The Lakers’ trade deadline approach is crystallizing as the front office continues to explore options for a significant upgrade ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, according to an NBA insider.
Even with the Los Angeles Lakers tied for fourth place in the Western Conference, the franchise is far from standing pat as the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline approaches.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers are actively searching for a two-way wing with size to stabilize a perimeter defense that currently ranks 24th in the league — a weakness the front office believes could limit the team’s postseason ceiling.
“League sources say that the Lakers continue to scour the trade market in hopes of acquiring a two-way wing with size before the Feb. 5 trade deadline,” Stein wrote in his Substack newsletter, The Stein Line.
The report surfaced shortly after the Lakers’ 128–121 win Friday night, the opener of a home-and-home set against the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies, which marked only their second victory in six games — a stretch that has tested both the roster and head coach JJ Redick’s patience.
Gabe Vincent Nears Return as Lakers Seek Internal Boost
While external upgrades remain elusive, the Lakers are preparing for a potential internal lift with Gabe Vincent nearing his return from a lingering lower-back injury.
“He’s hoping to practice tomorrow, will be modified [on the injury report],” Redick said before Friday’s win, via ClutchPoints’ David Yapkowitz. “We’re hoping he’s available for one of the games on the road trip. But again, we’ve got to get exposure to live play.”
Vincent will miss Sunday’s rematch but could return during the upcoming back-to-back against New Orleans and San Antonio — though Redick indicated he may only play in one of those games to ease his transition.
Vincent, 29, has not played since Dec. 14, when he logged 19 minutes in a win over Phoenix. Before his injury, he averaged 21.5 minutes per game, started six contests — including during Luka Dončić’s early-season absence — and frequently closed games due to his defensive reliability.
As a primary defender, Vincent held Anthony Edwards (40%), Klay Thompson (33%), and Keyonte George (33%) below their shooting averages. He also hit 1.2 three-pointers per game at 37%, giving the Lakers a rare blend of defense and spacing.
Injuries Force Redick to Rework Rotations
With Austin Reaves sidelined for at least a month due to a grade-2 calf strain and Rui Hachimura recently returning, Redick has been forced into constant lineup shuffling.
The Lakers recently started Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart to cover gaps, but Vincent’s return could allow Redick to stabilize his rotations — and potentially push Smart back into a second-unit role better suited to his skill set.
The instability has been less about talent and more about continuity.
A Brutal Road Stretch Looms Before the Deadline
The urgency surrounding roster upgrades is magnified by the Lakers’ upcoming schedule.
They will play 10 of their next 15 games on the road, including an eight-game road trip from Jan. 20 to Feb. 2 with stops in Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Cleveland, and New York.
Before that, they face difficult road matchups against the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs, the surging New Orleans Pelicans, and a physical Portland Trail Blazers squad.
For a team already searching for defensive stability, the timing is unforgiving.
Why the Lakers Are Still Searching
The Lakers are winning — but they are winning imperfectly.
They are competitive in the standings, but vulnerable in the matchups that matter most.
And so, despite their position near the top of the West, they remain aggressive behind the scenes.
The evolving Lakers trade deadline approach reflects a team that believes it is close — but not quite complete — as currently constructed.
As Stein’s reporting makes clear, Los Angeles is not just trying to survive this season — it is trying to shape it.
Whether that shape comes via trade, health, or internal growth will define the Lakers’ ceiling far more than their current record suggests.
Lakers’ Trade Deadline Approach Is Crystallizing, per NBA Insider
Utah Jazz: Foul trouble as a rookie is just part of the process
This article was first published as the Jazz Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Friday.
Walker Kessler played just five games before his 2025-26 season was cut short. On Nov. 6 he underwent surgery on his left shoulder and since then he’s been working toward getting to a point where he could travel with the Utah Jazz once again.
That point came this week. Kessler joined the Jazz on their four-game road trip that started in Los Angeles and was overjoyed to be able to travel with the team again.
He’s taken up some new hobbies while being physically restricted during rehab, like playing online chess (he said he’s not very good), and he’s been working through Stephen King’s “The Stand” as well as “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. But being with the team has completely changed his disposition.
“I told Walker today that I missed yelling at him,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said with a laugh. “He’s a big part of our program. He has relationships, obviously, with all of his teammates, a lot of the coaches. It’s nice to have him back.”
Kessler had been able to have loved ones and friends in Utah at times over the last couple of months, and he’d been at the Jazz practice facility most days and the Delta Center on game nights, but that doesn’t mean that the rehab process hasn’t been difficult.
“Rehab is very isolating,” Hardy said. “He’s been in the team film sessions, but you’re not on the court with the guys. You’re not really in the weight room with the guys in the same way. The treatment is different, the workouts are different. It can be really isolating.
“Also you’re not playing in the game, and so you don’t feel it the same way that your teammates do. Similar to Taylor (Hendricks) last year, getting Walker on the road with us is really important.”
Kessler said that he’s thankful that his injury was an upper-body injury so it hasn’t limited his ability to get around and that it was to his non-dominant arm, meaning that he’s got by with daily activities without struggling too much. But the physical part of rehabbing is often not the hardest part.
But he’s tried to focus on small victories. Last week he was able to take the sling off his arm, which was a sign of progress in his recovery. Getting back on the road with the team is another victory in the recovery process.
New with the Jazz
From the archives
Extra points
‘Guys are just tired of losing’: Walter Clayton Jr. steps up in Jazz win (Deseret News)
Lauri Markkanen among West’s top 20 after first All-Star voting returns (Deseret News)
Jusuf Nurkić raves about support and opportunity with Utah Jazz (Deseret News)
In loss to Clippers, Jazz’s Kyle Anderson shows why experience matters (Deseret News)
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Lakers Get Bad News on Top Trade Target, per NBA Insider
Lakers get bad news on top trade target has emerged ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline as NBA insiders report that Los Angeles is unlikely to land its preferred wing defender.
The Los Angeles Lakers remain aggressive on the trade market, but their pursuit of a premier two-way wing appears to be stalling as the New Orleans Pelicans continue to resist all inquiries for Herb Jones, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“The market for such wings who can shoot from distance and defend remains quite limited, with New Orleans still resistant to trade interest in both Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III,” Stein wrote Sunday in his Substack newsletter, The Stein Line.
That report confirms earlier coverage from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, who noted the Lakers had already reached out to New Orleans to gauge Jones’ availability — only to be met with a firm stance.
“Herb Jones is another player high atop the Lakers’ trade wish list,” Siegel reported. “The Lakers have already held conversations with the Pelicans about Jones’ availability, but they aren’t actively looking to move their defensive-minded wing. Jones’ asking price remains very high and appears out of the Lakers’ price range.”
Why Herb Jones Remains So Coveted — and So Unavailable
Jones, 27, signed a three-year, $68 million contract extension in July 2025 that runs through the 2028-29 season and includes a player option for 2029-30, representing a total commitment of $97 million over five years. His $13.9 million salary this season is widely viewed by league executives as one of the NBA’s most team-friendly contracts relative to on-court impact.
Although Jones’ offensive numbers are modest — he is averaging 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists — his defensive value is elite.
He ranks among the league leaders in steals per game at 1.7, sits in the 93rd percentile in deflections and the 96th percentile in turnovers forced, according to Crafted NBA. Over his last 10 games, Jones has averaged 2.5 steals per contest. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan and a career 36.4 percent shooting mark from three-point range, Jones fits the modern blueprint every contender covets.
That explains why Los Angeles, which currently ranks 24th in defensive efficiency, has targeted him so aggressively.
Pelicans’ Slide Without Jones Reinforces His Value
Jones is currently sidelined with a right ankle sprain that was later reclassified as low back spasms, according to the league’s injury report. His absence has coincided with a steep drop-off in New Orleans’ performance.
NOLA.com’s Rod Walker reported that the Pelicans are 5-5 with Jones in the lineup under interim coach James Borrego and just 1-13 when their top defensive player has been unavailable.
“One guy left the lineup, Herb Jones,” Borrego said. “He’s incredible. But that doesn’t excuse our defense. If we’ve got to get Herb back to hold people under 130, that’s unacceptable.”
The correlation has reinforced the Pelicans’ reluctance to entertain offers for Jones.
Lakers’ Asset Limitations Create Structural Barrier
Even if New Orleans were open to listening, the Lakers face structural constraints.
They control only one tradable first-round pick, either in 2030 or 2031, and their pool of young assets is limited, led by rookie Dalton Knecht and a collection of their expiring contracts. That profile pales in comparison to franchises such as Oklahoma City, New York or New Orleans itself, which possess deeper draft reserves and younger blue-chip talent.
The Ringer founder and longtime NBA analyst Bill Simmons recently floated a hypothetical package that would send Knecht, Maxi Kleber and a 2031 first-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for Jones, but league consensus suggests that would fall short.
Why This Stalemate Is Unlikely to Change Soon
From New Orleans’ standpoint, Jones remains under a long-term contract, in his prime, elite defensively and central to the team’s identity. From Los Angeles’ standpoint, he is exactly what the Lakers need, financially attainable and strategically ideal — but functionally inaccessible due to asset constraints.
Unless the Pelicans pivot toward a full rebuild or Jones suddenly becomes available, the Lakers’ pursuit is likely to remain what it is now: logical, persistent and blocked.
Lakers’ Harsh Reality
The Lakers’ desire for a defensive wing is clear. Herb Jones is the prototype.
But prototypes rarely change hands — especially not cheaply.
For now, the Lakers remain in the market.
And Herb Jones remains firmly out of it.
Ex-NBA Vet Calls Out Draymond Green for Warriors-Jazz Ejection
Draymond Green returned to the court for the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night to face the Utah Jazz. He wasn’t around for long.
As the Warriors and the Jazz battled through the first half of action, Green found himself in hot water with the referees as he argued over calls. Two technical fouls led to an ejection.
Since Green is recognized as one of the more outspoken veterans in the game, he has to be able to take what he can dish. The 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson had words for Green, calling him out on social media for putting himself in a position to leave his team early.
“This guy on his podcast analyzing Mark Williams reluctance to Punch Jose Alvarado and everyone else’s negatives in what they should do,” Johnson wrote on the social media platform X.
“[Draymond] continues to leave his team high and dry when they need him most is amazing!”
The Warriors ended up faring well without Green on the court on Saturday.
Although they trailed when he left the game before halftime, a second-half rally led to a 123-114 victory for the Warriors, which helped them improve to 19-17 on the season.
Jimmy Butler and Quinten Post each scored 15 points. Steph Curry returned after missing Friday’s action and led the way with 31 points and five assists. The sprained ankle wasn’t bothering him enough to keep him from helping the Warriors pull off a bounce-back victory.
As for Green, he left after 12 minutes of action. His night concluded with eight points, three rebounds, and two assists. He was a minus-15 throughout the first half. With his pair of techs on Saturday, Green is second in the NBA with 12 technical fouls this year.
The Warriors will be back on the court on Monday night to take on the Los Angeles Clippers. Barring any unexpected setbacks, Green should be good to return.
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg confronts ‘Rookie Wall’ as long NBA season marches on
It’s invisible, but make no mistake, it’s there.
Generations of NBA players have had to encounter the Rookie Wall, so there was no reason to believe Mavericks No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg would be an exception.
He wasn’t, as evidenced by his combined statistics of the past three games: 37 points on 14 of 47 (29.8%) shooting.
As Mavericks coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd explains it, the wall cannot be softened, easily climbed or ignored.
“You’ve got to touch it,” Kidd said. “You’ve gotta rub it and hold it. He’s got to embrace it. That’s just a mental thing.
“For the great ones, they touch it. They don’t run from it. They find a way to go over it or through it or around it. Because it’s not going to move.”
Flagg deservedly was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November and December.
In the first 12 games of December he seemed unstoppable, averaging 24.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 53.7% shooting.
But there are logical reasons for this abrupt dropoff. Yes, he’s a spry 19 years old, but he also seventh in the NBA in minutes played, 1,212, in 35 games.
He’s also suddenly in unfamiliar territory. In his only season at Duke last year he played 1,135 minutes in 37 games. Never mind that his 82-game rookie NBA season isn’t quite half over.
“I feel solid,” Flagg said. “It’s a lot of basketball, but, yeah, I’m getting through it. I’m figuring out my routine more and more. Stuff that works; stuff that doesn’t.
“Obviously there’s days you feel tired. Days you don’t feel fully 100%. But you figure out a way to play through it and be tough.”
Saturday 110-104 home victory over Houston represented a step forward in that regard.
Flagg committed two fouls in the game’s first four minutes and sat out the rest of the first quarter. Still, he played 35 minutes, second-most among Mavericks behind Anthony Davis’ 39 minutes.
Flagg scored only 10 points and shot 3-of-12 from the field, but no one would have guessed that from his demeanor, energy level and overall production. He posted seven rebounds and team highs in assists (six) and steals (two).
Kidd described it as another important facet in Flagg’s season-long learning experience. The same goes for fellow rookie Ryan Nembhard.
Kidd noted the way Flagg embraced and learned from playing point guard to start this season, even though it was uncomfortable for him. Kidd said having veteran teammates and coaches will help.
“Most of us have been in this situation as a young player,” he said. “You’re going to get tired. You can see throughout the league, some of the young players are not playing well.
“Cooper’s always been up for a challenge, and part of the NBA is this marathon that we run. Some will figure it out earlier, some figure it out later, knowing how to run it.”
Davis, 32 years old and in his 14th NBA season, joked that his rookie year was so long ago that he barely remembers how he confronted the stamina wall.
Davis averaged 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds that season and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Damian Lillard.
“You’re used to playing 38 games [in college], and you come in and it’s not even the halfway point of the NBA season, it could be a lot,” he said. “Obviously we put a lot of pressure on him, as well. We ask him to do a lot.
“I think every rookie kind of goes through a stretch, but I think he’s playing good basketball.”
Suns don’t look to roll over against the Thunder, but rather flip the script on the champs
After dropping their first two games to the Oklahoma City Thunder — the second being the worst loss in the team’s history — the Suns looked to redeem themselves. Phoenix has been in this position before, dropping games in lopsided fashion. With two vastly different losses against Oklahoma City, their third encounter would showcase the lessons they’ve learned and how to keep themselves emotionally in check.
However, it wouldn’t be easy.
Head coach Jordan Ott understands that teams go through tough games, whether it’s a blowout or a thrilling defeat. Yet, he believes that his team has only gotten better and treats every matchup as “a night to compete.”
“You wanna be in that atmosphere where it’s like ‘okay, this is a stressful atmosphere, this is fun,’” Ott said pre-game. “‘This is competitive.’ That’s gonna stretch us. That’s where we wanna be. We wanna be in that type of environment and see what happens. That’s the only way to get better.”
The Suns were definitely tested in the first half. The Thunder took a commanding 24-9 lead early in the first quarter, increasing their lead to 17 in the second. Yet, Phoenix have fought back on both occasions and ended the half trailing 49-42.
Phoenix isn’t playing defeated, but is allowing Oklahoma City to capitalize on mistakes and run through the defense. No player scored in double digits in the first half, but are showing glimpses of being able to overcome the dominant Thunder.
While there’s still time for the Suns to get back in the game, it’ll come down to whether they take control of the tempo in the second half and use their defensive identity against the defending champions.
Warriors’ Kuminga Trade Talks Hit Wall, per NBA Insider
The Golden State Warriors’ efforts to explore trade options for forward Jonathan Kuminga have run into a familiar obstacle: the continued unavailability of one of their most coveted targets.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New Orleans Pelicans remain unwilling to engage in discussions involving either of their prized wings.
“The Pelicans are still resistant to trade interest in both Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III,” Stein wrote this week in The Stein Line.
That resistance complicates what ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has previously described as Golden State’s ideal outcome — a clean swap of Kuminga for a young, two-way wing on a cost-controlled contract without attaching a first-round pick.
Why Trey Murphy III Fits the Warriors’ Ideal Trade Profile
During a Q&A session on Instagram Threads in December, Windhorst laid out the Warriors’ internal vision for a Kuminga deal.
“Two-way wing in his 20s under control on a contract without having to add a 1st-rounder to deal,” Windhorst wrote, calling that the best-case scenario for Golden State’s front office.
Murphy, 25, fits that profile almost perfectly.
The Pelicans wing is under contract on a four-year, $112 million deal, provides elite shooting at volume, and has developed into a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Murphy just became the Pelicans’ franchise leader in 3-pointers made after knocking down his fourth of seven threes made in a 125-106 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday.
His combination of age, skill set, and contractual certainty makes him one of the league’s most desirable archetypes.
NBA insider Chris Haynes previously reported that Golden State has made inquiries about Murphy, confirming Jake Fischer’s report that the Warriors’ interest dates back at least to last summer.
“Sources say that the Warriors have a strong affinity for Murphy and have made outreach to New Orleans as recently as this summer,” Fischer reported in August. “Yet sources say that the Pelicans, to be clear, have batted away calls for the 25-year-old, valuing him highly.”
Why the Warriors’ Kuminga Trade Talks Are Stalled
While Golden State’s interest in Murphy is clear, the central question remains whether New Orleans sees enough value in Kuminga to even open the door.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Pelicans are expected to be “front and center” in any Kuminga discussions, but the internal evaluations are far from uniform.
“For quite some time now, the Warriors have been open about their desire to acquire the Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III,” Amick wrote in December. “But if they’re going to use Kuminga to do that, then it would be helpful to know how, if at all, the Pelicans value the Warriors’ 23-year-old forward. For the time being, the feedback is mixed.”
That mixed feedback is significant.
While some in the Pelicans’ orbit remain intrigued by Kuminga’s athletic ceiling, others have questioned his consistency, fit within New Orleans’ system, and long-term development curve — concerns that make it difficult to justify moving a proven, productive player like Murphy.
Kuminga’s Diminished Role Adds to Uncertainty
Kuminga’s on-court situation in Golden State has only added to the ambiguity.
The 23-year-old has appeared in just one of the Warriors’ last 11 games, most of them logged as coach’s decisions, and a back injury kept him out of Saturday’s 123-114 win over the Utah Jazz.
That absence has raised questions about whether his uncertain role and trade rumors are weighing on him.
Warriors star Jimmy Butler dismissed that notion.
“Nope. Not at all,” Butler said. “I told JK, you come in here and be the pro of pros. Come here and get your work done. You smile. You have a good time because he’s still an NBA player, one of the best people in the world — and I’m not even talking about basketball.”
Why This Standoff Is Unlikely to Break Soon
From the Golden State’s perspective, Murphy represents the type of long-term, system-friendly wing they lack. From New Orleans’ perspective, Murphy is exactly the kind of player contenders should not trade.
That creates a stalemate.
Unless circumstances change, the Warriors’ Kuminga trade talks may remain unresolved well beyond the deadline.
Between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Golden State may be forced to either lower its sights, expand the asset package, or wait.
And in a league where leverage is everything, waiting is often the hardest part.
How A.J. Dybantsa’s resilience led No. 10 BYU to a Big 12-opening win over Kansas State
MANHATTAN, Kan. — About the fourth or fifth time that A.J. Dybantsa crashed to the floor, and he looked up at an official in both shock and vain, one of the most talented freshmen in college basketball must have finally figured out that he wasn’t going to get a call.
Welcome to life in the Big 12 Conference.
Dybantsa still poured in 24 points while leading No. 10 BYU to an 83-73 victory over Kansas State on Saturday, the first true road game for the Cougars all season. But he did it while committing seven turnovers and showing visible frustration throughout much of the first half, a learning experience if ever there was one for the potential No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA draft.
“Definitely,” Dybantsa said, “coach was telling me it was going to be more physical than our nonconference games.”
Few leagues are as rough-and-tumble as the Big 12, but it’s also worth pointing out that Dybantsa doesn’t even turn 19 until later this month, and the swingman could just as well be playing his senior season of high school; he reclassified to this year’s freshman class a couple of years ago, when it already was clear that Dybantsa’s game — if not his physique — was ready for the big time.
Even Dybantsa acknowledged Saturday the need to spend some more time in the weight room.
Kansas State did everything it could to muddy up the game, rotating an exhausting number of bodies onto the 6-foot-9 forward, who found himself in a bit of foul trouble because of it. BYU coach Kevin Young wound up sitting Dybantsa for a few minutes — a move that he typically does not make — not only to keep him from picking up another foul but to give him a chance to reset.
“I trust all our guys in that situation,” Young said, “but him in particular, I trust him in terms of his IQ for the game.”
The nation’s second-leading scorer, Dybantsa was coming off perhaps the best performance of his young career, when he scored 33 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Eastern Washington. It was only the second 30-10-10 triple-double in the history of the Big 12, and it was a performance that underscored that the McDonald’s All-American is much more than just a scorer.
Against the Wildcats, Dybantsa complemented his 24 points with eight rebounds and three assists.
The Cougars needed all of them, too, because P.J. Haggerty answered Dybantsa nearly bucket for bucket for Kansas State. The nation’s No. 3 scorer, Haggerty scored 24 points with seven rebounds and six assists.
But while Dybantsa was doing his work with a fluid inside-outside game that has been making pro scouts drool, the Wildcats guard was putting up points by driving through contact to the basket. And that highlighted the difference between a first-year player and a fourth-year junior, both in terms of their physicality and high-level college experience.
“Those are two really good players out there,” said Kansas State coach Jerome Tang, who recruited Dybantsa heavily before losing out on him to BYU. “I thought they matched their stat lines. It was just one of those things.”
The difference in the game itself was their supporting casts. Dybantsa got 18 points from Robert Wright III and big games from Richie Saunders and Keba Keita, while Haggerty’s best wingman — Abdi Bashir Jr. — was largely shut out in the second half.
“You know, I’ve been watching A.J. since he was in the seventh grade. Loved him and his family. Had a great time recruiting him,” Tang said. “I’ve watched his games this season, and he’s been one of the most efficient players. He was very efficient again.”
So efficient that Dybantsa scored those 24 points on just 15 shots.
The Cougars have hung around 10th in the AP Top 25 all season — they were eighth in the preseason poll — but could be on the rise as they begin churning through Big 12 play. They’ve won 10 straight since their only loss, a nip-and-tuck two-point setback against No. 4 UConn back in November, their longest winning streak since Jimmer Fredette’s senior season in 2010.
That year, BYU rose as high as No. 3 in the poll in late February.
If the Cougars are going to reach those heights, Dybantsa will be a big reason for it.
Devin Booker hits a 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left to lift Suns over NBA-best Thunder 108-105
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining, Jordan Goodwin scored 26 points with a career-high eight 3-pointers and the Phoenix Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-105 on Sunday night.
Booker took the late inbounds pass and drilled the long 3-pointer over Alex Caruso, shaking a season-long slump from long range. Ajay Mitchell missed a corner 3 at the buzzer that would have tied it.
Oklahoma City’s four-game winning streak was snapped and the team fell to 30-6, which is still the best record in the NBA. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points while Jalen Williams had 23.
The Suns — who trailed by 18 in the second quarter — won despite coughing up a late four-point lead.
Suns guard Dillon Brooks made a tough 3-pointer over Gilgeous-Alexander with 36 seconds left to give the Suns a 105-101 advantage. Chet Holmgren hit a turnaround jumper to cut it to 105-103 with 26 seconds remaining.
Brooks had a turnover on the ensuing possession and Williams made a step-back jumper to tie it at 105 with 8.2 seconds left.
But Booker’s big shot erased the late problems. He finished with 24 points. Brooks scored 22. Goodwin made 9 of 16 shots off the bench, including 8 of 13 from behind the arc.
The Suns trailed 49-31 in the second quarter, but rallied for a 71-70 lead late in the third on Ryan Dunn’s 3-pointer. Phoenix took a 74-73 advantage into the fourth.
The Thunder built a 24-9 lead in the first while the Suns missed their first eight 3-point attempts. Oklahoma City led 49-31 late in the second but settled for a 49-42 halftime lead after Phoenix closed on an 11-0 run.
Luguentz Dort and Williams both had 10 points for the Thunder before the break. Goodwin led the Suns with nine.
Up next
Thunder: Host Charlotte on Monday night.
Suns: At Houston on Monday night.
___
pointer with 0.7 seconds left lifts Suns over NBA
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining, Jordan Goodwin scored 26 points with a career-high eight 3-pointers and the Phoenix Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-105 on Sunday night.
Booker took the late inbounds pass and drilled the long 3-pointer over Alex Caruso, shaking a season-long slump from long range. Ajay Mitchell missed a corner 3 at the buzzer that would have tied it.
Oklahoma City’s four-game winning streak was snapped and the team fell to 30-6, which is still the best record in the NBA. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points while Jalen Williams had 23.
The Suns — who trailed by 18 in the second quarter — won despite coughing up a late four-point lead.
Suns guard Dillon Brooks made a tough 3-pointer over Gilgeous-Alexander with 36 seconds left to give the Suns a 105-101 advantage. Chet Holmgren hit a turnaround jumper to cut it to 105-103 with 26 seconds remaining.
Brooks had a turnover on the ensuing possession and Williams made a step-back jumper to tie it at 105 with 8.2 seconds left.
But Booker’s big shot erased the late problems. He finished with 24 points. Brooks scored 22. Goodwin made 9 of 16 shots off the bench, including 8 of 13 from behind the arc.
The Suns trailed 49-31 in the second quarter, but rallied for a 71-70 lead late in the third on Ryan Dunn’s 3-pointer. Phoenix took a 74-73 advantage into the fourth.
The Thunder built a 24-9 lead in the first while the Suns missed their first eight 3-point attempts. Oklahoma City led 49-31 late in the second but settled for a 49-42 halftime lead after Phoenix closed on an 11-0 run.
Luguentz Dort and Williams both had 10 points for the Thunder before the break. Goodwin led the Suns with nine.
Up next
Thunder: Host Charlotte on Monday night.
Suns: At Houston on Monday night.
___
AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
Ex-FOX Announcer Slams Broadcasters for Ruining NASCAR Victory Lane, Calls for Return to Tradition
Since its founding in 1948, NASCAR has never stood still. What began with showroom stock cars sliding around dusty dirt tracks has evolved into a polished, tech-heavy sport built around safety innovations, aerodynamic precision, and made-for-TV moments. Over the decades, cars have changed, rules have tightened, race formats have been tweaked, and commercial interests have reshaped how fans experience the sport.
Some changes have pushed NASCAR forward. Others, critics argue, may have chipped away at traditions that once made race day feel special. That tension between progress and nostalgia is exactly what a former driver and ex-FOX announcer is calling out. This time, over what he believes NASCAR has lost in Victory Lane.
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What’s gone wrong with modern NASCAR Victory Lane
“NASCAR Victory Lane is not exciting anymore. I don’t know who started this, and they probably meant well, but it’s time to correct it. It’s got really messy.”
That blunt assessment from Kenny Wallace cuts straight to the heart of a debate many longtime NASCAR fans quietly agree with. For Wallace, Victory Lane used to be a moment – structured, emotional, and instantly recognizable. Today, he believes it’s turned into chaos that robs fans of the very connections that once made race wins feel larger than life.
Wallace points to how celebrations now unfold almost immediately after the checkered flag. The winning driver spins down the frontstretch, climbs out of the car wherever it stops, and suddenly cameras, crew members, and interviewers are sprinting across grass and pit road to catch up.
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In Wallace’s view, that scramble kills the storytelling. There’s no pause. No buildup. No sense of arrival. Plus, it compromises safety as well. Remember how, during the Victory Lane celebrations after the Gateway Xfinity race, Connor Zilisch narrowly missed hitting the cameraman standing on the track while performing a burnout.
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Now, what Wallace wants instead is a return to the old-school Victory Lane routine. Let the race end. Go to a commercial break. Bring the car into Victory Lane. Then let the moment breathe. Wallace recalls how fans instantly knew where to look on TV: wives, kids, crew chiefs, owners, sponsors, all gathered together.
It was a snapshot of the entire team behind the win, not just the driver holding a microphone in the infield. He also argues that something far more personal has been lost along the way. Iconic moments like Dale Earnhardt Sr. celebrating with a young Dale Jr. nearby aren’t happening anymore. Those unscripted family interactions helped turn race wins into lasting memories.
Wallace isn’t asking NASCAR to abandon modern presentation. He’s asking it to slow down. To restore Victory Lane as a destination, not a mad dash. Because in trying to make celebrations more spontaneous, NASCAR may have accidentally taken away the very magic that once made them unforgettable.
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Wallace takes aim at NASCAR leadership on rising ticket costs
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As debates rage over NASCAR’s evolving fan experience, Kenny Wallace has turned his attention to another growing source of frustration: the rising cost of simply showing up at the track. From his perspective, fans are being asked to pay more while receiving less in return. And that imbalance, he believes, falls squarely on NASCAR leadership.
“Steve O’Donnell, my dear friend, if you’re listening to this, ‘You are the president of NASCAR. Let’s get some practice in on Friday and Saturday. Let’s do some things. Let’s give, let’s give these, these fans a reason to get to the racetrack early,’” Wallace said, urging the sport to rethink how it builds value into race weekends.
His comments land at a time when ticket prices are noticeably climbing. While entry-level seats at some races can still be found in the $40–$60 range, fans looking for decent grandstand views are increasingly seeing prices hover between $80 and $100. Premium events like the Daytona 500 sit in a different bracket entirely, with tickets regularly crossing the $100 mark before fees are even added.
For many longtime supporters, the contrast with the mid-2010s is stark. Not long ago, attending a full race weekend for under $70 was realistic. Today, between tickets, travel, food, and parking, the cost has risen enough that fans are forced to pick and choose which races they can afford to attend.
Wallace’s argument isn’t just about prices. Rather, it’s about value. He believes adding meaningful on-track action, like expanded practice sessions, could justify the cost and reward fans who commit early. Without those incentives, frustration continues to grow, leaving NASCAR at risk of pricing out the very audience that built the sport.
ICE Bets Big On NASCAR Fans Even As The Sport’s Demographics Shift
There will be many familiar things for NASCAR fans to see when they return to the track this season. Sure, some of the cars might look different, there will be a few new drivers, but overall, it will be a familiar place.
However, one thing will look different in 2026: a more visible presence of the U.S. government. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to spend $100 million on what internal documents describe as a “wartime recruitment” strategy, leaning heavily on NASCAR fans as a potential pipeline to fill more than 10,000 positions tied to President Donald Trump’s mass-deportation initiative.
According to reporting by The Washington Post, ICE plans to rely on surge-style marketing that includes geotargeted advertising, social-media influencers, and on-site outreach at major sporting events — with NASCAR positioned prominently in the plan.
On the surface NASCAR looks like the perfect stage for this kind of recruitment strategy. After all this is the same sport President Trump has used as a political backdrop multiple times in recent years including two Daytona 500 visits while in office.
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To many outside the sport, NASCAR remains shorthand for culturally conservative America, an idea reinforced by sponsors like Bass Pro Shops and team owners like NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress whose comments about gun rights are part of his public persona. It seems like the last place one would expect to see political ambiguity; this world filled with camouflage hats, patriotic paint schemes and presidents circling the track in armored SUVs.
But there is a problem.
The fact is that most of the conservative ideology surrounding NASCAR may be more of an outside perception than actual reality. Yes, in the early years up through the first part of this century the sports southern roots and older male demographic meant that conservative Republicans were more the norm than an exception. But the guy sitting in a folding chair nursing a Bud at Talladega in 2008 is no longer the only fan NASCAR needs. And not necessarily the fans they are trying to attract. And indeed, there is far less contemporary empirical evidence to support the idea that the NASCAR fan base is overwhelmingly conservative — and growing signs that it isn’t.
There are some older polls that show a slight majority of fans who self-identify as conservative or Republican, but more recent studies seem to suggest that the fan base is diversifying, a diversification that is accelerating. NASCAR has made strategic moves to attract younger viewers. The sport has seen more growth among Latinos, and the product has been delivered in urban areas like Chicago. And new, younger drivers, are better able to speak to this new culture through a better grasp and use of social media and content creation. Drivers like Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez are no longer just symbolic exceptions but part of this broader trend.
This season will also be the second of the new media rights deal. This new deal continues with the new players led by Amazon, which is coming off a widely successful first season of streaming only races. Streaming changes who sees NASCAR entirely: it introduces the sport to audiences who didn’t go looking for it, shifting it from traditional appointment television to on-demand culture.
This all leads to an audience that not only skews younger but is more national than Southern and more ideologically mixed due to being broader. All this means that with NASCAR leaving cable and now part of the streaming ecosystem the sport is speaking to America as it actually is today, not how it was even a decade ago.
And all this matters to those who write the checks. Fortune 500 companies don’t invest in audiences that are ideologically rigid. If modern sponsors based their assumptions on the guy in the folding chair at Talladega, they wouldn’t be writing 9-digit checks, like several did last season. These corporate partners aren’t investing in the past; they are looking forward to future consumer bases with the confidence that NASCAR’s audience will look different tomorrow than yesterday.
This all begs the question: What does Homeland Security see in NASCAR? Is it a good recruiting pipeline for conservative Americans, have they been sold a bill of goods from an outside marketer that leans on old ideology, or are they looking ahead to the audience it is becoming?
Yes, NASCAR still has its conservative base with flag waving patriotism, but the DHS may be oversimplifying a space that has become increasingly complex, and diverse. Sure, they are welcome at any NASCAR event just like everyone is. And there will always be conservative NASCAR fans. But increasingly so are many more Americans who’d rather watch cars turn left.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction 2026: How to Watch, Tickets and Ceremony Timings
Tired of the offseason slump? Well, NASCAR has just the remedy! The class of 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame is ready to shine a spotlight on the legends who have shaped the sport, from champions of winners to pioneers of racing’s earliest days. From the induction ceremony date and location to tickets, VIP packages, and streaming info, get ready to watch out for the sport’s most prestigious event!
When is the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction 2026 taking place?
The NASCAR Hall of Fame induction for the class of 2026 will take place during induction weekend from Thursday, January 22, through Saturday, January 24, 2026. The centerpiece event, which is the official induction ceremony, will be held on Friday, January 23, at 8 pm ET in the Crown Ballroom at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
The Friday evening schedule also includes pre-ceremony festivities such as the induction dinner and special programming leading into the formal enshrinement. Throughout the weekend, fans can take part in additional Hall of Fame experiences, exhibits, and events tied to the class of 2026, with Hall admission included for Friday or Saturday as part of induction ticket packages.
Where is the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction happening?
The star-studded event is held in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame museum located in uptown Charlotte and connected to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the induction ceremony takes place in the Crown Ballroom. The Hall of Fame complex will also serve as the central hub for induction weekend. It’ll have satellite events, fan experiences, and special programs on-site.
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For out-of-town attendees, Charlotte is easily accessible via Charlotte Douglas International Airport, major interstate highways, and public transit. There are a wide range of hotels, dining options, and parking available within walking distance of the Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte.
How to get NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction 2026 tickets
Tickets for the event are sold directly through the official NASCAR Hall of Fame website, which is the recommended and safest place to buy. The primary option is the induction ceremony ticket, priced at $150 per person, which includes a reserved seat for the Friday night ceremony on January 23, Hall of Fame admission for either Friday or Saturday, and the official class of 2026 yearbook.
Fans can also choose from upgraded experiences tied to induction weekend, such as the induction dinner plus ceremony, the induction insider experience on Thursday, and other limited-capacity hospitality events that function as VIP-style packages.
Pricing increases with access level and exclusivity, and availability is limited. There is no widespread public pre-sale, but Hall of Fame members may receive access to tickets and special packages.
Because seating is capped and demand is constantly high, especially for premium events, ceremony and VIP tickets are at real risk of selling out, making early purchase strongly advised.
TV and streaming schedule for the 2026 induction ceremony
For the folks who cannot make it in person, the event will be accessible to them via live streaming and broadcasting on platforms. While the official 2026 schedule hasn’t been released, pass ceremonies have streamed live on Peacock, making it the most likely primary option.
Additional coverage or highlights may be available through the NASCAR channel, a free ad-supported FAST channel on platforms like Roku, Tubi, Amazon Fire TV, Xumo, and Samsung TV Plus, as well as NASCAR’s YouTube, Facebook, and X accounts for announcements and related content.
US viewers can access the ceremony via these streaming platforms, while international fans may watch through nascar.com or regional streaming partners, depending on local broadcast rights.
Who are the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees?
And finally, the event brings together three icons whose careers span different eras and styles of racing. Kurt Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion with 34 career wins, including the 2017 Daytona 500, is being honored in his first year of modern-era eligibility for his championship, playoff success, and more than two decades at NASCAR’s top level.
Additionally, Harry Gant, famously known as Handsome Harry, earned 18 cup victories and two Southern 500 wins, thrilling fans with his great career winning streaks and long-standing consistency that made him a beloved figure in the sport.
Now it’s digging into a little bit of history. Representing NASCAR’s roots, Ray Hendrick, nicknamed Mr. Modified, racked up over 700 wins in modified and late model sportsman racing, earning his spot on the Pioneer ballot for his dominance in regional circuits and lasting influence on the stock car racing foundation.
Together, these three celebrate the past, present, and evolution of NASCAR, and they will be officially enshrined at the Hall of Fame this month.
Denny Hamlin’s Iconic Martinsville Memorabilia Goes Up for Sale 10 Years After His Famous Win
In the spring of 2015, Denny Hamlin reminded the NASCAR garage why Martinsville Speedway has always felt like home. Holding off a hard-charging Brad Keselowski in the closing laps of the STP 500, Hamlin captured his eighth career win at the paperclip-shaped short track and the 25th victory of his Cup Series career.
The triumph wasn’t just another notch on the stat sheet. It came with Martinsville’s most iconic prize, the grandfather clock. Now, a decade later, a surprising piece of that memorable win has resurfaced, with one of Hamlin’s crew members putting a replica of that famous clock up for sale.
A piece of Martinsville history resurfaces a decade later
A decade after Denny Hamlin’s memorable 2015 Martinsville Speedway win, a unique piece of that victory has quietly surfaced on Facebook Marketplace. Listed at $2,500, the item isn’t Hamlin’s personal trophy, but a replica grandfather clock that was awarded to one of his crew members following the race.
At Martinsville, crew members have long been given the option to receive scaled replicas of the iconic clock, allowing the entire team to take home a tangible reminder of their short-track triumph, not just the driver standing in Victory Lane. The listing has quickly caught the attention of NASCAR fans and collectors, not just because of Hamlin’s name attached to it, but because of what the clock represents.
Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell once explained the thinking behind the tradition, saying, “Figured if you give something to the driver that their wives would like, then it’s going to be in a prominent place in their home.” That philosophy helped turn a race trophy into one of the most recognizable symbols in all of NASCAR.
The idea traces back to track founder Clay Earles, who wanted more than a standard cup or plaque. In 1964, Earles partnered with Ridgeway Clocks, a local company located just three miles from the speedway, to create a handcrafted, full-sized grandfather clock that would stand apart from every other prize in motorsports. Ridgeway Clocks is no longer in business, a detail that only adds to the rarity and value of any authentic or replica Martinsville clock still in circulation.
Fred Lorenzen was the first driver to receive the clock after winning the 1964 Old Dominion 500, and the tradition has since passed through the hands of legends like Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and, of course, Denny Hamlin. With this replica now up for sale, a small but meaningful slice of Martinsville history is suddenly within reach of the right buyer.
NASCAR’s most unforgettable trophies
While Martinsville’s grandfather clock remains NASCAR’s most iconic prize, it’s far from the only trophy that’s captured fans’ imagination over the years. Across the schedule, several tracks have leaned into creativity, local culture, and pure spectacle to give winners something far more memorable than a standard cup.
At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, victorious drivers don’t just get a standard trophy. Instead, they’re presented with a live giant lobster, affectionately known as “Loudon.” The crustacean, sourced from nearby seafood purveyors, weighs in around 18–28 pounds and ties into New England’s rich lobster heritage. After the win, the lobster’s meat is often cooked and shared with the team. On the other hand, a taxidermist preserves and mounts the shell as a keepsake trophy.
Dover Motor Speedway honors its nickname, the “Monster Mile,” with a Monster trophy that features a stylized version of the track’s mascot, Miles the Monster. This imposing award celebrates both the difficulty of winning at Dover and the area’s unique identity. It has become one of the series’ most recognizable trophies.
Bristol Motor Speedway has taken inspiration from its gladiatorial atmosphere with a gladiator sword trophy. It is a hand-forged stainless-steel blade that evokes the intense, coliseum-like racing that defines the high-banked short track. And at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s iconic Coca-Cola 600, winners receive not just the traditional Bruton Smith Trophy but also a restored vintage Coca-Cola vending machine. This adds a fun, collectible twist tied to the race’s longtime sponsor.
Together, these trophies highlight what makes NASCAR unique. They’re not just prizes, but storytelling devices, tying victories to place, history, and personality. In a sport built on tradition, these unconventional rewards remind fans why winning certain races simply means more.
NASCAR Legend Calls Out Kyle Busch’s Lies Years After Controversial Incident
Kyle Busch’s NASCAR career has rarely followed a quiet script. From fiery radio messages to on-track run-ins that blurred the line between aggression and recklessness, Busch has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most polarizing figures. While that edge helped fuel championships and wins, it has also left behind a trail of controversies that still spark debate years later.
One of his most infamous clashes came in 2011 at Texas Motor Speedway, an incident that altered a championship battle. Now, more than a decade later, a NASCAR legend is revisiting that moment and challenging Busch’s version of events.
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Hornaday reopens wounds from Texas
Fifteen years after one of the most controversial NASCAR Truck Series moments, Ron Hornaday Jr. hasn’t softened his stance. Not even a little! Asked what he would do differently about the 2011 Texas Motor Speedway incident with Kyle Busch, the four-time Truck Series champion didn’t hesitate.
“Nothing…. I was hauling my car back to the pits as I knew I had to get it fixed. As soon as I hit the brake to turn left to get in there, he hooked me.”
The incident unfolded during a tense Truck Series race when Busch and Hornaday went three-wide around a slower truck driven by Johnny Chapman. Chapman was on the inside, Hornaday got squeezed into the middle, and contact followed as both drivers got loose and brushed the wall. Moments later, the caution flag came out. What followed is what cemented the incident in NASCAR infamy.
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On Lap 14 of 148, Busch lined up behind Hornaday and repeatedly pushed the No. 33 truck until it slammed into the wall, ending Hornaday’s race. Busch’s truck was also heavily damaged, but NASCAR’s response was swift and severe. He was parked for the remainder of the race and later suspended from both the Nationwide and Cup Series events that weekend.
At the time, Hornaday didn’t mince words. “This is just stupid,” he said. “He knew I was there. … He just drove me into the fence.”
The fallout was massive. Busch later issued a public apology, acknowledging the deliberate nature of the move and taking responsibility.
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In an open letter, he wrote: “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during Friday night’s Truck Series race at Texas. NASCAR officials had to act, and I accept their punishment and take full responsibility for my actions. I’d also like to apologize to Ron Hornaday Jr, and everyone associated with the #33 team in the Truck Series.”
But years later, Hornaday’s recollection (and frustration) remains unchanged, showing why the Texas NASCAR crash still sparks debate whenever Kyle Busch’s legacy is discussed.
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Kyle Busch faces a career-defining 2026
For all that Kyle Busch has accomplished in NASCAR, one glaring omission still hangs over his résumé. The two-time Cup Series champion has conquered nearly everything the sport can throw at him. The Rowdy has multiple championships, four crown-jewel victories, and dominance across all three national series.
Yet the Daytona 500 continues to evade him. Crashes, late cautions, and cruel overtime restarts have repeatedly undone his best efforts over nearly two decades. Busch owns three top-five finishes and two top 10s in the Great American Race, including a heartbreaking runner-up in 2019. In 2026, he will make his 20th attempt. This is an eerie parallel fans can’t ignore.
That parallel leads directly to Dale Earnhardt. After 19 failed tries filled with bad luck and near-misses, Earnhardt finally broke through in the 1998 Daytona 500. Ironically, it came in one of his most dominant Speedweeks performances, capped off by a clean race and a late caution that sealed the moment. Earnhardt’s victory became one of NASCAR’s most emotional triumphs, proof that persistence can eventually rewrite destiny.
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For Kyle Busch supporters, the hope is that history might rhyme, if not repeat.
But the stakes for Kyle Busch stretch far beyond Daytona. The 2026 season could quietly shape up as a crossroads moment in his career. It is the final year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, and results have been trending the wrong way.
Busch’s last Cup Series win came more than two years ago at the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300. It’s also the same season he last qualified for the playoffs. Since then, frustration has replaced momentum.
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Whether 2026 becomes a late-career resurgence or the beginning of an exit, it’ll depend on his 2026 season now. A Daytona breakthrough (or another win anywhere) could change the narrative overnight. Without it, questions about Kyle Busch’s future may grow louder than ever.
Can Greg Biffle Get an Honorary Induction in NASCAR’s Hall of Fame 2026 After Plane Crash Tragedy?
The NASCAR world woke up to heartbreak on December 18, 2025. Greg Biffle, the quiet grinder who let trophies do the talking, was gone. A fog-shrouded emergency landing at Statesville Regional Airport ended in tragedy, claiming the 55-year-old former champion and six others aboard his private jet.
For a driver who conquered NASCAR’s ladder the hard way: Truck Series champion in 2000, Xfinity king in 2002, and a 19-time Cup winner, this wasn’t how the story was supposed to end. Now, as grief gives way to reflection, a bigger question looms: Does Biffle’s legacy warrant an honorary induction into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame in 2026?
Emotionally, it feels like an easy yes. But NASCAR’s Hall of Fame doesn’t run on emotion alone. It runs on process.
The 2026 class is already locked
The NASCAR Hall of Fame follows a strict annual voting structure. First, a Nomination Committee selects the candidates, separating them into Modern Era and Pioneer ballots. From there, a Voting Panel (made up of industry executives, media members, and Hall of Famers) casts ballots to determine the final inductees.
That process is already complete for 2026. Kurt Busch, Harry Gant, and Ray Hendrick were voted in, with Humpy Wheeler receiving the Landmark Award. Once those votes are certified, the class is closed. There’s no mechanism in place to reopen the ballot or add a fourth name retroactively, no matter how deserving or heartbreaking the circumstances.
So as painful as it sounds, Greg Biffle cannot be added to the 2026 Hall of Fame class. That door is closed.
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Posthumous inductions aren’t off-limits
What is open, however, is the future. NASCAR has never barred posthumous inductions, and history supports that. Ray Hendrick, one of the 2026 inductees, passed away long before his Hall moment arrived. Similarly, Humpy Wheeler also recently bid farewell in August 2025. Other motorsports halls have done the same, most notably with Alan Kulwicki, whose impact outlived his tragic death.
Biffle himself was already on the 2026 Modern Era ballot before the accident. That detail matters. It confirms that voters already viewed him as Hall-of-Fame calibre based purely on performance and not sentiment. His championships across multiple national series, longevity, and consistency placed him firmly in the conversation even before tragedy entered the picture.
The honorary path NASCAR could take
While the formal Hall process is rigid, NASCAR isn’t limited to a single way of honoring its own. The sport has shown flexibility when it comes to remembrance and legacy. Memorial services, tribute laps, and commemorative moments are already being discussed around Charlotte, where Biffle’s career and life were deeply rooted.
Beyond that, the Hall of Fame itself isn’t static. Exhibits evolve. Displays are updated. NASCAR could choose to expand historical sections to reflect Biffle’s journey, from West Coast short tracks to national champion, without formally inducting him in 2026.
There’s also the option of alternative honors. NASCAR awards like the Landmark Award or the Squier-Hall Award exist specifically to recognize impact beyond raw statistics. Biffle’s post-retirement life, including his humanitarian efforts and disaster-relief work, adds another layer to his legacy that voters may weigh differently outside the standard Hall ballot.
What happens next for Biffle’s candidacy
If Biffle isn’t inducted in 2026 (and he won’t be) he doesn’t disappear from consideration. Modern Era nominees typically remain eligible for up to ten years. That means 2027, 2028, and beyond are very much on the table.
And here’s where reality and emotion intersect. Voters are human. They remember moments, influence, and context. Greg Biffle’s tragic passing doesn’t automatically earn votes. However, it does refocus attention on the totality of his career – how difficult it is to win championships across multiple NASCAR divisions, how consistent he was at the Cup level, and how respected he remained long after stepping out of the car.
In many ways, his case may now resonate more clearly than it did before.
The uncomfortable truth (and the hopeful one)
So, can Greg Biffle receive an honorary induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2026? No. The class is finalized, and NASCAR’s system doesn’t bend that way.
But can he be inducted posthumously in the near future? Absolutely. The precedent exists. The résumé supports it. And the respect across the sport hasn’t faded. In fact, it’s only intensified.
Greg Biffle’s story didn’t end the way anyone wanted. But Hall of Fame stories aren’t about timing. They’re about impact. And by that measure, his name isn’t finished echoing through NASCAR’s highest honor.
Three underrated MLB signings that can pay dividends in 2026
This winter has been cold for the New York Yankees. After yet another championship disappointment, the fans had to watch Hal Steinbrenner and Cashman’s penny-pinching. No big signings, no meaningful roster development. Not even promises to get players.
Now, as Christmas has passed and New Year’s has rolled the time is for spring training to slide in. But one big question looms high, apart from – why are the Yankees behaving like small-market teams? It is the question about–who gets that fourth outfield job! But here is the kicker: given the current dynamics of the team, two careers might be at risk because of it.
Fireside Yankees summed it up perfectly when they posted, “The Yankees have a big position battle between Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez brewing this spring training… Who do you think wins the 4th OF job, assuming Cody Bellinger is extended?”
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The assumption is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, and it’s where Cashman enters the picture. You see, even before the kids step on the field, the Cody Bellinger questions loom high. The Yankees are said to be in trail for a reunion with Bellinger, and this would instantly reshape the outfield depth chart. But Cashman has been patient, and this is because the internal options are giving the team some leverage. But they are also creating pressure within the locker room.
Because once Bellinger is penciled in, only one of these two young outfielders truly fits.
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Jasson Dominguez has already been tested in the majors. Over 123 games, he has been dubbed “the Martian.” He swiped 23 bases and hit 10 home runs, and so you can say the tool is rare. Plus, even his consistency is good. But there are red flags, like Dominguez struggled with left-handed pitching, and defensively, he posted a minus-nine Fielding Run Value.
There is also Spencer Jones, aka the next Aaron Judge, as they call the towering left-handed slugger. He looks honestly custom-built for Yankee Stadium! Jones crushes 35 home runs in the minors and offers legitimate defensive upside. But the red flags are there, starting with his swing and miss issues. His whiff rates climbed past 40% at times, too.
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Plus, the tension rises, given that Grisham is on a one-year qualifying offer. The battle, hence, is not about the April roster but about the future. If one player becomes part of the Yankees’ long-term outfield plan, the other does risk becoming a trade chip for Cashman to flip.
And seems like they could be on the way to the chopping block already!
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Could the Yankees trade Jones and Dominguez as rotation questions keep coming?
Turns out that the New York Yankees are once again poking around the starting pitching market, and this conversation is leading them right to the Miami Marlins. According to The Athletic, the Yankees have discussed a plausible trade with the Marlins for their right-handed starter, Edward Cabrera.
See, on paper, it is simple to see that appeal. Cabrera is 27 years old, coming off a great season where he went 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA and struck out 150 batters across 137.2 innings. Those innings and strikeouts were both career highs.
Plus, Cabrera’s fastball also averaged 96.9 mph in 2025 and landed him in the 87th percentile among starting pitchers. But that’s just the beginning, because there is also a contract angle that plays. Cabrera, you see, is a player under TAM control through 2028 and is projected to earn just $3.75 million in 2026 before arbitration, as per Spotrac.
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But this also means that Miami would ask for a hefty return in exchange for this affordability, combined with age and the upsides of the player. Any deal would demand young talent like Spencer Jones or Jasson Domínguez.
From the Bronx Bombers’ perspective, the timing makes sense. Their rotation would need to survive without Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt early on. So, Cabrera would provide immediate insurance. Even then, there are also risks involved, given that Cabrera dealt with elbow issues late in 2025 and had knee and shoulder injuries the year before.
It remains to be seen whether the Yankees go all-in on Cabrera or chicken out at the right moment.
Tigers Sign Scott Effross To Minor League Contract
With the Toronto Blue Jays’ latest signing, another international star has been claimed from the market. Kazuma Okamoto, who is renowned in Japan for his power, contact-hitting abilities and glovework, will make the lineup of the reigning AL champs even more formidable.
Now that his free agency has concluded, all three top-tier international free agents (Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami and Okamoto) have been signed. But while these three seemed to dominate the headlines in recent weeks, there have been a slew of free agents whose signings didn’t receive as much attention. Let’s preview three such signings that could prove to be significant.
1B/OF Nick Torres, Yankees
In the midst of a tepid offseason, the New York Yankees were seemingly bottom-feeding, scouring the market for value. They haven’t come up with much, but their bargain hunt may have produced a gem.
Torres’ free agency didn’t make any headlines, but the Yankees didn’t fail to notice him. Torres’ last attempt to crack a major-league roster was in 2018, when he hit .195 with no home runs in 118 Triple-A at-bats with the Rangers. After that failed season, he took a deal in Mexico where his bat caught fire.
Last year, Torres won MVP in the Mexican League, posting a .347/.425/.730 slash line with 27 home runs in 326 at-bats. Over his career in Mexico, he hit .321/.406/.549 with 128 home runs in 2585 at-bats.
If his bat translates well, Torres will bring the Yankees flexibility as he can play first base and the outfield, coincidentally aligning with Cody Bellinger’s skillset. Should the Yankees acquire another outfielder, he may be a suitable right-handed platoon for Ben Rice at first.
1B Tyler Austin, Cubs
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch is coming off a transformative year, hitting .261 with 34 home runs. However, against southpaws, Busch hit just .207 with four home runs in 95 plate appearances, posting a meager .274 OBP. Because of this, the Cubs enlisted the help of a promising platoon bat returning from Japan.
Austin is best-known for his fight with Joe Kelly back when he played first base for the Yankees. In the majors, he failed to impress. In four years, Austin compiled a lackluster .219/.292/.451 slash line, though it came with a promising 33 home runs in 521 career at-bats.
However, in Japan, Austin rose to stardom. He finished his stint in the NPB hitting .293/.377/.568 with 85 home runs in 1,305 career at-bats. While his lack of success in the majors is concerning, the Cubs are betting that his newfound success will translate, inking him to a team-friendly one-year, $1.25M contract.
3B/2B/1B Sung Mun Song, Padres
A KBO star infielder, Song’s repertoire is very similar to that of his former Kiwoom Heroes teammate Hyeseong Kim. Last year, the former hit .315/.387/.530 with 26 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 584 at-bats, also winning a Golden Glove at third base. Song broke out the prior season, hitting a .340/.409/.518 with 19 home runs.
Julio Rodriguez Sends Message to Mariners Teammate After MLB’s Announcement
The Tigers signed right-hander Scott Effross to a minor league contract in December, as per Effross’ MLB.com profile page. Effross has been assigned to Triple-A Toledo, and will presumably be a non-roster invite to the Tigers’ big league spring camp.
The 32-year-old sidearmer is looking to rebound from three straight injury-marred seasons. A Tommy John surgery entirely wiped out Effross’ 2023 campaign, and a back surgery during that TJ rehab period kept Effross out of any game action until June 2024, and he ended up tossing 35 1/3 minor league innings that season as well as 3 1/3 MLB frames with the Yankees. During Spring Training 2025, Effross then suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain that led to three more months on the shelf, and he amassed only 10 2/3 innings for New York while being frequently shuffled up and down from the minors.
While Effross was projected for just an $800K salary in his first year of arbitration eligibility, the Yankees chose to non-tender the righty in November. It wasn’t an unexpected decision given Effross’ injury woes, and he’ll now look to try and re-establish himself and win a job in Detroit’s bullpen. He has a minor league option remaining, as well as two more arb-eligible years if he can make the roster and recapture some of his early-career form.
Before the Tommy John surgery, Effross looked to be establishing himself as a bullpen weapon in his first two Major League seasons. He debuted in 2021 as a member of the Cubs, and posted a 2.78 ERA, 27.9% strikeout rate, 5.6% walk rate, and 45.1% grounder rate over 71 1/3 combined innings with the Cubs and Yankees during the 2021-22 seasons. New York was intrigued enough to acquire Effross in a one-for-one swap for Hayden Wesneski at the 2022 deadline, in what ended up being a nice trade for Chicago.
Effross’ few cups of coffee in the majors over the last two seasons have yielded only a 7.71 ERA and a 12.3% strikeout rate across 14 innings. His K% was also diminished (through not to that extent) during his minor league work in 2024-25, and Effross struggled to a 6.37 ERA in 29 2/3 frames with at the Triple-A level last year.
Posting period expires for Japanese pitcher Kona Takahashi
The Seattle Mariners are heading into the 2026 MLB season fresh off a deep playoff run that ended just one win shy of the franchise’s first-ever World Series appearance.
The future remains bright, especially with center fielder Julio Rodriguez and catcher Cal Raleigh leading the charge.
Rodriguez, in particular, just completed his fourth big-league season and continued to establish himself as one of the game’s premier talents. The 25-year-old earned his third career All-Star selection and his third top-10 finish in AL MVP voting.
A familiar pattern resurfaced in 2025, as Rodriguez endured a slow start before catching fire in the second half.
Over his final 65 games heading into October, he posted a .290 batting average, .341 on-base percentage, .900 OPS, 18 home runs and 45 RBIs, once again proving to be the driving force behind Seattle’s success.
Rodriguez’s second-half surge underscored that, at his peak, he is a legitimate MVP candidate. His performance flew somewhat under the radar given the historic season from teammate Cal Raleigh, but MLB recently spotlighted him in its 2026 predictions.
Listed under AL MVP was Rodriguez, projected to capture the award for the first time in his career. The forecast makes sense, as many believe it is only a matter of time before he strings together a full 162-game season at that level.
The post quickly drew attention in Seattle’s clubhouse. Outfielder Victor Robles, who has shared the field with Rodriguez since arriving from the Washington Nationals in 2024, reposted the graphic and added a message in Spanish that translated to, “Let’s do this kid 😤.” Rodriguez replied with his own message, “With God’s favor🔥.”
The exchange, punctuated by the Dominican flag, reflected the bond the two have built over the past two seasons. Both players share Dominican roots, and their connection has become a source of pride within the Mariners’ roster.
The exchange also highlighted the growing anticipation surrounding Rodriguez’s pursuit of an MVP season in 2026. His ability to carry the Mariners through stretches of the schedule has already been proven, and now the challenge is sustaining that level from Opening Day through October.
Seattle’s roster is built to contend, but Rodriguez’s consistency could be the difference between another near miss and finally breaking through to the World Series stage.
Baseball star drafted by MLB’s Brewers hospitalized after car crash
NEW YORK — Japanese pitcher Kona Takahashi did not reach an agreement with a Major League Baseball team before his posting period expired Sunday and his rights remained with the Pacific League’s Saitama Seibu Lions.
A right-hander who turns 29 on Feb. 3, Takahashi was 8-9 with a 3.04 ERA last year for the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, striking out 88 and walking 41 in 148 innings. He had gone 0-11 with a 3.87 ERA in 2024 after compiling a 22-16 record in the prior two seasons.
Takahashi is 73-77 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 seasons with the Lions.
Best MLB free agents remaining 2025-26
One of New Jersey’s top pitchers from the Class of 2025 was hospitalized this weekend following a car accident.
Frank Cairone of Delsea was involved in a crash near his home in Franklinville on Friday. He has been hospitalized as of Saturday night, according to a statement released by the Brewers.
A source close to the Cairone family who asked not to be identified because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly told NJ Advance Media that the 18-year-old was flown to Atlantic City Medical Center on Friday.
Cairone was named to the NJ.com All-State Team in 2025 following a dominant season with 94 strikeouts in 44 innings. He produced 0.48 ERA and finished with 238 strikeouts for his career.
He registered 10 or more strikeouts in each of his final four high school appearances.
Cairone was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers 68th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft, forgoing his commitment to Coastal Carolina. He has not made any pro appearances, but was sent to the team’s complex in Arizona this year.
He is Milwaukee’s 26th ranked prospect.
No further details have been made available at this time.
Best MLB rookies of 2025 season
Nick Kurtz made history with an iconic four-homer game, on top of one of the best debut seasons we’ve ever seen. Trey Yesavage emerged as a bona fide postseason hero, as did Roki Sasaki and Cam Schlittler. From triple-digit heat (hello, Jacob Misiorowski) to feel-good stories and prodigious power, rookies gave us a little bit of everything.
1) Nick Kurtz, 1B, ATH: It’s not hyperbole to say that Kurtz just had one of the best rookie seasons of all time. Among rookie hitters to have at least 400 plate appearances in a season, no one has ever posted a higher OPS+ than Kurtz (173). Beyond winning AL Rookie of the Year honors, the 22-year-old also established himself as one of the game’s elite sluggers. His .619 slugging percentage and 1.002 OPS trailed only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani (min. 450 PA). Kurtz also had one of the greatest single games ever on July 25 in Houston, smashing four home runs and recording 19 total bases — tying the all-time single-game records.
2) Jacob Wilson, SS, ATH: These two A’s teammates couldn’t be any different, but Wilson is impressive in his own right. The 23-year-old started the All-Star Game at shortstop for the American League, becoming the first fan-elected rookie shortstop to start the ASG. Wilson led all rookies in hits (151) and batting average (.311). In fact, among qualified hitters, only Judge hit for a higher average than Wilson, and Bo Bichette was tied with him at .311. Wilson dazzled with elite bat-to-ball skills — a rarity in today’s game — with a 7.5% strikeout rate that ranked as the second lowest in MLB.
3) Cade Horton, SP, CHC: Horton stabilized a Cubs rotation that dealt with a rash of injuries throughout the season, pitching to a 2.67 ERA in 23 games (22 starts). He also looked the part of a frontline starter, with a high-90s fastball and three plus non-fastball offerings. In 12 starts after the All-Star break, Horton led all pitchers (min. 60 IP) with a 1.03 ERA. The next closest ERA belonged to Paul Skenes, whose 1.89 second-half ERA was nearly a full run higher.
4) Drake Baldwin, C, ATL: In what was otherwise a lost season for the Braves, Baldwin emerged as a potential franchise cornerstone. Sean Murphy’s cracked rib in Spring Training opened the door for Baldwin to make the team, and he ran with the opportunity. Baldwin led all NL rookies with 3.1 fWAR, hitting 19 home runs with an .810 OPS. He took home 21 of 30 first-place votes to capture the NL Rookie of the Year Award, becoming the first catcher to win it since Buster Posey in 2010. In total, only 10 catchers have won the award since its inception in 1947.
5) Roman Anthony, OF, BOS: Anthony only played in 71 games, but he sure made a lasting impression — so much so that he finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. The 21-year-old hit .292/.396/.463 with a 140 OPS+, the highest by a Red Sox player in his age-21 season since Ted Williams in 1940. Anthony paired elite plate discipline with a rare ability to punish the baseball; his 60.3% hard-hit rate was better than every hitter with at least 100 batted balls. It’s no wonder the Red Sox were compelled to sign Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million contract extension in August, less than two months after his much-anticipated MLB debut as MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 overall prospect.
6) Trey Yesavage, SP, TOR: No rookie made a splash quite like Yesavage. The righty began the 2025 season in Single-A Dunedin and ended it as a headliner in the World Series. Yesavage recorded 12 strikeouts in Game 5 of the Fall Classic against the Dodgers, setting a new rookie record for a World Series game. In fact, there have only been seven games in postseason history where a rookie struck out at least 11 batters, and Yesavage owns two of them (also Game 2 of the ALDS against the Yankees, when he K’d 11). With an extreme over-the-top arm angle and a splitter that “comes from the sky,” Yesavage helped steer the Blue Jays to the brink of a championship. Among all his accolades, perhaps this one is most improbable: He made more starts in the postseason (five) than he did in the regular season (three).
7) Colson Montgomery, SS, CWS: With tremendous raw power, Montgomery secured his place as a fixture of the young White Sox core. A first-round pick in 2021, Montgomery benefitted from an early-season reset at the organization’s Camelback Ranch complex. All 21 of his home runs came after the All-Star break, with only four players (Kyle Schwarber, Shohei Ohtani, Cal Raleigh and Junior Caminero) hitting more home runs than Montgomery in that span. His .529 slugging percentage ranked 14th best among players to take at least 250 plate appearances. He wasn’t too shabby at shortstop, either, posting +7 Outs Above Average.
8) Caleb Durbin, 3B, MIL: The Brewers didn’t win a franchise-record 97 games last season because of superstars. Rather, unheralded players became key cogs — Durbin among them. Acquired in the trade that sent All-Star closer Devin Williams to the Yankees, Durbin became Milwaukee’s everyday third baseman after spending the first two weeks of the season in the Minors. The 5-foot-7 infielder posted a 101 OPS+ with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases, making 119 starts at the hot corner.
9) Noah Cameron, SP, KC: Cameron earned the call to the Majors at the end of April to replace Kansas City’s injured ace, Cole Ragans. As it turns out, he could have bought a one-way plane ticket. Cameron carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning of his MLB debut and subsequently emerged as a rotation fixture, finishing the year with a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts. Despite below-average velocity, Cameron flourished with plus command and a wicked curveball. He became the third rookie to post a sub-3.00 ERA (min. 20 starts) in Royals franchise history.
10) Jakob Marsee, OF, MIA: Marsee didn’t make his MLB debut until Aug. 1, but he made an instant impact. He reached base four times in his debut, becoming the first Marlins player to do so in the first game of a career. Ultimately, the left-handed slugger hit .292/.363/.478 with a 132 OPS+ in just 55 games, finishing eighth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He earned NL Rookie of the Month honors in August, a month that featured a seven-RBI performance, which tied the franchise single-game record.
12) Jacob Misiorowski, SP, MIL: With the exception of maybe Yesavage, no one burst onto the scene quite like The Miz. Equipped with premium velocity — a fastball that sits at 99.3 mph and a slider that averages 94.1 mph — Misiorowski became an overnight sensation. He opened his career with an 11-inning hitless streak, the longest by exclusively a starting pitcher to begin their career in the Modern Era (since 1900). He even earned an All-Star bid after five eye-popping starts. While Misiorowski finished the year with a 4.36 ERA, his underlying numbers — like a 3.62 FIP and an 11.9 K/9 ratio — are promising, as was the 1.50 ERA he posted in the postseason.
13) Isaac Collins, OF, MIL: Originally a ninth-round pick of the Rockies in the 2019 Draft, Collins finally broke through in 2025. He hit .263/.368/.411 with a 118 OPS+ — the third-best OPS+ on the Brewers, behind Brice Turang and Christian Yelich (min. 350 PA). Collins perfectly resembled Milwaukee’s pesky approach in the batter’s box, with a chase rate in the 98th percentile. He played above-average defense in left field, too, with +4 Outs Above Average. Collins was traded to the Royals in December.
14) Shane Smith, SP, CWS: The White Sox felt highly enough of Smith to make him the top pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. Yet, even in their wildest imagination, they probably didn’t think that Smith would represent the organization at the Midsummer Classic. But that’s what happened, as Smith joined Dan Uggla as the only players in Major League history to make an All-Star team in the year after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. The 25-year-old righty pitched to a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts.
15) Daylen Lile, OF, WSH: Lile closed his rookie season on a tear, hitting .391/.440/.772 in September on his way to National League Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month honors. The 23-year-old became the first player since Willie Mays to record at least seven triples and six home runs in a calendar month (Mays accomplished the feat in June 1957). In 91 games, Lile hit .299 with a 137 OPS+ and 11 triples — tied for the most in a single season in Nationals history (2005-present).
16) Jack Leiter, SP, TEX: Leiter took a big step forward in 2025, emerging as a mainstay in one of the league’s best rotations. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 Draft made 29 starts and posted a 3.86 ERA, accumulating 2.3 fWAR, which was third most among rookie pitchers. The 25-year-old still throws hard — with his fastball averaging 97 mph — but he also revamped his arsenal in Spring Training, adding a kick changeup and a two-seam fastball to attack hitters in different ways.
17) Cam Schlittler, SP, NYY: Schlittler made a strong impression in 14 regular-season starts, posting a 2.96 ERA and overwhelming hitters with triple-digit heat. The Walpole, Mass., native etched himself into the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry with a masterpiece in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series. He became the first pitcher in postseason history to throw at least eight scoreless innings with at least 12 strikeouts without permitting a walk — all while vaulting the Bombers into the ALDS.
18) Agustín Ramírez, C, MIA: Ramírez rewrote the Marlins’ franchise record books with a powerful rookie season. He launched 21 home runs with 55 extra-base hits and swiped 16 bases, becoming the first rookie in Miami history to reach 30-plus doubles, 20-plus homers and 10-plus steals in a single season. And the power was on display right away. Ramírez needed just 79 games to reach 15 career home runs, making him the second-fastest Marlins player to reach that mark in their first Major League season, behind Giancarlo Stanton.
19) Carlos Narváez, C, BOS: Though Narváez entered the season as Boston’s backup catcher, he quickly seized the starting job thanks to a legitimate two-way impact. He excelled defensively, posting a +12 Fielding Run Value that ranked in the 96th percentile of MLB. By that Statcast metric, Narváez was the third-best defensive catcher in baseball, behind Patrick Bailey and Alejandro Kirk. Narváez also showed plus pull-side power, launching 15 home runs as a league-average bat (100 OPS+).
20) Nolan McLean, SP, NYM: McLean, New York’s top-ranked pitching prospect, did not make his MLB debut until Aug. 16. But the righty was well worth the wait. He arrived in Queens at a tenuous time, inserted into a reeling rotation as the Mets tried to stave off a second-half collapse. McLean certainly did his part to try to help turn the team around: He pitched to a 2.06 ERA and posted a 10.7 K/9 ratio in eight dynamic starts, with an uncanny ability to spin the baseball.
21) Kyle Teel, C, CWS: The centerpiece of Chicago’s return package for Garrett Crochet, Teel looked the part after debuting in early June. His 121 OPS+ was sixth highest among primary catchers (defined as players with at least 50% of their games at catcher) to take at least 250 plate appearances. The No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Teel finished the year with a .273/.375/.411 slash line.
22) Chase Burns, SP, CIN: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, Burns took the fast track to the Majors. In 13 games, he pitched to a 4.57 ERA, but that number doesn’t quite tell the full story. Thanks in part to a four-seam fastball that averaged 98.7 mph, Burns recorded strikeouts aplenty. His 13.9 K/9 ratio was third highest among pitchers to throw at least 40 innings. At one point, he became the second Reds pitcher in the last 125 years to notch 10+ strikeouts in three straight starts.
23) Chandler Simpson, OF, TB: Simpson arrived in the Majors with a reputation for speed, fresh off the first 100-stolen base season in the Minors since 2012. He sure wreaked havoc on the bases for Tampa Bay, too. His 44 steals were tied for the second most in MLB, while his sprint speed graded out in the 97th percentile. He held his own at the plate, too, posting a .295 batting average in 441 plate appearances thanks to excellent bat-to-ball skills, including a 9.8% strikeout rate.
24) Jacob Lopez, SP, ATH: When the A’s acquired Jeffrey Springs from the Rays in December 2024, they also netted Lopez, a former 26th-round pick with eight career appearances in the Majors. As it turned out, Lopez emerged as a rotation mainstay, posting a 4.08 ERA in 21 games (17 starts). The funky left-hander doesn’t throw hard (his fastball averaged just 90.7 mph), and yet he racked up 113 strikeouts in 92 2/3 innings. His 28.3% strikeout rate ranked in the 85th percentile of MLB.
25) Roki Sasaki, SP/RP, LAD: Sasaki’s evolution into a lockdown closer in October was one of the best storylines from the 2025 season. The Japanese phenom struggled in his first taste of the Majors, pitching to a 4.72 ERA before spending four months on the IL with a shoulder injury. But in September, Sasaki overhauled his mechanics, regained velocity and returned to the Dodgers as a reliever — and an entirely different player. He became the team’s go-to high-leverage option in the postseason, when he allowed just one run in 10 2/3 innings and helped lead L.A. to a World Series title.
Are Cubs, Bellinger moving towards reunion?
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported earlier in the week that while it seemed likely Bellinger would stay in New York — either as a Yankee or with the Mets — the Cubs, Dodgers and Giants were all still engaged with the veteran outfielder.
It was the Cubs’ involvement that came up again on Sunday, as Heyman noted that the club had checked in not only with Bellinger but also Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, among others. Later in the evening, Joel Sherman wrote in the New York Post that the Yankees had made Bellinger a second contract offer.
Although nothing is close, it’s fair to ask whether that offer signaled a coming end run. Sherman’s report came hours after Chris Kirschner and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) reported the Yankees have been engaged in trade talks with the Brewers and Marlins for Freddy Peralta and Edward Cabrera, respectively, the first substantial rumor coming out of the Bronx in several weeks.
Despite Kyle Tucker being the cream of this year’s crop of free-agent outfielders, Bellinger has so far been the most coveted; in addition to being the more affordable alternative, he’s still just 30 years old heading into his 10th Major League season and has clearly turned a corner after the extreme dip in production that marked the end of his time with the Dodgers from 2020-22. In the last three seasons with the Cubs (2023-24) and Yankees (’25), Bellinger has averaged 24 home runs and 91 RBIs per season, slashing a combined .281/.338/.477 with a 125 OPS+. The holdup on Bellinger is also likely at least in part responsible for the lack of movement on Tucker, given the implications Bellinger’s market value would have on Tucker’s.
Little information has been forthcoming about Bellinger’s negotiations with the Cubs — or any other club, for that matter. That said, given Chicago’s reported interest in several other free agents, the question is whether the club likely to let Tucker walk is willing to add more than one long-term deal to its books.
Ranking MLB players to change teams 2025-26 offseason
But there have been a number of difference makers who already have switched addresses since the Hot Stove was first lit. Below is a look at the top 18 players who will be wearing a different uniform to start 2026 than they did to end ‘25. These rankings are based solely on expected 2026 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), per FanGraphs’ Steamer projections, as of Jan. 4.
Note: This doesn’t count players who re-signed with the same team, such as Kyle Schwarber with the Phillies, Josh Naylor with the Mariners or Michael King with the Padres. Nor does it count players who did not appear in the Majors in 2025, namely players arriving from foreign leagues, such as Munetaka Murakami with the White Sox or Cody Ponce with the Blue Jays.
It’s also worth noting that, because relievers tend not to stack up well on a WAR basis, none make this list, even though many notable bullpen arms have changed teams, including Edwin Díaz (Mets to Dodgers), Robert Suarez (Padres to Braves), Devin Williams (Yankees to Mets), Kenley Jansen (Angels to Tigers), Tyler Rogers (Mets to Blue Jays), Matt Strahm (Phillies to Royals), Luke Weaver (Yankees to Mets), Brad Keller (Cubs to Phillies) and Ryan Helsley (Mets to Orioles).
Perhaps it’s surprising to see a 36-year-old pitcher who posted a 4.28 ERA in 2025 atop this list. But more advanced metrics, such as FIP and expected ERA, were higher on Gray’s 2025 performance. The right-hander still misses bats, racks up strikeouts and limits walks, and he was a much-needed trade acquisition for the Red Sox, who can slide him into the No. 2 spot in their rotation behind Garrett Crochet. Steamer sees Gray providing Boston with a 3.68 ERA and 190 strikeouts in 181 innings pitched in 2026.
After five consecutive 200-strikeout seasons, Cease is projected to have 216 K’s in his first season with the Blue Jays. That would rank third in the American League, behind only Tarik Skubal (242) and Crochet (239). His 3.60 projected ERA is also much more in line with his 2025 xERA (3.46) than his inflated 4.55 ERA. Cease is the centerpiece of what has been a busy offseason of additions for the Blue Jays, who have also added pitchers Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers on three-year deals in free agency.
Semien has amassed at least 2.0 fWAR in each of the past seven full seasons, thanks in large part to his defense. His bat is expected to rebound after a .669 OPS in 2025 — Steamer projects Semien for a .241/.314/.400 slash line — but his glove will be a large part of his value. Semien is also projected for 22 home runs, which would be a welcome return to form after he hit just 15 last season.
Alonso has hit at least 34 home runs in each of the past five seasons, and Steamer projects him to keep up his power hitting with 35 dingers in 2026 — third most in the AL behind Aaron Judge (43) and Cal Raleigh (38). Alonso has the highest projected slugging percentage of any Orioles batter at .493, just beating out Gunnar Henderson’s .488 mark, and he’s projected to drive in 101 runs from the heart of Baltimore’s talented lineup.
Nimmo averaged 3.7 fWAR per season from 2021-25, cementing himself as a highly productive player thanks in large part to his ability to get on base. In his first year with the Rangers after being traded for Semien, he is projected for a .256/.336/.428 slash line. Nimmo’s 2.6 WAR projection is the third highest among Rangers position players, trailing only Corey Seager (3.9) and Wyatt Langford (3.4).
Kelly returned to Arizona on a two-year, $40 million contract after a 2025 Trade Deadline deal sent him to Texas. With Zac Gallen still a free agent, Kelly is the D-backs’ top projected pitcher in 2026, well ahead of Brandon Pfaadt (1.9 projected WAR). Steamer projects Kelly to pitch a team-high 185 innings with a 4.15 ERA, which would be his highest ERA since 2021 (4.44).
Rodriguez hasn’t pitched since July 31, 2024, when an elbow injury knocked him out for the season and lingered all the way through 2025. Steamer projects him to throw just 129 innings for his new club — which would be a career high for the right-hander — but Rodriguez’s projected 3.86 ERA would be the second best among Angels starting pitchers, behind only José Soriano (3.66).
Right below Rodriguez on this list is the man he was traded for. Ward set new career highs in 2025 with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs, but Steamer expects his numbers to come back down (to 24 homers and 75 RBIs) in 2026. Ward is projected for a .244/.328/.437 batting line and a 115 wRC+ that would tie Adley Rutschman for fourth highest on the Orioles. Between him and Alonso, Baltimore has added considerable right-handed power ahead of 2026.
The Orioles paid a premium to acquire Baz, landing the righty in exchange for four prospects and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round A Draft pick. Last season, Baz appeared to put a lengthy injury history behind him, making 31 starts and pitching to a 4.87 ERA. Steamer sees himself building off that success in 2026, projecting Baz for 29 starts and a 4.27 ERA. Only Trevor Rogers is projected to throw more innings than Baz (168 1/3) on the O’s staff.
Lowe figures to boost a Pirates’ lineup that struggled to score runs last season. Steamer expects the 31-year-old to take a bit of a step backwards in 2026, projecting Lowe to hit 22 home runs with a 106 wRC+ – compared to the 31-homer season he posted with the Rays in ‘25. Still, Lowe’s bat should stand out in Pittsburgh: He’s projected to hit more home runs and have a higher slugging percentage (.442) than every other Pirate.
A resurgent 2025 season saw Polanco produce 2.6 fWAR, his highest mark since reaching the 4-fWAR threshold in 2021. He set a new single-season career high with a 132 wRC+, smashing 26 home runs and drastically cutting his strikeout rate. Steamer forecasts Polanco to post a 116 wRC+ next season, the fourth-highest projected wRC+ among Mets hitters.
McNeil was one of many longtime Mets that found new homes this offseason. The veteran had something of a resurgent 2025 season, posting his best OPS (.746) since 2022 while walking at a career-best 10.6 percent clip. He also flashed a new ability to handle center-field duties (34 games) in addition to time at second base, both corner outfield positions and even a few games at first base.
Matz had an excellent 2025 season as a full-time reliever for the first time, posting a 3.05 ERA and 1.1 WAR across 76 2/3 innings. That experiment in the bullpen might be short-lived, however, as the Rays signed him to a two-year deal and could plug him into the rotation, especially after the Baz trade.
Included in the three-team trade that sent Lowe to the Pirates, Burrows found his way to an Astros rotation seeking a young and talented cost-controlled starter. Burrows was quite good in his first full MLB season with the Pirates in 2025, posting a 3.94 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 96 innings. The 26-year-old figures to play a big role for Houston in 2026 as the Astros try to return to the playoffs.
Contreras has cleared the 2.5-fWAR threshold for five consecutive seasons, including all three years that he spent in St. Louis. That’s partially because of his injury history: Contreras has spent time on the injured list in each of the past five seasons. Still, it’s easy to see the upside here, especially with Contreras playing 135 games last season, his most since 2018. Steamer also projects him to lead the Red Sox with 19 home runs.
From a health perspective, May’s 2025 season was a rousing success, as he tossed a career high 132 1/3 innings (he had never thrown more than 56 innings in a season). May, however, struggled to the tune of a 4.96 ERA and 5.20 expected ERA, which largely stemmed from poor performance on his fastballs — hitters slugged .515 against May’s heaters. Still just 28 years old, May is young enough that he could still put it all together.
Soroka posted a 4.52 ERA in 89 2/3 innings in 2025 with the Nationals and Cubs, the most innings he’d thrown in a season since 2019 (174 2/3 innings). After looking like a potential relief option, Soroka mostly pitched in the rotation in ‘25 and is expected to do so again with the D-backs in 2026.
Injuries limited Mahle to just 16 starts and 86 2/3 innings in 2025 but the right-hander was excellent when he was available. Among pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched, Mahle’s 2.18 ERA ranked fourth, only trailing his teammate Nathan Eovaldi, Trevor Rogers and Paul Skenes. The 31-year-old will look to continue his success in a larger sample with the Giants in 2026.
Honorable mentions: OF Cedric Mullins (Mets to Rays, 1.2 WAR), RP Edwin Díaz (Mets to Dodgers, 1.1 WAR), 1B Josh Bell (Nationals to Twins, 1.1 WAR), C Danny Jansen (Brewers to Rangers, 1.1 WAR), SP Adrian Houser (Rays to Giants, 1.1 WAR), 2B Vaughn Grissom (Red Sox to Angels, 1.1 WAR), 1B Ryan O’Hearn (Padres to Pirates, 1.0 WAR)
Where to watch Texans-Colts NFL game today free livestream
The Houston Texans play against the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL game today. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. CT on CBS. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, Fubo TV offers a first-month discount to new users.
The Texans enter this matchup with an 11-5 record, and they have won eight consecutive games. In their most recent game, the Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16.
In order to win today’s game, the Texans will need to rely on their star quarterback C.J. Stroud. He has thrown for 18 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards this season, which highlights his arm talent.
The Colts enter this matchup with an 8-8 record, and they have lost six consecutive games. In their last game, the Colts lost 23-17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In order to bounce back today, the Colts will need a great performance from their star running back Jonathan Taylor. He has rushed for 18 touchdowns and nearly 1,600 yards this year.
Fans can watch this NFL game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, Fubo TV offers a first-month discount to new users.
NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Giants Duo After Sideline Scuffle vs. Raiders
Despite picking up a massive win against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17, the New York Giants weren’t in a celebratory mood. The league took four of the players under scrutiny, announcing specific fines for each of them.
One of those troubles came following an outrageous act involving Rico Payton and Andru Phillips. The team was quick enough to take all appropriate steps to avoid drawing attention to the act, but the league has decided to punish it with a notable fine.
Rico Payton and Dru Phillips were at the center of the NFL’s disciplinary action against the New York Giants following their 34-10 win over the Raiders. Payton was fined twice on the same play, receiving two $5,333 fines for unnecessary roughness. The penalties were for a late hit and for striking or kneeing Raiders wide receiver Chigozie Anusiem. The total fine amounted to $10,666, making Payton the most heavily fined Giant from the game.
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Phillips, on the other hand, was fined $7,293 for a late hit that was also ruled unnecessary roughness. His penalty came during one of the game’s more physical moments and added to concerns about discipline on the Giants’ defense. However, this wasn’t just the end of it, as the penalty decisions covered other team members as well.
This was one of the Giants’ high-scoring games, with the team scoring in every quarter. The Raiders defense couldn’t handle the Giants’ offense. The 34-10 loss marked the 14th loss of the season for the Raiders. While a win on the field, the Giants continued to lose more money in fines after the game.
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The remaining fines were handed to Raheem Layne, who was fined $5,722 for unnecessary roughness involving helmet use, and rookie Tyler Nubin, who received a $10,324 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct related to illegal celebrations and vulgar acts. This extends the overall fine amount to more than $34,000, and the total penalty count for the team now stands at 121. They are also ranked at number 7th for committing 14 penalties in a single game, during a showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.
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Interim coach Mike Kafka addresses the disappointment following his first win
The recent victory over the Las Vegas Raiders gave a slight rise to the Giants’ struggling win-loss record this season. The Week 17 game marked the third win for the Giants during the regular season. While their last lucky moment was recorded back in October (34-17 against the Eagles), the team had to bid farewell to their head coach, Brian Daboll, and has not yet appointed anyone else. While Mike Kafka took the position as the team’s interim coach, he made an instant change to Daboll’s strategy. He had moved the Special Teams meetings to early mornings, which was welcomed by the roster. Now, following the Week 17 win, Kafka addressed the penalties and shared his thoughts on the fines.
“The things we were playing for were each other,” Kafka told reporters following the game. “You get into a football locker room, it’s a family. Sometimes you have to go through ups and downs, but you keep plugging away, keep on putting in the hard work, and then you’ll get the result that you want.”
The Giants have failed to secure a playoff spot this year, and adding salt to their wounds, the 2025 season turned out to be one of the worst in the Giants’ team history. At week 11, with the Giants having a 2-8 record, head coach Brian Daboll was fired. It wasn’t just the losses, but the team made it a practice not capitalize on their leads, and showed no real progress. His overall Giants record was 20–40–1, one of the worst marks in franchise history.
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Do you think Kafka could be a perfect permanent head coach for the Giants?
4 trends to watch vs. New York Jets
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Giants vs. Cowboys prediction: NFL Week 18 picks, odds, best bets
Remember when the Giants and Cowboys met to start the season?
The Cowboys were on a mission to prove that they could bury teams under an avalanche of touchdowns and win despite trading their best defensive player. The Giants, for a brief moment, thought they were seeing the late stage revival of a once great quarterback unfolding before their eyes.
It was a much more hopeful time for both teams, but reality swiftly brought them both back to earth. There were brief moments throughout the rest of the season where both sides convinced themselves there was a chance for something more.
Yet here we are entering the final week of the NFL season and neither team has much of anything to play for except pride.
The Giants close out their campaign at home as 3.5-point underdogs to the visiting Cowboys and face the prospect of ending the season with the same record as last season’s team. With a loss, the Cowboys would have the same number of wins as they did in the previous season.
The word incentive becomes very buzzy every year during Week 18 of the season, but mostly around players looking to hit their contract bonuses.
But I think there are some on-field incentives at play this weekend as well and Jaxson Dart is a prime example of a player who can benefit from this otherwise meaningless game.
Dart’s success was not linear and while it’s clear he has the physical abilities to be a good quarterback in the NFL, that didn’t lead to enough wins for the Giants avoid being in the same spot they were last season.
Playing well against the Cowboys’ lowly defense in the final week of the season won’t prove or disprove anything about his growth. Still, it would give the young quarterback something positive to reflect on as the offseason begins, with so many other questions around the team still unanswered.
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I think we’ll see a motivated Dart looking to close out the season with an impressive performance and I’m eyeing his passing prop in Sunday’s matchup. His passing yards prop is listed at 206.5 yards, a number the Cowboys defense has allowed in 12 of 16 games this season.
I expect Dart to roll Sunday and enter the offseason as the one silver lining for Big Blue.
The Pick: Jaxson Dart Over 206.5 passing yards (-110, bet365)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Malik Smith has been immersed in the sports betting industry since 2017. He’s a data nerd with a particular focus on the NBA and combat sports. He spends his weeknights in the winter looking for edges on plus-money NBA player props.
How to watch, time, TV schedule, stream
The New York Jets will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at Highmark Stadium.
The game will be broadcast on CBS and can be streamed on NFL+.
Entering the game, the Buffalo Bills have a record of 11-5, while the New York Jets are 3-13.
Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season continues with the New York Jets traveling to Highmark Stadium to take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Here’s what you need to know about how to watch the Bills vs. the Jets, today’s matchup, the NFL Week 18 schedule, TV lineup and more.
What time does Buffalo Bills-New York Jets game start today, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026? When is Jets-Bills NFL football game tonight?
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills will play at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Watch Jets-Bills NFL Week 18 action with Fubo
What channel is New York Jets vs Buffalo Bills game on TV today, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026? How to watch NFL Week 18 football game tonight live
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills will air on CBS at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Watch the NFL on Fubo with a free trial
How to stream Bills vs Jets NFL football game today, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Where to watch Jets-Bills Week 18 game tonight
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills will stream on NFL+ at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Fans can download NFL+ in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
Watch Bills vs Jets with a Fubo free trial
2025 Buffalo Bills schedule
2025 Buffalo Bills record
Buffalo Bills: 11-5
2025 New York Jets schedule
2025 New York Jets record
New York Jets: 3-13
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2025 NFL team schedules: Complete team-by-team NFL schedule of games
AFC East: Buffalo Bills − Schedule | Miami Dolphins − Schedule | New England Patriots − Schedule | New York Jets − Schedule
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens − Schedule | Cincinnati Bengals − Schedule | Cleveland Browns − Schedule | Pittsburgh Steelers − Schedule
AFC South: Houston Texans − Schedule | Indianapolis Colts − Schedule | Jacksonville Jaguars − Schedule | Tennessee Titans − Schedule
AFC West: Denver Broncos − Schedule | Kansas City Chiefs − Schedule | Los Angeles Chargers − Schedule | Las Vegas Raiders − Schedule
NFC East: Dallas Cowboys − Schedule | New York Giants − Schedule | Philadelphia Eagles − Schedule | Washington Commanders − Schedule
NFC North: Chicago Bears − Schedule | Detroit Lions − Schedule | Green Bay Packers − Schedule | Minnesota Vikings − Schedule
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons − Schedule | Carolina Panthers − Schedule | New Orleans Saints − Schedule | Tampa Bay Buccaneers − Schedule
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals − Schedule | Los Angeles Rams − Schedule | San Francisco 49ers − Schedule | Seattle Seahawks − Schedule
Complete 2025 NFL regular season TV schedule: every team’s NFL games, full channel lineup
What channels are NFL games on today? How to watch NFL Week 18 Sunday
There are 14 games on the NFL Week 18 schedule on Sunday, Jan. 4, with several pivotal matchups.
There are six games in the early NFL game window, including the Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants.
There are seven games in the late window, including the Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots.
The day concludes with the Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football.
Here’s what you need to know about how to watch the NFL Week 18 games on Sunday, Jan. 4, including times, TV channels and streaming information for the Week 18 NFL schedule today.
NFL Week 18 picks: Panthers at Buccaneers | Seahawks at 49ers | Saints at Falcons | Browns at Bengals | Colts at Texans | Titans at Jaguars | Packers at Vikings | Cowboys at Giants | Jets at Bills | Lions at Bears | Chargers at Broncos | Cardinals at Rams | Chiefs at Raiders | Dolphins at Patriots | Commanders at Eagles | Ravens at Steelers | The Republic’s score predictions
Watch Sunday’s NFL games on FUBO (free trial)
NFL Week 18 schedule: Sunday game times
The early games all start at 11 a.m. MST (1 p.m. ET).
The late games all start at 2:25 p.m. MST (4:25 p.m. ET).
The Sunday Night Football game starts at 6:20 p.m. MST (8:20 p.m. ET).
NFL Week 18 schedule: Sunday TV channels
The NFL Week 18 football games can be seen on CBS, FOX or NBC.
NFL Week 18 schedule: Sunday streaming
NFL games on FOX, CBS and NBC can be streamed on FUBO TV, which offers a free trial, and other streaming services that carry those stations like Paramount+ (CBS), Peacock (NBC) and Sling (FOX).
NFL Week 18 schedule: Time, TV channel for each game Sunday (MST)
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills, 2:25 p.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears, 2:25 p.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos, 2:25 p.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams, 2:25 p.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders, 2:25 p.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots, 2:25 p.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles, 2:25 p.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, 6:20 p.m., NBC (stream with Peacock)
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Wisconsin Badgers star returning to NFL action after hospitalization for collapsed lung
A scary medical situation for a former Wisconsin Badgers star has finally reached a positive conclusion as he returns to the field for his NFL team in a playoff push.
It’s been almost a month since T.J. Watt was first hospitalized for a collapsed lung that occurred as an apparent fluke with a dry-needling treatment he was receiving.
The process is similar to acupuncture, and a mishap led to the lung discomfort that required a trip to the hospital.
Watt has missed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ last three games as a result, but he is ready to return to action Sunday night for their season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
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Watt had otherwise been a consistently durable player dating back to his breakout 2016 season with the Badgers that led him to become a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
He had been using dry needling as an ongoing treatment method without any incident, but he’s going to take a break from it after the hospitalization incident.
Scenarios, bracket, NFL schedule, games today
The stakes are high in several matchups during the final week of the NFL regular season.
That’s not the case for the Green Bay Packers in their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers’ playoff seed is already set, while the Vikings have been eliminated from postseason contention.
But the Packers’ playoff opponent still has to be determined (a matchup against the Bears is very likely) and the NFL playoff bracket still has to be finalized. All of that provides more than enough intrigue for Packers fans.
Here’s what to know about the Packers’ playoff seed, the NFC playoff picture and bracket before the games kick off on Sunday, Jan. 4:
Are the Packers in the playoffs?
The Packers are in the playoffs and their seed cannot change from the outcome of their game today against the Vikings.
The Packers are the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs for a third straight year.
As the final seed, all of the Packers’ postseason games will be on the road.
Packers playoff scenarios: Who will the Packers play in the playoffs?
The Packers will play the No. 2 seed in the first round of the playoffs as part of the wild-card games.
That will be either the Chicago Bears (11-5) or Philadelphia Eagles (11-5).
The Bears, champions of the NFC North, control their path to the No. 2 seed. The Bears will be the No. 2 seed with a win on Sunday over the Detroit Lions or an Eagles loss to the Washington Commanders.
The Eagles need a win over the Commanders and a Bears loss to get the second seed.
The Bears hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Eagles so that’s why if the teams finish with the same record Chicago gets the No. 2 seed.
If the Packers win their wild-card round game, they already know their next opponent. The Packers would face the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. The Seahawks secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye with their win over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.
Packers playoff picture: NFC playoff standings
Here are the NFC standings heading into the final day of the regular season:
Seattle Seahawks: 14-3 (NFC West champion, clinched No. 1 seed)
Chicago Bears: 11-5 (NFC North champion, clinched playoff berth)
Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5 (NFC East champion, clinched playoff berth)
Carolina Panthers (8-9)/Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9): Panthers will be the No. 4 seed if the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday; Bucs will be the No. 4 seed if the Saints beat the Falcons.
San Francisco 49ers: 12-5 (first wild-card team, clinched playoff berth; will drop to the sixth seed if the Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday)
Los Angeles Rams: 11-5 (second wild-card team, clinched playoff berth; will move up to the fifth seed with a win over the Cardinals)
Green Bay Packers: 9-6-1 (third wild-card team, clinched playoff berth; will be the seventh seed)
Eliminated: Minnesota Vikings 8-8, Detroit Lions 8-8, Dallas Cowboys 7-8-1, Atlanta Falcons 7-9, New Orleans Saints 6-10, Washington Commanders 4-12, Arizona Cardinals 3-13, New York Giants 3-13
Stream the Packers-Vikings on Fubo
NFL playoff bracket
Ahead of the Sunday games, here’s what the NFL playoff bracket looks like:
San Francisco 49ers (5) at Carolina Panthers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4)
Los Angeles Rams (6) at Philadelphia Eagles (3)
Green Bay Packers (7) at Chicago Bears (2)
First-round Bye: Seattle Seahawks
AFC
Houston Texans (5) at Pittsburgh Steelers/ Baltimore Ravens (4)
Los Angeles Chargers (6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3)
Buffalo Bills (7) at New England Patriots (2)
First-round Bye: Denver Broncos
When are the NFL playoffs?
The NFL playoffs begin with three games in each conference for the wild-card round.
The wild-card round will be played Jan. 10-12 with two games on Saturday, Jan. 10, three on Sunday, Jan. 11, and one on Monday, Jan. 12.
NFL games today, Week 18 schedule
Playoff positioning, draft positioning and a winner-take-all game (Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh) in what could be the final game of Aaron Rodgers’ career. The final week of the NFL season is full of drama.
Here’s the schedule for Week 18:
Sunday, Jan. 4
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, noon, Fox
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals, noon, CBS
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings, noon, CBS
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants, noon, Fox
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, noon, Fox
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans, noon, CBS
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills, 3:25 p.m., CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears, 3:25 p.m., Fox
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos, 3:25 p.m., CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 3:25 p.m., CBS
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams, 3:25 p.m., Fox
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots, 3:25 p.m., Fox
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 3:25 p.m., CBS
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 7:20 p.m., NBC
Saturday, Jan. 3 scores
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16, Carolina Panthers 14
Expert Predictions: Will Detroit Lions Defeat Chicago Bears?
The Detroit Lions (8-8) will take on the Chicago Bears (11-5) in their regular season finale Sunday afternoon. Kickoff for the Week 18 tilt is set for 4:25 p.m. (EST).
Dan Campbell’s squad will look to play spoiler against the NFC North champion Bears, which will clinch the No. 2 in the NFC for the postseason with a win.
Here are the predictions from the Detroit Lions On SI staff for the Lions’ final game of the 2025 campaign.
Christian Booher
The Detroit Lions are nearing the end of the 2025 season, and Sunday will be the final time this edition of the team plays together.
It’s a low stakes matchup with the Chicago Bears, with the Lions playing for pride and the Bears trying to earn the NFC’s No. 2 seed. The Lions will be without Penei Sewell and Alex Anzalone, while the Bears plan to play their starters.
Detroit really struggled against Minnesota, and Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen could follow Brian Flores’ gameplan.
I think the Lions will be motivated enough to compete with one of the hottest teams at this stage of the season, but Chicago is humming offensively right now and the Lions’ defense has not been playing well enough recently to inspire confidence. Detroit fights valiantly, but ultimately comes up short to end a disappointing season.
Bears 30, Lions 20
Vito Chirco
The Lions, having already been eliminated from postseason contention, enter Week 18 playing for nothing but their pride.
Meanwhile, the Bears, this season’s NFC North champs, do still have something to play for. With a win, Ben Johnson’s squad would clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the playoffs.
Chicago also has a bit of extra motivation on its side, having been blown out by Detroit in Week 2, 52-21.
Using that to their advantage, I believe Caleb Williams & Co. will end the regular season on a positive note, beating the Lions in rather convincing fashion.
Bears 31, Lions 17
John Maakaron
The Detroit Lions want to finish the 2025 season with a victory, but injuries have finally taken too much of a toll on Dan Campbell’s squad.
In the season finale, the team will be without Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill and Alex Anzalone.
Chicago has the opportunity to finish the regular season on a high note, avenging an earlier-season blowout loss to the Lions.
Detroit will likely try to pull out all the stops in a meaningless game, but will come up short.
Ben Johnson’s squad should be able to run the football effectively and will take advantage of a struggling Lions offensive line.
The hope is no more Lions players get hurt in a meaningless game and the team improves its overall draft position.
Bears 31, Lions 21
Emmett Matasovsky
Detroit plays in its final game of the 2025 season, looking to build momentum for the offseason. Unlike last season, where Detroit’s “nothing to play for” was due to its 14-2 record at the time, the Lions at this point are completely eliminated from the playoffs.
Penei Sewell is missing his first career game, Alim McNeill is out, Alex Anzalone is out for what might be his final game representing Motown and the feeling is of deflation. This is a stark contrast to earlier in the season, when Detroit hosted Ben Johnson and the Bears.
Now, going into the last game of the season, Detroit is a shell of the once proud team that had all the swagger a mere 13 weeks ago. It is hard to see things going right.
Meanwhile, Chicago lost to the 49ers in its last outing, but still has control of the division. Rome Odunze decimated the Lions last time out, and he is questionable to play after missing four games. Luther Burden and Colston Loveland each have come on strong recently to end their first NFL seasons.
Detroit will put up a fight, but it is hard to see the Lions getting a season sweep of the Windy City’s NFL franchise. The Lions will finish 1-5 in division play.
Jahmyr Gibbs surpasses 75 rush yards, Amon-Ra St. Brown catches another touchdown and Isaac TeSlaa has a strong outing. However, Chicago beats Detroit to secure more momentum leading into its playoff run.
Bears 27, Lions 17
More from Detroit Lions OnSI
Cowboys vs Giants, NFL Week 18: Start time, live stream, TV channel
The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for their Week 18 game, as they will go up against the New York Giants in an NFC East showdown.
New York enters this game with a record of 3-13 overall and 2-5 at home. The Cowboys are 7-8-1, with a record of 3-5 on the road. Both teams are set for big changes in the offseason, with New York needing a new coach while the Cowboys are expected to replace defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
MORE: Cowboys activate fan-favorite running back for Week 18 finale vs Giants
Each franchise is also hoping to end the season on a high note, which begins with a win to close out the year. With the stage set, let’s check out all the info needed to watch the game.
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants TV & viewing info
Dallas is favored to win in this one, but the spread is just over a field goal. That makes sense considering the Cowboys needed overtime to knock off the Giants in Week 2.
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Rutherford, NJ
Venue: MetLife Stadium
TV Channel: FOX
Betting Odds: Cowboys -3.5 | O/U: 49.5
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
MORE: 3 bold predictions in Dallas Cowboys’ season finale vs. New York Giants
How To Live Stream Cowboys vs Giants Online
Your best bet for watching the game via streaming is through Fubo TV. Fubo has a full slate of games every Sunday afternoon on FOX & CBS and has all the big primetime matchups for Sunday Night Football via NBC and Monday Night Football via ESPN.
Fubo includes the NFL Network in every plan, which offers access to exclusive coverage of the NFL all year round, plus select games from the NFL International Series. Fubo users can add NFL RedZone from NFL Network for an additional cost to go around the league every Sunday afternoon to catch every touchdown. Fubo also includes a lineup of the top sports networks like ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports Network & more to get big headlines and expert analysis from TV’s most popular sports talk shows.
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Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants, Week 18 betting odds & preview
Cowboys’ latest Week 18 injury report shows key playmakers make progress
Cowboys add pass-rush specialist, cover corner in 4-round 2026 NFL mock draft
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Super Bowl champ urges Dak Prescott to sit out Cowboys’ season finale
How to Watch Islanders vs Maple Leafs: Live Stream NHL, TV Channel
The Toronto Maple Leafs (19-15-6, 44 points) have won two straight and four of five as they visit the New York Islanders (22-15-4, 48 points) at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Saturday night.
How to Watch New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs
When: Saturday, January 3, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: MSG Sportsnet, NHL Network
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Auston Matthews recorded a hat trick and added an assist as Toronto came back from a 4-1 deficit to beat the visiting Winnipeg Jets 6-5 on Thursday night. Matthews potted the game-winner with 4:22 remaining after Troy Stetcher tied the game at the 13:13 mark of the third period. Oliver Ekman-Larsson added a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs, and Matias Maccelli also scored.
The Islanders added injury to insult in their 7-2 loss to the visiting Utah Mammoth on Thursday when Bo Horvat, who leads the team with 21 goals and 33 points, left the ice in the third period with an apparent lower-body injury. Calum Ritchie tied the game at 1-1 2:35 into the second period, but it was a 5-1 game by the time Matthew Schaefer converted a power-play opportunity with 8:12 remaining. David Rittich was chased from the net after allowing five goals on just 14 shots, leaving with 14:39 remaining.
Matthews leads the Maple Leafs with 18 goals, while John Tavares has 15. Leading scorer William Nylander, who has 41 points, has missed three straight games with a lower-body injury. Dennis Hildeby is 3-5-4 with a shutout in 15 games and 10 starts, posting a .912 save percentage and 2.90 goals against average. Emil Heineman has 12 goals for New York, with Schaefer, Mathew Barzal, and Anders Lee all recording 10. With Ilya Sorokin on injured reserve, Rittich is 10-5-2 with two shutouts in 17 starts to go with a .909 save percentage and 2.46 GAA.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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Barkey scores 1st NHL goal, Flyers defeat Oilers
Travis Sanheim and Owen Tippett each had a goal and an assist, and Bobby Brink and Nick Seeler scored for the Flyers (21-12-7), who ended their five-game road trip 3-2-0. Dan Vladar made 22 saves.
Connor McDavid pushed his point streak to 15 games with a goal and an assist for the Oilers (20-16-6). He has 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) during the span, the sixth time in his career he has reached a 15-game point streak.
Evan Bouchard scored for Edmonton, which has lost three of four. Calvin Pickard made 24 saves.
Barkey gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead at 7:16 of the first period, taking a centering pass into the slot from Tippett and lifting it over Pickard’s right shoulder.
Sanheim made it 2-0 at 10:31 after Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse attempted to clear a rebound from the crease. The puck went out to Sanheim, who scored from the right face-off circle.
Brink extended the lead to 3-0 at 14:38. Bouchard passed the puck out of his own zone looking for Zach Hyman, but Brink intercepted the pass, creating an odd-man rush that ended with Cam York banking a shot from the slot off of Brink.
McDavid made it 3-1 at 16:08, after Mattias Ekholm cut off a cross-ice pass by York at Edmonton’s blue line and sent the Oilers captain on a breakaway for a wrist shot that beat Vladar.
Bouchard got the Oilers to within 3-2 on the power play at 9:54 of the second period, taking a cross-ice pass by McDavid to the top of the right circle and one-timing a slap shot.
Seeler extended the lead to 4-2 at 9:09 of the third period with a wrist shot from above the left circle through traffic.
Tippett scored an empty-net goal with 1:10 remaining for the 5-2 final.
Denver Barkey scores first NHL goal, Flyers hold off Edmonton Oilers
EDMONTON, Alberta ― The Flyers kick-started 2026 with a bang.
In their first game of the new year, the Orange and Black handed the blue and orange Edmonton Oilers a 5-2 loss. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering the Flyers now are 13-1-5 after a loss.
The win helped the Flyers to close out a five-game road trip, which began in Chicago before the holiday break, with a 3-2-0 record. It was their fourth victory in their past six games.
All Bark
Denver Barkey has been waiting patiently for that first NHL goal, and it was worth the wait.
Barkey started the breakout from deep in the Flyers’ end when he pickpocketed Vasily Podkolzin along the end boards and then skated the puck up between the Russian winger and the net. He hit Sean Couturier on the right wing as the captain and Owen Tippett went two-on-two with the Oilers’ defensemen.
Couturier sent a leading pass to Tippett as the two crossed just before the Oilers’ blue line and carried the puck in. Meanwhile, Barkey was speeding down the center of the ice and heading toward the net. He got behind the defense and tapped the perfect pass from Tippett past former Flyers goalie Calvin Pickard.
Barkey’s first NHL goal comes in his seventh game, complementing the two assists he had in his debut. His first NHL goal also comes in the building in which Matvei Michkov scored his first two goals last season.
Building goal by goal
Barkey’s goal gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead for only the 13th time this season. It is the fewest in the NHL — which probably explains why the Flyers have the most wins when trailing, 1-0 (13-9-5).
But it was a lucky No. 13 for the Flyers, who won for the eighth time as they kept piling it on.
Travis Sanheim made it 2-0 after the Couturier line went to work again. After a Barkey pass to Tippett missed its mark, Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse got the bouncing puck and sent it up the boards. Podkolzin couldn’t control the puck, and it bounced out to Couturier above the circles.
Couturier put a shot on immediately that Pickard stopped before getting it again near the slot. The rebound went out to Sanheim, and the defenseman, who was named on New Year’s Eve to Canada’s squad for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, walked into the right circle and sent the wrister into the back of the net.
The goal is Sanheim’s fourth of the year and 18th point.
» READ MORE: Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim makes Canada’s Olympic roster for Milan
Bobby Brink then made it 3-0 with his 11th of the year, one shy of his career high set last season in 79 games.
Brink started the play when he intercepted a stretch pass by Evan Bouchard on the Flyers’ side of the neutral zone. He carried the puck into the Oilers’ end before dishing it over to Michkov along the right boards.
The sophomore winger took his time and hit Cam York as he skated down the middle. York waited as the Oilers put a double screen on their goalie before he shot the puck, which ended up going off the leg of Brink.
Bending but not breaking
Much like the Flyers, there is no quit in this Oilers team, which has gone to the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons.
Connor McDavid cut into the Flyers’ lead to extend his point streak to 15 games with a breakaway goal on goalie Dan Vladař in the first period. Sanheim carried the puck from Philly’s end into the Oilers zone and tried to send a cross-ice pass to Couturier; however, it was picked off by Edmonton defenseman Mattias Ekholm.
» READ MORE: Trevor Zegras is even better than the Flyers thought, and other things we know as the calendar flips
The Swede sent it up to McDavid, who skated in and notched his 25th of the season and 1,153rd point of his career in 754 games.
In the second period, Michkov was called for high-sticking Mattias Janmark as he carried the puck through the neutral zone. Not the best move when the Oilers entered the day with the NHL’s best power play at 33.3%. And just over a minute into the man advantage, Bouchard scored with a slapshot from the point.
But the Flyers did not wilt and kept the pressure on — especially in the third period. It was capped by a goal by Nick Seeler off a faceoff win by Rodrigo Ābols and an empty-netter by Tippett. The Flyers held the Oilers to six shots on goal in the final frame — all coming in the final 6 minutes, 24 seconds.
Breakaways
Defenseman Noah Juulsen and forwards Nic Deslauriers and Nikita Grebenkin were the healthy scratches. … Forward Garnet Hathaway returned to the lineup and dropped the gloves with Darnell Nurse in the first period. … The semifinals are set at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Jack Berglund and Sweden will face Heikki Ruohonen, Max Westergård, and Finland on Sunday (4:30 p.m., NHLN). In the other semi, Czechia goes up against Jett Luchanko, Porter Martone, and Canada (8:30 p.m., NHLN).
Up next
The Flyers return home to face Ryan Poehling, Cutter Gauthier, and the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday (7 p.m., NBCSP).
A Former NHL Player Hopes HBO’s Heated Rivalry Can Help Change Pro Hockey Culture
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Kucherov has 5 points, Lightning cruise past Sharks for 7th win in row
Kucherov extended his goal streak to five games (seven goals) and point streak to seven games (seven goals, 10 assists).
Brayden Point had a goal and an assist, and Brandon Hagel and Dominic James also scored for the Lightning (25-13-3), who won all three games on their California road trip. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves.
Pavol Regenda scored his first career hat trick, and Macklin Celebrini had an assist to extend his point streak to 10 games (seven goals, 13 assists) for the Sharks (20-18-3), who had won three in a row and six of nine (6-3-0). Yaroslav Askarov allowed three goals on ten shots before being replaced early in the first period by Alex Nedeljkovic, who stopped 12 of 16 shots in relief.
Point gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead at 2:37 of the first period. While on a 3-on-2, Point took a pass from the left wing from Max Crozier and beat Askaov by the blocker with a wrist shot.
Raddysh extended it to 2-0 at 4:08. Kucherov turned behind the net and found Raddysh at the top of the right circle, and his one-timer got through the arm of Askarov.
Hagel pushed it to 3-0 at 6:46. Jake Guentzel bumped a pass from the left wing to Hagel, driving the net, and his one-timer beat Askarov by the blocker. Nedeljkovic replaced Askarov following the goal.
Regenda cut it to 3-1 with a power play goal at 10:50. Timothy Liljegren’s shot from the point rebounded to Regenda in front, and he swept the puck in off both posts and over the goal line.
Raddysh scored his second goal on the power play to extend it to 4-1 at 2:49 of the second period. His one-timer from the point beat Nedeljkovic by the blocker.
James scored 1:06 later to make it 5-1. The puck bounced in front to James following a face-off, and he made a backhand move around Nedeljkovic’s left pad.
Regenda’s second goal cut it to 5-2 at 9:50. Jeff Skinner skated down the left wing and shot off Vasilevskiy’s left pad, and the rebound went right to Timothy Liljegren in front before the puck deflected off Regenda and in.
Kucherov scored a power-play goal at 14:08 to make it 6-2 when his wrist shot beat Nedeljkovic by the blocker after coming down from the right wing.
Raddysh completed the hat trick with a one-timer on the power play to push it to 7-2 at 16:53.
Regenda then scored his third goal at 16:11 of the third period for the 7-3 final, sweeping the puck through the five-hole of Vasilevskiy.
Matthews passes Sundin to become Maple Leafs’ all-time leading goal-scorer
Auston Matthews has become the leading goal scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs history.
The Maple Leafs captain passed Hall of Famer Mats Sundin with the 421st goal of his career in a Toronto uniform at 17:19 of the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Saturday.
Matthews set the mark on a one-timer from the right circle. Max Domi won a puck battle at the blue line, getting it to Bobby McMann, who then sent it cross-ice to a wide-open Matthews for his second goal of the night and 20th of the season.
Matthews tied Sundin with his 420th NHL goal, his 19th this season, at 9:30 of the second period. Toronto’s Jake McCabe knocked the puck free, and Matthews skated onto it at the blue line and broke in alone on David Rittich to tie the game 1-1.
The 28-year-old, selected by Toronto with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, accomplished the feat in 664 games. Sundin scored 420 goals in 981 games with Toronto from 1995-2008.
“I couldn’t think of anyone better to break my record,” Sundin told NHL.com Nov. 10.
“He’s represented the team and himself with class and has shown he’s a special player.”
Matthews is a three-time winner of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for scoring the most goals in an NHL season, accomplishing the feat in 2020-21 (41 goals), 2021-22 (60 goals) and 2023-24 (NHL career-high 69 goals).
In 2020-21 he became the first Maple Leafs player to lead the NHL in goals since Gaye Stewart scored 37 in 1945-46; and the first United States-born player to do it since Keith Tkachuk scored 52 for the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996-97.
His 69 goals in 2023-24 were the most by a Toronto player in a single season, a total matched or surpassed by only nine other players in NHL history.
“(Sundin) is awesome,” Matthews told NHL.com last month when told of Sundin’s support to break the record. “I mean, I think, just getting to know him, there’s a reason why people talk so highly about him. Just the kind of leader that he was and the kind of person that he was and is. And I think that’s great.
“I think you kind of look at what happened with Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin last year, Ovechkin breaking his all-time goal record and the classy way Gretzky reacted. I think records are meant to be broken. And I think it’s cool to witness that. You’re supposed to leave the game better than it was when you got there, and guys are supposed to be better, and the game’s supposed to grow. So I think that’s just a part of the game in general.”
Matthews was one of the first six players named to the United States team that will compete in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The remainder of the U.S. team was announced Friday.
Voted the winner of the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2021-22, Matthews has always been known for his shot and quick release, a skill that has earned him admiration from around the League.
“It’s the speed he gets it off with, and the velocity with which it goes,” Maple Leafs forward John Tavares said. “It’s special.
Nicolas Hague breaks tie with 28 seconds left, Predators beat Flames 4-3
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Nicolas Hague broke a tie with 28 seconds left, Erik Haula scored twice in a 1:33 span in his 800th NHL game and the Nashville Predators beat the Calgary Flames 4-3 on Saturday night.
The winner came on a slap shot from the blue line that deflected off Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar while he was battling in front with Cole Smith.
Michael Bunting had a goal and two assists for Nashville. Steven Stamkos added two assists, and Juuse Saros made 20 saves. The Predators improved to 19-18-4.
Yan Kuznetsov, Rasmus Andersson and Blake Coleman scored for the Flames, and Dustin Wolf stopped 32 shots. The Flames dropped to 18-19-4. They had won five in a row at home.
Nashville took a 3-2 lead at 4:08 of the second, capitalizing on a miscue by Wolf. Out of the net to play the puck along the end boards, he attempted to shoot the puck up the boards and it went right onto the tape of Bunting, who fired a shot into the vacated net.
Coleman tied it with 7:11 left in the third.
Up next
Predators: At Edmonton on Tuesday night to finish a stretch of seven straight on the road.
Flames: Host Seattle on Monday night to finish a five-game homestand.
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NHL On Tap: MacKinnon, Avalanche face Panthers seeking 11th win in row
There are five games on the NHL schedule for Sunday, including two nationally televised in Canada. Here are the five things to watch today, along with the complete game schedule.
Can’t stop, won’t stop
Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists on Saturday to help the Colorado Avalanche to their 10th straight win, 5-3 against the Carolina Hurricanes. The center leads the NHL with 74 points (35 goals, 39 assists). He passed the 400-goal mark on New Year’s Eve, the third player in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history to do so with Joe Sakic (625) and Michel Goulet (456). There could be more for MacKinnon when the Avalanche (31-2-7) play the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers (21-16-3) at Amerant Bank Arena on Sunday (5 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, ALT, SN). The Panthers are coming off a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic in Miami on Friday. Forward Matthew Tkachuk (adductor muscle, sports hernia) is getting closer to returning but defenseman Seth Jones’ status is unknown after he sustained an upper-body injury against the Rangers.
Crosby keeps rolling
It’s another point streak for Sidney Crosby, this time a six-game run that includes four goals and six assists as he and the Pittsburgh Penguins (19-12-9) get ready for the Columbus Blue Jackets (18-6-6) at Nationwide Arena on Sunday (3 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, SN-PIT, SNW, SN1). The 38-year-old captain has 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists) in 40 games to lead the Penguins, who have won four in a row. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets ended the Buffalo Sabres’ 10-game winning streak when they defeated them 5-1 at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. Defenseman Zach Werenski, who had missed the previous four games with a lower-body injury, had two assists and logged 23:12 of ice time in his return.
Stars search
The Dallas Stars (25-9-7) have been in good shape most of the season but they are 0-2-2 in their past four games. They look to get back on track when they host the Montreal Canadiens (22-13-6) at American Airlines Center on Sunday (2 p.m. ET; Victory+, TSN2, RDS). Mikko Rantanen hit 40 assists in 40 or fewer games for the second time in his career (also in 2018-19), becoming the second Finland-born player to do that more than once (Jari Kurri did it three times). The Canadiens, who were shut out 2-0 at the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, are trying to keep pace with the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning in the tight Atlantic Division race.
Looking for success again
It’s been a rough stretch for the Vegas Golden Knights (17-11-11), who have lost four in a row and seven of their past eight. They’ll see if their fortunes can turn when they play the Chicago Blackhawks (16-18-7) at United Center on Sunday (7 p.m. ET; CHSN, SCRIPPS, SN1, TVAS). The good news for Vegas is forward Jack Eichel, who had missed seven games with an undisclosed injury, returned in a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday. He and defenseman Noah Hanifin will represent the United States at Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in February. This is the second half of a back-to-back for the Blackhawks, who defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday.
Running with the Devils
The New Jersey Devils (22-17-2) went through a rough patch lately but they’re starting to turn things around. After defeating the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Saturday, the Devils have won two in a row entering their game against the Carolina Hurricanes (24-14-3) at Prudential Center on Sunday (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, MSGSN). Dougie Hamilton has 50 goals in his time with the Devils, tying Joe Cirella for fifth-most by a defenseman in their history (Scott Niedermayer has the most with 112). It’s the second half of a back-to-back for the Hurricanes, who lost 5-3 to the Avalanche on Saturday.
Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer: Sets NHL mark for teenage defenders
Schaefer scored two goals Saturday, including the game winner, in a 4-3 overtime victory over the Maple Leafs.
Schaefer became the first defenseman in NHL history to record two multigoal games as an 18-year-old. Yes, that means he’s done something that the great Bobby Orr, who debuted at 18 and won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year, never did. Schaefer scored the OT winner exactly like Auston Matthews scored earlier in the game to set a franchise record for goals. He blew down the right side and went wide around the defender before waiting out Joseph Woll and sliding the puck past him. The teenager is on a three-game, four-point streak (three goals, one assist), and he sits in a three-way tie for 16th overall in scoring from the blue line with 28 points. Remarkably, Schaefer sits in a tie for third overall among defenders in goals (12). There simply aren’t enough superlatives for this kid’s performance.
Flyers’ Denver Barkey: Deposits first NHL goal
Barkey scored a goal and went plus-2 in Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Oilers.
Barkey’s tally at 7:16 of the first period was his first NHL goal. He’s added two assists, nine shots on net, seven hits, seven blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over seven appearances since getting his first call-up from AHL Lehigh Valley on Dec. 19. Barkey’s been put in a position to succeed on the second line, and he’s also getting power-play time. The 20-year-old will be prone to ups and downs as all rookies are, but his future is promising as a middle-six staple who can chip in decent offense.
LA Galaxy Gets Worst Possible News on Riqui Puig Injury Ahead of 2026 MLS Season
LA Galaxy hoped to have its star Riqui Puig available for the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, but it has just received the worst possible news on the matter.
According to The Athletic, Puig, 26, will have to undergo another knee surgery, which puts his availability for the 2026 MLS season in doubt.
The Catalan midfielder already underwent surgery at the end of 2024 for an ACL injury suffered in that year’s Western Conference final vs. Seattle Sounders, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season, without participating in an official match with the Galaxy since November 2024.
Puig is the LA Galaxy’s best player, and his absence weighed heavily during the past season. In 2024, he registered 13 goals and 15 assists in 29 matches.
LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney Hoped to Have Riqui Puig in 2026
LA Galaxy initially hoped to have Puig available for the start of the 2026 MLS season. A couple of months ago, head coach Greg Vanney shared his expectations on the matter.
Inter Miami sign Argentine defender Facundo Mura on free transfer
Inter Miami on Saturday announced the signing of defender Facundo Mura, who joins the MLS Cup winners as a free agent on a contract through June 2029.
The right-back will be incorporated into the roster ahead of the 2026 season pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
– Messi, Miami to tour South America in preseason
Mura, 26, arrives after spending a significant time with Argentine team Racing Club, having previously featured for Estudiantes de La Plata and Club Atlético Colón. He recorded a total of 13 goals and 20 assists in 200 appearances across all competitions.
Internationally, Mura has represented Argentina’s youth teams by forming part of the 2020 CONMEBOL South American U20 Championship winning squad and competing at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland.
He stands as Inter Miami’s second defensive signing of the offseason, after left-back Sergio Reguilón joined the club on a two-year contract through December 2027.
The team’s roster will continue to evolve as the transfer window progresses ahead of the start of the 2026 season, which kicks off on Feb. 21 against LAFC.
Riqui Puig Injury Setback Pushes His Return to LA Galaxy to 2027
LA Galaxy confirmed that Riqui Puig underwent another surgery on his knee stemming from his ACL injury suffered in 2024, which kept him off the pitch for the entire 2025 Major League Soccer season.
The six-time MLS Cup-winning club confirmed that Puig, 26, is not expected to return until the 2027 season. A terrible loss for the Los Angeles team.
USC men’s basketball: 4 questions for the Big Ten Conference season
The No. 24 USC men’s basketball team has been handed just one loss in the first portion of this season despite dealing with injuries to Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice and Amarion Dickerson.
The Trojans went undefeated in nonconference play for the first time since the 2021-22 season while developing depth and bringing in a new point guard – and they could soon have a healthy Arenas.
They’ll resume Big Ten Conference play this week, which will start with a three-game road gauntlet against No. 2 Michigan, No. 9 Michigan State and Minnesota. Here are four questions about USC (12-1 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) to consider for the rest of conference play:
What will USC look like with Arenas healthy?
Arenas was spotted running sprints before games multiple times, and now he’s officially back at practice after recovering from a torn meniscus. Although he’s a true freshman, Arenas could provide an immediate impact with his length and scoring ability as a 6-foot-6 guard.
“Great passer,” head coach Eric Musselman said of Arenas after the Trojans’ victory over UC Santa Cruz on Dec. 21. “Willing passer, one-on-one player, can go get a shot whenever he wants. He’ll add 3-point shooting.”
Video posted to the USC Athletics YouTube channel shows Arenas moving laterally and making directional changes without any difficulty. He’s seen making passes to teammates as well as hitting baskets from long range.
Arenas, who was the No. 13 recruit in the 2025 class, scored 3,002 points in his three seasons at Chatsworth High. He’s untested at the college level, but playing alongside experienced, offensive-minded 6-7 guard Chad Baker-Mazara could be beneficial for the Trojans.
“We’re really long with him and Chad out there at the guard spot,” Musselman told reporters. “Like, we are long. Which is what we envisioned when we took this job. We wanted to have great length at the 1-2.”
Arenas’ return will come after the Trojans have lost Rice for the season due to shoulder surgery and Dickerson for about the next three months with a hip injury.
Can Kam Woods shake off the rust to become a major contributor?
USC added Robert Morris transfer Kam Woods to its roster at the end of the fall break, and he was able to get one game in with his new team. He didn’t score any points, but he made other valuable contributions.
The 6-2 point guard has the potential to move the ball at a fast pace for the Trojans while collecting rebounds. He had six rebounds, six assists and three steals in 22 minutes against UC Santa Cruz.
“Kam and Alijah changed the intensity, the talking, the communication,” Musselman said. “The sense of urgency changed immediately upon those two stepping on the floor. All of a sudden, guys were a little comfortable, a little cool.”
Woods’ appearance against Santa Cruz marked his first time playing in a game since March 21, when Robert Morris faced Alabama in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. With a few more games to get him in playing shape, Woods can make a difference.
How can the Trojans be competitive in the post?
Musselman has deployed 6-10 Jacob Cofie and 6-9 Ezra Ausar at power forward to battle in the post this season.
And 7-5 center Gabe Dynes isn’t out of the picture, either. He had a breakout game against UC Santa Cruz, scoring a season-high 16 points and recording four blocked shots in the win.
Big Ten teams have plenty of size and Dynes could match up well with opposing players.
“A lot of things to think about over the break,” Musselman said after the UC Santa Cruz win. “I thought he stepped up and played really well. I thought he rolled below the defenders and led us in scoring. It’s a huge step in the right direction.”
Who will be USC’s biggest scoring threat?
Baker-Mazara leads the team in scoring with 21 points per game and has made 83 of 92 (90.2%) free throws. He’s a fearless shooter who is unafraid to take shots as the clock winds down or when he’s out of position.
Ausar, however, has emerged to become one of the Trojans’ most efficient players on offense. The 6-9 senior forward is shooting 64% from the field while averaging 17.1 ppg. He’s also getting to the free-throw line more than any other players in the country with 115 attempts for an average of 8.8 tries per game.
“It’s just about being aggressive,” said Ausar, who is hitting free throws at a 66.1% clip. “The goal is to get at least 15 (attempts). I’m not perfect, but I’m never going to have a breakdown about it. There’s more days to stack.”
From George Foreman to Ryne Sandberg: Notable sports deaths of 2025
In 2025, we said goodbye to sports figures who cemented their names in history through titles, comebacks, leadership and legacy. From the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL and MLB to soccer’s global stage, the college ranks and Olympic arenas, legends and beloved figures died and left behind the games they helped shape. Boxing, tennis, golf and NASCAR also mourned champions, while the deaths of rising athletes in various sports left a void that will linger for years to come.
MLB
In baseball, Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, a cornerstone for generations of Chicago Cubs fans who was born and raised in Spokane, died at 65. One of the era’s premier second basemen, he won seven Silver Sluggers and nine Gold Gloves, and was selected to 10 consecutive All-Star Games from 1984 to 1993. The game also mourned Sandy Alomar Sr., a longtime major-league infielder and the father of Sandy Jr. and Roberto Alomar. His best years came with the California Angels, including an All-Star appearance in 1970, and he was part of the 1976 New York Yankees team that reached the World Series. He died in October at 81.
Octavio Dotel, the first player to suit up for 13 different MLB franchises, was among the 236 people who died in an April roof collapse at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was 51. Davey Johnson (age 82), the manager who led the New York Mets to their last World Series title in 1986, and Dave Parker (age 74), an outfielder and the MVP of the 1979 All-Star Game, also died.
Bob Uecker, the longtime voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, comedic actor known for his roles in “Major League” and “Mr. Belvedere,” and Hall of Fame honoree, died in January at age 90.
NFL
The football world lost Nick Mangold, the former All-Pro center who spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with the New York Jets, at age 41. A three-time All-Pro, he helped lead the Jets to consecutive AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010 before retiring in 2016. Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, died at age 65. The NFL’s youngest general manager at 24 and youngest owner at 37, Irsay was later inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor and became a prominent advocate for addiction awareness and mental health.
Doug Martin, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back, died at 36. The 31st overall pick in the 2012 draft out of Boise State, Martin spent six seasons in Tampa Bay, later playing for the Oakland Raiders in 2018. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro in 2015. The NFL also mourned Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died during his second NFL season at age 24. A second-round pick in 2024, Kneeland played in seven games with three starts after earning second-team All-MAC honors at Western Michigan. Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend, also died in April at 67.
Hall of Famer Kenny Easley, a cornerstone of the Seattle Seahawks’ defense in the 1980s and one of greatest safeties in NFL history, died at age 66. Paul Tagliabue, the NFL commissioner for 17 years during a period of major growth and expansion, died at 84. Under his leadership, the league added four teams and expanded its national footprint. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Centennial Class of 2020. Bob Trumpy, the former Cincinnati Bengals’ tight end and sports radio pioneer, died at 80. Trumpy played 10 seasons in Cincinnati, earning four Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors in 1969.
NBA
Lenny Wilkens, a three-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the second-to-last player-coach in NBA history, died at 88. Wilkens made nine All-Star teams in his 15-season playing career and spent 32 seasons as a head coach, leaving a legacy that spanned generations as a leader on the floor and on the sideline.
Elden Campbell, Clemson’s all-time leading scorer, died in December at age 57. Campbell went on to a long NBA career, including a memorable stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1990s. He later won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Junior Bridgeman, a standout at the University of Louisville and a Milwaukee Bucks mainstay who remained closely tied to the franchise after his playing days and became a minority owner of the Bucks in 2024, died in March at 71. Oliver Miller, the former NBA center who helped the Phoenix Suns reached the 1993 NBA Finals, died at 54.
Michael Ray Richardson, a four-time NBA All-Star, died in November at age 70. Richardson, who at times in his life preferred to spell his name as “Micheal,” played eight years in the league, including stops with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets. Rodney Rogers, a Wake Forest Hall of Famer who spent 12 seasons in the NBA and won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2000, died in November at 54 years old. And Gus Williams, the beloved Seattle SuperSonics guard who helped led the franchise to its only NBA championship in the Emerald City in 1979, died at age 71.
Women’s basketball
In the worlds of WNBA and women’s college basketball, Joye Lee-McNelis, a standout player and later head coach at Southern Miss, died at 63. She was the fifth woman in school history to score over 1,000 points, and as in 21 seasons as the Lady Eagles’ coach, she guided the team to a record of 339-308 and five WNIT appearances. Tiana Mangakahia, an All-America and All-ACC guard who starred at Syracuse from 2017 to 2021, died at age 30. Former New York Liberty and Washington Mystics coach Richie Adubato died in November at age 87. He also spent four seasons at the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and had stints as the interim head coach of the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons in the NBA. Adubato’s most successful years came with the Liberty from 1999 to 2004, when he led the franchise to WNBA Finals appearances in 1999, 2000 and 2002.
NHL
Hockey lost Mel Bridgman (age 70), a former NHL forward and the first general manager in Ottawa Senators history. Selected No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975, Bridgman played 14 seasons with the Flyers, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks, serving as captain in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Ken Dryden, the Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender at the heart of the Montreal Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty, also died at 78. Despite playing only seven full seasons, he won six Stanley Cups and five Vezina Trophies. Dryden’s 1983 memoir, “The Game,” is considered among the best sports books ever written. Ed Giacomin, a Hall of Fame goalie and enduring New York Rangers figure, died at 86. A five-time All-Star and Vezina Trophy winner, Giacomin’s No. 1 jersey was retired in 1989.
Greg Millen, who spent 14 NHL seasons as a goaltender, died in April at 67. Popular during six seasons with the St. Louis Blues and three with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Millen led the league in saves in back-to-back seasons with the Hartford Whalers from 1982 through 1984. Bernie Parent, the Hall of Fame goalie who backstopped the Philadelphia Flyers to consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975, was 80 when he died in April. Parent completed a 13-year career, earned five All-Star selections and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. Ray Shero, a Stanley Cup-winning GM, died at age 62. Over three decades in NHL front offices, he built the Penguins’ first championship team of the Sidney Crosby era in 2009. Larry Brooks, the longtime New York Post hockey columnist whose voice was a constant presence around the NHL, died at age 75 in November.
College sports
John Beam, longtime athletic director and former football coach at Laney College in Oakland, Calif., was killed at age 66. Beam, who was featured along with the Laney football program in the Netflix docuseries “Last Chance U,” also helped turn Skyline High’s football team into a Bay Area powerhouse during his 17 seasons as head coach at the school. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola Chicago’s beloved chaplain who captured national attention during the Ramblers’ 2018 Final Four run, died at age 106.
Roy Kramer, the former SEC commissioner who transformed the conference into one of the most powerful in college athletics and created the SEC Championship Game in 1992, died just a day before this year’s title game. Kramer became commissioner in 1990 after 12 years as athletic director at Vanderbilt. Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy, who led the Tigers with nine touchdown catches last season after transferring from Louisiana Lafayette, died in April at age 24. Kevin Mackey, the Cleveland State basketball coach who took the Vikings to the Sweet 16 as a No. 14 seed in 1986, died aged 79.
Bill McCartney, the winningest football coach in Colorado history, died at age 84. He led the Buffaloes to the program’s lone national championship in 1990, as well as nine bowl appearances over 13 seasons in Boulder. Lawrence Moten, Syracuse men’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer and “Poetry in Moten,” was 53 when he died in September. He compiled 2,334 points from 1991 to 1995, leaving a Big East scoring record that stood until 2020; the Orange retired his No. 21 jersey in 2018. Chuck Neinas, a former conference commissioner whose work with the NCAA and U.S. Olympic Committee helped define the administrative landscape of college sports, died at age 93.
Soccer
Denis Law, Manchester United’s first true “King,” died at 84. The sharp spear of a brilliant 1960s side that claimed English and European titles, Law remains the only player from Scotland to ever win the Ballon d’Or. Tragedy struck Portuguese football with the losses of Diogo Jota (age 28) and his younger brother Andre Filipe Teixeira da Silva, who died together in a car crash in northwestern Spain. Jota, a forward and winger, won multiple major trophies with Liverpool, including the 2024-25 Premier League, as well as two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal (2019 and 2025). Silva, three years his junior, was a regular starter for F.C. Penafiel in Portugal.
Boxing
George Foreman, a 1968 Olympic gold medalist who first won the heavyweight world championship in 1973 and reclaimed the title more than 21 years later in 1994, died at age 76. Foreman, 45 when he won the title the second time, is the oldest world champion in the history of the heavyweight division. He was a longtime boxing analyst for HBO and the lovable pitchman for his eponymous Foreman Grill. British boxing sensation Ricky Hatton, a two-weight world champion who had memorable fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Kostya Tszyu, died in September at age 46.
Golf
Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, a World Golf Hall of Famer who won 113 professional tournaments — the most in Japanese golf history — died at age 78. Frank “Fuzzy” Zoeller, the two-time major champion who won the Masters in his first time playing the tournament in 1979, also died at 74.
NASCAR
Greg Biffle, one of the NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, died in a plane crash along with his wife and two children in Charlotte in December. He was 55. Biffle won 19 Cup Series races across a two-decade career and captured championships in both the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series. One of the few Pacific Northwest drivers to make a lasting mark in stock car racing, he competed full-time in the Cup Series from 2003 to 2016.
Tennis
Nicola Pietrangeli, the Italian trailblazer who won back-to-back French Open singles titles in 1959 and 1960 and was the first Italian to claim a Grand Slam singles crown, died at 92. He also won doubles and mixed doubles titles at Roland Garros and the Italian Open. Fred Stolle, the Hall of Fame Australian who amassed 19 Grand Slam titles, including two singles championships during a golden era for Australian tennis, died at 86.
Olympics and more sports figures
Dick Button, the legendary figure skater whose Olympic performances and later work as a broadcaster left a deep imprint on the sport, died in January at age 95. Button won a gold medal in men’s singles at the 1948 Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland and again in 1952 in Oslo, Norway.
Tragedy struck American figure skating in January, when several athletes were killed in a plane crash on American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with an Army helicopter before plunging into the Potomac River. Among the victims were Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, along with Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, 1994 World Champions in pairs who competed in two Olympics. Figure skaters Alexandr Kirsanov, Sean Kay and Angela Yang, all returning from a national development camp in Wichita, Kansas, also died in the crash.
Boris Spassky, the former chess world champion best known for his 1972 loss to Bobby Fischer in the “Match of the Century,” died in Moscow at age 88. Sports commentator and author John Feinstein, who contributed to NPR, ESPN, the Golf Channel and Sirius XM and wrote more than 40 books on a wide range of sports, died at 69.
Colossal Athletes Fill These Modern Arenas
The television monitors, Skee-Ball machine and in-house DJ can make COSM feel like any other sports bar when you first walk inside. But above the escalators, an 87-foot domed screen made up of magnetized LED panels lets fans watch sporting events as if they have courtside seats or are behind home plate.
Immersive vantage points offer top-dollar views that could be unfolding in a stadium thousands of miles away.
“It’s pretty sick,” said Michael Del Real, 26, from the virtual front row of a recent N.B.A. game between the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks.
He and other spectators in Inglewood, Calif., were nowhere near the Texas arena, but they could still hear players’ sneakers squeaking and see the rim shaking after a dunk. They gazed up to watch the floor-to-ceiling screen showcasing larger-than-life athletes.
Racing America announces passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup
Racing America has confirmed the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup.
Photographer Uses Disposable Film Cameras to Shoot Formula 1 Races
You can pick up a NASCAR disposable camera for less than $10, but that hasn’t stopped motorsports photographer Jamey Price from shooting a series of compelling images on them.
Proving that it’s the photographer and not the equipment, Price’s photos taken at Formula One races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IMSA endurance racing events, Lamborghini events, and the Monterey Car week have been collated into a new book titled Racing Unfiltered.
“It’s been a really fun experiment with the most simple form of photography,” Price tells PetaPixel. “Quite a few people didn’t understand why I would waste my time shooting film on such a low-quality camera.”
“But my real work covering racing is extremely demanding and can be very stressful,” he continues. “I didn’t want another camera to have to think about settings and lens choice. I have more than enough to think about on a regular day at work. The NASCAR cameras have just been for fun. And something I don’t have to think about. I can shoot as much or as little as I want.”
Price says he shot between 75 and 100 rolls of film, including Cinestill 800, Kodak 200, Fuji 400, and Porta 800. “But ultimately I chose to use Fuji 400 the most because it’s relatively cheap and the camera and lens on the camera is plastic, and so low quality that the film stock didn’t matter quite as much.”
The cheap camera drew curious glances, including from F1 favorite Daniel Ricciardo. “He had a big laugh when he saw the camera,” Price says. “He loves photography, and he is a big NASCAR fan. The camera I chose to show him was the Dale Earnhardt Sr. version and he has always been a big fan of the Intimidator so he loved it. He asked a few questions. Held it. Looked through the viewfinder and handed it back.”
“The cameras have definitely had some fun reactions,” Price says. “What’s been fun about it is that it’s disarming to people. Most racing fans don’t know how cutthroat the world of motorsport and Formula 1 is. In Formula 1, teams use photographers to spy on their competition.
“So the mechanics can be very wary of photographers being around in close proximity to their car because they know that quite a few photographers wandering around are spy photographers working for the other teams.
“But when I would walk up and pull out a little tiny plastic camera that looks like a NASCAR cup car, the mechanics would often laugh at it. Or ask questions about it. Even if I had my proper work cameras and lenses also on my shoulder, the NASCAR cameras would at least get a little laugh.”
There are many NASCAR point-and-shoot cameras out there. Price has a Rusty Wallace’s Miller Light, Jeff Gordon’s iconic Dupont Rainbow Warrior, Dale Earnhardt Sr, a Texaco car, and a Dale Jarrett Quality Care Service car. All are from the 1998 season.
“The struggle with the cameras is that it’s all automatic exposure. And the shutter speed they all seem to have is fairly slow,” Price explains. “It definitely requires a steady hand. I’ve even been able to pan the cars going past me on track. I would guess the shutter speed is about 1/80 or so. Maybe a little slower. But there is nothing to change on my end as a photographer. No flash. Nothing. Literally the only thing I can change is where I stand, and what film stock is in it.”
Racing Unfiltered by Jamey Price is published by Trope. You can purchase it here.
Can Daniel Suarez save his NASCAR career with Spire Motorsports?
Daniel Suarez is at an interesting place in his NASCAR Cup Series career.
After it was announced that he wouldn’t return to Trackhouse Racing in 2026, Suarez was signed by Spire Motorsports for 2026 in what may as well be a prove-it deal for the 33-year-old from Monterrey, Mexico.
Suarez, who turns 34 on Jan. 7, has driven for four organizations in nine seasons; Spire will make it five in 10.
The 2016 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion will be under a great deal of pressure in 2026. He hasn’t won in nearly two calendar years and is yet to make the NASCAR playoffs in back-to-back seasons. He’s won only twice in 323 starts.
Suarez has bounced back from similar adversity before, but not since 2020 has his career seemingly hung in the balance like this. Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing won’t be coming through the door to save Suarez if he can’t perform in 2026.
Why Daniel Suarez could bounce back in 2026
There is reason to believe that Suarez could bounce back, however.
Spire is a team on the rise, having nearly won several races in 2025 with Carson Hocevar. Suarez will be teammates with Hocevar and veteran driver Michael McDowell — a formidable, three-car team that boasts drivers in three separate stages of their careers.
Suarez has also shown out with his back up against the wall before. His 2024 win at Atlanta and subsequent playoff berth helped earn him a one-year contract extension with Trackhouse for 2025.
He’ll need a similar effort — and maybe more — if he wants to stay at Spire and keep his Cup Series career alive.
The state of Ohio funds the grift, while letting families become homeless: Justice B. Hill
CLEVELAND, Ohio — I wasn’t home when sheriff deputies came and evicted a family that lived in a green house down the street. I didn’t know the family, who hadn’t lived long in the neighborhood.
I have no idea, on the eve of New Year’s, how they fell into the economic black hole that led to eviction. I have no idea where they could have gone for financial help.
Their church? Maybe.
Friends and kin? Probably.
The state of Ohio? No.
Listen to politicians and you’ll hear them bemoan the shortage of revenue. They hate taxing people for more; they hate even more doling out money to the poor. To the rich, not so much … particularly when they own sports teams. Politicians can find millions to shovel into their pockets.
I don’t know how we can see poor people and shy away from offering them a hand. Politicians in the Ohio Legislature have more millions they can tap to keep the poor from becoming homeless. Yet they care only about keeping sheltered folks who make a living off sports.
Money’s everywhere for them — money with few strings; money that, more than likely, will require millions more to keep athletes and the people who pay their wages in palaces with domes, heat and air conditioning.
It seems to me those millions — 600 of those millions, actually — can be better used to keep the poor housed or to offer below-market mortgage rates to families with stable jobs who want to buy homes.
But politicians invest in the fiction that a Super Bowl every few years, a Men’s Final Four and Taylor Swift concerts add more to a regional economy than an explosion in homeownership or a robust rental market.
I wish politicians and myopic sports fans understood stadiums are a financial drain on cities; a stadium (and an arena) is a gift to the uber-rich, a gift that requires a constant influx of public money. I have a word for the men and women who accept such gifts: grifters.
They grift because we let them; they grift at the expense of those who have no ability to dip their hands into the public’s till — to take our tax money or tap into our unclaimed funds and build a life richer than it is.
Six-hundred-million dollars can help needy families pay down medical debts and avoid bankruptcy; $600 million can remake public education; $600 million can rebuild our roads and bridges, creating jobs that pay well. Six-hundred-million dollars can do a great good for a great number.
Six-hundred-million dollars can keep more families from having their property carted to the curb in the chill of a December day.
Regrettably, I don’t know what became of the Black family that lived in the green house down the street from mine. I do know it’s too late for them to save their wooden tables, their bedroom furniture, their sofas and their living-room chairs that sheriff deputies dumped on the streets.
The plight of poor people like this family doesn’t matter to our politicians, who prefer to enrich the rich. Now, should that suggest letting more people become homeless, then …
I’m confident Ohio politicians can find six-hundred-million ways to assist those who have so little, even if it means giving less to those grifters who have so much.
Controversial Baylor player makes debut vs. TCU
Fans were not happy to see a former pro on a college basketball court.
James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA Draft selection who was granted NCAA eligibility to play for Baylor last month, suited up for his first game on Saturday, and was met with harsh boos from the crowd.
Nnaji, 21, entered Baylor’s 69-63 loss to TCU with 11:59 remaining in the first half with jeers ringing in from the stands at Schollmaier Arena, with the boos returning each time the big man had the ball in his hands.
The 7-foot center finished Saturday’s game with five points and four rebounds in 17 minutes after he exited the game following his fourth foul committed.
Baylor head coach Scott Drew noted his team was likely going to pick somebody up mid-season because of injuries affecting their squad.
“We knew that we were probably going to add somebody at the [beginning of the] semester because of season-ending injuries,” Drew said on TNT before the game. “And James ended up working out, so we’re very excited to have another healthy body.”
Drew, who has been at the helm for the Bears since 2003, has been a staunch defender of acquiring Nnaji and the NCAA’s decision to grant him college eligibility.
“As a head coach to one of the players, James did nothing wrong, Baylor did nothing wrong, and I know he’s human,” Drew said to reporters following the loss. “And again, if James was an NBA player today, he would be in the NBA.”
The reason why Nnaji was ultimately allowed to return to college hoops is due to the fact that, though being drafted, he never signed an NBA contract.
Rather than signing with the Hornets after they took him with the No. 31 pick in 2023, Nnaji opted to continue his career overseas, spending his career with FC Barcelona and splitting last season between Spain and Turkey.
Nnaji’s draft rights were later acquired by the Knicks ahead of the 2024-25 season in a three-team trade which sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.
Last summer, Nnaji’s agent told The Post the Nigerian big man wanted to pursue a career in the NBA, joining the Knicks’ summer league team and averaging 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds across five contests.
“Hopefully after [the summer league], we can reach an agreement,” his agent Gerard Raventos said. “That’s the plan, from both sides. It’s 50/50, it depends how he does. He’s coming in great shape. … Everything will be based on his performances in the Summer League.”
Since Nnaji has played professional basketball however, his return to the NCAA has sparked outrage, with Arkansas head coach John Calipari voicing his discern for the decision.
“Does anybody care what this is doing for 17- and 18-year-old American kids? Do you know what this opportunity has done for them and their families? There aren’t going to be any high school kids,” Calipari told reporters on Dec. 29. “Who other than dumb people like me are going to recruit high school kids?
“I get so much satisfaction out of coaching young kids and seeing them grow and make it — and their family and life changes — that I’m going to keep doing it. But why would anybody else, if you can get NBA players, G League players, guys that are 28 years old, guys from Europe?”
Onetime NBA draft pick James Nnaji of Baylor gets frequent boos in college debut at TCU
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick making his college debut for Baylor, was booed when he entered the game at TCU and every time he touched the ball after that.
The jeers were loud the couple of times the 7-foot center tried to protest a call, and Baylor coach Scott Drew made sure to get Nnaji out of the game after the 21-year-old Nigerian picked up a fourth foul with 4:42 remaining in the Horned Frogs’ 69-63 victory in their Big 12 opener Saturday.
Imagine the delight of the TCU fans — and the chagrin of the solid Baylor contingent among them in a meeting of conference rivals with campuses 100 miles apart — if Nnaji had been forced to make the walk to the bench with a fifth foul.
It was enough that Drew and TCU coach Jamie Dixon weren’t quite sure what to make of the crowd’s visceral reaction to Nnaji, whose signing was announced on Christmas Eve and led to criticism from coaches across college basketball.
“James did nothing wrong,” Drew said after Nnaji finished with five points and four rebounds in 16 minutes. “Baylor did nothing wrong, and I know he’s human and just making sure he doesn’t feel that. If James was an NBA player today, he would be in the NBA.”
Nnaji spent four years playing professionally in Europe before Detroit drafted him as an 18 year old with the first pick of the second round (31st overall) 2 1/2 years ago. His draft rights have since been traded to Charlotte and New York.
Since Nnaji never signed an NBA contract, Baylor’s move prompted the NCAA to issue a statement saying any players who have signed NBA deals won’t be eligible. A handful of players who spent time in the developmental G League without some version of an NBA deal have turned up at college programs.
Nnaji has four years of eligibility because he hasn’t attended a U.S. college, and Drew said he and his family simply want to see him get a degree. Nnaji wasn’t made available to reporters after his first college game.
“James is a great young man,” Drew said. “Grew up playing piano in the church. Mom’s most excited about his opportunity to get a degree. Brother’s a mechanical engineer. Sister’s trying to get a master’s. I thought he did a great job in a short period of time. He hadn’t played a competitive game in seven months, been recovering from an injury.”
Dixon said he doesn’t notice crowd reactions anyway, and mentioned that he joked with Drew by saying, “You’re famous now, huh?” That was after someone in the front row of the student section held up a sign that read, “Scott, college coaches don’t respect you.”
Most of the coaches who questioned the signing of Nnaji, including Arkansas’ John Calipari, have said they don’t blame Drew or any other coach. They blame the lack of standards in the rapidly shifting landscape of college sports.
College basketball has long toed the professional line more closely than football because of plentiful international talent and the many U.S. athletes who attend college for just one season. The money involved with name, image and likeness (NIL) has further destabilized the system.
“Call it what it is,” Dixon said. “We have professional basketball with no cap, no draft, no rules, no interpretation. It’s not in writing. You can be as good as you want to be. You’ve seen that in football. You’ve seen it in basketball. Put the resources into it.”
Nnaji’s first college points came on a putback dunk — the one time fans didn’t have a chance to boo him until he had already slammed the ball through the hoop and was running down the court.
The loudest cheers for him also came from TCU fans — when Nnaji missed his first college free throw before making the second. Drew didn’t have a specific plan for how many minutes Nnaji would play, but didn’t come close to putting him back in after that fourth foul.
“Good,” Drew said when asked how Nnaji was handling the extra attention. “The fact that he’s excited about going to class and getting a degree and being around guys his age and being in college, that’s exciting for me. It’s just like any parent, you give a Christmas gift and your kid likes it, you’re happy.”
Many in college basketball aren’t.
NBA Insider Drops Injury Update On Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, & Jonathan Kuminga Ahead Of Warriors vs Jazz
The Golden State Warriors have faced a series of challenges early in the season, including injury woes, tough scheduling, and insufficient contributions from overburdened role players. Now, as the team prepares to face off against the Utah Jazz, an update on Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Jonathan Kuminga has surfaced.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Warriors have cleared Curry and Butler for tonight’s game. Both players were previously listed as questionable due to an ankle injury for Curry and an illness for Butler, which caused the pair to miss the team’s last game yesterday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kuminga was also upgraded to ‘probable’ after being listed as questionable with back soreness, which has now been identified more clearly as bilateral lower back soreness. However, given that the forward has been relegated to the bench even when healthy recently, so his playing time is up to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
How to Watch Clippers vs Celtics: Live Stream NBA, TV Channel
A hot streak of form has suddenly revived the Clippers’ prospects ahead of hosting the Celtics on Saturday.
How to Watch Clippers vs Celtics
Date: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2025
Time: 10:30 PM EDT
Channel: FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, NBA TV
Stream: Fubo (try for free)
A trip to the Intuit Dome all of a sudden looks that much more intimidating for Boston this Saturday, traveling to face a Clippers outfit that has won five in a row at home. Los Angeles has moved away from the bottom of the Pacific Division thanks to its current six-game winning streak, by far the team’s longest of the season thus far.
However, the Celtics are among the most reliable road performers in the league, with their last two road outings resulting in victories. Only a handful of teams have racked up more road wins than Boston (11) so far this term, not to mention the team has won in its last two visits to face the Clippers.
Joe Mazzulla’s men also came away with a frantic overtime win in their debut trip to the Intuit Dome last season. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each enjoyed letterhead days in leading the Celtics to victory on that occasion, with Boston now undefeated in its previous three clashes with the Clippers.
Tatum will play no role here, however, given that he’s still out of action following his Achilles injury. Tyronn Lue will be leaning on Kawhi Leonard to continue his hot streak of form after averaging 40 points per game during their current six-game streak. At the same time, James Harden has played a similarly prolific role in assisting.
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Draymond Green Demands NBA Add LeBron To All-Star Game
Beloved Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is in jeopardy of missing the first All-Star Game since his rookie season after 21 consecutive years. The early returns for the first batch of All-Star votes see James currently in ninth place among all Western Conference players. Positions no longer matter in All-Star voting to make it even harder for LeBron to advance to the top five starters.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green used his podcast to make a demand that the NBA find a way to add James if he doesn’t get voted in:
“Does he get voted in from the coaches as a reserve? And I don’t know, he’s only played 14 games. I don’t know how they’re looking at this or what they’ll do. But what I know is they better make sure he is — like, it’s LeBron James, and he’s who he is to this league.
He started the year off hurt, but I don’t know. Like, I don’t know the right answer other than figure it out.”
Green has become an unexpected vocal supporter of James for many years and often goes out of his way to speak on behalf of his former enemy. The claim from Draymond here is that the NBA must find a way to ensure that LeBron makes the All-Star Game, regardless of whether fans and coaches vote him in or not.
Is Draymond Green Right About LeBron?
Green’s belief is that James is too important to the game and must be included in the All-Star Game. One factor in his favor is that the new concept requires peak interest from the fan base to see the international players suiting up against the best American players.
Many fans are hoping to see the older legends like LeBron, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden all on the same roster as Americans. James has picked up his play over the past ten games to increase his overall stats, especially with the Lakers missing Austin Reaves.
LeBron could easily still make the team if fans start voting for him or if the coaches or players opt to show him enough respect. However, the path is harder and not confirmed. Green is pushing it by going a bit far for a season where James hasn’t given any indication he’s retiring this season.
Will The NBA Follow Draymond’s Advice?
The All-Star Game rarely sees players getting honorary selections if they don’t get voted in. LeBron may have a strong chance of being one of the injury replacements when a couple of players miss the game, like how most seasons require.
However, it remains unlikely that James will get an honorary selection by Adam Silver just for the sake of it. Silver did add Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade to the All-Star teams in their retirement seasons, but it was part of fans celebrating them all season.
Lebron would have to acknowledge and announce this is his final season for the NBA to just add him. The traditional voting methods or getting selected as an eventual injury replacement are James’ only path to the All-Star Game, despite how much Draymond complains about it.
NBA Bans Player From Bizarre Wardrobe Choice on Court
It’s tough playing in the NBA these days.
The games are faster than ever, leading to more season-ending injuries and overall burnout.
The new salary cap rules make it more difficult for teams to build competitive rosters and maintain consistency season to season.
And now, maybe most harmful and disappointing of all, fashion statements on the court are getting outright banned.
Orlando Magic player Jalen Suggs has been reprimanded by the league for wearing his athletic headband around his neck in games. He has been asked to wear it across his forehead, as thousands of players do in professional basketball leagues worldwide.
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When asked why he wore it around his neck, he had no clear answer beyond wanting it to look cool and to resemble some football players’ style.
“Really, it originates as football drip, that’s where it stems from,” he told Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel in a recent interview. “But I don’t know, there really isn’t much else to it. I wear it on my neck, and once I get into the game — into the flow — I put it on my head, and we rock.”
Suggs, who is averaging 15 points and 4.7 assists this season on a Magic team aiming for a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference, will hope that this change doesn’t affect his or his team’s season.
He will keep wearing the headband across his forehead, as requested by the NBA, but we will always remember the good times we had with him, trying to bring a new wardrobe style to NBA courts across North America.
Bruce Pearl Backs Scott Drew’s Decision to Add Ex-NBA Draft Pick Amid NCAA Eligibility Debate
Baylor dropped its James Nnaji decision on Christmas Eve, and four days into the new year, the noise around the unconventional move still hasn’t died down. Tom Izzo publicly called out the NCAA, name-checking Baylor HC Scott Drew in the process. Bruce Pearl then jumped in to clear the air, saying the rules are the real problem and that Izzo wasn’t going after Drew personally. Now, a few days later, Pearl has spoken again, this time doubling down and squarely defending Drew.
“You know, Scott, guys like you and me, they always gave us a hard time when we didn’t follow the rules. Right now they’re giving you a hard time because you are following the rules. That’s got to be a little frustrating. But brother, I would do the exact same thing if I was sitting in your chair,” Pearl said on TNT Sports US.
By now, the story is well known. Baylor stirred plenty of debate by bringing in James Nnaji, the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Nnaji had been playing overseas, suiting up for NBA Summer League action, and following the usual professional pathway.
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But because he never signed an NBA deal or appeared in an NBA or G League regular-season game, the NCAA cleared him to play and handed him four years of eligibility. The result turned out to be a head-scratching scenario for many: a 7-foot, 250-pound pro prospect with a 7-foot-7 wingspan stepping into college basketball midway through the season.
It was in this context that Tom Izzo spoke up. Saying that he’d need to reach out to his “good friend” Drew to understand every detail, Izzo said, “If that’s what we’re going to, shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too”. However, he also added, “but shame on the NCAA because coaches are gonna do what they gotta do, I guess, but the NCAA is the one. “
Taking a stand even then for coaches and adding more context to Izzo’s words, Bruce Pearl had said, “Coach Izzo isnt just blaming Scott or other Coaches here, clearly our rules and guidelines are broke. Decisions are not based on best interests of student athletes and intercollegiate athletics, but on losing lawsuits. I don’t think Congress will fix our problem, so we must!”
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And Pearl isn’t the only one talking in Drew’s defense. Kansas State coach Jerome Tang had also defended his former boss, saying,
“Scott’s always been one of the most creative … his ability to look at a situation and figure out and be as creative and work within the rules…Everything he’s doing is within the rules. I don’t think – whether it’s Coach [Tom] Izzo or [Dan] Hurley or Coach [Mark] Few, I don’t think any of them said anything wrong. But also, I don’t think Scott did anything wrong. Heck, if we can add one, I’m going to add one. That’s the rules they gave us to abide by. Utah’s added a guy, BYU’s added a guy. The guy who went to BYU, Houston was recruiting him, too.
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“This is what it is. This is the landscape they gave us to operate in. And I agree with Pat Kelsey in that if it’s not against the rules, what’s anybody upset about? If you choose not to do that for your program, that’s you. And more power to you.”
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At the center of the case for Scott Drew is adjustment. He’s been open about the fact that he once pushed back on granting eligibility to players with G League backgrounds, but he now sees those calls as part of where the game is headed. He pointed to the number of undrafted international players already competing across college basketball this season as clear evidence that the rules and norms are shifting.
So, for him, it was about keeping pace in a system that’s already tilted. And instead of dwelling on the noise, Drew is now choosing to look ahead.
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How Scott Drew plans to ease James Nnaji into Baylor’s rotation
The debate about who is eligible is still going on, but Drew has a more pressing issue: getting Nnaji ready to help.
Before going against TCU, Drew told reporters that he was being careful: “I can tell you that he hadn’t played 5 on 5 since summer and was rehabbing an injury. So, physically, it’s gonna take a little time. We’d like to try to put him out there, see what he can do, and then go accordingly.”
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“It might be two minutes, four minutes, 10 minutes, 12 minutes, who knows, but we’d like to give him a chance.”
And Nnaji did get that chance against TCU, entering the game with 11:59 remaining in the first half.
Still and all, fans didn’t make it easy for him.
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Nnaji was met with heavy boos when he checked into the game and the crowd stayed on him every time he touched the ball. The noise only picked up when the 7-footer tried to argue a couple of calls. With Nnaji picking up his fourth foul and 4:42 left, Scott Drew quickly pulled him as Baylor went on to fall 69–63 in its Big 12 Conference opener.
“James did nothing wrong,” Drew said after Nnaji finished with five points and four rebounds in 16 minutes. “Baylor did nothing wrong, and I know he’s human and just making sure he doesn’t feel that. If James was an NBA player today, he would be in the NBA.”
NCAA Community Drops Eye-Opening Reality On James Nnaji’s College Basketball Return
Baylor’s signing of James Nnaji has officially blurred the line between collegiate and professional sports. After being drafted at No. 31 in the 2023 draft and as part of the Kar Anthony Towns trade, he has made his way to college. His arrival in the circuit was met with roars of disappointment and anger from coaches. Now the fans have made a clear statement on where they stand.
James Nnaji is only able to play because of a technicality. Despite being drafted, he never signed an NBA contract. He started out in the Hungarian leagues before joining Barcelona in 2020. Since being drafted in the NBA, he has been loaned out twice to teams in Spain and Türkiye, while his NBA rights have been traded to the Charlotte Hornets, then the New York Knicks. Now, the draftee has made history, and the fans don’t like it.
“We knew that we were probably going to add somebody at the [beginning of the] semester because of season-ending injuries,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said on TNT before the game. “And James ended up working out, so we’re very excited to have another healthy body.”
The 21-year-old Baylor signee made his official debut against TCU, and the fans were waiting. After Nnaji checked in, the 6,892-strong crowd at the Schollmaier Arena started booing him immediately. The boos were prevalent every time Nnaji touched the ball. They were another sign to the Baylor program that it’s not only the coaches who are against this move, but the fans as well. This could continue wherever Baylor plays next and possibly, even at home.
Their own fans could display dissatisfaction, as the team is stretching the fabric of college basketball. However, coach Scott Drew further pleaded the innocence of his program. “It was a little more than I thought,” Drew said regarding the overall reaction to the James Nnaji signing. “Yeah, as a head coach to one of the players, I mean, James did nothing wrong. Baylor did nothing wrong. I know he’s human. And just making sure he doesn’t feel that. And again, if James were an NBA player today, he would be in the NBA.”
The main culprit remains the NCAA and not Baylor. Since the rules were already in the grey, it would have been some other team to first exploit it. Baylor and Drew were just brave enough to take the first step. That is an argument in favour of Baylor. Whether the fans like it or not, James Nnaji now has four years of eligibility, but his debut wasn’t exactly how fans expected.
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James Nnaji Still Rusty After Arriving At Baylor
Since Nnaji is a draftee and has played internationally, fans expected him to blow up almost immediately. He scored his first points on a putback dunk in the first half and became the first NBA draftee in history to score points in college basketball in decades. The only such widely known phenomenon is Larry Bird, who was drafted by the Celtics in his junior year in the 1973 draft.
However, at the time, the NBA allowed a team to draft certain players and hold their rights while they finished college. Bird played out his senior year at Indiana State before returning to Boston. But in the modern era, Nnaji is the first one. The 21-year-old Nigerian finished with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist, exiting after picking up his fourth foul with 4:42 remaining. Baylor eventually lost the game 69-63, falling to a 10-3 overall record and a 0-1 record in the Big 12.
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Sends Strong Message to the NBA
The Boston Celtics did not just finish their West Coast trip with a win.
They finished it with authority.
Boston walked into Los Angeles facing one of the league’s hottest teams, closing a road swing that had already tested its depth and resolve. What followed was a statement performance, one that turned a competitive matchup into something far more decisive.
The timing made it impossible to ignore.
Less than 24 hours after being passed over for Eastern Conference Player of the Month, one Celtic delivered a response that required no explanation. No press tour. No extended commentary.
Just basketball.
Jaylen Brown Set the Tone and Took the Game
There was no easing into this one.
From the opening tip, Jaylen Brown dictated the terms. He attacked downhill, pulled up comfortably from midrange, and stepped confidently into threes. The Los Angeles Clippers tried crowding him early. But that did not slow him down.
Boston found its rhythm quickly, and by the time the fourth quarter arrived, the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Brown closed the night tying his career high of 50 points, anchoring a 146–115 Celtics win and turning the finale of Boston’s road trip into a performance that spoke louder than any reaction ever could.
After the game, Brown framed the night in simple terms.
“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the game,” Brown said, after matching his career-high while spending extended stretches guarding both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
“Tonight was one of those special nights, where I felt like every shot was going in.”
Celtics’ Supporting Cast Followed His Lead
Brown’s explosion unlocked everything else.
Derrick White dropped 29, and was relentless as a secondary scorer, thriving in the space created by defensive attention and keeping the offense organized. Anfernee Simons delivered another confident showing off the bench, knocking down shots without disrupting flow. Jordan Walsh rebounded with purpose and brought physicality on both ends.
Boston’s offense never stalled.
The ball moved. The spacing stayed intact. The Celtics punished over-help and ran when opportunities presented themselves. Los Angeles had entered the night red-hot. By the fourth quarter, they were out of answers.
Why the Moment Matters for the Celtics Right Now
This game carried weight beyond the box score.
Brown has carried Boston through a season many expected to be turbulent. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Brown has absorbed a larger role while maintaining efficiency, structure, and control. His December stretch included nine straight 30-point games and consistent winning.
And yet, recognition has not always followed.
The Player of the Month snub became part of the backdrop. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla welcomed the reaction it sparked.
“I’m happy he’s disappointed in it,” Mazzulla said. “I hope he takes it out on our opponents for the next month.”
Brown did exactly that.
After watching Brown dominate on both ends against one of the league’s toughest matchups, Mazzulla kept his postgame reflection simple.
“After the game, I just kind of thanked him,” Mazzulla said. “I thought that was an honor to be able to watch a performance like that.”
For a Celtics team redefining expectations on the fly, that response matters. It reinforces leadership. It reinforces identity.
Final Word for the Celtics
Jaylen Brown did not ask for attention.
He demanded it.
Boston heads home from its road trip playing its best basketball, backed by a star who continues to answer every question placed in front of him. Whether awards catch up or not, the message has already been delivered.
The Celtics are not waiting this season.
They are responding.
Fantasy Basketball Week 12 Schedule Primer: Will Victor Wembanyama be able to play?
With the holidays in the rearview mirror, the NBA slate has a more familiar look in Week 12. There are three days, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with double-digit games, with Thursday being the light game day. Unfortunately, fantasy managers have a lot of injuries to navigate, including Denver’s Nikola Jokić and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama. As is always the case, availability and scheduling will affect how managers craft their rosters for what they hope will be a successful week. Let’s look at the Week 12 schedule and some of its key storylines.
Week 12 Games Played
4 Games: ATL, BOS, CHA, CHI, DEN, GSW, HOU, LAC, MEM, MIA, MIN, NOR, NYK, OKC, ORL, PHI, PHX, POR, SAS, TOR, UTA, WAS
3 Games: BKN, CLE, DAL, DET, IND, LAL, MIL, SAC
Week 12 Back-to-backs
Sunday (Week 11)-Monday: DEN, DET, OKC, PHX
Monday-Tuesday: None
Tuesday-Wednesday: LAL, MEM, NOR, ORL, SAS, WAS
Wednesday-Thursday: CHA, CHI, UTA
Thursday-Friday: None
Friday-Saturday: BOS, LAC
Saturday-Sunday: MIA, MIN, SAS
Sunday-Monday (Week 13): BKN, PHI, SAC, TOR
Week 12 Storylines of Note
– Thursday is the light game day of Week 12.
Thursday is the only game with fewer than six games on the schedule, with it being a four-game night. Three of the eight teams in action, Charlotte, Chicago and Utah, will be dealing with a back-to-back. All three have some availability concerns. The Hornets have been hit hard by injuries in the frontcourt, with Ryan Kalkbrenner, Moussa Diabaté and Mason Plumlee all missing the team’s final game of Week 11. Plumlee underwent surgery and is looking at a long-term absence, but fantasy managers will be more concerned about Kalkbrenner and Diabaté anyway. PJ Hall has made a few starts, and he may have value in deep leagues given the injuries and the Hornets’ four-game Week 12 schedule.
As for Chicago, their most significant injuries have occurred on the perimeter, with Josh Giddey and Coby White sidelined. Giddey will be re-evaluated in two weeks after straining his left hamstring, while White’s right calf injury will keep him out for at least one week. With those two off the board, Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter will all have increased fantasy value in Week 12, and the Wednesday/Thursday back-to-back should not be an issue for any of them, provided they get through Chicago’s first two games of Week 12 unscathed.
Lastly, there’s Utah, which has not needed the excuse of a back-to-back to sit key players in the past. Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkić have been sidelined on multiple occasions, and Keyonte George missed the team’s New Year’s Day loss to the Clippers. It isn’t the “silly season” yet, but players like Kyle Filipowski, Brice Sensabaugh and Isaiah Collier stand to take on added importance during Week 12.
– Be ready to move on from fringe Lakers at the end of games on Friday.
Not only do the Lakers play just three games in Week 12, but they won’t be active on either Saturday or Sunday. While the absences of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura may complicate things for some fantasy managers, others are likely to conclude that they’re better off scouring the waiver wire for value during the final two days of Week 12 than holding onto Marcus Smart or Jake LaRavia. The Lakers’ three games are against New Orleans, San Antonio and Milwaukee, beginning with a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back.
– Miami, Minnesota and San Antonio end Week 12 with Saturday/Sunday back-to-backs.
These three teams may prove most valuable to fantasy managers at the end of the week since they’ll be active on Saturday and Sunday. While a player like Minnesota’s Mike Conley won’t be great to have, since he hasn’t been playing both games of back-to-backs, some intriguing options should be available in most leagues. Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jović, and San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie are three who may have added value toward the end of Week 12, due to both their production and injuries to other rotation players.
– How long will the Spurs be without Victor Wembanyama?
Regarding the Spurs, will Wembanyama be available at all during Week 12? And if so, how many games will he play? While San Antonio is scheduled to play four games, it has two back-to-backs, which may limit the 7-foot-4 phenom to two games at most if he can play to begin the week. After escaping severe damage to his left knee during Wednesday’s win over the Knicks, Wembanyama is considered day-to-day and will travel with the team to Tuesday’s game in Memphis.
That’s followed by games against the Lakers (Wednesday), Celtics (Saturday) and Timberwolves (Sunday) to conclude Week 12. Luke Kornet was outstanding in Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers and will be a starter as long as Wemby is out. How much he plays when allowed to start depends on how well he and Kelly Olynyk play. Olynyk was better on Friday against the Pacers, so he played more, and the roles reversed the following night against Portland.
– Brooklyn won’t play its first game of Week 12 until Wednesday.
Venus Williams lands Aussie Open wild card, set to break age mark
Venus Williams is set to make Australian Open history.
The tennis legend has received a wild-card entry for this year’s tournament, which begins Jan. 18 in Melbourne. At that time, Williams will be 45 years, 7 months and 1 day old, which will make her the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw.
The record is currently held by Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm, who was 44 years, 3 months and 23 days old when she lost to Anna Tatishvili in the first round of the 2015 Australian Open women’s singles tournament.
This will be the 22nd Australian Open appearance for Williams, who is 54-21 overall at the tournament. She first played there in 1998, defeating younger sister Serena in the second round and losing in the quarterfinals to Lindsay Davenport of the U.S.
A seven-time Grand Slam winner, Williams has finished as runner-up in Melbourne twice, losing to Serena in the 2003 and 2017 finals. The Williams sisters paired for four doubles titles at the event (2001, 2003, 2009, 2010), and Venus also won an Australian Open mixed doubles title with Justin Gimelstob in 1998.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said in a statement. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”
Last July, in her first singles match after a 16-month hiatus, Williams defeated 23-year-old Peyton Stearns in the first round of the D.C. Open to become the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match (Martina Navratilova won at age 47 in 2004).
During an on-court interview after that match, Williams revealed that she was engaged to 37-year-old Danish model and actor Andrea Preti.
“Yes, my fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” Williams said. “There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill. … He encouraged me to get through this, and it’s wonderful [for him] to be here. He’s never seen me play.”
Williams and Preti were married last month in Florida.
At the U.S. Open last summer, Williams found success with 22-year-old Canadian doubles partner Leylah Fernandez. The pair won their first three matches without dropping a set before losing in the quarterfinals to Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.
Williams is slated to warm up for the Australian Open at next week’s ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, and at the Hobart International in Australia starting Jan. 12.
Coco Gauff Calls Out American Fans Amid United Cup Swing: “The Worst”
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Venus Williams is not ready to bring her storied tennis career to an end just yet.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles winner landed a wild-card entry for this year’s Australian Open, the first major tournament of the season that begins Jan. 18.
In a social media post Friday, tournament organizers confirmed the 45-year-old Williams would return to Melbourne Park after a five-year absence. Williams made her debut at the Australian Open 28 years ago.
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Venus outlasted her younger sister and fellow tennis great Serena Williams at the 1998 Australian Open but was ultimately defeated in the quarterfinals by Lindsay Davenport.
Williams also received a wild card to a WTA tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, in November.
VENUS WILLIAMS EARNS US OPEN WILD-CARD INVITATION AS OLDEST SINGLES ENTRANT IN OVER 40 YEARS
The 45-year-old Williams last competed in Melbourne in 2021. She has finished runner-up in the women’s singles twice, losing to Serena Williams in the finals in 2003 and 2017.
Swiatek rejects ‘Battle of the Sexes’ and backs mixed team events
The moment arrived as Coco Gauff geared up for the United Cup, one of the tennis season’s most distinctive curtain-raisers. Staged in Perth and Sydney from January 2–11, the mixed-team event blends ATP and WTA stars in a format built on national pride and unity. Yet as attention turns to fan backing, especially for Team USA, Gauff did not hold back, delivering a blunt verdict on American crowd support abroad.
Gauff was candid when asked about American fan support in Australia. Speaking at her pre-tournament press conference, she made it clear she did not feel a strong US presence in the stands.
“I’ll be honest, no,” she said. Gauff did not hesitate or soften her view. She explained that American tennis fans struggle to show up for players outside the United States, especially compared to supporters from other nations.
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She expanded on that point by placing the issue in a global context. “I feel like we’re definitely, in the tennis department, the worst when it comes to that.”
Gauff said she often notices the difference when watching players from smaller nations. “I’ve always said I wish our country in other places would show up throughout the world as we see maybe smaller countries support.” She described that loyalty as something she admires.
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She also avoided framing it as a simple criticism. Gauff acknowledged the broader American sports landscape. “But I also think it’s just because of our country is good in so many sports, so it’s just hard.”
Turning to the Australian swing, Gauff noted clear contrasts. “I definitely think there are Americans that come out more in Melbourne than necessarily here.” She suggested location plays a role in turnout.
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She then looked ahead with cautious hope. “But I would like to see some more Americans, if we make it to Sydney, in Sydney than there were last year.” The comment reflected optimism rather than complaint.
Team USA is in Group A with Argentina and Spain. They open against Argentina, with Fritz facing Sebastián Báez and Gauff playing Solana Sierra. As defending champions, crowd support matters. Even, along with Coco, teammate Taylor Fritz also raised his voice.
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Taylor Fritz says the US is naturally well-suited for team events
The United States won the first edition of the tournament in 2023. That title came with Jessica Pegula partnering Taylor Fritz. It marked a strong start for the team event and set the tone for future editions.
The Americans repeated the feat in 2025, this time with Coco Gauff leading the team. She was outstanding throughout the tournament. Gauff won all five of her singles matches and played a decisive role in securing the title.
Her impact was most evident in the final. Gauff defeated Iga Swiatek in straight sets. That victory proved crucial and sealed the USA’s championship run in emphatic fashion.
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Taylor Fritz also made a major contribution. He bounced back after an early loss to Félix Auger-Aliassime on the opening day. From there, he won four straight matches to steady the campaign.
Fritz recorded wins over Borna Coric, Tomas Machac, and Hubert Hurkacz. His recovery under pressure helped underline the depth and resilience of the American team.
Speaking alongside Gauff at the press conference, Fritz explained why team events suit the United States. “I think it plays to the strengths of our country,” the highest-ranked American ATP ace said. “I think we have such amazing women’s players.”
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He also pointed to the format as a key advantage. “Coco’s first year was just last year, and obviously, we won it beforehand, as well. The first year we had it with the top two men and top two women, I think that favors our country even more in that kind of format.” He added, “For me personally, I’ve always felt like I play a lot better in the team competitions.”
Now, for the second straight year, the Americans enter as favorites. They are once again the only team with two top-10 players. With players openly calling for support, the question remains whether fans will show up in force to help the USA defend its title in Australia.
Iga Swiatek Dismisses Controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Tennis Match
Jan 3 (Reuters) – World number two Iga Swiatek said women’s tennis was strong enough to thrive without controversial gender-based singles matches like the recent
Aryna Sabalenka Breaks Silence on How She Helped Paula Badosa Survive Career-Threatening Injury
Tennis star Iga Swiatek did not mince words when talking about the controversial “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios.
While attending a press conference before the United Cup in Australia on Friday, January 2, the six-time Grand Slam champion said the questionable match was not necessary because “women’s tennis stands on its own,” adding that the match — played on December 28 in Dubai — didn’t have anything to do with “social change or any important topics.”
“I think the name was just the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in ’73. That’s it,” Swiatek, 24, said.
She continued: “There were no more similarities because I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own right now. We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don’t necessarily need to, like, compare to men’s tennis. It’s a totally different story.”
Swiatek said that events like the United Cup (a mixed competition event featuring teams from 18 countries) “brings tennis all together” more so than the “Battle of the Sexes” event.
“WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement,” she said. “Seeing also singles players that usually don’t have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kinds of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better.”
In the “Battle of the Sexes” match, Kyrgios (the No. 671 ranked male who is currently battling injury) defeated Sabalenka (the top-ranked female and reigning US Open champion) in straight sets, leading to backlash from fans on social media.
The match used modified rules, restricting each player to just one serve per point (instead of two) and shrinking Sabalenka’s side of the court by nine percent compared to Kyrgios’s, to try and even the playing field.
“I love to challenge myself and this is a huge challenge, especially playing against Nick, a guy who is unpredictable and crazy,” Sabalenka told reporters before the match. “It’s great training for me and a great message to the girls out there — I hope they will see how strong and tough I am by playing against a guy.”
After the match, despite the lopsided score, Kyrgios had nothing but positive words for Sabalenka and the event.
“She’s an amazing athlete, when she was moving side to side she was playing shots that some of the top men play,” Kyrgios said on the court after the match. “I’m not surprised, I’ve seen her play and we have practiced a couple of times. She was right there, it could have gone either way.”
He continued: “I was nervous. I don’t think many people would have put their hand up to be in this position. The score line was close, I was under the pump there. I was nervous, this is all the world was talking about for the last six months. I couldn’t even use my right hand a year, 18 months ago. I’m glad to even be back out here and play, honestly it’s pretty emotional.”
Sabalenka also alluded to potentially facing off against Kyrgios again.
“Really enjoyed the show,” Sabalenka said after the match. “And I feel like next time I play him I’m going to know the tactics, his strengths and his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a better match, for sure.”
Taylor Fritz’s Knee Injury Jeopardizes His 2026 Season
Friendship goals on the tennis tour don’t get much better than Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa. Their connection, lovingly nicknamed “Sabadosa” by fans, took shape after their first meeting at the 2021 Cincinnati Open and has only grown stronger with time, as Sabalenka recently demonstrated.
Now, that bond is set to hit the court again, as the Brisbane International women’s doubles draw released Friday features Sabalenka and Badosa together in the 16-team field. But before they reunite as doubles partners, Sabalenka opened up about what it has meant to stand by Badosa during her ongoing battle with injuries.
“We spoke a lot. I tried to give my best advice to her, and, I mean, I have always been there for her. If she wanted to talk, I was there,” Sabalenka said, offering a glimpse into the unwavering support that defines their friendship both on and off the court.
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Paula Badosa’s injury struggles have been a long and painful journey. It all began in May 2023, when the Spanish star hurt her back during a strong quarterfinal run at the Rome Open. She managed to play just one more tournament that year, but the problems didn’t go away. When 2024 began, the situation became even more serious, with it carrying over into 2025.
At just 26 years old, Badosa was diagnosed with a chronic back issue that threatened her career. Doctors even advised her to retire from professional tennis, a shocking suggestion for someone still in her prime. While she chose not to walk away, Badosa admitted at the time that playing three or four more years would be the “best-case scenario.”
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Throughout that difficult period, Aryna Sabalenka stayed firmly by her side. So when asked about her close friend’s challenges, Sabalenka didn’t hesitate to praise Paula Badosa’s mindset. “She is a fighter,” the 4 times Grand Slam Winner said, highlighting her determination to push through setbacks and return to competition.
When Sabalenka was later asked how she sees Badosa now and how their relationship stands, her answer was filled with warmth. “‘Sabadosa’ is back,” she said, smiling at the nickname fans adore. She also admitted it was painful to watch her friend suffer, saying it was a “tough time” but emphasizing that she was always there for her.
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Sabalenka explained that their bond went beyond simple check-ins. If she needed something, I was there. I gave her contact of a good physiotherapist. I have been a great supporter, and I really hope that she can — not hope, I know she’s going to get back on her level. I just want to make sure her body is protected and strong and ready to go,” Sabalenka said.
Now, the two friends are no strangers to sharing the court, having played doubles together multiple times in 2022, including at the Madrid Open. Sabalenka also brings serious doubles credentials, as a former world No. 1 and a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion.
While she continues to fully support her best friend, there’s a sense that this comeback carries extra emotion, both excitement and pressure, for Paula Badosa as she fights her way back.
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Paula Badosa reflects on early stardom
Paula Badosa recently opened up about the hidden struggles that came with rising to fame at a young age. Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, she reflected on how being labeled as the next big star brought heavy expectations and pressure, especially while she was still trying to grow mentally and emotionally. She stressed the importance of normalizing mental health conversations in sports, particularly for young athletes.
Looking back, Paula Badosa admitted she simply wasn’t ready for that level of scrutiny. At just 17 or 18, handling constant expectations felt overwhelming. “Mentally you are not prepared to handle all that weight,” she said, explaining how the pressure affected her during those formative years.
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The media attention only made things harder. The 28-year-old explained that being compared to a legend so early in her career added stress she didn’t yet know how to manage. She acknowledged she lacked maturity at the time, which led to “very difficult times” and what she described as “dark moments” during her early years on tour.
That pressure grew even more as she transitioned from junior success to the professional circuit. After winning a junior Grand Slam, expectations soared, but the reality of life on tour felt isolating. Badosa described tennis as “a very lonely sport,” which made coping with disappointment and pressure even tougher.
Although she once took comparisons to Maria Sharapova as a compliment, calling it a “good comparation” and saying, “I wish I could be as amazing as her”, those parallels eventually became a burden. As expectations piled up, the comparisons shifted from flattering to overwhelming, adding extra weight to an already challenging journey.
Raducanu pulls out of Osaka tie at United Cup as fitness concerns resurface
Jan 4 (Reuters) – Emma Raducanu’s return to tennis has been delayed after the Briton pulled out of her tie against Japan’s Naomi Osaka at the United Cup mixed team event in Perth on Sunday.
Raducanu has struggled with form and fitness problems since her U.S. Open triumph as a teenager in 2021 but she rediscovered her rhythm in a run to the Miami Open quarter-finals last year before ending her season prematurely due to physical issues.
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The 23-year-old Briton was set to play her first match since October against Osaka as she builds up her preparations for the Australian Open Grand Slam, but team captain Tim Henman said the tie had come too early.
Nintendo Switch 2 2026 confirmed games with release windows
Arguably the most legendary video game company to have ever existed, Nintendo has defied the odds by continuing to thrive after decades of existence. One of the reasons for that is the fact that Nintendo has developed a loyal fan following of people who love to play many of the games the company releases.
Fortunately for Nintendo and those fans, 2026 seems poised to potentially be a banner year for all involved. After all, the company has already confirmed that several new Nintendo Switch 2 games will be released in 2026. This article will chronicle the already confirmed games and detail what is known about their release dates.
Nintendo Has Confirmed When Many Switch 2 Games Will Be Released in 2026
As of January 2026, the release dates for several upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games that will be released throughout the year have already been confirmed. The majority of the games listed below come from a page on the official Nintendo website that lists upcoming Switch 2 games. However, two of the games below are included here because their release dates have been reported by other websites. The release dates that were confirmed by other outlets will be denoted below with an asterisk and details below the list. It is important to note that all release details can be subject to change before the games are widely available.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – January 15th
MIO: Memories In Orbit – January 20th *
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade – January 22nd
Starsand Island – February 1st *
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – February 3rd
Mario Tennis Fever – February 12th
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – February 12th
Resident Evil Requiem – February 27th
Pokémon Pokopia – March 5th
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – March 13th
007 First Light – March 27th
* MIO: Memories In Orbit’s release date being January 20th, 2026 was reported by Nintendo Life in December 2025.
*Starsand Island being released on February 1st, 2026 was reported by Niche Gamer in December 2025.
Some Nintendo Switch 2 2026 Games Only Have Release Windows So Far
Unlike the ones listed above, some of the games that have been confirmed for a 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 release don’t have a firm date yet. Instead, some games have only been given a release window that gives gamers an idea of when they should be available to play. Most of the games listed below have release windows that come from the same page on Nintendo’s website. However, one game isn’t listed on Nintendo’s website, so its release window is followed by an asterisk and an explanation after. It is important to note that all release details can be subject to change before the games are widely available.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream – Spring 2026
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – Spring 2026
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book – Spring 2026
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition- 2026 *
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave – 2026
The Duskbloods – 2026Orbitals – 2026
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – 2026
Martina Navratilova weighs in on US operation in Venezuela, oil sanctions
Women’s tennis legend Martina Navratilova took to social media on Saturday to share her thoughts on the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, supporting the idea of criminal sanctions on American companies that try to take oil from the country.
Navratilova praised a post on X suggesting the sanctions, writing
Tiger Woods’ TGL Puts Pressure on LPGA and PGA Tour With Shocking TV Numbers
The “sophomore slump” narrative around TGL’s Season 2 debut collapses the moment you compare it to anything other than its own Season 1 premiere.
TGL’s Atlanta-New York match drew 646,000 average viewers on ABC Sunday afternoon, according to Nielsen data shared by media reporter Josh Carpenter. The number trails the league’s Season 1 opener (919,000 on ESPN) by roughly 30%. But that comparison ignores everything that matters.
Season 1 debuted on a Tuesday night in primetime with zero sports competition. Season 2 walked into the NFL Wild Card—historically one of television’s most hostile environments for non-football programming. Despite the headwind, TGL outperformed every traditional winter golf broadcast. The PNC Championship drew 560,000 on NBC. The Grant Thornton Invitational managed 450,000. The World Champions Cup pulled just 305,000 on ABC.
TGL’s peak audience hit 735,000, suggesting viewers who tuned in stayed through the finish. For context, the league’s full Season 1 average on cable was 498,000. Sunday’s broadcast exceeded that benchmark by nearly 30%.
The Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-backed league isn’t slumping. It’s proving it can hold a Sunday afternoon audience against the NFL.
Rory McIlroy Refuses to Budge on Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour Return Talk
Rich Eisen asked the question. Rory McIlroy could have deflected. Instead, he leaned into it—referenced “one pretty prominent player,” and extended an invitation to TGL. The era of punishment is officially ending.
For nearly three years, McIlroy served as the PGA Tour’s most vocal defender against LIV Golf. He called the defections an “easy way out.” He dismissed their events as meaningless. He once declared he’d retire before playing LIV. That Rory McIlroy no longer exists. On the TGL Pre-Game show, the four-time major champion didn’t just tolerate the idea of LIV players returning. He recruited one.
“One pretty prominent player has maybe decided what he wants to do,” McIlroy said during the January 3 broadcast. “But yeah, I mean, geez, it’d be great to get some of them in here and play on TGL as well.”
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The interviewer’s follow-up removed any ambiguity: “There’s a guy that you maybe are alluding to who lives around the corner. It’s fun to see him in the arena.”
That guy is Brooks Koepka. The five-time major champion departed LIV Golf in December 2025 through a mutual agreement, citing family priorities and a desire to stay closer to his Jupiter, Florida home. McIlroy owns a $22 million mansion in Jupiter’s Bear’s Club community. Koepka lives 17 minutes away in Pennock Point. The geography isn’t coincidental—it’s strategic.
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McIlroy’s pivot didn’t materialize overnight. Earlier, he appeared on the Overlap podcast and acknowledged that LIV players had “paid their consequence.” The time away from legacy events, the absence of OWGR points, the exclusion from Ryder Cup conversations—McIlroy argued these penalties constituted sufficient punishment. But the TGL comments represent something sharper than acceptance. This is active solicitation.
The business logic is transparent. TGL, the tech-infused league McIlroy co-founded with Tiger Woods, needs star power to compete in a crowded entertainment landscape. The simulator-based format—six teams, two-hour matches, $25 million in annual prize money—demands names that move the needle. Koepka, with five major titles and a rivalry history with McIlroy dating back nearly a decade, represents premium fuel for that engine.
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The timing suggests coordination. Eamon Lynch noted that the PGA Tour released its statement on Koepka’s departure just 23 minutes after LIV Golf’s announcement—a response speed suggesting the Tour “knew it was coming and intended to signal he’s welcome back.” McIlroy’s TGL comments landed within days. The gatekeeper and the institution are now singing from the same hymnal.
What Brooks Koepka gains—and sacrifices—by walking away
Koepka’s calculus reveals a shifting hierarchy for elite golfers post-LIV. He walked away from guaranteed money—his deal exceeded $100 million, including signing bonus and on-course winnings—for something less tangible but more durable: legacy proximity.
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LIV Golf events awarded zero OWGR points in 2025. The format, despite its lucrative purses, offered no pathway to Ryder Cup eligibility. Koepka’s major exemptions remain intact—Augusta, Oakmont, Royal Troon, Quail Hollow will all welcome him in 2026—but the connective tissue of a professional golf career had frayed.
Family accelerated the decision. Koepka and his wife, Jena Sims, welcomed their son Crew in 2024. They publicly disclosed a miscarriage in October 2025. The global travel demands of LIV’s schedule no longer aligned with his life’s architecture.
TGL offers a soft landing. Weekly matches in South Florida. No cross-continental travel. High visibility, high payouts, low disruption. If Koepka joins, he competes alongside the sport’s biggest names without leaving his zip code.
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The deeper question isn’t whether Koepka returns. It’s who follows him through the door McIlroy just opened. Several original LIV contracts expire in 2026. Koepka’s exit—without a nine-figure penalty—establishes a template. Players don’t need a Framework Agreement to come home. They need patience and a contract expiration date.
McIlroy once stood as the wall between LIV defectors and redemption. Now he’s holding the gate open, waving them through. The transformation isn’t sentimental. It’s structural.
Golf’s Cold War didn’t end with a treaty. It’s ending with a recruiting pitch on live television.
Rory McIlroy now says he’d welcome back LIV defectors to PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy appears ready to welcome back LIV golfers to the PGA Tour.
The five-time major winner softened his take on defectors to the Saudi-backed golf league during an appearance on “The Overlap” podcast this week.
“They’ve made the money but they’ve paid their consequence when you talk about their reputation and some of the things that they’ve lost by going over there,” McIlroy said. “If it made the overall tour stronger to have Bryson DeChambeau back and whoever else, I would be OK with it. But, it’s not just me, and I recognize that not everyone’s in my position. It would be up to the collective group of PGA Tour members to make that decision.”
McIlroy, one of the top pro-PGA Tour voices in the sport, admitted that he may have been “too judgmental” with his previous comments about golfers who jumped to the rebel golf venture.
During the conversation, McIlroy still took time to dig at LIV Golf, casting doubt on it’s future.
“If LIV is failing to capture the imagination and they’ve spent so much money on this venture and it isn’t making a return for them I don’t know how much longer they can keep it going,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy’s comments come after Brooks Koepka, one of LIV Golf’s biggest stars, announced that he was leaving the golf league in 2026 in a “mutually agreed” breakup in what some speculated could be a sign of his impending return to the PGA Tour.
In 2022, after several big names like DeChambeau, Patrick Reed and Phil Mickelson, among others, joined LIV Golf, the PGA Tour suspended those who made the jump.
Currently, golfers who play in a LIV Golf tournament face a one-year ban from PGA Tour events from their last appearance.
Is Michael Thorbjornsen Dating Anyone in 2026? PGA Tour Rising Star’s Personal Life Explored
A “rising star,” on whom Captain Rory McIlroy had immense faith, for Michael Thorbjornsen, it was not easy to be this heroic. Taking the Boston Common Golf to its first-ever winning podium, the 24-year-old will now be the centre of attraction. And this is something he would need, after he talked about the “struggles” he faces on the Tour.
The “struggles” of being single. Yes, Michael Thorbjornsen is not dating anyone. By his own account, he is a loner who eats lunch by himself, while watching others enjoy with their partners.
“I’m like, damn, like this sucks,” he said in a video published on October 28.
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Rory McIlroy says he would welcome Brooks Koepka back to PGA Tour
McIlroy acknowledged that legal precedents and suspensions for other players complicate Koepka’s potential return.
Despite his personal opinion, McIlroy noted the final decision rests with the PGA Tour’s policy board and membership.
McIlroy believes LIV golfers have already paid a price for leaving the PGA Tour in terms of their reputation.
PALM BEACH GARDENS — Rory McIlroy has been one of the leading critics of LIV Golf throughout the last four years of golf’s uncivil war.
McIlroy softened his stance during the past 12 months. Friday night, speaking for the first time about fellow Palm Beach County resident Brooks Koepka, who announced Dec. 24 he would be leaving LIV Golf a year before his contract ran out, McIlroy said he would welcome the five-time major champion back to the PGA Tour. But there are many factors that will go into that decision.
“Does it make sense if Brooks wanted to play the PGA Tour again to get him back as soon as possible? Absolutely,” McIlroy told The Palm Beach Post after his Boston Common won its first match in TGL history, a 7-5 victory over the Los Angeles Golf Club at the SoFi Center. “What Brooks has done in the game of golf, it would be good for everyone to have him back.
“It’s hard (because) you can’t treat one person differently than you treat others. And as much as the Tour would like to treat Brooks differently, it sets a legal precedent, because of the lawsuits that have been going on and everything else behind the scenes.
“He’s still exempt on Tour because of his major wins. That’s not the hurdle. The hurdle is how they have treated others that have tried to come back, serve suspensions, or whatever it is. That’s the difficult thing.”
The decision is not up to McIlroy. It’s up to the PGA Tour’s policy board, CEO Brian Rolapp and the rest of the Tour’s membership, who have equity in the Tour’s success.
But McIlroy’s stature as one of the world’s greatest golfers – the Jupiter resident won last year’s Masters to become the sixth player to capture the career Grand Slam – carries weight. He joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen in golf’s most exclusive club.
When Rory talks, people listen. And he knows professional golf is better when the top stars play together.
That’s especially the case with Palm Beach County’s PGA Tour event, the Cognizant Classic at PGA National. The Cognizant has struggled to draw a decent field in recent years because of its place on the PGA Tour schedule. McIlroy knows how much Koepka’s presence would lift that tournament.
“I think everyone understands the value that Brooks would bring to his hometown event or any event on the PGA Tour,” McIlroy said. “He’s a five-time major champion. But there’s more to it than just that. And that’s the hard part. The lawyers and the executives at the Tour, they’re the ones that are going to have to figure that out.”
Should the LIV golfers pay a price for turning their backs on the PGA Tour? McIlroy said they already have.
“They’ve made their money, but they’ve paid their consequence in terms of reputation and some of the things that they’ve lost by going over there,” he said.
McIlroy isn’t used to losing, but his Boston Common Golf team was the only TGL team to not win a match during last year’s inaugural season. They went 0-4-1 to finish last in the technology-infused league McIlroy co-founded with Woods.
“I think even Gene Sarazen won a TGL match,” McIlroy kidded.
Michael Thorbjornsen helps Boston Common defeat LA
Buoyed by newcomer Michael Thorbjornsen playing alongside veterans Keegan Bradley and McIlroy, Boston Common (1-0-0) finally got its first win in the TGL. Los Angeles’ squad of Justin Rose, Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala was viewed as the top TGL team last year, going 4-0-1, but lost to the Atlanta Drive in the playoffs.
Thorbjornsen became the first player in league history to make four putts of 10-plus feet to fuel Boston Common’s win. His third one, a 17-footer at the 12th, gave Boston Common the lead for good, 6-5, over L.A. (0-1-0).
Thorbjornsen clinched the victory with an eagle on the last hole, thanks to making a 17-footer. At last, Boston Common got its first win.
“He was a stud tonight and he was the star of the show,” McIlroy said of Thorbjornsen. “It’s been a long time coming for Keegan and I. Not so long for Michael. He seems like a natural out there.”
Rory McIlroy Reveals Crucial Details on Why PGA Tour Is Delaying Merger With LIV Golf
The golf world was shocked when LIV Golf’s chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and the PGA Tour’s CEO, Jay Monahan, announced the two tours’ merger on June 6, 2023. But that merger never really took shape. Rory McIlroy has made it clear that the long-promised PGA Tour–LIV Golf merger is nowhere near crossing the finish line. Speaking candidly on The Overlap podcast, McIlroy pointed out the reasons slowing everything down.
“I think not really having dialogue with the Saudis for a while was big. I think that they felt disrespected, so then they dug in and stood their ground, and that’s sort of where we are. I think that’s eased off a little bit now, but it’s still hard to see any sort of resolution,” Rory McIlroy said.
Everything went down smoothly and secretively in 2023. Even LIV Golf’s then-CEO Greg Norman had no idea about the merger until five minutes before the announcement. Notably, almost every golfer on the PGA Tour was angry as they felt betrayed. In fact, Rory McIlroy went on to say that he felt like a sacrificial lamb after learning about the news. Many others, including Collin Morikawa, Wesley Bryan, and even John Rahm, voiced their concerns on social media.
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The merger was supposed to happen on December 31, 2023. But nothing happened. Since then, the news of the two tours trying to talk things out has come to the surface many times, but has borne no fruit. The PGA Tour denied LIV’s $1.5 billion offer. President Donald Trump also tried to act as a mediator to get LIV and the PGA Tour on good terms, but the delay continues.
Rory McIlroy says that after all these attempts, LIV Golf is now standing its own ground. This can further delay any possible merger. The Northern Irishman had previously said that with everything that has gone down between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, the merger will be very hard. He also stated that the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council (PAC) may also hinder the chances of any resolution.
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“The PGA Tour is a members’ organization. So the players, it’s not just me, but all of the players, we have the final vote on anything that happens. So, as a collective body, if the executives of the tour decide something that the membership feels is detrimental to them, they’re never going to pass it,” McIlroy stated.
The PGA Tour operates as a members’ organization where fully exempt players hold voting membership and significant influence over governance. This structure was established in 1968 as the “Tournament Players Division.” It was separate from the PGA of America. The structure emphasizes player input via the Policy Board and Player Advisory Council (PAC). Players elect PAC members annually, who in turn select Player Directors for the board. This helps ensure collective approval for major decisions like mergers.
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Ian Poulter shares similar views to Rory McIlroy, and he too shared a strong reason for it.
Ian Poulter agrees with Rory McIlroy
The Englishman’s one-word reply to a fan hints that the merger may never happen. On December 22, 2025, Ian Poulter had a live Q&A session with fans. One of the fans asked if the Englishman thinks LIV and the PGA Tour could ever merge, and he said, “Nope.”
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Poulter joined the league in 2022 and has never looked back at the PGA Tour. In fact, unlike Brooks Koepka, who left LIV, Poulter wants to stay with it for as long as possible. He has always been a vocal supporter of the Saudi-backed league. Therefore, he might not even want the two leagues to merge. And there’s a good reason it might not be, because LIV Golf won’t be as eager as it was earlier.
Since LIV reapplied for OWGR status, CEO Scott O’Neil has made many changes on the tour. The league shifted from a 54-hole to a 72-hole format, opened more spots for Asian golfers and LIV Promotions event players, and acquired trademark rights to new team names.
Some consider that LIV might actually not be in a hurry to merge if it gets OWGR status. A few others say the OWGR move could be a way for the Saudi-backed league to strengthen its negotiating position.
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McIlroy’s remarks and Ian Poulter’s views underline how far apart the two sides remain despite years of talks. With structural roadblocks and a strengthened independent footing, the idea of a unified future continues to drift apart.
3 Pros Who Reportedly Left LIV Golf for a PGA Tour Return
The LIV Golf shook the very foundation of traditional golf back in 2021. Following the launch of the Saudi-backed league, there was a flurry of players opting out of their PGA Tour contracts. With more money and exposure on offer, the LIV Golf soon became a superhit affair. However, the tide did not take too long to turn. Soon, the players realized that playing in the league would not be beneficial for them in the long run as the LIV does not award OWGR points.
As a result, there was a growing concern about the longevity of the league. And with no other options left, the LIV opted to bring in some radical changes from 2026. In order to get OWGR points, the Saudi-backed league changed their format. Unfortunately, while this was supposed to make things better, what happened was actually worse. Big-name players soon started to part ways with the league, and many are on the line to exit before the next season begins. As the LIV Golf stands at a very sensitive point, here are the top-3 names that switched sides from LIV Golf to the PGA recently.
1. Brooks Koepka
When speaking about the names that have left LIV Golf, the name of Brooks Koepka will be the first one that comes to mind. Jumping ship from the PGA to LIV back in 2022, Koepka soon became a stalwart in the Saudi-backed league. Over the years, the US golfer won 5 times on LIV Golf between October 2022 and August 2024. His incredible performances meant that he became the captain of the Smash GC. Koepka also became one of just 2 players to win a Major championship while playing for the Saudi-backed league.
Unfortunately, the rosy days did not continue for long, and everything came crashing down when the 35-year-old announced that he wanted to part ways with LIV Golf. The statement came as a shocker for everyone as Koepka still had a year’s contract left, which could have helped him make a whopping $100 million. Back on December 23, 2025, Koepka’s representative dropped a bombshell.
The official statement read, “Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf. He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans. Family has always guided Brooks’s decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home. Brooks will continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success. Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead.”
Immediately after the announcement, Koepka went on vacation with his wife. But soon, the shock element of the situation gave way to uncertainty. People promptly understood that the 35-year-old’s coming back to the PGA Tour would not be a path laden with rose petals. The Tour has a strict policy of a 1-year ban being handed to the players opting to come back. And if Koepka, too follows the same, then he won’t be eligible to play in the PGA until August of 2026. With a widespread debate going on about whether the Tour will be bending the rules to accommodate the icon, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what happens next.
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2. Pat Perez
Well, if you thought Brooks Koepka was the only big name opting out, well, hold your tea! As the golfing realm was still reacting and coping with Koepka’s departure, they were hit with yet another bombshell. Pat Perez, the US golfer who turned pro back in 1997, announced his allegiance to LIV Golf back in the summer of 2022. While he does not have a victory to his name in LIV, Perez had been an important member of the 4Aces team that won several team events.
Unfortunately, following the structural problems of LIV, things soon went out of hand. With Perez waiting for the merger to take place smoothly, he had a change of minds when things got stalled. Back in December 2025, Josh Carpenter, a journalist from the Sports Business Journal confirmed that the 49-year-old will not play in the Saudi-backed league anymore. Instead, he is more interested in taking the field for the Champions Tour.
Speaking about his decision, Perez stated, “A lot of it will have to do with what happens with this so-called merger. If it doesn’t happen, I see no chance (of playing on the Champions Tour). But if it does, I want to know what the steps are to possibly play the Tour. There’s a lot of situations that have come up and it’s all based on what happens at the end of the day.”
As a matter of fact, Perez was not playing actively in LIV Golf at the moment. In fact, he did not play in the whole of 2024 and joined the LIV commentary team back in the early 2025. Now, with Perez delivering a teller blow to LIV, it remains to be seen what his path looks like following his LIV exit.
3. Kevin Na
Alongside Brooks Koepka and Pat Perez, another name, too, is reportedly parting ways with the Saudi-backed league. Korean-American golfer Kevin Na might be delivering another major blow to LIV Golf just days after Brooks Koepka announced his decision. Stepping into 2026, Na has unfollowed LIV Golf and Iron Heads GC on social media. And such a stance was enough to spark the rumours of him leaving LIV Golf.
A report from Golf enthusiast X handle, Nuclear Golf read, “There is reportedly ‘drama going on’ inside LIV Golf’s Iron Heads GC franchise. Captain Kevin Na is not following LIV or his team on Instagram, and recent reported rumors have tied potential signings to the team.” The source also confirmed that the news is coming via The Smylie Show on YouTube, hosted by NBC Insider Smylie Kaufman.
Kevin Na joined LIV Golf in 2022. But before joining LIV, the Korean-born American was a PGA Tour golfer, and he bagged 5 wins under the PGA Tour. However, the 2025 season did not turn out well for Na. He concluded the season 44th in the standings with just one top-15 result.
However, he was the face of LIV’s Korea expansion. Just a few months back, in the beginning of 2025, he shared how LIV Golf Korea would turn out to be ‘massive’. “When I joined LIV, they always had plans to play in Korea. But it’s not as simple as picking up a phone and trying to get an event there”, he shared. Na further added, “We’re extremely excited to have a tournament in Korea, with three Korean-born players on our team. We worked really hard, I personally worked very hard to get that tournament in Korea and have the right people help us to get it over the line. Every step of the way, getting the tournament there, I was a part of it.”
But now, as it appears, just within a span of a year, the tables might have turned. Only time will reveal the final decision that Na takes and the golf community will just wait to witness how the new year turns out to be for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
Meanwhile, apart from these 3 names, there might be a fourth name added to the list. And it will be none other than that of Bryson DeChambeau. As shocking as it sounds, the recent statements from DeChambeau has hinted at the fact that he is probably not happy with whatever is going on with LIV. Notably, the departure of Koepka seems to have impacted his decision largely.
Speaking about his future with Flushing It Golf’s Tom Hobbs, DeChambeau stated, “I mean, look, it’s confidential. I’m not going to share too much, but the conversations are in process.” He further added, “We have to get to a place where both parties have a good understanding of one another. It is getting to a place that makes sense for both sides. And, I think that can happen, but you never know. Life throws curve balls and, obviously, we saw what happened (Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf) and that was quite a shock to a lot of people and something that, you know, it is what it is.” Thus, with a lot going on with LIV Golf, fans now will be eager to see how things pan out in the future.
Billy Horschel Accepts His ‘Prime Years’ Are Behind Him as He Sets PGA Tour Goals After Long Injury Break
Injuries can feel like a curse for an athlete. And unfortunately, Billy Horschel is someone who knows exactly how it feels to sit on the sidelines, unable to participate in the sport he loves the most. Owing to a hip surgery, Horschel has been out for months despite his Ryder Cup standing being 16th back in May 2025. Unable to play for a prolonged period, the US golfer looked utterly frustrated. However, as he is on his way to recovery, Horschel is now extremely eager to return to the thick of things. When asked about whether he can attain his old form again, Horschel sounded extremely confident.
While in a conversation with Jamie Weir, Horschel was asked if he was confident about retaining the same power and skillset post his gruelling hip surgery. Notably, the 39-year-old sounded extremely confident. He also went on to share his plans for the next six years. “I think mentally a better player. My main goal is these next six years till I turn 45, I want them to be the best six years of my entire career. And obviously when you look at it historically as a golfer, majority of time you you know you’re getting past your prime years but I do believe that uh there’s still a lot of room for me to reach my ceiling and there’s still a lot of room for me to be a more consistent player,” said Horschell. However, while he is trying to stay locked in, the golfer admitted that there are some lingering doubts.
Horschel pointed out that he is an out-and-out optimist. And yet, he cannot avert the reality. Somewhere deep down, he has doubts of whether he can make it all work out. He confessed that at the moment, his driver club’s speed is a little bit less than what it was regularly. Thankfully, the 39-year-old has found a way to work his way around his fear. “I’ve seen there’s been days where the speed’s there and there’s been days where it’s not there,” said the US golf icon.
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“But I think that’s just the mind playing tricks on you a little bit. There’s always that little voice somewhere down there that’s sort of, you know, wanting you to see if you’re going to sort of stick to the process, continue to be, you know, work day in and day out,” Horschel further added.
While he is looking to make a grand comeback, Horschel has also shared his opinions on LIV Golf.
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Billy Horschel’s prediction appears true as LIV Golf faces growing exits
Lately, a few back-to-back events have served major blows to the Saudi-backed league. With Brooks Koepka and Pat Perez leaving the league and Bryson DeChambeau hinting towards the same, LIV Golf has been under severe pressure. Notably, Billy Horschel shared his take on the matter.
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Horschel thinks that soon, other athletes of the league, too, might be following in the footsteps of Koepka. Reflecting on the decision of Koepka, Horschel shared how his move did not seem “shocking” to him. He further added, “And it may continue with guys over the next handful of years if the contracts that they expect isn’t there, and they’re like, ‘Listen, I made my money I want to go back to the PGA Tour and compete for real championships and a little bit more meaning in golf than just the financial side.”
Now, as it appears, Horschel might indeed have predicted the future of the LIV Golf rightly. In the very beginning of 2026, Korean-American golfer Kevin Na’s stance also gave rise to rumors of him leaving LIV Golf. Na was the face of LIV Golf’s Korea expansion. However, recent reports have revealed that the star has unfollowed LIV Golf’s official Instagram handle and Iron Heads GC on Instagram. As such, golf fans will now be eager to see how the new season unfolds for LIV.
From January through December, a look back at 2025
Bill Haisten
Tulsa World Sports Columnist
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Golf Veteran Shares 2026 Plans After Facing Indefinite PGA Tour Suspension
Last spring, life took an unexpected turn for Wesley Bryan. In April 2025, the PGA Tour suspended the veteran golfer for participating in a LIV Golf–backed event. Officials offered no formal explanation, leaving Bryan in limbo. Now, stepping into 2026, Bryan has gone down memory lane and reflected on the ‘highlights’ from the past year. And as it appears, the veteran golfer has shown no interest in regaining a PGA Tour card after facing suspension over LIV Golf ties.
On January 2, 2026, Wesley Bryan shared an X update where he reflected on how 2025 was for him and what his goals would be for the new year. Reflecting on his “2026 Goals” he mentioned how he wants to “win a professional golf event”. Alongside that he also mentioned how he wants to beat his elder brother George Bryan in their 2026 year long 1v1 series. The brothers also have a YouTube channel under the name Bryan Bros Golf which currently has 738k subscribers. Notably, Bryan wants to hit 1 million subscribers. And lastly, he shared how he wants to “make a hole-in-one on camera.” However, Wesley made no mention about wanting to start afresh with the PGA Tour.
Moving on, he reflected on his ‘2025 Highlights’. In that list, he included three major moments like, winning a Duels with Jon Rahm, his contention on Sunday in a PGA TOUR event and the fact that he made a cut on the DP World Tour and Asian Tour. He also mentioned how he “Missed only 1 Major Cut (Qakmont)”.
He also reflected on his “2025 Lowlights”. Notably, the chaos surrounding his PGA Tour suspension did find a place there. “Getting suspended from the PGA TOUR, Driver yips at Duels Miami, Shooting 84 (birdied last 462) against Jason Day, Embarrassing golf against Bryson DeChambeau and Losing to Brad and Sean,” he wrote under the “lowlights” section.
Notably, Wesley Bryan didn’t join LIV Golf officially as a player. However, despite that he was suspended from the PGA Tour in April 2025. Such a step was taken by the PGA Tour authorities as he had played in a LIV-backed YouTube influencer event, The Duels: Miami. This violated PGA Tour rules, which led to the suspension.
At 35, Bryan found himself attending the Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic without a tee time. And it was quite ironic because just a year earlier, he had finished as a runner-up there, and his lone PGA Tour win had come at the RBC Heritage in 2017. When the news broke, Bryan shared how he wasn’t informed about how long the ban would last.
But now, Bryan’s recent update has added a new layer to the story. Following such a career-altering setback, Bryan is indeed signaling a shift in priorities. In October 2025, Wesley, joining hands with his elder brother George Bryan, announced that they want to make sure that their sport gets the exposure it deserves across the globe. And rather than campaigning for reinstatement or chasing a PGA Tour card again, the US golfing icon is seemingly content with taking life on his own terms.
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Wesley Bryan and his brother aim to increase the sport’s visibility to global audiences
After being suspended from the PGA Tour, Wesley, along with his brother, George, concentrated on creating golf content. With lots of quality content coming in, the channel soon garnered a lot of eyeballs. And now, both Wesley and George have decided to channel their popularity in making the sport reach more and more audiences. Back in October last year, the duo promoted the International Series Philippines heavily on their channel.
Despite both brothers enlisting to play in the tournament, they took the pain to document every small bit of their journey. Explaining the plan, George stated, “We’ll be documenting the whole experience: the travel, adjusting to jet lag, learning the course, and competing on the Asian Tour. We’re here with our small team – two video guys, our manager Joe, and the two of us – and we want to showcase the beauty of Filipino golf and culture.” Surely, such a level of hard work impressed the Bryan brothers’ 690,000 subscribers on YouTube.
They also appeared to be excited while interacting with fans. As such, it seems like Wesley has moved on from the PGA Tour suspension drama.
Toni Breidinger Breaks Silence on Toyota’s Shocking Demand Forcing Hailie Deegan-Like Career Turnaround
Hailie Deegan turned her motorsports career around when she first transitioned from off-road and dirt tracks to stock car racing. She began her career in NASCAR in 2018 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. At this time, she became the first female driver to win races in the West Series. Similar to Deegan, Toni Breidinger, one of the few dominant females in motorsports, is driving with Toyota, but not in the way you think.
What sets Toni Breidinger apart is that she was given the opportunity to drive with Toyota, thanks to her online presence promoting women in motorsports. Breidinger, instead of being contracted through the developmental program, is contracted through the marketing department. The social media influencer has more than 2.5 million followers on Instagram and a similar number of followers on TikTok. Like Deegan, Breidinger revealed the reality check she got about what it truly takes to survive in NASCAR today.
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Breidinger’s turnaround
Breidinger was invited onto The Burnouts, with Pheobe and Sophia, and it was during this interview that she shed light on how her contract came to be. She explained how when she got the opportunity to test one of Toyota’s cars, they had loved her. The catch was that if she wanted to drive for them, she needed millions.
“It was kind of like a reality check. I was like, you can be an amazing driver, but like without partners, you’re not gonna go anywhere,” the driver explained.
From that moment, she began to make a plan. She would move to North Carolina, the hub for everything NASCAR, and try to make connections from there. To make money, she began doing Instacart deliveries during the day and would send out cold emails to create more connections.
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Her online success began when she started to make videos of her personal experiences in motorsports, and she is one of the few women to do so.
“I started creating videos around motorsports and just my experience in the space, and they started blowing up, and I started getting brand deals from that,” Breidinger said.
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Soon thereafter, Breidinger gained a following on just about every social media platform available and gained the opportunity to drive for Toyota as the first Arab-American woman to compete in a NASCAR national series.
“So that was kind of my pivotal moment, was social media,” Breidinger said.
This is exactly what Hailie Deegan went through in her career trajectory. Her presence on social media was the major anchor that kept her career steady.
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“I probably wouldn’t be in the ride I’m in right now, being able to race in the truck series full-time, if it wasn’t for me doing social media,” Deegan said. “Because it is very hard to sell sponsorship on a car when you can’t guarantee TV time. It’s very hard to guarantee that.”
Deegan further explained how sponsors like to see numbers and other marketing perks like ensuring their logos are on her car. “I am able to give them that with social media.”
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So like Hailie Deegan, who had to rethink her career path after manufacturer and team expectations changed, Breidinger too realized she needed to build her own value outside the race car. But what’s next for her?
What to expect next from Breidinger
The 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season will be a very important one for Toni Breidinger. It is currently unclear where she will be racing, either at TRICON Garage or a return to Kaulig Racing. However, in order to secure her future in NASCAR, the Toyota driver certainly needs to perform at a high level.
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Throughout the 2025 season, the social media star struggled with distant gaps to her teammates, Corey Heim, Tanner Gray, and Gio Ruggiero. She needs to find more consistency in pace. She has proven she can succeed at select tracks, but she will need to finish higher than 23rd in the points standings to keep her place in NASCAR.
While that’s the update for Breidinger, let’s look at Deegan’s situation.
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Hailie Deegan: Where is she?
After her abrupt exit from AM Racing in 2024, the female driver has left the door open for a return to NASCAR in 2026. Throughout her racing career, she has shown versatility across different racing domains. from starting in go-karts, moving to stock car racing, with performances in the NASCAR Truck Series and even a time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
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Financial reasons played a part in her departure to a different racing format. It’s known that NASCAR sponsorships are a considerable hurdle. Last year, in 2025, the hope for her move to Indy NXT was that the financial dynamics would be more favorable for her. When she moved to Indy NXT, the driver had mentioned she didn’t feel her NASCAR days were done.
It’s difficult to get sponsorships, so if the chance comes for Deegan to return to NASCAR along with financial freedom, there is no doubt she will be back.
“That Could K*ll Somebody”: NASCAR Legend Issues Stark Warning to Modern Drivers
Dale Earnhardt’s fatal NASCAR crash at Daytona in 2001 didn’t just end a legendary career. It permanently altered how the sport thinks about danger, responsibility, and consequences. In the years that followed, sweeping safety innovations dramatically reduced NASCAR news related to deaths, creating a generation of drivers who have never raced without modern protection.
But that safety net, some believe, has also bred a dangerous sense of invincibility. Two decades later, as aggressive moves and retaliatory wrecks become increasingly common, one NASCAR legend is sounding the alarm. He’s reminding today’s drivers that even in a safer era, a single reckless moment can still change lives forever.
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Mark Martin’s chilling reality check
More than two decades after Dale Earnhardt’s fatal NASCAR crash reshaped the sport, Mark Martin believes modern drivers are slowly forgetting what’s truly at stake. Reflecting on today’s aggressive racing culture, the NASCAR Hall of Famer issued a blunt warning rooted in lived experience, not nostalgia.
“You just forget that you can get hurt in these things….That could kill somebody, and that would change your life if that happened and you killed somebody.”
Martin’s comments weren’t abstract. They were directly tied to how dramatic safety improvements: HANS devices, SAFER barriers, and stronger chassis have unintentionally altered driver behavior. With deaths eliminated and serious injuries rare, the fear that once restrained emotions has faded. The result, Martin argues, is more reckless decision-making at high speeds.
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He pointed to the 2025 Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis as a sobering example. With roughly eight laps remaining, Aric Almirola made contact with Austin Hill, pushing Hill up the track. Hill saved the car. However, moments later appeared to intentionally turn left, hooking Almirola’s No. 19 in the right rear. The move sent Almirola head-on into the wall in a violent NASCAR crash that immediately drew scrutiny.
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NASCAR officials initially penalized Hill five laps for reckless driving. After further review, the sanction escalated sharply. Hill was suspended for one race and stripped of all 21 playoff points he had earned during the 2025 season. This was a rare and severe punishment, underscoring the seriousness of the act.
To Martin, this wasn’t an isolated lapse. There is a troubling pattern among the new generation, with drivers like Carson Hocevar and others routinely pushing the line between hard racing and outright retaliation. While passion has always been part of NASCAR’s DNA, Martin believes today’s drivers too often confuse consequence-free aggression with toughness.
His message is clear: safety has improved, but physics hasn’t. One bad decision, one moment of anger, and the sport could be forced to relive a tragedy it worked so hard to leave behind.
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Why Mark Martin still carries the weight of his own mistakes
Mark Martin didn’t speak from a moral high ground when he warned today’s drivers about intentional wrecking. He spoke from experience. In the same breath that he criticized modern aggression, the NASCAR legend openly admitted his own regrets. Recounting his racing days, he said:
“If you did that on purpose, you would care. I know it would ruin my life. I would never get over that. I did wreck a few people on purpose, and shame on me for doing it.”
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That self-awareness comes from moments Martin has never fully shaken. One of the most notable came during the 2008 Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With just five laps remaining, Martin made contact that triggered a massive multi-car NASCAR crash, collecting the two dominant cars of the race: Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski. The incident wiped out a potential JR Motorsports 1-2 finish, yet Martin held on to win the Nationwide Series race.
While the crash didn’t result in serious injuries or fatalities, the emotional weight was immediate. Standing in Victory Lane, Martin didn’t celebrate first. He apologized.
“I’ve got to apologize, before we do any celebrating, to Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski,” Martin said from Victory Lane. “I ran into the back of Carl, and he lost control. I just hate it. I hate it, really, because we could have had a 1-2 finish with JR Motorsports. I sure didn’t intend for it to turn out like that, but I couldn’t stop it once it started.”
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That incident showcases the responsibility of the driver behind the wheel. Even when intent isn’t malicious, consequences can spiral instantly at racing speeds. Today’s cars may be safer, but the human cost – guilt, regret, and what-ifs – remains unchanged.
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Martin’s perspective is simple but sobering: drivers don’t just race for trophies. They race carrying the weight of every decision, long after the checkered flag falls.
Historic NASCAR Track to Change Its Iconic Name as City Council Moves to Auction It Up
For decades, NASCAR’s most iconic tracks have carried names that felt untouchable, woven directly into the sport’s identity. That began to shift again in 2025 when Atlanta Motor Speedway was officially rebranded as EchoPark Speedway, marking a new era after a seven-year naming-rights deal with EchoPark Automotive. The change brought fresh branding, modern polish, and a reminder that even historic venues are not immune to commercial evolution.
Now, in the latest NASCAR news, as the calendar turns toward 2026, a similar conversation is unfolding elsewhere. Another legendary NASCAR landmark is facing the possibility of a name change, sparking debate about tradition, revenue, and how far the sport should allow renaming its most cherished places.
City explores naming-rights deals for Bowman Gray
Winston-Salem is officially putting the naming rights to some of its most recognizable public properties on the table, including the historic Bowman Gray Stadium and the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. City officials have confirmed that dozens of city-owned venues could soon be branded through sponsorship agreements as part of a broader effort to generate new revenue without raising taxes.
One of the most high-profile assets involved is Bowman Gray Stadium, a cornerstone of NASCAR history that has undergone extensive upgrades in recent years. Those improvements were accelerated after the city secured a deal with NASCAR to host the Cook Out Clash, bringing the Cup Series back to the historic quarter-mile track for the first time since 1971. The preseason exhibition race will return again in February 2026.
Under the current agreement with NASCAR, Bowman Gray is scheduled to host five races from NASCAR’s top three national series over the next five years. Beyond marquee events, the stadium remains a weekly hub for grassroots racing, hosting its long-running Saturday night summer series featuring primarily local drivers. It also serves as the home football field for Winston-Salem State University.
Importantly, city officials stressed that any naming-rights agreement would not erase Bowman Gray’s identity. They emphasized that the stadium’s historic name will remain intact regardless of the sponsor or financial scale of any deal, preserving the legacy while opening the door to modern revenue opportunities.
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To spearhead the initiative, the city hired Sportsman Solutions, an Iowa-based firm specializing in naming-rights and sponsorship strategies. Over the past two months, the company has contacted roughly 1,500 potential sponsors, ranging from local Triad-based businesses to national corporations. The pitch spans everything from youth baseball fields to major facilities like the fairgrounds complex itself.
“It’s a blank canvas here in Winston-Salem, and an incredible opportunity to offset some mandatory costs towards capital projects,” explained Sportsman Solutions Vice President Ryan Patrick, who is leading the effort.
The legacy that made Bowman Gray untouchable
Long before superspeedways, charter systems, and billion-dollar TV deals, Bowman Gray Stadium was already shaping what NASCAR would become. Opened in 1937 as a Depression-era public works project, the quarter-mile stadium in Winston-Salem quietly transformed into the heartbeat of weekly stock car racing.
By 1939, dirt midget cars were circling the football field. And when the track was paved in 1947, Bowman Gray became a proving ground for raw talent and relentless competition. That legacy hardened in 1949. It was then that NASCAR founders Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins sanctioned the first Grand National race there. Fonty Flock’s victory that night helped launch a tradition that would span generations.
Between 1958 and 1971, the stadium hosted 29 Cup Series races. The winners included names like Richard Petty, Lee Petty, David Pearson, and Bobby Allison. Petty scored four victories at the track, while Allison’s controversial 1971 win (long disputed) was officially reinstated in 2024, closing a chapter more than 50 years later.
The “Madhouse” nickname wasn’t marketing hype. The flat, unforgiving asphalt produced side-by-side battles, bent sheet metal, and grudges that lasted decades. Glenn Wood’s Modified dominance, Richard Childress selling peanuts before climbing into a race car, and Petty’s 100th career win all unfolded within its concrete walls.
NASCAR Fans Mad at NHL as Winter Classic 2027 Moves to Bristol Motor Speedway
The NHL has recently revealed the latest venue for the 2027 Winter Classic match between the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bristol Motor Speedway is going to host the event for the 2027 calendar. It seems that the NHL is following in the footsteps of the MLB. The 2025 MLB Speedway Classic was hosted at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The fans, however, were highly unimpressed by the management disaster that took place instead of the promised match.
But now that the NHL has decided to go through with the same decision, the reactions from the NHL fans are highly varied and extreme towards the league. Why would the NHL go forth with the Bristol Motor Speedway as a potential venue?
Well, for starters, the oval layout of the track is something that the NHL is looking forward to utilizing. The NHL has already hosted annual outdoor games since 2008. As a result, the cards fell into Bristol Motor Speedway’s hands, which were looking forward to hosting more events than just NASCAR.
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Besides MLB, the Speedway also hosted the NCAA football match–Battle at Bristol– between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the University of Tennessee Volunteers in 2016. On paper, it would be a win-win situation for the NHL. The NCAA game was attended by nearly 156,990 people, and the MLB game was attended by 91,032 people.
The NHL, which already has some of the most unique outdoor venues, would profit from the number of attendees. For reference, the record for the most attended game of the NHL was 105,491 fans from the 2014 Winter Classic game.
But while everything seems smooth and easy for the NHL, the fans disagree. They were a witness to the MLB game, and now it seems like the NHL might have overestimated their excitement for the game.
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NHL fans go against the idea of hosting the 2027 Winter Classic at Bristol
As soon as the matchup for the 2027 Winter Classic at the Bristol Motor Speedway popped up, a unique situation was noticed by the public. In a picture being shared on X, a snippet of the scoreboard for the game between the two teams is being shown. The abbreviation for the two teams shows up as NAS | CAR. The fan urged the NHL to follow a similar style on the scoreboard to make it seem like a NAS vs CAR game is going on at the NASCAR track. It would be a hilarious view and would definitely be a source of many memes in the aftermath.
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Then came the criticism from the other fans. One of the fans was excited about the idea of an NHL game at Bristol, but he did not like it from the point of view of a hockey fan. “As a NASCAR fan, awesome! As a Canadian hockey fan, this kinda sucks! But at least it’s outside.”
Another fan commented on the goals of Bristol Motor Speedway. The track has shown interest in hosting different sports, which, according to fans, is rather strange. They sarcastically commented, “Really, Bristol is becoming an ice rink now, hold a WWE event there.”
There was no doubt that some fans would bring up the mismanagement caused during the MLB match. Rain had spoiled the play. Concession stands ran out of food. Moreover, the view was blocked from many seats.
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Commenting about the potential issue that might arise, one fan said, “Look how small the baseball field looked….. Look how small a hockey rink looks on a baseball field .. ain’t no way in hell this is true.”
There was also some optimism towards the 2027 Winter Classic, since the fan thinks the NHL would be able to manage it well. They were still skeptical about the space available, though.
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“I have more faith in the NHL to execute this than what the MLB showed last year, but what the hell are they going to do about Speedway in Lights this year, since you’re going to need the space?”
The NHL might be on its way to a revolutionary idea, according to them, but for the fans, what matters is that they enjoy the game. Yeah, in theory, the NHL Winter Classic would sound great at a motorsports oval. It will give a chance for the fans of the sport to mingle. There is also a high chance for the NHL to break its audience records.
But if they do not learn from the mistakes that the MLB committed, then their new idea won’t be as groundbreaking when it’s executed in 2027. Do you think that more NASCAR tracks are going to vouch for the attention of other sports leagues, following the suit of Bristol?
Why Alex Bowman is under pressure in 2026
Alex Bowman is entering the most consequential season of his NASCAR Cup Series career.
The 32-year-old from Tucson, Ariz., is going into his ninth season at Hendrick Motorsports likely needing a big year in order to stay at HMS going forward, as his contract with the organization only runs through the end of 2026.
Why Alex Bowman is under pressure
Bowman, an eight-time Cup Series winner, is a solid Cup Series driver. He’s made the playoffs in all but one of his nine seasons driving for HMS, and that was partially the result of him missing three races due to a back injury in 2023.
But at a championship organization such as HMS, solid drivers don’t always last. Hendrick expects championship-caliber performance from all four of its cars on an annual basis, and Bowman is yet to make the Championship 4 in his career.
Contrast that to Kyle Larson, William Byron and Chase Elliott: Larson has won two Cup Series championships in five years at HMS, Byron has won back-to-back Daytona 500s and made the Championship 4 in three consecutive seasons and Elliott made the Championship 4 from 2020-22, taking home the 2020 championship.
Bowman has been far from bad during his HMS tenure, but at some point, he’ll hit his head on his relatively low ceiling.
Therein lies the elephant in the room: Chevrolet’s star-studded talent pipeline.
If Hendrick were to go looking for a new driver next offseason, there’s plenty of homegrown options to pick from. Corey Day and Rajah Caruth will both drive for Hendrick’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program this season and have extensive backing from Rick Hendrick. Jesse Love won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship with Richard Childress Racing in 2026, while young stars in Carson Hocevar and Connor Zilisch both drive for Chevy teams in the Cup Series.
Bowman’s current situation is a perfect storm that could lead to him being a free agent at the end of 2026 – but not if he puts together a career year and proves his worth as a true title threat.
NASCAR Legend Admits He Risked Safety Just to Have a Smoke During Races
There was a time in NASCAR when safety rules were looser, in-car technology was basic, and driver comfort often trumped best practices. The 1980s and early 1990s were an era of improvisation, when seatbelts weren’t always worn as tightly as they should’ve been, pit road was far more chaotic, and what happened inside the cockpit was largely left to the driver.
In that environment, some habits that would be unthinkable today were treated as normal. One NASCAR legend has now admitted just how far that freedom went. In fact, he revealed that he knowingly risked safety mid-race for a reason that sounds almost unbelievable now.
Another part of the NASCAR race plan
“When I raced for Wayne Spears, Rick Carelli beat me at his home track in Colorado. So, Wayne calls me and I’m down at the shop. I said what do you need Wayne, he says look in the truck or look in the car. I look in there and there’s a little box and there’s a cigarette lighter. What’s that for? He says you ran out of nicotine in the race, that’s why Rick Carelli beat you. I want you to smoke every yellow flag. This was ‘92-’93.”
That story alone feels like it belongs to a completely different version of NASCAR. And in many ways, it does. Ron Hornaday Jr.’s time racing for Wayne Spears was built on trust, toughness, and an unapologetically old-school mindset. Spears wasn’t just a team owner; he was the kind of boss who believed every detail mattered, even a driver’s nicotine level. If smoking helped keep Hornaday calm and focused, then smoking became part of the strategy.
Back then, Hornaday drove for Spears Motorsports primarily in the ARCA Series, while also making a handful of NASCAR Cup Series starts with the team. It was a gritty partnership rooted in seat time, hard miles, and doing whatever it took to stay sharp. That’s where the smoking habit escalated from a personal vice into a full-blown race routine.
Hornaday would light up under caution, take a few drags, and then flick the cigarette out the window as the race went back green. Sometimes, the burning cigarette would bounce off the windshield of the car behind him. Drivers would radio in, confused, thinking something on their car was sparking or failing and never imagining it was a cigarette tossed mid-pack.
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To keep the system foolproof, Wayne Spears had a cigarette lighter installed directly in Hornaday’s truck. No pit stop required. No waiting. Just nicotine on demand.
Back then, Hornaday drove for Spear Motorsports primarily in the ARCA Series, while also making a handful of NASCAR Cup Series starts with the team. It was a gritty partnership rooted in seat time, hard miles, and doing whatever it took to stay sharp. That’s where the smoking habit escalated from a personal vice into a full-blown race routine.
Hornaday would light up under caution, take a few drags, and then flick the cigarette out the window as the race went back green. Sometimes, the burning cigarette would bounce off the windshield of the car behind him. Drivers would radio in, confused, thinking something on their car was sparking or failing, and never imagining it was a cigarette tossed mid-pack.
To keep the system foolproof, Wayne Spears had a cigarette lighter installed directly in Hornaday’s truck. No pit stop required. No waiting. Just nicotine on demand.
Ron Hornaday Jr wasn’t the only one
Hornaday’s cigarette-laced race routine wasn’t an isolated quirk from a wilder time. He was simply part of a larger, very real NASCAR era when drivers bent rules, ignored optics, and raced with habits that would be unthinkable today. Few embodied that spirit more than Dick Trickle.
The Wisconsin short-track legend arrived in NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series in 1989 carrying the same unapologetic personality that made him a folk hero back home. That included smoking cigarettes during races. NASCAR allowed it, with one condition: Trickle could only light up under yellow-flag caution periods. So he adapted.
Trickle drilled a small ventilation hole into his helmet, installed cigarette lighters inside his cars, and treated cautions like smoke breaks. The moment reached peak absurdity during the 1990 Winston 500 at Talladega, when in-car cameras caught him casually reaching for his lighter while the field slowed. Broadcasters couldn’t believe what they were seeing, openly marveling on-air as Trickle puffed away like it was a Sunday drive.
Fans loved it. Announcers compared him to David Pearson – another old-school racer who came from a time when feel mattered more than formality. The habit wasn’t rebellion as much as routine. Trickle came from short-track racing, where two-hour features left no room for pit strategy or wellness breaks. Nicotine was part of endurance.
Today, those moments feel surreal. Fire suits, HANS devices, strict cockpit protocols, and zero-tolerance safety standards have erased that version of NASCAR. But Trickle’s on-camera cigarette remains frozen in time. It’s a reminder of a sport that once operated on grit, instinct, and freedoms that no longer exist.
Fans Demand New List of Tracks to Be Added to NASCAR Schedule
In 2025, the NASCAR schedule wasn’t afraid to break tradition. The Cup Series expanded its footprint with an international points race at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, while Bowman Gray Stadium replaced the LA Coliseum as the home of the Clash, bringing grassroots racing back into the spotlight.
Those bold additions sent a clear message. NASCAR is open to change! As the sport looks ahead to 2026, that openness has sparked fresh conversations among fans. With momentum on their side, the NASCAR faithful are now pushing for an entirely new batch of tracks, hoping the next schedule shake-up goes even further.
Fans debate which familiar tracks deserve a second chance
The conversation picked up steam when a NASCAR fan on Reddit posed a simple but loaded question: “What’s a track that you can realistically see returning to NASCAR?” That single post opened the floodgates. Within hours, fans were tossing out names, memories, and arguments rooted in everything from racing quality to pure nostalgia.
There’s reason this debate feels timely. Over the years, NASCAR has quietly trimmed several tracks from the schedule. Some fell victim to declining attendance, others to lackluster racing, and a few were casualties of NASCAR’s broader push to diversify its calendar. The rise of road courses and, more recently, street circuits has reshaped how the schedule looks.
For 2026, that evolution continues with a brand-new street course planned for San Diego’s Coronado area, signaling that NASCAR isn’t slowing down on experimentation. At the same time, the sanctioning body has shown it’s willing to circle back. Chicagoland Speedway’s return has only fueled fan optimism.
The 1.5-mile oval last hosted a Cup Series race in June 2019 before disappearing from the calendar. While the COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in its removal, lagging attendance and NASCAR’s shift toward new venue types also factored into the decision. Now, with Chicagoland back in the picture, fans see proof that removed doesn’t always mean forgotten.
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That belief has sparked renewed calls for other tracks to get another look. From intermediate ovals to old-school short tracks, fans are sharing their wish lists, arguing that if Chicagoland can find its way back, others might not be as far-fetched as they once seemed.
Tracks that could realistically come back on NASCAR schedule
As Chicagoland’s return reshaped expectations, fans quickly shifted from nostalgia to practicality. They are focusing on tracks that actually have a path back to NASCAR’s top level. One Reddit user pointed to a contingency NASCAR has already acknowledged:
“Last year NASCAR admitted that the Daytona Road Course is the designated backup track for the Cup Series. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it back on the schedule.” That admission alone keeps the door open. The layout proved it could deliver solid racing during pandemic-era shakeups, and its role as a ready-made fallback makes a future return feel less speculative.
Rockingham Speedway was another popular answer, and with good reason. “Rockingham – they already got Trucks and Xfinity back, but I’m hoping Cup will come back too since the track has new owners focused on racing now,” one fan wrote. NASCAR’s 2025 return to Rockingham with both Xfinity and Truck Series races (confirmed again for 2026) has reignited belief that a Cup Series date isn’t far-fetched, especially with ownership reinvesting in the facility.
Wisconsin fans made their frustration loud and clear. “Road America or Milwaukee Mile. It’s insane that there’s no NASCAR presence in Wisconsin,” one comment read. Road America hosted Cup races in 2021 and 2022 before being replaced by the Chicago Street Race in 2023, while the Milwaukee Mile, still the oldest operating motor speedway in the world, remains a glaring omission despite its deep NASCAR history (the last NASCAR race was in 2024 in the Truck Series).
Short-track loyalists pointed to Hickory Motor Speedway. “If Bowman Gray can get the Clash, I don’t see why NASCAR wouldn’t consider a Truck or Xfinity race there,” a fan argued. Hickory’s weekly racing scene, ties to NASCAR history, and modern relevance through events like the 2025 Fall Brawl make it a logical regional candidate for a spot on the main calendar.
Then came the boldest suggestion: “Zandvoort.” With Formula 1 set to exit after 2026, fans noted that Circuit Zandvoort is actively exploring NASCAR as a successor. It’s ambitious, yes. But after Mexico City and San Diego, fans clearly aren’t ruling anything out anymore on the NASCAR schedule.
“I’d Be Dead”: NASCAR Legend Credits Kevin Harvick for Saving His Life
Ron Hornaday Jr. is a well-known persona among the NASCAR fans. The four-time Truck Series champ’s fame earned him numerous ‘Most Popular Driver’ awards. However, there’s another interesting aspect of Ron Hornaday Jr.’s story that many fans do not know yet. A story where his life’s at stake.
The NASCAR community knows that he was very close to Kevin Harvick. He also helped Harvick build his career when the latter joined the NASCAR Cup Series. But their relationship went beyond the track. In fact, Kevin Harvick was one of Hornaday’s best friends. So when Hornaday appeared on the Dinner with Racers podcast, he couldn’t help but talk about the contribution of his valuable friend Harvick to his life, being the reason why he’s still alive.
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Ron Horday Jr. recalls Kevin Harvick’s life-saving intervention
Fans may recall that Hornaday’s health was deteriorating rapidly during his Truck series days in the 2000s. He had lost a lot of weight. It was an alarming situation, and Hornaday’s doctor could not find out the reason behind it. So what did Kevin Harvick do?
Harvick insisted that Ron Hornaday Jr. should meet his doctor in order to dig deeper into his declining health. And that was when he came to know about his condition.
“I knew something was wrong…Crulley takes me to the hospital. I said, ‘Gene, I already went through all this.’ He said, ‘No, this is Kevin’s doc. Kevin wants you to see this guy.’ The doc grabs my hair and says, ‘You got Graves’ disease.’ My wife, Lindy, is talking to him. She says, ‘Okay, what do we do? You’ve got two more months left to race and all the stuff.’ He says, ‘No, he will be dead by then…’”
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It was a very dangerous and shocking revelation for Hornaday Jr. If Harvick hadn’t stayed persistent towards his health, Ron Hornaday would’ve succumbed to the severity of Graves’ disease. In fact, we can realize the extent of his suffering from the fact that his weight went down from 200 lbs to 130 lbs within the span of two and a half months.
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Before his diagnosis, Hornaday was only trying the regular old-fashioned method of changing his diet. His doctor tried everything: “up the butt, down the throat, CAT scans. He can’t find anything.”
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Courtesy of Kevin Harvick’s timely intervention, Hornaday could procure the right medication after his diagnosis. He had to go through a heavy dosage of Synthroid, and that he’d have to continue taking it for his entire life. His Graves’ disease could only stay under control owing to the medication.
Ron Hornaday also recalled some funny incidents related to the medication itself. He says that his wife used to turn off the lights during bedtime and comment that his throat was glowing. Taking a light-hearted jab at himself, he called himself a “nightlamp” for his wife.
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But the story doesn’t just stop here. Though Kevin Harvick’s doctor prescribed him Synthroid, which saved his life, his best friend had to intervene once again when things got a little tricky.
Kevin Harvick busted the false claims of a reporter for Hornaday Jr.
The medication that Ron Hornaday Jr. takes, Synthroid, is a form of steroid. It was an expensive drug that he procured through a bodybuilder. But somehow, a notorious reporter got the information that he was using the same.
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The reporter threatened that he would end Hornaday’s career by busting his “steroid usage.” Once again, Ron Hornaday had to approach his friend, Harvick.
“Well, he basically tried to get me fired. So here I had to call Kevin, and luckily, Kevin’s at a function with all the bigwigs at NASCAR, and explain the story. They said, ‘Well, bring all your paperwork, all your hospital stuff…’”
That’s two times when Kevin Harvick’s intervention proved highly important for Ron Hornaday Jr. After saving his life, Harvick did not hesitate a moment before giving it his all to save his career.
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Hornaday Jr. also recalls the brotherhood and support of his fellow drivers, Bobby Labonte, Carl Edwards, and others who did not doubt his integrity. “I do appreciate that not only Kevin, but the entire series was like, hey, it’s the medical thing going on.”
At the end of the day, a press conference took place during which the reporter tried to accuse Ron Hornaday Jr. of doping. The meticulous planning and mitigation that Hornaday and Harvick had done together led to the reporter getting kicked out for false claims.
This is a story that is worth remembering for members of the NASCAR community. It goes on to show how Kevin Harvick was a solid wall that his drivers could lean on whenever they had a tough situation. Meanwhile, did you know about this fascinating aspect of Ron Hornaday Jr.’s career in the Truck Series?
NASCAR Driver Relives Wild Tulsa Shootout Comeback Win and His Hopes of Redemption
Some wins never make the spotlight but live in a driver’s memory. Long before this NASCAR driver was battling at 200 mph in the Cup Series, a small 12-year-old driver was busy etching his name into dirt track folklore in Tulsa. A wild comeback win at the Tulsa Shootout became a defining moment and one that still fuels his hunger for redemption even today.
Speaking on FloRacing‘s official page, Stenhouse Jr. was more nostalgic than ever.
“You know, it was crazy,” he said. “I remember 1999 going there and I’m like, holy cow, there’s 100 plus go-karts in my class, racing for a driller. And I was so young, like I knew it was a big event to win.”
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Long before Ricky Stenhouse Jr. became known for his NASCAR career, he was deeply rooted in grassroots racing, starting in go-karts at six years old and racking up dozens of wins before moving into sprint cars and midget racing.
Early in his career, Stenhouse Jr. won the 1999 Tulsa Shootout A-Main, a major event in dirt racing that helped establish his talent and reputation in the open-wheel world. But his win didn’t come easy.
“I believe we came from the back. I think I got crashed at one point in my heat race or something, and had to come from the back to win that race. Not as many video cameras going at the time, so I don’t think I have any video of that race. But it was a huge, huge accomplishment.”
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One of the most coveted prizes in American dirt track racing is the Golden Driller trophy awarded at the annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And with the event making a comeback this year as well, the 38-year-old driver couldn’t help but get nostalgic about his first-ever win there.
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The Tennessee native has had a long and enthusiastic relationship with the Chili Bowl, competing in the event for nearly 2 decades.
Across more than 17 appearances, he has built a respectable record, making the championship feature multiple times and using the intense, chaotic racing environment to sharpen his skills against top dirt competitors.
And it all started at age 12. Fast forward to today, and the veteran definitely gets happy with that memory, but fresh and younger talent is upcoming, and more recently, 12-year-old Braxton Flatt has been the name on everyone’s lips.
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While a Golden Driller, the symbolic trophy awarded at the crown jewel of midget racing events, has eluded him so far, Stenhouse’s pursuit of it shows his continued connection to his roots.
Even as his primary focus has shifted to NASCAR, where he’s scored wins, including his first Daytona 500 victory, he still returns to the Tulsa dirt with respect for the challenge and history of the event.
But it hasn’t been easy for the Tennessee native, especially when it comes to his Cup Series season.
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Can Stenhouse Jr. pack a strong comeback?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season showed early promise before unraveling just as quickly. The No. 47 driver failed to continue his career-best two-year streak.
Hyak Motorsports briefly found itself inside the playoff picture, but a sharp drop in performance soon followed. As the year went on, the No. 47 team struggled to keep pace, fading well outside the playoff bubble.
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Heading into the 2026 season, Stenhouse has clear objectives. The Tennessee native is focused on rebounding from a disappointing year and returning to contention with a win firmly in sight.
Speedway tracks remain his best opportunity, as they’ve historically been where the 38-year-old has found the most success.
While 2025 fell short of expectations for the team, the final five weeks of the season told a different story. The Chevrolet-backed team picked up three finishes on 19th or better heading into the winter, including a top 15 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
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But the off-season may provide an ample amount of rest to restart fresh and set new momentum in 2026.
Will NASCAR racing ever return to Kentucky Speedway?
NASCAR racing has been absent from Kentucky Speedway for more than five years.
Once a host of the top three NASCAR series, Kentucky Speedway now sits as a multi-purpose facility.
What started in 1997 as a vision to bring top-tier racing in America to Northern Kentucky now sits just off I-71 having not hosted live racing in front of fans for more than five years. Kentucky Speedway, founded by Jerry Carroll and now owned by Speedway Motorsports, is part of a cohort of race tracks around the United States that still exist, but haven’t hosted race weekends in years.
There are plenty of reasons Kentucky Speedway is effectively closed − the COVID-19 pandemic impact on live, in-person sports, NASCAR scheduling and Speedway Motorsports’ allotment of race weekends on the NASCAR schedule being chief among them.
Speedway Motorsports owns Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Echopark Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilksboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.
The NASCAR Cup Series features races at 24 different tracks and Speedway Motorsports owns 10 of those tracks. The race weekend in Sparta, Kentucky, that used to feature the top three NASCAR Series − Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series – has moved to Echopark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway), which Speedway Motorsports invested significantly in amenities around the track.
Will NASCAR return to Kentucky Speedway?
When the 2026 NASCAR schedule was released on Aug. 20, 2025, Kentucky Speedway was not listed as a host for any of the top-three national series. Nor was it on the schedule for any other national racing series.
The Courier-Journal examined the current state of Kentucky Speedway and its impact on the community, but there seems to be no clear future plans for the track in the immediate future.
In a statement sent to The Courier Journal via email, Scott Cooper, the senior vice president of communications for Speedway Motorsports said,
Bleacher Report predicts former Braves slugger to join Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster
One prediction from Bleacher Report suggests a designated-hitter slugger could find himself in the desert this year. According to Joel Reuter, the Diamondbacks could pursue former Atlanta Braves DH Marcell Ozuna to fill the cleanup spot and boost an already star-studded offense.
While the scenario is purely speculative, it reflects a broader view of what Arizona could still pursue before spring training begins. Ozuna has long been a proven run producer, building a reputation as a hitter capable of changing a game with one swing.
Last season was somewhat of a down year for the former Brave. Ozuna hit .232 with 21 home runs, 68 RBIs and a .756 OPS. His 2024 campaign was significantly stronger, as he batted .302 with 39 home runs, 104 RBIs and a .924 OPS — a sharp contrast that still highlights his power potential.
The Diamondbacks already have considerable power in their lineup, with Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll providing a combination of slugging, contact and speed. The addition of Ozuna, who relies heavily on his bat, could help solidify a formidable top four in the offense. He also brings postseason experience, a quality any contending team values.
As the National League West continues to attract elite talent from around the world, adding a hitter like Ozuna could make the Diamondbacks an even greater threat. The possibility of another marquee name joining the division only reinforces its reputation as one of the most competitive in baseball.
Ultimately, the projection speaks less to a specific transaction and more to the direction in which the Diamondbacks are viewed.
Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. Sends Message to Julio Rodriguez Amid MLB Offseason
San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez have both built strong reputations in MLB. Tatis has spent six remarkable years in the league, solidifying himself as one of the most electric players in the sport.
He has earned three All-Star selections, two Gold Glove Awards, two Platinum Gloves and two Silver Sluggers, showcasing his standing as one of the best defensive players in the game.
At the plate, he is just as dangerous. The 27-year-old posted a .268 batting average, a .368 on-base percentage and an .814 OPS with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs across 155 games in 2025.
Rodriguez is equally talented, having just completed his fourth season with the Mariners. His performance helped Seattle reach the American League Championship Series, equaling the deepest postseason run in franchise history.
Rodriguez has already collected the AL Rookie of the Year Award, three top-10 finishes in AL MVP voting, three All-Star selections and two Silver Sluggers.
In 2025, he recorded a .267 batting average, .324 on-base percentage and .798 OPS while hitting 32 home runs and driving in 95 RBIs across 160 games. Both players are widely regarded as two of the league’s brightest players.
On Monday, Rodriguez celebrated his 25th birthday and marked the milestone on social media. He shared a slideshow featuring moments with family, friends and fellow athletes, including Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz and Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. The photos highlighted the connections Rodriguez has built both inside and outside of baseball.
Upon seeing the image of himself alongside Rodriguez, Tatis left a comment for the Mariners slugger. “Hay que VIVIRRRR🖤,” he wrote, a Spanish phrase that translates to “We have to live🖤.”
The bond between Tatis and Rodriguez is not by chance. Both are natives of the Dominican Republic, sharing the same nationality and cultural roots. Their friendship reflects the pride and unity that Dominican players often carry into the league, serving as ambassadors for their country’s baseball tradition.
With the World Baseball Classic approaching, both Tatis and Rodriguez are expected to suit up for the Dominican Republic on the international stage. Their presence will not only strengthen the roster but also highlight the impact of Dominican talent on the game.
Ultimately, both Tatis and Rodriguez will shift their focus back to MLB this upcoming season, with the shared goal of delivering a World Series title for their respective franchises, something the Padres and Mariners have yet to achieve in their history.
MLB Offseason: 3 Urgent Moves Brian Cashman & Yankees Must Make to Rescue Slow Trade Season
Yankee fans are now in a snooze fest because every day they go on a loop of “They will make the big move now, finally.” But alas, it’s too small a move, or even worse, no moves at all. While the rest of the division rivals like the Blue Jays are loading up, Brian Cashman and Co. seem to be penny-pinching or too confident that the team of last year would take them to the World Series this year.
But for Ryan Garcia, the Bronx Bombers need to stack up with three key additions or moves this winter.
Bring Cody Bellinger back on a five-year, $140 million deal
Trade with the Brewers for Freddy Peralta
Strike a bullpen deal with the Rays for Garrett Cleavenger
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Let’s start with Bellinger, because it feels like the most obvious choice. The Yankees got him from the Cubs last offseason, and they watched him blossom into his MVP-caliber form here. He slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers, posted a 125 OPS+, and played elite defense in the outfield. The Yankee Stadium is gold for him, and his left-handed power fits well enough, Judge. So, letting him walk is one thing the Yankees can’t do, and if they do, they need backup for sure, like Bichette.
Pitching is another dark area for the team, and Freddy Peralta could solve many of the issues. The Brewers right-hander is coming off a dominant season with a 2.7 ERA and over 200 strikeouts. Now, the prospect cost for this might sting, but Peralta is the king of arms who can change the playoff series. More so, given that the Yankees are still awaiting Gerrit Cole and his long-term health picture to settle in nicely.
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Then, finally, there is the bullpen, and given the Rays are reshuffling their roster, the Yankees can pounce on them soon. Garrett Cleavenger gives New York a power lefty who can miss bats and handle pressure innings. Sure, he is no specialist, but he is great late into the games, and this is something the Yankees’ bullpen needs desperately.
Well, if the Yankees want to make an impact at this late point in the off-season, then these are moves they should make. Meanwhile, now with the Jays signing Okamoto, it seems like the Yankees might just have an opening for their cornerstone!
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Is Bo Bichette’s Toronto chapter ending for a fresh Yankee start?
Bichette wanted to be back in Toronto; the city wanted him back, and so did the team. But it feels like suddenly things have changed, and the Jays have pivoted their plan of action. They decided to sign Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, and it sent a loud message—they are prepared in case Bichette doesn’t end up north.
That’s what makes last week’s report of the New York Yankees checking in on Bichette far more interesting now than before. Bichette, for his part, did everything he could for the Toronto Blue Jays, smacking 18 home runs and posting a .840 OPS despite missing most of September and October. The bat never faltered.
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Hence, this makes Yankees poking around all the more sense. The Yankees can absorb a qualifying offer free agent and have the flexibility to make it work. Now early for Bichette, the shortstop role fits well unless Volpe returns from his shoulder journey. Then he can move to second base. Plus, given that he is ready to move, things get more streamlined.
Reports are even suggesting that the Yankees are open to a Jazz Chisholm Jr. trade, and this could open a lane without a weird shuffle. For the Yankees, Bichette ticks a lot of boxes; he is a right-handed contact bat, has playoff experience, and is just 27 years old. For Toronto, Okamoto looks like he is the turning point. The 28-year-old arrives with a middle-of-the-order resume, and he is expected to slot in at third base to reshape the infield around Vladdy.
For sure, things with Bo Bichette and the Jays are murky as of now.
Red Sox Receive Good News in MLB Free Agency After Alex Bregman Report
The Boston Red Sox are looking to build on their momentum from last season in 2026, and the front office has acted aggressively through trades to bolster the roster. However, one key contributor from 2025 remains unsigned: third baseman Alex Bregman.
The 31-year-old veteran is an unrestricted free agent for the second consecutive offseason as he continues to pursue a long-term deal.
Bregman’s season with the Red Sox was a success both on and off the field. He provided a steadying influence in the clubhouse, serving as a valuable presence for a young roster filled with emerging talent.
On the diamond, he remained productive, posting a .273 batting average, .360 on-base percentage and .821 OPS, while adding 18 home runs and 62 RBIs across 114 games. His ability to blend veteran leadership with consistent offensive production made him one of Boston’s most important pieces in 2025.
That performance has drawn interest from around the league, including from Boston’s AL East rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays. Fresh off a World Series appearance, Toronto has been widely viewed as one of the offseason’s biggest winners.
Their interest in Bregman was very real, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon wrote at the Winter Meetings that Bregman was a ‘potential backup plan’ if the Blue Jays did not sign right fielder Kyle Tucker or infielder Bo Bichette. Bregman might be more than that. Team officials have been in recent contact with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, according to sources briefed on the conversations,” Rosenthal reported in December.
However, that dynamic shifted on Saturday, when the Blue Jays signed Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $160 million deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Okamoto’s arrival almost certainly takes Toronto out of the Bregman sweepstakes, as he is expected to be their everyday third baseman.
That development could open the door for Boston to strike. ESPN’s Buster Olney said on Friday’s edition of “First Up with Korolnek” and Colaiacovo that he believes a Red Sox–Bregman reunion is likely, adding that Boston has already made an aggressive offer to the third baseman. With Toronto out of the picture, the chances of Bregman returning to Fenway Park appear stronger than ever.
A reunion would mean more than just adding a proven bat to the lineup. For the Red Sox, bringing Bregman back would preserve the veteran leadership that helped stabilize the clubhouse last season. It would also give Boston a reliable presence at third base, ensuring continuity for a roster that has undergone significant change this winter.
MLB free agent signings looking to rebound in 2026
Jack Flaherty, SP, Tigers
Flaherty turned in a stellar rebound season (3.17 ERA, 5.11 K/BB) while pitching for the Tigers and Dodgers in 2024, but his market in free agency wasn’t as strong as anticipated, perhaps due to lingering questions about his durability and his subpar performance across ’20-23. The right-hander ended up returning to Detroit on a two-year deal with an opt-out after 2025. After taking a step back this past season (4.64 ERA, 3.19 K/BB), Flaherty chose to remain with the Tigers, exercising his $20 million player option for 2026. Whether Tarik Skubal is traded or not, Detroit is going to need Flaherty to play a key role as one of its top starters.
Jeff Hoffman, RP, Blue Jays
With the way his year ended, Hoffman’s road to redemption may be tougher than anyone else’s on this list. After putting together an uneven regular season as Toronto’s closer, Hoffman was dominant throughout October and needed two more outs to close out Game 7 of the World Series and nail down the franchise’s first championship since 1993. One pitch erased it all, however, as he served up a game-tying homer to the Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas. The Blue Jays appear to be sticking with him for now, but the memory of what happened in Game 7 won’t fade quickly.
Sean Manaea, SP, Mets
Manaea initially signed with the Mets in January 2024, inking a two-year, $28 million deal that gave him the ability to opt out at the end of the season. On the heels of a career year, he opted out to become a free agent again before returning to the Mets on a much larger pact (three years, $75 million). To say the least, the lefty’s second year with New York did not go nearly as well as the first, as he missed time due to injuries and recorded a 5.64 ERA over 60 2/3 innings after returning from the IL. His struggles were part of a broader rotation collapse that derailed the team’s playoff hopes in the second half. The Mets have plenty of options to fill out their starting staff in 2026 and may further add to that group before the offseason is over, but Manaea’s contract alone gives him a strong chance to earn a spot as he eyes a bounceback campaign.
Tyler O’Neill, OF, Orioles
O’Neill’s 2025 campaign was the latest chapter in a career marked by injuries and inconsistency. Fresh off a strong season with the Red Sox in 2024 (31 HR, 135 OPS+), O’Neill signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Orioles last offseason, with Baltimore needing a replacement for free agent Anthony Santander (more on him below). However, O’Neill made three trips to the injured list and slashed .199/.292/.392 with nine homers and a 92 OPS+ over 54 games for Baltimore in 2025, contributing to the club’s disappointing year.
Joc Pederson, DH, Rangers
Rangers designated hitters had MLB’s worst OPS (.584) in 2024, so the club signed Pederson to a two-year, $37 million deal to fill the hole. The result? Another last-place ranking in 2025 (.594). Pederson himself had just a .614 OPS over 96 games — including a franchise-record 0-for-41 slump — down from his superb .850 OPS with the Giants and D-backs from 2022-24. After exercising his $18.5 million player option for 2026, the 33-year-old should get ample opportunity to rebound next season.
Anthony Santander, OF, Blue Jays
Santander parlayed a big platform year with the Orioles in 2024 (44 HR, 131 OPS+) into a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Blue Jays last offseason, but nothing went right for the slugger in the first year of his new contract. Santander started slow, then suffered a left shoulder injury that put him on the shelf until late September, finishing the regular season with six homers and a .565 OPS over 54 games. He didn’t get through the playoffs unscathed, either, going down with a back injury during the ALCS. Toronto was able to win the AL East and make a run to the World Series without Santander in 2025, but it will be counting on him to bounce back in ’26.
Tanner Scott, RP, Dodgers
The fact that the Dodgers felt compelled to spend $69 million on closer Edwin Díaz just one year after paying Tanner Scott $72 million to fill that role says plenty about how Scott’s first season with the club unfolded; the lefty allowed 11 homers, blew 10 saves and posted a 4.74 ERA over 61 games. Still, with three years remaining on his deal, Scott has time to redefine his Dodgers tenure. If he can return to his 2024 All-Star form, it could give the team one of the best late-inning duos in the game.
Luis Severino, SP, Athletics
The first year of Severino’s three-year, $67 million deal with the Athletics — the richest contract in franchise history at the time, since surpassed by Tyler Soderstrom’s $86 million extension — was a letdown. Signed to front the rotation, the right-hander drew more attention for his criticism of the club’s temporary home park in Sacramento and the trade rumors that followed than for his work on the mound, where he posted a 4.54 ERA over 29 starts. The A’s have an impressive collection of young hitters, but they’ll need more from their starting staff to become a postseason contender in 2026, and it starts with Severino.
Christian Walker, 1B, Astros
After cutting ties with José Abreu midway through his three-year, $58.5 million deal, the Astros went back to the free-agent market last offseason to address first base, signing Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract. Though his struggles this past season weren’t as severe as Abreu’s in 2023-24, Walker regressed on both sides of the ball in his first year with Houston, recording a 97 OPS+ with 1.1 WAR (per FanGraphs). That said, he did go deep 17 times in his final 70 games, giving the Astros reason to hope that he can recapture the form that made him one of MLB’s top first basemen with the D-backs from 2022-24.
MLB star’s wife thanks fans in message after devastating loss
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In an emotional message shared on social media, Kayla Vesia addressed the family tragedy she and her husband, Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia, have endured.
In November, the couple announced their daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, had died.
Brewers Frank Cairone car accident
MILWAUKEE – Brewers Minor League pitcher Frank Cairone , Milwaukee’s No. 26 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was involved in a serious car accident near his New Jersey home on Friday and was hospitalized as of Saturday night, the team announced.
“Frank is currently being cared for at a hospital in New Jersey with the support of his family,” read a statement from the ballclub. “The Brewers’ thoughts and prayers are with Frank and his family during his difficult time.”
The Brewers said they would provide updates about Cairone’s condition as they become available.
Cairone, a left-hander who turned 18 in September, was drafted out of Delsea Regional High School in Franklinville, N.J. at No. 68 overall in the 2025 Draft, a compensatory selection for unsigned 2024 Draft pick Chris Levonas. Cairone spent the late summer and fall at the team’s complex in Arizona in anticipation of making his professional debut in 2026.
Baseball News: 2 Venezuelan MLB Players Reportedly Missing After US Military Attack
The Milwaukee Brewers are saying that they are unaware of the status of several players located in Venezuela after a US military operation in the country, which resulted in the detention of the president of the country, Nicolas Maduro.
The president of baseball operations for the Brewers, Matt Arnold, addressed the issue on Saturday and confirmed that they have been unable to connect with players who were believed to be in Venezuela at the time of the incident.
Now, according to sources, the players include star outfielder Jackson Chourio, infielder Andruw Monasterio, and catcher Jeferson Quero.
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We don’t have much info at the moment, but are trying to follow up,” Arnold said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We know the airports have been shut down, but not much beyond that.”
The U.S. military conducted what is called a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela early Saturday morning. President Donald Trump confirmed that the country’s president and his wife were taken into custody during the operation and flown out of the country. Trump also stated on Truth Social that the mission was successful and carried out with U.S. law enforcement.
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The Associated Press reported that at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas around 2 a.m. local time, with a low-flying aircraft observed over the city. The helicopters were then confirmed to be the “Night Stalkers.” These belong to the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
MLB notes: How each AL East team stacks up midway through offseason
Throughout the MLB offseason most fans tend to focus on their own clubs, and it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture as every other team deals with their own needs and losses.
Now that we’ve turned the page to 2026 and have reached the unofficial midway point of the offseason, it’s worth taking a step back and looking at the lay of the land.
The AL East should still rank among the most competitive divisions in baseball, but has anyone separated themselves from the pack? The Red Sox have made some notable moves to shore up their roster, but looking around the division it’s clear they’ll have their hands full.
Here’s a close look at each AL East club’s offseason and how everyone stacks up at this point in the winter.
Baltimore Orioles
Key additions: 1B Pete Alonso, OF Taylor Ward, RHP Shane Baz, RHP Ryan Helsley, RHP Andrew Kittredge, OF Leody Tavares, RHP George Soriano
Notable losses: RHP Grayson Rodriguez, LHP Jose Castillo, C Alex Jackson
Unsigned free agents: C Gary Sanchez, RHP Tomoyuki Sugano, OF Dylan Carlson, SS Jorge Mateo
A big part of why the Orioles crashed to a last place finish in 2025 was because the club’s offense badly underperformed. Baltimore ranked 24th in MLB with 4.18 runs per game, and the Orioles lacked a consistent power threat, with Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg tying for the team lead in home runs with only 17 each.
The Orioles have made a concerted effort to address that this winter.
Baltimore made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by signing five-time All-Star Pete Alonso to anchor its lineup. Alonso has been among baseball’s most prolific power hitters since his debut in 2019, and the Orioles doubled down on power by acquiring outfielder Taylor Ward, who hit 36 home runs for the Los Angeles Angels last season.
If they do their jobs, Henderson keeps performing at an All-Star level and the Orioles get bounce back campaigns from Adley Rutschman and Colton Cowser, Baltimore’s offense could be scary good.
But pitching remains a question mark.
The Orioles have made some moves to shore up the staff. The club swung a big trade with the Rays to bring in Shane Baz, a former top prospect who finally put together his first full healthy season as a big leaguer. They also re-signed Zach Eflin and brought in a couple of impact relievers in Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge.
But top to bottom the Orioles don’t have the high-end pitching talent or depth to match the Red Sox, Yankees or Blue Jays. They also took a huge risk by moving former top prospect Grayson Rodriguez in the Ward trade. He’s been plagued by injuries throughout his career, but if he puts it together that deal could wind up being a disaster for the Orioles.
Either way, in the short term the Orioles should be better in 2026.
Boston Red Sox
Key additions: 1B Willson Contreras, RHP Sonny Gray, RHP Johan Oviedo, RHP Ryan Watson, LHP Tyler Samaniego, INF Tristen Gray, LHP Jake Bennett
Notable losses: OF Rob Refsnyder, OF Jhostynxon Garcia, RHP Richard Fitts, RHP Hunter Dobbins, LHP Steven Matz, LHP Brennan Bernardino, LHP Chris Murphy, RHP Cooper Criswell, RHP Dustin May, RHP Luis Perales, 2B Vaughn Grissom
Unsigned free agents: 3B Alex Bregman, RHP Lucas Giolito, LHP Justin Wilson, 1B Nathaniel Lowe, RHP Liam Hendriks
The Red Sox still have work to do, but as things stand today the club’s roster is roughly on par with what it was last year.
Sonny Gray is a front-of-the-rotation arm who should slot into Lucas Giolito’s old spot in the rotation, teaming with Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello to ensure the Red Sox still have a strong 1-2-3 at the front. The 4-5 spots were a revolving door last year, but between the addition of Johan Oviedo, the return of Patrick Sandoval and Kutter Crawford from injury and up-and-coming youngsters like Connelly Early and Payton Tolle, the staff should be in a great spot.
Bullpen-wise the Red Sox need to add another lefty or two, but with Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock leading the charge the club should be well positioned in the late innings already.
Offensively, Willson Contreras gives the Red Sox a badly needed right-handed power bat who will shore up first base, but without any additional reinforcements the lineup won’t be meaningfully different from last year. If the Red Sox bring back Alex Bregman, sign Bo Bichette or make some other addition, that should help take the club from playoff contender to championship contender and make Boston a favorite to win the AL East.
New York Yankees
Key additions: RHP Cade Winquest
Notable losses: RHP Devin Williams, RHP Luke Weaver, RHP Mark Leiter Jr.
Unsigned free agents: OF Cody Bellinger, 1B Paul Goldschmidt, OF Austin Slater, RHP Jonathan Loaisiga, RHP Scott Effross, RHP Ian Hamilton, RHP Jake Cousins
For fans upset that that the Red Sox haven’t done enough this winter, it could always be worse.
The Yankees have been in a holding pattern through the first half of the offseason, with the club’s only external addition to this point being righty reliever Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft. New York also brought back outfielder Trent Grisham on a qualifying offer and re-signed relievers Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough and infielder Amed Rosario to one-year deals, but other than that the Yankees haven’t made any kind of splash.
New York has also lost a number of relievers, further depleting a bullpen that already needed a lot of work.
The big question for the Yankees right now is whether or not Cody Bellinger returns. The outfielder performed well during his first season in New York and if he signs elsewhere he’d leave a big void in the Yankees lineup. It’s hard to imagine New York won’t make some kind of meaningful addition — whether Bellinger or someone else — especially when the club still has Aaron Judge in his prime and is about to get Gerrit Cole back from Tommy John surgery.
Still, the Yankees can’t sit on their hands all offseason, and without more impactful additions this club could have its hands full.
Tampa Bay Rays
Key additions: OF Cedric Mullins, LHP Steven Matz, OF Ryan Vilade, OF Jake Fraley, OF Jacob Melton, RHP Steven Wilson, RHP Yoendrys Gomez, RHP Osvaldo Bido
Notable losses: RHP Shane Baz, 2B Brandon Lowe, RHP Adrian Houser, RHP Pete Fairbanks, OF Jake Mangum, LHP Mason Montgomery, RHP Eric Orze, OF Christopher Morel, INF Tristan Gray, OF Kameron Misner, OF Everson Pereira, 1B Bob Seymour
Unsigned free agents: None.
While it’s never a good idea to count out the Rays entirely, the club appears fully committed to a rebuild and will go into 2026 as a clear favorite to finish last in the AL East.
So far this winter Tampa Bay’s two biggest moves have been trades that sent Shane Baz to Baltimore and Brandon Lowe to Pittsburgh. Those moves replenished the club’s farm system and should help Tampa Bay in the long run, but outside of outfielder Cedric Mullins and lefty Steven Matz, the Rays haven’t made any particularly notable MLB additions.
If the Rays exceed expectations and re-emerge as a contender in the American League, it’ll likely be thanks to internal development from young standouts like Junior Caminero and Chandler Simpson. Tampa Bay is also expected to finally get ace Shane McClanahan back from injury, though after missing two full seasons it’s anyone’s guess if he’ll be able to recapture his old No. 1 form.
Toronto Blue Jays
Key additions: RHP Dylan Cease, 1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto, RHP Tyler Rogers, RHP Cody Ponce, RHP Chase Lee, RHP Spencer Miles
Notable losses: LHP Justin Bruihl, LHP Easton Lucas
Unsigned free agents: SS Bo Bichette, RHP Chris Bassitt, RHP Max Scherzer, RHP Seranthony Dominguez, 1B Ty France, INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa
A few months ago the Blue Jays came within an out of winning their first World Series since 1993, and so far this offseason they’ve made a point to ensure they’ll be in the championship conversation next season as well.
The Blue Jays have already made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal. He’ll team with Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman and playoff sensation Trey Yesavage to give Toronto one of the best rotations in baseball, and Toronto also fortified their staff by adding Cody Ponce, who is coming off a breakout year in Japan, as well as top reliever Tyler Rogers.
Offensively, the Blue Jays just made another big move, reportedly signing Japanese standout Kazuma Okamoto on Saturday. He’ll boost a Blue Jays lineup that will already return largely intact, though Toronto is still waiting out shortstop Bo Bichette, who remains one of the top free agents on the market.
No matter what happens with Bichette, the Blue Jays should still enter 2026 as strong contenders to repeat as AL East champs.
Michigan Goes After Another Utah Staff Member to Complete Kyle Whittingham’s Crew
Kyle Whittingham is leaning on familiar ties to reshape Michigan football quickly. After Sherrone Moore’s firing, the veteran coach is bringing trusted allies to stabilize the team. His first move was hiring Jason Beck from Utah as offensive coordinator, and now, he appears to be adding another former Utes staff member to strengthen his team.
Reports suggest that Kyle Whittingham is bringing Utah’s EDGE coach Lewis Powell into the team as defensive line coach. Powell’s addition marks the seventh hire for Whittingham at Michigan. With Beck, he joins defensive coordinator Jay Hill, quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr., wide receivers coach Micah Simon, tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham, and offensive line coach Jim Harding, adding up to a Utah-influenced staff.
But can we blame Kyle Whittingham for it? During his time at Utah, Powell helped send eight players to the NFL with six draft picks. He also coached two consensus All-Americans: Bradlee Anae in 2019 and Jonah Elliss in 2023. along with seven first-team All-Conference selections. This shows his dominant impact on the program.
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Now, Powell’s resume adds up to his hire even more. He began coaching as a graduate assistant from 2009 to 2010 at his alma mater, Utah, after finishing his playing career. He then took the reins as administrative assistant in 2011 before he left for Salt Lake City to coach the defensive line at Hawaii, spending three seasons from 2012 to 2014. Then, back in 2015, he returned to Utah as a tight end coach, shifting to defensive line in 2016.
Since then, Powell’s defense has consistently performed at a high level. Utah led the Pac-12 in rushing defense five times and finished in the FBS top 20 during its final six seasons, finishing three times in the top five nationally. Now, that resume doesn’t just bring a strong defensive backing to Michigan but also gives them the potential to develop four- and five-star recruits on the team.
This might even bring stability to Michigan’s defensive line, which has been inconsistent throughout the season. Against USC, their defensive line failed to put pressure on USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, allowing them to move the ball on the field and through the air easily. Even their run defense failed to contain the rushing attack.
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Now, with Powell joining the team, Kyle Whittingham is planning to rebuild the defensive line. Louis Esposito, who coached them for the last two seasons, will move to focus on interior linemen, while Powell will work with the ends. This might give Michigan more depth in the coming season.
All thanks to Kyle Whittingham, who’s proving why he’s a perfect fit for the Wolverines.
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Why Kyle Whittingham is a perfect fit for Michigan?
For the second time in recent years, Michigan has been forced to make a head coaching hire under adverse circumstances. The first came when Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL, prompting the program to elevate offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to head coach. Now, following Moore’s personal scandal, Michigan has again turned to an outside solution, hiring longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. While his age may not point to a long-term tenure, the hire makes sense on nearly every other level.
At 66, Whittingham brings one of the most accomplished résumés in college football, compiling a 177–88 record since taking over at Utah in 2005. He led the Utes to two Pac-12 championships and a Mountain West title, while consistently fielding disciplined teams and maintaining a strong internal culture — qualities Michigan badly needs in the wake of Moore’s dismissal.
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Michigan also offers Whittingham resources he never had at Utah. Enhanced NIL support, including backing from Dave Portnoy, positions the program to recruit at an elite level. Stepping into a national powerhouse with the infrastructure to compete immediately was the primary motivation behind Whittingham’s return to the sidelines.
“I still got plenty of juice left in the tank and feel energetic,” Whittingham said to ESPN. “And you know, Michigan is, you know, a top-five job in my opinion. There’s no question it’s a top-five job. And at the place I was in my career when I stepped down at Utah, it would have taken a top-five job to lure me back into it.”
Now, with new coaching hires and a head coach, let’s wait and see how next season turns out for the Michigan Wolverines.
Giants Legend Phil Simms Gives Strong Verdict on Jaxson Dart Trade Talks Ahead of 2026 Draft
The season has been a long walk through mud for the New York Giants. A 3-13 record heading into Week 18 tells the story, and now the noise is louder as some are already asking if the Giants should move on from Jaxson Dart and reset at quarterback in the 2026 draft. In the middle of that chaos, Giants legend Phil Simms stepped in, as he feels it’s not a good idea.
On his Simms Complete podcast, addressing the Dart trade buzz, Phil Simms said, “I don’t even know what to say because I don’t… That’s the dumbest a– thing ever.”
Going into Week 17, both teams were awful, sitting at 2-13, which made this game embarrassing on paper and historically bad. Both were also riding nine-game losing streaks, meaning whoever lost would be almost locked into the No. 1 draft pick next year. But instead of losing on purpose, New York played to win. Rookie quarterback Dart took control, scoring twice himself and pushing the Giants to a blowout 34-10 victory, a game that also got heated enough to include a big sideline fight.
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His performance showed, once again, why the team traded up to draft him in the first round, flashing the kind of talent that makes a young quarterback look like a long-term answer. Still, not everyone bought into it, as some people remained skeptical despite the win and the numbers. Nevertheless, that performance backed Simms’ eye test.
“Jaxson Dart was, I thought, one of the best-looking football players on the field in that game. If that means anything, his movement, I thought he looked faster than I’ve seen him all year,” he said. “Of course, his arm it’s a good, solid NFL arm in all aspects, accuracy, power, all that stuff. He can make all the throws and all the things we talk about.”
Dart has quietly been one of the few steady pieces for Big Blue. At just 22, he took over after Russell Wilson and never looked back. In a rough season, he has an 89.8 passer rating. He threw for 2,042 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also limited mistakes with only five picks across 13 games. Because of that, Simms expects another jump, and he set the bar clearly.
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“I would be shocked if it doesn’t get better in two ways. I expect him to be more aggressive, not aggressive, to be more dynamic running the football next year than he was this year. And I would expect and be disappointed if I don’t see a difference in the throwing too.”
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For Big Blue Nation, that sounds like hope. However, the 2026 draft talks aren’t slowing down either.
Giants might move on from Jaxson Dart with 2026 draft pick
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Sitting in a prime position for the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants are staring at the top overall pick. That changes everything. With that slot, the front office can grab the best quarterback on the board. And around the league, many evaluators keep pointing to one name. Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
For Big Blue Nation, that possibility alone turns whispers into a real debate. And NFL Insider Ian Rapoport poured fuel on the conversation.
“The Giants could have the No. 1 pick. Expect them to evaluate all options, including looking at Fernando Mendonza, before they make a decision on how they are going to proceed, if they have this pick,” Rapoport said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart did not duck the noise. After the Giants took care of business against the silver and black, he faced the question head-on. Asked if he had seen reports about New York evaluating Mendoza, the 22-year-old stayed locked in.
“No, I did not. I’m going to continue to play my ball,” Dart said.
He did not stop there either. Instead, he doubled down on his belief in the Big Apple.
“I know I’m going to be here for a very long time, and I’m just excited to start winning more games and turn this place around and do my job, and we have a bright future,” he added.
Still, the backdrop matters. Talk of the Giants searching for another quarterback has grown louder after a brutal October, November, and December stretch. Dart hit a low point in Week 16 against the Vikings. Just 33 passing yards. One interception. His roughest outing yet. Then came Sunday, when he showed what he can do.
Now, the question remains: How will Big Blue plan to handle the quarterback’s future? It is the story to watch.
Sin los Chiefs en el camino: así se perfila la carrera rumbo al Super Bowl 2026
La temporada 2025 de la NFL entra en la recta final con un escenario inusual. Philadelphia Eagles, campeones vigentes, siguen con aspiraciones de repetir la hazaña, algo que solo Kansas City Chiefs logró recientemente. Sin embargo, el dominio ya no es tan claro y el cierre del calendario ha confirmado que la liga vive un cambio de jerarquías.
Telemundo es el canal oficial del Super Bowl, la Premier League en Estados Unidos en español y la casa de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA
MANTENTE AL DÍA CON TODO LO ÚLTIMO EN NUESTRO CANAL DE WHATSAPP
Tras 17 semanas, el panorama está marcado por una Conferencia Nacional poderosa, una Americana sin un dueño absoluto y la ausencia de varios contendientes históricos. La lucha por el Super Bowl está más abierta que en años recientes.
Sin los Chiefs en el camino, que quedaron fuera de Playoffs por primera vez desde 2014, y con varias potencias históricas ya eliminadas, la NFL se encamina a un cierre impredecible.
Los equipos que ya quedaron fuera de los Playoffs
Con cuatro partidos por disputarse, varios equipos ya quedaron oficialmente eliminados y han comenzado a pensar en el Draft 2026.
Eliminados en la Conferencia Nacional (NFC)
New York Giants
Washington Commanders
Dallas Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals
New Orleans Saints
Atlanta Falcons
Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions
Eliminados en la Conferencia Americana (AFC)
Tennessee Titans
Cleveland Browns
Las Vegas Raiders
New York Jets
Kansas City Chiefs
Cincinnati Bengals
Miami Dolphins
Indianapolis Colts
Los favoritos al Super Bowl: quiénes llegan mejor y por qué
Seattle Seahawks
Aparecen como el equipo con mejor proyección tras 17 semanas. Dominan en consistencia, cierran fuerte y llegan con una identidad clara. Su duelo ante San Francisco 49ers en la Semana 18 puede confirmar su estatus de contendiente real.
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams han escalado hasta colocarse como el principal candidato en la NFC. Su crecimiento en la segunda mitad del año, sumado a su experiencia reciente en Playoffs, los coloca como una amenaza directa rumbo al Super Bowl.
Denver Broncos
Desde la AFC, se han consolidado como una de las sorpresas más sólidas. Su equilibrio ofensivo y capacidad para cerrar partidos los mantiene entre los tres equipos con mejores probabilidades de llegar al juego grande.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills siguen en la conversación pese a tropiezos recientes. Continúan siendo uno de los equipos más completos de la Americana, aunque su margen de error se ha reducido considerablemente.
Philadelphia Eagles
Los campeones defensores no se bajan de la pelea. Philadelphia Eagles buscan algo que parecía imposible hasta hace poco: un bicampeonato que los coloque en la élite histórica de la liga. No parten como favoritos, pero nadie los descarta.
Trevon Diggs Sends Unafraid 6-Word Message to NFL After Joining Packers
Supreme self-confidence is a key element to the success of just about every NFL player, and it’s no different for Green Bay Packers cornerback Trevon Diggs.
The two-time Pro Bowler spoke with reporters on Thursday, January 1, just days after the Packers claimed him off waivers. Diggs was available to Green Bay for Week 18, plus the team’s playoff run, because the Dallas Cowboys chose to release the defensive back with three years remaining on his $97 million contract at the age of just 28.
The lack of faith in Diggs displayed by the Cowboys via that decision, plus three consecutive seasons of injury issues (29 missed games since Week 1 of the 2023 campaign), might reasonably shake most professional athletes.
But not Diggs.
Tanner Engstrand believes Jets offense has ‘good foundation’
The Jets enter the final weekend of the NFL regular season ranked 28th in both yards and points per game on offense.
It’s been that kind of year. First-year offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand was asked to assess his first season on the job.
“It had some really good ups and some downs,” Engstrand said. “There’s been some really good things and there’s been some things we know we can learn upon. And so, for me, personally, there’s definitely things that I look back on and I’ve reflected on over the last several weeks that maybe I would adjust and do a little bit differently going forward. But I think it’s been really, really good. I think we’ve got our system in for the most part, there’s always going to be more, but I think we have a good foundation of what we’re trying to build as a team and as a culture in the building, and how we want to play, and what our brand is And then we will continue to sharpen that and hone that in as we head into the offseason.”
Engstrand is expected back next season along with head coach Aaron Glenn. He may be charged with mentoring a rookie quarterback if the Jets draft one early, as many expect. This season, the trio of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook have all struggled under Engstrand.
The Jets have scored 10 points or fewer in three of their past four games.
“Our real focus and attention has been on finding ways to get more production,” Engstrand said. “And when we say production, we really mean getting points on the board. It’s been something that we haven’t done enough of lately, and that’s really the sole focus of our practice and our plan, and what we’re trying to do is to just have more production with some consistency there.”
CHECK OUT THE LATEST NFL STANDINGS AND JETS STATS
RB Breece Hall (knee) practiced on a limited basis Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice. RG Joe Tippmann (hip) also returned to practice on a limited basis. DE Micheal Clemons (ankle), RB Isaiah Davis (concussion), OL Xavier Newman (knee), CB Qwan’tez Stiggers (knee), TE Mason Taylor (neck) and TE Jelani Woods (hamstring) all missed practice. QB Taylor (knee) was limited.
How Patriots veteran WR showed Efton Chism III a path to the end and an NFL career
FOXBOROUGH – The special bond started in the offseason.
Efton Chism III showed up to Gillette Stadium early at 5 a.m., looking to gain an edge. That’s when the undrafted free agent noticed his veteran teammate Mack Hollins doing the same thing.
Hollins was a willing mentor. He taught Chism to make the most of his time. Don’t just show up to the facility early. Have a plan. Those early mornings often turned into late nights with the rookie studying the playbook in Hollins’ room at the team hotel.
The two connected over wanting to make the most of their opportunities while competing with each other. They watched film together, worked out in the gym, and got in extra runs. They walked through plays in hotel rooms.
This season, Chism watched his mentor have success in his first year with the Patriots. When Hollins landed on the injured reserve last week, it was the rookie who stepped up, creating a special moment.
In Sunday’s 42-10 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium, Chism caught his first touchdown pass.
On this play, the Patriots had him line up just behind a tight end near the right side of the Patriots’ offensive line. When the ball was snapped, Chism faked a block and ran straight up the hash marks before breaking right into the end zone, where Drake Maye found him for the score.
Hollins was there to celebrate with his mentee. The next day the pair watched the video and realized that Chism scored on the exact play call and ran the same route that Hollins did for his first Patriots touchdown in Miami in Week 2.
“He brought the energy off the sidelines, so I got to celebrate with him, which was sweet,” said Chism, who marveled at the parallel. “It was kind of a surreal moment there.”
This relationship has been mutually beneficial.
Hollins, 32, learned early in his career the importance of gaining an edge on his competition. When he was with the Eagles, he’d show up early with veteran receiver Jordan Matthews. He also learned from established pass catchers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. They all had different schedules, and Hollins learned how to make the most of his time.
That was the first lesson that Hollins taught Chism when the rookie arrived at Gillette Stadium at 5 a.m.
“The biggest thing that I’ve tried to teach him about is not wasting time,” Hollins said. “One of the biggest misconceptions is coming in early makes you better than everybody else. By no means does that, but it gives you a chance to be better than everybody else.”
Now, when the pair arrives in Foxborough, they often start in receiver coach Todd Downing’s room. It’s a small office, but here they watch the coach put together the day’s PowerPoint presentation, showing them the practice plan.
Then they’ll move on to extra strength or receiving work before many of their teammates arrive.
hen they’ll move on to extra strength or receiving work before many of their teammates arrive. As much as the veteran has helped the rookie, Chism also pushed Hollins. While working together, they naturally compete and kept things fun as the season wore on.
“I can’t slack. I can’t miss a day. I can’t, like, not be out there working. Because then he sees me, it’s like, ‘Oh, well, you told me I was supposed to do this,’” Hollins said. “So this is part of that. And since I was young, it was like, ‘How can I find competition?”
Chism’s transition from Eastern Washington and the FCS hasn’t been easy. He contributed only on special teams for most of the year. Before Sunday’s game, he played 25 offensive snaps in six games. He had no targets.
Instead of getting frustrated, the rookie worked hard in whatever role was necessary. Sometimes, his performances on Fridays, when the team works on red zone, were so great that defensive players would praise him after practice.
Mike Vrabel noted that although Chism’s touchdown was his first in a game, it was something the team saw plenty of this season in practice due to his work on the scout team.
Hollins’ lesson about not wasting time applied beyond just workouts and preparation.
“Good, bad, or indifferent, the next day is a new day,” Chism said. “Or there’s going to be another moment, and we’re going to have to bring it. Nobody cares what happened the play before; just focus on the play now.”
Hollins said the relationship with Chism has been fun. After eight years in the NFL, the receiver has a lot of wisdom to share and has found the perfect teammate to help. As the season unfolded, Hollins’ work ethic rubbed off on Chism.
“He’s done a great job of saying, ‘Hey, I’m just ready to work. Even when I feel tired, I’m going to go to work,’” Hollins said. “Because it’s an opportunity. And he’s taken every opportunity around with it, which has been great to see.”
Even though Hollins was on injured reserve, Vrabel was glad that he had made the trip so he could be there for Chism’s touchdown, the result of “a fun mentorship.”
After their season of work, it meant everything to Chism for Hollins to be there to celebrate.
“It’s been huge having someone to lean on,” Chism said. “Having someone to ask questions to, especially as an undrafted rookie, there is a lot of unfamiliarity with the NFL. He’s been doing it a long time… It means a lot to me that he was out there.”
This Browns player was about to become a stagehand at House of Blues when his NFL dream came true
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The House of Blues is a restaurant and bar known for its live music along the strip of Cleveland’s East 4th Street.
In early August 2024, Rex Sunahara was supposed to start working there.
At that point, the Bay Village native’s pro football career as a long snapper barely existed. Sunahara’s practice-squad stints with the Dolphins and Steelers had come and gone, and after a season in the XFL, Sunahara found himself back home.
“I’ve got to start thinking about some other things here,” Sunahara thought to himself. “I don’t really know what I’m gonna do.”
An uncle told Sunahara about the job opening as a stagehand at the House of Blues, where he’d help set up the live shows. He geared up for his first day in early August 2024.
Then the Browns — the team he grew up rooting for — called.
Longtime long snapper Charley Hughlett was dealing with a minor injury in training camp. They needed another guy, and that opened the door to Sunahara’s childhood dream.
Now Sunahara looks to establish himself as one of the NFL’s premiere long snappers.
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Beginnings
As a Bay Village native, Sunahara grew up 20 minutes west of where the Browns play their home games.
Sports ran in the family. He took part in basketball and baseball growing up, but football ran faster than the rest in the bloodline.
His grandfather, Peter Rekstis, played college football at both Army (1960) and Cincinnati (1962-1963). His uncle, Chet Moeller, was an All-American strong safety for Navy (1972-1975) and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Other uncles played for Youngstown State and eventually got into coaching, giving a young Sunahara an up-close feel for the game.
“You go to these games and it’s like I kind of grew up in it,” Sunahara said. “My uncles played and then coached too. I was at games on Saturdays … football is just what my family does, and I love it.”
Reed Sunahara, Rex’s father, instead leaned toward volleyball.
A two-time All-American that led UCLA (1982-86) to three NCAA titles, Reed eventually got into coaching and landed the head gig for the University of Cincinnati women’s team between 2000-11.
This brought Rex to Cincinnati for part of his upbringing. It was there that he attended a Cincinnati Bearcats youth football camp.
“It was like a kids camp, and there were position groups,” Sunahara said. “It was like the specialists were here and the quarterbacks were there and everything else. And I just happened to be at the specialists one.”
He watched a Bearcats long snapper snapping the ball. Sunahara tried it and quickly picked it up.
From there, his obsession grew.
Level up
Before the 2014 season, Ronald Rutt took over the Bay High School football program. The Rockets were coming off a one-win season, and Rutt looked to his seniors to lead the change of culture.
Among these seniors was Sunahara, who had moved back to Bay Village ahead of high school and was a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball.
Rutt says Sunahara was up for the challenge and led by example.
“A lot of times you’re walking out to practice after a long day of school, and it’s kind of tough to get it going out there,” Rutt said. “(Sunahara) just kind of always was having fun, working his butt off and bringing other guys along with him.”
Standing 6-foot-6, Sunahara was used as a wide receiver and free safety with a work ethic displayed in big moments, during what would be a historic season for the Rockets. A prime example was their second game against neighboring rival Westlake. Sunahara caught a game-winning 42-yard Hail Mary.
“He was someone that defenses really had to adjust to with his presence out there and his size at wide receiver,” Rutt said. “You couldn’t just leave him alone with one corner or he was going to make a play over that kid.”
Sunahara was a top contributor and did whatever it took to make a win happen.
The senior star, however, didn’t stray far from long snapping and was the Rockets’ main long snapper, impressing Rutt.
“As a first-year head coach, you kind of take for granted when you’ve got a long snapper like him, it was perfect every time,” said Rutt, who coached the Bay Rockets through the 2024 season. “(The) confidence when you’re punting or kicking a field goal, that the snap was always going to be right on the money. Just really impressive.”
His play was contagious, and he helped lead the Rockets to eight wins and a regional final appearance, before they fell to the eventual state-champion Benedictine Bengals.
The accolades followed. Sunahara was a defensive selection on the All-Ohio Division IV third team; and an All-West Shore Conference and All-Northeast District honoree on both sides of the ball.
Sunahara was ready to play the next level.
A leap of faith
Originally, Sunahara aspired to continue both football and basketball coming out of high school. His recruitment was fickle.
Rhode Island was the only Division I school which allowed him to continue both sports at the collegiate level. In fall 2015, Sunahara converted to long snapper for the Rams football team and walked-on to the basketball team.
In football, Sunahara had four special teams tackles through eight games for a one-win Rams. The basketball team posted 17 wins, but Sunahara logged three total minutes the whole season.
And he was homesick.
“It was one of those things where I was just too far away,” Sunahara said. “Too far away from home at Rhode Island and I was like, ‘I just don’t really like it here.’”
Sunahara left after one year and weighed his options. Either he’d take his talents elsewhere, or transition to student life at Cincinnati or Cleveland State.
The Sunahara family took a vacation to Hawaii in 2016, the home state of Reed Sunahara, who now was coming off his first year coaching the West Virginia women’s volleyball team.
Rex joined the trip prepared to deliver the news of his intention to enter the transfer portal.
He brought these thoughts to his father. Reed then asked his son a question.
“Why don’t you just go to West Virginia and see what you can do?” Reed asked.
However, there was no scholarship offer for him. The only way Sunahara would suit up for the Mountaineers was by walking on. It was either that or become his father’s volleyball team manager.
He took a leap of faith and showed up at West Virginia’s 6 a.m. football tryout. Reed drove him there. And in the end, Sunahara was the last one standing and accepted an offer to walk on.
“There were three of us that got picked from there, and I think I was the only one that really finished,” Sunahara said. “It was kind of crazy.”
Mountaineer friendship
Sunahara was a Mountaineer, but he wasn’t the starting long snapper.
That job belonged to Nick Meadows going into Year 5 of coach Dana Holgorsen’s tenure.
Sunahara, however, didn’t shy away. He took to being Meadows’ backup and waited his turn, while also learning from the starter.
“The kid worked his a–off every single day and that was the competition,” Sunahara said of Meadows. “He was going to beat you, and it was just a matter of how he was going to beat you.”
Meadows in turn also realized Sunahara’s potential as a long snapper.
“I think honestly, probably within the first week of him being there,” Meadows said. “I could see his potential, one, with his size and ability, but two, with his work ethic and consistency. I could see that he had it in him.”
Meadows led by example with his preparation for perfection. He made Sunahara his pupil, and showed him what it’d take to make it in Morgantown.
“Every single day, I wouldn’t go off the field until I had, say for example, 10 to 20 perfect snaps in a row,” Meadows said. “If there was one bad one, I had to restart and I would have to do 10 more. I wouldn’t leave the field.”
Through their competition, they built a bond.
“He held that position to a standard,” Sunahara said. “He held our entire group to a standard. That is what I wanted to be. It was what I wanted to accomplish … I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.”
Meadows graduated after the 2017 season, and it was Sunahara’s turn. He became a fan favorite, played the whole season and landed four tackles on special teams.
To some extent, he thought that was it.
“I never thought about playing in the pros,” Sunahara said. “I was like, ‘I just want to play varsity football and then I want to play on Saturdays, move on and then just continue to do that.’ ”
Little did he know where his next chapter would lead him.
Big leagues calling
Sunahara didn’t know he was on the NFL radar.
“I was told by one of my coaches, ‘You’re getting a lot of looks’. And I was like, ‘Looks for what?’ …
“ ‘A lot of people think that you can play in the NFL,’” Sunahara said.
He capped his senior season with invites to the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate All-Star Game and 2020 Hula Bowl All-Star Game, and was a semifinalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, given to the nation’s top long snapper.
However, this wouldn’t lead to a selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Practice squad stints with the Dolphins and Steelers didn’t lead to much. Sunahara joined the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas for the 2023 season, before receiving a training camp invite from Pittsburgh that same year.
That led to nothing. Sunahara returned to San Antonio the next year as the team transitioned to the UFL, but he wasn’t playing much.
Sunahara found himself back home in Bay Village and faced the thought of life after football.
“I didn’t hear anything,” Sunahara said. “I was literally sitting at home … I didn’t hear anything until August.”
Dreams turned reality
Sunahara geared up for his first day at Cleveland’s House of Blues in August 2024.
He was short on cash and opportunities from the pros, and looked to make some money in the meantime.
“I guess you would call it a stagehand … just break down and set up stages for the concerts at the House of Blues,” Sunahara said. “And that was really about it. (I) was just going to do that at nights and figure it out from there.”
Then the Browns called.
Hughlett hadn’t missed a single game since becoming Cleveland’s starting long snapper in 2015, but now he was hurt and they needed somebody else.
Sunahara signed on Aug. 8.
But this wasn’t just any team. This was the Browns. Sunahara grew up a fanatic. He even attended games while he was trying to go pro.
In 2021, when cornerback Denzel Ward logged a 99-yard pick-six in Cleveland’s Week 9 road win over Cincinnati, Sunahara was there.
In 2022, when the Browns suffered a Christmas Eve loss to the Saints in what became the coldest regular-season home game in franchise history, Sunahara was in the nosebleed seats with friends.
He now had the chance of a lifetime to play in the orange and brown.
Replacing familiarity
Sunahara was part of a series of bookkeeping roster moves during the fall of 2024. He’d be a practice squad member, then get waived, then get placed back on the roster, and so on.
Sunahara wasn’t signed to the active roster until Oct. 9, after Hughlett was placed on the injured list with a rib injury.
It was Sunahara’s 28th birthday, and he received the news from Browns special teams coach Bubba Ventrone.
“I kind of knew that it was happening,” Sunahara said. “Bubba texted me and was like, ‘Hey, are you ready to go?’ Just replied, ‘Hell yeah,’ and was ready to go.”
Sunahara’s first career NFL start was in Week 6 versus the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
“It was scary,” Sunahara said. “It was one of those things where you try to take it all in, but also realize you got a job to do. It was surreal.”
This also marked the changing of the guard.
Sunahara was Cleveland’s starting long snapper the rest of the 2024 season. Hughlett has not played another down for the Browns and was released after the season ended.
Hughlett had two years remaining on a four-year, $5.7 million contract extension signed in October 2022. Dating back to 2015, he had played in 152 straight regular-season games and was the team’s second-longest-tenured member behind left guard Joel Bitonio.
The Browns were taking a chance with Sunahara, who understood what came with replacing Hughlett.
“Charlie was one or is still one of the best to ever play the position,” Sunahara said. “The fact that I was able to be here with him and learn from him every day, was something that is part of the reason that I’m able to do this. He’s a pro’s pro.”
Carving his own path
He has stepped up to the challenge in 2025 and contributed to some of the Browns’ top highlights this season.
That includes Andre Szmyt’s 53-yard game-winning kick in Week 3, when Sunahara made the pivotal snap for Corey Bojorquez to place down for Szmyt.
Pro Football Focus has given him an 84.8 overall special teams grade this season, the best among all NFL long snappers.
He’s had seven special teams tackles, including one on Chimere Dike, the NFL’s top kickoff returner, in the Browns’ Week 14 loss to Tennessee.
With his first full complete season coming to an end, Sunahara is just enjoying the ride.
He sometimes catches himself looking up to the nosebleeds where he once sat watching the team he plays for now.
“Corey and Andre get tired of me talking about that stuff,” Sunahara said. “I just remember sitting up there, they’re like, ‘Cool’. They get annoyed with it, but it’s fun, it’s a part of my journey and story.”
But Sunahara also looks to carve out his own path as the franchise long snapper, for his hometown squad.
“Make my own way and make this position my own and do things a little bit different,” Sunahara said. “If it works, it works. I’m just excited to be able to continue to forge that path.”
Who Are Tom Brady’s Kids? All About NFL Legend’s Kids With Ex’s Bridget Moynahan & Gisele Bundchen
Just like his legendary NFL career, former quarterback Tom Brady has nailed his role as a father of three. Over the years, he has built adorable bonds with his kids that he shares with former partners, Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bündchen. From playing golf to exploring the open waters on a yacht, the former Patriot does it all with his little ones. And as the lives of Tom Brady’s kids get more mainstream, the curiosity surrounding them only increases. Dive in to find out!
Meet Jack Moynahan: Tom Brady’s oldest son
Born on August 22, 2007, John “Jack” Edward Thomas is Brady’s eldest son, whom he shares with actress Bridget Moynahan. The couple dated from 2004 to late 2006, and it wasn’t long after their split that she made her pregnancy public. Tom and Bridget welcomed him the next year in Santa Monica, California. Despite the timing, both parents committed early on to their parental duties.
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Moynahan wanted her son to grow up in a “healthy environment,” and she admitted to feeling satisfied with her efforts, per People. The former quarterback has also been honest about his journey with Jack, revealing he was nervous about the “challenge” of fatherhood. But things changed for good after Jack’s birth, and Brady ended up embracing the role wholeheartedly.
The NFL took him from Massachusetts with the Patriots to Florida with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite professional commitments, Brady has continued to make time for his son, who primarily lives in New York with Moynahan and her husband, Andrew Frankel. In August 2025, Brady shared a carousel post on Instagram to mark Jack’s 18th birthday.
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The pictures feature the duo along with Brady’s other two kids and their dog. In his message, Brady reminded Jack how much he loves him and also praised his son’s “courage, love, and kindness.”
“I’m so proud of the man you are! Welcome to adulthood, it comes with higher credit card limits, bigger bills, and no curfew,” he added. “OK maybe not all at once!”
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They say the first child gets the most love; it is indeed true in Jack’s case.
Meet Benjamin Brady: Tom Brady’s son with Gisele Bündchen
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen married in February 2009. Later that year, they welcomed their first child, Benjamin Rein, on December 8 in their Boston home. In ESPN’s Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, the player admitted to being dicey about Benjamin’s home birth. But in hindsight, the seven-time Super Bowl champion described being with Gisele during that moment as “precious.”
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As Benjamin grew older, Brady met with a shocking realization that his son showed little interest in athletics. It was challenging for him to make peace with, but he eventually learned to appreciate and support his younger son’s passions. Now that Benjamin navigates teen life, Bündchen weighed in on what it’s like to raise kids when they hit adolescence.
“The most important thing [is] you have to make time to have conversations, because, I think, you know, they are changing, every day is a whole new world,” she said on the Jimmy Fallon Show. “And it’s so important to kind of talk, it’s a huge thing.”
In Brady’s view, Benjamin has grown up to be “kind, caring, and thoughtful.” In his message on his son’s 16th birthday, he described him as a fun person who leads with heart and lights up the room with their presence. Overall, he feels like a proud dad.
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Meet Vivian Lake Brady: Brady’s daughter
Vivian Lake was born on December 5, 2012, and is Tom and Gisele’s second child. As someone who grew up with three sisters, Brady found it valuable for his sons to have a sister at home. He believes it gave the boys a better understanding of women. While Vivian was growing up, the 48-year-old couldn’t stop himself from going soft on her.
“That little girl owns my day, owns my life,” he told Entertainment Tonight in 2016. “[I] cannot say no to anything. Whatever she tells her dad to do, that’s what I do. That’s just the way it goes.”
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Meanwhile, Vivian enjoys a close bond with her mother, with the duo sharing a variety of common interests. These include yoga, meditation, and spending time around horses. Their mutual love for riding eventually led Bündchen to purchase a horse farm in 2023, giving more space to enjoy in peace away from the spotlight.
In December 2025, Brady poured his heart out to celebrate his daughter, who had turned thirteen. He shared a collection of photos on Instagram that capture many cute moments. These included shots from Paris during the 2024 Olympics, Vivian enjoying cotton candy, and playing volleyball. While praising his daughter, Brady called Vivian “the most amazing travel partner” with a knack for hunting the best ice cream or matcha latte.
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Are Tom Brady’s kids into football?
Tom Brady’s sons have played football, but they both have different levels of interest. Jack is passionate about the sport and has even served as the team’s ball boy during Brady’s time with the Buccaneers. In October 2022, Brady spoke about watching his eldest son suiting up as a quarterback for his high school team. Speaking on his podcast, the Michigan alum acknowledged not having many specialties. But he thinks throwing a football is one skill he can confidently pass down to Jack.
“He’s [Jack] way smarter,” he added. “He’s got a great work ethic and just a great kid. But I can definitely help him at quarterback.”
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Philip Rivers Breaks Silence on Giving Up NFL Record Chase That Could Impact His HOF Induction
Before going against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17 with the Indianapolis Colts, the 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers reiterated that he wasn’t chasing glory. His one goal? Get the Colts into the playoffs. Fast forward to Week 18 and his team out for good, he has an opportunity to boost his chances for a trip to Canton. However, he would rather support the team’s vision.
“Not to try to push to play just because it’s like ‘You had to come back after five years at 44 and then play in the last game of the year after they’ve been eliminated to get to Roethlisberger,’” Philip Rivers said recently on Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams. “It would’ve almost needed an asterisk beside it. That wasn’t the reason why I’m not doing it.
“It was always with the team in mind, feeling like, ‘Man, maybe I can help give them a chance’. And then I feel like you flip it in the last week, and it wasn’t about the team, it was about you all this time.”
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Re-entering the NFL, the sixth all-time with 425 TDs, Rivers was already ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger in career touchdown passes. But now, he is chasing another record to surpass the Steelers legend: Rivers sits just 105 passing yards away from eclipsing Roethlisberger on the NFL’s all-time passing yards list. After averaging over 181 yards per game, the possibility seems very real. However, there’s a bump.
After a bye week at 8-2, Indianapolis collapsed, losing six straight games. Injuries to QB Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, and Riley Leonard forced head coach Shane Steichen to reach out to Rivers and convince him to return. The veteran QB then brought leadership and energy to the Colts’ locker room and helped keep the team competitive during a difficult stretch.
However, the results didn’t follow Rivers’ surprising return.
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He lost all three of his starts with the Colts, throwing for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. With the Colts eliminated from playoff contention, Steichen decided to bench Rivers and start Riley Leonard in the season finale. The move effectively ends Rivers’ pursuit of at least the seventh spot on the NFL’s all-time passing yards list.
Playing one more game and possibly grabbing those final hundred yards would’ve added weight to his Hall of Fame résumé, where he ended as a semi-finalist last season alongside the names like Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Bill Belichick. However, he has a simple stance for building his case:
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“It won’t come down to that 100 yards. I can assure you.”
The former Los Angeles Chargers QB ranks eighth all-time in passing yards with 63,984, just behind Roethlisberger (64,088) and Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (64,257).
Still, Rivers’ return was never about unfinished business or personal milestones. It was about helping his former coach and friend, Steichen. While Philip Rivers never won a Super Bowl during his 17-year career, he reached the playoffs seven times and consistently played at a high level. His brief unretirement also mirrored the paths of legends like Tom Brady and Brett Favre.
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Brady retired and unretired before winning another Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. He finished his career with 89,214 yards for 212 TDs on his career résumé to become a lock for the Hall of Fame when he is eligible in 2028. Favre also retired and unretired multiple times in the 2000s. He ultimately announced official retirement in 2011 with career records of 71,838 yards and 508 TDs, and earned his first-ballot Hall of Fame honors in 2016.
Philip Rivers has already built a legacy as one of the league’s legendary QBs, and his willingness to step aside now only adds to that image. He’s allowing Riley Leonard, who has recorded 145 yards with two interceptions and no TDs this season, to get a valuable opportunity.
On the other hand, Rivers has something else to attend to, as he has already hung up his cleats from the league.
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What’s next for Philip Rivers?
In his short return stint, Rivers’ best game thus far came against the San Francisco 49ers on December 22. He finished 23-of-35 passing for 277 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Against the Seahawks, his first game in 1800 days, Rivers became the oldest quarterback to appear in a game for the Colts in franchise history, almost pulling an upset win on the road. But after a surprising return, life after football looks familiar for Philip Rivers.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2020, he had already embraced his role as a family man with his sons and grandkids, and as a high school coach. So, after this short comeback in the NFL, he will return to coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama, where his son Gunner will be the senior QB this fall, along with his second son, who will be a ninth grader on the same team.
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“I’m back to the sideline,” Rivers said. “This was a fun three-week blur that nobody saw coming, including myself, and that’ll be it.”
Philip Rivers was a 2026 Hall of Fame semifinalist before this return. Due to the required five-year waiting period, his eligibility clock will reset to 2031. Although he had a short return, Rivers impressed many. However, when it comes to his final verdict on another return to the NFL QB life, Rivers just dropped a message for his fans:
“Hell no, I am (done).”
Dak Prescott explains facing uncertainty ahead of Cowboys’ season finale
The Dallas Cowboys are closing in on their final game of the 2025-26 NFL regular season. Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants might not matter as far as the postseason, but Dallas can still finish 8-8-1, a .500 record.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has already confirmed that star quarterback Dak Prescott will start against the Giants. Prescott is set to play in all 17 games after missing the back half of last season due to a hamstring injury.
MORE: Dak Prescott gives honest advice to Cowboys’ George Pickens before free agency
In his tenth season with the Cowboys, Prescott is leading the league in passing yards heading into the last week. With a 34-yard advantage on Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford, if Prescott can hold on, he’ll win the passing crown for the first time.
That means there are certainly some implications on the line. However, it’s unclear if Prescott will play the entire game. Regardless, he’s trying not to change his approach, even if the decision could be unpopular with fantasy owners.
Dak Prescott Doesn’t Want To Know When Or If Cowboys Plan To Pull Him On Sunday
Prescott explained his mindset in the face of uncertainty. He’d rather focus on playing his game rather than knowing when or if the Cowboys plan to pull him against the Giants.
Guenther gets 1st NHL hat trick, Mammoth cruise past Islanders
Nick Schmaltz had two goals and an assist, and Mikhail Sergachev and Clayton Keller each had a goal and two assists for the Mammoth (19-19-3), who had lose two straight. Karel Vejmelka, who returned after missing the past two games with an upper-body injury, made 20 saves.
Calum Ritchie and Matthew Schaefer scored, and Maxim Shabanov recorded two assists for the Islanders (22-15-4), who have lost two of three (0-2-1). David Rittich was pulled in the third period after allowing five goals on 14 shots. Marcus Hogberg made four saves in relief in his first appearance of the season.
Guenther gave the Mammoth a 1-0 lead 36 seconds into the second period when his wrist shot from inside the left face-off circle banked off Rittich’s helmet and in.
Ritchie tied the game 1-1 after he beat Vejmelka glove side off the rush at 2:35 of the second.
Guenther scored his second of the game to make it 2-2 at 10:20 of the second after he one-timed a Lawson Crouse pass from the slot high glove side.
Schmaltz extended the lead to 3-1 at 16:19. Tony DeAngelo couldn’t corral a puck at the Utah blue line before Schmaltz beat Rittich high glove side off a 2-on-1 rush with Keller.
Sergachev gave Utah a 4-1 lead with a power-play goal at 2:52 of the third when his point shot beat Rittich low glove side.
Keller scored a power-play goal at 5:41 of the third period to give Utah a 5-1 lead with Rittich caught out of position.
Schaefer scored on the power play at 11:48 of the third to cut the deficit to 5-2. He beat Vejmelka low glove side from the point, becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach 10 goals.
Guenther completed his hat trick and made it 6-2 at 13:54 of the third. He beat Hogberg through the legs off the rush from inside the left circle.
Schmaltz scored his second of the game at 16:55 of the third, beating Hogberg glove side from the low slot off a feed from J.J. Peterka to make it 7-2.
Islanders forward Bo Horvat left the game midway through the third with an apparent lower-body injury after getting tangled with Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi at the red line and did not return. Horvat was named to Team Canada for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Wednesday.
McKenna living up to expectations with Canada at World Junior Championship
ST. PAUL, Minn. — It sure seems like Gavin McKenna is living up to the expectations surrounding him as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft through four games at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Craig Button, TSN director of scouting and a former NHL general manager, has been one of McKenna’s biggest proponents since watching him as a 14-year-old for the RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna Under-18 prep team.
McKenna is 18 now, and Button is sure about one thing.
How to Watch Maple Leafs vs Jets: Live Stream NHL, TV Channel
The Toronto Maple Leafs (18-15-6, 42 points) have won three of their last four games, going 3-0-1, as they host the slumping Winnipeg Jets (15-19-4, 34 points), losers of seven straight and 10 of 11, at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night.
How to Watch Toronto Maple Leafs vs Winnipeg Jets
When: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: NHL Network
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Winnipeg comes in on the back end of a back-to-back after taking a 2-1 loss at the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night. Logan Stanley got the Jets’ only goal at 7:04 of the third period after Detroit had taken a 2-0 first-period lead. Winnipeg, last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winner, has dropped to last place in the Central Division during its recent slide.
The Maple Leafs, playing without stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander, got 33 saves from Joseph Woll on Tuesday night as they blanked the visiting New Jersey Devils 4-0. Nicholas Robertson picked up two assists while Bobby McCann, Nicolas Roy, Calle Järnkrok and Matthew Knies provided the offense.
John Tavares shares the team lead with Matthews for Toronto with 15 goals while Nylander, who has missed two straight games, has 41 points. Dennis Hildeby is 2-5-4 with a shutout in 14 starts to go with a .909 save percentage and 2.95 goals against average. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor have 18 goals and 45 points apiece for the Jets while Connor Hellebuyck is 9-10-3 in 22 starts with a .907 save percentage and 2.51 GAA.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
Live stream Maple Leafs vs Jets on Fubo: Try for free!
You can live stream NHL games all season long with Fubo, who offer a free trial. They carry all of the channels you will need to never miss your favorite team’s games, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NHL Network, as well as local team coverage.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
How to Watch Kings vs Lightning: Live Stream NHL, TV Channel
The Tampa Bay Lightning (23-13-3, 49 points) continue a three-game California trip on Thursday night, taking a five-game winning streak into their matchup with the Los Angeles Kings (16-13-9, 41 points) at crypto.com Arena.
How to Watch Los Angeles Kings vs Tampa Bay Lightning
When: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network West San Diego 4- NFL, WXPX White Feed – Tampa Bay Lightning
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Darren Raddysh scored 2:47 into overtime on Wednesday night as the Lightning finally put away the stubborn Anaheim Ducks 4-3. Tampa Bay never trailed, losing three one-goal leads in the game. J.J. Moser scored at 13:30 of the first period to make it a 1-0 game, Brayden Point made it 2-1 with 49 seconds left in the second and Nikita Kucherov converted a power-play goal at 8:00 of the third.
Los Angeles lost for the seventh time in its last nine games on Monday night, dropping a 5-2 road decision to the Colorado Avalanche. Corey Perry tied the game with a power-play goal 5:15 into the second period and Joel Armia’s shorthanded goal got the Kings to within 3-2 at 4:58 of the third.
The Kings can finish off a season sweep of Tampa Bay on Thursday night after taking a 2-1 win in Tampa on Dec. 18. Kucherov, Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel lead the Lightning with 18 goals each, with Kucherov topping the club with 51 points. Andrei Vasilevskiy is 15-7-2 with a shutout in 24 starts to go with a .914 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average. Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala have 13 goals apiece for Los Angeles, with Kempe leading the team with 32 points. Darcy Kuemper is 10-6-6 with two shutouts in 23 starts with a .917 save percentage and 2.19 GAA.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
Live stream Kings vs Lightning on Fubo: Try for free!
You can live stream NHL games all season long with Fubo, who offer a free trial. They carry all of the channels you will need to never miss your favorite team’s games, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NHL Network, as well as local team coverage.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
How to Watch Penguins vs Red Wings: Live Stream NHL, TV Channel
The Atlantic Division-leading Detroit Red Wings (24-14-3, 51 points) open the New Year on the road on Thursday night when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (17-12-9, 43 points) at PPG Paints Arena in the first game of a home-and-home.
How to Watch Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings
When: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit – BSD, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Detroit won for the fifth time in six games on Wednesday night, scoring twice in the opening period and holding on for a 2-1 win over the visiting Winnipeg Jets. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring with a power-play goal 8:22 into the game and Mason Appleton made it 2-0 at the 14:48 mark. John Gibson made 24 saves for the Red Wings.
Stuart Skinner stopped 27 shots and Anthony Mantha scored two goals on Tuesday night as the Penguins won their second straight and third in four games with a 5-1 victory over the visiting Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Brazeau added a goal and an assist in the win as Pittsburgh scored three times in the first period and twice in the second before Carolina finally got on the board. Sidney Crosby and Tommy Novak also lit the lamp for the Penguins.
Larkin leads Detroit with 21 goals while Alex DeBrincat has 20 and Lucas Raymond tops the team with 43 points. Gibson is 13-8-1 with two shutouts in 23 starts, posting an .893 save percentage and 2.97 goals against average. Crosby’s 21 goals and 40 points top the Penguins while Bryan Rust checks in with 15 tallies. Arturs Silovs is 6-5-6 with a shutout in 17 starts, notching an .886 save percentage and 3.21 GAA.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
Live stream Penguins vs Red Wings on Fubo: Try for free!
You can live stream NHL games all season long with Fubo, who offer a free trial. They carry all of the channels you will need to never miss your favorite team’s games, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NHL Network, as well as local team coverage.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Mammoth kick off 2026 with 7-2 win on Long Island
The Utah Mammoth’s New Year’s resolution was obvious: score more goals. With a 7-2 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday, they did exactly that.
Their win keeps the franchise a perfect 5-0-0 in the state of New York. They’ll have the chance to extend that record on Monday with a visit to Madison Square Garden, where they’ll face the New York Rangers.
Quick catchup
Utah Mammoth: 7
New York Islanders: 2
When the Mammoth failed to register a shot on net in the first 14 minutes the game Thursday, fans didn’t expect them to finish with a touchdown on the board.
But the floodgates opened in the second period: Four goals, with three of them in Utah’s favor. They opened even wider in the third, with five total goals, four of them belonging to the Mammoth.
Dylan Guenther registered his first NHL hat trick, adding an assist to tie his career high in points. Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller and Mikhail Sergachev each managed three points.
Thursday was also Karel Vejmelka’s first game back since an injury held him out of the lineup in Denver two days before Christmas. He made 20 saves on 22 shots, including all 10 the Islanders fired before the Mammoth had their first one.
Utah’s penalty kill was also noteworthy. It killed off an entire double-minor toward the end of the second period, maintaining the 3-1 lead the Mammoth had at the time.
They did allow one power play goal on a bid from rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer, but it was at a point in the game when Utah had already accrued a large enough buffer to win comfortably.
“The score doesn’t reflect the game for me,” said Mammoth head coach André Tourigny. “They’re tough to play against, … but I think we earned it.”
Tidbits and takeaways
They call him ‘Gunner’
Anyone who follows the World Juniors knows how clutch Dylan Guenther is in early January. He showed that again on Thursday, and is now on pace for a 40-goal season.
Since the move to Utah, Guenther has been lights-out against the Islanders. This outing increased his totals to six goals and seven points in three games, adding to an overtime winner in the team’s visit to UBS Arena last season.
He stated in his preseason press conference that he wanted to diversify his scoring rather than relying upon the power play one-timer that seemed to create most of his goals last season. It hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows, but the stats speak for themselves. The adjustment is working.
“I don’t want him to get ahead of himself so I won’t get ahead of myself (either). I have such a high regard for Gunner, of what he can do,” Tourigny said. “… The big thing for him is to make sure he keeps the right mindset.”
Guenther wouldn’t take all the credit.
“I’ve probably had a lot of two-goalers, actually, so it’s nice to get another one. But, I mean, (Lawson Crouse) and (Barrett Hayton) made really nice plays on all of my goals, so I wouldn’t have scored three without them.”
Utah fans can rest easy, knowing that they have Guenther’s services secured until the end of the 2033 season at an extremely manageable $7.1 million per year.
Is a sleeping giant waking up?
Last season, Utah’s power play was the 10th-best in the NHL. This year, it’s receded to 25th.
But the Mammoth struck twice with the man-advantage on Thursday. Both goals came from the first unit, which has struggled more than the second group in recent weeks.
Tourigny pointed out the momentum change that resulted from his team’s power play in the first period.
As mentioned, the Mammoth hadn’t put a single shot on net at that point, and had instead fought off 10 from the Islanders. The power play allowed them to sustain the puck in the offensive zone for the first time all game, and although they didn’t score on that go-round, their five shots were enough to flush out whatever fatigue came from celebrating New Year’s in New York.
“That power play sparked us — we had several good looks — and built our confidence,” Tourigny said. “From there, we were a much better team, and the rest of the game, we were a good team.”
Guenther equated that success to working harder and winning more puck battles and face-offs. Utah won all 14 draws on the power play, which is huge — especially considering that Bo Horvat, who has operated at a stellar 57.6% in the face-off circle this season, is among the Islanders’ top penalty killers.
Given the amount of one-goal games the Mammoth have lost, an extra power play goal every few games could be exactly what they need to start winning more consistently. The personnel hasn’t changed much since last year, so these guys know their capabilities are high.
Half-season standings
With 41 games in the books, Utah’s season is halfway over. That’s usually not the case by this time of the calendar year, but taking a three-week break for the Olympics means the schedule has been more condensed than normal.
At this point in the season, a tiebreaker has the Mammoth on the outside of the playoffs, looking in. By no means are they out of the race, and stringing together a few consecutive wins could put them where they need to be.
The key for Utah will be to find consistency. Looking at the Central Division leaders, they’ve all had many streaks of 3-5 wins this season, and their losing skids rarely go longer than two games.
The Mammoth have had their moments, but it’s always been more of a one-step-forward, two-steps-back situation.
The thing working in Utah’s favor from here on out is the schedule.
The Mammoth have squeezed the first 41 games into an 85-day span, while the latter half will be played in 105 days due to the Olympic break.
Utah has played 24 of its road games but only 17 at home, meaning the Mammoth will have home-ice advantage much more frequently the remainder of the season.
According to Tankathon, they have the 16th-hardest schedule remaining in terms of the opponents they’ll face. While that’s much worse than the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings — all of whom are competing for the same wild card spots — it’s not as daunting as what the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets face going forward.
Goal of the game
Crouse’s no-look pass to Guenther
Tourigny referred to Crouse as an unsung hero in this game, so let’s sing him some praise.
This goal doesn’t happen without Crouse’s ability to go hard in the corner and have the presence of mind to make a good play. If you aren’t confident that the pass can get to the right guy, you can’t make it — that would put your team at a disadvantage going the other way.
Perhaps he wouldn’t have attempted it last season, but he had the right amount of confidence this time and it paid off greatly.
Will Ferrell dresses up as NHL referee at Kings game
Will Ferrell was ready to make the call on Thursday.
The comic actor dressed up as an NHL referee during the Los Angeles Kings game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Sitting in his season ticket seats behind the bench, Ferrell sported a black and white striped ref shirt with an NHL logo on the breast and completed his look with a black helmet.
Ferrell revealed he helped taught two of the game’s referees in an interview with FanDuel Sports Network West.
“I’ve always been in support of the NHL referees,” Ferrell said in the interview.
Penguins beat Red Wings 4-3 in OT
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kris Letang scored 58 seconds into overtime in his 1,200th NHL game and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on Thursday night.
Sidney Crosby had two goals an and assist to extend his point streak to five games, and Blake Lizotte also scored for the Penguins in their third straight win. Pittsburgh has four wins in its last five games following an eight-game losing streak.
Erik Karlsson had two assists to become the second active and 14th defenseman in NHL history to reach 900 points. Arturs Silovs stopped 24 shots for Pittsburgh.
James van Riemsdyk and Alex DeBrincat had power-play goals for the Red Wings, and Andrew Copp also scored. Cam Talbot made 27 saves for the Red Wings, who had won five of six.
Letang, who became the 40th defenseman in NHL history and third active to reach the 1,200-game milestone, scored the winner on a one-timer from the slot.
Letang got his 13th career overtime goal, tying him with Scott Niedermayer for second-most in NHL history among defenseman — trailing only Brent Burns (16). Letang also has 20 points this season, becoming the 15th defenseman with 18 or more 20-point seasons.
Lizotte briefly put Pittsburgh ahead 3-2 with 4:09 left in the third period, but DeBrincat tied it again 1:11 later with his power-play goal. Detroit finished 2 for 8 with the man advantage.
Crosby scored twice in the first 5:46 to stake the Penguins to an early 2-0 lead. Crosby scored his 127th game-opening goal, tying Gordie Howe for fourth-most in NHL history. It was also his 111th multi-goal game, passing Brendan Shanahan for 19th-place all-time.
Yegor Chinakhov made his debut for Pittsburgh after he was acquired from Columbus for Danton Heinen and two draft picks.
Up next
The Penguins and Red Wings play again on Saturday in Detroit.
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Letang scores in OT in his 1,200th game to give Penguins 4-3 win against Red Wings
Kris Letang scored 58 seconds into overtime in his 1,200th NHL game and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on Thursday night.
Sidney Crosby had two goals and an assist to extend his point streak to five games, and Blake Lizotte also scored for the Penguins in their third straight win. Pittsburgh has four wins in its last five games following an eight-game losing streak.
Erik Karlsson had two assists to become the second active and 14th defenseman in NHL history to reach 900 points. Arturs Silovs stopped 24 shots for Pittsburgh.
James van Riemsdyk and Alex DeBrincat had power-play goals for the Red Wings, and Andrew Copp also scored. Cam Talbot made 27 saves for the Red Wings, who had won five of six.
Letang, who became the 40th defenseman in NHL history and third active to reach the 1,200-game milestone, scored the winner on a one-timer from the slot.
Letang got his 13th career overtime goal, tying him with Scott Niedermayer for second-most in NHL history among defenseman — trailing only Brent Burns (16). Letang also has 20 points this season, becoming the 15th defenseman with 18 or more 20-point seasons.
Lizotte briefly put Pittsburgh ahead 3-2 with 4:09 left in the third period, but DeBrincat tied it again 1:11 later with his power-play goal. Detroit finished 2 for 8 with the man advantage.
Crosby scored twice in the first 5:46 to stake the Penguins to an early 2-0 lead. Crosby scored his 127th game-opening goal, tying Gordie Howe for fourth-most in NHL history. It was also his 111th multi-goal game, passing Brendan Shanahan for 19th-place all-time.
Yegor Chinakhov made his debut for Pittsburgh after he was acquired from Columbus for Danton Heinen and two draft picks.
Up next
The Penguins and Red Wings play again on Saturday in Detroit.
NHL roundup: Auston Matthews’ hat trick leads Leafs past Jets
Auston Matthews registered three goals and an assist Thursday night as the Toronto Maple Leafs overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat the visiting Winnipeg Jets 6-5.
Matthews completed his hat trick by knocking in a loose puck at 15:38 of the third period to snap a 5-5 tie, sending the Jets to their eighth consecutive loss (0-5-3). Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Matias Maccelli each added a goal and an assist to help the Maple Leafs earn their second straight win and fourth in five games. Troy Stecher also scored.
Mark Scheifele produced two goals and an assist, while Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and an assist for the Jets. Dylan DeMelo and Alex Iafallo also scored, and Eric Comrie stopped 24 shots.
The Jets led 4-1 near the midpoint of the second period before Toronto tied it with three straight goals. Winnipeg again took the lead in the third period, but the Leafs scored twice more for the win.
Penguins 4, Red Wings 3 (OT)
Kris Letang scored 58 seconds into overtime for Pittsburgh, which persevered to beat visiting Detroit.
Letang tallied his third goal of the season in his 1,200th career game. Sidney Crosby scored twice and assisted on the game-winner. Pittsburgh’s Blake Lizotte scored, and Erik Karlsson registered two assists, making him the 14th defenseman to reach 900 points in NHL history. Arturs Silovs stopped 24 shots.
Alex DeBrincat, James van Riemsdyk and Andrew Copp scored for the Red Wings, and Cam Talbot made 27 saves. Detroit overcame deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 to force overtime but fell to 5-1-1 in the past seven games.
Mammoth 7, Islanders 2
Dylan Guenther collected his first career hat trick and Nick Schmaltz scored twice for Utah, which rolled to a blowout win in Elmont, N.Y.
Mikhail Sergachev and Clayton Keller also scored for the Mammoth, who finished with just 21 shots. The seven goals tied a season-high for Utah, set previously in a 7-4 win over the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 23 and tied in a 7-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 3.
Calum Ritchie and Matthew Schaefer scored for the Islanders, who allowed their most goals since a 9-2 loss to the New York Rangers on April 10, 2025. New York lost leading scorer Bo Horvat to an injury about eight minutes into the third after he got tangled up with Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi.
Lightning 5, Kings 3
Anthony Cirelli, Gage Goncalves and Nikita Kucherov scored in the final four minutes to lift visiting Tampa Bay to a come-from-behind win against Los Angeles.
Cirelli was the first to a loose puck and chipped it into the top of the net to tie it at 3 at 16:41. Goncalves put the Lightning ahead at 18:19, and Kucherov scored into an empty net with 45 seconds left. Kucherov also had two assists, Brayden Point scored twice, Cirelli added an assist and Jonas Johansson made 17 saves for Tampa Bay, which has won six in a row.
Andrei Kuzmenko and Kevin Fiala each had a goal and an assist, Jeff Malott also scored, Corey Perry had three assists and Darcy Kuemper made 19 saves for Los Angeles after being unavailable the previous six games because of an upper-body injury.
Senators 4, Capitals 3
Fabian Zetterlund scored with 2:22 remaining to lift host Ottawa to a win over Washington.
Zetterlund scored on a one-timer from just below the left hashmarks after receiving a backhand pass from Thomas Chabot on the rush, shortly after Aliaksei Protas tied the game for Washington. Nick Jensen, Ridly Greig and David Perron also scored for the Senators, who had lost three straight (0-2-1) after winning four in a row.
Tom Wilson scored his fifth goal in three games and added an assist for the Capitals, who were coming off a 6-3 win against the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Justin Sourdif had two assists, and Logan Thompson made 28 saves.
Canadiens 7, Hurricanes 5
Cole Caufield and Josh Anderson scored 23 seconds apart in the second period as Montreal came back from a two-goal deficit to win in Raleigh, N.C.
Lane Hutson, Sammy Blais and Juraj Slafkovsky each had a goal and an assist while Nick Suzuki and Oliver Kapanen also scored for the Canadiens, who have won three of their past four. Alexander Texier and Ivan Demidov added two assists each, while Jakub Dobes made 20 saves.
Sebastian Aho was involved in all five Hurricanes’ goals with two tallies and three assists. Nikolaj Ehlers and Andrei Svechnikov both added a goal and two assists and Alexander Nikishin chipped in a goal and an assist. Brandon Bussi lost in regulation for the second time in 16 outings, stopping 16 shots.
Blackhawks 4, Stars 3
Ilya Mikheyev scored twice for Chicago, which held on for a win against visiting Dallas.
Artyom Levshunov and Teuvo Teravainen each scored a power-play goal and Andre Burakovsky and Ryan Donato had two assists apiece for the Blackhawks, who won for just the second time in their past 10 games (2-7-1). Spencer Knight made 22 saves.
Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene each had a goal and an assist while Jake Oettinger made 17 saves for the Stars, who have lost four straight (0-2-2) for the second time this season.
James Rodríguez al parecer se encuentra a un paso de arribar a la MLS
Después de su salida de los Esmeraldas del León y la cancelación del fichaje por parte de los Pumas de la UNAM, el futuro de la estrella de la selección de Colombia, James Rodríguez podría definirse con su llegada a la Major League Soccer (MLS) con el Columbus Crew de la Conferencia Este.
Rodríguez y la gente que lo asesora busca que el mediocampista del cuadro cafetero tenga actividad para el próximo Mundial y que puede establecer una continuidad que le permita ser de utilidad para el equipo nacional de su país en la justa universal que se realizará en Estados Unidos, México y Canadá.
Según información generada por VBAR Caracol, el destino más seguro de James Rodríguez está con el Columbus Crew, escuadra que busca reforzarse lo mejor posible para mantenerse como contendiente en la Conferencia Este de la MLS Cup, pero sobre todo para tratar de darle batalla al Inter Miami, que es el rival a vencer en la liga de fútbol estadounidense.
En caso de ser contratado, James se convertiría en rival directo de conferencia de Lionel Messi y su Inter Miami, equipo que arrancará la temporada 2026 de MLS como serio contendiente a revalidar su título y conseguir el bicampeonato.
Por esa razón, Columbus Crew busca realizar algunos movimientos que les permitan armarse lo mejor posible y por esa razón está en la lucha por los derechos federativos del jugador colombiano con el Orlando City, por lo que el futuro de James Rodríguez no cambiaría y parece esta extraoficialmente en el fútbol de Estados Unidos.
Las variantes del Columbus Crew
Para abrir un espacio en la nómina del Columbus Crew, el cuadro del estado de Ohio está analizando a que jugador dan de baja, sobre todo por las plazas DP se encuentran ubicadas y tendrá que buscar una alternativa acorde a la calidad del jugador.
Hasta el momento Daniel Gazdag, Diego Rossi y Wessam Abou Ali, son los jugadores que tienen contrato como Jugador Designado hasta el momento en Columbus Crew, por lo que una alternativa para Columbus sería un contrato TAM (Targeted Allocation Money, por sus siglas en inglés). (
Así que en las próximas horas se definirá si James Rodríguez termina por llegar a un acuerdo con alguno de los dos cuadros estadounidenses, no obstante que en Colombia dan casi por un hecho que jugará para el Columbus Crew.
Cabe señalar que en su paso por la Liga MX estuvo marcado por los claros y oscuros de un jugador con demasiado talento, pero muy avaro en mostrar la verdadera faceta de una de las máximas estrellas en la historia de la selección de Colombia.
Henrik Rydström hired as coach of Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Henrik Rydström was hired Wednesday as coach of Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew.
He replaced Wilfried Nancy, who quit Dec. 3 to become coach of Scotland’s Glasgow Celtic.
Rydström, 49, coached Malmö from 2023-25, helping the team to consecutive league titles and the 2024 Swedish Cup championship, after stints with Sirius from 2019-21 and Kalmar in 2018 and from 2021-22.
Rydström was a midfielder for Kalmar from 1993 to 2013.
Assistant coach Theodor Olsson and first team analyst Mak Pakhei are joining him from his Malo staff. Goalkeeper coach Phil Boerger and head of video and data analysis Marc O’Neill will remain from Nancy’s staff.
___
TKO Stock Slides despite Receiving a New Street-High Price Target
TKO Group Holdings (TKO) had a standout year in 2025, thanks to major media rights deals and a surge in sponsorships. In fact, the sports and entertainment company signed agreements to broadcast UFC and Zuffa Boxing with Paramount (PSKY) and licensed WWE content through Endeavor Group. These deals were big enough that TKO raised its outlook for the year, and the stock climbed by more than 50%, thereby making it one of the top performers in its sector.
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Importantly, analysts believe there’s more room to grow, even after this big run. For instance, BTIG analyst Tyler DiMatteo noted that 2026 looks promising for both the sports and entertainment industry and TKO specifically. While he does expect some short-term ups and downs due to the stock’s recent surge, he’s comfortable giving TKO a higher valuation. He points to strong consumer interest in live events and what many call the “experience economy” as key reasons why the company should keep performing well.
TKO is also betting on newer trends, such as prediction markets. It signed a multi-year deal with Polymarket that will apply to UFC and Zuffa Boxing in an attempt to increase fan engagement. Interestingly, that market was worth $1.4 billion in 2024 and could grow to $95.5 billion by 2035. As a result, DiMatteo gave TKO a Buy rating and raised his price target to a street high of $250 per share.
Is TKO Stock a Good Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on TKO stock based on 14 Buys, one Hold, and zero Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average TKO price target of $225.73 per share implies 7.9% upside potential.
See more TKO analyst ratings
Inside Mazda MX-5 Cup, North America’s ultimate one-make series
The RACER Debrief takes a deep dive into the world of Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin. Joining us are 2025 Champion Jeremy Fletcher and Mazda Motorsports Senior Manager Jonathan Applegate.
How did Fletcher turn his season around and land a title? Who’s on the fast track thanks to Mazda’s wildly-successful MX-5 Cup Shootout? How does the MX-5 Cup keep on delivering some of the best racing in North America, and what’s in store for a fast-approaching 2026 season? Check out the RACER Debrief for a fascinating take on North America’s most-competitive one-make series.
International Hot Rod Association buys Topeka’s Heartland Motorsports
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 30.
The acquisition aligns with IHRA’s broader racer-first philosophy, which includes direct investment in facilities and infrastructure that strengthen grassroots racing, elevate national competition and create sustainable motorsports ecosystems, said a IHRA news release.
With this acquisition, Heartland Motorsports Park enters a new chapter — one that honors its storied past while positioning the property as a modern destination entertainment complex, said the news release.
Darryl Cuttell, who is the owner of the International Hot Rod Association, said Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing.
“It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations,
“This Is Not Racing”: Growing Outrage Erupts Over How Kids Are Being Taught to Win at Any Cost in Modern Motorsports
Beef between drivers may be a primary sustaining force for race fans. From the rowdy flare-ups of Kyle Busch to Brad Keselowski’s nonchalant treatment of veterans, fans thrive on the main character energy of specific drivers. However, when the conflicts extend to young drivers who have barely started their careers, then the conversation becomes more sinister. It became sinister at the 2026 Tulsa Shootout.
Tulsa Shootout clashes raise eyebrows
“This shit needs to not be glamorized. To you young kids and aspiring racers. Don’t do this. This is not racing,” X user ElbowsUp Billy, a former iRacing Pro World of Outlaws driver, wrote on Asa Swindell and Bryant Dawson’s clash. FloRacing’s X account also posted a video of teenage drivers and older veterans clashing after the Tulsa Shootout festivities. “Tempers are flaring, emotions have officially boiled over, and we’ve got an ejection following some wild Stock Non-Wing qualifier action!”
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These updates paint a grim picture of an otherwise hyped-up 2026 Tulsa Shootout. A number of clashes unfolded at the event, involving senior and teenage drivers. Dustin Bottoms lost his temper after getting spun out of the track by Tate Gurney. It is not clear if Gurney saw Bottoms on the outside when he made his move into the corner. Yet Gurney fed Bottoms a right rear tire, and that was the end of the latter’s race. In retaliation, Bottoms threw his helmet at the 13-year-old Gurney.
This clash, along with Swindell-Dawson and Stock Non-Wing qualifier incidents, raised eyebrows in the community. It reminded fans of incidents like Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s fistfight during the 2024 All-Star Race. While that marked a clash between seasoned drivers in NASCAR’s premier series, the Tulsa fireworks tell a different story. These conflicts involved youngsters whose careers are yet to kick off.
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Micro Sprint Car driver Gabe Zahner also had a wild ride in his No. 32Z entry. It flipped several times before launching into the air. The car then slammed into the catch fence and hung there for a moment before sliding into a dumpster.
This year, several sprint racing disasters unfolded. In July, dirt racing driver Bob Gardner drove directly into traffic during a MARS Late Model this weekend at Farmer City Raceway. Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson also fell into a pile-up with Rico Abreu in the Kubota High Limit Racing ‘Kansas City Clash’ at Lakeside Speedway. In a multi-car crash on a dirt racing track in Quebec, Canada, Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen sustained multiple fractures to his pelvis and right leg.
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All these incidents may fuel excitement for race fans. However, the consequences can leave permanent marks.
Off-track crash in Tulsa
While the Tulsa Shootout has not involved any seriously injurious incidents, the area is not exempt from scary crashes. In Owasso, Oklahoma, around 9:40 p.m. on December 20, police received reports of a car traveling southbound on US 169, later striking the back of a truck also traveling on the same route. Law enforcement said the force of the crash sent the truck off the road, where it ended up striking a large highway sign. Then it caught fire and was eventually engulfed in flames. All five people in the car and the truck were rescued.
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All five people were transported to the hospital in critical condition. A husband, a wife, and their three children were all injured in the crash. The wife and youngest daughter both sustained multiple injuries. Accordingly, a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family through these difficult times.
This incident should provide further incentive to the Tulsa Shootout’s authorities to take meticulous precautions in the races. Let’s see if the teenage racers can breathe easy in the upcoming sprint races.
Why EMPs pose a catastrophic threat-and places to avoid when they hit
WASHINGTON — Beyoncé has reached a new milestone in her career, with Forbes reporting that she has become a billionaire after a run of record-setting tours, savvy business decisions and continued control over one of the most valuable music catalogs in the world.
Beyoncé now joins an elite circle of entertainers with fortunes exceeding $1 billion. Of the 22 billionaire entertainers identified by Forbes, nearly half have crossed the threshold in the past three years.
But the singer known as “Queen Bey” has become just the fifth musician to reach that level, joining her husband, Jay-Z, along with Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Rihanna.
For many artists, 2023’s Renaissance World Tour — a series of three-hour, career-spanning spectacles — would have marked a high point. The tour grossed nearly $600 million, making it one of the biggest concert events of the year and further cementing Beyoncé, 44, alongside Swift as a dominant force in global pop culture.
But Beyoncé followed that success with another reinvention. In 2024, she released Cowboy Carter, a country-inspired album that opened new commercial lanes, including a Christmas Day NFL halftime performance and what would become the highest-grossing concert tour of 2025. The combined momentum from her music, touring and business ventures ultimately pushed her net worth past the billion-dollar mark.
The foundation of Beyoncé’s financial ascent was laid in 2010, when she founded Parkwood Entertainment and began managing nearly every aspect of her career herself. The company oversees her music, films, documentaries and concert productions, often fronting the costs in exchange for a larger share of long-term profits.
“When I decided to manage myself, it was important that I didn’t go to some big management company,” Beyoncé said in a 2013 interview while promoting her self-titled album. “I wanted to be a powerhouse and have my own empire.”
In the decade and a half since, Beyoncé has expanded into celebrity-friendly industries including hair care brand Cécred, whiskey label SirDavis and the Ivy Park clothing line, which was discontinued in 2024.
But the bulk of her wealth comes from music. By retaining control of her catalog and touring at stadium scale, she has capitalized on one of the most lucrative business models in entertainment.
Live performances, especially in the post-pandemic era, have become increasingly elaborate and profitable, and Beyoncé has leaned fully into that approach. Tickets to the Cowboy Carter Tour promised fans nearly three hours of music alongside cinematic production elements, including a flying car, robotic arms serving her SirDavis whiskey, a golden mechanical bull and guest appearances from Jay-Z, her children and her former Destiny’s Child bandmates.
Diego Pavia ranks the best SEC stadiums in college football
A new domed stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs is required to be comparable to four other specific NFL stadiums.
The four comparable stadiums listed are in Atlanta, Nashville, Glendale and Minneapolis.
The new stadium must have a minimum capacity of 65,000 seats, which is less than the current Arrowhead Stadium.
The agreement for the new facility allows for the potential sale of personal seat licenses.
The new domed stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs is required to be comparable to four other NFL stadiums.
The terms of the STAR bond agreement to build a new Chiefs stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, require
Indiana football season results, record, Fernando Mendoza Heisman Trophy
Given how much he has shifted the SEC, it’s sometimes hard to believe that Diego Pavia’s run at Vanderbilt has lasted just two seasons. But it was after 2023 that Pavia and his offensive staff from New Mexico State joined the SEC and shifted the balance of power in college football’s toughest league to shake up.
With Vanderbilt about to finish the 2025 season and Pavia preparing for his final collegiate game, the gritty QB was able to look briefly into the rearview mirror. Questioned about the top stadiums in the SEC, Pavia shared some interesting insights.
Unsurprisingly, the Vanderbilt QB chose his home stadium as his top pick. FirstBank Stadium, recently rechristened ahead of the 2022 season as a result of a naming-rights deal, is the smallest stadium in the SEC. With a capacity of just over 35,000 following recent renovations, it is a cozy environment and Pavia praised the unique on-field view.
The stories shaping Texas in 2026: World Cup, elections and education
In 2026, stadiums in Texas will be packed with fans from around the world, new security exchanges will open, education in the Lone Star State will change and Texans will cast ballots under newly drawn political lines. These are the key stories that are set to shape Texas, its place in the United States and the world in 2026.
2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place this summer with a record 48 competing in the tournament. The field was divided into 12 groups of four in December with matches set to take place in 16 cities across the three host countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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Dallas and Houston are among the host cities for the tournament.
Local perspective:
Dallas will host nine tournament games: five group stage games, two round of 32 games, a round of 16 game and a semi-final match. The group stage games include two games featuring defending World Cup champions, Argentina. Dallas also plays host to the number four-ranked team in the world, England, and seventh-ranked Netherlands.
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Houston will host seven World Cup matches this summer: five group stage games, a round of 32 game and a round of 16 game.
Houston will play host to a pair of games featuring sixth-ranked Portugal, along with games featuring Germany and the Netherlands.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11.
You can watch all the FIFA World Cup action on FOX
‘Y’all Street’: Trading begins in 2026 on Texas Stock Exchange, NYSE Texas. Nasdaq plans to open regional headquarters in Dallas
Dig deeper:
Texas has been developing the soon-to-launch Texas Stock Exchange for some time, welcoming expansions of established venues and passing legislation to appeal to traders.
At the beginning of the year, the TXSE Group announced that it filed to register the Texas Stock Exchange with the Securities and Exchange Commission. TXSE intends to launch trading in early 2026.
In February, it was announced that Dallas would host the New York Stock Exchange’s
Babolat Launching Jet Mach 4 Tennis Shoe With Updated Forefoot
Babolat’s best-selling tennis shoe model launches in a fourth version on Jan. 22. The Babolat Jet Mach 4, the brand’s focus on a lightweight speed, offers a fresh perspective with a redeveloped forefoot for an even quicker first step.
“At Babolat, all of our footwear innovation is built around explosiveness on the court,” Wanda Beguelin, a soft products manager at Babolat, tells me. “Every movement a tennis player makes starts with a split step—a jump from the forefoot. That’s why we decided to focus our development efforts on the forefoot area, integrating a true starting block under the foot.”
The Jet Mach 4 features a new rigid plate inside the midsole, inspired by track and field starting blocks, “ensuring optimal foot positioning for explosive starts toward the ball.”
Beguelin says the design helps players generate faster, more efficient first steps while maintaining stability and control. New reinforced sidewalls are designed to enhance stability, allowing players to fully engage their power while maintaining complete control during lateral movements.
MORE: Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11 Racket Updates Feel And Customizable Power
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Assisting that first-step movement is a new EVA foam mixed with Pebax. Babolat says the foam creation efficiently absorbs and returns energy, delivering rebound properties that are 55% superior to standard EVA. The brand says testing shows the shoe 3% faster than the previous model, thanks to that first-step quickness.
Under the new midfoot, Babolat continues its partnership with Michelin on the outsole. The two French brands have collaborated on footwear rubber and traction patterns since 2002.
The upper provides a fresh perspective on the brands Matryx textile weave. Beguelin says the new generation of Matryx enables Babolat to build a textile upper with maximum support and durability functions. “A new double-layer Matryx construction enhances lateral support and provides exceptional lockdown while retaining a lightweight textile upper,” she says.
The Babolat Jet Mach silhouette fits within the brand’s footwear lineup as the lightweight agility shoe, next to the Propulse durability and stability line and the SFX line focused on comfort.
The new Jet Mach 4 comes with a fresh aesthetic meant to accentuate the new elements of the silhouette. “We really wanted to highlight the forefoot and visually recreate the idea of a starting block,” Beguelin says. “That’s why, across all colorways of the Jet Mach 4, this new technology is always emphasized. The forefoot design draws attention to the performance core of the shoe: an EVA foam combined with Pebax and a rigid plate for lateral support. This visual signature makes the technology immediately identifiable and reinforces what the shoe is built for—explosive starts, stability and control.”
The women’s shoe launches in a cream and lavender version and a lavender and white colorway. The men’s shoe launches in red with black, white with blue and black with yellow.
United Cup Preview: Why Coco Gauff And Taylor Fritz Make A Dynamic Duo
Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz might be the best Team USA tennis duo since the Bryan Brothers and the Williams Sisters. The top-ranked Americans on the ATP and WTA Tours, Gauff and Fritz, lead Team USA in the 2026 United Cup set to begin January 2 in Perth and Sydney, Australia.
The United States won the 2023 and 2025 United Cup titles. Germany, led by Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund, won the championship in 2024.
Defending an international title is tough in any sport. However, Gauff and Fritz are the dynamic duo with the right mix of offense and defense, temperament, and big-match experience to defend Team USA’s title.
Why The United Cup Format Favors Team USA
The United Cup format features 18 teams divided into three groups. Each group session consists of three matches: one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and one mixed doubles match. Both singles matches will feature the team’s No. 1-ranked singles player, and that’s why this United Cup format favors Team USA.
Team USA has the highest combined rank of men’s and women’s singles players in the field. Poland’s Iga Swiatek is the only female player in the United Cup draw ranked higher than Gauff. Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime is ranked No 5, a spot above Fritz. However, Canada’s top-ranked female, Victoria Mboko, is ranked No. 18.
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Not that Gauff and Fritz won’t face other tough opponents. Jasmine Paolini and Flavio Cabolli, ranked No. 8 and No. 22, are playing for Italy. Despite recent struggles, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari are also a difficult duo.
However, Gauff and Fritz bring the most combined star power, hard-court prowess and mixed doubles experience. Fritz has been a Top 10 player the past four years, and Gauff is again the highest-paid female athlete in the world, winning on and off the court.
These two have a great chance of winning their singles matches, and if one loses, they are solid in mixed doubles. A team only needs to win two matches per session.
Team USA has Mackenzie McDonald, a solid singles player, and Christian Harrison, a Top Ten doubles player, to back up Fritz. Varvara Lepchenko and doubles specialist Nicole Melichar-Martinez could pair with Fritz if Gauff is exhausted. But Guaff rarely gets tired.
Why Coco Gauff Is The Ultimate Team Player
The saying that good defense wins championships usually applies to football and basketball teams. However, Gauff’s defense keeps Team USA in points and matches.
Gauff’s court IQ and ability to construct points are top-notch. Her athleticism allows her to chase down would-be winners, which is one reason Gauff is difficult for opponents. She’s relentless, frustrates big hitters and is one of the best returners in the game. In 2025, she won 48.8 % of her return games.
However, she led the WTA in doubles faults. This is where Fritz’s strength makes up for her weakness. When Gauff gets in trouble on a second serve, Fritz can end the point at the net.
Gauff is also positive on the court. Although seven years younger than Fritz, Gauff displays on-court maturity beyond her age. She can keep Fritz from fizzling late in matches.
Last year, Gauff’s United Cup performance followed a WTA Final title in late 2024, boosting her confidence before the 2025 Australian Open.
Taylor Fritz Looking To Win His Third United Cup
Fritz could help Team USA win a third United Cup. Fritz led the team of Frances Tiafoe, Madison Keys, and Jessica Pegula that captured the title in 2023. During that run, Fritz played doubles with Pegula.
The common denominator in Team USA’s dominance in United Cup play, Fritz is a proven hard-court winner. He’s reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, the final of the 2024 U.S. Open, and played a pivotal role in Team World’s win over Europe at the 2025 Laver Cup, where he stunned Carlos Alcaraz and upset Alexander Zverev.
Fritz reached a career high No. 4 in 2024, after losing to Jannik Sinner in the final of the U.S. Open. He also reached the 2024 ATP Final, where he lost to Sinner. Sinner and Alcaraz aren’t playing in the United Cup. Fritz has a 3-1 record against Auger-Aliassime. His biggest threats are Tsitsipas (2-3) and Norway’s Casper Ruud (1-3).
Why Coco Gauff And Taylor Fritz Work Well Together
In 2024, Gauff and Fritz led Team USA at the Summer Olympics. They reached the quarterfinals, where they lost to Canadians Auger-Aliassime and Gabriela Dabrowski, who won the Bronze medal. But that was on clay, not Fritz’s best surface.
Besides having playing styles that complement each other, Gauff and Fritz respect one another.
“Don’t doubt Taylor Fritz,” Gauff said in a post-final press conference after winning the 2025 United Cup.
“It was great. We played the majority, almost every single match except for one, Coco played first so always put me up 1-0, so I felt like it put so much pressure on me, because I didn’t want to be the one to lose it for the team because she already won,” said Fritz.
The pressure will be on Gauff and Fritz to bring home another title for Team USA. These two Americans are the dynamic duo to get it done.
Why Carlos Alcaraz Might Not Win the Australian Open in 2026?
With the 2026 season here, the first Grand Slam is about to begin. The Australian Open kicks off on January 12, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Carlos Alcaraz has been chasing this title for quite some time. It’s the only major missing from his collection to complete the Career Slam.
The farthest he has gone in Melbourne is the quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025. Could this be the year he finally breaks through? The Spaniard looks more determined than ever. But there are still a few reasons why the opportunity might slip away. Let’s take a closer look:
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1. The unexpected coaching change
On December 17, Alcaraz and his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, announced the end of their seven-year partnership. The news stunned fans, especially after a season where Alcaraz lifted eight trophies (the most in his career), including two Grand Slams, three Masters titles, and a return to the World No. 1 ranking. Few expected such a successful campaign to close with a split.
Together, the duo built one of the most impressive resumes in modern tennis. Under Ferrero’s guidance, Carlos Alcaraz evolved from a teenage prodigy into a six-time Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s most thrilling talents, collecting 24 tour-level titles along the way. Ferrero was there from the moment Alcaraz claimed his first major in 2022, guiding every step of his rise. But in 2026, that familiar presence will no longer be in his corner.
Reports suggest the split followed a disagreement over contract renewal, though Ferrero has confirmed the separation was mutual. Alcaraz has stayed silent for now, choosing instead to focus on the road ahead. Taking Ferrero’s place for the Australian Open is Samuel Lopez, who will lead the Spaniard into a fresh chapter. Can he help him in Melbourne and with his form?
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2. Carlos Alcaraz undergoes a serve change
Word has it that the 22-year-old’s main priority over the offseason was improving his serve, a project that had already taken shape in 2024 but gained even more importance this time. Determined to arrive in Melbourne in peak form, he practiced specific drills for precision and control, including one where he aimed his ball toss through a mini basketball hoop.
Observers quickly noticed something new in his motion. His serving rhythm and toss now closely resemble Novak Djokovic’s technique, sparking speculation about a long-term adjustment in his mechanics. The repetition in practice looked intentional rather than experimental, suggesting a deliberate effort to build a smoother, more natural service motion that he hopes to perfect by 2026.
Alcaraz is aware that his serve still offers room for growth. Standing at 183 centimeters, he lacks the leverage of taller players who can hit from a higher point, so he continues developing ways to add power and disguise. The mechanical tweak he introduced in early 2025 paid off late in the season, even though his first-serve percentage remains close to the tour average at 63.8 percent.
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He averaged 2.4 double faults per match and won 56.2 percent of points on his second serve, highlighting clear targets for improvement. Data from TennisInsights shows he often aims at opponents’ backhands, a pattern this new technique could diversify to make him even more unpredictable in 2026. But that’s not his only threat.
3. Sinner will be working with his coach and looking for revenge
If there’s one man who owns Rod Laver Arena right now, it’s Jannik Sinner. The World No. 2, who lost his top spot to Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open after holding it for 65 weeks, has made Melbourne his stage. Sinner captured his first Grand Slam title there in 2024 by defeating Daniil Medvedev and backed it up in 2025 with another stunning triumph over Alexander Zverev. At just 24, he’s already reached the final of all four majors and the ATP Finals in a single season.
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Sinner’s record at the year-end championships only adds to his legend: two titles from three appearances and a dazzling 15-2 record, including ten straight wins. Overall, the Italian has won four Grand Slams, all under one coach: Darren Cahill. The Australian coach announced his retirement to commence once the 2025 season ended. But in a twist, they decided to go another season! Which could be trouble for his rival.
His growing rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz has become tennis’s brightest spotlight, with the two splitting three Grand Slam finals in 2025, Alcaraz winning at Roland Garros and the US Open, and the Italian striking back at Wimbledon before sealing the season with the ATP Finals crown.
Still, it’s a steep climb since the Spaniard still hasn’t moved past the Melbourne quarterfinals. Falling to Djokovic in 2025 and Zverev in 2024. With the World No.2 chasing a three-peat and their rivalry burning hotter than ever, all eyes now turn to see if Alcaraz can finally crack the code Down Under. Although Alcaraz is pretty clear about his targets.
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4. Carlos Alcaraz is all about getting into the rhythm.
“The main thing for me is Grand Slams, try to win as many Grand Slams as I can. That’s my main goal,” is what Carlos told the official Australian Open website. “I think [the AO is] going to be great. It’s my first goal, to be honest. When I just go to the pre-seasons to what I want to improve, what I want to achieve, Australian Open is there. It’s the first or second tournament of the year, and it is always the main goal for me to complete a Career Grand Slam, Calendar Grand Slam.”
Still, when asked about his chances in Melbourne, the Spaniard didn’t sugarcoat his answer. Since the Australian Open basically kicks off the season, there’s little to no time for players to compete in warm up tournaments like before the other three Grand Slams.
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“I think because it’s the first tournament of the year. It’s about getting into rhythm. It’s not that it doesn’t suit me; it’s just that some players do better there, or when we’ve competed, it’s come down to small details,” he explained.
“I think I’ve played very good tennis in Australia; I’ve just missed that final step to go further. I believe and hope this year will be different. My objective for 2026 is Australia, and the good and the bad thing is that it’s the first tournament of the year. We’ll try to be as ready and as well prepared as possible to show a good level and hopefully achieve the goal we want,” he added.
The confidence is unmistakable, and so is the determination. At 22, Alcaraz is already stacking up numbers reminiscent of tennis royalty. His 2025 season was a showstopper: two Grand Slam titles at the US Open and Roland Garros, eight trophies overall, nine straight finals between April and September, and a staggering 71 wins from 80 matches.
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If he lifts the 2026 Australian Open trophy, he’ll become the youngest player ever to complete a Career Grand Slam, surpassing Rafael Nadal, who was 24 when he did it. But is the Spaniard preparing himself for the upcomign Grand Slam?
5. Some critics note his participation in exhibitions.
After wrapping up the 2025 season at the ATP Finals in Turin, Jannik Sinner took a break. Carlos Alcaraz didn’t. Even after pulling out of the Davis Cup Finals with a muscular edema, announced on November 18, the World No. 1 hit the court again. He played at the Miami Invitational with Joao Fonseca and later at Racquet at the Rock with Frances Tiafoe. Fans enjoyed it, but critics weren’t thrilled.
Among them was Steve Flink, a veteran voice of the game and member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. On the Court-Side with Beilinson Tennis podcast, he said the Spaniard should be focusing on Melbourne, not money.
“Carlos has never shown us his best form in Australia… I don’t think Ferrero and his team are very keen on Carlos spending his off-season playing exhibition matches. He has every right to do so, but he has his whole life to earn money. He has so much time to fill his bank account that I think it would have been wiser for him not to participate in these tournaments last year,” Flink said via We Love Tennis.
Flink even pointed to Alcaraz’s 2025 Australian Open quarterfinal loss to Novak Djokovic. “We’ll never know if that played a role in his loss to Novak Djokovic. Novak played an excellent match, but Carlos was also a bit below his usual level. So it will be fascinating to see if he can finally show his best in Australia,” he added.
Carlos Alcaraz didn’t shy away from answering back. To him, exhibitions are easy compared to tour events.
“First of all, it’s normal for people to think this way and not understand why we complain about the busy schedule and then participate in exhibition matches,” he told the Associated Press. “The biggest difference is that in a tournament you have to stay focused and it is expensive both from a physical and mental point of view. A performance is only one day.”
He added, “You just have to stay focused, warm up, train not so much and only for one match.”
Still, only time will tell if the Spaniard will take the title away. For now, he’ll skip warm-up tournaments for the 2026 Australian Open, but will make one more stop in South Korea with Jannik Sinner. When the lights come up in Melbourne, the big question is clear: can the 22-year-old defy the odds and take the crown?
How to Watch the United Cup 2026 Tennis Tournament Online
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The 2026 tennis season kicks off this week with the United Cup. The fourth edition of the tournament will see 18 nations battling on hard courts across Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney, Australia. The United States are the defending champion (they also won the inaugural 2023 United Cup).
At a Glance: How to Watch United Cup 2026
If you don’t have a way to watch the 2026 United Cup, read on. Below is a full guide on how to stream the United Cup tennis tournament online this year, including ways to get free United Cup livestreams.
How to Watch the United Cup Tennis Tournament Online
The 2026 United Cup tournament is airing in the U.S. on Tennis Channel. If you don’t have a cable package (or one that includes the channel), here are three of the best ways to stream the United Cup online:
DirecTV carries Tennis Channel in its Choice, Ultimate, and Premier streaming packages — all of which start with a five-day free trial and carry over 100 top channels. Choice is the most affordable option at $59.99 for your first month, $84.99 for months two and three, and $94.99 a month after that.
Another cable streamer with Tennis Channel coverage is Fubo. All packages carry the channel and start with a five-day free trial. Pricing starts at $55.99 a month, but you get a discount on your first bill.
Sling also carries Tennis Channel for United Cup livestreams. Subscribers can get the channel through Sling’s Sports Extra add-on, which costs $11 a month on top of whatever base plan you choose. Base packages start at $19.99 a month. Sling does not currently offer a free trial.
Stream the United Cup for Free
Want to watch the United Cup tennis tournament for free? Take advantage of the free trials from DirecTV and Fubo, which you can combine for 10 days of free United Cup livestreams.
United Cup Schedule 2026
The 2026 United Cup starts on Friday, Jan. 2, and runs through the final on Jan. 11.
Editor’s picks
Group Stage: Jan. 2–7
Quarterfinals: Jan. 7–8
Semifinals: Jan. 10
Final: Jan. 11
United Cup Lineup 2026
The United Cup lineup comprises 18 mixed-gender teams, each with six players. Four of the men’s top 10 will compete, including Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur. Three of the women’s top 10 — Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jasmine Paolini — will also be representing their countries.
Here’s the full United Cup lineup this year:
United States
Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, Mackenzie McDonald, Varvara Lepchenko, Christian Harrison, Nicole Melichar-Martinez
(Captain: Michael Russell)
Canada
Felix Auger-Aliassime, Victoria Mboko, Alexis Galarneau, Kayla Cross, Cleeve Harper, Ariana Arsenault
(Captain: Gabriela Dabrowski)
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Italy
Flavio Cobolli, Jasmine Paolini, Andrea Pellegrino, Nuria Brancaccio, Andrea Vavassori, Sara Errani
(Captain: Stefano Cobolli)
Australia
Alex de Minaur, Maya Joint, Jason Kubler, Maddison Inglis, John-Patrick Smith, Storm Hunter
(Captain: Lleyton Hewitt)
Great Britain
Billy Harris, Emma Raducanu, Neal Skupski, Katie Swan, Lloyd Glasspool, Olivia Nicholls
(Captain: Tim Henman)
Germany
Alexander Zverev, Eva Lys, Patrick Zahraj, Laura Siegemund, Kevin Krawietz, Mina Hodzic
(Captain: Alexander Zverev Sr)
Belgium
Zizou Bergs, Elise Mertens, Kimmer Coppejans, Greet Minnen, Sander Gillé, Lara Salden
(Captain: Christopher Heyman)
France
Arthur Rinderknech, Lois Boisson, Geoffrey Blancaneaux, Léolia Jeanjean, Édouard Roger-Vasselin, Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
(Captain: Lucas Pouille)
Poland
Hubert Hurkacz, Iga Swiatek, Daniel Michalski, Katarzyna Kawa, Jan Zieliński, Katarzyna Piter
(Captain: Mateusz Terczyński)
Spain
Jaume Munar, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Carlos Taberner, Andrea Lázaro García, Íñigo Cervantes, Yvonne Cavallé Reimers
(Captain: Miguel Sanchez)
Czech Republic
Jakub Mensik, Barbora Krejcikova, Dalibor Svrčina, Linda Fruhvirtová, Adam Pavlásek, Miriam Škoch
(Captain: Jiri Novak)
Greece
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Maria Sakarri, Stefanos Sakellaridis, Despina Papamichail, Petros Tsitsipas, Sapfo Sakellaridi
(Captain: Petros Tsitsipas)
Japan
Shintaro Mochizuki, Naomi Osaka, Yasutaka Uchiyama, Nao Hibino
(Captain: Go Soeda)
Argentina
Sebastian Baez, Solana Sierra, Marco Trungelliti, María Lourdes Carlé, Guido Andreozzi, Nicole Fossa Huergo
(Captain: Sebastian Gutierrez)
Netherlands
Tallon Griekspoor, Suzan Lamens, Guy den Ouden, Eva Vedder, David Pel, Demi Schuurs
(Captain: Tallon Griekspoor)
Switzerland
Stan Wawrinka, Belinda Bencic, Jakub Paul, Luca Castelnuovo, Naïma Karamoko
(Captain: Stan Wawrinka)
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Norway
Casper Ruud, Malene Helgo, Viktor Durasovic, Astrid Brune Olsen, Ulrikke Eikeri
(Captain: Christian Ruud)
Tsitsipas eyes fresh start in 2026 after injury-hit season
Jan 2 (Reuters) – Stefanos Tsitsipas said he is hoping to rediscover his best tennis in 2026 after a back injury disrupted his campaign last year.
The former world number three played only two singles rubbers for Greece in the Davis Cup in September following a second-round exit at the U.S. Open the previous month, before taking time off to recover.
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Tsitsipas, now ranked 36th, will lead Greece at the United Cup in Perth and Sydney from January 2 to 11, the week before the Australian Open.
“The last three or four tournaments of the season I could barely hold up,” the 27-year-old told tournament organisers.
“So it was important to try and find something that will bring me back again healthy.
“I did all the necessary actions and took all the necessary steps to rehabilitate and get back to what I remember myself being.”
Tsitsipas managed only two wins at the majors last year, retiring in the first round at Wimbledon.
In July, the 2021 French Open and 2023 Australian Open runner-up reunited with his father Apostolos as coach after ending a brief stint with Goran Ivanisevic, who helped Novak Djokovic claim nine of his 24 Grand Slam titles.
“I got really scared after my U.S. Open loss with my back, because I just couldn’t walk for two days,” Tsitsipas said.
“When things like that happen, you start reconsidering the future of your career.
“That’s my biggest wish for 2026 – to finish matches and not have to think about any issues regarding my back.”
Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing
Tennis star, 45, to compete in Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Australia — Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open beginning Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
The tournament said Friday that the 45-year-old Williams would make a return to Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance. In 1998, she defeated her younger sister, Serena, in the second round before losing in the quarterfinals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Venus Williams had announced in November that she would play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open said Williams was also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia, a week later and just before play begins at Melbourne Park.
She last appeared in Melbourne in 2021 and has finished runner-up in singles twice, losing to Serena in the final in 2003 and 2017.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”
Williams’ record at Melbourne Park is 54-21. This year will be the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.
The tournament said Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015.
In late December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Fla.
IC Markets Partners with Australian Tennis Star Alexei Popyrin Ahead of Blockbuster 2026 Season
Sydney, Australia, January 2nd, 2026, FinanceWire
IC Markets, a global leader in online Forex and CFD trading, is proud to announce its partnership with Australian tennis sensation Alexei Popyrin as he gears up for an exciting 2026 season.
At just 26 years old, Popyrin boasts an impressive resume with three ATP singles titles and one doubles title, including his historic Montreal Masters 1000 victory at the 2024 Canada Open—making him the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003 to claim a ATP Masters 1000 crown.
Popyrin will launch his 2026 campaign at the Brisbane International and Adelaide International before heading to his home Grand Slam, the Australian Open. Fans can expect his trademark power, precision, and resilience on the court.
“I’m looking forward to starting the season strong with IC Markets,” said Popyrin. “Last year had its challenges with the injuries, but I’ve put in the work to come back better. This partnership reflects a shared focus on performance and continuous improvement—both on the court and beyond.”
In August 2025, the 26-year-old from Sydney broke into the ATP Top 20 following quarterfinal finishes at ATP Masters 1000 events in Monte Carlo and Toronto and a fourth-round appearance at Roland Garros in May. Known as one of the tour’s biggest giant-killers, Popyrin is determined to make a deep run at the Australian Open and climb back up the rankings following an injury-plagued 2025.
“Alexei is an incredible athlete and an even better person. His speed and precision perfectly reflect what IC Markets delivers to traders worldwide,” said Peter Tardent, General Manager of IC Markets Australia. “We’re proud to support him as he takes on the world’s biggest tennis stages in 2026.”
About IC Markets
Founded in 2007 in Australia, IC Markets has built a reputation for providing institutional-grade trading infrastructure to retail clients around the world. Known for its ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and transparent pricing, the platform bridges the gap between retail and institutional trading, offering access to more than 2000 financial instruments across Forex, indices, commodities, and stocks.
IC Markets supports its clients through leading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. Its range of account types—such as commission-free Standard Accounts and Raw Spread Accounts—caters to traders with varied experience levels and strategies.
https://icmarkets.com.au/en/
Contact
Country Marketing Manager, Australia
Bao Huynh
IC Markets
Stefanos Tsitsipas Considered Quitting Tennis After Major Personal Setback
Once a world No. 3 and Grand Slam finalist in Paris and Melbourne, Stefanos Tsitsipas has watched momentum slip away. Limited to two Davis Cup matches since a US Open second-round exit, his ranking has fallen to No. 36. As a new season now nears, Tsitsipas revealed he even considered retirement, with relentless back pain casting a long shadow over his 2025 campaign.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Stefanos Tsitsipas spoke honestly about his long battle with injury. He said his main focus was on understanding how his back would respond to training. “I’m most excited to see how my actual training responds with regard to my back. My biggest concern was if I could finish a match,” he said. The pain, he explained, had followed him for “the last six or eight months”.
Tsitsipas admitted fear began to set in during that period. “I would ask, ‘Can I play another match without pain?’” he said. The uncertainty affected both his confidence and mindset.
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The situation worsened after his US Open defeat. “I got really scared after the US Open loss [to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier]. I could not walk for two days.” That moment forced deep reflection. “That’s when you reconsider the future of your career,” he added.
Since then, Tsitsipas has followed a structured recovery plan. He completed five weeks of off-season training without pain. He said he is now satisfied with the care he is receiving. The pain-free training block gave him renewed belief.
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Looking ahead, his goals are clear. “My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches,” he said. “It makes great feedback knowing you had a pre-season without pain – I hope it stays that way.” He added, “I want to deliver for 2026 and the United Cup.”
Tsitsipas will represent Greece at the United Cup. His team is grouped with Japan, led by Naomi Osaka, and Great Britain, led by Emma Raducanu. The event runs from 2 to 11 January in Perth and Sydney, just before the Australian Open.
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As he waits for his comeback, he has also spoken about how difficult it was to stay happy while managing pain and continuing to play tennis.
Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals his dream to play tennis for another decade
Stefanos Tsitsipas has slipped down the ATP Rankings as results have suffered due to ongoing fitness problems. Once a regular presence in the top 10, he has now fallen out of the elite group. Injuries disrupted his rhythm and confidence, forcing him to reassess both his form and future.
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Despite the setback, Tsitsipas remains clear about his priorities. “I prefer to leave tennis if I cannot enjoy it without pain than to be constantly struggling with serious health problems. I want to be happy.” He made it clear that health comes before ambition.
Even the attachment runs deep. “Tennis has given me everything; it would be very tough to have to give it up.” The sport has shaped his identity and career.
Stability has returned off the court as well. His father, Apostolos, is back in his coaching team after their split last season. Tsitsipas believes the familiar presence can help him navigate his recovery and regain consistency.
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“For now, everything is going well, I have no complaints,” he said about the reunion. “He is communicating much better with me than before.” He also explained the challenges of working with family and why an outside figure was added to support their relationship.
“It is not easy to work with family members,” he said. “It is key to be faithful and honest with ourselves.” He acknowledged past issues, adding, “We are managing things better… and I acknowledge my mistakes, with silly things I should not have done.”
Tsitsipas will begin his 2026 season against Shintaro Mochizuki. The match will follow a high-profile clash between Maria Sakkari and Naomi Osaka as Greece face Japan in Perth. “I’m glad that we’re back. It’s a great way to start the season. Couldn’t ask for anything better right now, honestly.”
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Now, with renewed energy and belief, can the Greek make a strong start to the tour?
Tennis year begins with action Down Under
BRISBANE, Australia — If it’s a new year, it must be serious tennis time Down Under.
Just over six weeks since the ATP and WTA held their respective 2025 Finals, players on the men’s and women’s tours are arriving in Australia and New Zealand for a crammed two-week schedule of tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam event starting Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
Leading the way is the United Cup, a mixed teams event which will be played in Perth and Sydney beginning Friday and finishing Jan. 11. The tournament will feature four of the world’s top 10 men and women including Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Iga Swiątek, Alexander Zverev, Jasmine Paolini and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Also during the first full week of 2026, the Brisbane International will be headlined by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off the Battle of the Sexes exhibition against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai. Also on from Jan. 4-10 is the Canberra International, a joint ATP Challenger and WTA 125 tournament in Australia’s capital city.
But missing from the pre-Australian Open tournaments are the two biggest names in men’s tennis: No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and second-ranked Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz and Sinner — who have won nine of the last 10 Grand Slam singles titles, with Sinner winning the 2025 Australian Open — have decided to play an exhibition at Incheon, South Korea on Jan. 10. After the exhibition, it’s expected they’ll fly to Australia to begin their preparations at Melbourne Park.
Alcaraz will be playing his first major in seven years without coach Juan Carlos Ferrero — the Spanish player recently announced their split. Alcaraz has not announced a replacement.
Other players at the United Cup, which begins Friday with Spain playing Argentina and Greece taking on Japan in Perth, include Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka, who has said 2026 will be his last year on tour.
The tournament format features men’s and women’s singles followed by a mixed doubles match.
Joining Sabalenka at the 500-level Brisbane International will be two-time major finalist Amanda Anisimova, WTA Finals champion Elena Rybakina, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva.
The 18-year-old Andreeva is tipped to be the next big thing in women’s tennis and she could renew her rivalry with Sabalenka in Brisbane. Sabalenka leads 4-2 in the head-to-head matches but world No. 9 Andreeva had a three-set win in the Indian Wells final in 2025.
The Russian also made it to the quarterfinals at last year’s French Open and Wimbledon along with the semis at Roland Garros in 2024 when at 17 she became the youngest to reach the final four in a major since Martina Hingis at the 1997 U.S. Open.
Andreeva lost to Sabalenka in the semifinals in Brisbane in 2025 and again in the fourth round at the Australian Open before her victory at Indian Wells where she was the youngest winner since Serena Williams.
UBTech’s humanoid robot hits tennis shots in a controlled rally test
Chinese robotics firm UBTech’s Walker S2 humanoid robot is pushing beyond scripted demos, demonstrating its ability to hit a moving ball with speed and precision in real-world conditions.
What looks simple is technically demanding: tennis requires a robot to seamlessly combine perception, prediction, balance, and rapid motion.
“On this New Year’s Day, we open a new chapter with a human-robot tennis rally. Witness the powerful and precise strokes of Walker S2,” read the video description posted by the UBTech on YouTube.
Recently, UBTech announced that it has rolled out its 1,000th Walker S2 humanoid, marking a shift from prototypes to scaled deployment, with over 500 units already in real-world use.
Beyond lab demos
UBTech’s Walker S2 represents a new generation of industrial humanoid robots designed to operate continuously in real-world environments and perform complex, coordinated tasks.
UBTech has opened 2026 by taking its Walker S2 humanoid out of the lab and onto a tennis court, rallying live against a human opponent. The demo goes far beyond a visual stunt, showing the robot managing real impacts, balance shifts, and split-second decisions in an uncontrolled setting.
Tennis is especially demanding for humanoids because everything has to happen in one continuous loop. The robot must detect the ball early, predict its trajectory, position its body, stabilize its legs, and swing the racket at precisely the right moment—without stopping to reset. Even a short exchange leaves no room for delay, as the ball keeps moving regardless of processing time.
What makes the task harder is contact. When the racket meets the ball, small errors can quickly destabilize the robot. Absorbing that shock while staying upright is where many humanoids struggle. Walker S2’s performance suggests its whole-body control system is actively adapting in real time, rather than replaying pre-programmed motions, adjusting to timing variations that change with every shot.
Intelligent robotic labor
Walker S2 is equipped with a whole-body, human-like dynamic balance algorithm that allows deep squatting, forward pitching up to 125 degrees, and stable lifting of payloads up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms) within a working range of 0 to 1.8 meters. These capabilities enable the robot to perform physically demanding actions such as stoop lifting, material handling, and precise object manipulation while maintaining stability.
According to the firm’s website, perception is handled through a self-developed “human-eye” binocular stereo vision system integrated into the robot’s head. Using pure RGB cameras and deep learning–based stereo depth estimation, Walker S2 generates high-precision, real-time depth maps. This allows accurate spatial awareness, object recognition, and safe interaction with dynamic environments.
To coordinate complex activities, Walker S2 runs on UBTECH’s self-developed Co-Agent system, part of the BrainNet 2.0 dual-loop AI architecture. This system combines task-driven decision-making with real-time feedback, enabling adaptive behavior, multi-step task execution, and coordinated operation alongside other robots.
Walker S2 also features an autonomous power system that enables real-time battery monitoring and self-directed energy management. Its dual-battery architecture allows the robot to switch between single- and dual-battery modes, choosing whether to recharge or perform an automatic battery swap based on task priority. This capability supports long-duration, uninterrupted operation on factory floors and industrial sites.
According to UBTech, these systems allow Walker S2 to move beyond scripted actions, supporting continuous operation, physical interaction, and intelligent decision-making required for advanced industrial, logistics, and service applications.
Gigi Alayah Exits Social Media After Kai Cenat Split & NBA YoungBoy Rumors
Kai Cenat has taken a lot of time off streaming as of late, but his return to the public eye sadly had nothing to do with that career. Instead, it’s because he announced his breakup with his girlfriend Gabrielle
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The final CFP matchup of the quarterfinals is between Ole Miss and Georgia. The Bulldogs won their meeting earlier this year, which was the only loss of the season for the Rebels. You’ll be able to make picks on passing yards, touchdowns, receptions, rushing attempts and much more.
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Underdog Promo Code WTOP: Claim $75 Bonus for Sugar Bowl, NBA, NFL Picks
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All eyes will be on the three CFB playoff games today between Oregon-Texas Tech, Alabama-Indiana and Ole Miss-Georgia. Underdog has you covered with a bunch of player prop markets for these games that you can select higher or lower than, along with additional promotions from there.
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Betr Promo Code WTOP: Claim $210 Bonus for Sugar Bowl, NBA, NFL Week 18 Picks
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Fernando Mendoza more than 197.5 passing yards. Discounted down from 221.5
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The hidden motivation that could carry dominant Oregon Ducks to CFP title| Bill Oram
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — There is more than you know inside the walls of Hard Rock Stadium.
The legends and ghosts of five Super Bowls and four college football championships, yes. Also, on Friday, the fresh smoke of victory cigars that hung on the air inside the visitor’s locker room.
For the Oregon Ducks, following their dominating, demoralizing 23-0 quarterfinal win over Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, there may also be something more tangible in those walls.
Something they plan to come back for.
Intrigued?
First I need to tell you a quick story about Doc Rivers.
Because it was Rivers, the veteran NBA coach, who was on my mind on Friday as Oregon’s Malik Benson juggled oranges, Dillon Thieneman tossed them into the stands and Matayo Uiagalelei made snow angels in green and yellow confetti — still clinging to the Texas Tech-stamped game ball he had so forcefully ripped away from Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton.
In 2010, with his Boston Celtics struggling, Rivers famously collected $100 from every player and staff member following a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the then-Staples Center.
Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen? They all paid. So did Rasheed Wallace, in the last year of his career. Then Rivers, with the help of an assistant, lifted a fiberboard ceiling tile and stashed the cash — a sum of $2,600 — where it would remain hidden from cleaning and maintenance crews.
Rivers then challenged his team: They would get their money back — if they earned a return to Los Angeles. That would mean making the NBA Finals where, he correctly anticipated, the Lakers would be waiting.
The Celtics turned their season around and indeed recovered the cash from the ceiling.
The Ducks will now attempt to do the same thing.
Spiritually? Metaphorically? Literally?
Friday’s game was the most jaw-dropping and dominant of Dan Lanning’s tenure. With a team that has gotten better and stronger throughout this increasingly magical season, Lanning moved within two wins of delivering Oregon its first national championship.
It’s a feat that would play out back on the field at Hard Rock Stadium, site of the title game on Jan. 19.
The Ducks will have to get past Indiana in the Peach Bowl, first. The top-seeded Hoosiers are the only team to trip up the Ducks in 14 tries, and following their Oct. 11 triumph in Eugene, Ducks players left their homefield to chants of, “HOO-SIER DAD-DY?”
Is the Oregon football team better today than it was three months ago? Will it be in a week?
Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said the Ducks have the best defense his team faced. He called Dante Moore the best quarterback the Red Raiders had encountered.
Friday was the Ducks’ defensive masterpiece. They forced four turnovers, including two interceptions and fumble recovery by freshman Brandon Finney. The second of Finney’s picks came at the start of the fourth quarter, as a desperate Texas Tech offense tried to get on the scoreboard. He plucked a pass from the sky in the back corner of the end zone, next to where a stadium worker was polishing the Orange Bowl trophy.
Poetic, much?
A team that has relied on its special teams to win games, has ridden its flying offense to victory and ground out defensive struggles, simply pulverized the Red Raiders. Oregon controlled the clock for nearly two-thirds of the game and ran 81 plays to their opponents’ 62. And picked up 16 first downs to their nine. Most critically, they made defensive stops whenever it appeared the little engine that could was about to rumble to life.
Play like that a week from now, and there is every reason to believe the Ducks will, in fact, return to Hard Rock Stadium, home of legends and ghosts.
Against Miami? Sure, why not? If it’s poetry you’re looking for.
It seemed impossible to be part of Oregon’s triumph on Friday and not consider that they might soon return, even though that’s the sort of thing teams never care to admit.
“You want to be where your feet (are),” Moore said when I asked him about it, “being in the present moment. … Of course that’s every team’s goal, but you can never look too far ahead. We’ve got to worry about the next day.”
A few minutes later, Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens joked to me, “Don’t try to get us looking ahead now.”
I think there is little risk of that. Lanning’s a master of coaching to the moment that is in front of him.
He is also a cunning motivator. He does his research. He is the man who has fueled his team with clips from “Gladiator” and made rallying cries of “keystone species” and “a thousand cuts.”
I suspected he might be familiar with Rivers’ fabled tactic and maybe even inspired by it.
As Lanning strode back to the Ducks locker room after his postgame news conference, I caught up to him.
“Do you know what Doc Rivers did at Staples Center?” I asked.
At first he looked puzzled and I thought I had struck out.
Then he offered that little lopsided grin, same as the one when he delivers a clever answer to an interviewer or, I assume, when he conceives of a play to outsmart his opponent, like the Ducks’ fake punt in the second quarter against Texas Tech.
“Oh, you mean when he put the money up in the…?”
His voice trailed off as he pointed toward the ceiling.
Yeah, that.
His eyes twinkled.
“Uh-huh,” Lanning said.
He knew. Of course he knew.
“I’m ahead of ya,” he added.
Then he walked off, one more legend taking up permanent residence inside these walls alongside who knows what else.
How to Watch Pistons vs Heat: Live Stream NBA, TV Channel
The East-leading Detroit Pistons (25-8) return home from a 3-2 Western road trip on Thursday night when they host the Miami Heat (18-15), winners of three straight, at Little Caesars Arena.
How to Watch Detroit Pistons vs Miami Heat
When: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Extra, FanDuel Sports Network Sun
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Detroit rolled to a 128-106 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night to close out their trip, getting 27 points and 11 assists from Cade Cunningham in the blowout. Marcus Sasser scored a season-high 19 points and Isaiah Stewart dropped 15 for the Pistons while Jalen Duren finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and five steals.
The Heat erupted for 47 third-quarter points, hitting 10-of-14 from 3-point range in the period, en route to a 147-123 rout of the visiting Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Norman Powell led Miami with 25 points, with Nikola Jović dropping 22 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 20 points and 11 assists. Andrew Wiggins contributed 19 points, three steals and three blocked shots while Bam Adebayo returned from a two-game absence due to a sore lower back to post 13 points and 10 rebounds in just 21 minutes.
The Pistons won the first meeting of the season between the teams in Miami 138-135 on Nov. 29. Cunningham averages 26.5 points and 9.7 assists for Detroit while Duren gets 18.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Powell scores an average of 23.8 points for the Heat, with Adebayo posting 17.8 points per game, Kel’el Ware netting 12.6 points and 10.6 boards a night and Davion Mitchell dishing out 7.4 assists per contest.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
Live stream Pistons vs Heat on Fubo: Try for free!
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How to Watch Mavericks vs 76ers: Live Stream NBA, TV Channel
The Philadelphia 76ers (17-14), who snapped a three-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night, look to complete a season sweep of the Dallas Mavericks (12-22) on Thursday night at American Airlines Center.
How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers
When: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM ET
TV Channel: NBA TV, KFAA (Dallas)
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
VJ Edgecombe hit the decisive 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining in overtime on Tuesday night to lift the 76ers to a 139-136 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey scored 34 points apiece for Philadelphia, with Embiid adding 10 rebounds and eight assists and Maxey dropping 12 dimes. Edgecombe also logged four steals in the victory while Paul George scored 17 points.
Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg stepped out of bounds with a rebound with 57.5 seconds left, and the host Portland Trail Blazers dropped four straight free throws to claim a 125-122 victory on Monday night. Max Christie led the Mavericks with 25 points, Brandon Williams added 22 off the bench, and Daniel Gafford, starting in place of Anthony Davis, who was out with a groin injury, went for 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Flagg finished with 15 points, eight assists, and three steals.
Philadelphia beat the Mavs 121-114 at home on Dec. 20. Maxey averages 30.8 points and 7.1 assists for the 76ers, with Embiid scoring 22.6 points per game and Andre Drummond grabbing 9.3 rebounds a night. With Davis potentially still sidelined, Flagg’s average of 19.4 points leads Dallas, with P.J. Washington getting 15.4 points and 7.8 boards per game, and Ryan Nembhard dishing 5.3 assists per game.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
Live stream Mavericks vs 76ers on Fubo: Start your free trial now!
You can live stream NBA games all season long with Fubo, which offers a free trial. They carry all of the channels you will need to never miss your favorite team’s games, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, as well as local team coverage.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Ex-NBA Player Criticizes Luka Doncic’s Glaring Issue on Lakers
Luka Doncic’s first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers has taken an odd turn.
After the season started hot for LA, the Lakers have struggled to impress on the defensive side of the ball. The star guard Luka Doncic is once again under a microscope due to his personal defensive struggles, which led to the former NBA All-Star, Jeff Teague, taking a young rising star over Doncic while making comparisons.
Cade Cunningham or Luka Doncic?
“Give me Cade,” Teague said with confidence. “He actually plays defense. Nobody says Cade is a cone.”
Last season, Cade Cunningham entered the year as a newly signed max player on a team that won 14 games the previous year. The Pistons invested heavily in his development, and it paid off rather quickly.
An All-Star appearance for Cunningham was a solid step in the right direction. This season, Cunningham is on his way to another All-Star appearance while leading the Pistons to become the top team in the Eastern Conference throughout the 2025 phase of the season.
The Cade-Luka debate might’ve been far-fetched when the Slovenian star was wearing a Dallas Mavericks jersey and the Pistons were at the bottom of the East, but these days, Cunningham’s entering that MVP picture that Luka has been a part of for quite some time.
Expanding on Luka Criticism…
“That’s no disrespect to Luka, I think Luka is one of the greatest offensive talents we’ve ever seen, but there are just two sides to basketball. … It’s too glaring, bro,” Teague added.
“When everybody in the world knows you’re not going to stop nobody, that’s kind of [messed] up. I mean, Cade can score just as good as Luka—Luka is probably a little bit better of a scorer, but it ain’t like just too far apart where Cade can’t get 30—nah, he can. I think he can get 30 a night if he really, really tried.”
Doncic is undoubtedly one of the best scorers in the game still. He’s currently putting up 33.5 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. He’s also dishing out 8.7 assists per game.
But as a unit, the Lakers have struggled on defense, a fact that’s often called out by the head coach, JJ Redick, and the struggles always start with the head of the snake.
Luka and the Lakers have plenty of time to work through their issues. While it will be difficult for Doncic to shake the narrative that’s been hovering over him since he’s been in Texas, the veteran star has more levels to reach, and the Lakers will need him to do that if they’re going to compete for a championship.
Joe Mazzulla jokes he challenged foul to hear entertaining referee
With the Celtics holding an 11-point lead against the Kings, Jaylen Brown picked up his sixth foul with 2:09 left in the fourth quarter. It was looking like the C’s would need to close out the victory without their best player. But occasionally, teams challenge that sixth foul call just to see if they can keep their star on the court. That’s what the Celtics did.
Turns out, C’s coach Joe Mazzulla had another motive to initiate the challenge: listen to referee Billy Kennedy on the ensuing call. Slowly but surely, it’s starting to spread around the NBA that Kennedy has entertaining calls to announce whether a challenge was successful or not.
“Really just kind of wanted to hear Billy Kennedy,” Mazzulla said after the Celtics beat the Kings, via the NBC Sports Boston broadcast. “He does a great challenge. We were going to do that anyway just to kind of hear him deliver the challenge.”
The foul call was unsuccessful, so Brown was sent off to the bench after posting 29 points and 10 rebounds on the night. He had a tough shooting night, going 1-for-9 on 3-pointers, but the All-Star was still effective to lead the Celtics in scoring.
Kennedy’s call Thursday actually wasn’t as amusing as the other night, when he was on assignment for the Celtics’ win over the Pacers on Dec. 26. That game had multiple challenges and Kennedy had a notably great call. Here’s another look at it with Kennedy going in-depth with the explanation for the unsuccessful challenge.
It sounds like Kennedy’s calls are gaining some traction across the league. They’re also fun and break up the monotony of a long 82-game season. The NBC Sports Boston broadcast duo of Drew Carter and Brian Scalabrine have also enjoyed the Kennedy calls like during the Pacers game.
The Celtics beat the Kings even without Brown for the final couple minutes of the game Thursday. They outscored Sacramento 32-18 in the fourth quarter, pulling away in what was a close game for the majority of the night. The C’s are now 3-1 on their five-game road trip. They’ll look to beat the Clippers at 10:30 p.m. Saturday in Los Angeles.
Clippers Announce Major Injury Update for Ivica Zubac and Bogdan Bogdanovic on Thursday
The Los Angeles Clippers fans’ hopes of at least having a decent season were restored. The team was 6-21 before its ongoing six-game winning streak. What’s impressive is that they made it work without two key players. The Clippers now receive crucial news about Ivica Zubac and Bogdan Bogdanovic’s return.
Last month, Zubac exited the Lakers game just after 11 minutes. He was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain. Initial reports suggested that he would be re-evaluated in three weeks. And the latest update from reporter Joey Linn is good news for the Clippers. Their big man has resumed on-court activity.
The Bogdanovic injury update is also reassuring. The Clippers’ shooting specialist left the game against the Trail Blazers with a sore left hip and a hamstring issue. He is expected to miss the rest of the home games in the current run, with the Clippers’ medical team yet to decide on his status. According to Linn, he is “undergoing a process to address the residual weakness in the left hamstring/hip area.”
Zubac’s injury was feared to be another big blow for the Clippers for the next 3-4 weeks. But despite the defensive anchor leaving a big void at center, they’ve done more than just survive. They are arguably the hottest team in recent times. Brook Lopez was promoted to take Zubac’s place, and he has held the fort well.
The team’s offense has also played a pivotal role. Amid their winning streak (the 6th came against the Utah Jazz on Thursday), they’ve beaten teams by an average of 21 points. It was the highest in NBA history by a team that was 15+ games below .500. More importantly, they beat good teams like the Rockets, Lakers, and Pistons.
Is the Clippers’ undefeated form with Zubac and Bogdanovic sustainable?
In the past two weeks, the Clippers have been the league’s best team, both offensively and defensively. And Kawhi Leonard has been at the center of this turnaround. We’ve lately witnessed the Terminator version of the player, except this time, it’s been on both ends.
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The 34-year-old had sometimes put his defensive production secondary, which is not reasonable. However, since Tye Lue demanded maximum output from his trusted stars, Leonard has not only torched opponents on offense but also given fans a taste of his San Antonio Spurs days on defense.
Leonard has punctured opposition defenses, averaging 39 points, including a career-high 55-point game against the Detroit Pistons. On the defensive end, he has put up 8.5 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. But if made to predict the Clippers’ future this season, solely based on his astronomical numbers, it wouldn’t be sustainable.
Sustainability, however, could be well argued for, given how the team has performed overall recently. In the last two weeks, the Clippers have been the league’s best team on both ends (129.1 offensive rating, 106.0 defensive rating), and that, too, by a solid margin.
The Clippers have two more home games against the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors, after which they’ll be in Brooklyn before next weekend.
Tiger Woods turns 50 with competitive future in question
PGA Tour legend Tiger Woods turned 50 years old on Tuesday, officially making him eligible for a run at becoming a legend on the Champions Tour as well.
However, it remains to be seen when Woods might make his return to the links as he continues to recover from a seventh back surgery in October.
When Woods spoke at a press conference as the host of the Hero World Challenge in early December, he said he had just been cleared to begin chipping and putting but was not able to share a timeline for a potential return to competitive play.
Source Confirms Why PGA Tour CEO Is Unwilling to Bring Brooks Koepka Back Despite Cryptic Statement
The golfing realm is pretty much riled up at the moment. And one name that is dominating the headlines has been Brooks Koepka. Parting ways with LIV Golf, Koepka seemingly gave up his $100 million contract. Now that the announcement has been made, speculation over whether he will be allowed straight back into the PGA Tour has been circulating. And while that may be a possibility, golf insider Smylie Kaufman thinks that there is one particular reason why the PGA might not be able to allow Koepka to come back right away, even if they wanted to.
Speaking on the matter with co-host Charlie Hulme, Kaufman stated that it won’t be easy for the PGA Tour to make an exemption for Koepka. Especially when they had suspended Hudson Swafford for two years for an identical issue. And he was not alone. Wesley Bryan, too, got suspended by the PGA for a year.
“l’m interested in seeing how they’re going to navigate because a guy like Hudson Swafford apparently got like a two-year show cause and all this, couldn’t play. Wesley Bryan, you know, he’s got like a year suspension allegedly,” said Kaufman. “And so l just don’t see how they’re going to be able to finagle this to where they’re not going to get sued right back by whether it’s Wesley or Hudson on what their ruling was. So if they’ve already set the precedent that it’s a year suspension, then they probably have to keep it there.”
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Surely, Kaufman has a point here.
The PGA Tour might be getting tangled up in its own rules. Elaborating on the matter further, Kaufman also pointed out that the fans might feel that the tour might be in a position to say that, since they are the premier tour, they can make an exception. But as per Kaufman, that will come as an unfair and harsh message to all the other golfers who have been toiling in the league for so long.
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Kaufman also pondered the probable possibilities of how the Tour might incorporate Koepka into the proceedings. And one very interesting theory he came up with was that Koepka would have access to no equity.
“Player that comes back from LIV, would this be the president that said it’s like, okay, if you come back, that’s fine, but also you’re not getting any piece of the pie here in the equity. Maybe it’s that.”
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Basically, a PGA Tour return isn’t happening anytime soon. The Tour has made it clear that any player coming back from LIV Golf has to sit out a full year after their last event that wasn’t PGA-approved. In Brooks Koepka’s case, that clock started on August 25, 2025. Because of that rule, he’s automatically out for all of the upcoming regular season.
The earliest window that even opens is next fall, which is why people are pointing to the PGA Tour’s fall events as the first realistic option. Until that one-year gap is fully done, there’s no shortcut and no exception.
Meanwhile, amidst all the back and forth, PGA Tour star Billy Horschel recently came up with a surprising take.
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Billy Horschel sides with the idea of coming right back to the PGA
With the LIV Golf stars trying to come back to the PGA field, it is pretty normal for the PGA stars to feel angry. And very much on the same line, Billy Horschel, too, initially thought that the LIV golf stars must be given some strict punishment. But surprisingly, as time went by, he became more and more convinced that names like Brooks Koepka must be allowed to play on the PGA Tour.
“And now I’m on the side that I think for the betterment of the game, for the quality of the PGA Tour product to continue to grow,” Horschel said in an interview with The Mirror US. “Selfishly, having equity stake in the PGA Tour now, bringing Brooks back, that does add value. So I think there needs to be a process to figure out what (brings) these guys back.”
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The Tour now faces a difficult choice: bend its own rules for a star player like Koepka, or uphold a precedent that could keep one of golf’s biggest names on the outside looking in.
Brooks Koepka’s LIV Golf Replacement Reveals Major Champ’s Exit Was Planned Long Ago
Just when the golf world thought the battle lines were drawn, Brooks Koepka erased them, sending shockwaves from the Saudi-backed league all the way back to the PGA Tour. He stated that he will be returning to the PGA after a prolonged absence next year. His sudden decision to leave LIV Golf for the PGA Tour appeared to come out of nowhere. However, recent comments from his own replacement suggest this move may have been in the works for far longer than anyone realized.
After the sudden exit of the LIV icon, his team, Smash GC, found themselves in a very tricky situation. After all, they were without a captain. Fortunately, coming to the rescue was Talor Gooch, who stepped up to take over the reins as the captain. But while it might seem that the responsibility came in haphazardly, in reality, Gooch had been preparing for this for quite some time.
“He wanted me to be alongside the growth in the future of what Smash looked like – not just from making birdies, but from a decision-making perspective and leadership perspective,” Gooch said, indicating that this was a tell-tale sign of what exactly Koepka was thinking. “And I said to him, I only want to make this move if I can kind of have a voice in this thing.”
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Well, it looks like Koepka heard him loud and clear, and now, Gooch has his wishes fulfilled. Coming back to Koepka, his departure would leave a gaping hole for LIV. This apparent long-term planning makes Koepka’s decision to walk away from a massive payday even more significant. Koepka still had one full year of contract left with the league. This means he is giving up a whopping $100 million that was up for grabs had he decided to stay.
Additionally, the exit of the LIV icon also means that other big names might be influenced by his decision. And in all probability, Bryson DeChambeau, too, might soon be following Koepka’s footsteps. If this really happens, then the Saudi-backed league would be in dire straits. Meanwhile, trying to get back to the PGA, Koepka’s road might not be too smooth, as Brandel Chamblee has called for the LIV Golf star’s punishment.
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Brandel Chamblee is furious with Brooks Koepka’s decision to join the PGA Tour
Well, leaving behind all the chaos at LIV, Koepka’s entry into the PGA will also not be filled with rose petals. As of now, the PGA does not allow golfers coming from LIV Golf to compete straightaway. Instead, they have to complete a 1-year ban before they can rejoin. However, recent speculations have surfaced hinting that the PGA Tour might be bending the rules for a big name like Koepka. And this is what Chamblee does not approve of.
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Speaking about the matter recently, Chamblee said, “Allowing Brooks Koepka to return to the PGA Tour with no consequence would undermine the very meritocratic foundations that make the PGA Tour legitimate.”
He further added, “LIV did not merely offer an alternative league; it fractured fields, diluted competitive meaning, triggered legal warfare, undermined sponsorship stability, and forced structural change across all of professional golf. Koepka was not a passive bystander; he was a marquee legitimizer.”
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Chamblee also stated that if Koepka is being allowed, then others might follow suit, and the league will lose its credibility as a premier golf league. Thus, with things looking pretty murky, it now remains to be seen what happens next.
PGA Tour Pro’s Bet Against Injured Tiger Woods Turned Into a Critical Life Lesson: ‘I Couldn’t Believe’
It’s foolish to consider Tiger Woods out of the pack of potential PGA Tour event winners, even at this age and with all the health concerns. He already proved this at the 2019 Masters and the 2019 Zozo Championship. Playing with an injury at the 2015 Players Championship, the 15x major champion was able to pull off a shot that would have seemed impossible if PGA Tour pro Graham DeLaet didn’t see it with his own eyes.
“I beat him by two on the front, and I was up two more when we got to 18. There was a real chance that I could win that bet for my buddy,” DeLaet told The Sports Network.
“I couldn’t believe the shot he hit. It just flew out from the trees and started curving over the water and landed on the green. He two-putted for par as if it was nothing. My buddy was probably already counting the $4,000 he was going to win.”
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At the 2015 Players Championship, Tiger Woods and Graham DeLaet were paired together for the third round. The Canadian golfer already had a good idea that he would be playing with Woods on Saturday. He made the cut with a 75 and 69 for the first two rounds to finish at par after the first two rounds. The 82x PGA Tour winner, on the other hand, fired rounds of 73 and 71 to finish at even par like DeLaet. So DeLaet knew that there was a 50% chance for them to play together for the next round, and that’s what happened.
By the end of the front nine, Graham DeLaet was four strokes ahead of Tiger Woods. He finished the ninth hole at a par score, thanks to the eagle he pulled off on hole 9. With two double bogeys, a bogey, and a birdie, Woods was +4 by the ninth hole. In the back nine, DeLaet went further ahead with three birdies and one bogey, while Woods hit a single birdie.
At this point, Graham DeLaet’s victory was looking easy. But what amazed him was the shot Tiger Woods hit on hole 18 of the third round at the 2015 Players Championship despite the back issues he was facing. The 2019 Masters champion hit his tee shot straight into the trees, which landed right in the dormant Bermuda grass. He would have had to cut the ball around the branches and make it go over the massive pond sitting on hole 18 at TPC Sawgrass. And Tiger Woods was able to do exactly that to surprise Graham DeLaet.
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Despite the shot, DeLaet was ahead of Tiger Woods at the end of Round 3. This helped the Canadian golfer win a bet for his buddy. DeLaet was staying with his friend in Ponte Vedra, Florida. This friend of his had a habit of betting on big events. And since the Players Championship was a big event, his friend had placed a bet that the Canadian golfer would beat Tiger Woods in that particular round.
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Since there was a huge gap between Woods’ 79 PGA Tour titles and 14 major championship wins by then, and DeLaet’s winless career, the odds were very high. His friend got a broker who was offering 40:1 odds. He placed $100 on DeLaet’s win and eventually got $4,000.
While Graham DeLaet won, Tiger Woods’ shot amazed him. It was not the first time, though. Woods has played many such events and shots while struggling with health issues.
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Tiger Woods’ heroics despite health issues
One of the most iconic incidents was at the 2008 US Open. Woods had a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee. To add to the troubles, he had a double stress fracture in his left tibia. Woods was returning from an arthroscopic knee surgery, which he had just undergone two months before the major event. He famously grimaced and limped his way through all the holes. He hit a 12‑foot birdie on the 72nd hole to finish the regulation rounds tied with Rocco Mediate. Then he beat Mediate in a sudden-death playoff for his 14th major.
In 2013, Woods dealt with an elbow strain picked up at the Players Championship. This forced him to skip the AT&T National and manage pain heading into the Open at Muirfield. Despite the injury, the 15x major champion finished T6 alongside Hideki Matsuyama and Zach Johnson.
After years of chronic back pain and multiple procedures, Woods underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2017. He admitted that he had reached a point where even lying down hurt. In fact, he thought that he was done with golf. But seventeen months after the surgery, he was there on the golf course and even won the 2018 Tour Championship to mark a strong comeback. Throughout the season, he played 18 events and recorded 7 top-10 finishes.
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Moments like this explain why writing off Tiger Woods has rarely ended well. No matter the scorecard or the state of his body, he can always stun opponents and even fans with a shot that many golfers can’t play, even at the peak of their career.
8x PGA Tour Champ Rallies Behind Rory McIlroy After Masters Win Went in Vain
Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited Masters breakthrough ended with a green jacket earlier this year. He completed his career Grand Slam, becoming the sixth golfer in history to do so. But despite this, Scottie Scheffler got the better of him in one thing that mattered a lot at the end of the season. As the McIlroy vs Scheffler debate swirled, Billy Horschel offered a perspective, shaped less by rivalry and more by respect.
“It’s hard to get past Rory Augusta. When there’s only been what, five guys to ever win the career Grand Slam, and you have the sixth guy do that, he’s in rarified air. And we’ve always known that he was a special talent. I always believed that he was going to finally get a Masters and complete the career Grand Slam. I know there were probably doubts as every year went by, and it didn’t happen. People doubted that it was ever going to happen, but I always felt it was in the cards for Rory to be able to complete the career Grand Slam,” Billy Horschel told Sky Sports Golf.
Despite completing a career Grand Slam, being a part of the Ryder Cup team that won on foreign soil for the first time since 2012, winning his 7th Race to Dubai title, and being the favorite to win the 2025 BBC Sport Personality of the Year award, Rory McIlroy was left behind by Scottie Scheffler,
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Rory McIlroy had waited since 2014 to win the Masters tournament. He came really close in 2015, 2018, and 2022, with a solo 4, T5, and runner-up finishes, respectively. However, he could never cross the winning line. But year after year, he continued to show up. And finally, he won in 2025 by beating Justin Rose in a playoff.
He carded rounds of 72-66-66-73 to finish 11 under 277 in a tie with Justin Rose. In the first playoff round, he hit a birdie on the par-4 18th hole to clinch the victory. It felt surreal when McIlroy went on his knees, bent towards the ground, and started tearing up.
With the win, he became only the sixth golfer in history to complete a career Grand Slam. The other five who achieved the mark are Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
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Billy Horschel says that it was the moment of the year for him when McIlroy finally lifted the trophy and wore the green jacket. In fact, he watched the entire event, especially on Sunday, on television. He sat at the Mellow Mushroom in Hilton Head for five hours with his caddie and his stats guy.
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Notably, Scheffler won the PGA Tour Player of the Year Award for the fourth consecutive time to enter an elite list with only Tiger Woods as the other member. On December 15, 2025, Scheffler was named the Player of the Year. “On behalf of the PGA TOUR, congratulations to Scottie Scheffler on being named PGA TOUR Player of the Year,” said CEO Brian Rolapp.
Rolapp stressed Scottie Scheffler’s continued success on the PGA Tour. While McIlroy did finish the career Grand Slam, Scheffler won two majors in 2025 – the PGA Championship and The Open Championship. He is just a US Open win away from becoming the seventh golfer in history to complete a Grand Slam. Besides that, he won four other PGA Tour events, while the Northern Irishman won two apart from the Masters.
Billy Horschel is not the only one who had a take on the Scottie Scheffler vs Rory McIlroy debate. Many other professionals, retired pros, and analysts have had their say.
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Golf world weighs in on the Rory McIlroy vs Scottie Scheffler debate
One of the first to react after the announcement was Jack Nicklaus. The 18x major champion didn’t support either Scheffler or McIlroy. However, his comments hinted at why the tour would have decided to go with the former.
“It’s very hard to overlook six victories in one year, including the @memorialgolf and two majors,” Jack Nicklaus wrote in a social media post congratulating Scheffler and sending positive words for the other finalists.
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While Nicklaus took a neutral stand, golf analyst Ryan Lavner took a firm stand for the Northern Irishman. Just like Billy Horschel, he was viewing it from the perspective of personal achievement and respect. He acknowledged that no one could have beaten Scottie Scheffler on paper because statistically, he was decisively the best player. However, taking a personal satisfaction viewpoint into consideration, it was Rory McIlroy’s year.
In contrast with Ryan Lavner, John Daly was all in for Scottie Scheffler. “I’d have to go with Scottie,” he stated clearly in an exclusive interview with Hard Rock Bet. His view was that it was hard to neglect two major wins and give the trophy to Rory McIlroy.
In the end, the debate reflects two different measures of greatness. Some professionals and analysts value personal achievements. And then some base their views on data and numbers. However, they all acknowledge that both Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler had an excellent 2025.
The PGA Tour canceled its Sentry event. Here’s what the course looks like now
Shortly before sunrise, in the warm Hawaiian half-light, I hopped in a cart and drove up to the 17th tee (the highest point on the course) on Maui’s famed Plantation Course at Kapalua. As I strolled up to the back tee box to have a look, brilliant, low-angled light started spilling over the course.
Since the layout had recently suffered through a significant water crisis, was closed for a couple of months and had just reopened, I expected to see stressed and sun-baked turf, dead spots and ugly scars from malnutrition. Instead? Green grandeur in every direction. Wall to wall perfection. Not a blemish in sight.
The Plantation Course, located on Maui’s northwest tip, is one of Hawaii’s flagship courses; one of the top public venues in not just the state, but the entire country; a longtime staple to host and kickoff the PGA Tour’s January schedule with The Sentry (formerly the Tournament of Champions).
The stunning seaside course, which opened in 1992, is also considered an early masterpiece by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and the layout that really kickstarted the career of, arguably, the greatest architectural duo of all time. Although famous for its closing run — which features a diabolical downhill par-4 followed by a stunning and reachable 660-yard par-5 — the Plantation Course is peppered with wild and one-of-a-kind golf holes that simply could not be replicated elsewhere.
So, given its status and history, naturally, the golf world was stunned when the PGA Tour announced the cancelation of the 2026 Sentry at the Plantation Course (scheduled for Jan. 8-11) due to drought conditions and logistical challenges. And even more shocking were the images that began to emerge of a brown and water-starved course that looked to be on the verge of an eternal exit.
But that was September. Come mid-December, when I teed it up here, and a different tune was being sung. The dirge has turned to dancing. Hula, that is.
“I’m still in awe at how our agronomy team was able to pull off The Plantation Course recovery,” says Kevin Kammien, a senior marketing manager at Kapalua Resort. “The turf was walking that fine line between life and death.”
The problems at the Troon-managed Kapalua Resort began when the Maui Land & Pineapple Company, which owns the water rights in the area, basically shut off the taps to the golf resort in September. (A lawsuit between the parties is still unresolved.) Partial water flow — still 60 percent restricted — has since been restored, but not enough to keep both of the courses at the resort (Plantation and Bay) operating at an acceptable standard. A decision had to be made.
“We had to shift all of our water allotment from The Bay Course to The Plantation Course or we certainly would have lost both courses,” says Kammien. “No one on staff or other industry experts knew whether Plantation would recover or not until we tried. There is no manual for this type of recovery. Our team needed to rely on their vast experience and make numerous decisions on the fly as we progressed with this ambitious recovery plan.”
Kammien said they even lost the 1st and 8th greens and had to repropagate them with thousands of plugs from their nursery. And while the Bay Course remains closed, he said conditions on the Plantation Course are “fantastic.”
Unquestionably, the drought-tolerant Celebration bermudagrass (on tees, fairways and rough) and TifEagle bermudagrass (greens) also proved to be a major factor in the recovery.
“We converted to these grasses in 2019,” says Kammien. “And during the past six years they established deep root systems. These strains really proved their worth, especially during the period of 100 percent water restrictions.”
While the durability of the turf was absolutely critical in Plantation’s recovery, their scientific-grade weather stations, soil moisture meters and crop sensors that have the ability to adjust precipitation rates for each individual head on the property also contributed significantly.
And, of course, the key people behind the entire project — director of agronomy Andrew Rebman and superintendent Bryan Pierce — have done a stellar job. Interestingly, during the closure, the entire turf team remained on staff (43 people) and many projects — such as cart path renovations, new guard rails throughout, brush removal and extensive tree trimming — were enhanced.
But what I quickly noticed during my recent round (Dec. 15, 2025), besides the uniformity and consistency of the turf, was the absence of ball marks, divots and other wear marks from play. Clearly, even though the course did reopen in mid-November, very few people have played. (The day I played, approximately 50 golfers were booked on the tee sheet; $475 per player.)
As it was my maiden voyage around The Plantation Course, I was also keen to experience the fabulous finish. I was tickled pink to run a ball way down the hill on the 18th and give the green a go in two. No birdie, but, hey, given how much fun I was having — and the turnaround of these course conditions — I felt like hula dancing all the way around anyway.
Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.
Why Endless LIV Merger Updates Are Wearing Thin on PGA Tour Players
Justin Thomas doesn’t want to talk about the merger anymore. Neither does Jordan Spieth. Rory McIlroy has moved from advocate to resigned pragmatist. Across the PGA Tour locker room, players have collectively decided: until there’s a press conference with signatures, everything else is noise.
It’s January 2026. Nearly three years have passed since Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan announced a Framework Agreement that promised unity. The original deadline, December 31, 2023, came and went without a signature. White House meetings in February 2025, brokered by President Trump himself, produced optimism but no resolution.
The message from the locker room is clear: PGA Tour players are done with merger speculation. Two separate tours. Two separate schedules. Zero shared events outside the majors. The “civil war” ended years ago. The “cold war” has frozen solid, and the players caught in the middle have stopped waiting for a thaw.
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“I think we’re kind of, like, past the level of exhaustion,” Thomas said at the 2025 Players Championship. “I’m glad I don’t know more, or I’m not more invested because I think it would be mentally draining.”
He’s not alone. Adam Scott, a player director and former Masters champion, confirmed that negotiations have “gone silent” since the February summit. The tours, he observed, remain “poles apart” structurally. His advice to anyone expecting a breakthrough? “Don’t hold your breath.”
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Even Tiger Woods, who predicted in February 2025 that the rift would “heal quickly,” has since pivoted to chairing the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee — a role focused on improving the product, not negotiating with Riyadh.
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Why the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger talk refuses to die
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil confirmed the reality in a December 2025 interview with Reuters. He and PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp text regularly. They talk. They’re friends from business school. But they are “not in any serious negotiation at this point.”
The statement should have killed the merger narrative. It didn’t. O’Neil has signaled a different vision entirely. He told reporters he envisions a “new world order” — the PGA Tour dominant in the United States, LIV Golf dominant everywhere else. Coexistence, not convergence. That’s not a merger strategy. That’s a Cold War doctrine.
So why does the speculation persist? Perhaps because it serves both sides. The endless “will they, won’t they” keeps golf in headlines without requiring either Tour to concede anything. A veteran golf analyst warned that the PGA Tour’s fate might ultimately be decided in boardrooms rather than on fairways, as commercial pressures shape outcomes more than competitive integrity. The cynical read: the noise isn’t a bug. It’s a feature.
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Complicating any theoretical resolution is the “Jon Rahm problem.” Loyalists like Scottie Scheffler and Rickie Fowler reportedly demand that defectors return their nine-figure guarantees before reintegration. Rahm‘s reported $300–500 million LIV contract represents an unbridgeable gap. He won’t pay back the money he earned. The Tour’s faithful won’t accept him keeping it while rejoining their fields. No governance restructuring solves that math.
Rory McIlroy, once the general leading the charge against LIV, now sounds like a man who’s accepted the stalemate. He believes reunification would benefit golf but concedes that “with what’s happened over the last few years, it’s just going to be very difficult.”
Jordan Spieth, meanwhile, represents the new player-owner class empowered by the SSG deal. The $1.5 billion private equity injection removed the PGA Tour’s financial necessity for Saudi capital. The $930 million in player equity, vesting through 2032, created golden handcuffs. Spieth suggested publicly that a PIF partnership is “not needed” anymore. The Tour doesn’t need to merge. It can outlast the stalemate.
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While boardrooms remain frozen, the fairways have already provided an answer.
Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return proves reintegration doesn’t need a merger
Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf in December 2025 with a year remaining on his contract, citing family reasons. He’ll be eligible to return to the PGA Tour in August 2026, after serving a 1-year suspension, at least as of now.
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No merger required.
The five-time major champion walked away from Smash GC after a difficult year that included personal tragedy — his wife Jena Sims suffered a miscarriage in October. The global travel demands of LIV’s schedule no longer align with his priorities. His departure triggered immediate roster reshuffling: Talor Gooch, the 2023 LIV individual champion, was named the new Smash GC captain and signed a three-year extension days later.
Koepka’s ability to leave without a nine-figure penalty reveals something important about LIV’s contract structure. The punitive exit clauses apply to early termination, not non-renewal. With several original LIV contracts expiring in 2026, the Koepka precedent could trigger a wave of similar departures.
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He retains his major championship exemptions regardless of Tour status. Augusta in April. Oakmont in June. Royal Troon in July. Quail Hollow in August. The majors don’t care about the Cold War, as they want the best fields possible.
If Koepka’s reintegration proves seamless, if he contends in 2027 majors after serving his suspension, it establishes a template. Players don’t need a Framework Agreement to return. They need patience and a contract expiration date.
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Even Bryson DeChambeau acknowledged the rules must hold. The Tour should handle Koepka “by the book,” he said. The hard line validates the choices of those who stayed and those who left. Harry Higgs offered a different view, suggesting the membership should vote on accelerating returns. But the consensus favors consistency over convenience.
The verdict for fans? Stop waiting for merger headlines. Watch Koepka’s August return, as that’s the proof of concept, not another “sources say” story about progress that never materializes.
Until a press conference is called with documents signed, everything else is noise. Designed to sustain relevance without resolution. The real story isn’t in the boardroom. It’s already on the fairway.
After Brooks Koepka, Another Pro Cuts All Ties With LIV Golf & Publicly Backs PGA Tour
For LIV Golf, uncertainty continues to mount. Just as it was reeling from the impact of Brooks Koepka‘s sudden exit, another familiar name has sparked speculation of a probable move back to the PGA Tour.
Former LIV golfer Pat Perez posted a photo on his Instagram earlier, featuring a PGA Tour cup. Naturally, the post has caught immediate attention, given Perez’s long-standing association with LIV. After he stopped playing for the league as a proud member of 4Aces GC for three seasons, Perez continued walking the fairways at LIV Golf tournaments in 2025 but with a microphone, providing insight and commentary as part of the broadcast team. Interestingly, this post comes right before Perez’s 50th birthday in March – the day he becomes eligible to compete in the Champions Tour.
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While neither Koepka nor Perez has officially stated a confirmed return to the PGA Tour, the chances do tilt in favor. If these moves do end up materializing, LIV’s grip on some of its most recognizable names could be further risked.
How PGA Tour Golf Is Powering Bermuda’s Tourism Growth
Bermuda’s small island economy is punching well above its weight in the world of sports tourism, and golf (specifically the PGA Tour) is at the forefront of that growth. With the Bermuda Tourism Authority announcing more than $32 million in new tourism contracts during 2025, a significant portion of that funding has been earmarked to support high-profile sports events, including extended partnerships with the PGA Tour that will keep elite golf on the island for years to come.
For Bermuda, leveraging golf tourism isn’t just about hosting a single tournament; it’s about building a year-round identity around world-class sporting events that attract visitors globally, boost local spending, and elevate the island’s profile as a destination far beyond its beaches and pink-sand shores.
The PGA Tour’s Extended Presence in Bermuda
At the heart of golf’s contribution to Bermuda’s tourism strategy is the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the island’s official PGA Tour stop. The tournament, held annually at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, has quickly become one of the most scenic and talked-about events on the fall FedExCup schedule.
In 2025, the BTA allocated more than $17.3 million of its tourism contracts to continue its sponsorship of the PGA Tour through 2028, ensuring that the Butterfield Bermuda Championship remains a staple for years to come. This multi-year commitment reflects not just financial investment, but strategic intent: golf tourism is now a cornerstone of Bermuda’s broader tourism and economic growth plan.
“The PGA TOUR is honored to be a continued guest of Bermuda each year for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, both a critical component to our FedExCup schedule and a key economic driver for the local community,” Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR chief competitions officer, said. “We are eager to build on our relationship with Bermuda alongside the continued support of a fantastic partner in Bermuda Tourism Authority.”
And the impact isn’t theoretical. The PGA Tour’s global broadcast reach guarantees that Bermuda’s dramatic landscapes, from lush fairways to ocean vistas, are seen by millions of viewers worldwide each year.
“The Bermuda Tourism Authority is proud to continue our partnership with the PGA TOUR and the Butterfield Bermuda Championship,” Erin Wright, acting CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said. “This event has showcased our island’s beauty and the challenging, camera-friendly design of Port Royal Golf Course to millions worldwide, cementing Bermuda’s place among the world’s top golf destinations.
“Equally important has been the local involvement on and off the course, the charitable giving that has touched so many lives, and the millions in economic impact that benefit our entire community. We look forward to building on this legacy in the years to come.”
Economic Impacts and Beyond
Hosting a PGA Tour event delivers more than just media impressions; it drives real dollars into Bermuda’s economy. Visitors drawn by the Butterfield Bermuda Championship spend on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment, injecting cash into multiple sectors. Combined with other sports partners like SailGP (which brought in $4.9 million in economic impact at the 2024 event), sports tourism is helping counteract seasonal dips in visitor numbers and encourage tourism outside traditional peak times.
Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic and extended stays, and the longer schedule of events tied to Bermuda’s sports calendar encourages planners to look past quick weekend visits toward more immersive vacations.
According to Bernews, the golf event in 2023 “contributed $17.7 million to Bermuda’s economy.” The KPMG Economic Impact Report, commissioned by the BTA, detailed the return on investment tied to the tournament’s sponsorship and overall delivery.
Notably, the 2023 results represented an increase from the $17 million generated in 2022, highlighting steady year-over-year growth tied directly to the PGA Tour’s presence on the island. Economic results for the 2024 and ’25 tournaments have not yet been disclosed.
Golf tourism also helps support community engagement. Local spectators have the opportunity to watch world-class golf close-up, and ancillary activities–such as fan zones, pro-am events, and hospitality activations–draw both residents and visitors together. These events have enhanced cultural exchange, created volunteer opportunities, and helped unite the community around global sports.
Port Royal and Bermuda’s Golf Brand
The setting of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the historic Port Royal Golf Course, plays a key role in the island’s golf tourism appeal. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and celebrated for its dramatic cliffside holes, Port Royal provides a unique backdrop that differentiates Bermuda from mainland tour stops.
The course is a par-71 layout stretching just over 6,800 yards, but its coastal exposure and elevation changes create a challenge that goes beyond distance. Several holes play directly along the Atlantic Ocean, with strong winds, narrow fairways, and dramatic elevation drops forcing players to prioritize precision over power. The course’s signature 16th hole, a par-3 set atop rugged cliffs, has become one of the most recognizable visuals on the PGA Tour schedule.
How SailGP Complements Bermuda’s Sports Tourism Strategy
SailGP, an international high-speed sailing league featuring national teams competing in identical catamarans, has become a key part of Bermuda’s sports tourism strategy alongside golf. The event adds another globally recognized competition to the island’s calendar and showcases Bermuda’s ability to host elite sporting events beyond traditional land-based sports.
In 2024, SailGP generated a global audience of more than 13.5 million viewers, along with 41.2 million social media interactions. The event also attracted over 4,200 attendees to the island and produced an estimated $4.9 million in economic impact, further boosting local tourism.
Shane Van Gisbergen Refuses To Walk On Kyle Larson’s Footsteps As NASCAR Schedule Frustration Grows
Kyle Larson may be the jack of all trades when it comes to motorsports, but Shane Van Gisbergen would rather master one. NASCAR’s punishing calendar has been making rounds, and he is far from alone in his frustration with the sport’s relentless schedule. As a driver who has made his presence known in other series, the Kiwi has joined the mix in voicing concern about the nearly year-long NASCAR schedule. And he is left shaking his head vigorously.
SVG may be open to race on New Zealand speedways
Speaking on SpeedCafe’s YouTube video, the New Zealander set his tone for racing outside of NASCAR and has shut the door on further opportunities.
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“Yeah, it’s too hard,” he said. “Like we do 37–38 weeks, you know, our season goes on with the breaks and the Bowman Gray pre-race or preseason race. It’s hard, you know, and then the season finishes, and most other rally in New Zealand’s finished, Australia’s finished.”
And it surely gets difficult to race during and after the season too. A few days ago, the International High Limits were being embraced by Aussie fans, with NASCAR talents like Kyle Larson shaking up the field, but it takes a lot of determination and stamina to race in the offseason as well.
This is nothing compared to the jam-packed schedule Larson had in 2025, running dirt races on weekdays and attempting the Double Duty; it all sounds like too much.
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So while Larson likes to enjoy racing dirt, IndyCar, and other races in the middle of the season, Shane van Gisbergen has no interest in following that blueprint.
The NASCAR schedule is a marathon. Racing for almost 32-36 Sundays of the 52 in a year is definitely grueling. And it’s not just the drivers, everyone in the garage has to face it, like how Kaitlyn Vincie had also spoken for broadcasters.
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“Honestly, sometimes I have to laugh at my schedule and how many things I seem to put on my plate for no reason… the career is very demanding.”
The sport seems to come alive only during the playoffs, making the rest of the season seem “stale,” as per Larson’s teammate, Chase Elliott. This can potentially cause a lot of burnout among the racers.
And the 2026 schedule isn’t any better.
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Even though the two built-in off weeks were added to the 2026 schedule, one after Martinsville and another between Indianapolis and Iowa, many drivers and fans feel the season could be more balanced with more breaks peppered throughout rather than clustered in just a couple of pockets.
Spreading out the calendar would definitely help reduce burnout and make each race feel more meaningful, keeping drivers fresh and fans more engaged all season long.
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However, as SVG preps for the 2026 season, he isn’t really nodding away at the possibility of not racing in New Zealand.
“And then, yeah, hopefully next year, if Speedway’s kind of settled down in New Zealand, I’d love to go do some races there,” the Trackhouse Racing driver added. “Because it’s pretty shut down here in America this time of year, the winters are harsh, and I’d love to get home and spend more time in summer would be good.”
And while Larson lost out on a bit of money at the Perth Motorplex, the 2025 NASCAR Cup champion is more than ready to pick himself up and dust himself off for the upcoming Chili Bowl event.
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This definitely seems like a lot, and maybe SVG isn’t ready to take up external racing just yet. And while extracurriculars may not be in his cards, the 36-year-old driver is more than ready to build on his oval game for 2026.
SVG looks to improve his oval game in 2026
SVG’s 2025 season was built on broad course success as he closed the year with five wins and seven top 10 finishes, most of them coming on road and street circuits.
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However, early on, ovals proved to be his biggest challenge. Finishing regularly outside the top 20, SVG had to adapt to NASCAR’s unique oval racing demands and the car’s handling characteristics.
As the season wore on, the narrative began to change. SVG steadily improved on ovals, breaking into the top 20 tracks like Michigan and Darlington before reaching a major milestone in September with his first oval top 10 finish at Kansas Speedway.
But it was that late-season search that carried real meaning.
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Speaking with Speedcafe, the Kiwi driver explained that the pressure of the players initially stalled his momentum, but once eliminated from championship contention, the team was free to experiment.
“I didn’t do a good enough job, and that’s the pressure of the playoffs,” he said. “I didn’t drive well enough, and yeah, as soon as the playoffs ended, the very next week, we tried some different setups, thinking that, ‘Oh, we’re out of the playoffs. We’ll take some risk with some cars.’”
Those changes address a key weakness in coroner entry, an area where he had lagged behind his teammates. With a setup better suited to his driving style, the results followed quickly.
He qualified at New Hampshire and ran inside the top 10 during stage one, backed it up with another 10th at Kansas, and showed a strong base at Las Vegas.
While there is still room to grow, the trajectory is obvious. He enters 2026 with confidence, momentum, and a rapidly improving oval program, a reminder to look up series drivers that he is no longer just a road course threat.
RFK Racing’s Future Sponsorship in Doubt as $10B Sponsor Goes on Sale
RFK Racing joined hands with Castrol in 2019. Since then, they have partnered with the BP-owned oil brand for six years as of 2026. The iconic Castrol-powered car has brought multiple wins and playoff appearances to RFK Racing. They are a major sponsor and the primary engine oil partner to RFK Racing’s three-car operation in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, the recent decisions undertaken by Castrol’s owners might disrupt this bond.
RFK Racing’s Castrol sponsorship in danger
BP, which is the owner of Castrol, ended up selling 65% of its stake in the brand back on December 24, 2025. This decision was taken as a result of BP’s ongoing strategy to minimize its debt. Castrol, valued at nearly $10 billion, will help decrease a significant portion of its debt.
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The firm that the stakes are sold to is Stonepeak Partners. BP wants to achieve a $20 billion divestment push, and this decision is a key step towards that goal.
“We concluded a thorough strategic review of Castrol, which generated extensive interest and resulted in the sale of a majority interest to Stonepeak,” said Carol Howle, BP interim CEO. “And with this, we have now completed or announced over half of our targeted $20 billion divestment programme, with proceeds to strengthen BP’s balance sheet significantly.”
Even though BP retains 35% of the shares in Castrol, the decisions of Stonepeak shall prevail in any situation. Now, a very important question arises in this sale–will Castrol still sponsor RFK Racing and extend their ongoing deal?
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For the fans of the iconic partnership, there’s no need to panic yet. The deal, which was signed between Castrol and RFK Racing, will allow Castrol to sponsor the team for the 2026 season. The takeover itself will come into effect from 2027, as per BP’s strategy. So the team and Castrol’s new management have a long time to discuss the specifics of a new deal.
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As such, there is no hurry regarding the outcome of this ownership change. However, with the recent conditions that have struck RFK…
Will Stonepeak keep sponsoring RFK Racing through Castrol?
The commitments between both RFK Racing and Castrol will end once BP gives up its ownership in 2027. After that, the team needs the confidence of Stonepeak if they want to retain a wealthy and generous sponsor like Castrol. The odds aren’t exactly in their favor, though.
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In the 2025 season, the RFK Racing fleet failed to secure any wins throughout the season. Yes, RFK Racing has won two championships in the past. But if they want to gain the favor of a new management, they will have to show results that support the same.
According to Andreas Osbar, CEO of Castrol Americas, “RFK has been at the forefront of innovation, testing and winning races with our Castrol MoreCircular engine oils since 2022. Putting our products to the test in extreme racing conditions has been critical, and I’m grateful to the iconic RFK Racing team for their partnership.”
So if RFK Racing does not provide the new owners with an incentive to showcase their product, they will end up losing their stature as a profit-inducing team. No business would want to sponsor a team in NASCAR that stays at the front of the grid, leading laps on the ovals.
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The situation has become ever more grave due to the injury of co-owner Brad Keselowski. Although he has confirmed that he will not miss the Daytona 500, the team needs to put their head down and focus on winning.
The exit of BP from Castrol’s throne is not a good signal for RFK Racing, and they know it very well. Do you think that the team will be able to renew its partnership under Stonepeak management, or will Castrol find a new home for 2027?
Fox Broadcaster Pens Heartfelt Message as Veteran Announcer Quits NASCAR
NASCAR has a way of turning coworkers into lifelong friends. When you spend decades traveling the same circuit, calling the same races, and living the grind of the season together, those relationships run deeper than most fans ever see. That reality came into focus this week, and it hit veteran FOX broadcaster Mike Joy hard. A retirement announcement of his friend stepping away from NASCAR definitely proved to be a tearjerker.
Joy didn’t try to dress it up. His message was simple, personal, and full of respect.
“You’ve had a great career…and our sport is the better for it. I’m glad to have shared the mic with you in your early years. Congrats!.”
Mark Garrow’s career is one of the most impossible to separate from NASCAR radio itself. A fixture at Performance Racing Network for more than four decades, Garrow wore just about every hat imaginable, turn announcer, reporter, host, producer, and trusted voice fans heard race after race.
His work on PRN’s GaragePass helped shape how NASCAR was covered on radio long before podcasts and social media became the norm. Along the way he played a part as he lent his voice to nearly 10,000 daily broadcasts and earned six National Motorsports Press Association Radio Broadcaster of the Year awards and the inaugural Barney Hall Award.
The Vermont native helped build Winston Cup Today into a nationally syndicated radio show and contributed to the explosive growth of Jayski.
And the love goes both ways. Earlier in September, when Garrow announced his retirement, he couldn’t help but thank Mike Joy in his speech.
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“I’ve always appreciated Mike Joy and John McMullin opening the door for me to work at MRN and the folks at Capitol Sports for allowing me to build a radio network from the ground up,” the 67-year-old said.
But as the 2025 season came to an end, the Vermont native’s time to say his final goodbyes to NASCAR had come. Reflecting on his decision to step away, Garrow summed it up in his own understated way.
“Been blessed and crazy to think I’ve done so many shows…has to be NASCAR record and who knows might be “radio” record. Proud every show was original. Racing has been a part of my life since I was literally a baby, and it will continue to be, just in a different way. Truly content,” he said.
For Mike Joy and many others across the garage, Garrow’s exit is a reminder that an era is quietly turning. Not with fireworks or farewell laps, but with gratitude, respect, and the kind of bond only NASCAR can build.
But as Garrow’s swan lake exit was underway, he revealed that him joining NASCAR was just an accident.
How Garrow accidentally became a NASCAR anchor
It is no secret that the 67-year-old veteran announcer grew up around racing all his life. And being part of NASCAR would make total sense, but that isn’t particularly what the Vermont native may have wanted.
Growing up in Vermont, he attended his first race when he was barely a year old with his father waving flags at the local short track and his mother keeping score, giving him a front-row seat to racing along the road he could talk.
“It was almost a total accident, so Claremont Speedway in Claremont, New Hampshire, hires my dad to be the flagman because he was a professional prize fighter,” he recalled while speaking to Frontstretch in October. “And he loved that because that’s what he did for a living…So I grew up around it, right? That’s what I did every Saturday night during the summer. I didn’t know anything else.”
That early exposure led to the foundation for a lifelong passion, and he eventually turned that love into a remarkable career that spanned more than four decades on the airwaves.
Whether calling races live from the track or anchoring, Garrow’s deep roots in racing helped shape not only his path but also a generation of NASCAR radio coverage.
3x Indy 500 Champion Driver Eyes to Live 19-YO Dream With Surprise NASCAR Return
When the 2026 IndyCar schedule dropped, the season opened as always on the streets of Saint Petersburg, but this year came with a twist. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series joined the party, throwing down on the tight Florida street circuit a day earlier as the third race of its season. But that’s not it.
Adding IndyCar’s shared Phoenix double header the following week, the crossover buzz only grew. Names like Scott McLaughlin and James Hinchcliffe were floating around, but while there were a few fun ideas, none hit quite like the one that is about to turn heads.
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Dario Franchitti makes a NASCAR comeback in 2026
All signs now point to Dario Franchitti making a long-awaited return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, nearly two decades after his lone start back in 2007.
That appearance came at Martinsville Speedway in 2007, nearly two decades ago, marking the first and only Truck Series race for the three-time Indy 500 winner.
Franchitti would spend the following years competing across NASCAR’s top two national divisions before ultimately returning home to IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing, a reunion that delivered two Indy 500 victories and three series championships.
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In total, the Scottish driver made 25 starts across NASCAR’s three premier divisions, highlighted by a career-best fifth-place finish in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Watkins Glen, notably his only NASCAR start on a road course, a discipline where his resume speaks for itself.
However, only one question is left. Which team gets to field a truck for the 52-year-old driver?
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According to the announcement, Franchitti will be back in action with Toyota, but the identity of the team set to field his truck remains a mystery for now.
The 2026 truck series lineup currently includes several Toyota fielding teams, such as Halmar Friesen Racing and Tricon Garage, through the regular season, but there is no confirmed plan yet for an additional entry.
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And while the 52-year-old driver may seem super pumped for the NASCAR event in March, a more urgent event awaits the man who can handle it all.
Franchitti eyes 24H Dubai event
Franchitti is making the most of all opportunities. The Scottish race car driver is set to make a return to top-level and endurance racing next month, teaming up with Team Parker Racing for the Michelin 24-hour Dubai in a Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo featuring a special art car livery designed by Stefan Johansson.
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The former IndyCar star will drive the No. 31 entry alongside team regular Rob Huff, joined by Shaun and Max Lynn, the father and brother of Cadillac hypercar standout Alex Lynn.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and doing what I love in a competitive setting. It’s going to be a special challenge and something new for me in GT3 racing,” he said.
A Rolex 24 at Daytona winner in 2008 with Chip Ganassi Racing, the 52-year-old is best known for his dominant IndyCar career, very successful for championships, before a career-ending crash in 2013.
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Prior to that, he made several endurance racing appearances, including nine starts at Daytona and campaigns in the American Le Mans Series with Andretti Green and Highcroft Racing.
In recent years, Dario has remained active in historic racing, notably at the Goodwood Revival. The Dubai outing also marks a reunion with Mercedes AMG, the manufacturer he raced for earlier in his career during his time in DTM.
And with all of this in place, Franchitti sure is going to have quite the year.
France Family’s Rival Catches Heat With Another Iconic Track’s Acquisition in Kansas
Being the highest body of stock car racing in America, NASCAR hasn’t really had competitors in its years of running. However, the situation seems to be changing for the future as a rival series has started to take matters into its hands.
There are quite a few attractions for fans in motorsports, and seeing old, abandoned racing tracks being restored is one of them. While NASCAR has been giving up some of its old ovals and road courses, its possible future rival seems to be striking the right opportunity with a streak of acquisitions.
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IHRA is on an expanding streak
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) authorities seem to be working overtime during the Cup Series off-season. Quite recently, they announced their acquisition of the Memphis Motorsports Park in Tennessee. Then, they took control of Rockingham Speedway. Now, they’re in for another one.
In similar fashion, the racing series also purchased the Heartland Motorsports Park: an all-in-one arena for racing, which features multiple racing layouts, including a drag strip.
“Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing,” IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell said. “It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations.”
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Although the acquisition is new, IHRA is no stranger to the Heartland Motorsports Park. In fact, it was the last series that hosted an official race here in 2023 before the track was left abandoned.
The track also hosted the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series. However, NASCAR closed its doors years ago, and IHRA remained the only competitive series left on the track, mainly using the drag strip.
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IHRA, however, will no longer just be focusing on the drag strips in 2026.
The Heartland news comes after they acquired Memphis a few days ago. Memphis was a spectacle for racing fans back in the day; however, it was left abandoned. IHRA now plans to renovate and reopen it. Then came the acquisition of Rockingham. In this case, NASCAR did host it for Xfinity and Truck races, but yet, IHRA managed to snatch it from the France family.
And now, with Heartland in their pocket too, the series is prepping to give some serious competition to NASCAR.
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NASCAR could face tough competition from IHRA in the future
NASCAR is the face of stock car racing in America, as previously mentioned. Although there are other series that host stock racing, too, they don’t come quite as close to the National Association.
But a recent announcement from the IHRA could prompt the France family to think, as they are prepared to expand their motorsports operations to stock racing as well. Back in November of 2025, the IHRA announced that it would be stepping into the stock car racing territory with a new series. It will feature a whopping $2,000,000 purse and is expected to bring back raw racing to stock cars.
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“We’re bringing stock car racing back to its roots,” Darryl Cuttell said. “This is racing that rewards driver skill, smart setups, and teamwork—not massive budgets. It’s exactly the kind of competition fans love, and competitors deserve.”
The series isn’t expected to be a direct rival to NASCAR. IHRA will be racing at the grassroots levels. And they could gain quite some traction if they manage to nail that bit.
The series could certainly attract more competitors in the coming years. One of the major issues that teams and drivers face when getting into NASCAR is the huge costs, and IHRA claims to overcome those issues. Their acquisition of multiple tracks also speaks volumes about IHRA’s seriousness regarding this series.
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Although they might not appear to be a threat to the National Association, it is quite possible that they get huge participation from younger drivers.
NASCAR World Mourns as Former Watkins Glen President Michael Printup Passes Away at 60
Watkins Glen has been a seat of stunning feats in NASCAR. From Tony Stewart’s record-setting 5 victories to Shane van Gisbergen’s road win streak in 2025, the 2.454-mile road course has been historic. One of the primary people who carried the weight of this success was Michael Printup, the former track president of Watkins Glen. And now, the racing world goes into mourning for this iconic individual’s passing.
Michael Printup leaves for his heavenly abode
“Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner, and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends, and colleagues,” read a statement issued by Racing America on Thursday evening.
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Michael Printup, who spent 30 years working under NASCAR’s umbrella, passed away at the age of 60. He had a 15-year stint as the president of Watkins Glen International, from 2009 to 2023. Following that, he joined Racing America as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). Then he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January 2024. Printup’s duties included overseeing the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli and all racing operations.
The native of Hamburg, NY, also served as president of Americrown. Here, Michael Printup oversaw the Levy Food Service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks. All his professional milestones comprise a legacy in motorsports, and Printup’s passing marks a notable loss for NASCAR fans, especially those who love Watkins Glen racing.
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“Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne. A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483),” Racing America stated.
In these tragic times, the NASCAR community bands together as a whole. May Michael Printup rest in peace.
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NASCAR Insider Refuses to Count Out Denny Hamlin as Speculation Swirls Around His Racing Future
If there can ever be a wild rollercoaster of a year, 2025 was one for Denny Hamlin. The season surged to incredible highs and drooped to unthinkable lows like a restive pendulum for the NASCAR Cup Series veteran. All the incidents, ranging from Hamlin’s NASCAR lawsuit victory to the recent tragic passing of his father, Dennis, can lead one to rethink the racer’s future. However, a few NASCAR experts still hope for his renewed comeback.
Voices unite for Denny Hamlin’s future
In a recent episode of ‘The Money Lap’, Parker Kligerman was going over predictions for 2026. The discussion covered motorsports series all across the world, as Kligerman said, “Cup, O’Reilly, Trucks, F1, IndyCar.” But before Kligerman could start his round of votes, Landon Cassill uttered from the background, “Denny Hamlin.” And Kligerman nodded in approval: “Yes, well, Cup is easy. It’s definitely gonna be Denny.”
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This could be interpreted as an indirect show of respect for the presently grieving Cup Series driver. However, it is also a natural follow-up of Denny Hamlin‘s phenomenal 2025 season. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver came dangerously close to a Cup Series title after winning 6 trophies and smoking Phoenix Raceway in the Championship 4. Only an untimely caution with 4 laps to go and a four-tire pit call axed Hamlin’s 20-year-old ambition.
Despite losing the championship to Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin still proved that he can persist amidst a rough-and-tumble situation. In 2025, he had to adjust to a new crew chief and also deal with the loss of a long-time sponsor, FedEx. Alongside his Cup Series campaign, he also fought the NASCAR lawsuit with Michael Jordan for 23XI Racing, or rather, the entire sport.
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Denny Hamlin’s conviction for a thunderous comeback was also evident in his own words. Immediately after the Phoenix heartbreak, Hamlin was visibly hurting. But he was also motivated: “I feel like there’s still some racing left. I can’t believe it’s over, but there’s nothing I can do. Suck it up, and it’s just another year.”
Nevertheless, 2026 will feel wholly different for the Cup Series driver, with a major chunk of Hamlin’s heart missing.
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Probing the tragic loss
Since Denny Hamlin’s debut in racing, his family has been a strong pillar of support. Dennis and Mary Lou, his parents, worked hard in normal jobs, mortgaged their house, and went through countless struggles to raise Hamlin up the ranks of NASCAR. And an ailing Dennis Hamlin motivated Denny to capture the championship. Sadly, he could not achieve it for his father, and to make things worse, the senior Hamlin passed away unexpectedly in a house fire at 1137 Blacksnake Road in Stanley.
Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, “both suffered catastrophic injuries while escaping” the fire. Dennis was declared dead at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, and his wife was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem. Denny Hamlin posted an update on X that his mother’s health is improving.
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When firefighters arrived at the Hamlin house at 6:27 p.m. ET, they could see flames shooting out of the attic. They could not immediately determine what caused this blaze. “Due to the extent of fire and resulting structural collapse, the cause is currently undetermined. However, the investigation is ongoing,” Gaston County EMS said.
While Denny Hamlin struggles with his family’s misfortune, speculation builds up about his NASCAR career. Let’s wait and see if Parker Kligerman and Landon Cassill’s predictions turn out to be right.
Veteran Driver’s NASCAR Future Left in Limbo as 44-YO Team Faces Sponsorship Crisis
This one hits closer to home. It is no secret that being able to feel and run a truck team is a tedious task. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. shedding light on the funding situation in NASCAR’s lower series, one team seems to have taken shape out of that fear. Despite being one of the oldest teams on the grid, it may just be time to say your final goodbyes.
Parker Kligerman’s next chapter in NASCAR is hanging by a thread as Henderson Motorsports enters 2026 in what the crew chief calls a holding pattern.
The team has made it clear they would love to see Kligerman back in the No. 75 truck, but securing sponsorship remains the critical barrier. Without the funding in place, plans for the upcoming season remain on ice, leaving both the driver and fans in a state of suspense.
For Kligerman, the 35-year-old veteran with years of experience in the Craftsman series, even a part-time schedule requires financial backing. With Spiked Coolers as the only sponsor remaining, Kligerman has run multiple events every season; however, his 2026 races have not been announced yet.
And for a team that has stayed its ground ever since 1982, it is quite shocking. Although Henderson didn’t enter the Truck Series until 2012, the team’s overall history in NASCAR, spanning more than four decades, makes it one of the longest-running 10-year active organizations in the sport, second only to the legendary Wood Brothers Racing.
The No. 75 team made headlines during the 2025 season with a dramatic performance at Daytona, where the Connecticut native initially crossed the finish line 1st only for the victory to be overturned following a post-race inspection.
That near miss highlighted both the skill of the driver and the unpredictability of motorsports.
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Now, Henderson Motorsport faces the equally daunting challenge of keeping that truck on the track at all, with their crew chief confirming that the team’s return hinges on finding sponsors willing to invest in a full- or part-time run.
With the 2026 season fast approaching, every week without a confirmed plan intensifies that uncertainty. Henderson Motorsports has promised that announcements will come once decisions are finalized, but until then, speculation is running high.
Fans are left asking whether Kligerman will make his return to the seat that made him a familiar name in the series or whether the No. 75 Chevrolet once again sit idle.
For the team, the clock is ticking, and the window to secure a sponsorship and keep a veteran driver in the series is closing fast. However, when one door closes, another opens. And this time, IndyCar ace Dario Franchitti is the one on top.
IndyCar star scores one race with Toyota-based team
Dario Franchitti is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Truck Series nearly 2 decades after his only start in 2007. That race, held at Martinsville Speedway, remains the Scottish driver’s only appearance in the series and a rare glimpse of the three-time Indy 500 winner behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck.
Following that brief stint, the 52-year-old spent several years competing across NASCAR’s top two national divisions before returning to IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Over his NASCAR career, he made 25 starts across the three premier divisions, highlighted by a career-best fifth-place finish at Watkins Glen in the Xfinity Series.
According to the latest announcements, the Scottish racer will return to the Truck Series with Toyota, though the team that will field his truck has yet to be revealed.
The 2026 Truck Series schedule already features several Toyota-backed teams, including Halmar Friesen Racing and Tricon Garage, but no confirmation has been made about an additional entry for the former IndyCar champion.
NASCAR world rocked by fifth death in less than a month. Here’s what we know
The NASCAR world has been hit by tragedy once again with the news that Racing America Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup has died.
He was 60.
Per Racing America on SI, Printup spent 30 years working in NASCAR, including 15 as the track president at Watkins Glen International Speedway.
“Watkins Glen International is saddened by the passing for former President Michael Printup, who led the facility for 15 years,” Watkins Glen shared on X. “During his tenure, Michael played a key role in the continued growth and success of Watkins Glen International, helping to strengthen its operations, partnerships, and standing with the motorsports industry while honoring the venue’s storied history.
“Michael was a respected leader who left a lasting impact on the organization and those who worked alongside him. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
The Racing America account on X called Printup “a true motorsports icon and friend.”
“His passing and leadership shaped our sports and will never be forgotten,” the account added.
Printup is the fifth person with NASCAR ties to die since the start of December, joining former drivers Michael Annett, 39, Nick Joanides, 55, and Greg Biffle, 55 as well as Dennis Hamlin, 75, the father of driver Denny Hamlin.
Prior to Printup’s passing, Hamlin’s death was the most recent after he was killed in a house fire on Sunday in North Carolina. His wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, has been hospitalized after sustaining burns in the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Biffle was killed along with his family and some friends when his plane crashed on Dec. 18 at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
Biffle’s Cessna 550 was reportedly attempting to land at around 10:15 a.m. at the airport just outside of Charlotte when the crash occurred.
Biffle had a 16-year career behind the wheel in the NASCAR Cup Series, starting 515 races and winning 19. He had 175 top ten finishes.
His last race with the series came in the 2022 Geico 500 in Talladega.
Biffle also drove 244 races on the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He won 20 of those and logged 149 more top 10 finishes. He also was behind the wheel for 83 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races, winning 17 of those with 55 top 10 finishes.
His death followed the passing of Nick Joanides on Dec. 5 and Michael Annett on Dec. 2.
Joanides, 55, was a star on the West Coast scene most recently making three starts in the ARCA West Series. He also drove in the NASCAR Xfinity Series when it was called the Nationwide Series.
Annett, 39, drove for JR Motorsports from 2017 through 2021 and the team shared the news of his death on social media.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett was behind the wheel for 106 NASCAR Cup Series races, but never managed to finish in the top 10. While his results at that level were not eye-popping, Yahoo Sports noted he drove for a pair of “underfunded teams” in Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Racing.
Annett had more success on the Xfinity Series where he drove in 321 races with 95 top-10 finishes. His lone win came in the 2019 NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
He also drove in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with two top-10 finishes.
NASCAR Veteran Mark Martin Loses Hope In Jim France & Co. After Fighting Playoffs
This is definitely not what NASCAR veteran Mark Martin signed up for. The long-running debate over its championship format has reached a critical, uncertain stage as discussions about the playoff system continue behind the scenes. The Hall of Famer who has fearlessly voiced his opinions about the current system started the revolt with great determination, but after a lot of to-and-fro, Martin may not get what he wants, not only for himself but for the NASCAR community as well.
While potential changes for the 2026 season and beyond are being reviewed, Martin made it clear that optimism is in short supply even as a full-season points championship has at least made its way onto the table.
“Yeah, I’m not super optimistic about where I was involved in the committee,” he said on the Kenny Wallace podcast. “And in the beginning was the only one that was screaming, you know, about it.”
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The current elimination-style playoff system, introduced in 2014, uses a 10-race postseason to crown its champion. The sanctioning body has long defended the format, pointing to heightened late-season drama and headline-making finishes.
But from Mark Martin’s perspective, that excitement comes at a cost.
Many critics believe the system dimension is the importance of the regular season, allowing drivers with multiple wins or steady consistency to be eliminated before the championship is even within reach.
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Before the playoff era, championships were decided by cumulative points across the full 36-race schedule, a format that rewarded week-to-week performance, durability, and long-term excellence.
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Martin’s own career anchors the argument. Despite 40 Series victories, he finished second in the standings five times without securing a title, a reality he believes underscores how much value consistency once held.
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That contrast resurfaced after the 2025 season when Kyle Larson claimed his second championship under the playoff system following a late caution and a decisive two-tire call at Phoenix Raceway that swung the title battle away from race-dominant Denny Hamlin.
Martin has an idea about where fans stand. “And I just don’t think that we should; I think we should put more emphasis on what our fans, our core fans want,” he said. “Everywhere I go and every fan I talk to hates playoffs. I’m sorry.”
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According to Martin, the advocacy held the idea of a full-season championship in committee discussions.
“We—it’s a 75/25 issue except if you throw in a full season or a 10-race. If you combine those two, 75% of the race fans want that. And so, one of those two,” he added, while cautioning that he did not expect to be adopted despite being encouraged that it was seriously considered.
NASCAR has not announced any formal changes to the championship format, but Martin’s comments confirm that full-season proposals are being discussed internally.
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Any shift away from the current system would require significant adjustments to point structures, scheduling, and sponsor commitments.
As the sport looks ahead through the 2026 season and Daytona 500 opener, the championship format remains unresolved, with debate ongoing and no clear outcome in sight.
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What can fans expect from the playoffs?
While a full-season points championship looks unlikely, speculation suggests that NASCAR may retain multiple knockout rounds. However, the championship could be decided over a series of races rather than a single winner-take-all finale.
There’s also talk that the 10-race Chase format could return, though Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Polk hinted that something new is likely in the works. Fans hoping for a full-season points championship may be in for a disappointment for sure.
Some details on the 2026 NASCAR playoff format aren’t expected until the New Year, but Polk told Kenny Wallace, “The traditional way of doing points would be tough to do in this era,” Polk said. “Because we are looking towards a younger group of people.”
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What makes the choice even more interesting is that NASCAR is currently the only major circuit racing series to employ a postseason-style championship. In contrast, both IndyCar and Formula One rely on full-season points standings to determine their champions, with no plans to change.
The NHRA uses a playoff-like system called the Countdown to the Championship, which ranks points for the final six events. Meanwhile, the smaller Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series ran a playoff format for the past three seasons but will return to a full-season point system next year.
This definitely adds some pressure to NASCAR, as most people have voiced their opinion about returning to the sound old full-season point system.
Where things stand for coveted MLB free agents in slow market
If you think this free agent market is moving slow, well, it’s not your imagination.
The vast majority of the biggest stars are still available, and theories for the deliberate pace almost outnumber the stars.
Is it due to a potential work stoppage? Is it the price tags and a few high-dollar early signings? Is it the star-studded trade list, which still includes Freddy Peralta, Edward Cabrera, MacKenzie Gore, Ketel Marte and maybe even the great Tarik Skubal (that one still seems like a long shot).
If there’s worry, star free agents and their agents aren’t showing it — not yet.
Luis Arraez Sends Message to Jackson Merrill Amid MLB Free Agency
The San Diego Padres will look to remain competitive next year despite general manager A.J. Preller operating with far more limited payroll flexibility in free agency.
The club managed to retain right-handed starter Michael King, but former frontline arm Dylan Cease departed to join the Toronto Blue Jays.
Fortunately for San Diego, the roster still features a wealth of young, emerging talent, highlighted by outfielder Jackson Merrill. The 22-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the Padres’ most valuable players, contributing both defensively and at the plate.
Merrill did take a slight step back last season, finishing with a .264 batting average, .317 on-base percentage, .774 OPS, 16 home runs and 67 RBIs across 115 games. Even so, those numbers remain strong, and the Padres continue to view him as a key piece with significant upside.
In his rookie campaign, Merrill finished ninth in NL MVP voting while earning an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award.
During Merrill’s time in San Diego, Luis Arraez has served as a veteran presence in the clubhouse, and the two have built a strong connection. Arraez remains a free agent this winter, leaving the door open for a possible reunion with the Padres, though he has yet to sign.
As the calendar turned to 2026, Merrill took to social media to reflect on the past season and look ahead to the new year. In the comment section, Arraez left a message for Merrill. “Love u my brother ❤️❤️,” it read.
A reunion with Arraez could make sense for San Diego given the circumstances of this offseason. Preller is operating with limited payroll flexibility, which makes high-priced free agents difficult to pursue.
Arraez, however, may come at a more reasonable cost after a down year in which he posted a .292 batting average, .327 on-base percentage, .719 OPS, eight home runs and 61 RBIs.
Despite those modest numbers compared to his peak, the market remains lower than expected for a player with his track record, which includes three batting titles, three All-Star selections and two Silver Sluggers.
At just 28 years old, Arraez still has plenty of productive seasons ahead of him, and his ability to make consistent contact could provide balance to a Padres lineup built around young power bats.
Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. Predicted to Make MLB History in 2026
Atlanta Braves reporter Mark Bowman believes outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. could be in line for a spectacular 2026 season and potentially become the first player in MLB history to join the 40-40 club twice.
Acuña, who turned 28 on Dec. 28, hit 21 home runs and stole nine bases in 95 games last season. The five-time All-Star did not record his first stolen base until June 13 — his 19th game back — and never had a multi-steal game.
However, Acuña did not make his season debut until May 23 while recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee. He previously tore his right ACL in 2021.
“There’s an expectation Acuña will run less frequently to protect his two surgically repaired knees,” Bowman wrote Wednesday. “So, instead of predicting he’ll match the 40-70 season he had in 2023, we’ll lower expectations and predict he will record what would be just the seventh 40-40 season in AL/NL history.”
Acuña is currently the only active player to have already recorded a 40-40 season, accomplishing the feat during his historic 2023 campaign.
What to Know About Ronald Acuña Jr. and the 40-40 Club
Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco became the first member of the 40-40 club with a 42-home run, 40-stolen base season in 1988. San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds followed with a 42-40 campaign in 1996, and Seattle Mariners shortstop Alex Rodriguez posted a 42-46 season in 1998.
Washington Nationals outfielder Alfonso Soriano joined the group with a 46-41 season in 2006. Soriano is the only player in club history to record at least 45 home runs and 40 stolen bases in the same season.
Acuña set a new standard during his 2023 season, when he stole an MLB-record 73 bases — well above the previous high of 46 by a 40-40 player.
A record seven players — New York Mets teammates Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez, and Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez — recorded 30–30 seasons in 2025. Soto finished just two stolen bases shy of joining the 40–40 club after hitting 43 home runs, while Ramírez led the group with 44 stolen bases.
Analysis: As MLB enters a pivotal 2026, these 5 questions loom over everything
By most available measures, 2025 was a massive success for Major League Baseball. A riveting postseason culminated in a heart-pounding, star-studded World Series. Larger-than-life stars in the sport’s biggest markets, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, marked the poles of a baseball world that grew in new ways: A season that began in Tokyo ended in Toronto, the first time an MLB season has ever started and ended outside the United States.
And yet – because baseball somehow never stays comfortable for long – reckonings await in the new year. Some of them, such as looming collective bargaining, might be existential. Some of them are merely consequential. All of them will take center stage at some point in the next year. As the calendar turns, here are five big questions facing MLB in 2026:
1. Will 2026 be MLB’s last full season for a while?
This is the biggest question facing the sport, in large part because Commissioner Rob Manfred has been so public in wondering about it himself: With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring after the 2026 season, and tensions between owners and the MLB Players Association at an all-time high, Manfred has mentioned the possibility of a lockout before the 2027 season. Everyone from players planning contracts to executives planning vacations has taken him at his word, assuming next year’s offseason will be lost to bargaining much like the winter before the 2022 season was.
That lockout ended just in time for players to report to spring training and play a full 162-game season. But tensions seem higher and goals loftier for both sides this time around. Owners and players both want to remodel baseball’s economic setup, though the players believe the owners’ goals mostly center on suppressing salaries, while owners argue their franchises are not making enough money to keep up with how those salaries are growing. Some owners have suggested the best solution is a salary cap. The MLBPA has built its name on ensuring baseball remains the only major North American professional sport without one.
A dispute over a cap led to the last lost season, in 1994, which broke the sport at a time of massive momentum. But this time is slightly different: Manfred and his owners will be selling their national television rights to partners after the 2028 season, looking for the kind of multibillion dollar deals that drive revenue for everyone. They will probably want to market a sport at its peak, with three years of high ratings to maximize those deals, which, given that Manfred plans to retire in 2029, could be legacy shapers. Missing games comes with cost. But as of this moment, both the owners and the players union want the other side to think they are more than willing to pay it.
2. Can the Dodgers be stopped?
Every major question facing MLB in 2026 relates to the first, including the most obvious on-field one: Are the Los Angeles Dodgers, the sport’s first back-to-back champions in a quarter-century, too big to fail? Because of their seemingly limitless budget, which has spurred seemingly borderless marketability, the Dodgers have been able to draw big stars into their orbit and pay them to stay there. Their latest acquisition, all-star closer Edwin Díaz, gives them the one thing they did not have during their 2025 postseason run. They’ve spent more on relief pitchers alone in the past year than some teams have on their roster. Their luxury tax bill will be $169 million, according to the Associated Press. Thirteen MLB teams paid their entire roster less in 2025.
Still, to this point, all of that spending had not been a championship guarantee. They did, after all, come within two outs of losing the World Series to the Toronto Blue Jays this past year. But if the Dodgers start feeling even more untouchable, well … that will certainly be used as fodder in labor negotiations, which historically have centered on all kinds of ways to limit the advantage of the sport’s big spender of the moment. For now, they are playing by the rules and not apologizing for it – and challenging the rest of the owners to find ways to keep up.
3. Will the Tigers trade Tarik Skubal?
This question being asked at all is, to some, an indictment of baseball’s current economic model: Skubal is a 29-year-old lefty who has won back-to-back American League Cy Young awards and is one of the rare game-changing aces of his era. And because he will be a free agent after the 2026 season, and because his price will be so high, the team that drafted and developed him is mulling over whether it should get something for him before this season in case he walks away after it.
Whether Detroit’s ownership can afford Skubal and whether it is willing to afford him are two different questions, both emblematic of baseball’s economic frustrations. But whether the Tigers trade him could change the landscape entirely: He is one of the more dominant starters of his time, and the Tigers would probably be looking for a return they can justify to history.
Any team trading for Skubal now would have to A) be willing to accept he is a one-year rental and therefore probably unwilling to provide such a return or B) have reason to believe it can sign him to an extension after next season. As such, likely suitors might be limited to win-now teams who are not precious about prospects – say, the New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies or Dodgers – so his market might be as complicated as a trade would be seismic.
As of now, Tigers General Manager Scott Harris has insisted he must do his job of “listening,” but he has not indicated a trade is a sure thing. He and the Tigers could, after all, keep Skubal as the centerpiece of a budding contender and try to convince him to stay long-term with one last World Series run. But to many owners, sentimentality is not always financially prudent.
4. What’s going on with local television rights?
Here is a very long story made short: For years, Manfred has wanted to obtain the local television rights to all 30 teams and consolidate them into a single package without blackouts, which MLB could then sell as a whole, rather than separately in each market. Cord-cutting made this easier by bankrupting many of the regional sports networks under contract for those local rights, which opened the door for MLB to take them over in cities such as San Diego and Phoenix, among others.
As of the last day of 2025, MLB controlled the rights to six teams: the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. At last check, the Washington Nationals were still mulling over whether to join that group, according to people in the organization, after exiting their deal with Mid-Atlantic Sports Network this past March.
Six more teams’ rights might soon also be in league control, according to a report from Sports Business Journal suggesting that if FanDuel Sports cannot finalize a sale to DAZN, it might shutter operations in 2026. If so, the six teams whose rights it controls – the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays – might be facing the kind of broadcast uncertainty that has pushed other teams into MLB’s waiting arms. The loss of revenue could impact those teams in the short term, and how MLB handles what is next will almost certainly dictate revenue in the long term.
5. Has the World Baseball Classic finally arrived?
The next installment of the World Baseball Classic will be played in March, squished between the Winter Olympics and the first World Cup in North America in more than 30 years. Certainly, in just its sixth iteration, no one expects the WBC to rival those global staples just yet. But after Ohtani and Mike Trout faced off to put an exclamation point on the 2023 event, this spring’s tournament seems to have heightened credibility.
The main measure? Top American pitchers, who to this point had been too nervous about injury to pitch high-intensity innings in what would normally be spring training, seem to have decided it is worth the risk: Skubal and fellow Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes have already committed to play for the United States. So have superstars such as Judge, Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr. and more. Manager Albert Pujols is compiling a similarly star-studded roster for the Dominican Republic. And discussions about which elite starters will be available to pitch for Samurai Japan started months ago, with Ohtani and even Yoshinobu Yamamoto committed to the team despite concerns about their World Series workloads.
Regardless of who throws when, the tournament seems to have finally convinced the game’s biggest stars that it is worthy of their time – which should indicate to the rest of the sports world that it is worthy of its time, too.
Yankees Join 2 Other MLB Teams Linked to Bo Bichette Sweepstakes
The New York Yankees have had a slow season, but that could certainly change with the matter of one big signing. As the team from the Bronx usually is, the Yankees are being linked to pretty much every high-profile free agent on the market. The most recent name is Blue Jays‘ All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette.
A recent report by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman suggests that the New York Yankees, Dodgers, and Cubs have all ‘checked in’ on Bo Bichette.
For the most part, the interest in Bichette this offseason had been limited to the Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox. The AL East is shaping up to be an arms race finish to this offseason.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves Get Bad News on Another Free Agent Target After Tatsuya Imai Decision
Yankees Join In On Bo Bichette Sweepstakes
Aside from maybe Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, there really isn’t a bigger free agent name still on the market that holds more weight than Bo Bichette. The two-time All-Star is well on the right side of 30 (27), and is coming off one of his best seasons in MLB.
While the Yankees haven’t made any big splashes this winter, landing Bo Bichette to be their everyday shortstop (or second baseman) would immediately upgrade New York’s lineup tremendously. And Brian Cashman has even talked about needing to add more right-handed sluggers in the lineup.
Bichette would be that perfect option, and they certainly have the luxury of bidding with either the Dodgers or Blue Jays for Bo Bichette. In 139 games in 2025, Bichette hit .311 with 44 doubles, 18 home runs, and 181 hits. He hasn’t been named an All-Star since 2023, but his 2025 was certainly All-Star level, as Bichette posted a bWAR of 3.5.
The Yankees’ primary shortstop in 2025 was Anthony Volpe. Volpe’s bWAR in 2025? 1.6.
More MLB on Heavy: Dodgers Prediction Has $72 Million Pitcher Reverting Back to All-Star form in 2026
What is Bo Bichette’s Contract Projection?
At this time of year, all reporters and writers across MLB try to project and predict player contracts.
A recent one from SportsGrid.com projects Bichette to land an eight-year, $208 million deal.
“2025 Stats: 139 G, .311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 94 RBI, 134 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR
Contract Prediction: Eight-year, $208 million deal (AAV: $26M)”
According to BaseballReference.com, Bichette is projected to hit .288 with 31 doubles and 15 home runs.
Bichette is also fielding interest from teams as a primary second baseman, as his defense has taken a dip in recent seasons. So, you may be thinking, what about Jazz Chisholm Jr?
Well, other reports by people surrounding New York sports indicate that the Yankees are taking calls on Jazz, as contract extension talks are stale, and Chisholm Jr. may want to get extended sooner rather than later.
All the dynamics of this new Yankees rumor are fascinating, and it will be one on the biggest storylines across MLB to see how it materializes in the next few weeks, as more free agents make their decisions.
What Is Tatsuya Imai’s Height? Reports Show Major Disadvantage for New Houston Astros Pitcher
Tatsuya Imai takes the mound for the Houston Astros, and the chatter isn’t about his slider or fastball. Analysts are squinting, calculators out, debating whether the latest addition to Houston’s rotation will even cast a long enough shadow to intimidate hitters. In a league obsessed with size, every inch suddenly matters, and everyone’s measuring.
What is Tatsuya Imai’s height? How is it different from other baseball elites?
Tatsuya Imai stands at 5’11, making him noticeably shorter than many elite pitchers in Major League Baseball. Most top starters, like Paul Skenes, Shohei Ohtani, and Kodai Yamamoto, range between 6’2 and 6’4, providing leverage and a longer release point. Historically, pitchers 6’4 held persistent advantages from 2008 through 2015, though performance varied widely outside that height.
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Despite his 5’11 frame, Imai has maintained a fastball velocity over 91 mph and strikes out more than one batter per inning.
This shorter stature places Tatsuya Imai outside the typical height trends, yet he competes effectively on the mound. Taller pitchers historically enjoy better margins in control, angle, and perceived intimidation, but Imai’s 92 K in 72 innings show tangible production. Between 2016 and 2018, height became a less rigid predictor of success, suggesting skill can offset physical differences.
For Astros fans watching him, his presence challenges the assumption that only tall pitchers dominate in the rotation.
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What is the ideal height for pitchers? A look at Reports
Scouting reports and data show the average MLB pitcher height is 189.24 centimeters in 2025. Pitchers around 6 feet 4 inches historically have advantages in leverage and release point, affecting pitch movement and deception. Medical assessments suggest durability is influenced more by mechanics and workload than height alone, emphasizing consistent training and recovery.
Reports indicate that height does not directly determine velocity, as pitchers under 6 feet regularly reach 90-plus miles per hour. Mechanics, arm slot, and stride length are stronger predictors of speed and injury risk than stature alone. This demonstrates that while taller pitchers may generate longer release points, shorter pitchers can achieve similar effectiveness through precise technique and control.
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Where does Tatsuya Imai Stand as compared to the top Japanese pitchers?
Tatsuya Imai stands noticeably shorter than many of Japan’s baseball giants when compared with their listed heights in the majors. Shohei Ohtani is recorded as around 6-feet-3-inches tall, giving him leverage both on the mound and at the plate as a two‑way force in MLB.
Kodai Senga, listed at about 6-feet-1-inch, is nearer Imai’s stature yet still taller, and both sit below the stature of some elite Japanese pitchers who have transitioned to MLB success.
Shohei Ohtani’s 6-foot-3-inch frame and electric fastball help him generate high velocity and power that set him apart among international stars across the league. Senga’s 6-foot-1 height has not held him back from producing near‑elite strikeout totals and effectiveness out of the rotation.
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Tatsuya Imai at 180 cm brings a smaller profile to the mound relative to his peers, yet his projection in the Astros rotation reflects measurable skills and potential value.
History shows that some shorter pitchers can thrive despite size norms favoring taller arms in today’s game. Marcus Stroman and others have succeeded with precise mechanics and strikeout ability at or below average height among MLB starters.
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These exceptions reinforce that while height differences exist among elites like Ohtani, Senga, and Imai, performance also strongly depends on command, sequencing, and pitch quality.
How do International Pitching Standards Put Tatsuya Imai in Perspective
Tatsuya Imai’s stature gets clearer when we place him beside the world’s best arms, especially given how international pitching standards lean toward height. MLB’s pitchers average about 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, and most of the top starters on SwStr% leaderboards from recent years stood at least 6 feet 3 or taller.
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This trend shows that taller pitchers often hold advantages in release extension and pitch effectiveness, even though success still comes through command and movement.
Looking at history, giants like Randy Johnson used their tall frames to power elite velocity and strikeout totals over long careers. While height isn’t a direct cause of spin rate or movement, taller pitchers have tended to dominate curveball and four‑seam effectiveness in modern MLB data.
At 180 cm, Tatsuya Imai stands below that typical profile, but this gap highlights how his success will hinge on precision and repertoire rather than leverage alone, reflecting a broader shift in international pitching standards.
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Can Tatsuya Imai Outsmart Taller Pitchers? Experts Predict His Chances
Tatsuya Imai’s pitching profile suggests he might outsmart taller starters by using deception, command, and varied stuff rather than pure size. Scouts note his four‑seam fastball sits 95–97 mph with late armside run, and his slider generated a roughly 46 percent swing‑and‑miss rate in NPB, showing elite whiff potential even without a height advantage.
His improved control, reducing walks to 2.5 per nine innings and striking out over one batter per inning, gives him a strong foundation to challenge taller pitchers’ leverage and release extension.
Experts also point out Imai’s low three‑quarters arm slot and unique offspeed mix can add deception that taller pitchers don’t inherently possess. His changeup, splitter, and Vulcan variation all posted strong whiff rates, indicating technique can offset a height disadvantage through pitch sequencing and movement.
While taller pitchers often benefit from downhill plane and extension, Imai’s advanced command and pitch variety suggest he has a credible chance to succeed against them if his skills translate to the major leagues.
How Tigers Could Have Gotten Even Better in Rotation in 2021 MLB Redraft
The Detroit Tigers went with Jackson Jobe with their first-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft. Was he worth the pick?
Jobe, a prep pitcher who is the son of former PGA Tour professional Brandt Jobe, made his MLB debut late in the 2024 season and helped the Tigers reach the playoffs. As 2025 started, he made the opening-day roster and was in the starting rotation.
In his 10 starts, he went 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 49 innings, with 39 strikeouts and 27 walks with a 1.490 WHIP. But his season was cut short due to an elbow injury in late May, which led to Tommy John surgery. It’s possible Jobe could return late in the 2026 season. But it’s more realistic to assume he would make a significant impact on the rotation in 2027.
But what if the Tigers didn’t get Jobe in 2021? What would their future look like then?
Baseball America (subscription required) recently did a redraft of the 2021 MLB draft, the one in which the Tigers landed Jobe. With the benefit of hindsight and performance, the Tigers still ended up with pitching. In fact, they ended up with a pitcher they faced in last season’s playoffs.
An Alternative First-Round Pick for the Tigers
In the redraft, the Tigers ended up with Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo, who was originally taken by the Mariners in the sixth round of that draft. A pick like that is one teams typically must wait on — and the Mariners had to wait longer. During his draft eligible season, he had to go through Tommy John surgery, which slowed his development.
But the wait was worth it for Seattle. He made his MLB debut in 2023, and he went 4-5 with a 4.21 ERA in 18 starts. He built on that in 2024, as he went 9-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 22 starts. Last season turned into a breakthrough campaign for him.
Woo made the American League All-Star team for the first time and went 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 30 starts. He struck out 198 and walked 36 in 186.2 innings. He finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting.
While Jobe is well-respected in the organization, it’s not hard to imagine a universe where Woo is Tarik Skubal’s running buddy in the rotation. They would be one of the best 1-2 punches in the game. And, with Woo unable to be a free agent until 2030, he might soften the blow to the franchise if Skubal departs in free agency after 2026.
Jobe should be back at full strength in 2027, which means he’s a rotation option for the Tigers whether Skubal stays or goes. While Jobe’s development is still underway, Woo is much closer to being a finished product. In a different world, he would be the better pick.
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Banged-up Rangers ready to take on Panthers in Winter Classic
MIAMI — The hockey gods bestowed upon the Sunshine State two days with sub-70 temperatures just in time for this year’s Winter Classic.
It is set to be unlike any other outdoor game the NHL has put on since the Rangers were the first club to participate in one on Sept. 27, 1991, when they took on the Kings in a preseason game on a rink built over the parking lot of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
LoanDepot park, the home of MLB’s Miami Marlins, will open its retractable roof Friday and host the first outdoor hockey game in Florida.
The challengers:
The back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers, and the Rangers, who will look to maintain their perfect 5-0-0 record in outdoor games.
Both teams enjoyed lively practices and a family skate that followed. Both teams are also on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. The two points that are up for grabs Friday mean something to each team, making the matchup all the more pivotal in the Eastern Conference race.
“I think it’s a fun practice,” Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin said. “But it’s not going to be a fun game. It’s a battle for us and we need two points as soon as possible. We need to work hard for that.”
Neither team will be even close to full strength when they take the ice for an 8 p.m. start.
Despite the fact that he’s resumed skating, Matthew Tkachuk (groin) will not play for the Panthers. Captain Aleksander Barkov (knee), Dmitry Kulikov (upper body) and Tomas Nosek (knee) are all unavailable as well.
The Rangers won’t have their captain either, despite the fact that he resumed skating with the team for the first time Thursday in a red noncontact jersey. Conor Sheary (lower body) and Noah Laba (upper body), who were injured in D.C., joined Adam Edstrom (lower body) in the dugout to watch practice.
While the on-ice product might not be what it could’ve been because of all the injuries, Florida as a hockey community earned this moment.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST NHL STANDINGS AND RANGERS STATS
The growth of the game in the southeast has been immeasurable thanks to the success of the Lightning and the Panthers. They even managed to produce a quality sheet of ice despite the humid conditions.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” head coach Mike Sullivan said of the ice. “Maybe because just the perception of playing hockey outdoors in Florida at this time of year would suggest it’s hard to keep ice. I thought it was actually in pretty good condition given the circumstances.
“It’s always a challenge in this type of an event. I thought it was pretty good today.”
There might not be any real snow, but the palm trees and flamingo statues make for quite the environment.
The expected sold-out crowd of 35,300 probably won’t mind the mild temperatures.
For the Rangers and Panthers, however, the heat will be on.
“Get to enjoy all this stuff and be in the game, but have to take a bit of a breath because we are fighting a little bit,” Braden Schneider said as the Rangers look to end a three-game losing streak. “I think having this and being able to loosen up and get to see everyone have some fun like that — we put a lot of pressure on ourselves and we expect a lot of ourselves.
“It’s good to have this but, I think, ultimately [Friday] is a big match. So we’re going to make sure that we go for it.”
Paul Skenes shaves facial hair, Livvy Dunne reacts
He was the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year. He was the 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner. What does flamethrowing Pirates phenom Paul Skenes have in store for 2026?
Skenes has shaved the beard he kept during his first two MLB seasons after rising to prominence as a mustachioed college right-hander who helped lead LSU to a College World Series title in 2023.
Skenes’ girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, posted her reaction to seeing him without facial hair for the first time on TikTok, noting the
Kona Takahashi could return to Japan as MLB signing deadline nears
Tatsuya Imai and Munetaka Murakami are headed to the majors — but one of the remaining Japanese players negotiating with MLB teams might not follow.
Right-handed pitcher Kona Takahashi, a longtime teammate of Imai with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Seibu Lions, is weighing a return to Japan for the 2026 season, according to MLB.com.
The soon-to-be 29-year-old’s posting window closes on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.
Takahashi reportedly has at least one offer from an unidentified major league club, but he could choose a multiyear contract to return to Seibu — one that would include an opt-out to explore MLB opportunities again in 2027, per the report.
Though he lacks Imai’s star billing, Takahashi has become one of NPB’s most reliable starters.
Last season, he went 8-9 with a 3.04 ERA in 24 outings, bouncing back from a difficult 2024 in which he posted an 0-11 record with a 3.87 ERA across 15 starts.
From 2022-23, he was among the league’s best pitchers, going a combined 22-16 with a 2.20 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over 49 games.
Takahashi has shown top-tier command — walking just 6.7 percent of hitters last year and carrying a 3.3 walks per nine innings mark for his career — but he has never been a prolific strikeout arm, never exceeding 128 punchouts in a season.
In 2025, he struck out 88 hitters across 148 innings.
The market for Japanese players has not unfolded as expected this offseason; Murakami, a prolific slugger and Imai, arguably the NPB’s best arm, settled for short-term, opt-out heavy deals.
Imai agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $63 million with the Astros on New Year’s Day, holding an opt-out after each season.
Murakami, who owns the NPB single-season record for most homers hit by a Japanese-born player, inked a two-year, $34 million deal with the White Sox containing an opt-out after the first year.
Another player seeking to join the majors, Yomiuri Giants corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto, is also in talks with teams.
Okamoto, 29, has been one of NPB’s premier sluggers, swatting at least 27 homers from 2018 through 2024. Injuries limited him in 2025, but he still slashed a strong .327/.416/.598 with 15 homers in 69 games.
The Pirates, Cubs, Jays, Red Sox and Angels have all expressed interest in Okamoto, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.
Okamoto and Takahashi share a Jan. 4 deadline to sign with a team.
NFL Insider Sends Strong Message to Vikings Over Brian Flores
The Minnesota Vikings are down to one game left in the 2025 NFL season. Nonetheless, attention has already begun to shift toward the offseason. That focus includes growing speculation surrounding the future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
On December 27, NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that the Vikings are actively working on an extension for Flores. He is in the third season of the role and is entering the final year of the current contract.
With rumors emerging, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared the latest on what he is hearing regarding the future of Brian Flores.
“I think he’s in a good spot here because that defense is very aggressive and very productive, and his contract’s coming up,” Schefter said on the December 29 edition of the “Pat McAfee Show.” “He’s a coaching free agent in the truest sense of the word. He gets to go interview for head coaching jobs, and if one of those works out, great. If it doesn’t, there are enough teams that need a great defensive coordinator. So Brian Flores can opt to stay in Minnesota.
“He can move on to go elsewhere. Like I said, they’re going to be six, seven, eight openings. Those people will need defensive coordinators, and his contract’s up. So he’s not locked in staying in Minnesota if he doesn’t want to. He’s going to have some options here, and I would think that he will definitely get some interviews, head coaching interviews, and we’ll see how those go as well.”
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Makes Feelings Clear on Brian Flores
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Flores’ future in Minnesota, on December 28, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke with reporters and shared his thoughts on his defensive coordinator.
“We have [had contract extension talks]; it goes back a long way before those reports,” O’Connell told reporters. “We’ve had recent [and] very good dialogue. Flo knows I love him. He was the guy three years ago that I identified to bring in here, and the growth, and just our relationship, and what he’s meant to me personally is so massive.
“That’s not even taken into account what he’s been able to do defensively for our team and been such a huge part of helping us daily, minute to minute, weather the different storms we had to navigate this year. Things are in a really positive place right now. I absolutely want Brian Flores to be the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings as long as we can have him.”
Cowboys Eye Brian Flores for DC Position
While the Vikings could be okay with losing Flores to a team to become their next head coach, they might not be fine with losing him to another rival to be their next defensive coordinator.
Nonetheless, in a separate report, Florio reported on December 28 that the Dallas Cowboys see Flores as an option to become their defensive coordinator.
“Dallas seems to be destined to fire defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, after a disastrous reunion year,” Florio wrote in his report. “And the increasing chatter in league circles is that the Cowboys will be firmly in play for Flores.
“The Vikings, we’re told, are keenly aware of the possibility. And while the Vikings should have exclusive rights to negotiate with Flores until his contract expires, we all know by now that tampering is as rampant in pro football as flopping mouthpieces that never seem to make their way into players’ mouths.”
Jacksonville Jaguars next game against Titans decides AFC South title
The Jacksonville Jaguars have clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs with a 12-4 record.
Their final regular season game is against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
A win against the Titans would secure the AFC South title for the Jaguars.
This season marks the 9th time the Jaguars have made a postseason appearance in franchise history.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are returning home to Everbank Stadium for their Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Currently holding a 12-4 record, the Florida team already clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs after beating the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts losing to the San Francisco 49ers.
During their last regular season home game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, the team has a chance to win the AFC South title. The Houston Texans are right behind the Jags with a 11-5 record, and will also play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Here’s how to watch the Jaguars-Titans game and what to know ahead of the NFL playoffs.
Did the Jacksonville Jaguars win?
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23-17 during a Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
When is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ next game?
The Jacksonville Jaguars will return home Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, for its final regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
How to watch Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans game
Location: EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida
Date: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV channel: Fox
Live stream: Fubo, Paramount+
Watch Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans with Fubo
When was the last time Jacksonville Jaguars went to NFL playoffs?
This season marks the ninth time in franchise history that the Jacksonville Jaguars have made a postseason appearance. The Jags last appeared in 2022, and in 2017, 2007, 2005 and from 1996-1999 before that, according to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The team won the 1998-1999 AFC Central titles, then won AFC South titles in 2017 and 2022. They made the postseason as a wild-card team in 1996-1997, 2005 and 2007, according to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
How to get Jacksonville Jaguars playoff tickets
NFL Week 18 Power Rankings: Kyle Shanahan coaching season of his life
When Sunday night’s game between the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers started, three of the 49ers’ top five players — all stars — were out.
Shortly into the first quarter, left tackle Trent Williams, another one of their stars, left the game with an injury.
That meant only Christian McCaffrey of their Fab 5 was left on the field. Yet somehow the 49ers found a way to beat the Bears in a heavyweight battle of two of the NFC’s best teams. San Francisco won 42-38 behind the play of the offense and Brock Purdy, who is playing his way into making it the 49ers’ Super Six rather than Fab 5.
The victory has the 49ers one game away from the top seed in the NFC. If they beat the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night, they lock up the top seed. If they win, they could have two playoff games at home and then play the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
Without their stars, that is simply amazing.
It’s truly been Kyle Shanahan’s best coaching job — and that’s saying something considering he almost won a Super Bowl with Jimmy Garoppolo.
49ers streaking into the playoffs: Why Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco look primed to break Super Bowl drought
Brad Crawford
The 12-4 49ers have been without star defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner for most of the season. Star tight end George Kittle has missed time this season and didn’t play Sunday.
That left it up to Shanahan to call his usual brilliant game, Purdy to continue to show he’s much more than just a game manager like some say, and McCaffrey to do his thing. In the end, they rolled on offense and held on for dear life on defense.
The 49ers offense could not be stopped. The problem is the defense couldn’t stop the Bears, which could be their undoing come playoff time. They just don’t rush the passer well enough.
For now, though, they are up to No. 5 in my Power Rankings with a chance to move up even higher by beating the Seahawks Saturday. If that happens, it’s truly an all-time great coaching job by Shanahan. It might be what propels him to his first Coach of the Year award. Let’s not forget that Purdy also missed eight games due to injury.
There are a lot of viable candidates to win the Coach of the Year award — Mike Vrabel, Liam Coen, Ben Johnson — but if this version of the 49ers ends up as the top seed in the NFC, Shanahan has to be the guy.
If they end up in the Super Bowl, it will be simply amazing. I don’t know if the defense is good enough, but the offense will be fun to watch as they make their way through the postseason — and that’s because of Shanahan.
Stars matter, but so far, somehow, the 49ers have made do without most of theirs.
Drake Maye, Derrick Henry and Jer’Zhan Newton Lead Top Performers From NFL Week 17
Week 17 of the NFL season came and went, and there were a TON of amazing performances across the league. From one of the best quarterbacking performances in league history to some great defensive games, Week 17 had it all.
This list was incredibly hard to trim down and rank, but here are my top 10 players from Week 17.
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1. Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Drake Maye just played one of the best and most efficient games in NFL history. The New England Patriots’ starting quarterback completed over 90 percent of his passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns. I know he played the Jets, but you can’t discredit a performance like this. He was on fire all night long, and by Tuesday morning, his MVP odds should be very close to Matthew Stafford’s.
Stats: 19-for-21, 256 yards, 5 TD
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2. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy would’ve been No. 1 on this list if we didn’t see one of the most efficient games in NFL history this week. He has been lights out since returning from injury, and this was his best game yet, totaling over 300 yards and scoring five total touchdowns. He made plays with his arm and legs on Sunday night, and helped the 49ers maintain control of their own destiny for the 1-seed in the NFC.
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Stats: 24-for-33, 303 passing yards, 28 rushing yards, 5 total TD
3. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
If it weren’t for two great performances from the two guys above him, Derrick Henry would’ve claimed the No. 1 spot on this list. I told you there were a ton of great performances this week, because nine times out of 10, this would’ve been the top performance of the week. You don’t see 200+ yard, 4-touchdown performances all that often from running backs, but it feels like Henry has at least one of these a year. Just a great game as he single-handedly kept the Baltimore Ravens alive.
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Stats: 36 carries, 216 yards, 4 TD
4. Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Washington Commanders
Jer’Zhan Newton is not a household name by any means, but man did he have himself a game on Christmas Day. The Washington Commanders DT recorded six pressures, five QB hits, and three sacks on Dak Prescott, making his Christmas a little tougher than it needed to be. Dallas still scored 30, but Newton was a large reason why it wasn’t more than that.
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Stats: 9 tackles, 6 pressures, 5 QB hits, 3 sacks, 2 TFL
5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
I thought I had this story done before Monday Night Football, but I was gravely mistaken. Bijan Robinson absolutely went off, totaling over 200 yards of offense and scoring multiple touchdowns to help some of his fantasy managers come back and win their championship. He’s been one of the lone bright spots in this offense this year, and this might’ve been his best game of the season.
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Stats: 195 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards, 2 total TD
6. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough has been balling out recently, but Sunday’s performance was his best one yet. After a slow start, Shough and the Saints’ offense got rolling, and the rookie ended up throwing for 333 yards and two touchdowns behind an 81.4 percent completion percentage. This performance helped Shough take over as the favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he completely deserves it.
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Stats: 22-for-27, 333 yards, 2 TD
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7. Chase Young, DE, New Orleans Saints
Chase Young is starting to reach his potential. He was never bad, but he never lived up to his No. 2 overall pick hype. Well, that’s changed during his time in New Orleans, and this week’s game was proof of that. Young was all over Tennessee’s backfield, pressuring Cam Ward eight times and sacking him 1.5 times. He also forced a strip sack, which he returned for a touchdown. You could make the case that he should be higher than No. 6, but there were some incredible performances this week.
Stats: 4 tackles, 2 QB hits, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF
8. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey seems to always land on this list, but you can’t ignore the performance he had on Sunday Night Football. The 49ers’ star running back totaled over 180 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown. He hasn’t been great running the football this year, but he had one of his best rushing performances of the season, while still being a threat through the air. He’s truly a once-in-a-generation player.
Stats: 140 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, 1 TD
9. Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Brown was another running back who had an amazing performance in Week 17. He had a really slow start to the year, but once he got going, he never looked back. He’s been one of the best running backs in the league for most of the year, and on Sunday, he helped the Cincinnati Bengals get a massive win by rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns while adding 40 receiving yards. He helped a lot of people win their fantasy leagues this week.
Stats: 22 rushes, 101 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards, 2 TD
10. Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Minnesota Vikings
Andrew Van Ginkel is another defender who isn’t a household name, but showed out in Week 17. The Minnesota Vikings linebacker racked up five tackles, three pressures, 1.5 sacks, and recovered two fumbles in a big victory over the Lions. There were plenty of reasons the Lions could never get anything going offensively, and Van Ginkel was one of the biggest.
‘They don’t pay us for the good times’: Jim Schwartz still aspires to the top – and his Browns defense shows why
BEREA, Ohio — Jim Schwartz has 15 minutes.
As the Browns defensive coordinator sits down in a small office at the team’s Berea practice facility for this interview, whiteboard behind him, he’s straight to the point.
It’s easy to imagine him the same way in the Browns’ defensive meeting room just down the hall. Efficient. Determined. Serious. Accomplishing one task only to move on to the next.
More Cleveland Browns coverage
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Kevin Stefanski on injury report, Shedeur Sanders’ development, Myles Garrett, and more: Transcript
It’s also how Schwartz has approached another losing season: unchanged standards, no patience for excuses, no matter the circumstances.
“They don’t pay us for the easy (expletive),” Schwartz told cleveland.com. “I tell our coaches that all the time: They don’t pay us for the good times.”
Despite the Browns’ 4-12 record and key personnel changes, Cleveland’s defense remains among the NFL’s best — No. 2 in total yards allowed this season and, since Schwartz took over three years ago, the league’s only unit to average fewer than 300 opponent yards per game.
The consistency has held through a playoff run and three- and four-win seasons alike, a reflection of a philosophy built for adversity, not comfort.
While he’s efficient, Schwartz is also a “storyteller,” as Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda said a few weeks ago. Considering Schwartz has seen it all in the NFL, holding every role from unpaid intern to head coach over his three-decade-long career, that’s not surprising.
It’s all a part of how Schwartz has gotten his defense here.
And it’s a story that requires more than 15 minutes, but Schwartz will do his best to capture it all.
A detour
It’s a twist of fate that Schwartz is back in Cleveland at all. It’s where he first began his NFL career as an unpaid intern during the Bill Belichick years in the 1990s.
After the 2020 season, Schwartz stepped away from being the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl in the 2017 season.
At the time, he didn’t feel like he could take on coordinator responsibilities after his “thyroid went kaput” as he described it in his introductory press conference with the Browns in 2023.
Schwartz detailed how it took about 18 months to get his numbers to where they needed to be. It was a frustrating time for a high-energy coach, as he struggled to sleep while experiencing intense hot and cold spells, and also underwent numerous eye surgeries.
But as Schwartz worked to regain his health, he still didn’t step away from the game entirely.
He just took on a different role under Mike Vrabel, then the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, serving as a senior defensive assistant in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“I thought I was going to be away from the game, but then Vrabes pulled me in, and it started off with, ‘Come on, just come over one day a week, you can go on Zoom the rest or whatever,’” Schwartz said. “And then it just increased more and more and more.”
The two worked together again in 2024, as Vrabel served as a consultant for the Browns after he was fired by the Titans and before he landed the head coaching gig in New England before this season.
“I tried to help Vrabes out as much as I could,” Schwartz said. “I mean, my role there was a lot like Vrabes’ was here. I think he sort of patterned it like that.
“I was not intimidating. I was not trying to get anybody’s job. And I was good at, like, ‘Hey, look, you ever think about this?’ or ‘Hey, this is what I used to do in that situation.’”
By the time Cleveland was ready for a defensive change, parting ways with coordinator Joe Woods after the 2022 season, Schwartz was feeling healthy enough to get back to his usual workload.
When the Browns hired Schwartz in January 2023, the excitement was there early given his attack-first system and the Browns’ personnel on defense — one key player in particular.
‘To play for Jim has been an honor and a privilege’
The Browns’ defense and Schwartz’s success unequivocally begin with Myles Garrett.
And for a large chunk of this lost season, Garrett has been on the verge of the NFL sack record, with a second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award firmly in his sights.
Schwartz himself is adamant that as soon as Garrett got to 17.5 sacks, a mark he officially hit in the Browns’ 24-10 win over the Raiders in Week 12, that he felt like the record of 22.5 would fall any week.
The record has been the main topic of discussion in the five weeks after.
Garrett is currently at 22 sacks for the season, and needs one more to break the record set by the Giants’ Michael Strahan in 2001 and matched by the Steelers’ T.J. Watt in 2021. He’ll have one more shot against the Bengals this Sunday.
But when Garrett brings up the sack record, he also typically brings up his tackles for loss. His 32 this year are the second-most in a single season going back to 1999, just behind J.J. Watt’s 39 for the Texans in 2012.
“I probably think about that (record) a little bit more because I’m further away and they’re a little bit harder to get,” Garrett said. “You can’t get any halves, you can’t be late. You can get a sack with no gain. You can’t get a TFL with no gains.”
But Garrett didn’t latch onto this philosophy by accident.
Schwartz is the one who has been hammering that point home week after week.
“You’re affecting the game if you get a TFL for minus-5 (yards) or you get a sack for minus-5,” Schwartz said. “It’s the same (expletive) thing. It affects the game the same way. But one gets glorified a lot more.”
Ever since Schwartz arrived in Cleveland, he’s insisted Garrett has a different level to his game, one he’s tried to help him unlock even after Garrett won his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023.
While Schwartz isn’t crazy about comparisons among his current and former players, there is one for Garrett he’s used consistently over the last three seasons.
There’s only one player he’s seen impact opposing teams like Garrett, and it was Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson while Schwartz was the head coach of the Detroit Lions.
Garrett’s 2025 season, Schwartz insists, is a lot like the 2012 season for Johnson, in which he set the NFL single-season receiving-yards record with 1,964 yards despite the Lions going 4-12.
“Every single game plan started with ‘Calvin Johnson is not beating us,’” Schwartz said. “We had a bunch of injuries. He was sort of a one-man show. We lost, it was just one of those seasons. But in a lot of ways similar to Myles in that, No. 1, everybody starts to game plan with him, which they have probably most of his career. But then No. 2, he hasn’t had that many opportunities to rush.”
The Browns are seeing an average of 28 pass attempts per game, the third-fewest in the league behind the Vikings and Bills.
Cleveland is No. 2 in sacks per pass attempt, just behind the Denver Broncos. But in total, the Broncos have seen 101 more pass attempts than the Browns this season. The last time Schwartz looked at the number, he said, Denver was plus-80.
“Jeez, that’s two games,” Schwartz said. “That’s two games of opportunities. And that’s what’s so impressive about Myles.”
The other impressive trait about Garrett, Schwartz said, is something he and defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire have spent a lot of time working on: Developing a good plan for when opponents “chip” him with an extra blocker or two before he takes on an offensive lineman.
“A couple of years ago when he would get chipped, he was always inside of it and you could sort of take him out that way,” Schwartz said. “And then it was just, ‘Well look, this is what it’s going to be. So let’s develop a good repertoire around it.’ And he has.”
In chasing this record, Garrett has said all the right things — that he wanted the record itself to come during a win, and that he would give sacks back if it meant more of them.
It’s easy to think that that sort of mentality has at least been partly inspired by his coordinator.
“I wish we could figure it all out a little bit sooner, but to play for Jim has been an honor and a privilege,” Garrett said. “He’s a great coach. He’s a great man of character and a great leader. So I just appreciate the fact that I’ve been coached by him and it has helped elevate my game and take it to the heights we see now.”
Sustained success
The Browns’ defensive success in the Schwartz era hasn’t just been about Garrett, however.
Cleveland remains the No. 2 defense this year in total yards per game (278.6). Over the last three years since Schwartz took over as coordinator, they are No. 1 in that stat.
Heading into Week 17 this year (stats weren’t yet updated after the Browns’ 13-6 win over the Steelers), the Browns have been the only team in the league to average below 300 opponent yards per game (297.5).
In that span, they are No. 1 on third-down conversion percentage allowed (33.9%), No. 1 on first downs allowed per game (16.4), No. 1 in tackles for loss (333), and No. 2 on fourth-down conversions allowed (42.6%).
On Sunday in their win against the Steelers, the Browns sacked Aaron Rodgers twice to give them 51 for the year — the most by any Browns team in a season. It surpasses the 49 they recorded in 2023 in Schwartz’s first year as coordinator.
What’s even impressive is that Cleveland has put up those numbers despite some sneaky personnel changes.
The linebacker corps is almost completely different than when Schwartz arrived, save for role player Mohamoud Diabate. Same with the defensive backfield, outside of Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman (who only played limited snaps in Schwartz’s first year), and Pro Bowler Denzel Ward.
On the defensive line, which Schwartz calls the engine of his system, there’s been a bit of a youth movement. The Browns have used their top draft pick in each of the last two years to take defensive tackles Mike Hall Jr. and Mason Graham. Instead of opting for a veteran edge opposite Garrett, they’ve developed their own draft picks Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright, who just earned a three-year, $33 million extension in November.
“There’s been a lot more turnover than you really think,” Schwartz said. “We have Denzel, we have Grant and it’s Myles. And those are the only starters. … The fact that we’ve been able to maintain it through that, it’s been a big upheaval in that and the guys have been able to maintain based on that core of guys.”
So how has Schwartz done it?
It’s hard for even the players who have been around longest to dissect one of his biggest accomplishments over the last couple of years — especially considering what he’s done in a three-win 2024 and a four-win 2025.
“It’s not easy playing defense like that, especially being a high-ranked defense,” Delpit said. “I think that really speaks volume for the coach, the amount of impact that he has on his players and it really relates to our play on the field despite the circumstance. It’s really crazy if you think about it.”
The fact that Schwartz kept his unit focused throughout a year in which the offense and special teams have hindered them so much is a testament to how much players buy into his philosophy despite the wins not coming.
Browns cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch has worked with Schwartz the last three years, but also played for him in 2004 when Schwartz was the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
Lynch said the key is the way Schwartz gets his message across and keeps his standard the same. It’s an attack-first defense, and attack is what he expect his players and coaching staff to do, no matter the circumstance.
“You have to inspire and motivate your group,” Lynch said. “He talked about really having a premium on that and really simplifying, And with us simplifying and Jim’s scheme, he wants us to attack.
“From a teacher top-down, we’re all held to the same standard, and our standard is the best.”
Bloodbaths and pick-ups
After the Browns’ 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, in which they gave up a season-worst 184 rushing yards, Ward joked about walking into the defensive meeting room on “tippy toes” while on the lookout for Schwartz.
“Peeking around the corner, see if he’s in there,” Ward said with a smile. “He’s just got high expectations for us and that’s understandable.”
Jokes aside, Schwartz isn’t always looking to have his players walk around on tip toes, however.
He’s one of the most-involved coaches during practices. During the offseason program and training camp, he’ll regularly perch himself in the middle of a drill behind his linebackers to get the best view of his defenders, giving immediate corrections and teaching points. Occasionally, he’ll show up wearing a player’s jersey when they really impress.
The encouragement is really the key ingredient in the Schwartz secret sauce.
“Traditionally, as a coach, I have been a little bit more encouraging when you’ve had a bad (game),” Schwartz said.
There are exceptions to that, including last year’s 24-6 loss in Cincinnati when the Browns gave up 326 total yards.
“That was a bloodbath in our defensive meeting,” Schwartz said.
But for Schwartz, it all eventually evens out.
The most important trait he considers in himself as a coordinator is the ability to keep things level, regardless of outcome.
“There’s been other times where we’ve had some bloodbaths off of really good performances because maybe we were riding a little bit too high,” Schwartz continues. “And I try to keep them level through. Don’t let them get too high. Don’t let them get too low. There are exceptions. There have been some bloodbaths after poor performances, but you need to do those, too.”
‘In any business you aspire to the top’
That sense of balance — knowing when to push and when to pull back — didn’t develop overnight.
It’s a product of a career that has taken Schwartz through nearly every corner of the NFL, including a head coaching seat he hasn’t occupied in more than a decade.
But is there a world in which he could occupy that seat again?
“I’d certainly consider it,” Schwartz said. “I think in any business you aspire to the top. And I’m no different than other people in that way.”
Schwartz hasn’t been a head coach since his Lions tenure from 2009-13.
Since then, he’s served as a defensive coordinator in Buffalo, along with Philadelphia and Cleveland, and had his consulting stint in Tennessee.
The 59-year-old Schwartz may be fighting an uphill battle.
In recent years, the league has trended toward hiring younger, wunderkind, offensive-minded head coaches. Schwartz didn’t make any significant coaching search headlines even after the 2023 season in which the Browns finished as the top-ranked defense, made a playoff run, and Schwartz won the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award.
But having been removed from the head coaching seat for more than a decade, there are things he would do differently now, if given the chance.
“I learned that all head coaching jobs aren’t the same and you need a pathway for success,” Schwartz said, before going on to recount all five of his seasons in Detroit.
In 2009 when Schwartz took over, it was on the heels of the Lions’ 0-16 season in which they were the laughingstock of the league. He said people across the NFL warned him that the job could be a “career killer.”
His first year they only won two games, but he was pleased with how competitively they played. In 2010, they won six games even as quarterback Matthew Stafford played in only three due to injury.
Then came the peak: A 2011 season in which the Lions went 10-6 with a playoff berth, the team’s first since 1999. They ultimately lost in the wild card round.
After that, 4-12 and 7-9 seasons, respectively, weren’t enough for Schwartz to keep his job.
“We had flipped the program so much that 7-9 was firable,” Schwartz said. “And looking back on that, I’d certainly like to win more games, but to turn that over that way and to make it where 7-9 is (firable), which I think before, the 20 years before might have been the high watermark.”
Schwartz knows what it’s like in the exact position that his current head coach Kevin Stefanski is in now.
After a three-win 2024 season and only four wins in 2025, there’s plenty of buzz and debate over the future of the two-time NFL Coach of the Year in Cleveland.
Schwartz is the first to point out the offensive personnel issues. Cleveland started nine different offensive-line combinations in their first 14 games this year, and started three different quarterbacks including two rookies in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
“It’s been a tough year just with changing the quarterbacks and the injuries on the offensive line,” Schwartz said. “And then as that’s gone on and some of the other injuries, it’s zapped across a couple other areas.
“I know this: Kevin is the same dude the first day of training camp as he right now. And that helps everybody else, the whole coaching staff, to be able to do their job because he doesn’t let the highs or the lows change his approach and his manner. It’s been helpful for us.”
If Schwartz’s career has taught him one thing, it’s that seasons don’t always reflect the work put into them — and that the hardest part of coaching isn’t chasing success, but sustaining standards when it’s absent.
That’s what has defined his defense in Cleveland, even as the wins haven’t followed.
And with that thought, the 15 minutes are up.
Schwartz doesn’t linger.
There’s another meeting to get to and more work to do. Just like always.
Here are some facts on Kevin Stefanski: What is your opinion of the Browns coach? – Terry Pluto
CLEVELAND, Ohio – What does the Browns’ 13-6 victory over Pittsburgh mean for Kevin Stefanski’s future?
I keep hearing that question from fans.
The answer should be: Not much.
Stefanski has been the Browns coach for six seasons. The only coaches in franchise history to have the job longer are Paul Brown (17 years), Blanton Collier (8 years) and Sam Rutigliano (6½ seasons).
It speaks well of Stefanski that the Browns were able to beat the Steelers in a game Pittsburgh needed to win to secure the AFC North title.
The Browns also played well the previous week, a 23-20 loss to Buffalo.
As the season comes to an end, it is a significant positive that the players remain engaged. Stefanski deserves credit for that.
But the Browns can’t make their decision on the coach for 2026 based on the last few games of what is now a 4-12 season.
At this point, the Browns should know if they want Stefanski back for a seventh season in 2026 – or not.
A little history
Here are the NFL head coaches who have been in their current jobs the longest:
Mike Tomlin, Steelers: 19 years, .627 winning percentage, zero losing seasons.
John Harbaugh, Ravens: 18 years, .616, one losing season.
Andy Reid, Chiefs: 13 years, .703, one losing season.
Sean McDermott, Bills: 9 years, .660, one losing season.
Sean McVay, Rams: 9 years, .619, one losing season.
Kyle Shanahan, 49ers: 9 years, .554, four losing seasons.
Matt LaFleur, Packers: 7 years, .659, one losing season.
Zac Taylor, Bengals: 7 years, .457, three losing seasons.
Kevin Stefanski, Browns: 6 years, .440, four losing seasons.
The general pattern is that these coaches consistently have good teams. It’s how they keep their jobs.
Shanahan is the exception. Like Stefanski, he’s had four losing seasons. Unlike Stefanski, three of those were in his first four seasons as San Francisco’s coach. He was building his team.
In Shanahan’s last five seasons, he has a 53-21 record and been to a pair of Super Bowls.
Perhaps the closest to Stefanski’s situation is Taylor with Cincinnati. He had a 6-25 record in his first two seasons as head coach.
He then had four winning seasons in a row as Joe Burrow arrived as QB. He also coached the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance after the 2021 season.
But this season, the Bengals are 6-10. There is discontent in Cincinnati.
Evaluating Stefanski
The Deshaun Watson trade in 2022 created a unique and demanding challenge for Stefanski. The front office lost six draft picks in the deal with Houston. The fully guaranteed, $230 million contract savaged the Browns’ salary cap.
Meanwhile, Watson went 700 days between regular-season NFL games. When he did play, he rarely looked anything like the three-time Pro Bowler with Houston.
Then came the injuries – a major shoulder surgery and two Achilles operations. Meanwhile, Stefanski was under a lot of pressure to make it work with Watson. Assistant coaches were fired. Offenses were changed.
Stefanski has given up calling plays in the middle of the last two seasons.
Like the entire Browns organization, Stefanski sometimes seems like a blindfolded man in a dark room looking for a light switch.
His two winning seasons (2020 and 2023) led to playoff berths and Coach of the Year awards for Stefanski. The last two seasons have been some type of rebuilding and lots of losing (7-26 record).
It has to be emotionally draining for the coach. The Watson trade hangs over the franchise – the coach and front office. In some part, it was ownership-driven.
I will write my opinion of Stefanski near the end of the week.
But what do you think?
Rob Gronkowski Urges Travis Kelce to Ditch Chiefs & Shares Retirement Advice
As the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for their season finale, the tight end Travis Kelce’s retirement rumors are at an all-time high. He has denied any immediate announcement, claiming he would discuss with his friends, family, and the management first. But legend Rob Gronkowski shared a plan on FOX NFL Sunday that surprised the entire league.
“I think he’s going to test the market out there, and he has to vie for a championship and the Super Bowl if he comes back,” Gronk said. “I don’t really see that happening with the Kansas City Chiefs.”
The reason behind his claim is that 2025 is the last year of Kelce’s contract. Also, if he retires this year, he will be going out on the worst year of his NFL career. Gronk further implied that 2026 doesn’t look like a championship year for the Chiefs.
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Their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, has undergone successful surgery for LCL and ACL injuries. He will return before the 2026 season. But that doesn’t inspire much confidence about their capability to win the Super Bowl. If you assess his plan through the Chiefs Kingdom lens, Travis Kelce might not play for any other team.
First, he has played his entire career with the AFC West franchise. He is 36 years old, and getting used to any other offense will take time. Second, just like Rob Gronkowski’s friendship with Tom Brady, Kelce and Mahomes are close friends. They have won three Super Bowls together. Their only hope was to send Kelce out on a winning season, unlike 2025, when they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
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These factors will play a huge role in his comeback. But Gronk also kept the door of retirement open, with another piece of advice.
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Rob Gronkowski advises Travis Kelce on retiring
There are two factors in the Chiefs’ veteran’s retirement from football. If he talks with the Chiefs’ management about playing for another season, they might give him a chance based on his performance. He is leading the receiving corps with 73 receptions for 839 yards and five touchdowns. Moreover, he has achieved almost everything in his career, which includes four-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowl.
Meanwhile, Gronk discussed Kelce’s retirement situation on Good Morning America.
“The only advice that I would give him, because I’ve been in this situation before, is listen to your gut feeling. If you truly love the game of football and you feel like you belong out there on the football field, well then, go back,” Gronk said. “Look at your options, see what’s presented to you on the table, and weigh it all out, and take your time.”
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The second (and bigger) factor is Kelce’s life ahead with his billionaire singer and fiancée, Taylor Swift. The couple has plans to get married in the coming offseason. Will he come back after settling down with the youth icon? In some ways, Gronk is right.
Travis Kelce should think it through before deciding to leave football. He has opportunities on both sides of his life. Fans will side with him whether he retires or plays another year. For now, everyone is waiting for clarity about the future. It will take some time.
How to Watch Sabres vs Blues: Live Stream NHL, TV Channel
The red-hot Buffalo Sabres (19-14-4, 42 points) ride an eight-game winning streak into the opener of their three-game road trip as they visit the St. Louis Blues (15-16-8, 38 points) on Monday night at the Enterprise Center.
How to Watch Buffalo Sabres vs St. Louis Blues
When: Monday, December 29, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network Indiana Extra, MSG Sportsnet
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Mattias Samuelsson notched a goal and two assists to lead Buffalo to a 4-1 win over the visiting Boston Bruins on Saturday night. Peyton Krebs added a goal and an assist, and Ryan McLeod also scored. The Sabres erased a 1-0 deficit with goals by McLeod, Krebs, and Samuelsson in a span of 6:15 early in the second period. Josh Norris added a late empty-net goal, as well.
Pavel Buchnevich lit the lamp twice on Saturday night while Joel Hofer made 30 saves as the Blues topped the visiting Nashville Predators 3-2. Buchnevich’s first goal with 1:46 left in the first period gave St. Louis a 2-1 lead it would never relinquish. Brayden Schenn got the game’s first marker on the power play 8:45 into the game.
St. Louis won the first meeting between the teams 3-0 in Buffalo on Nov. 6. Tage Thompson leads the Sabres with 18 goals and 34 points, while Alex Tuch has 11 goals. Alex Lyon is 9-6-3 with a shutout in 20 games and 18 starts, posting a .907 save percentage and 2.87 goals against average. Justin Faulk and Jake Neighbours have 10 goals apiece for the Blues, with Robert Thomas topping the club with 29 points. Jordan Binnington is 7-9-6 in 23 games and 21 starts in goal with an .870 save percentage and 3.44 GAA.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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Avs set to face Anze Kopitar, ‘stingiest defensive team’
The Vegas Golden Knights provided a stiff challenge for the Colorado Avalanche offense two nights ago, at least for two periods.
Now the high-powered Avs face a tougher one.
The Los Angeles Kings are at Ball Arena on Monday night, and they have allowed the second-fewest goals in the NHL this season.
“You’re looking at the stingiest defensive team in the league. It’s that simple,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “It’s very difficult to create scoring chances against them off the rush and in d-zone coverage, it’s even worse.”
Bednar’s team has allowed the fewest goals, 11 fewer than the Kings in the same number of games. The Avs coach could just be pumping the tires of his next opponent, which he does often.
But, it is also often with statistical receipts to back it up. Sure enough, Los Angeles is the toughest team to score on in the league this season at 5-on-5.
The Kings are allowing 1.76 goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. Colorado is fourth, at 1.93 but boasts the league’s top penalty kill to help further suppress offense. Both of these teams are strong across the board in the defensive metrics, but not elite at limiting shot attempts or shots on goal.
It’s the quality of what they give up — the Kings are fourth in the league in 5-on-5 scoring chances against, for example. And both are being backed by elite goaltending. Three of the top contenders for the Canadian Olympic team will be at Ball Arena.
The Kings, led by ex-Avs netminder Darcy Kuemper, are third in the NHL in save percentage, while the Avs are first. Kuemper is tied for fifth in individual save percentage this season at .917. Mackenzie Blackwood (.924) and Scott Wedgewood (.919) are second and tied for third, respectively.
“You need everybody,” Bednar said. “You need someone different guys to step up on different nights. If our top guys get shut down, you need someone else to produce. You also have to keep in mind that if they’re going to be that stingy on the defensive side of it, we have to be as well. There’s an importance that you have to put on the defending side of it, because it’s difficult to score against them. So you have to have a well rounded game coming into this.”
Vegas is a strong defensive team as well, but the Golden Knights were missing top center Jack Eichel and No. 1 defenseman Shea Theodore. Still, for 40 minutes they did a great job of keeping the Avalanche attackers from finding chances in the dangerous areas of the ice.
That changed in the third period and overtime, when the Avs dominated the puck and collected chances in bunches en route to erasing 4-2 and 5-4 deficits.
“When we come and show up together as a group, we can do special things,” Avs defenseman Cale Makar said. “There are some times, especially in Vegas, where we weren’t all there but like that third period, a lot of guys showed up and that’s what you need.
At the center of Los Angeles’ goal-suffocating prowess is one of the greatest defensive centers in the history of the sport. Anze Kopitar is a two-time Selke Award winner as the top defensive forward in the league, but he’s also finished in the top-8 of the voting 10 times in a career that will lead him to a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The No. 1 center from a two-time Stanley Cup champion core, Kopitar is two points shy of 1,300 and 13 games away from 1,500. Game No. 1,488 could very well be his last in Denver.
Kopitar has announced that this is his final season in the NHL, and the 38-year-old who put Slovenia hockey on the map and brought Lord Stanley’s cup to Los Angeles for the first, and second, time is getting the recognition he deserves during his last tour of the league.
“Tremendous career to this point,” Bednar said. “It’s not done yet. He’s been able to win and like just the longevity of his production and how impactful he is on both sides of the puck. He’s a phenomenal player and showing no signs of slowing down.
“His line been a lot to deal with, especially over the last little while. You try and move your skill guys away from him at times and other times they’ve got to play against him and just hope to take advantage of it. But that line is doing really well, and he’s doing really well here recently.”
Canucks prospect Gabriel Chiarot traded to OHL Kitchener for 8 draft picks
Vancouver Canucks 2025 fifth-round NHL Draft pick Gabriel Chiarot is on the move in the Ontario Hockey League. And boy, did he bring back a significant return.
Just hours before he was set to suit up for his now-former club, the Brampton Steelheads dealt Chiarot to the Kitchener Rangers in a blockbuster transaction. In return, Brampton received the rights to Adam Valentini along with eight draft picks, including multiple early-round selections spread across the next several seasons.
The complete package of picks heading to Brampton includes:
Brampton’s 2nd-round pick (2027)
Kitchener’s 2nd-round pick (2028)
3rd-round picks (2028, 2029)
4th-round pick (2028)
5th-round pick (2027)
8th-round pick (2029)
10th-round pick (2026)
Chiarot, 18, departs Brampton as the club’s leading scorer, posting 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 31 games this season while serving as an alternate captain and logging consistent top-line minutes. He sits just six goals and 10 points shy of his previous career highs with half the season remaining.
The move positions Chiarot with a Kitchener team firmly in contention, with notable drafted prospects such as Christian Humphreys (COL), Jack Pridham (CHI), Cameron Reid (NSH) and Luca Romano (NYI). Widely viewed as a legitimate playoff threat, the Rangers currently sit second in the OHL’s Western Conference with aspirations of making a deep postseason run and pushing for a Memorial Cup berth.
“We are excited to add Gabriel to our group,” Rangers general manager Mike McKenzie said in the league’s press release. “He’s a player we’ve had our eye on for a while. He plays a fast, fearless game and brings an edge that we feel is important, especially as we look toward the playoffs.”
Selected 175th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Chiarot quickly made an impression within the Canucks organization, earning an entry-level contract directly following his first NHL training camp. The Hamilton, Ontario, native has been viewed as a versatile, Swiss Army Knife-type forward, capable of contributing up and down the lineup while bringing energy and bite to the ice.
Across 145 OHL games, all with Brampton, Chiarot has produced 70 points (41 goals, 29 assists) and accumulated 134 penalty minutes.
Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky moves up NHL’s all-time wins list
Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has fully reached the point in his career where he’s now padding his resume to further build his Hall of Fame case with every start.
Bobrovsky did exactly that by leading the Panthers to an important 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals on Monday night, too. While stopping 22 of the 25 pucks fired his way, Bobrovsky, 37, earned a monumental win, not only for his team, but for his personal ledger.
The win moves the Panthers one game better than the Capitals as far as the Eastern Conference standings, but it also allowed Bobrovsky to climb the NHL’s all-time wins list.
Sergei Bobrovsky should continue to move up the wins list this season
The 16-year NHL veteran now holds possession of eighth all-time with 446 wins, jumping ahead of Terry Sawchuk and sitting behind Curtis Joseph, who is next up on Bobrovsky’s hit list with 454. Henrik Lundqvist is also in sight to surpass this season in 6th with 459.
Even though Bobrovsky’s numbers are a bit down this season compared to his play during Florida’s championship years, he’s still getting the job done enough to keep the Panthers in the thick of the playoff picture.
Bobrovsky has been below his normal standards so far this season
After the win over the Capitals, Bobrovsky owns 17 of Florida’s 21 wins on the year. He’s 17-8-1 and entered the night with a 2.79 goals against average and an .888 save percentage. Florida is 21-15-2 overall through 38 games.
But a big part of Bobrovsky’s legacy is his clutch play late in seasons. He finished last season with a 2.44 GAA and 2.37 for the 2023-24 campaign to go along with a .906 and .915 save percentages, respectively. Bobrovsky actually has only completed one season with a sub .900 save percentage – his second year with the Flyers at .899.
Factoring in Bobrovsky’s statistics with his win total and postseason success as a two-time Stanley Cup champion with 61 playoff wins and a 2.71 GAA, and the two-time Vezina Trophy winner has etched his name as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Kings can’t keep up with league-leading Avalanche
DENVER — The Kings took the ice in Colorado and came away with the same realization the rest of the NHL has faced this season – the Colorado Avalanche are practically unbeatable on their home ice.
Nathan MacKinnon scored the 399th goal of his career, Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist, and the surging Avalanche won their eighth game in a row, beating the Kings, 5-2, on Monday night.
MacKinnon added an assist to go with his NHL-leading 32nd goal this season. Jack Drury, Cale Makar and Martin Necas also scored for the league-leading Avalanche, who have won 14 consecutive games at home.
Colorado has points in 28 of its last 29 games and is 10-0-1 in its last 11 to continue its historic start to the season. Colorado reached 65 points in 38 games, second fastest all-time to the 1929-30 Boston Bruins.
Corey Perry scored and Joel Armia added a short-handed goal for the Kings, who have lost seven of nine.
Drury opened the scoring midway through the first period and Perry tied it with a power-play goal 5:15 into the second period.
Necas put Colorado back in front later in the second when he tapped in a puck that was sitting on the goal line. Nelson’s snap shot beat Anton Forsberg over his left shoulder with 2:30 left in the second.
Forsberg finished with 21 saves for the Kings.
Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 23 shots, including a save on Adrian Kempe’s short-handed breakaway late in the second period.
He couldn’t stop Armia, who skated the length of the ice and scored through the pads during a Colorado power play.
It was the NHL-leading seventh short-handed goal of the season for the Kings.
Forsberg came off for an extra skater with 2:26 remaining and MacKinnon scored an empty-netter with 1:37 remaining. Makar added another goal with 45 seconds to go to seal it.
UP NEXT
The Kings host Tampa Bay on Thursday. at 4 p.m.
More to come on this story.
Goals by Tuch, Benson help Sabres rally for ninth straight win
ST. LOUIS — Alex Tuch tied the game late in the second period, and Zach Benson got the go-ahead goal early in the third as the Sabres beat the Blues, 4-2, Monday night for their ninth straight victory.
Noah Ostlund also scored, Peyton Krebs had an empty-netter, and Alex Lyon made 16 saves for the Sabres, who have their longest streak since winning 10 straight in November 2018.
Lyon has started seven games during Buffalo’s nine-game surge, stopping 170 of 185 shots for a .919 save percentage. The Sabres (20-14-4, 44 points) are even on points and points percentage (.579) with the Stanley Cup-champion Panthers for the Eastern Conference’s last playoff spot, but Florida has the edge in regulation wins.
Jimmy Snuggerud and Brayden Schenn scored, and Joel Hofer made 30 saves for the Blues, who are 3-2-1 in their last six games.
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Benson scored his fourth goal of the season when he batted a shot from Jack Quinn that was heading wide into the net 1:46 into the third period to give Buffalo a 3-2 lead.
Tuch tied it 2 with his 12th goal of the season. His wrist shot evaded Hofer’s blocker with 4:43 remaining in the second period.
The Sabres will look for their 10th straight win at Dallas Wednesday night.
San Jose Sharks beat Anaheim Ducks as Macklin Celebrini cements Olympic bid
Macklin Celebrini scored a first-period goal and added two second-period assists for his 10th three-point game of the season as the San Jose Sharks held on for a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday at the Honda Center.
Mario Ferraro, Igor Chernyshov, William Eklund, and Zack Ostapchuk also scored for the Sharks, who won for the fifth time in their last eight games. Ostapchuk’s goal, his first in a Sharks uniform, came at the 13:47 mark of the third period and gave San Jose a 5-3 lead.
The Sharks allowed a goal to Troy Terry with 4:02 left in the regulation time to cut San Jose’s lead to one after the Ducks pulled goalie Petr Mrazek. But goalie Yaroslav Askarov finished with 38 saves for the Sharks, who killed a late tripping penalty to John Klingberg and improved to 2-0-0 after the Christmas break.
The Ducks outshot the Sharks 42-13 in the second meeting of the season between the two teams. Anaheim earned a 7-6 overtime win over San Jose on Oct. 11 at SAP Center.
Celebrini had to leave the game with 14:48 left in the third period as a shot by Ducks forward Alex Killorn deflected off the stick of Sharks defenseman Sam Dickinson and into Celebrini’s face, under his visor, forcing him to fall to the ice.
Celebrini returned to the game with 6:13 left in the third period, with noticeable marks near his left eye.
The first period wasn’t the prettiest for the Sharks, as they allowed some rush chances and were listed as having eight giveaways, but they still had a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Ferraro and Celebrini.
Midway through the first, Wennberg took a pass along the boards from Adam Gaudette, carried the puck into the Ducks’ zone, and found a streaking Ferraro, who beat goalie Lukas Dostal at the 10:43 mark for the 100th point of his NHL career.
After an ugly giveaway by Askarov led to a goal by Ducks forward Troy Terry, the Sharks retook the lead at the 19:12 mark.
Celebrini created a Ducks turnover in the neutral zone as he got the puck to Tyler Toffoli, who passed it across the ice to Wennberg. Celebrini blew past the Ducks’ defense and redirected a pass from Wennberg past Dostal for a 2-1 Sharks lead.
NHL roundup: Sabres best Blues for 9th straight win
Zach Benson broke a tie early in the third period as the Buffalo Sabres won their ninth straight game, defeating the host St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Monday.
Buffalo is one victory short of matching the franchise record achieved three times, in 1983-84, 2006-07 and 2018-19.
Noah Ostlund, Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs also scored for the Sabres, and Alex Lyon made 16 saves. Brayden Schenn and Jimmy Snuggerud tallied for the Blues, and Joel Hofer stopped 30 shots.
The Sabres led 1-0 but trailed 2-1 before Tuch tied the game at 15:17 of the second period. Benson put Buffalo back in front at 1:46 of the third period, batting a deflected puck inside the right post. Krebs scored an empty-net goal at 18:44 to seal the win.
Avalanche 5, Kings 2
Brock Nelson and Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and an assist each as Colorado beat Los Angeles in Denver for its eighth consecutive win.
Martin Necas, Cale Makar and Jack Drury also scored and Mackenzie Blackwood turned away 21 shots for the Avalanche, who have won 14 in a row at home and are 16-0-2 this season on home ice.
Joel Armia scored a short-handed goal, Corey Perry also had a goal and Anton Forsberg made 21 saves for the Kings, who have lost seven of their past nine (2-5-2).
Canucks 3, Kraken 2 (SO)
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen remained perfect in shootouts this season as Vancouver won at Seattle. Liam Ohgren was the only player to score in the shootout.
Lankinen, who made 37 saves through regulation and overtime, stopped all three Seattle attempts to improve to 17-for-17 this season in winning for the fourth time in shootouts.
Linus Karlsson and Elias Pettersson scored in regulation for the Canucks, while Jared McCann and Ryan Winterton countered for the Kraken. Seattle’s Joey Daccord stopped 22 shots.
Hurricanes 3, Rangers 2 (OT)
Jackson Blake scored a power-play goal with 12.6 seconds left in overtime as Carolina beat New York in Raleigh, N.C.
Sebastian Aho registered a goal and an assist, Jordan Martinook tallied a marker and Nikolaj Ehlers provided two assists to help the Hurricanes improve to 9-3 in overtime this season. Rookie Brandon Bussi improved to 13-1-1 with a 17-save effort.
Vladislav Gavrikov and Jonny Brodzinski scored for the Rangers, while Igor Shesterkin stopped 31 shots in a losing effort.
Wild 5, Golden Knights 2
Marcus Johansson had a goal and three assists as Minnesota jumped out to a five-goal lead in the first 27 minutes and then cruised to a victory in Las Vegas.
Matt Boldy, Jared Spurgeon and Joel Eriksson Ek each had a goal and an assist, Jonas Brodin had two assists and Brock Faber also scored for the Wild, who improved to 21-4-3 since Nov. 1. Filip Gustavsson made 14 saves for the Wild as Vegas finished with a season-low 16 shots on goal.
Brayden McNabb and Mark Stone scored goals and Ivan Barbashev had two assists for the Golden Knights, who lost for the fifth time in six games (1-3-2). Carter Hart left in the second period after allowing five goals on 12 shots. Akira Schmid finished up and stopped all 15 shots he faced.
Panthers 5, Capitals 3
Aaron Ekblad scored the go-ahead goal with 6:48 left in the third period as Florida defeated Washington in Sunrise, Fla.
Sam Reinhart also scored twice, including an empty-netter with 35 seconds left that clinched the win. The Panthers, who are 9-3-0 over their past 12 games, also got a goal and an assist apiece from Anton Lundell and Brad Marchand. Ekblad logged an assist, too.
Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky made 22 saves to earn win No. 446, passing Terry Sawchuk for eighth place on the all-time NHL list. The Capitals got two goals and an assist from Tom Wilson and a goal and two assists from Dylan Strome. Logan Thompson made 24 saves in a losing effort.
Oilers 3, Jets 1
Calvin Pickard made 41 saves as visiting Edmonton defeated Winnipeg to hand the host team its sixth straight loss and ninth in its last 10.
Max Jones and Jack Roslovic beat Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck for second-period goals, and Zach Hyman added one into the empty net.
Adam Lowry picked up the lone goal for Winnipeg in the third period, while Hellebuyck made 18 stops.
Blue Jackets 4, Senators 1
Damon Severson, Boone Jenner, Denton Mateychuk and Kirill Marchenko each scored for Columbus as the Blue Jackets won at Ottawa.
Severson also recorded an assist, while Cole Sillinger — moved to center because Sean Monahan (maintenance) was a late scratch — and Charlie Coyle each had two helpers. Jet Greaves made 27 saves.
Defenseman Jake Sanderson got the lone goal for the Senators, who have lost three in a row (0-2-1). Tim Stutzle extended his point streak to 10 games with an assist, while Leevi Merilainen stopped 18 shots.
Predators 4, Mammoth 3
Steven Stamkos scored twice in the third period, including his 599th career goal, to give Nashville a comeback win over Utah in Salt Lake City.
The Predators erased three separate one-goal leads before Stamkos finally put them ahead with 6:43 remaining. Luke Evangelista and Roman Josi scored Nashville’s other goals, while Ryan O’Reilly had two assists. Juuse Saros stopped 28 of 31 shots.
Dylan Guenther, JJ Peterka and Mikhail Sergachev each scored for the Mammoth. Vitek Vanecek stopped 22 of 26 shots to extend his personal nine-game winless streak (0-8-1).
Flames 2, Bruins 1 (OT)
Connor Zary scored a power-play goal at 1:53 of overtime to propel Calgary to a win over visiting Boston.
Zary was credited with the winning goal after a deflection off defender Hampus Lindholm in front of the net. The goal came with eight seconds left on the 4-on-3 advantage. Blake Coleman scored the game-tying goal in the second period, and Dustin Wolf made 24 saves for the Flames, who have won four of their past five.
Less than a minute before Zary’s deciding goal, Wolf stopped Pavel Zacha’s short-handed breakaway and a Nikita Zadorov followup. Andrew Peeke scored and Jeremy Swayman stopped 19 shots for the Bruins, who are on a six-game winless streak (0-4-2).
Sharks 5, Ducks 4
Macklin Celebrini registered a goal and two assists as San Jose held on for a victory over Anaheim to win for the fourth time in its past five road games.
Mario Ferraro, Igor Chernyshov and William Eklund added goals as the Sharks improved to 5-3-0 since Dec. 11. Alexander Wennberg logged two assists, while Yaroslav Askarov made 38 saves.
Troy Terry notched two goals and an assist, Cutter Gauthier had a goal and an assist and Pavel Mintyukov also scored for the Ducks. Anaheim goaltender Lukas Dostal was pulled after allowing four goals on nine shots. Peter Mrazek saved three of four shots.
Kraken’s Jacob Melanson: Registers first NHL assist
Melanson logged an assist and four hits in Monday’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Canucks.
The helper was Melanson’s first NHL point in nine career appearances. The 22-year-old winger provides grit in a bottom-six role, but his offense hasn’t followed him since his Dec. 13 call-up from AHL Coachella Valley. Melanson has a helper, six shots on net and 35 hits over eight outings with the Kraken this year. He’ll compete with Tye Kartye, Jani Nyman and Ryan Winterton for spots on the wings of Seattle’s fourth line.
Crucial contract talks could be torpedoed as sources confirm star’s ‘most likely’ destination
Casemiro finds himself at a crossroads as his Manchester United contract enters its final months, as sources confirm Major League Soccer clubs are attempting to lure him away from Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old Brazilian, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, has enjoyed a resurgence under manager Ruben Amorim this season.
After initial doubts about his fit in Amorim’s system, Casemiro has become a pivotal figure in United’s midfield, partnering effectively with Bruno Fernandes and providing the leadership and defensive steel that the squad has lacked in recent years.
Sources close to the Red Devils indicate that Amorim values the veteran’s experience immensely and sees it as crucial for guiding younger players amid the club’s ongoing rebuild.
United are open to extending Casemiro’s contract, as my colleague Graeme Bailey reported last week. But any new offer is likely to come with significantly reduced wages, given the Brazilian’s status as the club’s highest earner on around £350,000 per week.
INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are keen to lower the wage bill as part of a broader strategy to reshape the squad, with a potential midfield overhaul planned for 2026 that could see multiple departures.
Despite this, Casemiro is said to be content at United and thriving in the role handed to him by Amorim. He has no desire to leave prematurely and is focused on performing at the highest level, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. However, attractive opportunities across the Atlantic could still tempt him…
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MLS sides pushing to sign Man Utd man
We understand that multiple MLS clubs are actively working to lure the midfielder stateside, viewing him as a marquee signing capable of elevating the league’s profile further.
Sources highlight interest from sides like New York City FC, Austin FC, and Inter Miami, who see Casemiro’s winning mentality as ideal for mentoring emerging talent in a less physically demanding environment.
The appeal of life in the US, combined with competitive salaries under Designated Player rules, makes MLS the “most likely” next step if United’s proposal falls short of his expectations.
While Saudi Pro League clubs have also registered interest in the past, Casemiro appears prioritising a move that offers something new beyond financial incentives – potentially the lifestyle and platform ahead of the North America-hosted World Cup.
As negotiations loom, United face a delicate balance: retain a proven leader on revised terms or risk losing him for free to an ambitious MLS project.
Casemiro has made 15 Premier League appearances for United this term and notched four goals, so replacing him will not a straightforward task for Amorim.
Latest Man Utd news: Major Mainoo update, PSG swoop in
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Kobbie Mainoo is set to STAY at United until at least the end of the season, with Bruno Fernandes’ injury derailing his potential exit.
That’s bad news for several Premier League suitors, but in particular Napoli, who have done the most work on signing the midfielder to date.
In other news, we have revealed how Paris Saint-Germain have exploded into the race to sign Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is also a target for United and Chelsea.
PSG have had the ‘most concrete discussions’ to sign the 18-year-old midfielder so far, which leaves United trailing in the race, for now at least.
En la Major League Soccer ven lejos el cambio de formato
Uno de los principales debates en las dos grandes ligas de Concacaf es el tema de los ascensos y descensos. En la Liga MX es un fuerte tema de conversación y en la MLS comienza a asomarse el mismo dilema. Sin embargo, en Estados Unidos estarían muy lejos de un cambio de formato.
Gran parte de los mejores torneos del mundo tienen una segunda división que constantemente lleva equipos al primer nivel local. Está subida y bajada de clubes pretende mejorar los niveles del torneo principal.
Pero en Estados Unidos y México no se rigen bajo este formato. Don Garber, comisionado de la MLS, fue cuestionado sobre la posibilidad de que existan ascensos y descensos en el balompié estadounidense. Garber descartó este cambio de formato. “No, por qué lo harían (los dueños).
“Somos una liga que sigue siendo una startup, incluso después de 30 años. Eso hace que nuestro trabajo sea difícil”, explicó el comisionado de la MLS. A pesar de que fue tajante con su respuesta, Don Garber no mostró mucha seguridad en una proyección de varios años. En la actualidad queda descartado, pero la puerta no está cerrada a un cambio de formato.
“No sé cómo va a verse el mundo en tres, cinco, diez o veinte años. Entonces, ¿por qué decir nunca?“, se cuestionó.
Formato de la MLS
En el fútbol estadounidense hay 30 equipos que luchan por el título de la Major League Soccer: 15 por la Conferencia Este y 15 por la Conferencia Oeste.
En el fútbol de Estados Unidos no queda campeón el club que más puntos consiga en la tabla general. Por la vía de los Play Offs y las series directas se conocen a los campeones de conferencias y al club que levanta el trofeo al final de temporada. En este caso, el ganador de 2025 fue el Inter Miami de Lionel Messi.
Sources: ‘Fantastic’ Man United player to be offered contract renewal with significant pay cut
Casemiro’s future is approaching a decisive moment as his Manchester United contract runs toward its conclusion, with growing interest from Major League Soccer and the Middle East shaping the next chapter of his career.
The Brazilian midfielder remains a respected figure at Old Trafford, but any extension beyond the current deal is far from straightforward, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
While a new contract remains on the table, United are reluctant to activate a 12-month option at Casemiro’s existing salary level, making it clear that any stay would require a significant pay cut.
Casemiro has interest from MLS and Saudi
That stance has opened the door to serious conversations elsewhere. In MLS, Columbus Crew have emerged as a particularly strong option.
The Crew are assessing midfield reinforcements following the retirement of Darlington Nagbe, and Casemiro’s experience and leadership profile fit the bill. However, the mechanics of any MLS move would be complex.
Columbus would likely need to structure a deal outside the designated player (DP) slot, placing Casemiro on a lower wage band supplemented by incentives, bonuses, and appearance-related triggers.
The financial contrast becomes stark when compared with Saudi Arabia. Interest from Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal is described as firm, with all three capable of offering substantially more aggressive salary packages than any MLS side.
A Saudi move would likely include a sizeable signing bonus, a high weekly wage, and performance-related add-ons.
Man United want Casemiro to stay but take a pay cut
Man United’s approach is pivotal. Rather than automatically triggering the option year, the club is pursuing a lower-wage renewal as they look to reshape their wage structure.
That decision keeps options open for Casemiro. With the contract winding down, the wage package matters far more than a transfer fee.
Whether he stays in Europe on reduced terms, chooses the structured pathway offered by Columbus, or opts for the financial upside in Saudi Arabia will depend on narrowing the gap between United’s policy and the player’s expectations.
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has described the Brazilian midfielder as a ‘fantastic’ player who has become crucial for the Red Devils under the management of Ruben Amorim.
Report: Man United shortlist four players out of which they plan to sign two
Ángel Correa supuestamente está en el radar del Inter Miami de la MLS
Inter Miami estaría en la búsqueda de su regalo navideño y para tal objetivo habría puesto los ojos en el delantero argentino de los Tigres de la UANL Ángel Correa que tuvo su primera temporada en la Liga MX en un gran nivel, constituyéndose en la sorpresa en el torneo Apertura 2025.
De acuerdo a datos del programa Raza Deportiva del canal de deportes ESPN, Inter Miami se habría acercado a Correa para preguntar si estaría dispuesto a jugar con el cuadro de las Garzas, buscando con esto el equipo de la Florida armar un trabuco para competir en la próxima temporada de la Major League Soccer (MLS) y en la Champions League.
Correa con 30 primaveras en su haber después de nacer en la ciudad de Rosario, Argentina, llegó a la Liga MX precedido de una gran fama en su estancia en el Atlético de Madrid, pero donde no pudo gravitar como se esperaba en el cuadro colchonero desde donde los felinos de la Liga MX lo lograron convencer para venir al fútbol de México.
El rumor sobre la llegada de Correa ha empezado a sonar muy fuerte, sobre todo después de la confirmación de la directiva en armar un cuadro competitivo bajo el mando del argentino Javier Mascherano y bajo el auspicio del copropietario David Beckham.
El interés del Inter Miami es ganar la Concachampions que se le ha negado a la escuadra de las Garzas y que es el vehículo para poder aspirar al Mundial de Clubes representando a esta confederación con un boleto por méritos propios y no por invitación como aconteció en la pasada edición
Así que dentro de la planificación de las Garzas, existe el interés de apuntalar la delantera donde Luis Suárez ya está en sus últimos años y se requiere a su relevo natural, por lo cual Correa reúne el perfil suficiente para hacerse cargo de las funciones ofensivas.
Pero la probable salida de Ángel Correa no sería sencilla. El atacante tiene contrato vigente con Tigres hasta 2030 y percibe un salario anual cercano a los 4 millones de dólares, por lo que cualquier intento de negociación pasaría por una oferta superior a esa cifra. En el entorno felino, la operación se percibe, por decirlo en una palabra, “complicada”.
Prince Owusu signs contract extension with FC Montreal
Prince Owusu, who enjoyed an outstanding sophomore season in Major League Soccer, has signed a three-season contract extension with CF Montreal, the club announced Friday.
Financial terms were not released by the club, but the extension includes Owusu’s services for the 2026, 2027 (sprint season) and 2027-28 season, with options for the following two seasons.
Messi, Inter Miami to tour South America in preseason
Inter Miami CF will return to action in 2026 with a preseason tour across South America, traveling to Colombia, Peru and Ecuador ahead of the upcoming Major League Soccer campaign.
Miami is set to kick off the friendlies with a visit to Estadio Alejandro Villanueva on Jan. 24 to face Alianza Lima, the second most successful side in Peruvian football history with 25 First Division titles.
The Herons will then travel to Colombia a week later to play against Atlético Nacional at Estadio Atanasio Girardot before concluding the tour with a game versus Barcelona de Guayaquil on Feb. 7 at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.
Atlético Nacional, commonly referred to as Los Verdolagas, has the most trophies in Colombian soccer with 18 First Division titles, two CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores crowns, and two Copa Interamericana titles, among others.
The final game against Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador will mark Inter Miami’s first visit to the country, facing off against the team with the most Ecuadorian top-flight league titles at 16.
Inter Miami will then return to Florida to prepare for the first game of the MLS season on Feb. 21 against LAFC.
Javier Mascherano’s team is coming off a historic 2025 season after lifting its first ever MLS Cup with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium on Dec. 6. Prior to winning MLS Cup, Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup title, and in 2024 lifted the Supporters’ Shield and set the record for most points in a single season.
Wilfried Nancy has attributes required to succeed in Celtic hot seat
The Celtic boss has begun to steady the ship after halting a run of four straight defeats with back-to-back victories against Aberdeen then Livingston at the weekend, though scepticism remains among sections of the support.
Questions have been raised over his tactical decisions – particularly his immediate commitment to a 3-4-2-1 system – with critics suggesting the squad may not be naturally suited to that setup.
Others have also debated whether the Frenchman possesses the temperament to cope with the relentless scrutiny that comes with the role.
However, former US international and MLS analyst Tony Meola has dismissed those concerns, speaking positively about Nancy after interviewing him and observing his work at close quarters over in the States.
Meola also pointed to Nancy’s experience managing massive fixtures in MLS, including the fiercely contested ‘Hell is Real’ derby between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati, as evidence he would not be fazed by the intensity of facing theRangers next Saturday in his first taste of the Glasgow Derby.
Speaking via Daily Record, Meola said: “Character? Not a problem at all. You guys will see it in press conference number one. As much freedom as he gives, it’s going to be Wilfried’s way or no way. The intensity won’t be a problem. He’ll relish it. The Old Firm (sic) derbies, the lot.”
“He’s had the Hell is Real derby here. You’ve got to go watch those games. They’re as intense as they get. Some recognise it as the best derby in the league. There are some other really good ones, but that’s massive.
“The intensity is incredible. It’s fiery, it gets pretty feisty on the pitch. Obviously, it doesn’t have the history of other derbies round the world. Our league is just not that old compared to leagues in Europe.
“But I’ve had European friends that have come over and tasted it. They feel like they’re in Europe at a major derby. It’s great. It never fails. If you came to see it you wouldn’t feel like it’s too far out of place, you would feel right at home.”
Meola continued: “The Hell Is Real thing started with a sign that was halfway between those two cities. Okay they’re not sharing a city and there might be about 140 kilometres between them. But when they collide on either side of the divide then it’s massive.
“Wilfried is made for this challenge at Celtic. You talk about 24-7 over there. Well it’s 24-7 here as well. I don’t know that we scrutinise the managers the way that maybe they are there. I get that part. Maybe we do it in a different way.
“But you’re going to see Wilfried Nancy is 24-7. His brain, his soccer brain doesn’t turn off at all. Listen, I played with Mo Johnston who has a different history with Celtic than maybe some other people might have, right?
“So I have a real grasp for what he’s getting into. Wilfried will thrive there. More importantly, the players will thrive there. I’m excited for him. He’s going to get a lot of follows from the US because I’m sure everybody is interested in what Wilfried does now with a big club like Celtic.”
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties – Both Volumes Half in the Celtic Star Books Boxing Day Sale…
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El equipo azul retiene nuevamente la
Las pocas victorias del equipo de contendientes en Exatlón Estados Unidos son un tanto sospechosas para mí. ¿Se niegan a perder la villa, pero están abiertos a perder a los participantes que menos aportan en las competencias?
Desde hace dos semanas, el equipo azul no pierde “La Villa Exatlón”. Mientras que los rojos, que en número son más, no logran salir del campamento. Lo cual, viéndolo todo desde su perspectiva, parece insólito. Es decir, ellos, los famosos, ganan todas las competencias, todas las pruebas y así también ganan la mayoría de premios y beneficios tras sus victorias, pero no logran recuperar la villa.
¿Será esto algo normal, o es una estrategia interna, muy interna, por parte del equipo azul, que semanalmente lo pierde todo, hasta integrantes, pero se afianzan a las comodidades de la villa?
Pero ahora, los rojos también están perdiendo la paz. El equipo de Fernando Lozada lleva semanas presentando el discurso de “equipo unido”, de “equipo sólido”, de “familia inquebrantable”. Mientras intentan rivalizar con los azules, acusándolos de no ser sinceros entre ellos, de no quererse o respaldarse de manera leal y equitativa, hoy veremos que las fricciones dentro del equipo de Anissa Guajardo no son tan sencillas.
¿Será que los rojos son solo fachada?
Sigue Leyendo más de Exatlón Estados Unidos aquí:
Arenas Has a Message About Kevin Durant’s Verbal Exchange
Kevin Durant’s exchange with former teammate Bruce Brown has quickly surfaced and is creating conversations throughout the sports world.
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas did not hold back when giving his response on the situation.
“KD decided to say that and you got ruffled, I did what you were supposed to do with me. Now Bruce Brown is in the back talking about I wish there was fighting,” Arenas said on his Gil’s Arena podcast.
On the show, the crew discuss a wide range of topics across the league and there is a lot of back and forth banter. This particular topic sparked a controversial debate on the podcast with the other members chiming in and giving their thoughts.
Arenas also shared that he did not think Durant crossed any lines.”Calling him a bum was crossing the line?! That’s bum as in you are sorry. That’s normal behavior. What the problem is, was he playing defense or not?!”
Kevin Durant Wanted to Cross the Line With Bruce Brown
After the game between the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, Durant spoke to some reporters about his exchange with Brown during the third quarter.
“I definitely wanted to cross the line,” Durant said. “That’s basketball. That’s in between the lines. Ain’t no respect. Ain’t no love. Nothing.”
“If people don’t show love to me — they (the Nuggets) cross the line a lot with their physicality, you know what I’m saying.”
The question that people are asking is what were the words that both Durant and Brown said to each other during the exchange?
Brown certainly did not like what Durant said to him. “As a man, there are certain things you don’t say to another man,” Brown said. “I wish there was fighting (in basketball), I wish we didn’t get fined.”
Whatever Durant said to Brown really struck a nerve and did not sit well with Brown. There is a sport that allows fighting between players and that is hockey.
So if Durant and Brown were in the NHL, would a fight occur? That could be the case.
Gilbert Arenas Backing Kevin Durant and Didn’t Think He Did Anything Wrong
During the conversation about Durant and Brown on Gil’s Arena, Arenas spoke on Brown’s response after the game.
“They asked Bruce Brown first, and he said ‘I wish we can fight,’ so obviously, he was rattled,” Arenas said.
Brandon Jennings, former NBA player and member of Gil’s Arena, shared his thoughts on Brown getting into it with Durant. “If you ain’t got the type of money KD got then you better relax,” Jennings said. “I get everybody wants to be tough, but if your money ain’t speaking that long, relax.”
Jennings did not hold back at all when comparing other players to Durant. One heated exchange between these two players has caused a lot of discussion and debate between former players.
It will be interesting to see what the narrative will be when Durant and Brown meet each other again and if there will be an encounter between the former teammates.
Gilbert Arenas Wants To Sue His Baby Mama But Stops Himself For One Reason
A decade of relationship and several legal troubles. That’s how Gilbert Arenas and ex-Laura Govan’s relationship can be summed up. For a brief moment earlier this year, they even forgot their issues as their son Alijah survived a near-death experience. But now they are back at it, with even more bitter retorts.
Gilbert Arenas appeared on Evelyn Lozada’s podcast Drop The Lo and stated, “When anytime she (Govan) tells a story, I naturally don’t believe one word of it.” A brief history first, as Arenas and Govan already have issues. Last year, Laura was on the Carlos King podcast and accused Arenas of multiple things. First was conspiring with Shaunie Henderson (executive producer and ex-wife of Shaquille O’Neal) to remove her from Basketball Wives. Second was that the former NBA star slept with Draya Mitchell. Lastly, of using their kids to emotionally manipulate her.
Agent Zero stated that in last year’s interview, there were false claims against him. If he wanted, he could have used the legal route. But he chose not to for the sake of his kids. “I want to sue for defamation, but I mean, how many times can I beat the same horse, you know? And now that our kids are actually famous, there are things I just can’t do anymore,” Arenas said in part 2 of the Drop The Lo podcast.
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“So there’s sometimes, like when it came out, I was going to react, but it was like, well, I’m going to react in a way that’s going to embarrass them both, but then it embarrasses my kids, right? Cuz then I’m going to say things that they’re going to look like, and I’m like, I’m good, you know? Let me just shut the f— up.”
This beef also came up, with even Evelyn Lozada bringing up her issues with Govan from last year’s podcast. Previously, Lozada and Govan were very cordial and even worked together on Basketball Wives. But last year’s interview came as a shock to Evelyn. She recapped and denied “ducking” Govan in a supermarket. She even clarified that she would have greeted Laura Govan since there’s no beef on her end at the time.
Gilbert Arenas understood this, and that’s why he laid bare his feelings about his ex. They both dated from 2002 to 2014, and were one of the known couples in LA. They even welcomed four children, Izela, Alijah, Hamiley, and Aloni, and despite their history, continue to co-parent. It was Alijah’s accident that even brought some peace between the two.
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“Alijah, our son, had an accident, and it was a really bad space, a really deadly situation. We came together in the midst of that, and it’s been great since.” Govan explained to DHC Live in September how that incident brought her closer to Arenas. But now there is no peace.
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Gilbert Arenas’ ex launches scathing attack
During the podcast, Arenas also revealed that he paid $244,000 per month for child support while also paying for expenses like school tuition and a nanny. He also argued that, despite this, his baby mama would always claim to be broke. While Agent Zero expressed his feelings about the podcast a year later, Govan was quick.
“It was more like 244 – DOLLARS with NO added zeros,” Govan wrote on her Instagram story. The mother of four even had some choice words for the host of Drop The Lo podcast. “It’s kind of funny how this lady dun ran thru every big three but got so much to say about me! … All in the back of a car, but got the audacity to ask about me! Let’s keep it cute GOOFY.”
There was more, and it was a warning for the former Warriors star. “Here’s a truth! Every chick corny Gil has interviewed with. He has SLEPT WITH! Fun facts… GOOFY AN.” She concluded with, “You better leave me alone, bro, I got real facts! You should be worrying about our children instead of all the lies you tell! I’m real F’n sick of you and your storytelling… Now go run tell that.”
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This becomes just another messy chapter in the lives of Arenas and Govan.
From the Backboard to the Blackboard: The Story of Jesus Arenas Jr.
Editor’s Note: Caprock Chronicles is written by Jack Becker, Librarian Emeritus, Texas Tech University Libraries. He can be reached at Jack.becker@ttu.edu. Today’s article is by Juan H. Molina, a graduate History student at Texas Tech and past contributor to this column.
As he reflected on the role sports played in his life, Dr. Jesus Arenas Jr. remarked that one of the things he learned playing basketball was that he “just needed a chance” to show his abilities, and that from there, he could “work [his] way up.”
Arenas was born in Lubbock in 1978. His father was born and raised in Camargo, Mexico and moved to Lubbock sometime around 1973. Around this same time, Arenas’ mother came to the area from Corpus Christi.
Arenas’ first opportunity to play organized sports came in the seventh grade at O. L. Slaton Junior High School, where he made the 7th Grade A Team in football and basketball. “I loved it,” Arenas recalled. He remembered that the coaches and teachers stressed the importance of making good grades if he wanted to continue playing on the team, which for Arenas, came fairly naturally.
Arenas, always tall for his age, eventually grew to an imposing 6 feet, 7 inches, which shielded him from some racist experiences in the hallways and classrooms. As an athlete, however, he remembered name-calling during games and practices.
After Junior high Arenas picked Monterey H.S. because it had the best basketball program in the district and produced Craig Ehlo, who played in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Arenas figured, “if Ehlo could make it into the NBA from Monterey, then he could too”.
The prospect of going to college materialized for Arenas the summer before his senior year of high school, when he played on a traveling team that played tournaments in several neighboring states. Scouts came to watch the players and soon letters and phone calls came to his house.
He picked Wayland because it was close to home. After his first year at Wayland, he transferred to Harris Stowe, an HBCU in St. Louis. His time at Harris Stowe proved to be difficult, so he decided that his basketball playing days were over, although he did well on the basketball court. Accordingly, he decided to come back home to Lubbock to finish college at Tech.
In September of 1999, the Head Coach for the men’s basketball team announced that open tryouts would be held to replace two players who had sustained season-ending injuries. Arenas figured he would give it a shot. After a two-hour try-out involving 75 hopefuls, he and another young man were all that remained. He was to become a Red Raider, although he had to sit out one year.
At the end of the 2000-2001 campaign legendary Bobby Knight was hired as coach. Coach Knight motivated Arenas and he began to feel that the many hours he had invested into the game of basketball just might pay off. So, did Coach Knight apparently, for he gave Arenas a full scholarship, which allowed him to focus on his classes and enjoying his final year of college.
Towards the end of April of 2002, Arenas realized that graduation was on the horizon but he felt “lost.” So, decided to visit with Coach Knight and solicit his advice. Knight encouraged him to consider coaching and to visit with the College of Education. So, he did. A post-baccalaureate certification program was offered, which would entail taking courses over the summer. After a semester of student teaching in the fall, the certification process would be complete. Coach Knight offered to fund Arenas’ participation in the program, to which Arenas agreed. Following the completion of the courses, Arenas began student teaching in the fall of 2002 teaching and coaching at Lubbock High School.
Arenas learned several important lessons during his first year as a teacher, the most important- there was a lot more to teaching and coaching than he realized as a student. For example, during basketball season he had very little time for himself, basketball and teaching took up all his time. But eventually he learned to make practices more efficient and cut them down to under two hours.
As the people around him got to know him, many encouraged him to become a principle or a superintendent. At first, he was hesitant but, finally he decided to give it a try. It would take four years to finish the graduate work required to earn a master’s degree but he finished the program in 2012, but a position did not open up until 2016 when he became the Assistant Principal at Levelland Middle School. Arenas steadily moved up his career ladder holding down jobs as principal and Chief Financial Officer, a job he currently holds. Along the way he earned a Doctorate in Education.
As Arenas reflected on the many different changes he has faced in his career, he attributes his success to a combination of hard work and the guiding hand of God.
Cal Thomas: Why stop at the Kennedy Center?
Earlier this month I attended the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with my wife and two friends to listen to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”
The Kennedy Center has been among the few places in Washington (sports arenas are another) where one can get through a day or evening without the confrontational and corrosive political language that has infected the city. Not anymore.
President Trump, with the approval of a board he appointed, has added his name to the building. Henceforth, or until a future president and board will remove it (one can only hope), the place will be labeled, if not called by everyone, the Trump Kennedy Center.
I recall the first performance in what has become Washington’s main cultural attraction. It was on Sept. 8, 1971, and the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass,” a work commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy. The Kennedys did more to bring high-brow culture to Washington than any other president and first lady. Trump has brought nothing, not even close, that can match their contributions.
Trump’s name has been added on the outside of the building. The Kennedy Center website has been relabeled “Trump Kennedy Center.”
There is talk around town that Trump has only begun to add his name to other buildings. One prospect he is reportedly eyeing is the soon-to-be finished Washington Commanders (formerly “Redskins”) football stadium. I got to thinking about other places where Trump might affix his name.
Since the president has frequently suggested — as have some of his followers — that he is the greatest president ever, how about a new name for the city’s most famous obelisk: The Trump Washington Monument?
Then there are the memorials to Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. Trump Lincoln and Trump Jefferson might appeal to him, although the first sounds like a car model and the second like a character in the late Norman Lear’s TV show “The Jeffersons.”
The FBI Building named after J. Edgar Hoover could be easily changed at little expense. The “J” just has to have “D” and “T” drilled into it. It would instantly become the “DJT Hoover Building.”
Then there is the Department of Justice building named after Robert F. Kennedy. Trump Kennedy sounds like a presidential ticket.
For the spiritually minded, Washington’s magnificent National Cathedral is a natural. While Trump doesn’t attend church, his “worshippers” might feel the spirit if it was called the Trump Cathedral.
Some are suggesting Dulles International Airport might be renamed for Trump. How many recall Dwight Eisenhower’s secretary of state? Nothing wrong with an “upgrade,” except as in so many of these it would be a downgrade.
Then there is the name of the city itself. Since Trump claims credit (and with some justification) for lowering incidents of crime, he might be honored by erasing the “C” which stands for Columbia and labeling the capital Washington, “DT.”
He’s already renamed the Institute of Peace, honoring himself for all the wars he says he has ended. It’s now called the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.
Why stop with these? The moon could be named after Trump. Moon is such a dull name. Then there are some of the planets. Trump Uranus might work, if that doesn’t sound redundant.
In 1964, the year after President Kennedy’s assassination, Congress passed legislation naming the building as a memorial to him. Some Democrats are saying Congress should approve any name change. They are right, but Trump presses on in what could result in a fait accompli.
Rick Hendrick’s Cup Champion Reveals Why Hendrick Motorsports Ditched Joe Gibbs’ Infamous Restrictions
For years to come, one of NASCAR’s most infamous unwritten rules lived inside top organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing. Cup drivers were strongly discouraged, if not outright barred, from racing in another series. Dirt tracks, sprint cars, midgets, and anything outside NASCAR were seen as unnecessary risks. And while Joe Gibbs’ dear friend, Rick Hendrick, followed that system for a while, the HMS team owner flipped a 360-degree and, much to its champions’ liking, has stayed that way for a while.
Kyle Larson doubles down on Hendrick’s new mindset
Speaking on the Dinner with Racers podcast, Larson didn’t hold back from revealing how and why Rick Hendrick gave up on the restrictive rule.
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“You know, we used to back when they weren’t letting guys run extracurricular stuff, like, you were practicing Friday, 2 session, qualify…Like they didn’t really have time to do it and they were testing more back then,” he said.
“And so I think, I think the teams and team owners have recognized a little bit like sea time is important… I think that’s what you see a lot of teams now kind of let their guys go do some other stuff.”
It all changed in 2021, when Hendrick signed Kyle Larson on board. Hendrick Motorsports once shared the same caution as Joe Gibbs Racing.
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The resistance behind this was only because of safety concerns, but when he learned that Kyle Larson is also an avid dirt racer, Hendrick couldn’t help but change a few rules around.
“I’ve changed my mind on the whole process,” Hendrick said. “I think driving big horsepower cars out of control has helped him a tremendous amount in the Cup racing. His car control is steel. So, you’ve got to be willing to change. I guess these guys have worked me over enough. I’ve done it.”
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Reflecting on how HMS used to be, Larson admires the complete shift.
This has not only opened the gateway for the No.5 driver to race on different tracks, but teammates like Alex Bowman, who is very much into sprint car racing, and William Byron were also involved in different forms.
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Moreover, 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott had also started to double in multiple leagues.
“They’ve kind of changed like completely 180 of what they used to because yeah, they didn’t let their guys do anything, it’s pretty cool. Obviously I think Rick would love if I didn’t you know, race all this dirt stuff, but I think there’s. The sport’s different than it used to be,” the No. 5 driver added.
That trend continues even today. 2025 was the busiest year for Kyle Larson.
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Between full-time NASCAR Cup competition, dirt sprint races, midget racing, the Chili Bowl, international events, and even attempts at the Indy 500 and the Coke 600, Larson races more than almost anyone in the garage.
It’s a workload that would have been unthinkable under the old restrictions, but under Hendrick’s new philosophy, it is embraced.
And with that being said, Larson surely has a very busy off-season. From running the High Limit Racing in Australia to planning on making it just in time for the Chili Bowl, the 33-year-old champion is keeping himself busy.
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He has even declared that he would love to run the coveted 24 Hours of Daytona once again, but while Larson keeps his doors and options open, there’s one race he wouldn’t want to do again, despite the HMS freedom.
Larson vows to stay away from the Indy 500
Kyle Larson’s attempt to conquer the legendary Double, racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, has ended in disappointment twice, underscoring just how grueling the feat actually is.
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And the Elk Grove native didn’t hesitate to put an end to his Indy 500 dreams.
“I don’t plan on it while I’m a full-time NASCAR guy, but I would love to do it like put a full effort into running it maybe again someday when I’m done full-time racing,” he said. “But I don’t know; I’m already 33.”
His first attempt last year was thwarted by heavy rain at Indianapolis, which delayed the finish and ultimately made it impossible for him to reach Charlotte in time for the NASCAR race this year. Larson’s second attempt met a similar fate.
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After crashing out on lap 91 at the Indy 500, he flew to Charlotte, led early in the Coca-Cola 600 race, but a spin and subsequent multi-car incident left him with a disappointing 37th-place finish.
Reflecting on both experiences, Larson admitted that the logistics of completing the double are extremely challenging.
While the effort showcases his speed and determination, it also acknowledges the difficulty of balancing two demanding races in one day, and he is now committed to focusing on his full-time NASCAR schedule, at least for the foreseeable future.
Charlotte Traynor on her MX-5 Cup scholarship win and prototype dream
Fresh off her monumental win of the 2025 Women in Motorsports MX-5 Cup Scholarship, 19-year-old Charlotte Traynor joins The Creative Drive podcast from the PRI Show!
Charlotte opens up about her unconventional journey into racing—from a family of pilots to a competitive gymnast—and the moment she knew a race car was her calling. She details how a chance encounter led her to the Mazda MX-5 Cup, a highly competitive and strategic series under the IMSA banner.
This episode dives into:
What the $100,000 scholarship means for her 2026 season in the Mazda MX-5 Cup.
Dealing with the pressure of racing, battling imposter syndrome, and finding resilience after hearing from trailblazers like Lynn St. James.
Her dedication to intense physical training in the Arizona heat and professional sim racing to achieve her ultimate goal of racing a prototype car in the WeatherTech Championship.
Why she is committed to sharing her real, unvarnished story with fans to break the
Aaron Rodgers Gave This $20K Christmas Gift to Steelers’ Offensive Linemen
Aaron Rodgers rang in Christmas with a special surprise for his Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive linemen.
The NFL quarterback, 42, gifted his linemen Can-Am Maverick X3 off-road vehicles from Mosites Motorsports, the powersports dealership highlighted in Instagram photos of Rodgers and his teammates riding in the vehicles.
The Pittsburgh dealership revealed the news in a Christmas day Instagram video showing the linemen speeding off in the vehicles in the roadway nearby the dealership and inside the parking lot. Over the video were the words, “Aaron Rodgers’ gift to his lineman came with horsepower.”
The dealership echoed this in its caption, writing, “This Christmas, Aaron Rodgers gave his offensive line the gift of horsepower. Safe to say, it delivered.”
The vehicles also came with a hefty price tag. The Can-Am Maverick X3 retails at a starting price of $19,999 and can go up to just under $29,000, according to the company’s website.
In the Instagram photos shared by Mosites Motorsports, Rodgers can be spotted wearing a red Christmas sweater and gifting his teammates with the vehicles. In one photo, he could be seen shooting a thumbs-up to the camera as he rode shotgun in one of the vehicles.
Additional photos showed the lineman testing out the vehicles on the roadway and them hugging Rodgers to thank him for the gift.
“Aaron Rodgers rewarding the guys who protect the pocket,” Mosites Motorsports wrote. “Can-Am Maverick X3s built for work, power, and play. Tough to top this kind of gift.”
This comes as the Steelers are projected to clinch a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs. according to ESPN. The team is scheduled to take on the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 28, and if they win the game, they will be guaranteed a spot in the AFC playoffs.
Rodgers isn’t the only quarterback to have given his lineman special gifts this year. Detroit Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff surprised his linemen with state-of-the-art golf carts for Christmas, according to a video on X shared by the team.
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The linemen could be seen hugging Goff and riding around in the vehicles. The team captioned the video, “Santa Jared came through with the Goff carts.”
Ex-FOX Broadcaster Comes Out in Support of Motorsports Nepotism With Dale Jr. Excuse
If there’s one thing certain about getting into motorsports, it is the fact that you need money—loads of it. For better or for worse, the adrenaline-inducing sport of racing cars requires hefty investment from the grassroots. As such, NASCAR sees a lot of drivers using the precedent of their parents to get into the sport. Take Kyle Busch, for example—he was building a team around his son, Brexton Busch, so that Brexton could secure himself a successful entry into NASCAR. While fans love watching generations of drivers race together, the act of buying a race seat for one’s children is not very popular.
And it’s not a recent issue or anything, the practice literally extends as long as the origin of the Cup Series. The duo of Kyle Petty and Richard Petty tearing up tarmac as they won over others is still a glorious part of NASCAR history. But what do experts think about this prevalent practice in NASCAR and motorsports? Just like any other expert in the sport, a former driver turned presenter, Kenny Wallace, brought forth his own opinions to the mix.
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Kenny Wallace defends nepotism in motorsports, citing historic names
Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and FOX reporter, does not mince words when sharing his opinion. He may limit himself to dirt racing now, but his nine wins in the Xfinity series give him enough authority to talk about the sport as an expert. In his video segment on X, Coffee with Kenny, he joined in on a raging debate. The topic was — ‘nepotism.’
The majority of motorsports drivers tend to help their children get the best equipment and cars possible using their own winnings. When Kenny Wallace had to put forward his case, he did not shy away from extending his open support towards nepotism in NASCAR.
“It’s sad to say, but you’ve got to help number one. If you can’t take care of the homestead first, then you’re making a mistake. You got to take care of the homestead first. Take care of your immediate family.
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“Think about some of these famous people I’m going to say right now. Is that what you say about Dale Earnhardt Jr. when his dad got him his first race car and built a whole Busch Grand National team for him? Is that what you say about Dale Jr.?”
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Wallace’s words hit hard. The names he added after Dale Jr., including himself, Rusty Wallace, and Michael Andretti, are all successful drivers. But to reach the height of their success, those drivers needed a solid trust fund from their parents.
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“Dale Jr. wouldn’t be anywhere near where he’s at if his dad didn’t help him. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t born. So I want to thank my mom and dad for having me born.”
At the end of the day, it’s all about the quality of racing that these drivers bring to the sport. With that, yet another episode of Kenny Wallace bringing forward his raging opinions has landed in front of fans. Maybe the reactions to the same are going to be a bit different compared to before.
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Setting aside the ethics and moral dilemma of deserving talents and their inability to gain the best opportunities, the fact that a person will choose to help his family first is a given. As Wallace rightly put forward, if we question the actions of a parent towards their child’s dreams, then it’s just like questioning and ridiculing a child for getting a better education when there are many who lack the same.
So ultimately, the decision falls into the hands of NASCAR itself. They want to bring in talented drivers? Sure. Why not add stricter regulations and tests for assigning the racing license to the NASCAR participants? So that only the cream of the crop can reach that pinnacle, no matter how deep their wallet is.
Meanwhile, Wallace also shared his own take on Greg Biffle’s tragic plane crash.
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Kenny Wallace shares his opinion on NASCAR legend’s death
The entire NASCAR community was brought to a sudden halt, owing to the death of Greg Biffle earlier in December. The root cause of his plane crash is yet to be determined. Amidst current theories and speculation, Wallace has added his own reasoning to the mix.
The motor of his plane had exploded prior to the landing. But it is a given fact that the plane could simply fly on one motor.
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To answer that, Kenny Wallace brought forth a simple fact—they were trying to land the plane, and as such, the power to the motors was being restricted to slow down for the landing.
“Now, you respond right here, but you know, the landing gear was down, the flaps were down, and it didn’t have enough horsepower to get to the runway, and it was short.”
While Kenny’s explanation seems to be a sound reason—considering the fact that his plane already lost one engine—there’s still time before investigations shed light on the incident. Until then, we can only hope that the truth is revealed soon and the late Greg Biffle is resting in peace.
Pa. congressman’s HOTDOG Act seeks probe of concession stand pricing at pro sports venues
Saying that the cost of concessions at professional sports stadiums have become a “ripoff,” a Pennsylvania congressman has introduced a bill to direct the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible price gouging.
“One of life’s great joys is a hot dog and a cold beer or pop watching the Black and Gold, said U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat representing the Pittsburgh area, “but concessions at pro stadiums across the country have become a ripoff, with so many teams pricing out fans and families.”
Deluzio and New York Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman have partnered on the Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining an Onsite Grub (HOTDOG) Act, which would direct the FTC to conduct a nationwide study of concession stand pricing at sports venues.
“We’ve got to ensure that hardworking families can afford to enjoy nights out at ball games — especially when their hard-earned tax dollars are supporting big sporting projects across the state and country,” Goldman said in a joint statement.
According to the statement, the average lowest price for a hot dog at Major League Baseball’s 30 parks in 2024 was nearly $6.
An article by the Washington Post in May 2024, said the Toronto Blue Jays had the cheapest hot dog in MLB that season at $2.55 (U.S. dollars) while the Baltimore Orioles were 9th at $4.10, the Philadelphia Phillies were 11th at $4.99 and the Pittsburgh Pirates were 12th at $5.09.
The most expensive hot dog that season in MLB was $8.39 Colossal Dog sold by the then-Oakland A’s.
“Hardworking families should be able to afford to take a break and see a game — at venues supported by their tax dollars — without massive price markups,” said the joint statement.
The House members said the legislation would direct the FTC to study prices at stadiums built with public subsidies, examine comparable food and drink costs inside and outside stadiums, probe dynamic pricing, service fees and promotions, pricing transparency and other policies.
A report would be due to Congress, including making recommendations to improve affordability and transparency through legislative, regulatory or industry action.
Several groups are backing the bill, including the Groundwork Collaborative, Sports Fan Coalition and Public Citizen.
“For too long, fans have been gouged at the concession stand in the same venues built with their own tax dollars,” said Brian Hess, the executive director of the Sports Fan Coalition.
The HOTDOG Act, he said, would “shine a much-needed light on exploitative pricing practices and help identify solutions that make attending games affordable for working families again.”
Could Washburn be the new home for Kansas City Chiefs training camp?
TOPEKA — All eyes were on the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Monday, Dec. 22.
The Legislative Coordinating Council met to discuss the Kansas City Chiefs moving stadiums from Missouri to Kansas. The announcement was made official by Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt that the franchise will be moving to Kansas.
The Chiefs will build a domed stadium in Wyandotte County that will be set to open in 2031. The team will also build a practice facility and team headquarters in Olathe. It was a monumental deal for the Kansas City Chiefs, as they move away from Arrowhead Stadium, a place they have called home since 1972.
Why Kansas City Chiefs’ new stadium would be perfect for KSHSAA State Championships
TOPEKA — With the announcement of the Kansas City Chiefs building a $3 billion stadium, the possibilities of big events is inevitable. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt expressed his desire to host the Super Bowl once the stadium is completed in 2031.
One possible event that could change football in the Sunflower State is bringing the KSHSAA state football championship games to the stadium.
Last year, KSHSAA consolidated the state championship games to three host sites, which was down from every classification having its own site. The three sites have been a success, with fans enjoying multiple games while operations and officials only have to worry about three sits.
The ease of three sites could be made easier if going to one site.
There’s already been a desire to go to one site from KU head coach Lance Leipold. This fall, Leipold shared that he would love for the Jayhawks to host a state championship once their stadium is completed. When asked about moving state championships to KU, it was met with optimism.
“We are always interested in giving the players a great experience,” KSHSAA’s Executive Director for football, Mark Lentz, told the Capital-Journal.
NFL hosting state championship games is not new with nine NFL stadiums hosting high school’s biggest game.
The Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets and Giants along with the Minnesota Vikings host the state title game in their teams’ respective stadiums. The Giants and Jets share MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
The common denominator between these nine teams: Seven of the stadiums are domes. The Chiefs’ new stadium is expected to be a dome, and it could be crucial for high school athletics.
In 2023, the high school football state championships were headlined by a massive snow storm. This caused traffic problems and poor quality of football. A domed stadium could offset these weather-related challenges while providing high school athletes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Arrowhead Stadium was no stranger to hosting high school football games. The current Chiefs stadium hosted the Missouri high school football state championships for four years. The stadium hosted the Missouri high school titles in 1973, 1982, 1984 and 1986.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com
Mark Madden: Like it or not, NFL needs its fans even more than players
Too many are too quick to say the blue-haired Detroit Lions fan who instigated with DK Metcalf should be banned from games.
But that fan paid to get in.
Metcalf was paid to be there.
If the stadiums are empty and televisions don’t get turned on, the NFL doesn’t exist.
If Metcalf doesn’t play, you know who does? Somebody else. (Evidence will be provided in the next two Steelers games.)
The players are the most disposable part of the equation in big-time sports. But all the ex-jocks with microphones make us think anything but.
That Lions fan, Ryan Kennedy, is a longtime season-ticket holder in the front row at Ford Field. Those seats aren’t cheap.
He’s loyal. He wants the Lions to win. He’s long-suffering, like all Lions fans. It doesn’t seem like he did anything bad beyond being obnoxious.
Sure, Kennedy is an attention junkie.
But no more so than the Steelers pope, or Steelers Jesus, or the face-painters, or a whole lot of eccentric Pittsburgh football fans dating back to Franco’s Italian Army. Just look around the parking lot at Acrisure Stadium on a Steelers game day.
Why in the world would the Lions want to ban Kennedy? They probably wish they had a thousand more like him. He adds to the atmosphere at Ford Field. He loves the Lions.
Metcalf doesn’t like Kennedy. The Steelers don’t like him. Steelers fans don’t like him.
But none of the above are supposed to, and that’s hardly his concern.
Fans matter.
Players are entitled narcissistic brats who have been put on a pedestal since junior high school. They think the game can’t exist without them. It can, does and always will.
That was proven when Babe Ruth retired and baseball continued. In context, there has never been a bigger American sports star than Ruth. Yet baseball kept getting bigger.
It’s hard to paint Kennedy as well-meaning.
He planned his shenanigans out ahead of time, to the point of being lawyered up in advance.
But reports of Kennedy’s alleged racist and misogynist speech toward Metcalf seem to have disappeared. That’s despite hardcore, deep-dive reporting done by noted journalists James Harrison and Chad Ochocinco.
Typical jockocracy podcasting. Just say it. Who cares if it’s true?
If you trust social media, somebody who says he sits near Kennedy at Ford Field shed some light on Reddit. (I’d believe Reddit before I’d believe Harrison or Ochocinco.)
Kennedy “never goes too far or says anything out of line.” He’s just loud and annoying. The fan on Reddit says Ford Field security is always nearby, and never has a problem with Kennedy.
Kennedy heckles players by using their full name. Or, as Kennedy said, their “government name.” As in “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.” Which is quite a moniker.
Kennedy definitely baited Metcalf. So what?
Kennedy has a history with Metcalf. So what?
To reiterate things previously written in this space, you simply can’t hit a fan. Metcalf never should have been over there. He did his team a disservice.
Aaron Rodgers said that “it would never happen face-to-face.”
Uh, Aaron … it literally did happen face-to-face. And your guy screwed up.
The Steelers are 9-6, in the ascension with three straight wins.
The Steelers are a legit threat to win a playoff game, and maybe more than one.
But everybody is talking about Metcalf and the blue-haired guy. Fans, Steelers players, local and national media, everybody. It’s a shame. (Not Metcalf. Not Mike Tomlin. Lawsuit pending.)
It’s a bigger distraction than any George Pickens created during his three seasons in Pittsburgh. And Pickens is a better receiver than Metcalf.
Here’s hoping that neither of the Steelers’ final two games matter. If they do, they have to play with a passing game crippled by the stupidity of DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
You know what? Maybe not.
Metcalf isn’t that good. Certainly not as good as his $132 million contract. (Steelers ownership will reportedly make good on the guarantees voided by Metcalf’s suspension, by the way. Only one word to describe owner Art Rooney II: S-A-W-F-T!)
Moroccan fans cry foul amid empty seats at sold-out stadiums in Africa Cup
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Empty seats in sold-out stadiums. Out-of-reach prices on the black market.
Moroccan soccer fans, in particular, are being frustrated at the Africa Cup of Nations because many can’t get tickets for their own team’s games.
Morocco and neighboring Algeria were the only teams to have their group-stage tickets sell out, but again on Friday there were empty seats for the host nation’s match against Mali in the near 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
“I tried to log in to the (ticketing) site early, but unfortunately many people logged in at the same time and I couldn’t get a place. It was completely full,” said Morocco supporter Amin Mazraoui, who was waiting outside the stadium before kickoff.
Another fan named Hicham had the same experience, trying the official ticket portal but finding every game sold out almost as soon as he started looking. He was going to watch the match at home.
The official attendance for Friday’s game was given as 63,844 – more than had attended the opening game and ceremony in the same stadium.
Touts are being blamed for snapping up tickets to the matches they feel are likely to be most popular, sensing an opportunity to sell them on for as much as 10 times what they paid. Reports suggested 50-euro ($59) tickets were being offered for 500 ($590).
“There are people connecting with 10 computers, maybe 15 computers connecting at the same time and buying a lot of places, so it’s because of them that we didn’t manage to get any seat,” Mazraoui told The Associated Press.
But all supporters (and journalists) have to provide identification through a local app called Yalla to get access to stadiums, and it seems the additional measures are making it more difficult for touts to transfer ticket-ownership.
One fan who gave his name only as Khalid was lucky and said he paid 100 Moroccan dirhams ($11) for his ticket to the game. Compared to nearby Europe, starting prices are far cheaper, while there’s no comparison to the asking prices for 2026 World Cup games.
On Wednesday, only 16,115 attended Algeria’s game against Sudan in the 22,000-capacity Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, which had been sold-out long before.
Some fans waited outside after hearing reports they’d be let in for free, then rushed the gates in an effort to get in once the game had started. Security at other stadiums has allowed free entrance after kickoff in order to increase attendance.
“They won’t open the gates for Morocco,” Mazraoui said.
The attendance at Congo’s match against Benin in the 18,000-capacity Stade El Barid in Rabat was corrected from 6,000 to 13,000.
Other games have seen little difference, with heavy rain also discouraging local fans from attending.
The 68,000-capacity Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier felt mostly empty on Tuesday for Senegal’s match against Botswana despite 18,500 being in attendance.
The Confederation of African Football, the organizing authority, did not respond to a request for comment.
___
Moroccan fans cry foul amid empty seats at sold
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Empty seats in sold-out stadiums. Out-of-reach prices on the black market.
Moroccan soccer fans, in particular, are being frustrated at the Africa Cup of Nations because many can’t get tickets for their own team’s games.
Morocco and neighboring Algeria were the only teams to have their group-stage tickets sell out, but again on Friday there were empty seats for the host nation’s match against Mali in the near 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
“I tried to log in to the (ticketing) site early, but unfortunately many people logged in at the same time and I couldn’t get a place. It was completely full,” said Morocco supporter Amin Mazraoui, who was waiting outside the stadium before kickoff.
Another fan named Hicham had the same experience, trying the official ticket portal but finding every game sold out almost as soon as he started looking. He was going to watch the match at home.
The official attendance for Friday’s game was given as 63,844 – more than had attended the opening game and ceremony in the same stadium.
Touts are being blamed for snapping up tickets to the matches they feel are likely to be most popular, sensing an opportunity to sell them on for as much as 10 times what they paid. Reports suggested 50-euro ($59) tickets were being offered for 500 ($590).
“There are people connecting with 10 computers, maybe 15 computers connecting at the same time and buying a lot of places, so it’s because of them that we didn’t manage to get any seat,” Mazraoui told The Associated Press.
But all supporters (and journalists) have to provide identification through a local app called Yalla to get access to stadiums, and it seems the additional measures are making it more difficult for touts to transfer ticket-ownership.
One fan who gave his name only as Khalid was lucky and said he paid 100 Moroccan dirhams ($11) for his ticket to the game. Compared to nearby Europe, starting prices are far cheaper, while there’s no comparison to the asking prices for 2026 World Cup games.
On Wednesday, only 16,115 attended Algeria’s game against Sudan in the 22,000-capacity Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, which had been sold-out long before.
Some fans waited outside after hearing reports they’d be let in for free, then rushed the gates in an effort to get in once the game had started. Security at other stadiums has allowed free entrance after kickoff in order to increase attendance.
“They won’t open the gates for Morocco,” Mazraoui said.
The attendance at Congo’s match against Benin in the 18,000-capacity Stade El Barid in Rabat was corrected from 6,000 to 13,000.
Other games have seen little difference, with heavy rain also discouraging local fans from attending.
The 68,000-capacity Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier felt mostly empty on Tuesday for Senegal’s match against Botswana despite 18,500 being in attendance.
The Confederation of African Football, the organizing authority, did not respond to a request for comment.
___
AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
A selfless, life-saving New Year’s resolution
As the new year approaches, many of us are thinking about resolutions. How we can live healthier, give back or make a meaningful difference in 2026. This year, I encourage all Illinois residents to consider a resolution that does all three with one simple decision: registering to become an organ and tissue donor.
Organ and tissue donation is one of the most profound gifts an individual can give. A single person can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of hundreds more. Here in Illinois and Indiana alone, more than 5,000 people are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. For them, the difference between hope and heartbreak often comes down to whether someone took the time to register as a donor.
Registering as an organ and tissue donor is simple. It takes just a few minutes at giftofhope.org/join-the-registry, costs nothing and is completely secure. Unlike many resolutions that fade with time, this is one that stays with you — a commitment to help others when they need it most.
But registering is only the first step. One of the most important actions you can take is sharing your decision with your family. Talking with loved ones about your choice ensures they understand and can honor your wishes. In moments of unimaginable loss, that clarity can bring comfort, meaning and peace of mind. They may also follow suit and register as well.
At Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, we see every day how donation transforms lives. We witness families who choose generosity in the midst of grief and recipients who are given the chance to celebrate more birthdays, milestones and new years. Their stories of hope and healing remind us that even one decision can create a ripple effect of compassion across our communities.
As we welcome 2026, let’s choose resolutions that truly matter. Registering as an organ and tissue donor isn’t just checking a box, it’s giving someone else the chance to keep writing their story.
Learn more, read local stories of impact and register today. It only takes a moment, but its impact can last a lifetime.
Harry Wilkins, president and CEO, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network
Fiscally sound method to save Promontory Point
There’s a 40-acre park, jutting out into the waters of Lake Michigan, just east of 55th Street, called Promontory Point. With its shady trees, open parkland and limestone block revetment, the point is a citywide gem like few others. And it is in danger.
For 25 years, a South Side community has defended Promontory Point’s historic limestone revetment from numerous demolition attempts. These South Siders spearheaded Promontory Point’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and its designation as a Chicago Landmark in 2023.
This double landmarking still does not guarantee that Promontory Point’s defining features won’t be destroyed — and a vibrant community along with it.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Park District intend to demolish and replace the limestone revetment with new construction at an exorbitant cost of $100 million. The federal government is authorized for $65 million and the city $35 million of the total cost.
Choosing a preservation approach, the city could save half of its $35 million investment in design and construction. In 2025, the community released four engineering studies from nationally renowned engineering firms contradicting the corps of engineers and city’s claims. These studies reached different conclusions about Promontory Point’s structural soundness and presented an array of preservation design alternatives that economically meet coastal resilience requirements. While the city’s own engineering reports have not been made public, these studies found that Promontory Point’s limestone revetment:
has not failed;
functions in good condition right now for coastal resilience requirements ;
can be repaired and rehabilitated in-place with onsite materials at half the cost ;
can be repaired and rehabilitated in 11 months , rather than five years; and
can serve for another 100 years.
A preservation approach meets coastal resilience and could save taxpayers half of the $65 million authorized from the federal budget, and the city could save half of its $35 million expenditure.
Listening to the community and letting the community lead on a preservation approach can save the city $17 million: fixing the revetment at Promontory Point is cheaper, stronger and lasts longer. Most importantly, it’s also what the community wants.
Jack Spicer and Debra Hammond, Promontory Point Conservancy
Iran-Israel friction fear
Amid the global Christmas and New Year holidays, tensions between Iran and Israel are once again showing signs of escalation. Local observations inside Iran today indicated missile test activity in Iranian airspace. At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated that the country’s missile capabilities are purely deterrent and “non-negotiable.”
These developments come alongside renewed speculation in recent days by Israeli officials and analysts about Iran resuming missile testing. Against this backdrop, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly moved quickly to arrange an urgent visit and meeting with President Donald Trump.
Inside Iran, economic signals are also flashing red. Gold prices have surged sharply in recent days, a familiar indicator for Iranians that the country may be entering another period of instability. Historically, spikes in gold and currency markets often precede political or security shocks.
Taken together, these signs suggest a volatile moment. The question many Iranians — and regional observers — are now asking is whether another direct confrontation between Iran and Israel is approaching. While a major escalation during the New Year holiday period appears unlikely, the risk may not be gone — merely delayed.
Could the first major shock of 2026 be a renewed conflict? For now, the region appears to be holding its breath.
Pegah Banihashemi, doctoral law student and legal researcher, University of Chicago
Racially outdated words not ideal but can help analyze the past
While recent Sun-Times letter writer Patricia Brantley is correct that the original version of the musical “Sister Act” never used the word Negro, she may be overly sensitive when she describes the word as “a racial punch in the gut.”
The word should not have been used when the musical was staged on Dec. 13. However, Negro is not in itself offensive as the infamous N-word is. Historical interpretation and context matter.
I taught history for four decades, and to avoid present-mindedness, I would often use words or terms that were prevalent to the era I was talking about to give my students some familiarity with the time we were exploring.
On one occasion, I was talking about the issue of civil rights in the 1950s. At one point, one of my Black students vehemently objected to my use of the word Negro, which he deemed offensive since Black or Afro-American was in vogue when I was presenting the material. But I reminded him that we were dealing with history, and I was transporting him back to the past. I also emphasized that he should do some research on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who often used the word, which is seen in both his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and in his “I Have a Dream” speech.
For example, when justifying the use of nonviolence, King wrote in 1957 that “The determination of Negro Americans to win freedom from every form of oppression springs from the same profound longing for freedom that motivates oppressed peoples all over the world.”
Avoiding present-mindedness with certain words, such as Negro is a challenge, but one must avoid oversimplification and predispositions since the past was once the present.
Larry Vigon, Jefferson Park
Video gambling bad deal for Chicago
Much of the focus in the Chicago media last week was placed on the 2026 budget that will sell residents’ unpaid debt to private collectors but not on the even more regressive and culturally destructive expansion of video gambling in the city. We will be balancing the budget on the backs of the poor and the families of those suffering from gambling addictions. Any alderperson who voted for this must not have visited bars, restaurant and gas stations outside the city in the past several years — or they are confident that the high-end establishments they can afford to frequent won’t need to sell out to the gaming industry to meet payroll.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Kankakee County, and I can tell you how sad and ugly it is to have every restaurant and bar turn a section of their formerly inviting space into a noisy, visually overwhelming and simply depressing space for people to lose their paychecks while drinking.
This will start an immediate race to the bottom to get these into restaurants and bars that cannot be undone — proprietors and the city will become dependent on this money. This is just another way to tax the poorest Chicagoans rather than doing the hard work of ensuring that corporate citizens and those among us who can pay our fair share to fund the city we love. We will be destroying the heart of Chicago to keep it running. Too bad Mayor Brandon Johnson said he will not veto this budget, which may have forced the City Council back to the table to pass a courageous and equitable funding plan.
Jeremy Karpen, Bricktown
NFL stadium follies
Expect “Chicken Little” to don a Bears jersey and spread panic now that the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to leave Missouri for the Kansas-Missouri state line. Why? Because the Jayhawk State is going to pick up to 70% of the tab to build the Chiefs a new $3 billion stadium.
How generous of a state that refuses to expand Medicaid coverage to residents. Truly, those in charge have their priorities in order. Better to help the Hunt family, carpetbag owners of the Chiefs, before any needy Kansan.
One last thing for any “Chicken Little” to consider — the Chiefs intend to build a domed stadium, which will be number 11 in the NFL; the Bears would be number 12 and the Washington Commanders 13. Correct me if I’m wrong, but if you keep increasing the supply of big indoor venues, won’t you be decreasing the chances of getting a Super Bowl or Final Four? Seems to me the sky’s falling only if you build an NFL dome.
Douglas Bukowski, Berwyn
Epstein files may trip Trump
Some of the many controversies involving President Donald Trump tend to fade from public attention because he creates new ones every day. The one Trump connection that won’t go away is the Epstein issue. Even his supporters are seeking details from still-unveiled sections of the massive Epstein files that the survivors, now mature women, want exposed. Trump remarkably won his first presidency after bragging about taking sexual advantage of women. This endless case, though nothing is certain yet about Trump’s role in it, could be his undoing.
Ed Stone, Northbrook
Economic downgrade
Affordability concerns are not a hoax. Prices on just about everything are rising. The grade for the economy is definitely not A+++++, it’s more like F, F, F, F ,F. The midterms are coming in 11 months. Make sure you vote, vote, vote!
Richard Barber, Mount Greenwood
Holding Trump accountable
How could the lawmakers — past and present — have been so negligent that they would not include a law that would prohibit the behavior of someone like Donald Trump? There should have been consequences, including eviction from office for the verbal and executive orders that have adversely affected the citizens of the country.
As Chiefs Consider Stadium PSLs, a Peek at Other Cities
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Drive south on Stateline Road in the Kansas City area and you’ll encounter a few thought-provoking arrangements.
Houses on the right side of the street are in Kansas. Their neighbors are only a Patrick Mahomes throw across the road in Missouri, with a different tax structure and government.
Also, despite sitting on opposite sides of the street only a short drive from one another, Rockhurst High School and Shawnee Mission East have met in football only twice since 1982. They play under different state associations.
Here’s another thought-provoking arrangement: In a few years, when the Kansas City Chiefs move their headquarters across that street and build a $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas, personal seat licenses (PSL) are a virtual certainty.
But how the Chiefs creatively structure PSLs is one of many questions at the forefront of fans’ minds, and also one of countless decisions the team needs to make before the stadium opens in 2031.
PSLs generally provide fans the right to purchase season tickets to a specific seat, and in many cases help the team pay for its share of stadium construction. The 60-40 split the State of Kansas and the Chiefs announced Monday means a $3 billion stadium would leave the team on the hook for $1.2 billion.
At least 21 NFL teams have employed some sort of PSL over the last 30 years. The Dallas Cowboys are believed to be the first team to tie advance fees to purchasing rights, but they did it through a bond system. Those who purchased construction bonds to help fund Texas Stadium construction in Irving were in turn given rights to purchase season tickets in the new facility.
Carolina was the first NFL team to incorporate the modern PSL structure, to build its new stadium that opened in 1996 (five years before Bryce Young was born). And in a copycat league, many teams followed. Today, variations of PSLs include mechanisms called Charter Ownership Agreements, Charter Seat Licenses and Stadium Builder Licenses.
Here’s a look at the structures implemented by the NFL’s next two stadiums in the queue, each of which the Chiefs have seen up close on personal tours over the last two months.
New Highmark Stadium, Buffalo Bills (2026)
The Chiefs have gotten a timelapse view of Buffalo’s new venue because, amazingly, they’ve made trips to play the Bills in three consecutive seasons, including the 2023 playoffs. They’re also guaranteed another trip there in 2026, to play in the new facility.
Bills fans apparently used PSLs as stocking stuffers because the team announced the day after Christmas it had sold out its PSL inventory. According to the Buffalo News, 75 percent of current season-ticket holders will move from the old stadium to the new. Legends Global, which has assisted six NFL teams on selling PSLs since 2009, said that’s the highest percentage of season-ticket holders it’s had.
A closer look at the Bills’ PSL structure:
Prices range from $2,000 to $50,000 per seat, with the highest prices pegged for the 6,162 club seats on the 50-yard line. The News also reported that the 1,755 suite and loge inventory – which did not require a PSL — sold out for next season. The full PSL menu includes 12 options, and keep in mind that large sections of the stadium required no PSL.
New Nissan Stadium, Tennessee Titans (2027)
A week ago, Clark Hunt, Mark Donovan and a few team executives toured construction of the new venue before the Chiefs played the Titans. And like the new building towering over the old in Nashville, the new Kansas dome will have a capacity about 10,000 less than the current home, Arrowhead Stadium.
Also, like the Bills, the Titans have reportedly seen encouraging PSL sales. Unlike the Bills, the Titans have played some lousy football over the last three years, hurdling toward a third consecutive last-place finish – although they played their best 2025 game in a 26-9 win over the Chiefs last week.
It’s a strong message that, regardless of location or team performance, if teams and municipalities build new stadiums, fans will come – and pay.
A closer look at the Titans’ PSL structure:
Premium seats reportedly carry a $75,000 PSL, and those sections sold out quickly last summer, according to longtime Titans writer Paul Kuharsky. In the upper levels, PSLs range from $750 to $4,500 depending on section.
The team is being aggressive in an exciting way, inviting fans to what it calls the Titans House. Future customers get an alluring glimpse of the fan experience at the new stadium, an impressive presentation according to those who’ve attended. PSLs are only sold at these interpersonal meetings.
Beyoncé has become a billionaire, capitalizing on career-defining tours and brand deals
WASHINGTON — Beyoncé has reached a new milestone in her career, with Forbes reporting that she has become a billionaire after a run of record-setting tours, savvy business decisions and continued control over one of the most valuable music catalogs in the world.
Beyoncé now joins an elite circle of entertainers with fortunes exceeding $1 billion. Of the 22 billionaire entertainers identified by Forbes, nearly half have crossed the threshold in the past three years.
But the singer known as “Queen Bey” has become just the fifth musician to reach that level, joining her husband, Jay-Z, along with Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Rihanna.
For many artists, 2023’s Renaissance World Tour — a series of three-hour, career-spanning spectacles — would have marked a high point. The tour grossed nearly $600 million, making it one of the biggest concert events of the year and further cementing Beyoncé, 44, alongside Swift as a dominant force in global pop culture.
But Beyoncé followed that success with another reinvention. In 2024, she released Cowboy Carter, a country-inspired album that opened new commercial lanes, including a Christmas Day NFL halftime performance and what would become the highest-grossing concert tour of 2025. The combined momentum from her music, touring and business ventures ultimately pushed her net worth past the billion-dollar mark.
The foundation of Beyoncé’s financial ascent was laid in 2010, when she founded Parkwood Entertainment and began managing nearly every aspect of her career herself. The company oversees her music, films, documentaries and concert productions, often fronting the costs in exchange for a larger share of long-term profits.
“When I decided to manage myself, it was important that I didn’t go to some big management company,” Beyoncé said in a 2013 interview while promoting her self-titled album. “I wanted to be a powerhouse and have my own empire.”
In the decade and a half since, Beyoncé has expanded into celebrity-friendly industries including hair care brand Cécred, whiskey label SirDavis and the Ivy Park clothing line, which was discontinued in 2024.
But the bulk of her wealth comes from music. By retaining control of her catalog and touring at stadium scale, she has capitalized on one of the most lucrative business models in entertainment.
Live performances, especially in the post-pandemic era, have become increasingly elaborate and profitable, and Beyoncé has leaned fully into that approach. Tickets to the Cowboy Carter Tour promised fans nearly three hours of music alongside cinematic production elements, including a flying car, robotic arms serving her SirDavis whiskey, a golden mechanical bull and guest appearances from Jay-Z, her children and her former Destiny’s Child bandmates.
Kansas City Chiefs new stadium comparable to these four NFL stadiums
A new domed stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs is required to be comparable to four other specific NFL stadiums.
The four comparable stadiums listed are in Atlanta, Nashville, Glendale and Minneapolis.
The new stadium must have a minimum capacity of 65,000 seats, which is less than the current Arrowhead Stadium.
The agreement for the new facility allows for the potential sale of personal seat licenses.
The new domed stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs is required to be comparable to four other NFL stadiums.
The terms of the STAR bond agreement to build a new Chiefs stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, require
Nikola Jokic Injury: Impact on the Nuggets
It’s hard to imagine any NBA team surviving the loss of three starters for more than a month each. That’s been what the Denver Nuggets had been dealing with already before Monday night’s potentially season-crushing left knee injury to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
With just seconds left in the first half and Denver nursing a two-point lead, Denver’s Spencer Jones was defending Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the paint when he stepped backwards onto the left foot of Jokic. Jokic’s knee buckled in what appeared in slow motion to be a hyper-extension. The Nuggets superstar was helped to the locker room and did not return as the Heat exploded and exploited the shell-shocked visitors on the way to a 147-123 win. It was Denver’s second consecutive loss, marking the first time that had happened to them this season – despite missing more than half of their starting lineup for much of the year.
The extent of Jokic’s injury wasn’t known immediately after the game. Head Coach David Adelman told the media post-game that tests would be done on Tuesday and an announcement would be made regarding Jokic’s status after that.
Denver’s already been without starters Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson. Braun is recovering from a left ankle sprain suffered on November 12th. He’s on schedule to return after the new year. Gordon suffered a grade two pulled right hamstring on November 21st and is also scheduled to return to the court in early to mid-January. Johnson is nursing a bone bruise on his right knee suffered on December 23rd and will be out until late January at the earliest.
During the most recent offseason, Denver was able to obtain NBA veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas to back up Jokic. He will now be pressed into starting duty for the foreseeable future. The Lithuanian big man has started more than 840 NBA games in his 14-year NBA career, so there’s confidence in his ability to step into that role. The bigger concern would now be the bench minutes. Denver is woefully thin in the front court with Gordon and Jokic out. They’ve already elevated former top draft pick DaRon Holmes II from the G-League where the 6’9” forward was averaging more than 20 points and almost eight rebounds per game.
The loss of Jokic for any length of time would likely derail Denver’s hopes of gaining a top four seed in the forthcoming NBA Western Conference playoff race. At 22-10 they currently sit third, but they’re only three games ahead of seventh-place Phoenix in what is expected to be a tightly contested battle for postseason positioning the rest of the way.
LeBron James receiving uncharacteristically low NBA All-Star vote totals
The returns from the first round of 2026 NBA All-Star Game voting were released on Monday, and Association watchers had to scroll down a lot further than usual to see where LeBron James ranked.
According to the NBA’s PR team, James received just 536,555 votes from fans — a number that was roughly 70,000 less than the total Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija garnered.
The Lakers superstar came in at just ninth in the Western Conference, and a surprisingly low 15th overall.
James, of course, hasn’t exactly been deserving of significantly higher totals, as he’s played in just 14 games for Los Angeles this season while dealing with sciatica and a left foot ailment.
Still, the soon-to-be 41-year-old has been a face of the league for over two decades, and he has averaged 20.5 points, 6.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in the games he’s been able to suit up for.
Plus, the Lakers are 20-10 and sit fourth in the Western Conference standings.
Two of James’ teammates found themselves in notable spots on Monday’s list. Luka Doncic topped all vote-getters with 1,249,518. Austin Reaves, meanwhile, landed just behind James at 10th in the West with 405,379.
In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo held the No. 1 spot with nearly 1.2 million votes.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey and Knicks guard Jalen Brunson rounded out the top five.
The All-Star Game will go down in February at Intuit Dome in Southern California. Twenty-four players in total will be selected to participate once all voting is officially tabulated.
Jordan Clarkson defends Jose Alvarado throwing punch at Suns center
NEW ORLEANS — Connecting punches and fights are rare in the NBA these days, but New Orleans point guard Jose Alvarado, a Brooklyn product, hit Phoenix’s Mark Williams with a haymaker over the weekend and Jordan Clarkson applauded the reaction.
“I feel like that’s [Alvarado’s] MO. Small guy, guys try to do that since he’s been in the league and he’s always held his own, being aggressive,” Clarkson said. “He’s made his mark in this league and I think that doesn’t — I don’t think he would have reacted any other way. I think he did what was right.”
Williams lightly pushed Alvarado in the third quarter of Saturday’s 123-114 victory for the Suns. Alvarado then turned around and got tangled up with Williams, who swung first at the much smaller opponent but missed. Alvarado countered with a right hand windup and contact with Williams’ head.
Williams was suspended one game. Alvarado was suspended two games, including Monday’s showdown against the Knicks.
The fight occurred in the second game of back-to-back between the Suns and Pelicans, a miniseries that had already included some tense moments
“I think it’s a lot of built-up tension,” Mikal Bridges said. “That’s what happens when you put those two games for like a mini playoff series. I know both of those guys. So it was crazy. They got a little couple-game rest.
“No Jose [against us] so that helps.”
Bucks’ win allows Doc Rivers to climb NBA’s all-time list
Even though it’s been a while since he’s led a team on a deep run through the playoffs, Doc Rivers has still won a lot of games. Monday night’s win was a monumental one for the 64-year-old coach.
Rivers’ Milwaukee Bucks beat the Charlotte Hornets 123-113 thanks to 25 points from Bobby Portis, 24 from Giannis Antetokounmpo and 23 from Myles Turner. Kevin Porter Jr. also had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Doc Rivers is now looking up at Pat Riley on the all-time wins list
The Bucks’ 14th win of the season marked No. 1,176 for Rivers in his career, moving him past George Karl and into 6th place on the NBA’s all-time coaching wins list. Rivers is now behind Pat Riley and his 1,210 to crack into the top five.
But no matter how this season ends or even what happens throughout his entire Bucks tenure, Rivers’ win total and overall resume is going to eventually secure him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
In 27 seasons as an NBA head coach, Rivers owns a .585 win percentage, 21 playoff appearances, 114 postseason victories, two trips to the NBA Finals and a championship with the 2007-08 Boston Celtics.
Rivers is destined for the Hall of Fame despite playoff failures
And while Rivers’ coaching career will likely be remembered for playoff failures – he’s the only coach to blow three separate 3-1 series leads, his lone title is actually one more than the coach he passed and four others also among the league’s top 10 in wins.
Time will tell how many more wins Rivers can accumulate and how far he can climb up the ladder before hanging up his whistle.
Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. Lands on First NBA All
At this point in the season, the only reason Michael Porter Jr. wouldn’t be a first-time All-Star is the Brooklyn Nets’ 10-19 record. The 6-foot-10 wing is averaging 25.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists on extremely impressive 49-40-82 shooting splits.
Porter is getting way more opportunities to shoot than he did as a Denver Nugget, but it’s not necessarily inflated. The 27-year-old is scoring with incredible efficiency, becoming an offensive catalyst in the Nets’ recent success.
However, though Brooklyn has been red hot through December (7-3, first in defensive rating), the overall record is what may turn off media and league personnel when casting votes.
Fortunately, it seems like that isn’t affecting the fans, as the first return for NBA All-Star voting favored Porter. He landed 10th out of the top 20 players in the Eastern Conference with 150,370 votes.
Porter places ahead of some former All-Stars and fan favorites, including LaMelo Ball (11th), Brandon Ingram (12th) and 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid (17th). Despite the Nets being in the midst of a rebuild, he has managed to stand out among the league’s best players, ranking 14th in points per game.
Of the players averaging more than 25 points per game this season, the first-year Net is one of four players shooting at least 49% from the field and 40% from three, showing just how much of a positive impact Porter has on this offense.
Brooklyn has a chance to close out 2025 on a winning streak with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. If the Nets take this one at home, they’ll extend their winning streak to four games and move to 8-3 this month.
Amid the team success and individual production, Porter’s rise to stardom has (naturally) resulted in trade rumors. He doesn’t quite fit Brooklyn’s timeline, given its young talent and immense draft capital, and there are reports of the organization expected to move on by the trade deadline, which sits on Feb. 5.
The Nets are expected to bring back assets best suited for the long term if Porter departs. However, nothing is guaranteed, as evidenced by last season’s handling of Cam Johnson. Brooklyn merely fielded offers for the veteran, as they will do with Porter, but didn’t end up trading Johnson until the summer.
Whether or not Porter makes an All-Star appearance in Los Angeles, what matters just as much, if not more, is if he does it as a member of the Nets organization. For now, Brooklyn fans are rooting for the forward to represent their team in 2026.
On This Day, Dec. 30: Becky Hammon is first woman to coach NBA regular season game
Dec. 30 (UPI) — On this date in history:
In 1853, the United States bought 45,000 square miles of land along the Gila River from Mexico for $10 million. The area is now southern Arizona and New Mexico.
In 1903, flames swept the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, killing 602 people. The fire led to safety regulations for theaters around the world.
In 1916, Grigori Rasputin, a self-fashioned Russian holy man, was killed by Russian nobles eager to end his influence over the royal family.
In 1922, at the first Soviet Congress, Russia, Ukraine and two other Soviet republics signed a treaty creating the Soviet Union.
In 1958, revolutionaries under the command of Ernesto
John Calipari Exposes NCAA Double Standard On Draft Rules After Baylor’s James Nnaji Move
The Detroit Pistons selected James Nnaji with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Two years later, he signed on for Baylor to play college basketball. Safe to say it sent a tsunami through college basketball. Tom Izzo went off and jokingly threatened to bring back Magic Johnson and Gary Harris. Now, the Arkansas Razorbacks coach, John Calipari, has criticised the NCAA on their rules, or the lack of them.
In September, the NCAA allowed Thierry Darlan to play college ball despite having signed with the NBA G League Ignite out of high school. Former G League teammate London Johnson followed his lead in October. While that still agitated many, the fires died down since. However, an NBA draftee who was involved in one of the biggest trades in the NBA (Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks) was the final straw for Calipari.
“I don’t blame coaches. I’ve got friends who are playing with 27-year-olds, and they feel bad. I said, don’t feel bad,” Calipari started after a win over the James Madison Dukes, “We don’t have any rules. Why should you feel bad? But let me give you this real simple: The rules bees the rules.”
Technically, the teams can and should exploit any loophole that exists to maximise their results. In the end, this is about winning. Baylor was missing size and strength in the post, and they got someone to cover that. The loophole should not exist in the first place. “So if you put your name in the draft, I don’t care if you’re from Russia, and you stay in the draft, you can’t play college basketball,” Calipari said. “ Well, that’s only for American kids. What? If your name is in that draft and you got drafted, you can’t play cup because that’s our rule. Yeah, but that’s only for American kids. Okay. Now, here’s the next lawsuit.”
The legal minutia is getting blurry day by day. The NCAA has no intrinsic authority over people who have not yet entered its regulatory ecosystem. The amateurism rules held up this dam until O’Bannon v. NCAA and NCAA v. Alston weakened it. O’Bannon v. NCAA cracked the foundation of the NCAA’s compensation model, and NCAA v. Alston removed the legal shield that had long protected it.
The courts basically said that the NCAA cannot hide behind its amateurism to escape the antitrust law. US Antitrust law does not apply to international commerce unless there is a direct, substantial, and reasonably foreseeable effect on U.S. commerce. If Nnaji was rejected by the NCAA, he could sue while arguing that his international decisions affected his entry into the US domestic market.
That would prevent the NCAA from claiming the dispute involves foreign injury, turning it instead into a domestic antitrust case under the Sherman Act. However, in the same logic, Calipari argues that high school students won’t come under the NCAA purview as well. “Well, we don’t have a say over European players. You do if they’re playing in college basketball. So, that means you don’t have a say over high school kids,” John Calipari disputed.”So whatever a high school kid does before he comes here, don’t you do one thing because there’s a suit. Because what you’re saying is if he’s in Europe, we don’t have the same rules.”
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High school kids are, in fact, similar to international prospects. They are treated the same way. However, since they are in the domestic ecosystem, they are easy to control. The NCAA governs the US colleges, coaches, and the boosters around them, and applies strict rules on how recruiting should go. They can punish coaches and institutions for violating the rules. However, they can’t do the same with international clubs. The information regarding domestic talent is also very easy to verify, whereas international contracts could be like a cobweb.
Now that Nnaji has been granted eligibility, high school students can theoretically sue the NCAA in the future. That will be in case they lose their admission due to an older former pro, and they can prove the causation between the two. In fact, Diego Pavia and 26 other football players have cited the NCAA’s decision to allow an NBA draft pick to return to college basketball.
“The NCAA argues to this court that high school seniors are harmed if a 22- or 23-year-old former junior college player plays one more year of college football,” the filing says. So, the inconsistencies are clear. The definition of amateurism is evolving, and the NCAA should evolve with it. Possibly, they could explore the idea of a CBA suggested by Baylor coach Scott Drew. While the Nnaji case highlighted the NCAA’s inconsistent rulebook, Calipari argues that NIL has magnified those flaws by turning short-term opportunity into long-term instability.
John Calipari Warns NIL Is Creating ‘Mercenaries’ From Students
The NIL has changed college basketball from its core. Players are earning NBA-level money, and some are deferring from being drafted because of it. However, the NCAA can extend one’s eligibility for only so much. The players will eventually go out in the world, and most will not get NBA contracts or even contracts in international leagues. According to John Calipari, the current system is essentially harming players’ lives in the long term.
Calipari explained that NIL offerings should be delayed by a year because they are creating a pay-and-play structure. “So we’ll get more kids staying. How about this? It’ll be great for them academically. They’ll probably make more money, but they’ll be academic,” He said. “We’re not going to have kids leave after transferring four times.”
That will make their student lives stable within a familiar ecosystem for a longer time. Giving them time to catch up with their academics and not worry about what the next team they are playing for will be. Or what city they are moving to next. Transferring means possibly losing credits and delaying your graduation.
“What’s the percentage of kids that make the NBA unless you play for me? It’s like 1% or less. That means 99% of the college players who are getting money, it’s fugazi,” John Calipari said. “It’s Fugazi because they’re getting 400, 500, 800, a million, and they’re not pros. So now they have to go get a job after four stops, no college degree. No loyalty from the state, the program, or anybody. You were a mercenary. Okay, now you’ve got to go get a job.”
There are no guarantees of going pro for any player. Even if you are good enough for the NBA, some uncertainties can strike. A player can get a career-ending injury or even a minor injury that is recurring. NBA or even European recruitment looks beyond talent. They focus on role fit and long-term upside rather than the current numbers. In case basketball doesn’t work out, the degree is a good backup for every athlete.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal helps young man aspiring to be tallest police officer in Texas
KEMAH, Texas (KHOU) – NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is helping a young man chase his dream of becoming the tallest police officer in Texas.
Jordan Wilmore, 24, is an aspiring Kemah police officer who stands 7 feet, 3 inches tall. After completing the police academy, he took his state peace officer exam and scored 69, just one point shy of the passing score of 70.
“At first, I was down, but then, I’m like, ‘You know, I’m still young. You fail. You got to get right back up. Can’t be so quick to quit,’” Wilmore said.
Police Chief Raymond Garivey says Wilmore’s determination stood out.
“In my 34-year career, I’ve seen others fail, but I’ve also seen people give up. And once they’re done, they’re done. They fail, [decide] that’s not for me and go do other work. That’s not the case here. [Wilmore] wants to serve,” Garivey said.
After seeing Wilmore on Instagram, O’Neal, who is a certified peace officer himself and stands 7 feet, 1 inch, reached out to help. The NBA legend says he relates to Wilmore’s story.
“I thought I was the tallest, handsomest cop in the world,” O’Neal said. “It actually took me five to seven years to graduate from the LA [Los Angeles] Sheriff’s Academy. I wanted to just let him know he’s got my full support.”
O’Neal has agreed to sponsor Wilmore’s next attempt at the police academy. As an added incentive, he says he’ll have a custom-made car ready for the young man when he passes the exam.
“I want him to really focus on this because it’s commendable that a kid wants to be a cop. I love cops… Cops made me who I am,” O’Neal said.
Wilmore says he’s grateful for O’Neal’s support.
“I’m really thankful for him helping me out and being there and being a mentor for helping me through this,” he said.
Wilmore previously played basketball overseas, but he says law enforcement is something he’s always wanted to be part of. Because of his height, once he passes his exam, he will need not only a custom car but a custom uniform and a special-ordered gun to fit his hands.
Top 5 Tennis Fans’ Moments That Left Players Scratching Their Heads in 2025
Tennis delivered a full spectrum of drama in 2025, from Madison Keys’ long-awaited Major triumph and Iga Swiatek’s history-making Wimbledon run to the family spectacle at the Shanghai Masters. It also served missteps, including Daniil Medvedev’s code violation and Wimbledon’s line-calling chaos. Yet beyond the highlights and blunders, there were fan-driven moments in both ATP and WTA tour that left players baffled, scenes worth revisiting.
Polish fan grabs Kamil Majchrzak’s hat away from a young boy
The incident occurred after Kamil Majchrzak produced a stunning upset at the US Open. He defeated No. 9 seed Karen Khachanov in the second round. The world No. 76 came back from two sets down to win 2-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (5). It was the first major shock of the men’s draw.
Later when Majchrzak celebrated on Court 11, a young fan named Brock approached him. The boy asked the Polish player for his hat. Majchrzak happily agreed and handed it to him.
What happened next shocked many. A man standing nearby suddenly grabbed the hat from Brock’s hands. He put it into his bag and smirked. Brock cried out in disbelief and sadness.
Majchrzak did not see the incident at the time. He continued signing autographs for fans. The moment, however, was captured on video. The clip quickly spread across social media.
The reaction online was fierce. Fans and former players condemned the act. Jim Courier commented, “His character was revealed for all to see.”
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However, once Majchrzak became aware of the situation, he took action. He shared a message on Instagram asking for help. “After the match, I didn’t realize that my cap didn’t get to the boy,” he wrote. “Could you help me find the kid from my match? If it’s you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM.”
The response was quick. Within three days, Majchrzak found Brock. He shared a video of their reunion online. The young fan smiled as he received signed items and a replacement hat.
Majchrzak later reflected on the outcome. “I am impressed by the power of the Internet. We got it! All good now,” he wrote. The moment brought relief to fans who had followed the story.
The man seen in the video later spoke out. Piotr Szczerek, a Polish chief executive of a paving firm, admitted fault. He said he had made a “huge mistake” after the footage went viral.
Szczerek claimed he thought the hat was meant for him. He later apologized publicly. “I would like to unequivocally apologise to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself.” He added that returning the hat hopefully “at least partially repaired the damage that was done.” Still, the incident sparked widespread outrage across the tennis world.
A US Open fan attempted to grab Jannik Sinner’s bag
It was another strange moment involving US Open fans. This time, no children were involved. Jannik Sinner had just finished celebrating a dominant round-of-16 win over Alexander Bublik.
As Sinner walked off court, a fan reached toward the zipper of the world No. 1’s bag. Security reacted immediately and swatted the fan’s arm away. Sinner then turned and calmly left the court. The fan quickly raised his hands and backed off once security stepped in.
It was unclear what the fan intended to do. The awkward scene was shown on the television broadcast. However, it was not mentioned during Sinner’s post-match press conference after his 6-1 6-1 6-1 victory over Bublik.
“I checked straight away if he took something, because you know, I don’t have only racquets there. I have my phone. I have my wallet,” he said after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals.
“But, I feel like the security is doing great job. Especially on court, there are lots of security. I believe especially the big tournaments they make amazing job to feel us safe. So even new things happen like this, they make great job. It’s all fine,” he continued.
The incident came only days after Piotr Szczerek was caught on camera grabbing a signed hat from a young fan after Kamil Majchrzak’s match. And, perhaps, these episodes certainly left fans scratching their heads and became a major talking point during the final Grand Slam of the year.
Fan breached security by approaching Jannik Sinner on the court
It was another unusual incident involving Jannik Sinner, this time at the Six Kings Slam. The Italian is one of six top players who competed in the high-profile exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. The tournament has drawn attention for its prize money and star power.
Sinner began his title defense in strong fashion. He produced a flawless performance against Stefanos Tsitsipas. The win set the tone for his campaign at the event.
However, after the match, a young fan unexpectedly walked onto the court. No security intervened as the supporter approached the world No. 2. Sinner calmly greeted him with a handshake, and the two briefly spoke.
The fan appeared to ask for Sinner’s blue Nike jacket. Sinner declined and looked confused by the situation. Security eventually stepped in and escorted the fan off the court, bringing the moment to an end.
Emma Raducanu’s disturbing encounter with a stalker fan
One of the most troubling fan incidents this season happened at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Emma Raducanu was visibly distressed during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova. Just two games in, she was seen hiding behind the umpire’s chair.
The WTA later explained the situation. The 22-year-old had been approached by a man who “exhibited fixated behaviour.” The same person was then “identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match” the following day.
Raducanu immediately alerted the chair umpire. Muchova, the 14th seed, comforted her at the net. The individual was removed from Court 3 as officials stepped in to handle the situation.
After a short delay, Raducanu returned to the court. She received applause from the crowd and continued the match. Despite her efforts, she lost 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 to Muchova.
The man was “subsequently ejected” from the stadium. He was later banned from all WTA events, “pending a threat assessment.” Dubai police also issued him a restraining order. Reports said he had given Raducanu a letter and asked for a photo in a coffee shop the previous day.
This was not Raducanu’s first experience with stalking. In 2022, another man received a five-year restraining order after walking 23 miles to her home. Following the Dubai incident, Raducanu increased her security and praised tournament protection.
Still, the episode raised serious concerns about player safety and became the most discussed fan-related incident of the season.
Mirra Andreeva was confronted by a man in a ‘creepy’ fan incident
Another unsettling incident involved teenage tennis star Mirra Andreeva at the US Open. The moment happened during her doubles match. She was sitting on the bench with her partner, Diana Shnaider, during a changeover.
While Andreeva and Shnaider were discussing the match, a man from the crowd approached the front of the stands. He called out Andreeva’s name to get her attention. The interruption caught both players off guard.
When Andreeva turned around, the man leaned over the barricade and greeted her. He simply said hello. It is unclear if he said anything else after that moment.
Both Andreeva and Shnaider looked uncomfortable. They quickly turned back to face the court. They then laughed awkwardly, trying to move past the situation. Tennis fans later described the interaction as “creepy.”
The chair umpire appeared to notice the moment. When asked what had happened, Andreeva replied calmly: “He just said hi”. The brief exchange still raised eyebrows among viewers.
The incident added to growing concerns about security at the US Open. It followed several other fan-related issues during the tournament. Many fans questioned whether enough was being done to protect players.
And as 2025 saw several bizarre fan incidents, which moment left you most uneasy this season?
‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match falls flat with fans
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Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the latest
Stan Wawrinka Weighs In on Battle of the Sexes Controversy Between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios
When the buzz first started about Aryna Sabalenka taking on Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match branded as the new Battle of the Sexes, plenty of fans were left wondering what the event was really meant to prove. After Kyrgios cruised to a 6-3, 6-3 win in Dubai on Sunday, that same question is still hanging in the air, and among the skeptics is Stan Wawrinka.
Despite all the hype, the match never quite delivered the edge or drama that was promised, instead playing out like what many expected from the start: an off-season exhibition contested at a comfortable, almost casual pace.
Wawrinka admitted he wasn’t quite sure what to make of the much-talked-about Battle of the Sexes 2.0 exhibition. He acknowledged the buzz around the match but revealed he didn’t actually watch it. “I don’t know what to think, I didn’t see it. I think it was last night or overnight. I didn’t see it,” the 40-year-old said.
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For fans who did tune in, however, the match offered some intrigue. The exhibition introduced rule changes designed to level the playing field, including a reduced court on Sabalenka’s receiving side, shrinking it by nine percent to give Kyrgios a smaller target. Both players were also limited to a single serve, a rule that ultimately proved more disruptive for Sabalenka during key moments.
“I think it didn’t quite live up to what I thought it might be,” said former British No. 1 Annabel Croft. Still, Aryna Sabalenka saw a brighter side. “I feel like we just brought more attention to our sport and I don’t see how it can be bad,” she said of the Dubai exhibition.
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Despite those limitations, the world No. 1 still showcased her firepower. After the match, Sabalenka struck a positive tone, saying, “I felt great. I think I put up a great fight.” She added that Kyrgios was “struggling” physically and said she enjoyed mixing things up with net play and drop shots. “I really enjoyed the show,” she said, emphasizing the fun aspect of the event.
So while Sabalenka is planning for her revenge with confidence and Kyrgios continues his push for an Australian Open wild card, Wawrinka appears to be heading in the opposite direction.
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With the Swiss star announcing his retirement plans and the United Cup in Perth starting January 2, the tournament signals the beginning of the end of a celebrated career for one of tennis’ most popular figures.
Stan Wawrinka says goodbye to tennis with a clear mind
Stan Wawrinka says he feels calm and confident about his decision to make 2026 his final season on the ATP Tour. The three-time Grand Slam champion explained that after months of reflection, he knows the timing is right and that he is “at peace” with stepping away from professional tennis, even though the sport still means a great deal to him.
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While he is preparing for the end, Wawrinka stressed that he is not simply going through the motions. He said, “I’m happy with my decision… Of course I’m still passionate about the game, about this sport. I love what it has brought me… So I’m going to miss that part a lot, that’s for sure. But yes, I still hope to get a good result. I want to finish my career at a good level, be able to play against the best and see where I am.”
The final years of his career were far from easy. Injuries took a heavy toll, leading to surgeries, long recoveries, and a steady fall in the rankings, with Wawrinka now sitting at No. 157. Still, retirement never arrived suddenly, as he kept coming back driven by his love for competition and the feeling that first pulled him into the sport.
For fans, the idea of Stan Wawrinka leaving the tour is a tough one to accept, but the moment has been building. Now, as he looks toward 2026, Wawrinka appears ready to say goodbye on his own terms.
Woman charged with murder in DUI crash that killed Loyola High School tennis player
A repeat drunk driver accused of mowing down a high school tennis star has been charged with murder seven months after the deadly crash.
Jenia Belt, 33, struck Braun Levi, 18, as he crossed Sepulveda Boulevard at Ronda Drive in Manhattan Beach back in May.
He later died from his injuries just weeks before he was set to graduate from Loyola High School.
The standout tennis player was nationally ranked and was slated to go to the University of Virginia, according to NBC4.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges during a press conference Monday morning alongside Levi’s bereft mother, according to the outlet.
“My office has zero tolerance for reckless behavior that endangers lives. Driving under the influence is not a mistake; it is a profound disregard for human life. We extend our deepest condolences to the Levi family and everyone grieving this devastating loss,” Hochman said in a statement.
Belt’s driver’s license was suspended in January 2024, according to the California DMV. Prosecutors filed drunk-driving and hit-and-run charges against Belt the year before, according to police.
Belt faces up to 15 years to life in prison if convicted on charges of murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Save Up to 40% Off Secret Sneaker Deals
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Few shoe brands have become as ubiquitous in recent times as On, the Swiss-based footwear maker known for its thick-soled running shoes and statement-making silhouettes. In the past few years alone, the company has signed Zendaya as a brand ambassador and dropped new apparel and accessories lines that sold out in minutes.
At a Glance: The Best On Sneaker Deals
On sneakers don’t come cheap, but right now, both their site and Nordstrom are offering discounts of up to 50% off. There are two ways to score these deals: you can search for “Last Season” on the brand’s website, or click this link to shop all the discounted sneakers available during Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale.
With the new year just around the corner, now is a great time to invest in a fresh pair of kicks — especially if you’re thinking about your health resolutions. Maybe it’s about getting a few extra steps in each day so your Apple Watch stops nagging you, or perhaps it’s finally time to complete that marathon you’ve always dreamed of. Whether your goal is a small step or a giant leap, this sale has something for you.
While sizes are moving quickly and popular colors are selling out fast, you’re not the only one with 2026 ambitions, okay? We’ve rounded up some of the best On sneakers on sale that you can shop right now.
The Best On Sneaker Sale Deals
Looking to find On running shoes on sale? Here are eight of the best deals to shop below.
Macy’s is selling a $110 tennis bracelet for $26
Why we love this deal
When it comes to timeless jewelry, tennis bracelets are high on the list. With a singular row of stones, they offer a classic, sophisticated look that you can wear for various occasions. Be it a casual outing, a night on the town, or a formal event, tennis bracelets add some sparkle and shine to your outfit.
During Macy’s After Christmas sale, we found an eye-catching tennis bracelet that’s not only stunning but also easy on the wallet. The Rachel Glauber Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet is on sale for just $26 for a limited time. Originally $110, you can grab the must-have piece of jewelry for 76% off right now.
Rachel Glauber Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet, $26 (was $110) at Macy’s
Get it.
Why do shoppers love it?
It’s not every day that you find a tennis bracelet that looks this good at an affordable price, but leave it to Macy’s to deliver after the busiest shopping season of the year. The bracelet features a row of sparkling cubic zirconia stones that measure 3 millimeters wide. It’s the perfect size for an eye-catching look that you can wear every day, and it has just enough sparkle without being too flashy. The band is 14-karat gold-plated brass that’s durable and low maintenance.
The bracelet is 7 inches long with a clasp that keeps it nice and secure on your wrist, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally falling off. It looks lovely as a solo piece, but also works well stacked with other bracelets.
It comes in five colors, from classic to more vibrant stones. If you want a classic diamond look, you can get clear cubic zirconia stones in either white gold plating or yellow gold plating. The red, blue, and green stones are available in only yellow gold plating.
This bracelet is the perfect treat for yourself, and is also a great gift for the jewelry lover in your life. It’s also perfect for gifting year-round, whether it’s a birthday or anniversary.
Details to know
Length: 7 inches.
Width: 3 millimeters
Material: Gold-plated brass and cubic zirconia.
Colors: White, green, red, blue, and gold.
Macy’s shoppers love the tennis bracelet, saying it’s “beautiful” and “very shiny.” One reviewer shared that it glitters like a more expensive piece of jewelry, while another says they like how it “sparkles in the sun.”
Shop more deals
Macy’s Cubic Zirconia “S” Link Line Bracelet, $35 (was $70) at Macy’s
Macy’s Cubic Zirconia Line Tennis Bracelet, $35 (was $70) at Macy’s
On 34th Tennis Bracelet, $27 (was $50) at Macy’s
The Rachel Glauber Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet is on sale for only $26. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also stunning. It’d be the perfect gift for a loved one, or even for yourself if you want to add another timeless piece to your jewelry collection.
Giana Mucci is The Star’s 2025 Girls Tennis Player of the Year
Giana Mucci saw the big change that would lead to her dream season.
As a junior, the Calabasas High girls tennis star won the Marmonte League singles title and was named league Most Valuable Player.
But the Coyotes lost their second straight CIF-Southern Section final, falling to Westlake in the Division 1 championship match by the same slim 10-8 margin they had lost to Laguna Hills in the 2023 Division 2 final.
“We wanted it really bad,” Mucci said.
So Mucci went to Calabasas head coach Criss Rodriguez and volunteered to shift to doubles.
“It was so lonely on a singles court,” Mucci explained. “I could never show my true potential. (Playing doubles), I could really capitalize on my talent. I really got to show my true talent as a leader.”
She couldn’t have been more right.
Mucci went undefeated this fall with both partners — Emma Penev and Alena Koltsova — leading Calabasas to the Marmonte League championship and its first CIF-SS title in 21 years.
“It meant so much,” Mucci said, “especially being a senior this year and ending on such an amazing win.”
Two weeks after winning the team title, Mucci and Koltsova rolled to the CIF-SS individual doubles championship, beating the top seeds in a heart-stopping, three-set final.
“I’ll never forget this season,” said Mucci, who has been named The Star’s 2025 Girls Tennis Player of the Year. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
The doubles title came 36 years after Mucci’s mother, Natasha Mucci, née Pospich, won the CIF-SS doubles title as a Calabasas High junior with partner Stacey Jellen.
“To play with the best of the best was an honor,” Mucci said. “To win it made it 100 times better.”
The Coyotes (18-1) handled Harvard-Westlake 12-6 to win the Division 2 championship on Nov. 19 at the University of Redlands.
“Gianna is a rock,” Rodriguez said. “She just has the personality of a leader. She’s the glue to the team. She always kept the team together.”
Mucci was serving when she and Penev delivered the clinching point.
It was also her forehand winner down the line that clinched the CIF-SS doubles title against top-seeded Grace Kersenbrock and Emily Gao of Santa Margarita Catholic, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, on Dec. 4 at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
“It was really special to get those two points,” Mucci said, “knowing how much it meant.”
Mucci was undefeated as a senior, going 22-0 during the league campaign and postseason combined.
“She’s a clutch player,” Rodriguez said. “We will not be the same without her next year. She’s the most talented player overall and best team player I’ve ever had in my program. I feel very honored to have coached her for four years.”
She was voted co-Marmonte League MVP, sharing with Agoura’s top singles player Veorah Feddanich.
“I couldn’t ask for a better team, better coaches or a better season,” Mucci said. “It was just amazing.”
Mucci teamed up with fellow senior Penev for league play.
“I’ve known Emma since we were playing junior team tennis at 10 years old,” Mucci said. “Being seniors, we played out every single match. Knowing this was our last ride at Calabasas, we were always there 100%.”
Sophomore Koltsova, the Coyotes’ No. 1 singles player, joined Mucci for the CIF-SS individuals.
“Her game in singles matched up beautifully with my play in doubles,” Mucci said. “It was very easy to create chemistry with both my partners.”
Fourth-seeded Calabasas (18-1) defeated Temecula Valley, Tesoro, Chadwick and top-seeded Irvine-Woodbridge along the way to the program’s 10th sectional final.
Seeded ninth at CIF-SS individuals, Mucci-Koltsova beat Ava Levitanus and Julianna Johnson of JSerra Catholic 6-1, 6-1, Malia Fernandez and Ava Panah of Mira Costa 1-6, 6-1, 10-8, and Ava Min and Cassie Blakely of Palos Verdes 7-5, 6-3 to reach the final.
“With doubles, there’s nothing to get bored of,” Mucci said. “You can try 100 new things and see what works.”
Mucci’s parents met playing tennis. Although she played other sports growing up, there was only one sport for her as she grew.
“I was just born into the sport,” Mucci said. “I knew tennis was going to be my thing.”
Now she waits to see whether she’ll have an opportunity to keep playing in college.
“I’ve been talking to a few schools, but I’m not really sure where it’s going to take me,” Mucci said. “I would love to play in college. I’m definitely going to stay in sports, if I don’t go play for a school.”
The Star’s All-County Girls Tennis Second Team
Melody Tu, Oak Park
Grace Hu, Oak Park
Amilya Chapovsky, Oak Park
Keira Ayivi, Oak Park
Sania Goregaoker, Westlake
Chloe Wang, Westlake
Katherine Blackwood, Oaks Christian
Makena Morgan, Oaks Christian
Elise Rankin, Oaks Christian
Hannah Huang, Oaks Christian
Sophia Loizu, Calabasas
Reilly Ricasata, Camarillo
Amber Koh, Camarillo
Malia Nguyen, Oxnard
Alisa Tran, Agoura
Yulissa Mao, Newbury Park
Cookie Young, Moorpark
Chloe Kalison, Villanova Prep
‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match draws terse response from ex-NFL kicker
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Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker who is running for Congress in Arizona, was among those who weighed in on the panned
SoCal tennis star’s death ‘haunts’ mom, who vows DUI reform
The mother of a local tennis star joined Los Angeles County prosecutors on Monday in calling for stricter DUI penalties in California after they say her son was killed by a two-time drunk driver.
Braun Levi, an 18-year-old South Bay tennis standout, was struck and killed by a car in the early-morning hours of May 4 in Manhattan Beach.
According to Los Angeles County prosecutors, 33-year-old Jenia Resha Belt was behind the wheel, speeding while driving on a suspended license and with a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit. Belt, prosecutors say, has a previous conviction for driving drunk.
“California’s current DUI laws are broken and weak and fail to protect families like ours, and it’s devastating,” Braun’s mother, Jennifer Levi, said at a news conference Monday. “His death haunts my every breath, every day.”
Although his parents were proud of his athletic and academic achievements, they were most proud of how he treated other people, Levi said. “He had a smile for everybody. He had a heart for everybody. I miss him so much.”
In light of her son’s death, Levi said she would work with state Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), whose granddaughter died after being hit by a drunk driver last year, to write and pass a bill that will restructure the state’s DUI penalty laws and requirements, she said.
“The feeling, the sight, the smell of identifying our son’s body will never leave my mind, body or soul, so I will not be silent,” she said.
The SoCal athlete, who died a month before his high school graduation after entering the top national ranks in boys tennis, is part of a larger trend of DUI-related deaths over the last 15 years, according to a CalMatters investigative series that L.A. Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman referenced.
Roadway deaths have been steadily rising since 2010, partially due to repeat drunk drivers and people driving over the speed limit, CalMatters reported. Alcohol-related deaths have increased by 50% over the last decade, according to the investigation.
“Braun should be home right now from his first semester at UVA, spending the holidays with his family, their first as a family still displaced by the Palisades fire,” said Councilmember Traci Park, whose district includes Pacific Palisades.
“He should be planning his future, not being remembered for the way his life was taken from him.”
California’s DUI laws, although considered to be nation-leading in the 1980s, have fallen behind the curve, Hochman said.
Hochman warned drivers, especially ahead of the New Year’s Day holiday, that his office would continue to charge them — and potentially those who over-serve alcohol at bars or parties — with serious crimes.
“We are here to prevent crimes and send crystal clear messages to would-be drunk and drug drivers, to people who want to engage in excessive speed on our roads: We will come after you,” Hochman said, calling the issue a “fight for people’s lives.”
Belt is charged with second-degree murder, felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license after a DUI. She is being held on $2-million bail and faces life in prison if convicted.
Belt’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 13.
Timothée Chalamet’s extensive pingpong training for ‘Marty Supreme’
First clue that someone is serious about pingpong: They call it table tennis.
Second clue: They bring their own paddle.
Timothée Chalamet dropped a third clue on movie sets all over the globe. To prepare for his role in the delightfully frenetic “Marty Supreme,” the two-time Oscar nominee traveled for years with a table in tow, training and presumably enjoying the sport at the center of the current holiday season hit.
Director Josh Safdie enlisted the husband-and-wife table-tennis teaching tandem of Diego Schaaf and Wei Wang — a former U.S. Olympian — to elevate Chalamet’s game as well as serve as technical advisors on set.
But Chalamet was already playing nearly well enough to emulate a world champion on screen. He’d taken lessons and done his homework — setting up a table in the living room of his New York apartment and playing throughout the pandemic.
“Everything I was working on, it was this secret,” Chalamet told the Hollywood Reporter. “I had a table in London while I was making ‘Wonka.’ On ‘Dune: Part Two,’ I had a table in Budapest [and] Jordan. I had a table in Abu Dhabi. I had a table at the Cannes Film Festival for ‘The French Dispatch.’”
It seems implausible that Chalamet was immersed in table tennis while also learning to sing and play guitar for the role of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.”
“If anyone thinks this is cap, as the kids say — if anyone thinks this is made up — this is all documented, and it’ll be put out,” he said. “These were the two spoiled projects where I got years to work on them. This is the truth. I was working on both these things concurrently.”
Wherever Chalamet found the time, Schaaf was impressed by the result.
“He was singularly dedicated to getting this to be the same quality as the rest of the movie,” Schaaf told the Hollywood Reporter.
Eschewing a stunt double for the table tennis scenes was a point of pride for Chalamet. The only concession to modern moviemaking was that several of the longer sequences during games were choreographed without a ball, which was added later via computer-generated imagery (CGI).
“We realized it had to be scripted to be able to film it,” Schaaf told the Washington Post. “And because it was scripted, we had to practice it first with a real ball. He had to understand the physical layout of the point: Where does he have to go? When does he have to go there? When you later on do [visual effects] and put the ball in there, it’s critical that the player goes to the right place.”
Schaaf said about 60 points were scripted.
“We needed a lot of rehearsal, and I was amazed,” he said. “Timothée wound up getting a better feel for it than most professional players because professional players take the cue from the ball. You take the ball away, they all were like ‘What is the timing?’
“Of course, they have a good sense of timing and then they learned it quickly. But Timothée was right there on top of it.”
The on-screen rival of Chalamet’s character, Marty Mauser, is Koto Endo, portrayed by real-life Japanese table tennis champion Koto Kawaguchi. Their dynamic approximated the real-life rivalry between 1950s U.S. champion Marty Reisman and Japan’s Hiroji Satoh.
In her review of “Marty Supreme,” Times film critic Amy Nicholson noted that well-struck pingpong balls travel up to 70 mph.
“Set in 1952 New York, this deranged caper races after a money-grubbing table tennis hustler (he prefers ‘professional athlete’) who argues like he plays, swatting away protests and annoying his adversaries to exhaustion,” she wrote.
Nicholson offers that Reisman would be pleased by the movie, “which time-travels audiences back seven decades to when American table tennis players were certain bright days were ahead.
“As an athlete, Chalamet seems to have lost muscle for the role. Yet as funny as it is to see a guy this scrawny carry himself like Hercules, he leaps and strikes with conviction.”
Players discuss Brooks Koepka’s penalty for returning to PGA Tour
Between his PGA Tour earnings and LIV Golf contract, Phil Mickelson’s bank balance is hardly a concern.
He has picked up 45 PGA Tour victories and six majors along the way, cementing his place in golf history.
Prize money alone has brought in more than $96 million. Add endorsements and sponsorship deals on top of that, and he is comfortably into nine figures.
Even with all that money coming in, though, there have been stories about Mickelson not always being quick to settle up what he owes.
One example came back in 2017 when reports surfaced about a dispute with his former caddie over unpaid dues.
How Phil Mickelson ended up owing Jim ‘Bones’ MacKay close to $1m
The dynamics between players and caddies can be unique, and while the standard 10% cut of winnings is often mentioned, arrangements vary from one team to another.
Still, it is rare to hear stories of a player not following through on what is owed.
However, that is precisely what transpired between Mickelson and Jim ‘Bones’ MacKay, according to Alan Shipnuck’s book, Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorised!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colourful Superstar.
Following their split in 2017 – which was said to be on good terms – it was reported that Bones was still owed around $900,000 by Mickelson.
An excerpt from the book featured a source who did not hold back, saying: “That’s a giant f—y– to a caddie.
“When Phil wins the Masters, he gets the green jacket, the trophy, the big check, all the glory. He had to take the flags, too? Every other caddie who has ever won the Masters got to keep the eighteenth-hole flag. For Phil not to follow tradition was hugely disrespectful.”
‘Lefty’ is believed to have paid $400,000 of that amount before their split. But there has not been much said about what happened with the remaining half-million dollars.
How much Phil Mickelson has made over his career
Mickelson took home more than $96m in PGA Tour prize money alone, a figure that would set up just about anyone for life.
And that is far from the whole story.
He has also pulled in around $12m from European Tour events, and reportedly received a $200m signing fee to join LIV Golf.
So, considering how much Mickelson has made during his career, if he did owe money to his caddy, there is really no excuse for it.
Collin Morikawa’s trick to fix a problem area for the majority of amateur golfers
Collin Morikawa has been one of the most successful golfers on the PGA Tour over the past five years.
With six PGA Tour wins to his name, including two major championships, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of the biggest names in the professional game.
However, Morikawa has really struggled over the past two years or so and is without a win since October 2023.
That doesn’t mean to say that he’s finished at the very highest level of the game.
He’s just in the midst of a dip right now and he will undoubtedly be back to his very best at some point in the near future.
Morikawa is still a great person for amateur golfers to learn from, given the consistency of his motion both on the backswing and down through impact.
Collin Morikawa’s trick to fix a problem area for amateur golfers
One of the things that amateurs struggle with the most is completing a proper shoulder turn.
The main problem they have is that they try to initiate the backswing with their shoulders and arms.
However, Morikawa recently highlighted how he tries to start his backswing by moving his big muscles, before allowing the smaller muscles to follow suit.
When speaking to Golf Digest, Morikawa shared his secret to correctly initiating the backswing.
“I want the big muscles in my chest to initiate my backswing,“ Morikawa explained.
“I feel like my sternum moves back with my hands, and then stretches towards the sky. When your wrists get too fast and snatch the club away, it can cause all sorts of issues.“
By using Morikawa’s method, you should be able to create more effortless power, and your ball-striking will become more consistent.
Why Collin Morikawa’s tip makes so much sense
The reason for this is because you will then become less reliant on the timing of your hands through impact.
If your body turns as one and your arms follow, you will have a far greater chance of striking the ball consistently well.
In addition to that, initiating your backswing with your torso will enable you to create more power and speed rather than wasting the majority of your energy before you’ve started your downswing.
A good way to help you get the feeling for what’s required here is to take your club away ‘low and slow’.
Keep your clubhead as low to the ground for as long as you can on your backswing whilst feeling like you’re storing all of your energy up before you make the transition to your downswing.
It will feel alien at first but just like any change to the golf swing, the more you practice the move, the more comfortable you will become with it.
Kevin Kisner Reveals How PGA Tour Pros Lose More Than Half of Their Career Earnings
Kevin Kisner has enjoyed a promising career ever since he received his PGA Tour card in 2011. He has four PGA Tour wins to his name and many other top finishes. That has helped him earn nearly $30 million in his career so far. But Kisner revealed that he actually took home much less.
He joined Josh Baylin on the Market Swings YouTube channel. The host asked him how much money from his PGA Tour earnings he takes home. Kisner told Baylin, “I usually call it about 30%.”
That’s nearly one-third of his career earnings from the PGA Tour. As such, from the $30 million he earned in 339 events, he would have taken home less than $10 million. So where does the rest of the $20 million go? Well, Kisner had an explanation for that.
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“8% to a caddie, 3% to a coach, 1% to a putting coach. What’s that up to? 12%. Then you got your ‘state you played in’ taxes. South Carolina 7% taxes, and your federal taxes,” Kisner said, revealing how winnings are distributed.
PGA Tour caddies usually take home about 5-10% of the pro’s earnings. The percentage depends on the level of player they are carrying the bag for. Top players usually pay their caddies more. Every PGA Tour pro also has a different kind of team, which changes the amount they pay them. Some also hire specialized coaches and other training staff.
Moreover, the pros also pay the state taxes for the venue of the event and the income tax for where the funds are deposited. Max Greyserman also talked about how challenging it is to manage the finances after being “double-taxed”. But taking home just 30% still seems surprising.
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But this does shed light on the decision LIV Golf pros took when they decided to make the switch. Was it wise for them to move to the Saudi-based promotion?
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Does Kevin Kisner’s shocking revelation make LIV Golf pros’ move seem wise?
Back when pros first started to jump ship from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, it seemed like they were doing it for the money. Many claimed that they wanted to play a lighter schedule. But fans still criticized them for being greedy.
However, after what Kevin Kisner has just revealed, Bryson DeChambeau & Co.’s move might be more about saving money than making it.
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It’s a common fact that Saudi Arabia doesn’t impose personal income tax. While the LIV Golf players do earn big paychecks, they don’t have to pay back the government for the money they earn.
The most they will have to pay will be the salaries of their caddies and coaches, which won’t rise above 15-20%. That certainly makes a move to LIV Golf seem much wiser.
Turning 50, Tiger Woods Still Calls the Shots at the PGA Tour
It has been a while since Tiger Woods has led the charge on the course. The last time the Big Cat really looked threatening was way back in 2019. However, he has still been an influential figure on the PGA Tour.
His contribution to the sport over the last three decades has been immense. So it makes sense that he still moves the needle in golf. But it’s not just the fan opinion that Woods drives. He also holds power in the PGA Tour office. His involvement in the PIF-PGA Tour merger showcased that. Let’s see how Woods played a huge role in the conversation between the two Tours.
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Tiger Woods plays a key role in the PIF-PGA Tour merger
Being one of the most accomplished golfers in history, Tiger Woods is respected immensely by pros, golf executives, and everyone else associated with the sport. That extends to the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
And there is no question about Trump’s connections in golf. The President loves the sport and often associates himself with athletes from different Tours. That includes LIV Golf. So when the PIF-PGA Tour merger was being discussed, it’s no surprise that Trump was also pushed into the mix.
The President decided to invite the PGA Tour and LIV Golf representatives to the White House to discuss the merger. Yasir Al-Rumayyan visited the President’s Palace on behalf of PIF. Meanwhile, Jay Monahan, Adam Scott, and Tiger Woods were invited to represent the PGA Tour.
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The conversation didn’t go as planned, as Al-Rumayyan left the White House feeling insulted. But the inclusion of Woods in the conversation, despite the presence of the commissioner and leader of the PGA Tour’s Policy Board, shows how valuable his presence is for the Tour.
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Speaking of Woods and Al-Rumayyan, this wasn’t the first time they connected to discuss the merger. Woods had previously hosted the governor of PIF for a special event.
Back in March 2024, the PGA Tour had the PIF deciding on a venue for their meeting to discuss the merger. Woods took the opportunity to host the PGA Tour players and executives, like Jay Monahan, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Bob Harig, Webb Simpson, and Patrick Cantlay, at his residence in the Bahamas.
Al-Rumayyan had joined the meeting representing the PIF back then as well. As revealed by Simpson to Sports Business Journal, Woods was “very engaged” in the conversation while discussing the merger. After the meeting, Al-Rumayyan also indulged in a round of golf with the legend at the iconic golf course of the Hero World Challenge, the Albany.
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Merger conversations are not the only situation when the PGA Tour consults Tiger Woods. He has also advised them on other critical situations and has been entrusted with bigger responsibilities on Tour.
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Woods comes to the PGA Tour’s aid whenever needed
When Tiger Woods’ good friend, Rory McIlroy, left his role as one of the PGA Tour’s Player Directors in 2023, it opened a lot of wounds. As the Irishman admitted, “It got pretty complicated and pretty messy, and I think with the way it happened, I think it opened up some old wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before,” speaking to National Club Golfer.
He wanted to focus on his game and family. But he was still committed to improving the PGA Tour. In 2024, McIlroy tried to find a way back in as a Player Director. And Webb Simpson was planning to vacate his position to allow him to join. But Woods didn’t want that.
Woods and Cantlay opposed the Irishman’s return to the position. As McIlroy admitted, they didn’t reject his approach, but it was too complicated for him to deal with. But he also admitted that it didn’t change his dynamic with Woods despite the difference in opinion.
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After years of his contribution, Brian Rolapp decided to empower Woods with the appropriate role. The new PGA Tour CEO created the Future Competition Committee and made the 15-time major winner the Chairman in August 2025.
While he dominated the golf course during his prime, the Tiger Woods of 2025 is taking over golf as a leader in the sport.
2025: Top 5 Trends in Coaching the Game
I’ve been a PGA coach for almost two decades, and I’ve been working in the game for three. 2025 was different. Not because someone invented a new swing secret or released some miracle training aid. The stuff I’d been preaching to my students finally started showing up everywhere else. YouTube. Instagram. Reddit golf threads. Other coaches I know. Everywhere.
1. Fitness Became Non-Negotiable
I’ve been telling students for years that they need to work on their bodies, not just their swings. Most of them nodded politely and then never did anything about it.
That changed this year.
I coach competitive teen golfers, and I had a 16-year-old who couldn’t rotate past 70 degrees in his backswing. Yoga and core work before we even touched his swing. He gained 20 yards and his consistency improved dramatically.
What worked? Simple, sustainable stuff. Planks. Squats. Torso rotations. Basic yoga sessions at home twice a week. Things they could maintain during tournament season. The injury prevention piece mattered too. Those who committed to mobility work stayed healthy throughout long tournament stretches.
2. Data Replaced Guesswork
I bought a launch monitor three years ago. Best investment I ever made, but it took until 2025 for students to really understand why.
This year, something shifted. Players started caring about carry distance. Real numbers. Knowing your ball goes 175 yards downwind on a firm course doesn’t help you hit it close when it’s soft.
I had a junior who was obsessed with his swing speed, trying to get to 110 mph. Meanwhile, he was hitting 6 fairways per round. We pulled up his stats and he was losing 4 strokes per round to penalties. His swing speed wasn’t the problem.
I started making every student track their rounds properly. Fairways. Greens. Putts. Scrambling percentage. Once they saw their actual weaknesses in black and white, they stopped guessing about what to work on.
3. Mental Training Got Real Attention
I’ll be honest. 15 years ago, I didn’t give the mental game enough attention. I’m a swing coach. That was my thinking for years.
Then I saw a consistent pattern over the past few years: students who stripped it on the range every week would go shoot 80 or more in tournaments, even though they should’ve been shooting 72. Most swings were solid, little tweaks here and there for sure, but solid.
I started working on pre-shot routines much, much more over the past few years, but really turned it up in 2025. Breathing. Visualization. Same swings. Different brains.
I made pre-shot routines mandatory for all my students this year. Those who committed handled the pressure better. They didn’t fall apart after bad holes. Students who could let go of bad shots and move on scored better than the ones who stayed angry for three holes.
4. Course Management Trumped Hero Shots
I’d watch my students on the course and they’d try shots they had no business attempting — a talented 15-year-old trying to hit a 4-iron off a tight lie over water to a tucked pin.
The 7/10 Rule finally caught on this year. If you can’t pull off a shot 7 times out of 10 in practice, don’t try it on the course.
I started being more aggressive about this with my students. One junior kept trying to cut the corner on a dogleg with his driver. He’d hit it in the trees 6 out of 10 times. I made him hit a 3-wood to the fat part of the fairway for an entire month. He hated it. Year-end, though, his scoring average dropped by 2.5 strokes.
The ego management piece is real. Nobody wants to lay up. It feels like giving up. But students who embraced the conservative strategy when needed shot their best scores ever this year.
5. Practice Got Structured
The range used to drive me crazy. Players would show up, dump out a bucket of balls, and just start whaling away. No target. No purpose.
I changed how I taught practice in 2022, but this year, it was a real sticking point with me. Every student got the same structure: half their time on technical work, half on performance work. Technical means drills and working on specific moves. Performance means simulating the course. Pick a target. Go through your routine. Hit the shot.
The difference was immediate. Students who practiced with structure improved faster — quality over quantity. Fifty balls with full focus beats 200 balls on autopilot.
One of my juniors started playing an imaginary round on the range. Driver, then whatever club he’d need for his approach, then a chip if necessary, to the practice wedge range green on the back of our range. He’d keep track of proximity to the hole for each hole, write those numbers down, then go putt after his range session. He’d keep that score. He improved faster than anyone else I taught this year.
Where This Leaves Us
My students who improved the most were committed to building a complete game. These trends apply across all levels and aren’t going away any time soon. As you head into 2026, I’d encourage you to pick one or two of these areas and commit to them. You don’t have to overhaul everything all at once, but the golfers who embrace this approach even partially will separate themselves from the field.
Xander Schauffele Speaks Out on Brooks Koepka’s LIV Departure as PGA Tour Rumors Intensify
The PGA Tour made a dicey move by sending out a cryptic message hinting at bending its rules to bring in Brooks Koepka. fYeah, it might increase viewership and bring in long-term benefits, but this debate does not have a clean resolution, believes 2x major winner Xander Schauffele.
“It’s going to be a mixed bag,” said Schauffele on the golfers’ opinions. “Depending on who you interview…you’re just going to get an array of different answers.”
The dependence Schauffele mentions stems from various factors: a golfer’s success, OWGR or FedExCup ranking, and so on. Logically, a golfer sitting comfortably in the top 50 wouldn’t mind much if Koepka came back. Taking the example of Rory McIlroy, Schauffele pointed out the same thing.
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The Northern Irishman had a great year this season, so he wouldn’t be bothered much by those who come and go. Ironically, McIlroy had spent years condemning LIV Golf, but now, his stance has softened, giving weight to what Schauffele is saying. But the same cannot be said about the fringe golfers, who almost lost their cards or finished outside the limited-field stand, as they can find bending the rules unfair.
Despite having an average last two seasons, Brooks Koepka can still be called one of the best golfers of this generation. His 5 major wins contribute to that. So, adding him to the PGA Tour’s field will make competition even more difficult for everyone, seasoned players or newcomers.
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“It’s going to be hard to make everyone happy,” believes Schauffele, who himself was once offered to join LIV for reportedly $200M, which he refused.
As time passes, unification of the game, which everyone wants, seems like the best-presented option. LIV Golf is already struggling financially, and its viewership is low. The PGA Tour hasn’t been in its best shape either and is eyeing several changes for the 2027 season.
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While Brooks Koepka has maintained his silence over his decision, many others have shared their thoughts.
Brandel Chamblee believes that Koepka’s move to LIV gave it weight, and considering how LIV impacted the entire golf game, his return shouldn’t be as easy. There should be some consequences, as the PGA Tour’s “meritocratic foundations” cannot be undermined.
Our readers of Essentially Golf also weighed in on the discussion and had a mixed response; the majority of people wanted him to return, but with certain consequences, echoing Chamblee’s thoughts.
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Surprisingly, Bryson DeChambeau also had similar thoughts. He also believed that welcoming Koepka back with no consequences is a slippery slope, as it will encourage others as well to make the same move. Billy Horschel thinks so, too.
Billy Horschel agrees with DeChambeau on Brooks Koepka’s Tour return
Like McIlroy, Billy Horschel was a staunch critic of LIV Golf, calling poached players “hypocrites and liars.” Now, he believes that for the betterment of the game, for the quality of the PGA Tour product to continue to grow, there needs to be a process to figure out LIV golfers’ return. The reason for Horschel’s sudden shift can be his equity in PGA Tour Enterprises, as any direct loss or profit will be felt by him as well.
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Koepka’s exit doesn’t necessarily “shock” him. All this while, he knew something like this would happen.
“It may continue with guys over the next handful of years if the contracts that they expect aren’t there, and they’re like, ‘Listen, I made my money; I want to go back to the PGA Tour and compete for real championships and a little bit more meaning in golf than just the financial side,’” Horschel said.
“I’ve always thought that the guys that went to LIV would come back to the PGA Tour at some point for the sole fact that the salaries, the PIF, and LIV—they’ve spent billions of dollars and they’re not getting any return on their money,” Horschel said. “They’re not going to keep signing these guys for the big contracts if the value for LIV doesn’t improve.”
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What are your thoughts on Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour? Consequences, or no consequences?
Billy Horschel Demands Punishment Over Brooks Koepka’s Potential PGA Tour Return
Brooks Koepka’s December 23rd exit from LIV has reignited golf’s most divisive debate. Should players who left for guaranteed millions be welcomed back without consequences? Billy Horschel recently spoke up, echoing what Bryson DeChambeau and Brandel Chamblee said.
“There’s a punishment that can be put in place that isn’t too harsh,” Billy Horschel said after his winning TGL match. “Sort of makes those guys on the PGA Tour feel a little bit better that there’s just not an open-door policy to come back and play.”
For Horschel, it is about finding balance: some consequences, but nothing extreme. The PGA Tour pros who stayed back 3 years ago shouldn’t be the ones suffering now, when a few golfers have had the realization of wanting to compete in majors and championships without much hassle. Although the Tour pro who did not move to LIV was rewarded in some ways, like the PIP program, signature events, and Comcast bonuses.
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Horschel’s thoughts on LIV have changed drastically. Earlier, he wanted a punishment to be there for golfers who defected, but now, he thinks from the game’s standpoint. If everyone wants the game to get better and the PGA Tour to grow, bringing Koepka back will be a smart decision, as he surely will add value.
Koepka’s credentials add weight to this debate. Before his $125 million LIV contract in 2022, he dominated the Tour with nine wins, including 2 PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens. He won his third PGA Championship, or fifth major, in 2023, becoming the first LIV golfer to lift a major trophy. Bringing him back will elevate the Tour field and might even solve some of the viewership woes.
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The road back, however, won’t be immediate. Under PGA Tour rules, players who competed in unauthorized events face a one-year ban, meaning Koepka can’t play Tour events, or even reapply for his membership, until at least August 2026. His last LIV appearance was in Indianapolis from August 15 to 17.
Now, as Koepka walks away from his hefty LIV contract a year early, citing family priorities and wanting to stay closer to home, everyone has something to say about his return.
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Xander Schauffele, the world’s No. 4 golfer, expects reactions to Koepka’s return will split cleanly along self-interest lines.
The process of Koepka’s return can be fairly simple. The 35-year-old has to reapply for PGA Tour membership and then deal with whatever sanctions or punishment the Tour decides on. After that, the Tour can bring him back whenever it wants, with all the power.
The debate over his return remains divided. But his departure raises an even bigger question: if LIV’s biggest star is walking away, what does that signal about the league’s future?
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LIV’s uncertain future after Brooks Koepka’s exit
Brooks Koepka’s departure isn’t just about one player leaving. This is the first big player to leave since LIV started in 2022. Now, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are the league’s main participants. What worries me even more? Earlier this year, Koepka said he was upset that LIV wasn’t as far ahead as he had imagined. When your star athlete says in public that they are unhappy, that’s a red flag.
LIV couldn’t have picked a worse time. The league hasn’t been able to get any new star players for the third time in the last four offseasons. They’ve only signed two players, Victor Perez and Laurie Canter, for the 2026 season, which starts in February. At the same time, the PGA Tour has rejected recent offers from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to bring the professional golf game together. It seems like the doors of reconciliation are firmly shut.
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Now, LIV might have a domino effect. Bryson DeChambeau has decided not to sign a new agreement yet, even though his current one ends in 2026. “Things have got to change. Things have got to improve,” he said. LIV doesn’t need that kind of confidence boost right now when its biggest star is publicly unsure about his future.
Tiger Woods turns 50, now eligible for PGA Tour Champions
Tiger Woods turned 50 on Tuesday, making the 15-time major championship winner eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions circuit once he recovers from his latest health setbacks.
Woods hasn’t publicly said whether he intends to play on the former Senior PGA Tour, which allows golfers to use carts and has a 54-hole format at most tournaments outside of the 72-hole majors.
This past season was the first time Woods didn’t compete in a single tournament on the PGA Tour. He was scheduled to compete in the Genesis Invitational but pulled out, saying he wasn’t ready to compete after the death of his mother, Kultida, on Feb. 4.
Then Woods ruptured his left Achilles tendon in March while ramping up training and practice at home in Florida for the Masters. He had what is believed to be his seventh back surgery Oct. 10 to replace a disk in his lower back that caused pain and mobility issues.
During a news conference at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Dec. 2, Woods said he had only recently started putting and chipping and wasn’t close to being able to take full swings.
NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father killed, mother injured in North Carolina house fire
A fire at the home of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s parents on Sunday left his father dead and his mother injured, officials confirmed to ABC News.
Firefighters in Gaston County, North Carolina, were dispatched at 6:19 p.m. to the two-story home that was
Dennis Hamlin helped son Denny become one of NASCAR’s greats
In recent years, NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin has become one of the sport’s most controversial figures. His line after a win in the 2023 Bristol night race —
NASCAR star Denny Hamlin’s dad dead, mom hurt in house fire
A North Carolina house fire reportedly killed the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and critically injured his mother.
The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services said on Facebook that multiple fire departments were dispatched to a possible house fire “with entrapment” Sunday night.
The victims were identified Monday as Dennis Hamlin and Mary Lou Hamlin, according to Charlotte station WSOC. They are the parents of the 45-year-old NASCAR champion whose 60 career wins include three Daytona 500 checkered flags.
Dennis Hamlin, 75, reportedly died from his injuries in a North Carolina hospital. His 69-year-old wife is being treated at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem.
The cause of the blaze hadn’t been determined by Monday evening.
Hamlin recently spoke of his father’s declining health, according to the NASCAR website. He credits his dad with supporting his racing career from the start when he was growing up in Florida.
“He’s the one that got me into racing,” Hamlin said before an October race in Las Vegas.
Dennis Hamlin said in a 2006 interview that his son returned the favor when he hit the big time by buying him a home outside Charlotte and telling his working days were over.
“He handed me the keys to a new house and said, ‘It’s furnished, take your clothes, sell the business,” he recalled.
Mary Lou Hamlin reportedly found work running her son’s fan club.
NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin’s Dad Dead Following North Carolina House Fire
Tragedy has struck NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin … his dad has died following a devastating house fire in North Carolina that also left his mother critically injured.
On Monday evening, Gaston County EMS confirmed 75 year old Dennis Hamlin died from injuries suffered in the blaze. Hamlin’s 69 year old mom, Mary Lou Hamlin was injured in the fire and remains in critical condition.
Officials say both victims managed to escape the burning home but suffered catastrophic injuries. Dennis was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The fire destroyed the home. Firefighters were forced to truck in water due to a lack of hydrants, slowing efforts to control the blaze. It took about two hours to bring the fire under control.
Despite the extensive damage, firefighters were able to save some racing memorabilia and collectibles from inside the home.
NASCAR Star Denny Hamlin’s Father Confirmed Dead In North Carolina Fire
Officials from the Gaston County, North Carolina Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services have confirmed that NASCAR star Denny Hamlin’s father, Dennis, is dead from Sunday night’s house fire in Stanley, North Carolina. Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou, remains in critical condition from burns suffered in the massive blaze that erupted on December 29.
Hamlin’s parents lived in the house in Gaston County, North Carolina, about 20 miles northwest of Charlotte. The house is owned by a reality company owned by their NASCAR driving son.
When firefighters arrived Sunday night, Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside the home, suffering from catastrophic injuries, officials said. Monday evening, Gaston County officials confirmed Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital.
Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she was being treated Monday, according to Gaston County officials.
The huge blaze that erupted Sunday night and caused the structure to collapse. The home is owned by a company called Won One Real Estate that lists Denny Hamlin as its manager, according to local property tax records and a business document filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, the Associated Press reported.
Representatives for Hamlin had not responded to requests for comment as of Monday evening.
Dennis Hamlin was also battling a serious illness, and according to Denny Hamlin in an interview late in the season, did not have much time to live. Hamlin’s father made tremendous sacrifices to get his son into NASCAR, including taking out mortgages on the family home early in his career.
Hamlin Wanted To Win A Championship For His Dying Father
The 45-year-old Hamlin is one of NASCAR’s biggest stars with 60 NASCAR Cup Series wins, including three victories in the Daytona 500. He drives for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Hamlin desperately wanted to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship for his dying father in 2025 and was within four laps of reaching that goal in the NASCAR Championship Race before a caution period thwarted that attempt. After making a pit stop, Hamlin was shuffled back in the running order on the restart and Kyle Larson went on to win the race and the championship.
Hamlin, who finished second in the championship to Larson, believed it would be the last time his father would be alive to see him race for a title.
“I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment,” Hamlin told The Associated Press at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after he won his 60th race in October.
“He’s the one that got me into racing,
Father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin dies after house fire, mother critically injured
RALEIGH, N.C. — The father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived, officials said Monday.
Firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story home near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic, the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services said in a news release.
Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside the home, suffering from catastrophic injuries, officials said. Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital, officials said.
Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she was being treated Monday, officials said.
The fire caused the structure to collapse. The cause is under investigation.
Stanley is located about 20 miles northwest of Charlotte.
The home is owned by a company called Won One Real Estate that lists Denny Hamlin as its manager, according to local property tax records and a business document filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.
Representatives for Hamlin had not responded to requests for comment as of Monday evening.
Hamlin is one of the marquee drivers in NASCAR’s top circuit, having won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races, including the Daytona 500 three times.
The 45-year-old driver for Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to win a Cup points championship. He fell short of the title during this season’s final race in Arizona last month.
Weeks earlier, Hamlin said his father — who nearly went broke with financial sacrifices to try to get his son into NASCAR — was battling a serious illness, and that he didn’t have much time left to live.
“I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment,” Hamlin told The Associated Press.
Hamlin also mentioned his dad in emotional testimony this month at the start of a federal antitrust trial against NASCAR brought in part by 23XI Racing, which is owned by Hamlin and Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. NASCAR, 23XI Racing and another race team reached a settlement during the trial before jurors ever deliberated.
Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee.
Denny Hamlin family tragedy gets heartbreaking update
A heartbreaking update has emerged following a fire at the house of NASCAR star Denny Hamlin’s parents.
Dennis Hamlin, Denny’s father, died from injuries suffered during the fire, according to NASCAR.com.
The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services announced in a news release Monday evening that Dennis Hamlin has died, according to the report.
The update added that Mary Lou Hamlin, who is Dennis Hamlin’s wife and Denny Hamlin’s mother, is in critical condition.
She has been transferred to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is “actively being treated,” according to NASCAR.com.
The fire was reported in Gaston County, N.C., near Charlotte, at 6:19 p.m. Sunday. First responders arrived to the house moments later and found Dennis Hamlin and Mary Lou Hamlin outside of it. They were transported to a local hospital.
Officials are still investigating what led to the fire. WCNC in Charlotte reports that the fire resulted in a complete loss of the home.
Denny Hamlin has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2005 and has earned 60 wins for his career. That mark includes three Daytona 500 victories.
NASCAR fans were left heartbroken over the news about Hamlin’s father.
“This day will never feel right to me. Gutted for Denny. Gutted for the community. It’s been a rough year. Prayers for the Hamlin’s,” one fan said.
Father of NASCAR Star Dies After Fire at Racer’s Home
Dennis Hamlin, the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, has died after a fire in his North Carolina home on Sunday. Hamlin, 75 and his wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside the house with catastrophic injuries. Hamlin later died from his injuries, with his wife remaining in hospital in critical condition on Monday. The Lucia Riverbend Fire Department’s chief revealed on Sunday that champion driver Denny owned the house where his parents lived. Hamlin was a major champion of his son’s career, and took multiple mortgages out on his home and maxed out his credit cards trying to help Denny enter NASCAR in 2004. Tragically, in October, Denny, 45, revealed his father was battling a serious illness and was too sick to travel to see him in the season’s final race in Arizona last month. “I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment,” he told The Associated Press. Nearly half of the Hamlin’s home was on fire when first responders arrived. While the fire caused the structure to collapse, Lucia Riverbend Fire Chief David Toomey told The Athletic his crew was able to save some items in the garage, including expensive cars and racing memorabilia. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In addition to competing in NASCAR himself, Denny co-owns the 23XI Racing NASCAR team with NBA legend Michael Jordan. In November, the NASCAR driver posted a video on Instagram of his father talking about a gift Jordan had given him. He also shared a video of his father FaceTiming him before the final race in November.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History called out mega-popstar Bad Bunny on social media after he posted photos touching a historical stela. “As is public knowledge, physical contact with archaeological goods is prohibited,” reads an X post from the Institute, directly addressing the singer’s visit. The Puerto Rican artist, who’s set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February, paid a visit to the museum to culminate the end of his “I Should Have Taken More Photos Tour” in Mexico on Dec. 17. He deleted the photo that showed him touching the artifact from his Instagram Stories, per TMZ, but not before causing groans online. The museum clarified that Bad Bunny was corrected in real-time after the photo was taken. “When the artist placed his hand on the stele, museum custody staff reiterated that the pieces could not be touched, to which the musician withdrew it,” reads the X statement. The Daily Beast has reached out to Bad Bunny for comment.
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A tiny mountain village in Italy is celebrating something it hasn’t seen in almost 30 years: a baby. Pagliara dei Marsi, a mountain village in the Abruzzo region with fewer than two dozen residents, welcomed baby Lara Bussi Trabucco earlier this year, The Guardian reports. Her arrival has turned the infant into a celebrity in a town long defined by depopulation and aging residents. Lara was born in March to Paolo Bussi, 56, and Cinzia Trabucco, 42. Now nine months old, Lara has already drawn attention well beyond the village limits. “People who didn’t even know Pagliara dei Marsi existed have come, only because they had heard about Lara,” her mother told the outlet. Her birth offers a rare bright spot as Italy grapples with a deepening demographic crisis. In 2024, the country recorded just 369,944 births, the lowest figure on record, according to the national statistics agency Istat. To combat what Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called a “demographic winter,” Italy introduced a €1,000 ($1,177) birth incentive, which the couple will receive. Still, challenges remain. The Guardian notes the village hasn’t had a teacher in decades, and widespread school closures underscore how daunting it may be to raise a child where youth have all but disappeared.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s year is ending with another bruising blow: James Holt, the Sussexes’ longest-serving aide and the executive director of their struggling charity, is stepping aside after nearly a decade working for the couple. The news broke just days after the resignation of Meredith Maines, their chief U.S. publicist. Holt, who followed the couple from the U.K. to California and has been at the helm of Archewell since 2021, struck a valedictory note in his farewell remarks: “Working with Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the great privileges of my career.” Harry, Holt said, “has consistently challenged me to think bigger about how we can make a difference.” And he reserved particular warmth for Meghan, saying that “from the moment I met Meghan, I recognized a kindred spirit—someone who finds joy even in difficult moments and connects authentically with people regardless of circumstance.” The Sussexes returned the compliments in a statement of their own, calling Holt a “stellar support” for their work and adding that his “enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary.” Warm words all round, then, but Holt’s departure leaves the couple’s charity with just one full-time employee.
Want more royal gossip, scoops and scandal? Head over to The Royalist on Substack
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Christmas may be over, but Mariah Carey is still ruling the charts. Carey’s holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has extended its own record for the most weeks spent at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Variety reports. The song now sits at the top of the chart for 22 consecutive weeks and counting, surpassing Carey’s previous record of 19 weeks. The new milestone puts the track ahead of other chart toppers, including Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which had been tied with Carey’s earlier mark. Carey is also breaking records beyond the main singles chart. The holiday classic has now logged 26 weeks at No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart, extending yet another Carey-held record. And it’s not just her song getting extra love this month. Holiday music has completely overtaken the charts this season, with Christmas songs filling the top nine spots on the singles chart.
Former KISS member Vinnie Vincent has hit back at fans who are “b—-ing” and “moaning” about the price of his new single. Vincent, 73, is charging $225 for the song via his website. International fans will have to pay $300. The rocker, who played with KISS from 1982 to 1984, announced that his new single, “Ride the Serpent,” would be released in a limited batch, with only 500 copies available. The track will be sent to buyers in a plain envelope, personally autographed by the guitarist. Defending the price, he wrote in a Facebook comment on Monday, “I understand the b—-ing, the moaning, the whining about price, but you must also understand that my situation is as such that my music is so desired that it will be targeted and taken away from me immediately, which I cannot/will not allow.” Vincent added that he wished “it was not this way” and that the price was to “protect” his music. “If they want my music, they can pay for it or wait a long time because they can get it bootlegged,” he concluded.
A Ryanair flight from England to the Canary Islands was forced to turn around and return to its starting point after experiencing severe air turbulence. About 40 minutes after taking off from Birmingham airport, the cabin service was already underway when the Tenerife-bound flight hit turbulence over Brittany, France. The pilots decided to turn back, and within 10 minutes, the plane had descended from a height of 37,000 feet to 10,000 feet over the English Channel. That altitude usually indicates problems with pressurization, but in this case, there’s no sign that pressurization was the reason for the lower height. The plane landed normally in Birmingham 90 minutes after taking off. “Passengers disembarked and returned to the terminal, where a small number of passengers were provided with medical assistance,” a Ryanair spokesperson said in a statement. A replacement aircraft was flown from Leeds Bradford to Birmingham to operate the flight, which finally landed in Tenerife more than six hours behind schedule.
A 30-year-old ski patroller in California died the day after Christmas when he was caught in an avalanche, resort officials said. The Mammoth Mountain Ski Area released a statement Sunday that Cole Murphy died after suffering critical injuries during avalanche-mitigation work. According to the resort, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Lincoln Mountain, when a sudden avalanche slide swept through an area where patrollers were actively working. The other patroller at the site was transported to a nearby hospital with what officials described as possible broken bones. Murphy sustained far more severe injuries and later died. The avalanche struck on a day already flagged as particularly dangerous. The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings about heavy snowfall and strong winds, cautioning that “even if things ease up later today, natural and human-triggered avalanches remain likely.” Murphy’s partner, Hayley, said in a statement shared by Mammoth Mountain that working at the resort was his “calling,” describing it as “his place of purpose, his community, and his second home.” His family echoed that sentiment, saying Murphy moved through the world “with kindness, intention, and a wholehearted devotion to the life he chose.”
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Sitcom actress Melanie Watson Bernhardt has died at the age of 57. According to her brother, Watson died on Friday in Colorado Springs. Watson, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta—commonly known as brittle bone disease—had reportedly been admitted to the hospital before her death. Her brother, Robert Watson, added that doctors did their best to help her. Watson played Arnie’s friend Kathy Gordon on ‘Diff’rent Strokes.’ She guest-starred in one episode per season from 1980 to 1984. In 1982, there was an episode named after Watson’s character, titled “Kathy.” After leaving the sitcom, Watson went on to help others living with disabilities. According to her IMDb profile, Watson was a founder and executive at Train Rite, an organization that trains dogs to help people with disabilities. Speaking about her role on Diff’rent Strokes, Watson told IndieWire in 2020, “I didn’t realize what a gift it was to be the first one out there. If I had to do it all over again, I would have stayed in the business.”
A 5-year-old boy has died after his arm was pulled into the gears of a ski resort’s moving walkway over the weekend. Hinata Goto was on a family trip to the city of Otaru, on Hokkaido, Japan’s most northerly main island, when their ski outing took a tragic turn. Authorities say the boy’s right arm became trapped in the winding mechanism of a 30-meter belt-style walkway at the ski resort, The Guardian reported. While his mother pressed an emergency stop button intended to prevent such accidents, the mechanism apparently failed to work. Firefighters freed Hinata—who was unconscious and still wearing ski gear—about 40 minutes after his mother’s emergency call, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the report. Police said he fell while trying to step off the narrow, 60-centimeter-wide walkway, which lacks handrails and was installed six years ago. One of the resort’s regulars said the contraption—which ski resorts often call a “magic carpet”—was “scary” and had been known to shake when the slope angle shifts. Another worker near the resort told local media that many children come there to practice, urging a full investigation and safeguards to prevent another tragedy.
Denny Hamlin’s father dies after house fire in North Carolina, mother critically injured
The father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived, officials said Monday.
Firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story home near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic, the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services said in a news release.
Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside the home, suffering from catastrophic injuries, officials said. Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital, officials said.
Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she was being treated Monday, officials said.
The fire caused the structure to collapse. The cause is under investigation.
Stanley is located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Charlotte.
The home is owned by a company called Won One Real Estate that lists Denny Hamlin as its manager, according to local property tax records and a business document filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.
Representatives for Hamlin had not responded to requests for comment as of Monday evening.
Hamlin is one of the marquee drivers in NASCAR’s top circuit, having won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races, including the Daytona 500 three times.
The 45-year-old driver for Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to win a Cup points championship. He fell short of the title during this season’s final race in Arizona last month.
Weeks earlier, Hamlin said his father — who nearly went broke with financial sacrifices to try to get his son into NASCAR — was battling a serious illness, and that he didn’t have much time left to live.
“I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment,” Hamlin told The Associated Press.
Hamlin also mentioned his dad in emotional testimony this month at the start of a federal antitrust trial against NASCAR brought in part by 23XI Racing, which is owned by Hamlin and Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. NASCAR, 23XI Racing and another race team reached a settlement during the trial before jurors ever deliberated.
MLB Writer Reveals Braves Offseason Signing Grades
The Atlanta Braves have had a productive offseason thus far, especially in a division like the NL East, which is sure to be competitive throughout the 2026 season. Atlanta kicked off their offseason spending by bringing back closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million contract.
After that, the Braves made a big splash by landing reliever Robert Suarez on a three-year, $45 million deal, which should help with the back-end of the bullpen problems the Braves had last season. Atlanta then reached an agreement on a two-year contract with outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Finally, the Braves signed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million. While they could certainly do more, this is a great start to the offseason for the Braves.
More MLB on Heavy: Former Yankees, Dodgers Pitcher Announces Retirement from MLB
Braves Offseason Signings Grades Revealed
In a recent article by Sports Illustrated’s Harrison Smajovits, the Braves writer grades out each move made by Atlanta this offseason.
Focusing on the biggest signing, Robert Suarez, Smajovits believes this is an A+ signing:
“Since Iglesias is on a one-year contract, if he retires, Suarez just becomes the closer in 2027. For now, they will have elite-level arms coming into shut the door in the eighth and ninth innings. It doesn’t get better than this for a move.”
As for some of the other contracts Atlanta has handed out this offseason, Raisel Iglesias gets an A-, Mike Yastrzemski gets a ‘B’, and Kim received an A-.
Smajovits also included some of the other small signings the Braves have made, like Joel Payamps, which received a ‘C’ grade.
All-in-all, it’s been a good offseason thus far for the Braves, but they might remain aggressive and think about adding more value on smaller deals. Atlanta is also awaiting the decision of free agent Marcell Ozuna, which will also have an impact on how the Braves’ offseason turns out.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves Get Bleak Outlook on 3-Time All-Star in 2026 Free Agency
What Else Should Atlanta Do This Offseason?
The Atlanta Braves could go a variety of ways this offseason in terms of making their roster better. Signing a guy like Zac Gallen would get the Braves an inning-eater starter, which is what GM Alex Anthopoulos is shopping for.
However, they could also trade for an arm like Mitch Keller or Pablo Lopez to achieve that. The bottom line is the Braves should consider adding another formidable starter, and if they miss out on Ozuna, another impact bat may also be needed.
With the Mets and Phillies certainly going to continue their aggression, it’s important for the Braves to match that energy. Anthopoulos and the rest of the front office have shown a strong likeness to certain players, so it’ll be interesting to see how linked the Braves will be with other top free agents.
MLB All Quarter-Century Team features Hall of Famers, 2025 stars
The first quarter of the 21st century is in the books, with 26 seasons of Major League Baseball taking place since the planet didn’t implode over Y2K.
In that time, we’ve seen some of the greatest players in the history of the game from 1980s holdovers like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens to the modern marvels in reigning back-to-back MVPs Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.
We surveyed USA TODAY Sports’ staff of MLB writers and editors on who should make up baseball’s All Quarter-Century Team and there was consensus on most player that would up making the list of 10 positions, five starting pitchers and a closer.
There are certainly some notable snubs! Alex Rodriguez and Adrian Beltre each have a more-than valid shout and the manager (Bruce Bochy?) of this team would surely get them regular at-bats – though curiously nine of the ten hitters are right-handed.
With that, here’s the full look at USA TODAY Sports’ All Quarter-Century MLB Team:
Catcher: Yadier Molina (2004-2022)
St. Louis Cardinals (2004-2022)
10-time All-Star
Nine Gold Glove awards
Two World Series titles – 2006 and 2011
Also receiving votes: Buster Posey, Joe Mauer
First base: Albert Pujols (2001-2022)
St. Louis Cardinals (2001-2011, 2022), Los Angeles Angels (2011-2021), Los Angeles Dodgers (2021)
703 home runs – fourth all-time
Three National League MVP awards – 2005, 2008 and 2009
2,218 RBI – second all time
3,384 hits – 10th all time
11-time All-Star
Two World Series titles – 2006 and 2011
Two Gold Glove awards
Second base: Jose Altuve (2011-present)
Houston Astros (2011-2025)
2017 American League MVP
Two World Series titles – 2017 and 2022
2015 AL Gold Glove award
.303 career average, 2,388 hits
Also receiving votes: Chase Utley
Third base: Miguel Cabrera (2003-2023)
Florida Marlins (2003-2007), Detroit Tigers (2008-2023)
2012 and 2013 American League MVP
511 home runs – 25th all time
3,174 hits
1,881 RBIs – 13th all time
2012 Triple Crown, MLB’s first since 1967 with 44 HR, 139 RBIs, .330 average
Four batting titles – 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015
2003 World Series title
Also receiving votes: Adrian Beltre, Alex Rodriguez
Shortstop: Derek Jeter (1995-2014)
New York Yankees (1995-2014)
Stats from 2000-2014
Two World Series titles – 2000 and 2009
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame (2020)
Five Gold Glove awards
12-time All-Star from 2000
Also receiving votes: Mookie Betts, Alex Rodriguez
Outfield: Mike Trout (2011-present)
Los Angeles Angels (2011-2025)
Three American League MVP awards – 2014, 2016 and 2019
11-time All-Star
404 home runs, 214 stolen bases
Also receiving votes: Carlos Beltran, Barry Bonds
Outfield: Aaron Judge (2016-present)
New York Yankees (2016-2025)
Three American League MVP awards: 2022, 2024 and 2025
Four 50 HR seasons – one of only four players in history
1.028 OPS – ninth all time
.615 slugging percentage – sixth all time
AL record 62 home runs in 2022
Outfield: Mookie Betts (2014-present)
Boston Red Sox (2014-2019), Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-2025)
2018 American League MVP
Four World Series titles – 2018, 2020, 2024 and 2025
Eight-time All-Star
Six Gold Glove awards
Designated hitter: David Ortiz (1997-2016)
Minnesota Twins (1997-2002), Boston Red Sox (2003-2016)
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame (2022)
541 career home runs – 17th all time
1,768 career RBIs – 23rd all time
10-time All-Star
Three World Series titles – 2004, 2007 and 2013
Also receiving votes: Shohei Ohtani
Starting pitcher: Clayton Kershaw (2008-2025)
Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-2025)
Three NL Cy Young awards – 2011, 2013 and 2014
2014 National League MVP
Three World Series titles – 2020, 2024 and 2025
Five NL ERA titles – 2011-2014, 2017
3,052 career strikeouts – 20th all time
4.271 strikeouts per walk – 12th all time
Also receiving votes: Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Roy Halladay
SP: Justin Verlander (2005-present)
Detroit Tigers (2005-2017), Houston Astros (2017-2024), New York Mets (2023), San Francisco Giants (2025)
Three Cy Young awards – 2011, 2019 and 2022
2011 American League MVP
266 wins
3,553 strikeouts – eighth all time
Two World Series titles – 2017 and 2022
Nine-time All-Star
SP: Max Scherzer (2008-present)
Arizona Diamondbacks (2008-2009), Detroit Tigers (2010-2014), Washington Nationals (2015-2021), Los Angeles Dodgers (2021), New York Mets (2022), Texas Rangers (2023-2024), Toronto Blue Jays (2025)
Three Cy Young awards – 2013, 2016 and 2017
221 wins
3,489 strikeouts – 11th all time
Two World Series titles – 2019 and 2023
Eight-time All-Star
SP: Zack Greinke (2004-2023)
Kansas City Royals (2004-2010, 2022-2023), Milwaukee Brewers (2011-2012), Los Angeles Angels (2012), Los Angeles Dodgers (2013-2015), Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2019), Houston Astros (2019-2021)
2009 American League Cy Young
225 wins
Six-time All-Star
SP: CC Sabathia (2011-2019)
Cleveland (2001-2008), Milwaukee Brewers (2008), New York Yankees (2009-2019)
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame (2025)
2007 American League Cy Young
251 wins
Six-time All-Star
2009 World Series title
Closer: Mariano Rivera (1995-2013)
New York Yankees (1995-2013)
Stats from 2000-2013
Mariners’ Cal Raleigh hears ‘MVP’ chants at Kraken game
Seattle made it clear who they think should’ve won the American League MVP award this past MLB season.
Kraken fans serenaded Seattle Mariners superstar catcher Cal Raleigh with an “MVP” chant during the Kraken’s 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday at Climate Pledge Arena.
Raleigh – who led the MLB in homeruns with a whopping 60 round-trippers – finished a close second in the AL MVP voting race, right behind the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge.
The 29-year-old was rocking a Kraken hat at the game, which he showed off when he was introduced on the big board. His girlfriend, Hannah Shimek, was with him at the game wearing a Kraken sweater.
After he was shown on the big screen, Kraken fans gave Raleigh a standing ovation, and let him know who is their MVP.
Raleigh led the Mariners to one of the best seasons in franchise history, finishing 90-72 in the regular season, winning the AL West division, and coming one win away from the franchise’s first World Series berth.
The Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series, before falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games in the American League Championship Series.
Raleigh showed his support for the Kraken just before the team’s playoff push, rocking the Kraken’s glow-in-the-dark alternate sweater back in September.
Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor also supported the Kraken during the team’s postseason appearance, wearing the jersey during the Mariners’ celebrations after clinching the ALDS win.
Seattle Pursuing Brendan Donovan, Reluctant to Deal
The Seattle Mariners are still hunting for another meaningful upgrade before Opening Day, but a new report suggests they’re trying to do it without touching the part of the roster they view as their biggest advantage: the major league rotation.
Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported that Seattle is willing to include top pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje in a package for St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan, but the front office has been “adamant” it doesn’t want to trade an established big league starter to make a deal happen.
That stance matters because Donovan is exactly the type of player the Mariners have been tied to: an MLB-ready bat with defensive versatility and multiple years of club control. And it also helps explain why this has remained a “talks” story rather than a finished transaction.
Key details:
Seattle’s interest in Brendan Donovan is real, and discussions have been described as “lengthy.”
The Mariners are open to dealing from the top of a strong farm system — including Cijntje — but are trying to avoid subtracting from their MLB rotation.
St. Louis has signaled a preference for MLB-ready pitching in recent trades, which is part of the squeeze point in negotiations.
Why Seattle Is Protecting Its Rotation in These Talks
On paper, trading a starter to buy a bat can be a clean baseball trade. In practice, Seattle’s rotation depth behind its top group is the reason Dipoto’s side is digging in.
Per MLBTR, Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo and George Kirby all made at least 23 starts in 2025, and only Castillo did it without an IL stint. Bryce Miller missed more than half the season with elbow inflammation, which forced the Mariners into thinner depth than they’d like.
The next wave isn’t a sure thing, either. Emerson Hancock has a career 4.81 ERA in 162 MLB innings, and rookie Logan Evans posted a 4.32 ERA across 81 1/3 innings while also showing modest bat-missing numbers in the majors, per the same report.
That’s the pressure point: if Seattle trades from the front of the rotation, it’s not just losing talent; it’s betting it can survive the inevitable summer innings crunch with unproven options.
What It Means for a Potential Brendan Donovan Deal
If the Mariners are truly drawing a line at “no established MLB starters,” the trade conversation becomes more narrow and more prospect-driven.
That can work — especially for a team like Seattle that’s consistently been praised for pitching development — but it also means St. Louis has to be comfortable taking younger arms rather than the kind of immediate rotation help it’s been linked to seeking.
The other key dynamic: the market. Multiple teams have been connected to Donovan, which can keep the asking price elevated and prolong the process into January and February. A report from The Athletic suggested Seattle and San Francisco were frontrunners to land Donovan.
The Bigger Trade Market Context for Seattle
Seattle’s “don’t touch the rotation” posture also intersects with other rumored infield targets around the league, including Arizona’s Ketel Marte, who has drawn heavy trade chatter this winter, with reporting that the Diamondbacks are seeking pitching help in any deal.
If Seattle wants “one more notable splash,” as the report framed it, the cleanest path may be the one they’re signaling: move premium prospects, keep the big league starters, and keep pushing to add offense without creating a new problem on the mound.
Mets’ Francisco Lindor Makes Personal Decision During MLB Offseason
The 2025 New York Mets season ended in disappointment despite a promising start and strong individual performances from several core players. New York finished 83-79, placing second in the NL East, but ultimately missed the MLB postseason after a late-season collapse.
The Mets opened the year with the best record in baseball at 45-24 in mid-June, only to stumble down the stretch, going 38-55 over their final 93 games. With the result, New York lost its playoff spot to the Cincinnati Reds on a tiebreaker.
Despite the team’s struggles, Francisco Lindor delivered one of the strongest seasons of his 11-year career.
Appearing in 160 games, Lindor slashed .267/.346/.466 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases, earning his first All-Star selection as a Met. He scored 117 runs, posted an OPS+ of 129, and joined the 30-30 club for the second time in his career.
After the season concluded, Lindor made a notable personal decision that underscored his long-term commitment to New York City.
The Mets star purchased a $21.2 million penthouse in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a 5,300-square-foot residence featuring six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, skyline views, and premium amenities.
Lindor is under contract through 2031 after signing a 10-year, $341 million extension in 2021 (Spotrac), the largest contract in franchise history at the time and one of the most significant deals ever for a shortstop. Since arriving in New York as part of a blockbuster trade from the Cleveland Guardians in 2021, Lindor has been one of baseball’s most reliable performers.
During the 2025 season, Lindor also reached several milestones, including his 1,500th career hit and his first walk-off home run as a Met.
As the Mets look ahead to 2026, they do so amid roster turnover following a busy offseason that has already included trading two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil, franchise career home run leader Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz.
Rays Were on Wrong End of One of the Best MLB Game Finishes Last Season
The 2025 MLB season wasn’t great for the Tampa Bay Rays, who won only 77 games and failed to qualify for the postseason for the second straight campaign after playing October baseball in five straight years.
There were several disappointing moments for the franchise, which were removed from their home of Tropicana Field because of Hurricane Milton. That meant playing all of their home games at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees spring training home.
At one point, the Rays were 11 games over the .500 mark, looking like a potential playoff challenger in the American League. Alas, the wheels eventually fell off during the summer when Tampa Bay had to endure several lengthy road trips.
The schedule was built to avoid being in the Florida heat outdoors as much as possible, creating a tough situation for the Rays to navigate. There were a lot of low points with the losses racking up, including one night against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park that really stood out.
Rays suffered brutal loss to Red Sox at Fenway Park
On July 11, they faced off against their AL East rivals. The Red Sox were riding a seven-game winning streak, and Tampa Bay looked like it had what it took to snap that streak.
The Rays entered the bottom of the ninth inning with a one-run lead, turning to closer Pete Fairbanks to shut the door as he did so many times. Alas, that was just not his night, as Boston mounted a comeback that landed at No. 9 on the top 20 finishes of the 2025 MLB season, ranked by Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru and Jared Greenspan of MLB.com.
Fairbanks would end up walking star prospect Roman Anthony, who worked a five-pitch walk. With the tying run on base, Ceddanne Rafaela stepped to the plate as the game-winning run.
Facing a two-strike count, Tampa Bay’s closer had gained the edge. He threw a slider, looking to put Rafaela away. Alas, the Red Sox slugger had other ideas, launching the ball into the Boston night sky for a two-run, walk-off home run over the Green Monster.
The home run was measured at 406 feet by Statcast and helped the Red Sox to their eighth consecutive victory, keeping their momentum going. Boston would carry that success all the way through the end of the season, earning a wild-card spot after a tough start.
It was the beginning of what would be a long summer for the Rays. Owners of a 47-36 record on June 28, they would finish the season a brutal 30-49, falling out of the race and failing to win 80 games in a 162-game season for the first time since 2016.
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Andrew Heaney, 2023 World Series champion, announces retirement after 12 MLB seasons
Andrew Heaney has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after 12 seasons, including a 2023 World Series Championship.
Esteury Ruiz traded from Dodgers to Marlins (source)
The Dodgers agreed to trade outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Marlins on Monday in exchange for right-handed prospect Adriano Marrero, a source told MLB.com. The clubs have not confirmed the deal.
The speedy Ruiz served as outfield depth for the World Series champion Dodgers last season. He was primarily a defensive replacement or pinch-runner in his 19 appearances for Los Angeles, hitting .190 (4-for-21) with four stolen bases.
Ruiz replaces Myers’ right-handed bat and center-field capability. After Myers’ departure, Miami didn’t have a true backup center-field option behind Jakob Marsee (outside of prospect Victor Mesa Jr.) or a righty outfield bat other than Heriberto Hernández.
Ruiz, who turns 27 in February, racked up an American League-leading 67 stolen bases for the A’s in 2023. He ranked second overall, trailing only Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. (73). That came one year after Ruiz had 85 stolen bases in just 114 games between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022.
Though Ruiz provided some insurance while the Dodgers dealt with injuries to Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman this past season, he wasn’t expected to factor into the club’s outfield plans for 2026.
As for Marrero, the 18-year-old righty signed with the Marlins out of Cuba last offseason. He had a 3.82 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 33 innings over 10 starts in the Dominican Summer League.
Alex Bregman Named Red Sox’s No. 1 Target in Free Agency
Coming off their first postseason appearance in four seasons, the Boston Red Sox have had an aggressive winter. They’ve added Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras in separate deals with the St. Louis Cardinals.
While Boston has been active in the trade market this offseason, there’s one free agent they want to bring back. In a live stream for Bleacher Report, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Alex Bregman is the Red Sox’s No. 1 target to strengthen their lineup. Heyman also listed the Blue Jays, Cubs, and Diamondbacks as teams pursuing Bregman.
Bregman, 31, agreed to a three-year deal with the Red Sox in February. In 114 games, he slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs. He missed two months with a right quad strain. In pursuit of a longer guarantee, he opted out of the final two years and $80 million.
Why the Red Sox Want to Bring Back Alex Bregman
The American League East has been active this offseason, adding pressure on the Red Sox to keep up. The Blue Jays and Orioles have been hyper-aggressive in free agency this season. Both clubs spent hundreds of millions of dollars to improve their rosters.
With the ante raised to win the division, Boston needs to add another big bat to their lineup. They’ve been linked to Ketel Marte and Brendan Donovan in the trade market, but not much has come of it. The Diamondbacks’ ask for Marte has been young starting pitching and a reliever, a price the Red Sox balked at. Arizona tried to get Connelly Early at the trade deadline for Merrill Kelly, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
With the exorbitant cost of a potential Marte deal, it makes more sense to try to re-sign Bregman. The Red Sox already are familiar with what he brings to the club, both on and off the field. The only cost to bring him back is in dollars, compared to the alternatives.
Bregman had a nice bounce-back in 2025, proving he’s still an impact player on a contender. His 128 OPS+ was his highest mark since 2022, and he’s still a solid defender at the hot corner. While not the same defender he was in Houston, where he won a Gold Glove in 2024, he was +1 defensive runs saved and +3 outs above average.
Boston already saw what life without Bregman was. While recovering from a right quad strain, top prospect Marcelo Mayer filled in at third base. Mayer struggled in his first cup of coffee with the Red Sox, slashing .228/.272/.404 in his first 136 plate appearances. In a hyper-competitive division, relying on Mayer could be a riskier bet than bringing back Bregman in 2026.
What Would It Take to Re-Sign Bregman
Heyman reported that Bregman is seeking a five-year deal in free agency. That would cover his Age 32-36 seasons. For the Red Sox, that is a risky proposition, as that contract is almost certain to go underwater for them in the back half. However, that extra year may be the cost of trying to keep up in a hyper-competitive division.
Of all the teams competing to land Bregman’s services, Arizona represents the biggest obstacle. Bregman lives in Scottsdale, where the Diamondbacks play their Spring Training games.
The opportunity to live there year-round and raise his family makes them an appealing destination to sign a long-term deal with. It’s the same selling point that convinced former Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodríguez to sign a four-year deal with them two offseasons ago.
MLB Trade Rumors predicts Bregman to sign a six-year, $160 million contract. The median crowd source projection on FanGraphs has him getting a five-year, $155 million deal.
In the event the Red Sox fail to re-sign Bregman, they could pivot to a different bat or roll the dice with Mayer.
2026 MLB Hall of Fame candidates fun highlights
Twelve players are on the 2026 Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s Hall of Fame ballot for the first time. Every member of that dozen secured their spot on the ballot by putting up huge numbers, winning awards, making All-Star teams and/or being at their best in the postseason over an MLB career that spanned at least a decade.
Braun, the Brewers’ all-time home run leader, spent his entire 14-year career with Milwaukee. Only Hall of Famers Robin Yount and Paul Molitor had more hits with the club. The 2011 National League MVP was a Brewer through and through. During a game against the Mets on April 28, 2019, Braun’s deep ties to the franchise became hilariously literal.
While going back to the wall on a deep fly from Mets rookie Pete Alonso, Braun jumped and didn’t come down with the ball. He did, however, come down with about half a cup of beer on his uniform. A Mets fan inadvertently spilled their beverage all over Braun right in front of the fence, dousing the left fielder. The play resulted in Alonso’s first career triple and in Braun probably needing a little wardrobe change after the inning.
Choo is at the center of the most painful and unfortunate entry on this list. Facing Royals left-hander Danny Duffy on May 24, 2018, Choo watched a pitch sail wide and into the dirt. The offering was so far off the plate that Rangers teammate Delino DeShields decided to take off from first base and try to steal second. And he probably would have made it safely … if not for Choo’s face.
That’s because when the pitch hit the dirt, it bounced up, deflected off of Royals catcher Salvador Perez and then nailed Choo right in his mug. As he staggered away from the plate, the ball died right in front of Perez, who picked it up and fired a strike to second base to nab DeShields.
Encarnación bashed 424 homers across 16 big league seasons, and an imaginary parrot was perched atop his raised right arm for most of those strolls around the bases. The Blue Jays celebrated the slugger’s distinctive trot with
Jon Anik Calls for UFC to Bring Back MMA Rule From PRIDE Era
Mixed martial arts has existed for decades, but the UFC brought it into the mainstream. In the early UFC era (starting with UFC 1 in 1993), there were no rounds, no judges, and only a few fouls (notably no biting, no eye gouging, and no groin strikes). Fights typically ended by knockout, submission, referee stoppage, or a corner stoppage (throwing in the towel). Sen. John McCain famously criticized early UFC as ‘human cockfighting,’ helping drive political pressure for regulation.
To respond to political pressure and legitimize MMA, state athletic commissions moved to standardize regulation in the early 2000s, most notably New Jersey’s process in 2000–2001, which became the foundation of the Unified Rules later adopted widely across North America. These regulations standardized the round structure, fouls, officiating, judging, and weight classes, creating a consistent rule framework for sanctioned events. Over time, the UFC also prohibited additional moves to better protect competitors.
Recently, UFC commentator Jon Anik proposed reintroducing some rules in modern MMA that were once used by rival organization PRIDE. On X and a Florida-based podcast, he asked fans, “If you could add a rule back, what would it be and why?” Taking the discussion further, Anik suggested bringing back a 10-minute first round. “Where to begin?! ROUND ONE = 10 MINUTES!” he wrote on X.
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Back in the day, PRIDE dominated the Japanese MMA circuit from 1997 to 2007, establishing itself as the premier promotion. It helped grow the sport in Japan and, at the same time, offered a style that differed distinctly from American promotions. PRIDE scheduled bouts with a long 10-minute first round followed by two 5-minute rounds, giving the fights a unique rhythm and intensity. Now, fans are also actively joining the discussion in the comments.
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MMA community joins Jon Anik in discussing PRIDE-era rule revival
Today, most UFC champions rely on a grappling-heavy approach. By contrast, PRIDE emphasized striking and used a unique ring structure. The promotion also allowed techniques like soccer kicks, stomps, and knees to the head of a grounded opponent, moves that the UFC bans. Interestingly, one fan even advocated bringing these techniques back, commenting, “Soccer kicks and knees on the ground like Pride FC.”
Although the UFC still prohibits many of these moves, the Association of Boxing Commissions voted in July 2024 to remove the 12–6 elbow ban from the Unified Rules, effective Nov. 1, 2024, though adoption still varies by state commission. Back in its prime, PRIDE dominated the MMA world, showcasing legends such as Fedor Emelianenko in the heavyweight division, alongside Wanderlei Silva, Kazushi Sakuraba, and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. In fact, the promotion expanded MMA’s reach across Japan and beyond.
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Fans continue to discuss potential rule changes. For example, one suggested, “If you miss weight you should lose a point before the fight starts.” Additionally, PRIDE officials used a yellow card to penalize fighters and deduct points. The promotion also created unforgettable nights for Japanese fans with dramatic fighter entrances set to music. Its style-versus-style matchmaking pushed competitors to innovate inside the ring.
Then, in 2007, Lorenzo and the Fertitta brothers purchased PRIDE, ending the promotion. Despite its relaxed approach, PRIDE enforced certain rules, such as restricting fighter coaching during rounds, unlike the UFC. As one fan noted, “No coaching during the rounds. Only allowed between rounds.”
Ultimately, PRIDE could not survive. Experts blame the lack of major TV broadcast deals in Japan, a crucial source of revenue. Moreover, a fan highlighted this, saying, “No rounds is the only solution, but that’s not TV commercial friendly.” Alleged organized-crime (Yakuza) involvement also factors into discussions about PRIDE’s closure.
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Alex Pereira’s Hesitation Amid White House Dream Adds to Former UFC Champ’s Misery
Alex Pereira’s hesitation over a trilogy fight and his White House ambitions have stalled Magomed Ankalaev’s clearest path to the top. Rankings are shifting, but the trend currently works against Ankalaev. Legacy and spectacle now take priority over unfinished business, forcing Ankalaev to keep fighting.
This delay pushes Ankalaev to take risks rather than seek rewards. A fight against Jiri Prochazka is dangerous, offering no safety net or room for mistakes. One mistake could erase years of progress, especially with the UFC doubtful after his last title eliminator.
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Alex Pereira’s indecision reshapes Magomed Ankalaev’s path
Magomed Ankalaev’s veteran manager addressed the situation directly on social media. He said, “They’re tied 1–1 right now. Personally, I don’t think Pereira has a strong desire to do a third fight. Either way, we’re going to move forward and make one more fight. We’ll pick a solid opponent. Prochazka just won his fight, so now we’re working on organizing a bout with him. I think that would be good preparation for the next title fight.” The message underlined how Alex Pereira’s indecision has slowed Ankalaev’s most direct climb while pushing him toward a dangerous alternative in Jiri Prochazka.
Magomedox’s long-term manager also shut down any suggestion of pressure tactics behind the scenes. He stated, “As for sanctions from the UFC if a fighter says, ‘I’m injured, and I can’t take this fight,’ that’s not how it works. The UFC doesn’t operate like tyrants. Yes, the business has to move, and fights have to happen, but I don’t remember a single time in history where they forced someone to fight when they weren’t ready or couldn’t compete due to health reasons.” His remarks reinforced that, despite the risks ahead, the UFC still draws a firm line when it comes to fighter readiness.
For Magomed Ankalaev, the road forward mixes danger with deliberate preparation. A potential fight with Jiri Prochazka demands urgency and composure, especially against a fighter who thrives in disorder. At the same time, Ankalaev will compete in a grappling-focused bout against Arman Tsarukyan, using it to sharpen his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under live-fire conditions. It reads less like a detour and more like a refinement, tightening tools while waiting for clarity at the top.
Meanwhile, Alex Pereira chases legacy fights, crossovers, and even a White House appearance, keeping attention off immediate matchups. The contrast is clear. Pereira pursues spectacle, while Ankalaev stays active, sharpens his skills, and takes the fights that count. In a division where momentum beats hype, action speaks louder than ambition.
Alex Pereira’s White House dream falls through, light heavyweight future uncertain
Since regaining the UFC light heavyweight title, Alex Pereira aims to build his legacy with the biggest fights. After beating Magomed Ankalaev, he wants Jon Jones as his next opponent in the Octagon. He planned a White House visit, and his injury suggested he’d wait for the UFC’s June event. However, recent events show this plan is no longer in place.
In a recent post with Dana White, Pereira wrote, “Looks like the White House is a no-go!” It is not clear if this affects a heavyweight move or a light heavyweight title defense, but it signals a major change in the champion’s immediate plans. Pereira’s move to heavyweight received pushback. UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes said he thinks moving up would “screw it up” and added, “I’d rather that didn’t happen.” Blaydes also said a champion should clear out their division before moving up, a view shared by many fans. If Pereira were going to fight Jon Jones or challenge for the heavyweight title, which seems unlikely, the UFC would probably hold him until next June. With the White House fight off, Pereira now seems more likely to defend his light heavyweight title soon.
Pereira’s indecision and shifting focus have sparked speculation among fans and contenders. The Brazilian champion now has to balance ambition with action. Legacy fights, crossover possibilities, and the postponed White House plan all compete for attention.
Conor McGregor’s Takeover Reduced to Its Last Flame After UFC Axed Three Irish Fighters in 2025
“We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over,” Conor McGregor famously said after flatlining Diego Brandão at UFC Fight Night 46 in Dublin back in 2014. For fans, it became an iconic moment. But for ‘The Notorious’, those words represented hope and a vision of seeing the Irish flag flying high inside the UFC. Sadly, that dream now rests almost entirely on Ian Garry’s shoulders.
The UFC has always taken pride in its Irish talent pool. But beyond the former two-division champion and ‘The Future’, not many Irish fighters have managed to stay in the spotlight. In recent years, Irish fighters struggled to separate themselves from the pack, which eventually pushed the promotion to part ways with three fighters representing the country in 2025.
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Ian Garry carries Conor McGregor’s legacy as the only active Irish male fighter in UFC
“With Rhys McKee’s release, Ian Garry will be Ireland’s only active male fighter on the UFC roster starting in 2026. The takeover is dead, Andy Hickey MMA posted on X.
Well, McKee showed promise during his time outside the UFC, especially in promotions like Cage Warriors. However, his UFC run turned into a nightmare. He faced tough UFC matchups that included Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Morono, and he also has a loss listed against Chidi Njokuani. After his loss to Axel Sola at UFC Paris, the promotion decided to cut the Irish sensation, ending his run at 1-6 inside the Octagon.
“Disappointed to part ways with the UFC, before some roster watch lets everyone know. Silver lining coming, McKee wrote on Instagram with a heavy heart.
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Honestly, Rhys McKee was not the only fighter released this year. The UFC also cut 28-year-old Caolan Loughran, despite his recent win over Nathan Fletcher. Following that axing spree, Conor McGregor’s teammate Kiefer Crosbie also exited the promotion after going winless across four UFC appearances.
With three Irish male fighters released in the same year, Ian Garry now stands as the lone torchbearer of ‘The Notorious’ legacy in Dana White’s promotion. ‘The Future’ has already built a strong reputation and now finds himself on the verge of a potential welterweight title fight against Islam Makhachev. Only time will tell if Garry can replicate what McGregor achieved twice during his historic run.
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While the UFC chapter has not treated Irish fighters kindly of late, all hope is not lost. In 2026, the promotion could once again tap into Ireland’s talent pool. But before that, several intriguing developments are already lining up as the UFC prepares for its Paramount+ CBS era.
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Dana White’s promotion unveils the first poster under the Paramount+ CBS era
The UFC is all set to enter its historic Paramount+ CBS era, and fan excitement sits at an all-time high. Under the new broadcast partnership, the promotion will stage its first numbered marquee event, UFC 324, on January 24, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship.
The co-main event will see Kayla Harrison defend her 135 lbs title against a returning Amanda Nunes, rounding out an already loaded main card. Truth be told, the entire lineup looks stacked. With the UFC stepping into a new era, fans also expected noticeable changes to the promotion’s overall presentation. Addressing that curiosity, the UFC unveiled its first-ever event poster under the Paramount era.
The poster features both the main event and co-main event, wrapped in a mix of blue and red tones that reflect Paramount+ branding. Along with the event date and location, the new broadcaster’s logo now sits prominently in a spot once occupied by ESPN’s logo for the past seven years.
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That said, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Dana White and his team as they aim to kick things off with a bang. Still, the bigger question remains whether the promotion can uncover fresh talent this year, especially from Ireland. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett surprisingly agree on Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC spot
Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria finally finding common ground will not have been on most fans bingo cards to close out 2025.
The lightweight duo are bitter rivals, dating back years to even before Pimblett’s tenure in the UFC. They had appeared to be on a collision course for lightweight gold to start out next year and the $7.7 billion new Paramount deal, but that fell apart and the Brit now fights for interim gold.
And now, it seems that they have found agreement in one thing – the mocking of top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
Ilia Topuria dismisses Arman Tsarukyan as serious title contender
When Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Goethe was booked for UFC 324, the odd man out appeared to be the Armenian, who hasn’t lost in years and is still ranked number one. But it seems that even Ilia Topuria is on Pimblett’s side when it comes to Tsarukyan’s spot in the division.
The grappling star infamously pulled out of last January’s UFC 311 title fight with Islam Makhachev on hours’ notice, leaving Renato Moicano to step in. He returned with a win over Dan Hooker, but even that was put at risk when he headbutted his opponent at ceremonial weigh-ins.
Speaking with Eldo Burdan, Topuria said of his rival: “Arman is a good fighter. He had his chances, but he refused to compete. All fighters face arm pain, leg pain, and everything, yet we still showed up for the fight.
“Maybe he needs to change his underwear after making that decision. Arman, from here, you can go f—- yourself.”
Paddy Pimblett has the same sentiment about Arman Tsarukyan
In fact, Pimblett had pretty much the exact same to say about the controversial lightweight when he spoke to Sky Sports. He branded Tsarukyan a ‘spoilt brat’, and insisted he is nowhere near a title fight just yet despite his ranking – even claiming he’s lucky to still have a job.
“Don’t be a spoiled little brat and you might end up getting in good graces,” Pimblett said. “It’s his own fault lad. It’s his own family’s fault for letting him be a spoiled little baby his whole life.
”He’s lucky he still hasn’t been cut, never mind he’s not fighting for the belt. He’s lucky to still be on the roster.”
Yoel Romero Calls Out UFC Goat for Epic Matchup With 98 Years Combined Age
Last week, UFC veterans dominated the headlines, but Yoel Romero made the biggest impact. At 48, the former UFC title challenger defied expectations inside the Fishers Event Center in Indiana, once again proving that age is just a number. At RAF 4, the Olympic medalist captured the interim light heavyweight title by decisively controlling 15 years younger Patrick Downey on the mat.
With the title in hand, Yoel Romero keeps pushing forward. Next month, he is expected to defend his belt against UFC middleweight and NCAA standout Bo Nickal in Sunrise, Florida. Meanwhile, even while focusing on wrestling, Romero recently expressed interest in stepping into the boxing ring to face another UFC legend.
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Yoel Romero issues shocking boxing challenge to UFC legend
“I want every sport, and don’t blame me because boxing is coming, I am coming. For the boxer, you see what happened: Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley. My hate, he called the wrong name, called the wrong name. He said he wants a fight. White man, come on, Silva, come on, my man.” Romero told The Schmo.
Excuse the English of the Cuban MMA star, but he is dead serious about the match.
“You know I am the man, you need to fight with me, you need to fight me, I need to fight you. Let’s do it,” he added.
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Just a day before, Yoel Romero displayed his skills on the mat at RAF. Then, on Friday, 50-year-old Anderson Silva stopped Tyron Woodley via second-round TKO on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, cementing his status as the most talked-about MMA veteran in town.
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Silva had originally scheduled a fight with his UFC rival Chris Weidman, but unfortunately, an injury prevented the matchup. After the fight, Silva called out Weidman again to settle the score following his two straight losses.
Now, with Romero’s latest callout, the MMA world is buzzing over the rare prospect of a clash between the 48-year-old and 50-year-old fighters. Still, it remains to be seen whether Silva will accept, as he is currently exploring an alternative career path.
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Anderson Silva’s next chapter could see him chasing criminals
After decades inside the cage, Anderson Silva is about to trade his fighting gloves for a badge. The former UFC champion retired from MMA years ago, but he has stayed active in boxing while living in California, facing opponents such as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Tito Ortiz, Chael Sonnen, and Jake Paul.
Even so, Silva has yet to close the chapter on a potential showdown with Chris Weidman, and no one knows if that dream fight will happen. For now, the Brazilian is focusing on a new challenge: serving as a police officer.
“I’m going to keep doing this. I go back to work right now and start my Police Academy with Beverly Hills PD,” Silva told Ariel Helwani. “That’s the one part in my life where I need to give something back to the United States. I’ll go do that.”
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This isn’t new for Anderson Silva, as he has been chasing this goal since 2014. Now, at 50, it remains to be seen how he will make it work in his favor. One thing is certain: even outside the cage, Silva can’t stay away from fighting. So, let’s see how it all unfolds.
Ilia Topuria Supports Dana White Snubbing Arman Tsarukyan in X-Rated Rant
Arman Tsarukyan’s dream of fighting for the 155 lbs title just got even more difficult. First, UFC CEO Dana White made it very clear that the Armenian still needs to work his way up. Now, reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria echoed the head honcho’s stance while aiming for the number one 155 lbs contender.
At the UFC 323 post-fight presser, Dana White stated that even though Tsarukyan made a statement at UFC Qatar, he still needs to climb the ladder again to earn a title shot. The head honcho also clarified that there’s no personal animosity involved. It was just pure business. Furthermore, the 56-year-old believes ‘Ahalkalakets’ simply doesn’t deserve another opportunity after ruining his first one at UFC 311. Following that same logic, ‘El Matador’ believes the CEO snubbing Tsarukyan was the right call.
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Ilia Topuria backs Dana White’s decision while ripping into Arman Tsarukyan
“So, in the end, as a promoter, you give him a chance to fight in a big promotion, to make so much money, to promote him, to put him on such a big card. So, it’s difficult to even trust him again. After that, he fights another big match and delivers a headbutt during a face-off. It doesn’t show much intelligence, and the UFC doesn’t love it,” Topuria told eldoberdanMMA in Spanish (translated).
For the unversed, the Georgian Spaniard targeted the Armenian over his history of pulling out of a fight against Islam Makhachev, while also taking a dig at Tsarukyan for headbutting Dan Hooker at the UFC Qatar face-off. According to the champ, the UFC backed him heavily by offering a massive platform and didn’t get much in return. Essentially, he was questioning the 29-year-old’s reliability.
“So, when you see that you have a person in front of you whom you’re showing love to, investing money in, and who’s giving it back to you that way, in the end, would you show him that affection? Well, that’s what they were doing. They sat down at a table and said go f— yourself, Arman,” Topuria added in the interview.
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Here, ‘El Matador’ doubled down on his stance, this time with an X-rated rant. Still, Topuria isn’t alone in backing Dana White’s decision. Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo has also suggested he understands why the UFC CEO and the matchmakers made that call.
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As for Tsarukyan, it remains unclear how he’ll work his way back into the title picture, or if a fight with Ilia Topuria is even realistic. But it does appear the lightweight champion has already hinted at who he wants to face next.
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‘El Matador’ sends well wishes to UFC 324 headliners
On January 24, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are set to collide for the interim lightweight championship. The winner of that fight will go on to face Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title next year, or whenever the champ is done dealing with his personal situation. With that in mind, it’s pretty much cemented that ‘El Matador’s next opponent will be decided at the first Paramount+ event.
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Dana White announced the fight during the Cowboys vs. Chiefs halftime show, but Topuria revealed that he was aware of the matchup well before anyone else. He also shockingly disclosed that the UFC had originally planned for him to headline the January event.
“Very good, very happy. The truth is that I had the conversation previously with the UFC. I knew what was happening. We had some discussions. Because of my personal situation, they knew I couldn’t compete in January,” Topuria told ESPN Deportes in Spanish (translated).
Now, with ‘El Matador’s January slot taken by two of the most well-known lightweight fighters, one of whom he may eventually face, the Georgian Spaniard had nothing but praise for the UFC 324 headliners, albeit with a cold warning attached.
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“To me, it seems very well-deserved. For both, it’s a pretty valid title, quite well-deserved. It’s the closest the two of them will get to holding a world championship. Congratulations to both of you, but at the end of the day, they will have to deal with the real deal,” Topuria added in the ESPN Deportes interview.
Ilia Topuria: ‘You’ll Still Have to Deal With the Real Champion’
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria may be sidelined as he works through personal matters, but he isn’t losing sleep over the promotion’s decision to crown an interim champion in his absence. In fact, he says he expected it.
In November, Topuria announced he would be stepping back from competition, prompting the UFC to book Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for an interim belt at UFC 324 on Jan. 24. The matchup and the creation of the interim title drew immediate criticism from fans who questioned its necessity and wondered why top contender Arman Tsarukyan wasn’t slotted in instead.
But speaking with ESPN Deportes, Topuria made it clear he knew the plan in advance and fully supported the promotion moving forward without him, at least temporarily.
“Because of my personal situation, they knew I couldn’t compete in January,” Topuria said. “They decided to make the fight for the interim title between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. To me, it seems very well-deserved… but at the end of the day, they will have to deal with the real deal.”
Gaethje vs. Pimblett: A Divisive, High-Stakes Matchup
Gaethje has held interim gold before, defeating Tony Ferguson in 2020 before falling short in a unification bout against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Since then, he’s gone 4–2, most recently defeating Rafael Fiziev.
Pimblett enters UFC 324 riding a nine-fight winning streak and is 7–0 in the UFC, but questions around his résumé persist. His narrow win over Jared Gordon and three straight victories over aging veterans Michael Chandler, King Green, and Tony Ferguson have done little to silence critics.
Still, Pimblett’s popularity and the UFC’s promotional backing have kept him in the spotlight.
Topuria says he understands why this matchup was made and that what happens next depends heavily on who wins. Topuria surprised many when he teased that Gaethje winning might actually complicate the UFC’s roadmap.
“If Justin wins, the UFC has different plans that I can’t talk about,” he said. “If they offered me to fight Justin at the White House, that would excite me.”
But he also suggested the promotion may be envisioning a different scenario one involving Pimblett.
“I don’t know how capable [Gaethje] will be of ruining the UFC’s plans and Paddy Pimblett’s plans,” he said. “It’s difficult. Not impossible. I wish him luck.”
And then came the warning: “If you beat Paddy, you will have to be locked in an octagon with me. I don’t know if that’s very lucky.”
Topuria Breaks Down the Fight Itself
While Topuria and Pimblett share a heated rivalry, the champion gave a fairly measured breakdown of the matchup:
Pimblett is not an elite takedown artist.
Gaethje’s leg kicks and power are serious weapons.
Pimblett has been hittable in past fights.
“Paddy is not someone who easily takes people to the ground,” Topuria said. “Justin has heavy hands, heavy kicks… we’ve seen Paddy take a lot of hits. It’s a very exciting fight.”
The champion reiterated that he’s dealing with ongoing personal matters unrelated to competition and that his return timetable is uncertain.
“I prioritize the welfare of my family, of my children,” Topuria said. “As soon as everything is solved, I will be back in the octagon to give the show everyone deserves.”
In the meantime, Gaethje and Pimblett will fight for an interim belt that Topuria views as legitimate but temporary. Because as he made clear, whoever leaves UFC 324 with gold around their waist won’t truly be champion until they beat him.
When is the first UFC card on Paramount+ in 2026? Event schedule revealed for Q1
The UFC event schedule is back on hiatus once again, which began Saturday with no card to consume for the first time since Thanksgiving weekend and only the second time the entire fall (the weekend of Sept. 20).
Even though the schedule has come to a halt to cap an unpredictable year, the UFC will return in full force beginning in 2026. It will just be a bit before the fights appear on television screens (or streaming devices) all over the U.S.
The December 13 UFC Fight Night event from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas marked the end of a seven-year relationship with ESPN and its streaming service, ESPN+. Once the event went off-air, though, it officially marked the start of a brand-new, modernized way to watch the events live on Paramount+. For one flat subscription, every UFC event and its shoulder-programming will be available to watch live, without any additional paywalls.
Therefore, as UFC CEO Dana White proudly said at halftime when the Dallas Cowboys played the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day:
UFC legend Daniel Cormier doesn’t hold back on Jake Paul’s loss to Anthony Joshua
Former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier had an unsurprising reaction to Jake Paul’s Round 6 KO loss to former two-time unified heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua this past Friday in Miami, FL.
Cormier, who has shifted his duties from being one of the best modern-day UFC fighters the sport has ever seen, is a color commentator for the promotion. Given that Paul vs. Joshua aired on Netflix, Cormier was not commentating but still gave his two cents in a recent YouTube upload about Paul’s first loss since 2023.
Can Brian Ortega Become A Contender At Lightweight?
Brian Ortega is beginning a new chapter in his MMA career. At UFC 326 in March, the former two-time featherweight challenger makes his 155-lb. debut in a rematch against Renato Moicano.
The two first met back in 2017, with “T-City” getting the win via a guillotine choke after a brawl that earned both men a bonus. Now, the question looms: can he repeat? And will it lead to anything substantial?
A “Dawg”, But Never A King
At featherweight, Ortega was considered a dangerous boogeyman. Possessing a deadly mix of pinpoint striking and creative grappling, he finished seven straight fights in the Octagon on his way to a title shot. His highest-profile victim was lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, who was stopped for the first time in his career.
Ortega showed determination against Max Holloway, but his lack of composure cost him, and the doctor stopped the fight after four rounds. He beat Chan-sung Jung to earn another title shot, but fell short against Alexander Volkanovski, seemingly consigning him to gatekeeper status. Eventually, that notion was seemingly confirmed with consecutive losses to Diego Lopes and Aljamain Sterling – the latter coming after an eight-pound miss.
Beginning By Revisiting
At 34 years of age and with the weight cut working against him, Ortega has a decent first assignment in his new division. Like him, Moicano had initially established himself as a featherweight to watch, but consecutive knockout losses to Jose Aldo and Jung made him go ten pounds north. Since then, he became a fun action fighter, even stepping up on a day’s notice to challenge Islam Makhachev after Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal.
That title shot did not end well for Moicano, however, and a further loss to Beneil Dariush now has him hanging on to his divisional relevance. If Ortega can beat him, that makes him a person of interest in a division that faces much uncertainty amid Ilia Topuria’s troubles outside the cage.
End Of My Brian Ortega Rant
There have been many examples of fighters moving up a division and finding much success. Ex-featherweights who go to lightweight provide a plethora of examples, like Holloway, Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Charles Oliveira.
Now, Ortega looks to become the newest member of that esteemed circle, and his first step will take him back in time. Who knows how he will fare, but one thing will be clear: one should expect a healthier and happier version of him.
Carson’s ‘Tonight Show’ Talent Coordinator Was 85
Craig Tennis, who booked acts including Billy Crystal, Tiny Tim, Freddie Prinze, Bill Withers and Gabe Kaplan as the head talent coordinator on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, has died. He was 85.
Tennis died Tuesday of heart disease at his home in Fallbrook, California, his wife of nearly 39 years, iHeartMedia news anchor Brie Tennis, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Tennis joined The Tonight Show in 1968 when it was based in New York and moved with the program to Burbank in ’72 before quitting in ’76. Trying to anticipate what Carson would like, he found and auditioned new talent and prepared them for what would be perhaps the most important gig of their careers.
Tennis often spotted talent at The Improv clubs owned by Budd Friedman, he noted in the 2017 book The Improv: An Oral History of the Comedy Club That Revolutionized Stand-Up.
“It was my job to use the club as an educational tool for both me and them,” he said. “I would know pretty much the 20 minutes they would do [and how] we could cut them down to six.
“My rule was that you’d better have that second appearance ready and it better be better, because Carson was going to want you back in 10 days, and you had to score that second time. The third time meant that he was going to start looking at you as a potential threat, and if you could get past a fourth and fifth time, that meant you were going to be OK.”
On the air, Carson would tease Tennis in running monologue jokes about the women he dated.
In 1980, the talent coordinator authored the book Johnny Tonight! about his experiences on the show. “This may sound eerie, but I firmly believe that no one — including Johnny’s own family — really knows him intimately,” he wrote.
Craig Giroux Tennis was born in Manhattan on July 24, 1940. His mother, Janice Kelly, acted on Broadway and in a few films, and his father, Guy Giroux, was an actor as well.
Raised in Sioux City, Iowa, where he was adopted by his stepfather, Neil Tennis, he graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and then the University of Colorado in 1963.
While working in New York as PR executive, Tennis joined The Tonight Show on a temporary basis, but it took him only three of four weeks before he became full time. “They loved his ideas,” his wife said. During those years in New York, he hosted an annual holiday party that Carson would attend (no small feat).
After he exited The Tonight Show — he had “gone as far as he could go,” his wife said — and was replaced by Jim McCawley, Tennis moved to The Alan Hamel Show, a talk show based in Vancouver.
He then served as an associate producer on Saturday Night Live for a few months in 1980, wrote episodes of The Love Boat in 1984 and worked on The Midnight Special, David Letterman’s NBC daytime show and several broadcasts of the Emmys and Battle of the Network Stars.
A devoted runner since the 1960s, Tennis also penned stage comedies and compiled more than 7,000 quotes for the 2011 book Show Business Is Faux Business.
In 1986, he was among the showbiz types who opened a bar on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City called Re$iduals (it’s still there, and it’s where he met his wife).
“All of the 12 partners,” he told the Los Angeles Times back then, “are New Yorkers, by birth or circumstance. We wanted the kind of bar we’d known in New York, a neighborhood bar for this end of the Valley. We draw from the area from CBS to Disney.”
Survivors also include his daughter, Kelsey, and his brother, Kit.
‘A Pickeball Christmas’ movie premiere: How to watch, where to stream free
The brand new holiday movie A Pickleball Christmas premieres on Lifetime Saturday, Dec. 20 at 8/7c.
Starring James Lafferty and Zibby Allen, A Pickleball Christmas follows Lafferty’s character, Luke, as he returns to Florida for the holiday season to team up with a pickleball coach.
How to watch A Pickleball Christmas
Cord cutters looking to check out the latest Lifetime holiday release can stream the upcoming premiere live through DIRECTV, Philo and Sling.
Those hoping to enjoy a free trial can find one available through DIRECTV.
DIRECTV offers its subscribers over 90 live TV channels and helpful features like unlimited cloud DVR storage. Along with its four streaming packages that start at $89.99, DIRECTV also offers its subscribers the ability to customize their content even more through genre packs, which limits filler channel overload. The platform offers a 5-day free trial, and to make it even sweeter for new users, DIRECTV is slashing $40 off new subscribers’ first month, meaning users can start streaming for just $49 a month.
Philo is considered one of the most affordable traditional cable alternatives out there. At just $33 a month (only $25 the first month), subscribers can enjoy over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more. Subscribers can also access HBO Max and discovery+ content with a Philo subscription.
Sling is another great streaming platform replacing basic cable. By offering users a stellar selection of popular TV channels, Sling is a great alternative to the hassle of traditional cable. Sling is also introducing day, week and weekend passes which allow users to choose how long they can access the platform. Plans start at just $45.99 a month after the first month and the new passes start at $4.99.
More about A Pickleball Christmas
After a career-defining win, tennis star Luke Hollis returns to Florida for Christmas to team up with Caroline (Allen), a pickleball coach, in a tournament to save his family’s racquet club. While spending time together, Luke manages to find love and family as his true triumph.
JBL Offloads PartyBox Stage 320 at Record Low, Amazon Goes Zero Profit to Clear Stock for Year-End
The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 already crushes most of its competition when it comes to portable party speakers that can actually fill a space with serious sound, and now it’s dropped to $449 on Amazon which is a record low from its usual $599 price tag. This beast combines two 6.5-inch woofers with dual dome tweeters to pump out enough volume to energize a tennis court-sized area, while its telescopic handle and rugged wheels let you roll it wherever the party calls. You’re getting a legitimate pro-grade speaker system that doesn’t need an outlet to keep the music pumping for up to 18 hours straight, plus it looks incredible doing it with synchronized light effects that react to your playlist.
See at Amazon
Built-In Show That Goes Beyond Basic Bluetooth
The PartyBox Stage 320 doesn’t just play music but it also turns rooms into real event spaces: The two 6.5-inch woofers give you clean bass even when you turn the volume all the way up. The 25mm tweeters, on the other hand, handle high frequencies with a level of accuracy that most portable speakers can’t match. You can connect your phone via Bluetooth, plug it in through the aux input, or use the USB port to play music directly from a drive.
The built-in light show has starry patterns, trailing light effects, and strobes that sync up with the beat of your music. These lights change and pulse with the beat and intensity of the music which make the space feel more like a club than a backyard. With an IPX4 splash-proof rating, you can set this up by the pool or on the beach without worrying about water splashing on it or a light rain starting.
This speaker has a replaceable power pack that gives it an 18-hour battery life: This is different from other speakers that die after a few years when their sealed batteries wear out. You don’t have to buy a new speaker when you need a new battery; you just change it out. A 10-minute quick charge gives you two more hours of battery life, so even if you forget to plug it in overnight, you can still get it ready for an event in the afternoon.
You’re saving here $150 on a speaker that was already a great deal at full price.Speakers that are this powerful and have this many features usually cost more, and the ones that do have this much power don’t usually have lights, battery swapping, or professional audio inputs. This price drop makes it a no-brainer for anyone who hosts events or needs serious sound for events.
Famous birthdays for Dec. 21: Chris Evert, Jane Fonda
Dec. 21 (UPI) — Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius.
They include:
— Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket in 1118
— American Revolution figure Paul Revere in 1734
— Dog breeder Jack Russell in 1795
— World Golf Hall of Fame member Walter Hagen in 1892
— Baseball Hall of Fame member Josh Gibson in 1911
— College Football Hall of Fame member Joe Paterno in 1926
— TV personality Phil Donahue in 1935
— Actor Jane Fonda in 1937 (age 88)
— Musician Frank Zappa in 1940
— Musician Carl Wilson (Beach Boys) in 1946
— Actor Samuel L. Jackson in 1948 (age 77)
— Film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg in 1950 (age 75)
— Actor Dennis Boutsikaris in 1952 (age 73)
— International Tennis Hall of fame member Chris Evert in 1954 (age 71)
— Actor Jane Kaczmarek in 1955 (age 70)
— Comedian/actor Ray Romano in 1957 (age 68)
— USA Track & Field Hall of Fame member Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1959
— Actor Andy Dick in 1965 (age 60)
— Musician Gabby Glaser (Luscious Jackson) in 1965 (age 60)
— Kenyan President William Ruto in 1966 (age 59)
— Actor Michelle Hurd in 1966 (age 59)
— Actor Kiefer Sutherland in 1966 (age 59)
— Actor Julie Delpy in 1969 (age 56)
— Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in 1970 (age 55)
— Musician Brett Scallions (Fuel) in 1971 (age 54)
— Musician Natalie Grant in 1971 (age 54)
— French President Emmanuel Macron in 1977 (age 48)
— Actor Rutina Wesley in 1978 (age 47)
— Actor Tom Payne in 1982 (age 43)
— Actor Steven Yeun in 1983 (age 42)
— Actor Quinta Brunson in 1989 (age 36)
— Actor Kaitlyn Dever in 1996 (age 29)
— Actor Madelyn Cline in 1997 (age 28)
ITA CEO Addresses Backlash Over International Pro-Players Inclusion in NCAA Tennis
Last month, the tennis world was stunned when 23-year-old Italian pro Lorenzo Claverie announced his commitment to the University of Florida for 2026. The move sparked debate, with stars like Coco Gauff and former Andre Agassi coach Brad Gilbert questioning whether NCAA rules are truly fair to both American and international players. Now, ITA CEO David Mullins has stepped forward to address the criticism surrounding pro players’ inclusion in college tennis.
Amid the backlash, Mullins spoke about the growing trend of older international athletes joining US college sports. He appeared on the ‘No-Ad, No Problem’ podcast to address the controversy.
“I think it does. I think all Olympic sports are dealing with this right now. Not just Olympic sports, we have Australian kickers coming into football, 26-27 years old,” he said.
Mullins highlighted that older international athletes are entering US college programs across disciplines. He mentioned track and field as an example of this trend. He believes it reflects poorly on the sport.
“I am giving examples, I am just saying it’s not just tennis. Track and field have 26-year-old Ethiopians coming in. And so, I think, it’s not a good look for our sport. And I know in speaking with coaches, they don’t like doing this. They don’t like agreeing to the demands of these student athletes,” Mullins explained.
The controversy gained traction last month when Gilbert questioned the fairness of the rules. He wondered why international players can compete in college while Americans reportedly face stricter rules after turning pro.
Gilbert wrote on X, “How come this happens, 23-year-old freshman who was playing in futures, how long can he play for, also why doesn’t this rule apply to Americans to come back to college tennis then.”
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The discussion centers around Italian pro Lorenzo Claverie, who committed to the University of Florida for 2026. Claverie is 23 years old and has played professionally for several years.
He has reached career-high ATP rankings of No. 643 in singles and No. 586 in doubles. He continues competing in Futures and lower-tier ATP events while maintaining college eligibility.
Before turning pro, Claverie was a strong junior player. He reached a career-high ITF junior ranking of No. 52. His current UTR of 12.57 makes him one of the top recruits for the 2026 season.
Despite his age and pro background, Claverie will join Florida as a freshman. This could give him up to four years of NCAA eligibility, depending on the review of his status. This potential advantage is fueling the ongoing debate about fairness in college tennis.
Mullins says older athletes impose limits on college participation
David Mullins later explained in the same podcast that older athletes often ask for limited college participation, financial support, scholarships, and funded pro events. He said coaches dislike these negotiations. However, they accept them because of competitive pressure and expectations from athletic directors.
“Hey, I just want to play, you know three dual matches in the conference tournament or the NCAA and I want to get paid this and want a scholarship and I want you to take me to, 10 pro events and pay for it. Coaches hate having that conversation. They hate agreeing to it. They don’t want to but they feel like, well this is the current environment and I still have to win as a coach. The athletic directors expecting me to challenge for a national championship. So I’m gonna agree to these terms,” he added.
He also noted a difference in treatment between international and American athletes. International players can delay college. They can earn limited prize money and still remain eligible.
American players on the other hand face stricter standards. Many lose eligibility if they test the professional pathway. Some leave school early and cannot return.
This gap creates tension about fairness. The debate now focuses on whether including older players will create confusion and competitive imbalance.
Iga Swiatek Opens Up About Financial Struggles and ‘Stressful’ Conditions During Her Childhood
Iga Swiatek now stands among tennis’s highest earners, with more than $9.97 million in prize money this year and an additional $14.8 million from endorsements. Yet, with a new season on the horizon, the reigning Wimbledon champion has looked back on far leaner years. She has spoken openly about the financial strain her family endured to keep her tennis dream alive, calling it a stressful stretch for everyone involved.
Swiatek told Forbes that her family struggled financially while trying to support the early stage of her tennis career. She said the cost of the sport created pressure. “There comes a point in most tennis players’ careers when funding options run out,” she told Forbes. “It’s a very expensive sport and systemic support is limited except for team tournaments, where Poland is actually represented.”
She explained that the financial strain began when she was still young. “When I was 14 or 15, we were already at a stage where we really needed that support. My dad tried to distance me from these problems, but as a child, I still knew what was happening,” the 4-time French Open champion added.
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She felt the tension at home. “I suspected it and it was a stressful time for the entire family, especially for him. My dad put a lot of work, heart, and determination into making sure my sister and I could play tennis, especially when he saw our potential and how I was developing.”
Swiatek pointed to a physical setback that made matters worse. “The turning point was an ankle surgery in 2017, which kept me sidelined for about seven months. It’s a stage where few believe it’s possible to return to elite sport. The surgery itself didn’t guarantee a 100% return, so getting support was especially difficult at that time.” The injury created uncertainty. It slowed her progress and limited opportunities.
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Her father had a professional sporting background himself. Swiatek’s father represented Poland in rowing at the 1988 Olympics. He finished seventh in the men’s quadruple sculls. He wanted his children to follow a sporting path. His goal was to raise athletes with structure and discipline.
However, Swiatek did not always share that vision at first. In a 2023 Players’ Tribune column, she wrote, “At the beginning, I didn’t dream of being a professional tennis player. That was my dad’s dream then. He wanted his daughters to do sports, to be active, and maybe someday become athletes.”
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She remembered trying to avoid tennis training as a child. “I remember when I was 10 (and a little more extroverted), I’d want to stay after school and play football with the other kids rather than training tennis. My dad would come looking for me at school, shouting: ‘Igaaaa, come here!!!’”
Now that she is financially secure, Swiatek has shifted her focus to helping others. She wants to support the next generation. She wants to give young players what she once lacked. She sees her journey as an example of survival and adaptation.
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Iga Swiatek unveils scholarship initiative to financially support emerging tennis talent
Swiatek is continuing her preseason work in Poland as she prepares for the United Cup, starting January 5. She will again partner with Hubert Hurkacz, and they will try to win the title after losing the finals in 2024 and 2025. Before that event, she will also play an exhibition in Shenzhen, China, from December 26-28.
However, before that, Swiatek presented grants from the Iga Swiatek Foundation Scholarship Program this week. The program provides consistent financial support of about 24,000 euros over the year. Five young athletes received the scholarship after applying through the foundation.
The selected athletes will also work closely with a team of professionals connected to the foundation. That group includes specialists from Swiatek’s own support team. One of the most notable figures involved is her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, who has been a key contributor to Swiatek’s mental preparation and competitive success.
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Swiatek said the initiative is designed to support families who do not fully understand the structure of professional tennis. She stated, “Many parents who haven’t played sports or don’t have the right contacts often find themselves in a difficult situation.” She added that they often lack information and “don’t know which coach to choose, and even if there is a good one available, it can simply be too expensive.”
Swiatek believes the scholarship creates a solution for that barrier. She explained, “That’s why I think this scholarship can help with these decisions, giving families greater opportunities to invest in mentorship and quality training.”
With the 2026 season approaching, attention is turning toward her performance goals. Swiatek has already collected multiple Grand Slam titles, but one trophy still missing is the Australian Open.
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She will begin another campaign in Melbourne, intent on winning her first Australian Open and completing a career Grand Slam.
Sam Landau Almost Quit Tennis After Duke Debacle. Now, He’s Healing ‘Open Scar’ at Indiana
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — With his hands grasped around the back of his worn white tennis shoes, Sam Landau leaned back and stared toward the southeast corner of the Indiana University Tennis Center.
“I never thought I’d come back here, just because of the trajectory,” Landau said. “I didn’t think it was going to happen like that.”
Landau once made this building and these courts his home. He’d made fans rise from these metal bleachers and give him applause after magical plays and thrilling wins. Inside these walls, on this campus, he’d gone from an unheralded recruit to one of the nation’s top men’s tennis players in just two years.
Then, he left it all behind.
After winning eight matches at the All-American championships in the fall of 2023, Landau surged in the national rankings. Others with similar rankings were, supposedly, earning significant NIL money, and he wanted to see his valuation.
Landau also felt playing professional tennis was “super achievable,” and he wanted to win a national championship. Indiana’s culture at the time, he said, was more tennis-balanced than tennis-forward and less centered around producing professional players.
In December, Landau approached Indiana men’s tennis coach Jeremy Wurtzman and declared his intentions to enter the transfer portal. Had he waited until May to put his name in the portal, Landau, a student in the Kelley School of Business, said credits would’ve been “impossible” and it would’ve been difficult to get into another business school.
Landau played the remainder of his sophomore season at Indiana while he was in the transfer portal, and he won several big matches. Still, he regrets the timing. Coaches reached out before and after matches. He visited Duke on a weekend where Indiana had a match cancelled, which he acknowledged wasn’t a good look to his teammates.
Landau said he’d never recommend anybody follow what he did. He felt more pressure, more stress, from his transfer portal situation than from his own program, because he knew his performance in each set impacted his career trajectory, be it his potential destination or the money waiting for him at that spot.
Indiana’s coaching staff allowed Landau to keep playing, hoping he’d reverse course and stay in Bloomington. Wurtzman’s optimism proved futile. At season’s end, Landau committed to Duke.
“It hurt,” Wurtzman said. “Definitely needed a few days off to let that settle in.”
Landau felt Duke, a nationally respected program, offered a competitive environment with the funds and facilities necessary to build a championship-winning team. His parents wanted him to go to an academically prestigious place, and the Blue Devils checked that box, too.
The day Landau moved out of his apartment in Bloomington, his parents joked with Wurtzman that Landau may come back. Wurtzman never let his mind believe it.
“I don’t think it’s a place you normally leave,” Wurtzman said.
Landau found success early at Duke. He arrived in June, and for his first three-and-a-half months in Durham, North Carolina, he felt he was playing the best tennis of his life. He had a “great time” with his teammates, and he enjoyed the militaristic-style coaching he received.
Then, after Landau suffered an injury in late September, everything fell apart.
“When you’re winning, you’re the guy,” Landau said. “You’re getting introduced to everybody. You’re the showpiece. And when you’re injured and you’re not doing what they expect, it’s sort of the opposite.”
Landau admits even when he was the shiny new toy, Duke didn’t feel right. It was a culture shock. He talked to his Indiana teammates more often than his fellow Blue Devils, and he cared more about the Hoosiers’ success than his own team’s.
A parent of one of his teammates told Landau and the rest of his Duke transfer class it wasn’t welcome. He felt like a mercenary who’d been recruited to help pad donors’ pockets. By the middle of the fall, a few weeks after his injury, Landau realized he made a mistake and he regretted leaving Indiana.
And soon thereafter, he had financial frustrations, too.
Landau didn’t choose Duke solely because of NIL promises, but he admits it was a deciding factor between the Blue Devils and his other finalists.
Through text messages and emails, Duke agreed to a deal with Landau where 50% of his funds were an athletic scholarship and the rest would be paid in NIL. It equated to a full-ride deal at one of the nation’s best tennis programs.
Half the team was paid in the fall, and the other half was paid in the spring. On Duke’s first trip, Landau found out his deal wasn’t going to be honored.
“I had still been injured at that point, and it was kind of a surprise,” Landau said. “Obviously I wasn’t having a great time at that point anyways. But I’m paying to play for a school that I didn’t really care for.”
Landau lost money, and he almost lost tennis, too. If he could ask a question to the version of himself who left for Duke in June of 2024, he’d start with value. He’s long struggled with his purpose — why play tennis? Why, if he doesn’t go pro, does he try so hard? Is it worth the sacrifice?
Now filled with wisdom after a year spent walking through flames, Landau has a clearer — though perhaps not through a 20/20 lens — understanding of his “why.” He loves tennis. He loves competing. He loves showing up and working out with teammates year-round to achieve one goal.
Duke almost broke him.
“I think I almost lost that at Duke,” Landau said. “I almost honestly quit, and then I would have tried to finish my degree in one more year and then maybe play a grad year somewhere. But I would have quit, and then probably would have hated myself for that.”
Why quit? Landau said he was scared to transfer again because he had so much regret from exiting Indiana.
“I just felt like it was a failure,” Landau said. “It was easier in the moment to just focus on academics rather than grind out of the — it’s a very hard way out and it still hurts, but it was definitely the right decision.”
Landau entered the transfer portal this past May, and he called Wurtzman three days in. He didn’t give an opportunity to any other school the first two days because he knew he wanted to be at Indiana. Landau was in Washington D.C. when Wurtzman called with an invitation to visit. He jumped in his car and drove 12 hours the same day to get back to Bloomington.
Wurtzman had an open conversation with Landau. They discussed what Landau truly wanted, and whether he wanted to re-immerse himself back into a culture he’d left the year before. Indiana’s culture, and roster, changed while he was gone.
Wurtzman felt the visit ended in a good spot, and pending clearance from the compliance and academic department, Landau’s return appeared probable.
When Landau went home to Los Angeles, he visited a few California schools, including UCLA, which became his other finalist. Due to the delay in Landau’s decision, Wurtzman feared Landau may leave the Hoosiers at the altar.
Then, in early June, Wurtzman checked his phone, opened a text from Landau and saw a photo with Landau, flanked by his mom and dog, wearing an Indiana T-shirt. He was officially a Hoosier once again.
“When he sent the text that he was coming,” Wurtzman said, “we were really fired up.”
***
Landau’s tennis career began as a 5-year-old, when he joined his older brother Josh, then 8 years old, at a nearby tennis club in Los Angeles. Josh was ahead of the curve, but Sam always tried to follow in his brother’s footsteps — and eventually beat him.
Competition extended into the Landau family’s backyard. They had a mini tennis court not even the size of one side of a normal, regulation court, and a janky net. There, they battled and stoked the flames of Sam’s love for tennis.
But by the age of 12, tennis lost its luster for Sam. He quit for two years. When he returned, he still wasn’t fully committed, instead more in and out of the sport he once immersed himself within.
Still, as a 16-year-old sophomore, Sam was one of the top five high school players in the country, Wurtzman said. Then, he tore his left pectoral. One year later, he had a stress fracture in his left elbow. He also suffered three consecutive high ankle sprains. All told, he missed 19 months.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit soon thereafter, and Sam stopped working out, fell out of shape and took a brief break from tennis.
Sam’s ranking plummeted. He was once the prodigy, well-positioned to choose between any school in the country. By his senior year, many of his peers surpassed him, and his college interest dwindled.
“Super frustrating,” Landau said. “It’s always great to see a friend do well. There’s also, obviously, a little bit of jealousy, not in a super bad way, but at least in tennis, you kind of grew up with all of these guys (in) tournaments, and you kind of know how you stack up with them.
“I think at some point in high school, where people were so far ahead of me, the gap seemed too hard to bridge for myself.”
Josh played a central role in Sam’s college decision. Sam visited Wisconsin, and Josh, who attended Indiana, drove from Bloomington to Madison for the visit. Wisconsin was Josh’s dream school, and Sam enjoyed his visit, but the Badgers only offered a walk-on spot. The Hoosiers offered a partial scholarship.
When Sam visited Indiana, he said he hung out more with Josh than his prospective teammates. Josh is three years older than Sam. Subsequently, Sam didn’t see Josh very much in high school, and Sam wanted to spend another year or two with his brother before Josh entered the workforce.
So, Sam chose Indiana. Wurtzman saw his talent, how he hit the ball, how he’d won in his past. Wurtzman knew Sam had traits so long as Indiana could rebuild his confidence and mental state and keep him healthy.
Sam arrived in Bloomington not expecting to play much as a freshman. Wurtzman and his staff weren’t sure if Sam would even make the lineup. But after a summer spent building confidence and getting into shape, he began his ascent.
Ratings wise on a 13-man team, Sam said he started the summer around 11th, then rose to No. 7 or No. 8 by the end of summer and finished the fall at No. 1 or No. 2. He won a few matches and was competitive with a few of the nation’s best.
As Sam’s confidence grew, so did his belief — and his performance blossomed. Suddenly, he’d returned to the top-five player he once was.
“It was like, ‘Gosh, we must have got a little lucky,’” Wurtzman said. “But then you look at it, and you’re like, ‘Okay, he’s a lefty. He has talent. He’s won before. He works hard.’ So, when you put that all into context, it made sense why he was able to make that jump.
“But at the time, everyone was like, ‘What did you do to Sam Landau to be this good?’”
Momentum started rolling behind Sam, who found happiness as much in his success on the court as Josh’s presence off it. Josh always wanted to be a college athlete, but due to injuries suffered as a soccer player, he never fulfilled that dream. Sam, as a freshman, felt Josh almost lived vicariously through him during his standout season.
Life, at that point, was fun.
Sam had a strong summer entering his sophomore year and carried it over to the fall. But questions percolated on his mind. Questions about his future school or profession. Questions about his happiness.
He committed to Indiana in large part because of Josh. Without his brother, father or any other family member on campus, Bloomington no longer seemed like home.
“I didn’t feel like IU, the first time around, was the place that I wanted to be at,” Sam said. “I kind of wrestled internally if IU was my place or my brother and parents’ place.”
Now, there are no more intrusive thoughts and no more doubts. After a year away from Bloomington — a year full of false hope, broken promises and a fever dream-turned-nightmare — Sam is back at a place that’s firmly his.
Sam won Big Ten Men’s Tennis Player of the Week in mid-October after going undefeated in five matches and earning co-champions status at the ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championships. He became the first Hoosier since 2004 to secure a spot in the NCAA’s Singles Championship, and he made a run to the round of 32 in the NCAA’s Doubles Championship with teammate Facundo Yunis.
Professional tennis is still a dream for Sam, who feels it’s achievable but knows he has areas of his game to improve upon and must decide whether the time, effort and energy is worth it. He’s No. 105 in the ITA rankings, the lone Indiana player in the top 125, after finishing 6–2 in singles this fall.
It’s a fine place to build.
Rafael Nadal Returns to Tour With a Surprising Twist for Rising Stars
The Next Gen ATP Finals championship stage is set, with last year’s runner-up Learner Tien again staring down Alexander Blockx, the same rival who beat him in a prior major final. As anticipation intensifies, Rafael Nadal has also returned to the business end of the event for a second straight year, now serving as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. The 39-year-old, 22-time Grand Slam titan is in Jeddah to elevate the tour’s 20-and-under showcase with a surprising twist for emerging stars.
Nadal remained active in Jeddah during the Next Gen ATP Finals. A press release stated that Nadal spent Saturday afternoon hosting a tennis clinic for Saudi Arabia’s Special Olympics team and other children. A meet-and-greet with fans followed. The winner of the Next Gen ATP Finals will also receive a private visit from Nadal after the final.
On Friday, the Fan Zone at the event moved into a louder gear when the 22-time Grand Slam champion made a special appearance. Nadal still wore a cast on his right hand and wrist after recent surgery, but his arm was no longer in a sling. He spent a long stretch posing for photographs with Saudi fans in cool evening conditions.
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He later watched the all-Spanish match between Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce. Landaluce trains at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca. Nadal serves as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, a role he accepted at the start of 2024. He plans to stay in Jeddah through Sunday’s final of the 20-and-under competition at King Abdullah Sports City.
His ambassadorial duties focus on promoting tennis throughout the Kingdom. His involvement includes encouraging grassroots participation, supporting training programs, and helping plan long-term development.
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Even hours ago, he posted several images on Instagram and added the caption, “Enjoying the first hours in Jeddah at the @nextgenfinals! Nice opportunity to watch some great matches and spend time with the young players from @sauditennis. It’s great to see how tennis keeps growing here 👏🏻”.
Nadal completed similar activities in Jeddah last year. He attended a meet-and-greet, took part in a prize-giving ceremony at a U14 STF tournament, and led a clay-court coaching clinic for young Saudi talent at The Racquet Space.
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He also visited the Onyx Arena to meet players in the first wheelchair tennis event held in Saudi Arabia. Nadal met Team Saudi’s Davis Cup squad during the same trip.
Nadal later joined a roundtable discussion with ATP Tour players Jakub Mensik, Alex Michelsen, and Joao Fonseca. Fonseca went on to win the 20-and-under showcase.
And now with the title match approaching, attention turns again to Nadal as the Spanish icon has already shared his thoughts on returning to the event.
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Iga Swiatek Sounds Alarm on the Explosive Shift in Women’s Tennis
For a player as dominant as Iga Swiatek, there is simply no room for complacency on an ever-evolving WTA Tour. Three years ago, a 185 km/h serve would have been a game-changer in women’s tennis. Today, according to Swiatek, it’s just the starting point in a sport whose players are rapidly moving from strength to strength.
The six-time Grand Slam champion believes the 2026 WTA season is wide open, with the gap between the top players growing smaller by the month.“I think finishing as No. 2 is a great achievement,” Swiatek said in an interview with CLAY, also published by RG Media. “You could really see it during the WTA Finals, basically any of us could have won the tournament, and we played so many tight matches. Some players clearly prefer certain conditions or feel better at different times of the season, but overall, I think we’re all improving at a really fast pace.”
Iga Świątek then reflected on how women’s tennis has evolved, especially when it comes to power – serving has become a major weapon, much like it has been on the men’s tour. She noted that, “If I had served at 185 kilometers per hour three years ago, I think it would have changed everything, it would have been incredible.” Now, however, it’s different.
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As she put it, “Now (that) I actually learned to do that, I realised that girls are serving 195. It’s obviously not only about the speed. It is just an example, but I think tennis is evolving and we’re all presenting a pretty good level now.”
According to her, the depth of talent means everyone is pushing each other, and the game is evolving faster than ever.
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Iga Swiatek will now begin her Australian summer by representing Poland at the United Cup, where she hopes to improve on the team’s most recent showing. On an individual level, she is also chasing a career Grand Slam, just like Carlos Alcaraz on the men’s side, as she aims to win her first Australian Open title after semifinal exits in 2022 and 2025.
For a player who has conquered Paris, London, and New York, what’s the mental block in Melbourne? The final piece of the career Grand Slam puzzle often weighs heaviest, but for Iga Swiatek, the strategy is to ignore the picture on the box entirely.
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Inside Iga Swiatek’s mental game ahead of the 2026 Australian open
In her recent interview with CLAY, Iga Swiatek opened up about her mindset when it comes to chasing a career Grand Slam. While she admits it is “something that I dream of,” she made it clear that she doesn’t arrive in Melbourne consumed by that thought. Instead of fixating on history, she prefers to keep her focus grounded in the present.
The 24-year-old stressed that her approach is built around the process, not the end result. “I don’t set goals like that,” she said. “Obviously it’s something that I dream of and something that I want to happen one day but I’m not going to come to Melbourne and think about it every day.
“I know that there’s seven matches to win and the Grand Slams are two weeks, a lot can happen,” continued Swiatek. “So I’m really going to just take it step by step. Just focusing on the pre-season well is the key, and then I’ll see. But for sure, it would be a dream come true.”
And that same philosophy was on display during her Wimbledon run earlier this year. After beating Belinda Bencic to reach the final, she was asked about joining the rare group of players who have won Grand Slams on every surface. Her response was telling, as she said it “wasn’t really a goal” and something she never even thought would be possible.
Later, Iga Swiatek also explained that she applies this mindset to her yearly planning. She doesn’t wake up thinking, “I’m going to win three Grand Slams this year,” but instead sets what she calls “more down-to-earth goals.” So, by training day by day and focusing on steady improvement, she believes this approach has always worked best for her.
Earlier this year, she came agonizingly close to an Australian Open final, losing to Madison Keys in the semifinals despite holding a match point against the eventual champion. So now, with six Grand Slam titles already to her name (four at Roland Garros, plus wins at the US Open and Wimbledon), the Australian Open remains the only missing piece.
If she lifts the trophy in Melbourne, she would become just the eighth woman in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam. That said, can Iga Swiatek’s process-first mindset finally help her conquer the Australian Open in 2026? What do you think?
Carlos Alcaraz’s Physical Trainer Breaks Silence on Pre-Season Training Following Controversial Split with Juan Carlos Ferrero
The tennis world is still reeling from what feels like a bad celebrity breakup. Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero, the dynamic duo, have called it quits. Seven years, six Grand Slams, and 24 titles later, they’ve officially parted ways with the timing at the center of attention.
Alcaraz’s physical trainer, Alberto Lledo Quiles, decided to drop some updates on Instagram to show everyone that the World No. 1 isn’t sitting in a dark room listening to sad breakup songs. Instead, he’s apparently getting wrecked in the gym. Lledo Quiles posted some shots from their first week of preseason, captioning it with some very science-y jargon. He said on Instagram:
First week of preseason increasing workload, after going through the corresponding medical check, we have hit on isolnerial stimulus which has been the main goal of the physical preparation part. Let’s go for more working with excitement and eagerness to continue making history of this sport. Thank you @elpozoalimentacion @nike @isdin for supporting us through this process!!
Quiles also threw in some motivational fluff about “making history” and continuing the journey with “excitement and eagerness.” At this moment, he is just there to extinguish the rumors about high tensions within the camp.
The photos show Alcaraz sweating it out with the remaining members of his team—his brother Alvarito, Albert Molina Lopez, Juanjo Moreno, and Samuel Lopez Jareno. They’re all smiles at the academy, trying to project the stability within the camp.
The “It’s Not You, It’s Me” Statement
Carlos Alcaraz dropped a statement where he thanked Ferrero for making his “childhood dreams come true” and said that if they had to part ways, it should be while they are at the top.
According to Angel Garcia Muniz, a reputable Alcaraz source, this is a done deal. There are rumored to be potential big names here, but Alcaraz’s team refused. It seems the strategy is to keep the circle tight. Lopez is a known quantity from the Ferrero Tennis Academy.
However, Kiko Navarro, Alcaraz’s former mentor, thinks they might eventually bring in a “big name” as a second fiddle to help with the travel load. The Ferrero era is dead. The Lopez era begins. Alcaraz is currently prepping for 2026 with Flavio Cobolli, before he faces Jannik Sinner in an exhibition match in South Korea.
Implausible fights, continental stakes and a Russian shadow over the ice
Editorial Note: Inside Track will take a break for the holidays. We’ll return on Friday, January 9.
Coming up this week: Boxing’s latest implausible pairing, Africa’s biggest football stage, and an Olympic subplot sliding into focus in Lake Placid.
Here’s your Inside Track to the action:
BOXING
Preposterous on paper, real in the ring: Anthony Joshua faces Jake Paul
It sounds almost farcical: Anthony Joshua, an established world heavyweight champion, against a Disney alumnus turned YouTube phenomenon. Then again, boxing has long thrived on the improbable.
Jake Paul’s journey to this moment has been noisy, polarising and, at times, faintly absurd. But it has also been deliberate. What began as influencer boxing evolved into a full-time commitment, and Paul deserves credit for taking the sport seriously rather than merely borrowing its aesthetics. He moved quickly through novelty opponents before nudging into legitimacy: Tyron Woodley twice, Anderson Silva, and the sobering reality check of a loss to Tommy Fury. Since then, he has rebuilt with wins that, while uneven in sporting value, have kept him relevant, solvent and moving forward. In boxing terms, that matters.
Anthony Joshua’s path could hardly be more different. Olympic gold in 2012. World titles. Wembley nights. Wladimir Klitschko on the canvas. For a decade he has lived at the serious end of the heavyweight division, beating men who punch for a living and know exactly how to hurt you. His record — 28 wins, 25 by stoppage — reflects a career fought at a level Paul has never approached.
Which brings us to the uncomfortable truth: on paper, this is a mismatch. Joshua is bigger, stronger, faster, and vastly more experienced. If he lands clean, it should end quickly. Paul’s confidence rests largely on Joshua’s recent stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois, and questions about a fading chin. But Dubois is an elite heavyweight puncher; Paul is not.
For Paul, the route to victory is narrow and speculative. He needs time to have caught up with Joshua, doubt to have lingered from defeat, and a perfect punch to land on a perfect night. For Joshua, the task is simpler: stay composed, apply pressure, and let physics do the rest.
Still, boxing is not fought on spreadsheets. Paul has been accused for years of avoiding danger; this is not avoidance. He is stepping into the ring with one of the defining heavyweights of his era – if it ends badly for him, the internet will feast.
Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua, Miami, Florida — December 19
SOCCER
Morocco hosts Africa Cup of Nations as history, politics and football collide
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gets underway when hosts Morocco face Comoros in Rabat on Sunday, launching a four-week race to the final on January 18.
A tournament steeped in history, improbable stories and no shortage of chaos, the Cup of Nations has become a more polished international event in the last decade or so — though that sheen has come at the cost of some of its old sense of adventure.
Morocco, co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, will stage matches in several stadiums earmarked for that tournament, and with strong ticket sales expected from the African diaspora across Europe, the event will also serve as a live test of their infrastructure and organisation.
First played in 1957, the Cup of Nations predates the European Championship but has long had to justify its place on a crowded calendar, arriving as it does mid-season for Europe’s top leagues. This edition was originally slated for June and July, before FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup forced a rethink.
Coaches will grumble — understandably — at losing players for up to five weeks, yet it was notable to hear Everton’s David Moyes publicly back the tournament last week despite losing key men Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye.
Africans can bristle at the sense that the competition is sometimes diminished outside the continent, but for supporters at home there is no greater spectacle short of a World Cup — and it rarely fails to deliver drama both on and off the pitch.
Morocco start as favourites, but the field is deep. Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia and Algeria all carry genuine weight, while South Africa, Cameroon, DR Congo and defending champions Ivory Coast sit ready to disrupt the script.
African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco — December 21-January 18, 2026
LUGE
Russian return under neutral flag thrusts Lake Placid into spotlight
A Luge World Cup leg in Lake Placid, New York, would not normally be the centre of attention in the United States, but the presence of six Russian athletes hoping to earn ranking points that could get them into February’s Winter Olympics in Italy has suddenly thrust it into the international spotlight.
The six, racing as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs), will be the first Russians to take part in a World Cup race since January 2022, when the International Luge Federation (FIL) banned Russian athletes following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Though the ban was extended in June, a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling in October paved the way for their return.
They had been expected to race last week in Park City, Utah, having made a low-key return at last month’s test event on the Olympic track in Milano-Cortina. With only three of the five qualifying events remaining, the chances of any of them earning a berth at the Games remain extremely unlikely.
However, their very presence is making waves, not least with the several Ukrainian lugers who are also in Lake Placid, though they trained in a separate area to the Russians earlier in the week.
Last week, Ukraine’s top luger Anton Dukach objected to their return as AIN athletes by saying “they are not neutral, they support the war.”
The FIL published a detailed, seven-page preview of the weekend’s races with copious quotes from the sport’s leading lights, but there was no mention of the return of the Russians.
In the other sliding events – bobsleigh and skeleton – nine Russians have been deemed eligible to compete as neutrals, but none are taking part in this weekend’s races in Latvia, while a separate ruling by CAS has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in International Ski and Snowboard Federation qualification events if they meet the IOC’s criteria for individual neutral athletes.
Luge World Cup, Lake Placid, New York — December 19-21
EXTRA TIME
What else we’re watching
Darts: The PDC World Championship rolls on at London’s Alexandra Palace, where pre-Christmas festivities are in full swing as the tournament stretches into the new year. Defending champion Luke Littler remains the favourite, but as 71-year-old Paul Lim memorably showed by winning his first-round match this week, anything can happen in this riotous festival of arrows.
Skiing: The winter sports season gathers pace on the road to Milano-Cortina, with women’s Alpine skiing in Val d’Isère this weekend featuring the downhill — where 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn leads the standings — and the giant slalom. The men are in action in Alta Badia for the giant slalom and slalom. Elsewhere, Sigulda in Latvia hosts the bobsleigh and skeleton World Cup, while the Biathlon World Cup moves to France.
Cricket: Having arrived in Australia brimming with confidence in their aggressive “Bazball” approach, England could see their Ashes hopes extinguished with a third straight defeat in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval. Coach Brendon McCullum, who oversaw England’s fightback from 2-0 down to draw the 2023 series, insists the tourists will stick to their guns and hopes conditions in the City of Churches better suit their style. Two days in, that hope is slipping.
American Football: Buckle up, NFL fans. With three weeks left in the regular season, playoff places and division titles are coming into focus. Chicago host Green Bay on Saturday with top spot in the NFC North on the line, while reigning champions Philadelphia can clinch the NFC East and a first-round home playoff spot against Washington. Sunday brings an NFC South showdown as Tampa Bay face Carolina, with playoff implications also riding on Denver’s meeting with Jacksonville and Pittsburgh’s trip to Detroit.
Golf: Major champions across generations team up with family members this week at the PNC Championship, golf’s end-of-year celebration. Tiger Woods is absent as he recovers from surgery, but the 20-team field still includes eight former world number ones. Defending champions Bernhard Langer and son Jason headline the event in Orlando. Lee Trevino, at 86, remains the only player to have competed in every edition.
Tennis: While Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominate the present, the future takes focus this week at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah. The tournament, open to players aged 20 and under and won previously by both Alcaraz and Sinner, features an eight-man field including rising American Learner Tien and 18-year-old German prospect Justin Engel.
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Editing by Yasmeen Serhan and Andrew Cawthorne
FIFA’s World Cup payday has a big Trump caveat
LONDON, Dec 19 (Reuters Breakingviews) – U.S. President Donald Trump will leave a mark on soccer’s greatest spectacle. The 23rd FIFA World Cup takes place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 2026, with American stadiums playing host to 78 of 104 matches. The sport’s governing body expects unusually high income from ticket sales and hospitality packages. It jars with what could be an uncomfortable experience for foreign fans.
FIFA, which runs the quadrennial competition and recycles the money back into the sport, is banking on a blockbuster this time around. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, from 32 previously, will help revenue reach $8.9 billion in 2026, according to FIFA’s budget, opens new tab. That’s up roughly 50% from 2022, the year, opens new tab of the Qatar World Cup, which Lionel Messi’s Argentina won on penalties. The governing body expects to score one-third of its 2026 income from hospitality rights and ticket sales, which at $3 billion would be more than triple the equivalent figure from Qatar.
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There are reasons to think that President Gianni Infantino will reach his matchday revenue goal. Eleven U.S. host stadiums, including the MetLife arena in New Jersey, have a capacity, opens new tab of over 60,000 seats, whereas in Qatar only two, opens new tab of the eight locations hit that capacity threshold. American arenas are also generally well equipped to offer lucrative corporate hospitality packages. Moreover, it’s hard to understate the benefit of having an enormous and relatively wealthy local audience. Infantino said, opens new tab in late November that FIFA had already sold 2 million tickets in early sales, and that fans from the U.S., Canada and Mexico “drove the most purchases”.
Still, it’s easy to see how an own goal could play out. ESPN reckons, opens new tab there are 7.1 million seats to fill in total, based on published fixture schedules and stadium capacities. That leaves a long way to go to avoid any embarrassing gaps in the crowd. One danger is that a more hostile U.S. border policy deters, opens new tab soccer lovers from scooping up tickets or attending. Trump introduced another crunching challenge in June by imposing a travel ban, opens new tab covering 12 countries, including two that have qualified for the World Cup: Iran and Haiti. Reuters reported at the time that the White House could add another 36 countries to that list. It hasn’t happened, but the uncertainty hardly helps. Fans may wonder how organisers would handle situations where ticket holders aren’t allowed to enter the United States. According to a person familiar with the matter, however, FIFA is working with U.S. authorities to facilitate visas for people to come.
Even if the World Cup kicks off with all tickets and hospitality packages sold, there is a risk of a post-tournament fan backlash. An analysis, opens new tab by transportation engineer and blogger Hayden Clarkin found patchy rail and bus coverage in major U.S. World Cup host cities. Trump has also threatened, opens new tab to move games away from cities he deems unsafe, raising the risk of politically motivated last-minute schedule changes for visitors. Given Infantino’s relatively close relationship with the president, the soccer boss may fancy his chances of minimising any chaos. The flip side is that FIFA will end up owning any problems that Trump causes at the World Cup.
Follow Streisand Neto on LinkedIn, opens new tab and X, opens new tab.
This is a Reuters Breakingviews prediction for 2026.
For more insights like these, click here, opens new tab to try Breakingviews for free.
Editing by Liam Proud; Production by Oliver Taslic
Breakingviews
Reuters Breakingviews is the world’s leading source of agenda-setting financial insight. As the Reuters brand for financial commentary, we dissect the big business and economic stories as they break around the world every day. A global team of about 30 correspondents in New York, London, Hong Kong and other major cities provides expert analysis in real time.
Sign up for a free trial of our full service at https://www.breakingviews.com/trial and follow us on Twitter @Breakingviews and at www.breakingviews.com. All opinions expressed are those of the authors.
Streisand joined Breakingviews in 2022 as a research assistant. He previously worked at the Financial Times as an editorial assistant and, before that, as an intern. He also holds newsroom experience from CNN International and The Economist. He graduated from SOAS University of London with a degree in International Politics. He enjoys working out, going on long walks and playing football.
Engineering News Record Recognizes BrandSafway as Sixth on
ATLANTA, Georgia, Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BrandSafway, a leading provider of access and specialty services to infrastructure, industrial, and commercial markets, was ranked sixth out of 600 Top Specialty Contractors by Engineering News Record (ENR). This industry recognition and consistent position in the top ten for the past 17 years reflects BrandSafway’s global leadership in serving the broadest range of solutions with the greatest depth of expertise.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from ENR, which celebrates the performance of our company and shines a light on our dedicated team members and innovative projects,” said BrandSafway President and CEO Gabriel McCabe. “We supported many of the world’s critical construction projects in more than 8,000 locations in the past year, while growing the business in existing and new markets. Our customers can count on our expertise to bring their projects to life, and our team members can count on us for meaningful careers that leave a lasting impact in our communities.”
BrandSafway, and its family of companies, provides a full suite of solutions for every stage of construction, including scaffolding, forming and shoring, specialty services, construction elevators, engineering solutions and much more, for some of the most complex and iconic structures in the world, including:
Stadium Projects
The Intuit Dome, home of the LA Clippers, provided our QuikDeck® Suspended Access System, elevators, scaffolding and Rapid EPS®
The highly anticipated Highmark Stadium, home of The Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, one of the largest construction projects in the history of Western New York
Ford Field, home of The Detroit Lions, provided access solutions
Skyscrapers
270 Park Ave./JP Morgan Chase headquarters, provided scaffolding and access solutions for the tallest building in New York completely powered by hydroelectric
Aston Martin Residences in Miami, the tallest all-residential building south of NYC, installed RAPID-EPS edge-protection systems
One Bloor West in Toronto, Canada’s first supertall, provided construction elevators
Rise Tower, Monterrey, Mexico, provided forming concepts for a supertall project with 475 m height
Bridges
MD-1 Bridge, Racibór, Poland, a 633 m long bridge built over the Odra River using the incremental launch method, with the modular INFRA-KIT system
Sotra Link, Bergen, Norway, supplied pre-assembled bridge elements using the modular INFRA-KIT system, for the construction of the K103 bridge
One-of-a-kind projects
Boston University’s Warren Towers, supporting the full-scale renovation of one of the largest residence halls in the country, with custom-engineered access solutions
The Seattle Space Needle, provided access solutions
Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station, United Kingdom, provided the design of falsework, as well as support for concrete elements and working access decks
Sailworks residential project, Lancaster, United Kingdom, provided the self-climbing formwork SCF 60, using hydraulics without the need for a crane
Metro of Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico, supplied shoring solutions for longest monorail in South America
As industrial and energy markets rapidly evolve, BrandSafway is at the forefront of providing innovative access and specialized services that improve safety, productivity, and efficiency. With a legacy of more than 100 years of service, BrandSafway is uniquely positioned to serve the industrial, commercial and infrastructure markets with:
The broadest range of turnkey solutions — from access solutions and specialty services to forming and shoring — to maximize operations and improve productivity for customers
A deep bench of renowned industry experts
Strong, trusted client relationships
More than a century of service on iconic and innovative global projects
Read more about The ENR Top 600 Specialty Contractors here.
About BrandSafway
With a commitment to safety as its foremost value, BrandSafway provides the broadest range of solutions with the greatest depth of expertise to the industrial, commercial and infrastructure markets. Through a network of 340 strategic locations across 25 countries and approximately 40,000 employees, BrandSafway delivers a full range of forming, shoring, scaffolding, work access and industrial service solutions. BrandSafway supports maintenance and refurbishment projects as well as new construction and expansion plans with unmatched service from expert local labor and management. Today’s BrandSafway is At Work For You™ — leveraging innovation and economies of scale to increase safety and productivity, while remaining nimble and responsive.
For more information about BrandSafway, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
Attachment
Engineering News Record Recognizes BrandSafway as Sixth on the Top 600 List of Specialty Contractors
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Dimon Kendrick-Holmes is executive editor of the Greensboro News & Record and Winston-Salem Journal and North Carolina Editor for Lee Enterprises. Contact him at dimon.kendrick-holmes@greensboro.com or dimon.kendrick-holmes@wsjournal.com.
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No comfort for Frank, as Tottenham set new calendar-year record for home defeats
LONDON, Dec 20 (Reuters) – Tottenham Hotspur own one of the most spectacular stadiums in Europe but in the past 12 months it has become fertile ground for visiting teams in the Premier League.
It was packed to virtually its 62,000 capacity on Saturday for the visit of Liverpool but once again the home fans trudged home disconsolate after a 2-1 loss, Tottenham’s 11th Premier League defeat at home in 2025.
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That is now an unwanted club record, surpassing the 10 in 1994 and 2003, and under-pressure manager Thomas Frank knows that there can be no repeat in the new year.
One LIV Decision Could Force Tiger Woods to Redefine PGA Tour Precedent
When asked recently whether Brooks Koepka would play for LIV in 2026, CEO Scott O’Neil gave a lukewarm non-answer: “He is signed for 2026.” That carefully hedged response sent a signal—and the PGA Tour has no formal plan for what comes next.
Golfweek columnist Eamon Lynch torched that ambiguity on December 20, arguing the Tour needs a codified readmission policy before a LIV star comes knocking. The path back, Lynch wrote, “isn’t complicated.” But the Tour’s current posture, an unwritten rule forged in the heat of 2022’s defections, offers nothing but silence and suspension threats.
That emotional response won’t survive the 2027 overhaul that Tiger Woods and Brian Rolapp are building. Woods now chairs the Future Competition Committee, a nine-member panel redesigning the PGA Tour’s competitive model. Rolapp, the former NFL executive who became CEO in June, set three guiding principles: parity, scarcity, and simplicity. Together, they’re incentivized to replace punishment with pragmatism—because a premium television product cannot succeed without elite stars.
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“The goal is not incremental change,” Rolapp declared at the Tour Championship in August. “The goal is significant change.”
Woods has embraced the mandate with characteristic intensity. The committee has met three times, with members talking daily. At the Hero World Challenge in December, Woods offered a glimpse of the blank-slate approach driving their work.
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“There’s going to be some eggs that are spilled and crushed and broken,” he said, “but I think that in the end we’re going to have a product that is far better than what we have now for everyone involved.”
That product-first logic collides directly with the Tour’s culture-war posture toward LIV defectors. Rolapp spent 22 years in the NFL, where talent plays if it improves the show. His philosophy strips sentimentality from the equation: “You get the product right, you get the right partners, your fans will reward you with their time.” The NFL doesn’t exile players for disloyalty; it manages them as competitive assets. Rolapp views golf through the same lens.
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Lynch’s column crystallizes why the unwritten rule cannot hold. Only recent major winners—Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith—could realistically argue they still have status. The Tour wouldn’t “waste the effort on seat-warmers,” Lynch wrote. It would have to be “someone of stature whose defection would be a clear plus for the PGA Tour.”
Koepka fits that profile—and his 2025 struggles sharpen the stakes. The five-time major winner went winless on LIV Golf this year, finishing 30th in the individual standings, a recent report noted. He missed the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship, and Open Championship, with his best major result a T12 at the U.S. Open. His form has cratered, but his ceiling remains elite. DeChambeau, meanwhile, delivered a T5 at Augusta and T2 at Quail Hollow. Both represent inventory that the Tour’s premium product desperately needs.
And LIV’s declining leverage only strengthens the Tour’s hand.
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Why the PGA Tour holds all the cards on LIV Golf readmission
Lynch painted a damning portrait of the Saudi-backed league’s trajectory. Two years have passed since LIV’s last newsworthy signing in Jon Rahm. Viewership remains “stubbornly meager.” Sponsor support is “virtually absent outside of companies protecting an existing Saudi relationship.”
That decline reshapes the calculus entirely. When LIV posed an existential threat, the unwritten ban served as a loyalty test. Now, with the league listing, readmitting a Koepka or DeChambeau wouldn’t signal capitulation—it would signal strategic acquisition. LIV paid for their development; the Tour collects the upside.
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The locker room remains divided. One Tour veteran told Lynch his reaction to a potential returnee:
“F*** them. They made their choice.”
But others have softened. The player-directors on the policy board will ultimately decide, and Tiger Woods—a pragmatist who prizes winning above all—carries enormous weight in that room.
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Fans, meanwhile, are exhausted by the politics. They want matchups, not morality plays. Woods himself framed the 2027 overhaul as “fan-based,” designed to deliver “the best product we possibly can.” A formal readmission policy—merit-based, written, stripped of emotional residue—fits that vision cleanly.
Lynch is right that the Tour needs a plan. He may not need to worry. Tiger Woods is likely already writing it.
Scottie Scheffler is closing in on one of Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour records in 2026
It’s clear that Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler have drawn a lot of comparisons over the years, but by 2026, Scheffler could break a record that Woods won’t be able to get back.
Comparisons between Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler have become increasingly common in recent seasons, and 2026 could see the current world number one take over a PGA Tour record that has long belonged to Woods.
Woods’ overall career achievements still dwarf Scheffler’s at this stage, but the similarities are clear. Both players have shown rare dominance, relentless competitiveness and a level of talent that places them among the very best the Tour has ever seen. As in any elite sport, however, legacy is not only about trophies — it is also about the money earned along the way.
Scheffler on track to challenge Woods’ PGA Tour earnings mark
Tiger Woods remains comfortably ahead of every golfer in history when it comes to career earnings. Between prize money and decades of lucrative sponsorships, Woods has earned around $120 million on the PGA Tour alone, setting a benchmark that once seemed untouchable.
The modern era of golf, however, is awash with more prize money than ever before. As a result, Woods’ long-standing position at the top is no longer entirely secure. Heading into the 2026 season, Scheffler has already surpassed the $99 million mark in Tour earnings. That leaves him roughly $27 million behind Woods and only around $8 million shy of Rory McIlroy in second place.
Given that Scheffler earned more than $27 million during the 2025 season alone, a similar year would be enough to see him claim the top spot. If his current trajectory continues, it is not unrealistic to imagine his career PGA Tour earnings eventually pushing into the $250–300 million range.
Why Scheffler’s earning power differs from Woods’
While Scheffler’s prize money continues to climb rapidly and endorsement deals add to his income, his commercial profile is very different from Woods’. Tiger was a global phenomenon — a magnetic figure who transcended golf and thrived under intense spotlight.
That level of charisma and global appeal created endless commercial opportunities, amplifying his earnings far beyond the course. Scheffler, by contrast, projects a quieter image. He remains highly marketable, but his appeal is rooted in consistency and results rather than showmanship. Some have even labelled his style “boring,” though it has proven relentlessly effective.
By the time Scheffler’s career comes to an end, the comparison with Woods will extend beyond trophies and victories to total earnings. Whether he matches Woods’ overall financial legacy remains to be seen, but in terms of PGA Tour prize money alone, history may soon be rewritten.
Tiger Woods’ next role comes alongside an unlikely wingman
The past 12 months had a little of everything — a career Grand Slam, Ryder Cup chaos and so much more. With 2026 on the horizon, our writers look back at the most memorable moments from 2025 and explain why they mattered.
No. 15 — The zero-torque putter movement
No. 14 — ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ takes golf world by storm
No. 13 — Joaquin Niemann’s big 2025 (and crucial 2026)
No. 12 — J.J. Spaun slays Oakmont
No. 11 — The Internet Invitational
No. 10 — Jeeno Thitikul’s record-setting year
Stories of 2025 No. 9: Tiger Woods’ next role
One of the oddities — and, from a scenery and lodging perspective, one of of the real joys — of covering professional golf is that the sport’s most iconic figure reliably speaks once per year, at a relatively chill, limited-field golf tournament in a quiet corner of the Bahamas.
And so the week after Thanksgiving I flew to Nassau, where (with all due respect to Hideki Matsuyama) the main event of the Hero World Challenge was Tiger Woods’ pre-tournament press conference, his first public give-and-take in months. He showed up two minutes early, stayed for a half-hour and gave us a window into how he envisions his future as it relates to professional golf. He’s still recovering from another back surgery, and he hinted towards another playing comeback — but for the first time in Woods’ extensive injury history the assembled media seemed just as interested in his golf-related activities away from the course. Woods was sharp and measured. He connected his past to his future. And he was, for him, unusually forthcoming. The line I keep coming back to is this one:
“I know I’m not really saying a whole lot but I’m trying to say as much as I possibly can because there’s so many moving parts to this and it changes all the time,” Woods said, speaking on the PGA Tour’s future. Re-read the first half of that sentence: that’s a half-apology for not saying more, which is something I doubt Woods did a single time during his competitive prime. But this is a different era for Woods, and for his place within the PGA Tour ecosystem, and for that Tour’s new frontman, Brian Rolapp. Rolapp was in the Bahamas, too, golf’s exciting new outsider pairing with golf’s great insider. To Woods, professional golf is everything. To Rolapp? It’s his next business challenge.
Below is what I wrote from the Bahamas on what could be a complementary collision.
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THE FINAL QUESTION of Tiger Woods’ Tuesday press conference at the Hero World Challenge yielded an unexpectedly poignant answer.
“You’re chairing the Future Competitions Committee,” a reporter began. “l’d like to know, personally, what is your motivation to contribute heavily to the strength of the PGA Tour?”
It’s a question central to the present and future of men’s professional golf. Woods has enough money, prestige and time to do just about anything, of course — but he’s chosen to fill his days with Zoom calls and strategy meetings in an attempt to reinvent a tour on which his own competitive days are numbered. Is Woods careless with his time? Nobody thinks that. But nobody knew how carefully he’d thought about his decision to moonlight as a golf bureaucrat. Not until Woods answered the question.
“Well, the PGA Tour gave me an opportunity to chase after a childhood dream,” he said. “I got a chance to hit my first ball in my first PGA Tour event when I was 16 years old. I know that’s what, 33 years ago, but I’ve been involved with the PGA Tour ever since then.
“A little kid from Cypress, California, growing up on a par-3 course got a chance to play against the best players in the world and make it to World No. 1. I got a chance to be involved in a lot of different things on our Tour. This is a different opportunity to make an impact on the Tour.
“I did it with my golf clubs, I made a few putts here and there and was able to do that. Now I’m able to make an impact in a different way for other generations to come. Not just generations that I played against, but for future generations. Like a 16-year-old looking for a place to play, maybe hoping to play the PGA Tour.”
Woods’ monologue hit on a theme we haven’t heard much recently: That the PGA Tour isn’t a [winces] product in need of [winces again] optimization and [bangs head on desk] profit maximization. It asked us to remember that the PGA Tour is also something else entirely: A place where childhood dreams come true.
As Woods reminded us, his first Tour appearance came 33 years ago. He’s set to turn 50, which means he’s lived two-thirds of his life as a PGA Tour golfer. Anybody who watched Tiger Woods play much golf — we’re all old. The multiples and fractions all sound unbelievable. Like this one: Woods has lived more than half his life since hosting the Hero World Challenge tournament for the first time; he launched his first limited-field invitational at the ripe age of 24 … 25 years ago. In this year’s field, only Akshay Bhatia — who turns 24 next month — is younger than Woods was then. Tom Lehman won the 2000 Williams World Challenge. He’s 66 now. Again, we’re all old.
“The guys that I played with when we first had the World Challenge early in the 2000s, they’re all — I’m the youngest one,” Woods said. “I’m about ready to turn 50, so those guys are all on the Champions Tour or even retired from the game of golf. They don’t play anymore.”
A glance around the media center served as a reminder that Woods’ longevity isn’t just about the players — he’s outlasted just about everybody. Reporters, Tour officials, industry trends. How many newspapers had golf writers covering that first event? By my count there were zero this time around.
Time wins and time changes. But that makes Woods’ new role so interesting. The self-described last member of the old guard is now responsible for leading a coalition taking a bulldozer — or at least a pair of sharpened shears — to the Tour schedule and structure as we’ve come to know it. The ultimate insider seems an unlikely fit to rethink the current structure, but that’s Woods’ directive as chairman of the new Future Competition Committee, whose stated goal is to create an “optimal competitive model” for professional golf.
“I mean, to be honest with you, we started with a blank slate,” Woods said. “What would be the best product we can possibly create? What would it look like?”
Enter his partner-in-revolution, new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp.
In generations past, candidates for Tour commissioner were graded on an unofficial rubric of traits like “golf background” and “golf handicap.” Rolapp, who was the NFL’s No. 2 before taking the Tour’s top job this summer, is woefully unqualified by those metrics but the envy of the sports world in nearly every other. In this strange time in golf, Rolapp’s golfing inexperience is treated as an advantage rather than a hindrance. His outside perspective means he has a fresh set of eyes. He and Woods are an unlikely pair — but as the ultimate insider and ultimate outsider, perhaps they’re perfectly complementary, too.
On Tuesday evening at Albany — the glitzy, exclusive Bahamas retreat that serves as Hero host — Woods and Rolapp led an on-site meeting for players on the progress of the Future Competitions Committee. The subtext was clear: the Tour’s two leaders were going to address the future.
Since his hiring, Tour pros have consistently described Rolapp using two words — “impressive” and “direct.” In no small part because of a general distrust of Tour leadership since the surprise LIV peace accords of June 2023, players make those two attributes sound like a ringing endorsement. The FCC’s plans are not finalized, but an unofficial player poll on Wednesday yielded positive reviews on their process and delivery. Rolapp is transparent. He makes things sound simple. He’s aware of the power of tradition but isn’t personally bound by it. He’s a pragmatist with a laser focus. And every player on site was reportedly in attendance at the meeting, a small but critical show of credibility.
Scottie Scheffler praised Rolapp’s smarts and his work ethic.
“I’ve been very pleased with the conversations that I’ve had with him, the things that I’ve been hearing,” the World No. 1 said. “Think they’re looking at things the right way and I’m excited about some of the changes they’re looking to make.”
Keegan Bradley praised his urgency.
“I think Brian’s trying to make changes right away and he’s definitely got a great vision to make the Tour the best as it can be,” the Ryder Cup captain said. “I really love the fact that we’re not waiting, like this isn’t ‘we’re changing in three years, four years.’ No, we’re doing this next year.”
As for Woods’ assessment?
“Brian’s been fantastic,” he said. “What he’s done so far in a short time with his leadership skills and his personality and how he handles situations, his calmness, his thoughtfulness, his directness, transparency, all the things that we were looking for and we needed on the Tour — he has delivered in spades.”
Now comes the hard part: Action.
Rolapp has met one-on-one with dozens of Tour pros, in person or over the phone. There’s concern about change on the horizon, but many players are cautiously optimistic. After all, there’s a widespread understanding that the Tour has been operating inefficiently for decades — the product of another old guard that revered traditions even when they didn’t always make sense. Why is every event owned and operated by somebody different? Why isn’t the Tour in Chicago or Boston or Seattle or New York? Why is the Tour in Memphis in August? When you have Signature Events and Alternate Events on the same schedule, what does it really mean to win a PGA Tour event? Some things could use simplifying. Some traditions could use a shake-up. Time wins and time changes.
This is why Tiger Woods became a bureaucrat, and this is why he cares about Zoom calls: Because he knows that the old guard is replaced eventually — even when the old guard is Tiger Woods.
But the childhood dream lives on.
Brooks Koepka’s Rumored PGA Tour Return Given Strong Response by Veteran Pro: ‘F*** Them’
Brooks Koepka might be looking for a way out of LIV Golf. At least that’s what the tabloids say. Even Scott O’Neil hinted at that. With the LIV Golf CEO not confident about him signing a new contract, maybe the 5-time major winner might be looking for a return to the PGA Tour. But a PGA Tour veteran doesn’t care what Koepka wants.
Speaking to Eamon Lynch of Golfweek, he said, “F*** them. They made their choice. If they’re that important, how come no fans followed them to LIV?”
Lynch didn’t name the veteran, probably because they didn’t want the spotlight. But they weren’t shy to express their opinion. They believe that the LIV Golf pros dug their own grave by skipping the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Anyone who is looking for a way back needs to go through the tough tests that lie ahead of them.
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It’s unclear what must have driven their strong opinion against Koepka’s possible return. But Laurie Canter’s recent actions might have played a role in them. After leaving LIV Golf, the English enjoyed an excellent season on the DP World Tour. He also earned his PGA Tour card. But once Scott O’Neil called again, Canter backed out of it and joined LIV Golf again.
The veteran pro might not have faith in Koepka’s intent as well. Then again, who would? He hasn’t clarified his intent so far. The 35-year-old has not commented on whether he would like to stay with LIV Golf or move to the PGA Tour.
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But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t said anything at all that might cause a rift. In fact, Brooks Koepka released a carefully curated statement when he was questioned about a possible move.
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Is a return to the PGA Tour on Brooks Koepka’s mind?
Brooks Koepka’s possible return to the PGA Tour has been the talk of the town for a few months now. In fact, back in March 2025, even Fred Couples decided to share his opinion about it.
The golf legend was confident that he knew what was going on in Koepka’s head. He said, “He wants to come back. I will say that I believe he really wants to come back and play the Tour.” He believed that the LIV Golf pro craved a possible return to his former employer.
Koepka was asked to respond to Couples’ statement. And he made a peculiar reply, “I’ve got a contract obligation out here to fulfill, and then we’ll see what happens. I don’t know where I’m going, so I don’t know how everybody else does.”
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Neither did he debunk Couples’ claims, nor did he clarify that he wanted to move to the PGA Tour. Even in March 2025, Brooks Koepka was still uncertain if he wanted to stay in LIV Golf or not. After another winless season, we doubt there’s anything that might have convinced him to sign a new contract with them.
Will There Be Another Guild and Oscar Clean Sweep?
In February on the same night, Sean Baker took home two of the top guild trophies, from the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America, for Anora. The rare double victory was seen as significantly boosting his film’s chances of winning the coveted best picture Oscar — which it eventually did — after it also captured the top prize from the Writers Guild of America for which it was eligible, best original screenplay.
Anora‘s sweep of the guilds and the top Oscar signified strong industry consensus about the indie darling.
Clean sweeps like this don’t happen often: In the past 15 years (since the Academy expanded its best picture category from five to as many as 10 nominees, just like the PGA Awards, which also has a similar preferential ballot voting style), it has occurred only four times— in 2010 with Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker, in 2013 with Ben Affleck’s Argo, in 2023 with Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s Everything Everywhere All at Once and in 2025 with Baker’s Anora.
Other films came close. Take, for example, The Shape of Water, which won the DGA, the PGA and the best picture Oscar in 2018 but didn’t prevail at the WGA Awards, where Jordan Peele’s Get Out took home the original screenplay trophy.
In 2022, CODA collected the PGA prize, the WGA adapted screenplay accolade and the top Oscar, but the DGA honored Jane Campion for The Power of the Dog instead of Sian Heder.
And in 2024, Oppenheimer almost had it all, save for the WGA adapted screenplay award, which went to American Fiction.
WGA eligibility rules dictate that the guild considers only titles by writers who are members or are under contract from an affiliate guild or titles that are written under the WGA’s basic agreement. There were four features during the past 15 years that were denied a possible sweep because of those WGA eligibility rules: The King’s Speech in 2011, The Artist in 2012, Birdman in 2015 and Nomadland in 2021.
Will we see a four-peat this season? And who will do it? Well, there are few contenders that could win the three top guild honors and the best picture Oscar as well, with One Battle After Another, Hamnet, Sinners, Marty Supreme and Frankenstein among the possibilities. We’ll just have to wait and see how awards season plays out once the 78th annual DGA Awards kick things off Feb. 7.
The Clean Sweep
A WGA, PGA and DGA win, followed by a best picture Oscar trophy: Only four films in the past 15 years have been able to pull off this feat.
The Hurt Locker (2010)
Kathryn Bigelow’s film won the top DGA, PGA and WGA awards (the latter for original, while Up in the Air earned best adapted screenplay) and then went on to receive the best picture Academy Award.
Argo (2013)
Ben Affleck’s Argo also swept the three guilds (Zero Dark Thirty won the WGA’s best original screenplay award), and nabbed best picture at the Oscars.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2023)
It was no surprise that after this film from Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert won all the guild awards (with Women Talking in adapted), it also nabbed best picture, along with six other Academy Awards.
Anora (2025)
Sean Baker won the PGA and DGA awards on the same night last awards season, then went on to take the WGA’s original screenplay prize, while Nickel Boys won adapted.
Short of the Complete Set
Four films came close to snagging all four awards, but WGA membership requirements derailed their chances.
The King’s Speech (2011)
The King’s Speech won the DGA and PGA awards and Oscars for original screenplay and best picture, but it was ineligible for the WGA award. Inception and The Social Network took home the statues.
The Artist (2012)
The Artist almost had it but was deemed ineligible at the WGA. Midnight in Paris and The Descendants took home the honors for original and adapted screenplay, respectively.
Birdman (2015)
It was a yes from the PGA, DGA and the Academy, but because Birdman’s writers were not guild members, the WGA went with The Grand Budapest Hotel (original) and The Imitation Game (adapted).
Nomadland (2021)
Due to guild regulations, Nomadland was not eligible for the WGA Award (Promising Young Woman and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm won original and adapted, respectively). Nomadland took the three others.