the respective organizers.
In addition, IFAB responded to the events at the Africa Cup final between Morocco and Senegal with another adjustment, after Senegalese players had temporarily left the pitch together in protest against a penalty decision. The new regulation provides that referees may punish players who leave the field on their own initiative in protest with a red card.
This rule will be applied for the first time at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada and applies equally to officials who incite their team to such a protest. It was also clarified that a team whose behavior causes a match to be abandoned will, as a rule, be deemed to have lost the game.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in ๐ฉ๐ช here.
Last fall, Harbour TownGolf Links on Hilton Head Island reopened after a renovation by Love Golf Design, the firm of Mark and Davis Love III and lead architect Scot Sherman. The work, which was on display during the recent RBC Heritage, involved new drainage and irrigation, expanding lost green space, rebuilding bunkersโnormal things that all courses need to do every 20 years or so. There was another element, one that introduced a new aesthetic: The conversion of a dozen or so bunkers to artificial, stacked sod-wall faces.
The resort termed the project a โrestorationโ of the original Pete Dye course that opened in 1969 and stands as one of the architectโs landmark early creations. While Dye did attempt to construct natural sod-faced bunkers, he gave them up by the early 1970s and never chose to reinstall them across the numerous occasions he personally renovated the course over the next 40 years. For 95 percent of Harbour Townโs life, they didnโt exist.
Whether reviving an idea the original architect quickly abandoned counts as restoration or editorial liberty is open to debate. But it does bring up an important question about how architects and memberships should handle renovations of contemporary designs.
PGA TOUR Archive
MORE:ย A huge difference between high-end private and affordable public golf that can be eliminated
So far, most of the tinkering thatโs been done to Dyeโs courses was done by him. But since he passed in 2020, memberships and resorts require outside guidance when renovation work is needed. They will have to decide whether to preserve Dyeโs distinctive and often groundbreaking architecture or go in new directions. The same questions will eventually apply to the best courses from active designers like Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Tom Doak, Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner and others. Will subsequent architects be caretakers of these legacy designs and resist the urge to put their own imprints on them, even under the premise of improvement? Or will they be used as canvases for artistic reinterpretation?
The reason there is even a concept of โrestorationโ is because clubs began hiring a new generation of architects to modernize their existing layouts in the years following World War II. Those courses from the 1910s and โ20s needed refreshing and benefited from advances in turf and irrigation technology, but mid-century outlooks (stretching into the 1970s and โ80s) felt little obligation to honor the original design ideas. Historical conservation was not a concept. In almost every case the work of Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast, George Thomas and their contemporaries was altered in the name of progress and the whims of the times. As one architect said to me about an elder practitioner who became prominent for remodeling old courses during the 1950s, โ60s and โ70s, โHe was a great guy, but he did a lot of damage.โ
Most clubs now consider this period of remodeling a mistake and have since hired architects to reconstructโto restoreโtheir eradicated design features, a correction of past ambivalence. We should learn from this. Most of the best work created in the past 30 years is still intact, but we shouldnโt assume it will stay that way. Courses need routine work with age, which always opens the door for edits and alterations. Preserving their architecture will require diligent stewardship and purposeful intent.
Perhaps itโs time to create a Tom Fazio or Jack Nicklaus Society the way similar organizations emerged to protect and promote the lineage of Golden Age designers. Not all architecture is worthy of total conservation, but caring voices could advise on a registry of important courses that should have landmark status. The time is coming. If proprietors and designers have the foresight to preserve and not change their properties now, there wonโt be a need in the future to correct their mistakes.
More From Golf Digest Golf Digest Logo Rising architect on enjoying golf more? 'I'd try to change your mind about keeping score' Golf Digest Logo How much distance will the golf ball rollback rule cost you? We tested it Golf Digest Logo The Undercover Pro: An insider's look at poker games on tour Bloomington (IN) Bloomington North is taking a big swing with their football program moving forward as they bring home an alumnus to run the team, according to a social media announcement Wednesday morning.
10-time North Carolina high school football state champion Tarboro (NC) Tarboro announced via their Instagram page that defensive coordinator Andy Harding was leaving to take the head coaching job at his alma mater, Bloomington North.
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โHome calledโฆ and Coach Harding answered!
From the 252 to the 812, Coach Harding is heading HOME to take over as Head Football Coach at his alma mater, Bloomington North High School!
Yeah, itโs tough for the Vikings and all of Valhalla to hang up this callโฆ but nothing but LOVE and PRIDE on this end. Coach Harding didnโt just coach defenseโhe built DAWGS, leaders, and men of character. A true legend on and off the field.
His calm, dominant presence made him a favoriteโbecause his players knew one thing for sureโฆ Coach cared.โ
Harding ran a defensive unit that yielded just 124 points (8.2 points per game) through 15 contests, with the defense notching seven shutouts on the way to a state championship win. Now the decorated defensive coordinator will head back to Indiana to take over a Cougarsโ squad that has recorded five straight winning seasons.
Bloomington North finished with a 7-4 record and as the No. 52 in the state, according to the final 2025 Indiana High School Football Massey Rankings.
For Indiana high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Hoosier State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with theย Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Indiana high school football excitement across the state.
The Baltimore Ravens are in a new era under new coach Jesse Minter. Accordingly, they are introducing a new culture. With this NFL draft class entering Baltimore's culture shift, it seems that one rookie will have no problem knowing what it takes to be a Raven. That guy is USC Trojan Ja'Kobi Lane.
Ravens Wire's Geoffrey A. Knox sheds light on how Ja'Kobi Lane already feels at home with the Ravens in a recent article. Here is what he had to say about Lane's familiarity with the Baltimore organization:
"Theย Baltimore Ravensย didn't just add another wide receiver. They added a player whose story already feels connected to the organization in more ways than one.ย Ja'Kobi Lane was selected by the Ravensย 80th overall. He comes with intriguing physical traits, but it's the relationships behind the scenes that make this fit feel even more natural.
One of the most notable connections traces back to Todd Heap, a franchise legend who once served as a high school assistant coach for Lane. That relationship clearly left a lasting impression.
Lane didn't hesitate when speaking about Heap during a video call with the media, calling him a mentor and "one of the best human beings" he's ever been around. He credited the formerย Ravensย great with helping him grow not only as a football player but "tenfold as a man." That kind of praise says as much about Lane as it does about Heap, and it offers an early glimpse into the character Baltimore is bringing into its locker room."
Having a rookie walk into a new culture where he already knows what it means to play for a franchise as historic as the Baltimore Ravens goes a long way. Safe to say the Ravens will not have to try too hard to get Lane to buy in, and they are adding someone who will be a seamless fit.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Former Raven will ensure Ja'Kobi Lane fits Baltimore's new culture
For Hickory, Aneudis Mejia struck out five in 4.1 scoreless innings, walking one.
Marcos Torres homered twice. Dewar Tovar was 2 for 6 with a homer. Paulino Santana drew a pair of walks. Yolfran Castillo had a double and three walks. Josh Spring had a hit. Daniel Flames had a pair of hits. Esteban Mejia had a pair of hits.
Hub City starter Aidan Curry went 4.1 innings, striking out four, walking five and allowing two runs. Andrew Susac allowed a three run homer in 1.2 IP, striking out one and walking one. Kai Wynyard allowed seven runs in 1.2 IP, including four home runs.
Malcolm Moore had a double and a walk. Maxton Martin had a walk and a stolen base. Paxton Kling had a hit.
Frisco starter Josh Trentadueโs difficult 2026 continued, as he allowed five runs in four innings, walking three and striking out one. Ryan Lobus threw a scoreless inning. Eric Loomis walked two and struck out one in a scorleess inning.
Ian Moller doubled. Keith Jones II had a hit. Dylan Dreiling drew a pair of walks.
For Round Rock, Dane Acker allowed a run in 1.2 IP, striking out three and walking two. Robbie Ahlstrom struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings. Carter Baumler went 0.2 IP, walking one and striking out one. Ryan Brasier struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings. Michel Otanez walked two and struck out one in a scoreless inning.
Justin Foscue had a double. Cam Cauley had a pair of hits. Aaron Zavala had a hit.
West Virginia forward Riley Makalusky has committed to Lady Vols basketball out of the transfer portal, she announced April 29.
The 6-foot-2 junior averaged 4.7 points, two rebounds and 14.8 minutes in 25 games for the Mountaineers this season. She played her first two seasons at Butler.
"Whatโs up Rocky Top?? #committed" Makalusky wrote in an Instagram post.
Tyson Fury could take an interim fight before facing Anthony Joshua, but the long-awaited heavyweight showdown will not happen if Joshua loses his warm-up bout in July, says promoter Frank Warren.
Britons Fury and Joshua - both two-time world champions - have signed a deal to fight this year.
But Joshua, 36, must first get past little-known Albanian Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia.
"If he loses to this guy, it kills the fight," Warren told BBC Sport.
The head of Queensberry Promotions, which represents 37-year-old Fury, said the 'Gypsy King' will earn a career-high payday against Joshua, surpassing the reported ยฃ80m he earned against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.
But Warren said Fury does not want too much time out of the ring and may fight before facing Joshua in "late October" at the earliest.
Fury returned from a 15-month lay-off with a points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London on 11 April.
"Tyson wants to keep busy. That's the mentality he has. When he's in the gym, he goes to the gym for his mental wellbeing, as well as physically," Warren said.
"He needs focus, a date when he's going to fight, and at the moment we don't have that date."
Warren said he expects the loser of a Fury-Joshua bout to retire, or both may hang up the gloves after the one-fight deal.
"Tyson has made it very plain he'd like to fight [undisputed champion Oleksandr] Usyk again, so maybe that could be an option," Warren said.
Warren did not rule out the Fury-Joshua bout being held in Saudi Arabia, which is funding the fight, but he wants it to take place at Wembley Stadium.
"That's where everybody would like to see the fight," Warren said.
"It's the national stadium - that is where it belongs. We've had some great nights there in the past and that makes a lot of sense."
Hey all, hereโs your open thread for Wednesday.
Raise your kids to be kind (surprise Frankie Edgar cameo).
Blair Witch, but I might be basic.
Just gonna leave this here.
A geography head scratcher today.
Enjoy!
BOSTON -- It was the fourth quarter on the road in the TD Garden on Tuesday for the Philadelphia 76ers. It was do or die. Win or go home. Whatever clichรฉ one wants to use, the Sixers had to find a way to knock off the Boston Celtics and keep the season alive.
They found it on the defensive end as they completely shut down the league's No. 2 offense from the regular season. Philadelphia held the Celtics to just 11 points in the fourth on 3-for-22 shooting, and no field goals for the final 7:03 for the game as they missed their final 16 shots of the game. It was a far cry from the poor defensive performance in Game 4 as the Sixers swarmed Boston in Game 5.
"We just felt like we were just over helping a little too much last game," Quentin Grimes said. "They had a lot of wide open 3s. Thatโs what they like to do. I feel like today, we stuck to the game plan, stay solid, guard our man, and just made them take tough 2s."
The Sixers held Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to a combined 0-for-8 shooting in the fourth quarter. A lot of credit has to go to Grimes, VJ Edgecombe, and Kelly Oubre Jr. for their work out on the perimeter for Philadelphia defensively. Then, Joel Embiid cleaned up any mistakes those players made. Either way, it was an impressive showing for the Sixers in a number of ways.
"We guarded individually, and then we rebounded," added Tyrese Maxey. "That's the biggest thing. On the defensive end. We rebounded, and Joel communicated everything from the back line of the defense. So that was really good. VJ did a really good job guarding Tatum. Paul was on Brown, I think Q got on (Payton) Pritchard when he got in, and the rest of us kind of try to rebound and defend and guard our yard. So that was a really good job."
The Sixers even won the rebounding battle 16-14 in the fourth. They got the stops they needed before then turning to Embiid and allowing him to do what he does. It was a formula that allowed the Sixers to keep their season alive for at least another day.
"Then offensively, like I said, Joel was dominant," added Maxey. "He went to the post and he scored and scored and scored. He kicked something out, and we made some shots, and then we would play a little pick-and-roll down the stretch of the game, and got a couple of buckets, and we closed it out."
Game 6 is back in Philadelphia on Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers discuss their swarming defense in Game 5 win over Celtics
Spurs end 9-year drought, and Victor Wembanyama warning continues to rest of NBA originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Antonio Spurs took care of business on Tuesday night, and so they're moving on in the NBA playoffs, eliminating the Portland Trail Blazers in the process.
Believe it or not, it's the Spurs' first playoff series victory in nine years. For this franchise, it's been a relative wandering in the desert since 2017. But it was in the desert where they found their savior, Victor Wembanyama.
And at this point, the rest of the NBA already knows what it's up against. But just in case, Wembanyama does about 10 different things every night that remind the league that it should be very, very afraid.
MORE:ย LeBron reveals his own thoughts on the MJ GOAT debate
In the clincher against the Blazers, Wemby blocked a shot over the backboard. Like, above it. No one else does that.
He also had one of those spinning, slicing, "there's no way he finishes this with a dunk" dunks that makes no sense for any other human but him.
He's 7-foot-5, or 7-foot-4, or whatever height the Spurs decide to convince everyone else he is, but really, you could put any tall height number next to his name and everyone would be like, "Yeah, that sounds right." He might as well be 8-feet tall.
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Wemby actually had a tame night by his standards on Tuesday -- just 17 points (although efficient 5-for-7 FG, 1-2 3FG, 6-6 FT). He did have 14 rebounds, three assists and six blocks.
But the Spurs won by 19, never really threatened, and so Wembanyama didn't have to take the game over at any point.
There will be tougher foes than Portland, but the point remains. Wemby is at least getting closer to the peak of his powers, and that's a scary proposition for the rest of the NBA.
Nadaka Yoshinari successfully made the first defense of his ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title, outpointing challenger โMini-Hulkโ Songchainoi Kiatsongrit by unanimous decision in a five-round battle at ONE SAMURAI 1, which broadcast live from Tokyoโs Ariake Arena on Wednesday, April 29.
The rematch had been three years in the making. Nadaka had knocked Songchainoi down three times to win their first meeting at a regional show in Tokyo back in April 2023, and now, with the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship on the line, the Thai challenger had come to the Japanese capital to even the score.
Songchainoi played it safe in round one, tracking the evasive divisional ruler around the ring like a shadow while testing his responses. Nadaka, for his part, offered little for the challenger to work with, as he countered with intention whenever an opening presented itself.
The pattern continued into the second. The 25-year-old Eiwa Sports Gym product negated every opportunity Songchainoi had to land cleanly โ and even when he missed, he was never there when the Thai countered. โMini-Hulkโ did find some success with solid knees in the clinch, and a thunderous right hand briefly drew the Japanese superstarโs attention, but he remained in control.
Nadaka began doubling up on his kicks in the third stanza to keep the challenger off his back, but the shorter, stockier Thai kept pressing. The 25-year-old Samut Prakan native grew more dominant in the clinch, outwrestling the reigning king when they locked up.
The fourth was the most competitive of the championship rounds. The duo went kick-for-kick at the bell, volleying them back and forth before Songchainoi shifted his focus to the body. Nadaka responded by pumping sharp punches into his challengerโs face to reassert his authority.
Songchainoi came out firing in the fifth and final round, attacking relentlessly while Nadaka used his clinch work to neutralize the pressure. The Kiatsongrit Muay Thai Gym representative had the heart, but he never quite figured out the distance. Ultimately, Nadaka had all the tools to defend his gold on home soil.
The victory was a defining moment for the Japanese atomweight king. Having already made history last November by ripping through Numsurin Chor Ketwina to claim the divisionโs inaugural crown, Nadaka now stands alone as the undisputed ruler of the division. With the triumph, he improved his record to 67-6 and put himself on a shocking 41-bout winning streak.
Westlake's dominance of Class 6A high school golf in Texas continues.
Led by Henry Talarico, the Chaparrals won their 15th state golf championship with a six-stroke victory over runner-up The Woodlands Tuesday at White Bluff Resort. Westlake led by six shots after Monday's first round and held on Tuesday.
Coached by Michael Rome, Westlake's winning team of Talarico, Dylan Knox,ย JP Lynch, Luke Frey and Sterling Hurd finished with a two-day score of 578 (284-294). The Woodlands finished with an overall score of 584 (290-294).
Talarico was the best golfer on the course, finishing with a score of 142 (70-72). After a five-way tie for third place, which included Hurd (72-72-144) and Lynch ((70-74-144), Hurd finished tied for third and Lynch fifth after a playoff.
Rounding out the Westlake golfers were Knox (72-77-149) and Frey (81-76-157).
It marked Westlake's ninth team title in 10 years.
MORE:
Lake Travis had a fine showing at the state meet, finishing in third place, 25 shots behind the Chaparrals (303-300-603). The Cavs were led by Bennett Kuhns, who finished tied for third place (69-75-144) and MacKey Bennett (74-71-145), who tied for eighth. Rounding out the Lake Travis scoring were Brady Shelton (76-78-154), Elliott Cope (84-76-160) and Jack Rincon (88-86-174).
As for the future, Westlake's Hurd is a senior headed to Texas in the fall. Frey, also a senior, is heading to Emory University in Atlanta. Talarico, Knox and Lynch are sophomores.
Competing as an individual, Austin High junior Braydon Pratt (76-72-148) finishedย tied for 16th.
Competing as an individual, Georgetown's Rylan Hogue (70-74-144) finished tied for ninth place.
Bruins Believe They Had Right 'Mindset' To Force Game 6 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Bruins extended its first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres.
Boston lost both games at home to go down 3-1 in the series, and in Game 5, the Bruins played much better hockey. After going down 1-0 after the first period, Elias Lindholm tied it up midway through the second, and that was the last goal in regulation.
In overtime, David Pastrnak had a breakaway and deked the puck around Alex Lyonโs left pad for a goal and the win. It was a great performance from the Bruins, and head coach Marco Sturm was pleased with how his team played.
โItโs just the character we have in this locker room,โ Sturm said postgame on Tuesday. โItโs amazing. No surprise for me, though. We couldnโt wait to get out there today. Guys were dialed in. Our mindset was just there.
โOverall, this team never quits and always finds a way to bounce back. Thatโs for me, itโs character, itโs attitude, just being there for each other. I think thatโs the biggest thing of what we created this year.โ
With the win, the Bruins kept the series alive and forced a Game 6 at home in Boston on Friday night. After losing both games at home, Lindholm expects the team to play much better in front of the Bruins faithful.
โTheyโre going to see a different Boston Bruins at home,โ Lindholm said. โWeโre going to play the game weโve been playing here on the road. Take that home. We love playing in front of our fans. Itโs gonna be a real tough game for Buffalo to try to close out the series. Weโre going to make it hard on them.โ
Game 6 is set for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston.
More NHL:ย Bruins Win Game 5 OT Thriller, Bring Series Back To Boston
Adam Azim will make his return from injury against Steve Claggett live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 30 May in London at the Wembley Arena.
The undefeated Briton was scheduled to fight Gustavo Lemos in January before picking up an injury.
Azim was expected to reschedule that bout but the Argentinian decided to withdraw from the opportunity.
Azim v Claggett will be live on BBC One from 21:00 until 23:00 BST, with the undercard live on BBC iPlayer.
"This is another big step forward for me on my journey to a world title," Azim said.
"Steve Claggett is a tough, experienced fighter, he gave Teofimo Lopez his toughest fight, and that's exactly the kind of challenge I want.
"I'm ready to put on a great performance and show everyone why I'm destined for the top."
Canada's Claggett, 36, has a record of eight losses, two draws and 40 wins, giving him a big experience advantage over 23-year-old Azim.
Claggett has one fight at world-title level, losing to then WBO light-welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez in 2024 on points and has fought just twice since then.
Azim, who is unbeaten in 14 fights with 11 knockouts, is hopeful a win over Claggett will move him up the IBF rankings as he seeks to secure a world-title shot in the next 12 months.
American Richardson Hitchins recently vacated his IBF belt following a move in divisions and signing with Zuffa Boxing.
In the wake of Hitchins' decision, the IBF declared Mexico's Lindolfo Delgado the number one challenger to fight for the vacant title next.
Mark Allen's bid to become the oldest first-time world champion in the modern era gathered momentum as he reached the semi-finals with a 13-11 victory over Barry Hawkins at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
The 40-year-old Northern Irishman is aiming to complete snooker's Triple Crown having previously triumphed in the UK Championship and Masters.
However, snooker's biggest prize has so far eluded him in 19 previous attempts with his win over Hawkins earning him a place in the last four for only the third time.
Having resumed at 8-8, Allen took the opening two frames of Wednesday morning's session only to be pegged back by the 2013 finalist, who knocked in breaks of 70 and 83 in response.
The players traded frames before Allen constructed his third century of a high-quality affair to move 12-11 ahead.
In a dramatic final frame Allen took control with a break of 59 and sealed his passage to the single-table stage after the Englishman underhit an attempted snooker on the pink just seconds after fluking a red to give himself the chance to force a decider.
Allen said he felt: "Relief more than anything.
"Barry scored really well, he had 14 breaks of 50 which is a ridiculous level and to come out on top shows where my game is as well.
"I thought the second session was one of the best I have ever been involved in, it was really high-quality snooker.
"My heart sank when he fluked that red - I'm over the moon to get over the line. If you could have seen inner Mark when he didn't reach the pink, he was doing somersaults and then I potted a good yellow.
"I have won everything else, why can't I win this? I am thinking about it because I come here every year thinking I can win it for the first time."
Allen will now face either Wu Yize or Hossein Vafaei in a best-of-33 encounter that begins on Thursday at 19:00 BST.
Should Allen win the world title he will become the oldest first-time winner in the modern era, eclipsing Stuart Bingham, who claimed the world title in 2015, aged 38 years and 343 days.
LIBBY โ Maddie Willis hit a pair of doubles and Libby used an eight-run fourth inning to pull away from Ronan 9-4 in a Northwest A softball showdown Tuesday.
Marie Cheff got the scoring started with an RBI double to center in the third inning for Ronan (3-5).
Willis answered with her first two-bagger to left, tying the game at one.
After the Maidens added a pair in the fourth, Libby (5-3) responded with a big inning sparked by back-to-back singles from Dakota Allen and Leah Rusdal.
Tessa Purdy gave Libby the lead with a double to left that brought home a pair and made it 5-3.
When the frame ended, Libby led 9-3. Ronan got one back on a passed ball in the fifth, but got no closer.
Carmen Kohler went the distance in the circle for Libby, striking out eight and allowing four runs on six hits.
C-Falls 21, Browning 0
C-Falls 28, Browning 0
BROWNING โ Onnikka Lawrence had 12 RBIs on the day as Columbia Falls rolled to a doubleheader sweep of Browning.
In the first game, Lawrence knocked in three runs while teammate Kylie Gjesdal-Davis had six RBIs on a pair of long balls.
The Wildkats plated 11 in the third inning to take the win. Both games ended after three innings due to the mercy rule.
In the second game, Lawrence and Emma Branstetter each hit a pair of homers as the Wildkats scored 10 in the first and 18 in the second.
K Kagutosh had the lone hit on the day for the Indians.
EUREKA โ Josh Lambertsen keeps racking up wins and school records.
The Eureka senior won the 100, 200 and pole vault at the Eureka Elite Top 8 meet held Tuesday, and his 200 time of 22.68 seconds reset the school record he established Saturday at the Iceberg Invitational (22.71). Itโs unofficially the No. 5 in in Class B.
Lambertsen also hit his personal record in the 100, winning in 11.35. His winning pole vault was 12 feet, 3 inches.
The other multiple winner among the boys was Browning junior Robert Miller, who swept the hurdles. His time of 41.65 in the 300s was good enough to shade Eurekaโs River Traina and Browningโs Kayden Rutherford. All three hit PRs; Millerโs time since fifth in Class A.
The Indians found more gold with Jasiah Rider (800), River Racine (1,600), Royce Madplume (discus), Kayden Rutherford (long jump) and Noah Butterfly (high jump).
Libbyโs Colter Anderson won the boys 400, and teammate Urijah Bache won the javelin.
Besides Lambertsen, the Lions saw Benjamin Hughes take the 3,200.
The meet drew athletes from five schools: Eureka, Libby, Browning, Plains and Noxon, and Browning brought some talent.
Senior Teslin Trombley won four girls events: The high jump, long jump, triple jump and 100-meter dash. Her winning long jump of 16-10 was a PR (and is eighth in Class A), as was her 100 time of 13.52.
Other Browning victories came from Akira NightGun (discus) and Peyton Eaglefeathers (1,600)
Plainsโ Kalli Tuma was a triple-winner among the girls, taking the 400-meter dash as well as both hurdles races. Also notching wins for Plains were Reese Meredith (200), Savannah Costner (3,200) and Annika Ercanbrack (800).
Eurekaโs Gabriele Wells won the shot put and teammate Kricket Bridges won the pole vault.
MISSOULA โ The Russ Pilcher Top 10 meet went off without a hitch Tuesday at MCPS Stadium, the weather holding and the athletes flying.
Several records were set at the meet, which dates back to 1999 and draws top athletes from roughly 150 miles in any direction, including Helena, Boulder and Butte.
The Flathead Valley was well-represented. For example, Robert Merchant of Class A Bigfork followed up his second-place finish (in a personal-record 10.99 seconds) in the 100-meter dash with a first in the 200 in 21.71, another PR. That broke the 11-year-old record of 21.85 by Butteโs Dalton Daum.
Merchant owns the fastest 200 in Montana, regardless of class; he also helped the Vikings finish fourth in the short relay and second in the 1,600-meter relay.
Meanwhile Glacier freshman Kyle West clocked 22.37, the fourth-best time in AA.
A top race was the boys 800, where Helena's Axel Kowalski won a battle with Glacierโs Owen Theil by .35 of a second. Kowalski came across in 1:55.93, the fastest time run inside Montanaโs borders this spring.
Thiel did not run the 3,200, which Polsonโs David DiGiallonardo won in 9:29.22. In the same race Plainsโ John Jermyn ran the best time in B, 9:40.63, finishing second.
Plainsโ Cord Greer won a tight 1,600 โ Flathead's Carson Thorne and Jude Sparkman were 2-3 โ and now he and Jermyn own the top two times in B.
Cooper Pelc (14.45) and Liam Palmer (14.83) ran impressively in the 110 hurdles, though Helena Capitalโs Oliver Mow won. Another Wolfpack runner, Kruz Robinson, won the 300 hurdles Tuesday.
There was one double-winner, and he was impressive: Frenchtownโs Henry Griffin won the shot put with a record heave of 59 feet, 9.5 inches; and also set meet discus record at 186-2. Capitalโs Justin Jenks had held the shot record of 58-4 since 2018; Brandon Forson threw the discus 181-7 in 2011.
There were several top marks that werenโt records. Class C Superiorโs Landon Richards cleared 6-8 to win the high jump, the best mark in Montana (the record remains 6-9.25).
Whitefishโs Colby Minton ran the fastest boys 400 in Class A, clocking 50.39.
Bigforkโs Tamret Savik won the triple jump, leaping 46-4. Libbyโs Tristan Andersen was second in the javelin, throwing 167-56.
Capitalโs Cooper Nelson won the 100 at 10.76.
In the girlsโ 3,200, Polson junior Morgan Delaney didnโt run a PR but her time of 10:36.20 eclipsed the 10:38.08 run by Glacierโs Annie Hill in 2018. Glacierโs Lauren Bissen (10:52.12) and Libbyโs Capril Farmer (10:52.52) finished 2-3.
Meanwhile Glacierโs Dacia Benkelman won the 400 (59.70, third-best in AA) and freshman teammate Ada Thiel surged over the final lap to win the 1,600 in 5:02.70.
The Wolfpack found another winner in junior Allie Kruger, who hit a PR of 38-11 in the shot put.
Whitefishโs Ginger Berland hit two PRs: She won the 300 hurdles in 44.66 and finished third in the 100 hurdles at 15.09. Florenceโs Madigan Hurlbert (14.97) won that event, but Berland owns the fastest times in Class A in both.
Bulldogs sophomore Anny Boysen clocked 26.71 in the 200, fourth in Class A.
Delaney wasnโt the only record-setting girl. Seeley-Swan's Lillian Boyd marked 149-4 to win the discus; that knocked Polson legend Bree Fuquaโs 146-5 in 1999 of the books.
Missoula Hellgateโs Elly Reed cleared 5-7.25 to win the high jump, breaking the record of 5-6 by Corvallis Jane Booth in 2014.
On the track, Helena sophomore Quinlyn Simmons won the 100 in 12.31. The old record of 12.37 was run by Whitefishโs Brooke Zetooney in 2024.
Hamiltonโs Annalise Lewis ran the fastest girls 800 in the state: 2:12.57.
Full results can be found at athletic.net.
MISSOULA โ Sara Bjornson went the distance in the circle for Missoula Big Sky as the Eagles stymied a Bravettes for a 5-2 victory in Western AA softball Tuesday.
Bjornson allowed eight hits and fanned eight batters in the victory.
June Stickney threw a complete game for the Bravettes in the loss, allowing seven hits and striking out four. She added a pair of hits.
After Big Sky (9-3) got on the board thanks to a passed ball in the first, Hailey Nicoson extended the lead to 2-0 in the second with a big fly to center field.
Danica Hennell answered with a lead-off blast for Flathead (3-9) in the third to make it 2-1.
The Eagles added a run on a sacrifice fly in the fourth before Nicoson drove in her second run of the game on a single in the sixth. Big Sky added another run later in the inning.
Flathead put two runners on in the seventh, with Reese Rosenberg coming home on a passed ball, but couldnโt continue the rally.
Flathead is back on the diamond Thursday at Columbia Falls with first pitch schedule for 5 p.m.
Flathead 001 000 1 - 2 8 1
Big Sky 110 102 x - 5 7 0
June Stickney and Gwyn Hennell. Sara Bjornson and Hailey Nicoson.
FLATHEAD โ June Stickney 2-4, Sophia Torgison 1-3, Olivia Nyman 0-3, Macey McIlhargey 1-3, Tegan Strauss 1-2, Makenna Korf 0-3, Reese Rosenberg 1-3, Danica Hennell 1-3, Kinsey Lake 1-3, Gwyn Hennell 0-0.
MISSOULA BIG SKY โ Heaven Weaver 1-3, Sara Bjornson 0-3, Aubrey Bykari 0-3, Madison Norcorss 1-3, Logan Latrielle 1-3, Hailey Nicoson 3-3, Peyton Walters 1-3, Briella Wilson 0-2, Elise Regan 0-2.
2B โ Strauss. Latrielle. 3B โ Weaver. HR โ D.Hennell, Nicoson. RBIs โ D.Hennell, Nicoson 2, Wilson 2.
Windows โK2โ isnโt Windows 12, itโs better than that Microsoft has promised to make Windows 11 faster and more reliable. Over the years, goodwill towards Windows has eroded, and many users have begun actively seeking an alternative. Recently, Microsoftโs focus on Copilot and AI has accelerated this negativity to the point that Microsoft has started [โฆ]
The post How Microsoftโs โK2โ project aims to fix Windows appeared first on OC3D.
The post Dogecoin (DOGE) Price Breaks Above $0.10 as Open Interest RisesโCan Bulls Sustain the Move? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Dogecoin price is moving again, and this time, itโs not subtle. After weeks of sideways movement and repeated rejections below key resistance, DOGE has surged past the $0.10 level with strong momentum, now trading around the $0.107โ$0.109 range. The move comes with a noticeable spike in volume and renewed market interest, signaling a shift from passive consolidation to active participation.
But hereโs the real question: is this the start of a sustained breakout, or just another short-lived spike in a volatile meme coin cycle?
Dogecoin has broken out of a multi-week compression phase, pushing above the descending trendline that had capped its price since February. This breakout, combined with a reclaim of the psychological $0.10 level, marks a structural shift from a downtrend into a potential expansion phase. The move is supported by rising volume and a clear series of higher lows forming into the breakout, typically a sign of accumulating pressure before release.
However, the current price action also shows signs of short-term exhaustion. RSI is pushing into overbought territory near 70, suggesting momentum is stretched. The breakout candle itself is relatively sharp, meaning the price has left inefficiencies below. This creates a setup where DOGE may either consolidate above $0.10 to build continuation or retrace to test demand before deciding the next move. Meanwhile, the Supertrend has just flipped bullish after remaining bearish since January. This keeps the bullish hopes alive.ย
Key Levels to Watch
Open interest in DOGE futures has surged alongside price, climbing toward the $1.7Bโ$1.8B range, marking one of the highest levels in recent weeks. This indicates that new positions are entering the market rather than just spot-driven movement. Rising open interest with rising price typically reflects trend confirmation, suggesting that traders are actively positioning for continuation.
But this is where the risk builds. A sharp increase in open interest during a vertical move often signals leveraged positioning, which can amplify both upside and downside volatility. If price stalls or reverses near resistance, these positions can unwind quickly, leading to cascading liquidations. In short, while the move is strong, it is also becoming increasingly crowded.
The DOGE price is no longer in a passive rangeโit has shifted into a momentum phase. The breakout above $0.10, combined with rising open interest, signals real participation and growing interest from traders. However, the move is extended, and positioning is becoming aggressive, which increases the risk of volatility in either direction.
The key level now is clear: $0.10. If the Dogecoin price holds above this range, it strengthens the case for continuation toward higher resistance near $0.11โ$0.118. But if this level fails, the move risks turning into a classic breakout trap, with price likely revisiting lower support zones.
For now, the market is leaning bullishโbut the real test lies in whether bulls can defend the breakout.
The post Tether Invests $14M in Crypto Payments App Belo appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Tether led a $14 million funding round for Belo, a payments platform using crypto rails and stablecoins for faster, cheaper transactions. Belo helps users protect savings from inflation and weak local currencies, a major issue across Latin America. The funding is important as stablecoin adoption continues rising in the region. Next, Belo plans to expand stablecoin payment services across Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay, targeting more users and merchants.
The post First Prediction Market ETFs to Launch Next Week โ Bloomberg Analyst appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The U.S. ETF market may be about to enter a completely new phase. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart says the first-ever prediction market ETFs may begin trading next week, letting investors bet on U.S. election outcomes like regular stocks.
This comes after Roundhillโs latest filing showed a May 5 effective date, opening the door for six new ETFs tied directly to upcoming U.S. political races.
It all began on February 14, when New York-based fund issuer Roundhill Investments filed for a new group of ETFs linked to political prediction markets.
The RPM Democratic President ETF and RPM Republican President ETF are tied to the outcome of the 2028 U.S. presidential election.
The RPM Democratic Senate ETF, RPM Republican Senate ETF, RPM Democratic House ETF, and RPM Republican House ETF focus on the November 2026 midterm elections, tracking which party wins control of Congress after the votes are counted.
Now, these six prediction-based ETFs could go live as early as next week.
If launched, they would give investors a new way to take positions on political outcomes through regular ETF products.
Bloomberg senior ETF Analyst James Seyffart quickly noticed the latest filing and said,ย
โLooks like we are going to see prediction market ETFs launch next week.โ Roundhillโs filing now shows an effective date of May 5, signaling that launch day may be close.
Six funds are included, all tied directly to real U.S. political outcomes. These products would let investors take positions on which party wins control of the House, Senate, or future presidential races.
Seyffart said this is part of a bigger trend he calls the financialization and ETF-ization of everything, where almost anything people can speculate on may eventually become an ETF product for mainstream investors.
Roundhill may not be the only issuer launching soon. GraniteShares and major crypto ETF firm Bitwise also filed similar products in February.
Seyffart expects all issuers to launch around the same time, meaning the week of May 5 may bring multiple prediction market ETFs to the market at once.
I'm expecting all filers to likely launch on or around the same day. That means we should be on the lookout for @Bitwise and @graniteshares to have similar filings in coming days (or hours).
โ James Seyffart (@JSeyff) April 28, 2026
He added that investors should now watch for similar updated filings from Bitwise and GraniteShares in the coming days.
Prediction markets have grown rapidly in recent years, especially during major political events. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi became popular by letting users trade contracts based on real-world outcomes.
The two leading U.S. platforms reportedly recorded a combined $24.3 billion in trading volume in March 2026 alone.
Now, Wall Street appears ready to bring the same idea into ETF form.ย
If successful, these products could attract investors who prefer using regular brokerage accounts instead of separate prediction market platforms.
The post Bitcoin Price Prediction for Next 24 Hours Ahead of FOMC Meeting: Will BTC Drop After Powellโs Speech? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Bitcoin is heading into the Federal Reserve decision today with a stretched rally and weakening momentum, conditions that have historically triggered sharp post-FOMC sell-offs. After climbing more than 20% through April and reclaiming the $75,000โ$79,000 range, BTC price action is now stalling just below key resistance near $80,000. This setup has played out repeatedly over the past year, where strong pre-event gains were followed by rapid declines within 48 hours.ย
With Jerome Powell set to deliver his final policy speech today, markets are entering a high-volatility window, what comes next in the next 24 hours could define Bitcoinโs immediate trend.
Going into todayโs FOMC meeting, the rate decision itself is largely a non-event, markets are already positioned for a pause, shifting all attention toward Powellโs forward guidance.
โ Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) April 29, 2026
Aprilโs rally was driven by expectations of policy easing later in 2026. However, macro conditions remain mixed. Inflation continues to show persistence, while elevated energy prices are limiting the Fedโs flexibility. This reinforces a โhigher for longerโ rate backdrop, which typically constrains risk-asset upside in the near term.
Moreover, sentiment positioning further reflects this balance. The Fear & Greed Index around 40 signals cautious optimism, far from euphoric conditions, but also not at levels that typically support aggressive accumulation. This leaves Bitcoin highly sensitive to messaging. A hawkish tilt could trigger a rapid unwind, while even a neutral tone may struggle to extend gains meaningfully.
Bitcoinโs behavior around FOMC meetings has been consistent and data-backed. Strong rallies leading into the event are often followed by downside reactions shortly after. Recent outcomes reinforce this structure:
Across the last nine meetings, eight have resulted in downside within two days, despite largely expected rate outcomes. The underlying mechanism is positioning. Gains are typically front-loaded as expectations build, and once the event passes, profit-taking and leverage unwinds dominate price action. With Bitcoin entering todayโs decision after a strong April advance, the same pattern risk is elevated.
Institutional participation was a primary driver of Aprilโs rally. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded over $2.1 billion in net inflows across 8โ9 consecutive sessions, pushing price higher and reinforcing bullish conviction. This period marked one of the strongest short-term accumulation phases in recent months.
However, that momentum is now showing signs of fatigue. Inflows have slowed, and intermittent outflows have started to appear, indicating that large participants are no longer adding aggressively at elevated levels.
Derivatives data adds another layer. Open interest has expanded alongside price, but without corresponding breakout continuation. This divergence typically reflects hedging activity and crowded positioning, rather than fresh directional conviction.ย
Funding rates remain mixed, oscillating between positive and neutral territory, further confirming a lack of clear institutional bias. The implication is structural: institutions helped fuel the upside, but are now managing risk ahead of the event, leaving the market more vulnerable to volatility.
Bitcoin (BTC) Aprilโs move from the $65K region to nearly $79K established a clean bullish structure, supported by higher lows and consistent volume expansion. As Bitcoin rice remains above both the 20-day and 50-day EMAs, with the faster average maintaining a lead, confirming trend alignment. However, momentum is now compressing beneath a critical resistance band.
The $80Kโ$82K zone (R1) has capped multiple breakout attempts, with price repeatedly rejecting from this region. This behavior reflects supply absorption and short-term distribution, particularly ahead of a macro catalyst. On the downside, immediate support is located near $75K (S1), aligned with the rising trendline and recent consolidation base. A sustained break below this level would expose $72Kโ$70K, where the next significant demand cluster sits.
While the EMA structure remains bullish, slope momentum is flattening, indicating early-stage exhaustion rather than continuation strength. In current conditions, the structure favors a reaction-driven move, with downside risk increasing if support fails.
With positioning stretched and volatility compressed, the market is primed for a decisive move:
With resistance intact and institutional momentum slowing, the setup favors a reaction-driven move. If Powell leans hawkish, downside could unfold quickly, making the next 24 hours critical in deciding whether this rally continues or resets.
The post Bitcoin (BTC) Price Compression Signals Imminent MoveโHere are the Key Levels to Watch Next appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Bitcoin price is struggling to maintain its bullish trend after a couple of bearish pullbacks. The rejection from $79,000 pushed the levels to $75,600, but the bull somehow bought the levels back to $77,700. On the other hand, the volume remains consistent during the decline and the current recovery, raising concerns about the sustainability of the rally.ย
With a weak follow-through, resulting in the stacking of liquidity on both sides, it would be interesting to watch whether the BTC price breaks out above the consolidation or experiences a breakdown in the near term.ย
The BTC price has remained stuck within a rising parallel channel in the long term, keeping the bullish prospects alive. However, the consolidation may prevail for long as the short-term price action does not hint towards a strong breakout in the near term. The token is attempting a V-shaped recovery, but the upswing is expected to remain restricted below $78,500.ย
The hourly chart of Bitcoin suggests that the price is recovering, while the volume is largely uneven. While the MACD suggests a rise in buying pressure, it remains within the negative range. This indicates the bears may soon absorb this pressure, as both the RSI and Stochastic RSI have reached the upper threshold, indicating the possibility of a brief correction. However, CMF is incremental, which suggests positive capital flow, which may help the bulls to defend the local support. This indicates a small period of consolidation until the BTC price either breaks above $80,000 or plunges below $75,000.ย
Bitcoin is currently trading within a defined range, but recent price action shows growing pressure from sellers.
The $79K zone has already seen multiple rejections, confirming strong selling interest. Meanwhile, BTC is now testing the $76.9K levelโa key pivot that could determine short-term direction.
Bitcoin price is not at a breakout; itโs at a trigger. Reclaim $78.3Kโ$78.5K, and this shifts fast. That opens a move toward $79.3K liquidity, with breakout continuation possible. Lose $76.9K, and the structure gives way. That exposes $76.2Kโ$75.8K, where liquidity sits. Until any of them break, the BTC is believed to remain within a consolidated range, setting up a trap for the traders.ย
The post Bhutan Sells $206M in Bitcoin appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
According to Arkham, Bhutan is continuing its Bitcoin sell-off, recently moving another 100 BTC worth $7.83 million from its holding wallets. Since the start of 2026, the country has sold nearly $206.98 million in Bitcoin and now holds only $263 million worth of BTC. This matters because Bhutan was known for state-backed Bitcoin mining and long-term holding. If sales continue at this pace, Bhutan could fully exit its BTC reserves by October, signaling a major shift in its crypto strategy.
The post Ripple RLUSD Goes Live on OKX appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Ripple has partnered with OKX to expand its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD, making it available across more than 280 spot pairs and over 300 trading routes on the exchange.
The listing also allows traders to use RLUSD as margin collateral for perpetual futures, putting it in direct competition with major stablecoins like USDT and USDC.
OKX confirmed that RLUSD is now live on its platform and integrated into its Unified Order Book, providing access to deep liquidity across hundreds of trading pairs.
#NewListing: ethereum:0x8292bb45bf1ee4d140127049757c2e0ff06317ed @Ripple USD is a dollar-backed stablecoin designed for high-standard compliance, now integrated into our Unified Order Book for deep liquidity across 280+ pairs.โฆ pic.twitter.com/Xp5T66TI4q
โ OKX (@okx) April 29, 2026
The exchange also added full XRP Ledger (XRPL) deposit and withdrawal support, allowing users to move RLUSD directly through the XRPL network.
Beyond spot trading, RLUSD can now be used as collateral for futures and margin trading, expanding its role for active traders and institutions.
Ripple SVP of Stablecoins Jack McDonald said:
โAs RLUSD adoption accelerates, weโre seeing strong demand across both crypto-native and institutional markets, particularly for high-quality collateral.โ
OKX described RLUSD as:
โA dollar-backed stablecoin designed for high-standard compliance.โ
Also Read : Ripple News: XRPL Treasury Issuance Jumps 8x to $418M as RWA Adoption Accelerates
Using RLUSD as futures collateral gives it a stronger role than a standard payment stablecoin and places it against established market leaders like USDT and USDC.
The OKX integration improves RLUSD liquidity and gives institutions another stablecoin option for margin trading and settlement. It also increases utility for the XRP Ledger by adding direct deposit and withdrawal support for RLUSD on the network.
The next key metric will be whether RLUSD can attract sustained trading volume and institutional usage on OKX. Ripple is expected to expand RLUSD across more exchanges and trading platforms as it pushes deeper into the stablecoin market.
The post Bullish Expands Ripple Prime Access to BTC Options Trading for Institutions appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Bullish has expanded its partnership with Ripple to offer institutional users of Ripple Prime direct access to Bullishโs regulated Bitcoin options market, the second-largest by open interest for crypto-settled BTC options. This allows clients to trade options using stablecoins like RLUSD without extra KYC through existing sub-accounts. It matters because institutional demand for crypto derivatives and better risk management tools is rising fast. Next, planned cross-venue margin support could improve capital efficiency across exchanges and OTC desks.
The post Bittensor Price Analysis: Can TAO Rally Toward $370 as AI Narrative Strengthens appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
After weeks of consolidation, Bittensor (TAO) is beginning to flash early recovery signals as buyers step in near critical support levels. Bittensor price, currently hovering around $260, is attempting to build a base following its sharp decline from earlier highs, with price action now transitioning into a more structured accumulation phase.ย
At the same time, increasing open interest and renewed market participation point to growing trader engagement. Backed by a strengthening AI narrative and institutional inflows, TAO is now approaching a decisive phase, where a sustained push above resistance could trigger a broader move toward the $370 region.
The Q1 2026 marked a volatile but necessary reset phase for TAO. Bittensor price action opened near $300, dropped sharply to a low around $230, and eventually stabilized close to $251 by the end of the quarter, delivering a +21% recovery from the lows.
This movement highlights a classic cycle transition, where early euphoria was followed by distribution and correction, before finding a demand base. Importantly, the ability to recover into the quarter close suggests that selling pressure was absorbed rather than extended, laying the groundwork for the current consolidation phase. Alongside price action, ecosystem growth remained intact, indicating that the correction was largely technical rather than driven by weakening fundamentals.
Bittensorโs positioning as a decentralized AI infrastructure layer is gaining measurable traction. The network generated $43 million in Q1 revenue from real AI usage, supported by a growing ecosystem of over 70 active nodes, signaling that adoption is moving beyond narrative into execution.
Institutional alignment is also becoming more visible. The launch of a Grayscale TAO trust, along with reported allocations from major funds, reflects increasing confidence in AI-linked crypto infrastructure. This combination of real usage and capital inflows is gradually reinforcing TAOโs credibility within the broader market. The shift toward fundamentals-driven demand is now becoming a key factor behind the ongoing stabilization in price.
TAO price analysis hints at a clear transition from downtrend to accumulation. A strong demand base has formed in the $250โ$258 range, where repeated downside moves have been absorbed, indicating sustained buyer interest. TAO price is now holding above short-term moving averages, with early signs of a bullish crossover developing. The formation of higher lows suggests that accumulation is underway, with volatility compressing ahead of a potential expansion.
The $300 level remains the immediate resistance and key breakout trigger. A confirmed move above this zone would likely open the path toward the $360โ$370 supply region, where previous rejections occurred. On the downside, losing the current base would expose TAO to a deeper retest of the $230 support, invalidating the short-term recovery structure.
Market participation is beginning to expand alongside the improving structure. Futures volume has increased significantly, while open interest has risen over 10%, indicating fresh capital entering positions rather than passive movement.ย
This rise in engagement suggests that traders are positioning for a potential breakout scenario. If supported by continued price stability, derivatives activity could act as a catalyst for the next directional move.
TAO is holding firm above its key base near $250, keeping the recovery structure intact. A breakout above $300 remains the immediate trigger, which could quickly drive momentum toward the $360โ$370 zone as sentiment and participation improve. Failure to reclaim higher levels, however, may extend consolidation and delay the upside move. For now, TAO sits at a pivotal point, breakout or continued range.
The post FOMC Meeting Today: Powell Speech and Fed Interest Rate Decision Could Move BTC, ETH, XRP and Altcoins appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Today, the Federal Reserve is set to announce its April interest rate decision, and Jerome Powellโs press conference begins at 12:00 AM IST. The market maker tool currently shows a 100% probability that the Fed will hold rates unchangedย
Bitcoin is trading around $77,044 heading into the announcement.ย
According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the market is 100% sure that the Fed will keep the rates unchanged at 3.50%โ3.75%.
This rate decision is widely seen as a formality.ย
However, inflation is still above the Fedโs 2% target, and while growth has slowed slightly, the economy remains stable. Even so, the job market has stayed surprisingly resilient, payroll growth has been steady, and unemployment is sitting around 4.3%. Oil prices have climbed following
This gives the Fed little reason to rush into rate cuts.
Because of this, traders are not expecting any surprise move. Instead, all attention is on Fed chair Jerome Powellโs speech for the further timeline for cuts.
Jerome Powellโs speech is expected to drive the market. With his term ending in mid-May 2026, this could be one of his final major appearances.
Because the rate decision is already expected, markets are focused on his tone. Experts see two main outcomes for crypto.
If Powell stays strict and focuses on high inflation, rising oil prices, and delays rate cuts, markets may react negatively.
In this case, the U.S. dollar could rise, bond yields may increase, and risk assets like Bitcoin could face pressure. Crypto may see short-term selling, with altcoins likely dropping more than Bitcoin.
Looking at the past trends, it shows that Bitcoin can move 5% to 10% in a single day after such signals. This scenario would mean a longer wait for easier money.
If Powell sounds more relaxed and suggests inflation may cool soon, markets could turn positive quickly. A softer tone could weaken the dollar, lower yields, and boost risk appetite. Bitcoin and Ethereum may move higher, while altcoins could see stronger gains.
Even a small hint toward future rate cuts could act as a trigger for Bitcoin to break above its current resistance levels.
Crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe shared a clear view on Bitcoinโs current setup. According to his analysis, Bitcoin is holding an important support area near $73,500. As long as this level remains strong, the overall market structure stays positive.
Van de Poppe highlighted three key levels traders should watch closely tonight:
The first level is $80,646, which needs to be broken and held for further upside momentum. If Bitcoin moves above that, the next major resistance stands near $86,549, shown as the next big test for bulls.
On the downside, the $71,438 to $73,408 range is the key support zone that must hold if price pulls back. Lastly, Van de Poppe also pointed to $100,739 as the larger long-term target.
Former ZeniMax Online Studios founder and studio head Matt Firor has finally spoken openly about Project Blackbird's cancellation. Firor, who was behind the successful release of The Elder Scrolls Online and its continued support for many years, left the studio following Microsoft's decision to cancel the project after many years of development. Shortly after that news, he admitted that the two things were directly related. Now, speaking to MinnMax, he provided a lot more color on why he feels the decision to shut down Project Blackbird is a missed opportunity for Xbox. It's conflicted. I'm so proud of what the [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/project-blackbird-cancellation-matt-firor-xbox/
As Samsung's unionized workers grow ever bolder, egged on by the rapidly fattening purse of its memory business, which has spurred calls for pay/bonus hikes from other divisions as well, Samsung is eyeing the nuclear option of definitively splitting up the conglomerate by spinning off its semiconductor-focused Device Solutions (DS) division. Irked by rising calls of pay/bonus hikes from its less profitable business units, Samsung is eyeing a spin-off of its very lucrative DS division into an entirely different company The top echelons of Samsung's management appear to be in a panic mode ahead of an impending workers' strike, so [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/strike-chaos-samsung-threatens-to-spin-off-its-semiconductor-focused-ds-division-into-a-new-company-to-neutralize-union-leverage/
Users can now mix and match DDR5 memory on the latest Intel platform to achieve better tuning without worrying about compatibility. ASUS Rolls Out BIOS 3002 and 3103 to Mix and Match Memory, Allowing Users to Optimize Different Spec "Green" Modules on Intel Z890 and B860 At a time when DDR5 RAM prices are at an all-time high, many are looking at the JEDEC industry standard RAM modules, which typically bring lower clocks out of the box compared to Intel XMP or AMD EXPO-enabled memory modules. These adhere to strict standards and operate at a particular frequency, timing, and voltage. [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/asus-aemp-iii-brings-support-for-mixed-ddr5-configurations-on-intel-z890-and-b860-motherboards/
Lisuan's 7G100 gaming graphics card will launch on 20th May, becoming China's first fully domestic 6nm GPU with WHQL certification. Lisuan 7G100 Gaming GPUs All Set For 20th May Launch In China, Brings Wider Game Support Through WHQL-Certified Drivers China's first domestically produced 6nm GPU for gaming audiences is launching on 20th May, bringing wider support, and the biggest of all, Microsoft WHQL certification for drivers, joining the ranks of Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD. This makes Lisuan Technologies the first Chinese GPU maker to achieve WHQL certification, marking a significant progress for domestic producers. Lisuan also states much wider game [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/lisuan-launches-7g100-china-gaming-graphics-card-on-20th-may-6nm-whql-certification/
Intel continues to see increased confidence for its upcoming Foundry technologies, such as 18A-P, 14A, and EMIB. Apple & Google Will Reportedly Leverage Intel Foundry 18A-P & EMIB Technologies, 14A Customers Also Lining Up. The Agentic AI and Inferencing boom has led to a significant surge in CPU demand. This has led major semiconductor companies such as TSMC to face severe supply constraints, all the while going on a large-scale expansion spree to meet demand. At the same time, Intel has been driving revenue up by selling off salvaged dies, but the company is also attracting the attention of various [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intel-18a-p-pulls-in-apple-next-m-chips-emib-reportedly-wins-google-tpuv8e/
Adestto AI deploys 26 self-optimizing trading bots across Forex, gold, indices, and crypto. It provides real-time AI-verified signals and fully automated MT5 execution, with weekly AI tuning that adapts strategies to market conditions. You can manage risk with predefined profiles, automatic stop-loss, and news pauses, and control everything from a dashboard with Telegram alerts and built-in backtesting. Plans include VPS hosting and 24/7 disciplined trading.
Grocyy scans your grocery receipts, extracts products, prices, and store details, and organizes every purchase into a clean, searchable dashboard. It tracks spending by store and category, highlights trends, and helps you compare costs over time. Grocyy learns your buying habits to predict when you'll run out, estimate your next shopping date, and remind you before essentials run low. Use it to spot unnecessary purchases, control your budget, and save time without manual tracking.
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A Five-Year Digital Growth Journey in SME Empowerment and Global Travel Distribution with Visit OmanExplore five years of digital transformation...
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New US Weather Report: Severe Weather Outbreak Across Plains Midwest Monday Sparks Tornado Threat, Damaging Winds and Dangerous Storm RiskA...
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Canada Earthquake Near Detroit Rattles Ontario Border Region as Shallow Tremor Sparks Concern but No Damage ReportedA minor 2.9 magnitude...
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UKโNigeria Travel Celebrates 90 Years as British Airways Launches Special Fare Offers for PassengersIn celebration of 90 years of connecting...
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A senior Samsung Electronics official reportedly raised the idea of splitting the company in two at a recent government-industry meeting in a room full of government officials, while complaining about workers strike.
Samsung is facing what is probably the biggest workers strike, and talks of a semiconductor spin-off have allegedly surfaced in a meeting with the Korean government, as Koreaโsย MoneyToday (now deleted, via Jukan) reported.
The union, centered on Samsungโs Device Solutions division, is demanding 15 percent of this yearโs operating profit as performance pay, and the appliance workers want the same treatment.
The officialโs reported words were almost plaintive: we canโt match semiconductor compensation in the home appliance segment, yet this is what weโre fighting over.
Then, in the same breath, he reportedly acknowledged a spin-off would damage shareholder value and asked the government to take a flexible view on the matter.
Samsung has 4 to 5 million shareholders. Any formal spin-off proposal would hit them, and legal hurdles layer on top. Keeping DS and DX divisions under one roof purely because separation is inconvenient is a strategy, just not a good one.
The post Samsung might be splitting due to workers strike appeared first on Sammy Fans.
The wait is almost over for the official One UI 8.5 update of the Galaxy S25 series. Itโs all set to start rolling out in South Korea this week and in the Global market around the beginning of next month.
South Koreaโs rollout of One UI 8.5 is highly expected on April 30. We are hearing that the timeline for around a month, which precisely reveals the roadmap for the Beta 9 and Beta 10 updates for the Galaxy S25 series.
Tipster Alfaturk reveals that the official One UI 8.5 update will be released in two days. Initial availability is set for South Korea, and the date may be either April 30 or May 1.
As for the Global users, Samsung may begin pushing on a broader scale on May 4. This expansion should cover key regions, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The pace of distribution will enter a swift mode once the Global release of Galaxy S25โs update spreads. Users of โmany Galaxy devicesโ will receive the One UI 8.5 update between May 4 and May 30.
The tipster didnโt specify devices for this timeline, but we can guess plenty of those. Here, first comes the models running One UI 8.5 Beta builds. It includes the Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, S24 series, and Fan Edition models.
One UI 8.5 update is set to elevate Galaxy experiences. Samsung has improved design, deployed Ambient Design, added new AI tricks, and tweaked the design of various apps to offer a seamless and simplified user experience.
Source โ Samsung
The post Official One UI 8.5 update timeline rumored for Galaxy S25 and more appeared first on Sammy Fans.
Motorola introduced the Motorola Signature earlier this year in two colors - Pantone Martini Olive and Pantone Carbon. Now, a new leak suggests the brand will introduce a third colorway, which might be called House of Moto Indigo. Reliable leakster Evan Blass shared a bunch of images of this new colorway, revealing its design. Motorola Signature House of Moto Indigo version's leaked images The difference between this colorway and the other two Pantone models is likely to be cosmetic, so expect the new version to come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, a 6.8" 165Hz 1,264p LTPO...
The Realme 16 5G made its India debut earlier this month. A new leak now suggests the company is preparing to introduce the Realme 16x 5G, which will succeed the 15x that was announced in October 2025. According to the leak, the Realme 16x 5G carries the model number RMX5270. While a launch timeline remains unclear, the tipster has revealed its RAM and storage options, along with the available color variants. Realme 15x 5G The Realme 16x 5G is said to come in 4GB/128GB, 6GB/128GB, and 6GB/256GB configurations. It is also tipped to be offered in Endurance Brown and Glory White color...
The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as anticipation builds around a defining clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli, a massive Saudi Pro League fixture that could shape the direction of the title race. Both clubs enter this encounter in strong form, but one major selection call remains the talking point before the ball is even kicked.
This key clash arrives at a crucial stage of the season, with Al-Nassr sitting top of the table and pushing toward a decisive step in the title race. The club has built its campaign on consistency and dominance, while Al-Ahli remains firmly in the top three and determined to disrupt that momentum.
Al-Nassr holds a commanding position with 76 points, while Al-Ahli has gathered 66 points with a game in hand, making this encounter a potential turning point. The added edge comes from the Royalsโ 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture, a result still remembered as a warning that the league leaders are not untouchable.
However, Ronaldo and his teammates arrive on an extraordinary 19-match winning streak across all competitions, a run that has defined their season. At home, the club has been even stronger, winning 13 of 14 league matches, turning Al Awwal Park into a near-impenetrable fortress.
On the other hand, Al-Ahli travels to Riyadh in a confident mood, sitting third in the standings and coming off strong recent form. The club has won four of its last five matches, while also carrying momentum from its continental success. With names like Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney, the club blends experience and firepower in a way that can punish any lapse in concentration.
As the buildup intensifies, attention inevitably turns back toย Cristiano Ronaldo. The projections suggest thatย Ronaldo is expected to start and lead the line alongside Joao Felix, forming one of the most dangerous attacking pairings in the league.
Mane and Coman will likely provide width, while the Portuguese duo operates centrally, aiming to break down a disciplined opponent. However, reports suggest that Inigo Martinez is โlikely to miss the matchโ after experiencing minor muscle discomfort, though final confirmation is still pending medical evaluation.
Al-Nassrย projectedย XI (4-3-3):ย Bento; Yahya, Al Amri, Simakan, Boushal; Brozovic, Al Khaibari, Felix; Mane,ย Ronaldo,ย Coman.
Al-Ahliย projected XI (4-2-3-1):ย Mendy; Al Hawsawi, Ibanez, Demiral, Hamed; Kessie, Atangana; Galeno, Millot, Mahrez; Toney
Anthony Joshuaโs two-fight 2026 deal has been announced, with once again not part of the Britonโs plans, despite a resurgence. Wilderโs team have now reacted to the news that Joshua will instead face Kristian Prenga before a fight with at the end of the year. โAJโ was called out by Fury following the latterโs triumph [โฆ]
The post Deontay Wilderโs team sum up Anthony Joshua choosing alternative opponent for next fight appeared first on Boxing News.
Eddie Hearn believes he has a โgiantโ on his books who can bring a heavyweight world title back to Matchroom Boxing. The announcement of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury later this year looks set to close out a generation and welcome the new school, with the likes of Moses Itauma and Fabio Wardley poised to [โฆ]
The post Eddie Hearn hails โfuture heavyweight championโ after 11th KO in a row: โThat was scaryโ appeared first on Boxing News.
Hall of Fame inductee Tim Bradley sees only one man emerging triumphant in a potential showdown between and . It was reported on Monday that preliminary talks had begun for an all-American clash later this year, though Stevenson later denied any negotiations had taken place. If the two American stars do meet, several details would [โฆ]
The post Tim Bradley sees only one winner in Shakur Stevenson vs Devin Haney: โHeโs going to struggleโ appeared first on Boxing News.
ลampiyonluฤunu ilan etmeye bir adฤฑm kala Galatasaray'da transfer รงalฤฑลmalarฤฑna start verildi. Sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar Tรผrk oyuncular Bertuฤ Yฤฑldฤฑrฤฑm ve Deniz Gรผl'รผ gรผndemine aldฤฑ.
Fenerbahรงeโyi 3-0 maฤlup ederek zirvedeki yerini saฤlamlaลtฤฑran Galatasaray, ลampiyonluk kutlamalarฤฑ iรงin gรผn sayarken bir yandan da gelecek sezonun รงalฤฑลmalarฤฑna start verdi. Sezon sonunda yollarฤฑnฤฑ ayฤฑracak olan futbolcularฤฑn alternatifleri iรงin harekete geรงen sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar Tรผrk futbolculara yรถneldi.
Galatasaray gelecek sezonun kadro planlamasฤฑnda Bertuฤ Yฤฑldฤฑrฤฑm ve Deniz Gรผl'รผ gรผndemine aldฤฑ. Hucรผm hattฤฑna Tรผrk oyuncularla destek vermek isteyen sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar Portoโda sergilediฤi performansla dikkatleri รผzerine รงeken milli futbolcu Deniz Gรผl ve Baลakลehir formasฤฑ giyen Bertuฤ Yฤฑldฤฑrฤฑm'ฤฑ transfer listesine ekledi.
ลampiyonluk umutlarฤฑnฤฑ bu senede tรผketen Fenerbahรงe'de Dorgeles Nene'ye talip รงฤฑktฤฑ.
Son olarak Galatasaray'a 3-0 maฤlup olmasฤฑnฤฑn ardฤฑndan ลampiyonluk umutlarฤฑnฤฑ yitiren Fenerbahรงe'de takฤฑmdan gidecek ve kalacak oyuncular da belli olacak. Sezonun bitmesine kฤฑsa bir sรผre kala da teklifler gelmeye baลladฤฑ.
NENE'YE TALฤฐP VAR
Almanya'dan Borussia Dortmund'un 23 yaลฤฑndaki Nene'ye talip olduฤu รถฤrenildi. Borussia Dortmund, Dorgeles Nene transferi iรงin Fenerbahรงe'ye ilgi mektubu gรถnderdi. Fenerbahรงe'de bu sezon 39 maรงta sรผre bulan Malili futbolcu, 11 gol attฤฑ ve 10 asist yaptฤฑ.
Galatasaray'da Lucas Torreira'nฤฑn geleceฤi belirsizliฤini korurken sรผrpriz bir iddia gรผndeme geldi. Baลarฤฑlฤฑ futbolcunun aลk acฤฑsฤฑ รงektiฤi iรงin takฤฑmdan ayrฤฑlmak istediฤi รถฤrenildi.
Galatasaray'ฤฑn baลarฤฑlฤฑ futbolcusu Lucas Torreira ile yolun sonuna geldi gibi duruyor...Tรผrk oyuncu Devrim รzkan ile bir dargฤฑn bir barฤฑลฤฑk aลk yaลayan baลarฤฑlฤฑ futbolcunun ayrฤฑlฤฑฤฤฑn ardฤฑndan sฤฑkฤฑntฤฑlฤฑ gรผnler geรงirdiฤi รถฤrenildi.
TAKIMDAN AYRILMAK ฤฐSTฤฐYOR
Torreira'nฤฑn takฤฑmdan ayrฤฑlmak istediฤi รถฤrenildi. Baลarฤฑlฤฑ futbolcunun Devrim รzkan'dan ayrฤฑlmasฤฑnฤฑn ardฤฑndan aลk acฤฑsฤฑnฤฑ atlatamadฤฑฤฤฑ bu nedenle รผlkesine geri dรถnmek istediฤi รถฤrenildi. Torreira, ayrฤฑldฤฑktan sonra katฤฑldฤฑฤฤฑ bir programda Devrim รzkan'a aลฤฑk olduฤunu itiraf etmiลti.
Galatasaray'ฤฑn ara transfer dรถneminde kadrosuna kattฤฑฤฤฑ Noa Lang'ฤฑn geleceฤi netleลti. Baลarฤฑlฤฑ futbolcu sezon sonunda Napoli'ye geri dรถnecek.
ลampiyonluk iรงin geri sayฤฑma geรงen Galatasaray bir yandan da yeni sezon iรงin kadro รงalฤฑลmalarฤฑna start verdi. Teknik direktรถr Okan Buruk takฤฑmda kalacak ve gidecek oyuncularฤฑ belirlemeye baลladฤฑ. Ara transfer dรถneminde Napoli'den kiralฤฑk olarak Galatasaray'ฤฑn kadrosuna dahil olan Lang'ฤฑn geleceฤi de netlik kazandฤฑ.
GERฤฐ DรNECEK
ฤฐtalyan basฤฑnฤฑndan La Gazzetta dello Sport'ta yer alan haber gรถre; Ara transfer dรถneminde sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑ ekibe kiralฤฑk olarak transfer olan Noa Lang, sezon sonu Napoli'ye geri dรถnebilir. Haberde Galatasaray'ฤฑn Noa Lang'ฤฑn satฤฑn alma opsiyonunu kullanmama kararฤฑ aldฤฑฤฤฑ vurgulandฤฑ.
BEลฤฐKTAล ฤฐSTฤฐYORDU
รte yandan son gรผnlerde Noa Lang iรงin Beลiktaล iddiasฤฑda gรผndeme gelmiลti. Beลiktaล Baลkanฤฑ Serdal Adalฤฑ'nฤฑn transfer iรงin bizzat harekete geรงtiฤi ve Napoli kulรผbรผyle iletiลim halinde olduฤu รถฤrenilmiลti. Lang'ฤฑn nasฤฑl bir karar vereceฤi ise henรผz bilinmiyor.
Galatasaray รaฤdaล Faktoring gelecek sezon hazฤฑrlฤฑklarฤฑna baลladฤฑ. Sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar geรงen sezonu Fenerbahรงe'de tamamlayan milli oyuncu Sevgi Uzun'la anlaลma saฤladฤฑ.
Fenerbahรงe Kadฤฑn Basketbol Takฤฑmฤฑ sezonu bรผyรผk baลarฤฑlarla bitirmiล ve kazanฤฑlmadฤฑk kupa bฤฑrakmamฤฑลtฤฑ. Yeni sezon รถncesi Fenerbahรงe'de sรผrpriz bir ayrฤฑlฤฑk yaลanacak.
Fenerbahรงe Kadฤฑn Basketbol Takฤฑmฤฑ'nฤฑn milli oyuncusu Sevgi Uzun'un ezeli rakip Galatasaray ile iki yฤฑllฤฑk anlaลma saฤladฤฑฤฤฑ iddia edildi. ฤฐddialara gรถre, Galatasaray, geรงen sezonu Fenerbahรงe'de tamamlayan milli oyuncu Sevgi Uzun'la 2 yฤฑllฤฑk anlaลma saฤladฤฑ.
KISA SรREDE ฤฐMZA ATACAK
A Milli Takฤฑm havuzunda da yer alan 27 yaลฤฑndaki oyuncunun kฤฑsa sรผre iรงinde resmi sรถzleลmeye imza atmasฤฑ bekleniyor. Kariyerinde Beลiktaล altyapฤฑsฤฑndan yetiลtikten sonra รukurova Basketbol, Ormanspor, BOTAล ve Fenerbahรงe gibi รถnemli kulรผplerde forma giyen Sevgi Uzun, รถzellikle oyun kurma becerisi, saha gรถrรผลรผ ve skorer kimliฤiyle รถne รงฤฑkฤฑyor.
Fenerbahรงe, Galatasaray'a 3-0 maฤlup olmasฤฑnฤฑn ardฤฑndan teknik direktรถr Domenico Tedesco ve ekibi ile yollarฤฑnฤฑ ayฤฑrmฤฑลtฤฑ. Tedesco, bugรผn Samandฤฑra'ya gelerek futbolcularla vedalaลtฤฑ. Fenerbahรงe'den konuya dair aรงฤฑklama geldi.
Fenerbahรงe'de yรถnetim radikal bir karar alarak teknik direktรถr Domenico Tedesco ve ekibiyle yollarฤฑnฤฑ ayฤฑrdฤฑ. Tedesco, bugรผn Samandฤฑra'ya geldi. Taraftarlarฤฑn yoฤun ilgisiyle karลฤฑlaลan tecrรผbeli teknik adam futbolcularla da vedalaลtฤฑ.
FENERBAHรE'DEN AรIKLAMA GELDฤฐ
รte yandan Fenerbahรงe'den de aรงฤฑklama geldi:
-Sezon baลฤฑnda futbol takฤฑmฤฑmฤฑzฤฑn teknik direktรถrlรผk gรถrevine getirilen, geรงtiฤimiz gรผnlerde ise kulรผbรผmรผzle yollarฤฑ ayrฤฑlan Teknik Direktรถr Domenico Tedesco, bugรผn Fenerbahรงe Can Bartu Tesislerimize gelerek futbolcularฤฑmฤฑzla vedalaลtฤฑ. Duygularฤฑnฤฑ paylaลan teknik adam, ardฤฑndan oyuncularฤฑmฤฑza baลarฤฑ dileklerini iletti. Domenico Tedesco ve ekibine kulรผbรผmรผze yaptฤฑklarฤฑ katkฤฑlardan dolayฤฑ teลekkรผr eder; bundan sonraki kariyerlerinde baลarฤฑlar dileriz.
Galatasaray, bu akลam RAMS Park'ta taraftara aรงฤฑk antrenman gerรงekleลtirecek.
Galatasaray, 29 Nisan รarลamba gรผnรผ RAMS Park'ta taraftara aรงฤฑk antrenman dรผzenleneceฤini aรงฤฑklamฤฑลtฤฑ. Antrenman bu akลam gerรงekleลtirilecek.
รte yandan Galatasaray; Elmander, Hasan Kabze, Hakan รnsal, Suat Kaya, Emre Aลฤฑk, Necati Ateล, Hasan ลaล gibi eski oyuncularฤฑ taraftara aรงฤฑk antrenmana davet etti.
Sarฤฑ - kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar, bu akลam saat 20.00โde RAMS Parkโta taraftara aรงฤฑk antrenman gerรงekleลtirecek.
Premyer Liqa klublarฤฑnฤฑn ikinci komandalarฤฑ arasฤฑnda tษลkil edilmiล ฦvษzedicilษr Liqasฤฑnda 24-cรผ turun tษyinatlarฤฑ aรงฤฑqlanฤฑb.
Arena.az xษbษr verir ki, bu barษdษ Peลษkar Futbol Liqasฤฑnฤฑn (PFL) rษsmi saytฤฑ mษlumat yayฤฑb.
24-cรผ tura aprelin 30-da start verilษcษk. Turun qalan gรถrรผลlษri mayฤฑn 1-dษ keรงirilษcษk.
ฦvษzedicilษr Liqasฤฑ
24-cรผ tur
30 aprel
โSumqayฤฑt-2โ โ โNeftรงi-2โ
Hakimlษr: Fษridษ Lรผtfษliyeva, Safalฤฑ Aฤayev, Cavid รmษrov, ฤฐrลad Aydฤฑnov.
Hakim-inspektor: ฤฐmanxan Sultani.
AFFA nรผmayษndษsi: Nษriman Axundov.
โSumqayฤฑt Arenaโ (ehtiyat meydanรงa), 14:00.
โลamaxฤฑ-2โ โ โTuran Tovuz-2โ
Hakimlษr: Xษlil Xษlilov, Sษbuhi Soltanov, Sษbuhi ฦmrahov, Samir Hรผseynov.
Hakim-inspektor: Munis Abdullayev.
AFFA nรผmayษndษsi: Elman Musayev.
ลamaxฤฑ ลษhษr stadionu, 16:00.
1 may
โQarabaฤ-2โ โ โZirษ-2โ
Hakimlษr: Niyaz ฦhmษdov, Mirnihad Seyidov, Ruslan Mษmmษdov, Lษman ฦmirli.
Hakim-inspektor: Asim Xudiyev.
AFFA nรผmayษndษsi: Mษmmษdษli Mษmmษdov.
Binษ qษsษbษ stadionu, 12:00.
โSabah-2โ โ โKษpษz-2โ
Hakimlษr: Cavid Cษlilov, Kamran Bayramov, ฦkbษr ฦliyev, Ceyhun Hรผseynov.
Hakim-inspektor: Feyzulla Feyzullayev.
AFFA nรผmayษndษsi: Zรผmrรผd Aฤayeva.
โBayฤฑl Arenaโ, 16:00.
โAraz-Naxรงฤฑvan-2โ โ โQษbษlษ-2โ
Hakimlษr: Nazim Abdullayev, Asif Abdullayev, Tural Bayramov, Samir Musayev.
Hakim-inspektor: ฦmrah ฤฐbrahimov.
AFFA nรผmayษndษsi: Zaur Hacฤฑ-Mษhษrrษmov.
Binษ qษsษbษ stadionu, 17:00.
Bu gรผn AFFA ฤฐntizam Komitษsinin nรถvbษti iclasฤฑ keรงirilib, ฤฐkinci Liqanฤฑn 24-cรผ turunun oyunlarฤฑ ilษ baฤlฤฑ aลaฤฤฑdakฤฑ bษzi qษbul edilib.
Arena.az AFFA-nฤฑn rษsmi saytฤฑna istinadษn hษmin qษrarlarฤฑn siyahฤฑsฤฑnฤฑ tษqdim edir:
โAraz Saatlฤฑโ โ โGรถygรถlโ oyununda โGรถygรถlโรผn 4 futbolรงusu sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn sรถzรผgedษn komanda 70 manat cษrimษ edilib.
โXankษndiโ โ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ oyununda โXankษndiโnin 4 futbolรงusu sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn sรถzรผgedษn komanda 70 manat cษrimษ edilib. Oyunun 90+4-cรผ dษqiqษsindษ โXankษndiโnin futbolรงusu Elvin Nษsibov ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyunluq cษza alฤฑb. โXankษndiโ buna gรถrษ 50 manat cษrimษ รถdษyษcษk. Oyunun 90+10-cu dษqiqษsindษ โXankษndiโnin futbolรงusu Mรผลfiq Teymurov hakimin qษrarฤฑna etiraza gรถrษ ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyunluq cษza alฤฑb. โXankษndiโ buna gรถrษ 250 manat cษrimษ edilib. Meydanรงaya kษnar ษลya atฤฑldฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โXankษndiโ 200 manat cษrimษ edilib. Oyunun 90+8-ci dษqiqษsindษ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโฤฑn futbolรงusu รlvi Sarฤฑyev qeyri-etik ifadษ vษ ya hษrษkษtษ gรถrษ birbaลa qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 3 oyunluq cษza alฤฑb. โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ buna gรถrษ 800 manat cษrimษ edilib. Oyun bitdikdษn sonra โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโฤฑn futbolรงusu Hakan Hษsษnov ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyunluq cษza alฤฑb. Lรถkbatan komandasฤฑ buna gรถrษ 50 manat cษrimษ edilib.
Bu gรผn AFFA ฤฐntizam Komitษsinin nรถvbษti iclasฤฑ keรงirilib, Premyer Liqanฤฑn 29-cu turunun oyunlarฤฑ ilษ baฤlฤฑ bษzi qษrarlar qษbul edilib.
Arena.az AFFA-nฤฑn rษsmi saytฤฑna istinadษn hษmin qษrarlarฤฑn siyahฤฑsฤฑnฤฑ tษqdim edir:
Premyer Liqa, 29-cu tur
โฤฐmiลliโ โ โSumqayฤฑtโ oyununda โฤฐmiลliโdษ 5 nษfษr sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn sรถzรผgedษn komanda 700 manat cษrimษ edilib. Oyun โSumqayฤฑtโฤฑn formasฤฑnda qรผsurlar olmasฤฑ sษbษbindษn gec baลladฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ sรถzรผgedษn klub 1500 manat cษrimษ edilib. โSumqayฤฑtฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn futbolรงularฤฑnฤฑn รผnvanฤฑna kรผtlษvi ลษkildษ tษhqiramiz ifadษlษr sษslษndirildiyinษ vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 4-cรผ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ sรถzรผgedษn klub 8000 manat cษrimษ รถdษyษcษk. Oyun bitdikdษn sonra โSumqayฤฑtโฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn pirotexniki vasitษdษn istifadษ edildiyinษ gรถrษ bu komanda daha 3000 manat cษrimษ edilib.
โลamaxฤฑโ โ โKษpษzโ oyununda โKษpษzโdษ 5 nษfษr sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn sรถzรผgedษn komanda 700 manat cษrimษ edilib.
โNeftรงiโ โ โQarabaฤโ oyununun 90+3-cรผ dษqiqษsindษ โNeftรงiโnin azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn meydanaรงaya kษnar ษลyalar atฤฑldฤฑฤฤฑna vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 6-cฤฑ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ paytaxt komandasฤฑ 5000 manat cษrimษ edilib. โNeftรงiโ azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn kรผtlษvi ลษkildษ tษhqiramiz ifadษlษr sษslษndirildiyinษ vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 8-ci dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ paytaxt klubu 8000 manat cษrimษ edilib. โNeftรงiโ โ โQarabaฤโ oyununda โQarabaฤโฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn pirotexniki vasitษdษn istifadษ edildiyinษ vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 4-cรผ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ Aฤdam komandasฤฑ 7000 manat cษrimษ edilib.
โSabahโ โ โKarvanโ oyununun 64-cรผ dษqiqษsindษ โSabahโฤฑn futbolรงusu Aleksey ฤฐsayev ciddi qayda pozuntusuna gรถrษ birbaลa qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 2 oyunluq cษza alฤฑb. โSabahโ buna gรถrษ 1000 manat cษrimษ edilib. Oyun bitdikdษn sonra meydanรงaya kษnar ลษxs daxil olduฤuna vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 3-cรผ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ paytaxt komandasฤฑ 6500 manat cษrimษ edilib. Oyunun 36-cฤฑ dษqiqษsindษ โKarvanโฤฑn futbolรงusu Qavi Tompson ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyunluq cษza alฤฑb. Yevlax komandasฤฑ buna gรถrษ 500 manat cษrimษ edilib.
16 yaลadษk qฤฑzlardan ibarษt Azษrbaycan milli komandasฤฑ (U-16) aprelin 30-da Bakฤฑda tษlim-mษลq toplanฤฑลฤฑna baลlayacaq.
Arena.az xษbษr verir ki, Milli Komandalarฤฑn Tษlim-Mษลq Mษrkษzindษ hazฤฑrlฤฑq keรงษcษk U-16 ardฤฑndan Bakฤฑda tษลkil olunacaq UEFA ฤฐnkiลaf Turnirinษ qatฤฑlacaq.
Komandamฤฑz Litva, Rumฤฑniya vษ Gรผrcรผstan yฤฑฤmalarฤฑ ilษ mรผbarizษ aparacaq. Oyunlar Binษ stadionunda keรงirilษcษk.
Azษrbaycan yฤฑฤmasฤฑna dษvษt edilmiล futbolรงularฤฑn adlarฤฑnฤฑ vษ keรงirษcษyi oyunlarฤฑn tษqvimini nษzษrinizษ รงatdฤฑrฤฑrฤฑq:
6 may
17:00. Azษrbaycan โ Litva
8 may
17:00. Azษrbaycan โ Rumฤฑniya
11 may
12:00. Azษrbaycan โ Gรผrcรผstan
The vulnerability behind ZetaChain's $334,000 exploit had been reported through its bug bounty program before the attack but was dismissed.
South Korea's Hana Financial, POSCO International and Upbit operator Dunamu have moved their blockchain remittance system into live trade transactions.
Polymarket is reportedly in talks with the CFTC to restore US access after its 2022 settlement, following a limited US rollout in December 2025 focused on sports contracts.
The FTC order ties Mashinskyโs $10 million payment to a mostly suspended $4.72 billion judgment that can be revived over asset disclosures.
Ottawa says Bitcoin ATMs have become a key tool for scammers, as regulators move to tighten oversight of high-risk parts of the crypto sector.
Bitcoin fell after each new Federal Reserve chair began work, data showed, while Kevin Warsh gave mixed signals over policy for risk assets.
Our vision for Gemini is to build an assistant that truly understands youโone that evolves with your needs rather than providing one-size-fits-all responses. Today, weโrโฆ
The March 2026 core update broughtย what Google describes as a design โto better surface relevant, satisfying content for searchers from all types of sites.โ This confirms the simplest truth in search: people use Google to get answers.ย
Whether itโs solving a problem, learning something new, or making a decision, searchers want content that is genuinely helpful in their busy, on-the-go lives. If your content does that, it succeeds. If it doesnโt, no amount of SEO tricks, hacks, or magic bullets will get your content to show up on page one, let alone in AI Overviews.
AI Overviews went from appearing for just 6.49% of queries in January 2025 to 15.69% in November 2025 according to a Semrush study. Depending on the source today, AI Overviews appear for 25-50% of queries.
Itโs clear that search engines and LLMs are working together more efficiently today than just a year ago. Fast forward another year, and we can only imagine.ย
For any SEO focused on creating helpful content and understanding user intent, itโs a truly exciting time to be in the industry. Your genuinely useful content can be surfaced in AI Overviews using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and query fan-out.
Entire papers have been written on these two concepts alone. The TL;DR is that SEO today is about more than just keywords or counting backlinks. Modern search is designed to connect searchers with content that actually answers their questions and satisfies user intent.
These systems, and those still being implemented (see Googleโs blog on TurboQuant), are getting better at recognizing and dismissing thin, duplicate, or superficial content. Pieces that simply restate what someone else has already said online, lack originality, and fail to demonstrate legitimate real-life experience will continue to struggle to rank.ย
Depth, clarity, and expertise have always mattered, but SEOs who want to continue to succeed in 2026 and beyond are going to have to double down on these factors:
For many SEOs, this is a welcome shift. Itโs not about just checking off boxes anymore.ย
Sure, we still have to do those things. But the bar for what constitutes good SEO is being raised far beyond the basics. When search engines evaluate content today, theyโre looking for signals that SEOs and content creators are providing real value to searchers.
Small, local, or service-based businesses that rely on SEO-driven leads for revenue can use these same strategies, too. While success isnโt measured using the same metrics as it was just a couple of years ago, the result of good SEO remains: Get the business recommended before the competition for as many searches as possible.ย
Two years ago, this meant clicks. Today, it means visibility. AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI Overviews often recommend businesses without linking to websites directly, if at all.ย
A few tools have been developed to measure AI metrics, but these can get pricey, and as Elizabeth Rule said, โMeasuring visibility is like trying to measure a wave with a ruler.โย
This is why maintaining strong communication between stakeholders and the SEO team is so important. When success canโt be measured simply, a simple question of โhowโs business going?โ matters now more than ever. Beyond user intent, SEOs need to understand user behavior, mood, and temperament.
Here are five tips to get you started on creating content that is genuinely helpful:
Think beyond the initial query. What will readers ask next?ย
One of my favorite places to do research for this is the People Also Ask (PAA) section on SERP. For example, youโre writing about herniated disc treatment. Just Google โherniated disk treatmentโ and use the PAA feature to help you brainstorm more questions your audience may ask about the topic youโre writing. The more questions you click, the more ideas itโll generate.
E-E-A-T is an SEO hill I will die on because it works. Share your knowledge, case studies, testimonials, or firsthand insights. This builds trust when done right and when youโre creating for people, not search engines.ย
This is what the helpful content update of 2022 was all about.
Weโd all love to believe that everything we write is being read word-for-word. Itโs not. People skim. Theyโre looking for an answer while theyโre doing other things.ย
This is why clearly structured web pages are so important on both mobile and desktop. Use headings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs to help readers quickly find answers.
Authenticity sounds like a buzzword (and maybe it is), but people can tell when youโve used AI to write something or when youโre just publishing content for SEO.
Much as it pains me (an English major who loves to read long novels and write dissertations) to say, no one cares about your personal anecdotes or how many adjectives you can think of for your โsuperiorโ service. They just need an answer to the question they searched.ย
Avoid fluff or filler. Real-world, practical content resonates better than generic advice.
If someone called and asked you, โHow long does it take to change the water heater in my 1950s home?โ You wouldnโt need 1,500 words to answer them. The content you create on the internet should be the same.
If youโve been paying attention to GEO/AEO/SEO for AI, this might sound familiar to you as a little something called semantic triples. This sounds intimidating at first, but itโs really just sixth-grade English.ย
A semantic triple answers who, does what, for whom (or how). Remember diagramming sentences? Itโs the relationship between the subject, predicate, and object. It can be any subject, predicate, and object:
I first heard about semantic triples from Mike King during SEO Week 2025 when he broke down his concept of relevance engineering. If you havenโt watched his video on this topic, I highly recommend it.
The basic idea is that SEO is about your audience:
A semantic triple answers these questions. It provides structure and clarity. Itโs the โWho, What, and Howโ that Google told us about with the HCU documentation. Itโs also genuinely valuable information for searchers.
Knowledge is your superpower. Youโre the only person who can tell your story, explain your process, and show readers why your business or brand matters.
The most reliable SEO strategy remains the same with each new core update from Google: Create content that genuinely helps searchers.
Focus on the problems your audience is trying to solve, answer their questions fully, and share your expertise. Thin or derivative content wonโt cut it in a world of AI-driven search and retrieval systems.ย
Google and AI platforms are trying to do the same thing searchers are doing: find the most helpful content. If you respond to that need, your content will rise to the top, no tricks, hacks, or shortcuts necessary.
Fact: Agentic AI is making humans indispensable.
More than 40% of agentic AI projects will be canceled by the end of 2027. That is a prediction from Gartner published in June 2025, based on a poll of more than 3,400 organizations actively investing in the technology.
The reason cited is not that the agents do not work. It is that the humans deploying them are making the wrong decisions. โMost agentic AI projects right now are early-stage experiments or proof of concepts that are mostly driven by hype and are often misapplied,โ according to Anushree Verma, senior director analyst at Gartner.
Organizations are deploying agents without a clear strategy, without understanding the complexity, and without the governance to manage what happens when something goes wrong.
In other words, the agent is only as good as the human behind it.
This matters enormously for marketing. AI agents in marketing are real, accelerating and in many cases, necessary. Agents that select audiences. Agents that generate content. Agents that optimize send times, choose offers and orchestrate entire customer journeys autonomously, continuously and at a scale no human team could match. The capabilities are here today and growing rapidly.
But Gartnerโs data reveals a warning and marketing leaders who miss it will find themselves on the wrong side of that 40%.
The failure rate Gartner describes is not random. It starts with fear.
Fear of being left behind. Fear of watching competitors move faster. Fear of being the CMO who did not act when everyone else did. That fear is driving organizations to deploy agentic AI, not because they have a strategy, but because they cannot afford to be last.
The result is agents built on broken workflows. Agents fed with poor data. Agents operating without the governance structures that keep them aligned with business goals. The agents executeโฆ the wrong things, in the wrong ways, at the wrong times.
FOMO is not a strategy. And in the agentic era, it is an expensive mistake.
Gartner identified a widespread trend it calls โagent washingโโฆ vendors rebranding existing chatbots and automation tools as agentic AI without delivering genuine autonomous capabilities. Of the thousands of vendors claiming agentic solutions, Gartner estimates only around 130 offer real agentic features. Marketing teams investing in the rest are not getting agents. They are getting dressed-up automation with an agentic price tag. automation with an agentic price tag.
The consequences go beyond wasted budget. Gartner predicts that in 2026, one-third of companies will harm customer experiences by deploying AI prematurely, eroding brand trust and damaging both acquisition and retention.
A personalization agent that misreads a customer. A content agent that violates compliance. A journey agent that floods a churning customer with offers at exactly the wrong moment. These are the predictable outcomes of deploying autonomous systems without the human judgment to direct them.
The dumbing down of marketers
Gartnerโs third prediction is the most revealing of all. GenAI usage leads to the atrophy of critical thinking skills. As a result, 50 percent of global organizations will require AI-free competency evaluations.
Half of all organizations are watching their people get dumber because AI is always available to think for them. Quietly. Gradually. Until the day the algorithm is wrong and nobody in the room can tell.
In marketing, that is a crisis. Marketing requires judgment โ the ability to ask not just what the data says, but what it means. Not just whether a campaign worked, but why. Not just whether to accept an AI recommendation, but whether it reflects the brand, the moment and the relationship the company is trying to build.
Those questions cannot be delegated to an agent. They require a human being scrutinizing what a machine thinks is right.
The most dangerous marketer in the agentic era is not the one who rejects AI. It is the one who accepts everything it produces without question.
An agent can optimize what it has been given. It cannot question whether it has been given the right thing.
It can personalize a message based on behavioral signals. It cannot decide that the right move is to say nothing at allโฆ to give a customer space, to protect a relationship rather than extract from it.
It can generate a thousand content variations and test them. It cannot feel the difference between a message that converts and a message that connects. It cannot sense when a campaign that performs well in the data is quietly damaging the brand.
It can execute a journey flawlessly. It cannot design one that reflects what customers actually want from this brand, at this point in their lives.
These are not limitations that will be solved by the next model release. They are structural. AI is trained on the past. The irreducible human job in marketing is to bring judgment about what should happen next, even when the data does not yet exist to support it.
The right mental model for the agentic era is not human versus machine. It is a human plus machine, with the human in charge.
That is the foundation of Positionless Marketing. For decades, marketing teams operated as an assembly line with handoffs. Positionless Marketing breaks that model by giving marketers three transformative powers: Data Power to immediately discover customer insights for precise targeting and hyper-personalization, without waiting for engineers; Creative Power to create channel-ready assets like copy and visuals, without waiting for creatives; and Optimization Power to run campaigns that optimize themselves through automated journeys and testing, without waiting for analysts. Handoffs are eliminated.
The Positionless Marketer is a multidisciplinary thinker who deploys AI agents to go beyond traditional positions. Agents handle what used to require waiting for three different teams, eliminating the assembly line. The marketer is no longer waiting on anyone. They are thinking bigger, moving across disciplines while keeping human judgment at the center of every decision the agents make.
This is a promotion, not a replacement. But it comes with real demands. Marketers who can think strategically, not just operationally. Who can evaluate AI output critically, not just accept it. Who can take accountability for what the agents do in their name.
Gartnerโs Daryl Plummer stated it directly: organizations should prioritize behavioral changes alongside technological changes as first-order priorities. The technology is ready. The question is whether the humans in the marketing organization are.
The organizations that will win the next decade of marketing are not the ones that deploy the most agents. They are the ones that build the human capability to direct them well.Gartnerโs 40% prediction is not a warning to slow down. It is a warning to be deliberate. The difference between an agentic marketing operation that compounds value over time and one that wastes budget, violates policy, and erodes customer trust is not the technology. It is the human judgment sitting above it.
Marketing teams need to face facts in the agentic AI era: the agent is only as good as the indispensable human behind it.
Azษrbaycan tษmsilรงilษri รmummilli Lider Heydษr ฦliyevin anadan olmasฤฑnฤฑn 103-cรผ ildรถnรผmรผnษ hษsr edilษn avarรงษkmษ vษ kanoe รผzrษ โPrezident Kuboku 2026โ beynษlxalq reqatasฤฑnda ilk medalฤฑ qazanฤฑb.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, ฦlimurad Hacฤฑzadษ tษk nษfษrlik kayakda gรผmรผล mรผkafata sahib รงฤฑxฤฑb. Hacฤฑzadษ 2008-2009 tษvษllรผdlรผ idmanรงฤฑlarฤฑn mรผbarizษsindษ 200 metr mษsafษni ikinci keรงib.
Turnirdษ Azษrbaycanla yanaลฤฑ, รexiya, Gรผrcรผstan, Almaniya, Yunanฤฑstan, Qazaxฤฑstan, Qฤฑrฤฤฑzฤฑstan, Litva, Moldova, Rumฤฑniya, Serbiya, ฤฐsveรง, Tacikistan, Tรผrkiyษ, Ukrayna vษ รzbษkistandan 100-dษn artฤฑq idmanรงฤฑ iลtirak edir. Reqata mayฤฑn 1-dษ baลa รงatacaq.
AFFA ฤฐntizam Komitษsinin iclasฤฑ keรงirilib.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, toplantฤฑda II Liqanฤฑn XXIV turunun oyunlarฤฑ ilษ baฤlฤฑ aลaฤฤฑdakฤฑ qษrarlar qษbul edilib:
27 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ II Liqada XXIV turun โAraz Saatlฤฑโ โ โGรถygรถlโ oyununda โGรถygรถlโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 4 futbolรงusu sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn โGรถygรถlโ komandasฤฑ 70 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 43.1);
28 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ II Liqada XXIV turun โXankษndiโ โ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ oyununda โXankษndiโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 4 futbolรงusu sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn โXankษndiโ komandasฤฑ 70 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 43.1);
28 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ II Liqada XXIV turun โXankษndiโ โ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ oyununun 90+4-cรผ dษqiqษsindษ โXankษndiโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 9 nรถmrษli futbolรงusu Elvin Nษsibov ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyun oyuna buraxฤฑlmasฤฑn, โXankษndiโ komandasฤฑ 50 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 17.5, 17.7);
28 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ II Liqada XXIV turun โXankษndiโ โ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ oyununun 90+10-cu dษqiqษsindษ โXankษndiโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 88 nรถmrษli futbolรงusu Mรผลfiq Teymurov hakimin qษrarฤฑna etiraza gรถrษ ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyun oyuna buraxฤฑlmasฤฑn, โXankษndiโ komandasฤฑ 250 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 51.2);
28 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ II Liqada XXIV turun โXankษndiโ โ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ oyununda meydanรงaya kษnar ษลya atฤฑldฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โXankษndiโ komandasฤฑ 200 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 86.3);
28 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ II Liqada XXIV turun โXankษndiโ โ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ oyununun 90+8-ci dษqiqษsindษ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 44 nรถmrษli futbolรงusu รlvi Sarฤฑyev qeyri-etik ifadษ vษ ya hษrษkษtษ gรถrษ birbaลa qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 3 oyun oyuna buraxฤฑlmasฤฑn, โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ komandasฤฑ 800 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 52.3);
28 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ II Liqada XXIV turun โXankษndiโ โ โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ oyunu bitdikdษn sonra โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 77 nรถmrษli futbolรงusu Hakan Hษsษnov ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyun oyuna buraxฤฑlmasฤฑn, โQaradaฤ Lรถkbatanโ komandasฤฑ 50 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 17.5, 17.7).
โSabahโฤฑn futbolรงusu Aleksey ฤฐsayevin cษzasฤฑ mษlum olub.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, โKarvan-Yevlaxโla รงempionat matรงฤฑnda (2:0) qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ alan yarฤฑmmรผdafiษรงi iki oyunluq diskvalifikasiya edilib. Bu barษdษ AFFA ฤฐntizam Komitษsinin iclasฤฑnda qษrar qษbul edilib.
Klub futbolรงunun โqฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑโ almasฤฑna gรถrษ 1000 manat cษrimษ รถdษyษcษk.
AFFA ฤฐntizam Komitษsinin iclasฤฑ keรงirilib.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, toplantฤฑda Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnฤฑn XXIX oyunlarฤฑ ilษ baฤlฤฑ aลaฤฤฑdakฤฑ qษrarlar qษbul edilib:
25 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โฤฐmiลliโ โ โSumqayฤฑtโ oyununda โฤฐmiลliโ komandasฤฑnda 5 nษfษr sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn โฤฐmiลliโ komandasฤฑ 700 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 43.1);
25 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โฤฐmiลliโ โ โSumqayฤฑtโ oyunu โSumqayฤฑtโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn formasฤฑnda qรผsurlar olmasฤฑ sษbษbindษn gec baลladฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โSumqayฤฑtโ komandasฤฑ 1500 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 83.5);
25 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โฤฐmiลliโ โ โSumqayฤฑtโ oyununda โSumqayฤฑtโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn futbolรงularฤฑnฤฑn รผnvanฤฑna kรผtlษvi ลษkildษ tษhqiramiz ifadษlษr sษslษndirildiyinษ vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 4-cรผ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โSumqayฤฑtโ komandasฤฑ 8000 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 52.5);
25 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โฤฐmiลliโ โ โSumqayฤฑtโ oyunu bitdikdษn sonra โSumqayฤฑtโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn pirotexniki vasitษdษn istifadษ edildiyinษ gรถrษ โSumqayฤฑtโ komandasฤฑ 3000 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 86.3);
26 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โลamaxฤฑโ โ โKษpษzโ oyununda โKษpษzโ komandasฤฑnda 5 nษfษr sarฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn โKษpษzโ komandasฤฑ 700 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 43.1);
26 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โNeftรงiโ โ โQarabaฤโ oyununun 90+3-cรผ dษqiqษsindษ โNeftรงiโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn meydanaรงaya kษnar ษลyalar atฤฑldฤฑฤฤฑna vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 6-cฤฑ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โNeftรงiโ komandasฤฑ 5000 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 86.3);
26 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โNeftรงiโ โ โQarabaฤโ oyununda โNeftรงiโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn kรผtlษvi ลษkildษ tษhqiramiz ifadษlษr sษslษndirildiyinษ vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 8-ci dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โNeftรงiโ komandasฤฑ 8000 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 52.5);
26 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โNeftรงiโ โ โQarabaฤโ oyununda โQarabaฤโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn azarkeลlษri tษrษfindษn pirotexniki vasitษdษn istifadษ edildiyinษ vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 4-cรผ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โQarabaฤโ komandasฤฑ 7000 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 86.3);
27 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โSabahโ โ โKarvan-Yevlaxโ oyununun 64-cรผ dษqiqษsindษ โSabahโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 10 nรถmrษli futbolรงusu Aleksey ฤฐsayev ciddi qayda pozuntusuna gรถrษ birbaลa qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 2 oyun oyuna buraxฤฑlmasฤฑn, โSabahโ komandasฤฑ 1000 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 44.1);
27 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โSabahโ โ โKarvan-Yevlaxโ oyunu bitdikdษn sonra meydanรงaya kษnar ลษxs daxil olduฤuna vษ bu hal cari mรถvsรผmdษ 3-cรผ dษfษ tษkrarlandฤฑฤฤฑna gรถrษ โSabahโ komandasฤฑ 6500 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 86.3);
27 aprel 2026-cฤฑ il tarixindษ Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑnda XXIX turun โSabahโ โ โKarvan-Yevlaxโ oyununun 36-cฤฑ dษqiqษsindษ โKarvan-Yevlaxโ komandasฤฑnฤฑn 19 nรถmrษli futbolรงusu Qavi Tompson ikinci sarฤฑdan qฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ vษrษqษ aldฤฑฤฤฑ รผรงรผn 1 oyun oyuna buraxฤฑlmasฤฑn, โKarvan-Yevlaxโ komandasฤฑ 500 manat cษrimษ edilsin (maddษ 17.5, 17.7);
AFFA-nฤฑn vitse-prezidenti vษ ฤฐcraiyyษ Komitษsinin รผzvรผ Kรถnรผl Mehdiyeva UEFA-dan nรถvbษti tษyinat alฤฑb.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, o, qadฤฑnlar arasฤฑnda UEFA รempionlar Liqasฤฑnฤฑn yarฤฑmfinal mษrhษlษsindษ keรงirilษcษk โBarselonaโ (ฤฐspaniya) โ โBavariyaโ (Almaniya) oyununun UEFA nรผmayษndษsi olacaq.
Gรถrรผล mayฤฑn 3-dษ Barselona ลษhษrindษ yerlษลษn โNou Kampโ stadionunda keรงirilษcษk.
Misli Premyer Liqasฤฑna namizษdlษrdษn hesab edilษn โBaku Sportinqโ I Liqada 41 xalla dรถrdรผncรผ sฤฑradadฤฑr vษ ikinci pillษdษki โSษbailโdษn 2 xal geri qalฤฑr. รempionatda gรผmรผล medallarฤฑ qazanan komanda elitaya vษsiqษ yolunda pley-off oynayacaq.
โBaku Sportinqโin baล mษลqรงisi Rรถyal Nษcษfov โFutbolpress.azโa aรงฤฑqlamasฤฑnda ikincilik ลanslarฤฑnฤฑ dษyษrlษndirdi:
โรtษn turda โลimalโla matรงda gรถzlษnilmษz mษฤlubiyyษt aldฤฑq. Hesabฤฑmฤฑzda olmayan nษticษ idi. Oyuna yaxลฤฑ hazฤฑrlaลmฤฑลdฤฑq. Bizim kimi onlarฤฑn da xallara ehtiyacฤฑ vardฤฑ. รempionatฤฑn bitmษsinษ az qalฤฑb vษ hษr gรถrรผล xรผsusi ษhษmiyyษt kษsb edir. โลimalโa mษฤlub olmasaydฤฑq, indi ikinci sฤฑrada idik.
ฤฐtirilmiล heรง nษ yoxdur. Qarลฤฑda 4 final oyunu var. Rษqibin kimliyindษn asฤฑlฤฑ olmayaraq, matรงlar รงษtin keรงษcษk. Hษr komanda digษrindษn xal ala bilษr. รalฤฑลacaฤฤฑq ki, maksimum nษticษ qazanaq vษ mรถvsรผmรผ ikinci sฤฑrada bitirษk. Demษk olar, hษr hษftษ turnir cษdvษlindษ vษziyyษt dษyiลir. รรง komanda arasฤฑnda ciddi pley-off mรผbarizษsi gedir. Sona qษdษr mรผbarizษ aparacaฤฤฑqโ.
I Liqada ikinci yeri tutan komanda Premyer Liqanฤฑ 11-ci bitirษnlษ bir matรงdan ibarษt pley-off oynayacaq. Nษcษfov elita yolundakฤฑ mรผmkรผn ลanslarฤฑna toxundu:
โPley-offda kimin olmasฤฑnฤฑn fษrqi yoxdur. Rษqib istษnilษn halda, elita klubudur. Favorit dษ Premyer Liqa tษmsilรงisi olacaq. รรผnki sษviyyษ, keyfiyyษt fษrqi var. Bunlar pley-offda digษr tษrษfi favorit edir. Amma bir oyundan ibarษt matรงdฤฑr vษ hษr ลey mรผmkรผndรผrโ.
ลahin Cษfษrov
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Rafael Leao commented on the epic Champions League semifinal between PSG and Bayern Munich with a two-word message on X, but also reduced his social media presence by deactivating his Instagram account.
Milan star Leao deactivated his Instagram account, which was followed by over seven million users, after the weekend, when he was once again booed by Rossoneri fans at San Siro.
The Portugueseโs relationship with part of the Rossoneri fanbase has fallen apart in recent weeks as fans at San Siro booed him in the last two home matches against Udinese and Juventus.
The Rossoneri star remains active on X, where he commented on PSGโs 5-4 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal on Tuesday.
Leao used two Portuguese words to congratulate PSG and Bayern, in a message that translates into โreal footballโ, to which he added clapping emojis.
Leao has scored ten goals and provided three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this season, and according to Italian sources, the Rossoneri will listen to offers for him in the summer.
Futebol de verdade โฆ
โ Rafael Leรฃo (@RafaeLeao7) April 28, 2026
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manuel Ugarteโs agent Jorge Mendes has offered the Manchester United midfielder to both Juventus and Milan.
Manchester United midfielder Ugarte has been offered to Serie A giants Juventus and Milan by his agent Jorge Mendes, according to Gazzetta.
Ugarte, 25, has been struggling for playing time at Old Trafford this season, collecting barely 1,000 minutes on the pitch in 2025-26.
His agent is seeking an exit route for his client from Manchester United, and both Juventus and Milan have been informed of the midfielderโs availability to join them this summer.
According to Gazzetta, Ugarte is among the Manchester United players Milan can pick in a potential player-plus-cash swap deal for Rafael Leao.
Juventus, on the other hand, have prioritised another Jorge Mendes client, Bernardo Silva, who is available on a free transfer as his contract with Manchester City runs out this coming June.
According to Gazzetta, the Old Lady has already offered Bernardo Silva a โฌ7m-a-year contract until 2029.
Reports in Italy claim that Robert Lewandowskiโs agent has held talks with Serie A clubs, including Juventus, in recent days, while the Bianconeri continue talks to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer from Manchester City.
Juventus are preparing for a big 2026 summer transfer window, during which they are expected to sign a new central midfielder and a centre-forward.
Gazzetta and La Stampa report that Lewandowskiโs agent, Pini Zahavi, has been spotted in Italy, where heโs held talks with some Serie A clubs, including Juventus, in recent days.
According to the report, the Bianconeriโs priority is to extend Dusan Vlahovicโs contract before discussing with other transfer targets, especially Randal Kolo Muani, who will return to PSG after his loan spell at Tottenham.
Lewandowski is available on a free transfer as his contract expires at the end of the season, and the same is true of Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva.
The Portugal international has already confirmed that heโll leave Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in June, and the Bianconeri director, Damien Comolli, has continued negotiations with the midfielderโs agent, Jorge Mendes.
Juventus have reportedly offered Bernardo Silva a three-year contract worth โฌ7m per season.
The experienced midfielder is open to moving to the Allianz Stadium but is also awaiting offers from other clubs, especially Barcelona, before making a final decision.
Juventus are still fighting for a Champions League placement and sit fourth in the Serie A table, and, naturally, their qualification for Europeโs elite competition will be vital to have the financial resources for any big signing over the summer.
Canada star Jonathan David has had ups and downs in his first season at Juventus, but this doesnโt mean the Bianconeri will try to sell him in the summer.
David joined Juventus on a free transfer from Lille last summer and was the very first purchase completed by Damien Comolli.
David had made a name for himself in France, scoring 109 in 232 matches with Lille and becoming arguably the most popular football player in Canada. His transfer to Juventus only boosted his reputation back home, and even if heโs been unable to fully replicate his goal-scoring form in his first season in Italy, there have also been positive signs that Juventus and their coach Luciano Spalletti wonโt ignore as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
Some stats suggest that the 26-year-old is finally finding his footing, a reminder that in football, as anywhere else, nothing is ever guaranteed. This unpredictable nature of the game is exactly what draws fans to the thrill of chance. For those who love that rush,ย luckyhills-ca.comย offers an incredible variety of casino games where luck can turn in an instant. The platform also ensures a safe experience by offering responsible gambling tools accessible through both the mobile app and browser.
David has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 42 matches with the Old Lady this term. Quite far from the 20-goal mark he was accustomed to in France, yet over ten goal contributions in his first season in Serie A, probably the toughest league in Europe from a defensive standpoint, means Juventus might continue to rely on the Canadian in the future.
A recent report from Tuttosport has suggested that Juventus coach Spalletti, who has extended his contract until 2028, might offer David more time to settle in by testing himย in the summer pre-season, whenย Juventus will travel to Hong Kong and Australia for friendly encounters.
โFor me, I think itโs been up and down. I came to a new club with high hopes, high expectations, and obviously, I wasnโt scoring as regularly as I wanted to,โ David told TSN earlier this month.
โMaybe sometimes people donโt understand you, people donโt really know you so they tend to judge you but that doesnโt really matter because you have people that are close to you, who care for you, who understand the way you are so Iโm not really worried about that.โ
David also played down rumours that he does not have a good relationship with part of the dressing room.
โI donโt know how or why that rumour came out, but obviously I know it wasnโt true because Iโm in the dressing room with these guys, we get along very well,โ he insisted.
This was particularly evident in January when David scored and assisted in Juventusโ 3-0 win over Bergamo. Only a few days earlier, David had awkwardly missed a penalty kick in a home draw against Lecce, but when he found the net against Sassuolo, all Juventus players ran towards him to hug him.
Manchester United may reportedly be heading towards an uncomfortable situation regarding Bruno Fernandes in the upcoming summer transfer window.
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The Portugal international has been a star performer for Man Utd since joining from Sporting Lisbon back in 2020, and heโs approaching the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
Fernandes is now said to be keen to have some assurances from the Red Devils about their ambitions, according to the Telegraph.
The report adds that Fernandes has a release clause in his contract that would leave United powerless to prevent him leaving if that fee were to be triggered.
Fernandes is one of the best attacking midfielders in world football on his day, with the Telegraph reporting that heโs unsurprisingly keen to win the biggest trophies.
This could become an issue for MUFC, who have not been as competitive as theyโd have liked in recent years, and indeed for much of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
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There will surely be top clubs out there who could make Fernandes a tempting offer, even if he might be a slightly risky target due to his cost, wages, and age.
The 31-year-old does, however, still boast great numbers even in this flawed United side, as the table below from the Telegraphโs article showsโฆ
Fernandes is not far away from breaking the record for assists in a single Premier League season, so it would certainly make sense for United to keep him.
There has been real improvement made since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager, and perhaps that can give the player hope of being part of a more successful United side in the near future.
The post Risk of Man United being powerless to prevent star playerโs transfer as he seeks assurances appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Arsenal director Andrea Berta was reportedly the key driving force behind the signing of Viktor Gyokeres last summer.
The new sporting director joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid and immediately became an influential figure, as he seemingly talked Mikel Arteta round on bringing in Gyokeres instead of Benjamin Sesko.
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Thatโs according to a report from the Athletic, which states that Berta did not view Sesko as good value for money, though he would have been willing to compromise if Arteta really insisted on him over Gyokeres.
In the end, it seems Arsenal managed to come to an internal agreement, with Berta winning this particular power battle and getting the striker he favoured.
Gyokeres has not had the most convincing debut season at the Emirates Stadium, while Sesko ended up joining rivals Manchester United.
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All in all, itโs not that easy to see who got the better deal, with neither player hitting the ground running in English football so far, though Sesko is younger and perhaps looks the more well-rounded player overall.
See below for a graphic comparing various aspects of the two playersโ games, with a pretty mixed picture emergingโฆ
Still, with strikers itโs arguably goals that matter most, and Gyokeres has the slightly better scoring record this season, albeit from playing more games and with the benefit of better teammates and a more settled squad in generalโฆ
| Striker comparison (all comps) | Games | Goals |
| Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) | 48 | 18 |
| Benjamin Sesko (Man Utd) | 31 | 11 |
Gyokeres was hugely prolific at Sporting Lisbon, but was perhaps never likely to be able to repeat those crazy numbers in the Premier League.
Sesko, meanwhile, was already performing in a more competitive league overall, even if itโs still a step up from the Bundesliga to the English top flight.
Arsenal fans may be frustrated, however, at Bertaโs decision-making here, as Gyokeres has so often looked out of his depth at this level, with some good finishing but not much else to offer to the team.
The post Andrea Berta talked Mikel Arteta into Arsenal transfer he initially wasnโt sure about appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Arsenal prepare to lock horns with Atletico Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League semi-final clash.
The Gunners are hoping to qualify for the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
While the Gunnersโ recent domestic form has been a bit of a bumpy ride, club legend Thierry Henry has publicly stepped up to defend his former teamโs gritty, defensive tactical shift, insisting that grinding out results completely trumps beautiful football at this high-stakes stage of the competition.
If you look closely at Arsenalโs season, they havenโt exactly been playing the free-flowing, expansive style that football purists want to see, something they got in abundance in the Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich semifinal.
A highly nervy, chaotic 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend perfectly highlighted their current blueprint, suffering through matches and doing just enough to secure the win.
However, when it comes to facing Diego Simeoneโs notoriously stubborn Atletico Madrid, the Gunners actually boast a surprisingly devastating track record this year.
Back during the league phase of the competition in November, Arsenal completely dismantled the Spanish giants 4-0 at the Emirates.
Speaking to his colleagues on CBS Sports, as reported by The Standard, Henry delivered a refreshingly honest take on Artetaโs approach.
โAtletico lost at The Emirates, I think it was 4-0 in the league phase, which doesnโt tell you a lot but it tells you itโs a game where we created, actually.
โBut it will be different. The win, Arsenal against Newcastle, in terms of how we played wasnโt outstanding but itโs way better to go into that game with a win against Newcastle.
โSo letโs see whatโs going to happen tomorrow. Itโs not so much what I want to see, people are expecting or wanting Arsenal to play a certain way now, they didnโt the whole year. Why do you want them now to just go forward and start to create?
โThey play a certain way, Mikel Arteta plays a certain way, weโre strong on set-pieces, solid, we donโt create a lot.โ
Henry is essentially telling the fanbase to stop demanding champagne football and embrace the grueling, tactical grind.
At the end of the day, elite knockout football isnโt about earning style points, itโs about pure survival.
Henry, a man who knows exactly what it takes to reach the absolute pinnacle of European football, is fully on board with Artetaโs stubborn, defense-first mentality.
If soaking up pressure and relying on a towering header from a corner is what it takes to finally punch a ticket to another Champions League final, the Arsenal faithful will undoubtedly take it in a heartbeat.
Sources: Mikel Arteta going all-in on left-back making waves at top European club
The post Henry is hoping Arsenal boss Arteta sticks to his principles against Atletico Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Following the disastrous, short-lived tenure of Liam Rosenior, the BlueCo ownership is working overtime behind the scenes to secure a proven, top-flight manager.
A lot of managers are on their shortlist right now, with Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso being the top three managers the Blues are targeting.
According to the latest inside scoop from Football Insider, departing Bournemouth boss Iraola has rocketed to the top of the shortlist and crucially, the Spanish tactician would reportedly find it practically impossible to reject a formal offer from the West London giants.
On one hand, you are walking into an intensely pressurised, incredibly volatile environment where patience from the boardroom is famously non-existent.
On the other hand, it is still Chelsea Football Club. For a manager like Iraola, who has spent the last few years performing absolute tactical miracles down on the South Coast, the sheer scale of the Stamford Bridge project is attractive.
The 43-year-old views the Chelsea hot seat as a massive, career-defining opportunity.
Gaining access to BlueCoโs deep transfer war chest and inheriting a squad packed with elite, albeit disjointed, young global talent is a dream scenario for an ambitious coach.
From Chelseaโs perspective, the attraction is completely mutual. The board has fundamentally shifted its recruitment strategy this summer.
They are entirely done gambling on unproven potential and are strictly demanding a manager with a battle-tested Premier League track record.
Iraola ticks every single box. His high-octane, heavy-pressing system completely transformed Bournemouth into a fearless top-flight outfit.
Imagine injecting that exact same ruthless, front-foot tactical blueprint into a highly expensive squad that desperately lacks a clear identity.
Iraola knows exactly how to navigate the relentless, punishing English schedule, meaning there would be zero adjustment period, something Chelsea desperately needs as they look to immediately bounce back into Champions League contention.
With Iraola already confirming he is leaving the Vitality Stadium at the end of the current season, he is a highly coveted free agent who wonโt cost the club a single penny in compensation fees.
Loan discussed as Chelsea unhappy with youngsterโs development so far
The post Report: Highly-rated manager ready to accept Chelsea job if he receives an offer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Manchester United are reportedly looking to offload Manuel Ugarte ahead of a major summer shake-up for the team. His representative, Jorge Chijane, will meet with agent Jorge Mendes to discuss options for a possible exit from the club, reports Rodri Vazquez.
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See below for a post on X from Vazquez, who states that Ugarte is attracting interest ahead of this summer, with Man Utd making him available for a relatively low asking price of โฌ28mโฆ
? ATENCIรN | Manuel Ugarte con las horas contadas en Manchester United.
?? Jorge Chijane se reunirรก en los prรณximos dรญas con Jorge Mรฉndes para tratar de avanzar en la salida del volante uruguayo.
??????? El equipo inglรฉs pretende una negociaciรณn por una venta definitiva cercana aโฆ pic.twitter.com/zu6nM01oYk
โ Rodri Vรกzquez (@RodriVazquez95) April 28, 2026
The Uruguayan midfielder looked like a hopeful signing for the Red Devils when he first joined in 2024, but has failed to make waves in the Premier League.
Now, United are looking to sell Ugarte for close to โฌ28m, with Atletico Madrid and Napoli currently the teams reported as expressing the most interest.
After being signed from Paris Saint-Germain for ยฃ50.5m, Ugarte has failed to live up to expectations at Man Utd. According to The Athletic, the clubโs co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was particularly unimpressed by the 24-year-oldโs performance against Leeds United on April 13. Man Utd lost the League game 2-1.
While interim manager Michael Carrick has reinvigorated the club, improving the performance of a number of struggling players, Ugarte has been unable to establish himself in the starting line-up. As things stand, the Red Devils are likely to sell Ugarte at a significant loss.
TeamTalk claim that the midfielder is also ready to leave, and that Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray are very interested in the player.
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Man United are gearing up for a major summer rebuild. They have all-but wrapped up qualification for the Champions League, and now have an ambitious eye on the next season.
They will be looking to sign two new central midfielders, a centre-back, left-back and left winger โ but, first, they need to shift some of the dead weight that has built up. The Sun reports that Andre Onana, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee will also be free to find new clubs.
The post Talks planned: Man United star made available as major clubs eye transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Iโve made my feelings clear on PSGโs 5-4 win over Bayern Munich already, but it really is worth emphasising just how much some people are overreacting to the crazy numbers being produced by the front three of Bayern in particular.
Much has been made of the supposed declining quality of the Premier League this season, but isnโt Bayernโs dominance, if anything, the clearest example you can have that the English top flight is more competitive than ever?
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Bayernโs entire front three is, after all, made up entirely of former Premier League players. Their most recent arrival is Luis Diaz, who joined from Liverpool last summer, linking up with former Tottenham striker Harry Kane and former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, all of whom are now somehow playing the best football of their careers under former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
? Always a joy to watch Michael Olise play footballโฆ? pic.twitter.com/MAhjFzcbnr
โ CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 28, 2026
It might not surprise you to learn that all three of these players have boasted the best numbers in their careers at Bayern, even if they were already clearly very good players during their time in England.
Liverpool fans must be regretting the decision to let Diaz go, but hereโs just one example of a move to the Bundesliga massively over-stating how good he actually isโฆ
Luis Diaz in 148 games for Liverpool โ 57GA
Luis Diaz in 45 games for Bayern โ 43GA
Itโs much easier for a Premier League player to adapt and excel in the Bundesliga than a seasoned Bundesliga player can do in the Premier League.
โ WelBeast (@WelBeast) April 29, 2026
Meanwhile, Kane already has half his entire Tottenham goal tally in under three full seasons at Bayern, while Olise has 40 goals in two seasons at the Allianz Arena, following on from a total of 16 in his entire Palace career.
Itโs not rocket science, people โ playing against weaker opponents domestically means itโs easier to boast crazy numbers, and to have reserves of energy to play expansive, attack-minded football in Europe as well.
Stick slightly less glamorous names like Jeremy Doku and Gabriel Martinelli into the Bayern XI and youโd likely see largely the same transformation.
The post Yes, Liverpool miss Luis Diaz, but Bayernโs front 3 werenโt stat-padding like this in the Prem appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: Luckster Looking to take another giant leap towards officially defending their La Liga crown, Barcelona will travel to Navarre on Saturday night when they meet Osasuna. Osasuna Starting with the hosts, claiming an immediate boost last time out as they mounted a dramatic [โฆ]
The post Prediction: Osasuna vs Barcelona โ Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Prediction: Osasuna vs Barcelona โ Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
Verdict: Draw Best Odds: 13/5 Bookmaker: Dachbet Looking to find a route back into the top-half of the Premier League table this weekend, Sunderland will travel to Molineux when they meet an already-relegated Wolves. Wolves Starting with the hosts, already relinquishing their Premier League status with plenty of time to spare, Wolves have broken plenty [โฆ]
The post Prediction: Wolves vs Sunderland โ Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Prediction: Wolves vs Sunderland โ Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a unique โproblemโ, in employing the greatest player of this generation, Shohei Ohtani. Tuesday nightโs game against the Miami Marlins highlighted this particular issue, as Ohtani pitched six innings, holding the Marlins to two runs. The Dodgers offense sans Ohtani mustered just one run, and the Marlins went on to win the game.
When asked about his decision to have Ohtani out of the lineup on days he pitches, Manager Dave Roberts had this to say โ
โI donโt think that is going to play in my math. I think the main thing is to do right by Shohei,โ Roberts said. โEven without him tonight in the lineup, we shouldโve won the game. I feel good about it. Iโd do the same thing again.โ
The beauty of having someone like Ohtani is that even when he is โout of syncโ with his pitching, he still gives your team more than a chance to win. And the beauty of having a lineup like the Dodgers is that they should be able to be able to score three or more runs without Ohtani in the lineup. It just so happened that on Tuesday night, the offense didnโt do their job.
The MO of the Dodgers front office has always been to look at the long-term picture for both players and the team. And if the Dodgers want to three-peat as World Champs, Ohtani obviously plays a big role in getting them there.
MLBโs Sonja Chen covers more details of Ohtaniโs outing here.
Bill Plunkett of the OC Register covers more of the minutiae of handling a two-way player through the bulk of the season to have him healthy when you need him more, in the playoffs.
โIโm always going to respect the decision, regardless whether Iโm pitching or doing both,โ Ohtani said. โI also understand the importance of getting to the end of the season with everybody healthy. So talking with the training staff, talking with the team, I think itโs really important that the team makes the decision on whatโs good for the team.โ
We are about a month away from Blake Snell returning to the starting rotation and that would give the Dodgers seven starting pitchers. Could the Dodgers do something crazy like go to a seven-man rotation? That would definitely give each starter plenty of time to recover between outings.
No, I am not seriously thinking the Dodgers front office would do this. But the beauty of having a team like the Dodgers is you have the flexibility to do things other teams can only dream of.
Financing isnโt just an issue for G6 (few of which will keep pace), the power conferences are facing rapidly increasing costs.
Also see:
Program reserves were wiped out during Covid as most had to look to the University for assistance, and pay back the University the following years.
Coaching staff cost has skyrocketed.ย It isnโt just the salaries of the top coaches on the staff โ after the NCAA lifted the limit to the number of on-field coaches, programs added staff specialists for each position.ย Now a coach can miss a practice to hit the recruiting trail or watch tape and prep a game plan for the next opponent, and still have his assistants coaching players.ย Between the competitive salaries and comparable workload, programs can now attract quality offensive and defensive coordinators from the NFL.ย OSU assistant coaching staff is now approaching $15 Million.
The B1G as a whole is starting in the red.ย In 2024, ยฝ of the 16 public universities reported a deficit, 4 reported $15+ million deficits.ย Collectively they reported 2.84 billion in revenue, but expenditures near $3 billion,ย
The House settlement awarded $2.8 billion in back compensation to athletes.ย This is being paid by the NCAA and conferences, ultimately coming out of programโs budgets, disproportionately from the power conferences.
Boosters are finding it more satisfying to move their contributions from the program to NIL funds, where they can tie their donations to specific athletes.
Overnight, power conferences needed to fund $20+ million in shared revenue with athletes if they want to keep pace.ย This is substantial, representing 7.8% to over 15% of reported 2024 B1G Athletic Department revenue.
Fortunately this should only be a short term issue for the B1G.ย The next B1G contract is expected to nearly double the 2025 payout โ this should be more than enough to balance the books (and why programs are willing to run large deficits in the short term).
Athletic Departments will struggle in the short term.ย ADs will have to make cuts, increase revenue, or borrow from the university to cover 10% to 20% of their current budget until the new broadcast contract is signed.
P4 ADs seem reluctant to eliminate non-revenue sports.ย Eliminating many varsity sports wonโt notably help the ADโs bottom line (eliminating the golf or co-ed pistol team offers little savings), they would need to cut sports with larger rosters and higher expenses, which also tend to be more popular.ย ย
OSU President Cater:
โWeโll still have scholarships, weโll still have programs.ย Some of those sports may start to look and act a little bit more like a club sport, but yet compete at the Division I level and still travel and still compete.โ
Hard to nail down what he means here, I interpret it as deep cuts in non-revenue sports budgets other than scholarships (coaching, equipment, facilities, etc.).
In the same article, writer Mat Brown noted:
โCarterโs argument here lines up with what Iโve heardโฆ from the P4 to the low-majors. Itโs time to figure out how to tier your sports, and figure out where you want to go all in, and where you want to offer what is essentially a D-III experience with D-I brands and facilities.โ
By โclub sportโ and โD-III experienceโ I believe they are referring to minor sports having decreased coaching, lesser facilities, fewer travel perks, etc.
Across the board, all sports can expect some budget cuts, even blue blood football โ OSU HC Day was upset his recruiting budget was cut.
The most obvious new revenue source will be selling venue naming rights.ย For football stadiums, Washington sold their naming rights for 10 years for $41M, PSU 15 years for $50M, Indiana 20 years for $50M.ย I expect $2M to $5M a year to be a realistic target.
It isnโt limited to venue naming rights, programs have been selling sponsorship of playing surfaces, scoreboards, practice facilities, athlete weight rooms and lounges, and even restaurants in the stadium.
The NCAA will allow programs to place 2 logo patches on uniforms starting in 2026, and an additional logo on equipment (such as a batting helmet).
Notably expanding seating capacity seems to be out.ย PSU is undertaking a massive stadium makeover to expand use and improve the fan experience without notably changing the capacity.ย NW is building a new stadium with less capacity.ย ย
Programs are instead focusing on maximizing revenue from the current attendees.ย For decades OSU has increased and decreased capacity by tinkered with the mix of club seats, box seats, and loges to maximize revenue and demand.ย They just recently added a membership club/restaurant in the stadium which can be reserved on non-game days.ย Currently in the end zone theyโre adding field level suites with premium seating above (if you can call lower end zone seating โpremiumโ).ย Expect more programs to look at these types of smaller low cost modifications with high return potential.
โImproved fan experienceโ has been the buzzword among athletic directors.ย Concerned ticket demand could drop now that all games are broadcasted, programs have been upgrading lighting, sound systems, concessions, restrooms, concourses, and trying to expand traditions to improve the fan experience.ย This should also increase season ticket demand, which often requires a donation to the athletic department.
NCAAF Roster Management โ Part 4. Conference Revenue
Note: this is the third in a four-part series from longtime OTE reader and commenter ProveIt on roster management, revenue sharing, and NIL distribution in our new era of college football. One of these will run every couple days for the next week or two. Iโm very grateful to ProveIt for helping us out in the doldrums.
If YOUโD like to have articles like this published, feel free to email them to minnesotawildcat at gmail dot com โ I may have a little back-and-forth if needed, but Iโll get them polished up and published here. And, if youโre interested in writing more full-time for OTE, please feel free to contact me at that same email. โMNW
Manchester Unitedโs pursuit of AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao is ramping up as intermediaries continue to work behind the scenes to sound out a deal, according to the latest report from Italy.
Despite a contract at the San Siro which contains a โฌ175 million release clause, I Rossoneri are ready to slash their asking price for Leao this summer. With only two years remaining on his deal and growing concerns over clashes with the coaching staff, Milan want to cut ties with the 26-year-old forward as the relationship between both parties is on the โverge of breaking down.โ
A report relayed by The Peoples Person claims an agreement could now be struck at the โฌ70m mark, while a separate update revealed it may drop as low as โฌ50m (ยฃ43m) to force an exit.
The Portugal international is one of the most gifted footballers in world football, possessing a potent pairing of physical and technical gifts that few of his competitors can even dream of. But he is yet to find the formula to apply his talents consistently, with question marks over attitude and application having plagued him throughout his career.
Luka Modric, his teammate in Milan and a player who knows what a world-class forward looks like, showered the 6โ2 speedster with praise earlier in the season.
โRafa is really amazing,โ the 40-year-old Croatian midfielder said in October. โHeโs an amazing talent, from outside when I used to watch him and now when I train with him, I see he is one of the best players in the world. The incredible thing is that he can still improve, it just depends on him.โ
While there are valid concerns over Leao, a price tag of ยฃ43m for a forward with the profile and skillset to single-handedly devastate defences is one that will pique the curiosity of every top club in Europe โ including the Red Devils.
United are understood to be joined in the hunt by Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, while Spanish heavyweights FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are also admirers. Industry sources describe Milanโs demand as being considered โexcellent value by many elite clubs for a 26-year-old of Leaoโs calibre in the current market.โ
Gazzetta dello Sport confirms interest from Old Trafford, revealing an unnamed agent is working as an intermediary between the executive branch and the playerโs camp. Club-to-club negotiations are yet to commence, but talks are expected to ramp up at the end of the season.
The Italian newspaper claims a swap deal is also in the works to further lower the price, with Milan retaining a long-standing interest in Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward has failed to settle in England and a return to Serie A is expected this summer.
Two other candidates on the chopping block are Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford, as the Italian giant has been linked with both in recent windows.
The report states Zirkzee is the much more likely option, however, with fellow Italian outlet Calciomercatoconfirming United have held initial talks over the possibility of an exchange of forwards.
Stylistically, Leao is a perfect option on the left wing of a 4-2-3-1 system, which is expected to remain in place regardless of who is Unitedโs head coach next season. If the club can strike a deal by including an unwanted player to lower the fee, it would help further mitigate the risks he poses from a behavioural and mentality perspective.
The Saudi Pro League has also been suggested as a possible destination for the Almada native, but he is said to only be interested in a switch to one of Europeโs elite. This offers further hope that the penny is dropping for a player whose value on the pitch is as high as he chooses it to be.
Featured images Marco Luzzani via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the worldโs leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
The Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday that right-hander Didier Fuentes has been recalled to Atlanta as a result of moving lefty Dylan Lee to the paternity list. The move continues the rollercoaster of options for Fuentes, who was recalled last week before being optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett again.ย
The #Braves today recalled RHP Didier Fuentes to Atlanta and placed LHP Dylan Lee on the paternity list. Additionally, INF Ha-Seong Kim tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Columbus.
โ Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 28, 2026
In three appearances so far this season, Fuentes has not proven to be spectacular. Heโs got a 5.00 ERA through nine innings of work. However, his return gives Atlanta a fresh arm in the bullpen while Dylan Lee is away, and another shot to show he can provide value at the major league level.
The Braves will certainly miss Lee, who has already appeared in 14 games and allowed just two runs on six hits. Fortunately, his absence is expected to be short-term, and Atlantaโs bullpen will regain one of its most reliable arms soon.
Walt Weiss provided a few pre-game updates on Spencer Strider, Sean Murphy, and a some other injured Braves.ย
The Braves kicked off the series with the Detroit Tigers with a 5-2 win.ย
Tate Southisene, Eric Hartman, and Rolddy Muรฑoz each appeared in MLB Pipelineโs Team of the Week.ย
The Philadelphia Phillies have fired skipper Rob Thomson and named Don Mattingly as interim manager.
After parting ways with the Boston Red Sox, Alex Cora is not expected to pursue another managerial opportunity at this time. He said he โwould like to be a father first and foremost.โ
The Miami Marlins placed closer Pete Fairbanks on the 15-day injured list due to nerve irritation. He exited his outing on Monday with hand numbness.ย
Kansas City Royals second baseman Jonathan India underwent labrum surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.ย
The Aโs have placed infielder Max Muncy on the 10-day injured list with a fractured finger. He suffered the injury on April 13 and made an effort to play through it.ย
The New York Yankees placed Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list due to a calf strain. Fortunately, the strain was classified as โlow grade.โ
The New York Mets placed righty Kodai Senga on the 15-day injured list with lumbar spinal inflammation.ย
JR Ritchie is penciled in to start for the Braves on Wednesday night. How many major league starts do you think he will make this season?
The LIV Golf event scheduled to be played in Louisiana in June has been postponed, state officials said on Tuesday.
News of the postponement comes less than two weeks afterย LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neilย said the breakaway circuit's 2026 season would proceed as planned amid reports that the series was at risk of losing its funding.
The announcement comes a day after sources with knowledge of LIV Golf operations told Reuters the eventย may be postponedย due to concerns the soccerย World Cupย could impact attendances and viewership, while issues such as high temperatures and course condition were also factors.
Also in the news: Worker Dies During Stage Assembly For Shakira Concert In Brazil
Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said in a joint statement that the state had already paid $3.2 million under its contract with LIV Golf, of which $2 million has already been invested in upgrades for the Bayou Oaks at City Park course that was scheduled to host the event from June 25-28.
They also said the Saudi-funded circuit was expected to return the remaining $1.2 million in state incentive funds.
"We appreciate LIVโs good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year," Landry and Bourgeois said.
According to the statement, Bourgeois spoke with OโNeil last Friday and was informed the organisation was looking to postpone the New Orleans tournament to explore a potential event this fall.
In a separate statement, LIV Golf said it was a "strategic" decision to explore moving the event to later in the year.
"This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect," said LIV Golf.
"We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall.
"Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future."
Bloomington South's softball team worked from the bottom up against rival North.
The Panthers got at least one hit from every starter while piling up 18 in an 11-2 Conference Indiana victory Tuesday, April 28, but the lower part of the order did more than its share of damage thanks to 7-8 hitters Perry Murphy and Aminah Saahir.
More: Bloomington North hires alum Andy Harding as new football coach
More: Vote for H-T Athlete of Week for April 20-25 presented by IU Health
Murphy, a sophomore right fielder, went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and scored three times. Saahir, a junior third baseman, clubbed three doubles and drove in three. Even in the 9 spot, pitcher Rachel Johnson, who had been struggling at the plate, had a pair of singles and two RBIs to help her own cause.
Both Murphy and Saahir are first-year starters and look like they're starting to figure things out. Murphy is batting a robust .600.
"They're coming on strong right now, hitting-wise," South coach Meg Montgomery said. "I know Perry is seeing the ball extremely well. Just very consistent and great at where they're pitching it, taking it down the right field line if its outside.
"She's just very patient at the plate and relaxed. She's having fun. As a hitter, to stay focused in the North-South game and go 4-for-4 is huge."
Saahir has now lifted her average to .344 with seven extra-base hits out of her 10 on the season.
"Aminah, her power, she's put a lot of time in the weight room getting stronger," Montgomery said. "She's finding her way with the bat right now.
"What I like about Aminah, she's a spark for our team. You see her out there having fun, but she elevates our team to the next level."
South (7-3, 2-2) had 13 hits in the first three innings, seven alone in a six-run third that broke it open.
Everything started with a one-out single by Larkyn Ivey. The floodgates were opened from there as hits by Abby Purtlebaugh, Taylor Crohn, Murphy and a Saahir double followed. Johnson brought in another run on a ground out before a wild pitch and singles by Carly Reed and Lindsay Blanton built the lead to 9-1.
"I think we had contributors all up and down the lineup," Montgomery said. "It was great to see everybody do that. I thought we were patient and made some good pitch selections and drove the ball hard."
But it wasn't just the bats that did that damage. Blanton and Murphy each beat out infield singles despite solid plays by North's defense, grabbed an extra base or two when it could and had a runner score from second on an infield single.
Aminah Saahir two-run double makes it 6-1 South. Mound visit. pic.twitter.com/zwzVuh8Cym
โ Jim Gordillo (@JimGordillo) April 28, 2026
"One of the things we worked hard on in the off-season was our base running," Montgomery said. "We want to be aggressive base runners, but we want to be smart base runners.
"We worked on running everything out. If you see a ball hit the ground and you immediately, instinctually take off, that just puts more pressure on the other team. Every time Lindsay puts the ball on the ground, I know she's going to be halfway to first base before they field it."
Johnson, the winning pitcher in last year's North game as a freshman, gave up a run and three hits in the top of the first but allowed just one more base runner until the sixth.
"One thing with Rachel, she's a gamer," Montgomery said. "It's the North-South game and she's got a lot of experience. She settled down and took control. She didn't let (that first inning) get to her.
"She knows she has a quality defense behind her and so she does her part."
The Cougars (2-8, 0-3) are still going through some growing pains, but hanging in there as three seniors help guide a young team. Their enthusiasm hasn't waned. The focus is on the process and not the outcomes of games.
"They never showed lack of energy," North coach Kat Edmonds said. "They were up in the dugout all seven innings. That's all I can ask."
Senior Kaydence Silvers was 2-for-3 with two doubles and scored both runs off RBI singles by the other two seniors, Kenton Gallagher and Jocelyn Parrish. North had five hits but also several stingers that ended up in the gloves of South's outfielders.
Lack of scoring punch has been a problem all year with the Cougars held to three runs or fewer in seven of their losses.
"Today, we hit the ball, just right at people," Edmonds said. "And (South) really didn't have a ton of solid hits, and it was a lot of bloopers. It'll go that way and when the defense makes some bumbles, it'll lead to that.
"What I like about this team is seeing the improvement and picking out those types of encouraging pieces in a game. They hit a really good pitcher well."
As for pitching, sophomore Baylee Moore is taking some lumps. But she showed some resilience, coming back from that tough third inning but setting South down on three pitches in the fourth and working out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth.
"She's carrying a lot of the load, so it's tough," Edmonds said. "She's not been in that role before, so I think she's grown a ton. I feel like the last two outings for her, she's pitched full games."
Bloomington North (2-8, 0-3) 100 | 001 | 0 โ 2 | 5 | 1
Bloomington South (7-3, 2-2) 126 | 002 | x โ 11 | 18 | 0
Baylee Moore and Jocelyn Parrish. Rachel Johnson and Lindsay Blanton. W: Johnson. L: Moore. 2B: Kaydence Silvers (N) 2; Aminah Saahir (S) 3.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Top to bottom, Bloomington South softball too much for rival North
The Premier League have confirmed the team of match officials to oversee Manchester Cityโs meeting away at Everton on Monday night.
Pep Guardiolaโs side simply have to keep on winning in the top-flight to keep the direction of this seasonโs Premier League title firmly in their own hands, but face a run of hugely challenging affairs between now and the final weekend of the campaign.
Off the back of two crucial wins against Arsenal and Burnley to put them top of the division on goals scored, Manchester City could find themselves six points behind the Gunners by the time kick-off arrives on Merseyside.
However, Mikel Artetaโs players will have played two games extra by that stage, perhaps adding additional pressure onto the minds of the Etihad Stadiumโs players with far from favourable fixtures on the horizon.
Beyond the meeting with European football-chasing Everton on Monday night, City still have to face Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa, with the meeting against the Cherries coming immediately after the FA Cup final against Chelsea and away from home.
Inside Manchester Cityโs Premier League battle over Crystal Palace and Bournemouth fixture scheduling
Ahead of the meeting between Everton and Manchester City, the Premier League have now announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at the Hill Dickinson Stadium!
The Premier League have confirmed that the highly-regarded and experienced Michael Oliver will be the man tasked with officiating from the middle of the pitch on Monday night as match referee.
Oliver will be overseeing his 40th match of the campaign across competitions at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, having worked on the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, World Cup qualification, and the FA Cup.
In his 39 matches to date this season, Oliver has issued 142 yellow cards, one leading to a second yellow card dismissal, one direct red card, and awarding four penalty kicks in the process.
Manchester City are Michael Oliverโs third-most frequent team to officiate, overseeing the Sky Blues on 65 previous occasions, with 46 of those resulting in a win for the club, eight ending in a draw, and 11 resulting in defeat.
City have received a total of 100 yellow cards from Oliver, one second yellow card dismissal, no straight red cards, and 12 penalty kicks awarded in their favour across those 65 matches.
Manchester City and Michael Oliver have come across one another on four occasions already this season, three of which have come in the Premier League; a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, and a 1-1 draw against West Ham.
The most recent outing involving Manchester City and Oliver came in the FA Cup quarter-finals and the impressive 4-0 win over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
Accompanying Michael Oliver from the field of play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night will be a duo of Stuart Burt and Nick Greenhalgh, appointed into the roles of assistant referees for the contest.
Overseeing matters between Everton and Manchester City from Stockley Parkโs VAR Hub will be referee Paul Howard in the role of Video Assistant Referee, supported by Blake Antrobus as Assistant Video Assistant Referee.
Standing between the two dugouts and managing affairs involving David Moyes and Pep Guardiola will be referee Andy Madley, appointed as the fourth official for this contest.
Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro has died, according to social media posts from his family and his former team.
Mauro, who spent the majority of his eight NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, was 35. No cause of death was immediately available.
โWith many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new โ living in the presence of the Lord โ we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss of our amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend,โ the statement posted by his father, Greg Mauro, on Facebook read.
Greg Mauro said Josh Mauro died April 23.
More: Rondale Moore, former Trinity High School star and NFL WR, dies at 25
โJosh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven," the statement continued. "The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable moment. Your prayers for continued strength and comfort mean more to us than words could ever express."
Josh Mauro spent the first four seasons of his career (2014-17) with the Cardinals and was part of the team that reached the 2015 NFC championship game. The Stanford product who went undrafted also spent time with the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders.
"The Raiders mourn the loss of Josh Mauro. ... The deepest condolences of the Raiders Family are with Josh's family and friends at this time," the team said in a statement.
Mauro returned to Arizona and appeared in eight games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Born in England, Mauro grew up in Texas. He played in 80 career games and recorded 130 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Former Cardinals teammate Adrian Wilson remembered Mauro in a written message via social media.
"Prayers go out to Josh Mauro and his family," Wilson wrote. "Had the opportunity to be around Josh for several years with (former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians). Always in shape, always was ready to go wherever he got that call. One of the things I respected most about him. You could depend on him."
JJ Watt, who overlapped with Mauro in Arizona in 2021, wrote on X:
โWeโre losing way too many, way too young โฆ Rest in Peace Josh.โ
Rondale Moore, who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in February at the age of 25, was also a member of the 2021 Cardinals.
This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Contributing: Theo Mackie, Arizona Republic
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Josh Mauro, who played for Cardinals, Giants, Raiders, dead at 35
The landscape of NFL free agency after the 2026 Draft is defined by a rare mix of proven veterans, declining superstars, and still-productive role players who can immediately reshape a contender. Unlike typical offseasons where youth and potential dominate the conversation, this group is anchored by accomplished players who have already established identities across multiple seasons and systems. That makes evaluation less about projection and more about fit, health, and situational value.
At the top of this class, Stefon Diggs represents the most complete wide receiver availableโstill capable of separating at all three levels and functioning as a true WR1 in a timing-based offense. Behind him, players like Tyreek Hill and Deebo Samuel offer explosive versatility, even if their long-term durability and consistency are no longer guaranteed. Meanwhile, tight end David Njoku stands out as one of the few difference-makers at his position, giving offenses a mismatch weapon who can alter defensive structures on every snap.
RELATED: Top NFL free agents still available ahead of draft
The defensive side is headlined by Joey Bosa, whose pass-rushing pedigree still carries significant weight despite recent injury concerns, while veterans like Cam Jordan and Rasul Douglas provide scheme-specific stability for teams needing rotational or situational help. Even quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers continue to shape the marketโnot because of long-term upside, but because of the immediate gravity they bring to win-now rosters.
What makes this free agent class particularly intriguing is the balance between declining elite talent and reliable complementary starters. Teams are not simply chasing starsโthey are trying to find the final missing pieces for playoff pushes. As a result, fit matters just as much as name recognition, and the most successful signings will likely come from organizations that understand how to maximize short-term impact over long-term projection.
Stefon Diggs remains the most polished and dependable wide receiver still available on the market. Even as he moves deeper into his veteran years, his route running, separation ability, and reliability in high-leverage situations continue to make him a legitimate impact starter for a contender. Diggs has consistently produced at a WR1 level throughout his career, and his experience in multiple offensive systems makes him one of the safest short-term additions for a playoff-caliber team. For franchises needing immediate production and veteran leadership in the receiver room, he is still the strongest option available.
David Njoku stands out because true difference-making tight ends rarely remain available this late into the offseason. He offers a rare combination of size, athleticism, red-zone value, and the ability to create mismatches against both linebackers and safeties. Njoku is also valuable because he can contribute as both a receiving threat and an in-line blocker, which gives offensive coordinators far more flexibility than most veteran free agents provide. For teams looking to support a young quarterback or strengthen the middle of the field, he represents premium value.
Joey Bosa may no longer be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, but proven pass rushers with his rรฉsumรฉ are still extremely difficult to find. When healthy, he remains a disruptive edge defender with elite hand usage, strong football instincts, and the ability to change games on obvious passing downs. His injury history creates understandable hesitation, but contenders often prioritize proven postseason-caliber pass rush over long-term durability concerns. In the right rotational role, Bosa can still be a highly impactful defensive addition.
RELATED: Undrafted quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL draft and their next destination
Tyreek Hill still possesses game-breaking speed and the kind of explosiveness that can alter defensive game plans before the ball is even snapped. Even with age and durability concerns becoming more relevant, few players in football can replicate the vertical stress he places on opposing secondaries. His value depends heavily on situation, as he fits best with aggressive offensive systems that can maximize his speed and space-creation ability. If healthy and fully engaged, Hill still carries one of the highest ceilings of any player left in free agency.
Jauan Jennings is one of the most underrated receivers still available because his value goes far beyond traditional box-score production. He brings physicality, toughness, contested-catch reliability, and the kind of blocking effort that winning teams consistently prioritize. Jennings has proven he can thrive in meaningful moments and handle the dirty work that often separates role players from true winning contributors. For playoff teams looking for a dependable, high-effort receiver rather than pure star power, he is an extremely attractive option.
Deebo Samuel remains a uniquely versatile offensive weapon whose value extends well beyond standard wide receiver usage. His ability to function as a receiver, runner, and after-catch creator gives offensive coordinators creative flexibility that few veterans can offer. While his peak years may be behind him and durability remains a legitimate concern, his physical playing style still creates matchup problems when he is healthy. For the right offensive system, Samuel can still be a major difference-maker rather than just a complementary piece.
Aaron Rodgersโ free agency is less about talent evaluation and more about leverage, timing, and whether Pittsburgh is truly prepared to move forward without him. The Steelers recently placed the rare unrestricted free-agent tenderโessentially a right-of-first-refusal mechanismโon Rodgers, allowing him to either accept a one-year deal worth roughly $15 million with a 10% raise from last seasonโs salary or negotiate with other teams while Pittsburgh retains the ability to match. If he remains unsigned by the start of training camp, the Steelers gain exclusive negotiating rights, making it clear the organization still views him as its preferred short-term starter despite drafting Drew Allar and keeping Mason Rudolph in the room. At 42, Rodgers is no longer a long-term solution, but this move shows that for a win-now team seeking veteran stability, his experience, football intelligence, and late-career value still carry real weight.
RELATED: Players who could still be traded after the NFL draft
Najee Harris brings durability, consistency, and dependable early-down production in a market that often undervalues veteran running backs. He may not be the most explosive back available, but his pass protection, physical running style, and ability to handle a heavy workload make him a trusted option for coaching staffs. Harris is especially valuable for teams that want stability rather than specialization at the position. In the right offense, he can still be a productive starter rather than simply a rotational back.
This free agent class after the 2026 Draft is less about future upside and more about immediate impact. Veterans like Stefon Diggs, Joey Bosa, and David Njoku headline a group capable of changing playoff trajectories if placed in the right systems. Ultimately, success in this market will come down to which teams can best extract value from experienced players still capable of elevating winning rosters.
Texas A&M's 2026 NFL Draft success reached historic levels after 10 players were drafted, including star wide receiver KC Concepcion being selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Browns, while senior tight end Nate Boerkircher, who was a likely fifth or sixth round pick, was selected 56th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Overall, seven of the 10 Aggies selected were in the first three rounds, further proving that third-year head coach Mike Elko has rebuilt the program in his image after just two full seasons, and has continued to dominate the recruiting trail this offseason, landing his 12th commitment in the 2027 class with five-star IOL Kennedy Brown now in the fold.
Nationally, some may be shocked by how fast the Aggies have grown from a respectable program to a College Football Playoff contender after six seasons of disappointment under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, who failed to lead Texas A&M to ten or more wins even once, despite recruiting at a high level.
Under Fisher, development was a consistent issue, resulting in less interest from NFL scouts, but as soon as Mike Elko made his way back to College Station before the 2024 season, the Aggies quickly became one of the top destinations for recruits, and, especially, transfer portal players to learn, develop, and eventually, hear their names called in the NFL Draft, which came to fruition for 10 yound men last weekend.
On Tuesday, TexAgs' interview with the respected host of "The Hardline" on 96.7 The Ticket, Bob Sturm, who has followed the Texas A&M transformation closely, responded to David Nuรฑo's statement that KC Concepcion and unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell, both transfers, likely would not have been selected that high if they had never been developed under Elko and his staff.
Even though second-round pick and former starting left guard Chase Bisontis was a blue-chip prospect, Elko and offensive line coach Adam Cushing's decision to move him from tackle to guard paid off in a big way. Sturm went on to say that while ten players drafted is "impressive," this should be the norm moving forward.
"It's a really strong program right now"๐@SportsSturm speaks on Mike Elko's ability to develop talent๐ช pic.twitter.com/uHgBwJTbyH
โ TexAgs Live (@TexAgsLive) April 28, 2026
Contact/Follow usย @AggiesWireย on Xย (formerly Twitter) and like our page onย Facebookย to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions.ย Follow Cameron on X:ย @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M's 2026 NFL Draft success is just the start under Mike Elko
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach saved some of his best work of the offseason for the days after the 2026 NFL Draft.
After assembling an elite crop of talent during the Annual Player Selection Meeting last week, Veach worked the phones to negotiate contracts with valuable prospects who didn't hear their names called during the draft.
Chiefs Wire's resident draftnik, Sam Teets, was bullish on Kansas City's class of undrafted free agents, listing the Chiefs' latest class of UDFA pickups to his list of favorites in the days after the draft ended.
Take a look at which other teams stood out to Teets in this Tweet, which was posted to his official Twitter account:
A handful of my favorite UDFA classes pic.twitter.com/mpNZoIUKdQ
โ Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) April 28, 2026
While it is too soon to tell if any of Kansas City's undrafted free agent signings will ultimately crack the Chiefs' 53-man roster after training camp, if Teets' evaluation holds true, fans in Western Missouri should have plenty to cheer about next season.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: This expert says Chiefs' 2026 UDFA class is among his early favorites
The Denver Broncos' brass (and the quarterback himself) have repeatedly said this offseason that Bo Nix (ankle) was on track to participate in organized team activities (OTAs), which are scheduled to begin in early June.
Then, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Nix underwent an "anticipated" follow-up procedure last week. Rapoport indicated that Nix is now on track for training camp, but the QB's status for OTAs is in doubt.
With Nix potentially unavailable this spring, the Broncos might consider adding a fourth quarterback to serve as a "camp arm" of sorts this spring. Such a signing would serve as a temporary QB3 behind Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger.
No, they're not going to sign Aaron Rodgers. Other high-profile backups like Tyrod Taylor and Jimmy Garoppolo probably aren't interested in competing with Jarrett Stidham (and the Broncos probably already would have added one of those QBs if they preferred them over Stidham). They're also not bringing back Russell Wilson (who has drawn interest from the New York Jets).
The most logical choice might be Ben DiNucci, who has had two stints in coach Sean Payton's offense, and he's the QB the team called when Nix went down with an ankle injury during the NFL playoffs in January. With Nix now potentially unavailable again, it would make sense to bring back DiNucci for the spring.
The list of other veteran QBs available also includes Taylor Heinicke, Josh Dobbs, Brett Rypien, Cooper Rush, Jeff Driskel, Skylar Thompson, John Wolford, Easton Stick and Ian Book. They're listed below, ranked by career starts.
Denver will hold a rookie minicamp next week, and they will likely bring in a veteran QB on a tryout basis. Whoever gets the nod for rookie minicamp might also be a candidate to return for OTAs in June.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: 10 free agent QBs for Broncos after Bo Nix's ankle surgery
Notre Dame might be in good position to land another legacy recruit.
Former Irish running back Julius Jones had not only an illustrious career in South Bend, but also ran for over 5,000-yards in the NFL. If things fall in favor of the Irish, his son may be able to extend the legacy in the family. His son Julius Jones Jr. comes with plenty of intrigue not just because of the name on the back of the jersey, but also because of the skills he brings as a wide receiver.
Jones has quickly become a national recruit. The 2027 St. Thomas Aquinas standout is a four-star receiver and a ranked in the 247Sports composite as the No. 72 prospect in his class as well as the No. 12 when it comes to wide receivers. Notre Dame has plenty of challengers also interested in recruiting Jones, including Florida, Michigan, Oregon and others, but according to a recent interview with On3's Steve Wiltfong, the vibes in South Bend seem favorable that the son may want to follow in the steps of his father.
"Julius Jones Jr. remains one of Notre Dame's most coveted targets"@SWiltfong_ has intel on Notre Dame recruiting โ๏ธ
โ Josh Newberg (@josh_newberg) April 28, 2026
MORE: https://t.co/zGS9Or2x83pic.twitter.com/VTBSo8Akdw
The legacy angle matters, but it is not the only reason (subscription required) Notre Dame is in a strong position. Jones has said the Irish appeal to him beyond family ties, and Notre Dameโs staff has continued to push hard, including through longstanding connections with his father, who starred for the Irish from 1999-2003 before becoming a second-round NFL draft pick. The elder Jones finished his Notre Dame career with 3,018 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, giving the younger Jones a built-in connection to the programโs history.
For Notre Dame, Julius Jones Jr symbolizes the rare combination of pedigree, production and upside that makes him almost a must-get for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Irish staff.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: This legacy recruit could be Notre Dame's next big recruiting win
Following the 2026 NFL draft, Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan drafted a half dozen defensive players, much to head coach Jeff Hafleyโs liking for sure.
A defensive-minded coach with emphasis on the secondary, Hafley has several players who could be perfect pieces for his scheme, immediately and in the future.
Scheme-versatile cornerback Chris Johnson was picked No. 27 overall and could be an absolute lockdown cornerback, as he's outstanding in zone coverage. Last season at San Diego State, while in zone, he held quarterbacks to a 20.6 quarterback rating.
While being scheme versatile, which is something Hafley values, Johnson could be a perfect top cornerback for the secondary who could even play the slot in a pinch.
Second-round pick linebacker Jacob Rodriguez could end up being this class' most productive and most valuable player based on his potential and ability. With veteran All-Pro Jordyn Brooks currently manning the inside of the linebacker unit, Rodriguez can play the weak side and eventually take over the middle of the defense as well as earn a โCโ on his uniform, as he had at Texas Tech.
Rodriguez is a sound tackler, plays with heart and desire and is a turnover creator, evidenced by his seven forced fumbles and four interceptions last season with the Red Raiders.
If Hafley was looking for a Swiss-Army Knife chess piece, Sullivan provided one in a steal of a fourth-round pick in hybrid linebacker wrapped in safety traits, Kyle Louis of Pittsburgh.
First athletic, when someone who can stop the run and drop back in coverage, Louis can handle a โstarโ safety role for Hafley, and by that box linebacker in sub-sets that could be perfect for when Hafley mixes things up in his scheme and packages. Another captain in college, leadership and versatility, as well as athleticism, were major attributes Sullivan wanted in his selection, and Louis fits the bill perfectly. He is a chess piece that can be used in a few different ways for a coach who loves flexibility in his defenders.
Speaking of versatility, linebacker Trey Moore from Texas can be a solid rotational pass rusher as an off-ball linebacker or even an edge. Very productive in his years at the University of Texas-San Antonio before transferring in 2024, Moore has a solid bag of pass-rushing moves, including a lethal spin move to help get past blockers and get home to the quarterback.
Moore is a tad undersized but has adequate speed and athletic ability to be a fine sub-package pass rushers who is highly intelligent. He was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is commonly known as the Academic Heisman.
Moving back to the secondary, cerebral safety Michael Taaffe is an underrated pick and a potential starter right away at free safety.
Although a tad undersized at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Taaffe makes up for it with his play recognition, intelligence, instincts and work ethic. A player who can be a coach on the field, Taaffe has outstanding processing ability and can read a quarterback and jump routes.
As for his tackling, he cut his missed-tackle rate in half from 2024 to 2025, showing that he can be coached up and can be a great cover man for Hafley, who prides his defensive backs on not getting beat deep. If there were a green dot on the back of a helmet given to defensive backs, heโd have one. With limited competition currently in the Dolphinsโ safety room, Taaffe is a major candidate to be an extension of Hafley in the field.
Lastly, Sullivan addressed a pure edge rusher with savvy seventh-round pick Llewellyn from Iowa. At 6-foot-6, he has a very solid repertoire of moves as a pass rusher, and that outweighs some speed and strength limitations.
As the Dolphins' last selection, he could still make a fast impact as a situational pass rusher, and a bit more mass and refining could make him a very solid final pick in Sullivan first ever class. In a very sparse room, Miami needed to add a player who could rush off the edge.
Hafley will have six pupils to mold, with three, at the very least, being captain material for the Dolphins within a few years.ย
More Dolphins: Every player selected with the picks the Dolphins traded away in the 2026 NFL draft
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins Jeff Hafley has six-pack of rookie defenders to mold in Miami
Nebraska basketball officially announced the signing of forward Boden Kapke. The program made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.
He comes to Lincoln from Boston College. The center spent one season with the Eagles, and averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 31 games. He had a career high of 25 points against Virginia Tech in March.
Nebraska is Kapke's third program, as he spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Butler Bulldogs. The big man is another transfer during a busy period for the program over the past couple of weeks. Now, he is officially in the fold as the Huskers continue to build their roster. Coach Fred Hoiberg is excited about the addition to the roster.
โHeโs played three seasons at the power conference level and that experience will help his transition to the Big Ten. Boden uses his size and physicality around the basket to create space and is comfortable stepping out to 3-point range and knocking down shots. He became more of an offensive focal point at Boston College during the second half of ACC play and played some of his best basketball down the stretch. He has been steady in his development, and we are looking forward to Boden joining our program.โ
Kapke should fit in well with the Huskers' offensive system, and his 6-foot-11, 255-pound frame should prove to be an asset inside. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
Officially N. ๐ฝโ๏ธ
โ Nebraska Men's Basketball (@HuskerMBB) April 28, 2026
๐๏ธ https://t.co/Tb90c8jINYpic.twitter.com/qNwcuOvOyu
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska basketball announces signing of transfer forward Boden Kapke
Sabres vs. Bruins schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After failing to secure a playoff berth last year, the Bruins are back in the postseason. By clinching the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Boston has shown that it is not just a playoff participant, but a dangerous contender.
The Bruins are ready for a first-round clash with the Sabres, who finished atop the Atlantic Division standings with 109 points. History favors Boston, as the Bruins have survived and advanced in six of the eight previous playoff meetings with the Sabres.
The regular season series suggests a razor-thin margin. Boston won three of the four matchups, but two of those victories could have gone the other way in overtime.
Here is the complete series schedule for Sabres vs. Bruins, including TV and streaming options for playoff games.
Buffalo leads series 3-2
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 19 | Game 1: Sabres 4. Bruins 3 | โ | โ |
| April 21 | Game 2:ย Bruins 4, Sabres 2 | โ | โ |
| April 23 | Game 3: Sabres 3, Bruins 1 | โ | โ |
| April 26 | Game 4: Sabres 6, Bruins 1 | โ | โ |
| April 28 | Game 5:ย Bruins 2, Sabres 1 (OT) | โ | โ |
| May 1 | Game 6: Bruins vs. Sabres | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN,ย DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app |
| May 3 | Game 7*:ย Sabres vs. Bruins | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
Games in the Sabres vs. Bruins series will air on multiple channels.ย
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.ย
Click here for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, updated live as series are completed.
SN
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.ย
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 4 or 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |
The Dallas Cowboys' draft has been seen by many as a successful one, thanks in part to taking Caleb Downs in the first round and focusing on defense. But that isn't going to fix three of the bigger questions still plaguing them heading into the 2026 season. And yes, it would be easy to say George Pickens is at the top of the list, but looking past the low-hanging fruit that is Pickens, one will find three more concerns.
They have other issues on the offensive side of the football, questions stemming from having a fourth defensive coordinator in four years, and an overarching concern that has submarined quite a few playoff hopefuls over the years.
These three questions matter in the immediate future and beyond for the Cowboys going forward.
Number one concern on this list is Tyler Guyton's ability to stay healthy through an entire season. The 2024 first-round pick has yet to give the Cowboys a full season of work. So far in his young career, Guyton has missed seven regular-season games to injuries, plus parts of others. A knee/shoulder injury in 2024 caused him to miss two games, and in 2025, Guyton missed five games due to an ankle injury.
The Cowboys are going to be heavily relying on their offense to keep them in games while the defense continues to learn Christian Parker's schemes. Guyton is the best left tackle option for Dallas with this current roster, and they need him to protect quarterback Dak Prescott's blindside. If he isn't on the field, the best result for the Cowboys' offense would be increased pressure off the edge that disrupts Prescott's timing and comfort in the pocket. The worst would be another serious Prescott injury.
If it seems as though every season, the Cowboys are installing a new defensive scheme after firing their previous defensive coordinator, it's because they are. Each time this happens, fans are subjected to watching a unit that still hasn't been able to grasp the scheme. Parker's main goal prior to the start of the season will be to get his players up to speed as quickly as possible.
Parker came to Dallas with a reputation of being a great communicator, someone who figures out how to relate to his guys and use that to get the best out of them. It's worked for him in the past, bringing out the best in players, players like the Broncos Pat Surtain, and the Eagles' Quinyon Mitchellย andย Cooper DeJean.
This time around, Parker's the defensive coordinator and not a positional coach. He'll have more responsibilities and won't be able to devote the majority of his time to the secondary.
He's going to have to rely on his hand-picked staff to get the job done for him. It will be interesting to see if they'll have that same ability to tap into their player's potential and grow it.
It feels as though this is a recurring issue for Dallas on defense, and this season is no different. Last season, the Cowboys' defense saw 12 players go down with injuries. Heading into the 2026 season, Dallas heads into OTAs with two big defensive contributors on the mend. Cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) and Donovan Ezeiruaku (hip) may be ready for offseason workouts at the earliest, or not until training camp.
They also have players who they believe will contribute heavily on defense this season, who have their own injury concerns based on their history. Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (knee), linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (knee), and safety Malik Hooker (foot) all missed games last season, either coming back from an injury or getting injured during the season. If the Cowboys' defense wants to take a step forward in 2026, they'll need to pick up Parker's scheme, but more importantly, stay healthy.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 burning questions hanging over Cowboys as offseason workouts begin
In case you haven't heard, quite a few folks really like what the Carolina Panthers did in the 2026 NFL Draft. This past weekend's work from the NFC South champions received rave reviews, and may help set them up for a successful title defense.
But how does Pro Football Focus like the class?
Here are the overall PFF grades from the college careers of each draftee . . .
Followย @ThePanthersWireย on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Career PFF grades for all 7 Panthers picks
Longtime NHL veteran Ryan McDonagh recently joined a prestigious club in regard to NHL playoff appearances.
The former Wisconsin men's hockey star appeared in his 200th career NHL playoff game. In NHL history, only 24 players have reached that mark.
Badgers legend Chris Chelios leads the way with 266 all-time games played while Joe Pavelski sits just ahead of McDonagh with his 201 playoff appearances.
24 people have skated in 200 career NHL playoff games, now including Ryan McDonagh.
โ Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) April 27, 2026
All-time Badgers in the rankings
1. Chris Chelios - 266 GP
...
21. Joe Pavelski - 201
22t. Ryan McDonagh - 200 pic.twitter.com/nD8YGHkKYW
McDonagh, who was Minnesota's Mr. Hockey in 2007, played on the Badgers from 2007-10. Back in 2020, the Badgers touted his success as he became the 14th Wisconsin men's hockey alumnus to win the Stanley Cup.
The former No. 12 overall pick won it all with the Tampa Bay Lightning that year. After a brief stint in Nashville, McDonagh returned to the Lightning, where he's now vying to pass Pavelski in the all-time rankings. Seeing as the Lightning and Canadians are tied 2-2, McDonagh, as long as he stays healthy, will indeed make at least two more playoff appearances this season alone.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin alumnus Ryan McDonagh skates in 200th NHL playoff game
The 2026 softball regular season enters a final week for SEC series.
No. 8 Tennessee will face Missouri for its final SEC softball series in the regular season. Rankings reflect the NFCA/GoRout Division I Coaches Poll.
Game 1 between the Lady Vols and Tigers will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. EDT (SEC Network+). Game 2 on Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT (SEC Network+), while a series finale will be contested Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT (SEC Network).
The SEC Tournament will be held May 5-9 at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.
Below are SEC softball standings ahead of the final week in league play.
| School | SEC record | Overall record |
| Oklahoma | 18-3 | 46-6 |
| Florida | 16-5 | 45-7 |
| Alabama | 16-5 | 44-6 |
| Texas | 15-6 | 38-8 |
| Texas A&M | 15-6 | 35-14 |
| Tennessee | 14-7 | 40-8 |
| Arkansas | 13-8 | 39-9 |
| LSU | 10-11 | 34-16 |
| Georgia | 10-11 | 34-16 |
| Mississippi State | 8-13 | 36-15 |
| Missouri | 8-13 | 27-26 |
| South Carolina | 7-14 | 30-22 |
| Ole Miss | 4-17 | 30-22 |
| Auburn | 4-17 | 25-24 |
| Kentucky | 1-23 | 26-28 |
More: Tennessee's 2026 SEC softball schedule announced
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: 2026 SEC softball standings ahead of final regular-season week
NEW YORK โ Marcus Semienโs grounder to third base when the Mets had the bases loaded in the fourth inning of Tuesday nightโs blowout win over the Nationals couldโve been an inning-ending double play.
Had Jorbit Vivas fielded the ball cleanly, he had time to step on the bag to his right and fire across the diamond to get Washington out of the jam.
That outcome wouldnโt have been a surprise to Mets fans. Theyโve grown accustomed this month to watching this lineup flop in run-scoring opportunities consistently.
But Vivas whiffed when he swiped at the short hop with his glove hand. A chopper with a 5 percent hit probability turned into a two-run error, the spark to a seven-run inning for the Mets.
In the Metsโ dugout, manager Carlos Mendoza had one thought ringing through his mind.
โWe all felt it there,โ Mendoza said. โThis is the break we were looking for.โ
The Mets turned Vivasโ mistake into five additional runs. Rookie Carson Benge lined the next pitch from Nationals starter Zack Littell into left-center field for a two-run single. Benge has been swinging a hot bat of late, getting his barrel to the ball far more often with an aggressive approach, using the entire field while timing up the fastball.
After a Bo Bichette sacrifice fly to deep right when the lineup turned over, near the spot where his leadoff home run in the bottom of the first left the yard, Juan Soto delivered the knockout punch. His two-run home run to the opposite field was on a very poorly-located two-strike fastball from Littell over the middle of the plate.
โSometimes you just need a little lucky rock in the middle of the field to get you going,โ Soto said of Semienโs grounder with a smile.
Factor in the Metsโ recent production (or lack thereof) on offense, and a seven-run inning feels like a tidal wave of run production.
This is the same offense that was held to only four runs over 27 innings at the plate against the Rockies this past weekend. That series, a sweep for Colorado at Citi Field, had a rock bottom feel to it, heating up Mendozaโs seat as Mets manager.
Seven runs is also more than the Mets had scored in any individual game in all but one of their last 19 games played.
And while a blowout win in April against Washington wouldnโt normally feel special, this one had a must-win vibe to it. To get the job done in dominant fashion was a chance for this team to exhale. They hadnโt cruised to an easy, lopsided win in more than three weeks โ their last win of more than three runs was way back on April 4, a 9-0 romp in San Francisco against the Giants.
โJust gives a little confidence to the lineup,โ Soto said. โRemember what weโre capable of.โ
MORE BY MAX GOODMAN
The question now for the Mets is can they turn that feel-good victory into a turning point, the type of win that helps this offense build serious momentum and to turn a disastrous start to the season into a memory.
As Tuesdayโs starter Clay Holmes said postgame, trying to climb out of a hole in one day rarely ever works. Itโs about stacking good days together and sticking to the same process, avoiding the instances where the Mets abandon their approach and try to do too much (which leads to pressing).
The Mets need to lean into the influx of confidence this lineup must feel after an overdue outburst without getting too cocky. Thereโs still plenty of work to be done. After all, Tuesdayโs win featured a gift from Washington, a game that was started by a pitcher in Littell who entered play on Tuesday with a 7.56 ERA in 2026.
Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fernando Mendoza may be the new face of the Las Vegas Raiders, but he is not walking into the locker room alone.
The No. 1 overall pick instantly brings expectations, pressure, and attention, especially at quarterback. But what often matters just as much is what happens behind the scenes once the spotlight fades.
And in Mendozaโs case, one of the Raidersโ biggest leaders has already made sure that transition is as smooth as possible.
Because long before the regular season begins, relationships inside the locker room are already taking shape, and this one could end up being crucial.
Speaking via The Rush podcast, Crosby revealed that his connection with the rookie quarterback started even before draft night.
โI know everybodyโs fired up that heโs part of our team now. I had the chance to have a great conversation with him when he came on his visit.
โI got to chop it up with him a little bit, and then on draft night, got on FaceTime and talked to him,โ Crosby said.
That early interaction matters. It shows Mendoza was already building relationships within the organization before officially becoming the franchiseโs centerpiece.
For a player stepping into such a high-pressure role, having that kind of welcome can make a real difference.
Crosby also made it clear that the connection did not stop there.
โWeโve been texting back and forth ever since. Iโm really fired up for him, excited to take him under my wing and help him out, show him the way, and just encourage him to be himself and lead in his own way.
โSo, fired up for him and his family. I know it was a big moment,โ Crosby further stated.
That kind of support from a veteran leader is exactly what teams hope for when they bring in a young quarterback.
Crosby has established himself as one of the emotional and competitive anchors of the Raiders, and his willingness to guide Mendoza adds another layer to the rookieโs situation.
Instead of being left to figure things out alone, Mendoza is stepping into a locker room where leadership is already reaching out to him.
And if that dynamic continues, it could play a big role in how quickly he adjusts to life in the NFL.
Read more:
According to a report from Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany immediately hit the locker room to give his squad praise and other words of encouragement for the fight and heart that it showed as is came back from a 5-2 deficit to finish the game at 5-4.
Kompany gave the squad just the boost it needed per midfielder Aleksandar Pavloviฤ:
After the final whistle, Vincent Kompany immediately went to the dressing room and addressed his players with words of praise and optimism with a view to the return leg next week
Aleksandar Pavloviฤ: โHe said heโs proud of us โ and of the way we came back, the mentality we showed, the good energy we had in the game, and the good performance we delivered. And that heโs already looking forward to Munich.โ
This is just the type of thing you would expect from Kompany, who has forged a strong bond with this his players. Now, the group will need to dig deep in an attempt to pull out a win for the tie at home next week.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributorโฆ
Sign up for a user accountย and get:
The 2025/26 Championship season ends this weekend with one automatic promotion place still up for grabs and the play-off places yet to be decided.
Last night, Southampton could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Ipswich Townย after Jack Clarke's 87-minute equaliser.ย
It's a result that kept the Tractor Boys in provisional second place going into the final day and ensured Southampton have a play-off spot guaranteed although they are no longer in the race for second place.
Three teams all have a chance of finishing behind champions Coventry City this season and one of them will end up avoiding potential play-off heartbreak.
As we said, Ipswich Town are currently second on 81 points, one ahead of Millwall and two more than Middlesbrough.
Kieran McKenna's side will host Queens Park Rangers knowing that a win is enough against a team who are currently in the middle of the pack.
On paper, Millwall have the easiest opponent and should be in prime position to take advantage if Ipswich slip up. The Lions host already-relegated Oxford United as they hope to make history and reach the Premier League for the first team.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough require both teams to make mistakes but they have a difficult fixture. Boro will be travelling to take on a Wrexham team who also have a big final day...
We already know which teams will finish in the top five which leaves us with one final play-off spot up for grabs.
It is Wrexham who currently occupy that final play-off place but they of course have that difficult game against Boro.
The Red Dragons are sixth solely because they have a superior goal difference to Hull City by just one goal. The Tigers know that Wrexham can beat Boro but as long as they get a good goal-margin over Norwich City (no easy task) then they could reach sixth.
Eager for both teams to drop points is Derby County who will host Sheffield United on Saturday. The Rams are just a point behind and in the unlikely event that both Wrexham and Hull lose and Derby draw then they also enjoy a healthy goal difference.
As always in the Championship the permutations are clear but on the day things will no doubt twist and turn as the afternoon goes on.
Kevin Kisner has revealed what he was telling his playing partner after getting the opportunity to play alongside Nelly Korda for the first time.
Korda has most definitely put her winless 2025 season behind her at the start of this year.
The 27-year-old is now world number one again after winning the Chevron Championship for the second time in her career this past week. It was Kordaโs third major title.
Korda took charge of the tournament from the opening day at Memorial Park. She boasted a six-shot lead at the halfway stage and went on to keep all of her rivals at armโs length over the remainder of the tournament.
While Korda appears to not crave the limelight at all, she is undoubtedly the biggest superstar in the womenโs game right now.
And speaking on the Fore Play Podcast, Kevin Kisner suggested that he has been a big admirer of Korda ever since playing in an event alongside her some years ago.
โSheโs cool, too. I played with her in a team event, the Grant Thornton, it was before it was mixed though, so they gave her a sponsor exemption to play with the guys. She was the only female playing. And after six holes, I was playing with Max Homa and we were paired with her, and I looked at Max on the seventh tee and I said this is the greatest golfer Iโve ever played with,โ he said.
โShe was hitting lasers with three woods at the flag, and weโre standing there with seven irons not hitting it inside of her. I told Max this is getting embarrassing. Sheโs going to beat me straight up from the back tees and youโre going to tell everyone about it.
โBut sheโs incredible, and sheโs cool as hell because I asked her on the first tee, I said, โNelly, I donโt know you very well, itโs nice to meet you, I just need to know where are we in this? I say a lot of off-colour things while Iโm playing golfโ. She goes, โwhatever you want Kis, bring it onโ.โ
It is hard to imagine that we will see a season like the 2025 campaign on the LPGA ever again.
There were 30 different winners in 32 events. Jeeno Thitikul was the only player to win more than once.
What makes that run all the more incredible is the fact that Nelly Korda was not among those winners. That is despite Korda winning seven times back in 2024.
There is an amazing amount of talent in the womenโs game right now. Thitikul has somehow still not won her first major title despite achieving so much already.
But it is arguably better for the LPGA to have a dominant figure like Korda emerge. That is much more likely to encourage casual fans to keep an eye on what is going on.
And Korda is certainly well on her way to becoming an all-time great with three majors and an Olympic gold medal under her belt already.
It would be no surprise to see her complete the Career Grand Slam in the near future.
FORT LAUDERDALE โ Brad Marchand made headlines during the Florida Panthers end-of-season meeting with the media almost two weeks ago when he said he would โrather miss the playoffs than lose in the Final.โโ
Either way, Marchand surmised, โyou donโt win. Thereโs one winner, and everyone else is a loser.โโ
Since joining the Panthers last March, he did not do a lot of losing.
Before the Panthersโ season started to unravel in January, it looked like Florida may be able to survive some early injuries and make a run at a three-peat as Stanley Cup champions.
Yet, things did unravel and the team fell out of contention by the time Marchand and a bunch of his teammates flew to Milan for the Winter Olympics in February.
And, he wishes things worked out a little different.
โIt was disappointing the way the year played out,โโ Marchand said. โBut you definitely learn something about your group every year, regardless of how it goes. I love the mindset of the guys every single day.
โWe were fighting an uphill battle with everything the team had been going through. โฆ It didnโt go our way, and there was a ton of adversity, but I loved how we stuck together as a group.โโ
Despite how things ended, Marchand ended up having a pretty good year.
On March 7, 2025, the Panthers acquired the Boston Bruinsโ captain for what turned out to be a first-round pick in 2028.
Although Marchand was injured at the time of the trade, he joined the team for the final 10 games of the regular season and, well, worked to figure things out.
By the time the playoffs started, it was on.
Paired with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, Marchandโs line was one of Floridaโs best throughout the playoffs.
Marchand ended up being one of Floridaโs most clutch players (10 goals, 20 points in 23 games) as he won the Stanley Cup for just the second time in what will certainly be a Hall of Fame career.
A few days later, he signed a new six-year contract with the Panthers worth almost $32 million to stay with his new team.
Marchand instantly became one of the most recognizable and, surprisingly even to him, popular athletes in South Florida.
He even had a Blizzard named after him a Dairy Queen โ at least briefly.
Fast forward to the start of the new season and Marchand helped carry the Panthers offensively with Matthew Tkachuk and Sasha Barkov among Floridaโs injured.
He impressed teammates and coaches alike with not only his work ethic, but his productivity as well.
In February, he got to play for Team Canada at the Olympics for the first time in his life.
Despite a nagging injury that heโs going to have to deal with, perhaps even with surgery, this offseason, it had been a pretty good year for one Brad Marchand.
โThere are a lot of highlights, a lot of milestones that I am very proud of and excited out,โโ Marchand said. โBeing on the 4-Nations, winning a Cup; we didnโt win gold at the Olympics, but we medaled and thereโs a lot to be thankful and grateful for.
โYou are not going to win everything all the time, and you learn that pretty quickly in this league. But just being on the ice and being part of this team, this organization, is an honor and a pleasure. And I think thatโs what sometimes gets overlooked. โฆ
โWeโre very fortunate to play this game, do what we do. Play a game for a living, meet great people, travel to great places, live out a dream. Yeah, itโs unfortunate we didnโt win. But when you look back on the year, it was a hell of a year.โโ
This article: No Playoffs for Panthers, But Brad Marchand Had a Year to Remember originally appeared on Florida Hockey Now.
Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich delivered an all-time UEFA Champions League classic as PSG claimed a dramatic 5-4 victory in the first leg of their semi-final at the Parc des Princes.
The nine-goal thrillerย became the highest-scoring Champions League semi-final in history, while the five goals scored in the first half were also the most ever in the opening 45 minutes of a semi-final or final.
It was just the second knockout-stage match in the competitionโs history to see both sides score at least four goals, after Chelseaย and Liverpool drew 4-4 in 2008.
PSG have now scored five or more goals in four different Champions League matches this season, matching Liverpoolโs 2017-18 record for the most in a single campaign. They also joined Ajax and Liverpool as the only clubs to score five goals in a Champions League semi-final. Meanwhile, both PSG and Bayern have now passed 40 goals in this seasonโs competition - the first time two clubs have both reached that mark in the same campaign.
For Bayern, it was a damaging night defensively. The German side had not conceded five goals in a European fixture since their 5-2 defeat to Ajax in the 1994-95 semi-final, while the five they shipped in Paris equalled the most they have ever conceded in a Champions League match.
Despite the defeat, Harry Kane still made history. The Englandย captain became only the third English player to score and assist in a Champions League semi-final, after Andy Cole in 1999 and Wayne Rooney in 2011.
Kane also extended his Champions League scoring run to six consecutive matches, setting a new record for an English player and moving clear of the previous mark he had shared with Steven Gerrard.
There was another personal landmark for Michael Olise, who became the only player across Europeโs top five leagues this season to register 20+ goals and 20+ assistsย in all competitions.
Although PSG take a one-goal lead into the second leg, Bayernโs four away goals ensure the tie remains finely balanced. After a night that rewrote several Champions League records, the return meeting in Munich now carries even greater intrigue.
ONE Championship lit up Tokyoโs Ariake Arena with a night full of statement-making performances across five high-stakes MMA contests at ONE SAMURAI 1 inside Tokyoโs Ariake Arena on Wednesday, April 29.
From rising contenders seizing their moment to established names reinforcing their status, the event showcased the depth of talent across the roster in the all-encompassing sport.
Before attention shifts to the four blockbuster World Title fights, hereโs what went down from the MMA battles, which streamed live via pay-per-view at live.onefc.com.
In a high-stakes atomweight MMA contest, Chihiro Sawadaโs world-class grappling powered her to a sensational opening round submission win against Ayaka โZombieโ Miura.
It was far from straightforward for the Team Akatsuki and IDEA Asakusa affiliate, though. Miura attempted to take charge early with a fierce takedown, but Sawada stood her ground and stuffed the attempt.
The 28-year-old chipped away with grounded knees when they were locked in the clinch, but Miura was having none of that and attempted to break free to get control again. The Tokyo-based fighter defended intelligently and gradually worked her way into a dominant position through sharp positional awareness.
Sensing her moment, Sawada rolled into an armbar attempt against the flow of traffic, isolating Miuraโs arm and making crucial adjustments before fully extending for the finish.
The tap came at the 4:33 mark of the fight and improved Sawadaโs record to 12-1. At the same time, she earned a shot at ONE Womenโs Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice โThe Menaceโ Zamboanga.
In atomweight MMA, Itsuki โAndroid 18โ Hirata overcame early adversity to submit Ritu โThe Indian Tigressโ Phogat with a rear-naked choke in the third round.
Phogat imposed her wrestling from the opening bell, looking to control the tempo on the canvas. But the judoka stayed patient through the exchanges, eventually flipping the script during a scramble to wrap the first frame with ground-and-pound.
Hirata continued that momentum in the second frame. After absorbing a clean left hand, the 26-year-old brought Phogat to the mat and took her back, where she instantly hunted for a rear-naked choke. The latter, to her credit, did well under pressure to survive the round.
Sensing she needed something big, Phogat started the final frame aggressively. The 31-year-old scored a takedown and looked to establish dominance. โAndroid 18,โ however, got the upper hand against Phogat once more โ and this time, there was no escape.
Hirata transitioned to full mount and capitalized on a scramble to take Phogatโs back. She tightened her grip on another rear-naked choke, which eventually drew a tap from her opposite number at 2:42 of the stanza for an eighth career victory.
ONE veteran Tatsumitsu โThe Sweeperโ Wada used his experience to earn a split decision victory over Seiichiro Ito in another all-Japan showdown.
Wada stood out early in this flyweight MMA tilt, utilizing his reach advantage to land jabs and crosses while mixing in low kicks to disrupt Itoโs rhythm. In range, though, the promotional newcomer offered some glimpses of what he can do in the striking department.
Still, the 37-year-old controlled the tempo in the second round, landing clean straight punches and using his movement to stay elusive whenever Ito closed the distance with some punches.
Wada brought the same style into the final canto, opening with a sharp right hand and defending his opponentโs takedown attempt. As time ran out, Ito desperately threw combinations to close the gap, but the Swag Gym Kyoto athlete matched him in the exchanges.
Two of the three judges awarded Wada the win after 15 minutes of non-stop action, earning him his 27th career victory.
Keito โPocket Monkโ Yamakita earned his fourth successive win with a brilliant submission finish against Ryohei Kurosawa in this all-Japanese strawweight MMA battle.
The 29-year-old quickly shot for a takedown and controlled most of the action throughout the first frame on the canvas. The Blackbelt Japan athlete did find a loophole around his foeโs grappling prowess, but โPocket Monkโ took him back to the mats to trouble him.
Yamakita was up against Kurosawaโs solid striking when round two resumed, but he responded with feints and dodged to score another takedown. He maintained control on the canvas and slowly plotted his way to a highlight-reel moment.
After a brief scramble with Kurosawa searching for an exit, Yamakita used his frame to pin his man down, isolated his left arm, and cranked in an armbar that drew a tap at 1:31 of the second canto.
Yamakitaโs fourth consecutive triumph improves his record to 12-1 and keeps him firmly in the run for a shot at the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title.
In a back-and-forth curtain-raiser, unbeaten Kanata Nagai applied steady pressure to overcome fellow Japanese debutant Atsubo Kambe in bantamweight MMA action.
Both men opened aggressively, exchanging jabs and punches before the Shooto Bantamweight Champion shot for a takedown. Kambe defended well, though, before the two exchanged heavy knees in the clinch to end the frame.
The second round saw more exchanges on the feet. Nagai then switched levels, took his opponent down, and secured his back. The Tribe Tokyo MMA athlete locked in a deep rear-naked choke from there, but his dance partner stayed composed and escaped.
In the final stanza, Kambe again defended Nagaiโs takedown and briefly threatened with a guillotine choke. In response, the 21-year-old pressed forward in the closing moments, throwing combinations from every angle to finish strong.
After three entertaining rounds, all three judges awarded the match to Nagai, who moved to 10-0 in his career.
Stars vs. Wild schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a two-year hiatus, the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are back for a first-round matchup in the NHL Playoffs.ย
The Stars won the matchup 4-2 in 2023, and return as the favorites in this matchup. After three straight conference finals losses, Dallas is looking to finally surpass the feat. The first team standing in its way? The Minnesota Wild.ย
The Wild are no strangers to recent playoff appearances. However, they do have a streak of playoff struggles, losing their last seven first round series, dating back to 2016.
This creates a matchup between two teams that are only separated by four regular season wins, but could not be more different in terms of recent playoff results.
Here's what you need to know to watch Stars vs. Wild, including broadcast information and start times.
Minnesota leads 3-2
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
| April 18 | Game 1: Wild 6, Stars 1 | โ | โ |
| April 20 | Game 2: Stars 4, Wild 2 | โ | โ |
| April 22 | Game 3: Stars 4,ย Wild 3 (2 OT) | โ | โ |
| April 25 | Game 4: Wild 3, Stars 2 (OT) | โ | โ |
| April 28 | Game 5: Wild 4, Stars 2 | โ | โ |
| April 30 | Game 6: Stars at Wild | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, truTV,ย DIRECTV |
| May 2 | Game 7*: Wild at Stars | TBD | TBD |
* If necessary
Games in the Stars vs. Wild series will air on multiple channels.ย
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.ย
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.ย
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 4 or 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves take on the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets, this will be a true test of whether the game's young stars are ready to compete with the championship-winning veterans.ย
The Denver Nuggets cruised to their eighth consecutive playoff berth this season, finishing 54-28 on the back of Nikola Jokic winning both the rebounding and assist titles. While the Timberwolves had a slightly harder path to the playoffs, by the last week of the season, their playoff dreams were never in doubt, finishing seven games above the play-in spot.ย
These two teams have a recent playoff history as well, with this series marking their third playoff matchup in four seasons. The Nuggets bested the Timberwolves 4-1 in the opening round in 2023, en route to a championship in Denver. Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves got their revenge a season later, however, winning 4-3 in the conference semi-finals.ย
Now, in 2026, this is the tiebreaker series. With a few more seasons of experience for a young Timberwolves team, can they once again defeat the Nuggets? Or will the higher-seeded veterans come back after a tough loss last time out?ย
Here's what you need to know to watch Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, including broadcast information and start times.
Minnesota leads series 3-2
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., April 18 | Game 1: Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105 | โ | โ |
| Mon., April 20 | Game 2: Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114 | โ | โ |
| Thu., April 23 | Game 3: Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96 | โ | โ |
| Sat., April 25 | Game 4: Timberwolves 112, Nuggets 96 | โ | โ |
| Mon., April 27 | Game 5: Nuggets 125, Timberwolves 113 | โ | โ |
| Thu., April 30 | Game 6 at Minnesota | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| Sat., May 2 | Game 7 at Denver* | TBD | TBD |
* If necessary
The Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video.ย
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.ย
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner โ Prime Video, Peacock or the ESPN appย โ for games on those platforms.
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracketย from The Sporting News.
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.ย
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
Over the past couple of days, rumours surrounding Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid have been gaining weight.
The Portuguese tactician, currently in charge at SL Benfica, has reportedly emerged as club president Florentino Perezโs favourite candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
There have been direct talks between Perez and Mourinhoโs agent, Jorge Mendes, about a possible return to the club.
Now, according to AS, Mourinho wants his future resolved no later than 24 May. The Portuguese coach is currently considering three possible scenarios.
One option is continuity, with the club offering a contract extension that would include a high release clause, tying both parties together long term.
He has already fulfilled his part with Benfica by submitting a dossier outlining his requirements to continue for the 2026/27 season, the final year of his current contract. The next move now rests with Rui Costa, Benficaโs president and the man responsible for appointing him.
The second scenario is one where Benfica decide to make an immediate change on the bench, a scenario not entirely ruled out in Portugal.
Will Jose return to Madrid? (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The third option would come into play if a club of interest, whether Real Madrid or another, offers him a managerial position. In that case, Mourinho can activate a release clause set at a relatively low figure.
Notably, this amount matches the compensation Benfica would have to pay him if they chose to dismiss him this summer, effectively creating a two-way mechanism.
Mourinho has informed Benfica that he will wait only until around a week after the Portuguese league season ends on 16 May, when Benfica face Estoril Praia.
This timeline is strategic, as both the Premier League and LaLiga conclude that same weekend, 23-24 May, which are his primary markets.
Real Madrid, for their part, are observing the situation calmly from a distance.
They are fully aware of the conditions that would allow Mourinho to leave Benfica, and it is no secret that strong ties remain between the clubโs hierarchy and the coach despite his controversial previous spell in charge.
However, the Spanish capita club are proceeding with caution regarding their managerial future.
Former Roma manager Jose Mourinho has been in the spotlight in recent weeks due to links with Real Madrid. The Portuguese has now spoken to the Italian media about a host of issues and has specifically focused on the links with the Italian national team.
Mourinho spoke to both Sportmediaset and Il Giornale in a detailed chat. He was asked about whether he is interested in a move to the Azzurri and whether there has been contact.
He told Sportmediaset โ via La Gazzetta dello Sport, pretty much shutting down any talk of a move.
โSomeone asked me if I would coach Italy. You donโt need a foreign coach, you canโt have Ancelotti, okay. But you have Allegri, Conte, and I could name five or six others.โ
He also suggested the Italian national team setup to organise more youth tournaments to get rid of their problems, instead of seeking temporary solutions.
โIโll give you the example of Portugal: come and see how the youth tournaments are organized, what the conditions are. Thatโs enough to understand and maybe copy. I was with Rui Costa.โ
Further, Mourinho indicated Max Allegri as his preferred candidate to take the role at the Italian national team, especially if Giovanni Malago gets appointed as the FIGC president.
He told Sportmediaset: โWe didnโt believe our Italy team could be eliminated from the World Cup. Italy needs to rethink everything from the ground up. Mr. Malagรฒ is a strong name, Iโd love to, he can change things with his experience, Italy is very strong in many Olympic sports. Iโd go with M&M: Malagรฒ and Max.โ
Get Italian Football News have already covered the conditions of Allegriโs possible move to the national team. Malagoโs appointment at FIGC can dictate that, as he sees the Milan boss as the priority candidate.
Kaustubh Pandey โ GIFN
The club campaign is reaching its conclusion, and soon attention will turn to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
There are going to be plenty of Manchester City players at the World Cup, which is set to take place this summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Some of these players are going to participate in this highly anticipated competition for the first time in their careers, while other players will be expected to shine.
Fans of World Cup Bitcoin betting will, of course, be following closely.
Some of the players who could become legends for their national teams are as follows.
The France international could be about to finally have his standout moment for the national team., having long been considered one of the most promising young players on the planet, and stepping up to the top table with ease since joining Manchester City.
However, he has often struggled to make an impact for France, which is largely understandable when considering the amount of competition for places and starting time in the squad.
This competition could be his chance to really prove himself, and he will have no shortage of world class teammates to help him do so. If he can harness the best elements of his game, Cherki could prove to be the difference-maker for Les Bleus this summer.
Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov is not blessed with the most elite squad of teammates, but he and his countrymen could be about to pull a big surprise, having managed to qualify for the World Cup โ a huge feat in itself.
Khusanov and his teammates are due to meet Portugal, the current UEFA Nations League holders โ who boast teammates Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes in their squad โ as well as DR Congo and Colombia.
Khusanov has performed well in the Premier League and Champions League, however the World Cup presents a different challenge altogether as he will undoubtedly be the star player for his team, but possibly outmatched by the firepower of their group stage opponents.
If Uzbekistan are to do something special, Abdukodir Khusanov will surely have a big part to play.
Another Manchester City player fighting for a starting place for his national team is Nico OโReilly, although Thomas Tuchel cannot perhaps guarantee a first-team berth for him with competition at left-back and in central midfield.
However, Nico OโReilly himself can be quietly confident of being in the Starting XI, having consistently played at a very high level this season for Manchester City and coming on leaps and bounds under Pep Guardiolaโs stewardship.
If OโReilly does get on the pitch for England at the World Cup, he has shown time and again for Manchester City that he is capable of affecting games in a big way โ something which the Three Lions will need if they hope to go all the way and finally win the competition.
And so, after 45 Championship games, it all comes down to the final day...
Tell us, Ipswich, Millwall and Middlesbrough fans, how are you feeling?
The Tractor Boys have the advantage going into Saturday's home game with QPR, knowing a win would seal automatic promotion.
But the Lions, one point behind in third place, will seek to keep the pressure on as they host Oxford United while fourth-placed Boro, two points back, head to Wrexham aiming for a win and hoping other results go their way to sneak back over the dotted line where they spent most of the season.
Do you think your side will reach the Premier League by 15:00 BST on Saturday? If not, how hard would it be for them to pick themselves up and go again in the play-offs?
Representatives from Iranโs football federation were not present at the largest formal meeting of Asiaโs football leaders before the World Cup.
In the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, there was no discussion at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress about Iranโs participation in the tournament or whether the teamโs games should be moved out of the United States because of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Concerns were raised that visa issues could affect the Iranian delegationโs ability to travel to both the confederation meeting in Vancouver and the overall FIFA Congress on Thursday, as well as the World Cup starting on June 11.
The 48-team tournament is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
It was not clear if visa issues prevented Iranian representatives from attending the AFC Congress. However, as the nine AFC teams that qualified for the World Cup were presented with commemorative gifts, it was announced that Iran would receive their token โonce they arriveโ.
An Iranian government spokesperson said last week that the national team was preparing for โproud and successful participationโ in its World Cup games in the United States.
FIFA, footballโs international governing body, has consistently said Iran will stick to the World Cup game schedule decided last December, before the US and Israel launched military attacks on Iran on February 28, and has refused to entertain suggestions that the teamโs games be moved to Mexico.
โNow even more, now that the world is going through a very, very delicate, difficult, dangerous time with many conflicts, and many of you are directly affected and involved in these conflicts,โ Infantino told the AFC leaders.
โNow even more, we need to find ways to build these famous bridges, or maybe to build football fields instead. And to build competitions where people can join and come together.โ
Iran are placed in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt.
Team Melliโs planned training camp would be in Tucson, Arizona, and they are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles.
Iran will play Belgium in Inglewood on June 21 before facing Egypt in the final group match in Seattle on June 26.
The German Football Federation (DFB) will decide after the World Cup whether or not to adopt a new rule under which players can be sent off if they cover their mouth when confronting an opponent.
The rule-making International Football Association Board (IFAB) decided on the regulation on Tuesday at a meeting in Vancouver ahead of Thursday's congress of the ruling body FIFA in the Canadian city.
It is to be used by governing body FIFA at the June 11-July 19 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
DFB referee body spokesman Alex Feuerherdt told dpa on Wednesday that "it will be decided at a later stage whether the rule will be implemented in Germany after the World Cup."
The IFAB said that implementing the rule is for now at the discretion of event organizers but it could become a mandatory regulation in the future.
FIFA proposed the new rule after a Champions League incident from February in which Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior claimed he was racially abused by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, who had covered his mouth while confronting the Brazilian.
Prestianni admitted to have used a homephobic slur and was recently banned for six matches, three of them suspended, by UEFA.
Yankees' Aaron Judge makes baseball history never done before by NYY originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aaron Judge continues to do remarkable things on baseball fields.
The latest feat by the New York Yankees' 6-foot-7 superstar has never been done by anyone in the storied franchise's history.
Judge officially achieved his feat by hitting a home run during the ninth inning on Tuesday night, giving him 12 for the season.
He now becomes the first player in Yankees history to hit 12 homers, walk 20 times and steal five bases in a player's first 30 games of the season, according to Katie Sharp of Baseball Reference.
It is quite the trifecta of feats.ย
MORE:ย This might be the weirdest way to get an inside-the-park HR
If you had to speculate, you may have picked out Mickey Mantle in the Yankees past as the guy most likely to do this before, because of the steals, but he did not.
Babe Ruth ran here and there back in the day and could've had a shot at this, too, but nope.
It's just Judge, all by himself.
That happens more and more these days. Judge is finding ways to do things never done by any Yankees, which is about the most impressive franchise to do things for the first time as a hitter.
The record books are overloaded with all-time greats who wore the pinstripes, and yet Judge still finds ways to stand alone.
He'll go down as an all-time great -- that for a while has no longer been in doubt.
At this point, it's just worth marveling at what Judge can do. There's no one like him in the game.
Hailey Baptiste has pulled off one of the yearโs biggest surprises, taking down world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open quarter-finals.
Sabalenka, who came into the match on a 15-match winning streak and having completed the Sunshine Double just last month, had already taken care of business against No. 11 seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to book her place in the last eight.
Baptiste also faced an uphill battle to get here. She had to come from behind after losing her first set 1-6 against Elina Svitolina before rallying back to win in three sets. Just two days earlier, sheโd beaten Caroline Garcia in a tough three-set match that ended with a final set tie-break.
Baptiste dropped that first set 2-6, but turned things around with a quick 6-2 win in the second. The final set was close all the way through before she finally clinched it on her sixth match point after a dramatic tie-break.
The Americans are having quite the tournament, as Madison Keys and Coco Gauff have also made deep runs in this yearโs event.
According to statisticians OptaAce, Hailey Baptiste is only the second American to beat a world number one at the Madrid Open.
The first was none other than Serena Williams, who pulled off that feat back in 2012.
Williams was seeded ninth that year and defeated top-ranked Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-3 in the final.
Baptiste, appearing in her first semi-final, spoke with pride after the match when speaking to Tennis Channel
โIncredible. Super proud of myself,โ she said. โIt was super tight. 7-6 in the third. Had to fight off match points.
When asked what this win meant for her confidence, Baptiste added: โIt just shows me where my game lies. Iโve always believed it. Now Iโm starting to put it into action and the world is seeing it as well.โ
Baptiste spoke about her strategy for taking on Sabalenka while speaking with Tennis Channel after the match.
โI think going in I definitely wanted to make her feel uncomfortable in any way that I could,โ she said. โTrying to hit drop shots, short slices, heavier balls.โ
Mirra Andreeva has put together a strong run in the Spanish capital, highlighted by a win over Leylah Fernandez on her way to the semi-finals.
Sheโll be up against Hailey Baptiste next, a familiar opponent sheโs already beaten once before.
Their previous meeting came in the third round at Wimbledon 2025, where Andreeva won comfortably 6-1, 6-3.
โI felt like I was playing great,โ she said. โI knew that the match is going to be tough because I felt like she was playing super free and she was going for her shots.
โMy goal for the match was just to stay focused and also be aggressive. So Iโm super happy with my level today.โ
Andreeva went on to reach the quarter-finals before losing to Belinda Bencic.
Read more:
Connor Ingram stood tall when it mattered most in the first round of the NHL playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks, and head coach Kris Knoblauch made it clear the decision to start him was never a gamble.
Facing elimination in Game 5, the Edmonton Oilers turned back to Ingram despite benching him in Game 4. The move paid off as he stopped 29 of 30 shots in a 4-1 win over the Ducks, keeping the series alive at 3-2.
Knoblauch backed his goaltender after the game, pointing to Ingramโs calm style.
โYeah, I thought he made a lot of good saves,โ Knoblauch said. โA lot of his talent is making hard saves look easy just because heโs compact, he doesnโt move very much. I thought there was a couple times where theyโre perimeter shots, but they were dangerous because they had really good net front and youโre not sure if the goalie is going to pick it up. I thought he was on his game because he was picking those up.โ
MORE: Chris Kreiderโs โruthlessโ hit on Leon Draisaitl sparks fan call for โhearingโ
The decision raised questions before puck drop, given Ingramโs uneven playoff numbers. He had allowed 14 goals across his first three starts and lost the crease briefly. Still, Knoblauch stressed that Ingram had been the teamโs starter late in the season and earned trust in key moments.
โHe was our starter down the stretch,โ Knoblauch said. โWe had a lot of confidence and maybe a little bit different if we played game one or sorry the game that he played in game four if we would have lost one nothing that would have made it a little more difficult.
โBut before the game we discussed about when weโre at our elimination game most likely youโre going to go with back with your starter the guy thatโs been carrying the load for the last few weeks. So, yeah, I thought it was an easier decision.โ
That belief shaped the call, and it delivered under pressure.
Edmonton gave its goalie support with a sharp start. Leon Draisaitl scored twice, while Evan Bouchard recorded three assists. Vasily Podkolzin and Zach Hyman also found the net as the Oilers built early control.
Connor McDavid also highlighted Ingramโs impact, especially a crucial late save in the first period.
โReally big, really big,โ McDavid said. โIngram was timely, and he didnโt face many in the first. So, that was a huge save at a big big moment.
โYou know, goaltending, as Iโve said before, is not about saving them all. Itโs just about saving the right ones. And that was the right one.โ
MORE: NHL analyst blasts Oilers defense as goalie Connor Ingram faces unfair heat
The Oilers had struggled to protect leads earlier in the series, but Ingramโs presence helped steady the group in the final two periods. Edmonton sat back at times, yet the goalie held firm against late pressure.
With momentum shifting, the Oilers now head into Game 6 with renewed belief.
The 2026 NFL Draft has come to a close, but the work isn't done. All 32 NFL general managers now turn their attention to trade opportunities and franchise tag deadlines. The Washington Commanders are in the same boat as the rest, with Adam Peters now focusing on filling the remaining holes in the roster.
One of the most glaring discussions in Washington is around San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk is a close friend of Jayden Daniels and is familiar with Adam Peters from their time together in San Francisco, but no trade has happened yet. That is largely because no team will want to absorb Aiyuk's contract without seeing him on the field, but that hasn't happened, making their trade desire all but impossible.
There are already reports that the Niners will end up releasing Aiyuk, at which time the Commanders will swoop in and bring him to the East Coast. Now, one CBS Sports analyst says this is one of 10 deals that need to get done during the offseason.
Aiyuk has played his final down in San Francisco, and the 49ers will officially part ways with him this offseason. The questions continue to be how the breakup will materialize and where Aiyuk ends up next.
A few nuggets were unearthed during the final day of the draft. General manager John Lynch said that the team isn't planning to release him. They remain open to trading him. The Commanders reportedly have a significant interest in acquiring Aiyuk, who was one of the NFL's most productive wideouts during the 2022 and '23 seasons.
The Commanders know that the 49ers don't have much leverage and are likely waiting for San Francisco to release him. The 49ers surely know Washington wants Aiyuk to pair with his former college teammate Jayden Daniels.
Despite this report saying that John Lynch doesn't plan to release Aiyuk, NFL insider Ian Rapoport indicated otherwise on Day 3. Rapoport stated that the 49ers are expected to release Aiyuk; it's just a matter of time. And when he is released, the expectation is that he will sign with the Commanders.
So, yeah, this isn't a deal that needs to get done because it's essentially already done. Everyone is just on hold until the 49ers decide to release Aiyuk. They are obviously holding out hope that they can trade him away and receive some kind of compensation for the wide receiver, but it seems to be well past that point.
What we really need to take away from this is that San Francisco is almost assuredly going to release Brandon Aiyuk, and when they do, he will sign with the Commanders and suit up in burgundy and gold this fall.
The question is when.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Brandon Aiyuk to Commanders a deal that 'needs to get done' post draft
Knicks vs. Hawks schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One of the NBA's most notable playoff rivalries in recent history is back in action this year, with the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks locked in to face off in the first round of the playoffs.
Despite Trae Young's departure from Atlanta this season, Knicks fans still have a sour taste in their mouths from the 2021 Playoffs. Despite being the No. 4 seed, the Knicks were upset in five games by Young's Hawks. Chants against him from New York fans are bound to come up during the series.
Leaving the past in the past now, New York won 53 games this season. Despite this being the first time the Knicks have won 50+ games in three straight seasons since 1991-92 to 1993-94, the New York faithful wanted more out of this season. Many fans were seething for a top-2 seed in the East after the Boston Celtics were without star Jayson Tatum for a large portion of the season. However, Boston finished above the Knicks, and now Tatum is back.
Heading into the series, the Knicks won two of the three regular-season games against the Hawks this year, including a recent nailbiter in Atlanta. The Hawks' offense scores at a higher rate than the Knicks, averaging 118.5 points per game (6th in NBA) compared to New York's 116.7 (10th in NBA). Where New York gains the edge is in three-point shooting and their defense. This season, the Knicks shot a fourth-best 37.3% from beyond the arc, with Atlanta right behind them at 37.1%. On the defensive side, the Knicks give up a lot of three-pointers (36.2% opponent 3P%), but have the fourth-lowest points per game against them (110.1).
If Atlanta can shoot as well as they did with Young a few years ago, they could have enough in the tank to upset the Knicks once more. They have already proven to play them well during the season, losing by only three points in both defeats. If not, however, and New York's stars can score without many problems, maybe Knicks fans will feel a larger sense of satisfaction after finally downing the Hawks in the postseason.
Here's what you need to know to watch Knicks vs. Hawks, including broadcast information and start times.
New York leads series 3-2
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102 | โ | โ |
| April 20 | Game 2: Hawks 107, Knicks 106 | โ | โ |
| April 23 | Game 3: Hawks 109, Knicks 108 | โ | โ |
| Aprilย 25 | Game 4: Knicks 114, Hawks 98 | โ | โ |
| April 28 | Game 5: Knicks 126, Hawks 97 | โ | โ |
| April 30 | Game 6ย at Hawks | 7 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| May 2 | Game 7* at Knicks | TBA | TBD |
* If necessary
The Knicks vs. Hawks series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video.ย
Games on NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.ย
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner โ Prime Videoย orย Peacockย โ for games on those platforms.
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracketย from The Sporting News.
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.ย
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
The Mike Vrabel situation has dominated much of the attention being paid to the Patriots over the last few weeks, but tight end Hunter Henry said in a Tuesday press conference that the players have been focused on football while in the building for the last two weeks.
While that might provide a respite for what's going on outside the walls, it also means a return to thoughts about the last time the team was on the field. That was a 29-13 loss to the Seahawks in a Super Bowl that felt like a bigger blowout than the score would indicate, which is likely part of the reason why Henry said that the loss is still a sore point for the team.
Henry also explained that he thinks that can be a positive because of the desire to avoid another ending like the one the team had in Santa Clara.
โI watched a little. It still stings, to be honest with you," Henry said. "Obviously, we didnโt play to the capability that we wanted to play at all on the biggest stage, and that was very disappointing and hard to process for a while. Definitely has taken a while. It still stings, but I think that is good. Thatโs good that it stings. Itโs good. It makes you want to work a little harder. To get all the way to the end and then not achieve it was hard. There was a lot of positives when you really step back from it and able to really look at the full picture. I mean, making it all the way there is obviously a blessing. Itโs really, really hard to do. Obviously getting there was big, but we didn't make it all the way."
The 2026 season will be the first chance for the Patriots to show that they've built a sustainable winner rather than a team that flashed while playing a fourth-place schedule and seeing some other AFC contender's chances deteriorate thanks to injuries and other reasons. History has examples in both directions and the answer in New England will help determine the way the conference stacks up beyond the coming season.
Further Ado, far left, with Irad Ortiz Jr. up, starts his big run to win the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday, April 4. (Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
TNSThis much is well-known: Astounding even the players backing the favorite and, to a slightly lesser extent, his connections, Further Ado, with the added threat of Irad Ortiz in the irons (a jock the horse will not have in the Derby), blazed out in the last furlongs of Keenelandโs April 4 Blue Grass to a Secretariat-like margin of eleven lengths on the peloton. The run clocked an eye-watering 106 Beyer speed figure, the highest this year among the Class of 2026.
His conditioner Brad Cox, who has another top Derby favorite in Commandment in his stable, has been reserved and within bounds, elated, about Further Adoโs development. Bluntly put, although top favorites Renegade and Commandment, respectively, won the Arkansas and Florida derbies (Grade 1 preps nominally valued higher than the Blue Grass in producing Derby placers), neither Commandment nor Renegade posted speed numbers like those of Further Ado.
That was then โ but this is Derby week. Before we get into what Further Ado has to do to put away his looming May 2 competitors Renegade, Chief Wallabee, and Commandment, here, a refresher on the the field, its post positions, and the morning line.
(Post Position, Horse, Jockey, Trainer, Morning Line)
1) Renegade, Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1
2) Albus, Jaime Torres, Riley Mott, 30-1
3) Intrepido, Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins, 50-1
4) Litmus Test, Martin Garcia, Bob Baffert, 30-1
5) Right To Party, Christopher Elliott, Kenny McPeek, 30-1
6) Commandment, Luis Saez, Brad Cox, 6-1
7) Danon Bourbon, Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe, 20-1
8) So Happy, Mike Smith, Mark Glatt, 15-1
9) The Puma, Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado, 10-1
10) Wonder Dean, Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi, 30-1
11) Incredibolt, Jaime Torres, Riley Mott, 20-1
12) Chief Wallabee, Junior Alvarado, William Mott, 8-1
13) Silent Tactic, Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 20-1
14) Potente, Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert, 20-1
15) Emerging Market, Flavien Prat, Chad Brown, 15-1
16) Pavlovian, Edwin Maldonado, Doug O'Neill, 30-1
17) Six Speed, Brian Hernandez Jr., Bhupat Seemar, 50-1
18) Further Ado, John Velasquez, Brad Cox, 6-1
19) Golden Tempo, Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux, 30-1
20) Fulleffort, Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox, 20-1
As usual when it comes to money on the Kentucky Derby barrelhead, the handicapping value of Further Adoโs Blue Grass run as factored into his Derby chances remains fraught. Further Ado was second on the Derby points leaderboard only to Commandment. Obviously, this weekโs handicapping is no longer about the points, but the points accrued by each horse do still lend us a kind of mathematical reduction of past performances, if we accept the broad premise that certain races and fields on the road to the Derby mean more than others.
That caveat noted, mounting a stretch run that opens up that gargantuan sort of lead in the last three furlongs argues for more than just the power of this one young athlete. Itโs an argument for the health of the sport. Specifically, this always needs to be remembered: the Kentucky Derby is a tough go for three-year-old equine athletes, each of whom is maturing at vastly different rates. Their characters and racing preferences are notoriously patchy; their ability to focus on any one task under pressure is as wobbly as any two-legged teenagerโs would be; and not least, their vulnerability to being spooked โ laboring under Churchillโs infamously clamorous crowd, band and infield โ is infinite.
The point is that Further Ado showed a tremendous ability and a single-minded focus on getting to the wire well out in front in the Blue Grass. This ability to focus is critical in a Kentucky Derby, which is why we often see late additions of blinders on some of the colts. The Derby is longer than any race they have run in their lives, the learning curve is steep and the pitfalls โ both tactical and veterinary โ are legion. The Derby fields are by orders of magnitude larger and more ferociously competitive than any that any contender has been in. In the heat of all that, those that do succeed must stave off more demons than they ever knew existed. Quiet, steady, clean-running achievers such as 2025โs champion, William Mottโs Sovereignty, are few and far between.
These are the reasons that, among the four strongest colts coming into the Derby, an ultra-dominant 11-length show such as that put on by Further Ado stands out. He wasnโt just holding on neck-and-neck in the last furlong or having to overtake other contenders. He was the master of an entirely different race, one taking place far away from the one in which his erstwhile competition was running.
Pre-post-position draw, all of the above is why Further Ado rose to second-favorite in TwinSpiresโ โfairโ odds, at 5-1, hard on the heels in the pre-draw estimation of Renegade, at 9-2 (or 4.5/1). Five-tenths of a point separated them. Theyโre in that same 1-2 arrangement now, but with Renegade coming down a half-point to 4-1 and Further Ado rising a full point to 6-1 in the morning line.
As ever, the money at the track often has other ideas than the morning line does, so the corollary to the annual 20-horse Derby melee is that itโs up for grabs whether Further Adoโs most recent run will sway the odds thinking as the handicapping gets honed down to a white-hot dagger point with post time looming. As if to prove this point โ about Further Ado and about the Blue Grass generally โ Churchillโs own Derby Future Wagers book closed before the Blue Grass was run, which had the oddly hilarious effect of parking Further Ado at 17-1, a dang good price given his copious talent, and that could well bring some fun pocket change to some of the passionate Futures players. By contrast, Arkansas Derby winner Renegade closed as the Future Wager poolโs Derby favorite at 4-1, spot on where he is now. In short, the money will have much more talking to do about Further Ado.
Odds wrinkles aside, what of the horse? Who is that very game Further Ado under Velasquez on Saturday? Letโs begin by noting the obvious: Heโs a half-brother to 2024โs Breedersโ Cup Classic victor Sierra Leone. Their sire is the white-hot Kentucky Bluegrass go-to sire, Gun Runner. Last September in the bellwether Keeneland fall yearling sale, Gun Runner yearlings broke the historical record, kept since the sale began in 1944, by bringing the top price in each of the saleโs four sessions. Further Ado is right in line with that pedigree, solid runner, can take the distance, able to focus, strong desire to do everything he can to get there first. Itโs difficult to say that any race run by any three-year old is โproofโ of anything, but in Further Adoโs case the Blue Grass win was a sterling indication of his DNA.
Bottom line, we donโt know what kind of trip heโs going to get on Saturday, but breaking from the far outside in the Churchill gate wonโt hurt him. Heโll have all he can do to deal with the traffic and get by his co-favorites, but if any one of them has a shot at beating the others, Further Ado is carrying the tool kit to do it.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Glenn Hoddle says he offered to take interim charge of Tottenham in order to bring "love" to the club in the closing stages of the season.
Club-legend Hoddle inspired Spurs to successes between 1975 and 1987 before managing the club between 2001 and 2003.
The 68-year-old says he put his name forward along with ex-Tottenham player and manager Ossie Ardiles when Spurs lost to Nottingham Forest in March.
Spurs have since parted ways with then manager Igor Tudor to appoint Roberto de Zerbi.
Hoddle told The Jeff Stelling Show: "They never came to us. We did, Ossie (Ardiles) and myself, after the Forest game, we felt there was a real problem there.
"Ossie and I made it clear that we would go in there if they wanted us to go in there with probably a younger legend (as coach) as well.
"It felt at that time, at the end of the game, Tudor was in as the manager, but to lose 3-0 against a team down at the bottom โ with you at home โ was a bad sign.
"It looked to me as if it needed some love, like it needed some people to go in there and unite the fans, with the owners, with the team and that is why we said we would do it.
"They said they were looking elsewhere, so that was fine by me.
"I don't care who, I'm a Spurs man through and through since eight years of age, so as long as they've got the right man in.
"De Zerbi has gone in and everyone's got to unite and get together, but they've got a real task on their hands haven't they?
"I just want them to stay up, whether I was involved or I wasn't."
Ireland kicking coach Gareth Steenson says closing out the Women's Six Nations with two home wins would be "huge" for the squad after last weekend's deflating defeat by France.
Chasing a first win on French soil, Ireland had three tries disallowed during a dominant first-half display in Clermont on Saturday before the hosts seized control after the interval to win 26-7.
Ireland host Wales in Belfast on 9 May before welcoming Scotland to Aviva Stadium on 17 May having hammered Italy 57-20 in their first home game in Galway.
"We make no bones about it, three home wins was the goal at the start and go over and maybe put in a big performance and try to nick one away from home," Steenson told BBC Sport NI.
"It's got to be where the group's at. You've got to want to go and win. The capabilities are there.
"I think the way the fixtures have fallen. England first up, it was good to play that big game and get us into that competition to see where we're at. Then we go to Galway and put in that performance against a good Italian team, scoring seven tries in the first half. Conditions were difficult but we adapted really well to it.
"And then to put the fight up that we did [in France], it kind of lined up that you needed two good Test matches to go into what was effectively as tough a game as those girls have experienced.
"The week off has come as good timing for us. We can probably touch up on a few things leading into the Wales game in Belfast. We hope we get a good support out there because the girls are playing a really good brand of rugby and they've been feeding off the crowds."
Hoping to avenge last year's World Cup quarter-final defeat, Ireland made a quick start against France and took a 7-0 lead through Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald's try.
But as Ambre Mwayembe hit back for the hosts, Ireland had three tries disallowed before France assumed control in the second half to claim a bonus-point win to keep alive their hopes of wresting the title away from world champions England.
While Steenson admits there are "plenty of frustrations" with how the game in Clermont panned out, he insists the first-half display points to the strides Ireland have made under head coach Scott Bemand.
"When you look back on it, there is a lot we're getting right as a group," he added.
"We're creating opportunities which before we probably weren't.
"Look at the England game, we went over and didn't fire shots. We took a bit long to get into the game. We went over [to France] with a plan which was implemented for the best part of the first half, we just didn't get the scores."
Former Exeter Chiefs fly-half Steenson, who also worked with Ireland at the World Cup, added: "When you're away in France or any away game, you want to understand the momentum shifts within games and there was definitely after half-time a momentum shift.
"It's about understanding how to curtail that at times and knowing that the opposition are going to have their moments in games. Even at half-time I felt we were in a good space. Now there were a few punched out because of the physical element that was put into the game, a lot of effort put into it.
"There's so many big learnings to be taken and I know that's the old classic, you hear all these things about cliches and learning, but that's where this group is, this group is not the finished article.
"The more they keep putting themselves in these scenarios and playing in those big cauldrons, they want to be playing in those types of games."
Why Dodgers didn't let Shohei Ohtani hit during bad loss to Marlins originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could only muster a lone run in a loss to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night.
And while their potent lineup should be able to do better than that, it certainly wasn't helped by the absence of Shohei Ohtani's bat.
Ohtani started on the mound, but he didn't hit in his usual leadoff spot. The Dodgers kept him out of the order.
On the mound, Ohtani struck out nine and allowed two runs (one earned) in six innings, but he got the 'L' in his record from a 2-1 defeat.
It was the second time in five starts this season that Ohtani only pitched and didn't hit, and it's a pattern worth monitoring going forward.
MORE:ย This might be the weirdest way to get an inside-the-park HR
Ohtani was held out of the lineup for energy reasons.ย
This was the first time this season Ohtani was pitching on five days of rest, rather than six or more.
The Dodgers also have an early afternoon getaway game on Wednesday, so he wouldn't have long between his pitching outing and being right back in the lineup.
"I think the main thing is to do right by Shohei," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters after the game. "Even without him tonight in the lineup, we shouldโve won the game. I feel good about it. Iโd do the same thing again.โ
The reality is that Ohtani's routine is already unlike anything else in baseball. It's fair for the Dodgers to hold him back just a tad and rest him every once in a while.
It's just different, because it's not something he's generally needed in the past. And it does, ever so slightly, impact his ability to win games. He still has more influence on winning than anyone else in the sport, but on Tuesday night, as just a pitcher, the Dodgers weren't enough without his bat, too.
A PlayStation 5 Linux Loader had been released Last month, a modder called Andy Nguyen, also known as โtheflow0โ and โTheOfficialFloWโ, showcased their Linux-powered PlayStation 5 (PS5) and its PC gaming capabilities. Now, the modder has officially released a PS5 Linux Loader on GitHub, allowing others to turn their PlayStation 5 consoles into Linux PCs. [โฆ]
The post PS5 Linux project released to unlock PlayStation 5โs PC potential appeared first on OC3D.
The rumours are false, itโs โbusiness as usualโ over at Galax This morning, several reports have claimed that Galax is exiting the GPU market. These reports are false, and Palit has confirmed that its โbusiness as usualโ over at Galax and that the company will continue making GPUs. Galax has been part of the Palit [โฆ]
The post No, Galax is not exiting the GPU market appeared first on OC3D.
From near collapse to CPU dominance, we revisit 10 years of AMD Ryzen, benchmarking every flagship generation to see how performance, value, and architecture evolved.
One shouldn't expect any significant improvements even with higher VRAM capacity, and this was obvious since there are no other upgrades. Leaked Benchmarks Show Laptop RTX 5070 12 GB is Equivalent to 8 GB Version In Multiple Synthetic Tests GeForce RTX 5070 and RTX 5070-powered systems are enjoying huge popularity. To tackle the GPU shortages, NVIDIA has announced that it will now be supplying the RTX 5070 with 12 GB VRAM for the mobile platforms, which will be equipped with 3 GB GDDR7 memory modules. The existing RTX 5070 laptop GPU brings just 8 GB of GDDR7 video memory, unlike [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/nvidias-laptop-rtx-5070-12-gb-matches-tthe-8-gb-version-in-synthetic-tests/
The Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy has been in the works for a very long time, and will finally conclude with the third and final game that has yet to be officially revealed. While no new information has been provided by Naoki Hamaguchi in a fresh interview with ComicBook focused on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S versions of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the trilogy director revealed the guiding philosophy behind the development of all three games that will lead to its conclusion being the culmination of the entire series. "Across the entire remake project, the guiding [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-part-3-redefine-series-scale/
Over the last weekend, it was widely reported thatย Sonyย introduced changes to itsย PlayStation DRM policy,ย which now requires users to connect online everyย 30 daysย to continue playing every digital game purchased afterย March 2026. While the company has yet to provide an official clarification on the matter, detective work conducted by ResetERA forums member andshrew revealed how this new policy seems to be related to the 14-days refund window for digital purchases. Using a jailbroken PlayStation 4, the ResetERA user poked around behind the scenes, making some interesting findings, staring from how digital licenses work. "The PS4 will install a license file for all [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/playstation-drm-30-day-lock-vanishes-refund-window/
IssueCapture is a JavaScript widget you add to any website with one script tag. When users find a bug, they click a button, describe it, and optionally annotate a screenshot. The widget automatically captures console errors and failed network requests, then creates a detailed Jira ticket with all that context.
It works with both Jira Software and Jira Service Management, including team-managed projects. Optional AI features handle triage, categorization, and duplicate detection so developers get organized tickets instead of vague reports. The free tier includes 10 issues per month with no credit card needed.
Only EU is a curated directory that helps you replace US software and products with European alternatives. Browse categories like cloud storage, email, password managers, VPN, and more, or select tools you use to get tailored, GDPR-compliant recommendations. The site highlights providers with stricter environmental standards, shorter supply chains, and European quality, with clear details and links to explore each option.
Dubai Abu Dhabi and Jeddah Now Enjoy Direct Connectivity with Mangaluru as Air India Express Launches New Gulf Travel Flights...
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Thailand Travel Chaos Deepens as Thai AirAsia Flight AIQ 4401 Bomb Joke Triggers Emergency Evacuation at Krabi Airport, Full Security...
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Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/air-arabia-abu-dhabi-expands-jordan-network-with-new-nonstop-flights-connecting-abu-dhabi-and-amman-civil-airport-in-2026/
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi Expands Jordan Network with New Nonstop Flights Connecting Abu Dhabi and Amman Civil Airport in 2026Air...
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Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/oman-sees-significant-growth-in-tourism-gdp-with-accommodation-services-leading-the-charge/
Oman Sees Significant Growth in Tourism GDP, With Accommodation Services Leading the ChargeOmanโs tourism sector contributed $3 billion to GDP...
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ยฉ <p>Travel + Leisure</p>
ยฉ <p>Travel + Leisure</p>
Samsung officially launched the Galaxy Book 6 Edge laptop in France. It brings meaningful upgrades over the Galaxy Book 5 Edge, which Samsung unveiled in the previous year.
The Galaxy Book 6 Edge is powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite. Samsung is leaning hard into on-device AI, and the jump to 80 TOPS is the real headline. For reference, last yearโs Galaxy Book 5 Edge topped out at around 45 TOPS.
Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Edge comes in at just 12.3mm, compared to the 15.5mm profile of its predecessor. The Book 5 Edge already felt portable, but this pushes it closer to ultrabook territory without compromising screen size or battery.
The company is getting more comfortable balancing ARM efficiency with premium hardware expectations. The finish remains clean and minimal, with a Glacier Gray color option that fits right into Samsungโs broader design language.
The 16-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display panel supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The panel reaches up to 500 nits brightness, making it comfortable for content creation indoors and general use in bright environments.
There is also Gorilla Glass DX on top to cut reflections, along with blue light reduction for longer sessions. Add to that a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos, and this device is clearly built for both work and media consumption.
Samsung claims up to 22 hours of video playback, which is exactly the kind of figure ARM laptops are expected to deliver. More importantly, it pairs that with 65W fast charging, capable of getting the battery to around 40 percent in just 30 minutes.
Here are some key AI features
Samsung will offer the Galaxy Book 6 Edge in a 16-inch configuration with 512GB and 1TB storage options, all wrapped in the Glacier Gray finish and the launch is set for early May.
The post Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Edge launches with focus on AI, mobility and performance appeared first on Sammy Fans.
The Society for Information Display handed Samsung Display its most prestigious honor last week, naming the dual-folding Galaxy Z TriFold panel โDisplay of the Yearโ at the Display Industry Awards.
The announcement dropped April 28, while the ceremony itself follows at Display Week 2026, opening May 3 in Los Angeles. Thatโs eight total wins since Samsung first entered flexible OLED territory with a 5.68-inch panel back in 2014.
At 0.44mm total module thickness, the TriFold is the thinnest foldable panel Samsung has ever shipped. Yet it doesnโt sacrifice durability to get there, which is the trick everyone said couldnโt be pulled off.
Internal testing logged 500,000 folds at room temperature without display degradation. Samsung calls the underlying technology MONT FLEX, its latest foldable OLED platform, and mass production started September 2025.
When you fold a display, the layers inside donโt all move identically.
Micro-misalignments accumulate under repeated stress, and in a TriFold design with two separate folding axes on a single screen, that slip phenomenon is amplified by up to 1.6 times compared to a standard single-fold device.
Samsungโs engineers addressed this by developing new adhesive materials and reworking how stress distributes across the panelโs structure.
SID praised the 10-inch-class display for expanding whatโs possible in productivity, creativity, and entertainment during what it called the mobile AI era.
Hojung Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Display Product Planning at Samsung Display, said the win โreaffirms Samsung Displayโs leadership in the foldable market.โ
The post Samsung wins โDisplay of the Yearโ for Galaxy Z TriFold innovation appeared first on Sammy Fans.
Last week, we came across a pair of listings for the upcoming Moto G87, and we now have our first look at the device thanks to official-looking renders shared by Evan Blass. Moto G87 in Pantone Overture Gray The device features a flat display with a punch hole cut out for its front-facing camera, just like its predecessor. While we donโt get exact specs for the display, we can assume it will once again be a 6.67-inch OLED. Moto G87 in Pantone Blue Atoll The back design is also similar to the outgoing Moto G86, but thereโs some new hardware. The 50MP main cam is...
The Google Pixel 11 lineup is likely to be announced in August, if the company sticks to its usual launch timeline. CAD-based renders of all models in the series have already surfaced, and now key details about the lineupโs Tensor G6 chipset have also leaked. A tipster has shared a screenshot revealing that the Tensor G6 will adopt a new set of ARM CPU cores compared to the Tensor G5 and feature a 7-core setup. The screenshot shows that the chipset features an ARM C1 Ultra core clocked at 4.11GHz, four ARM C1 Pro cores at 3.38GHz, and two additional C1 Pro cores running at 2.65GHz,...
Oleksandr Usyk has some words of advice for Anthony Joshua ahead of the biggest fight of his career. Joshua and Fury are heading towards a Battle of Britain later this year, with the winner staking his claim as the second best heavyweight of a generation behind Usyk. The Ukrainian beat both men twice on his [โฆ]
The post Oleksandr Usyk sends clear message to Anthony Joshua as Tyson Fury fight signed appeared first on Boxing News.
believes is the most โexciting heavyweightโ since Mike Tyson, but has named one man who would perhaps nullify his explosiveness. Despite having not fought any top-tier contenders, Itauma is widely regarded as a future world champion who could reign supreme for many years to come. The 21-year-old claimed his most significant victory thus far in [โฆ]
The post Roy Jones Jr names the heavyweight who will give Moses Itauma big problems: โHeโs the only oneโ appeared first on Boxing News.
Following the collapse of Jared Andersonโs fight with Solomon Dacres, Frank Warren has acted fast to bolster next weekendโs Co-op Live Arena card headlined by Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, with two additional bouts set to be added in order to further strengthen the bill. Touted by Tyson Fury to be the successor to his [โฆ]
The post โFuture heavyweight championโ added to Wardley vs Dubois undercard less than two weeks out appeared first on Boxing News.
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Galatasaray, Fenerbahรงe derbisi sonrasฤฑ รผst รผste 4. ลampiyonluฤu iรงni geri sayฤฑma geรงerken kadro konusunda da รงalฤฑลmalara baลladฤฑ. Sรถzleลmesi sezon sonunda bitecek olan Lemina'nฤฑn durumu da netlik kazandฤฑ.
Galatasaray yeni sezonun ilk transferini yaptฤฑ...Sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar Fenerbahรงe'yi evinde 3-0 maฤlup etmesinin ardฤฑndan ลampiyonluk iรงin geri sayฤฑma geรงerken bir yandan da gelecek sezon iรงin kadro planlamasฤฑna baลladฤฑ.
LEMINA KALACAK
รte yandan Mario Lemina'nฤฑn geleceฤi de netlik kazandฤฑ. Gabonlu orta sahanฤฑn artฤฑ bir yฤฑl opsiyonu, maรงlarฤฑn yรผzde 60'ฤฑna ilk 11 baลlamasฤฑna baฤlฤฑydฤฑ. Son 3 haftada 1 kez 11'e girmesi, Lemina'nฤฑn Galatasaray'da devam etmesi iรงin yeterli oldu.
32 yaลฤฑndaki futbolcu, bu sezon 4 kulvarda 50 maรงa (Sรผper Lig-31, ลampiyonlar Ligi-12, Tรผrkiye Kupasฤฑ-5, Sรผper Kupa-2) รงฤฑktฤฑ. Deneyimli orta saha, bu maรงlarฤฑn 31'inde ilk 11'e girerken ลu ana kadar takฤฑma 2 gol, 2 asistlik skor katkฤฑsฤฑ verdi.
A Milli Futbol Takฤฑmฤฑ teknik direktรถrรผ Vincenzo Montella 2026 Dรผnya Kupasฤฑ hakkฤฑnda aรงฤฑklama yaptฤฑ.
Milli takฤฑm teknik direktรถrรผ Vincenzo Montella, ฤฐtalyan basฤฑnฤฑndan La Gazzetta dello Sport'a konuลtu. Tecrรผbeli teknik adam Dรผnya Kupasฤฑ ลansฤฑmฤฑza dair aรงฤฑklama yaptฤฑ.
Montella'nฤฑn aรงฤฑklamalarฤฑ ลรถyle:
Kosovaโdaki o kutlama-geceyle. Kariyerinin en bรผyรผk mutluluฤu mu?
-Evet diyebilirim. Ve buna Avrupa ลampiyonasฤฑโndaki รงeyrek final ve Uluslar Ligi A Ligiโne yรผkselme gibi diฤer olaฤanรผstรผ anlar da ekleniyor. Koca bir halk mutlu ve bu benim iรงin en bรผyรผk รถdรผl.
Dรผnya Kupasฤฑโnda nereye kadar gidersiniz?
-Bunu tahmin etmek kolay deฤil, birรงok bilinmez var. รncelikle coฤrafya: Arizonaโnฤฑn Phoenix ลehrinde, FIFAโnฤฑn seรงtiฤi bir bรถlgede antrenman yapacaฤฤฑz, orada 42 derece sฤฑcaklฤฑk bekleniyor. Ama grupta Kanadaโnฤฑn Vancouver ลehrinde de maรงฤฑmฤฑz olacak ve orada hava รงok daha serin. Araลtฤฑrmalara gรถre sฤฑcaktan soฤuฤa geรงmek takฤฑm iรงin daha iyi olabilir. Ama asฤฑl belirleyici, oyuncularฤฑn o dรถnemdeki fiziksel durumu olacak.
HAKAN รALHANOฤLU SAKATLIฤI
-Kendisiyle konuลtum, ฤฐtalya Kupasฤฑ finali รถncesi sakin ve umutluydu. Umarฤฑm kฤฑsa sรผrede dรผzenli ลekilde antrenmanlara dรถner. Hakan, artฤฑk az bulunan oyun kuruculardan biri. Sahada olmadฤฑฤฤฑ zaman eksikliฤi hissedilen bir yฤฑldฤฑz. Yanฤฑndaki oyuncu kendini daha gรผvende hisseder, รงรผnkรผ zor anlarda topu ona verip adeta bankaya teslim ettiฤini bilir.
Inter onu takฤฑmda tutmaya karar verdi ve sรถzleลmesini yenileyebilir.
-Kiลisel tercihlere karฤฑลmam. Benim iรงin รถnemli olan, nerede oynarsa oynasฤฑn mutlu olmasฤฑ.
ZEKฤฐ รELฤฐK'ฤฐN DURUMU
-Aynฤฑ ลey onun iรงin de geรงerli. Benim iรงin รงok faydalฤฑ, istikrarlฤฑ ve รงok yรถnlรผ bir oyuncu.
Roma demiลken, Ranieri ile Gasperini arasฤฑndaki kopuลu nasฤฑl deฤerlendiriyorsunuz?
-Dฤฑลarฤฑdan yorum yapmak doฤru deฤil. รstelik benim iรงin รถzel bir kulรผp. ฤฐkisine de saygฤฑm var, bu beklenmedik sonuca neyin yol aรงtฤฑฤฤฑnฤฑ bilmiyorum. Ama herkes iรงin รผzรผcรผ. Taraftarlar bu yeni dรถneme รงok inanmฤฑลtฤฑ.
KENAN YILDIZ
-รok geliลti. Ama daha da ileri gidebilir, รงรผnkรผ asla yetinmeyen bir yapฤฑsฤฑ var. Eฤer Spalletti gรถrevde kalฤฑrsa bu onun iรงin avantaj olur. Luciano, yeteneklerden maksimum verimi almayฤฑ iyi bilir.
Spalletti ile sฤฑk gรถrรผลรผyor musunuz?
-Elbette, arkadaลฤฑz. Bunu, futbolculuk dรถneminde onunla pek anlaลamayan biri olarak sรถylรผyorum.
"BIRAKMAYI BฤฐLE DรลรNDรM"
Montellaโnฤฑn hikรขyesi de az deฤil: yeniden motivasyon bulmak iรงin yurt dฤฑลฤฑna gitmek zorunda kaldฤฑ.
-Keลke daha รถnce gitseydim. Farklฤฑ bir รผlkede รงalฤฑลmak hem mesleki hem insani aรงฤฑdan รงok ลey katฤฑyor. Belki bir gรผn ฤฐtalyaโya dรถnerim, รงรผnkรผ her gรผn sahada olma atmosferini รถzlรผyorum. Ama ลu an Tรผrkiyeโde รงok mutluyum. Burada tutkumu yeniden keลfettim. Bir ara bฤฑrakmayฤฑ bile dรผลรผnmรผลtรผm.
Ne zaman?
-Covid dรถneminde. Ailemle mutluydum ama beni heyecanlandฤฑran teklifler yoktu. Adanaโya gitmek, bambaลka bir dรผnya, beni yeniden ateลledi.
Dili รถฤrendiniz mi?
-Maalesef รงok az. Benim iรงin gerรงekten zor. Ama diฤer her ลey var. Zaten sฤฑk sฤฑk eve gidiyorum.
Uluslar Ligiโnde ฤฐtalya ile karลฤฑlaลacaksฤฑnฤฑz. Sizce ฤฐtalyan futbolunun sorunu ne?
-Kendimi hoca gibi gรถstermek istemem. Ayrฤฑca ฤฐtalya Milli Takฤฑmฤฑ anlatฤฑldฤฑฤฤฑ kadar kรถtรผ deฤil. ฤฐlk 4-5 takฤฑm seviyesinde deฤil ama hรขlรข rekabetรงi. Bence oyuncular Dรผnya Kupasฤฑ psikolojisinden etkilendi, baลaramama korkusu yaลadฤฑlar.
Montella, Cannavaro ve Ancelottiโฆ Dรผnya Kupasฤฑโnda ฤฐtalya sizi destekleyecek.
-Bu benim iรงin gurur verici. Her zaman yurt dฤฑลฤฑndaki ฤฐtalyanlarฤฑ destekledim. Ama milli takฤฑmฤฑn katฤฑlamamasฤฑ da รผzรผcรผ.
Fenerbahรงe'nin yollarฤฑnฤฑ ayฤฑrdฤฑฤฤฑ teknik direktรถr Domenico Tedesco'ya talip รงฤฑktฤฑ. Tedesco, Fiorentina'nฤฑn teknik direktรถr adaylarฤฑndan biri oldu.
Fenerbahรงe'de Galatasaray derbisinde alฤฑnan 3-0'lฤฑk maฤlubiyet sonrasฤฑ radikal kararlar alฤฑnmฤฑลtฤฑ. teknik direktรถr Domenico Tedesco ve ekibi ile yollar ayrฤฑlmฤฑลtฤฑ. Tedesco, bugรผn Samandฤฑra'ya gelerek futbolcular ve taraftarlar vedalaลฤฑrken taraftarlarฤฑn yoฤun sevgi gรถsterisiyle de karลฤฑ karลฤฑya kaldฤฑ.
Firenze Viola'nฤฑn haberine gรถre, Domenico Tedesco, Fiorentina'nฤฑn teknik direktรถr adaylarฤฑndan biri. Serie A ekiplerinden Fiorentina, 38 yaลฤฑndaki teknik adamฤฑ gรผndemine alฤฑrken Tedesco'nun bu karara nasฤฑl bir karลฤฑlฤฑk vereceฤi ise henรผz bilinmiyor.
Fenerbahรงe'de yaลanan sonuรงlar sonrasฤฑ eleลtirilerin hedefi olan genรง รงalฤฑลtฤฑrฤฑcฤฑnฤฑn, kariyerine ฤฐtalya'da devam edip etmeyeceฤi รถnรผmรผzdeki gรผnlerde netlik kazanacak.
Fenerbahรงe maรงฤฑ รถncesi motivasyon konuลmasฤฑyla derbide 3 puanฤฑ hanesine koyan Galatasaray teknik direktรถrรผ Okan Buruk, Samsunspor maรงฤฑ รถncesi oyuncularฤฑna ลart koลtu.
Galatasaray'da hedef ลampiyonluk...En bรผyรผk engellerden biri olan Fenerbahรงe derbisini 3-0'lฤฑk galibiyetle aลan sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar tam anlamฤฑyla ลampiyonluk iรงin geri sayฤฑma geรงti. Galatasaray bu hafta oynayacaฤฤฑ Samsunspor maรงฤฑnda 3 puanฤฑ almasฤฑ halinde ise ลampiyonluฤunu ilan edecek.
OKAN BURUK'TAN UYARI VAR
Fenerbahรงe maรงฤฑ รถnce futbolcularฤฑna motivasyon konuลmasฤฑ yapan teknik direktรถr Okan Buruk, galibiyette bรผyรผk bir payฤฑn sahibi olmuลtu. Tecrรผbeli teknik adamdan Samsunspor maรงฤฑ รถncesi oyuncularฤฑna uyarฤฑ geldi.
Okan Buruk, derbi sonrasฤฑ oyuncularฤฑn 2 gรผnlรผk izin talebine 'ลampiyon olmadฤฑk, ayaklarฤฑmฤฑz yere basmalฤฑ, ciddiyeti korumak zorundayฤฑz, Samsunspor maรงฤฑnฤฑ kazanฤฑn 3 gรผn izin vereyim' ลeklinde karลฤฑlฤฑk verdi. Galatasaraylฤฑ futbolcular Samsunspor'u da yenmesi halinde 3 gรผn izin yapacaklar.
ลampiyonluk iรงin geri sayฤฑma geรงen Galatasaray bir yandan da gelecek sezonun kadro planlamasฤฑna baลladฤฑ. Sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlar ara transfer dรถneminde kadroya dahil olan Sacha Boey iรงin kararฤฑnฤฑ verdi.
Galatasaray, devre arasฤฑ Bayern Mรผnih'ten satฤฑn alma opsiyonuyla kiraladฤฑฤฤฑ Sacha Boey'in biletini kesti...Fenerbahรงe'yi evinde 3-0 maฤlup etmesinin ardฤฑndan tam anlamฤฑyla ลampiyonluk iรงin geri sayฤฑma baลlayan sarฤฑ-kฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑlฤฑlr gelecek sezonun kadro planlamasฤฑnda Sacha Boey'e yer vermek istemiyor.
TEK BฤฐR ลART VAR
Galatasaray, Sacha Boey ile devam etmeyi dรผลรผnmรผyor. Daha doฤrusu, bu rakamlarฤฑ รถdemeyi dรผลรผnmรผyor. Ancak bonservis rakamฤฑ 4-6 milyon euro'ya inerse, o zaman belki sรถz konusu olabilir devam etmek.
Galatasaray'a geri dรถndรผkten 15 maรงta sรผre bulan Sacha Boey, 2 kez aฤlarฤฑ havalandฤฑrdฤฑ.
โBayernโin baล mษลqรงisi Vensan Kompani UEFA รempionlar Liqasฤฑnฤฑn yarฤฑmfinalฤฑnda PSJ-yษ qarลฤฑ keรงirdiklษri ilk oyunu ลษrh edib.
Arena.az xษbษr verir ki, sรถzรผgedษn komandalarฤฑn ilk oyunu รถtษn gecษ Paris ลษhษrindษ keรงirilib vษ Almaniya nษhษnginin 4:5 hesablฤฑ mษฤlubiyyษti ilษ yekunlaลฤฑb.
Kompani bu oyunu tribunadan izlษmษk mษcburiyyษtindษ qalฤฑb. Belรงikalฤฑ mรผtษxษssis sarฤฑ vษrษqษ limitini doldurduฤu รผรงรผn yarฤฑmfinalฤฑn ilk matรงฤฑnda diskvalifikasiya olunmuลdu. Bu รผzdษn dษ o, texniki zonada yer ala bilmษyib.
Kompani oyundan sonra matรงฤฑ tribunadan izlษmษyin xoลuna gษlmษdiyini gizlษtmษyib vษ hษmkarฤฑ Luis Enrikeyษ dษ maraqlฤฑ mesaj รผnvanlayฤฑb. O, komandasฤฑnฤฑn oyuna yรผksษk enerji ilษ baลladฤฑฤฤฑnฤฑ vษ hรผcumda tษhlรผkษli anlar yaratdฤฑฤฤฑnฤฑ deyib:
โMeydanda ษsl enerji var idi. Biz hษm oyuna nษzarษt edirdik, hษm dษ tษhlรผkษ yaradฤฑrdฤฑq. Beล qol buraxmaq yarฤฑmfinal sษviyyษsindษ mษฤlubiyyษt demษkdir, amma yaratdฤฑฤฤฑmฤฑz imkanlara baxanda daha รงox qol vura bilษrdikโ.
Vensan Kompani ษlavษ edib ki, nษticษ xฤฑrda detallardan asฤฑlฤฑ olub:
โBu cรผr matรงlarda hษr ลey incษ detallarla hษll olunur. Nรถvbษti oyunda da bu detallar hษlledici olacaq. Evdษ azarkeลlษrimizlษ birlikdษ maksimum gรผcรผmรผzรผ ortaya qoymalฤฑyฤฑq.
Oyuna tribunadan baxmaq xoลuma gษlmษdi. Luis Enrikeyษ dedim ki, bunu รถz istษyi ilษ niyษ etdiyini anlamฤฑram. Amma komandamฤฑn xarakter gรถstษrmษsi xoลuma gษldi. Bu, futbolsevษrlษr รผรงรผn ษsl matรง idiโ.
Xatฤฑrladaq ki, bu komandalar arasฤฑnda cavab qarลฤฑlaลmasฤฑ mayฤฑn 6-da, Mรผnhendษki โAlyans Arenaโda baล tutacaq.
PSJ-nin baล mษลqรงisi Luis Enrike UEFA รempionlar Liqasฤฑnฤฑn yarฤฑmfinalฤฑnda โBayernโษ qarลฤฑ keรงirdiklษri ilk oyunu ลษrh edib.
Arena.az xษbษr verir ki, sรถzรผgedษn komandalarฤฑn รถtษn gรผn Parisdษ baล tutmuล ilk oyunu Fransa tษmsilรงisinin 5:4 hesablฤฑ qษlษbษsi ilษ yekunlaลฤฑb.
Luis Enrike matรงdan sonra jurnalistlษrษ aรงฤฑqlamasฤฑnda bunlarฤฑ sรถylษyib:
โBu, รงox gษrgin oyun idi. ลรผbhษsiz ki, mษลqรงi kimi mษnim ษn yaxลฤฑ matรงฤฑm idi. รzรผm รงox yoruldum, halbuki bir kilometr belษ qaรงmamฤฑลam. Futbolรงularฤฑn necษ hiss etdiyini tษsษvvรผr etmirษmโ.
ฤฐspaniyalฤฑ mรผtษxษssis deyib ki, yaxลฤฑlaลdฤฑrmalฤฑ olduqlarฤฑ mษqamlar var:
โHeyษtindษ bu qษdษr yรผksษk sษviyyษli futbolรงu olan komandaya qarลฤฑ bu, รงox da asan deyil. Dรถrd qol buraxdฤฑq, รผzษrindษ iลlษmษli olduฤumuz mษqamlar var. Bษrpa olunacaฤฤฑq, รงempionat barษdษ dรผลรผnษcษyik, daha sonra isษ diqqษtimizi gษlษn hษftษyษ yรถnษldษcษyik. Fikrimcษ, bizi oxลar oyun gรถzlษyirโ, deyษ Luis Enrike vurฤulayฤฑb.
Qeyd edษk ki, komandalar arasฤฑnda cavab gรถrรผลรผ mayฤฑn 6-da Mรผnhendษ keรงirilษcษk.
ฤฐtaliyada iki medal qazanan avarรงษkษnlษrimiz vษtษnษ qayฤฑdฤฑb.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, bu barษdษ Azษrbaycan Su ฤฐdman Nรถvlษri Federasiyasฤฑnฤฑn mษtbuat xidmษti mษlumat yayฤฑb.
Xatฤฑrladaq ki, akademik avarรงษkmษ รผzrษ tษลkil olunan โPaolo dโAlojaโ xatirษ turnirindษ komandamฤฑz iki medal qazanฤฑb. Nurlan Paลayev-Ziya Mษmmษdzadษ cรผtรผ 2 nษfษrlik qayฤฑqda 2000 metr mษsafษyษ yรผrรผลdษ gรผmรผล medala layiq gรถrรผlรผb. ย Azษr ฤฐlyasov eyni mษsafษdษ 1 nษfษrlik qayฤฑqda รผรงรผncรผ yer tutub.
Ermษnistan vษ Gรผrcรผstan 2029-cu ildษ keรงirilษcษk U-20 dรผnya รงempionatฤฑna ev sahibliyi edษcษk.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, bu barษdษ ali futbol qurumunun mษtbuat xidmษti mษlumat yayฤฑb. FIFA-nฤฑn Vankuverdษ keรงirilษn ฤฐcraiyyษ Komitษsinin iclasฤฑnda bununla baฤlฤฑ qษrar qษbul olunub.
U-20 milli komandalarฤฑn 2027-ci ildษ keรงirilษcษk dรผnya รงempionatฤฑna isษ Azษrbaycan vษ รzbษkistan ev sahibliyi edษcษk.
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16 yaลadษk qฤฑzlardan ibarษt Azษrbaycan milli komandasฤฑ aprelin 30-da Bakฤฑda tษlim-mษลq toplanฤฑลฤฑna baลlayacaq.
Futbolpress.az xษbษr verir ki, Milli Komandalarฤฑn Tษlim-Mษลq Mษrkษzindษ hazฤฑrlฤฑq keรงษcษk U-16 ardฤฑndan Bakฤฑda tษลkil olunacaq UEFA ฤฐnkiลaf Turnirinษ qatฤฑlacaq. Komandamฤฑz Litva, Rumฤฑniya vษ Gรผrcรผstan yฤฑฤmalarฤฑ ilษ mรผbarizษ aparacaq. Oyunlar Binษ stadionunda keรงirilษcษk.
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โManรงester Yunaytedโ futbolรงusu Manuel Uqarte ilษ baฤlฤฑ qษrarฤฑnฤฑ verib.
Futbolpress.azย โFootball ฤฐnsiderโ portalฤฑna istinadษn xษbษr verir ki, โqฤฑrmฤฑzฤฑ ลeytanlarโ yay transfer dรถnษmindษ oyunรงu รผรงรผn gษlษcษk tษkliflษri dษyษrlษndirษcษk. Bu
Uqarte klubun planlarฤฑna daxil deyil. O, bu mรถvsรผm Premyer Liqada 22 oyuna รงฤฑxฤฑb.
Josรฉ Mourinho says Roma is the โbest placeโ where heโs been in his coaching career, admits he didnโt expect Cristian Chivu to become a coach and insists that preferring the playing style over results is โthe biggest lie in football.โ
Former Inter and Roma coach Mourinho was full of praise for the Giallorossi and his ex-player Chivu, now the Nerazzurri boss, in his latest interview with Il Giornale (via Gazzetta).
Mourinho spent two and a half seasons at the Stadio Olimpico, winning the Conference League in 2022 and losing the Europa League Final in 2023. Just a few months later, in January 2024, he was sacked with just six months left on his contract.
โFor me, itโs been the best place in my career. Iโve never felt such an incredible environment around a football team. The Olimpico was always full,โ Mourinho said.
Mourinho was asked whether the pressure around the team in the capital is what makes it so hard for the Giallorossi to win trophies.
โItโs not a drama because when we won the Conference League, the celebrations were amazing,โ he replied.
โNot even when I won the Champions League did I see scenes like those.
โMy Roma is finished. I donโt want to say anything else. Actually, just one thing. Nobody should blame the Roma fans for not winning. The Roma fans are the ones who support the team, and nobody should touch them.โ
Chivuโs Inter will win the Serie A title if they beat Parma on Sunday night. Chivu played under Mourinho at Inter, winning a legendary treble in 2009-10.
โIโm happy for Chivu that Inter can win the Scudetto, even if, when I was his coach, Iโd never thought he would become a coach,โ Mourinho admitted.
โHe didnโt seem predestined, but he was smart. He has studied and has built experience. Many go on the bench today because they sell themselves well. And letโs be honest: this idea that the style of play matters more than results is the biggest lie in football.
โI havenโt messaged Chivu yet because itโs not mathematically certain. Letโs let him earn the points he needs, and when it happens, Iโll reach out.โ
The members of that Inter team are still in contact thanks to a WhatsApp chat: โIโm terrible with my phone, but Materazzi is the one in charge of that,โ Mou admitted.
Lastly, Mou was asked about rumours of his return to Real Madrid Madrid, but he replied: โMy next target is to bring Benfica back to the Champions League.โ
Reports in Italy claim that Gian Piero Gasperini will soon meet with Roma owners to discuss the strategy for the summer transfer window and beyond, starting with the appointment of a new sporting director and the extension of Paulo Dybalaโs contract.
Roma coach Gasperini will discuss the clubโs future strategies with club owners in the coming days.
The Giallorossi coach has taken full control of the clubโs operations after Claudio Ranieriโs exit last week, a move that Frederic Massaraโs departure will follow in the coming weeks.
Gasperini will have input into many decisions, both on and off the pitch, starting with the appointment of a new sporting director to replace Massara.
Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport report that Giovanni Manna (Napoli) and Tony DโAmico (Atalanta) are the frontrunners for the job, even if Sean Sogliano is also among the candidates.
Gasperini is expected to have a conference call with Dan Friedkin in the coming days, while Ryan will land in the capital shortly to hold face-to-face talks with the coach.
Gasperini and Roma owners will also discuss Francesco Tottiโs potential return to the club, while the coach will receive updates on the new stadium project.
Gasperini and Roma owners will also discuss the clubโs strategies for the summer transfer window, including the future of Dybala.
The Argentineโs contract expires at the end of the season, and Gasperini will gladly retain the 2022 Argentina World Cup winner.
According to Gazzetta, Dybala is tempted to return to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors, but believes that it is still too early to return to his native country. Therefore, he is open to considering Romaโs offer, aware that any proposal will involve a pay cut from his current โฌ8m-a-year wages.
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Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic after deciding not to keep on-loan Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
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Vlahovic is nearing the end of his contract at Juve so could be a good bargain option on the market to give Bayern more cover for Harry Kane up front.
Jackson has filled that role this season since joining on loan from Chelsea last summer, but Florian Plettenberg has recently reported that the Bundesliga giants have decided not to extend his stay beyond the end of this campaignโฆ
?? Juventus are monitoring Nicolas #Jackson and can imagine a loan move. AC Milan are monitoring the situation as well.
Jackson will return to Chelsea in the summer for now, as FC Bayern will not trigger the option to buy and a second loan is currently not planned. #CFCโฆ pic.twitter.com/3W8i2OoAJh
โ Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 28, 2026
Plettenberg also added in his post on X that Juventus themselves are among the clubs interested in Jackson, so he could end up replacing Vlahovic in Turin.
According to Fichajes, Bayern are keen on the Serbia international to come in and add depth to their list of options up front next season, and it certainly seems like a deal with some potential.
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A lot has been written about Vlahovic in recent weeks and months as itโs not quite clear what the future holds for the 26-year-old.
| Dusan Vlahovic | Games | Goals |
| 2021/22 | 21 | 9 |
| 2022/23 | 42 | 14 |
| 2023/24 | 38 | 18 |
| 2024/25 | 44 | 17 |
| 2025/26 | 19 | 6 |
Vlahovic looked like an exciting young talent at former club Fiorentina, but he hasnโt quite lived up to his potential at Juventus.
This has occasionally seen Vlahovic linked with big clubs like Chelsea, as per TEAMtalk, but it was also recently claimed that he could be close to signing a new Juventus contract, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.
Even if Vlahovic has his qualities, it currently seems unlikely that heโd be an automatic starter at a top club, so perhaps a bench role at Bayern or somewhere similar could be his best bet.
The post Report: Club eyeing new target after ending interest in signing Chelsea forward appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Manchester Unitedโs summer rebuild under the INEOS is already rapidly taking shape, and the midfield is screaming out for a massive overhaul.
With the club officially confirming that veteran enforcer Casemiro will be packing his bags when his contract expires at the end of June, the hunt for a new, world-class defensive anchor is fully underway.
According to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Real Madrid powerhouse Aurelien Tchouameni is exactly the kind of โmajesticโ presence the Red Devils desperately need to finally bring stability back to Old Trafford.
Speaking recently on his popular YouTube channel, Ferdinand didnโt hold back his sheer admiration for the 26-year-old French international.
Reflecting on Tchouameniโs commanding performances on the absolute biggest stages, especially highlighting that intense France vs England clash, Ferdinand painted the picture of a completely dominant, plug-and-play superstar who would instantly fix Unitedโs porous midfield.
โMajestic, he was strong. He was so commanding,โ Ferdinand raved to his viewers, making it abundantly clear that Man United should target a move for him.
But is a deal actually realistic? Surprisingly, the door to the Bernabeu might just be creaking open.
While Tchouameni has thoroughly justified his ยฃ68m price tag since arriving from Monaco in 2022, Real Madrid are reportedly plotting some massive midfield moves of their own this summer.
Florentino Perez is aggressively eyeing up Manchester Cityโs Rodri or even Chelseaโs Enzo Fernandez.
If Madrid manage to land a new marquee midfielder, Tchouameni could suddenly find himself pushed toward the exit door.
For a Man United side that has routinely struggled with midfield control and giving the ball away cheaply, his composure would be an absolute godsend.
Tchouameni knows how to break attacks, keep control of possession and show strength and physicality in the midfield.
As United look to capitalise on their almost-guaranteed Champions League qualification, the summer transfer funds will definitely be there.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS recruitment team are actively looking for long-term statement signings who can instantly raise the floor of the squad.
Ferdinand has hit the nail on the head, if Tchouameni is genuinely on the market, Man United need to be standing at the very front of the queue.
Tottenham are plotting a shock summer swoop for Man United forward if they avoid relegation
The post Rio Ferdinand wants Man United to sign โmajesticโ midfielder to replace Casemiro appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Chelsea are reportedly planning to approach two more managers over the vacancy at Stamford Bridge, according to Simon Phillips.
Reporting via his Substack, Phillips says Chelsea have already had initial contacts with the representatives of the likes of Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso.
And now it seems the Blues will also contact the agents of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac.
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Kovac has apparently been looked at before by Chelsea, according to Phillips, while the other names look like tempting options due to their availability.
Alonso has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid earlier this season, while Glasner is leaving Palace at the end of this season, and Iraola will also be on his way out of Bournemouth at the same time.
Managing Chelsea almost looks like an impossible job at the moment as the club have had an air of chaos under this current ownership.
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The west London giants were a very different animal under Roman Abramovich, often simply hiring the best managers and signing the best players with the aim of delivering major trophies in the here and now.
This CFC project, however, is built around young players and a long-term project, but the frequent manager sackings and poor signings have complicated matters.
Whoever comes in next for Chelsea needs to be ready to work in this environment, with the expectation that theyโll be able to help young players improve and deal with a large squad.
On top of that, whoever comes in at Chelsea will need to cope with an increasingly frustrated and impatient fanbase, who donโt seem to be aligned with what the owners are trying to do.
While there are several top managers out there, itโs arguably a very different challenge to what theyโve had to deal with in their most recent jobs.
The post Talks planned: Chelsea to approach two more managers over vacancy appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon is high in demand ahead of the summer transfer window.
Since his arrival from Everton, the electric winger has completely won over the Geordie faithful, transforming from a highly debated signing into an absolute talisman for the club.
According to a major bombshell dropped by The Athletic, the 25-year-old England international is now โincreasingly likelyโ to pack his bags and leave Tyneside this coming summer.
Despite their massive Saudi-backed war chest, Newcastle simply cannot spend freely without balancing their financial books.
To fund a desperately needed squad overhaul and bring in fresh elite talent, the Magpies have to generate significant revenue through player sales.
Because Gordonโs stock has skyrocketed, having established himself as a regular in the England national team set-up, he is currently one of the few highly liquid assets in the squad who could command a genuinely astronomical transfer fee.
Cashing in on him could essentially fund three or four high-quality signings across the pitch.
Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are both closely monitoring the England international attacker.
Liverpool, in particular, have been heavily and consistently linked with the winger for over a year.
With the Anfield hierarchy constantly looking to refresh their frontline and prepare for life after their aging superstars, bringing in a direct, Premier League-proven attacker with Gordonโs relentless pressing metrics makes perfect sense.
Furthermore, clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea are always lurking when a top-tier homegrown talent becomes available.
The premium attached to English players in their prime means Gordon wonโt come cheap.
If the Magpies make him available this summer, Gordon could start a bidding war between the top Premier League clubs.
Liverpool hoping strong connection with European giants can help them land ยฃ87m dealย
The post Premier League attacker on Arsenal and Liverpool radar edging closer to massive summer exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.
You increasingly get the sense that Tottenhamโs very existence is on the line as they bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.
As Spurs remain in the bottom three with just four games remaining, there is unsurprisingly growing talk of huge numbers of their best players leaving if they end up dropping down to the Championship.
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According to the latest from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona director Deco has his eye on as many as five of Tottenhamโs current players โ Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro, Xavi Simons, and Lucas Bergvall.
Needless to say, getting relegated is bad enough for Spurs, but if they also lost all of those players in one go it would be extremely difficult for the north Londoners to rebuild their side and come back up as soon as possible.
Realistically, it seems highly unlikely that Barca would be able to sign all five of those players mentioned, not least because the Catalan giants have financial issues that will restrict what they can do without also selling players.
It makes sense, however, that Deco would be looking at Spursโ current situation and eyeing up a few candidates for a summer raid.
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Itโs still worth asking, however, if these players are actually good enough for an elite European side like Barcelona after struggling so badly with THFC.
After all, if these players have performed so poorly that a big club like Spurs might actually be relegated, then serious questions have to be asked about not only their ability, but their mentality.
Still, some of the names there, such as Simons and Bergvall in particular, are young enough that they could learn from this difficult experience and improve as they continue developing, perhaps also benefiting from working in a more settled environment and with better coaches and players around them.
The post From Spain: Barcelona chief Deco eyeing five Tottenham stars in potential transfer blitz appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Paris Saint-Germain edged out Bayern Munich 5-4 in a history-making Champions League semi-final first leg at the Parc des Princes. The reigning European champions and the Bundesligaโs top dogs served up an instant classic in the French capital, where two world-class attacks traded blow for blow and a new record was set for goals in [โฆ]
The post Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 Bayern Munich: Holders edge out Champions League classic appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 Bayern Munich: Holders edge out Champions League classic appeared first on Soccer News.
Arsenalโs Italian sporting director, Andrea Berta, was in Istanbul for one of footballโs fiercest spectacles, Galatasaray against Fenerbahรงe, gathering intelligence with purpose, as reported by AS.
โArsenalโs sporting director was in Istanbul for the Galatasaray โ Fenerbahรงe derby, scouting on behalf of his current club, Arsenal.โ It is the kind of hands-on approach supporters admire, a senior figure present in the stands rather than relying solely on reports. The Ali Sami Yen Rams Park, alive with noise and rivalry, became a theatre of evaluation.
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โThe Italian kept a close eye on three Galatasaray players from the stands,โ with Victor Osimhen clearly the headline act. Arsenalโs pursuit of attacking excellence appears relentless. โBut despite the Swedeโs presence, Osimhen appears to be a strong target for the London club in this summer transfer window.โ
There is an appetite for elite firepower, a recognition that competing at the summit of the Premier League demands depth and variety in attack. Bertaโs decision to โobtain firsthand information, through Galatasarayโs management, about the Nigerian starโs potential departureโ suggests a club preparing meticulously.
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Osimhenโs profile aligns with Arsenalโs ambitions, powerful, direct, decisive. He embodies the kind of striker who can tilt tight matches, turning 1-1 into 2-1 with a single moment of conviction.
Bertaโs interest extends beyond one name. โThe other two players on Bertaโs shortlist are Barฤฑs Alper Yilmaz and รakiry Ugurcan รakir.โ This reflects a layered recruitment plan, blending attacking flexibility with defensive security.
โYilmaz is a versatile player. He can play on either wing or as a center forward,โ and even contributed defensively. Such adaptability appeals to modern squads navigating congested calendars and tactical variation.
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In goal, รakir stands out through performance and resilience. โรakir has made 40 saves in 12 Champions League matches, making him one of the three goalkeepers with the most saves in Europeโs top competition.โ These are numbers that command attention.
His heroics against Liverpool elevate his reputation further. โWith 11 saves in a single match, he achieved the highest number of saves made by a goalkeeper in a Champions League game in the last ten seasons.โ This is evidence of a goalkeeper capable of influencing outcomes at the highest level.
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Arsenal will not move unchallenged. โBayern Munich also plans to submit a substantial offer to Galatasaray for รakir to replace veteran Manuel Neuer.โ Juventus and Inter Milan circle as well, signalling a competitive market.
For Arsenal, this is about decisiveness. Bertaโs presence in Istanbul signals intent, yet intent must translate into action. The club stands at a point where ambition, planning and execution must align.
There is clear evidence of a recruitment strategy that looks both immediate and long-term. The idea of targeting a striker like Osimhen will excite fans who crave a decisive edge in tight matches.
Supporters will also appreciate the broader thinking. Identifying players such as Yilmaz and รakir suggests the club is not solely chasing headlines but building depth and resilience. This aligns with the demands of competing across the Premier League and Europe.
There will be caution, though. Arsenal fans have seen interest before that does not always lead to signings. The presence of Bayern Munich and Italian giants introduces pressure, and supporters will expect the club to act with conviction.
If Bertaโs work in Istanbul leads to tangible progress, it could mark an important step in Arsenalโs evolution. Fans will want to see ambition matched by delivery, ensuring that scouting trips become statements of intent fulfilled.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against FIFAโs decision not to sanction Israel over clubs based in occupied West Bank settlements, a senior PFA official โ said, as visa issues affecting several delegations added to tensions before the FIFA Congress.
The PFA has long argued that clubs based in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank โ which are illegal under international law โ should not compete in leagues run by โ the Israel Football Association (IFA).
FIFA said last month it would take no action against the IFA or Israeli clubs, citing the unresolved legal status of the occupied West Bank under public international law.
โSince we have exhausted every legal venue possible at FIFA, weโll still go by the rules, go by the book, and weโll appeal that decision because we think itโs very unjust,โ PFA Vice President Susan Shalabi said after the Asian Football Confederation โCongress in Vancouver on Tuesday, held two days before the FIFA Congress in the same city.
โThe [FIFA] council decided after 15 years of deliberations on this issue not to decide. So the only course of action that we have is to go to CAS and to appeal that. We will go through the whole process until we are able to achieve justice.โ
She later told the Reuters news agency that the appeal had been filed on April 20.
CAS has not yet announced the appeal and was not immediately available for comment outside business hours on Tuesday. FIFA was also not immediately available for comment. Reuters also contacted the IFA.
Shalabi said visa problems also prevented โ several PFA representatives from entering Canada for the FIFA Congress, which will take place on Thursday.
She said she received an electronic โ travel authorisation immediately because she applied on a foreign passport, but other members of the delegation, including the PFA president, general secretary and legal counsel Gonzalo Boye, initially did not receive visas.
She said the visas were issued only after pressure โon the political level, on the social level, on the media levelโ, as well as action from โ community members and activists, adding that the PFA president had not received a visa in time to travel with the rest of the delegation but was expected to arrive later.
She said Boye, however, had โ still not received a visa and would not attend.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada told โ Reuters it would look into the matter.
Shalabi said the visa problems were not limited to Palestine and that she understood Iranโs football association, whose representatives were not present at the AFC Congress, had also faced issues.
โAs you can see, itโs a huge event thatโs going to happen. We have a World Cup, and itโs good for Canada to โhave everyone from everywhere able to come and participate in this,โ Shalabi said.
She added that the situation for Palestinian football remained dire, particularly in Gaza, where she said every football structure was either unusable or destroyed.
โWe lost so many hundreds of footballers; we lost most of โthem โchildren,โ she said. โSo football now in Gaza, there is no football at all.
โItโs very dangerous for our teams to compete,โ she added, noting that professional leagues were suspended and that the PFA was trying to keep football alive through grassroots and youth competitions.
It is set to be an "absolutely brilliant" final day of the Championship promotion race on which "anything can happen", according to the BBC's 72+ EFL podcast team.
Tuesday's dramatic 2-2 draw between Southampton and Ipswich has left Town, Millwall and Middlesbrough to fight it out for the second automatic promotion place in the 46th and final round of games on Saturday (12:30 BST).
Ipswich are in pole position, a point ahead of Millwall, with a goal difference advantage of +17 on the Lions, but with Boro a point further back. Town know they must beat QPR at Portman Road to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough are at Wrexham, who need to secure a play-off spot, while Millwall host already-relegated Oxford United.
"It was a brilliant game," said EFL pundit Jobi McAnuff.
"We have spoken all season about how open the Championship has been. Coventry have been by far and away the best team, worthy winners, but for it to go into the last Saturday [is fantastic].
"Millwall, the team that just won't go away, they're still hanging in there, Middlesbrough, the team off the back of really poor form but with a couple of good results of late, anything can happen, it's going to be absolutely brilliant on Saturday."
Despite extending their unbeaten league run to 18 games, Saints bowed out of the race, sitting four points behind Ipswich, and will need to win the play-offs if they are to secure their own top-flight return.
"It's been a fantastic run. Everyone from afar was hoping they'd get in there, It's Roy of the Rovers stuff," said Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans.
"In fairness, probably the teams that have been more consistent and better over the course of the season, they're the ones who are going to fight the final day shootout."
Even though he believes Ipswich have been "underwhelming" this season, McAnuff said he expects the Tractor Boys to prevail.
He said: "I expect them to go and finish the job now at home. They have got through what was a tricky run of away games ,which has really been their Achilles heel.
"Big win at Charlton, [point at] West Brom on Saturday and follow up by getting a point at the form team [Southampton].
"I think Kieran McKenna would have taken that before - make sure they're going into the last game of the season very much in control.
"We associate McKenna and Ipswich with that all-out attacking free-flowing football, they haven't found that rhythm this season, they have been a bit underwhelming, I have to say, with the quality they have in their squad.
"I believe they will get over the line but with this squad that's the bare minimum they should be doing this season."
Evans fears for McKenna's future if he is unable to guide Ipswich back to the Premier League.
"If Ipswich turn up and play as they can at Portman Road they'll be in the Premier League," he said.
"If they drop to the play-offs and lose and Kieran McKenna doesn't lead them to the Premier League then he might not lead them anywhere, that's how ruthless football is."
"Antonio Williams is as juiced up as they come."
That was Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports on the Grant & Danny Show, Tuesday on 106.7 The Fan. Immediately, one might wonder whether Wilson was saying that Williams is using steroids. But he was actually lauding Williams' ability and route running. What brought about such high praise for a Clemson receiver not taken until the Washington Commanders selected Williams at 71 in the third round, Day 2 (Friday night)?
"I was looking back at my way too early mock draft notes from 12 months ago," Wilson said. "I had him in the first round (of the 2026 Draft). He was hurt at Clemson in Week 1 and wasn't quite himself for much of the season; neither was Clemson, for that matter. But he is electric and maybe the flavor of ice cream that the Commanders were looking for in the slot."
So Wilson, in the preseason, thought Williams would be drafted in the first round? A major question already being asked is whether Williams can play on the outside, as Commanders GM Adam Peters commented after selecting Williams. Wilson responded, "Can he play outside? Yes. The issue is when you are going up against ACC corners vs NFL corners. That's where you have to figure out if it is going to work."
Clemson WR Antonio Williams is headed to the Commanders ๐ค
โ B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026
Jayden Daniels gets another weapon ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/IO5dazqsHZ
Perhaps Wilson was not aware of the comments Peters made last weekend, because he said the following. "I would imagine he was drafted with the idea of primarily slot and some outside abilities. But he's physical. I know he is undersized and that he is not north of six feet. But he plays physically, he's fast. He can win off the line of scrimmage versus press coverage. So, all the things you want your outside receiver to do."
What does Wilson foresee for Williams in his first Washington season in the NFL? "I would imagine slot first, with some outside occasionally. But I wouldn't imagine he is going to be the guy you're going to line up outside, on day one." Williams did have a big junior season at Clemson, catching 75 passes for 11 receiving touchdowns. Being limited to ten games his senior season, Williams caught 55 passes, including four touchdown receptions.
So, what did Peters have in mind in drafting Williams at No. 71? Is he the plan for outside receiver to replace Terry McLaurin after the 2026 season? Or is he a plan for slot this season to replace Luke McCaffrey?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Analyst says Antonio Williams is 'juiced up'
Doncaster Rovers have released Billy Sharp, Zain Westbrooke, Ben Close, Joseph Sbarra, Jordan Gibson, Kyle Hurst and James Maxwell.
Sharp, 40, helped Rovers win promotion to League One last season after returning to the club for a third spell.
Having scored 296 goals during his senior career, Sharp said last week that he wanted to play on next season and continue his career into his forties.
In his final home game for the club, Sharp scored a second-half equaliser as they sealed a point against Stevenage.
Westbrooke and Hurst have spent this season on loan at National League side Scunthorpe United while Sbarra has also spent time in the fifth tier this season with Solihull Moors.
Close has made 31 appearances this season for Doncaster and 124 in total since joining in 2021 with Gibson making 51 this term and 103 in total. Meanwhile, Maxwell leaves having made 117 appearances.
"I want to thank every player who will be leaving the club for what they have given during their time here. Each of them has played a part in our journey," manager Grant McCann said.
"They've given everything for the badge, day in and day out. Some leave us as League Two champions and others have shown real grit and professionalism to help us compete in League One this year, but all of them have contributed to what we are building.
"On behalf of Doncaster Rovers, we wish them the best of luck for the future and every success in the next chapter of their careers."
Doncaster travel to Peterborough United for their final game of the season (15:00 BST) on Saturday with McCann's side able to finish anywhere between 13th and 16th.
Exclusive
Paulo Duarte/@l'Equipe
Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte has expressed his determination to restore the reputation of the Guinean national team, just months ahead of the start of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"The goal with Guinea is to rebuild a team that is in transition, both in terms of sporting performance and age. This is a squad with plenty of talent, but which still lacks stability and organization, especially when it comes to squad management," he revealed in an exclusive interview with Foot Africa.
"My objective is therefore to rejuvenate the team by betting on youth and quality, in order to give this squad a new lease of life. The idea is to integrate young players and, of course, to aim for qualification and at least reach the semi-finals of the AFCON," continued the former Burkina Faso coach.
As a reminder, Paulo Duarte was appointed head coach of Guinea on August 13. He has overseen 7 matches, recording two wins, four draws, and just one defeat.
The hamstring injury sustained by Lamine Yamal last week came as a bitter blow for FC Barcelona, with the young superstar getting ruled out for the rest of the season.
In the official statement, the Blaugrana confirmed that they expected the 18-year-old winger to be back in time to represent Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the club naturally have concerns about the academy graduate being rushed back into action from injury ahead of the summerโs tournament.
As a result, the club officials held a meeting with RFEF executives earlier this week to discuss the situation.
Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona are more at ease following the meeting held on Monday to coordinate the recovery plan for Lamine ahead of his involvement with the Spanish national football team.
The meeting included Raul Martinez, head of the clubโs physiotherapy department, and Fernando Galan, who acts as the link between Barcelona and the RFEF.
The clubโs priority is ensuring that the 18-year-old fully recovers without rushing, avoiding complications that could affect his long-term development.
At the same time, Yamal hopes to play in his first World Cup with a Spain side considered among the favourites, while head coach Luis de la Fuente is keen not to lose a key player.
Lamine Yamalโs recovery being managed carefully. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Barcelonaโs objective has been to align all three interests, especially given that the recovery period, estimated at six to eight weeks, carries a high risk of relapse.
The Catalans have shown willingness from the outset, making it clear that the player will be available for the national team. The aim is for Spain to have access to the player, but with a carefully managed and conservative return.
Yamal will not play for Barcelona again this season. He will be included in De la Fuenteโs squad list on 30 May, after approximately five and a half weeks out, and will continue his recovery work.
However, he will not take part in Spainโs preparatory friendlies against Iraq on 4 June and Peru on 8 June. From that point, his return will be gradual and guided by medical assessments and the playerโs own sensations.
Spain will open their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on 15 June. Yamal could feature for limited minutes if his recovery progresses well, with a similar approach expected for the second group match against Saudi Arabia on 21 June.
A potential starting role could come in the third group match against Uruguay on 27 June, approximately nine and a half weeks after the injury, although he may not yet be ready to complete the full match.
Should everything proceed as per plan, Yamal is expected to be fully recovered and physically ready for full matches by the knockout stages.
An uncertain update on Alisson Becker has emerged, raising fresh questions about whether the Brazilian will remain at Anfield beyond this summer.
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Despite recently extending his deal, the 33-year-oldโs long-term future is no longer as clear-cut as many of us might have expected, particularly with interest building from elsewhere in Europe.
According to BBC Sport reporter Aadam Patel, there is now a genuine possibility that our No.1 could move on, even after committing his future to the club last month.
The update makes it clear just how open the situation remains heading into the transfer window.
โThe future of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has been the subject of several questionsโฆโ
โWhen Arne Slot was asked last week about the possibility of Alisson leaving this summer, the Liverpool head coach did not guarantee he would stay. So there is certainly a chance he moves on.โ
That uncertainty is significant, especially given the number of experienced figures already departing, with Mo Salah and Andy Robertson both confirmed to be leaving.
Slot himself addressed the situation in a measured way, making it clear that multiple factors will influence any final decision.
โThe people who make these decisions take everything into account,โ said Slot.
โThey try to make the best decisions with the interest of the club. It [experience] is definitely one argument to keep him but there are other arguments.
โThat is a decision the club has to make if that is needed. In the end, he still has one year [on his contract].โ
This feels like a delicate balancing act between retaining world-class quality and planning for the future, especially with Giorgi Mamardashvili already lined up as a long-term option.
The Brazilian shot-stopper has been linked with Juventus, and if a strong offer arrives, itโs suggested both parties could consider a respectful parting of ways.
That would mark another major shift in leadership at the club, following the confirmed exits of key figures and ongoing changes within the squad.
Alissonโs injury record is also part of the conversation, with the experienced goalkeeper missing a growing number of matches across the few seasons, even though his level remains among the very best in the world.
The key question is whether this is the right moment to transition, or whether keeping a proven match-winner for at least another year is the smarter move as we aim to build again under Slot.
Exclusive
Paulo Duarte discusses the dual-nationality player issue
Paulo Duarte/@l'Equipe
In a statement to Foot Africa, Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte, head coach of Guinea, addressed the issue of dual-nationality players who could potentially strengthen the 'Syli National.'
โYes, of course. There are dual-nationality players, but not as many as we would like. We have five or six top-level players who have already played at the highest level, but so far, they have not responded positively and have declined invitations to play for Guinea,โ he revealed, before adding: โThis is also a real problem for us, because if we managed to convince even seven players, Guinea would have a fantastic team. But you can't force a player to represent Guinea.โ
โThere are therefore other young players, perhaps less experienced in the short term, but who have quality and, above all, the desire to play for the country. And for me, that's the most important thing: having players who are ready to give everything for the flag,โ Paulo Duarte concluded.
Having not taken part in the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), Guinea will aim to secure a qualification ticket for the next edition of the competition, scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Arsenal head to Atletico Madrid tonight for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
After falling at this hurdle last season, Arsenal aim to go one better and reach theChampions League final for only the second tie. Neither side has ever been crowned European champions before, but are now one two-legged win from next month's showpiece in Budapest.
Arsenal can take encouragement from the club's recent record against Spanish opposition. The Gunners beat Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates in this season's league phase, and have won each of their last seven Champions League games againstLa Liga teams.
It's the first time that any club has ever won seven straight Champions League or European Cup games against Spanish sides, while four of those victories for Mikel Arteta's team have been away from home.
Arsenal are also the only unbeaten team in this season's Champions League. The North Londoners have lost just two of their last 22 matches in the Champions League, with both defeats coming in last season's semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
Tonight's game will be only the fourth meeting between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. In addition to their meeting on matchday three, the teams contested a 2017/18 Europa League semi-final. Atletico Madrid progressed 2-1 on aggregate from that tie.
Arsenal are preparing for the club's fourth Champions League semi-final. Their only previous progression to the final saw Spanish opponents beaten in the last four.Arsene Wenger's side beat Villarreal 2-1 on aggregate to reach the 2006 final.
โTheyโre a team that has so much experience in the competition, that have every right to be here, because what they've done is remarkable," the Arsenal manager said at hispre-match press conference.
"We know the difficulty of the match, but I think we have shown in Europe, in any ground, what we are capable of.
โWe've been very consistent, and tomorrow we have to play with that confidence, with that desire and that will, to come here to win the game.
โWe have prepared the game to win it - there's no question about that. We have to be ourselves and do what we do constantly with our opponents. And then, let's see what the game throws, the level that we can show, the quality that we can show, and hopefully that's going to be the case.โ
AC Milan have emerged as the clear favourites to sign Leon Goretzka, whose contract with Bayern Munich expires this summer.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A giants are expecting to reach an agreement with the 31-year-old midfielder.
Talks between Milan and the playerโs camp are said to have intensified recently, with Goretzka having signalled his willingness to make the move.ย
A final decision is expected after the season, but before Goretzka joins up with Germany for the World Cup.
Goretzka could sign a three-year contract with Milan, worth an annual salary of โฌ5 million.
After a long wait, the Nittany Lion's men's lacrosse team finally know their semifinal opponent. They will be facing the Maryland Terrapins after the Terps won away at SHI Stadium against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This will be a matchup against two teams that met in the regular season and finished with identical conference records at 7-5.
The last time these two teams met, it was a defensive minded game that saw Penn State dominate the middle quarters of the game, keeping the Terps at bay for over 35 minutes. One of the standout performers from that matchup was freshman goalkeeper Preston Hawkins, who made 14 saves, a career high in the game. The Terps cannot afford for that to happen again against a smothering Penn State defense.
Still, if there's one way the Terrapins can stick around is their possession based style of play. It is all predicated upon the dominance of faceoff specialist Henry Dodge, who is third in the nation across his career in faceoff winning percentage. If he can control the faceoff X, it can stop Penn State from going on scoring surges, much like they did late in the first matchup.
Key players for the Nittany Lions will be the upperclassmen in redshirt senior Luke Walstrum, who was the leading point scorer in the last game and Mac Hobbs, who scored two goals in the outing. On the defensive side of things, Jon King, Ryan O'Connor and Lucca DiBartolomeo will look to frustrate Eric Spanos yet again. Spanos is one of the big frontrunners for the prestigious Tewaaraton Award, college lacrosse's highest honor.
While the Nittany Lions have been dependent on a blend of elite under and upperclassmen, it will be up to experience to decide the game for the Nittany Lions on Thursday.
Faceoff for the game will be at 6:00 PM EST on Thursday, April 30. It will be played at SHI Stadium and will be available on the Big Ten Network.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State lacrosse to face Maryland in Big Ten semifinals
Prior to Rangers' game against Motherwell on Sunday, Danny Rohl said he didn't want to focus on "negative" thoughts about the manner in which his side started the previous game against Falkirk.
A couple of hours later, he admitted they had paid the price for a similar first-half display against Motherwell and this time it proved hugely costly, dealing a massive blow to their title prospects.
Jens Berthel Askou's side were brilliant, particularly in that first period, but that should not have come as a surprise to Rohl and Rangers and does not excuse how flat they were and seemingly incapable of counteracting the visitors' slick, pacy play.
Now Rangers require favours from others and certainly cannot afford to lose again. They probably need to go to Tynecastle and win and then avoid defeat at Celtic Park, both of which will be extremely tough, but not impossible.
Celtic have to go to Easter Road before that and both Rangers and Hearts will hope Hibs can take something from that game, and Hearts and Celtic still have to go to Fir Park again, so all is not lost for Rangers.
But Rangers can't afford to start games the way they did against Falkirk and though they could ultimately have won against Motherwell as well, despite that dreadful first half, they can have no real complaints about the outcome having given themselves so much to do.
The half-time changes definitely made a difference, with Mohamed Diomande putting in his best performance since coming on at Celtic Park to turn that game in Rangers' favour.
But the key introduction was that of Mikey Moore, albeit he should have scored. That aside, he once again showed how important he is to the team.
He is clearly not 100% fit, as Rohl alluded to, but if Rangers can't get him ready to start the upcoming fixtures against Hearts and Celtic, their hopes of getting the results they need will be diminished.
Monday is massive for both sides. It's going to be another fascinating weekend in the title race.
WEST WARWICK โ The offense is still there. The ace has accepted her role. The defense is vastly improved. The lessons from last year were learned.
And if thereโs a time for the Portsmouth softball team to show its ready to win a title, this would be the week to do it.
The Patriots have gotten off to a terrific start this season and on Tuesday, April 28, they put all their skills on display for the world to see. Barbara Rainey opened scoring with a home run, Mia Ruggieri dealt for seven innings and dropped a bomb of her own as Portsmouth took down Kent County, 6-1, and took a step in showing itโs ready to win big.
โThis is the first really competitive team that weโve played and to come out on top feels great,โ Rainey said. โI feel like itโs a statement.โ
โWe know we have a tough week, tough two weeks ahead of us,โ Ruggieri said. โItโs good to see a tough team to start it off and get us ready.
โWe just wanted to come in here and play as clean as we could and get a win.โ
The victory certainly was tidy, a sign of growth for this group that only graduated one player from last yearโs team that made it to Rhode Island College before falling in the losersโ bracket final.
Scoring and pitching werenโt a problem for the Patriots. The defense was and too many times, Portsmouth couldnโt make the most basic of plays. Errors piled on and put the team in a hole the bats couldnโt climb out of.
It looked like the woes would continue after three errors cost the Patriots in their season opener. They survived two in a win over Scituate in the second game of the season.
But since then the defense has been key. Portsmouth is making plays and not giving away outs.
โDefense has been the primary focus this year at practice,โ Rainey said. โโฆ Weโve just been grinding it out at practice and make sure those errors stay at the practice field.โ
The Patriots clearly do some hitting at practice and bring the bats wherever they go.
Rainey was a beast in the middle of the order for Portsmouth last year and sheโs on the short list of the top hitters in Division II this spring. Rainey wasted little time in putting on a show against Kent County, swinging at the first pitch she saw and carrying well over the fence in left field to put the Patriots up 2-0 after the first inning.
In the second inning, Portsmouth got it done with two outs. A seemingly harmless two-out single by Emily Bronson was followed by a single to no manโs land by Rainey and Ruggieriโs double to left scored them both to make it 4-0. Evelyn Schmidt followed with a single and the 5-0 lead was just another example of how good this Portsmouth offense has been this season.
โWe just learned how to play as a team,โ Rainey said. โIt shows you it is a team sport and you canโt win alone. We learned how to work together.โ
โWe work hard with hitting, we work hard with fielding,โ Ruggieri said. โOffense is our strength and when we do struggle itโs tough, but we have a tougher defense and I think we can pull it out.โ
Having Ruggieri in the circle also helps.
Last year she split duties with since-graduated Mary Rainey, stepping into the role as the teams No. 1. The role comes with an extra workload โ Ruggieri said splitting duties was helpful during the postseason on back-to-back games โ and pressure, but Ruggieri is locked in knowing sheโs getting the ball in every big game.
โI do put a lot of pressure on myself but do know Iโve worked hard this year, last year and the last couple of years,โ Ruggieri said. โI trust myself and I trust my defense.โ
Tuesday, it wasnโt hard to see why.
Ruggieri didnโt let a Kent County runner reach scoring position until the fourth, when Sophie Moreira and Abigail OโConnorhit back-to-back one-out singles. Ruggieri picked up the second out with a K, then got a groundout to end the threat.
In the sixth, an error and a hit-by-pitch had Kent County threatening again. Three straight ground ball outs ended that and Ruggieri followed with a home run of her own in the seventh to pad the lead.
While Kent County got on the board in the seventh, Ruggieri made sure one run was all it got. She finished the game giving up six hits, one walk and striking out five.
โSheโs really stepped up,โ said Rainey, Portsmouthโs catcher. โโฆ This yearโs sheโs stepped to the plate and done what she has to do for the team."
And while Rainey may have underestimated some of the opponents Portsmouth has beaten this spring โ Ponaganset, Barrington and East Greenwich are certainly darkhorse contenders in D-II โ thereโs no doubt about the talent of the teams its facing next.
Thursday (weather permitting) Portsmouth is set to travel to play Lincoln, which is undefeated and second in the Division II RPI. Saturday the Patriots will return home for a date with Johnston, which has one loss to a Division I team on its record and sits in first in the D-II RPI standings.
โIโm super excited,โ Rainey said. โThese are the fun games and thatโs where we can see where we are as a team.โ
The Patriots know where they want to see themselves at the end of the season and getting to RIC is a part of it.
โThe past two years weโve gotten to RIC in the losersโ bracket and came in third,โ Ruggieri said. โWeโd like to get past that.โ
โWeโre looking for a [Division II] championship,โ Rainey said. โWe want to go all the way. Weโve made it pretty close almost every year, so this year is hopefully our year.โ
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Score from Portsmouth at Kent County Softball on Tuesday April 28 2026
BOSTON -- The Philadelphia 76ers kept their season alive with an impressive performance as they knocked off the Boston Celtics on the road 113-97 to stave off elimination and force a Game 6 back in Philadelphia on Thursday. The Sixers used lockdown defense in the fourth quarter to hold off the Celtics and keep things moving in the right direction.
The Sixers received 33 points, eight assists, and four rebounds from Joel Embiid while Tyrese Maxey had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Paul George had 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, Quentin Grimes had 18 points, and VJ Edgecombe had 10 points and seven rebounds.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from the win on the road:
The Sixers won this game due to their defensive pressure in the fourth. They held the No. 2 offensive team in the league to just 11 points and just 3-for-22 shooting. The Celtics missed their final 16 field goals of the night and that type of performance on the defensive end, coupled with a big Embiid night, allowed Philadelphia to keep its season alive. That is the type of effort it is going to take to win two more games in this series.
"Well, again, I think, we were able to really execute what we wanted to do defensively," said coach Nick Nurse. "Just weren't blowing assignments, and we were guarding the ball hard. I mean, they did take it in there deep a few times, but there wasn't a whole lot of straight line drives, or we got into lots of rotations, or any of those kind of things. So, I just think everybody did a really good job of kind of guarding their man and executing the schemes that we wanted executed."
Entering Tuesdayโs elimination contest, Grimes had totaled only 27 points through the first four games of the series. In order for the Sixers to rally in this series, they will need Grimes to give them a big lift and just give some offense overall. The Celtics have held a big advantage in bench scoring in these series and will need to give Philadelphia this continued offensive ability to give a continued spark.
"The opportunity, you know what I mean?" Grimes said of his big night. "Nick has emphasized wanting to get up a lot of 3s. Teammates were finding me and I was able to knock down the shots."
The Sixers received a big performance from George in this one. He knocked down four triples, was able to put the ball on the floor to make things happen for himself and his teammates, and was able to help on the glass while also being a factor on the defensive end of the floor. Philadelphia probably doesnโt win this game without his contributions on both ends and the Sixers need to lean on him much more as time goes on in this series. He is a guy who can still put up big numbers.
"Well, I just think he's a really good defender, and he's put tremendous effort in. I don't know. Heโs just good, man. He's smart and he's quick and he's long and he's athletic and he's determined, and I think his offense still is growing, and confidence is still growing a little bit."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following Game 5 win over Celtics
The Cincinnati Bengals had a very well-received draft class, by most accounts.ย
One prospect they drafted feels like a steal and long-term starter. Another has Mel Kiper buzzing.ย
Thereโs an outside chance the Bengals have another steal on their hands, too, based on some of the praise coming from the national perspective right now.ย
ESPNโs Field Yates, for example, is a huge fan of the Bengals drafting tight end Jack Endries in the seventh round, naming it one of his few favorite picks of the draftโs final round.ย
โFernando Mendoza's favorite target at Cal in 2024, Endries finished his college career with one season at Texas. He is Mr. Dependable as a receiver, with zero drops in 2025. Endries came on strong in the final two games of the season, recording nine catches for 128 yards and a touchdown.โ
As we wrote in our deep dive analysis of the Bengals drafting Endries, the Bengals needed more talent on the depth chart behind Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample and Erick All. The first two have very specific roles, and the last name has injury questions clouding his future.ย
While the Endries pick by the Bengals hasnโt gotten that much hype compared to the teamโs other selections, it sure feels like he has the traits to make some noise this summer in a roster push.ย
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: A Bengals 7th-round possible steal has ESPN buzzing
Fighter Paddy Pimblett believes his ego was part of the reason he lost to Justin Gaethje in their interim UFC lightweight title fight in January.
Gaethje defeated the Liverpudlian on points in a gruelling encounter in Las Vegas in which Pimblett never managed to build any momentum.
It was the first loss of Pimblett's UFC career and ended a nine-fight winning streak.
"I think it was a little bit of my ego got in the way," Pimblett said on his YouTube channel reflecting on the fight.
"I wanted to knock him out. I wanted to show everyone I can strike. I wanted a war.
"When you're trying to take him down in the fifth round after he bludgeoned you at the end of the second, it's quite hard.
"Back to fight IQ. Back to the gameplan and not just swinging recklessly."
Pimblett threw 170 strikes to Gaethje's 200, with a majority of the contest being contested on the feet.
Gaethje, 37, knocked Pimblett down twice on the way to securing the interim belt and a shot at Ilia Topuria at UFC White House on 14 June.
Pimblett is back in camp and aiming to return to action at UFC 329 in July.
The 31-year-old is waiting to be assigned an opponent but Frenchman Benoit Saint-Denis, currently on a four-fight winning streak, is rumoured to be the current frontrunner.
Pimblett says he is eager to have a rematch with Gaethje in future.
"I've got to show everyone why I deserved to get that title shot, show everyone that I'm going to be getting another one in the near future," Pimblett said.
"I hope [Justin] beats Ilia so I can fight him again.
"That's all I'm hoping for. He's got a big ask, beating Ilia Topuria."
Casemiro delivered yet another energetic performance at Old Trafford, helping Manchester United secure a 2-1 win over Brentford.
The Brazilian veteran rose to head in Unitedโs first goal in the 11th minute, and his thunderous tackles kept the Bees quiet for the majority of Monday night, leadingย to more chants of โOne more yearโ from the home crowd.
That is not going to happen, however, with Casemiro set to depart at the end of the season. The club hierarchyโs focus is now on finding a player capable of offering a similar level of intensity and steel as the all-conquering South American.
According to Fussballdaten, Manchester United are interested in Argentine midfield dynamo Exequiel Palacios.
Palacios, 27, has proven to be Bayer Leverkusenโs โunsung heroโ over the last few seasons, playing an influential role in the sideโs Bundesliga triumph under Xabi Alonso.
Palacios was directly involved in 11 goals during the 2023-24 campaign.
The World Cup winner remains a crucial player for Leverkusen, but his โtireless energyโ is reportedly attracting the interest of European giants.
It is understood that United and Manchester City have recently โconducted a serious scouting and reporting process for Palacios, primarily due to his versatile playing abilities and defensive robustness.โ
Palaciosโ contract runs to 2030. As such, Leverkusenโs priority is to keep hold of their star.
It is believed that the Bundesliga giants would demand at leastย โฌ50 million to even enter negotiations for the former River Plate sensation.
Regardless, United intend to make further progress in their pursuit. They are allegedly โpreparing to sound out the player.โ
At the moment, Unitedโs preferred candidate to replace Casemiro appears to be Real Madrid midfielder Aurรฉlien Tchouamรฉni. However, Los Blancos are hoping to tie down the Frenchman to a new deal.
The Peoples Person has been one of the worldโs leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Atletico Madrid will seek to make their fourth Champions League final in their history over the next week, starting with their semi-final first leg clash with Arsenal at the Metropolitano, which kicks off at 21:00 CEST. Both sides are missing key players after their weekend exertions which will impact their starting XI.
Los Colchoneros have lost Nicolas Gonzalez and Pablo Barrios to injury, both of whom could have started against the Gunners. They will join Jose Maria Gimenez in the stands. Meanwhile Mikel Arteta confirmed that Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber were not fit, and Mikel Merino is still recovering from his injury too. There are no suspensions for the first leg, and with the yellow cards being wiped after the quarter-finals, no-one is at risk of missing the second leg through a booking.
This week David Hancko and Ademola Lookman have returned to training for Atletico Madrid, after missing the last couple of games, and both are expected to return to the starting XI. At least for Diario AS, although Marca feel it will be Spain international Robin Le Normand in central defence with Marc Pubill, who missed the quarter-final second leg through suspension.
Another change is that Marcos Llorente will return to right-back to make way for Johnny Cardoso alongside Koke Resurreccion. Otherwise, with Lookman fit, the Atletico XI almost picks itself. It seems regular starter Jan Oblak will be preferred to in-form back-up Juan Musso in goal.
With Havertz out, it seems there is consensus on the Arsenal XI. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard will be either side of Viktor Gyokeres. Arteta will continue with Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie at the full-back positions too. Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori have both been passed fit, but will be on the bench.
Image via Marca. Predicted Teams Atletico Madrid-Arsenal.
Before the match, Arteta said that the key for Arsenal was to interpret the moments when Atletico were building up momentum, while Simeone was keen for his side to continue showing the balance between clarity of mind and passion, as they have in the previous rounds.
On Saturday morning in Tokyo, 55,000 people will sit down in silence for the greatest Japanese fight in history.
The Tokyo Dome is sold out; the fight will stop a nation and the pay-per-view numbers might set a global record. The Japanese boxing renaissance is in full and beautiful flow: Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani are their two biggest stars.
Inoueโs figures are truly astounding, but Nakataniโs are similar; it is the rarest of fights in the most exotic of boxing locations. Two unbeaten men, both Japanese and both at their peaks, with multiple world championship belts on the line.
It is the type of fight that can be compared to the long-overdue showdown between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in their โFight of the Centuryโ over 50 years ago. It is also, arguably, the biggest fight to take place anywhere in the world between two boxers without direct USA or UK interest.
Some of the giant fights on recent Saudi Arabian nights, and the long list of brawls involving the Klitschko brothers, had a similar feel, but Inoue vs Nakatani is different. It feels epic, the numbers are off the scale.
Inoue is defending his four super-bantamweight belts, and Nakatani is moving up four pounds from bantamweight and leaving behind two belts. They are both unbeaten in 32 fights; Inoue has stopped or knocked out 27 of his opponents, Nakatani has finished 24 quick.
Inoue is five years older at 33, and first won a world title when he was 21 โ at light-flyweight in just his sixth fight; it was the start of the renaissance. Since then, Inoue has won world titles at super-flyweight, bantamweight and now all four belts at super-bantamweight. He has won 27 world title fights and 23 ended fast.
In the current top 15 at flyweight, super-flyweight, bantamweight and super-bantamweight, there are probably 25 Japanese boxers in total, including Takuma Inoue, the baby brother of Naoya, who defends his WBC bantamweight title against Kazuto Ioka on Saturdayโs undercard. That is a lot of quality spread over just 10lb.
Nakatani has held world titles at three weights so far, and won 10 world title fights during his perfect career. It is hard to imagine a boxer at any weight being as dominant as Nakatani and still having to compete in the stunning shadow of Inoueโs brilliance. Nakatani without Inoue would be a solo, global star.
In many ways, an Inoue defeat would be refreshing, the rematch ridiculous, and โ perhaps โNakataniโs timing is just right.
Inoue has been taken the full 12-round distance in both of his last fights; he won about 10 of the 12 rounds against Murodjon Akhmadaliev and all 12 against David Picasso in Riyadh last December. However, both Akhmadaliev and Picasso are exceptional fighters.
Inoue has also been linked with a super-fight against Jesse Rodriguez, unbeaten now in 23 with 16 ending in short order, and a multiple-time world champion at lower weights; there is a long and distinguished list of great champions losing when they had their eyes firmly set on the riches and glory of another big fight.
Nakatani against Inoue in front of the silent, sold-out Tokyo crowd is one of modern boxingโs dream fights. The winner will be supreme ruler in a booming business that is thriving a long, long way from any of the Las Vegas grandeur of old and the great stadium nights of recent years in British rings.
In Japan they have called the fight โThe Dayโ, and it is hard to back against Inoue and the inevitable bowing of 55,000 adoring fans at the end.
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany readily admitted he didn't enjoy watching their memorable Champions League match at Paris Saint-Germain from the stands but he will be back on the touchline for the return leg where both teams aim to go all in again.
"No I didn't," Kompany, who was suspended for the game, said laughing when quizzed by PSG coach Luis Enrique in a brief exchange in the bowels of the Parc des Princes.
The stadium had earlier witnessed an extraordinary semi-final where Bayern led 1-0, then trailed 5-2 but clawed back to lose only 5-4 which means there is still all to play for next week Wednesday in Munich.
Kompany added in the news conference: "I didn't enjoy this experience. The emotions on the pitch are different. But I did enjoy a little bit in the upper tier how my team came back."
Match for the ages
Title holders PSG led 3-2 at the half, making it the first semi-final with five goals in a first half. The nine goals have only been matched once before in a semi-final match, in the distant past when Eintracht Frankfurt won 6-3 at Rangers in 1960.
โIt was unbelievable, I have no words. I think that was the best match Iโve ever experienced as a coach. Both teams wanted to play, both have enormous quality. I think everyone enjoyed watching this match," Enrique said.
Playmaker Vitinha added: "It was a fantastic match of football. We loved playing it and I think all football fans were happy to watch it."
Kompany said: โWhen two teams go into a match like this with this idea, then thatโs exactly what can happen. I already had a feeling that a match like that was possible."
Media reactions in Europe echoed this as Spanish sports paper AS named the match "an ode to football," England's Daily Mail said "wow, just wow," and Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport declared: "PSG and Bayern, you are incredible."
Top class attacks
The match fully lived up to its hype as it pitted the two arguably best and most attack-minded teams in Europe against each other. PSG improved their competition goal tally to 43 and Bayern now have 42, both close to Barcelona's record 45 from 1999-00.
That record could be under threat in Munich when the formidable front lines of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Debรฉlรฉ (who had a brace each) and Dรฉsirรฉ Douรฉ on PSG's side and the Bayern's trio of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Dรญaz (who all scored on the night) meet again.
"We won't change our philosophy," Dembรฉlรฉ vowed, although he also admitted that "maybe we couldโve controlled it better at 5-2."
Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich revealed he was wondering "what is going on here" at that stage of the match because "we were certainly not three goals worse."
Bayern's comebacks
Bayern's fightback could prove decisive on the road to the May 30 final in Budapest where they want to lift the trophy a seventh time and possible complete a third treble in club history.
Although they didn't win this time it was Bayern's fourth fightback in April alone, having won 3-2 in Freiburg from 2-0 down in the 81st minute and 4-3 in Mainz from 3-0 down at the half in the Bundesliga, and 4-3 after trailing 3-2 until the 88th minute in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid.
"We've handled setbacks well because we don't let things like that stop us โ we just keep going," defender Jonathan Tah said.
"You saw that we can score a lot of goals. Of course, we conceded too many tonight, but in the end itโs only a one-goal margin. Weโll go into the return leg with full confidence, give it everything and then want to be in the final.โ
Kompany said: "We have a week now to work on the things we need to improve. The belief is 100% there, as is the feeling. We need our fans and their support with the same passion we had against Madrid.โ
PSG hand Bayern rare defeat
PSG could however also hold their heads up high because they ended a run of five straight Champions League defeats against Bayern.
They became only the third team to beat Bayern, who were playing their 50th official match this season, the others being Arsenal in the league stage in autumn and Augsburg in the Bundesliga in January.
"Weโre obviously happy that we won, and we shouldnโt forget: Bayern have only lost three matches this season. That shows how well we did today,โ Enrique said.
Added Vitinha: "We head to Munich with the same desire and, above all, the same aim: to play well and to win, like we always do."
Rhode Island and basketball seem to go hand-in-hand. There have been numerous high school basketball stars to come from the Ocean State, including the current head coach of the Boston Celtics.
Today, we're focusing on the 10 best high school boys basketball athletes to come out of Rhode Island high schools. Lists like this always have the inherent danger of excluding several deserving names, but it would be hard to exclude any of these choices for Top 10 high school boys basketball players to ever play in Rhode Island.
This is part of USA TODAY Sports' initiative to celebrate theย 250 greatest American sports figures of all time โ part of which is to spotlight the roots of the countryโs sports culture โ including the high school athletes.
Last week, we honored the heroes of the gridiron. This week, it's the hardwood. Here are our selections for the players who defined Rhode Island high school school boys basketball. The rankings here are less important than simply being included on the list. And be sure to take the poll at the end of the story to tell us who you think is No. 1!
No list would be complete without the North Providence and Providence College great. DiGregorio is the best passer on this list โ his behind-the-back assist to Kevin Stacom in the 1973 Final Four game vs. Memphis State is immortal. DiGregorio was inducted to the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 and was drafted third overall by the Buffalo Braves in the 1973 NBA Draft. He was Rookie of the Year and played for five seasons in the NBA. Before all of that, DiGregorio was an All-Stater at North Providence and led the Cougars to a 12-2 mark and the Class B title in 1967-68.
The first real superstar in the sport here, Calverley was a three-time All-State selection at Pawtucket (1939-40) and Pawtucket East (1940-41, 1941-42) before continuing at the University of Rhode Island. He was an All-American with the Rams and the guard who triggered the revolutionary fast-break offense patented by coach Frank Keaney. Calverley led URI to a runner-up finish against Kentucky in the 1946 NIT and played 165 games in the Basketball Association of America, which preceded the NBA, with the Providence Steamrollers.ย
You can imagine what sort of perimeter damage the man nicknamed โSonarโ would have done had the 3-point shot been in use during his day. Hassett was deadly from the perimeter as a two-time All-Stateย selectionย and postseason runner-up withย the Ramsย before continuing to Providence College. The shooting guard scored more than 500 points in three consecutive seasons after becoming eligible as a sophomore,ย was an All-American with the Friars in 1976-77 and captured an NBA championship with the Seattle Supersonics during a professional career that spanned from 1977-83.ย
There has never been another player like Barnes with the Knights or at his next stop with Providence College. He was a dominant big man with an uncannyย knack forย controllingย to the glass at both ends, leading Central to championships as an All-Stateย selectionย in 1968-69 and 1969-70 before graduating to a bigger stage. Barnes was a two-time All-American, an NCAA rebounding champion and the paint engine of a Final Four team with theย Friarsย in 1972-73 before playing for multiple years in both the ABA and NBA.ย
A gentle giant off the courtย at 6 feet 7 inches,ย Johnson and hisย Rebelsย teammates took no prisoners between the lines. They were unbeaten state champions out of Class C in both 1964-65 and 1965-66, with Johnson claiming All-State honors twice. The second title run featured victories over Bishop Hendricken, Central, Warwick Veterans and Sacred Heart by a combinedย 132 points, and Johnson continued at Providence College. He averaged a double-double for theย Friarsย as a junior andย played inย 77 games over three seasons.ย
A dynamic guard both with and without the ball in his hands, Garrick led the Wizards to Class B championships in 1982-83 and 1983-84ย โ an unbeaten season against league opponents โย while earning All-State honors.ย Garrick continued to the University of Rhode Island and was the perfect fit in a fast-paced Tom Penders offense, leading the Rams to a Sweet 16 in the 1987-88 NCAA Tournament. Garrick was a second-roundย selectionย in the following NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers andย played in 251 games with four teamsย throughย the 1991-92 campaign.ย
Kolek spread his standout high school career between Cumberland and St. George's School. He was Gatorade Player of the Year in 2019 while at St. Georgeโs after averaging 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds as a junior. Kolek was the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year at George Mason in 2020-21 and then transferred to Marquette, where he played for three seasons. Kolek earned Big East Player of the Year honors in 2022-23. He was drafted 34thย overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers but was traded to the New York Knicks on draft night. Kolek appeared in 62 games for the Knicks this past season.
Griffin was a three-time All-Stater (1997-1999) at St. Raphael and graduated as the stateโs all-time scoring leader (2,471). His scoring mark was eventually broken but Griffin left with the Division I title in 1999 and was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year winner. He scored 29 on La Salle in the 1999 championship with his patented quickness to the rim. He averaged close to 24 points, five assists, three steals and 5.4 rebounds during his senior year.
The Boston Celtics head coach starred at Bishop Hendricken in the early 2000s. He was a three-time All-Stater and was lauded by Gatorade during his junior and senior seasons (2006-07). He averaged a double-double his senior year with 24 points and 12 rebounds a game and then played for the University of West Virginia. Mazzulla captained the Mountaineersย to the Final Four in 2010. West Virigina lost to Duke in that contest. He played 145 games over five seasons at West Virginia.
Arguably the best shooter on this list, Baron knocked down 43% of his 3-point shots over 126 games at the University of Rhode Island. Baron finished sixth in all-time scoring with the Rams with 1,765 points between 2005 and 2009. He graduated with the Atlantic 10 record for most 3-point makes (361), which was broken in 2025. He had an extensive professional career internationally after graduating. Baron averaged 22 points in his senior season at Bishop Hendricken in 2004. He is an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs.
Bruce Blount, South Kingstown;ย Don Kaull, Rogers; Vic Soares, East Providence; Ernie DeWitt, Rogers; Curtis McCants, St. Raphael;ย Roland Hannah, Hope;ย Tony Robertson, St. Andrewโs; TJ Sorrentine, St. Raphael; Steve Mello, Mt. Hope;ย Jeff Xavier, St. Raphael;ย Billy Baron, Bishop Hendricken;ย Ricky Ledo, Bishop Hendricken;ย David Duke Jr., Classical; Cole Swider, St. Andrew's; Erickson Bans, Shea; Eliezerย Delbrey, Classical.ย
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island's greatest high school boys basketball players
Brad Cox doesnโt need a(nother) Kentucky Derby win to prove heโs one of the best horse trainers in the game. That much, the Louisville native has already accomplished at the age of 46.
Heโs positioned on the short list of next-generation trainers prepared to usher in a new era of horse racing as the longtime stalwarts like Bob Baffert and Bill Mott enter the twilight of their careers.
Cox, who has had 12 starters in the Kentucky Derby, again has multiple contenders this year. Both Florida Derby winner Commandment and Blue Grass Stakes winner Further Ado are situated among the top morning-line favorites, each with 6-1 odds following the post-position draw Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Heโs been there before in 2024 with Catching Freedom and Just a Touch as two of the top five morning-line favorites. And heโll probably do it again in the years to come.
โIโm looking for the winner, not the favorite,โ Cox said. โIโve always said there are 19 Derby horses and thereโs one Derby winner. Iโm looking for the winner.โ
Maybe this year, the winner heโs looking for could even be his third entrant into the 20-horse field, Fulleffort, who finished fifth among American horses in the Kentucky Derby points standings.
Cox isnโt waiting for greatness to happen. Heโs a โsuper trainerโ for a reason.
Check the earnings leaders from three of the past five years and itโs Cox atop the list, claiming more than $30 million in winnings each year in 2021, 2023 and 2025.
Heโs already a two-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer โ and that came in back-to-back years in 2020-21. Cox won the Belmont Stakes in 2021 with Essential Quality and claimed the Breedersโ Cup Classic that same year with Knicks Go.
But for some reason, sports discussions have deteriorated largely into arguments about championship rings without an appreciation of greatness. And in horse racing, especially for many of the casual fans who only discuss it this time of the year, it boils down to whether you won the Kentucky Derby. ย
Cox is the first to admit he doesnโt truly know what it feels like. He has yet to win the Kentucky Derby on the dirt track at Churchill Downs before 150,000-plus fans on the first Saturday in May.
Although he is recognized for winning it in 2021 with Mandaloun, his victory came in February 2022 before just a handful of people in a closed meeting of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. A three-member panel of the Board of Stewards disqualified the Baffert-trained Medina Spirit, who crossed the finish line first, for a failed drug test.
Coxโs win comes with an asterisk and keeps afloat the narrative that he might be more like Steve Asmussen โ among the greatest trainers to never win the Run for the Roses. If thatโs the path his career takes, then itโll be a pretty big compliment. Asmussen is the winningest trainer in North American horse racing history.
Cox has a ways โ or, more realistically, decades โ to go before he could eclipse Asmussenโs win total. But what he has done so well is position himself to win, and thatโs why his time is now.
Winning at the highest level often requires a lot of times coming up short in pursuit of the top spot.
Courier Journal Sports (@courierjournal_sports) โข Instagram photos and videos
Cox has never won the Preakness Stakes. But heโs finished third twice, as he also has a pair of third-place finishes in the Kentucky Derby. More than likely, heโll break through and win them all at some point.
Short of that, heโs still composing the career rรฉsumรฉ of a future Hall of Famer, even if he never knows what it feels like to set foot in the winnerโs circle at the Kentucky Derby.
Reach sports columnist C.L. Brown atย clbrown1@gannett.com, follow him on X atย @CLBrownHoopsย and subscribe to his newsletter atย profile.courier-journal.com/newsletters/cl-browns-latestย to make sure you never miss one of hisย columns.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby 2026, why Brad Cox doesn't need win for validation
The Jacksonville Jaguars would make 10 selections in the 2026 NFL draft, and with a few of those picks came some new training camp battles for playing time that could be unfolding over the summer.
Here is an early look at four potential camp competitions that may now end up taking place.
Boerkircher was often utilized as a blocker at the college level and performed quite well, ranking 22nd among all tight ends in PFF's run-blocking grade. That blocking-heavy presence is the role that Morris filled in the Jaguars' offense last season. Boerkircher could push him for those snaps, while also bringing more upside to the passing game.
Both tight ends fit more of the pass-catching role at the position. The addition of Koziol not only put Long on the hot seat for any potential playing time, but his roster spot could be in jeopardy as well. Morris, Boerkircher, Koziol, and Brenton Strange already account for four spots on the depth chart.
Pregnon adds size to the Jaguars' interior offensive line, measuring in at 6-04 and weighing 314 pounds. It's not a secret that Liam Coen wants to be a more effective rushing offense this season, which could lead to more competition along the offensive line this summer, and Pregnon pushing one of Cleveland or Mekari for playing time.
We know that Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will be leading the way at defensive end, but the rotational snaps behind them are up for grabs. Typically, four players at this position group see regular playing time. So these four players will be competing for two -- or maybe three at most -- roles on game day.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 4 training camp battles sparked by Jaguars selections
Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle has revealed he offered to take charge of the club amid their desperate fight against relegation, prior to Roberto De Zerbiโs appointment.
Hoddle, who is widely regarded as one of the clubโs finest players, having inspired Spurs to multiple trophies between 1975 and 1987, made the offer alongside fellow former player Ossie Ardiles.
The approach came after a damaging 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest on 23 March, a result that underscored the crisis engulfing the north London side. At the time, Igor Tudor was at the helm, but the loss marked his fifth in a disastrous seven-match tenure, leading to his departure a week later.
Facing the prospect of a first relegation in 49 years, Tottenham ultimately turned to De Zerbi. While the Italian secured his maiden victory against Wolves last Saturday, the club remains precariously placed in 18th, two points from Premier League safety.
Speaking on The Jeff Stelling Show, Hoddle explained his motivation: "They never came to us. We did, Ossie (Ardiles) and myself, after the Forest game, we felt there was a real problem there."
He added: "Ossie and I made it clear that we would go in there if they wanted us to go in there with probably a younger legend (as coach) as well."
Hoddle felt the club "needed some love, like it needed some people to go in there and unite the fans, with the owners, with the team and that is why we said we would do it."
Despite his offer, Tottenham opted for De Zerbi.
Hoddle, a lifelong fan, accepted the decision, stating: "They said they were looking elsewhere, so that was fine by me. I donโt care who, Iโm a Spurs man through and through since eight years of age, so as long as theyโve got the right man in."
He acknowledged the challenge ahead for De Zerbi, concluding: "De Zerbi has gone in and everyoneโs got to unite and get together, but theyโve got a real task on their hands havenโt they? I just want them to stay up, whether I was involved or I wasnโt."
Tottenhamโs survival hopes have been dealt a further blow with Xavi Simons ruled out for the majority of 2026 due to a serious knee injury, and Dominic Solanke reportedly a doubt for the final four matches with a hamstring strain.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have issued a clear message before Arsenalโs Champions League semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid, telling Mikel Artetaโs side to embrace the pressure, use their recent disappointments and seize the chance to make history.
Arsenal travel to Madrid looking to move closer to only their second Champions League final, and their first since the 2006 defeat to Barcelona.
Rice wants Arsenal to confront that history rather than hide from it, with the midfielder urging his team-mates to treat the scale of the occasion as a privilege rather than a burden.
โWeโve played in tough games in the last three or four years at the highest level, so we know what to expect and whatโs to come,โ the midfielder said.
โThatโs what itโs been all season, and thatโs what we want it to be towards the end of the season. Weโre Champions League semi-finalists; letโs embrace it, enjoy it and bring it on.โ
Odegaard struck a similar note, accepting that Arsenal will continue to face questions until they turn their progress into silverware. The captain, who is still waiting for a major trophy after five years at the club, said the squad were in position to change the conversation.
โItโs always going to be there until we win and thatโs something you have to live with,โ Odegaard said. โWe need to take all our experiences and the lessons and use them in a good way. Itโs part of football and part of the journey.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
โAgainst Atlรฉtico is another great opportunity for us to do something special. We know whatโs there and we just have to enjoy it and be ready for it.
โWeโre in a great position to make history and thatโs what we want to do. Iโve been in this club for a while now and Iโve seen the progression since I first came and how much weโve improved. Itโs been amazing to be a part of that and I probably want to take that last step and do something really big.
โThatโs the biggest dream and what weโre working towards every single day.โ
A weather warning is in place for Madrid, with an electrical storm and heavy rain forecast, while the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium has already attracted criticism this season. Barcelona complained that the grass was too long after their Champions League quarter-final exit there, and Tottenham players struggled to keep their feet during their last-16 first leg defeat, but thatโs probably more a Spurs issue.
Arteta said his squad would โadapt to any contextโ, although he will have to do so without Kai Havertz, who is unavailable after limping out of Saturdayโs 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Eberechi Eze is in the squad despite a fitness concern from the same match, while Riccardo Calafiori has also travelled after missing the last four matches.
Rice also made clear how important Eze could be after the England midfielder took his tally for the season to 10 with the winner against Newcastle.
โThatโs what heโs been brought here to do. I said a few weeks ago, his ball-striking is unbelievable,โ Rice said.
โWhat a player, what a guy. Heโs going to be massive for us these next few weeks. We really need him.โ
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert says he is hopeful that Kuryu Matsuki and Jack Stephens will be fit for his sideโs play-off campaign.
The Saintsโ place in the Championship play-offs was confirmed with a 2-2 draw against Ipswich on Tuesday, ruling them out of the race for automatic promotion.
โWe have clarity now and I think thatโs sometimes a good thing,โ Eckert reflected. โObviously, if you had asked me if I preferred to win, Iโd take the three points.
โBut it is what it is. We have clarity now, we know whatโs coming up so we make sure we finish strong on Saturday. Weโll do everything to win the game, then itโs on to the play-offs.โ
Matsuki missed the game with a โminorโ calf injury, Eckert said, while Stephens is still recovering from his own calf problem.
โWe found out very late yesterday. We need to assess over the next days. A minor issue with the calf. I expect them back very soon,โ Eckert said on Matsuki.
โI donโt know how soon, but it shouldnโt be anything major.โ
On Stephens, he added: โSame thing. Also calf, also there. We need to assess over the next few days, and then we will see how we are looking for Saturday.โ
As reported by Calciomercatoโs Pasquale Guarro, Inter are slowing down their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
A verbal agreement has been in place with the Italy international and the soon-to-be Serie A champions, but the latter are willing to consider other options due to a multitude of factors.
Vicarioโs own predicament hinders his return to Italy. His recent performances between the sticks for a Spurs side looking at a sensational relegation have not helped his reputation, while his recent hernia surgery ensures he will only be able to return to action in May.
As for the Nerazzurri, all three of their current first-team goalkeepers are cases they need to assess. Yann Sommerโs contract runs out this summer, and recent reports suggest that the club no longer find him sufficiently reliable and will make a decision on his future in June. Their second-choice keeper, Josep Martรญnez, has made it clear he no longer wishes to play second fiddle and will leave in the summer if the situation does not change.
Inter are also looking at an immense overhaul of their backline. Contracts of veteran defenders Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Matteo Darmian are also expiring, while star man Alessandro Bastoni is likely to be part of a big-money transfer saga, with Barรงa lurking for his signature. The situation at right-back will also need to be addressed, with Denzel Dumfries likely to leave and Marco Palestra being Interโs first choice to replace him.
Therefore, Inter are considering the possibility of promoting Josep Martรญnez to the role of first-choice keeper, which would allow them to save money and look for fewer keepers โ should they choose to retain neither Sommer nor Di Gennaro โ while also save funds for defenders in front of him.
While this by no means hints at Inter shutting the door on a move for Vicario, recent developments certainly suggest it is less likely to materialise this summer.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
This episode ofย The C.L. Brown Show, recorded in the paddock at Churchill Downs, features Courier Journal reporter Jason Frakes and Horse Racing Nation and CJ handicapper Ed DeRosa to break down Kentucky Derby 152.
Frakes explains why So Happy and trainer Mark Glatt are the sentimental favorites for the race. He also tells why the race is more wide open than a year ago. DeRosa breaks down why he expects Further Ado to become the favorite by post time.
A new episode of this podcast, hosted byย Courier Journal sports columnist C.L. Brown, posts each Wednesday. You can listen toย The C.L. Brown Showย onย Apple Podcasts,ย Spotify,ย Google Podcast,ย Audible,ย CastBoxย andย iHeartRadio, among others.
Reach sports columnist C.L. Brown atย clbrown1@gannett.com, follow him on X atย @CLBrownHoopsย and subscribe to his newsletter atย profile.courier-journal.com/newsletters/cl-browns-latestย to make sure you never miss one of hisย columns.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Which Kentucky Derby 2026 horse will be betting favorite at post time?
After it was reported late on Tuesday that Edmond Tapsoba had agreed to extend his contract, Bayer Leverkusen have now officially confirmed that the Burkina Faso international has signed a new deal.
Tapsobaโs contract, which was due to expire in 2028, has been extended until 2031, Die Werkself confirmed.
โIn the past six and a half years, Edmond Tapsoba has developed into an absolute key player for our Werkself, into one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, performing at an international top level,โ said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes.
โHe was a cornerstone of our double-winning team โ with a major personal contribution to that success and an outstanding influence as a link between all areas of the team. As one of our most experienced players, โEddyโ will continue to lead the way in building a squad capable of competing for titles again. This long-term contract extension underlines our major ambitions for the coming years.โ
Tapsoba, who had been linked with a move to the Premier League, described the continued commitment between himself and Leverkusen as โsomething extraordinary and very emotional.โ
โStaying so long at one club โ that doesnโt happen very often in todayโs professional football,โ Tapsoba said.
โBayer 04 Leverkusen has become something special for me, a second home where I have found many friends. I am proud of what we have achieved together. I have had great experiences here and been able to celebrate fantastic titles. That is exactly what we will aim for again in the future.โ
Letโsย face it: sports are always betterย whenย you haveย someone (or some horse) to root for.ย
Thereโsย something special about an underratedย two- or four-leggedย athlete going against the odds and reigning victorious.ย Rich Strikeย wasย one of theย best examples of thatย in the 2022ย Kentuckyย Derby,ย winning as an 80-1 longshot.ย
There areย alsoย thoseย that draw on personal connections. Every reporter in America wasย likelyย rootingย for Journalismย to get a win during last yearโs race. The 3-year-old colt finished second to Sovereignty, whoย had his own cool piece of history. He wasย theย first Derby-winning coltย forย ownersย Godolphinย in 13 attempts.ย
Ifย youโreย looking to pick a horse in the 152ndย Run for the Roses for reasons unrelated to the morning-line odds, which were set on Saturday, here are five horses worth rooting for:
First, the 3-year-old coltโs color makes it unique.ย Itโsย one of only two roan horses in the field. Onlyย eight gray/roan horses have won in the past, with Giacomo being the most recent in 2005. Outside of his color, Fulleffort has never finished worse than fourth in seven career starts.ย His Jeff Ruby Steaks victory also bodes well for him: Rich Strike also won the race before winning the Derby, and Two Philโs won the Ruby beforeย finishing second in the 2023 Derby.ย ย
Although Fulleffort has never raced on dirt and is a relative longshot at 20-1,ย genetics could play in his favor. His sire, Liamโs Map, was versatile in producing wins on different track surfaces.ย
Courier Journal horse racing writer Jason Frakes wrote a wonderful, heartwarming story about So Happy's trainer, Mark Glatt. It's his first Derby, and it comes on the heels of Glatt losing his wife, Dena, on Feb. 12. Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners are co-owners of So Happy with only one prior Derby appearance between them (Norman Stables finished 11th with Coal Battle last year).
So Happy was fourth on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 115 points after winning the Santa Anita Derby on April 4. The colt, who has a 3-0-1 record in four starts, will run out of the eighth post at 15-1 odds.
Like Rich Strike, the coltย wasnโtย originally supposed to be inย the Derby.ย Butย he earned a spotย afterย Ottinhoย dropped out.ย Chief Wallabeeย is stillย fairly youngย as aย racehorseย withย only three races under his belt.ย Heโsย never finished worse than third place in the three starts, though all of them have been atย Gulfstream Park in Florida.ย
At 8-1 odds, Chief Wallabee comes from goodย pedigree as the offspring of Constitution, who recorded more than $1 million in career earnings, and is being trained by Bill Mott,ย a Hall of Famer who tutored Sovereignty to last yearโs Derby victory.ย
Incrediboltย has had incredible success at Churchill Downs. Two of his three career wins have taken placeย onย the Louisville-based track. He broke his maiden on Sept. 28 before pocketing a first-place finish in the Grade 3 Street Sense Stakes a month later.ย The coltโs other win came at the Virginia Derby on March 14.ย
Incrediboltโsย Derby appearance will also be a first for trainer Riley Mott โ which pits him against his dad, Bill โ as well as jockey Jaimeย Torresย and owner Dana Bernhard of Pin Oak Stud.ย He comes into the race at 20-1 odds.
The name alone is worth cheering for. Although it feels like a nod to the Beastie Boys, the colt has a lineage of party and music-inspired names. His dam is Havinโ a Party by Emcee. And although Right to Party has only one career win, he shares a sire with Chief Wallabeeย (Constitution) and was second to fellow Derby horse Albus in the Wood Memorial on April 4.ย A win in the Derby, at 30-1 odds, could be his coming-out party.ย
Reachย Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit atย acubit@gannett.comย and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.ย
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby 2026 horses to root for in Churchill Downs race field
Nashville SCย prides itself on being a next-man-up team. If one player is unavailable, there's always someone ready to fill his shoes.
For some teams, it's clichรฉ. But under coach B.J. Callaghan, Nashville has often proven it true. It's won with heavily rotated sides in MLS play this season, including a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on March 14. When it became the first American club to ever win at the Estadio Azteca, it did so without forward Sam Surridge, who was out with a hamstring injury.
Nashville couldn't overcome another absence from Surridge in the first leg of its CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal series against Tigres UANL, losing 1-0 on April 28 at Geodis Park. The defeat puts NSC in a deep hole going into the second leg on May 5 in Mexico, where it will need to win to stave off elimination and advance to the final.
"We're not going to take anything away from Tigres," Callaghan said. "They were really well organized, had a good game plan, and they finished their chances. At the same time, we're probably a little bit frustrated that maybe we didn't play our best as a group."
Surridge, who is dealing with a back injury unrelated to his previous ailment, is week-to-week. In his place, Nashville started Warren Madrigal, who's had a solid first season in MLS with two goals and three assists.
But Madrigal was unable to make much of an impact in a game where Callaghan believed Nashville relied too heavily on passes from wide areas. Nashville attempted 27 crosses in the match, per FotMob, and only completed three (Tigres connected on 42% of their 12 crosses). Winger Cristian Espinoza tried 16 crosses by himself, none of which were successful.
"They defended the wide areas with numbers really well and had numbers inside the penalty box," Callaghan said. "We weren't sharp enough in the middle area to draw them out."
Surridge is more of a pure striker compared to Madrigal, whose best attribute might be his versatility. He's also listed as two inches taller than Madrigal, making him more of an aerial threat. The difference could be seen on a pair of crosses midway through the second half, where Madrigal was open but the ball arrived just a bit too high.
"I think the structure of our team is clear whether it's Sam, whether it's Warren, whether it's Woobens (Pacius)," said midfielder Matthew Corcoran. "We all know the roles and what the responsibilities are. Obviously, missing Sam is a big piece, because he always finds a way to put the ball in the back of the net. But that's what it is, and we've seen we can get results with Warren."
Callaghan brought Corcoran into the game well before he would have liked to. Eddi Tagseth drew the start, as Callaghan hoped his presence would serve well in what he expected to be a fast-paced affair. But Tagseth sustained what appeared to be a knee injury during a tackle and had to come out of the game in the 18th minute.
Callaghan didn't have an update on Tagseth after the game.
"It was a really good game for somebody like Eddi and the partnership of him and Patrick (Yazbek)," Callaghan said. "A game that we knew probably early on was going to have a lot of direct balls, second balls, transition moments, and that's where he thrives."
While Callaghan was happy with Corcoran's performance, the 20-year-old took some blame for not closing down fast enough when รngel Correa scored the game's lone goal in the 33rd minute.
"It was kind of a broken play," Corcoran said. "The ball kind of bounced out late. Maybe if I just was a step or two quicker."
If it comes down to it, Nashville believes it can win at El Volcรกn without its leading scorer and one of its most important midfielders. It would prefer not to have to try.
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on X/Twitterย @Jacob_Shames.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville SC feels Sam Surridge absence in loss to Tigres
Guardians' rookie infielder is 'excited' for what is ahead of him originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Cleveland Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana didn't get a hit in his major league debut on Tuesday, but his performance wasn't terrible. Bazzana went 0-for-2 (four plate appearances), two walks (one intentional), and a strikeout. Bazzana did put the ball in play, with a flyout to center field in the fifth inning.ย
Despite not having a notable debut, Bazzana is excited for the season ahead of him.ย
โI guess after the first at-bat, obviously, it didn't go how I wanted, but it was kind of an exhale moment, like now we go into the flow of this game,โ Bazzana said postgame toย Mason Horodyski of News 5 Cleveland. โI'm excited to get into the swing of a big league season. You know, it's every day, it's a grind. I'm excited to build relationships and get into this. It's April right now, and there's a lot of season, and I can't wait to go on big winning streaks and go through the ups and downs with this team. I'm excited for that.โ
More News:ย Twins' success impresses MLB executives, despite rebuilding
Bazzana, 23, is the Guardians top rated prospect and the 16th-best prospect in Major League Baseball. An Australian, Bazzana was drafted first overall in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oregon State University.ย
The Guardians called up Bazzana to replace second baseman Juan Brito, who had struggled to put together a quality start. Brito, 24, hit .176 with a .505 OPS in 15 games.ย
Infielder Brayan Rocchio has also played second base this season (10 games), but shifted over to shortstop when infielder Gabriel Arias (left hamstring strain) landed on the injured list. Arias isn't expected to return until May or June, which gives Bazzana a lot of opportunities to prove he can remain in the big leagues.ย
More News:
Reds Elly De La Cruz makes MLB history in win over Rockies originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is piecing together another All-Star-type season and possibly an MVP-type season. Through almost the first month of the season, De La Cruz is hitting .291 with a .951 OPS and is tied for fourth with James Wood of the Washington Nationals in the National League for home runs (10).
De La Cruz has also continued to showcase his speed, with eight steals (caught twice), which is good for an 80% steal percentage. According to the Red on X, the two-time All-Star is the first player since 1900 to have 10+ home runs and eight-plus stolen bases before May.ย
Elly De La Cruz is the first Major Leaguer since 1900 with 10+ homers and 8+ stolen bases before May โก๏ธ pic.twitter.com/vdNwTyrh1A
โ Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 29, 2026
Even though De La Cruz is four seasons away from becoming a free agent, it's not stopping him from continuing to make the case for why he'll get paid. De La Cruz was the main reason the Reds overcame the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, driving in four of the Reds' seven runs โ De La Cruz went 3-for-4 and hit a home run.
More News:The Reds have 'exceeded expectations' in a poll of MLB executives
Over the offseason,ย The Athleticโs C. Trent Rosecransย reported the Reds offered De La Cruz a record-breaking extension, which would've eclipsed Joey Vottoโs 10-year $225 million contract. An extension is unlikely, as De La Cruzโs agent is Scott Boras, who is not known for signing his clients to extensions.ย
Given how well De La Cruz is doing and already turning down an extension, it is unlikely talks will resume. If De La Cruz continues to produce, he could be making a pretty penny when he's a free agent in 2030 or unless the Reds decide to pay him what he and Boras want.ย
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Phillies Jesus Luzardo rebounds in the wake of Rob Thomson firing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After the Philadelphia Phillies decided to let go of manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday, the Phillies blanked the San Francisco Giants (7-0) to give interim manager Don Mattingly his first win.ย
Mattingly, 65, was hired as the Phillies' bench coach in the offseason and told reporters a simple message, โItโs all coming back to what?โ Mattingly said toย MLB.comโs Todd Zolecki. โBetter baseball.โ
The Phillies did just that, having a clean game with no errors or mistakes in the field. The Phillies also received a masterful pitching performance from left-hander Jesus Luzardo, who had struggled until facing the Giants.ย
Until Tuesday night, no Phillies starter had completed the seventh inning until Luzardo. The 28-year-old allowed two hits, no runs, walked none, and struck out eight across seven masterful innings. Luzardo lowered his season ERA from 6.92 to 5.50 after this start.ย
Luzardo had his first quality start since April 4 against the Colorado Rockies, where he struck out 11 in 6.2 innings. According to Luzardo, right-hander Zack Wheeler approached him about the stat and said โWe [the pitching staff] gotta pick it up.โย
Having played for Mattingly while with the Miami Marlins, Luzardo called him a great manager. Mattingly spent seven seasons in Miami (2016-2022) and went 443-587.ย
More News:Phillies and a $135 million lefty rated as 'biggest disappointments'
โDonny [Mattingly] is a great manager,โ Luzardo said toย NBC Sports Philadelphia. โI had a great time with him in Miami, he's been a player for a long time, and he knows the life and the struggles that we go through. So, he sees that aspect as well and is a great communicator.โ
Firing the manager isn't a new thing for the Phillies, as Thomson took over for Joe Girardi in 2022 after a 22-29 start.ย
With Mattingly now at the helm and providing the โnew voiceโ that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski wanted, time will tell if the Phillies can turn things around. The Phillies and the New York Mets are tied for the worst teams in Major League Baseball (10-19), despite both teams winning on Tuesday. The Mets shut out the Washington Nationals 8-0.ย
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Chelsea captain Millie Bright has retired from football with immediate effect.
The 32-year-old made 294 appearances for the Blues after joining from Doncaster Belles in 2015 and also won 88 caps for England.
The defender won eight Women's Super League titles with the Blues - including six in a row between 2020 and 2025 - as well as six FA Cups and four League Cups.
But the former England defender has not featured for the Blues since February because of an ankle injury and has decided now is the time to end her career.
'Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I'm now ready to say goodbye to playing football," said Bright.
"I've given all I can, and I never wanted to fight for any other badge.
'It is now time, and I'm ready to go into a new era. I'm always going to be Chelsea, but just in a different way."
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed
More to follow.
Granada goalkeeper Luca Zidane has suffered fractures to his jaw and chin in a 4-2 LaLiga 2 defeat by Almeria, leaving his participation in theย World Cupย with Algeria in doubt.
The son of France great Zinedine Zidane left the pitch late on Sunday after suffering a concussion in a clash with an opponent.
Local media reports said the goalkeeper could miss playing for his country at the tournament, which will be held in North America from June 11 to July 19.
"Medical tests performed on Luca Zidane, following the concussion he suffered in the last match against UD Almeria, reveal that the goalkeeper also suffered a fracture in his jaw and chin," Granada said in a statement on Monday.
Luca Zidane, who was born in Marseille, switched allegiance to Algeria after playing for France at junior level. He helped his side reach the quarter-finals of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.
The 27-year-old has played 26 matches in LaLiga 2, with Granada sitting 14th on 45 points.
Algeria will face defending champions Argentina on June 16 before taking on Jordan and Austria in Group J.
The polls are open!
It's time to vote for theย Halifax Health Volusia-Flagler Girls Athlete of the Weekย for the week of April 20-25.
Last week, Atlantic flag football player Nadiyah Kwaku captured the honors, claimingย 82% of the votes. The junior caught eight passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Pine Ridge. She also grabbed an interception on defense.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal gathers nominees for upcoming polls from across the area via email at cvinel@usatodayco.com. Please send a player's name, school and notable statistics for a given week. Submissions are due no later than 8 a.m. every Monday.
To round out the ballot, our staff also picks athletes from scores and stats posted online or submitted by local coaches. Athletes for all in-season sports are eligible.
Voting in the online poll below will close at 10 a.m. Saturday. Votes are restricted to once per device per hour. Emailed votes will not count.
Terriana Ammons, Atlantic: The junior passed for 200 yards and three touchdowns and added 73 yards and a score on the ground against Space Coast in the District 9-1A finals.
Gracie Dambaugh, Taylor: The senior had three hits, including a triple and a homer, and drove in four runs in a win over Seabreeze. She also scored three times.
Emily Fantone, DeLand: The senior pitched seven innings of one-run ball in a 2-1 victory over Winter Park. Fantone allowed only three hits while striking out five.
Natalie Francis, Father Lopez: The senior won the discus and javelin championships during the District 6-1A meet. She launched the discus 26.43 meters and the javelin 24.68 meters.
Aquila Rivers, Mainland: The senior won the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.14 seconds at the District 6-3A meet. She also helped the Bucs claim the 4x400-meter relay.
Editor's Note:ย We reserve the right to disqualify a candidate or declare a "no contest" if tampering such as bots or offering to pay for voting is evident. Please respect the integrity of the vote the way these athletes respect the integrity of the game.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: VOTE: Volusia-Flagler Girls Athlete of the Week for April 20-25
Chelsea captain Millie Bright will retire at the end of the season after over a decade at the club.
The 32-year-old will end her career as the Womenโs Super League sideโs longest-serving player, having made 314 appearances since joining in 2014 from Doncaster Belles.
She has won 20 trophies with the reigning league champions and was a key part of their unbeaten campaign last season, captaining Chelsea across 36 games as they won a domestic treble of the league, League Cup and FA Cup.
The centre-backโs decision comes a month afterย The Athleticย reported that she wanted to leave upon her contractโs end at the close of the season, having rejected an extension.
Bright will instead stay on at Chelsea as a trustee of their foundation, and as a club ambassador, the Stamford Bridge side announced on Wednesday.
โRepresenting Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but Iโm now ready to say goodbye to playing football,โ Bright said in a release on the clubโs website. โIโve given all I can, and I never wanted to fight for any other badge. It is now time, and Iโm ready to go into a new era.
โIโm always going to be Chelsea, but just in a different way.โ
Bright announced her international retirement six months ago, calling an end to her England career in October after 88 caps. The centre-back had withdrawn from an England squad that May, saying she was โmentally and physicallyโ at her limits and needed a break.
Bright has won nine WSL titles, six FA Cups, and four Womenโs League Cups over her career at Chelsea, encompassing a domestic treble in 2021 to add to last seasonโs.
With England, she won the 2022 European Championship and received an MBE in 2024 for her services to the game.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Chelsea, Women's Soccer
2026 The Athletic Media Company
Fabrizio Romano has suggested that, if he were to leave Liverpool this summer, Curtis Jones could be tempted to emulate the example of one ex-Manchester United player.
The 25-year-oldโs future has been the subject of increased speculation of late, with the Italian transfer reporter recently talking up the possibility of an exit from Anfield for the midfielder, with Serie A leaders Inter Milan cited among his suitors.
The Timesโย Paul Joyce also wrote of how the Scouser now finds himself at a โcrossroadsโ in his career, with just 14 months remaining on his current contract and never quite managing to make himself a guaranteed starter for his boyhood club, despite racking up 224 appearances.
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In an update on hisย eponymous YouTube channel on Tuesday, Romano again spoke of the โconcreteโ possibility of Jones leaving Liverpool in the summer, and he believes the Redsโ number 17 might find the prospect of a move to Serie A โappealingโ, given the success Scott McTominay has had at Napoli.
The transfer reporter said:ย โMy information is, keep an eye on the situation of Curtis Jones at Liverpool. He is out of contract in the summer of 2027, and the possibility of Curtis Jones leaving Liverpool in the summer transfer window is absolutely concrete.
โThere are possibilities. There is the chance to see Curtis Jones leaving. Inter in Italy wanted him in January and remain interested in the player, according to my sources.
โThere are also clubs in England interested but Italy could be an appealing destination for Curtis Jones to be, just to give you a context and example, the new McTominay. Scott McTominay was in England a squad player at Man United. He became one of the best players in Serie A.
โEventually, Curtis Jones could consider to try do the same with Inter, but at the moment still nothing advanced, nothing agreed, so still early stages.โ
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McTominayโs career has reached new heights since swapping Manchester for Naples, where heโs adored after his exploits in Napoliโs Serie A title triumph last season, which earned him a Ballon DโOr nomination.
One of Jonesโ ex-Liverpool teammates has also found a new lease of life in mainland Europe, with Tyler Morton rediscovering his โlove for footballโ since his move to Lyon last year, and perhaps the 25-year-old could be tempted to follow suit across the Channel if he were to depart Anfield.
Having been unable to nail down a starting berth under Arne Slot, and coming into the final year of his contract in his mid-20s, itโs beginning to seem increasingly plausible that the Toxteth native could seek a fresh challenge elsewhere if his situation with the Reds remains as it is.
However, as Joyce outlined this week, the Scouser has quietly posted some of the best statistics of any midfielder in the Premier League this season and would be the subject of much โclamourโ from fans as a prospective signing if he were putting up those numbers at a different club.
The case studies of McTominay and Morton are two prime examples of how British players can go from being bit-part players at big-name Premier League sides to starring in major European leagues once given the chance to shine.
Itโs far from unthinkable that Jones could seek to follow their lead, but from a Liverpool perspective, weโd obviously hate to lose him from the current squad.
Chelsea captain Millie Bright has announced her immediate retirement from football.
The 32-year-old spent 12 years with Chelsea, making 314 appearances and winning 20 trophies, ending her career as the clubโs longest-serving player.
She has not featured for Chelsea since February 8 after sustaining an ankle injury, with Erin Cuthbert deputising as captain in her absence.ย
The Blues have two games remaining in their Womenโs Super League campaign and will face Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final in May. They have already lifted the League Cup, beating Manchester United in March.
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Bright will remain involved with the club in a new role as club ambassador and will continue as a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation.
Internationally, Bright made her England debut in 2016, earning 88 caps before retiring last summer. She was a part of the Euro 2022-winning squad and captained the Lionesses to the World Cup final in 2023. She was subsequently awarded an OBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
On announcing her retirement, Bright said: โRepresenting Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but Iโm now ready to say goodbye to playing football. Iโve given all I can, and I never wanted to fight for any other badge.
โIt is now time, and Iโm ready to go into a new era. Iโm always going to be Chelsea, but just in a different way.โ
Chelsea will be celebrating Bright ahead of their final WSL match of the season against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 16 May.
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CHICAGO โ The date was June 15, 2015, when the Chicago Blackhawks put an exclamation point on their modern dynasty.
Hall of Famer Duncan Keith broke a scoreless tie when the rebound of his own shot got behind Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop late in the second period at the United Center. Patrick Kaneโs slap shot in the third dashed any hopes for the Lightning as the Hawks hoisted the Stanley Cup for the third time in six seasons.
The Hawks havenโt made any notable postseason noise since that fabled summer day. A fall was bound to happen, as Kane โ now with the Detroit Red Wings โ put it back in November.
That fall ended up being harder than the franchise wouldโve liked. More than a decade later, the Hawks find themselves still in recovery mode.
General manager Kyle Davidson, upon being handed the keys full time in March 2022, made the decision to leave the past behind and rebuild. Now headed toward his fifth full season in charge and first with a new contract extension, how far along are the Hawks?
Past the starting point, but they need to show more than that in the 2026-27 season.
This past season was a step forward โ an 11-point increase from 2024-25. It deserves to be noted, and Davidson did just that during exit interviews.
โI was quite happy with how our season went,โ he said. โI think we took some really nice steps forward. A lot of experience for young players, some nice steps forward in their style of play.
โItโs really exciting to see these young players get experience, understand what the league is, take that information into the offseason and use that as motivation to grow over the summer and come back hungry to start next year.โ
A focus on building talent through the draft brings with it the trials and errors of youth. We saw a fair share of both from the 2025-26 Hawks.
Ryan Greeneโs ice vision has validated his top-line status, while Oliver Mooreโs speed can contend with any skater on the ice. There also are question marks. Artyom Levshunov didnโt have the best rookie season, and Kevin Korchinski has yet to prove he can be a consistent NHL defenseman.
The Hawks had some ugly showings. A 9-3 shellacking in Buffalo. A 4-0 loss in Columbus before the Olympic break. A 7-2 home loss to a Carolina Hurricanes team filled with call-ups from the Chicago Wolves.
The explanation was that the team is young โ and still will be in 2026-27 โ and the players have to grow from these experiences and be content with that learning wavelength. Itโs reasonable for now, but the Hawks canโt keep recycling the same explanation after every bad loss.
Comparison is the enemy of progress, but itโs hard to overlook what the Montreal Canadiens have accomplished with a similarly youthful group. The Habs went 48-24-10 in 2025-26 and made the playoffs for the second year in a row, a stark improvement from their 22-49-11 record in 2021-22. Their roster that season was the 17th-oldest in the league; this season they had the second-youngest roster, led by rookie Ivan Demidov, 20, and 51-goal scorer Cole Caufield, 25.
The Hawks already had an experienced team in 2022-23, Davidsonโ first full season in charge, but tried adding different veterans to make up for the departures of Kane and Jonathan Toews and to help season Connor Bedard, the No. 1 draft pick in 2023. Then they switched gears and became the leagueโs youngest team in 2025-26. Theyโve finished in the bottom four of the NHL in each of the last four seasons.
Thatโs not the plan for next season.
โIf weโre fully healthy and weโre picking top three again (next year) โ without a lottery win to put us there โ weโll probably be disappointed with that.โ Davidson said.
He added that he would have to see how the next season plays out to make a determination on the progress of the rebuild. Whatโs the plan if the Hawks do indeed finish with a top-three pick again while healthy? We donโt know, and thatโs worrisome in itself.
If nothing else, Bedardโs play is enough to look forward to as he aims to play a full season in 2026-27. Thereโs not much extra to say about his skill outside of oohs and aahs โ he finished with a career-high 75 points despite suffering a separated shoulder in December and missing 12 games. Not only is he expected to take another step forward in his game, but he might be doing it with a captainโs patch.
Bedard, 20, hasnโt shown any outward displeasure with the teamโs progress and is optimistic a contract extension will get done this summer. He and the rest of the players are fully on board for the next steps in Davidsonโs rebuilding plan.
Whether thatโs youth talking or genuine determination is up in the air. One thing thatโs certain is losing takes a toll โ Quinn Hughes would tell you that โ and the Hawks have โsucceededโ in that department. In Davidsonโs four full seasons as the full-time GM, the Hawks have gone 103-187-38, and they havenโt won 30 or more games since the 2019-20 season.
Will the players continue to share the patience that Davidson, coach Jeff Blashill and the rest of the Hawks higher-ups have? They believe so.
โI expect the players to want to win every night,โ Hawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said. โThey want to win the Stanley Cup (in) Game 1 of the season, (and) thatโs what we love about them.
โSo much of this is going to be predicated on these players finding those ways to win, in their own game and in the team game. They will take the positives and continue to build over summer. The players are the least of my concerns.โ
In exit interviews, most players expressed determination to flip the script and make the playoffs in 2027. That would snap a six-year drought and bring playoff hockey back to the United Center for the first time since 2017 (the 2020 playoffs were played in โbubblesโ in Toronto and Edmonton because of COVID-19).
Blashill and Davidson didnโt exactly jump at the idea. Blashill said, โWeโll seeโ, while Davidson said it would be a โmajor stepโ. Doesnโt sound like the players and management are exactly on the same page.
The Hawks donโt need to make the postseason to label 2026-27 as progress. Theyโll likely have long odds against qualifying for the playoffs, so no one is expecting a massive jump to Stanley Cup contention. What fans need to see is a light down the tunnel โ and how far away it is.
The Hawksโ loss to the Edmonton Oilers on April 2 eliminated them from playoff contention with six games to go. They left Rogers Place with a five-game losing streak that suggested they were further from postseason hockey than even their record said. At minimum, playing meaningful games in April โ like the San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders did this year โ would be something to look forward to.
Goaltender Spencer Knight was one player who vaguely echoed his coachโs and GMโs view. He wants to win again โ he won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024 โ but thinks the Hawks need to learn how to win first.
โIt can be frustrating at times when weโre just losing games โ everyone feels that โ but I think itโs a good thing to feel that because it means weโre not complacent,โ Knight said. โItโs a privilege to be in close games. You want to win every game, but youโve just got to be in the game sometimes to get to that point.
โYou can have that mindset (of) winning needs to happen next year, but itโs more or less like โฆ letโs take steps. Letโs try to collectively buy into what it takes to win, not necessarily just focus on the outcome. Thatโs to me the most important thing, and wins are probably a byproduct of that.โ
The Hawks youngsters will look to take that next step in their games in an attempt to put wins together. Itโs OK to call this past season one of adaptation for Davidson, Blashill and the team, but now itโs time to see the players begin to apply those lessons on the ice.
Maybe the Hawks need a few more seasons to do that, but the NHL wonโt be waiting around for them.
____
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho isnโt in the running for a sensational return to Stamford Bridge according to Ben Jacobs.
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After sacking Liam Rosenior after less than four months in charge last week, the Blues are once again looking for another head coach.
Calum McFarlane has been placed in interim charge for the remainder of the season whilst Chelseaโs sporting directors take their time over making an appointment.
There are reportedly seven or eight names under consideration, with Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva believed to be on the list.
Chelsea are said to have reached out to the agent of Xabi Alonso, whilst Cesc Fabregas is a name fans would like to see.
The Blues need to appoint a proven winner and someone who will command the respect of the dressing room, something Rosenior was unable to do.
Thereโs long been clamour from some fans over a return for Mourinho, and Jacobs has now provided an update on the situation.
โWhat I can tell you there is that Mourinho is the leading candidate for Real Madrid, at least as far as Florentino Perez is concerned. Chelsea sources have always downplayed the possibility of a return,โ he told Give Me Sport.
โAnd if Mourinhoโs not going to go to Real Madrid, then we should also keep an eye on the Portugal national team because Roberto Martinez is expected to depart once the season ends.โ
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Chelsea have been linked with Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, with the Blues reportedly looking for players with top league experience and experience of playing in four competitions per season.
More Stories / Latest News
The Athletic share the four characteristics Chelseaโs summer signings must have
Behdad Eghbali has said Chelsea will tweak their model this summer, but fans rightly wonโt believe it until they actually see it.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillipsโ SPTC podcast here:
Just one year after joining Manchester City from AC Milan, Tijjani Reijnders could be set for a return to Italian football, with Juventus reportedly interested in signing the midfielder. His future has become a growing subject of discussion after a difficult first season in England.
The Dutchman has endured a challenging campaign, and Manchester City are said to be prepared to cut their losses by allowing him to leave permanently. A swift departure would represent a surprising turn after the expectations that surrounded his arrival from Serie A.
Reijnders was one of the first names on the team sheet when the season began and scored several important goals for City. He also made several useful contributions in midfield, suggesting he could establish himself as a regular option under Pep Guardiola.
However, over recent months, opportunities have become increasingly limited. Guardiola has instead focused on alternative midfield options, with Reijnders struggling to secure minutes and seemingly falling down the pecking order at the club.
Juventus are expected to continue working to strengthen their squad as they look to improve results and add fresh quality to the dressing room. As reported by Tuttojuve, the Bianconeri are now considering bringing Reijnders back to the top flight, where he previously impressed with AC Milan.
A return to Serie A could appeal to the midfielder, particularly given his familiarity with the league and the style of football. Juventus may also believe he could quickly rediscover his best form in a more suitable environment.
However, they are likely to face serious competition from Arsenal, who are also said to be interested in signing him from Manchester City. The London club could see him as a valuable option capable of adding technical quality and experience to their midfield department.
Reijnders may also be tempted to remain in England and prove that he can succeed in the Premier League after a disappointing season. That possibility could hand Arsenal an important advantage if they choose to pursue a deal.
The Yankees are riding high out in the Lone Star State, securing another series win with a dominant Cam Schlittler start and homers from Austin Wells and Aaron Judge. Theyโll go for the sweep again after failing to secure it in Houston, but theyโve added an even more interesting detail to todayโs finale: their No. 3 prospect in the organization, Elmer Rodrรญguez, will be starting making his MLB debut.
Rodrรญguezโs promotion comes on the heels of a red-hot start to his season down in the minor leagues, where he posted a 1.27 ERA in four starts pitching 21.1 innings and striking out 20 batters. Thereโs a leap of faith being made here, as Rodrรญguez has just a single game of experience at the Triple-A level before this season, but the 22-year-old turned heads as he charged through the organization. With reinforcements in the rotation on the horizon, this also likely isnโt a long-term promotion but rather a test to see how heโll handle things in the majors. Thatโs a better usage of their fifth starter position than Luis Gil was giving them, and if Rodrรญguez manages to showcase his potential out of the gate then the front office will have some very interesting discussions about how to fit him into the fold on a more permanent basis sooner rather than later.
Thatโs not even the only significant promotion that the Yankees handed out on Tuesday. George Lombard Jr., the consensus No. 1 prospect in the org, has been tearing up Double-A Somerset โ in 20 games played, he hit .312/.400/.571 with four homers, 10 RBI, and 18 runs scored. Thatโs almost the same sample size that they gave him in High-A Hudson Valley before bumping him up to Somerset, and now theyโre repeating the reward for repeating the performance with a ticket to Scranton. Thatโs two of their top three prospects getting major elevations to their MLB ETA in the span of a day, with one of them literally arriving to The Show. This comes in the wake of Ben Rice and Schlittler turning into MLB stars after taking similarly short paths to the majors, but the pace ERC and Lombard are setting is even more break-neck than those.
The Yankee farm system might not get rave reviews as a whole, but this is a tremendous development for the organization after years of top prospects either languishing in the minors until they either fizzled out or got traded. Has the organization shifted its mentality with challenging their top prospects, or have they just identified that these specific prospects have the potential to be fast risers through the system? Iโd lean towards the latter for now, especially with this second wave of prospects yet to be seasoned in the major leagues yet, but theyโre allowing for the youth to help fuel their championship push en masse for the first time since the initial Baby Bombers made it. If we see the likes of Carlos Lagrange or Spencer Jones also make an impact on the 2026 team then there might be a bigger case, but the roster is pretty locked tight as it stands so thatโll be a tough sell.
Today on the site, weโll lead off with Scott giving us a feature on Dylan Coleman and his path back to the pros after stepping away last year. Andrew will have our latest Rivalry Roundup update on how the rest of the field did keeping up with the Yanks, Jeff takes us through Sterling Hitchcockโs career as we wish him a happy birthday, and Andrรฉs covers how Elmer Rodrรญguez can succeed in his first try-out as a Yankee. John has some fun looking into funky stats and highlights from the first month of play, and Nick delivers the Rotation Depth Inventory for April.
New York Yankees at Texas Rangers
Time: 2:35 p.m. EST
Video: YES Network, Rangers Sports Network
Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans appeared to receive a much-needed boost with the Fitzpatrick brothers emerging victorious at TPC Louisiana.
Given its place in the schedule, the Zurich Classic was overlooked by the large majority of the PGA Tourโs best players this past week. However, those who tuned in got to see Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick secure an emotional victory.
It was particularly significant for the latter, with the 27-year-old earning a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
Fitzpatrick is certainly a superb talent who would have probably earned his PGA Tour card later in the year anyway. He has already won on the DP World Tour this season.
However, there has been a debate concerning just how many doors the Zurich Classic victory opens up. Fitzpatrick is not only exempt on the PGA Tour, but he is now able to feature in the signature events. He is playing this week in the Cadillac Championship.
Given that Zurich is a team event, it is a contentious move. And speaking on 5 Clubs, Brendon de Jonge admitted that he would make a change.
โItโs a lot. It really is a lot, and perhaps it is too much. They created this program for Brooks Koepka where you can play but youโre not going to be in the signature events. I would perhaps like to see something like that with Alex Fitzpatrick, or the winner of Zurich,โ he said.
โYouโre a non-member, fine, youโll get into the events, but youโre not going to get into the signature events. I feel like it is a little bit too much.
โThe two-year exemption, thatโs fine, thatโs great. But the caveat does need to be not the signature events. It feels like itโs a little bit too much.โ
It would be no surprise to see the PGA Tour rip everything up and start again when it comes to this part of the schedule.
There is one full-field, 72-hole strokeplay event between The Masters and the PGA Championship. That takes place at Myrtle Beach in the same week as the Truist Championship.
So it is not a shock that the Zurich Classic is now being skipped by the large majority of the top players on the PGA Tour.
It makes sense to change the Zurich Classic format, while also moving it to another place in the schedule.
A team event has a lot of potential on the calendar. However, it needs a lot more star power because it is not going to have a storyline to fall back on like the Fitzpatricks trying to earn Alex a PGA Tour card every year.
Moving it to either end of the schedule could be a smart move. And perhaps it could incorporate some matchplay to scratch that itch also.
Whatever comes next, it does appear that the format needs to change one way or another.
Leeds United want to sign Sporting CP defensive midfielder Hidemasa Morita in the summer having attempted to lure him to Elland Road last year, according to the Daily Mail. Leeds have impressed on their return to the top-flight and Whites manager Daniel Farke is keen to bolster his squad ahead of next season. Morita opted to see out the final year of his Sporting contract when the Peacocks came calling last summer, but the 40-cap Japan international is now willing to commit to the move once Leeds secure their Premier League status.
The West Yorkshire club are currently 15th in the league table ahead of their final four games, six points clear the relegation places. One more victory could be enough to guarantee their safety, and they will fancy their chances of picking up all three points when they take on relegated Burnley on Friday at home. Leeds face Spurs, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United afterwards and are expected to do enough to get the job done. Farke will look to challenge for a top-half-of-the-table finish next season, and adding Morita to his midfield could be huge.
The 30-year-old brings much-needed experience to the table having played over 100 Primeira Liga games for Sporting.
Kieran McKenna hailed his Ipswich sideโs โoutstandingโ performance in their 2-2 draw with Southampton despite missing the chance to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Victory would have seen Ipswich move three points ahead of third-placed Millwall and too far ahead on goal difference to be caught.
But McKenna says his side should be feeling confident that they can get the job done on the final day of the season.
โWe would have loved to have finished it tonight and we were millimetres from doing it, but for me it was an outstanding performance with all the things that we want to be as a team,โ he said.
โIt shows huge growth over the course of the season to produce a performance like that in your third away game in six days and game 45 in the season and it shows the trajectory that weโre on.
โWe didnโt manage to get the win that we really wanted but as much as we said a draw isnโt any different than a loss, a draw is in how we feel going into the weekend and how it came about.
โWe look forward to the weekend now. We go into it with confidence and belief from the work across the season and how that was evidenced in the game tonight. We know itโs going to be tough, we know itโs going to take a big, big push from everyone, but we believe that weโll find it.โ
Ipswich take on QPR on the final day, with McKenna hoping to have Jack Taylor back after missing the draw with Southampton.
โHe had some swelling on his knee, so he wasnโt available tonight,โ McKenna said. โWeโll assess it over the next 24 hours and see where heโs at for the weekend.โ
A heartfelt message from Jurgen Klopp has underlined just how much pride he still takes in seeing so many of his former Liverpool players preparing for the biggest stage in international football.
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The German, who built one of the most connected squads weโve seen at Anfield, spoke warmly about watching familiar faces head into another World Cup, showing that those bonds havenโt faded since his departure.
Speaking via BBC Sport, Klopp made it clear that heโll be following a number of players closely over the coming weeks, many of whom played key roles during his time at Liverpool.
โI hope my players will have a great World Cupโ.
Our former boss then named several figures who remain central to our identity, including Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
โI wish Virgil [van Dijk] will have a great tournament. I really wish for Mo [Salah] that he will have a great tournament.
โI honestly wish that Sadio [Mane] will have a great tournament. Macca [Alexis Mac Allister], if he won, if they win it again.โ
The 58-year-old even referenced how special it was seeing Argentinaโs midfielder celebrate success previously, showing the emotional connection he still carries.
โIt was so nice to see him with a medal around his neck and when he came back to Brighton.โ
Kloppโs comments highlight just how many of our recent stars remain at the top of the game, even as the squad begins to evolve under new leadership.
โSo many [of my] former players are part of the World Cup, which is really, really nice. And to see how time flies.โ
The former Borussia Dortmund boss also reflected on how roles change over time, noting that some players are now transitioning into different parts of the football world.
โAnother former player of mine will be a co-pundit of mine, Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller as well, but Mats Hummels was my former player. So, all of a sudden, things changed the perspective.โ
Klopp has already spoken about Andy Robertson potentially facing Alisson Becker and his hopes for Florian Wirtz at the tournament, and this latest message continues that theme of pride and support.
Itโs a reminder that the Klopp era wasnโt just about trophies, but about building a group of players who continue to represent Liverpool on the global stage.
GTA 6 is set for release this November, but as Rockstar Games is known for delaying its titles multiple times, the community remains wary of a potential last-minute slip into 2027. However, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick suggested in a recent talk held during the iicon conference, as reported by IGN, that another delay is not on the horizon. "I think a lot of people will be calling in sick on November 19," Zelnick joked during his talk, clearly aware of how many in the community are planning to skip school or work to play one of the most anticipated games [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/gta-6-on-track-zelnick-brushes-off-delay-joke/
Yesterday was a big day for Rebel Wolves and their debut game, the open world action RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker. The Polish studio unveiled the game's release date (September 3) and the detailed PC system requirements. Moreover, in an aftershow Q&A, Creative Director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz provided new information about the game. For example, he confirmed that full evil playthroughs will be possible, thanks to the ability to kill most NPCs without causing a game over. Evil run. Generally speaking, you can kill off the majority of NPCs. Maybe not every single one; there are specific cases where, for narrative [โฆ]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/blood-of-dawnwalker-director-evil-playthroughs-bad-choices/
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The post Bitcoin ETFs See $89.68M Outflows appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
On April 28, Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded net outflows of $89.68 million, signaling a pause after recent inflow momentum. BlackRockโs IBIT led the decline with $112 million withdrawn, highlighting institutional repositioning. Ethereum spot ETFs also faced selling pressure, posting $21.80 million in outflows, led by $13.17 million from BlackRockโs ETHA. The synchronized outflows across both assets suggest short-term cooling in investor sentiment, as markets react to volatility and shifting macro conditions.
The post FOMC Meeting Today, FED Interest Rate Decision appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Markets are focused on Wednesdayโs FOMC meeting, which could be one of Jerome Powellโs final appearances before his term ends on May 15. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady at 3.50%โ3.75%, marking a third straight pause. Investors are also watching potential successor Kevin Warsh, whose confirmation process is underway. The outcome matters because future Fed leadership and rate policy could heavily influence crypto, stocks, and global market sentiment.
The post Why Pi Network Price Is Up Today? Key Details Behind the Move appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The recent uptick in Pi Network price is gaining attention as the token rises over 6% today, extending its weekly gains to nearly 16%. After a prolonged consolidation near lower support levels, Pi Network is now seeing renewed participation, with the rally backed by catalysts such as the Protocol 22 upgrade and growing visibility ahead of major events.
At the same time, improving user metrics and tighter supply conditions are reinforcing the move, suggesting this is not a random spike but a narrative-driven shift. Here are the key developments explaining the current rally.
A key driver behind the current upside is the Protocol 22 upgrade, which is expected to improve network performance and move Pi Network closer to functional smart contract capability. This marks a transition in narrative, from a mining-focused ecosystem toward a utility-driven platform.ย
The Pi Mainnet is upgrading to Protocol 22 โ Deadline: Apr 27.
โ Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) April 17, 2026
All Mainnet nodes are required to complete this step before the deadline to remain connected to the network.
Details here: https://t.co/9VehO7hhj1
Markets typically begin pricing such structural changes ahead of execution, and the current move reflects early positioning rather than post-event reaction. As anticipation builds, demand is gradually strengthening, aligning price action with forward-looking expectations around ecosystem expansion.
Another factor supporting Pi Network price is the growing attention around Consensus 2026 in Miami, where Pi Networkโs founders are expected to appear. Events of this scale tend to amplify visibility and attract new participation, particularly for ecosystems still in their growth phase.ย
The impact is already visible in sentiment, with traders positioning ahead of increased exposure rather than reacting afterward. This layer of narrative is helping sustain momentum rather than create short-lived spikes.
Beyond narrative, underlying data is reinforcing the rally. Pi Network has surpassed 18 million KYC-verified users, highlighting continued expansion of its active ecosystem. At the same time, exchange flow trends suggest outflows exceeding inflows, indicating reduced immediate sell pressure. When supply on exchanges tightens while demand increases, it creates a supportive environment for sustained upside. This combination of user growth and supply tightening adds structural strength to the ongoing move.
A clear shift is now visible on the chart, with buyers steadily building control after weeks of muted price action. The recovery from lower levels has not been impulsive, it has been sustained, marked by seven consecutive green candles, reflecting consistent demand rather than short-term volatility.
The move is also gaining traction. Trading volume has increased alongside the rally, indicating that the upside is supported by active accumulation rather than thin liquidity.
Trend signals are turning favorable. The 20-day EMA has crossed above the 50-day EMA, forming a bullish crossover, while price continues to trade above both averages. This setup typically reflects strengthening momentum and early trend development.
Focus now shifts to the $0.20 resistance zone, which is being tested as the immediate barrier. A sustained move above this level would confirm a breakout structure and expose the next upside region near $0.27, where previous supply has been concentrated. Until then, the formation of higher lows and continued strength above moving averages keeps the near-term bias aligned with further upside.
The current rally in Pi Network price reflects a shift from passive accumulation into early momentum. If participation continues and price holds strength above key levels, the move can extend toward higher resistance zones. If momentum fades, the market may return to consolidation, but for now, the structure favors continuation over reversal.
The post Is This Jerome Powellโs Last Speech as Fed Chair? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Not officially โ but it could be one of Jerome Powellโs final major FOMC appearances before his current term is set to end on May 15. Speculation is rising as reports link Kevin Warsh to a possible replacement role. Markets are reacting because Warsh is considered more supportive of interest rate cuts, while ongoing inflation risks, high oil prices, and geopolitical tensions continue to divide policymakers. Investors are now closely watching Powellโs comments for signals on future rate policy and leadership transition expectations.
The post Syndicate Hack Triggers 35% Drop in $SYND After Bridge Exploit appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Syndicate confirmed that its Commons bridge was compromised, allowing an attacker to steal around 18.5 million SYND tokens and sell them for an estimated $330,000โ$400,000 before bridging funds to Ethereum. Following the exploit, SYND plunged roughly 35% as panic selling hit the market. The incident matters because it highlights ongoing security risks surrounding cross-chain bridges and decentralized infrastructure. Syndicate says it is working with security firms to trace the attacker and has enough reserves to compensate affected users. Next, investors will watch for recovery measures, security upgrades, and whether confidence in the ecosystem can stabilize.
The post XRPL Activity Surges as Utility and Stablecoin Growth Accelerate appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
XRP Ledger is showing strong network activity, processing roughly 2.4 million transactions over the past 24 hours with ledgers closing every 3.9 seconds. Real-world asset adoption is also expanding, with projects like Ondo Finance contributing over $323 million on-chain alongside platforms such as Doppler and OpenEden. Stablecoin liquidity on the XRPL has climbed to around $446 million, led by RLUSD. The growth matters because it highlights increasing institutional utility, scalability, and efficiency across the network. Next, the community is watching upcoming lending amendments and broader DeFi expansion as XRPL continues evolving into a larger financial infrastructure ecosystem.
The post Solana Highlights Pudgy Penguins, $PENGU Community Activity Surges appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Solana spotlighted Pudgy Penguins in an official social media post, triggering a wave of community engagement featuring penguin-themed memes, videos, and Solana-branded artwork. Originally launched as an Ethereum NFT collection in 2021, Pudgy Penguins has expanded into toys, games, and the PENGU token on Solana, which currently holds a market cap near $630 million. The attention matters because it reinforces Solanaโs growing meme and NFT culture while boosting visibility for the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem. Next, traders will watch whether increased social momentum can translate into stronger adoption and price action for $PENGU.
The post CoinMafia.io is a Company. $MAFIA is the Coin. The Difference Matters appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Most crypto projects launch a token and call it a business. CoinMafia.io is taking a fundamentally different approach, one that stands out in an increasingly crowded space.
CoinMafia (CoinMafia.io), founded by Rackham Rishel (www.rackham.com), is a cryptographic technology company. Its flagship product is a cryptocurrency launchpad designed to help communities launch branded, community-anchored tokens with real infrastructure and lasting support. The platform underlying technology is EVM-compliant and supports over 350 chains, delivering a level of interoperability that sets a new standard in the industry.
CoinMafia also operates validators on PulseChain. Validators are the backbone of any blockchain. They secure the network, validate transactions, and keep everything running smoothly and securely. Most projects rely on the default public validators. In a creative and highly strategic move that almost no other project has done, CoinMafia invested over $600,000 in validators, supporting equipment, and its own dedicated data center. All profits generated from validator fees go directly to open market buys of the $MAFIA coin 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When the network returns even to the original sacrifice levels, expect brutal buy pressure. This is most assuredly not a normal company or coin.
$MAFIA is the CoinMafia native coin, launched on PulseChain. It operates through a bonding curve model, a transparent, mathematically determined pricing mechanism that ties coin price directly to supply rather than market sentiment. All trading activity and holder distribution are publicly verifiable on the chain.
Read this section twice. Unlike most of what you see online, this is not a sales pitch.
Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Cryptocurrency is volatile by design. Use a non-custodial wallet such as MetaMask or Rabby, so you always control your own keys. Verify liquidity pool locks directly on chain. Review the contract with a block explorer for any hidden risks. Size your position so a total loss would not affect your life, and take your time, especially if a chart moves sharply overnight. That movement is information, not an invitation.
Legitimate projects never ask for your seed phrase. Not once. Not ever. Anyone who does is not your friend.
CoinMafia development plan spans five phases over ten years: foundation, liquidity network, distribution layer, institutional integration, and global scale. These timelines are forward-looking projections and may shift with market conditions or regulation, as is normal for any early-stage technology company.
Transparency drives everything we do. Liquidity pool additions, locks, and milestone completions are shared as on-chain proof of work for the entire community to see in real time. In a space where most roadmaps fade within months, that level of openness stands out.
Beyond the launchpad, the company is building staking, a private DEX, merchandise, media and animation content, and multiple revenue sources so the project does not depend only on the token price going up. Rackham is adamant about coins having extreme utility and multiple revenue streams.
Verify the liquidity pool lock on the chain. Read the tokenomics. Understand who holds what, for how long, and under what conditions. A healthy project shows a distributed holder base, one wallet controlling a large percentage labelled โDefinitely Not The Teamโ is worth noting. Ask whether the project creates value beyond the token price. Notice whether the community talks about fundamentals or only price targets.
Dollar cost average over time rather than investing a lump sum at once. Set your exit conditions before you enter, not during a late-night chart spike. Keep records, most jurisdictions treat cryptocurrency gains as taxable events.
The future of Web3 will be shaped by infrastructure companies that make launching legitimate, community-grounded projects faster, easier, and more transparent than ever before. That is exactly the category CoinMafia is building into.
Early-stage technology companies carry early-stage risk. Do your own research. Then do it again.
Founded by Rackham Rishel (www.rackham.com), a builder focused on long term infrastructure, not short-term hype.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. CoinMafia makes no guarantees regarding future performance, token value, or project outcomes. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent research and consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax advisors before making any investment decisions.ย
Cryptocurrency investments can result in the complete loss of principal.
CoinMafia and $MAFIA have not been registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.
The post Why PUMP.Fun (PUMP) Price is Up Today? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Pump.Fun (PUMP) price is up today as it announced the burn of all previously bought-back PUMP tokens, removing nearly 36% of the circulating supply worth around $370 million. The project also confirmed that 50% of future revenue will continue funding token buybacks and scheduled burns, while the remaining revenue will support ecosystem development. The move matters because it improves transparency, reduces fears of future selloffs, and strengthens community confidence in the projectโs long-term strategy. Next, investors will watch whether the aggressive burn model and clearer roadmap can sustain momentum and drive further adoption of the PumpFun ecosystem.
The post Bitcoin Rebounds Ahead of FED Meeting Today appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Bitcoin is bouncing higher as traders position ahead of major U.S. economic events, including todayโs FOMC meeting and tomorrowโs GDP data release. Markets often turn volatile before high-impact announcements, but Bitcoinโs strong rebound and formation of higher lows and higher highs on lower timeframes suggest bullish momentum remains intact. The move matters because improving market structure could support renewed investor confidence and broader crypto strength. Next, traders are watching whether Bitcoin can maintain momentum and push toward the $85Kโ$88K target zone projected for May.
Zimbabwe and Botswana Lead Southern Africa into a New Era of Seamless Cross Border Travel with Historic Passport Free Initiative,...
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Athens Strikes Back Against Over-Tourism: New Plans for Sustainable Tourism and Housing โ What Tourists and Residents Should Know About...
Source: Travel And Tour World
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Original Source: Travel And Tour World
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