Stephen Curry and Under Armour are officially breaking up.
The NBA star with the Golden State Warriors and the sportswear company said in a statement on Thursday that they have mutually agreed to end their 13-year partnership, separating Curry from Under Armour as the retailer undergoes a broader restructuring.
According to the press release, Under Armour will still release the Curry 13 shoes in February, but that will be the final sneaker produced under their collaboration.
Stephen Curry and Under Armour End Their 13-Year Partnership
Lakers Announce Update on Promising Rookie Yet to Make NBA Debut
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off their worst performance of the season, dropping a 121-92 decision to Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
While the team continues to play without LeBron James, who is expected to make his season debut soon after dealing with a sciatic issue, the Lakers also provided an update on promising rookie Adou Thiero. Thiero has been sidelined since the offseason while recovering from left knee surgery.
Coach JJ Redick had previously expressed hope that Thiero could return during the Lakers’ current road trip. Now, three games into the five-game stretch, Thiero—previously listed as doubtful—has been upgraded to questionable for Friday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, signaling that his NBA debut could be imminent.
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Back in September, Redick spoke about Thiero’s injury and the team’s plan for his rookie season, noting that it would take some time for him to fully recover from knee surgery.
“We’ve just got to manage him coming off knee surgery, and to be quite frank, he wasn’t our player when he had the surgery,” Redick said in September. “So we didn’t have control over what he did in the three months after the surgery. It’s really about playing the long game with him.
NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Plans to Do What Tom Brady Did
Since rising to fame with his dominant basketball talents, Shaquille O’Neal has managed to accomplish a lot on and off the court. Whether it’s his success in the business world or pursuing a career as a DJ, the Hall of Fame center has put no limits on himself. As he continues to blaze his path, Shaq recently opened up on wanting to follow suit of another all-time athlete.
Aside from his work on “TV with Inside The NBA,” Shaq dives into an array of topics on his “The Big Podcast With Shaq.” Basketball is one of the main things he focuses on, but he occasionally branches out to give his thoughts on things beyond the hardwood as well.
During his latest episode, Shaq brought on longtime comedian and actor Anthony Anderson. Amid this interview, the LA Lakers legend touched on something he wants to do in the comedy world. After seeing the success Tom Brady had, Shaq would like to be the centerpiece of his own roast.
“I need your advice, I want to do a roast,” Shaq said. “Have you seen the Tom Brady roast?”
Along with appearing in countless comedy movies, Shaq also has some experience in the world of roasts. He was one of many big names to appear on Comedy Central’s roast of Justin Bieber back in 2015.
With his larger-than-life stature and vibrant personality, Shaq would make for a great centerpiece of a roast. Not to mention the former NBA MVP could bring in a slew of big-name celebrities to partake in the event.
Now that Shaq has put this idea out into the world, only time will tell if he’ll ever have the opportunity to follow up Tom Brady with a roast of his own.
Diving Into Nikola Jokic’s Legacy After 55
It was one of those nights for Nikola Jokic. It’s hard to put into words, but he’s just special. Sometimes you tilt your head and ask yourself out loud, “Did I just see that?” Yes. Yes, you did.
If you are ever so lucky as to watch him play in person, I’m begging you: arrive early to the venue and watch Jokic during his pregame routine. The three-time MVP is clinical. While his teammates were casually running standard shooting drills, Jokić would take his shot, run all the way to mid-court, make sure to step over half-court, and hop back in line. Every. Time.
Not only that, but he doesn’t miss a high five or a dap with his teammates. And if he misses a shot? He simply stays there until he makes it. He literally does all the little things. It’s his discipline and obsessive precision that astounds me. So go, arrive early, and behold greatness, all before tip-off.
Nikola Jokic’s near-perfect night
As the NBA world knows, Denver walked into Los Angeles and beat the Clippers 130-116, with Jokic dropping a supernatural 55 points on 18-of-23 shooting (the first player in history to score 55 points on 23 or fewer shot attempts), 5-of-6 from three-point range, and 14-of-16 from the free-throw line, along with 12 rebounds and six assists in roughly 34 minutes. His plus-minus? +28. Oh yeah, and Jokic is also currently tied for the highest total plus-minus rating in the NBA this season at +129.
You could call it a near-perfect night. The first quarter alone was a revelation. The Joker scored 25 of Denver’s 39 points. It was a slow start for Denver, but as the game went on, whatever the Clippers tried, nothing seemed to deter the flow.
I almost feel guilty because there were moments when I didn’t even realize what was happening right in front of me. At times, the game seemed ordinary until you checked the scoreboard and saw the extraordinary.
The Nuggets were playing for the second night in a row on the road, and if I’m honest, I was thinking that this was a game they might drop. They didn’t. With injuries to Christian Braun and Cam Johnson early in the game, and with the Clippers’ coach Tyronn Lue deploying packages aimed at limiting Jokic’s options, Denver needed their fulcrum. And he delivered.
If you’re going to put one man on Jokic… fine. He’ll just score. If you hedge too much? He’ll pass. He’ll rebound. He’ll make the right play every time. It’s stunning. He just executes. He becomes exactly what his team needs him to be, night in and night out.
He’s got that “3D” impact. No, I’m not talking about a triple-double this time—I’m talking about dominance, durability, and decision-making. After analyzing this game and watching it back, this is genuinely one of the very best games I’ve ever witnessed him play.
Denver’s GOAT?
I don’t know if it’s blasphemous for me to even wonder this, but has the Joker become the greatest athlete in Colorado sports history? I’m asking the hardest question of all: Has Nikola Jokic surpassed John Elway as Denver’s darling? MVPs: Jokic-3, Elway-1. Championship MVPs: Jokic-1, Elway-1. Championships: Jokic-1, Elway-2 (as a player), 1 (as an executive). Can we even start having that debate? Are we taking Joker’s preeminence for granted?
If you are lucky enough to watch this man in person, don’t take your eyes off him—not from pregame until the final whistle. You don’t want to miss a moment. You’re watching something truly special. You’re witnessing something you’ll want to tell your kids and grandkids about.
In the end, yeah, 55 points is crazy. But more important than that, greatness is greatness! It can’t be quantified. It can’t be expressed. You just know it when you feel it. And if you’ve felt it… cherish it!
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Anthony Davis, Mavs Warned Against Making Roster Mistake Amid Mark Cuban News
It looks like the Dallas Mavericks are going One Direction. The band, not literally. If the rumors are to be believed, it’s no longer about trading maybe just Anthony Davis for a healthy defender or find a backup point guard till Kyrie Irving can return. With Nico Harrison’s dismissal, the Mavs are apparently planning an entire overhaul while they’re still 3-9 into the season. It’s bold, it’s risky, it’s a little too radical. For the general observer like a certain retired NBA star, this is a ‘mistake.’
That’s how Eddie A. Johnson described it. The Phoenix Suns player-turned-commentator is very optimistic about the Phoenix Suns’ rebuild that began with the firing of Mike Budenholzer last season. But that was when the Durant-Beal-Book combination without a point guard was experiemented with and contracts were up. What the Mavericks are planning is a little too extreme.
According to SI’s Chris Mannix, “radical roster changes have already been discussed by Dallas’s new brain trust. Big changes could be coming to Big D.”
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Johnson responded to that news with a tweet of his own. “That’s a mistake to do it so soon. They are better than what people think.”
Actually not many believe that the combination of Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Cooper Flagg is bad at all. It has just not been given a fair shot since the spate of very serious injuries. While Klay is back, the Mavs haven’t maximized Flagg’s potential, most especially by playing the teen forward in the point guard position.
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Rebuilding around Flagg sounds okay on paper, but a few are sad that AD and Kyrie along with other injured players will not get a fair chance in Dallas or a worthy trade if they’re sent while injured.
The current roster not getting a fair shot is seemingly Johnson’s concern. He’s not protesting the other huge development in Dallas.
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Mark Cuban could take Eddie A. Johnson’s advice instead
The other thing Chris Mannix reported was Mark Cuban’s potential return. While he is a minority stakeholder after selling the Mavericks to Patrick Dumont and the Adelson families, he reportedly still holds a significant quarter of the team and got a say. Nico Harrison apparently prevented that.
The former GM allegedly “exiled” Cuban out of basketball operations. Trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis was the last straw. Insiders claim that Cuban was frustrated and felt Harrison’s trade set the franchise back years. It’s not confirmed, but it’s rumored that Cuban made a case to Dumont that Harrison was leading the franchise in the wrong direction. That led to Nico’s firing.
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Cuban’s reportedly back in the Mavs basketball operations and is going to undo Harrison’s decisions. But how he’d do that is a whole other math. The Mavs have injured players and very little draft options. They’re in the unenviable position of playing aging veterans now and tank or wait for future opportunities to regain assets. Any short term trade now would be very costly.
Maybe the solution is with Eddie A. Johnson too. Johnson’s a lot about the player voice, especially when it came to Phoenix Suns. He advocated for players to be involved in coaching decisions. Maybe the Mavericks could similar rely on the veterans they have now to change that 3-9 start before they go from zero to thousand.
Pacers eyeing a trade for NBA fan favorite to fill in for Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers need a change of plans after a horrific 1-10 start to the season. Now it appears that those plans could include a move for Grand Theft Alvarado.
Indiana has kept New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado on their radar throughout this early part of the season, veteran NBA writer Jake Fischer reported to Substack on Thursday. Fischer further characterizes Alvarado, a fan-favorite role player, as a “name to monitor for the Pacers” ahead of the February trade deadline.
The Pacers very (very) badly need the help at guard right now. Their two-time NBA All-Star at point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, will not play at all this season due to the Achilles tear he suffered in last season’s NBA Finals. Beyond that, Bennedict Mathurin (toe) is also hurt, and fellow guards Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell have missed time in the early season due to injury as well.
As for Alvarado, 27, he is known for his pesky defensive chops and is now rounding into form as an offensive player as well. Alvarado is averaging 6.7 points and 2.6 assists in under 19 minutes per game this season for the Pelicans and is shooting a career-high 42.9 percent from three. With the additional ability to handle the ball and calm the team down as they get into their offensive sets, Alvarado fits the player profile of what the Pacers could really use right now.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are the worst team in the Western Conference at the moment at a dismal 2-9. After going 21-61 last season as well, it may be time for New Orleans to start blowing it up.
NBA Fans Drops Honest Take On Stephen Curry & Under Armour’s Major Announcement
Nobody expected the sneaker world to be turned upside down on a random weekday, but that’s exactly what happened today when Stephen Curry, the face of Under Armour’s basketball wing for the last 13 years, was parting ways with the company that produces his signature sneaker series.
Insider Shams Charania made it official on X, where he posted, “Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and Under Armour have parted ways, ending their longstanding partnership. Curry’s standalone endeavor Curry Brand will move forward independently.” In a follow up, he explained that Curry Brand shoes would still be produced by Under Armour through 2026, but that Curry was now entering “sneaker free agency.”
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In a statement, Curry said, “Under Armour believed in me early in my career and gave me the space to build something much bigger and more impactful than a shoe.” Now, the Curry 16, the final collaboration between Under Armour and Curry Brand, is set to release in February, with additional colorways available through October.
After the split, Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank said, “For Under Armour, this moment is about discipline and focus on the core UA brand during a critical stage of our turnaround. And for Stephen, it’s the right moment to let what we created evolve on his terms.”
Plank, who returned to the company in 2024, has spearheaded an overhaul of the company’s operations, including tightening control over product inventory, reducing promotions, and cutting jobs.
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The overhaul follows consecutive annual sales declines for UA, which has been struggling to maintain demand with weak consumer spending and fluctuating tariffs.
Just last week, the company predicted lower annual profits and sales, although it does not expect a significant impact on its profitability or financial results due to the split with the Curry Brand, which also includes Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox.
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The Curry Brand separation is just a part of their restructuring plans, which add up to around $95 million in charges.
Where the story goes next is anyone’s guess. Does Curry align his independent brand with another sneaker giant, perhaps a return to Nike? Or will he choose to build an empire alone? Whatever comes next, one thing is clear: one chapter has closed, and the next is taking shape in real time.
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Sneaker World Goes Chaos Mode After Stephen Curry – Under Armour Split
Social media immediately erupted when news broke that Warriors guard Stephen Curry was leaving Under Armour, with many fans going straight to nostalgia. One fan summed up the collective heartbreak: “RIP the Curry 2.5 💔💔💔🙏 Equivalent to a bar of Gold in middle school.”
For an entire generation, the shoe helped define locker rooms, recess courts, and school hierarchies. For many, the sneaker isn’t just footwear, but a cultural artifact.
Then came the jokes, with many turning Curry’s exit into a highlight-reel worthy storyline. One comment read, “Bro dropped 46 then dipped,” referencing Curry’s 46-point explosion yesterday against the San Antonio Spurs, beating them to rise to 7-6 for the season.
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Other recent happenings also became part of the meme cycle. One user joked, “Nico Harrison is gonna return to Nike and give a better presentation this time,” referencing former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s firing, and his previous 19-year stint at Nike.
It also referenced long-running rumors of the failed Nike pitch to retain Curry, including Harrison apparently calling Curry his brother Seth.
Not everyone took the breakup lightly, with some observers worried about UA’s future, predicting turbulence. One post said, “lol Under Armour bout to fall off the face of a cliff now,” reflecting the idea that losing their most influential modern athlete could leave the brand scrambling for relevance after 2026.
Through all the memes, nostalgia, and panic, there was also a sense of flat confusion. One comment summed up the sentiment: “Why would they let him go??” It captured the shock around the partnership that shaped the sneaker landscape, and the sharp, unexpected turn it now took.
Jalen Johnson Makes NBA History With Incredible Performance vs Utah
Despite playing on the second night of a back to back, the Hawks managed to extend their winning streak to four games tonight against the Utah Jazz.
It was far from a perfect win, especially on the defensive end of the floor, but Atlanta remained perfect on their current four-game road trip thanks to special performances from Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Vit Krejci. On top of that, the Hawks’ shooting performance allowed them to get away from Salt Lake City with a win.
It was not just a special performance from Johnson though, it was one that has never been seen before in NBA history. Tonight, Johnson made NBA history by having the first statline that consisted of 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and seven steals, shooting 10-19 from the floor and 4-5 from three.
Johnson has had to take on a massive role with Trae Young out, and while Utah is far from elite on defense, Johnson carved them up with precision passing and quick decision-making.
All Star Campaign?
If the campaign for Jalen Johnson to make the All-Star game had not started, it should now.
Johnson is doing everything that he can to keep the Hawks on a winning path with star point guard Trae Young still sidelined and he is doing a great job. Johnson flirted with a triple double on Wednesday vs the Kings, going off for 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
If not for a shoulder injury last season, Johnson could have made his first All-Star team. If he continues on this path, he might be getting attention for more than just an All-Star game.
He was not the only Hawks with an incredible game tonight though.
It was a career night for Onyeka Okongwu, who got the start for Atlanta in place of Kristaps Porzingis. Okongwu shot 8-13 from three and finished with a career-high 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Okongwu is arguably the Hawks’ most underrated player and continues to get better and better.
It was an unbelievable shooting night for the Hawks. They hit 15 threes in the first half of tonight’s game, which tied the franchise record for made threes in a half. They finished with 24 three pointers for the night and it was another terrific performance by Vit Krejci.
Krejci has been hot shooting this road trip and continued it tonight. He finished the game 6-8 from three and 20 points total. It was not just him though.
Johnson was 4-5 from three, Okongwu was 8-14, and Kennard was 4-7. They took advantage of a poor Utah defense and had their best offensive performance in a week.
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2026 NBA draft big board rankings: Top 100 prospects
The onset of the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season brings with it the debut of arguably the strongest NCAA freshman class in the past half-decade and a wave of excitement around the loaded 2026 draft class.
NBA scouts have crisscrossed the country for early looks at these players, heading into a rich national nonconference college slate in November and December featuring some huge prospect matchups. If the early returns are indicative, there are real implications for how NBA teams might decide to navigate the season. A strong top group of prospects, headlined by Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, is expected to make lottery night particularly consequential for a range of franchises — and a broader tanking race for a chance to select atop the draft is already underway.
This is presently regarded as one of the deeper drafts in recent memory, with a host of talented newcomers joined by a strong group of returners who opted to stay in college, thanks in large part to the way NIL salaries have shaped the financial landscape for players.
With that, here are ESPN’s top 100 rankings for the 2026 draft class with breakdowns for the top 25, informed by my own player evaluation process, intel from around the NBA and college ranks, and offering a representation of the available player pool and insight into executives’ and scouts’ views.
1. Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman | Height: 6-6 | Age: 18.8
The debates about which prospect should be the No. 1 pick are already unfolding around the NBA. I’ve had this conversation with many around the league since last spring, and right now it’s Peterson who has the loudest argument. He’s continued to back that up with his play coming off a dominant senior year of high school, and there frankly just hasn’t been much for scouts to nitpick.
The list of American-born guards at or close to Peterson’s level over the past decade is short. There is an argument for him as one of the most dynamic and polished downhill guards to enter the college ranks since Derrick Rose in 2007. He has an NBA frame, is physical, explosive, has strong decision-making skills and a notable competitive edge. He’s taken a leap as a perimeter shooter and has room to grow playing away from the ball. He’s also an active and opportunistic defender with good positional size.
Ultimately, Peterson’s future team is going to want the ball in his hands — and it’s not easy to find dynamic high-usage guards who are also plus defenders. He’ll need to continue polishing his off-the-dribble scoring and sharpening his creation, but Peterson will put pressure on the paint immediately with his change-of-speed and explosion. Maintaining efficiency on high volume while drawing tons of defensive attention will likely be one of his obstacles on a Kansas team that’s not replete with talent around him.
This will be a fascinating race to watch, with Dybantsa and Boozer set to make strong cases as well. Peterson will go head-to-head with both, as Kansas faces Duke on Nov. 18 and hosts BYU in January. If there’s a front-runner in the discussion, it’s Peterson. He’s the total package, and he’s in the driver’s seat at this stage of the season.
2. AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman | Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.8
Considered the runaway favorite for the No. 1 pick in this class for much of his high school career, Dybantsa ceded ground to Peterson during an up-and-down senior season. His strong play at the FIBA U19 World Cup this summer helped move the needle positively, and he remains firmly in the discussion for the top spot.
Dybantsa’s size, power and fluidity on the wing give him outstanding upside, and he’s one of the top all-around athletes in the draft. He can bully people on his way into the paint, has shown growth as a playmaker and should thrive downhill on an NBA floor. When competing defensively, he’s quite hard to score on and disruptive with his length. Teams have seen what Dybantsa can do at his best, and that version of him is a bona fide No. 1 candidate.
Still, consistency has been a talking point amongst NBA evaluators hoping to see more from him. He’ll need to continue polishing his offensive skill, as his handle isn’t the shiftiest, and he’s more comfortable rising from midrange than long distance at this stage. You can argue that leaves more room for growth, or that it creates more margin for error on his pathway to a high-usage scoring role. Dybantsa has been unselfish in his first couple of games, showcasing his ability to move the ball and find teammates, but there are also moments where he stands to be more aggressive, picking spots to score.
Regardless of how the top of this draft ultimately shakes out, Dybantsa is broadly viewed as a potential franchise changer and future All-Star. He’s fully capable of blowing the No. 1 discussion open with a monster season.
3. Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman | Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.3
Not to be left out of the top pick discussion, Boozer projects to be among the top players in college basketball and might be the most college-ready of the trio. He has always been more advanced than his peers, as an early bloomer physically, who continues to sharpen nearly every area of his game. No one in the freshman class was more consistently productive or dominant in high school.
A gifted all-around player who’s remarkably efficient and has worked to extend his range from 3, Boozer will be the centerpiece of Duke’s offense as a scoring and playmaking hub. He is exceptionally strong but also reads the floor quickly, and his ability to punish defenders on the block and whip the ball out of double-teams can be devastating. He’s an outstanding team defender with active hands, but not a traditional rim protector, and projects best defensively at the 4, which means he’ll likely be challenged to defend in space from time to time in the pros.
What’s held Boozer a tick behind Peterson and Dybantsa for many evaluators at this point is the perception that his ceiling isn’t quite as high — he is closer to maxing out physically, isn’t as explosive and relies much more on his strength to create his own offense. That advantage for early bloomers typically narrows as prospects climb the ranks, and Boozer isn’t agile or quick playing off the bounce, limiting how he can create for himself. NBA teams will want to see him sharpen his jumper and hope he can improve his defensive versatility.
Boozer has a chance to smash the upside narrative with sheer productivity. While his skill set makes him a little more divisive than the other two, evaluators largely feel quite comfortable with what they’re getting from him as a future cornerstone player.
4. Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Freshman | Height: 6-10 | Age: 18.9
Ament is less of a fully formed player than the three prospects ahead of him: He grew later, took longer to become a national name, and is furthest from reaching his significant ceiling. He possesses a coveted combination of perimeter size, mobility and shooting touch that gives him a pathway to being high impact on both ends, though envisioning what the best version of him looks like requires more imagination. Like many greener, physically underdeveloped shot-making forwards before him, Ament will likely deal with some ups and downs adjusting to college basketball.
Adding strength, learning to play through contact and developing his game off the dribble are all paramount for Ament. That process requires patience, and it could be another year or two before he’s ready to drive winning in the pros. But Ament is the type of fluid, sweet-shooting perimeter player whom NBA teams always covet, and the type of mold that earns the benefit of the doubt from scouts. It might take a huge season for him to crack the top three, but his uncommon size and skill set will make teams take a hard look.
The fact that a player with Ament’s upside could be available outside the top three come June reinforces the early excitement around this class.
5. Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman | Height: 6-10 | Age: 19.3
Wilson’s breakout performance against Kansas on Friday underscored his place among the draft’s top prospects, wowing onlookers with his motor and all-around impact. He checks a lot of important boxes for a modern forward, as a hard-playing plus athlete with strong defensive versatility and advanced passing skills. That combination fits neatly into the NBA blueprint: big, switchable, athletic forwards who can move the ball and play in flow. He has been a quicker study than some expected, and is tracking as North Carolina’s first lottery pick since Coby White in 2019.
The biggest question with Wilson’s game right now centers on his ballhandling skills and jump shot, and how much he’ll be able to create for himself on the perimeter. The progress he makes in those areas will impact how scouts perceive his ultimate ceiling — whether he can become a scoring focal point, or might top out as more of a complementary player. But his huge role at UNC gives him a chance to stretch himself offensively, and he’s gaining early momentum with how well he’s played.
6. Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman | Height: 6-5 | Age: 19.6
Brown has been trending up over the past year, playing a leading role for Team USA at the FIBA U19 World Cup and establishing himself amongst the top long-term guard prospects in this class. After a 6-inch growth spurt in high school, his size, ability to change speeds and dangerous pull-up shooting has turned him into a difficult cover. Brown’s deep range and ability to create for himself and others off screens could make him a potential long-term starter with continued growth.
While he needs to improve his shot selection, physicality and become a more consistent defender to reach that upside, Brown’s late-blooming trajectory, speed and potent shot-making are likely strong selling points. As he gains strength and confidence attacking the paint and playing through contact, his game could take off, and scouts are eager to see if he emerges as the leader of what’s expected to be a highly competitive Louisville team.
7. Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Freshman | Height: 6-11 | Age: 18.8
Cenac is viewed as more of a project by NBA standards, but his excellent mobility, measurables (7-3 wingspan, 9-1 standing reach), developing impact as a rim protector, rebounder and complementary scorer make him a lottery candidate with significant upside. His offensive skill level continues to develop — he’s shown flashes from beyond the arc — and learning to be consistently physical, finish plays and operate in traffic under the rim would help answer some early questions.
Houston, under head coach Kelvin Sampson, has rarely relied heavily on freshmen, but they’ll need Cenac to be a difference-maker. There’s a wider range of long-term outcomes for him than many of the other top freshmen, but athletic stretch bigs with his level of two-way upside are uncommon, and also tend to take a while to develop. That archetype will rightfully keep him in the lottery conversation, depending on what kind of season he can put together.
8. Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona
Freshman | Height: 6-8 | Age: 18.8
Peat wasted no time establishing himself as a top player in the college ranks with a huge 30-point performance against Florida last week, backing up his reputation as a major winner in high school. Though a touch undersized for a 4-man by NBA standards, his physicality, length (6-11 wingspan) and ability to quickly process the floor helps compensate. He’s mobile, active and has a well-developed identity as a player already, and it appears he’ll have a chance to shoulder the offensive load for Arizona.
It’s easy to appreciate the winning things Peat does, but the questions here have centered more around his upside — he’s physically mature and doesn’t shoot consistently from 3 yet, which scouts view as the biggest swing skill that would open up his game long-term. He appears set for a huge season, and while his appeal to lottery teams could be more fit-dependent, Peat’s workmanlike approach to winning games makes him easy to appreciate.
9. Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Sophomore | Height: 6-10 | Age: 18.3
Quaintance is our highest-ranked college returner after racking up blocks and boards at Arizona State as a 17-year-old freshman; he wasn’t old enough to declare for last June’s draft. Kentucky has been slow-playing his return from a torn ACL, but the hope is for him to return by January.
Though somewhat undersized for a true center, Quaintance’s nearly 7-5 wingspan helps compensate, and he has plus defensive instincts and mobility. His impressive defensive playmaking numbers (3.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per 40 minutes at ASU) suggest he can be a real interior anchor. His lack of jump shooting is a wart in his projection — 47% from the foul line was also discouraging — but he’s strong and athletic enough to be an effective vertical spacer, play finisher and screener. Without a reliable jumper, his long-term upside may be capped to an extent in the modern game, but his ability to impact the interior remains appealing long-term.
10. Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman | Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.4
Sarr clocks in as the second-biggest draw on a prospect-laden Duke team, with plus size on the wing and long-term upside as a contributor on both ends. He’s a stellar perimeter defender and has the length (6-11 wingspan) and foot speed to be disruptive across multiple positions. His defense is the strongest selling point right now — he’s more of a utility wing that fills in the gaps on offense, and likely won’t be relied upon for huge scoring numbers in college. Still, there should be room for Sarr to showcase his upside as a secondary creator and establish himself as a reliable shooter, plus he has good auxiliary traits as an explosive slasher who can operate without the ball and make plays for others. He should stick in late lottery discussions with a strong season, thanks to his size and versatility on both ends of the floor.
11. Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.6
Lopez has a chance to become the NBA’s first Mexican-born first-round pick, with excellent size, guard skills and good offensive instincts. That combination of traits produces a solid NBA baseline, and he has been efficient thus far in the NBL, shooting 51.6 % from the field and 41.7% from 3 with an improved perimeter stroke. Lopez has made nice strides offensively, but his individual defense has slightly dropped off this season and become a concern. It’s important to note that he’s coming off a back injury, which might be inhibiting him to an extent, but some evaluators are still concerned about his athleticism translating at the highest level. The appeal is there as a bigger forward who can handle, pass and shoot, but Lopez will have to continue answering those questions to keep his stock solid in a talented draft class.
12. Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
Freshman | Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.6
Mullins is out until December with an ankle injury, delaying the start of what could be a breakout season. He stood out at the Nike Skills Academy in August, is regarded as one of the top perimeter shooters in this class, and plays with an appealing level of confidence and maturity for his age. Mullins’ ability to score off movement and from deep range is the key calling card here and should make him immediately impactful for UConn, a program that’s used top shooters as well as any. He’s also a willing defender, helping to prop up his path to earning minutes. The mix of skills and intangibles gives Mullins a chance to be more than a shooting specialist in the long run and should make him an excellent fit with the Huskies, who will need his scoring ability in the lineup.
13. Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
Freshman | Height: 6-5 | Age: 19.5
Yessoufou built momentum coming off the Hoop Summit and summer circuit as a potential lottery candidate, thanks to his strong frame, high-functioning motor and flashes of shotmaking. His defense is well ahead of his offense right now — while not overly tall for a wing, he’s broad, exceptionally strong for his size and can be quite disruptive and difficult to score on. His ability to rebound and win extra possessions is a separator. On the other end, he’s still a work in progress — he’s an aggressive scorer, but relies heavily on barreling into the paint, and scouts have questioned his decision-making. He’s becoming more consistent shooting from outside and developing touch from midrange, but isn’t likely to be a focal point with the ball in his hands long term, nor is he much of a passer. If Yessoufou can manage to be efficient in spite of that, his defensive potential and energy should make him an appealing draft target.
14. Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
Junior | Height: 6-9 | Age: 22.3
After playing key minutes off the bench during last season’s championship run, Haugh looks set for an individual breakout as a centerpiece for the Gators. As one of college basketball’s elite glue guys, Haugh offers positional size, passing feel and a nonstop motor on both ends, making him an attractive potential rotation option for the NBA. He lives primarily off cuts, rebounds and opportunistic offense, enabled by his understanding of spacing and quickness to read the floor. He shot a passable 34% from 3 last season, but has room to improve catching and shooting that would further enhance his value. The fact that Haugh will enter the NBA at age 23 caps some of the developmental upside, but his positional size, competitiveness and hyperactive style should translate into a useful role right away, and make him a safe bet to succeed.
15. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan
Senior | Height: 6-9 | Age: 23.1
Lendeborg was immensely productive at UAB and drew NBA interest before ultimately opting to stick with Michigan, where he’ll feature prominently. He has touch from long range, can put the ball on the floor to create mismatches, and adds value on the glass and as a defensive playmaker. His strength, mobility, length (7-4 wingspan) and well-rounded game check important boxes for a modern frontcourt player. The fact that Lendeborg will be 24 years old upon entering the NBA is a major caveat here, and how much development is left untapped will be a key discussion point. Scouts gripe about his bouts of passivity as a scorer. But he’s ultimately above-average in enough key areas that he should land in the first round, and he’s capable of an All-American caliber season that would help his case.
16. Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman | Height: 6-2 | Age: 19.0
A gifted playmaker who lacks optimal height for his position, Acuff is a college-ready floor leader with the offensive talent to overcome some of those concerns. His ability to navigate tight spaces with his handle, play with pace and score with craft around the rim has allowed him to be effective at his size and give him upside as a shot-creator, although he can be a streaky jump shooter. The greater issue will likely come on defense, where he’s pesky guarding the ball, but smaller guards who are one-position defenders inherently have a higher bar to clear on the path to earning starter’s minutes. Acuff has the talent, toughness and confidence to make a strong case for himself, and showing he can pilot a winning team, pick his spots to score and make good decisions over the course of the season might give him a case higher than this.
17. Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
Freshman | Height: 6-11 | Age: 19.5
Steinbach gained valuable pro experience last season in Germany, had an excellent summer at the FIBA U19 World Cup and has carried that momentum into college, where his all-around productivity and fundamentally sound play have helped build early buzz. Although not elite from a tools perspective (7-1 wingspan) and lacking true center size, Steinbach is coordinated, an excellent rebounder, passes well and plays an efficient style that lends itself to winning. Evaluators have thus far valued his floor more than his upside, but he’s trending in the right direction to start the season, with his consistency and low-maintenance game giving him a path into an NBA role.
18.Labaron Philon Jr., PG,Alabama
Sophomore | Height: 6-4 | Age: 19.9
Philon appears set for a big year at Alabama after opting to return to school at the last second, with Mark Sears’ graduation leaving him as the lead ball handler. He had some strong moments last season and has fans in NBA front offices, but ultimately lacked the consistency to solidify his first-round case. The Crimson Tide’s up-tempo style has historically been conducive to guard production, and Philon has already flashed improvement shooting off the bounce, with a strong showing over the weekend against St. John’s. He has plus positional size, but relies more on craft than speed, and will need to improve on last season’s 31.5% 3-point clip to make headway on draft boards. Philon will have the outsized role he needs to make a jump this time around.
19. Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Senior | Height: 6-4 | Age: 22.1
There was plenty of NBA interest in Stirtz last spring before he chose not to test the draft and follow head coach Ben McCollum from Drake to Iowa. Stirtz has a terrific feel for playmaking, a reliable outside shot and has been successful with heavy usage as one of the best playmakers in college basketball. Scouts will be carefully watching his adjustment to the Big Ten, and his feel and productivity will have to win out over concerns around his age, defense and athletic ability. Whether he’s prolific enough to be a starter or profiles better as a bench option in the long run will be a key question. But his play in last season’s NCAA tournament is still fresh in people’s minds, and he can answer a lot of the lingering questions with another big season.
20. Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Sophomore | Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.9
After struggling to break through as a freshman on a loaded team, Evans returns to Duke with a much better runway to be a difference-maker. A slender but gifted shotmaker (41.6% from 3 last season) with a quick release and the ability to play off movement or create for himself, he should benefit from a steadier role and the attention Cam Boozer will draw from defenses. The knock on Evans remains that he’s a bit one-dimensional — when his shot isn’t falling, he’s not adding much value defensively or as a passer. Growth in those secondary areas, combined with improved efficiency, would shore up his pathway to the first round.
21. Dash Daniels, PG/SG, Melbourne United
Height: 6-5 | Age: 17.9
Daniels has carved out an important role in the NBL, earning key minutes on a first-place Melbourne team thanks to his defensive versatility, no small feat for a player his age. The youngest prospect on our Top 100, Daniels is cut from a similar cloth as his older brother, Dyson Daniels. He’s physically gifted with excellent defensive upside, but further behind offensively at the same stage. Daniels is capable of playing on the ball but needs to develop a more reliable jumper to maximize his impact off it. How high he ultimately hears his name called hinges on his offensive growth, and his role doesn’t grant a ton of freedom at the moment, but scouts will want to see him make the most of the touches he gets and build confidence. His extreme youth and the fact that he’s impacting high-level games warrant patience.
22. Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. Johns
Senior | Height: 6-9 | Age:21.6
Ejiofor looks set to build on last season and should be one of the most productive bigs in college basketball, playing with relentless effort that helps to cover for below-average positional size. On top of his effort winning extra possessions on the glass, he has flashed an intriguing offensive skillset, as a capable passer and good athlete who can finish plays and help continue them. Developing a more consistent jumper would help Ejiofor’s case as a potential first-rounder, and he’s not a traditional rim protector, but his intangibles and ability to impact game flow with his energy might help transcend those issues and find him a niche as an NBA glue guy.
23. Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston
Junior | Height: 6-8 | Age: 20.8
Tugler is something of an oddball player, as an undersized big who’s among the top defenders in college hoops. His toughness and mentality make him a quintessential Houston player, with a remarkable 7-6 wingspan contrasting his subpar positional height. Tugler manages to be incredibly disruptive in the paint with his length and anticipation, and he has a chance to be an outlier defender in an NBA context. The downside is he can be an adventurer offensively, inconsistent as a finisher, lacking a reliable jumper and occasionally turnover-prone, making him an acquired taste as a prospect. Those limitations curb his upside on the offensive end. Still, there might be a specialist role waiting for him on a team that sees a pathway to minimizing those weaknesses, whether or not he’s ultimately a first-rounder.
24. Miles Byrd, SG/SF, San Diego State
Junior | Height: 6-6 | Age: 21.3
One of the more impactful perimeter defenders in college basketball, Byrd’s excellent instincts on that end give him a path to NBA value, with strong defensive playmaking numbers setting him apart. His anticipation and quick hands, coupled with the development of his frame in the off-season, will make him a positive on that end in the long run. Byrd needs to improve his perimeter shooting to earn the 3-and-D tag — he’s a career 31% 3-point shooter in college and hasn’t been highly efficient — but some demonstrable growth as a scorer would help build his case, and he’s a sharp processor of the game with passing chops. After testing last June’s draft, he should have a better shot at the late first round this time, particularly if he can demonstrate more offensive ability.
25. Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn
Sophomore | Height: 6-1 | Age: 20.3
Pettiford was on the cusp of the 2025 draft and has a chance to firm up first-round status as a focal point for Auburn. Although his lack of positional size is a limiting factor in his eval, he’s an excellent athlete and talented scorer who could wind up filling a second-unit sparkplug role as he continues to improve. It’s hard to see him being additive as a defender, and he tends to score more than set up teammates, limiting factors that he’ll have to compensate for in other areas. Pettiford’s shotmaking will have to prop up his profile, and scouts are hoping to see him grow as a playmaker and get teammates involved more often. He’ll need to build on his freshman year from an efficiency standpoint to keep his stock steady moving forward and figure into the late-first-round picture.
Remaining big board for the 2026 class
26.Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas | Age: 19.3
>27.Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke | Age: 19.7
>28.Neoklis Avdalas, SG/SF, Virginia Tech | Age: 19.8
>29.Alex Condon, C, Florida | Age: 21.3
>30.Aday Mara, C, Michigan | Age: 20.6
>31. Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain) | Age: 19.9
>32.Dwayne Aristode, SF, Arizona | Age: 19.2
>33.Braden Smith, PG, Purdue | Age: 22.3
>34.Nikolas Khamenia, SF/PF, Duke | Age: 18.9
>35.JT Toppin, PF/C, Texas Tech | Age: 20.4
>36.Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois | Age: 22.2
>37. Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston | Age: 18.9
>38. Karter Knox, SG/SF, Arkansas | Age: 20.5
>39.Darrion Williams, SF, NC State | Age: 22.5
>40.Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn | Age: 23.0
>41.Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona | Age: 20.1
>42.Wesley Yates, SG, Washington | Age: 20.8
>43.Mouhamed Sylla, C, Georgia Tech | Age: 20.8
>44.Matthew Able, SF, NC State | Age: 19.3
>45.Isiah Harwell, SF, Houston | Age: 18.8
>46.Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina | Age: 21.6
>47.Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State | Age: 20.3
>48.Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor | Age: 21.0
>49.Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona | Age: 20.9
>50. Ognjen Srzentic, SG/SF, Mega Superbet (Serbia) | Age: 18.6
>51.Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas | Age: 20.3
>52.Ivan Kharchenkov, SF, Arizona | Age: 19.1
>53.Eric Reibe, PF/C, UConn | Age: 19.4
>54.Boogie Fland, PG, Florida | Age: 19.3
>55.Milos Uzan, PG, Houston | Age: 22.9
>56.Paul McNeil Jr., SG, NC State | Age: 19.6
>57.Adam Atamna, SG,ASVEL (France) | Age: 17.9
>58.Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati | Age: 19.7
>59.Solo Ball, SG, UConn | Age: 21.9
>60.Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan | Age: 19.8
>61. Michael Ruzic, PF/C, Joventut (Spain) | Age: 19.1
>62.Ian Jackson, SG, St John’s | Age: 20.7
>63.Mackenzie Mgbako, SF, Texas A &M | Age: 21.0
>64.Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas | Age: 20.5
>65.Johann Grunloh, PF/C, Virginia | Age: 20.2
>66.Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech | Age: 19.6
>67.Jackson McAndrew, PF, Creighton | Age: 20.1
>68.Andrej Stojakovic, SG/SF, Illinois | Age: 21.2
>69.Nolan Winter, PF/C, Wisconsin | Age: 21.0
>70.Richie Saunders, SG/SF, BYU | Age: 24.1
>71.Tucker DeVries, SG/SF, Indiana | Age: 22.9
>72. Luigi Suigo, C, Mega Superbet (Serbia) | Age: 18.8
>73.Kanon Catchings, SF, Georgia | Age: 20.2
>74.Kwame EvansJr., PF, Oregon | Age: 21.3
>75.Kylan Boswell, PG/SG, Illinois | Age: 20.6
>76.Otega Oweh, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 22.4
>77.Tobi Lawal, PF, Virginia Tech | Age: 22.5
>78.Josh Dix, SG/SF, Creighton | Age: 21.4
>79. Mouhamed Faye, PF/C, Paris Basket (France) | Age: 20.8
>80.John Blackwell, SG/SF, Wisconsin | Age: 20.9
>81.Tyrone Riley, SG/SF, San Francisco | Age: 19.8
>82.Alvaro Folgueiras, PF, Iowa | Age: 20.6
>83.Baba Miller, PF/C, Cincinnati | Age: 21.7
>84.Jaland Lowe, PG, Kentucky | Age: 21.2
>85.Joshua Jefferson, PF/C, Iowa State | Age: 22.0
>86.Xaivian Lee, PG/SG, Florida | Age: 21.7
>87.Donnie Freeman, PF/C, Syracuse | Age: 20.2
>88.Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville | Age: 21.4
>89.Emanuel Sharp, SG, Houston | Age: 21.7
>90.Zvonimir Ivisic, C, Illinois | Age: 22.2
>91.Jacob Cofie, PF, USC | Age: 19.8
>92.Milan Momcilovic, PF, Iowa State | Age: 21.1
>93.Thierry Darlan, SG/SF, Santa Clara | Age: 21.8
>94.Trey Kaufman-Renn, PF/C, Purdue | Age: 23.2
>95.Dillon Mitchell, PF, St. John’s | Age: 22.1
>96.Anthony RobinsonII, PG, Missouri | Age: 20.8
>97.Elyjah Freeman, SG/SF, Auburn | Age: 19.2
>98.Amaël L’Etang, PF/C, Dayton | Age: 20.4
>99.KJ Lewis, SG, Georgetown | Age: 21.3
>100.Jaden Bradley, PG/SG, Arizona | Age: 22.1
]
Major League Soccer schedules to change dramatically in coming years
Major League Soccer’s board of governors voted Thursday to move the start of the league’s nine-month season from February to July beginning in 2027.
“The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”
The governors, meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., also reportedly discussed a proposal that would rank the league’s 30 teams in a single table rather than in two conferences. Both changes would align MLS with most of the world’s other top-tier leagues, which play a fall-to-spring schedule with one standings table.
Changing the schedule also will allow the league to better sync up with both the primary and second transfer windows used by the rest of the world and with FIFA’s international calendar, dates on which teams are required to release players to their national teams.
This month’s FIFA break forced MLS to pause its playoff tournament for two weeks between the first and second rounds.
“This is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world,” U.S. men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “Having managed club teams and now the U.S. national team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs.
“This also extends beyond the senior national teams; it will allow us to have access to the youth national team players during critical periods of international competition, further advancing their development.”
The governors have been discussing the move for at least two years and had hoped to have a new schedule format in place by next season, when the World Cup returns to North America for five weeks during the middle of the MLS season. But pushback from a handful of teams and the need to negotiate the changes with the players association delayed things.
The league is continuing discussions with the union over how to implement the changes. Under the current proposal, the MLS regular season would run from late July or early August through April, with a winter break in December and January. The playoffs would he held in late May, moving them out from under the shadow of the NFL and college football seasons.
Garber has long been pushing for the move, telling reporters at last summer’s MLS All-Star Game “that alignment is something that makes sense.”
When MLS began play in 1996 it chose to play most of its games in the spring and summer to avoid conflicts with the NFL. In its inaugural season, all 10 of the league’s teams played in NFL or college football stadiums. This season 22 of the 30 teams played in soccer-specific venues.
Playing through the winter months will have a huge impact on training and games for teams in harsh climates such as Salt Lake City, Toronto, Minnesota, Colorado, Montreal and New England. However the same could be said of summer matches in the oppressive heat and humidity of Florida and Texas.
Major League Soccer to adopt summer-to-spring schedule starting in 2027
Major League Soccer has instituted a significant change to its scheduling format, and it could have a huge impact on Chicago Fire FC fans.
Under a proposal that was approved on Thursday, the league will transition to a summer-to-spring scheduling format, mirroring the top leagues in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and others.
Currently, MLS uses a format that runs from late winter into the early fall in the same calendar year, but after a transitionary 14-game schedule early in 2027, the league will adopt its new scheduling format full-time in the 2027-28 season.
Major League Soccer is aligning its schedule with the rest of the world. Here’s why.
Major League Soccer will overhaul its schedule in 2027, shifting to a summer-to-spring season that aligns with the global soccer calendar and mirrors Europe’s top leagues. The decision came Thursday at the Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, where commissioner Don Garber called it one of the most significant in league history.
La Major League Soccer a punto de alinear su calendario con el de la FIFA
Professional soccer in the United States aligning with the rest of the world?
Say it ain’t so.
However, it is with the announcement late Thursday that Major League Soccer will align its calendar beginning in summer 2027 to a traditional calendar akin to the world’s top leagues.
Typically, that timeline runs from August to May with championship dates held in May. In addition to the shift in timeline, the league also announced that the move could mean yet another change to its playoff structure, a configuration that seems to change almost annually at this point.
MLS commissioner Don Garber described the move as “one of the most important decisions in our history,” given that the league has followed a winter-to-winter format since its inception following the 1994 FIFA men’s World Cup.
“Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage without interruption,” Garber continued. “It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”
To put what Garber is referring to in layman’s terms is that it will be easier for clubs to attract players from leagues around the world, who are ready to play, given they’ll be playing at the same time. Specifically, the winter transfer window has been tricky for MLS teams looking to woo players to their club when the club is not playing meaningful matches.
Additionally, the move helps mitigate FIFA’s international calendar a bit better, in which the league doesn’t have to shut down for at times for as long as two weeks to allow for players to compete for their countries.
Some other points directly from MLS on the shift in its competition calendar.
The 2027–28 MLS regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in late May 2028.
Like many other major international leagues, MLS will observe a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.
Before the change to the new calendar, MLS will stage a transition season from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and MLS Cup. The results will determine 2027 qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.
Garber said that collectively, owners were “in agreement in being one of the best leagues in the world,” which helped push this decision across the line, particularly Northern teams, who will now need to compete during harsh winter months. However, Garber noted the month-long break in action, but also noted that during the nearly 30-year existence of the league, MLS’s southern teams had to deal with searing end-of-summer temperatures.
Additionally, during a call shortly after MLS’s Board of Governors meeting, Garber also announced that every MLS match beginning in 2026 will be hosted on Apple TV, doing away with viewers needing to access games via MLS Season Pass, or watch select games on Apple TV+.
With Garber saying that ratings this past season with Apple’s current structure grew 30 percent, he said that “Apple is very focused on the consumer experience.”
Major League Soccer will change calendar, begin season in July starting in 2027
La Major League Soccer (MLS) anunció este jueves la decisión histórica de alinear su calendario junto al de FIFA y que empezará a regir a partir del verano del 2027, lo cual será un paso trascendental y significativo para potenciar su crecimiento en el presente y futuro de la propia Liga.
La transición traerá aparejado un nuevo formato de temporada regular y postemporada que combina elementos del juego global con las tradiciones deportivas de Norteamérica y donde la propia Liga revisará los ajustes al formato de los playoffs buscando un crecimiento, pero sobre todo una evaluación que permita potenciar la propia calidad de las finales y de los propios equipos.
El cambio en el formato fue aprobado este jueves en la reunión de propietarios de la Major League Soccer que se realizó en Palm Beach, Florida y en donde se buscó que en todo momento los cambios no afecten la estructura y el crecimiento de la liga frente a todos los problemas que generan los diferentes climas y husos horarios en Estados Unidos, sobre todo el crudo invierno.
Sobre estos cambios, el Comisionado de la MLS, Don Garber dijo que: “El cambio de calendario es una de las decisiones más importantes de nuestra historia”,
La nueva estructura de la temporada
De esta forma, la nueva temporada regular a partir del 2027-28 comenzará a partir de julio de 2027 y finalizará con la etapa de playoffs a fines de mayo de 2028. Un punto importante será que la MLS, como las ligas de Europa tendrá un receso de invierno de diciembre hasta inicios de febrero, con lo cual se organizará un torneo de transición de febrero a mayo de 2027, con un total de 14 partidos de temporada regular, postemporada y la MLS Cup.
De esta forma, los propios resultados determinarán la clasificación de 2027 para la Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, el campeonato canadiense, la Leagues Cup y la Copa de Campeones de Concacaf y en donde se buscará en todo momento el beneficio deportivo y económico de la propia Liga.
Los beneficios del nuevo formato
En una nueva retrospectiva de los beneficios de este cambio, es que se optimizará el mercado global de transferencias de los jugadores y sobre todo tener un calendario aparejado a la FIFA podrán tener una mayor ventana de oportunidad en la compra y venta de jugadores, así como potenciar los fichajes, así como la oportunidad de programar las fechas FIFA y potenciar la competencia de la Liga a otros niveles.
Una decisión en análisis desde hace dos años
La decisión de homologar el calendario no es nueva o improvisada, sino desde hace dos años, cuando en octubre de 2023 se empezó el cabildeo con los propietarios, ejecutivos de los equipos, jugadores y de la Asociación de Jugadores de la Liga.
También tuvo mucho que ver la opinión de los aficionados, que tuvo una aceptación de un 92 por ciento, según información proporcionada por la propia Liga, que también analizó extensos informes climáticos y de husos horarios para tomar la decisión final.
After 30 Years, MLS Finally Joins, Aligns With The Rest Of The World
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MLS officially flipping calendar to match European leagues
Major League Soccer’s owners have voted to shift the league calendar to align with Europe’s top leagues and FIFA’s international calendar beginning in 2027, with MLS moving to a July-to-May schedule.
MLS will also move from a two-conference format to a single-table competition that includes five six-team divisions, The Athletic reported. The league did not discuss its formatting plan while announcing the schedule change.
The MLS Players Association will need to sign off on the plan, and in its announcement, the MLS said it is “continuing to work with the MLSPA to finalize agreement on a transition plan.”
The changes come after roughly two years of debate over the idea inside MLS circles and after speculation had circulated that the league had hoped to implement the change in time for 2026 after the World Cup.
The calendar change was boasted by the league in its official announcement as a way for MLS as a way to position itself better during the global transfer windows, “maximize player signings” and “elevate the playoffs.”
“The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America.”
The new calendar will go into effect in July 2027 after MLS holds a transition season from February to May of that year, which will include a 14-game regular season, playoffs and MLS Cup, with the results determining the 2027 qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.
The playoff format is still being determined under the new calendar.
MLS will also have a break from mid-December through early February.
Among the vocal proponents of the change has been New York City FC and club CEO Brad Sims.
“Today’s announcement marks an exciting, new era for Major League Soccer,” Sims said in a statement Thursday. “Throughout this process the League has conducted, New York City FC have been supportive of this change and applaud the decision as a positive outcome to continue growing MLS. Soccer is already seeing incredible levels of growth in North America, and aligning the League’s schedule to follow the international calendar provides us with the best opportunity to continue building off this momentum. Especially with the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup 26 coming next summer, followed shortly by the opening of our future home in Etihad Park, this decision could not come at a better time.
“We look forward to competing under this new league format and welcoming everyone to Etihad Park for its inaugural season in 2027.”
A Red Bulls spokesperson declined to comment when reached by The Post on Thursday.
A knock on the flip has been about the impact on northern markets that will see increased games played in cold-weather months, though the league believes its adding only a small number of games outside the window it currently plays in, according to The Athletic.
Garber also noted to reporters in Florida after the announcement that the change will move the MLS playoffs out of a “cluttered” time of year for sports, though with MLS playoffs now slated to fall in June, they would run up against the NBA and NHL playoffs as well as the MLB regular season.
MLS owners vote to shift soccer season to a summer
Major League Soccer owners voted Thursday to shift the league’s season to a summer-to-spring calendar in 2027, bringing it more in line with its international counterparts.
The move aims to put MLS in a more competitive position for player transfers, while also freeing up players for national team duty during the summer, when many major international tournaments take place.
This season the league started play in late February, with a break for the Club World Cup over the summer. The MLS Cup championship game is set for Dec. 6.
The vote came at the Board of Governors meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. Under the new calendar, league play will begin in mid- to late July 2027, with the final day of the regular season in April 2028. The playoffs and championship will take place in May.
The league would go on an extended break during the winter, with just a few games played in early December and no games in January before resuming in early to mid-February.
The league is working with the Major League Soccer Players Association to finalize the transition.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber told reporters on a conference call Thursday afternoon that the move was “one of the most important decisions in our league’s history.”
“This is an opportunity for us to eliminate the competition that we’ve had for our playoffs as they exist today in a very crowded time of the year. It allows us to be aligned with the international transfer windows, which we think is incredibly important. It gives us a wide variety of opportunities that will expand our ability to be on this path to be one of the top and leading leagues in the world,” Garber said.
While there were concerns about weather challenges during the winter months, teams like Minnesota United and the Chicago Fire already face cold and sometimes snowy conditions. In a March 2024 match, Real Salt Lake and LAFC played in blizzard conditions in Sandy, Utah.
But with a warming climate, matches in the summer months have become problematic, too. Soaring temperatures were a concern at some of the Club World Cup matches this past July and August.
“To be sure, the calendar change discussion also raised challenges related to the weather for a number of the league’s most northern-based teams, but we are confident in the efforts that have been made, and will remain a priority for the entire league, to address it,” Toronto FC said in a statement released following the MLS announcement. “It was our view that with more than 90 percent of the proposed MLS schedule staying consistent with its current format, the benefits to the future league product outweighed the potential challenges.”
The current schedule was based on not only the geography of the United States, but also the tastes of the American sports fan, avoiding the crowded months when NFL plays its biggest games, and the NBA and NHL are in full swing.
In the changeover to the new calendar, MLS will stage an abbreviated or “sprint” season at the beginning of 2027, running from February to May. Each team will play 14 regular season matches, with a playoffs and MLS Cup. The results will determine qualification for the U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The league was also considering a new playoff format, as well as a division structure, but those proposals were still under consideration.
The league previously considered a European schedule in 2013. There were earlier rumors that the owners might approve a shift following the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. MLS plans to break for the tournament.
MLS to shift to European schedule in 2027
Major League Soccer is taking a big step to align itself with the global calendar.
The league will shift its schedule from February to December to a July to May calendar beginning in 2027, aligning with top global leagues like the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Pfaff’s Lamborghini Temerario headlines new GT3 line-up at IMSA Sanctioned Test
Pfaff Motorsports rolled out its first Lamborghini Temerario GT3 and will run the new car, along with the other GTD PRO and GTD machines, during the second and third days of the IMSA Sanctioned Test.
Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Marco Mapelli will run the car during their allotted time on Saturday and Sunday.
The Temerario GT3 may not be racing at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, but its attendance at the IMSA Sanctioned Test is required for the car to be certified to race during the 2026 season.
Pfaff will give the car its worldwide racing debut in March during the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
But that’s not all that’s changed, as Ford, Ferrari, and Porsche have the latest evolutions of their GT3 cars on hand for the Sanctioned Test. An evolution of the Ford Mustang GT3 will run at Daytona for the first time, featuring new front diveplanes for added downforce, and new endurance headlights.
Ford Racing has declined to comment on the changes until the car’s homologation is made official. RACER is aware of mechanical changes that have also been made to the Mustang GT3 platform.
Ferrari and Porsche, meanwhile, have already presented their evolutions of the 296 GT3 and 911 GT3 R, respectively.
The 296 GT3 Evo has some minor aero changes, as well as a redesigned swan neck rear wing and reprofiled side mirrors. The car’s suspension and brake cooling packages have also been updated.
Many of these changes have been made to improve the 296 GT3’s ability to race in traffic. Speaking with RACER’s Stephen Kilbey, Ferrari factory GT driver Alessio Rovera said, “I think it’s a big change, especially compared to the LMGT3 (in WEC and the European Le Mans Series). Because the GT3 standard-spec for GT World Challenge and other championships has a bit more downforce. The LMGT3 is quite different. And the new package will be much better.
“Especially in the aero wash, following other cars – we struggle a lot with this one. Raceability is a really big problem with this car, and with the Evo, it will be a big step for us.”
Only AF Corse has the latest version of the 296 GT3 Evo, but three Porsche customer teams have unloaded the newest 992.2-generation version of the 911 GT3 R.
Among the aerodynamic changes made to the 911 GT3 R are the louvers incorporated into the front wheel arches to improve cooling, and a four millimeter Gurney flap on the swan-neck wing to increase downforce and add setup depth.
The car also has revised front and rear suspension kinematics to enhance stability and predictability, particularly under braking.
Here’s Every New Date For The Mayhem Ball 2026
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball Tour extension came as zero surprise to music insiders, who know the Gaga machine is exactly that. Can anyone remember a time when Gaga wasn’t touring? What’s more, this machine has major lady cajónes.
Her added dates, announced in September, aren’t going down in thimble-sized venues on the Lower East Side—she’s filling stadiums, thrice over. This means the demand is there. And maybe, the extension has been part of the plan ever since releasing her sixth studio album Mayhem back in March. The truth is it doesn’t matter. If The Mayhem Ball keeps earning, Gaga keeps going.
What makes her different from the rest of the pop circuit is that she’s not selling the idea of old iterations or, as the kids say, “eras.” Gaga’s selling endurance. With multiple dates from Japan to Australia, the Mayhem Ball is proof of concept. 15 years in, she’s still bending every genre that tried to box her in. The show feels alive, unpredictable, a little manic, and this suits most people. In fact, Lady Gaga is one of the few acts Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z can all agree on.
From Monsters To Mayhem, Touring Always Wins
Touring remains the only sure bet for major artists, but Gaga’s turned it into performance art economics. Her merch is limited-edition fashion, her visuals cinematic, her message loud: be it “monsters
Washington Commanders select lead architect for stadium design
Commanders President Mark Clouse named the Texas-based HKS firm as the lead architect, calling the selection a “major step forward” in bringing the team back to the district.
“HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality and community impact,” Clouse said in a statement.
The firm has been responsible for designing multiple NFL stadiums, including SoFi Stadium in California and AT&T Stadium in Texas.
“This partnership underscores our shared vision to create a stadium that enhances the fan experience, strengthens our connection with the community, and sets a new standard for the future of sports and entertainment—delivering an exceptional experience that will serve our team, our fans, and the District for decades to come,” Clouse added.
The Washington, D.C., government is contributing more than $1 billion in taxpayer funds and additional foregone revenue in tax breaks and other incentives for the Commanders to return to the district. The Commanders are then investing $2.7 billion to build the stadium, marking the single largest private investment in the district’s history.
HKS Global Venues Director Mark Williams said his company is “thrilled to partner with the Commanders” for the new design.
“We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means by channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way,” he said in a press release. “The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports, and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.”
In recent months, President Donald Trump has gotten involved in the Commanders’ stadium deal by threatening to block the agreement unless the Commanders return to their Redskins name. The president recently suggested the new stadium should be named after him, according to an ESPN report. The White House called the idea “beautiful.”
WHITE HOUSE HAILS ‘BEAUTIFUL’ PROSPECT OF NEW COMMANDERS STADIUM BEARING TRUMP’S NAME
Thursday’s announcement is the latest step in getting the stadium closer to completion. Vertical construction is expected to start in spring 2027, three years before the stadium’s projected opening. RFK Stadium is currently undergoing demolition, according to an October update from Events DC.
Next steps include working out the concept and schematic design principles before presenting the plans to the Washington, D.C., government in a series of community engagement meetings slated for November and December.
What to Know About the Summit, Denver’s Pro Women’s Soccer Team
Denver is closer to welcoming another major professional sports team, the Summit, with single-game tickets for the new women’s soccer team going on sale on Wednesday, November 13.
The Mile High City is full of great fans who can’t get enough sports. The Summit will play its first National Women’s Soccer League match in about five months, and that gives Denver’s die-hard, altitude-dizzy fans time to become the first generation of Summit fans.
The tickets that went on sale are for the “kickoff” match, the Summit’s first home match, at Empower Field on March 28. Prices range from $34 to $160, according to Ticketmaster.
So many developments have come down the pike about the Summit’s new and temporary stadiums, its players and upcoming season. If you’re interested in reaching the Summit this year, here’s what an aspiring fan needs to know.
Welcome to the NWSL
The Denver Summit is among the newest teams in the NWSL, which has been around since 2012 and is rapidly growing. The league added two teams for the 2024 season as well.
The NWSL added the Summit alongside Boston Legacy FC, with news of Denver’s team coming out in January. On Tuesday, November 11, the league announced it would also expand into Atlanta in the 2027 season, its seventeenth team.
The Summit is owned by a group of local and national investors, including former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Olympic skier Mikaela Shiffrin. The controlling owner is Rob Cohen, the CEO of the Denver-based IMA Financial Group,
Where Will the Summit Play in 2026?
The first home match for the Denver Summit, on March 28, will be at Empower Field, the home of the Denver Broncos. After that, the team’s temporary home will be in a temporary 12,000-seat stadium in Centennial, where the team plans to build a training facility. The stadium will go on to host state tournament games for various Colorado high school sports, as well.
The Summit’s permanent home is planned for an area off South Broadway and Interstate 25, and will cost about $300 million to build. The City of Denver is considering spending $70 million, including $50 million for land acquisition and $20 million for infrastructure improvements around the stadium, despite a budget shortfall that caused layoffs and harsh cuts. A Denver City Council committee delayed a vote on funding the new stadium and asked for more details about how the money will be spent before bringing the agreement back for a vote on December 10.
What Will the 2026 Season Look Like?
Two weeks of pre-season for the NWSL will be held from February 7 to 21 in Indio, California, where the Coachella music festival is held.
The NWSL season will open on February 20 with the Challenge Cup, which isn’t part of the regular season but is an official NWSL competition. Only the winner of the past NWSL championship and the team with the best regular season record play in the Challenge Cup.
The first 2026 regular season match will be on March 13. Each team will play thirty matches, but full-season schedules haven’t been released yet. The Summit hasn’t announced any opponents for its upcoming matches yet.
In 2026, the U.S., Mexico and Canada will host the FIFA Men’s World Cup, and nearly half of the sixteen cities with NWSL teams will be hosting World Cup games, including Houston, Los Angeles and New York. The NWSL will be taking a break through most of June to avoid competing.
Who Plays for the Denver Summit?
The Summit has announced a few signings so far, all of them of players on loan from another team, so they’ll only be in Denver temporarily before returning to their host clubs.
Colorado Springs native Ally Watt is likely the most notable player. She grew up in Colorado Springs, went to Pine Creek High School, played for the Texas A&M Aggies, the Melbourne City Women’s Football Club in Australia and then the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL.
For the past three seasons, the 28-year-old forward played for the Orlando Pride, but the Denver Summit announced the team signed her as its first official player in August. Watt is on loan from Orlando, though.
Spanish soccer player Nahikari Garcia will join Watt as a forward. The Summit announced the “top-flight” goalscorer as its first international signing in September. She’s signed through the next two years, and is on loan from Nottingham Forest Women FC in England.
The Denver Summit also signed midfielder Lourdes Bosch, a 24-year-old with experience playing for the University of Las Vegas and internationally for Melbourne City (after Watt was there), and in Monterrey, Mexico. Bosch is on loan from the C.F. Monterrey Femenil in Mexico.
On Thursday, November 13, the team announced the signing of “ironwoman” defender Kaleigh Kurtz, a two-time NWSL championship winner from the North Carolina Courage. The 31-year-old Kutz signed a three-year deal to make the Summit her host club.
How to Rep Like a Summit Fan
The Summit isn’t selling jerseys on their official website yet like other NWSL teams, but they do have shirts, sweaters and caps with the team’s official colors: alpine green, sunset yellow and snow white. Most of the gear available now is green and white, so fans who went to Colorado State University can probably get away with wearing the Rams gear at Summit matches.
The team already has official social media accounts on Instagram, X and Facebook, where it posts about signings, ticket sales and other team news.
NBA Betting Scandal Forced Roger Goodell to Issue Strong Message on NFL’s $30B Future
Everyone was expecting this. Finally, it came through. Now, the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, has intervened directly. The league is working with state leaders, regulators, and betting companies to tighten rules on prop bets. These talks started because of the NBA betting scandal, and Goodell is coming up with a reminder.
The league sent a memo to all 32 teams to remind them which prop bets are not allowed. The NFL said it wants to limit or stop bets that involve injuries, officiating, fan safety, single-player actions, or any outcome that is already known. These rules are not new. A league source said they existed before the recent problems in other sports. The memo listed examples of banned bets, like betting on whether a kicker will miss a field goal, whether a quarterback will start, or whether the first play will be a run or pass.
In the new memo, the league told all staff to follow simple rules. Do not bet on the NFL, do not let friends or family bet for you, do not gamble at team facilities or while traveling, do not share inside information, and do not enter a sportsbook during the season.
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However, there could be more steps. The memo did not say if more bets could be banned in the future. It also did not say what new rules the league might make to tackle the issue.
Football is the biggest betting sport in the U.S. Roger Goodell got an update from the American Gaming Association that fans would bet around $30 billion on the NFL this season. At Super Bowl LVIII two years ago, 68 million Americans bet $23.1 billion.
The NFL commissioner isn’t the only one worried. Even the Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, warned players to stay away from it.
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Roger Goodell’s steps will help keep players away from scandals
“The NFL and the NFLPA kind of tell us all the different rules that you can and can’t do. I just stay away from it, just ’cause I don’t want to put myself in that position. Your life’s so great, why mess with it?” Mahomes said. “More than anything to me, it gets weird sometimes when you have fans talking about it, just ’cause, like, you’re just trying to go out there and live your life and play the game, and sometimes they get really attached to them even more than, like, the regular fan because they have money on the line.”
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Fantasy sports and prop bets make fans emotional. Losing a bet is one thing. But fans would feel betrayed if players ever faked injuries or tried to lose games on purpose. Since NFL players already earn strong salaries, Mahomes thinks avoiding gambling is the smart move.
Still, players say betting has made fans more angry. Giants kicker Graham Gano said fans send him threats when they lose money on his kicks. He said this has been happening since sports betting became common. Gano shared that some fans tell him to “kill himself” or even wish he gets a serious disease when a kick costs them money.
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“I mean, shoot, ever since sports betting started happening, I get people telling me to kill myself every week. Because I’ll hit a kick that loses them money. I’ll miss a kick, and it loses them money. It was the other day, somebody told me to get cancer and die.”
That is the kind of trouble any player never wants the NFL to face.
The NBA case shows why. The investigation revealed two major issues. Insider information and player collusion! The case also includes charges tied to rigged poker games. Robbery, extortion, wire fraud, bank fraud, and illegal gambling. Authorities say the scheme took about $7 million from victims, including $1.8 million from one fan.
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For Roger Goodell, protecting the sport’s reputation is a $30 billion imperative.
Cardi B Gives Birth to Baby No. 4, First With Boyfriend Stefon Diggs
Cardi B is officially a mom of four.
The 33-year-old rapper welcomed a baby boy with NFL star and boyfriend Stefon Diggs, Cardi’s rep confirmed to TODAY.com on Nov. 13.
No additional information was shared at this time.
The news comes after she posted an Instagram video of herself strutting to her song “Hello.” In the caption, she wrote how her life has recently been a “combination of different chapters and different seasons.”
Now starting over and in a “new season,” she shared that it’s “never easy but it’s been so worth it,” before touching on motherhood.
“I brought new music and a new album to the world! A new baby into my world, and one more reason to be the best version of me, one more reason to love me more than anything else or anyone else so I can continue giving my babies the love and life they deserve,” she wrote in part.
Cardi revealed in a Sept. 17 CBS News interview that she was pregnant with her fourth child, and first with the New England Patriots wide receiver.
“I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs,” she told Gayle King. “I’m excited. I’m happy. I feel like I’m in a good space. I feel very strong, I feel very powerful that I’m doing all this work, but I’m doing all this work while I’m creating a baby.”
At the time, she said that her baby would be born ahead of her 2026 tour.
Cardi is also mother to three children with rapper Offset: daughter Kulture, son Wave and daughter Blossom born in 2024. She filed for divorce from Offset for a second time in 2024.
Diggs, meanwhile, is also father to a daughter from a previous relationship.
During an Oct. 6 episode of the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, Cardi shared spoke about supporting her children and her worst parenting fear.
“Please don’t be lazy,” she told Jay Shetty. “Don’t be a bum … please don’t be lazy… Some people have the look, the intelligence, the talent. Some people really have that. But they don’t go nowhere because they’re lazy. Don’t be lazy!”
She added that she would be willing to financially assist her kids into adulthood, but hopes they “become something.”
“Even when they’re 18 … and it’s time to leave, if you want an apartment, if you want a car, I’ll give it to you, but please, please become something,” she said. “Please don’t be nothing. That would be the worst disappointment they could ever do. Don’t disappoint me like that.”
Rams Vet Minimum Signing Named MVP At Halfway Mark
The Los Angeles Rams continue to cement themselves as one of the best in the league.
The big names on the Rams continue to provide on both sides of the field, especially Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua on the offense. The defense was questionable coming into the season, but it has held its own and will scare any offense across the league.
With a 7-2 record at the midpoint of the season, one Rams writer reveals who should be the team’s MVP, making a bold pick.
Linebacker Named MVP
The obvious answer on offense is Stafford or Puka, as both are playing at an elite level and could achieve All-Pro status, but there has been a defensive player who shows up for the Rams when they need it.
Blaine Grisak of SBNation’s Turf Show Times reveals his MVPs for the Rams after the halfway mark of the season. Grisak believes Nate Landman, who signed on a veteran minimum deal in the 2025 Free Agency, is the team’s defensive MVP.
“While it would be nice to put Jared Verse here, the answer is very clearly Nate Landman. An argument could also be made for Byron Young who leads the Rams in sacks. This isn’t to say that Verse has had a bad season, but Landman has been special. When the Rams defense has needed a play, Landman has been there to make it,” Grisak wrote. “The Rams linebacker has three forced fumbles this season and all have seemingly come in a big moment.”
“The Rams are in a spot now where they historically don’t invest or pay linebackers. However, Landman has played his way into potential extension consideration through the first half of the season. Outside of the turnovers, he’s also been a major reason for the Rams’ improving against the run on defense this season.”
Landman signed a veteran minimum contract with the Rams, a $1.1 million deal, but has impressed the most before the season began. Head coach Sean McVay praised his work ethic and was named a captain before Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Now, in LA, the linebacker is making a name for himself.
Nate Landman In The NFC West
Landman began his career with the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded 110 tackles in his second season in the league.
In his one-year deal with LA, the linebacker should eclipse that number and have a career high in sacks. This season for the Rams, Landman leads the team with 83 tackles (15 more than the next player), has recorded 1.5 sacks and has forced 3 fumbles.
It is an understatement to say how crucial the $1.1 million signing is to Los Angeles’ defense.
While there are other players on the defense who are household names, Landman is the underrepresented player on the team who deserves to have his name known around the league.
NFL files grievance against players’ union to stop report cards, per report
NFL owners want the NFLPA report cards to stop, according to a new report by ESPN.
In documents obtained by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr., a grievance has been filed by the NFL against the Players Association, requesting the union end its annual team report cards. According to the NFL, the report cards violate the collective bargaining agreement by “airing public criticism” of teams.
Players are polled annually giving grades from A to F about various aspects of their working conditions, from reviews of the facilities and training staff to how the players and their families are treated. The NFLPA alerted players of the grievance last week, but said its “moving ahead with this year’s survey,” according to a union email obtained by ESPN.
“We have responded to the grievance with our intention to fight against this action and continue what’s clearly become an effective tool for comparing workplace standards across the league and equipping you to make informed career decisions,” the NFLPA wrote in its email to players.
The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a precipitous drop in their report cards over the past couple seasons. In 2023, they finished third in all of the NFL for overall ranking before dropping to 12th in 2024, the largest drop in the league that season. They bounced back slightly in the most recent report cards, finishing at 10th prior to the 2025 season.
In 2025, 1,695 players leaguewide responded to the surveys. The Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins earned the highest marks for workplace environment, with Zygi Wilf of the Vikings, Stephen Ross of the Dolphins and Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons receiving A-plus grades.
Jerry Jones was given a B by his players in 2025, 18th in the league overall.
One owner told ESPN that “the only owners who don’t care for [the report cards] are the ones who get the subpar grades.”
Click here to read the full report.
heavy NFL year, New England keeps taking care of business
But the win showed how far the Patriots have come in their first season under coach Mike Vrabel. Ten months ago, a half-empty Gillette Stadium booed the Patriots off the field as they finished off a 4-13 season.
Thursday night, in the first primetime game at Gillette Stadium since Week 2 of 2023, the stadium buzzed with lights and DJs and pyrotechnics as the Patriots improved to an NFL-best 9-2. They once again took care of business against an inferior opponent and didn’t succumb to a trap game. It was their eighth straight win, their longest streak since 2019.
The Bills got upset by the Dolphins on Sunday. The Packers recently lost to the Panthers. The Patriots keep getting it done.
It wasn’t the prettiest performance — they had some trouble in the red zone and let the Jets hang around a little too long. They nonetheless got the job done on a short week, winning by double digits despite playing their 11th game in a row without any breaks.
Now comes a well-earned mini-bye, with 10 days to prepare for their next game at Cincinnati.
The way the season is unfolding, the Patriots might be looking at another bye in January.
⋅ Someone should check Drake Maye’s birth certificate, because he plays with a maturity far beyond his 23 years. Maye was sublime again Thursday, completing 25 of 34 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown without much help from the run game.
Maye did a great job of taking checkdowns throughout and not forcing too many deep passes, hitting TreVeyon Henderson five times for 31 yards and a touchdown, plus several underneath throws to Stefon Diggs (nine for 105) and Hunter Henry (four for 45).
Maye showed excellent pocket awareness and mobility, like when he shuffled and slid around two defenders and stepped up to hit Diggs for 21 yards over the middle.
And he showed impressive poise, keeping his eyes downfield on several throws and making an impressive flip throw to Diggs on an improvised play.
Maye entered the game as the betting favorite to win MVP. Thursday will do nothing to dispel that.
⋅ I’m starting to think the Patriots are letting their opponents score on the opening drive on purpose, just to make the games more competitive.
The Jets became the sixth team in 11 games to score a touchdown to open the game — two others scored field goals. They marched 72 yards in 14 plays and converted four third downs. The Patriots have not exactly been victimized by a group of Hall of Fame quarterbacks, either — Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers, Bryce Young, Dillon Gabriel, Baker Mayfield, and Justin Fields.
Like always, the Patriots clamped down after the first drive, forcing the Jets to punt on their next four as they built a 21-7 lead.
⋅ You can always count on the Jets to trip over their own shoelaces. They committed two defensive penalties on the same play, and also left Mack Hollins wide open for a 19-yard catch. They had a penalty for 12 men on the field coming out of a timeout. Receiver Adonai Mitchell dropped two passes on third down. They let DeMario Douglas pick up an extra 10 yards when they forgot to touch him when down, and Fields wrecked a third-quarter drive with an intentional grounding penalty.
The Jets needed to be perfect on Thursday to pull off the upset. Instead, they were the Jets.
⋅ Vrabel lived dangerously with the clock right before halftime in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers, and didn’t handle it well on Thursday.
First, he was a little too nonchalant. The Patriots got the ball near midfield with 1:48 left in the first half and all three timeouts, yet only had 27 seconds left when they got a first down. I understand not wanting to give the Jets the ball back before halftime, but Fields is not Baker Mayfield.
Vrabel later could have opted to take a shot at the end zone from the 28-yard line with nine seconds left, or at minimum move closer for a field goal, but instead called an inside handoff and settled for a 45-yarder which Andy Borregales put off the right upright.
The Patriots then went three-and-out to start the third quarter. It was one of the only times this year they failed to convert the pre- and post-halftime double score.
New NFL memo makes hollow attack on prop bets
The headline is an attention-grabber. The story suggests it’s all a big, fat nothingburger.
Via Doug Greenberg of ESPN.com, the NFL sent a memo on Thursday to team officials regarding prohibitions on certain prop bets. However, as the article later explains, the prop bets mentioned in the memo are not generally offered by legal U.S. sportsbooks.
Per Greenberg, the memo lists various prohibited wager categories, from betting on injuries to fan misconduct to penalties to certain predetermined events. (That said, the memo would seem to cover easily-rigged wagers on the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach at the Super Bowl.)
In the memo, the league also explains that it is “actively engaged with both state lawmakers and regulators, as well as with our sports betting partners, to limit — and where possible prohibited altogether — prop bets in the NFL.”
As Greenberg writes, “it is not anticipated that Thursday’s memo will force any changes to [the sportsbooks’] offerings.”
The memo also says that it considers the use of prediction markets (e.g., Kalshi and Polymarket) to be “prohibited gambling activity.”
To be clear, our interpretation of the memo is based only on Greenberg’s characterization of it. If/when we get a copy of the memo, we’ll supplement our take on it, if needed.
For now, however, it appears that the portion of the memo regarding prop bets is a largely hollow gesture aimed at doing something at a time when many are looking to sports leagues to do anything to address the kinds of wagers that can be directly influenced by one player — and that can spawn inside information that can be misused by those who know whether and to what extent a player is likely to hit the “under” on prop bets tied to his performance.
It’s one thing to legalize, and to profit from, big-picture wagers regarding which team wins (straight up or against the spread) and whether the total points will exceed (or fall short of) the game-by-game magic number. Prop bets, which truly are the crack cocaine of legalized betting (and, when lumped into three-leg parlays, easy money for the sportsbooks), set the stage for misconduct by those who have specific knowledge about players and game plans.
Those whose nests are feathered by gambling money will respond to that take by saying, for instance, “If bets like these are prohibited, bettors will resort to bookies.” The easy response is this: “Let them.” Specifically, let them put down the cell-phone device that allows immediate wagering and tiptoe to the wrong side of the tracks in order to place prop bets. And let’s see how many of them actually will.
The biggest problem with legalized gambling is that it has also become normalized. Those who would never even commence the process of finding a bookie for fear of “breaking the law” can now make a bet as easily as ordering a new pair of shoes.
And, for those who aren’t careful (or who develop an addiction), money that would otherwise go to shoes and clothes and food and lodging will be gone forever.
That’s the point that most seem to be missing. It’s not nearly enough to print “1-800-GAMBLER” in the fine print of the ads. People need to understand the realities of the game. Most will eventually lose money. Some will lose a lot of money.
It’s not a device for escaping financial jeopardy. It’s not a path to prosperity. The odds are ultimately against you, as evidenced by the fact that the major sportsbooks are thriving, multibillion-dollar businesses.
NFL Thursday night: Former Alabama receiver gets first TD for Jets
Wide receiver John Metchie III scored his first touchdown as a member of the New York Jets on Thursday night, but it didn’t prevent the New England Patriots from winning their eighth game in a row.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson scored three touchdowns as the Patriots defeated New York 27-14 to kick off Week 11 of the NFL’s 2025 season.
The Jets obtained Metchie in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 29. The former Alabama standout made his New York debut in a 27-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, when he had a 3-yard reception.
On Thursday night, Metchie caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Fields as the Jets cut the Patriots’ lead to 21-14 with 3:10 left in the third quarter.
The touchdown was the second of Metchie’s NFL career, which started one year after he was picked in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Metchie was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia just before training camp of his rookie season. Metchie caught a 15-yard TD pass in the Houston Texans’ 26-23 loss to the Detroit Lions on Nov. 10, 2024.
On Thursday night, Metchie had three receptions for a team-leading 45 yards. His touchdown reception was the Jets’ longest play of the game, and an 18-yard catch in the fourth quarter was the second-longest.
In addition to Metchie, eight other players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in the New York-New England game:
Christian Barmore (Alabama) started at defensive tackle for the Patriots. Barmore made three tackles, recorded one sack and registered two quarterback hits. The sack was the first of the season for Barmore.
Jets defensive tackle Byron Cowart (Auburn) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Carlton Davis (Auburn) started at cornerback for the Patriots. Davis made two tackles.
Patriots tight end CJ Dippre (Alabama) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (Dadeville, Alabama) made one tackle and recovered one fumble. Jennings recovered a fumble by Jets quarterback Justin Fields at the New York 11-yard line to set up a field goal for the final score of the game with 6:36 to play.
Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (Enterprise, Troy) made two tackles.
Malachi Moore (Hewitt-Trussville, Alabama) started at safety for the Jets. The rookie made three tackles and broke up one pass.
Patriots safety Dell Pettus (Sparkman, Troy) made one tackle and broke up one pass.
Jets wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett (Jackson, South Alabama) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Jets running back Keilan Robinson (Alabama) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Jamien Sherwood (Auburn) started at linebacker for the Jets. Sherwood tied for the team lead with eight tackles.
Patriots wide receiver Jeremiah Webb (South Alabama) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Quincy Williams (Wenonah) started at linebacker for the Jets. Williams tied for the team lead with eight tackles and recorded one tackle for loss.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
New England (9-2) plays the Cincinnati Bengals at noon CST Nov. 23 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati in its next game.
New York (2-8) plays the Baltimore Ravens at noon Nov. 23 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Jets report card from NFL Week 11 loss to Patriots
Grading the Jets’ 27-14 loss to the Patriots on Thursday night.
Offense
The Jets continue to be unable to throw the ball downfield. They finished with 105 yards passing, which is progress from last week but still not good. QB Justin Fields (15 of 26, 116 yards, 1 passing TD, 11 rushes, 67 yards, 1 rushing TD) did not play well, but he also did not get much help.
WR Adonai Mitchell (1 catch, 10 yards) had two drops, and the Jets missed Garrett Wilson. The Patriots did a good job bottling up RB Breece Hall (14 rushes, 58 yards).
Drake Maye hears ‘MVP’ chants, leads Pats to 8th straight win
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quarterback Drake Maye strengthened his position as the favorite to win the NFL’s MVP award with another impressive performance, as the New England Patriots’ turnaround continued with a 27-14 win over the visiting New York Jets on Thursday, lifting the team to an NFL-best 9-2 record.
The Patriots have won eight games in a row, breaking a tie with the Denver Broncos for the league’s longest current winning streak. After finishing 4-13 in each of the past two seasons, they are just the fourth team in the past 25 years to win nine of their first 11 games after having four or fewer wins in the previous season, joining the 2013 Kansas City Chiefs, 2016 Dallas Cowboys and 2019 San Francisco 49ers.
While such a reversal has taken many by surprise, that isn’t the case for Maye, who completed his first 11 passes and finished 25-of-34 for 281 yards with one TD and 0 INTs.
Justin Fields’ poor play is Jets’ tank dream for top NFL draft pick
The New York Jets lost 27-14 to the New England Patriots, dropping their season record to 2-8.
Quarterback Justin Fields struggled in the passing game, finishing with 116 yards through the air.
Fields was more effective as a runner, gaining 67 yards on the ground with one touchdown.
FOXBOROUGH, MA – The New York Jets made their intentions for the second half of the 2025 season clear at the trade deadline by moving on from linchpins of the defense and stockpiling draft picks with an eye for the future. For a team that sank to 2-8 days later with a 27-14
Devils, Rangers honor late New York Post hockey columnist
The Devils and Rangers honored late New York Post hockey columnist Larry Brooks with social media posts on Thursday.
“His coverage of hockey in the metro area was must read for every fan and those in the industry, while his impact in the media space was influential to the growth of the game he loved,” the Devils wrote on social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
The Rangers added their own post which read, in part: “The entire Rangers organization mourns the loss of Larry Brooks, a titan in hockey journalism for nearly five decades.”
Devils announcer and ESPN radio host Don La Greca also weighed in on Brooks’ impact on him:
“He was a fixture for me at the Garden for 20 years, 20 years before that as a fan. Massive loss for the sport of hockey and journalism in general. RIP
Brooks, who also covered the U.S. Open tennis tournament, was a legendary hockey columnist who passed Thursday after a battle with cancer.
Via Mike Vaccaro of the Post:
He was 75. He leaves behind a son, Jordan, daughter-in-law, Joanna, and two grandchildren: 14-year-old Scott and 12-year old Reese. His wife, Janis, died in 2020…
“For the last three decades, no one covered a sports beat in this city better than Larry did on the Rangers,” Post Executive Sports Editor Chris Shaw said. “Well before the Hockey Hall of Fame enshrined him, Larry had already earned a place among the legends who have graced the pages of The Best Sports in Town.”
Vaccaro also quoted James Dolan, the owner of the Rangers, Knicks and Madison Square Garden, as saying that he and Brooks would meet off record periodically to discuss the team.
Aryna Sabalenka Admits She Was Close to Giving Up Tennis: “I Was So Desperate”
Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning World No. 1 and a four-time Grand Slam champion, with back-to-back titles at the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open and the 2024 and 2025 US Open, has established herself as one of the most dominant forces on the WTA Tour. But recently, Sabalenka opened up about a difficult chapter in her career, admitting she was once so frustrated by her struggles with double faults that she nearly walked away from the sport altogether.
Just hours ago, @Livieparis2024 shared a clip on X where the 27-year-old details how close she came to giving up and how that conversation changed everything. “I thought maybe it’s time to walk away, maybe that’s my fate,” she recalled. But it was her fitness coach, Jason Stacy, who changed everything when he reminded her of one last option: biomechanics. “He goes, ‘Wait, we haven’t tried biomechanics yet,’” Sabalenka said. That single suggestion turned out to be a game-changer in her career.
Looking back at 2022, it’s easy to understand why Aryna Sabalenka felt so lost. She started the season in Adelaide against Kaja Juvan, where 18 double faults cost her the match. The following week, she hit 21 more in another loss to qualifier Rebecca Peterson. Even at the Australian Open, she opened her match against Wang Xinyu with nine double faults in her first two service games and 12 in the first set. Somehow, she still pulled off the win, but the problem only grew worse, and by the end of that year, she had recorded a staggering 428 double faults.
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By season’s end, Aryna Sabalenka was exhausted and ready to call it quits. She told her team she was done. That’s when Stacy convinced her to give biomechanics a chance. “I was so desperate, I was ready to do anything to fix it,” she admitted. The decision turned out to be the turning point she needed.
However, after hiring a bio-mechanist, Sabalenka said her serve was completely transformed. “They completely overhauled my serve,” she explained. When asked if the process involved “sensors stuck on you,” she laughed and clarified, “No, not like sensors or anything. It’s basically about technique, how to use your body with less effort and more efficiency because there’s still physics, right? How to actually send a ball over the net into that little box.”
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And the results spoke for themselves. Ever since she adopted biomechanics, Sabalenka’s double faults have never outnumbered her aces, not in 2024, and not so far in 2025.
Now, even though she has conquered her serving demons, the challenges haven’t stopped coming, as most recently, Elena Rybakina defeated her 6-3, 7-6(0) to claim the WTA Finals title. And if that wasn’t enough, former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki has now called for a WTA rule change targeting the style of play of stars like Sabalenka. Why, you ask?
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Possible WTA rule change might put Aryna Sabalenka at risk
Caroline Wozniacki has experienced every shade of tennis, from its toughest moments to its most beautiful. So recently, when John Isner asked her what rule change she would introduce on the WTA Tour, the 35-year-old had a thoughtful answer ready. Drawing from years of experience, she suggested something few had dared to formalize before: controlling the volume of players’ grunts during matches.
“There should be like a mic and there should be a decibel thing, so you can’t grunt over a certain level. I think that should be a rule. And also the length of the grunt,” Wozniacki said. But why is grunting so controversial in tennis?
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According to Wozniacki, the main problem is that it distracts opponents during rallies. “You can’t hear someone hit the ball properly when someone is screaming so loud,” she explained. “I think it really disturbs the opponent in some way. And I think as a fan, you don’t really want to listen to that either.” Her comments reflected a sentiment shared by many on tour who feel excessive noise crosses the line from natural expression to gamesmanship.
Still, research shows that grunting might offer real performance benefits: adding power, rhythm, or focus to a player’s shot. At Wimbledon 2025, Aryna Sabalenka’s now-famous grunt became a talking point when its sound level was compared to that of a car horn or even a lion’s roar. Sabalenka herself commented on the issue, saying, “How can you scream when you hit the ball, but you still screaming when I hit the ball? This is hindrance.” She even joked that if no action was taken, she might “scream when she hits next time we play.”
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Anyway, throughout her own career, Wozniacki proved that tennis doesn’t need ear-splitting grunts to be intense. That said, do you think grunting gives players like Aryna Sabalenka a real competitive edge, or does it cross the line into distraction?
What can be done to fix the tennis season?
IN 2024, THE professional tennis season officially concluded on Dec. 22 when Joao Fonseca defeated Learner Tien for the title at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia.
The 2025 season got underway on Dec. 27 for the United Cup in Australia. Both Fonseca and Tien were back on court on Dec. 30 for tournaments in Australia and Hong Kong, respectively.
India’s top-ranked male player gets Chinese visa for Grand Slam tennis qualifier
NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s top-ranked male tennis player has received a Chinese visa for an Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament beginning Nov. 24 in Chengdu after first being denied one.
Sumit Nagal took to social media on Tuesday to ask the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy to intervene on his behalf.
In a second social media post late Thursday, Nagal thanked the Chinese ambassador, India’s ministry of external affairs, among others, for receiving the visa.
“A big thank you . . . for their prompt help in helping me secure the visa in time,” Nagal wrote.
In his original post, Nagal said “my visa was rejected without reason. Your urgent help would be much appreciated.”
Nagal gave no indication in his second post as to why his original visa request visa was denied.
One of the 28-year-old Nagal’s career highlights was taking the opening set of a U.S. Open match against Roger Federer in 2019. But Federer won the next three sets to advance to the second round.
Nagal had a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024 but his current ranking is 290. He has been a member of India’s Davis Cup team since 2018.
In January, he lost in the first round at the Australian Open and failed to make it through qualifying for the French Open and Wimbledon. He won the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title with Vietnam’s Ly Hoang Nam, becoming the sixth Indian player to win a junior Grand Slam title.
The Australian Open’s Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff is scheduled for Nov. 24-29 at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre. It’s a 16-player men’s and women’s singles event and 12 teams in men’s and women’s doubles.
The 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year, begins Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
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Novak Djokovic Addresses Rumor He Stole Wife Jelena From Friend
Novak Djokovic is setting the record straight on the rumor that he stole his wife Jelena from a close friend.
“He’s good. He moved on. He has his family. We actually never spoke about it,” Novak, 38, told Piers Morgan on the Tuesday, November 11 episode of “Piers Morgan Uncensored.”
Novak denied doing anything nefarious to “steal” Jelena and that he and the friend in question “still remain mates, so it’s good.”
He first met his Jelena in the early 2000s and the two bonded by playing tennis together before they began dating “four or five years later,” he told Morgan, 60.
He first learned about Jelena, 39, when his friend proudly professed his love for her after a tennis match.
“It was funny because the first time I heard about her was when that friend, who was in the same tennis club as me, played a match for the regional tennis league and we won an important match, he took off his jersey and underneath the jersey he had the white shirt written, ‘Jelena, I love you. This is for you,’” Novak said. “And we were like, ‘Oh my God, this is so lame. Why would you do that?’ And then who is this Jelena? And it was her.”
By the time they started dating, Jelena was studying in Italy and Novak lived in Monte Carlo. He told Morgan that she is the “only serious relationship” he has ever had and that she is “the true love of my life.”
As Jelena recalled in a 2023 interview with Hello! Magazine, the two were “barely getting by” when they first got together.
“Us getting together was like science fiction almost,” she said. “He was a very young tennis player who also had no money to spare on expensive trips. Airplanes were, at the time, something utterly out of our reach. We contrived and devised these plans how to meet, how to make our relationship work.”
The former World No. 1 proposed in 2013 and the two tied the knot a year later in a private ceremony in Montenegro. They share son Stefan, 11, and daughter Tara, 8.
When they finally got married, Novak had just won his second Wimbledon title, knocking off arch-rival Rafael Nadal for his seventh major title.
“I was trying to be present in that moment and memorize it,” he told Hello! of his wedding at the time. “I was focused on her and her smile, and our baby. It really was a perfect moment.”
More than a decade later, Novak and Jelena are still going strong.
“Ten years of joy, ten years of dreams, ten years as islands, ten years as streams,” Novak wrote via Instagram in 2024 to commemorate their anniversary. “Ten years as parents, ten years as one, ten years of dancing, ten years of fun. Ten years of yoga, ten years we stretch, ten years of dogs, ten years go fetch. Ten years of tennis, ten years of balls, ten years of triumph, ten years of falls. Ten years as teammates, ten years together, ten years Jelena, I love you forever. I love you.”
Appeal successful: India’s Sumit Nagal gets Chinese visa for Grand Slam tennis qualifier
NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s top-ranked male tennis player has received a Chinese visa for an Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament beginning Nov. 24 in Chengdu after first being denied one.
Sumit Nagal took to social media on Tuesday to ask the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy to intervene on his behalf.
In a second social media post late Thursday, Nagal thanked the Chinese ambassador, India’s ministry of external affairs, among others, for receiving the visa.
“A big thank you . . . for their prompt help in helping me secure the visa in time,” Nagal wrote.
In his original post, Nagal said “my visa was rejected without reason. Your urgent help would be much appreciated.”
Nagal gave no indication in his second post as to why his original visa request visa was denied.
One of the 28-year-old Nagal’s career highlights was taking the opening set of a U.S. Open match against Roger Federer in 2019. But Federer won the next three sets to advance to the second round.
Nagal had a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024 but his current ranking is 290. He has been a member of India’s Davis Cup team since 2018.
In January, he lost in the first round at the Australian Open and failed to make it through qualifying for the French Open and Wimbledon. He won the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title with Vietnam’s Ly Hoang Nam, becoming the sixth Indian player to win a junior Grand Slam title.
The Australian Open’s Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff is scheduled for Nov. 24-29 at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre. It’s a 16-player men’s and women’s singles event and 12 teams in men’s and women’s doubles.
The 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year, begins Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
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CIF-SS girls tennis: Storm alters the schedule for championships
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Corona del Mar, Portola, Villa Park, Laguna Hills and Santiago each won semifinal matches Wednesday or Thursday to advance to the CIF-SS girls tennis finals. The question now is when will the teams play for their titles?
The Southern Section has rescheduled the team championships from Friday to Monday, Nov. 17 because of the storm expected to bring heavy rain to Southern California, section spokesman Thom Simmons said.
“The weather forecast has dictated the change,” Simmons said.
The finals are scheduled to be played at either The Claremont Club or the University of Redlands, Simmons said.
The forecast calls for rain through Tuesday in Claremont and Redlands.
Simmons said if weather prevents the finals from being played on Monday, the matches would move to the next available day.
Corona del Mar and Portola reached the Division 1 final. The top-seeded Sea Kings (20-0) beat Mater Dei 13-5 in the semifinals Wednesday while No. 2 Portola (17-2) edged Mira Costa 68-67 on games after being tied 9-9 in sets.
In the Division 6 semifinals Wednesday, Villa Park (117-7) beat Flintridge Sacred Heart 10-8 to reach the championship against Village Christian of Sun Valley.
Laguna Hills (11-5) defeated Malibu 10-8 in the Division 7 semifinals Thursday to advance to play Oakwood of North Hollywood.
In Division 8 on Wednesday, Santiago (9-8) beat Oxnard 10-8 to make the finals against Bishop Diego. The Cavaliers reached their first championship.
The Division 1 final is set for Redlands while the county’s other three finals will be in Claremont.
Valencia girls’ tennis advances to CIF-SS Division 5 Championship
Valencia girls’ tennis defeated the Burbank Bulldogs in the Division 5 California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section semifinals at Valencia High School on Wednesday, 10-8, and advanced to the championship, set to be held Monday at the Claremont Club.
The win followed a string of narrow victories the Vikings have secured throughout the playoffs, including an 11-7 victory on the road in the quarterfinals over Milken.
“Very excited. But I don’t want to celebrate right now because I want to finish it off,” Valencia coach Darrell Peries said in response to the excitement of the team after securing a trip to the finals.
As the Vikings have done all season, they won doing so with their strongest unit in the doubles.
While the singles side for Valencia was only able to secure one win, the doubles recorded nine victories to secure the overall team win over the Bulldogs.
The pairing of Julia Lee and Amelia Behmlander finished off the team win for Valencia as they were the final doubles match of the day with all of their teammates watching and encouraging the pair as they went.
“That’s been our strength the whole year. So, we kind of rely on them for a lot of success,” Peries said. “And they’ve come through, for the most part. So, you just got to continue with that.”
Following the quarterfinals, the Vikings were the one of two Santa Clarita Valley teams remaining in the girls’ tennis playoffs entering the semifinals round after West Ranch was defeated by Brentwood in Division 3, and Golden Valley fell in Division 5, to the Burbank Bulldogs.
Saugus, which played against Village Christian in the semifinals of the Division 6 bracket, was defeated 13-5.
As for Valencia, the win presents an opportunity to bring a Southern Section title to the community.
But preparation for the championship will be a challenge in itself. As the forecast is projecting heavy rain over the weekend, it leaves Peries unsure how his players will get out to the court.
Regardless, he’s not worried about the preparation as he has full confidence in his team no matter what.
“I mean we got to find a way to get on the court,” he said. “But, if they can’t get on the court then it is what it is, and you just got to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
Valencia plays in the Division 5 championship on Monday at the Claremont Club in Claremont with matches set to begin at 11 a.m.
Carlos Alcaraz seals year-ending No. 1 ranking with another win at the ATP Finals
Carlos Alcaraz secured the year-ending No. 1 ranking in men’s tennis on Thursday by beating Lorenzo Musetti to sweep his group at the ATP Finals.
Alcaraz needed to win one more match to beat Jannik Sinner to the No. 1 spot and the Spaniard duly did so as he eased to a 6-4, 6-1 victory.
It is the second time in his career that Alcaraz has ended the year at the top of the rankings.
The Spaniard became the youngest player to finish a year at No. 1 when he achieved the feat as a 19-year-old in 2022.
Alcaraz didn’t give him that chance as he swept aside Musetti in less than 90 minutes, sealing the result on his third match point.
That was his third win in the Jimmy Connors group.
Novak Djokovic Breaks His Silence on Jannik Sinner Scandal: ‘Red Flags’
Italian superstar Jannik Sinner has established himself as one of the top men’s tennis players in the world, regularly jostling with Carlos Alcaraz for the top spot atop the ATP rankings.
However, as Sinner competes in the ATP World Tour Finals in Turin, Italy, this week, tennis legend Novak Djokovic decided to speak rather openly about a doping scandal Sinner found himself in back in 2024.
Sinner Doping Scandal
On 20 August, an independent tribunal announced that Sinner had positive results for the banned substance clostebol in separate tests from March 2024.
Sinner explained that the substance had entered his body inadvertently through massages administered by his physiotherapist, who had used a treatment which contained clostebol to treat an injury on his own hands.
The tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation and found that the superstar bore “no fault or negligence,” and no period of ineligibility would apply. However, the tribunal did determine that Sinner would forfeit the prize money and ranking points earned at the Indian Wells tournament held in March, during which he failed the tests.
The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision. In February of 2025, a settlement was reached under which the positive drug tests were determined to be due to inadvertent contamination. As a result of the settlement, Sinner was suspended for three months.
Djokovic Addresses the Incident
Djokovic, arguably the greatest and most accomplished player of all time, pulled out of the ATP World Tour Finals as a result of an injury. After pulling out of the field, Djokovic sat down for an extensive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.
During the interview, Djokovic offered some rather candid thoughts on the Sinner scandal, where he called out some “red flags” and said that while he did not believe Sinner did anything intentionally, he does think that his punishment was a bit “odd” and hypocritical.
“When this happened, I was shocked, honestly,” Djokovic told Morgan. “I do think that he didn’t do it on purpose. But the way the whole case was handled is so many red flags.”
Morgan went on to suggest that Sinner was treated differently because he was the top-ranked player in the world at the time.
“If he’d been #500 in the world, I think he would’ve been banned,” Morgan said.
Djokovic seemed to agree with this assessment.
“That’s exactly… the lack of transparency. The inconsistency. The convenience of the ban coming between the Slams so he doesn’t miss out… It’s just… it was very very odd,” Djokovic said. “So I really don’t like how that case was being handled.”
“You could hear so many other players, both male and female, who had some similar situations coming out in the media and complaining that it was preferable treatment,” Djokovic added.
Djokovic said he believes that Sinner did not intend to break the rules, but he said it’s “not right” that Sinner received such a light punishment when other players have been banned for years for similar infractions.
“I want to believe him. Knowing my history with him, I think he didn’t do it on purpose, but, of course, he is responsible. Because those are the rules, you are responsible when something like this happens. And so when you see someone for something very similar or the same being banned for years, and he’s banned for a provisional three months or whatever it was, it’s not right,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic Has ‘Compassion’ For Sinner
Despite the criticism of the situation, Djokovic did praise Sinner for the way he handled the whole ordeal, bouncing back and winning several more Grand Slams since the suspension.
“It’s not easy for him. I do have a sense of empathy and compassion for him,” Djokovic said. “I think he’s handled the storm in the media that keeps on coming back every once in a while. He’s handling that very maturely and steadily, and kudos to him for that. And in the midst of all of that, he’s still dominating and playing incredible, winning slams.”
That said, it’s clear that Djokovic thinks he got a light punishment for the infraction.
Fighting for PGA Tour card, Adam Hadwin leads in windy Bermuda
SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda — Adam Hadwin got off the start he needed in his bid to retain full PGA Tour playing privileges, shooting a 6-under 65 in windy conditions on Thursday in the first round of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, which was not completed because of darkness.
Hadwin entered the week at No. 147 in the FedEx Cup standings; the top 100 after next week’s RSM Classic keep their tour cards next year. He led Takumi Kanaya by one shot. Braden Thornberry was also 5 under with two holes to play at Port Royal.
The 38-year-old Hadwin, a two-time Presidents Cup player from Canada, had never missed the FedEx Cup playoffs in a decade on tour before this year.
Ben Griffin’s Caddie Shares the ‘Exhausting’ Part About Working for 3x PGA Tour Winner
SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda — Adam Hadwin got off the start he needed in his bid to retain full PGA Tour playing privileges, shooting a 6-under 65 in windy conditions on Thursday in the first round of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, which was not completed because of darkness.
Hadwin entered the week at No. 147 in the FedExCup standings; the top 100 after next week’s RSM Classic keep their Tour cards next year. He led Takumi Kanaya by one shot. Braden Thornberry was also 5 under with two holes to play at Port Royal.
The 38-year-old Hadwin, a two-time Presidents Cup player from Canada, had never missed the FedExCup playoffs in a decade on Tour before this year.
“A bit of the shock to the ego, not gonna lie,” Hadwin said. “It might have hindered me a little bit through the season as I continued to struggle a little bit. I reached a point, though probably too late, probably July, August where I kind of accepted where I was at, just needed to battle through.
“I do truly believe that I’ve got my best golf is still to come, I’ve got a lot more in me and then I’ll be a better player once I get through this. It was just a matter of when I got through this and today’s a good start.”
Kanaya and Thornberry also began the week outside the top 100. Ryo Hisatsune, Alex Smalley and Isaiah Salinda each shot 67, and Frankie Capan III was 4 under with two holes to play.
Stewart Cink shoots 7-under 64 to take 1-shot lead at Charles Schwab Championship
Ben Griffin just had the best season of his career. There was a time he had to step away from the sport because it was not financially viable for him to stick around. But in 2025, he earned over $11.7 million. That included three PGA Tour title wins, the second most after Scottie Scheffler. And after the season he’s had, one might think he would be too ‘exhausting’ to keep going on. But his caddie revealed that Griffin just never gets enough of the fairway.
Alex Ritthamel joined SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio’s Caddie Corner to talk about his boss. During the interview, he gave a glimpse at what Griffin’s schedule has looked like since his debut: “His rookie year was 2022-23, and that was the last wrap-around year. So it was the big double season [that included] both falls. We played 39 events from September ’22 to November ’23. It played well. But then in 2024, we played 38 events in last year’s calendar year.”
Griffin has always enjoyed playing a heavy schedule. Especially when he had not won any titles yet, he was giving himself every opportunity to succeed on the PGA Tour. Especially the runner-up finish in the 2024 RBC Canadian Open would have encouraged him to push even harder.
However, the 29-year-old hasn’t been as aggressive with his efforts since claiming his first win in 2025. “This year we played 32 plus the Ryder Cup. We played less. It seems like more because being in the mix so much, mentally, it’s exhausting.” Apart from winning three titles this year, Griffin has also had two runner-up finishes and seven other top-7 runs in 2025. That has put the spotlight on him a lot more often this season. But just because he is now a three-time champion doesn’t mean he’s planning to slow down.
“We talked about the schedule last week. We looked at it. As of now, the plan is to play nine of the first ten. We’re going to skip Torrey [Pines]. We’re going to play everything from Sony to Tampa. You take a couple of weeks, if you want. Then you play Augusta through the PGA. That’s six in a row. This sounds crazy, but I didn’t know they were going to have two weeks off before the playoffs. Maybe two weeks before Augusta. That might be it. He really enjoys playing golf.”
It seems that Ben Griffin is planning to appear in nearly every tournament from the Sony Open from January 15th to 18th, to The PLAYERS Championship from March 12th to 15th in 2026. The only event he might skip is the Farmers Insurance Open that will occur at the end of January. Interestingly, Griffin played all ten tournaments in 2025, which shows that he is very much capable of playing for 10 weeks in a row. In fact, he only stopped his streak of consecutive events after the 2025 Valero Texas Open in the first week of April. But with a spot in the Masters Tournament field confirmed, Griffin might not take that risk next season.
That being said, with a hectic schedule, Ben Griffin gets loads of opportunities to experiment on the fairway. And recently, he tried to change a few things in his kit. Let’s see what he did and how it worked out.
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Busy playing nearly every PGA Tour event, Ben Griffin changes things up to keep up with the field
While playing the World Wide Technology Championship, Ben Griffin didn’t think he would be competing for the title. That’s because he was going in with a different set of equipment. Before the event, he was using the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter to help him on the green. However, he shifted to the TaylorMade Spider Tour X Black at the El Cardonal Golf Course. And that helped him turn things around in Mexico.
He was sitting 2 strokes behind Garrick Higgo after 54 holes. But a magnificent 9-under 63 in the final round was enough for him to win the 2025 World Wide Technology Championship by 2 strokes. Throughout the tournament, Griffin’s work on the green stood out and apart from his excellent iron play. To deliver such a remarkable performance in his 30th tournament of the season shows how much fuel Ben Griffin still has left in his tank. Maybe it’s not as exhausting for him as it might look on paper.
shot lead at Charles Schwab Championship
PHOENIX (AP) — Stewart Cink shot a bogey-free, 7-under 64 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the PGA Tour Champions’ season-ending Charles Schwab Championship.
Third behind Steven Alker and Miguel Angel Jimenez in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup points race, Cink closed with consecutive birdies at Phoenix Country Club.
Jerry Kelly overcame a bogey on the par-4 10th with eight birdies to shoot 65.
Alker was two shots back at 66 with Tommy Gainey, Jason Caron and Steve Flesch. Jimenez was tied for 15th after a 69.
Alker won the 2023 Schwab Cup and is the defending Schwab Championship winner, earning last year’s tournament title as Bernhard Langer won the season championship. The 54-year-old Kiwi won twice on the PGA Tour Champions this year to enter the season-finale leading the points race, with Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn also in contention to win the title.
Bjorn shot 68 to tie for eighth and Els is tied for 19th after a 1-under 70.
Cink opened with a birdie on the par-5 first hole and made the turn in 3-under 33. He birdied two of the first three holes on the back nine before the closing flourish.
Alker also birdied the opening hole to shoot 33 on the front and added two more on the back to drop behind Cink in the Schwab Cup race.
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shot Schwab lead after bogey
PHOENIX (AP) — Stewart Cink shot a bogey-free, 7-under 64 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the PGA Tour Champions’ season-ending Charles Schwab Championship.
Third behind Steven Alker and Miguel Angel Jimenez in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup points race, Cink closed with consecutive birdies at Phoenix Country Club.
Jerry Kelly overcame a bogey on the par-4 10th with eight birdies to shoot 65.
Alker was two shots back at 66 with Tommy Gainey, Jason Caron and Steve Flesch. Jimenez was tied for 15th after a 69.
Alker won the 2023 Schwab Cup and is the defending Schwab Championship winner, earning last year’s tournament title as Bernhard Langer won the season championship. The 54-year-old Kiwi won twice on the PGA Tour Champions this year to enter the season-finale leading the points race, with Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn also in contention to win the title.
Bjorn shot 68 to tie for eighth and Els is tied for 19th after a 1-under 70.
Cink opened with a birdie on the par-5 first hole and made the turn in 3-under 33. He birdied two of the first three holes on the back nine before the closing flourish.
Alker also birdied the opening hole to shoot 33 on the front and added two more on the back to drop behind Cink in the Schwab Cup race.
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Ex-PGA Tour Pro ‘Pumped’ Up as Golf Channel Gives His Career Unexpected Boost
PHOENIX — Stewart Cink shot a bogey-free, 7-under 64 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the PGA Tour Champions’ season-ending Charles Schwab Championship.
Third behind Steven Alker and Miguel Angel Jiménez in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup points race, Cink closed with consecutive birdies at Phoenix Country Club.
Jerry Kelly overcame a bogey on the par-4 10th with eight birdies to shoot 65.
Alker was two shots back at 66 with Tommy Gainey, Jason Caron and Steve Flesch. Jimenez was tied for 15th after a 69.
Alker won the 2023 Schwab Cup and is the defending Schwab Championship winner, earning last year’s tournament title as Bernhard Langer won the season championship. The 54-year-old Kiwi won twice on the PGA Tour Champions this year to enter the season-finale leading the points race, with Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn also in contention to win the title.
Bjorn shot 68 to tie for eighth and Els is tied for 19th after a 1-under 70.
Cink opened with a birdie on the par-5 first hole and made the turn in 3-under 33. He birdied two of the first three holes on the back nine before the closing flourish.
Alker also birdied the opening hole to shoot 33 on the front and added two more on the back to drop behind Cink in the Schwab Cup race.
PGA Tour Pro Wants New CEO to Overturn Big Change That Jay Monahan Made to the Schedule
Smylie Kaufman’s journey with golf began very early. His grandfather was the head coach of the men’s golf team at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He turned pro in 2014 and then, 2 years later, joined the Tour. It didn’t turn out to be all rainbows and sunshine, as he barely made 50% cuts, winning just the 2015 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Wrist and elbow injuries that caused yips pushed him out of the Tour in 2021. Then, he found his success with a microphone, and it is only getting better.
Smylie Kaufman started The Smylie Show podcast with co-host and producer Charlie Hulme. His podcast has quickly become one of the most listened to among fans and golf enthusiasts. Now, Golf Channel is giving him a new spotlight with a slot for his show on the channel. “Pumped to have @thesmylieshow on the @GolfChannel in ‘26! 👊” Smylie Kaufman wrote, while sharing the news and reposting Golf Channel PR’s X post.
Golf Channel PR shared that new programming will begin in 2026. It will include some new shows and some old favorites. New programming includes Vanity Index Podcast and Big Swing. Returning shows are 5ClubsGolf and GolfChannel Podcast. Smylie Kaufman’s The Smylie Show will stream on Golf Channel on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. ET.
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After retirement, Kaufman worked as an analyst, but decided to discontinue in ’23. “I’m on a different journey now,” said Kaufman about switching his career. That is when The Smylie Show came. Every week, he and Hulme sit down to discuss the game, sharing their opinions, insights, and analysis. His podcast is available on multiple platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audioboom, and more. There are 278 episodes available on Apple Podcasts and 621 videos on YouTube. He has amassed 15,000 subscribers on the podcast’s official YouTube channel.
Anyways, the idea is to leverage his knowledge as a retired pro and deliver an in-depth analysis to the fans at the highest level. After all, he talks about a lot of things on his podcast, and always gives his honest opinion.
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Kaufman shares a wide range of insights and analysis on his podcast
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme share insights and expert analysis about current tournaments, player strategies, and rule changes. One of the most recent episodes was about the DP World Tour. During the episode, Kaufman and Hulme discussed Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton appealing DP World Tour fines and their effect on their 2027 Ryder Cup eligibility.
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Kaufman said the DP World Tour has imposed rules, as any other business entity would. And if Rahm and Hatton want to continue being eligible for the Ryder Cup, they should pay the fines. Or else, they can give up their DP World Tour membership, like Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and others.
Additionally, they discussed the DP World Tour’s crossroads. Currently, the DP World Tour is in a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour. But it also allowed its members to play the LIV Promotional event, which the PGA Tour strictly warned its members not to participate in. Similarly, there’s content available on LIV’s move from a 54-hole format to a 72-hole format, gambling’s growing influence, and conversations with pro golfers like Michael Brennan, Graeme McDowell, and others.
Smylie Kaufman’s next chapter with Golf Channel marks a full-circle moment for a player who never lost touch with the game he loves. With The Smylie Show moving to television, his voice is set to reach an even wider audience of golf fans eager for authentic insight and conversation.
Alker Goes For Third Charles Schwab Cup At Season-Ending Tournament
The Ryder Cup captivates millions with nail-biting match play drama. The Presidents Cup does the same. Yet the PGA Tour scrapped its individual match play event in 2023, and players are now calling for its return. The event in question is the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
This event disappeared from the calendar after Commissioner Jay Monahan cited scheduling challenges and the end of Dell’s sponsorship. The decision eliminated a $20 million event that fans loved and players cherished. Now, with potential leadership changes on the horizon, pros like Byeong Hun An are making their voices heard about what they want to see return.
Byeong Hun An fired up a casual Q&A session on X this week. When a follower asked if he supports bringing back the Match Play event, An’s response cut through the noise. “Yes” — Byeong Hun An on X. That simple one-word answer on November 14, 2025, captured what many players have been thinking since Monahan pulled the plug. He isn’t alone in his frustration.
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Rory McIlroy has repeatedly praised the drama and excitement of match play, expressing hope for its return. McIlroy noted that the challenge and thrill of facing opponents head-to-head is missing from most PGA Tour events. Max Homa and Collin Morikawa have expressed similar nostalgia for its drama and uniqueness.
The discontinuation sparked immediate backlash from fans and players who criticized the Tour’s decision to eliminate one of golf’s most popular formats. Monahan’s official reasons centered on three factors: scheduling constraints from the new Designated Events Model, Dell’s expired contract, and Austin Country Club’s decision not to extend its hosting duties. He emphasized the format’s long legacy but didn’t rule out a future return.
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The financial loss stings. The 2023 event featured a total purse of $20 million, with the winner receiving $3.5 million and the runner-up taking home $2.2 million. Sam Burns defeated Cameron Young 6 & 5 in the final, collecting that winner’s check. But here’s the twist—some top players actually favored discontinuation. They cited early elimination risks for big names and the lack of guaranteed TV time for star players, which diminished sponsor interest.
The Player Advisory Council even rejected proposed format changes from Dell, highlighting deep division on the issue. TV ratings proved inconsistent, with finals featuring lesser-known players seeing notable audience drops. Yet, the PGA Tour’s overall ratings increased in 2025, suggesting that the problem wasn’t match play itself, but rather how it was positioned.
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Why the Match Play format creates drama, stroke play cannot match
Match play operates on fundamentally different principles from stroke play. Players compete hole-by-hole rather than counting total strokes. Win a hole by taking fewer strokes than your opponent, and you go “1 up.” Tie a hole, and it’s “halved” with no advantage gained. The match ends when one player leads by more holes than remain to be played—a 3-up lead with only two holes left finishes the competition immediately.
This creates psychological warfare that stroke play never delivers. Players concede short putts to control pace. They take aggressive lines, knowing one bad hole won’t ruin their tournament. Strategic decisions are made in real-time based on match status, rather than leaderboard position.
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The format thrives in team competitions. Both the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup regularly draw among the highest global golf audiences, conducted entirely in match play through singles, foursomes, and four-ball formats. Amateur golf also embraces it, with USGA events showing strong participation rates at the club level. Yet professional individual match play disappeared from the PGA Tour.
That’s the irony. Team match play captivates millions internationally. Amateur golfers play it regularly. But the Tour abandoned the format that connects professional golf to its roots. Even the PGA Championship switched from match play to stroke play in 1958 due to TV pressures and sponsor interests—a decision some still debate today.
With Jay Monahan remaining as Commissioner through late 2025 and no official announcement of leadership changes, An’s public support represents a critical moment. The question isn’t whether match play belongs in professional golf—the Ryder Cup answers that emphatically. The question is whether Tour leadership will listen to players like An and restore a format that delivers drama, a stroke play cannot match. What’s your take—should the PGA Tour bring back Match Play, or was the decision to eliminate it justified? Let us know in the comments below.
Adam Hadwin Breaks Silence on Career Struggles as He Battles to Keep His PGA Tour Card
For ten straight years, Adam Hadwin was a steady rock on the PGA Tour and always played in the FedExCup Playoffs. Then, the 2025 season happened, and Hadwin found himself in a place he had never known. Back in September, the 38-year-old was staring at the rock bottom of his 11-year career. Facing the idea of losing his PGA Tour card. Now, he is openly speaking about his “very difficult year.”
“Acceptance,” Hadwin told the media when asked about his situation. “A bit of the shock to the ego, not gonna lie, and I think it might have hindered me a little bit through the season as I continued to struggle a little bit. I reached a point, though probably too late, probably July, August, where I kind of accepted where I was at, just needed to battle through. I do truly believe that I’ve got my best golf is still to come, I’ve got a lot more in me, and then I’ll be a better player once I get through this. It was just a matter of when I got through this, and today’s a good start.”
Hadwin played in all Signature Events because of a top-50 finish a year ago, but couldn’t get a good result. His best finishes were a T9 at the WM Phoenix Open and a T12 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. He had no other top 25s and missed the cut at THE PLAYERS Championship. He didn’t play the weekend at the PGA Championship, either. This was his only major of the year. The 38-year-old had never been a star, nor could he ever coast to success, but he carved out a niche as one of the most consistent, and (sarcastically funny) players on TOUR. The fierce attitude gave new grit to Hadwin.
He shot a brilliant 6-under 65 to take the first-round lead. Hadwin made seven birdies —even birdied the 235-yard 16th hole, showing a flash of acceptance. This was not the first time Hadwin openly discussed his horrible season and faced the cold reality that he might have to return to the Korn Ferry Tour. He did so, back in September as well.
“Professionally, obviously, it has been a very difficult year,” Hadwin said. “I have been used to a certain standard for the last number of years, and this year has not lived up to that standard at all. I feel I have been working as hard as I ever have. It doesn’t feel like I have slacked off, or it’s a commitment thing or anything. The hunger is still there, but for whatever reason, I haven’t been able to produce, which has been difficult.”
“Oh yeah, I am not done,” he said then. “I am still at a stage where I am going to give it my all until it’s not good enough. Obviously, you don’t want to go back down (to the Korn Ferry Tour), especially after 11 years now, but hey, that’s golf, man, and if that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes.”
Hadwin is a two-time Presidents Cup player and one of Canada’s best golfers, was struggling while his fellow countrymen were doing good. Nick Taylor won in Hawaii and finished top five at the PGA Championship, and Mackenzie Hughes went into a playoff in Myrtle Beach. They are not in the field this week, either. They didn’t have to be.
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But, hey, let’s be clear: Hadwin is in a deep hole. He needs to keep up with the good show for the rest of the 54 holes.
Adam Hadwin finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel
Hadwin started the week at 147th in the FedExCup Fall. He must finish inside the Top 100 to keep his full card. That is a massive leap and a high-stakes sweepstake for his career. And though his 65 is amazing, it will not be enough to secure him a place in next year’s PGA Tour. So, Hadwin likely needs to win the entire tournament. Or finish as a runner-up to get enough points to secure his place.
If he fails, the fall is hard. Finishing outside the top 100 will send him to the Korn Ferry Tour, a place he has not been in the last 10 years. But if Hadwin needs hope, he is in the right place. Port Royal Golf Course is a land of miracles, where so many careers are saved.
In 2023, Camilo Villegas won here and ended a nine-year winless drought in Bermuda. The 2024 champion, Rafael Campos, has an even wilder story. Campos also started his week at 147th in the standings—that is the same number as Hadwin. Campos won and saved his card. Hadwin will try to join this club. But he’s not alone. Even Seamus Power, the 2022 winner, is in the same boat with Hadwin. Power, who entered the event ranked 133rd, is also fighting for his card this week.
Toyota Chairman’s Ultimate Nod to Chevy’s Iconic Garage 56 Car Wins Hearts
Sometimes, even the fiercest competitors can admire what the other side brings to the table, and Toyota’s chairman proved exactly that. While this weekend’s showcase at Fuji Speedway isn’t a revival of the legendary NASCAR Thunder Special events once held at Suzuka, it will still feature a rare sight. Six NASCAR race cars are taking the track in a special demonstration run. One of the biggest highlights is the 2023 Le Mans-run Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the same machine driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson.
The exhibition is set to take place on Saturday, November 16, as part of the Super Taikyu Series finale, one of Japan’s most unique endurance racing events. Yet the buzz began long before the engine was fired. But what truly stole the attention was the Toyota chairman’s unexpected admiration for the Camaro, an interaction that instantly resonated with motorsport fans and became the moment everyone was talking about.
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Akio Toyoda is in awe of the Garage 56 Chevy Le Mans car
Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota and a true motorsport devotee, caught fans off guard at Fuji Speedway when he showed unexpected admiration for a Chevrolet. He did spend time behind the wheel of John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE, spinning it around once before getting it going again, but the car that genuinely captivated him was the Garage 56 Camaro. Using his racing persona, “Morizo,” Toyoda hopped into the Le Mans-run Chevy and lit up with excitement, a reaction to thrilled fans who never imagined they would see Toyota’s top executive openly fanboy over a rival brand.
And frankly, it is hard to blame him. The No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Garage 56’s project, is one of the boldest engineering crossovers in recent motorsports history. Created by Hendrick Motorsports alongside NASCAR, Chevrolet, Goodyear, and IMSA, the entry was purpose-built for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the event’s experimental Garage 56 initiative.
The car may have started as a NASCAR Next Gen racer, but it was transformed for endurance duty, outfitted with enhanced braking components, a larger fuel tank, revised aerodynamics, and custom Goodyear rubber. With the powerhouse trio of Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, and Mike Rockenfeller, the Camaro became a striking demonstration of American stock car capability on one of the sport’s most iconic global stages
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Over the course of the full day-long endurance challenge in 2023, the car didn’t just survive; it impressed. Even with a late driveline setback that forced the team into the garage for nearly an hour, the Camaro still logged 285 laps and placed 39th out of 62 starters. For the NASCAR-based machine competing against purpose-built prototypes and VT entries, the result was far beyond what many expected. The real victory was symbolic. The project showed how versatile the Next-Gen platform could be and introduced a new global audience to what American stock car engine engineering can do. And Toyoda clearly understood that significance.
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Meanwhile, his brief spin in the No. 42 Camry didn’t cause any lasting issues, which is good news with a busy weekend ahead. JHN and Kamui Kobayashi, who are representing Legacy Motor Club and 23XI Racing, respectively, are preparing to wheel the two Next-Gen cars during the exhibition on Saturday. Johnson will return to the seat of the Garage 56 Camaro, and three ARCA Menards Series machines will also hit the track to give Japan a full taste of American racing flavor.
This entire showcase highlights the growing motorsport connection between the USA and Japan. NASCAR has visited the country before, but this year feels special with the Japanese drivers like Kobayashi and ARCA veteran Takuma Koga joining the field. The Super Taikyu Series is even rolling out a brand-new ST USA class, featuring machinery like a Chevy Corvette and Ford Mustang Dark Horse. It’s a celebration of racing cultures coming together and, in Toyoda’s case, a rare and charming moment of appreciation for a competitor’s creation. The fans absolutely loved every second of it.
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NASCAR fans rally behind Akio Toyoda’s reaction
Fans weren’t just surprised to see Toyoda light up around the Garage 56 Camaro; they loved it. One admirer summed it up perfectly, saying, “That’s awesome. The guy is a huge motorsports fan and appreciates all forms of racing.” Even Toyota loyalists admitted they would’ve reacted the same way, with another fan joking, “I’m a Toyota shill, and I would be fan-girling over this car too.”
He saw the moment as proof that passionate enthusiasts still exist at the highest levels of the industry. As one fan put it bluntly, “This is why more gearheads need to be automotive executives.” And really, who could blame him? The Garage 56 Camaro isn’t just a showpiece; its engineering, endurance pedigree, and global impact have earned it genuine respect. One comment captured that sentiment best: “The Garage 56 car should be fanboyed over. It should honestly be the next iteration of the new cars, imo.”
Others took the Toyota chairman’s excitement and ran with it, turning the moment into pure motorsport comedy. Some fans joked about what his reaction might mean for the future of the sport, with comments like, “Garage 56 will be Chevy’s 2026 cup car. Good luck,” and the playful jab, “Toyota to Chevrolet confirmed.”
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Another chimed in, encouraging Toyota’s racing division to rise to the challenge, “Come on TGR, let’s one-up Chevy.” Whether taken seriously or not, the reaction showed a fan base genuinely entertained, not just by the Garage 56 car but by the rare side of Toyota’s chairman openly admiring a Chevrolet. It became a moment that reminded everyone how motorsport can blur brand lines and unite fans, and sparked the kind of conversation that keeps this sport alive.
NASCAR 25 Drops November DLC Pack – Here’s Everything Included
Highlights
NASCAR 25 continues trending upward after its Steam arrival.
A new DLC pack brings a sizable cosmetic refresh.
Content supports all three major national series.
Adds new customization options for every garage.
Another strong addition to the post-launch roadmap.
NASCAR 25’s Momentum Keeps Building
NASCAR 25 has quietly settled into one of the most surprising success stories of the year. The Steam release only amplified that momentum, sending the game climbing the charts as more players discovered the improved feel, better visuals, and consistent support from the studio. And just when the community thought they could finally breathe, the developers fired off another surprise — a sizeable November DLC drop.
It’s the videogame version of being told ‘pit road is open!’ right after you thought the stage break was coming.
What’s Included in the November DLC Pack
The latest pack brings a multi-series cosmetic refresh, giving players new options no matter where they race. Based on official promotional details and developer posts, here’s what’s inside:
DLC Contents
36 Darlington-style throwback paint schemes across the three national series
82 total paint schemes available in the November Pack
27 firesuits that can be used in the Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series
A full mix of retro, modern, and themed designs
Cross-series compatibility for all new items
How to Access the November DLC Pack
To access the new NASCAR 25 DLC, the content is automatically added for anyone who purchased the Gold Edition or Season Pass. Players who bought the standard version can grab the DLC separately on their platform’s store.
You can find the price of the NASCAR 25 DLC by visiting the game’s official store page on your console or PC, or by browsing third-party sites like Steam, GG.deals, or the PlayStation Store. The 2025 Season Pass is available for $24.99, while individual DLC drops — such as the October Pack — typically run $14.99. November’s pack follows the same pricing structure for those purchasing it individually.
A Growing Post-Launch Roadmap
With the game spreading across more platforms and updates continuing month after month, NASCAR 25’s support window looks anything but short. If the November DLC pack is any indication, the studio isn’t slowing down — and players’ paint bay menus are about to stay very, very busy.
NBC Broadcaster Lashes Out Over NASCAR’s New Age Rule, Say ‘It Cheapens the Product’
Whenever NASCAR tweaks the regulations for its top three national series, it usually ends up creating a mixed reaction. It’s nothing less than a double-edged sword. The same dynamic is unfolding with the newly announced rules for 2026. Starting next season, competition officials announced a series of changes to the eligibility guidelines across NASCAR.
This includes a notable shift in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The minimum age to compete is being lowered. A series that already includes a good mix of youth and veterans is seeing this massive change, and one NASCAR insider sees himself on the other side of the fence of this debate.
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Parker Kligerman sounds off on the new age rule
NASCAR veteran Parker Kligerman isn’t having any of it. Speaking on The Money Lap podcast, the 35-year-old driver voices his concern. He said, “I believe there’s a certain driver that will be announced in doing Xfinity that this was helping out in some respects. You know, motorsports is different than other sports in that respect. And I also believe what it does is just continually can cheapen the product in some respects.”
NASCAR officials used the championship weekend at Phoenix to roll out several major updates to its driver eligibility rules for 2026. One of the biggest changes affects young talent. For the first time, 17-year-olds will be allowed to race in the newly named O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and 16-year-olds in the Truck Series. The sanctioning body is dropping the minimum age from 18 to 17 for road courses and for shorter ovals measuring 1.25 miles or less. The threshold for the larger intermediate ovals and superspeedways, however, will remain at 18.
NASCAR also announced a shake-up to the long-standing participation limits for Cup Series drivers, a policy many fans have nicknamed the Kyle Busch rule, where he owned his own Truck Series team, Kyle Busch Motorsports, before selling it off and running one of the entries. Currently, full-time Cup drivers are capped at five stars in either of the lower series. Beginning in 2026, the limit doubles to 10 races in the OAPS and increases to 8 races in the Craftsman Truck. The existing restrictions on entering championship events in those series still apply; drivers will continue to be barred from the truck finale, and OAPS drivers won’t be allowed to run the truck series title race.
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But for Parker Kligerman, it wasn’t the right choice. Lowering the age means a lot of inexperienced drivers come into the mix. A lot of mistakes and a lot of lack of veterans’ support could bury the quality of the Truck Series, according to him. Kligerman added, “So I didn’t love that. Going to 16 years old in the Truck Series really cheapened the Truck Series in a lot of respects. And I felt like 18 was a good place to be for Xfinity, considering the seriousness and the level of that championship… And I even had a discussion with a current Xfinity driver that was a rookie this year. And he said, I hope they don’t go to 16. I did Truck Series starts at 16. And I was absolutely not prepared or ready.”
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This decision arrives at the end of a season where rising phenom Connor Zilisch, 19, shaped expectations in NASCAR’s second tier. He entered the series last year, just two months after turning 18, and immediately won in his Watkins Glen debut. In his first full season, he became a championship contender, unfortunately lost out on his first-ever title, but will be stepping up to Trackhouse Racing’s series program in 2026. This is the type of talent NASCAR aims to hone amid the young aces of the sport.
But there will be a change, which will also follow a year where Cup drivers have continued to leave their mark on the lower divisions. Four Cup regulars, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Daniel Suarez, and Shane Van Gisbergen, scored victories in the Xfinity field. SVG, still classified as a rookie in the Cup Series, remains exempt from the three-year experience clause and could continue racing more frequently in the lower series. In the front garage, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, and Carson Hocevar each added wins of their own. This definitely doesn’t give any scope of chance for younger talent to rise up to the opportunities presented.
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Why is the NASCAR community split on the updated eligibility rules?
While the updated rules are something many teams have been asking for, a chunk of the fanbase isn’t enthusiastic. Some guardrails are still in place. Series drivers will continue to be barred from entering the regular season finale and the playoff races in both the lower series. The landscape has changed dramatically from the days when NASCAR Cup drivers owned and operated their own Xfinity entries.
Today, most of the cars they run are backed by major organisations, which means those appearances can siphon opportunities and sponsorship dollars away from smaller Xfinity and Truck teams. Still, their presence brings bigger crowds and more eyes to the events, especially for fans who can’t make it to a cup race but want to see their favourite drivers compete.
There’s another upside, though. Cup veterans in the field accelerate the learning curve for younger drivers. With NASCAR lowering the minimum age for its lower series, that experience becomes even more valuable at a time when private testing has all but disappeared. And track time matters more than ever; with everyone in the NASCAR community split about this decision, it only creates more intrigue in the sport that everyone loves so dearly.
NASCAR Insiders Rally Behind Denny Hamlin as Clear Cup Driver of the Year
We all know that Kyle Larson walked away from Phoenix Raceway with the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship. But the conversation that followed told a very different story. While Larson celebrated with the trophy, it was Denny Hamlin who captured the garage’s admiration, the fans’ sympathy, and, most importantly, the insiders’ unwavering respect.
And when Kevin Harvick, along with his co-hosts, sat down on the Happy Hour podcast to choose his Cup Driver of the Year from a stacked field that included Larson, William Byron, and Shane van Gisbergen, he (along with the others) didn’t hesitate. Hamlin, he said, had the best body of work. It was a stance that rippled through the NASCAR world. Why? Because in a season where chaos reigned, a lawsuit hung over his head, and personal challenges piled up, Hamlin still delivered something rare: undeniable greatness.
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Why Denny Hamlin is the Cup driver of the year
Kevin Harvick and co. didn’t waste a breath when naming their 2025 Cup Driver of the Year: Denny Hamlin. Championship or no championship, Harvick believed Hamlin’s season stood above everyone else’s. “I think that from an overall standpoint, you know, I think Denny, with all the things he had going on, I just think that he dealt with more than the rest of them,” Harvick said. “He didn’t win the championship, but the rest of it was better than everybody else’s, I believe.” Kaitlyn Vincie backed him up without hesitation, simply stating, “He was the driver of the year.”
And this isn’t them simply fanboying over Hamlin. His 2025 numbers paint the same picture. Hamlin’s six wins (a series high) spread across mile-and-a-halfs, short tracks, and others – Martinsville, Darlington, Michigan, Dover, Gateway, and Las Vegas – showed a level of adaptability and precision the rest of the field couldn’t match. But it wasn’t just his on-track versatility that impressed the insiders. It was everything he had to fight through it.
As you might be aware, Hamlin’s 2025 season was packed with turbulence. A crew chief shake-up swapped longtime partner Chris Gabehart for Chris Gayle. FedEx, the sponsor tied to Hamlin’s identity for nearly two decades, stepped away, being replaced by Progressive. Most importantly, at 44, he faced constant scrutiny about whether he still had championship-level speed. Add the stress of an ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR and his father battling illness at home, and the weight on his shoulders was immense.
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Yet week after week, Hamlin delivered. And then, at Phoenix, he was less than three miles away from winning no 61 and his elusive first title. He dominated the championship race like no one ever has, leading a record 208 laps. However, as luck would have it, a late caution caused by William Byron’s blown tire flipped everything on its head.
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Larson’s two-tire gamble moved him ahead for overtime. Hamlin, buried in traffic due to the costly strategic call of taking four tires, never had a chance. Unfortunately, Denny Hamlin didn’t get the trophy as he finished the race behind Larson. But to Harvick, Vincie, and many others, he was still the best driver of 2025.
Harvick awards Larson and Elliott, too
Hamlin may have earned Harvick’s vote for Cup Driver of the Year, but the 2014 champion didn’t overlook the fireworks delivered by NASCAR’s other stars. In fact, Harvick made it a point to celebrate two of the season’s most electrifying moments that captured the heart-pounding unpredictability of 2025.
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One of those moments belonged to the newly crowned champion, Kyle Larson, whose adrenaline-fueled victory celebration at Phoenix earned Harvick’s award for Best Burnout. “There were a lot of elements to this particular burnout,” Harvick said. “Being the surprise winner at the end… Cliff Daniels making a great call… Kyle Larson keeping that car ahead of Denny Hamlin… This burnout right here. Car against the fence, waving the flag, on the gas, team against the wall…was one of the top moments.”
Harvick’s admiration also extended to Chase Elliott, whose jaw-dropping charge at Kansas Speedway earned the award for Craziest Finish. A few moments this season matched the intensity of Elliott going from fifth to first in the final two laps. Harvick broke down the sequence with the excitement of a fan reliving the moment: “That last lap for the 9 really started the lap before… with the 23 and 20 getting into each other off Turn 4… and that momentum led to all of those moments.”
Finally, Harvick also took a moment to applaud the NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale at Daytona. He called it the standout superspeedway event of the entire year. “In my opinion, this was the best superspeedway race of the year,” Harvick said. “From start to finish, it was the most complete superspeedway race they had. And we talked about this. Blaney charging from deep in the field. NASCAR’s got to figure out a way to get these superspeedway races so that they race from start to finish like they did at this Daytona race.”
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In the end, Harvick’s reflections painted a picture of a season defined by bold moves, clutch moments, and drivers refusing to back down. If anything, his year-end awards doubled as a reminder that when the stakes rise, today’s stars are more than ready to deliver unforgettable racing.
Dale Earnhardt’s Fiery Complaints Regularly Ruined NASCAR President’s Morning Coffee
At present, several debates are rocking NASCAR. The foremost among them is the demand for a tweaked championship format, as the current one produced a string of heartbreaks again. Denny Hamlin could not win the title despite 6 trophies this year, and Connor Zilisch also could not capitalize on his 10 wins. And despite most veterans of the sport voicing their protests, the higher-ups are still taking time.
That makes us wonder if one person had still been alive, the scenario would have been different. That is none other than Dale Earnhardt, who used to be the heroic statesman of NASCAR. He enthralled fans in the garage and outside it with his charismatic personality. And sometimes, he would defy morning routines to loudly declare his opinions.
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Dale Earnhardt nagged with a solid purpose
The Intimidator was usually known for expressing his anger with winning moves. From his ‘Pass in the Grass’ move in a 1987 All-Star Race to rattling Terry Labonte’s car in a 1999 Bristol event, Dale Earnhardt responded in many ways. And sometimes, he took it up directly with the bossman, Mike Helton. The former vice-president of NASCAR told Dale Jr. in 2019, “My phone would ring at six o’clock in the morning. And I knew it was either going to be Bill Junior or Dale Sr. If it is something that your dad didn’t like on Sunday, first thing Monday morning phone would ring…before I had the first cup of coffee.”
Mike Helton was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer in February 1999. However, Helton admitted to the powerful influence that Dale Earnhardt had over the sport’s top brass in solving problems. “He worked through all those things just to get them out of the way so he could go back and be himself. The other thing that bonded us, Bill Jr. enjoyed your dad’s company a lot, and Richard Childress’s too, and relied on Dale’s input for what the garage area may or may not need.”
While harboring a tough, no-nonsense attitude, Dale Earnhardt also had a heart of gold. Mike Helton shed light on that as well while talking to the Intimidator’s son. “The thing about Dale Sr., he would go into the ticket office or administration off of every racetrack, every race weekend, and say hi to everybody. He’d come in the office building and walk to every floor, every desk, and say hello. Along the way at the racetracks, he and I figured out that we had a lot in common. We liked hanging out and all that.”
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And when Mike Helton ended up on the executive wing of NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt took a friendly jibe. “He says, Welcome to The Dark Side type thing. And we have a conversation at dinner one night with Bill Jr., Dale, and some other folks that we’re going to argue about stuff. But you know, two or three days from now just won’t seem that important, but let’s argue. But you know, be fair with each other.”
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In pursuit of this fairness in NASCAR in the present day, Dale Earnhardt’s son is continuing a similar attitude.
Speaking up about the issues
Like Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr. is also a true spokesperson of NASCAR. He did not achieve the racing success like his father. Dale Jr. is a 26-time Cup race winner while Dale Sr.had 76 Cup wins alongside 7 championships. Nevertheless, the Intimidator’s son has a profound impact on the sport, with a gigantic fanbase at his side. He never shies away from speaking his mind on his podcast, the Dale Jr Download. Be it restoring old racetracks, as he successfully did with North Wilkesboro Speedway, or protesting vehemently against the championship format, Dale Jr. is vocal.
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And that is what he emphasized in a recent interview with The Athletic. Dale Jr. said he balances his love for NASCAR with his problems around it. “Honestly, it’s the most important thing outside of my family. It’s the most important thing in my life, and it means the world to me. If NASCAR failed, or if NASCAR was to diminish, all the things that I ever accomplished — or more importantly, that my dad accomplished — are less valuable, less important. I want NASCAR to succeed and be the greatest thing ever. We’ve all got our own version of NASCAR, and what we think NASCAR could be and should be. I believe in its success. But it’s hard sometimes to keep your mouth shut.”
Evidently, the Earnhardts signify the true voices of NASCAR. And Dale Earnhardt’s impact resonates tremendously 24 years after his death – and will continue to do so.
Leaked Images of Chevy’s 2026 Car Gets Slammed by NASCAR Fans
Nobody saw this coming. While the Chevy Camaro is no longer sitting in dealership lots, its legacy has been very much alive every weekend on the racetrack. The car ‘retired’ on a high, winning the Cup Series championship thanks to Kyle Larson’s late surge at Phoenix Raceway, ending Ford’s Next-Gen dominance, and Toyota’s impressive performance throughout the 2025 campaign. Now, the anticipation is at an all-time high for Chevrolet’s 2026 car, and fans recently got a glimpse of the vehicle.
However, it proved to be pretty anticlimactic. While the ‘big reveal’ is expected soon, fans couldn’t help but feel let down by the leaked images had poor quality, making it nearly impossible to decipher what the car actually looked like. Perhaps the ‘accidental leak’ was just a marketing strategy by the bowtie brand to build the anticipation?
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A leaked photo of the Chevy body emerges the day before the unveiling
The sky-high expectations come directly from Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and longtime champion of the bowtie brand. During a conversation on SiriusXM NASCAR radio this week, Mr. H hinted at what’s coming, saying, “I think Chevrolet is going to make the official announcement Friday. I better not lean into that… I’m excited about it.”
But these leaked images do not do justice to the long-awaited Chevy body. In a series of black and white, extremely pixelated images, the NASCAR community would really need a pair of eagle eyes to be able to tell the differences. Maybe we all need to wait until Friday to find out.
Moreover, Rick Hendrick also admitted that the Chevrolet team hasn’t quite matched the bar set by Ford and Toyota lately. With Ford spending significant time refining the Mustang Dark Horse for competition, Hendrick is hoping the incoming Chevrolet design will help bring the manufacturer back into balance with its rivals.
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What the updated NASCAR Chevy will look like is still unknown. GM Authority previously reported that General Motors is developing two new passenger cars for the American market, which has sparked speculation about the possible return of a Chevy sedan, a perfect candidate for NASCAR. The catch, however, is simple.
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NASCAR prefers the models used in the sport to be in production, but that’s not always the case. If history is anything to go by, a model’s production status at the time of submission matters. This means that a brand-new, never-sold nameplate is less likely, which means it’s quite possible that the ‘new car’ is simply a revised version of the familiar Camaro body for the Hendrick Motorsports racecar.
GM president Mark Reuss has already described the qualities he believes the future Camaro Chevy embodies, and leaked design studies do not offer glimpses into the direction it could be. These hints keep the possibility of a revived Camaro alive, but none of them guarantee that the car revealed in the future NASCAR announcement will represent the next official chapter of Chevrolet’s iconic pony car. And the fans, who were looking forward to enjoying the leaked photos, have been left disappointed.
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NASCAR fans torch the low-resolution leaked images
The fans on Reddit didn’t hold back. The leaked photos of the 2026 Chevrolet NASCAR body sparked instant chaos online. Fans immediately zeroed in on the pixelated mystery blob, with one joking, “Oh, I see. The 2026 car will have fewer pixels.”
Another didn’t hold back either, writing, “They just decided to grab the camera that every mfer ever uses to take pics of aliens I guess.” The comparisons only escalated from there, as someone else chimed in with, “It’s a 1984 DeLorean shot with a low-resolution mall parking lot security camera.” For many, the leak was less a reveal and more an unintentional comedy show.
Others took a more sarcastic route, praising the image the only way they could. One fan deadpanned, “Yes. That looks like a car. Good job Chevy 🫡.” Another quipped about the clarity, specifically, the lack of it, saying, “I’ve seen footage of Ralph Earnhardt in higher resolution.” The jokes kept rolling with someone asking, “Are we sure that isn’t Bigfoot?” Likening the silhouette of the world’s most famously grainy creature.
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And the fans were excited about Chevy’s mysterious attempts to hide, well, basically everything. One user pointed out, “They said ‘obscure those rear quarter panels allllll the way!’” capturing everyone’s suspicion that the blur wasn’t entirely accidental. But nothing summed up the collective confusion better than the final punchline: “Is it really a leak if the picture is 2 pixels by 2 pixels?”
If Chevy’s goal was to keep fans guessing, the mission was a massive success and possibly done with the world’s oldest camera, according to the fans. And now all eyes will turn towards the big reveal that hopefully doesn’t disappoint the NASCAR community once again.
Richard Petty Shares Emotional Moment Remembering Grandkids’ Favorite Memories With Grandmother
“Still surviving,” Richard Petty said upon returning to the racetrack after his wife Lynda’s passing. “It’s going to be a little different, I guess. After 55 years, you start all over again.” Those words captured the quiet strength of a man who had shared more than half a century with his high school sweetheart. Both raised four children and twelve grandkids together. Lynda, the steady force behind ‘The King,’ built a home full of warmth and love in Level Cross, North Carolina, where family ties ran as deep as racing roots.
Yet in the years after his wife’s death, Petty has found solace in remembering those good ol’ days to which his wife’s happy moments are attached. Lynda’s moments with her grandkids echo her legacy of care and love, and sometimes authoritativeness where it was needed. As Petty reflects on the memories, one flashback stands out for its tender nature.
A grandfather’s heartfelt reflections on family ties
In Richard Petty’s latest Instagram post, ‘The King’ opened up about a touching family moment involving grandkids and his wife, Lynda, that brought moments of joy for him. “Just seeing all them together, letting them remember the fun and stuff they had with their grandmother,” Petty shared. “You know, making trips, buying stuff they didn’t need. It made me feel good that they enjoyed their grandmother so much that they still remember her every day.”
This is a glimpse into Petty’s world that highlights Lynda‘s role as the heart of the family. A grandmother whose simple acts, like trips with their grandkids and buying things just out of love for her grandkids that they never even demanded, and little surprises. These things left lasting imprints on her 12 grandkids, from Austin and Montgomery to Hannah and Maggie.
Those memories tie back to Lynda’s everyday moments with the grandkids, often joining Richard Petty on farm rides or holiday gatherings that built closer bonds between Lynda and the grandkids.
Lynda poured unconditional love into them, as grandson Austin Petty noted after her 2014 passing from cancer: “We have lost my grandmother, but my family… are grateful to have had her love and wisdom for so many years. It was no secret that she was the cornerstone of the Petty family… The pride she had in her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren was shared with us through her unconditional love.”
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Austin’s words show how Lynda’s humility and strength shaped their lives, turning everyday moments into good moments amid losses like Adam’s crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Petty’s bond with his kids and grandkids shines through such tales, much like his hands-on guidance with their early drives. Granddaughter Hannah recalled one such adventure: “He took me somewhere way out here and then said, ‘Get back to the house,’ and I said, ‘I don’t know how to get back.’ And he said, ‘Too bad, you got to figure out. You should have been paying attention.’”
This story from Hannah shows the strict and teaching side of their grandfather, Petty, where ‘The King’ suggested Hannah be more alert and conscious about her surroundings when driving. And these playful challenges strengthened their connection. As Petty put it about her irreplaceable touch, “So really, I think I’ve got six or seven people taking care of me. Where it used to be one: Lynda Gayle took care of me. So it took a bunch of people to do the same job she was doing.”
This jab by Richard Petty shows the strength, managing skill, and command his wife, Lynda, had in their lives. This also shows how Lynda managed everything, from school board service to Racing Wives Auxiliary founding, which now echoes in family stories.
These reflections remind us how racing legends like Petty draw strength from quieter victories. And speaking of triumphs, let’s rewind to a season that cemented his crown.
Richard Petty’s unmatched 1975 command in NASCAR’s fresh points battle
Fifty years ago, Richard Petty owned the 1975 NASCAR Cup Series like few ever have, clinching his sixth title under a brand-new points setup that leveled the field for all 30 races. In that season, longer events did not carry extra weight. Every start counted equally, pushing drivers to stay sharp from Riverside’s opener to Ontario’s finale.
Petty racked up 13 wins in his STP Dodge, outpacing second-place Dave Marcis by over 700 points, and locked the championship early with a streak of six victories and five runner-ups over 11 races in mid-season, completing all but one lap (3,187 of the 3,188). It was a period when blown tires and blown engines were common, but what Petty showed that year in those 11 races was more than just dominance. No wonder people started calling him ‘The King’ back then.
That reliability spoke volumes about his Petty Enterprises crew, as Petty himself noted: “Of a possible 4,700 miles of racing, I ran all but 0.596 of a mile. I reckon that’s a real tribute to the crew. I know they’re good, but a record of keeping the car running that strong for that long shows how good they really are.”
It was a near-perfect run in the mid-season, in a system that rewarded consistency over purse size. That season marked his last double-digit win in a single year, and he celebrated that by giving out engraved watches to the team as “1975—The Big Season” mementos.
Petty downplayed any secret sauce, crediting luck’s role in the chaos: “It was one of those years where we really weren’t doing anything that much different. Everything just came together. Without a bunch of circumstances falling your way, it doesn’t make any difference how good you run. Really, that’s just the way the game is played. Nobody can control that kind of stuff.” His words capture the blend of skill and luck that defined that dominant stretch, setting a benchmark still whispered in garage lore.
Bubba Wallace and Teammate Tyler Reddick Outline Momentum’s Role in Building Confidence and Competitive Speed in NASCAR
If you look at the big picture, 23XI Racing’s 2025 season wasn’t the story of a team stumbling. Rather, it was the story of a team constantly on the brink of something bigger. Week after week, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick found themselves in the middle of the mayhem, trading punches with NASCAR’s heavyweights. Wallace’s statement win at Indianapolis felt like a turning point.
Reddick, meanwhile, kept showing up at the front of the field, logging top fives with the quiet confidence of someone who knows the breakthrough is coming. Well, they both made the playoffs, they both fought hard, and yet something deeper threaded through their season. It was a force you can’t measure on a stat sheet, but one that quietly shaped every run, every restart, every Sunday: momentum.
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Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick’s 2025 NASCAR season
For Bubba Wallace, momentum isn’t some buzzword. In fact, it’s the quiet force that sneaks into a race team’s confidence when things start clicking. “Can you define momentum? When everything seems to be going right. For me, I just keep showing up each and every weekend. Got a lot of people relied on me to one, show up. And the second part is drive the absolute fastest that I can, and you have to believe that. If momentum isn’t on your side, eventually it will turn around,” he said.
His 2025 campaign proved exactly that. After a disappointing start to the season, Wallace finally clinched a win at Indianapolis, which locked him into the playoffs. He carried the momentum forward into the postseason, making it to the Round of 12, not on wins, but on strong finishes one after the other. However, he eventually got eliminated after the Charlotte Roval race. Overall, Bubba Wallace finished the season with 6 top-5s, 14 top-10s, and led 378 laps.
He may not have advanced deeply. But, that being said, he battled through pressure-packed rounds, staying competitive even as the elimination format tightened around him. When things didn’t go his way, he didn’t spiral. Instead, he trusted that the tide would turn. That mindset itself became a form of momentum, carrying him into 2026 with a sense of unfinished business.
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On the other hand, Reddick defined momentum as, “Sometimes it can be in ways where you got to start with small victories and as you continue to build up and get better and better and continue to have successful weekends, then as those goals are achieved, you just continue to raise your expectations with it. It’s kind of a step. You go up the stairs. Every step is a new level, a new place to lock in, a new goal to achieve.”
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And while Tyler Reddick’s season took a different path, momentum played just as big a role. He didn’t manage a single win in the regular season, but the No. 45 driver managed to book his place in the playoffs, thanks to his strong race performances and mid-to-top finishes. Like Wallace, Reddick was eliminated from title contention after the Roval race.
But he continued with his strong performances, race after race, even after being eliminated. If you look at his overall season, he had 7 top-5 finishes and 14 top-10s, and led 169 laps in total. Plus, he earned 2 pole positions and had an average finish of 14.5, reflecting his speed and ability to contend regularly near the front.
In 2025, Wallace and Reddick didn’t just compete. They learned how momentum shapes a season. For 23XI Racing, that upward swing now points toward an even bigger leap waiting just around the corner.
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What the 2026 season looks like for 23XI Racing drivers
23XI Racing heads into the 2026 NASCAR season with a strong and stable driver lineup, under contract to include Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45, and Riley Herbst continuing in the No. 35 car. The trio’s return highlights the team’s commitment to building on its recent progress and fostering momentum toward championship contention. The team benefits from a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, enhancing competitive resources and engineering support.
Off track, the NASCAR lawsuit case is set for trial in December 2025 after a series of motions and hearings. While a preliminary injunction request was denied, NASCAR agreed not to sell any charters owned by 23XI and Front Row before the trial’s conclusion, maintaining the status quo for the foreseeable future.
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The trial outcome could significantly alter NASCAR’s business practices and charter system structure. For 23XI Racing, the lawsuit represents a high-stakes fight not only for their future competition rights but also for broader change within NASCAR’s governance and team management framework.
In 2026, 23XI will focus on making deeper playoff runs, building on Bubba Wallace’s Brickyard 400 victory and Tyler Reddick’s consistent performances in 2025. Riley Herbst’s ongoing development in his sophomore full season is also pivotal, providing added depth and potential breakout moments.
Overall, 2026 looks promising for 23XI Racing as it leverages three accomplished drivers, enhanced team infrastructure, and strategic partnerships. Fans and analysts will closely watch how 23XI balances experience with rising talent to make its next leap forward in NASCAR’s fiercely competitive landscape.
Shane Van Gisbergen’s Road Course Domination Sparks Bold Praise From NASCAR Insiders
Shane van Gisbergen is in a league of his own. Now that the dust has settled and the 2025 season is officially over, it’s fair to say that the Kiwi’s rookie full-time Cup Series campaign surpassed everyone’s expectations. In a remarkably short time, the 36-year-old made it abundantly clear that at tracks that turn left and run, there’s nobody better than the three-time Supercars Champion. Five wins at NASCAR’s highest level are impressive to say the least, and the NASCAR community couldn’t help but notice his dominance.
He won at the inaugural Mexico City race, followed by Chicago and Sonoma, showing his consistency across road and street layouts. Such kind of dominance is rarely seen in the modern NASCAR landscape, which is why two insiders couldn’t help but heap praise on the racer, who will be entering his sophomore year soon.
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Doug Rice believes SVG’s road course domination deserves more celebration
Speaking on the PRN Live podcast, Doug Rice, joined by Brad Gillie, can’t help but remark on SVG’s historic season. Rice said, “So, it was an interesting story, and I know people will take issue. I feel like it’s been underserved and under-celebrated. You won five races, yes. They were all left and right turns, but you still went out and beat, supposedly, all the best stock car drivers in the world. Over and over again.”
As SVG was collecting wins on the road courses, doubts about him being the best road course driver were looming. While the answer may seem obvious, many drivers, who have way more experience in NASCAR, backed him up on it. In fact, Denny Hamlin said, “ Is he the best road course racer I’ve ever seen? Absolutely…. He’s better than all of them (Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart).”
Moreover, across just 3 Cup Series starts at the Chicago Street course, SVG had already claimed two victories and led 44 of the 177 laps completed, a remarkable 24.9%, the highest percentage of any driver there. When it comes to making the most out of every opportunity, few can match his efficiency.
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On a per-race basis, his road course stat is even more striking. The Auckland native has won one out of every three Cup races held on circuits with both left and right turns. To put things in perspective, that’s more than double the win rate of stars like Kyle Larson or even his mentor, Marco Ambrose, long considered one of the elite road course specialists in NASCAR history, as noted by NASCAR.
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Part of what makes the Auckland native’s rise so compelling is that he is directly challenging the records of the full-time NASCAR Cup champion road course king, Jeff Gordon. Gordon currently holds the record for consecutive road course wins in the Cup Series, six straight from August 1997 at Watkins Glen through June 2000 at Sonoma. By securing his fifth road course victory at last month’s Aermica Roval 400, Shane van Gisbergen matched only the second-best mark in Cup history and put himself on the cusp of Gordon’s long-standing six-race streak.
Adding to Doug’s sentiment, fellow broadcaster Brad Gillie couldn’t help but add, “And I’ll repeat it. You’ve won all short track races. Okay, we don’t qualify that. If you’ve won all Speedway events, we don’t qualify that. Martin Truex Jr. won a championship on mile-and-a-half tracks. We don’t qualify that. Shane Van Gisbergen is a five-time winner this year alone on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, period. No other qualifier.”
Moreover, Gordon’s total career road course wins remain the benchmark, and while SVG has fewer races under his belt so far, his winning percentage is a hint that he might surpass Gordon’s total if the trend continues. That being said, the 36-year-old driver has also acknowledged his weaknesses on ovals. But that did change, and the fans themselves couldn’t help but acknowledge it in practice.
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Shane van Gisbergen has also made significant improvements on short tracks throughout the year. These efforts didn’t go unnoticed by his Trackhouse Racing team, which surprised him with a No. 97 car number, which is associated closely with the New Zealander’s family. This gesture left the 36-year-old driver very emotional. But in a recent interview, SVG broke down how NASCAR wasn’t even on his radar.
Shane van Gisbergen recalls how he got into NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen’s rise in NASCAR reads like something no one, including himself, ever saw coming. The Kiwi star who shocked the racing world by winning his very 1st Cup Series start on the streets of Chicago now has six victories across just three seasons, beginning with that breakthrough win in 2023.
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For most of his career, the Auckland native’s attention was fully on Australia’s V8 Supercars Championship. NASCAR barely registered beyond the years when fellow Aussie Marcos Ambrose was competing in the Cup Series. As he put it, “I followed NASCAR a bit when [Aussie Cup driver] Marcos Ambrose was racing, but when he stopped, I didn’t really pay much attention again until Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks launched Project 91 in 2022, with the goal of letting the world’s best driver have a go in NASCAR.” Even Roger Penske’s involvement in Supercars, which brought bits of NASCAR exposure to the region, didn’t quite reel him in.
That change in 2022 was thanks to Project 91. The program first appeared with 2007 Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen, and Shane van Gisbergen admired the effort from a distance without expecting he’d ever be part of it. He eventually reached out through former Cup driver Boris Said, who helped him to Trackhouse Racing’s Justin Marks.
SVG recalled, “I put out feelers through former NASCAR Cup driver Boris Said. Boris knew Justin and sort of started the conversation. To my great surprise and joy, Justin reached out and told me, ‘There’s a new race happening in 2023 on a street track that I think you’d be perfect for. Give me a few months to find some sponsors and partners.’ That was an awesome conversation, just because I didn’t go into it thinking something would come of it.”
The stars aligned further when the Chicago Street race fell on an open weekend in his supercar schedule. Although the 36-year-old driver had prior experience racing in America, through IMSA and the Rolex 24 at Daytona, NASCAR was a different challenge altogether. Yet in his very first start, he outclassed the field and wrote his name into the history books. What began as an unexpected experiment has turned into one of NASCAR’s most compelling modern storylines.
Insider Claims NASCAR Clash Delivered Super Bowl-Level Hype and Buzz
NASCAR did what nobody thought was possible, converting an Olympic-sized stadium into the most exciting exhibition race ever. Intending to create some hype before the Cup Series started its 36-race rigorous schedule, the Clash was a delight that fans looked forward to. With the postseason underway, it can be said with much certainty that the NASCAR community cannot wait for February to come any quicker.
This time around, the Clash will be taking place at the Bowman Gray Stadium, and the fans are definitely excited and looking forward to the 2026 season. However, one NASCAR insider cannot move past the idea of how the clash changed the game for NASCAR.
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Jeff Gluck sounds off on the LA Coliseum Clash
Speaking on the Teardown podcast, Jeff Gluck couldn’t help but reminisce about the LA Coliseum clash. He said, “But, I liked what NASCAR discovered with the LA Coliseum Clash, that you could really make this a marquee preseason event and really get people excited if you used it the right way. I remember that clash the first year. I mean, you had the whole city of LA talking about it… They did that, and then they took a break for the Super Bowl, right? And it was both on FOX and the Super Bowl was in LA that year, right? Yeah. And so, like you had this great synergy.”
The first ever clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Colosseum was in 2022, and it was the first time the exhibition race in the Cup Series broke from its longtime home at Daytona International Speedway. It was definitely a daunting and drastic change; however, it worked out for the organization. NASCAR created a quarter-mile asphalt track inside the stadium to hold the race, giving fans and media a spectacle unlike anything the series had traditionally offered.
That novelty generated major buzz, particularly in Los Angeles, and essentially validated the idea that the clash could become a marquee preseason event if executed properly. The inaugural event drew over 4.2 million TV viewers on FOX and attracted roughly 50,000 fans to the historic stadium, numbers that validated NASCAR’s gamble to build a temporary track inside a football stadium.
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It also generated genuine buzz throughout Los Angeles, energized by the city hosting the Super Bowl the same week. However, the excitement didn’t sustain its peak. TV ratings dipped to 3.6 million in 2023, and while attendance was still strong, the novelty had already begun to fade as fans treated it less like a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle and more like any other exhibition race.
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And even Gluck agrees with it. He added, “If you could use it for a Daytona 500 promotional tool, the Clash had run its course, I thought, at Daytona in terms of Superspeedway. Those last few, I mean, the attendance was terrible for the Sprint Unlimited and all those…So I don’t really love the idea of moving it back there. Obviously, I do agree with your getting rid of the ROVAL. That’s the lowest-hanging fruit on the schedule, in my opinion.”
However, broadcasting and promotional elements added to the event’s standout appeal. The 2022 event featured a previous concert by the artist Pitbull and significant media coverage around the Los Angeles market. Combined with the Golden State setting and a deviation from the typical Superspeedway format, the clash had the kind of cultural and market relevance that NASCAR had aimed to capture.
But over time, that enthusiasm faded. Last year, the momentum had nearly collapsed. Weather disruptions forced the event to move earlier, shifting the broadcast from FOX to FS1, a change that contributed to a dramatic drop to just 1.5 million viewers, a 58% decline from the previous year.
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But as the Colosseum got dropped, NASCAR immediately took to the Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The venue is deeply historic in stock car racing. It hosted Cup Series races from 1958 to 1971, and it is considered one of the sport’s founding weekly tracks.
This shift gave NASCAR more flexibility to test new packages, tire compounds, and car handling on a challenging quarter-mile layout known for its ‘Madhouse’ reputation. And now, as February inches closer, the schedule for the Clash has already been announced.
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FOX reveals the Cook Out Clash schedule
Last year, the NASCAR Premier Series finally returned to the Bowman Gray in February, marking its first appearance at the venue in almost 54 years. In front of a packed and energetic sellout crowd, Chase Elliott held off Ryan Blaney in a showdown between two former Cup champions, scoring an electric victory in the season-opening clash.
And now, in a similar fashion, the historic ‘Madhouse’ in Winston-Salem is set to mark its second straight year by hosting the Cookout Clash on February 1, 2026. FOX8 recently confirmed that the exhibition race will be aired by them, with last-chance qualifying at 6 pm and the clash itself starting at 8 pm.
The event once again serves as the prelude to NASCAR’s biggest month, setting the stage for the 2026 Daytona 500 on February 15, which will begin at 2:30 pm. In total, six NASCAR Cup Series events will air on FOX stations in 2026, including major stops at Daytona International Speedway, Circuit of the Americas, and Talladega Superspeedway.
NASCAR’s decision to stick with Bowman Gray for the clash reflects how well the revenue performed in 2025, offering a packed house, strong TV numbers, and a throwback atmosphere that resonated with longtime fans. 2026 return signals that the madhouse may be carving out a new identity as NASCAR’s unofficial preseason home.
Blue Jays React to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. News on Thursday
The Toronto Blue Jays had an incredible 2025 season that ended with a Game 7 loss in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Their run to the Fall Classic was made possible in big thanks to first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero had a record-breaking postseason, batting .397 with a 1.289 OPS, eight home runs and 15 RBIs. His home run total marked the most in one postseason in Blue Jays history.
He was fantastic in the regular season as well, as he played in 156 games, posting a .292 batting average to go with an .848 OPS, 23 long balls and 84 RBIs.
Due to his stellar play in 2025, Guerrero was named to the AL All-Star team, the fifth time he’s been selected in his seven-year career.
Guerrero’s accolades for this past season didn’t stop with his All-Star selection, however. On Thursday, at the MLB Awards Show in Las Vegas, Guerrero was named as the first baseman for the All-MLB First Team. He was honored alongside his teammate, shortstop Bo Bichette, who was picked to the All-MLB Second Team.
The Blue Jays reacted to this incredible news with a post on the team’s X account.
“The best of the best 👏 Vladdy and Bo are named to the All-MLB Teams!,” the Blue Jays posted.
This was the third time in his career that Guerrero has been given this honor, as he was also on the All-MLB First Team in 2021 and 2024.
Blue Jays fans have been ecstatic with the way their franchise first baseman has played, and they will be able to do so for years to come. In April, the 26-year-old signed a massive 14-year, $500 million contract extension that will keep him with Toronto through the 2039 season.
Guerrero will hope to lead the Blue Jays to many more deep postseason runs before his time in Toronto is up.
Guardians’ José Ramírez adds fourth All-MLB Team honor as baseball’s awards season concludes
CLEVELAND, Ohio — On a night packed with accolades, bright lights and baseball’s biggest stars, Guardians third baseman José Ramírez once again took his place among the game’s elite. Earlier in the evening, Ramírez finished third in the American League MVP race, and by the end of the night he had added even more hardware to his collection, earning a spot on the 2025 All-MLB First Team, the fourth All-MLB selection of his career.
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The honor, announced during the 2025 MLB Awards show, underscored another season in which Ramírez served as the heartbeat of the Guardians’ lineup. The seven-time All-Star third baseman posted one of his most complete campaigns, blending power, speed and consistency with the trademark energy that has defined him since arriving in Cleveland.
Ramírez’s .283 batting average, paired with 103 runs, 34 doubles, 30 home runs, and 85 RBI, showcased his all-around production. Perhaps most eye-popping stat was his relentless presence on the basepaths — 44 steals, a total that reaffirmed his status as one of baseball’s rare true five-tool threats. His .863 OPS and 5.8 WAR according to Baseballreference.com solidified his standing as one of the league’s most valuable and dynamic players, capable of altering a game in many ways.
This year marked Ramírez’s second consecutive First Team appearance, cementing him firmly in the conversation as the premier third baseman of his era. He joined a star-studded lineup that included Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, each of whom also collected major honors on the night.
Shane Bieber and Emmanuel Clase are the only other Cleveland players to be named to the All-MLB first team since the award was instituted in 2019. Bieber was a first team starting pitcher in 2020 and Clase was a first team reliever in 2022 and 2024. Brad Hand was named to the All-MLB second team in 2020 as was Andrés Giménez in 2022.
For Cleveland, Ramírez’s latest distinction is yet another reminder of the homegrown superstar who has become the franchise’s foundation.
MLB honorees include deGrom, Acuna as top comeback players
LAS VEGAS — Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom was voted American League Comeback Player of the Year and Atlanta Braves outfielderRonald Acuna Jr.earned the National League honor Thursday night.
Edwin Diazof the New York Mets was selected as the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year and Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox was picked as the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers won the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award for the fifth straight year, matching the record David Ortiz set from 2003 to 2007, and Ohtani and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge won their third Hank Aaron Awards as the most outstanding offensive performers.
Milwaukee general manager Matt Arnold became the first repeat winner of MLB’s Executive of the Year award.
DeGrom, a 37-year-old right-hander, had Tommy John surgery in June 2023, made three starts near the end of the 2024 season and went 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 172 2/3 innings this year, earning his fifth All-Star selection.
Acuña, 27, tore his left ACL on May 26, 2024, and returned to the Braves this past May 23 and made his fifth All-Star team. He hit .290 with 21 home runs, 42 RBIs and nine stolen bases.
Also receiving AL votes were Baltimore pitcher Trevor Rogers, Toronto outfielder George Springer and shortstop Bo Bichette, Boston shortstop Trevor Story and right-hander Lucas Giolito, and New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham. Others getting NL votes included San Francisco left-hander Robbie Ray, Philadelphia left-handerJesus Luzardo, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff and Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly.
Díaz also earned the reliever award in 2018 and 2022, and he became the second three-time winner along with Josh Hader. The 31-year-old right-hander was 6-3 with a 1.63 ERA, 28 saves in 31 chances and 98 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings.
The 37-year-old Chapman, an eight-time All-Star, was 5-3 with a 1.17 ERA, 32 saves in 34 chances and 85 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings. The left-hander did not allow a hit to 50 consecutive batters from July 23 through Sept. 7. Chapman also won the award in 2019.
Chapman’s win boosted the price of his 2027 mutual option by $1 million to $14 million. The option would become guaranteed if he pitches 40 or more innings next year and is found to be healthy enough for the 2027 Opening Day roster. Seattle’sAndres Munoz earned $100,000 for finishing second and Kansas City’s Carlos Estevez$50,000 for third.
Ohtani, 31, hit .282 with 55 homers, 102 RBIs, 20 steals, 109 walks and 146 runs. He joined Alex Rodriguez from 2001-03 as winners of three straight Hank Aaron Awards. He was named NL MVP earlier Thursday.
Judge, 33, also won Hank Aaron Awards in 2022 and 2024. He led the major leagues with a .331 average and had 53 homers and 114 RBIs to win AL MVP honors.
Arnold’s Brewers won their third straight NL Central title in the league’s smallest market. The 46-year-old joined the Brewers as vice president and assistant general manager in 2015. He was promoted to general manager in November 2020. When David Stearns stepped down as president of baseball operations after the 2022 season, Arnold took over.
Past winners and distinguished players voted on the Hank Aaron Awards, while the DH honor is selected by club beat writers, broadcasters and public relations departments. The executive award is voted on by executives from all 30 MLB teams before the postseason.
Juan Soto Sends Pete Alonso Message Amid MLB Free Agency
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto went from playing with New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge in 2024 to fellow slugger Pete Alonso in 2025. However, the four-time All-Star might not get to play with either of them ever again.
Soto was traded from the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees ahead of the 2024 campaign and went on to lead the latter club to its first World Series appearance in 15 years alongside Judge. The six-time Silver Slugger then hit unrestricted free agency and signed a record 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets last offseason, joining forces with Alonso and star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
However, Alonso is now a free agent, and there’s no guarantee he’ll stay in New York. Soto chimed in on the situation on Thursday night, via The New York Post’s Mike Puma.
“I hope nothing but the best and I’m excited to see where he’s going to end up. He’s one of the best power hitters in this generation,” he said. “I really enjoyed my moment with him in a Mets uniform and I hope we can have more times to come. We can have fun together.”
Soto and Alonso each earned their money this past season. Alonso led the team with a .272 batting average and 126 RBIs, while Soto led with 43 homers and a .396 OBP. Unfortunately for the Mets, though, their stars couldn’t carry them to the playoffs.
Where Will Pete Alonso Go?
There are plenty of rumors swirling about Alonso as he considers his next move. A surprise potential suitor surfaced on Thursday, per The New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
“I’m hearing one surprise suitor could potentially be the Baltimore Orioles, which is a team that has not really been linked to Alonso at this point,” he reported.
Before that, Heyman gave his thoughts about New York’s potential to re-sign its homegrown star.
“[Alonso] is a priority for the Mets. At least he does feel like a priority,” he said. “I understand they want to improve run prevention, but I don’t think they think they can afford to lose those 38 home runs, 126 RBIs. So I think the Mets have a reasonably decent chance to bring Alonso back. We shall see, it’s early in the game, there are going to be other suitors.”
Carroll, PCA join Team USA for World Baseball Classic
“We need some energy, some youth infused,” DeRosa said. “We’re going to have the big captain, the AL MVP, standing in right field. But I think we need some young guns to go get it, to hit some homers.”
“You knew I would eventually be calling,” DeRosa said to Crow-Armstrong. “So you came up to me during the Home Run Derby, and what did you say?”
“I said, ‘Whenever you call, you know my answer is yes,’” Crow-Armstrong said. “I love playing for my country more than anything. Getting to play for you, getting to play with Cal, Corbs, Mr. Judge; it’s going to be great.”
Carroll said he was watching football when he received a call from DeRosa asking him to be a part of Team USA. Roy Wood, one of the co-hosts of Thursday’s awards show, asked Carroll if his decision was difficult given that the commitment will impact his offseason routine to some extent.
Raleigh, who finished second to Judge in this year’s American League MVP vote, announced back in July that he had committed to Team USA. He called the chance to represent his country “a rare opportunity.”
“When I got the call, it was an immediate yes, not even thinking twice about it,” Raleigh said. “Getting to represent your country and getting to play on the biggest stage in baseball, it will be a lot of fun getting to play with some of the best players in the world and getting to compete against them, as well. It’s giving me goose bumps as we speak.”
The 7 best moments from the MLB Open and MLB Awards in Las Vegas
In addition to the annual GM Meetings, Thursday night saw the third annual MLB Awards presented by MGM Rewards take place at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, co-hosted by Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts and comedian and Emmy-nominated producer Roy Wood Jr.
With the eyes of baseball on Sin City for the week and A-list players from all over the league gathered for the festivities, another marquee event is the inaugural Capital One MLB Open, pitting 60 current and former Major League players — representing all 30 clubs. Some Major Leaguers hit the links on Wednesday for the Capital One MLB Open Pro-Am ahead of two days of tournament action on Thursday and Friday.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best moments so far at the Capital One MLB Open, as well as some highlights from the MLB Awards later in the evening.
This time around, though, a group of key members of the Dodgers and Blue Jays traded the infield dirt for the fairway, with postseason hit machine Ernie Clement and 1993 World Series hero Joe Carter squaring up against 2025 Game 7 hero Will Smith and Dodgers franchise favorite Andre Ethier.
Joe was up for some verbal sparring, as well — after Clement shouts
AUSL stars honored at 2025 MLB Awards show
LAS VEGAS — Thursday brought a fitting ending to a year that saw the remarkable debut season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League: Four of the AUSL’s best players were honored at the MLB Awards from the Chelsea Theater in Las Vegas.
“I just think it’s an incredible thrill for all of them,” said Kim Ng, longtime MLB executive and the league’s commissioner. “We’ve really tried to elevate and uplift our athletes, and obviously with MLB’s support and investment throughout the season, for them to integrate our athletes into this programming is just phenomenal. … I’ve been so used to watching baseball — for decades now. And I watch these women, you just develop such an incredible appreciation for what they do.”
The four players were honored during a segment of Thursday’s MLB Awards, in which they were announced one-by-one by MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds and softball icon Jennie Finch, who serves as an AUSL player advisor and an MLB ambassador. A few minutes later, both Coffel and Corrick were brought on stage for an interview with Reynolds, where they recounted the season and their aspirations for the future of the league.
Both Finch and Reynolds touted the success of the league in Year 1 – citing 24 sellouts and a 90% stadium-capacity fill rate. The season included 340 million social media impressions across AUSL and MLB channels and 347,000 viewers tuning in for the championship round.
“Coming off our first season, it was just an iconic way to bring it all together, being here, being around all of these awesome people,” Coffel said from the red carpet at the Cosmopolitan before the show. “It’s a super cool way to recap the season.”
Corrick, who became the first pitcher in the league’s history to pitch a shutout (and did so twice), was 6-0 on the mound, while leading the league in saves, ERA and opponents’ batting average.
“Having the inaugural season and having these amazing athletes start it off so well, I think it’s important because history has to start somewhere,” Corrick said. “So it’s exciting to be the first step on the long journey.”
Corrick spoke of her excitement to see the growth of the league and building toward the 2028 Olympics. She is from Florida but was born in England and has represented team Great Britain and was recently inducted into the British Softball Hall of Fame. Corrick attended the University of South Florida and still serves as an assistant pitching coach there.
As for Gold, she led Duke to its first Women’s College World Series appearance in 2024 and followed it by winning AUSL Rookie of the Year in 2025 while playing for the Blaze. Gold hit .373 and her five home runs were tied for most by a rookie.
“This is an awesome event,” Gold said. “To be a partner of MLB has been amazing, and we’re so excited to be here and have a very long successful partnership. Our first season was amazing. I think it was the first step to a long, successful league we’re going to have.
“I’m super excited for young female athletes to have the dream and have the aspirations to be professional softball players. We started off strong, and we’re going to keep it going that way.”
“Being here with some of the best athletes in the world, it’s such an honor,” Flippen said. “MLB supporting the AUSL has been a turning point in women’s sports, I truly believe, especially for softball. Just being able to inspire young girls to be able to have softball as a career one day — that’s our goal.”
The AUSL is headed for what figures to be an even bigger Year 2 with the league set to expand from four teams to six. After using a touring model in 2025, the league will move to a city-based format for the 2026 season, with the Oklahoma City Spark — an expansion club — having been named as the first city (with five to follow). The AUSL Draft will take place on Dec. 1.
Red Sox closer wins AL Reliever of the Year award, two named All-MLB
Red Sox left-hander Aroldis Chapman enjoyed a remarkable season, turning back the clock to emerge as one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball.
Thursday night, he was recognized with one of the sport’s top honors.
Chapman received the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award during Thursday’s MLB Awards festivities in Las Vegas. He and left-handed starter Garrett Crochet were also named All-MLB First Team selections, which recognize the best players in baseball at each position across both the American and National Leagues.
The two are the first Red Sox pitchers to ever earn All-MLB honors, as well as the fifth and sixth to earn the nod since the award’s inception in 2019. The club’s past winners include Xander Bogaerts (2019), Mookie Betts (2019), Rafael Devers (2021) and Jarren Duran (2024).
Chapman signed with the Red Sox on a one-year, $10.75 million contract in December of 2024, and after winning the closer job in spring training he re-established himself as one of the game’s most overpowering relievers. Chapman maintained his elite velocity while significantly cutting down his walk rate, ultimately posting a 1.17 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 61.1 innings and 32 saves in 34 opportunities.
The veteran wound up signing a $13.3 million contract extension for 2026 in August, ensuring he’ll remain at the back of Boston’s bullpen into next season.
Chapman previously won AL Reliever of the Year in 2019 and becomes the fourth closer in franchise history to earn the award, joining Craig Kimbrel (2017), Tom Gordon (1998) and Bill Campbell (1977). The award is selected by a panel of six all-time great relievers and focuses solely on regular season performance.
In addition to Chapman, Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran was the other reliever named All-MLB First Team. Crochet was joined in the starting rotation by Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes, New York Yankees ace Max Fried and Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
deGrom, Acuna Jr. named MLB Comeback Players of the Year
The main event of Thursday’s award revelations came with the BBWAA’s announcement that Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge repeated as MVP winners. Major League Baseball also conducted its award ceremony, revealing a handful of honors that are not decided by the writers.
Most notably, the league named Jacob deGrom and Ronald Acuna Jr. the respective Comeback Players of the Year. deGrom’s comeback from Tommy John surgery technically occurred at the end of the 2024 season. The two-time Cy Young winner made three late-season appearances last year. He took the ball 30 times this past season with the Texas Rangers and worked to a 2.97 earned run average with 185 strikeouts across 172 2/3 innings. He earned his fifth All-Star nod and finished eighth in AL Cy Young balloting in his age-37 season.
Acuna bounced back from the second ACL tear of his career. The 2023 NL MVP had suffered the season-ending left knee injury on May 26, 2024. He made it back almost one year to the day later. The Atlanta Braves activated Acuna from the injured list on May 23. He’d return to superstar form, hitting .290/.417/.518 with 21 homers in 95 games. Acuna went back on the injured list around the trade deadline with right Achilles tightness. He only missed a couple weeks and came back to hit .268/.402/.437 down the stretch despite an injury-riddled Atlanta team being well out of contention. It’s the second straight season in which a Brave was named NL Comeback Player of the Year. Chris Sale received that honor last season.
MLB announced a few other honors. Ohtani and Judge repeated as the respective Hank Aaron Award winners as the league’s best hitters. Ohtani yet again won the Edgar Martinez Award as MLB’s best designated hitter. Aroldis Chapman and Edwin Diaz won the respective Reliever of the Year honors. Diaz is free agency’s top reliever coming off a 1.63 ERA across 62 appearances with the New York Mets. Chapman turned in a 1.17 ERA over 61 1/3 frames in what is arguably the best season of his fantastic career. He re-signed with the Boston Red Sox on a $13M deal in August. The BBWAA will reintroduce its own Reliever of the Year Award in 2026.
Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold was named Executive of the Year for the second consecutive season. Milwaukee won an MLB-best 97 games and advanced to the NL Championship Series despite having an Opening Day payroll around $115M. That was the eighth-lowest mark in the majors.
MLB also announced its first and second teams. These are not league specific and are designed to honor the best players at each position. Those are as follows:
First Team
Catcher: Cal Raleigh, Mariners
First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
Second Base: Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
Third Base: Jose Ramirez, Guardians
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
Outfield: Aaron Judge, Yankees
Outfield: Julio Rodriguez, Mariners
Outfield: Juan Soto, Mets
Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Starting Pitcher: Tarik Skubal, Tigers
Starting Pitcher: Paul Skenes, Pirates
Starting Pitcher: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers
Starting Pitcher: Garrett Crochet, Red Sox
Starting Pitcher: Max Fried, Yankees
Relief Pitcher: Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox
Relief Pitcher: Jhoan Duran, Twins/Phillies
Second Team
Mookie Betts hosts 2025 MLB Awards alongside Roy Wood Jr.
LAS VEGAS — No matter the venue or the uniform, Mookie Betts knows how to put on a show.
He traded in his Dodger blue for a velvet suit and bowtie and his eye black for tinted sunglasses, standing on a stage rather than in the infield dirt. And just as he always does, he performed, stepping into a new role as the co-host of Thursday night’s 2025 MLB Awards presented by MGM Rewards at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan.
Betts seems to have a knack for picking up just about every sport he tries. Beyond his decorated career in baseball, he’s also a skilled bowler and golfer, another way he occupied himself in a busy week in Las Vegas. His athletic ability carries through to his multisport talents, but it doesn’t necessarily translate to the stage.
Jahmyr Gibbs closing in on Barry Sanders’ NFL record for most touchdowns before age 24
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is only 23 years old, and after his three-touchdown game on Sunday, he has 41 touchdowns in his NFL career. That’s getting him close to a record set by another Lions running back.
Hall of Famer Barry Sanders scored 47 touchdowns before his 24th birthday, which is the most in NFL history for a player under the age of 24. Gibbs won’t turn 24 until March, so he has the rest of this season to score seven touchdowns and eclipse Sanders’ record accomplishment.
Gibbs’ 41 touchdowns are the most of any player in the NFL since he entered the league in 2023.
With a touchdown on Sunday night against the Eagles, Gibbs will tie Jim Brown for the fourth-most touchdowns before the age of 24. Up next on the list are Randy Moss and Emmitt Smith, who each scored 43 touchdowns before age 24.
And then Gibbs could set his eyes on Sanders, a player any Lions running back should be honored to be mentioned with.
50-Year Mortgages? NFL Kickoff Rules? Here’s Where Some of Trump’s Latest Jaw-Dropping Musings Stand
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump loves offering outlandish ideas and then repeating them until they start to become mainstream — even if they don’t always come to fruition.
Some notions that once felt far-fetched are now the norm, like insisting his government has a Department of War, imposing global tariffs at rates unseen since the Gilded Age and pardoning members of the mob that overran the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
But other musings force him to find ways to save face without keeping his word. And many disappear as simply unworkable.
A look at the latest round of Trump’s especially jaw-dropping recent statements and where they stand:
50-year mortgages
WHERE IT STANDS: Still talking about it.
BACKSTORY: Trump posted on his social media site an image of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt under the heading “30-Year Mortgage
Matt LaFleur Gets Firing Update After Packers HC Admits He’s Coaching for His Job, Per Insider
The Green Bay Packers‘ week 10 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles by 10-7 shook their fandom to the core. In fact, it was so heartbreaking for the fans that they demanded the firing of the head coach, Matt LaFleur. While everyone expects him to be on the hot seat, NFL executive Albert Breer has a different stance.
“I would caution people, the season’s not over, and Matt LaFleur’s record is really good,” Breer explained on the November 12 episode of The Rich Eisen Show. “But that’s why I think that question comes up. It’s like, we’ve got a new team president, which, as you know, in Green Bay is ostensibly the owner, right? And a lot of times, a new owner comes in and wants his own people.”
The NFL insider then explained how the new Packers President, Ed Policy, might evaluate their offensive data and QB stats over the season to determine whether or not to extend the contract of head coach Matt LaFleur. However, the team has shown urgency already.
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They extended QB Jordan Love and signed DE Micah Parsons. Moreover, the season has been great. They are still in the playoff contention, 7th in the NFC with a 5-3-1 record. But yes, the back-to-back losses by 3 points at Lambeau Field have made the fans helpless at times. Even then, Policy would take his time to decide the future course.
In 6 seasons, they have qualified for the playoffs 5 times, finishing at the top of the NFC North three times in a row. However, Breer understood the emotion and explained why the calls for firing came.
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“The reason it is a topic of conversation is because of some of the turnover above him in the organization. And so…Ed Policy, who’s Carmen Policy’s son, is the new team president there. And when he came in as the new team president, they decided not to extend Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst. Doesn’t mean they won’t, but they just weren’t going to do it right when Ed got on the job,” Breer first cleared how things are moving in the Packers organization hierarchy. “That creates some perception within the organization, whether it’s right or wrong, like, are these guys under evaluation now?”
Ed Policy has been with the Packers as VP & General Counsel (2102-2018) and as COO from 2018 to 2025. So he knows the GM Brian Gutekunst and even Matt LaFleur for a long time. The non-extension raised some questions. But the coach also put an end to those.
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Matt LaFleur reveals his coaching strategy for the remainder of the 2025 season
The times are pretty rough for the Packers. So, on November 12, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman asked the HC if he was coaching for his job. He did admit it, but gave a pretty long explanation.
“I’ll leave that for everybody else to decide. I’ll just focus on the day-to-day and try to do, I feel like you’re always coaching for everything in this league. That’s just my mindset. It’s always been that way,” he first said. “You can’t ever exhale. You got to always be pushing. That’s just my mindset, and that will be my mindset ’til they tell me not to coach anymore.”
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Matt LaFleur has a great career record in Green Bay with 72 wins and 36 losses. Also, this year, he has steered the offense well before the last two losses. Love has performed above his usual level. In 9 games (all starters), he has a 68.9% completion rate (best in his career) in 2,247 passing yards for 13 TDs and 3 interceptions.
Estudiante de Downey entre los finalistas de los ‘NFL Latino Youth Honors 2025’
La NFL, en asociación con la Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF, Fundación Herencia Hispana), anunció a los ocho finalistas de la tercera edición anual de los “NFL Latino Youth Honors” (Premios Juventud Latina de la NFL), que reconocen a estudiantes del último año de preparatoria destacados tanto en el campo deportivo como en el académico, y que además reflejan con orgullo su conexión con la cultura y comunidad latina.
El programa, creado para celebrar a jóvenes atletas sobresalientes, otorgará becas universitarias a los ocho finalistas. Los ganadores nacionales, uno varonil y uno femenil, recibirán $25,000 dólares cada uno, mientras que los otros seis finalistas obtendrán $5,000 dólares para apoyar sus estudios superiores.
Los 32 equipos de la NFL fueron invitados a nominar a un jugador y una jugadora de último año de preparatoria de sus respectivos mercados. Los candidatos debían cumplir con requisitos académicos (promedio mínimo de 3.0 en GPA), demostrar un rendimiento comprobado en fútbol americano, incluida la modalidad de fútbol bandera, y residir en o cerca de alguna de las ciudades sede de los equipos de la liga.
En total, 62 estudiantes atletas fueron nominados por los clubes de la NFL, muchos de ellos reconocidos durante las celebraciones del Mes de la Herencia Hispana organizadas por sus equipos. De ese grupo, un panel de selección eligió a los ocho finalistas, cada uno de los cuales representaba a una de las ocho divisiones de la liga.
Entre los seleccionados se encuentra Óscar Ríos, un talentoso mariscal de campo de la Downey High School en Downey, California. Con un promedio de 3.0 en el GPA y un compromiso universitario con la Universidad de Arizona, Ríos se ha convertido en un ejemplo de liderazgo tanto dentro como fuera del ámbito académico. Orgulloso de sus raíces mexicanas y panameñas, el joven destaca por su dedicación, disciplina y por representar con orgullo su herencia latina. Este año, además, hizo historia al ser uno de los primeros mariscales de campo hispanos en competir en las finales del prestigioso Elite 11, un logro que reafirma su talento y proyección..
Otros nominados fueron Tatiana González (Ravens), Edward Jordan IV (Jaguars), Jasen López (Dolphins), Alayna Adamez (Vikings), Will Berry (Saints), Isabella Jubrey (Giants) y Alissa Escutia (49ers).
Russell Wilson Addresses NFL Future After Giants’ Jameis Winston Decision
Russell Wilson began this season as the New York Giants’ starter behind center. Having been replaced by rookie first-round draft pick Jaxson Dart three weeks in, he’s been waiting for his chance to operate Big Blue’s offense again.
He won’t get it this week against the Green Bay Packers. Not to start out, anyway. Fellow veteran Jameis Winston will get the interim head coach Mike Kafka’s nod, leaving Wilson to continue to bide his time.
“I know what I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas, obviously,” Wilson said. “I’m just looking forward to having the rest of a great day today. I say that because that’s how I’ve always been. In the midst of amazing moments, I’ve always been about the moment right now. And it’s tough times right now. And it’s really just the faith part of me.”
Wilson threw for 450 yards, three touchdowns and an interception against the Cowboys in Week 2. However, the Giants lost 40-37 and fell to 0-3 after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the next week, prompting the now-fired Brian Daboll to make a change.
Wilson, ever the optimist, won’t let the uncertainty of waiting bring him down.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Wilson reiterated. “I know how great I am. I know what I’ve done. I know a couple games here and there haven’t gone our way, but I’m just excited for the next opportunity to step between the white lines. That’s how I’ve always been.”
Maxx Crosby Gives Bad News to Drake Maye, Patrick Mahomes
The 2025 NFL season is in its second half, and candidates for individual awards are beginning to emerge, with Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby revealing who should win the MVP in his eyes.
It’s been a long season for the Silver and Black, with the team at 2-7. As a result, no player or coach on the team is on track to win an individual award. However, that doesn’t mean players like Crosby can’t weigh in on who deserves the MVP honor, and he believes it’s Los Angeles Rams signal-caller Matthew Stafford.
“People are kind of sleeping on Stafford,” Crosby told Jim Gray on this week’s edition of “Let’s Go!” “His name wasn’t coming up as much as we feel it should have for the MVP race. Then he goes out and gets another win and four breakdown passes. They’re so well-coached, a great quarterback. They’ve got two number-one receivers, a great running back, and a bunch of young, hungry dogs on defense.
“You saw it last [season]—they took Philly right down to the end in the snow in a cold game, and they could have been in the Super Bowl. It just shows they’re continuously getting better. I love that Stafford is starting to get his flowers.”
As for where Stafford stands in the MVP race, Stafford (+300) sits between New England Patriots‘ Drake Maye (+275) and Kansas City Chiefs‘ Patrick Mahomes (+500) as the top three favorites to claim the honor after the action in Week 10, according to DraftKings Sportsbook (via Sports Illustrated).
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Has Love for Matthew Stafford
Stafford’s success this season with the Rams and potential MVP campaign hits close to home for Crosby, considering the Raiders standout grew up a Detroit Lions fan.
“Growing up a diehard Lions fan, Stafford is one of my favorite players,“ Crosby added. “Being on the podcast with him now feels like a simulation. We’ve faced each other on the field, and you just know when a quarterback is a little different—he’s special. Stafford is definitely in the top five of guys I’ve played against. He’s on a whole different tier.”
Matthew Stafford Was Nearly a Raider
In another universe, Stafford would be in Silver and Black. This past offseason, the Raiders were reportedly in talks with the veteran quarterback.
The Athletic reported on February 28 that the Raiders were willing to offer Stafford a two-year contract worth between $90 million and $100 million, which would have averaged $45 million to $50 million per year.
Moreover, the report noted that a second-round pick could have sealed a deal with the Rams if Stafford had chosen to depart. Nonetheless, the veteran would stay in Los Angeles, and Las Vegas would have to pivot to an alternative option, which ended up being trading for Geno Smith.
So far, the Smith has been a disaster for the Raiders, and the front office may be heading back to the drawing board again this upcoming offseason to find a quarterback who can lead the team back to the playoffs and capitalize on Crosby’s prime years.
Golden Knights recall former UDFA Braeden Bowman for potential NHL debut
The Vegas Golden Knights have recalled right-winger Braeden Bowman from the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights. This is the first call-up of Bowman’s professional career. He earns it after a hot start to Henderson’s season. Bowman leads the club with seven goals, and is tied for the scoring lead with 12 points, through 12 games so far.
His first call-up to the NHL is a major milestone for the undrafted Bowman. He earned a minor-league contract with Henderson out of Vegas’ training camp in 2024, after four years with the OHL’s Guelph Storm. Bowman scored 14 goals and 36 points in 68 games of his rookie AHL season, enough to work his way onto the Silver Knights’ second-line. Vegas bumped Bowman’s minor-league deal up to a two-year, entry-level contract in March, making him eligible for an NHL call-up.
Bowman’s rookie-year growth gave him plenty of runway headed into this season’s training camp. He was a standout once again – flashing a sharp finishing ability, pro-level physicality, and quick hands. Those attributes continued to headline Bowman’s game through the first month of the season, and will now be recognized by Vegas with one more home game before a two-game road-trip.
Where to watch Rangers vs. Lightning today: NHL free live stream
The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the New York Rangers Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. New York is 7-1-1 on the road this season, which will be put to the test against one of the Eastern Conference’s best in Tampa.
Rangers vs. Lightning will air on TNT, and streams live on DIRECTV (free trial).
What: NHL regular season
Who: New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
When: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
Where: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Stream: DIRECTV (free trial), Sling
Here’s a recent NHL story via the Associated Press:
NEW YORK (AP) — Mika Zibanejad scored to end a lengthy goal drought on home ice, Gabriel Perreault picked up his first NHL point and the New York Rangers used an offensive outburst to defeat the Nashville Predators 6-3 on Monday night for their first victory at Madison Square Garden this season.
Perreault assisted on Alexis Lafrenière’s goal a little over 24 hours after getting called up from Hartford of the American Hockey League. Artemi Panarin had two goals and Vladislav Gavrikov and Will Cuylle also scored, while Lafrenière had three points.
The Rangers matched their entire goal production from their first seven home games, when they were 0-6-1 and got outscored 23-6 before facing struggling Nashville. Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves, including a blocker stop when he didn’t have a stick early in the third period.
Juuse Saros got pulled at the second intermission after allowing five goals on just 12 shots, with backup Justus Annunen finishing it out in net. Despite Matthew Wood’s first career hat trick, which doubled his goal total in the league, the Predators lost a fifth consecutive game and for the eighth time in their past nine.
Zibanejad’s goal on a semi-breakaway off a perfect pass from defenseman Adam Fox midway through the first was New York’s first at MSG in 141:27, dating to Oct. 23 against San Jose, two home shutout losses ago.
Gavrikov scored his second with his new team with 1:53 left in the first to restore the lead after Wood tied it on the power play minutes earlier. Playing for the first time since Oct. 9 after missing the past month with an undisclosed upper-body injury, center Vincent Trocheck had the primary assist.
Up next
Predators: Travel to Sweden to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in Stockholm on Friday and Sunday in the NHL’s Global Series event of the season.
Rangers: Visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night, looking to improve on their league-best 7-1-1 road start.
Where to watch Rangers vs. Lightning NHL livestream today for free
Two teams looking for some consistency meet up on Wednesday night, as the Tampa Bay Lightning get set to host the New York Rangers.
The Lightning might not be getting any younger, but that has not completely omitted them from being outside of the Stanley Cup Playoff conversation. The team certainly struggled out of the gate, losing six of its first seven games of the 2025-26 season. However, Tampa has started to turn things around with some quality efforts.
After that rough start, the Bolts have gone on to win seven of their past eight games, only losing to the red-hot Colorado Avalanche last Tuesday. Tampa has picked up notable wins over the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals, keeping their name with the best in the Atlantic Division.
The Rangers have been up and down throughout the first month of the regular season, and while they technically sit at the .500 mark, the team has dropped nine of its first 17 games, far below the front office’s standards. The Blueshirts picked up a win over the Detroit Red Wings last Friday, but followed it up with a disappointing 5-0 defeat at the hands of the rival New York Islanders on Saturday.
NHL HOCKEY
New York Rangers (8-7-2) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (8-5-2)
When: Wednesday, November 12
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.
Channel: TNT, truTV
Check out the NHL standings and scores here
Rangers vs. Lightning prediction: NHL odds, picks, best bet Wednesday
The unpredictability of the Rangers can be left in Manhattan after they were chagrined 5-0 by the Islanders before erupting for six goals against the piteous Predators Monday night.
They revert back to their alter ego on Wednesday against the Lightning as a road team that’s 7-1-1.
All in all, the Rangers’ home and away splits through 15 games have made handicapping analysis pretty black and white: while goals are coming more moderately, they are significantly stronger on defense, allowing 1.88 goals per game, stopping 93 percent of shots and killing penalties at an 85 percent clip.
In fact, between Vladislav Gavrikov, Adam Fox and Will Borgen, the Rangers have received sound defensive contributions across the board this year.
Their most effective two-way forward, Vincent Trocheck, also returned to the lineup on Monday to block a shot and force a pair of turnovers.
No team has a lower expected goals against per 60 minutes than the Rangers at 2.12 per MoneyPuck.
Many ask for the moon from Igor Shesterkin, who is No. 20 of 73 qualifying goaltenders in MoneyPuck’s GSAx. There have been some hiccups over these last couple of weeks, but Shesterkin remains sound in high danger situations, stopping the 13th-best rate of them amongst all netminders at 88 percent.
Besides, Shesterkin has a scintillating resume against the Lightning: He is 7-3-1 with a 2.25 GAA and a .924 SV%.
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It’s always a duel between him and fellow countrymen and Vezina winner Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasilevskiy has won five of his past six starts, relinquishing 2.00 goals and denying over 92 percent of shots faced in that stretch.
Although the Rangers offer some underdog value, it’s tough to back this now-and-then offense — especially given that the power play isn’t much more efficient on the road.
It’s scored at a 16 percent rate and I wouldn’t hold my breath against the Lightning’s No. 1 penalty kill.
Place stock in the only empirical proficiency the Rangers have demonstrated against a club with a disciplined collapse-and-protect structure: defense.
THE PLAY: Under 6 (-115, BetMGM)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
Where to watch Rangers vs. Lightning FREE LIVE STREAM: Time, TV Channel for NHL game
The New York Rangers face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 (11/12/25) at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The game will be broadcast at 7 p.m. on TNT
You can watch with a subscription to Sling TV, which offers half off the first month.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: NHL
Who: Rangers vs. Lightning
When: Nov. 12, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where: International Arena
TV: TNT
Live stream: Sling TV
Here’s an NHL story from the AP:
NEW YORK (AP) — Mika Zibanejad scored to end a lengthy goal drought on home ice, Gabriel Perreault picked up his first NHL point and the New York Rangers used an offensive outburst to defeat the Nashville Predators 6-3 on Monday night for their first victory at Madison Square Garden this season.
Perreault assisted on Alexis Lafrenière’s goal a little over 24 hours after getting called up from Hartford of the American Hockey League. Artemi Panarin had two goals and Vladislav Gavrikov and Will Cuylle also scored, while Lafrenière had three points.
The Rangers matched their entire goal production from their first seven home games, when they were 0-6-1 and got outscored 23-6 before facing struggling Nashville. Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves, including a blocker stop when he didn’t have a stick early in the third period.
Juuse Saros got pulled at the second intermission after allowing five goals on just 12 shots, with backup Justus Annunen finishing it out in net. Despite Matthew Wood’s first career hat trick, which doubled his goal total in the league, the Predators lost a fifth consecutive game and for the eighth time in their past nine.
ISLANDERS 3, DEVILS 2, OT
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Mathew Barzal scored in overtime, Ilya Sorokin stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced and the New York Islanders bounced back from allowing the tying goal to Simon Nemec with 4.7 seconds left in regulation to beat New Jersey.
Barzal scored 1:17 into 3-on-3 OT to get the win, not long after Nemec’s shot at 6 on 5 with Jacob Markstrom pulled for an extra attacker beat Sorokin to extend the game. Nemec’s goal was ruled good after officials spent a few minutes reviewing it.
Kyle Palmieri had put the Islanders ahead on the power play with just under three minutes left in the third period. Palmieri scored it off a rebound of a shot by No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer who has become the favorite to win the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year.
Palmieri also assisted on Bo Horvat’s tying goal 6:55 into the second. The Devils had taken an early lead on Timo Meier’s power-play goal 2:12 in, and the Islanders did not have their first shot on net until past the nine-minute mark.
OILERS 5, BLUE JACKETS 4, OT
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Jack Roslovic scored 56 seconds into overtime and Edmonton came from behind for a victory over Columbus.
Jake Walman, who also had two goals, hit Roslovic with a long stretch pass and he scored his fourth of the season on a breakaway.
Connor McDavid also scored two goals and Stuart Skinner made 15 stops for the Oilers, who snapped a three-game losing skid and rebounded from Saturday’s 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Ivan Provorov, Sean Monahan, Boone Jenner and Adam Fantilli scored for the Blue Jackets, who have lost four straight. Jet Greaves made 19 stops for Columbus.
PANTHERS 3, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brad Marchand, playing some of his best hockey at age 37, extended his goal streak to five games to lead Florida to a victory over Vegas.
Marchand has scored six goals in five games, inching closer to his personal-best seven-game goal streak in 2016. He also had an assist and now stands at 998 points for his career.
Jesper Boqvist and Sam Reinhart scored the other Panthers goals, and Donovan Sebrango had two assists. Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves.
Tomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev scored the Golden Knights goals. Barbashev has four goals and two assists in four games.
Rookie Carl Lindbom, making just his fourth start, stopped 17 shots. He hasn’t been eased into the lineup, having also faced Tampa Bay twice and Colorado once, a major reason Lindbom is 0-3-1 with a 3.25 goals-against average and a .869 save percentage.
But the Golden Knights’ offense failed to back up Lindbom despite having more than its share of opportunities. Vegas had eight high-danger chances compared to five for Florida, according to Natural Stat Trick. Mitch Marner faked out Bobrovsky in one of those chances in the first period, but skied the puck.
Fanatics Sportsbook promo code CBSFAN: Get up to $2,000 No Sweat Bets for NBA, college football on Wednesday
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Wednesday college football betting
The Central Michigan Chippewas host the Buffalo Bulls at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network as one of three MACtion games on Wednesday. Buffalo entered the week as one of four MAC teams at 4-1 and tied for first in the conference, vying for the chance to compete in the Mid-American Conference championship game next month. Buffalo (5-4) is 14-8 in two seasons under head coach Pete Lembo, who took over with Buffalo coming off two losing seasons over the prior three years. Meanwhile, Central Michigan is 5-4, including 3-2 in the MAC.
For college football betting, Central Michigan is a 1-point favorite in the latest Wednesday college football odds at Fanatics Sportsbook, with an over/under set at 43 points. In the two other MACtion Wednesday contests, Toledo is favored by 4 points over Miami (OH) and Northern Illinois is an 11-point favorite against UMass. Use the latest Fanatics Sportsbook promo code CBSFAN here:
Wednesday NBA betting
Seven teams are playing in the second half of a back-to-back on Wednesday, and that turnaround from two games in 24 hours can often leave teams fatigued, especially later in the second contest. One of those back-to-back teams on Wednesday is the New York Knicks hosting the better-rested Orlando Magic in a matchup of two teams that were among the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies, 133-120, on Tuesday, so at least for the players, there’s no travel involved in this second leg of a back-to-back. The Knicks are favored by 4 points in the latest Wednesday NBA odds.
The Mavericks didn’t play on Tuesday, but they made headlines with the firing of GM Nico Harrison, who faced heavy criticism for trading Luka Doncic last season. After a 3-8 start to this year, the Mavericks cut ties with Harrison heading into a home game against the Suns. It will be interesting to see how the players and fans react on Wednesday following the firing, and the Mavericks are 1-point underdogs. Other intriguing Wednesday matchups for NBA betting include the Cavaliers vs. Heat (-6.5), Lakers vs. Thunder (-7) and Nuggets (-3) vs. Clippers.. Use the latest Fanatics Sportsbook promo code CBSFAN here:
Wednesday NHL betting
The Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Rangers in one of four games on the Wednesday NHL slate, and it’s been a wild start to the season for New York. The Rangers have dominated away from Madison Square Garden this season, going 7-1-1 away compared to 1-6-1 at home in a bizarre split. They begin a run of five of their next six games on the road, though, so this could be a well-timed road trip for New York, given this season’s results in an 8-7-2 start. The Lightning are 8-5-2 this season, including 4-3 at home.
The Lightning are -150 favorites, with the Rangers as +125 underdogs in the latest Wednesday NHL odds at Fanatics. Other intriguing NHL betting odds include Oilers (-130) vs. Flyers (+110) and Devils (-160) vs. Blackhawks (+130). Claim the latest Fanatics Sportsbook promo code CBSFAN here:
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Where to watch Devils vs. Blackhawks NHL game tonight on free streams, TV
The New Jersey Devils charge into the United Center on Wednesday night for an NHL matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks. The game is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CT) with TV coverage on TNT and streaming on-demand.
How to watch Devils vs. Blackhawks on TV and stream without cable
When: Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CT)
Where: United Center, Chicago, Ill.
TV channel: TNT
Streaming on: DirecTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | HBO Max ($16.99/mo.)
Devils vs. Blackhawks: The matchup
The Devils sit atop a tight, early race for the NHL’s Metropolitan Division, holding a narrow edge over the New York Rangers with their 11-4-1 record and 23 points. The Devils are still on the hunt for a return to consistent, dynamic play after opening the campaign winning seven of their first eight games. New Jersey Is 3-4 over Its past eight contests and has played an overtime or shootout In three straight.
The Blackhawks are a solid third In the Western Conference’s Central Division, compiling an 8-5-3 record and 19 points to start staking their claim to a West playoff berth and a Central Division title. Chicago won the final three games of its recent six-game road trip and flipped to the opening matchup of four straight home games at United Center, beginning Wednesday night.
Devils vs. Blackhawks: Know your live streams
DirecTV (free trial) – First month after the 5-day free trial starts as low as $49.99 with current $35 off promotion. ESPN Unlimited included with add-on packages and sports plans. Genre Packs and other lower-priced alternatives are available, some of which come with free gift cards.
SlingTV (low intro rate) – Full month of streaming runs as low as $45.99 with day passes available for 24 hours ($4.99), three-day ($9.99) and seven-day access ($14.99). The service’s most noteworthy omission is CBS, which carries college basketball and football, NBA and NFL games.
Tkachuk brothers launch new weekly podcast ‘Wingmen’
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are going to be tuning up some good vibes on their new podcast.
The brothers announced their new show, “Wingmen,” on Wednesday. The first episode drops on Thursday.
“For us it’s super exciting,” Matthew said on “The Pat McAfee Show” after the announcement. “We’re just super excited. [Brady and I] FaceTime pretty much daily or weekly, now we’re getting paid to do it once a week, are you kidding me? So it’s pretty exciting and I’m just super excited to grow the game.”
Matthew, a forward for the Florida Panthers, said that the brothers were approached right before the playoffs about the idea. Since both him and Brady were still competing in the postseason, they put it on the backburner.
Once Matthew raised the Stanley Cup with the Panthers and the season finished up, they circled back to the idea and it “started to slowly pick up some steam in the summer.”
“It just happened really quickly,” Matthew said. “And now it’s finally actually happening.”
The first few episodes will just be the Tkachuk brothers chatting, Brady said, about all things hockey and all sports, and “other life things.”
“That’s what our FaceTimes are usually about,” said Brady, forward for the Ottawa Senators. “We’re excited about building off that and sometime down the road inviting some guests and really having a great time with them.”
“Wingmen” is being produced by Wave Sports & Entertainment, the same company who works on NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce’s hit podcast, “New Heights.”
Episodes will be released every Wednesday throughout the NHL season.
“Our dad always said, ‘You better leave the game in a better place than when you got here,’” Matthew said. “But this is our best way of doing it. We feel like we’re the luckiest guys in hockey.”
Flyers Notebook: Rick Tocchet wary of ice-time burden for top D-men
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PHILADELPHIA – Travis Sanheim has the NHL’s third-highest minutes-per-game average (26:05) so far this season. His Flyers defense partner, Cam York, is not far behind, with his 24:48 ranking eighth.
Is this a formula for sustained success?
Less than a fifth of the way through this season, the two defensemen have piled up eye-opening numbers. Sanheim went into Wednesday night’s game against Edmonton with more than six hours of playing time under his belt and York, who missed the first three games of the season due to injury, was on the threshold of five hours.
At Wednesday morning’s skate at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, N.J., coach Rick Tocchet said he was aware of his top defensive pair’s playing time and that he would keep a close eye on the situation as the schedule gets even busier.
“It’s early in the season but there is a time when you’re sensitive to it,” Tocchet said. “Most of the really good ‘D’ play 20-plus (minutes), but when you get into 24, those types of minutes. . .we’re aware of it. We’ve got make some other guys get more minutes. We talk about it constantly, it’s in the backs of our minds.”
After a down year last season, York has bounced back with a flourish. He’s been steady on defense and is contributing to the offense in a big way, including on the power play.
“I think he had a really good summer,” Tocchet said. “Came to camp in a good frame of mind and in good shape. What I like is, he’s trying to make plays. He’s not just deferring. We use him in all situations.
“He was captain of his junior team. He was a leader then, he’s done a lot of good things in his career. Had a tough year last year so I think he’s just moved on from it.”
As for how he wants his defense to play, Tocchet came down on the side of controlled aggression. It’s OK to play with a physical edge and initiate physical action, but just be sure you’re not leaving your defensive zone unprotected.
“I think to be a really good hockey team, you have to activate your defense,” Tocchet said. “You have to take baby steps. We have activated our ‘D,’ especially early in the season. If we have four guys down by the net, though, the next thing you know you have a three-on-one (the other way).
“That’s a maturity thing. We need people to go in spots. We’re getting better at it. It’s a little bit of a give-and-take. We do want to activate the ‘D’, we just want to make sure the other guys participate.”
• • •
The Flyers activated Tyson Foerster off injured reserve for the Oilers game and returned Carl Grundstrom to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Foerster last played Nov. 1.
• • •
Defenseman Emil Andrae played in his sixth game of the season Wednesday night after starting the season with Lehigh Valley.
To date, he’s been a steady partner for veteran Noah Juulsen and maintaining a strong presence in the defensive zone.
“I think I’ve played pretty well here in this little period,” he said. “Just want to keep building and getting better. We’ve been playing good hockey so far it’s been pretty easy to transition from down there to up here.”
Andrae said the Flyers and Phantoms play basically the same system, so that makes the transition even a bit easier.
Get the official 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden gear today
The Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins get set to do battle this weekend in Stockholm, Sweden, in the 2025 NHL Global Series. You can represent the official event gear today.
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Both teams have had plenty of games overseas in their histories. Along with many exhibition games, the Penguins last played overseas in Stockholm in the 2008 NHL Premiere, splitting a pair of games with the Ottawa Senators. The Predators competed in the 2022 Global Series in Czechia, winning a pair against the San Jose Sharks.
The Penguins have been one of the pleasant surprises this season. The team that has missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past three seasons seemed like it was on its way to a full-blown rebuild. However, thanks to a strong start by veterans such as Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, along with contributions up and down the lineup, Pittsburgh has been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Predators are hoping that Filip Forsberg playing in his home country can help turn the team’s fortunes. Following a 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers on Monday, Nashville has lost five games in a row.
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Timberwolves and Kings meet Friday in NBA Cup group stage
Sacramento Kings (3-9, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-4, sixth in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Friday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Sacramento Kings visit the Sacramento Kings in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup.
Minnesota went 49-33 overall, 33-19 in Western Conference play and 25-16 at home during the 2024-25 season. The Timberwolves averaged 17.7 points off of turnovers, 15.2 second-chance points and 35.0 bench points last season.
Sacramento went 40-42 overall and 26-26 in Western Conference action during the 2024-25 season. The Kings averaged 115.7 points per game last season, 47.9 in the paint, 17.4 off of turnovers and 14.3 on fast breaks.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Timberwolves won 144-117 in the last matchup on Nov. 10.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.: day to day (foot).
Kings: Keegan Murray: out (thumb), Zach LaVine: day to day (thigh), Malik Monk: day to day (ankle).
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Pistons host 76ers Friday for NBA Cup group stage game
Philadelphia 76ers (7-4, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (10-2, first in the Eastern Conference)
Detroit; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Pistons face the Philadelphia 76ers in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup.
Detroit went 44-38 overall, 29-23 in Eastern Conference action and 22-19 at home during the 2024-25 season. The Pistons averaged 19.0 points off of turnovers, 14.9 second-chance points and 40.2 bench points last season.
Philadelphia finished 24-58 overall and 15-37 in Eastern Conference games during the 2024-25 season. The 76ers averaged 23.2 assists per game on 39.7 made field goals last season.
The two teams square off for the second time this season. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 111-108 in their last matchup on Nov. 10. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 points, and Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: Isaiah Stewart: day to day (ankle), Ausar Thompson: day to day (ankle), Marcus Sasser: out (hip), Tobias Harris: day to day (ankle), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Cade Cunningham: day to day (hip), Jalen Duren: day to day (ankle).
76ers: Paul George: day to day (knee), Johni Broome: day to day (ankle), Dominick Barlow: day to day (elbow), Joel Embiid: day to day (knee).
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Magic and Nets meet Friday in NBA Cup group stage
Brooklyn Nets (1-10, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (6-6, 10th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Friday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Brooklyn Nets travel to play the Brooklyn Nets in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup.
Orlando finished 41-41 overall, 31-21 in Eastern Conference games and 22-19 at home during the 2024-25 season. The Magic averaged 105.4 points per game last season, 45.7 in the paint, 19.0 off of turnovers and 13.8 on fast breaks.
Brooklyn went 26-56 overall and 14-37 in Eastern Conference action during the 2024-25 season. The Nets gave up 112.2 points per game while committing 20.7 fouls last season.
INJURIES: Magic: Moritz Wagner: day to day (knee), Paolo Banchero: day to day (groin).
Nets: Haywood Highsmith: out (knee), Day’Ron Sharpe: day to day (hamstring), Cam Thomas: out (hamstring).
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Knicks and Heat meet Friday in NBA Cup group stage
Miami Heat (7-5, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (7-4, third in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Friday, 7 p.m. EST
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Knicks -9.5; over/under is 223.5
BOTTOM LINE: The Miami Heat travel to face the Miami Heat in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup.
New York finished 51-31 overall and 34-18 in Eastern Conference action a season ago. The Knicks allowed opponents to score 111.7 points per game and shoot 47.4% from the field last season.
Miami went 37-45 overall and 24-28 in Eastern Conference play during the 2024-25 season. The Heat averaged 26.4 assists per game on 40.5 made field goals last season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Heat won 115-107 in the last meeting on Oct. 26. Norman Powell led the Heat with 29 points, and Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 37 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: None listed.
Heat: Bam Adebayo: day to day (foot), Tyler Herro: out (ankle).
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Mavericks host Clippers Friday for NBA Cup group stage game
Los Angeles Clippers (3-7, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (3-9, 14th in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Friday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Mavericks face the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup.
Dallas went 39-43 overall, 23-29 in Western Conference action and 22-18 at home during the 2024-25 season. The Mavericks averaged 114.2 points per game last season, 51.0 in the paint, 16.9 off of turnovers and 15.1 on fast breaks.
Los Angeles finished 50-32 overall and 29-23 in Western Conference play during the 2024-25 season. The Clippers averaged 112.9 points per game last season, 51.3 in the paint, 19.3 off of turnovers and 15.7 on fast breaks.
INJURIES: Mavericks: P.J. Washington: day to day (shoulder), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: day to day (knee), Dereck Lively II: day to day (knee), Anthony Davis: day to day (calf).
Clippers: Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Kawhi Leonard: day to day (injury management).
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Pelicans host Lakers Friday for NBA Cup group stage matchup
Los Angeles Lakers (8-4, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (2-9, 15th in the Western Conference)
New Orleans; Friday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Lakers travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup.
New Orleans finished 21-61 overall, 13-38 in Western Conference play and 14-27 at home during the 2024-25 season. The Pelicans shot 45.2% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range last season.
Los Angeles went 50-32 overall and 36-16 in Western Conference action during the 2024-25 season. The Lakers averaged 26.0 assists per game on 40.9 made field goals last season.
INJURIES: Pelicans: Zion Williamson: day to day (hamstring), Dejounte Murray: out (leg), Jordan Poole: out (knee).
Lakers: LeBron James: out (sciatica), Gabe Vincent: out (ankle), Adou Thiero: out (knee).
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Young Sacramento Kings fan with NBA-dreams gifted Anthony Edwards jersey post-game
You’ve likely seen the special moment between a young Sacramento Kings fan and the Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
Their sweet interaction became a viral moment on social media, national television sports networks and anywhere else you get your sports news.
Benjamin Beckwith, 9, told CBS Sacramento that while he is a life-long Kings fan, Edwards is by far his favorite professional basketball player.
The Curry-Wembanyama duel shows NBA will be ready for the changing of the guard
I want to draw your attention to an incredible sequence late in the Golden State Warriors’ 125-120 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
The Warriors ran a high pick-and-roll near mid-court to give Steph Curry a chance to go downhill at Victor Wembanyama with a full head of steam. Curry snaked around the screen, started driving to his left, then crossed over between his legs on a dime to go right instead.
Curry’s quick change of direction fooled the Frenchman. Wembanyama was still shifting toward the middle of the floor, and Curry attacked his front foot. It was technically perfect from Curry, and at that moment he should have had a major advantage. And against almost every other big man in the league, he would have.
But Curry didn’t even bother to continue his drive and attack the rim, in part because Luke Kornet was already standing under the rim. Instead he darted backward, and tried to slip Wembanyama with another change of pace move. It didn’t work, so he gave up the ball and forced Wembanyama to chase him around the perimeter.
Again, this should have worked. Seven-foot-four players are not supposed to be able to keep up with Curry’s off-ball movement, but that’s just what Wembanyama did. He then cut off another Curry drive with the help of Devin Vassell, which left Draymond Green open in the lane. Wembanyama rushed back to stifle Green, who kicked the ball out to Gary Payton II. The lefty guard drove at Kornet’s closeout and thought he had a layup, but Wembanyama was there again to force a miss.
As Wembanyama sprinted down the other end of the floor, he caught a pass from Stephon Castle, and had a chance to go at Green in the open court. He crossed over, drove into the paint, got stonewalled at the rim by Moses Moody and Green, but simply reached over them to grab the offensive rebound and convert a putback.
Wembanyama also blocked a 3-point attempt from Green by jumping from inside the paint, and finished with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth career triple-double. Together with Castle, who put up 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, they became the first Spurs duo to record triple-doubles in the same game.
And yet, none of that was enough to win.
Curry got the last laugh in the end, as he iced the game at the free throw line to finish with a season-high 46 points on 13 of 25 from the field, including 15 of 16 at the line. It was his 12th 40-point game since turning 35, tying him with Michael Jordan. (LeBron James has the all-time lead with 15 such games.) But of course Curry is never just about scoring. He added five rebounds and five assists Wednesday night to record his 12th career game with at least 45 points, five rebounds and five assists. Only 11 players in NBA history have more such games.
Twenty-two of Curry’s 46 points came during the third quarter when he led a major Warriors comeback. Curry was unstoppable in the frame. He got to the line at will and made tough shot after tough shot, including two mid-range jumpers — one from each wing — that he banked in on purpose. The Spurs had controlled the first half and were up by as many as 16 at one point, but thanks to Curry’s barrage, the Warriors won the third quarter 43-28 to take the lead for good.
Wembanyama’s flashes of absurd brilliance are the league’s hottest new commodity — and rightfully so — but there’s still nothing like a Curry hot streak. No one knows that better than Wembanyama himself, who has seen what Curry can do firsthand on two continents.
Curry, now 37, remains one of the faces of the NBA, alongside his two main peers, LeBron James (40) and Kevin Durant (37). Their longevity, though impressive, has created a sense of existential angst about who will eventually take their place and carry the league into the future.
Jokic’s 55-point game pays off with rare win for Nuggets on one of his prolific scoring nights
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Nikola Jokic scoring 50 or more points had never been enough for the Denver Nuggets to win. Until now.
Jokic tied the highest-scoring performance in the NBA this season with 55 points, and the Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 130-116 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory.
The Nuggets were 0-4 in his previous 50-point outbursts.
“It’s a good feeling,” the three-time NBA MVP said.
He equaled Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 55 in a double-overtime game at Indiana on Oct. 23.
Jokic has been on a roll during Denver’s winning streak. He’s the first player in NBA history to average a 35-point triple-double while shooting 60% or better across a six-game stretch.
He’s averaging 35.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 11.0 assists while shooting 73.9% from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range.
Opposing defenses have thrown everything at him in a fruitless effort to slow down the 7-foot Serbian.
“I think I saw everything,” he said, “but I think it’s hard. We are really running a lot of plays for me, all kind of different plays.
Nikola Jokic’s 55 points against Clippers ties highest-scoring performance in NBA this season
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Nikola Jokic scoring 50 or more points had never been enough for the Denver Nuggets to win. Until now.
Jokic tied the highest-scoring performance in the NBA this season with 55 points, and the Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 130-116 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory.
The Nuggets were 0-4 in his previous 50-point outbursts.
“It’s a good feeling,” the three-time NBA MVP said.
He equaled Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 55 in a double-overtime game at Indiana on Oct. 23.
Jokic has been on a roll during Denver’s winning streak. He’s the first player in NBA history to average a 35-point triple-double while shooting 60% or better across a six-game stretch.
He’s averaging 35.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 11.0 assists while shooting 73.9% from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range.
Opposing defenses have thrown everything at him in a fruitless effort to slow down the 7-foot Serbian.
“I think I saw everything,” he said, “but I think it’s hard. We are really running a lot of plays for me, all kind of different plays.”
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Jokic scored 25 of Denver’s 39 points in the first quarter.
“I didn’t open the game really good,” he said. “I think I missed like two, three layups, and after that I felt good.”
Last season, Jokic played well on the back end of consecutive games, too. His routine on 24 hours’ rest includes a daytime nap in between eating things like avocado, eggs, oatmeal and toast.
“The way he played today is how he works out when no one is watching,” coach David Adelman said. “He prepares every day for situations like this.”
Jokic had eight points in the second quarter before coming back with 19 in the third, including two personal runs of six straight points.
“The guys, especially in the fourth quarter, they’re giving me the ball,” he said. “I just keep shooting it.”
Jokic sat out the fourth until coming back with about six minutes remaining. He scored three points to complete his night going 18 for 23 from the field. He missed adding to his league-leading six triple-doubles with six assists. He was 5 of 6 on 3-pointers and made 14 of 16 free throws.
“He was extraordinary,” Adelson said. “That’s one of those performances you won’t forget.”
The Nuggets led by 16 points going into the fourth and extended their advantage to 22 points early on.
Adelman said there was “zero disrespect” to the Clippers in deciding to put Jokic back in.
“They started to press us and he’s one of our best ballhandlers, he’s a guy that can bleed the clock, he’s one of the best players alive,” the coach said. “It would be stupid for me not to put my best players back in to make sure we win the game.”
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MLS owners gearing up to vote on potential seismic changes
Major League Soccer appears on the cusp of some major changes.
Team owners are expected to vote on Thursday on moving the MLS to a fall-spring calendar — bringing the league in line with top leagues in Europe — and changing the competition format to a single-table system from its current two-conference system, The Athletic reported Wednesday.
The MLS board is scheduled to meet in Palm Beach, Florida.
The calendar change has been a topic of conversation around MLS for some time now. It would mean that the season would run from mid-to-late July or August through April.
The playoffs would take place in May, and the league would take a winter break in December and January, while June and July would serve as MLS’s summer break.
MLS and the MLS Players Association have been in talks about the possible change. Any switch would need the MLSPA approval, since it would impact its members’ vacation days and the preseason.
MLS has not yet responded when sought for comment by The Post.
The league’s window to make the calendar flip is shrinking if it hopes to shift things for the 2027 season, MLS’s first full season following the 2026 World Cup that’s taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Athletic’s report did suggest there is a chance that no vote is brought up on Thursday and that a vote would need to take place by March 2026 in order to make the changes a reality for 2027.
The calendar shift is expected to help teams during the transfer windows, in particular, the summer window, which currently happens in the middle of the MLS campaign. It would also eliminate the hurdles clubs face during the winter transfer window that falls in the middle of many European seasons.
New York City FC, which is in the middle of a playoff run, has been very public about its support of the potential calendar flip, with club CEO Brad Sims telling Sports Business Journal that NYCFC was “really bullish” on the idea.
“From our standpoint, timing could really work out with opening our new stadium,” Sims said earlier this month. “I think that would make a lot of sense for us, but in the New York market, we already play games early in the season — February, March — not a problem. We endeavor to play games late in the season. … That kind of calendar is not something that worries us.”
NYCFC is opening a new soccer-specific stadium in Willets Point next to Citi Field in 2027.
The Red Bulls have not publicly voiced a position on the topic, and the club declined to comment when reached by The Post on Wednesday night.
Earlier this year, commissioner Don Garber addressed the idea during the MLS All-Star Game over the summer.
“There are a number of key benefits to it aligning with the world standard we think is important for our brand as we try to continue to engage as one of the important, influential leagues in the world,” he said then.
The other change would move the league to a single-table format, create five divisions organized geographically and eradicate the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Teams in the same division will face each other once at home and away. They would then play the other 24 teams once during the season.
The postseason format is still being figured out, according to The Athletic.
Alex Pereira travels to iconic location for latest Jon Jones UFC White House callout
Alex Pereira’s latest callout of Jon Jones took place in front of one of the most iconic arenas in combat history.
Now in his second reign as the UFC’s light heavyweight champion after running through Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch at UFC 320, Pereira’s attention seems to be squarely fixed on a heavyweight clash with Jones at The White House next year.
Jones has also expressed interest in the matchup on several occasions, and the latest development in the back-to-forth between the two fighters saw Pereira call out the UFC legend while in front of The Colosseum in Rome.
Alex Pereira Delivers Blunt Jon Jones Callout At The Colosseum
Known far more for his stoic demeanor and vicious knockout power than for his work on the microphone, Pereira shadowboxed in front of The Colosseum before he delivered a simple request for his next UFC fight.
“Jon Jones. White House. Chama.
Jeff Gordon Reveals the Secret Behind Hendrick Motorsports’ 42-Year Winning Legacy
Long ago, much before NASCAR, a teenage boy found love for stock cars while working on one in the early 80s. That same boy would go ahead to establish one of the most dominant teams in NASCAR — Hendrick Motorsports. He was none other than Rick Hendrick. Since its formation, Hendrick Motorsports has racked up over 300 Cup wins and 15 championships to date. As Hendrick once put it, “People think I’m a car dealer who got into racing, but it’s really the other way around.”
On the other hand, Jeff Gordon, a four-time champ and now vice chairman of HMS, knows what it has taken to build a legacy like HMS. He has closely watched the growth of HMS for more than thirty years since joining as a driver in 1992. Yet amid changing cars and formats, what keeps team Hendrick still winning after four decades? Let’s hear from Gordon himself.
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Team unity is Hendrick’s core strength
On the latest NASCAR Live podcast, Jeff Gordon peeled back the layers on what fuels Hendrick Motorsports’ 42-year run of dominance. Since 1984, the team has claimed 15 Cup championships and 320 wins, breaking records and boosting NASCAR’s global reach with stars like Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.
This legacy of more than 40 years isn’t just about records and trophies; it’s also about what HMS has given to the sport. HMS has innovations in tech and driver development, inspiring smaller teams to aim higher. Gordon credits the early foundation laid by Rick Hendrick, whose drag racing roots and dealership savvy poured resources into a winning mindset from day one.
“Yeah, and listen, I know that the organization doesn’t get much credit for what happened, you know, up until ’95 when that first championship came,” Gordon said, recalling the thin years of HMS before his own title. Back then, Hendrick had a knack for betting big on talent and tech despite doubts and low funds, but all those bets paid off with success, turning a small operation into a powerhouse.
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That belief doubled down post-1995, with a full commitment from every crew member. Gordon explained how sacrifices, like late-night sim sessions, build resilience, which could be seen in 2025 when the No-5 team overcame mid-season slumps to grab Larson‘s second title.
The real magic? A culture where challenges forge strength. “It’s done by a team; you know it’s everybody coming together,” Gordon noted. Rick Hendrick echoed the same sentiment after Larson’s win: “It’s respect among people… if you can get everybody to pull together and believe we’re stronger together, it’s hard to break that down.”
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Drawing from his 2004 plane crash tragedy that took his son and others away from him, Hendrick rebuilt with empathy, channeling pain into purpose via the Hendrick Family Foundation, which has raised millions for causes like cancer research. This “people-first” approach has kept Hendrick unbeatable, proving unity trumps talent alone.
As Gordon looks ahead, he knows resting on past glory won’t cut it. With fresh eyes on the offseason grind…
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Gordon pushes for peak performance before Daytona
Jeff Gordon isn’t one to live in his past glory for long periods. Fresh off Hendrick’s 15th title, the vice chairman is already mapping the path to the 2026 Daytona 500. The 2025 season for HMS shone with William Byron‘s back-to-back Daytona 500s and Larson’s second championship, but hiccups like Alex Bowman’s playoff pit woes exposed room for improvement. For the upcoming season, Gordon wants all four HMS cars (Byron’s No. 24, Larson’s No. 5, Bowman’s No. 48, and Chase Elliott’s No. 9) firing in sync to chase more wins.
“Yeah, always work to be done… it’s about delivering on all those promises to our people…. You know, we’re hitting on all cylinders and go compete for another championship.” Gordon stressed on NASCAR Live. He pointed to the No. 48’s history of seven titles under Johnson, noting its tech edge is still important despite Bowman’s 13th-place finish. Offseason tweaks, like better tools for crew chief Blake Harris, aim to fix those disastrous 40-second pit stops that happened in Darlington.
For Elliott‘s squad, which was running strong until a Talladega crash, Gordon sees untapped potential. But Gordon is focused more on Bowman, saying, “We’ve got to get that 48. Alex Bowman… We want to keep that going for the company,” he added. With sponsors like Ally watching, these upgrades ensure the team’s edge. Whereas for Gordon’s offseason blueprint? It’s in total alignment to win Daytona for the third consecutive year.
Second, Third Place Not Good Enough for Genesis Motorsports
Genesis is economically successful as a car company but their motorsports division is perhaps too successful, company president and chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke told Newsweek during an interview at The National AutoMuseum – The Loh Collection this autumn.
The automaker, a division of Hyundai Motor Group, is using the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season as an extended testing session ahead of the company’s official entry into the series in 2026, racing alongside models from other automakers including Ferrari and Porsche.
The company plans to enter the car in the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s GTP category from 2027.
“He really does not want to make us take any shortcuts,” Donckerwolke said, describing the company’s motorsports directive from Hyundai Motor Group executive chair and CEO Euisin Chung.
Donckerwolke talked of showing Chung photos and video of the team testing in the south of France in the early days of Genesis Magma Racing. The president shared Chung’s reaction saying, “He said, clearly, second place or third place is not enough. Tell me what you need to win.”
He continued: “He could say it’s good enough to be racing against Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche, etc. Ferrari. No, he wants to win and he’s ready to invest.”
But, there are strings attached to that investment. Chung does not want the company’s portfolio of passenger cars to suffer while attention is also paid to the motorsports program. “He’s not going to invest in a motorsport program to win if the product is actually being compromised,” Donckerwolke said.
Training today for tomorrow’s success
Genesis team drivers André Lotterer and Luis “Pipo” Derani drove the GMR-001 Hypercar in WEC this season under the project name Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program. Jamie Chadwick joined the effort and has signed to stay as a Program driver through 2026.
“Since the beginning of the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program, we targeted top five results, and challenging for podiums,” said Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini in a late October press release. “We have far exceeded that with three race wins from six races, and some other great individual and team performances.”
Despite the team’s standout performance while trialing this year, Donckerwolke expects it to take “two, three years” to be a contender for the WEC championship.
Will Genesis enter F1?
When pressed about future race series plans, including Formula One, Donckerwolke said, “We see all the other ones. But at the moment, we’ll focus on [WEC]. First, we have Kilimanjaro to climb, and then we will have Everest.”
He continued the analogy saying, “We have a long-term strategy, but we will not do the next steps if we’re not successful in the first step. We, at the moment, are saying that we don’t look at the other peaks and mountains to climb. We say we need to be successful climbing this one.”
Starting from zero in Korea
Donckerwolke pointed out that it’s important to note that Korea and Hyundai Motor Group have historically not been involved in motorsports. It’s only in the last decade that it has truly invested in its efforts.
“Motorsport is something which is new to Korea. It is about generating another level of emotional binding with the brand. And, it is very important because it brings another level of competitiveness,” he said.
“It’s about never resting on your laurels. It’s also about learning to do things which are not forbidden, instead of doing things that are allowed. It’s a different mentality. If you want to be innovating, you have to read between the lines of the rules, and you have to do things that people didn’t think to forbid, and that means that things that your competitors did not do. This is a mentality that we have to bring into the company, because Koreans are very, very respectful of the rules.”
Donckerwolke noted the speed with which the Genesis motorsports program spun up. He proposed the program, including the costs, to the executive chair and within four days he had an answer. Eleven months later, the team was testing in France with a team and a car. “This shows that you can dream and you can make those dreams a reality,” he said. November 2025 marks 13 months since the program was approved.
Learning from lessons of the past
Before he worked for Hyundai Motor Group, Donckerwolke worked for Volkswagen Group, which was the subject of the notorious Volkswagen emissions scandal (also known as Dieselgate). A decade ago, various global government agencies began an investigation that would eventually reveal that Volkswagen had manipulated the emissions testing results of 11 million vehicles globally. The vehicles emitted 40 times more nitrogen oxide than they registered.
Eight now-former Volkswagen executives were charged with crimes related to the scandal. As of May 2025, four had been convicted in German courts, with two receiving multi-year prison sentences.
“I had been working for a group that destroyed itself by not being respectful of the rules and this was a big mistake. You have to be careful, but at the same time, you have to be careful not to be too careful, because otherwise you stay behind and the others innovate, and then you think [that you] should have seen that opportunity,” he said.
He described arriving in Korea and realizing there the car culture scene was in its infancy saying, “When I arrived 10 years ago in Korea, I was highly frustrated. I said, ‘Okay, where’s the automotive scene? Where’s the cars and coffee? Where’s the next race?’ And people would look at me and say, ‘What are you talking about?’”
Creating young, Korean car enthusiasts
Donckerwolke’s work is cut out for him. “I need the Koreans to see more than the novelty, to be attracted to a product. I need them to be emotionally attracted to the brand. And for me, that comes to the point of creating a motorsport scene in Korea,” he said.
That starts with the youth. While many Koreans grow up aspiring to be championship golfers and baseball players, Donckerwolke is committed to helping young Koreans get interested in motorsports and hopes some grow up dreaming of being race car drivers.
“Baseball has developed to almost a national sport in Korea, after golf, in very short time, 10 years or so. Let’s face it, the previous generations had a lot to fight for to rebuild the country, and now suddenly the country is opening to new universes, new ecosystems, new developments. And, part of [that newness] can be motorsport,” he said.
Euro 2028 details confirmed including stadiums for key games
LONDON (AP) — The opening game of the 2028 European Championship will be staged in Cardiff at the National Stadium of Wales, organizers confirmed Wednesday.
The next edition of the Euros will be co-hosted by Britain and Ireland, with both semifinals and the final to be played at Wembley Stadium in London.
Details were confirmed at an official tournament launch Wednesday, which included branding for the event.
England was a co-host of the 2020 Euros, which was delayed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also hosted in 1996.
The 2028 edition is expanded across the UK and Ireland and includes eight host cities.
The draw for qualifying will be held in Belfast in December 2027.
“This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic footballing cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation to lace up their boots, and deliver billions in economic benefits,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
When is Euro 2028?
The tournament is scheduled to kick off June 9, 2028 at the National Stadium of Wales. The final will be on July 9 at Wembley.
Which cities will host games?
Birmingham: Villa Park
Cardiff: National Stadium of Wales
Dublin: Dublin Arena
Glasgow: Hampden Park
Liverpool: Everton Stadium
London: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
London: Wembley Stadium
Manchester: Manchester City Stadium
Newcastle: St James’ Park
The semifinals and the final will be held at Wembley.
The quarterfinals will be played at Dublin Arena, Hampden Park, National Stadium of Wales and Wembley.
The round of 16 will have one match at each host stadium except Wembley.
Tournament format
Twenty-four teams will play a total of 51 matches over 31 days.
The planned format is for the top two teams from six mini-groups to advance to the round of 16 along with the four best third-placed teams.
The round of 16 to the final is a straight knockout tournament.
Home advantage
The co-hosts will participate in Euro 2028 qualifying, with two places reserved for the best-ranked of those teams that fail to qualify directly.
If England qualifies directly, its opening group game will be in Manchester, with the following two at Wembley.
If Scotland, Wales and Ireland qualify directly, their group games will also be in front of their home fans.
Tickets
More than three million match tickets will be available for fans but UEFA did not reveal purchasing details.
Who is the defending champion?
Spain won Euro 2024 by beating England in the final.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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Falcons capture second state tennis title under coach Amy Martin
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The A.C. Flora High School girls tennis team is celebrating a state title after winning the 2025 Class AAAA state championship on November 8 at the Cayce Tennis Center.
The Falcons defeated Gray Collegiate Academy 4–3 in a nail-biting finish that came down to the final match, game, and point. The victory marks the team’s second state championship under Head Coach Amy Martin.
“This championship was super exciting to win. It was one of the closest matches that I’ve ever coached,” Martin said. “It came down to the last match, the last game and the last point to seal the victory.”
Scared Novak Djokovic Confesses if He Wants Son to Join His Tennis Legacy
Undoubtedly, Novak Djokovic, at 38, has achieved everything the sport has to offer. Whether it’s the most Grand Slam titles or being the longest World No. 1. But beyond his success, he’s also a loving father. This is because he makes a clear effort to keep the “World No. 1 Novak” separate from the “Dad Novak.” Even with a busy schedule that has him traveling almost all year, he stays close to his children, Stefan and Tara. They share a strong bond, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the kids followed in their father’s footsteps someday. But will they? Well, here’s what Djokovic had to say about that.
Novak Djokovic recently sat down for an interview with Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored. There, he opened up not as a tennis legend, but as a careful and responsible father. Morgan mentioned that it’s inevitable for comparisons to be drawn for Stefan if he ever joins the sport. He asked Djokovic if, despite that, he would be okay with his son pursuing tennis as a career. Novak smiled and said, “I’m slowly trying to introduce the world of tennis and sports and all of these things to him, and I can’t throw everything at him at once,” he said. But just how much will Djokovic back his son if he chooses to follow in his dad’s footsteps?
“I’m picking and choosing the right moments. So if this is the journey that he chooses to have, I’m going to be one million percent behind him, supporting him every step of the way, in whatever shape or form,” he added. Over the years, fans have often seen Stefan by his father’s side, spending time on the court and even rallying with him at major tournaments. In fact, the young tennis enthusiast was spotted practicing with his dad at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
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Talking about his son’s growing interest in tennis, Novak Djokovic added, “My son seems like he’s choosing to play tennis. I feel excited and frightened at the same time. I think he’s got some good genes in him, you know.” For Djokovic, who has achieved everything in the sport, seeing his son pick up a racket is a new kind of joy mixed with fear. Having lived through all the possible pressures of tennis, whether it’s the endless travels, the sacrifices, the mental toll, or the constant comparisons, he knows exactly what that path demands. The loneliness, the emotional ups and downs, they’re all a huge part of his job and his life.
He, as a father, only wants to be sure that when Stefan takes up tennis, it’s out of love, not expectation. But what is interesting, though, is that Stefan did not begin loving the game because of his dad, but rather because of one of his greatest rivals. Probably the greatest.
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Novak Djokovic’s son has a tennis hero, and it’s not his dad
Nevertheless, despite all of Djokovic’s remarkable 101 ATP Tour-level singles titles and his unmatched tennis legacy, his 11-year-old son, Stefan, is not his biggest fan on the court. Rather, Stefan is a big fan of Rafael Nadal! Novak even laughed as he recounted a memory of Wimbledon 2022, saying, “My son was cheering for Nadal… every point that Rafa made, Stefan was jumping around and fist-bumping like Rafa.” Novak even observed that his son attempted to imitate the famous forehand swing of Nadal.
Novak also recalled how he once showed Stefan who Nadal was on the court. “I was showing him Nadal… ‘This is the guy who hits the ball very, very hard.’ When he sees him, he says, ‘Oh, you are the guy who hits the ball very, very hard.’” Even though Novak gives Stefan tennis tips, his son still prefers copying Nadal’s style instead of his dad’s. With time, though, Stefan’s tennis favorites have started to change.
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In 2024, Novak Djokovic revealed with a smile, “In the last month, for my son, Nadal is no longer number one, Alcaraz is his favorite now. He really likes both. He imitates the way they play, Nadal’s forehand, and the emotion, it’s beautiful.” It’s clear that Stefan loves the sport and enjoys learning from the players who inspire him most. And this love for the game has recently led to some memorable moments on the world’s biggest tennis stage.
This year, Stefan has been enjoying his time at Wimbledon. He’s been seen wearing a white hat covered with autographs from several players, though one signature is still missing: his father’s. “He’s over the moon. Obviously, he loves tennis. Yeah, he has everyone’s signature, except mine,” Novak Djokovic said with a grin. “But that’s OK. I’ll accept that.” Stefan has even hit a few balls with Italy’s 22nd seed, Flavio Cobolli, who was set to face Novak in the quarterfinals. Surrounded by tennis legends, Stefan Djokovic is clearly growing up in the heart of the sport and loving every moment of it.
‘It’s time for the men to step up’: Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton seek inspiration from US women
CNN
By Aleks Klosok, Amanda Davies, CNN
Turin, Italy (CNN) — 2025 was an epic year for American women’s tennis.
Two singles grand slam champions in the shape of Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, who reigned supreme at the Australian and French Opens, respectively.
An American featured in all four singles grand slam finals, with Amanda Anisimova finishing runner-up at both Wimbledon and US Open finals.
Statistically, it was the most successful season for American women on record in nearly a quarter of a century.
The bold accomplishments and records by their compatriots are not lost on male counterparts Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.
Inspired by the repeated achievements of the US women, the American duo – who compete at this week’s season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in Turin – stand ready to grasp the nettle and write their own piece of history.
“It’s not just this year that they’ve had really success, it’s pretty much every year for a long time,” Fritz tells CNN Sports.
“The women have been really carrying US tennis, so it is time for the men to step up.”
Upwards trajectory
And step up is what the US pair have done.
After four American women – the aforementioned trio plus Jessica Pegula – competed in the WTA Finals in Riyadh earlier this month, the most since 2002, Fritz and Shelton have laid down their own marker.
The 28- and 23-year-olds, respectively, became the first pair to represent the US in the singles at the men’s equivalent event for 19 years.
You have to go all the way back to 2006 in Shanghai for the last time that happened, when major champion Andy Roddick and James Blake made up the eight-man field.
That year, Blake made an impressive run to the title match before eventually losing out to Roger Federer.
Fast forward to this year and Fritz returned to Turin for a third time, having been a semifinalist in 2022 and a runner-up last year, while Shelton is making his debut.
Despite his loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 Final, for Fritz, it was the cherry on top of a career-best year that saw him reach the final at Flushing Meadows off the back of two grand slam quarterfinal appearances in Melbourne and Wimbledon.
“I felt like my level at the end of the year was really good,” says the 6-foot-5-inch right-hander.
“I proved a lot of things that gave me a lot of confidence that I’m really right there and also made it clear as well, the things that I need to improve on … moving forward to try to contend against the other top guys.”
‘This is where you want to be’
While not scaling the same heights this year, Fritz has still added two trophies to his cabinet.
For Shelton, 2025 has been a year of marked improvement, backed up by a maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto – his biggest tournament victory to date.
All this having finished outside the world’s top 20 last year.
And the rising Atlanta-born star is relishing the opportunity to compete with some of the biggest names on the biggest stage this week.
“This was a big goal for me at the beginning of the year,” he says smiling.
“I knew that I had my work cut out and had a lot of improvements that I needed to make to be here at the end of the year.
“This is where you want to be, this is where you want to end your year … making the last push in a place like this with a lot on the line makes it pretty easy.”
And an added incentive lies in both players knowing that whoever performs better on the blue indoor courts of Turin will end the year as the No. 1 American.
Grand slam quest
Shelton, though, is not content with just participating.
He, like Fritz, wants to regularly compete for the biggest and best prizes in the sport.
And that means winning majors.
While in this day and age and on current form it seems hard, if not near enough impossible, for anyone to lay even a glove on the current irresistible force in the men’s game – that of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – the American is convinced the stranglehold can be broken.
It’s a bold claim, considering he and Fritz have combined for just two wins in 22 official matches against the dominant duo.
Sheldon’s rationale? Depth, resilience and desire among the US contingent.
“We have multiple guys at the top of the game and we want to be dominant as a country,” he says confidently.
“We’ve had our work cut out for us to catch up to the women who have been dominating … but we’re getting closer.”
It’s been over two decades now since the US last crowned a men’s grand slam singles champion. Only Fritz has come closest to ending the hex.
“I don’t have a time frame. I’ve said a lot that’s for the media to speculate,” Shelton explains.
“There’s too much talent right now for us not to break through at some point. The media will write article after article about the drought or who’s going to be the next or when is going to be the next.
“I just know that it’s inevitable and I’m just excited to kind of be a part of that surge,” he said.
Time will tell whether that prophecy comes to fruition.
Aliassime Admits Unique Mental Trick Helped Him Overcome Ben Shelton
Felix Auger-Aliassime secured a crucial victory at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, defeating Ben Shelton in a hard-fought three-set battle that kept his semi-final hopes alive. After dropping the first set, the Canadian staged an impressive comeback to win 4-6, 7-6(7), 7-5 in a match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes. The contest was a tense affair, with Shelton failing to convert a strong position in the second-set tie-break and Auger-Aliassime ultimately clinching the match on his third match point with a ferocious deep forehand.
Speaking with Prakash Amritraj in an on-court interview for Tennis Channel, the Canadian later revealed the core mentality that underpinned his triumph. “Obviously, a lot of breathing, meditation, trying to just stay as cool as possible under pressure,” Auger-Aliassime shared.
“And just to have clear ideas. I think we’re all humans. I think we kind of get to see blurry a little bit at some point when our emotions get in. So when you can stay clear with your mind, I think that’s when you play your best. And I was able to do that at times. It doesn’t always fall your way, but at least I have no regrets. If I’m able to do that, keep being clear on my game plan, executing well, then I leave the court with no regrets.”
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This approach is a documented part of his routine; before matches, he engages in meditation to achieve a calm state of mind, a practice he says is crucial for performing during high-pressure moments. The match against Shelton was a perfect demonstration of this philosophy in action. After what he described as a “weird start” where he was broken twice in the first set, Auger-Aliassime did not let frustration overwhelm him.
Instead, he focused on the next point, believing and fighting for every ball. His ability to stay physically and mentally composed was key, especially after a previous match had raised concerns about his fitness. He credited his own physical readiness for allowing him to maintain high intensity throughout the long encounter.
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This resilience paid off in the pivotal second-set tie-break, where he saved multiple set points before Shelton double-faulted to hand him the set, a clear example of pressure impacting his opponent but not him. And last time when he was on the court, the Canadian actually caught his opponent’s attention due to this particular reason.
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Felix Auger-Aliassime got a thumbs up from none other than the world no. 1
Jannik Sinner kicked off his title defense at the Nitto ATP Finals in impressive fashion on Monday night, thrilling the home crowd in Turin with a steady and strategic 7-5, 6-1 win. But, under the scoreline, there was a sense of sympathy, as Felix Auger-Aliassime faced not just Sinner’s precision but also the increasing pain in his leg.
Looking back on his performance, Sinner mentioned, “It was a very tough match until 6-5. I had some chances to break. He served very well, only once I missed a return, but it can happen. He played some very aggressive tennis, so I’m happy to overcome a very tough test today. Obviously winning the first match is very important in this competition and this format. I’m very happy.”
But the Italian just couldn’t overlook his opponent’s situation while also giving an acknowledgment to the Canadian, saying, “I hope it‘s nothing too serious. I wish him obviously a very speedy recovery and hopefully he is back to 100 percent physically. He’s a huge server. Especially indoors. You have to be very careful. But as I said, it’s not nice. Especially Felix, he had some very tough injuries. We wish him only the best.”
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The Canadian put up a good fight in his first ATP Finals since 2022, but he just couldn’t find his groove again. With this win against Ben Shelton, it seems like Auger-Aliassime is getting back into the groove. It’ll be interesting to see how he does in the later stages in Turin.
New tennis power couple seemingly revealed in blurry vacation photos
Tennis players Anastasia Potapova and Tallon Griekspoor appear to be enjoying a vacation together in the Maldives, according to recent Instagram posts.
Both athletes shared a slew of photos and videos this week, which many noticed include similar settings and activities.
One blurry snapshot shared by Potapova shows her and another man’s reflection in a glass door, believed to be the Dutch tennis player standing behind her.
Potapova, 24, and Griekspoor, 29, shared solo images of them posing by the same hammock with blue and yellow pillows.
The Russian pro also posted Monday a video of her riding on the back of a jet ski with a brunette male driving it, but his face is not visible.
“How is your Monday going?🤪🥹🐬🩵,” Potapova wrote.
The pair also left flirty comments on each other’s posts from the Maldives.
Fans in the comments were thrilled at the idea of them together.
Fellow tennis player Elena Vesnina added emojis with heart eyes.
“Looking for Magikarp and Gyarados,” Griekspoor captioned his post.
“Find a zuzie first,” Potapova commented, including a crying laughing emoji and a turtle emoji.
Potapova and Griekspoor stirred buzz when she was seen supporting him a number of tennis events earlier this year.
Potapova and fellow tennis player Alexander Shevchenko divorced late last year. The pair separated following the 2024 US Open.
They married in December 2023 after going public with their relationship in 2022.
“I made some shockingly big decisions at the end of the year,” Potapova said in an interview with Bolshe in January. “But like I mentioned, that’s life. Unfortunately, things like that happen and you have to accept it. Of course, I’m very disappointed it all went the way it did.
“I really wish ‘Sasha’ — I can say it on camera, I’m not ashamed of these words — I really wish him all the best, and he deserves all the best. I wish him all the best with his career, as well, because he’s very talented and he has to keep working and developing as a player.”
Potapova added that she wanted to speak out and “end things officially” because so many people were asking her about their relationship during the 2024 season.
Potapova last played in October, when she reached the China Open’s round of 16.
Griekspoor, the world No. 25, pulled of the Moselle Open due to a back injury last week, which was his last scheduled event of the season.
NJSIAA says judge dismissed Britney Lee’s tennis lawsuit
During the Nov. 12 NJSIAA Executive Committee meeting, NJSIAA legal counsel Steve Goodell detailed the outcome of a lawsuit filed by Ridgefield Park tennis player Britney Lee.
While Goodell did not reference Lee by name, NorthJersey.com is familiar with the lawsuit because Lee emailed a copy in October. Her family never responded when contacted for further comment.
Lee’s lawsuit alleged improper conduct by an opposing coach and poor officiating in the state semifinal match she lost on Oct. 11.
Lee, the North Jersey Tennis Player of the Year last year and Bergen County champion this year, asked for a
Carlos Alcaraz Cuts off Own Blood Supply Using Controversial Method During ATP Finals
Carlos Alcaraz’s 2025 ATP Finals campaign in Turin began with a display of the resilience that has defined his season, as the top seed battled through a nearly three-hour thriller against American Taylor Fritz. After dropping a tight first set in a tiebreak, Alcaraz dug deep to secure a 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-3 victory, a win that marked his first-ever comeback from a set down at the season-ending championships. This hard-fought triumph, following a straight-sets win over Alex de Minaur in his opening match, placed him in a commanding position at the top of the Jimmy Connors Group and moved him to within one win of securing the year-end World No. 1 ranking.
The demanding contest was a test of both physical and mental fortitude, with Alcaraz later admitting, “It was a very demanding match, both physically and mentally. Staying strong for three hours, trying not to get down, preventing your negative thoughts from outweighing the positive ones, is really demanding. In the end, you get really tired. I’ve also noticed the different conditions, not because of the court but because of the heat and the humidity. That really plays a big role in such a long match.”
Even though his matches have drawn in fans, there’s this controversial training method he uses behind the scenes that really plays a key role in how he gets ready. According to The Express, there’s some buzz around Alcaraz’s routine, particularly because of his use of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) bands. Interestingly, he’s not using them for regular strength training; instead, they’re part of a technique called ischemic preconditioning.
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This technique is all about wrapping bands around his upper thighs with way more pressure than usual, effectively stopping blood flow to the muscles for up to five minutes at a time. Ideally, one can really start to see the key benefits of this method as soon as those tight bands are let go. A strong flow of oxygen-rich blood comes rushing back into the muscles.
Many believe that this boost of oxygen can really help with muscle movement and efficiency, which might give Alcaraz an important edge right at the beginning of his matches. Also, this technique really helps with pain relief, making it easier to deal with discomfort.
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Researcher Pedro L. Valenzuela mentioned that this process isn’t for everyone, saying, “Some people don’t like them because they cause an unpleasant sensation. It’s what we call the nocebo effect. It’s like having your blood pressure taken for five minutes: your feet start to go numb, you feel a tingling sensation… Some people don’t want to use them.” But you know, beyond all the tennis successes, the Spaniard also shared a really touching moment in Turin.
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One Carlos Alcaraz moment that transcended beyond the sport
Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his 2025 ATP Finals journey in Turin with a solid straight-sets win, taking down Australia’s Alex de Minaur 7-6(5), 6-2 in his opening round-robin match. Once he got the first set under his belt, Alcaraz really stepped it up in the second. He broke De Minaur’s serve a few times, wrapping up the match in just one hour and forty minutes. It was a solid start for him as he aims for that season-ending title.
The tournament vibe was really something special, going beyond just tennis. The ATP Finals teamed up with the charity UGI ODV to welcome young oncology patients from the nearby Regina Margherita Hospital. It was such a sweet moment when these young people got to walk onto the court with the players before the matches started.
In his first match, Alcaraz was paired with a seven-year-old girl named Eva Nicole. When she was asked later how tall the tennis star looked to her, the young girl just said, “Like dad.” This simple comparison really shows how these charitable gestures touch lives, going beyond just the sport and giving the kids a moment of normalcy and inspiration.
Caroline Wozniacki Calls for WTA Rule Change Against Aryna Sabalenka & More Stars Game
Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki has seen tennis at its cruel and beautiful best more than anyone. Sure, tennis can give you the best moments of your life, push you to your boundaries, and impart lessons that only the court can. Wozniacki lived that reality, claiming 30 WTA singles titles, but even after retiring in January 2020, one element of the game continues to bother her – a habit she believes can influence the fairness on court.
Just recently, @cate_tennis shared a clip from the podcast Nothing Major Show, where John Isner asked Wozniacki what rule change she would implement on the WTA Tour if given the opportunity. She was clearly speaking from experience when she said:
“There should be like a mic and there should be a decibel thing, so you can’t grunt over a certain level. I think that should be a rule. And also the length of the grunt. I think that would be great ’cause I was never a big grunter; I never made a lot of sounds when I was playing.” But why is grunting such a controversial issue among players?
Wozniacki, like many others, believes that it can disrupt the opposing player. “You can’t hear someone hit the ball properly when someone is screaming so loud. I think it really disturbs the opponent in some way. And I think as a fan, you don’t really want to listen to that either,” she explained.
That said, scientific studies have shown that grunting can provide tangible benefits. In addition to helping players with breathing, rhythm, and muscle engagement, it can help some players relax or maintain focus and even increase their shot power. Nevertheless, grunting remains a polarizing aspect of the game.
Like at Wimbledon 2025, for example, Aryna Sabalenka’s grunt was so loud that stadium graphics likened it to a car horn or even a lion’s roar. Sabalenka herself admitted, “Honestly, I don’t even hear myself when I am playing.” But how much does it affect those across the net?
A fair bit. The effect became obvious during the 2025 French Open quarterfinals, when Aryna Sabalenka defeated Zheng 7‑6(3), 6‑3. After the match, Zheng addressed the grunting in her press conference:
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“I will say this. How can you scream when you hit the ball, but you still screaming when I hit the ball? This is hindrance.” She added that the rule needed to change and joked that next time she might “scream when she hits next time we play if nothing is done.
Which brings us back to Wozniacki’s point: Grunting at extreme volumes can make the game unfair and disrupt focus, even for top players. So the need to control grunts, she thinks, could also help instill better habits in younger players.
“Sometimes it helps the player, sometimes it doesn’t…I think that should be a rule, and the younger generation could start off by being a bit more quiet.”
Wozniacki herself has displayed in her own career that grunting loudly is not only an irritant but also a competitive disadvantage to the one being grunted at.
How grunting disrupted Caroline Wozniacki’s game at crucial moments
At the 2018 Qatar Total Open in Doha, Caroline Wozniacki, then the world number one, faced Monica Niculescu in the third round and won 7‑5, 6‑1. But during the ninth game of the first set, Wozniacki became frustrated. She felt that Niculescu’s grunts and noises were timed to distract her just as she was about to hit her shots.
Wozniacki told the umpire, “She’s a player that tries to get into your head. I just tried to let him [the umpire] know to pay attention to her grunting because she’ll hit the ball, and two seconds later, when the ball is on my side and I’m right about to hit, she’ll start grunting and make a noise, and she’ll change the grunt according to what she feels like…”
She added, “It’s disturbing. It’s in the rules that they’re not supposed to do that, so I was just making sure the umpire was paying attention to that. And she stopped doing that after.”
Wozniacki clearly felt the grunting was a deliberate tactic to interfere with her focus. But how did Niculescu respond to these accusations?
Niculescu denied any intention to distract Wozniacki. “That was very bad from her; I have never heard a number one talk like that. I am really disappointed by what she said, and I think she gives herself too much importance,” she said. She insisted that grunting was just part of her playing style and not meant to affect her opponent.
Still, for Wozniacki, the interruptions were real and challenging. Interestingly, this is the same issue that current world number one Aryna Sabalenka faces.
According to a 2023 study, Aryna Sabalenka grunted on 100% of her serves and about 95% of her rally shots. Some players, like Wozniacki, may find this annoying, but others don’t seem to mind. For instance, Coco Gauff claimed that Sabalenka’s grunts didn’t annoy her: “It didn’t bother me… If she [Aryna Sabalenka] did it extended on certain balls, then I would be like, ‘Okay, it’s ridiculous.’ No, I think that’s just her. It’s fine… It doesn’t bother me.”
This contrast shows the various effects grunting can have on players. Some find it to be a small eccentricity, while others find it extremely difficult to stay focused and on time.
Scott Benty
He attended Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire and earned a degree in Turf Grass Management from UMass. Scott was highly recommended and hired by Ted Horton to work the 1974 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club. When Mr. Horton decided to cut the rough to match the fairways because the players “had trouble finding their ankles, much less the golf ball,” Scott was the man on the mower. After the birth of their first son, Ryan, in October of 1974, Scott and Linda decided to move back to Lake Placid, where Scott worked as the Lake Placid Club Golf Course superintendent. Sitting on the cushman one day with my dad, I asked him why he worked on the golf course. He looked down the fairway and said, “This place is beautiful. Who wouldn’t want to come to work here every day?”
As their family grew, adding Carolyn in November 1975, Scotty in September 1979, and the fourth, but never the least, Cameron in March 1982, Scott packed his shovel, wheelbarrow, and lawn mower into the back of their green station wagon, and started Benty’s Landscaping.
In the winters, Scott worked on the Ski Patrol at Whiteface. He met a lot of good friends at the mountain, and had just as many stories about their shenanigans up there. He worked on the lower Cloudspin for the Men’s Downhill during the 1980 Olympics. He said, “Those guys were going 80 mph by the time they reached the bottom of Niagara,” which was only a couple of turns from the start gate. Linda joined him on Whiteface as a ski instructor, and together they passed on their love of skiing to the kids. “Stay below Mid (station) and I’ll see you at lunch”, is what they heard from Dad many a morning. Once in a while, on a good, snow-stormy day, Scott and Linda would let the kids skip school and head to the mountain to make some magical family memories. Scott always had Hershey’s kisses in his pocket for the ride on the chairlift, and he always showed them the ‘good spots’ up there on the hill; thanks for showing us the good stuff, Dad.
Ryan, Scott, and Cameron followed their passion for skiing all the way to Lake Tahoe, to the promised land of The Palisades. Fueled by their father’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic, Ryan created Whiteface Builders, Scott continues to perfect his craft as a finish carpenter, and Cameron carried Benty’s Landscaping to California on the back of a flatbed truck. So now, we affectionately have both ‘The East Coast’ and ‘The West Coast’ Bentys.
As a fourth-generation native of Lake Placid, Scott loved this little town. From skiing on Scott’s Coble and Mt. Whitney, to playing golf on the courses at The Club, Craig Wood, and Whiteface Inn, he loved every season in Lake Placid. Although he’d say you couldn’t make this town any more beautiful, we all knew he did with every landscape design he created. He was proud of our town, and when our welcome signs were tattered by our long winters, Scott offered to refinish them. Ever the student of any new interest, he researched how to apply the gold leaf paint, leaving another beautiful mark on Lake Placid.
If you knew our father, then you knew his disposition, demeanor, his smile, his blue eyes when his glasses were off, his quick wit, his work ethic, and most of all his heart for his wife and family. His sobriety at 31 in 1979 created a tremendous opportunity to share that much more life with his wife and four kids. The two of them worked hard to provide for the two youngest, who were usually close enough to bump him in the head with the handle of a rake or a shovel as he taught them the value of a hard day’s work. Not only did the older two receive the same introduction to work ethic, they were seeing a softer side of their father after his remaining lifelong commitment to a life without alcohol.
It wasn’t long into his 50s that his heart began to show complications. Doing his best not to let that change how he lived, life experiences, his family, and his career were still a priority. As life progressed, so did the complications of his heart despite complex procedures, a second defibrillator, and the medications to pick up where those left off.
My father’s soul entered the world on June 25, 1948. Just over 77 years later, on Oct. 28, 2025, his soul entered heaven and eternal union and fellowship with the very ever-present Father that never left his side.
Scott had a huge heart and an even bigger work ethic as he overcame obstacles that would have stopped many in their tracks. He enjoyed hunting until he didn’t, loved a good, fast car as long as it was comfortable, and loved his family even more. Scott’s family: Linda, Ryan (Katie and daughter Cora) Benty; Carolyn (Joe) Lawless; Scott (Nikki and son Scotty); and Cameron; sister Lynn (John) Clarke, and her son Nathan Hebert will hold him in their hearts until they meet again.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A service will be held in Scott’s honor on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the Saranac Lake Baptist Church.
If you would like to send cards, please use 1919 Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, NY 12946.
Butterfield Bermuda Championship odds, picks and PGA Tour predictions
The PGA Tour’s next event in the 2025 FedEx Cup Fall Series is the 2025 Butterfield Bermuda Championship this week. The first round tees off Thursday at the Port Royal Golf Course Southampton, Bermuda. Below, we look at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship odds from BetMGM Sportsbook’s and make our PGA Tour picks and predictions.
The defending champ is Rafael Campos, who collected his first and only PGA Tour career victory here last year. The 37-year-old pro, who played his college golf at Virginia Commonwealth University, shot a third-round 9-under 62 enroute a 19-under 265 finish and a payday of $1.242 million. Despite the win, Campos is a big-time long-shot at +25000. Rico Hoey and Thorbjorn Olesen (+2000) are listed as the co-favorites, followed by Kevin Yu and Nico Echevarria (+2200 each), Patrick Rodgers (+2500) and Pierceson Coody (+2800).
Port Royal is 6,828 yards long and plays as a par 71, with 2 Par 5s on the front 9, and one on the back. The fairways, rough and greens are, as you would likely guess, bermuda grass. Winds off the sea are the biggest issue in this event.
The weather forecast for Bermuda is rather interesting. Thursday’s forecast calls for temperatures around 70 degrees with clouds and a 20 percent chance of precipitation, while winds will be blowing at 18-22 MPH. On Friday, the temperatures remain around 70, with mostly cloudy conditions and wins 17-19 MPH. For Saturday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers, with the winds kicking up at 24-27 MPH, and on Sunday, the event wraps up with temperatures around 72 degrees, and winds at 16-18 MPH in the morning, picking up to 20-24 MPH in the afternoon.
Watch the PGA Tour on Fubo!
Butterfield Bermuda Championship – Expert picks
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:39 a.m. ET.
Rico Hoey (+2000)
Hoey has been busy on the fall series, playing in Utah 3 weeks ago, Mexico last week, and now Bermuda. He is getting those frequent flyer miles. One of the most important metrics for success at Port Royal is good work in the Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee category, and he ranks third on the PGA Tour with a mark of 0.691 in 73 measured rounds. SG:: Approach is also very important, and he ranks No. 8 in that category, too, posting a mark of 0.657, well above the field average. Like all events, putting is also very important, and that’s the biggest area of concern with Hoey. It hasn’t hurt him lately, as he was T-21 at the World Wide Technology Championship, and he was runner-up at the Bank of Utah Championship. He has finished T-9 or better in 3 of his past 5 events, and he was T-17 in Bermuda in 2024. A HOEY TOP 20 FINAL PLACEMENT (+100) at even money is an attractive play, too.
Sami Valimaki (+3500)
Valimaki is another player to pursue, as he is also sharp in the SG: Approach category. He ranks 18th in Approach across 66 measured rounds. This is his first appearance in Bermuda. He enters this after a tie for second at El Cardonal in Mexico last week, earning in excess of a half-million dollars. The 27-year-old from Nokia, Finland, is a fabulous putter, too, ranking 11th in SG: Putting, and he is a closer in the final round. He has 27.93 putts per round in Round 4 across 15 events on the 2025 PGA Tour season.
Matt Kuchar (+3500)
The 47-year-old is playing well on the fall series, turning in 3 straight finishes of T-18 or better. He posted a 22-under for a T-11 situation at the World Wide Technology Championship last week. He ranks very well in the SG: Around-the-Green category, ranking 24th around 54 measured rounds, but it’s his putter that has been on fire lately. He is 15th in SG: Putting, and that’s going to keep you in the hunt at any event. He isn’t strong on driving distance at this juncture of his career, but at Port Royal, you don’t have to be a banger. A solid special play is TOP 40 FINISH INCLUDING TIES – KEVIN YU, RICO HOEY & MATT KUCHAR (+200) for the chance to double up. Yu, who we haven’t mentioned, is fifth in SG: Off-the-Tee, and 42nd in SG: Approach. However, he struggles a bit on putting, so that’s the concern.
World Wide Championship picks – Contenders
Greyson Sigg (+4500)
Sigg arrives in Bermuda with finishes of T-21 or better in 3 of the past 4 events. He tumbled back to T-46 at El Cardonal last weekend, although he was shooting well through the first 3 rounds before tumbling to a final-round par 72. He has been par or better on all 12 of his measured rounds on the fall series. He ranks 27th in SG: Approach, and he is helped out by a solid 25th ranking in Driving Accuracy Percentage at 66.39% on 958 possible fairways, and he is 28th in Greens In Regulation Percentage (GIR) at 69.81%. SIGG – TOP 40 FINAL PLACEMENT (-125) is also worth a look.
Beau Hossler (+4500)
We’ve been on Hossler in the fall series, mainly because of his work with the steel on the dance floor. He is 36th in SG: Putting (0.261), and he is 21st in Putting Average (1.728). And, quite importantly, he continues to rank No. 1 in Scrambling from 10 yards or less, and he is 19th in Total Driving Efficiency, while checking in No. 6 on the PGA Tour in SG: Around-the-Green across 77 measured rounds.
Doug Ghim (+5500)
The results have been mixed for Ghim, while he has made the cut in each of his past 4 events. He put it together last week at the World Wide Technology Championship, posting a 16-under 272 to finish T-31. He is averaging 73.0 in the final round in the past 3 events, and that’s been holding him back from good results after a strong start to events lately. He ranks 12th in SG: Tee-to-Green and 17th in SG: Approach, and that should help him contend on the island this weekend.
World Wide Championship pick – Long shot
Trevor Cone (+6600)
Cone comes in with a little steam after posting a T-4 at El Cardonal down in Mexico last weekend, good for a 26-under 262. It was a much-needed top-5 finish, as he had been T-44 or worse in 3 of the past 4 events, including a missed cut at the Sanderson Farms Championship. The 32-year-old has a lot of red flags, including a negative net number in SG: Approach, and SG: Putting. But, he does good work off the tee, and you can’t discount the confidence after a huge finish last weekend.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Golfweek:
2025 Butterfield Bermuda Championship payout, purse, first-place prize money
How to watch the PGA Tour’s 2025 Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Tommy Fleetwood asked if this is the best golf he’s ever played responds in typical style
Tommy Fleetwood returns to Dubai this week, looking to build on an impressive 2025 season that’s already seen him lift his first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship.
He also claimed victory at the DP World India Championship, and narrowly lost a playoff in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Those results have helped Fleetwood rise to fourth in the world rankings and tenth in the Race to Dubai standings.
Tommy Fleetwood responds to question about best form of his career
Fleetwood spoke to Sky Sports Golf before the DP World Tour Championship and was asked whether he’s playing the best golf of his career right now.
He answered: “I mean, it’s been a really good period. It’s been a really good period of golf. And yeah, I am playing well. I’m playing very consistently. I feel like I am doing so many things well. And the results are showing that.
“But I’m very aware of what the game of golf can do to you so I’m just trying to do the right things every day and continue to keep my head down and keep working and seeing what the game brings next really.”
Tommy Fleetwood recalls Ryder Cup Sunday as Europe hold off American surge
This season also included a Ryder Cup win for Fleetwood, with Europe getting the better of the USA in September.
And not only did Fleetwood make an appearance for the visitors, he claimed four points for the winners, more than any other player at the entire tournament.
He earned more points than anyone else on either team and was a key part of Europe’s victory. But he did fall short against Justin Thomas in singles play as Team USA pushed hard on Sunday.
The Americans stormed back from 11.5-4.5 down to make it close, and Fleetwood spoke about how tough it was watching so many matches turn red late in the day.
He said: “It was honestly… yeah Sunday was a tough day. The guys of us that went out early played well, but you know those matches that go down the 18th that could go either way.
“We were just on a run of getting nothing out of that 18th hole, so many matches went down the 18th and it goes the other way, it’s over in two matches.
“But as it was, you get on that wrong side, you’ve got to give credit to the American team. They came, they showed so much heart, so much fight, they played amazing.
“But also out of that comes unbelievable opportunities. Shane [Lowry], what an amazing moment in his career for him and for the team. So you have to look at that, the opportunities that came from it and the amazing moments that we had.
“And yeah when you’ve lost your match early and you’re out there watching, you’ve just got no control over anything and you are powerless.” Ludvig Aberg coming through late made holding onto their lead feel even sweeter.
Iconic Tour stop Harbour Town reopens after six-month restoration
Meet the new Harbour Town. Looks very much like the old Harbour Town. At first glance, anyway.
The renowned Hilton Head course — home of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage since it opened in 1969 — reopened this week following a six-month restoration involving Davis Love III as a player-consultant. The goal wasn’t reinvention. It was preservation.
In a release accompanying the reopening, Love, a five-time Heritage Classic winner, said that the goal was “to protect the strategy and integrity of Pete’s design.”
No small task. Conceived by Pete and Alice Dye in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus, Harbour Town Golf Links was a pivotal work in postwar golf design — a minimalist statement at a maximalist moment. When it debuted, just in time for the inaugural Heritage Classic, most new American courses were being carved on grand scales, with sprawling fairways, vast greens and mountains of moved earth. Dye went the other direction, shaping a compact, cunning layout that asked for thought instead of power. Small greens. Crooked fairways framed by live oaks and pines. Visual deception inspired by Dye’s recent trip to Scotland, particularly Prestwick, whose railroad ties became a hallmark of the architect’s work.
It was Nicklaus, then in his playing prime, who’d encouraged his fellow Ohio State Buckeye to join him on the original job. Both men spent ample time on site, along with Alice Dye. When the first Heritage Classic was played that fall, Arnold Palmer won it, on a routing that tipped out at just over 6,500 yards.
Over time, the course’s edges softened. Turf crept, greens shrank, and a few of Dye’s subtleties faded. What began this spring as an infrastructure upgrade — new drainage, rebuilt bunkers, refreshed bulkheads — became a chance to restore lost details. Greens were returned to their original dimensions, reclaiming hole locations that had disappeared over decades. Greenside bunkers, which had drifted away from the putting surfaces, were pulled back tight.
Otherwise, what golfers will find now should be familiar: the same routing and wetlands and water hazards, along with the same famous red-and-white striped lighthouse, rising in the backdrop behind the 18th green.
For a flyover look at the new course, check out the video above.
Jon Rahm Under Fire from Ex-PGA Tour Player for Refusing to Pay $1 Million DP World Tour Fines
To become a Ryder Cup member of the European team, golfers must hold a DP World Tour membership. Those who join LIV Golf and don’t pay the fine cannot play in the Ryder Cup. But both Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton played in the 2025 Ryder Cup. The reason they were able to do so is that they appealed sanctions from the DP World Tour, which put their suspension on hold. Although the battle at Bethpage Black is over, the appeal and the legal battle arising from it still stand. Both Rahm and Hatton have refused to pay the fines, and former PGA Tour pro Smylie Kaufman is not happy with that.
“I understand why they would be so frustrated by all this, but they also know that there are rules in place that, from a competitive standpoint, if you’re a member of this tour, you can’t go join a rival tour. There’s rules in place just like in any other business,” Smylie Kaufman said on The Smylie Show on Wednesday.
DP World Tour has placed some rules to prevent its member golfers from playing on other tours. Although it does give PGA Tour cards to the top 10 golfers on the Race to Dubai rankings, members cannot play on other tours without permission. When LIV Golf was established in 2022, it shook the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. While the PGA Tour decided to straight away ban its members from joining LIV, the DP World Tour imposed these rules.
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“The DP World Tour today confirmed that it has issued sanctions for players who breached the Tour’s Conflicting Tournament Regulation by competing in LIV Golf and Asian Tour events without releases to do so,” said the official statement by the tour. The fines levied ranged up to £100,000 per individual breach. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have decided not to pay these fines. Rahm even said that, “To be fair, I completely forgot about it, which is a good thing. I hope I forget about it until it happens.” While it is their choice, it can affect their chance of playing at the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
Reflecting on the same, Smylie Kaufman said, “I want to get back to the thing you just mentioned at the top, which was Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm and their appeals process that they’re going through and how that potentially could affect the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor with those two guys not playing. You got to be a DP World Tour member. I think that’s what a lot of people got to remember in this, why can’t they play? It’s like you have to be a member of this tour.”
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This year, they got to play because the appeal prevented their ban. But once the decision is made, they may lose their membership if they don’t pay the fines. They could pay the outstanding fines, continue their membership, and have a chance to play in the 2027 Ryder Cup. The second option is just to resign their DP World Tour membership. Many European golfers have done this. Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Henrik Stenson are among some of the biggest names from the DP World Tour who resigned their membership.
While Rahm is currently entitled to tee off at any DP World Tour event, he has decided to take a break.
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Jon Rahm’s four-month break
Jon Rahm was 57th on the Race to Dubai rankings before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Besides that, he was also a 2025 Ryder Cup member. Thus, he was entitled to tee it off in Dubai. However, he decided not to. Some of his fellow European team members used their Ryder Cup status to join the DP World Tour Play-Offs. Ludvig Aberg and Shane Lowry did this. Sepp Straka also decided to play but withdrew because of a family emergency.
While Rahm was eligible in both ways, he announced a four-month break. “I’ve never had three months off before, but I’m looking forward to it. I’m lucky to be able to go home now, to have a preseason, to be a father, to be with my family,” the Spaniard said after the Spanish Open. Jon Rahm will now resume playing golf in the LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh in February 2026.
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Rahm’s decision for this significant pause came amid a challenging and frustrating season for him. Although he had 12 top-10 finishes in 2025, he didn’t win any title on the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour. It was his first winless season after turning pro in 2016.
PGA Tour Winner Admits He Struggled to Pull Off His Surprise Proposal: ‘I’m Glad It’s Over’
You’d think handling the pressure of a final round on the PGA Tour would prepare you for anything life throws your way. Turns out, there are some challenges that make a Sunday back-nine look like a walk in the park. For professional athletes who thrive under the spotlight, stepping into unfamiliar territory—where they can’t rely on years of training and muscle memory—can be downright terrifying. Sometimes, the most nerve-wracking moments happen far away from the competition.
Sahith Theegala just proved that point at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship pre-tournament press conference. The 27-year-old PGA Tour pro recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Julianna “Juju” Chan, in Kauai, Hawaii. And he didn’t hold back about the stress that came with it.
“Man, I’m glad it’s over,” Theegala confessed with visible relief.
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The admission caught everyone off guard. Here’s a guy who can handle tournament pressure with a smile. Yet planning a surprise proposal nearly broke him.
“I was just super excited. I’m not a planner. She literally plans everything in our relationship, where we eat, flights, booking stuff. Literally does everything outside of golf in our relationship. So for me to plan this was a lot of work and a lot of stress.”
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The role reversal was real. Juju handles all the logistics in their eight-year relationship. So when Theegala decided to orchestrate this surprise, he stepped completely out of his comfort zone. The planning became a month-long secret operation. Thankfully, Juju’s sister and father became his accomplices. But keeping a secret from someone who knows you inside out? That’s the real challenge.
The couple’s schedule made things even trickier. Theegala played in Japan at the Zozo Championship. Then he had to get Juju to Hawaii without raising suspicion. His strategy was clever—he pitched the Hawaii stop as convenient geography between tournaments. She bought it. But Theegala added another layer of mystery. He didn’t tell her which Hawaiian island they were visiting until they connected through Honolulu.
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“I made sure to not receive the emails when we booked our flights, and when we tagged our bags in Japan, I was like we’re going to Hawaii but I’m not going to tell you what island.”
The entire Japan leg became an anxiety marathon. Theegala traveled with the engagement ring every single day. The paranoia was constant. The actual proposal setting only amplified his fears. He chose a dramatic clifftop overlooking the ocean in Kauai.
“I’m glad I didn’t drop the ring in the ocean. I proposed on like a cliff side. All I could think about was, oh, my God, going to drop this ring in the ocean and never find it again.”
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The event itself went off perfectly. Both families attended—except Theegala’s parents, who were in India and joined via FaceTime. The clifftop moment was captured in stunning photographs that later flooded Instagram.
Juju posted the images with a simple caption: “love of my life!!! 💍!!!”
The golf community immediately celebrated the moment. Min Woo Lee congratulated them. Amanda Balionis shared her excitement. Nelly Korda liked the announcement. The posts received thousands of reactions from fans and fellow athletes.
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Despite struggling with form and injuries throughout 2025, Theegala remains a beloved figure in the world of professional golf. His world ranking dropped from 11th to 67th after an oblique injury during a TGL match. He posted zero top-10 finishes in 18 starts.
But this moment transcended golf. The couple met at Pepperdine University in 2017, where he played golf and she swam competitively. They’ve been together for eight years.
Golf’s recent wave of romantic celebrations
Theegala’s engagement adds to a growing trend in professional golf. Players are increasingly sharing their personal milestones publicly. Nelly Korda announced her own engagement in late 2024. Other PGA Tour and LPGA players have followed similar patterns—choosing scenic locations and sharing the moments with millions of followers.
These announcements humanize professional athletes. Fans connect with players’ personal journeys beyond competition. For Theegala, the public celebration marked a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.
“Honestly, it went well,” Theegala reflected. “I don’t know if she for sure knew or not. I think she had an idea but she acted like she didn’t, so I appreciate that a lot as well.”
The relief in his voice was unmistakable. But he did it. The ring stayed safe. The secret held. And Juju said yes.
PGA Tour Winner Finally Opens Up About Grueling Injury That Nearly Ruined His Season
“See you all soon,” Sahith Theegala signed off on his Instagram post back in June. His desire to play in the RBC Canadian Open remained unfulfilled as he made the hard decision to put his clubs away for a few days. Those days eventually turned into weeks, and then months. Once a potential Ryder Cup contender, Theegala saw himself fall in the ranks. Now, he is presently in Bermuda for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, and is opening up about his injuries.
“I missed quite a few events. I know I missed two majors and probably at least two or three Signature Events, so that was a bummer,” he recollected. “I rushed back a little bit at The Open just because I didn’t want to miss the third major of the year. I was healthy, but I just didn’t play any golf. I was just in the gym,” he told the media.
Theegala’s problems began in February during his preparation for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. A seemingly manageable oblique strain soon caused him a months-long off period. He could do nothing about it, as there were no tears or anything major. He didn’t require surgery. All he needed was a six-to-twelve week recovery period, but the Tour has a hectic schedule.
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So, he started to play through the pain. But that turned out to be more damaging. Theegala subconsciously adjusted his swing to avoid further harm. He hiked his left shoulder, pinching his neck. He added more side bend to take pressure off the oblique. If he thought it would work, he was wrong. His bad luck caused the changes to create a neck injury that proved far more debilitating. What he feared most ended up happening, anyway.
Sahith Theegala missed significant chunks of spring and early summer events. These included the PGA Championship and the US Open, respectively. For someone who had a great momentum the previous year, with a podium at RBC Heritage (2nd) and TOUR Championship (3rd), a zero top-10 finish, with just two top-25s, was no less than a haunted house. He did come back for events like the Open, but the results were eye-opening (he missed the cut).
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“It was honestly my fault, so I learned from that,” he admitted to the press. “It was a bummer that I’ve been so healthy the last five, six years, and for my first one to be something that really affected the whole season was a bummer.”
All this probed him to learn his lesson, the harder way, nonetheless. The rehab process was extensive. He spent months away from golf, focused on rebuilding his foundational strength. His trainer, Josh, fixed him with a strict, no-nonsense program. There was no heavy powerlifting, but a simple, steady diet and workout. By late summer, Theegala could feel himself getting back.
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“I’d say I was a hundred percent in Napa was probably the first time,” he shared in the press conference. “So it’s been two months now. I felt great, just a lot of work with my team outside of the tournaments, which has been super fun, honestly.”
At the Napa Valley for the Procore Championship, Sahith Theegala registered a T38 result. These were followed by the Baycurrent Classic and Bank of Utah Championship, again resulting in a middle-of-the-pack result. Such results were, anyway, expected. What stands out more is how Theegala looks out for his next season.
“Feel like I’m kind of due for a fresh start next season, which is fun,” he says. Only, it might not be all fun for the 27-year-old.
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Will 2026 be a harder season for Sahith Theegala?
For any player, that answer could be subjective. Sahith Theegala has been a professional for the last 5 years. He earned his first PGA Tour victory in 2023 at the Fortinet Championship. Since then, it has been a winless drought. But his performance has not been underwhelming per se. Yet, the blotches he suffered this year due to the injury can further derail him.
“I’ve got to play my way into everything. The majors, the Signature Events, I’m not in anything, so I’m excited for that challenge,” he tells the presser.
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And he is indeed right. Sahith Theegala will have to play his way into almost every event next year. With the PGA Tour’s limited 100-field now, down from 125 will be a challenge. Currently ranked 147th on the FedEx Cup ranking, Theegala is way beyond the qualifier mark. His next options might he a sponsor invitation to actually be a part of such events. Each Signature Event has four sponsor exemptions restricted to PGA Tour members.
“And that is his goal anyway. Kind of the goal is to get into those Signature Events and to stay healthy. I have a good blueprint. Yeah, I’m pumped for next year to start,” he concludes.
Banked Oval Track Reportedly Confirmed for Brazil as Cities Battle to Host NASCAR & IndyCar
Since forever, NASCAR has always been a U.S. motorsport and ruled in that market, resonating with the American way of life. But lately, it’s been pushing boundaries overseas. After Brazil and Mexico, just look at the recent buzz that was generated when the demo race at Japan’s most famous Fuji Speedway was announced, which will feature stars like Jimmie Johnson. This global push signals bigger things ahead, especially when stock car fever is spreading south.
Now, Brazil’s motorsport scene is amplifying that fire with the same energy. As per the latest reports, a banked oval track is in the plans to develop, and some major cities are fighting to host NASCAR and IndyCar over there, dreaming of turning those local tracks into international hotspots.
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Brazil’s cities gear up for NASCAR and IndyCar glory
In a fresh chat on the Grande Prêmio podcast during the F1 São Paulo weekend, CBA President Giovanni Guerra dropped details on Brazil’s motorsport future that have fans buzzing. He confirmed studies are underway for the country’s first true banked oval track, which was inspired by his Daytona 500 visit last year with NASCAR Brasil execs Carlos Col and Thiago Marques.
“There is healthy competition between São Paulo, Brasília, and Goinia to host a major series like IndyCar or NASCAR,” said Giovanni Guerra during the São Paulo F1 Grand Prix. “Our goal is to bring not only IndyCar but also a NASCAR race.”
Picture this: a proper inclined oval in the Centro-Oeste or Sul regions, built to U.S. specifications for high-banking action like the 500 Miles of Daytona. This push comes from Brazil’s growing NASCAR ties, as fans have seen in the past. The Brasil Series, which kicked off in 2023 with 21 races across nine rounds in 2025, used ovals at places like Curvelo to build skills and crowds. Guerra’s backing keeps it sports-focused, letting private organizations handle the construction while CBA handles rules.
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Guerra amped it up further, saying, “We are working towards having the first true oval track, with banking, as it should be. After learning about motorsports in the United States, I realized that Brazil needs something like this. There are studies underway to build this circuit in the Midwest or South of the country,” Giovanni Guerra highlighted.
The three competitors who are fighting for it:
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São Paulo’s Interlagos, an F1 and Stock Car staple, leads with its global pull and history of chaotic, fan-favorite races.
Brasília, fresh off reopening its track for Stock Car this month, wants itself in the spotlight of the capital’s scene.
Goinia eyes a MotoGP return in 2026; using that momentum, it wants to move ahead with oval-ready upgrades.
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The fight boils down to prestige and economics. Hosting the Cup or Indy could draw 40,000-plus fans, spike merch sales, and cement Brazil as a global market, much like how NASCAR Brasil’s 2024 champs Gabriel Casagrande and Alex Seid earned invites to the NASCAR Awards.
This vision builds on the Brasil Series’ success, where private teams like Full Time Sports run Camaro and Mustang-bodied cars, pulling in talents like Rubens Barrichello. Past hurdles, like funding dips, are not there anymore because of private investments like Rio’s $250 million Guaratiba project eyeing FIA Grade 1 status. Guerra’s words point towards real progress, turning healthy competition into concrete plans that could land Brazil its oval legacy by the late 2020s.
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As Brazil gears up, NASCAR’s international calendar keeps filling with promise; take Mexico, where echoes of past races are fueling fresh dreams.
Mexico fans gear up for 2027 NASCAR return
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series debut at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez still echoes loudly in Mexico City, where 44,000 fans packed the stands. 90% of them were locals who were cheering Daniel Suárez on home turf. It was Mexico’s first points race since 1958, and it brought back memories of Xfinity’s 2005–2008 season that ended due to promotion issues.
As NASCAR announced its 2026 schedule, Mexico is not included due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But because of Mexico’s success in the 2025’s Cup race, promoters see 2027 as payback time.
CIE Group CEO Alejandro Soberón Kuri captured the vibe post-race, saying, “NASCAR was fantastic; it’s a great event. I think it’s something that can be built on.” He’s spot on with his take, as polls also show 80% of fans itching for more, drawn by Suárez’s 2014 Mexico Series win there and the track’s F1 history since 2015. Steady and smart promotion could mirror F1’s attendance rise, turning one-off hype into an annual tradition.
Mexico City Grand Prix boss Federico González Compeán pushed even harder: “One of the conversations and suggestions that we have made is, ‘Guys, open an office over here.’ Work the [region], develop the [region], and develop the space so you can increase the promotion from here to the States and from the States to here.”
A local NASCAR office makes sense. It would advertise the Mexico Series on platforms like FloRacing, making cross-border logistical transitions smoother. Whatever happens, fans are all in for the 2027 NASCAR return, dreaming of packed grandstands that blend the U.S. muscle with Mexican passion.
NASCAR Announces Starting Times, TV Coverage For 2026 Season
Starting times and television coverage for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series were released on November 12. It includes a heavy emphasis on mid-afternoon and late-afternoon races.
NASCAR is expected to “tweak” the championship points system soon, but it is unlikely it will go back to the 36-race, full season points system that was used in the past. But it is likely the final race, four-driver, winner-take-all system will change, according to NASCAR officials in various interviews including the annual “State of the Sport” address that was held at Phoenix Raceway prior to the NASCAR Championship Race earlier in November.
NASCAR Start Times And Networks
Looking ahead to 2026, FOX kicks off the NASCAR Cup Series season at Bowman Gray Stadium (Sunday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m. ET). Its first FS1 events are Dayton 500 Qualifying (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. ET) and the Dayton Duel (Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m. ET) that set the field for the Daytona 500 on FOX (Sunday, Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m. ET).
New additions to the FOX slate include Watkins Glen International (Sunday, May 10, 3 p.m. ET on FS1) and the first NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover (Sunday, May 17, 3 p.m. ET on FS1). Races on FOX include: EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta (Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. ET), Circuit of the Americas (Sunday, March 1, 3:30 p.m. ET), Kansas Speedway (Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m. ET) and Talladega Superspeedway (Sunday, April 26, 3 p.m. ET).
Prime Video opens its second NASCAR season at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Sunday, May 24, 6 p.m. ET). It returns to Nashville Superspeedway (Sunday, May 31, 7 p.m. ET), Michigan International Speedway (Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. ET) and Pocono Raceway (Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m. ET). Prime Video concludes its portion of the schedule with the new street-course event in San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado (Sunday, June 21, 4 p.m. ET).
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TNT Sports takes the reins at Sonoma Raceway (Sunday, June 28, 3:30 p.m. ET), kicking off the second In-Season Challenge before the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Chicagoland Speedway (Sunday, July 5, 6 p.m. ET) for the first time since 2019. TNT will also head back to EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta (Sunday, July 12, 7 p.m. ET), broadcast the first points-paying event at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Sunday, July 19, 7 p.m. ET) since 1996, and travel to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m. ET).
USA Sports will close out the season, airing the final 14 races across USA Network, and NBC and Peacock, starting with Iowa Speedway on USA Network (Sunday, Aug. 9, 3:30 p.m. ET). After the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway (Saturday, August 29, 7:30 p.m. ET) on NBC and Peacock, USA Sports is home to the entire NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and will conclude the season on NBC and Peacock with Talladega Superspeedway (Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. ET), Martinsville Speedway (Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. ET), and the return of the NASCAR Championship to Homestead-Miami Speedway (Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m.) for the first time since 2019.
The CW Network returns following a historic first season as the exclusive destination for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at DAYTONA International Speedway (Saturday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. ET). Highlights of the 33-race slate include the return to Rockingham Speedway over Easter weekend (Saturday, April 4, 2:30 p.m. ET), San Diego (Saturday, June 20, 5 p.m. ET) and the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Sunday, Nov. 7, 5 p.m. ET).
FOX Sports remains the home of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and will broadcast 23 races on FS1. Two additional races will air on FOX, including the inaugural Grand Prix at St. Petersburg (Saturday, Feb. 28, 12 p.m. ET) and the Charlotte ROVAL Playoff race (Friday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m. ET).
Announced previously, FOX will air all 20 ARCA Menards Series races between FOX, FS1 and FS2, beginning with the season opener at DAYTONA International Speedway (Saturday, Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. ET on FOX).
*Playoffs Races In Bold
NASCAR Cup Series
DATE, RACE, PLATFORM, START (ET)
Sun, Feb 1 – Clash (Bowman Gray Stadium), FOX, 8:00 PM
Thu, Feb 12 – Daytona – Duel, FS1, 7:00 PM
Sun, Feb 15
Daytona 500, FOX, 2:30 PM
Sun, Feb 22 – EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta), FOX, 3:00 PM
Sun, Mar 1 – Circuit of the Americas (Austin), FOX, 3:30 PM
Sun, Mar 8 – Phoenix Raceway, FS1, 3:30 PM
Sun, Mar 15 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, FS1, 4:00 PM
Sun, Mar 22 – Darlington Raceway, FS1, 3:00 PM
Sun, Mar 29 – Martinsville Speedway, FS1, 3:30 PM
Sun, Apr 12 – Bristol Motor Speedway, FS1, 3:00 PM
Sun, Apr 19 – Kansas Speedway, FOX, 2:00 PM
Sun, Apr 26 – Talladega Superspeedway, FOX, 3:00 PM
Sun, May 3 – Texas Motor Speedway, FS1, 3:30 PM
Sun, May 10 – Watkins Glen International, FS1, 3:00 PM
Sun, May 17 – All Star (Dover Motor Speedway), FS1, 3:00 PM
Sun, May 24 – Charlotte Motor Speedway, Prime, 6:00 PM
Sun, May 31 – Nashville Superspeedway, Prime, 7:00 PM
Sun, Jun 7 – Michigan International Speedway, Prime, 3:00 PM
Sun, Jun 14 – Pocono Raceway, Prime, 3:00 PM
Sun, Jun 21 – San Diego (Naval Base Coronado), Prime, 4:00 PM
Sun, Jun 28 – Sonoma Raceway, TNT, 3:30 PM
Sun, Jul 5 – Chicagoland Speedway, TNT, 6:00 PM
Sun, Jul 12 – EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta), TNT, 7:00 PM
Sun, Jul 19 – North Wilkesboro Speedway, TNT, 7:00 PM
Sun, Jul 26 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway, TNT, 2:00 PM
Sun, Aug 9 – Iowa Speedway, USA, 3:30 PM,
Sat, Aug 15 – Richmond Raceway, USA, 7:00 PM
Sun, Aug 23 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway, USA, 3:00 PM
Sat, Aug 29 – Daytona International Speedway, NBC, 7:30 PM
Sun, Sep 6 – Darlington Raceway, USA, 5:00 PM
Sun, Sep 13 – World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis), USA, 3:00 PM
Sat, Sep 19 – Bristol Motor Speedway, USA, 7:30 PM
Sun, Sep 27 – Kansas Speedway, USA, 3:00 PM
Sun, Oct 4 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, USA, 5:30 PM
Sun, Oct 11 – Charlotte ROVAL, USA, 3:00 PM
Sun, Oct 18 – Phoenix Raceway, USA, 3:00 PM
Sun, Oct 25 – Talladega Superspeedway, NBC, 2:00 PM
Sun, Nov 1 – Martinsville Speedway, NBC, 2:00 PM
Sun, Nov 8 – NASCAR Championship (Homestead-Miami Speedway), NBC, 3:00 PM
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
DATE, RACE, PLATFORM, START (ET)
Sat, Feb 14 – Daytona International Speedway, CW, 5:00 PM
Sat, Feb 21 – EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta), CW, 5:00 PM
Sat, Feb 28 – Circuit of the Americas (Austin), CW, 3:00 PM
Sat, Mar 7 – Phoenix Raceway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Mar 14 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, CW, 5:30 PM
Sat, Mar 21 – Darlington Raceway, CW, 5:30 PM
Sat, Mar 28 – Martinsville Speedway, CW, 3:30 PM
Sat, Apr 4 – Rockingham Speedway, CW, 2:30 PM
Sat, Apr 11 – Bristol Motor Speedway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Apr 18 – Kansas Speedway, CW, 7:00 PM
Sat, Apr 25 – Talladega Superspeedway, CW, 4:00 PM
Sat, May 2 – Texas Motor Speedway, CW, 3:30 PM
Sat, May 9 – Watkins Glen International, CW, 4:00 PM
Sat, May 16 – Dover Motor Speedway, CW, 4:00 PM
Sat, May 23 – Charlotte Motor Speedway, CW, 5:00 PM
Sat, May 30 – Nashville Superspeedway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Jun 13 – Pocono Raceway, CW, 4:00 PM
Sat, Jun 20 – San Diego (Naval Base Coronado), CW, 5:00 PM
Sat, Jun 27 – Sonoma Raceway, CW, 5:30 PM
Sat, Jul 4 – Chicagoland Speedway, CW, 5:30 PM
Sat, Jul 11 – EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta), CW, 7:00 PM
Sat, Jul 25 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway, CW, 4:00 PM
Sat, Aug 8 – Iowa Speedway, CW, 5:00 PM
Fri, Aug 28 – Daytona International Speedway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Sep 5 – Darlington Raceway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Sep 12 – World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis), CW, 7:30 PM
Fri, Sep 18 – Bristol Motor Speedway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Oct 3 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Oct 10 – Charlotte ROVAL, CW, 4:00 PM
Sat, Oct 17 – Phoenix Raceway, CW, 7:30 PM
Sat, Oct 24 – Talladega Superspeedway, CW, 3:30 PM
Sat, Oct 31 – Martinsville Speedway, CW, 4:00 PM
Sat, Nov 7 – (NASCAR Championship) Homestead-Miami Speedway, CW, 5:00 PM
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
DATE, RACE, PLATFORM, START (ET)
Fri, Feb 13 – Daytona International Speedway, FS1, 7:30 PM,
Sat, Feb 21 – EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta), FS1, 1:30 PM
Sat, Feb 28 – Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, FOX, 12:00 PM
Fri, Mar 20 – Darlington Raceway, FS1, 7:30 PM
Fri, Apr 3 – Rockingham Speedway, FS1, 4:30 PM
Fri, Apr 10 – Bristol Motor Speedway, FS1, 7:30 PM
Fri, May 1 – Texas Motor Speedway, FS1, 8:00 PM
Fri, May 8 – Watkins Glen International, FS1, 4:30 PM
Fri, May 15 – Dover Motor Speedway, FS1, 5:00 PM
Fri, May 22 – Charlotte Motor Speedway, FS1, 7:30 PM
Fri, May 29 – Nashville Superspeedway, FS1, 8:00 PM
Sat, Jun 6 – Michigan International Speedway, FS1, 1:30 PM
Fri, Jun 19 – San Diego (Naval Base Coronado), FS1, 7:00 PM
Sat, Jul 11 – Lime Rock Park, FS1, 1:00 PM
Sat, Jul 18 – North Wilkesboro Speedway, FS1, 12:30 PM
Fri, Jul 24 – Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, FS1, 8:00 PM
Fri, Aug 14 – Richmond Raceway, FS1, 7:30 PM
Sat, Aug 22 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway, FS1, 1:30 PM
Thu, Sep 17 – Bristol Motor Speedway, FS1, 8:00 PM
Sat, Sep 26 – Kansas Speedway, FS1, 1:00 PM
Fri, Oct 9 – Charlotte ROVAL, FOX, 5:00 PM,
Fri, Oct 16 – Phoenix Raceway, FS1, 7:30 PM
Fri, Oct 23 – Talladega Superspeedway, FS1, 4:00 PM
Fri, Oct 30 – Martinsville Speedway, FS1, 6:00 PM
NASCAR Bristol race times set for 2026 at Bristol Motor Speedway
The Food City 500 is scheduled for April 12, 2026, and the Bass Pro Shops Night Race will be on September 19, 2026.
Broadcast partners for the Cup Series races include FS1 for the spring event and USA Network for the fall night race.
The start times have been announced for the two NASCAR Bristol races for 2026.
The Food City 500 NASCAR Bristol race for the 2026 season will again be at 3 p.m. ET on April 12, while the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, also at Bristol Motor Speedway, will start at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, NASCAR announced on Nov. 12.
NASCAR Bristol spring race weekend
The Food City 500 race will be broadcast on FS1 for the spring race.
Start times and broadcast partners for the other spring races at Bristol include the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series 300 in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at 7:30 p.m. on April 11 on The CW, and the Craftsman Truck Series (250 laps) at 7:30 p.m. on April 10 at 7:30 p.m. on FS1.
Kyle Larson dominated the Food City 500 race in 2025 leading 411 of the 500 laps. Denny Hamlin finished second, and Ty Gibbs came was third.
NASCAR Bristol fall race weekend
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race on USA Network.
Start times for the fall races include the Food City 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m., on The CW and The UNOH 250 presented by Ohio Logistics NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. on FS1.
Christopher Bell held off Brad Keselowski to win the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol in September. It was Bell’s first win at the Bristol Night Race on the concrete surface and his fourth of the season, securing his spot in the next playoff round.
To purchase tickets for Bristol Motor Speedway’s NASCAR races in 2026, visit bristolmotorspeedway.com or call 866-415-4158.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
NASCAR Faces ‘Hypocrisy’ Claims as Veteran Reporter Slams Questionable Driver Penalties
Back in NASCAR’s wilder days, fights were almost as legendary as the racing itself, and fans absolutely loved it. One of the most iconic came at the 1979 Daytona 500, when Cale Yarborough and Donnie and Bobby Allison threw punches on the frontstretch after a last-lap crash, all live on national TV. But while those fights were iconic, NASCAR has long faced scrutiny for how it handles driver penalties after on-track altercations and post-race fights.
The sanctioning body often emphasizes that each situation is judged individually, but the lack of clear, consistent standards has fueled debate within the garage. Some incidents have resulted in heavy fines or probation, while others with similar levels of aggression have gone unpunished. NASCAR officials say decisions depend on “intent” and “actions that escalate danger,” yet the true boundary is still uncertain, creating a gray area that drivers navigate carefully today. But reporter Jordan Bianchi had a fresh take on this, implying how the act of fining drivers exposes NASCAR’s double standards.
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Bianchi calls out NASCAR’s fight fines as hypocritical
When veteran NASCAR reporter Jordan Bianchi took to The Teardown Podcast to discuss the sport’s recent disciplinary actions, he didn’t hold back. “This is a pet peeve of mine,” Bianchi said. “We’re not going to fine, we’re not going for fighting anymore, like not doing it for drivers, crew guys, stuff like that. I get it. I wrote about this on The Athletic, how NASCAR handles post-race fights.
They don’t want crew guys getting involved for a lot of reasons. I’m great with that. We don’t want that. I’ll take that back, we do want every once in a while, we brawl. It’s not bad for business.” His comments reflect a growing debate in the NASCAR community over where the line between discipline and entertainment should be drawn.
Bianchi’s main point centered around what he considers a double standard. “It makes sense, guys can get hurt,” he said. “But if Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is going to pop Kyle Busch, I’m not fining him $75,000. Hell, I’m probably gonna pay him $75,000 for that and go, ‘Here’s your check, thank you!’ You just got us on every national outlet in the country, and we’re not going to embarrass you by fining you 75 grand.”
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His comments came in the wake of NASCAR’s $75,000 fine against Stenhouse for punching Kyle Busch at North Wilkesboro after the 2024 All-Star Race, an incident that became one of the sport’s most viral moments of the year.
Beyond the penalty itself, Bianchi argued that NASCAR’s messaging to sponsors and fans has been inconsistent. “Which, by the way, pisses off your sponsor,” he said. “Your sponsor is like, ‘Oh man, that makes us look bad.’ Like, no, we’re going to celebrate it. We’re going to make you look like a badass, and your sponsor’s going to be like, ‘Yeah, that’s my guy.’” His frustration highlights how the sport’s marketing often capitalizes on conflict while simultaneously punishing the behavior that fuels fan engagement.
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“It really bothers me, so hypocritical,” Bianchi continued. “You can’t sit there and say, ‘Man, that was wrong, we’re going to penalize you for that,’ but then turn around and use it to hype up the race. You can’t have it both ways.”
The sentiment echoed the thoughts of many longtime fans who believe that controlled emotion, like fights or heated rivalries, has always been part of NASCAR’s DNA, tracing back to iconic moments such as the 1979 Daytona 500 brawl between Cale Yarborough and the Allison brothers.
Bianchi clarified that he’s not advocating chaos, just perspective. “If two drivers are fighting and the guy gets popped, cool, I’m fine with that. There’s a line, obviously, but that’s not the line. And it sure as hell wasn’t worth $75,000.
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We just need to re-modify that a little bit.” His stance underscores that NASCAR’s punishments should fit the context, especially when such altercations bring unprecedented media attention.
“It drives me crazy that the crash from 10 years ago at Martinsville, Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano, that earned Kenseth a two-race suspension, justifiably so, by the way, they used that to sell that race,” Bianchi concluded. His reference to the infamous 2015 Martinsville incident, where Kenseth deliberately wrecked Joey Logano during the playoffs, points to a recurring contradiction: NASCAR’s willingness to turn its most controversial moments into marketing gold.
But while Bianchi pointed NASCAR’s penalty problems, Kevin Harvick shared his views on NASCAR’s superspeedway issue.
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Harvick on NASCAR’s superspeedway opinion
The Kevin Harvick Daytona verdict has reignited discussions about the current state of NASCAR superspeedway racing, following his public praise for the recent Daytona event and a critique of the series’ recent races. With NASCAR maintaining its existing technical package for superspeedways into the near future, questions remain about how future events will keep fans engaged and deliver exciting finishes.
Recent NASCAR superspeedway events have received criticism for lacking excitement, a sentiment shared by both fans and industry insiders. Racing at these tracks has been described as overly calculated, with competitors prioritizing fuel conservation and strategic riding over overt battles for position. Packs of cars often cruise together at less than full throttle, resulting in less genuine side-by-side action. Even when cars spread out three or four-wide, it has become more about managing space than aggressive competition.
This trend has been largely attributed to the reduced horsepower associated with the current Next Gen car specifications. With lower engine power, cars tend to form dense groups, significantly limiting opportunities for drivers to break free and make passes. When an incident occurs at the front of the pack, the tight formation can quickly turn minor mistakes into multi-car accidents, removing many contenders at once.
NASCAR’s announcement to increase horsepower at certain tracks next season excludes superspeedways, including iconic venues like Daytona, which means these venues will continue using the current configuration at least through the upcoming schedules. As a result, there is skepticism about whether the issues affecting the superspeedway spectacle will be resolved soon.
Despite widespread criticism, this year’s regular-season finale at Daytona stood out as a rare example of thrilling competition. Kevin Harvick, an experienced driver and respected commentator, identified the 2025 Coke Zero Sugar 400 as the season’s most exciting superspeedway race, pointing to Ryan Blaney’s dramatic drive from 13th place to victory in the closing laps as the kind of action fans crave. Harvick told his co-hosts at Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour.
“Yeah, they were getting after it from the top. And this, from the start to the finish, was the best complete Super Speedway race that they have. And we talked about this. Obviously, Ryan Blaney comes on at the end right here to win this race from deep in the field.”
The battle for the lead in the final laps, against a backdrop of recent races dominated by processional running and minimal passing, captured what many, including Harvick himself, believe should be a blueprint for exciting superspeedway competition.
Backlash Erupts After NASCAR’s 2026 Schedule & USA Sports ‘Playoff’ Announcement
The headline dropped recently: NASCAR has laid out its 2026 schedule and network assignments, and among the most eye-catching items is the note that playoff races are in bold, with a clear line in the official news release stating that “USA Sports is home to the entire NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.” This is not just a timing schedule; it’s a deliberate positioning of NASCAR’s most crucial postseason moments into a newly-branded sports network framework. The fact that NASCAR is being held up as a marquee property within USA Sports is big news.
For context, USA Sports is a brand under Versant Media that will cover an expansive portfolio of sports, everything from the Premier League and PGA Tour to the WNBA, WWE and, yes, NASCAR. The announcement suggests that NASCAR sees this as both a commercial win and a strategic pivot, aligning itself with a broader entertainment-sports umbrella rather than simply being a standalone motorsport product.
The 2026 Cup schedule kicks off with the Daytona 500 on February 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, followed by a mix of familiar ovals and fresh twists like the return to Chicagoland Speedway and a new street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21. The All-Star Race shifts to Dover on May 17, and North Wilkesboro gets a points event on July 19, its first since 1996.
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Yet, as with any major shift, fans and stakeholders are reacting with mixed emotions. On one hand, the schedule itself brings some exciting changes. For example, the season opener, revamped events, and new venues, including the street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. The playoffs start with the Southern 500 on September 6 at Darlington, and the finale heads back to Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8, rotating in for the first time since 2019.
Phoenix moves to open the Round of 8 on October 18, while New Hampshire drops out of the playoffs to August 23. Watkins Glen shifts to Mother’s Day weekend on May 10, blending tradition with tweaks that could refresh the calendar.
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On the other hand, critics argue that bundling the playoffs under “USA Sports” and shifting broadcast rights may dilute the identity of NASCAR or confuse longtime viewers who are used to traditional network homes. The final 14 races, starting August 9 at Iowa on USA Network, wrap up the regular season and carry straight into the playoffs across USA Network, NBC, and Peacock.
This multi-platform push, part of a seven-year media rights deal running through 2031 with FOX, NBC, Prime Video, TNT Sports/Warner Bros., and now USA Sports, spreads coverage thin. Another layer of the backlash is the question of control.
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When a sport’s marquee moments are tied to a network rebrand and a broader content portfolio, there’s fear of loss of autonomy, or of the sport bending to network/entertainment imperatives rather than purely racing imperatives. Some fans worry that broadcast priorities may shift toward spectacle or cross-promotion instead of race coverage integrity.
For instance, if the playoffs are now a “highlight” property for USA Sports, will that affect scheduling, commercial breaks, pre-race hype, or even how the races themselves are packaged? The bolded “Playoff Races” in the release only amps up the scrutiny, making those 10 events feel like they’re being marketed more as TV filler than sacred ground.
Finally, there’s the business-model angle. The move effectively stakes NASCAR’s postseason in a bundle of other sports for USA Sports, which may open new revenue streams, advertisers, cross-property promotions, and multi-sport packages, but it also raises questions of brand dilution. NASCAR has always prided itself on its unique aspects, including the tracks, the drivers, and its rich heritage.
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It’s a move with high upside, sure, but also one that carries risks of fan alienation, of identity shift, and of being one property among many rather than the headline act. Whether NASCAR can maintain the delicate balance between expanding its reach and preserving its core identity remains to be seen.
Fans on X, too, are hoarding lumps of backlash.
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Fan reactions
If they keep putting races on USA Sports, the NASCAR Xfinity Series on The CW might actually get better ratings. NASCAR’s official announcement for the 2026 season states that “USA Sports will close out the season … airing the final 14 races across USA Network, NBC and Peacock,” beginning August 9 at Iowa.
“Cool, so we got both FOX Sports & NBC Sports basically straight-up telling us they do not give a shit about the sport anymore and not coming back once the 7-year media rights deal is up.” There is some truth in the sentiment. NASCAR’s new seven-year media rights deal, effective 2025–2031, spreads the Cup Series across multiple partners, including FOX, NBC, Prime Video, TNT Sports/Warner Bros., and the new USA Sports umbrella.
The proliferation of networks and platforms inevitably suggests that no single network is “owning” NASCAR’s identity in the way things were in the past, which fans interpret as diminishing priority.
“My question as well: I thought they were changing the format because it sucks so bad.” The schedule for 2026 indeed introduces notable format and venue changes. For instance, the season finale is moving back to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the first time since 2019, and a new street course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego has been added.
These changes reflect NASCAR acknowledging, even implicitly, that its current format may be lacking, in particular the regular-season flow and playoff structure. Yet fans remain sceptical about whether the change is meaningful, especially when the broadcast strategy looks more rearranged than reformed.
“That word… you keep saying that word but I don’t think it means what you think it means.” This tone of frustration taps into a common fan thread: when NASCAR uses terms like “playoffs,” “championship,” “premium content,” yet shifts those premium moments to cable or streaming platforms, fans feel the words lose meaning.
The official schedule lists the playoff races in bold and emphasises that “USA Sports is home to the entire NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.” Yet underlying concerns persist: if the most important races are on less-accessible platforms, does “playoffs” still carry the same weight as before?
“I think you messed up on the ‘playoffs in bold’. I fixed it for you.” Indeed, NASCAR’s released version highlights playoff races in bold. The remark emphasizes fan awareness of presentation. By literally bolding the playoff events, NASCAR draws attention, but critics argue that the delivery, channel/platform, undermines the positioning. It’s a subtle dig at how presentation can signal emphasis while distribution may undercut it.
“Keep the playoffs and it will not matter what time the last 10 races start, because the fan protest will begin starting Sept 6. The diehards will be watching something else.” The 2026 schedule confirms that the playoff rounds begin in early September, Sept 6 at Darlington, being listed as a bolded race on USA Network.
This comment captures fan heat. Once distribution or format changes hit a tipping point, loyal viewers say they’ll tune out cooperatively or individually to send a message. The scheduled start times themselves become less relevant if the perceived value of the content has dropped.
“THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A SEASON WHERE AT LEAST ONE RACE IS ON CABLE … Getting that out of the way for the whiners.” Historically, NASCAR Cup Series races were primarily on broadcast networks, e.g., FOX, NBC, ABC, but the 2026 slate explicitly shows a significant share of races on cable or streaming. The implication is that while some fans push back against “moving to cable,” the reality is NASCAR has been shifting toward multi-platform distribution for years; this is simply a more extreme iteration.
“Relegated to another cable network nobody has, or will require a Peacock sub. IndyCar’s time to shine on network TV ngl.” The switch to platforms like USA Network and Peacock, as part of USA Sports, underscores concerns about accessibility. The broadcast-schedule for 2026 shows the final races streaming on NBC/Peacock alongside USA Network.
Meanwhile, another major open-wheel series, IndyCar Series, is aligning its coverage for maximum network exposure, see AP News report of Fox acquiring IndyCar rights to ensure network coverage. Some fans argue that if NASCAR is moving behind paywalls or lesser networks, open-wheel racing stands to gain visibility by staying more accessible.
Rick Hendrick Confirms Chevrolet’s NASCAR Reveal With Humble Toyota-Ford Admission
Chevrolet’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign was nothing short of stellar, highlighted by Kyle Larson’s championship victory at Phoenix Raceway, which secured the manufacturer its fifth consecutive Cup title and 44th overall Manufacturers’ Championship. Larson’s consistency and late-season surge capped off a dominant year for the Bowtie Brigade, which saw six different Chevrolet drivers reach Victory Lane, including Shane van Gisbergen’s five wins and William Byron’s three.
The brand’s performance reaffirmed its edge in the Next Gen era, proving that even with stiff competition from Toyota and Ford, Chevrolet remains the standard-bearer of excellence in modern NASCAR. Now, Rick Hendrick, Chevy’s oldest partner, has revealed their 2026 plans.
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Hendrick teases Chevrolet’s 2026 reveal
When Rick Hendrick sat down with Sirius XM ahead of the off-season, he left little doubt that something big is coming for Chevrolet’s factory entry in NASCAR. Hendrick confirmed that Chevrolet will reveal its new 2026 body style “on Friday,” signaling a shift after the current Camaro/ZL1-era car ran through the 2025 season.
He added that the team has “been giving up a little bit to the Toyotas and the Fords… and they had a shot at the apple, you know, and made their cars better.” It was a humble acknowledgment from one of NASCAR’s most successful owners that his side needs to catch up.
Hendrick didn’t hide his optimism. “Our guys along with GM worked on this, and it’s supposedly better than what we got, so closer to what Toyota and Ford have,” he said, adding “I’m super excited about the power and I’m excited about having a new car that we can work with. It’s got a little more downforce.” That line says a lot. A new car isn’t just about styling, it’s about performance, and Chevrolet wants to close the loop on the competition.
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The timing makes sense. NASCAR recently gave the green light for Chevrolet’s new body for the 2026 season. With indications that the body has already passed wind-tunnel testing and homologation hurdles, Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are positioning themselves to reclaim the high ground. The announcement Hendrick hints at could mark the official reveal of that body and possibly a rebrand or new identity for their Cup program.
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Why does this matter? For years, Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet dominated the Cup Series. But in recent seasons, competitors built momentum, especially manufacturer programs from Ford and Toyota. When a team of Hendrick’s stature openly admits “we’ve been giving up,” it sends a signal that the pendulum may swing back.
Of course, all the build-up doesn’t guarantee immediate results. Hendrick himself said, “It won’t be perfect right out of the gate, but I’m super excited…” The challenge will be integrating the new hardware, getting the setup right, and doing so under the spotlight. Considering Hendrick Motor Sports success rate, his organization holds 15 Cup championships. This is a meaningful moment for both the team and the manufacturer.
In short, Hendrick’s comments reflect a strategic reset for Chevrolet, for Hendrick Motorsports, and for NASCAR’s manufacturer competition. What remains to be seen is how quickly the performance gap closes, and whether the new car translates into wins. But the tone is clear. Change is coming, and it’s coming from one of the sport’s most notable corners.
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Talking about Chevrolet, Kyle Larson’s 2025 campaign was a paradox, a season crowned with a championship yet haunted by a stretch that nearly broke his rhythm.
How Larson’s mid-season slump helped him
His second failed double duty attempt in May, which saw him crash out of the Indianapolis 500 on Lap 91 and later get collected in a wreck on Lap 246 of the Coca-Cola 600, left a dent in his results and confidence. For months after that chaotic weekend, wins dodged him.
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The swagger that defined Larson’s driving gave way to frustration, even self-doubt. Still, by season’s end, Larson turned that bruising stretch into fuel for his title run, crediting a collective resolve from his Hendrick Motorsports crew to diagnose mistakes and claw their way back to form.
The No. 5 team’s midseason revival wasn’t instant, but it was instead forged in long nights and self-assessment. Larson admitted that those two months of “suboptimal setups and execution issues” tested everyone involved, but, in hindsight, built the foundation for their rebound.
“There was definitely some truth to mentally draining with how just didn’t do a good job, so kind of down, myself then lost confidence all at the same time. And then I think our race cars got little bit down the wrong path on our race cars, and we didn’t quite realize it for a while.”
For Larson, being “slow” was the wake-up call his team needed.
“I actually think being as slow as we were made us a better, stronger team as far as execution. And then we went to Darlington, and then struggled as a whole, eye-opening, I think. And then we quickly figured out where we had gotten off in those couple of months, and then I feel like we got back on track in competitive and running up front.”
Larson didn’t sugarcoat the struggle that followed, but then, the team attacked the second half of the season like a unit. Though he knew “ten weeks in the playoffs would be long enough to dig out of a slump,” he admitted they didn’t fully reclaim their pre-Indianapolis pace.
Yet the signs were unmistakable, laps led, stages won, and a consistency that whispered of the team’s old dominance. He believes they came close to what they were before the double-duty weekend.
$56.2M Partner Joins Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR Team in Major Legacy Deal
Jimmie Johnson has seamlessly transitioned from seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion into a business force, leveraging the same strategic mindset that made him one of the sport’s greatest. He’s branched out beyond the cockpit into owning Legacy Motor Club, where he became majority owner as part of a strategic partnership with Knighthead Capital Management to drive commercial growth and global brand reach.
Meanwhile, his business ventures range from a media company to real estate and hospitality investments, proving he’s building a legacy off the track as intentionally as he did on it. Known for data-driven decisions and a team-first approach, Johnson’s shift to entrepreneur and team owner shows an evolution from driver to industry leader. And now he has struck another gold.
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Legacy Motor Club gets its new apparel partner
Collars & Co. has officially signed seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson as its brand ambassador and has become the official apparel partner of Legacy Motor Club, the Cup Series team that Johnson now co-owns. The move signals a significant step for the men’s fashion brand and a smart alignment for Johnson, who brings both competitive clout and mainstream appeal.
Collars & Co. isn’t just any apparel start-up. The brand first captured wide attention when it appeared on Shark Tank, where founder Justin Baer pitched its dress-collar polo concept and secured a deal with investors Mark Cuban and Peter Jones. Since then, the company has enjoyed rapid growth, bolstered by collaborations with high-profile names in sport and media.
Johnson’s comment on the partnership drove the point home. “I’ve always believed in the importance of looking sharp without sacrificing comfort,” he said. “Collars & Co. has mastered that balance. Whether I’m at the track, in a meeting, or spending time with family, their clothing delivers the perfect combination of style and ease. I’m proud to be part of a brand that values innovation and authenticity, and also has them outfit Legacy Motor Club.”
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This statement spotlights an important trend. Drivers and teams increasingly look beyond the car and race day, seeking apparel and lifestyle brands that speak to the whole image.
For Collars & Co., the company said the collaboration “underscores our continued momentum as one of the fastest growing names in men’s fashion, blending performance, confidence, and timeless design.” In other words, the deal is more than a logo swap; it’s a strategic move to associate the brand with elite performance and motorsports culture, adding depth to its identity.
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From the team side, Legacy Motor Club stands to benefit as well. Jimmie Johnson’s ownership involvement has been a focal point in the team’s strategy to build out its brand and reach in the Cup Series. Partnering with a rising apparel brand adds a lifestyle component that aligns with the long-term vision of team growth and broader market appeal.
Taken together, this partnership marks a cross-industry convergence, where high-performance sport meets high-end lifestyle retail. For Collars & Co., the Johnson/Legacy tie-in brings motorsports credibility.
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For Johnson and Legacy, the apparel deal reinforces the brand beyond the track. And for NASCAR, it highlights how teams are evolving into broader lifestyle platforms. If everything goes right, this could be one of the standout commercial deals of the season. On the track, too, Johnson is not looking to slow down anytime soon.
Johnson still has miles in him
Jimmie Johnson’s second inning in NASCAR has shifted from the driver’s seat to the boardroom, but the seven-time Cup Series champion hasn’t lost his competitive fire. Now leading Legacy Motor Club’s long-term vision, securing sponsorships, building infrastructure, and mentoring his team, Johnson remains convinced he can still add another victory to his record. Even at 50, he hasn’t closed the door on win number 84, the one that would finally push him past Cale Yarborough on NASCAR’s all-time winners list.
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But then, this season, he returned for just two races yet reminded everyone that his instincts remain strong. At the Daytona 500, he finished third, a result that rekindled the belief that he still has unfinished business.
Reflecting on the challenge, Johnson said, “Running the nine events, the cars are so specific and the way you drive them, team support, pit stops, all these different elements are really tough to do on a limited schedule. But right races and for the right reasons, that makes a lot of sense. But yeah, I’d love to continue to expand on ticking more of these bucket list opportunities off my list.”
Johnson admitted the new cars and limited seat time make success an uphill climb, but insisted the thrill remains unmatched. “That was a very nice day, hope to do it. We don’t really speak of podiums in our industry, but finishing third and essentially being on the podium was just an incredible opportunity.
“And man, the 84th when I want to believe that opportunity is there one way, shape, or another, be in the eighty-four car chasing at 84th when um man I really would like to tick that box,” he added.
Jeff Gordon Dissects Kyle Larson’s NASCAR Championship Comeback After Brutal Slump
24 races. That’s how long Kyle Larson’s winless streak extended to, after his triumph at the 2025 AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. For the No. 5 driver, such a slump was virtually unheard of, as he’s usually the one dominating the Cup Series, even going on to secure three triumphs in the opening 12 races. But it felt like something broke after his failed ‘double’ attempt, and ‘Yung Money’ struggled to get back his rhythm after that setback.
The problems seemed internal, with Jeff Gordon saying, “You’re never going to tear us down from the outside.” But somehow, miraculously, despite the long drought, Kyle Larson managed to clinch the championship without leading a single lap at Phoenix Raceway. And it all comes down to crew chief Cliff Daniel’s composure under pressure. And now, as the postseason takes over, Gordon has time to reflect on the turning point for Kyle Larson.
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Jeff Gordon reveals the hard work behind Larson’s comeback
Speaking on the NASCAR Live podcast, the four-time Cup champion said, “And you know that’s what I saw in Cliff Daniels this year is that it was a unusual year for them, but he never quit. He never stopped being that strong leader and just trying to find different ways to pull or keep the team together, and be in position when the playoffs. And you know, I think that’s where I saw Cliff and Kyle like they before the playoffs, they’re like, OK. Like, we’ve got to get it back together. They did some things for the team away from the shop. You know, you heard about them reading different books.”
Believe it or not, Kyle Larson‘s 2025 championship run was far from smooth sailing. It was a season defined by resilience, setbacks, and an unwavering determination to back. Despite ultimately clinching the title, Larson went into a difficult mid-season stretch marred by a crash at the Indy 500 and another wreck in the Coca-Cola 600, both of which threatened to derail his campaign and shake up his confidence.
In that period, the No. 5 team faced immense pressure to diagnose its issues and rediscover its competitive rhythm. Weeks of underwhelming performances, stemming from car setup missteps and inconsistent execution, forced deep reflection and late-night strategy sessions. As Larson recalled, those two months tested everyone’s mental toughness.
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The Hendrick Motorsports driver said, “There was definitely some truth to mentally draining with how just didn’t do a good job, so kind of down, myself then lost confidence all at the same time. And then I think our race cars got little bit down the wrong path on our race cars, and we didn’t quite realize it for a while.”
The performance ultimately served as a turning point; the team’s lack of speed compared to their rivals exposed the need for a reset, one that would sharpen their focus on precision and execution. A tough outing at Darlington proved to be the wake-up call they needed, revealing the flaws in their approach and setting the stage for a revival.
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From that point on, HMS found the rhythm again. With improved setups, smarter decision-making, and renewed morale, Larson and his team clawed their way back to the front of the field, consistently battling for stage wins and leading laps, establishing the dominance that could eventually carry them to the 2025 NASCAR series championship.
Jeff Gordon is determined to fire up all cylinders in HMS
The remarkable season was a product of sheer dominance and relentless effort; it didn’t come without its challenges. Rick Hendrick’s team opened the Round of 16 with a disappointing performance at Darlington Raceway, their first playoff race of 2025, where none of their 4 cars finished in the top 15. At the following stop, Worldwide Technology Raceway, results improved slightly with some top 12 finishes, but execution errors and strategy missteps highlighted vulnerabilities in their early playoff approach. Still, Jeff Gordon remains more focused than ever, driving Hendrick Motorsports to aim even higher next year.
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On the NASCAR live podcast, Gordon reflected, “Yeah, always work to be done. Always things that Mr. Hendrick is focused on investing in only to help our organization grow and get better. And for us, it’s about delivering on all those promises to our people. And, you know, the offseason. A lot of work to be done to show in Daytona in February next year to make sure that. You know, we’re hitting on all cylinders and go compete for another championship.”
Ryan Preece Reflects on Grueling Bristol Test With 4-Word Bold Confession
Tire wear was the name of the game at Bristol Motor Speedway. The short track, also known as the ‘World’s Fastest Half-Mile,’ delivered all the drama and chaos during September’s playoff night race, when softer Goodyear tires shredded rapidly in the cooling air. NASCAR was forced to adapt on the fly, as they allowed an extra pair of tires for teams, who pivoted as the laps ticked on with new strategies. But now, the two-day tire test is bringing drivers back to tweak their setups for next year’s doubleheader. Ryan Preece, who pilots RFK’s No. 60 Ford, is aiming for balance amid the grid.
The 35-year-old Connecticut-native, whose 2025 season ended with 18th in points, teamed up with Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace for this key test session. Preece’s raw take from the pits hints that the real battle is only just beginning.
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Ryan Preece’s wake-up call
In a quick video update, Ryan Preece laid it out boldly on his X post: “Finding the right direction.” That bold four-word confession summed up the tire test’s core struggle. Preece, who admitted, “We just got done testing here at Bristol Motor Speedway. I feel like I did 500 laps,” captured the exhaustion of nonstop runs in cold weather, where spotter Brandon Jones also echoed the hard work that the whole team is putting in in harsh weather.
The session wasn’t just about testing tires; it tested NASCAR’s new 750-horsepower package, up from 670, which will be implemented on short ovals and road courses next year.
The test stemmed straight from September 13’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race disaster, where softer right-side Goodyears meant to add excitement but backfired because of cooler air. Crew chief Adam Stevens of Joe Gibbs Racing nailed it: “Running full tilt, high 15s, low 16-second laps, and about 25 laps in people started really slipping and sliding because they were down to cords from going all out for that long.”
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Bristol testing update, 500 laps later https://t.co/bI7smHKAU9 pic.twitter.com/4PSmAUxXHn
— Ryan Preece (@RyanPreece_) November 12, 2025
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That led to 36 lead changes among 14 different drivers. That race also saw three Ford cars of Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, and Chad Finchum catching fire. Teams got extra sets of tires mid-race, forcing teams to make wild strategies like reusing worn rubber to avoid running dry late. NASCAR VP Brad Moran later reflected, “If it was just a slight bit less wear, it might have been favorable, but no doubt we are heading in the right direction,” echoing Preece’s thoughts while praising Goodyear’s push for two and three-wide battles without the extremes.
Yet the real purpose of Ryan Preece’s Bristol test run is to help Goodyear manufacture tires that will deliver thrills and not ‘cars catching fire’ moments in the next season. As for the horsepower bump, Josh Sell, Competition Director at RFK, told American Cars And Racing, “It’s the same engine, from a hardware perspective, and really just changing the tapered spacer [that controls the airflow in to the engine] to get the power level correct. Then there will be some level of gearing change required to get the RPMs back where we need them to be and where we want them to be from a durability standpoint.”
As the horsepower element stole some spotlight, one driver stood out for his short-track savvy.
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Wallace revs up for 750 HP trial
Bubba Wallace, riding a Toyota in the No. 23 23XI entry, jumped into the Bristol test session to examine the 750 HP bump for 2026’s short flats like Martinsville and Nashville. The horsepower bump, which was announced by NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps in October, targets tracks under 1.5 miles plus roads like Sonoma and the Roval.
This extra horsepower should produce tighter packs and more door-bumping moments to add extra excitement for the fans, without the old restrictor-plate feel. Wallace, coming off a season with eleven in standing and wins like Indianapolis, tested the extra addition of horsepower with a new set of Goodyears with the aim of finding that sweet spot between speed and tire wear.
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The horsepower hike addresses fan complaints over Next Gen’s boring feel, building on tests at Phoenix and Richmond, where early feedback showed better drive-off. Wallace’s role fits his reputation for knowing and feeling the car he is driving, and this talent also helped 23XI fine-tune aero tweaks.
NASCAR’s Brad Moran highlighted the goal: “We want tires to wear out. We want big passing numbers.” With the test collecting data for Goodyear’s tweaks, Wallace’s input could shape how 750 horsepower roars into Bristol’s spring sprint, keeping the concrete coliseum’s edge sharp but survivable.
NASCAR Fans Left Divided as Insider Reveals On-Track Votes for Playoff Format Change
“It’s a really weird feeling,” were the words that Kyle Larson could utter after becoming the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion. The Hendrick Motorsports driver could easily be considered so, ending the year with the most points scored over 36 races. He tied for the most top-five and top-10 finishes in the series. And yet beating the season’s win leader, Denny Hamlin, felt weird. That weird feeling persisted across the garage and beyond it. And now, it has attained a fresh coat.
The debate about the one-race championship format has been raging for what seems like ages. It led even the detractors of Denny Hamlin to be utterly disappointed when the veteran lost to Kyle Larson in Phoenix. Given the swathe of protests against the format, what ensued recently baffled fans.
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NASCAR’s surprising revelation
Jeff Gluck recently tweeted about a poll conducted among NASCAR fans. And interestingly, the results divulged splintered opinions about the playoff format. Gluck wrote, “Albeit this is a sample size of people who are hardcore fans enough to follow NASCAR writers on X and who bought tickets to a one-race finale — we did an informal poll on the championship format. It was way more split than on X: 1/3 eliminations, 1/3 Chase, 1/3 Team 36. So I’d say NASCAR just has to do what they think is best for the sport and hope enough people come along for the ride.”
This drastically confounds initial expectations about fans’ opinions. That is especially due to the 1/3rd fanbase who voted for the elimination-style format, which has been the crux of controversy for the past two years. Joey Logano’s 2024 title victory with the worst average finish of 17.1 set off the storm. And by the end of 2025, it extended beyond the Cup Series. Denny Hamlin could not win despite his season-long 6 trophies, and Connor Zilisch missed the Xfinity title despite 10 trophies.
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Besides the poll results, here’s another factor that may not delight the fans. NASCAR is still undecided about how to tweak the playoff format – and there is no definitive timeline. “Honestly, I don’t know where it is. It could be in two weeks, it could be in two months,” said Mike Forde, NASCAR’s managing director of racing communications, on the Hauler Talk podcast. “We clearly want to make sure that we have been very thorough on this one. Obviously, it will be before Feb. 5 in The Clash, but it could be sooner than later, it could be in January. I don’t know, I don’t think anyone knows just yet.”
While NASCAR has hinted at chucking the current format, it is unlikely to revert to a season-long championship without playoffs. Yet, along the lines of uncertainty, it isn’t completely off the table either. The chances are leaning more toward a return to the 10-race Chase for the Championship used from 2004 to 2013. Or an elimination format that culminates with an eight-driver four-race points chase is also possible.
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Whatever the case may be, the sport is currently not in fans’ good books.
Confusion runs riot among fans
After the multiple heartbreaks of the championship weekend barely two weeks ago, Jeff Gluck’s recent poll stirred confusion. The idea of having equal divisions rooting for the elimination, season-long, and Chase formats confounded a fan. “In other words the fanbase is divided as hell,” they wrote. However, doubts inevitably crept into the comments. Somebody brought up the unfortunate circumstance of the digital age: “People continue to think the real world stops at social media.”
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Then the doubts grew stronger as people pointed out the potholes in the poll. Jeff Gluck did drop a disclaimer that it is a ‘sample size’ of fans who just attended the Phoenix finale. So somebody refuted the poll result: “This screams bias, because there’s a group of people that would have attended that race exclusively for that one reason. Do a poll at any other race in the year, and I guarantee the number of people supporting playoffs would be cut in half.” Another fan called out Gluck’s narrow take as well. The sarcastic jibe read, “So you asked the 3 people.”
Yet the fact of the divided poll remains. And this may end up influencing NASCAR’s move towards tweaking the title format. Hence, an interminably long waiting period may follow. Somebody wrote, “This is going to drag out until mid January ain’t it? Literally kills the hype for next season.” Another fan considered past events like the introduction of the Next-Gen car and that of stage racing, and lost all hope. They wrote, “NASCAR is s—-ed no matter what they do. I honestly feel sorry for them.”
Evidently, Jeff Gluck’s poll is not garnering the best reactions from fans. Let’s wait and see what NASCAR decides to do with the poll results.
Skubal gets repeat Cy Young; Skenes is unanimous winner
By WILL GRAVES AP National Writer
The individual trophy cases for Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are growing increasingly full.
The next step in the evolution of baseball’s two best pitchers is winning – preferably where they are.
The 23-year-old Skenes capped his blistering rise to stardom by capturing the National League Cy Young Award on Wednesday night. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace was a unanimous choice by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, the honor coming minutes after Skubal won baseball’s premier pitching prize in the American League for the second straight year as the anchor of the Detroit Tigers.
As gratified as they are by the recognition, both said they are eager for their respective teams to get in on the act in 2026.
That’s where things get tricky.
The 28-year-old Skubal is entering his final year of club control, and while he would like to stay in Detroit beyond next season, he’s also well aware the Tigers could trade him as a business decision, considering the hefty raise the left-hander figures to command should he hit the open market as a free agent.
It’s much the same for Skenes, who remains under team control for the rest of the decade but found himself pushing back against a report that he’s already told teammates he is eager to move on.
“I don’t know where that came from,” Skenes said. “The goal is to win and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh.”
The Pirates finished last in the NL Central in 2025, well off the pace of front-running Milwaukee. The first pitcher since Dwight Gooden with the New York Mets in the mid-1980s to win Rookie of the Year one season and a Cy Young Award the next remains optimistic Pittsburgh is closer to contending than most think.
“The way that fans see us outside of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh is not supposed to win,” Skenes said. “There are 29 fan bases that expect us to lose. I want to be a part of the 26 guys that change that.”
Skenes – an El Toro High product who was selected first overall by the Pirates in the 2023 amateur draft after a standout college career at Air Force and LSU – did his part in 2025, leading the majors in ERA (1.97) while striking out 216 batters in 187⅔ innings during his first full season in the big leagues.
Yet even with his brilliance, Skenes needed a little late help from Pittsburgh’s woeful offense to avoid becoming the first Cy Young-winning starting pitcher to finish with a losing record. Skenes won three of his final four decisions to finish 10-10.
That so-so win/loss mark didn’t stop the towering 6-foot-6 right-hander from placing atop all 30 ballots. Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez received every second-place vote, and World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers finished third.
Sánchez’s 2029 option price increased by $1 million to $15 million and his 2030 option price by $1 million to $16 million as a result of being a Cy Young Award finalist.
Skubal received 26 first-place votes in the AL from a separate BBWAA panel. The other four went to runner-up Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox. Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros came in third.
Although disappointed to be out of contention, Skenes said playing out the string was “a blessing” individually in some ways.
“It allowed me to try some new things in August and September that I wouldn’t have gotten to try if we were playing for the playoffs,” he explained.
Skubal and the Tigers have gotten a taste of October baseball each of the last two seasons, thanks in large part to his ascendance.
A year after taking a massive step forward by winning the AL pitching Triple Crown on his way to being a unanimous Cy Young winner, Skubal backed it up by serving as the anchor for the Tigers during a volatile season in which they squandered a 15½-game lead in the AL Central and were caught by Cleveland down the stretch.
Detroit got a bit of revenge in the wild-card round, beating the division champion Guardians in three games following a 14-strikeout gem by Skubal in the series opener.
Yet as fun as the season was at times, the disappointment of falling short of the ultimate goal lingers.
“Ending the season on a loss is not a fun thing,” Skubal said. “You can be proud of what we accomplished, but you want to end the season with a win … the one in October or maybe deep in November you get to play in.”
Skubal is the 12th hurler to win baseball’s top pitching honor in consecutive years, joining a group that includes Hall of Famers Randy Johnson and Pedro Martínez, who was the last American League pitcher to go back-to-back, for Boston in 1999 and 2000.
“I think a lot of it is not being complacent with who I am today,” Skubal said. “I still think there’s more to tap into. I don’t think this is the finished version of myself.”
And he doesn’t think this is the finished version of the Tigers.
“You want to win this award as many times as you can in your career, but I’d gladly trade a Cy Young for a World Series,” Skubal said.
Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-leading 2.21 ERA and 240 strikeouts in 195⅓ innings during the regular season. Then he went 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA in three playoff starts for Detroit, which was eliminated by Seattle in an AL Division Series.
Crochet led the American League in innings (205⅓) and strikeouts (255).
Brown’s top-three finish earned Houston an extra pick after the first round of next July’s amateur draft under the prospect promotion incentive in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement.
Skubal’s historic run comes with a chance for him to cash in as potential free agency looms. Economics aside, Skubal would be just fine sticking in the Motor City.
“I’ve given everything I have to this organization. I want to be a Tiger for a very, very long time,” he said. “I’m just going to do what I do and not really focus on any of that stuff.”
Skenes and Skubal both started the All-Star Game this year. The only other time the two All-Star Game starters won the Cy Young Awards in the same season was 2001, when Johnson and Roger Clemens accomplished the feat.
MVP awards for both leagues will be handed out Thursday.
Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is a heavy favorite to repeat in the NL and win for the fourth time overall, including twice in the AL.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is seeking his third AL MVP in what could be a close vote with another top contender, Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh.
Yankees talk Cody Bellinger return, Jazz Chisholm extension, who’s on 1st … Pete Alonso?
LAS VEGAS — With or without Trent Grisham, the Yankees plan to get in the batter’s box and take a swing at re-signing Cody Bellinger.
Absent from this week’s GM Meetings, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed his club’s offseason outfield agenda and a lot more Wednesday in a 30-minute Zoom call.
Here are takeaways from Cashman’s comments:
OUTFIELD PLANS
According to Cashman, the Yankees are hoping Grisham passes on free agency to accept a $22.025 million qualifying offer and Bellinger is signed to a long-time deal after opting out of the final season of his last contract, which would have paid $25 million in 2026.
“We’re very interested in bringing (Bellinger) back,” Cashman said. “Obviously now that he’s a free agent, he’s gonna have a lot of choices because he can do a lot of different things.
“We’d be better served if we could retain him. If not, then we’ll have to look at alternative ways to fill it and see where that takes us. But it’s pretty early in the process.
“I said it before and I’ll say it again: Of course we’d like to have him back.”
The Yankees say they want Grisham back, too, even though the two-time Gold Glove winner who hit 34 homers in 2025 has a market value that’s probably closer to $15 million annually than $22 million.
“We extended the qualifying offer to Grish because we’re comfortable doing so,” Cashman said. “This is a very thin outfield market. If he turns it down, that means the market is flush with teams that have the need in the outfield, especially center field. He had a hell of a year for us and one of the big reasons why we had the level of success we did.
“We’d be happy if he accepted and came back. If we get a call at some point that he accepts, our conversations with (agent) Scott Boras on Bellinger will continue and we’ll see where that takes us. If he rejects, we’ll be talking to both Grisham and Bellinger regardless and then we’ll be continuing keeping an eye on the guys we have from within.”
If Bellinger and Grisham return, second-year left fielder Jasson Dominguez probably will be in a fourth-outfielder role and center fielder prospect Spencer Jones likely will be back in the minors after hitting 35 homers and stealing 29 bases playing Double-A and Triple-A in 2025.
But for the time being, the Yankees want Dominguez and Jones spending the winter preparing for a possible big-league starting job next season.
“Jasson Domínguez is going to play winter ball,” Cashman said. “Spencer Jones has been working out at Yankee Stadium and eventually he’ll be heading to Tampa after he takes a break. He’ll be heading to Tampa working out down there and hit the ground running heading into spring training. Those guys all have exciting upside.
“We already know what Grisham and Bellinger are capable of. It’s very early in the process. I don’t know where any of it is going to take us. We could lose both Grisham and Bellinger to free agency and then that puts a lot more stress and pressure on those internal options.
“If one of those guys comes back, it creates nice competition. If both of those guys come back, then maybe it creates trade flexibility. I just don’t know how this stuff is going to play out. I guess stay tuned.”
WHO’S ON FIRST?
The Yankees likely will pass on trying to sign Pete Alonso and all of the other free agent first basemen because they envision Ben Rice manning the position in 2026 after a breakout first full season in the majors.
“I view Ben Rice as having an everyday role in the big leagues for us next year,” Cashman said. “Right now the lane is first base. As of right now, he’s in our lineup and the more likely spot would be first base.”
Beginning the season filling in at designated hitter for injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Rice went on to hit .255 with 26 homers and 65 RBI in 138 games (with 46 starts at first, 48 at DH and 26 at catcher).
“He can catch as well. (But) I have (Austin) Wells as our catcher and (Rice) at first. You never know how winds of change blow here every winter. More likely than not, I see (Rice) at first base.
“We’re really proud of the season he just had. He’s always hit and he’s continued to back that up and he’s had a huge impact for us this year. Obviously, he forced his way into the lineup on an everyday basis … and then forced his way into our future on an everyday basis.”
BUDGET CUTS?
The New York Post recently reported that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner wants the 2026 payroll to be below $300 million after two seasons above.
That’s not Cashman’s territory, but he suggested the Yankees will be flexible when it comes to spending this winter because that’s been their track record.
“I know that we are always fluid with our payroll situation,” Cashman said. “Out of all the things that we have here in the organization, payroll usually is not an issue that we’ve had to deal with.
“I think payroll is always something we play with, but we’re pretty strongly invested. But what the ultimate payroll number is going to be? I haven’t gotten that from Hal Steinbrenner.”
ROTATION HELP WANTED
The Yankees will be targeting a rotation addition this winter because three of their veteran starters will begin next season on the injured list — Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt.
But with Rodon due back very early into the season and Cole probably returning by May or June, it’s possible the Yankees will pass on the top-tier free agent starting pitchers — Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Michael King, Zac Gallen and this offseason’s incoming Japanese ace, Tatsuya Imai.
“We have pitching depth. but it’s going to be challenged early,” Cashman said. “Certainly, we have a stressor on the front end of the rotation starting the season. Hopefully, that’s without any further injuries.
“We’ll be exploring how to protect ourselves so we’re not taking on water early because our rotation is compromised out of the gate. Certainly we can’t wait to get those guys back, Cole and Rodon especially, but it’s an area for us to focus on.”
PASSING ON BEST RELIEVERS?
The Yankees feel a “need to improve” their bullpen with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver on the free-agent market, but Cashman hinted available star closers Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez may not be seriously considered because he’s happy with 2025 trade-deadline acquisition David Bednar closing.
“We have a closer in Bednar, so that’s a good thing for us,” Cashman said. “But you never have enough quality arms in the bullpen. I’d say (adding a closer) is not a pressure point for us.
“So it lessens that role for us, but it doesn’t prevent us from dipping our toe in the water to add to our bullpen. we will be touching base with everybody that’s out in the marketplace to make sure we know what their costs are.”
PONDERING JAZZ EXTENSION
The Yankees haven’t decided if they want to explore a contract extension for All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm, who is a year away from free agency after becoming the franchise’s third 30-homer, 30-steal player this past season.
“Not sure how that would play out,” Cashman said. “(Agent) Brodie Van Wagenen and I spoke as early as (Wednesday). Jazz certainly came up. He’s been a great addition.”
The Yankees acquired Chisholm from the Marlins before the 2024 trade deadline. He’s told NJ Advance Media that his first choice is to re-sign with the Yankees.
“He’s obviously approaching free agency, which puts some pressure on,” Cashman said. “Do you make a decision now or do you wait? I don’t have an answer to the question.
“Clearly with his service time, he’s one year away from free agency. He’s one of the best second basemen in the game, an All-Star last year. But we have not had any conversations outside of he’s looking forward to playing next year, he loves playing here and we’re open if you want to have a legitimate conversation about value, open to a longer-term conversation as well. But that’s the extent of it.”
BOONE NOT A PUPPET!
The Yankees get defensive when they’re accused of using analytics to make lineup and in-game decisions.
In a recent Talkin’ Yanks podcast manager Aaron Boone went on the offense by claiming the Yankees “probably are the least” analytical team among five AL East clubs.
Cashman chimed in on Wednesday.
“We’ve been clearly accused to being too analytical,” he said. “Analytics is a big spoke in the wheel, but it’s not the only spoke in the wheel. We have the largest pro scouting department in the game, which we rely heavily on as well.
“I think (Boone’s) trying to bring the fans into the dugout with the commentary constantly about the front office is pulling the strings and every move seems to be the analytical department telling them what to do and everything is pre-scripted. None of that is true. So I think it was just him defending.
“We’re not wired in the dugout. I don’t know what goes into his decisions. They’re split decisions when you have to make these decisions to pull a pitcher, stay with a starter, pinch hit for a guy, run a guy … whatever.
“But it was his answer to the question of being constantly challenged of being a puppet and running a show that’s not designed by him, and that was his answer. The biggest takeaway is that he’s making those decisions.
“He’ll definitely make decisions that our analytics department wouldn’t agree with, but they’re not managing the team. Sometimes they work out for us, sometimes they don’t.”
INTERNATIONAL BUSTS BRING CHANGE
The Yankees have been striking out a lot in recent years in amateur free agent signings, so Cashman decided to move on from long-time international scouting director Donny Rowland, whose contract won’t be renewed after 15 seasons as the head man and 23 in the organization.
“I’ve been involved with Donny Rowland for a long time,” Cashman said. “Obviously, we’ve worked alongside each other for a long time and he’s run the department for quite some time. But, fork in the road: Contract has expired and I made the difficult decision to look for a different lead voice in that chair.”
Pirates’ Paul Skenes, Tigers’ Tarik Skubal named Cy Young winners
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes were named the winners of MLB’s Cy Young awards on Wednesday as the top pitchers in the sport for the 2025 season.
Skubal won his second straight American League Cy Young Award, joining elite company after another spectacular season in which the left-hander helped propel Detroit to a playoff berth.
The 28-year-old Skubal became the 12th player to win baseball’s top pitching honor in consecutive years, joining a group that includes Hall of Famers Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez.
Jacob deGrom was the previous pitcher to win consecutive Cy Youngs, pulling off the feat with the New York Mets in 2018 and 2019. Martinez was the last American League pitcher to do it, in 1999 and 2000.
Skubal posted a 13-6 record with an American League-leading 2.21 ERA and 240 strikeouts in 195 1/3 innings for the Tigers during the regular season, then went 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA in three playoff starts for Detroit, which was eliminated by Seattle in the Division Series.
Skubal received 26 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The other four went to runner-up Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox. Crochet led the American League in innings (205 1/3) and strikeouts (255). Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros came in third.
Skenes was a unanimous choice for the National League Cy Young Award, becoming the first pitcher in 40 years to win Rookie of the Year one season and baseball’s top pitching prize the next.
The 23-year-old Skenes — selected first overall by the Pirates in the 2023 amateur draft after a standout career at Air Force and LSU — was a marvel for the last-place Pirates, leading the majors in ERA (1.97) while striking out 216 batters in 187 1/3 innings during his first full season in the big leagues.
Yet even with his brilliance, Skenes needed a little late help from Pittsburgh’s woeful offense to avoid becoming the first Cy Young-winning starting pitcher to finish with a losing record. Skenes won three of his final four decisions to finish 10-10.
Dwight Gooden is the only other pitcher to win Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young Award in consecutive seasons, doing it in the NL for the New York Mets in 1984 and 1985. Los Angeles Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela swept both NL awards in 1981.
Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sánchez received every second-place vote, and World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers finished third.
Skubal’s historic run comes with him set to enter free agency after the 2026 season. Considering the massive contract Skubal could command on the open market, it’s uncertain whether he’ll stay with the Tigers beyond next season.
A year after taking a massive step forward by winning the pitching Triple Crown in the American League on his way to being a unanimous Cy Young Award winner, Skubal backed it up by serving as the anchor for the Tigers during a volatile season in which Detroit squandered a 15 1/2-game lead in the AL Central and was caught by Cleveland down the stretch.
Paul Skenes earns a monster bonus with his Cy Young victory
Paul Skenes now has both a Cy Young Award and a lot more cash in his pocket.
The Pittsburgh Pirates ace Skenes was officially named the NL Cy Young Award winner for the 2025 MLB season on Tuesday night. Skenes was revealed to have taken all 30 first-place votes, making him the first unanimous winner of the award since Miami’s Sandy Alcantara in 2022.
$2.5 million is a monster figure for Skenes when you consider that he only made a base salary of $875,000 this season (though Skenes made $2.7 million in total last season and earned a record signing bonus of $9.2 million when he first signed with the Pirates in 2023).
Still only 23 years old, Skenes has cemented himself as the best pitcher in the National League as well as arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball right now. He led MLB this season with a pristine 1.97 ERA and also submitted an elite 216 strikeouts over 32 total starts.
There is plenty of uncertainty about Skenes’ long-term future (and we even heard earlier in the day that he might want to leave Pittsburgh for one specific team upon becoming eligible for free agency in 2029). But at least for now, Skenes is enjoying a nice appetizer of a bonus before he inevitably becomes really expensive.
2025 MLB MVP Awards: Judge and Raleigh headline AL showdown as Ohtani chases history in NL
The 2025 American and National League Most Valuable Player Awards are set to be announced on Thursday, and while there’s really no argument about the National League winner, the American League crown has generated much debate after a pair of historic seasons from the front runners.
Let’s go over everything you need to know about this year’s field and history of the award.
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The MVP Finalists
2025 AL MVP
Aaron Judge (OF Yankees): .331/.457/.688, 53 HR, 114 RBI, 215 OPS+, 9.7 bWAR
Cal Raleigh (C Mariners): .247/.359/.589, 60 HR, 125 RBI, 169 OPS+, 7.4 bWAR
José Ramírez (3B Guardians): .283/.360/.503, 30 HR, 85 RBI, 137 OPS+, 5.8 bWAR
2025 NL MVP
Shohei Ohtani (DH Dodgers): .282/.374/.582, 55 HR, 102 RBI, 179 OPS+, 6.6 bWAR; Ohtani as a pitcher: 1-1, 2.87 ERA, 62/9 K/BB, 1.1 bWAR)
Kyle Schwarber (DH Phillies): .240/.365/.563, 56 HR, 132 RBI, 150 OPS+, 4.7 bWAR
Juan Soto (OF Mets): .263/.396/.535, 43 HR, 105 RBI, 160 OPS+, 6.2 bWAR
Who is the favorite to win 2025 AL MVP?
Most expect that Judge will add to his current total of two MVP awards. That he had more than 80 points of batting average and nearly 200 points of OPS on Raleigh is pretty overwhelming, even though Raleigh did top him in homers, setting single-season records for both catchers and switch-hitters in the process, and runs batted in while also playing the most difficult position on the field. Raleigh’s production would have warranted the award most years, but Judge is simply on an incredible run.
As for Ramírez, the superb Cleveland third baseman will finish third for the third time in his career and in the top five for a sixth time. He still hasn’t won one, though; he came closest in the shortened 2020, when he placed second to José Abreu.
How many MVP awards does Shohei Ohtani have?
He’s about to make it four; he won AL MVP with the Angels in 2021 and ’23 and NL MVP in his initial season with the Dodgers in 2024. This year’s results left him more beatable than last year, when he completed the first 50/50 season ever (54 homers, 59 steals) and drove in 130 runs. This year, he drove in just 47 teammates all season to finish sixth in the NL with 102 RBI, and while he did make a modest contribution on the mound after returning from Tommy John surgery, his 47 innings in the regular season weren’t a huge difference maker. He also didn’t do as much running after offseason shoulder surgery, finishing with 20 steals.
Fortunately for Ohtani, there was no Raleigh pushing him in the NL. Schwarber was awesome in collecting his 56 homers and 132 RBI, but he would have needed to be more than a designated hitter to make up the ground he needed. Soto played like an MVP the final two months, but he needed to catch fire earlier.
Oddly enough, the one position player who topped Ohtani in bWAR (7.0 to 6.6) didn’t show up among the top three finishers here. That is Arizona’s Geraldo Perdomo, who stunned everyone by hitting .290/.389/.462 with 20 homers and 100 RBI. He totaled 14 homers and 124 RBI in 390 games the previous three seasons. His offensive numbers obviously still don’t quite match up with those of Ohtani, Schwarber and Soto, but he put them up while also playing above average defense at shortstop and deserved ample consideration for the second or third spots on ballots.
Which MLB player has the most MVP Awards all-time?
Ohtani is set to move into second place on this list. Barry Bonds, who won seven NL MVP awards between 1990 and 2014, was the only player to win more than three.
7 – Barry Bonds
3 – Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Shohei Ohtani, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt, Mike Trout
Ohtani will also join Bonds as the only player to win MVP three years in a row. Bonds won NL MVP all four years from 2001-04.
How many players have won MLB MVP unanimously?
Ohtani has actually won all three of his MVP awards unanimously and could make it a fourth. Conformity has become more of a force in award balloting during the age of social media, and both 2023 (Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr.) and 2024 (Ohtani and Judge) MVP winners were unanimous. In all, 23 players have won unanimously.
Has there even been a co-MVP in MLB?
Only once have players shared the MVP award. That happened in 1979, when the Cardinals’ Keith Hernandez and the Pirates’ Willie Stargell split the NL electorate.
What team has had the most MVPs?
The Yankees have had 22 MVPs since the BBWAA first started handing out the award in 1931. Judge’s third win would make it 23. Next on the list are the Cardinals at 18.
Ohtani would be the Dodgers’ 14th winner, breaking a tie with the Giants for third on the list.
If Raleigh sneaks in, he’d be the Mariners’ third winner, joining Ken Griffey Jr. in 1997 and Ichiro Suzuki in 2001.
Three teams have yet to produce an MVP: the Diamondbacks, Mets and Rays.
MLB free agent market breakdown 2025-2026
So you’re a team on the free-agent market, looking to add the next massive piece of what you hope can be a contending team, or maybe just that final complementary part to help get you over the line. Who’s out there – and what kind of help can they offer?
It’s an interesting market this year, because while there’s plenty of talent – especially in mid-level starting pitching – there’s no franchise-defining talent who completely reshapes your club. The past few offseasons had, in order, Judge, Ohtani and Soto. There’s nobody quite like that this time around. What there will be is a nice selection of all sorts of positions, talents, and skills that just might fit your team perfectly. Using the new Statcast Hot Stove Tracker at Baseball Savant, we can try to see what’s there based on what you need.
Signings & Trades
• Latest free-agent and trade rumors
• Top 30 free agents | Every free agent, by position
• Tracking every team’s offseason moves
• FA guides: Tucker | Bregman | Schwarber | Valdez | Alonso
• Offseason dates, rules & terms explained
(For players coming to the Majors after playing in foreign leagues, like Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai or returning American ex-pats like Cody Ponce and Anthony Kay, 2025 Statcast data is not currently publicly available and is not included here.)
POSITION PLAYERS
If you’re looking for: The best hitters overall
Expected Weighted On-Base Average (min. 200 plate appearances, for this and below)
.403 Kyle Schwarber
.385 Pete Alonso
.371 Kyle Tucker
.366 Trent Grisham
.362 Gleyber Torres
.359 Josh Bell
.353 Bo Bichette
If you’re looking for hitters this winter, this is where you’re headed. This is the cream of the hitting crop. We’re using a powerful Statcast metric with a goofy acronym (xwOBA), and what it does is account not only for the quality of contact made (exit velocity, launch angle) but the amount of contact made, too (strikeouts, walks, hit by pitches). The 2025 MLB average was .316; the absolute best was Judge, at .459.
So yes, if you already thought that Schwarber, Alonso, and Tucker were the best hitters available, this confirms that. (Remember that we’re looking at 2025 hitting only here, and not trying to adjust for age to project forward.) This tells you that Grisham earned his 34-homer season – remember that he hit far better away from Yankee Stadium than at home – and that the well-traveled Bell, who you probably don’t think about that much, might still have some life in his bat.
Where, though, are Alex Bregman (.336, 12th) and Cody Bellinger (.322, 24th)? Still quality hitters, to be sure, but in Bregman’s case, that’s well down from his peak years, when he was in the .370 range – and his second half was exactly 200 points of OPS less than his first half. In Bellinger’s case, the up-and-down trajectory of his career has long been difficult to evaluate, and unlike Grisham, the short porch at Yankee Stadium really did seem to help: His home OPS (.909) was much better than his road mark (.715). What a metric like xwOBA is saying is: His true performance was probably somewhere in the middle.
If you’re looking for: Smashed baseballs
Hard-hit rate
59.6% Schwarber
54.4% Alonso
52.3% Rob Refsnyder
49.5% Randal Grichuk
48.8% Bichette
47.6% Eugenio Suárez
47.2% Tommy Pham
Schwarber and Alonso top this grouping also, as you’d absolutely expect, and then …. Refsnyder? He’ll be 35 in March, and he’s spent the last decade bouncing around the American League as a little-noticed utility player, but he also found a home in Boston over the last four years, posting a 123 OPS+ (that’s 23% above the league average) with three excellent years around a down 2023. Aside from his age, the flaw here is obvious: Refsnyder is an extreme platoon player, one who probably doesn’t ever really need to face a right-handed pitcher.
Against lefties, though, Refsynder simply mashes. In 2025, among those with 125 plate appearances against lefties, his .302/.399/.560 mark was 10th best; over the last four seasons, min. 500 plate appearances, it’s sixth-best. It’s what he does. If you look at the teams with the weakest corner-outfield/DH production against lefty pitchers last year, you get a number of teams who seem to want to make a playoff push in 2026: Kansas City, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and San Francisco. It’s not at all hard to see Refsnyder being a more valued option than you’d think.
If you’re looking for: Smashed baseballs, in the air
Barrel rate
20.8% Schwarber
18.9% Alonso
15.3% Rowdy Tellez
14.3% Suárez
14.3% Yoán Moncada
14.2% Grisham
12.3% Refsnyder
12.0% Bell
We’re oversimplifying a little here, but if a hard-hit ball can be a grounder, then a barrel is a hard-hit ball in the air. It’s the best combination of exit velocity and launch angle (you can read a fuller definition here), and it’s been proven to be one of the more predictive Statcast metrics. We, again, simply can’t say enough times that Schwarber and Alonso stand above the rest of the crowd in baseball-mashing, and Tucker (10.8%, above the MLB average of 8.6%) is the best all-around player due to his well-rounded skills and relative youth. Suárez and Grisham just had big power seasons. These are not exactly unknown quantities.
Most of them, anyway. Tellez sort of is what he is at this point, which is to say a bat powerful enough that it overcomes deficiencies in making contact and baserunning/defense that, in his best years, gets him up to a league-average bat. Moncada, however, is a far more interesting name. A big part of the trade that sent Chris Sale to Boston a decade ago, Moncada had a star-level 2019 for the White Sox (25 homers, 141 OPS+), but years of decline and injury followed, leading to a one-year deal with the Angels just as camp started in February.
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Moncada got hurt again, missing time with thumb and knee issues. He played the weakest third base defense in the league. But he also posted a 116 OPS+ (that’s 16% better than average), and hit a dozen homers in a half-season, and he’s a 30-year-old switch-hitter who has spent years on some of baseball’s least effective teams, and that barrel rate pops. We might see if some forward-thinking team thinks it’s worth a look. Not, however, as a regular third baseman.
If you’re looking for: Good defense
Fielding Run Value
9 Bellinger
7 Ty France
6 Carlos Santana
5 Harrison Bader
5 Miguel Rojas
4 Ryan O’Hearn
3 Bregman
Statcast’s Fielding Run Value takes all of the various fielding metrics – catcher framing, outfielder arms, fielder range via Outs Above Average, etc. – and puts it onto one scale. Last year, the best fielders, studs like Patrick Bailey, Alejandro Kirk, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Pete Crow-Armstrong – got up into the 20s and even 31 Runs, in Bailey’s case. There’s no one quite like that here, but there’s certainly fielding value to be had.
There’s value, for example, in Bellinger, who offers not only quality defense (+9 FRV) as a way to stand out from poor free agent defenders like Bichette (-10) and Alonso (-8), but does so with the ability to play all three outfield spots and, if needed, first base. While his bat isn’t quite what the best sluggers here can offer, his somewhat rare defensive skills make for a far more well-rounded player. While France’s defense was a bit of a surprise and Santana’s career might be over as he nears 40 after a poor hitting season, note that Bader is one of the best outfielders Statcast has ever seen. You also may have noticed what Rojas did during the World Series.
One real weakness of this class: If you want a strong defensive backstop, there’s really not one to be found. No, not even J.T. Realmuto (-6), who has had a notable decline in his defense as he’s aged, though that’s almost entirely due to framing and blocking, because his ability to throw out baserunners remains excellent.
If you’re looking for: Fast runners
Sprint Speed (ft/sec)
29.3 Lane Thomas
28.8 Bader
28.4 Realmuto
28.4 Cedric Mullins
28.3 Cooper Hummel
28.3 Vinny Capra
28.2 Willi Castro
28.2 Bellinger
We cut this one down to a minimum of 100 plate appearances, because you don’t really need that much time to show if you’re fast or not, and the Major League average here is 27 ft/sec, with true burners like Trea Turner and Victor Scott II topping 30. Thomas is the standout here, and it’s up to you as to whether you think you should be worried that the speed guy had his season end early due to foot surgery or be impressed that he could run that fast despite plantar fasciitis that required that procedure.
Not shown here is the actual stolen base king of the market, Josh Naylor, who managed to swipe 30 bags despite being one of the slowest players in the Majors. As Juan Soto showed us this year, speed is a nice thing to have when you want to steal, but it’s not as vital as you’d expect, either.
PITCHERS
If you’re looking for: The most effective starters
Let’s set a minimum of 100 innings here. Expected ERA, or xERA, is the same idea as the xwOBA metric we discussed above for hitters — it’s based on both the quality and quantity of contact — just presented on the ERA scale. It’s useful because it attempts to take out the effects of ballpark, defense, and luck.
Expected ERA
3.14 Ranger Suárez
3.43 Dylan Cease
3.77 Framber Valdez
3.96 Nick Martinez
4.04 Shota Imanaga
4.04 Adrian Houser
4.10 Aaron Civale
Suárez and Cease are the true standouts here, while Imanaga has until Nov. 18 to decide whether he’s going to accept the Cubs’ qualifying offer, so he may not even be an option. (Not shown: Brandon Woodruff, who also has the same qualifying offer decision as Imanaga, and pitched only 64 2/3 innings, though with an excellent 2.18 xERA, which was well beyond his best seasons.)
Other than “Suárez is really good,” there should probably be two takeaways here:
This is part of why Cease is going to do well. Coming off a 4.55 ERA, the second time in three years he’s had an ERA in that range, Cease may not feel like a top-level starter. On the other hand, he just posted his fifth consecutive 200-strikeout season, with no one else having more than three in that time. If that level of durability and bat-missing wasn’t valuable enough, the fact that teams will look beyond a high ERA certainly is.
There are few aces, but so, so many mid-rotation starters. You can dive into each of these guys to try to figure out if 2025 was their standard or a fluke, based on age, injury, track record, etc., but if you’re looking for a pitcher who threw more than 100 innings with an xERA that starts with a 4, they’re easily available. May we interest you in Merrill Kelly, or Chris Bassitt, or Justin Verlander? Does Zac Gallen take a step forward after a down year? Zack Littell is out there, and Chris Paddack, and Michael Lorenzen, and on and on – and if you want to get into the 5s, then it’s Miles Mikolas, and Lucas Giolito, and Walker Buehler, and more. There are so many.
If you’re looking for: The most effective relievers
Minimum 40 innings here, and now we’ve got some very different names.
Expected ERA
2.45 Edwin Díaz
2.49 Caleb Thielbar
2.67 Tyler Rogers
2.82 Brad Keller
2.84 Phil Maton
2.91 Emilio Pagán
3.00 Shawn Armstrong
3.02 Pete Fairbanks
3.02 Luke Weaver
3.09 Devin Williams
3.09 Kyle Finnegan
Díaz, obviously, is the biggest star reliever out there, and even though this makes Thielbar look like he’s close, Díaz is also seven years younger. There are some fascinating names here that you might not have expected. For example: Keller transformed himself into an excellent reliever after years being a back-end starter, and Fairbanks became a free agent for the first time after several years of top-flight performance for Tampa Bay.
But we expanded this list just a touch longer than the previous ones expressly to include Williams, who will reach free agency under the cloud of “having posted a 4.79 ERA” but who, like Cease, will retain great appeal for everything that still looks great under the hood. Teams don’t select pitchers, especially relievers, only on ERA.
Note how high the submarining Rogers is, and store that away. We’re going to get back to him.
If you’re looking for: The best swing-and-miss stuff
Whiff rate (min. 40 innings)
41.5 Díaz
37.7 Williams
36.2 Maton
35.3 Kirby Yates
33.4 Cease
33.3 Seranthony Domínguez
31.9 Justin Wilson
Díaz, like Schwarber and Alonso on the hitting side, will continue to show up atop these lists, for good reason. This is also exactly why Williams will attract more interest than the ERA would indicate – he’s still missing bats – and look at Cease, the only starter showing up there like he’s a short-outing reliever. Keep an eye out for Maton as an interesting name — he really leaned into his destiny as a cutters-and-curves guy and increased his strikeout rate from 23% to 33%, the second-largest jump of any qualified pitcher last year.
If you’re looking for: The best ground-ballers
Ground-ball rate (min. 40 innings)
61.6% Rogers
59.4% Valdez
56.6% Keller
53.8% Hoby Milner
52.7% Luke Jackson
51.6% Griffin Canning
49.7% Caleb Ferguson
There’s Rogers again, continuing a career of keeping it on the ground, and Valdez, who is one of the most preeminent ground-ball artists of his generation. As though Keller adding a ton of velocity and strikeouts wasn’t impressive enough, he’s a ground-baller too, apparently, and should be a very intriguing free agent on the market.
If you’re looking for: The best fastball velocity
4-seam/sinker velocity (min. 40 innings)
99.1 Ryan Helsley
98.6 Robert Suarez
98.5 Ryne Stanek
97.7 Domínguez
97.7 Carlos Hernández
97.2 Díaz
97.1 Keller
97.0 Cease
No Rogers here, but we’re not done with him yet. Once again, Keller stands out as being of interest, and once again, Cease pops as being basically “a reliever who can throw a ton of innings.” Robert Suarez – that’s San Diego’s reliever, not Philadelphia starter Ranger – is about to turn 35, but the velocity surely hasn’t started to wane.
Perhaps the most interesting question is about Helsley, who has elite fastball velocity and saw a lot of success for St. Louis from 2022-24, yet had a frankly disastrous 2025 in which he was traded to the Mets and put up a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings for New York. The fastball, hard as it was, got absolutely pasted (.422 BA, .667 SLG), and while there was some discussion of pitch-tipping going on, that’s a lot of damage to talk your way around. We assume some team will look at the velo and the history of success and be eager to see if they can fix things.
If you’re looking for: Preventing loud contact
Lowest barrel rate (min. 40 innings)
2.1% Rogers
3.1% Ferguson
3.6% Maton
4.0% Gregory Soto
4.0% Díaz
4.8% Fairbanks
5.2% Danny Coulombe
5.5% Ranger Suárez
In terms of lowest hard-hit rate, it’s Ferguson followed by Tyler Kinley, but let’s stick to the better value of “not letting it get crushed in the air,” and now we’re starting to see why Rogers isn’t just odd, he’s good. That these are mostly the same names we’ve seen on other lists gives you a good idea of who the top half-dozen or so relievers will be on this market.
Also note the addition of Soto, who had an odd transformation after joining the Mets. The lefty cut his walk rate by more than half compared to what he’d done with Baltimore, but he also saw his strikeout rate drop, and the end result was about the same as it had been.
If you’re looking for: Extreme arm angles
Part of pitching today is “how weird can you get?” In other words, trying to get different looks and angles and pitch repertoires on the same staff, something teams really do value now. Having a non-traditional arm angle doesn’t inherently make you good or bad … just interesting. The context here is that 90° would be straight over the top, 0° would be exactly sidearm, and that the average thrower is at 38°.
Lowest arm angles (min 40 innings)
-61° Rogers
-6° Milner
13° Ryan Yarbrough
19° Yates
Highest arm angles (min 40 innings)
62° Helsley
59° Fairbanks
58° Martinez
57° Coulombe
You’ll be absolutely stunned to know that Rogers is a huge extreme in this way, and this is how a pitcher throwing 84-mph fastballs manages to be successful year after year. While it didn’t work out for Helsley in New York, it’s probably not a coincidence that the Mets traded for both Rogers and Helsley on the same day. After all, what could be more confounding for hitters than 84 coming from beneath the dirt followed by 100 coming from right over the top?
Mookie Betts ready to host 2025 MLB Awards
LAS VEGAS — Mookie Betts made the transition from elite right fielder to elite shortstop look seamless this past season, but his ability to shift from ballplayer to entertainer may come even more naturally.
Swap out his glove for a microphone, the diamond for a stage. He’s used to the bright lights, but there are moving parts everywhere, from following teleprompters and cues to knowing when the time is right to stray from the script. The common element is feel, and Betts has that in abundance.
Blue Jays $86M Star’s Bizarre Offseason Move Raises Questions Over Toronto Loyalty
Shane Bieber, the former Cy Young winner, exercised his $16 million player option for 2026, choosing to return to Toronto for the final year of his contract. The Blue Jays welcomed the news, posting “WELCOME BACK, BIEBS!” across their social media. But not everyone shares the organization’s enthusiasm. Ken Rosenthal, one of baseball’s most respected insiders, openly questioned the logic behind Bieber’s choice.
Rosenthal explained his confusion during a recent segment on the Foul Territory. “We do know that he is 18 months removed from Tommy John, and it’s a process. And he obviously was comfortable in Toronto, happy in Toronto, like all the Blue Jays players were, and their families.
That’s a big thing. And maybe that was a huge part of his decision. But he could have turned down the player option and perhaps negotiated a better deal with the Blue Jays.” The insider continued, pointing out what executives across the league are whispering about. “One question that has been raised by the executives was, or is, okay, is Shane Bieber entirely healthy? Is there something going on there? There’s no indication of that.”
Rosenthal referenced Bieber’s World Series performance to make his case. “If you remember in game four of the World Series, he pitched really well, five and a third innings, one run, that was it. Game seven, he pitched in relief. He gave up the homer to Will Smith, but he was pitching on three days rest. It was his first relief appearance since 2019, at the end of a long grind for him coming off Tommy John surgery. I wouldn’t say that indicates a physical issue.”
The mystery deepens because Bieber left significant money on the table. With a projected market value of four years and $86M according to Sportrac, opting into a single year at $16M seems financially puzzling. “But again, we don’t know exactly what his thinking was. Until we hear from him and get a better read on this, there’s going to be a mystery about this.”
“And people say, oh, it’s great. He took less money to stay in a place he loved. Yes, I get that. But he could have stayed in a place he loved and probably gotten more money. And he certainly could have gotten a lot more money someplace else, assuming he’s healthy. So while we all would love to paint this as an altruistic act of loyalty, and maybe it is, I’m not so sure that’s the case. It just seems that there may be other things going on here.”
The Guardians traded him to Toronto on July 31, 2025, in exchange for Khal Stephen. At the time, Bieber was still working his way back from Tommy John surgery.
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He made his Blue Jays debut on August 22 against the Miami Marlins, delivering a solid performance—six innings, one run allowed, nine strikeouts across 87 pitches. He finished the regular season posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings across seven starts.
However, the statistics do not reveal the entire picture.
Bieber loved being in Toronto. “The identity of this team, the guys in that clubhouse, it’s hard to describe, other than it’s an absolute pleasure each and every day,” he shared.
It’s not just him either. His wife has embraced Toronto with equal passion. “We felt so welcomed from the moment we got to Canada. It’s something we’ll cherish forever 🤍” she wrote on Instagram.
Still, the exact reason behind Bieber’s decision remains unclear. For now, though, Rogers Centre will be his home next summer. Well, it’s not only him; the Jays’ locker room loves him, too.
Bieber earned the Jays’ locker-room trust
Since Shane Bieber joined the Toronto Blue Jays, everyone in the locker room has respected and admired him. Ernie Clement, a veteran infielder, stated it best when he said, “Just a lights-out performance. He made a ton of great pitches – you can’t say enough about him.” His teammates can see how calm and attentive he is when the stakes are high.
Bieber was a big deal in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series, even though the Jays lost an 18-inning marathon. Reports say he was ready for anything, and in the next game, he proved it by pitching 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball against a tough lineup. Bo Bichette, for example, said, “He was locating pretty much everything… That’s what it takes to shut down a lineup like that and a player like that. Shane was unreal. ”
Kevin Gausman, the pitcher, said, “He did a really good job of mixing it up… He’s an unbelievable pitcher and when he’s on we know how great he can be.” And manager John Schneider said, “He came in focused… he came in like a veteran pitcher should.” The remarks show more than just competence; they show respect, trust, and the notion that Bieber makes people around him better.
It’s one thing to bring great numbers; it’s another to bring faith. When Bieber gets up and gets ready, the clubhouse dugout certainly feel his presence. They trust his work ethic, personality, and behavior. The chemistry and trust that develop from this are significant reasons why they appreciate him so much, and why they’ve grown fond of him so quickly.
NFL head coach to attend former teammate’s funeral in Bessemer
During the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons, the Houston Texans had two players who had been Jess Lanier High School Purple Tigers on their way to the NFL.
DeMeco Ryans is now the head coach of the NFL team. On Wednesday, the former Alabama All-American will attend the funeral in Bessemer of his hometown teammate.
An All-SWAC defensive end at Alabama State, Earl Cochran died on Oct. 31 at age 44.
Before their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on Sunday, the Texans had a moment of silence for Cochran, then scored the contest’s final 26 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Jaguars 36-29.
“I’m just thankful for finding a way to win this game,” Ryans said at his postgame press conference, “especially coming in with a heavy heart. Lost my best friend Earl Cochran, so I know he’s smiling down on us right now. He would be very proud.”
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After the game, Texans general manager Nick Caserio presented Ryans, whom he called the “best leader and the best coach we have in the league,” with a game ball.
“We had a moment of silence for Earl Cochran before the game,” Caserio told the Houston players in the locker room. “Earl was a massive part of DeMeco’s life, OK? So he’s got a heavy heart, all right? He’s been thinking about it, it’s been weighing on him, but he went out there and he fought and he led like he always does because he loves this team.”
Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair said Ryans had talked to the team about Cochran on Saturday night.
“He talked about losing his best friend, former player here, and he carried that on his shoulders since last Friday and didn’t say anything until last night,” Al-Shaair told reporters in the locker room after Sunday’s game. “So it was just all of us collectively, just having a lot of emotion, excited, happy for him, happy for the organization.”
RELATED: BESSEMER DEDICATES STREET TO FORMER ALABAMA STAR TURNED NFL COACH
While Cochran was three years older than Ryans, they made their NFL debuts with the Texans in 2006. Ryans won The Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award to kick off his 10-year career as an NFL linebacker. Cochran worked his way from the practice squad to make his first NFL regular-season appearance in Houston’s final game.
“Just a standup guy,” Ryans said. “Close friend. I mean, loving, caring, big heart, give the shirt off his back to anybody like he was — just treated people the right way, loved people. Always had a big smile, big heart. Very wise, so I’m just thankful to have had him as a friend here.”
Cochran’s funeral is scheduled for noon CST Wednesday at New Life Interfaith Ministries in Bessemer with interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in Birmingham.
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Cochran signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted rookie in 2003. But he sustained a shoulder injury in the preseason and spent the season on injured reserve.
Green Bay released Cochran before the 2024 season, and his next football came with NFL Europe’s Amsterdam Admirals in 2005. Later that year, Cochran returned to the NFL in the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp and spent a brief stint on the team’s practice squad.
Back with Amsterdam in 2006, Cochran helped the Admirals reach World Bowl XIV as a starting defensive end, and that led to a contract with the Texans.
Released after the preseason, Cochran later joined Houston’s practice squad before reaching the active roster. After his debut in 2006, Cochran played in 15 games in 2007 and eight games in 2008 for the Texans to complete his NFL career.
NFL news: Chargers’ Justin Herbert gets teammate’s backing for MVP
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As we’re 10 weeks through the 2025 NFL season, the playoff picture is getting more clear, while frontrunners for individual player awards are coming into a clearer view.
Of course, the award most talked about is the league’s MVP, and it’s been a fun debate across the league.
There’s Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones shining for the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts, Drake Maye looking like a cool veteran with a New England Patriots team with the same record, and Matthew Stafford looks back in his prime with the Los Angeles Rams.
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But there is one name that hasn’t been getting the same recognition despite putting up similar numbers, while his team is showing they are a true playoff contender: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Charger star receiver Ladd McConkey may be a bit biased, but he agrees his quarterback should be right in the conversation alongside the other league leaders.
How a Scottish Rugby Lifer Is Changing the Way NFL Teams Tackle
A disillusioned rugby lifer walks into a local pub in his small Scottish Borders hometown in 2006. But the only walks-into-a-bar joke that day is on him.
For the previous 12 years, Richie Gray had worked for the Scottish Rugby Union as its development czar. Note the past tense. Earlier that month, the organization laid him off. “I was disillusioned,” he says now, 19 years later. “A real kick in the teeth.”
That night, Gray gathers with his mates from childhood; rugby gladiators, all. These scarred, squatty men grew up here, in Galashiels, a town of 12,600 where textile mills churned out cashmere and Gray’s father coached the province’s team. There’s a family-run cinema, an architectural trail and manicured gardens. The town is a living postcard, its quaintness in contrast with the worn faces of the tough bastards raised on rugby.
Gray orders a malt whisky, same as always. He’s more than disillusioned. He’s newly married, with a child on the way, a mortgage he just closed and no job. He doesn’t doubt he could find another gig in rugby. But that’s no longer what he wants. He’s thinking bigger, broader.
After a whisky or three, Gray drops his cautious stance on his own future and says the quiet part, what he really wants, out loud. “I’m going to be different. I’m going to concentrate on contact and collision only, and I’m going to become the best in the world at it.”
When these mates reaffix their respective jaws to their faces, they start … laughing. Big, belly guffaws, doubling over, wondering if he’s delusional or joking or both. “You’ll never work again,” one tells Gray.
Gray, in contrast, sees the future. Contact sports, he argues, are played by ever bigger, ever faster, ever stronger people, each trained, conditioned and fortified with modern performance and recovery methods. Meaning … more collisions. More forceful collisions. And, in all likelihood, more injuries from the physics involved alone.
On this night, Gray makes his argument. But stop there? Oh, no. He vows to become the world’s foremost contact/collision coach. To do that, he tells the men who laugh at him, he must stay in rugby. But he must also do something no one like him had ever before considered.
“I’m going to have to be involved in the NFL,” Gray says.
Everyone at the table erupts, once more, into a round of laughter.
At the end of a Zoom call over the summer, Gray mentions his … branding. He has T-shirts. He rises from his office chair in Scotland and grabs one, proudly displaying it on the laptop screen.
The Collision King.
That is him. But Richie Gray is not some barbarian who laughs at science. He reads dense research papers for “fun.” He wants collision sports to be as safe as possible. And he has ideas, so-so-so many ideas, for how to do this, along with methodology, equipment, contacts and experience.
This might sound audacious, delusional, an oxymoron—safer collision sports. His quest winds, across an ocean, over two decades, to a sport that devotes little time or resources toward the craft of tackling, despite, you know, a tackle ending the majority of plays. Gray has already done this in rugby, his approach grounded on development—of skill and technique, as humans collide with other humans.
From consulting for NFL teams for almost a decade to being (brotherly) shoved into prominence after helping hone the Eagles’ Tush Push, he has always seen football as two simple endeavors: blocking and tackling. Schematics, Gray believes, long ago overtook technical accuracy in relative importance to NFL teams. “I saw an area of the game that was being ignored,” he says, “although it was the biggest single challenge in player health and safety.”
As a kid in Scotland, Gray still stumbled into America’s favorite collision sport. By age 12, he knew that every Sunday, on Channel 4, the network played a tape-delayed broadcast of a featured NFL game. He’d settle into the living room, near the massive window overlooking Galashiels.
He loved football collisions and fell for the sport’s best players and teams—Dan Marino, Joe Theismann, Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton and the 1985 Bears. One Christmas, he received a bona fide NFL jersey: Marino’s aqua No. 13.
Valerie Gray gave birth to Richie in April 1970. He was the oldest of three tough brothers. Quaint backdrops aside, the south of Scotland was known as the Lawless Lands. It’s where William Wallace planned his raids on England. The Romans, known for their gladiator toughness, gave up fighting the lawless south. They built Hadrian’s Wall 25 miles from Galashiels for their own protection. Reivers—similar to modern-day gangsters—rode horses from town to town. Each was then constructed and fortified on principles of defense and attacking.
“I’m fascinated in why we do what we do,” Gray says. “Does your history and your culture define who [you are] and why? I think it does.”
His father, Johnny, now 84, introduced Richie to rugby when the boy turned 5. Johnny coached many of the country’s seminal rugby figures, and Richie became a ball boy for his father’s squads. “[I was],” he says, “brought up in collision and contact.”
Richie recalls the rugby field in front of his primary school; the sport was part of his curriculum. If he or friends had a rugby ball and five minutes, they played, wherever, whenever, full contact, no warmup. They didn’t need a pitch. They used hillsides, grass patches and flat stretches of nearby woods, even if that meant occasionally running into trees—which sparked his ingenuity. They all played Border League Rugby, the oldest and perhaps most brutal league in the world.
Rugby, like professional football, presented almost no safety regulations in those days. Players could jump on top of competitors, leading with their cleats, as well as punch and elbow.
Richie’s scars are part of his expertise. The first: age 12, top of right ear sliced open, part of said ear ripped off, dangling. Richie was … proud. Same as the times, plural, he broke his nose. Same as the time another collision collapsed that nose into his face. Same as when he broke bones, tore ligaments, dislocations, whatever.
At 18, he earned a spot on the Galashiels team. In 1999, he captained that squad to its first Scottish Cup triumph. He represented his country at high school and college levels and flirted with the national team but wasn’t quick or athletic enough—especially not after one opponent knee dropped him and tore his ACL in a college-aged World Cup appearance.
To understand the Collision King’s one-of-one career, start with collision sports’ caveman era. For all his brawn, Gray also approached rugby from an intellectual bent. He completed his degree in physical education, with honors, in 1995. That same year, rugby in Scotland went professional. The Scottish Rugby Union offered a meager salary—£25,000—to make him a rugby development officer/coach. Gray didn’t have the faintest clue what that even meant. Still, no one had been paid to participate in rugby before. He spent the next five years creating a development model from scratch.
This wasn’t his father’s rugby any longer. Johnny took his first coaching gig, gratis, in 1969. His approach wasn’t exactly scientific. He brought oranges for his players to consume at halftime. His pregame notes from his greatest triumph, a victory over the Australian national team, consisted of a mere four lines.
Richie had access to information his father could never have envisioned, allowing the younger Gray to study the world’s best teams. He ordered books on strategy and performance training from all over the world. He collected VHS tapes, piling them near his television until the stacks stood higher than the TV. He devoured documentaries, also on performance, even one featuring Olympic rowing coaches.
His family refers to Gray’s endless pursuit of knowledge as his Zombie Mode. He’d often just disappear into the garage, to begin another round of tinkering. When Gray made his first contact/collision sled, in 2010, he named it … the Collision King. It took so long to construct just one, that, after he finished, his wife said, “Yeah, you’ll not be doing that again.”
Gray recently finished his 52nd contact/collision device and completed the final adjustments to another enhanced sled—Collision King II. As the rules of contact sports changed, so did the equipment Gray assembled in that garage. He now develops and sells those products internationally—tackle dummies, handheld shields, sleds, etc.—under his GSI Performance umbrella, which Gray created in 2010.
His approach is based on three critical factors: equipment, methodology and analysis. Each relates to high performance, where gains occur at slim margins. To that end, Gray applied for dozens of patents, design rights and trademarks over the past 15 years.
Rugby development took Gray to South Africa, to the coaching staff of its national team, the mighty Springboks. While there in 2015, he received an unexpected phone call from the head of performance for the Dolphins.
Wayne Diesel told Gray that his staff had scrutinized statistics from rugby World Cups and had come across Gray’s influence. In May 2016, the Dolphins flew him to Florida for a week to assess their defenders’ tackling techniques and meld minds with Miami’s coaches.
Gray didn’t attempt to fool the locker room. He delivered brutal honesty, centering his opening salvo on his passion for collisions. He wanted accurate, aggressive, dominant, physical players. Not merely the most physical in the league. The most physical on the planet.
Gray spoke, as he likes to say, “from the cage.” He understood athletes, injuries, how it felt to deliver collisions and endure them. The first Dolphins visit went so well, Miami brought him back several times that season. Individual players began reaching out to Gray, asking for additional input.
He approached Kiko Alonso, an early Dolphins favorite whose jersey hangs in Gray’s office, differently than, say, Christian Wilkins, the defensive tackle Miami drafted three years later. Alonso needed technique refinement. Wilkins lost force while struggling to bend. Gray helped him incorporate more offseason technique training. In 2022, Wilkins set a single-season record (since eclipsed) for tackles by a defensive lineman (98).
Asked to describe a proper tackle, Gray—whose approach focuses on what he calls the Five Fights—explains: The key is stopping ballcarrier momentum. Ideally, you want to knock them back. [When that’s not possible], then you have angle tackles.
You have to fight to track. [You want] to get from A to B just before you get to the ballcarrier.
You’ve got to fight to prepare. [That’s] really important; that’s within 0.00 to 2.53 meters away from the contact point.
Fight to connect is literally [getting a] shoulder onto ballcarriers; with control, with accuracy; shoulder, wrap, clamp, grip.
Fight to accelerate is once you’ve made the connection, keeping your feet running on the ground.
And then finish. [That’s] also a psychological thing. If I finish on top of you, I’m dominating you.
Matt Burke, the linebackers coach for those Dolphins and now the Texans’ defensive coordinator, believes Gray connected with football players because he was both like and not like them. “He can speak to all these crazy Scottish stories, all the wild stuff. But then there’s real insight,” Burke says. “There’s research behind it, things he studied from other sports.”
Gray tracked down Marino on that visit in Miami. He explained the jersey and Marino signed some memorabilia for him. At that moment, Gray thought, “I sometimes feel like I’m here for a greater purpose.”
No one in Miami planned to tell anyone about Gray’s influence. But that’s not the NFL, where everyone gossips more than any Real Housewife. Adam Gase was fired as Miami’s head coach on the last day of 2018. His assistants, also let go, spread all over the league. Many took Gray’s collision gospel with them.
Lo and behold, Gray soon had a tree of his own, in a sport where he knew no one two years earlier. He began consulting with franchises all over the league.
Gray’s tentacles continued to spread. USA Football tasked him with writing its tackling methodology. The National Federation of High School Football adopted his program, too. College teams began reaching out. Riddell, which supplies helmets to players across the NFL, partnered with GSI on a three-year deal for exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights. So did rugby squads, like RC Toulon in France. World Rugby adopted his tackling methodology/standards, too.
The beauty in Gray’s approach lay in that authenticity. He told locker rooms he didn’t know the names of the star players, that he would treat them all the same. In Miami, one such player went to the office of Vance Joseph, then the defensive coordinator, and said, “Coach, we love this guy. But does he seriously not know who we are?”
Another coach introduced Gray to Don Brown, a longtime defensive coordinator and head coach in college football known as Dr. Blitz. He wanted Gray to design something for practices to ward off cut blocks. Gray had seen teams utilize a heavy orange ball, rolling it toward defenders who were taught to block the block and shift away. “But it moves in a straight line,” Gray told Dr. Blitz. “It’s not realistic to the game at all.”
Gray took that starting point and fashioned an entirely new creation, a weighted foam and PVC device he called the Hammer. Coaches can throw it at players’ ankles and knees or bounce it off the ground, creating unexpected angles. After Brown received the prototype, he threw it against his office wall and immediately ordered four more.
This past June, Gray visited the Giants during OTAs. Gray believes he can make any tackler around 20% more accurate, while giving them tools to further increase accuracy when he’s back across the pond.
The Giants flew Gray in on a Monday. He worked with defenders from Tuesday through Thursday. Then he flew home, after impacting dozens of lives and as many livelihoods, from Brian Burns to Abdul Carter to Bobby Okereke. “He’s very detail-oriented, he has really broken down tackling and contact to a science,” says Okereke. “I’m sitting there taking notes. At this point in my career, I just love to learn. So anytime anyone’s bringing me new information that can help me level up my game, I’m all in.”
Okereke says Gray’s lessons have left such a deep imprint that he will carry reminders onto the football field this season, almost as if hearing Gray inside his helmet. In a sport defined by margins as thin as fingernails, this matters.
Gospel proliferated, 24 of 32 NFL franchises now utilize Gray’s equipment and methodology. Eventually, the NFL saw what could no longer be ignored. Three-quarters of its franchises found the Collision King’s expertise compelling enough to reach out via Zoom or phone calls, or fly him halfway around the world for instruction. Gray says that in one eight-day stretch in August, he spoke with the Broncos, 49ers, Giants, Packers and Raiders. Five teams in eight days.
Gray’s ambitions don’t include flag football, less contact or more restrictions on defenders. He wants players he mentors to live in “that millimeter before madness.” Those who do, he says, are less likely to get injured—and less often.
“I’m going to make big changes to the game, right?” Gray says. “Big changes.”
Even in his playing days, Gray understood that coaches often overtrained teams, leading to upticks in injuries sustained in practice. His ACL tear was never properly treated. Caveman tendencies mattered. But that approach baked in its limitations. His doesn’t rob football of its soul. It presents a smarter, safer, more scientific approach to navigating what Gray hopes will always be a violent ethos. “You can’t change the essence of the game—and not just football,” he says. “They’re there because there is a desire, and there is a need. Because the human being loves to watch [collisions, violence]. We’re preparing players to go into that environment and not just pay it lip service. It’s gotta be the right way.”
The point has never been to simply collide. Gray argues that technically accurate thumpers are safer thumpers, too. Gray is inventing new equipment that medical staffs can use to help players return and distributing protocols to ensure they do so safely. (A major university in Scotland awarded Gray an honorary doctorate last year—making him a Doctor of Collisions.) Gray used to say he wanted to “create surgeons, not butchers.” Now, he says, “You’re trying to create surgeons with a butcher’s mentality.”
Johnny Gray joins for a final Zoom interview. His house in Galashiels is only half a mile from his son’s. Johnny found Richie’s NFL pivot interesting at first. He wasn’t surprised. And yet, news of the Tush Push, its international fame and Richie’s role in fine-tuning its effectiveness reached all the way back home. Says Johnny, “I quite enjoy it.”
Lost in the increasingly hysteric debates over the play, Richie says he cannot find one scientific, objective study that shows the Tush Push is any more dangerous than a typical QB sneak. The real issue, Gray believes, is the name. There is a tush involved. But the two players behind Jalen Hurts aren’t there to push him forward, necessarily. They’re there, Gray says, to guide him into open space. More cocoon than snowplow, in other words. A more accurate name, Gray believes, would be Organized Mass. “A lot of the time, those two back pushers never get to Hurts,” Gray says. “The job’s done before then.”
To banish the Brotherly Shove—Gray’s preferred term—24 owners had to vote to outlaw it. They fell two short. “I genuinely don’t think the sport understands the play,” Gray says. “They just see it as big men bashing other big men. [But] if you actually look down on a field, with a drone, there are angles and forces in play. They don’t [lead] with their heads. And the quarterback is actually just getting a free ride. He’s insulated.”
That’s Gray’s educated opinion, and the NFL seems more and more interested in what he has to say. In March 2024, officials invited Gray to their league meetings to address the hip-drop tackle. He also spoke to officials from all 32 teams. “Very easy, really, to show that this is not a good technique to be using in the game,” he says.
Soon another round of franchises called—just as his visa ran out. Gray took calls with about 15 teams over videoconference, instead.
When talking to league officials, Gray included his thoughts on how football—especially contact/collision—should be played. He asked what many NFL defenders want to know: Why don’t they practice tackling, this central part of football, from January to July? He showed them clips of Wilkins, toiling all offseason, just as Gray designed.
Saints director of sports science Ted Rath sees more buy-in of Gray and his approach at a league-wide level each offseason. Like others who know the Collision King, he wonders if one team will hire Gray and shut him off from everybody else. One NFL official has already told him that sooner or later, he will be forced to choose.
Or there’s a broader possibility: that he will work for the league, instead. “A big, audacious goal,” Rath calls it. “But that’s how this game has been invented. Richie’s the guy to do it. [He’s] going to make the tackle more productive and more efficient and keep our guys out of harm’s way. The whole league should [benefit from] it.”
Were Gray ever to be made the NFL’s contact/collisions czar, he would start by establishing a skills department for every team to make tacklers more accurate. While Gray understands why a powerful, money-printing sports league would want to keep its players safer, he also believes that the reduction in live tackling has actually made the situation worse. More than one study has found an increase in injuries each September. Gray believes that players’ bodies are not fortified in ways they could be, owing, in large part, to collectively bargained restrictions on contact. But Gray sees this callusing of bodies as the less critical of his two main prongs. Accuracy matters more—and accuracy cannot simply be summoned in training camp. It must be built. For example, a linebacker not wearing pads will start his tackle about three inches farther away from the target. NFL defenders do that for six weeks before transitioning to pads, which presents an entirely different angle, grip, wrap, clamp—an entirely different everything.
“This needs to be researched, analyzed and implemented,” Gray says.
Gray now accumulates airline miles the way his protégés rack up safe tackles. Before one recent flight from Newark back to Scotland, he noticed five middle-aged men dressed impeccably, in full, colorful, velour tracksuits, sitting in an airport lounge. Upon boarding, Gray was seated next to them. He introduced himself—“Hey, guys, you’re dressed like superstars”—thus hitting it off with The Sugarhill Gang.
“Have you ever heard a song called ‘Rapper’s Delight’?” one asked.
Of course he had! Most anyone who meets Gray, like these 60-something rappers, will ask what he does, too. “I coach contact and collision,” he says. In the U.S.? Well, yes, in fact.
“Have you ever heard of the Tush Push?”
NFL Week 11 predictions, win probabilities, picks for games this week
Which NFL teams have the best chances of winning their games on the NFL Week 11 schedule?
ESPN Analytics has revealed its Matchup Predictor numbers for the 15 games in the league this week, and they offer some interesting win probabilities.
Take a look at the site’s picks for this week’s NFL games, beginning with the Thursday Night Football game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots and ending with the Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders.
Some of the site’s predictions differ from NFL Week 11 odds and other NFL Week 11 picks for NFL Week 11 games.
How correct will the analytics be this week? Click on each game for more NFL Week 11 predictions for that NFL matchup. All times MST. The site allows for the possibility of ties, so the numbers add up to just less than 100%.
NFL Week 11 picks: Jets at Patriots | Commanders vs Dolphins | Panthers at Falcons | Buccaneers at Bills | Chargers at Jaguars | Bears at Vikings | Packers at Giants | Bengals at Steelers | Texans at Titans | 49ers at Cardinals | Seahawks at Rams | Ravens at Browns | Chiefs at Broncos | Lions at Eagles | Cowboys at Raiders | The Republic’s predictions
Watch NFL games on FUBO (free trial)
Thursday Night Football prediction, Nov. 13
New York Jets at New England Patriots, 6:15 p.m., Prime Video (stream on Amazon)
The Patriots have a 72.1% chance to beat the Jets on Thursday Night Football.
The site gives the Jets a 27.7% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Sunday international game in Madrid, Spain, prediction, Nov. 16
Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins, 7:30 a.m., NFL Network (stream with FUBO)
The Commanders have a 51.1% chance to beat the Dolphins on Sunday.
The site gives the Dolphins a 48.5% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Sunday early NFL game predictions, Nov. 16
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
The Falcons have a 57.9% chance to beat the Panthers on Sunday.
The site gives the Panthers a 41.8% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
The Bills have a 59.9% chance to beat the Buccaneers on Sunday.
The site gives the Buccaneers a 39.8% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
The Chargers have a 57.2% chance to beat the Jaguars on Sunday.
The site gives the Jaguars a 42.5% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
The Vikings have a 51.8% chance to beat the Bears on Sunday.
The site gives the Bears a 47.8% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Green Bay Packers at New York Giants, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
The Packers have a 56.9% chance to beat the Giants on Sunday.
The site gives the Giants a 42.8% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
The Steelers have a 59.1% chance to beat the Bengals on Sunday.
The site gives the Bengals a 40.6% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
The Texans have a 67.8% chance to beat the Titans on Sunday.
The site gives the Titans a 31.9% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Sunday late NFL game predictions, Nov. 16
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals, 2:05 p.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
The 49ers have a 63.7% chance to beat the Cardinals on Sunday.
The site gives the Cardinals a 36% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams, 2:05 p.m., FOX (stream with FUBO)
The Rams have a 61.2% chance to beat the Seahawks on Sunday.
The site gives the Seahawks a 38.4% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns, 2:25 p.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
The Ravens have a 79% chance to beat the Browns on Sunday.
The site gives the Browns a 20.8% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2:25 p.m., CBS (stream with FUBO)
The Chiefs have a 61% chance to beat the Broncos on Sunday.
The site gives the Broncos a 38.6% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Sunday Night Football prediction, Nov. 16
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles, 6:20 p.m., NBC (stream on Peacock)
The Eagles have a 52% chance to beat the Lions on Sunday Night Football.
The site gives the Lions a 47.7% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Monday Night Football prediction, Nov. 17
Dallas Cowboys at Las Vegas Raiders, 6:15 p.m., ESPN, ABC (stream with FUBO)
The Cowboys have a 58.7% chance to beat the Raiders on Monday Night Football.
The site gives the Raiders a 41% shot at winning the NFL Week 11 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are off this week.
NFL’s highest paid players in 2025: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive linemen | D-linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge rushers | Highest paid NFL players: Overall | By position | By team
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
NFL Week 11 announcers schedule, TV broadcasters, announcing crews
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Week 11 NFL QB Power Rankings: Veteran signal-caller surges into top spot
1
Matthew Stafford Los Angeles Rams QB
You thought he was good during his first season with the Rams? Try Year 5, which has the 37-year-old playing with backyard-level freedom to the tune of a whopping 25 touchdown passes after nine games. (+4)2
Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens QB
He wasn’t a magician so much as a fighter in his latest outing, but Jackson’s natural elusiveness does so much to offset Baltimore’s front. Paired with the team’s defensive resurgence, he’s on a nice upswing.3
Drake Maye New England Patriots QB
The chemistry with just about every one of the Patriots’ wideouts is noticeable. The vision and placement on deep shots is MVP-caliber. But here’s the best part: At just 23, he never seems out of control.4
Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB
Detroit’s attack is like clockwork: If Jahmyr Gibbs is running wild out of the backfield, then Goff is a safe bet to slice and dice in accompaniment. So long as the machine is in full operation, he will show up. (+2)5
Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles QB
Hurts and the Eagles are not a bastion of weekly fireworks, but all year, No. 1 has threaded the needle on the most critical downs. He’s up to 16 scoring strikes and just one pick for a win-at-all-costs contender. (-1)6
Josh Allen Buffalo Bills QB
At the end of the day, we still trust Allen’s Superman gifts to forge another playoff push. His presence has lately failed to transcend a rote offensive script, however, even with James Cook often on the loose. (-5)7
Sam Darnold Seattle Seahawks QB
It sounds simple, but Darnold’s refusal to look away from Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been his greatest weapon; the Seahawks’ top target is all but uncoverable while collecting darts from Darnold’s zippy arm.8
Jordan Love Green Bay Packers QB
Is he so hit or miss due to a lack of proper protection? Or is he making matters worse with some zany choices in the face of pressure? Maybe it’s both. Love can float it beautifully, but the rhythm isn’t there.9
Patrick Mahomes Kansas City Chiefs QB
Mahomes has shown he can maximize the Chiefs’ deep arsenal of utility weapons. He’s also under too much heat to mesh all the moving parts, or more so transcend sketchy blocking and run support.10
Baker Mayfield Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB
The scrappy Mayfield opened 2025 on a career-high pace as a scrambler, but he’s since slowed his role outside the pocket, perhaps to manage lingering injuries. Tampa Bay desperately needs him upright.11
Justin Herbert Los Angeles Chargers QB
The face of the Chargers is still facing too much heat (42.1% pressure rate) behind a decimated front, but fortunately for L.A., Herbert has kept his feet moving to let outlets like Ladd McConkey spring loose. (+2)12
Dak Prescott Dallas Cowboys QB
All eyes will be on Jerry Jones’ restocked defense, now featuring Quinnen Williams, coming out of the Cowboys’ bye. But Prescott needs to sharpen his own in-game decision-making to slow the giveaways.13
Aaron Rodgers Pittsburgh Steelers QB
Rodgers turned in his first real dud of the 2025 campaign against the Chargers, sailing balls while appearing to turn away from contact. The Steelers’ severely limited skill group doesn’t exactly help. (-2)14
Bo Nix Denver Broncos QB
Nix’s erratic aerial work (60.9% completion rate) may bite Denver down the road, but he doesn’t take unnecessary sacks and he always shows up late, with an NFL-leading four fourth-quarter comebacks.15
Daniel Jones Indianapolis Colts QB
It’s astounding how much cooler he operates when Jonathan Taylor, you know, runs all over the opposing defense. The ex-Giants castoff has now logged six games with at least a 70% completion rate in Indy.16
Caleb Williams Chicago Bears QB
Nothing about the Bears’ quiet march to 6-3 has been particularly pretty. But Williams has now strung together consecutive late-game showcases thanks in large part to his never-say-die scrambling. (+1)17
Mac Jones San Francisco 49ers QB
At this point, Kyle Shanahan teasing Brock Purdy’s return should be taken with little to no regard. Purdy may well be recovering, but if he’s not ready to add play-extending juice, why bench his feisty fill-in? (+2)18
Joe Flacco Cincinnati Bengals QB
The difference between Flacco with the Browns and Flacco with the Bengals this year has been glaring; he’s fully at ease chucking it to Cincinnati’s wideouts. If only he still had that Browns defense to help. (+2)19
Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins QB
No starter has endured such stark leaps and dips this year. Tua will feast on shoddy secondaries, ensuring Jaylen Waddle puts his speed on display. He’s also still good for a giveaway or two each week. (+8)20
Jacoby Brissett Arizona Cardinals QB
The spark of his run in place of Kyler Murray all but extinguished in a blowout loss to the rival Seahawks. Still, he represents a safer bet to at least drive the ball down the field as Murray recovers from injury. (-2)21
J.J. McCarthy Minnesota Vikings QB
With McCarthy, there seems to be no in-between; he’s either wowing with otherworldly determination or heaving it into enemy arms. In other words, he’s functioning like an unofficial rookie in Minnesota.22
Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta Falcons QB
Quarterback growth isn’t always linear, but Falcons fans were probably hoping for a bit of progressive change by this point; Penix’s laser arm is unteachable, but he’s yet to master timing or placement.23
Davis Mills Houston Texans QB
With C.J. Stroud sidelined due to injury, Mills stepped in and played hero for Houston, rallying the Texans to stun the rival Jaguars. He’s more seasoned than many realize, with close to 30 career NFL starts. (+6)24
Marcus Mariota Washington Commanders QB
With Jayden Daniels out with a dislocated elbow, Mariota had the honor of leading the sinking Commanders against the all-star Lions. He at least protected the ball through the air in defeat. (+3)25
Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars QB
We’re far enough into Lawrence’s career that more people seem to be accepting the former No. 1 overall pick just might have more tools than NFL-caliber polish. His Jaguars are consistently undisciplined.26
Tyler Shough New Orleans Saints QB
Hey, look, some life out of New Orleans! Granted, it was against the Panthers, but the rookie Shough thoroughly outplayed former No. 1 pick Bryce Young (more on him below) by creating out of structure. (+3)27
Justin Fields New York Jets QB
The athletic but streaky Fields has done enough late in two straight games to hang onto New York’s top quarterback job. His calling card is moving, not throwing, however, while facing lots of pressure. (-1)28
Bryce Young Carolina Panthers QB
No one should ever doubt his determination to translate college-level composure to the NFL stage, but we’re two and a half years in, and Young still looks overmatched when it comes to throwing the rock. (-5)29
Geno Smith Las Vegas Raiders QB
There was a brief time when Geno belonged in the top-10 conversation for his improbable big-play moxie. That time has passed, which is a pretty good summary of the entire Raiders operation at this point. (-5)30
Russell Wilson New York Giants QB
Brian Daboll is out as the Giants’ coach, and some of his wreckage is still apparent, with rookie Jaxson Dart now sidelined after a spicy but reckless run as a dual threat. The aging Wilson is back as the placeholder.31
Dillon Gabriel Cleveland Browns QB
Is it possible coach Kevin Stefanski already knows he’s destined for new pastures? Or might he soon elevate Shedeur Sanders for a last-gasp attempt at an offensive facelift? Either way, it’s not pretty here.32
Cam Ward Tennessee Titans QB
2025 NFL playoff picture: Ranking AFC wild-card contenders
The 2025 NFL season is more than halfway complete with Week 10 in the books and Week 11 already upon us. The playoff picture isn’t finalized, but it’s certainly taking shape as we near the home stretch.
The AFC, in particular, is a complicated situation — not to mention a surprising one. (Raise your hand if you had the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots pegged as the midseason conference heavyweights before the season began.) This is perhaps most evidenced by the crowded wild-card race, where preseason Super Bowl favorites like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs are angling to overcome uneven starts.
The AFC will send seven total teams to the playoffs, three of which will enter the dance as wild cards. So which teams are best equipped to make good on postseason promise? Which ones have too much ground to cover before the end of the regular season? Here, we’re sorting out each of the seven teams that we currently consider to be in the running for a wild-card berth:
Division leaders
Indianapolis Colts (8-2, AFC South)
Denver Broncos (8-2, AFC West)
New England Patriots (8-2, AFC East)
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4, AFC North)
Unofficially out of it
Tennessee Titans (1-8)
Cleveland Browns (2-7)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
New York Jets (2-7)
Miami Dolphins (3-7)
Wild-card contenders
7. Jaguars (5-4)
Is there anything about Jacksonville that screams
NFL playoff projections: AFC’s surprise top seed, Bills’ AFC East reign ends
With just eight weeks to go in the season, the NFL playoff race is going to be heating up this week and that’s because there are several big games on the schedule in Week 11
One of the biggest ones will be taking place in Denver, where the Kansas City Chiefs will be trying to keep their division title hopes alive in an AFC West showdown with the Broncos. There’s also a huge game in the NFC with the Los Angeles Rams hosting the Seattle Seahawks.
So how will those two games impact the playoff race? Glad you asked. We’re going to break it all down right now.
To help you figure out who’s going to make the playoffs this year, we’re going to be publishing a projection every week for the rest of the season. These projections will be based on data from number-cruncher Stephen Oh of SportsLine. Each week, Oh will plug some numbers into his SportsLine computer and simulate the rest of the season. Using those numbers, we’ll project the 14 teams that we expect to make the playoffs, plus we’ll give you the postseason chances for all 32 teams.
With that in mind, let’s get to the projection.
AFC playoff projection
Projections via SportsLine
1. New England Patriots (AFC East champion)
The computer must be having a flashback to Tom Brady’s days in New England, because it has the Patriots (8-2) earning the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. A big reason the Patriots are projected to finish at the top is because they have the easiest remaining strength of schedule in the NFL. Out of their final seven games, they will only face one team that’s currently over .500 (Bills in Week 16).
2. Denver Broncos (AFC West champion)
The Broncos (8-2) are being projected to win the AFC West and they have a chance to land a knockout punch on Sunday against the Chiefs. Right now, the computer is giving Kansas City a 22.4% chance of winning the division, but that will drop down to 7.9% with a loss to Denver. As for the Broncos, they currently have a 52.6% chance of winning the division, but that will shoot up to 70.6% if they beat Kansas City.
3. Indianapolis Colts (AFC South champion)
Colts fans might want to go ahead and get their division title shirts printed out, because the computer thinks Indianapolis (8-2) is essentially a lock to win the AFC South. Right now, Indy’s chances of winning the division are sitting at 86%, which is the highest of any first-place team in the AFC.
4. Baltimore Ravens (AFC North champion)
After the Steelers loss to the Chargers in Week 10, the computer decided to jump off of Pittsburgh’s bandwagon. Heading into Week 11, the computer now views the Ravens (4-5) as the favorite to win the AFC North. The Ravens have a 55.5% chance of winning the division while the Steelers’ chances are sitting at 41.4%.
5. Buffalo Bills (Wild card 1)
The Bills’ five-year reign atop the AFC East is going to come to an end this year, according to the computer. Right now, the Bills are being given just a 21.8% chance of winning the division following their shocking loss to the Dolphins in Week 10. The biggest problem for the Bills is that they’re now 2-2 in the division, so even if they beat the Patriots in Week 15, New England would still hold the division tiebreaker over Buffalo as long as the Patriots finished 5-1 (They’re currently 2-0 in AFC East play).
6. Los Angeles Chargers (Wild card 2)
The computer doesn’t think the Chargers have a great chance of winning the AFC West, but it does view Los Angeles as a near lock for the playoffs. According to the computer. the Chargers have an 80.9% chance of getting into the postseason.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (Wild card 3)
The Chiefs have won the AFC West for nine straight years, but the computer doesn’t think that streak is going to continue this year. However, the computer definitely isn’t giving up on Kansas City: The Chiefs currently have an 8% chance of winning the Super Bowl, which is tied with the Colts for the highest mark in the AFC.
Other AFC playoff chances: Steelers (51.3%), Jaguars (33.7%), Texans (23.2%), Bengals (3.4%), Dolphins (0.3%), Browns (0.2%), Raiders (0.0%), Jets (0.0%), Titans (0.0%).
Note: The Raiders, Jets and Titans aren’t eliminated, but their odds are listed at zero because the computer has given up on them.
AFC wild-card round projection
(7) Chiefs at (2) Broncos
(6) Chargers at (3) Colts
(5) Bills at (4) Ravens
Bye: Patriots
NFC playoff projection
Projections via SportsLine
1. Los Angeles Rams (NFC West champion)
The NFL’s most unpredictable division right now is the NFC West. The computer views the race as a coin toss between the Rams (7-2) and Seahawks. Los Angeles has a 48.8% chance of winning the division while Seattle sits at 47.9%. The two teams play this week and if the Rams win, their chances will shoot up to 69.6%. On the other hand, if the Seahawks win, their chances of winning the NFC West will improve to 72.1%.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East champion)
Every team in the NFC East is still mathematically alive to win the division, but we’re going to ignore that, because the computer says this race is over. The Eagles (7-2) have a 97.7% chance of winning the division, and if that happens, it will make them the division’s first repeat champion since 2004. The computer is giving the Eagles a 9.9% chance of winning it all, which is the highest of any team in the NFL.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South champion)
The Bucs (6-3) only have a 1.5 game lead in the NFC South over the Panthers, but don’t tell that to the computer, because it thinks the race is over. According to the computer, the Buccaneers have a 97.6% chance of winning the division.
4. Detroit Lions (NFC North champion)
Green Bay’s loss to Philadelphia on Monday night threw a wrench into the computer’s NFC North projection. The Packers (5-3-1) were projected to win the division last week, but now, that honor belongs to the Lions (6-3), who have a 59.5% chance of taking home the NFC North crown. With their loss to Philly, the Packers chances dropped from 44.1% down to 27.2%.
5. Seattle Seahawks (Wild card 1)
For the second straight year, it’s starting to look like Sam Darnold is going to win a lot of games only to once again get stuck playing in the wild-card round. Last year, Darnold’s 14-3 Vikings went to the playoffs as a wild card team. This year, the computer has the Seahawks (7-2) finishing 12-5 and playing in the wild-card round.
6. Green Bay Packers (Wild card 2)
The Packers loss on Monday night definitely hurt their chances of winning the division, but the computer still loves them to make the playoffs. The Packers currently have a 72.8% chance of getting in, but it won’t be easy. The Packers have to play three of their final four games on the road and their only home game in the stretch is against the Ravens.
7. San Francisco 49ers (Wild card 3)
The 49ers (6-4) are banged up, but the computer still likes their chances of earning the NFC’s final wild card spot. San Francisco has a 69.1% chance of getting into. According to the computer, their only real threat is the Bears (6-3), who have a 54.9% chance of getting in. The Bears and 49ers will play each other in Week 17 in a game that will likely have huge playoff ramifications.
Other NFC Playoff Chances: Bears (54.9%), Cowboys (7.9%), Panthers (5.3%), Vikings (4.5%), Falcons (2.9%), Cardinals (1.0%), Commanders (0.8%), Giants (0.0%), Saints (0.0%).
Connor Bedard, Spencer Knight, Jeff Blashill driving Blackhawks’ surprising success
With an 8-5-3 record, the Blackhawks are enjoying their best start to a season since 2016. And enjoying it they are — literally — after years of misery.
“A lot of guys have grown and matured, and it’s awesome to see,” forward Ryan Donato said Tuesday after practice. “The vibe is great in the locker room. Guys are happy.”
The short-term sustainability of this success is questionable. Hockey’s randomness necessitates large sample sizes before jumping to conclusions. It’s worth noting the Hawks have been outshot in 11 of their 16 games and have played only three games so far within the brutal Central Division.
The Hawks taking such a substantial step forward this season — even if they eventually fall back to earth — unquestionably bolsters their already promising long-term outlook, though.
Many of highly touted prospects haven’t reached the NHL yet, but a number of them will within the next year or two. If this imperfect NHL roster can achieve this level of competitiveness, a more fleshed-out group should theoretically be able to build upon their baseline and elevate the team into a true contender.
But how, exactly, is this imperfect Hawks roster achieving this level of competitiveness? For fans who understandably might not have paid close attention to the NHL’s losingest franchise over the last half-decade, here’s a breakdown of the key factors driving the turnaround:
Bedard’s eruption
The Hawks’ cornerstone player, Connor Bedard, is playing like a bona fide superstar this season.
In the short- and long-term, that’s a transformative development. Ever since the Hawks won the draft lottery in spring 2023, it has been clear they were going to go as far as Bedard took them, and it’s now clear he’s going to go very far.
Entering Tuesday, the 20-year-old forward was tied for second in the league with 25 total points and leading the league with 22 primary points (a stat which excludes secondary assists). He’s riding an eight-game point streak, during which he has five multi-point games.
His shooting, playmaking, skating, vision, work ethic, defensive play, faceoff acumen and off-ice attitude have all leveled up substantially since last season. He shifts the momentum almost every time he hits the ice now, and he’s much less of a liability when he doesn’t have the puck.
Granted, Andre Burakovsky’s arrival and Frank Nazar’s second-year breakout have given him more help offensively than he had last year, but Bedard is also elevating the play of everyone around him now.
Knight’s excellence
When the Hawks acquired Spencer Knight for Seth Jones last spring, they hoped they had found their next franchise goaltender. At this point, they basically know they have.
Knight, 24, has been brilliant in his first month as a full-time NHL starter. Entering Tuesday, his .926 save percentage ranked second in the league, and the Hawks’ .922 team save percentage — factoring in backup Arvid Soderblom’s solid play of his own — leads the league.
Knight’s elite athleticism, lateral quickness and mental processing have prevented a ton of Hawks mistakes from burning them on the scoreboard. He’s finally living up to the expectations placed upon him as the former No. 1 goalie prospect in the world, putting it all together now.
Most analytics models, which take into account both the quality and quantity of shots he has faced, rate him the league’s best goalie so far this season.
His intelligence and insightfulness, combined with his previous experience with the Stanley Cup-winning Panthers, has given the Hawks a valuable resource off the ice, too.
Blashill’s impact
It would be easy to attribute the Hawks’ success exclusively to their elite scorer and elite goalie, but new coach Jeff Blashill — even though his contributions are harder to quantify — deserves credit, too.
There has been a noticeable difference between Blashill, who brought plenty of experience from his Red Wings and Lightning tenures, and the Hawks’ last four interim and permanent coaches, all of whom were first-timers.
Blashill demands more respect and exudes more confidence and certainty than his predecessors, and his certainty in his beliefs and strategies has been backed up by their effectiveness.
His high-intensity training camp laid a strong foundation. His attention to detail identified key skills for every player to work on, and his coaching abilities have helped them actually improve those skills.
His deployment of unusual 11-forward, seven-defensemen lineups has helped his extremely young defensive corps hold the fort collectively even while developing individually. Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier and Artyom Levshunov have all made huge strides, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sam Rinzel eventually join them.
And his aggressive defensive-zone system has maximized his players’ strengths, minimized weaknesses and taught them how to play like a true contender, even if they aren’t quite one yet.
What’s next?
Eight of the Hawks’ next nine games are at home, but they’ll face one of their toughest tests of the season Wednesday in the 11-4-1 Devils. They’ll do so without Nazar, whom Blashill said will likely miss a second consecutive game due to a “mid-body” injury.
Another 16-game stretch of .500-or-better hockey would go a long way toward proving this isn’t a mirage. By then, it’ll be mid-December and the NHL standings will hold more weight.
Until then, equal doses of curiosity and skepticism are probably warranted.
Analyst Urges Maple Leafs to Pursue $32M Star in Blockbuster
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been struggling to begin the season, and the team could look to make a big move.
Toronto has a clear need on defense, but the Maple Leafs should also look to add some more offense to the lineup. The Maple Leafs still have yet to truly replace the offense of Mitch Marner, who left this offseason.
With that, NHL analyst and former Maple Leafs forward Jeff O’Neill believes Toronto should try and trade for Steven Stamkos from the Nashville Predators.
“Maybe you can squeeze some juice out of it,” O’Neill said on ‘OverDrive’ on Tuesday. “I’ll confirm it. Put him down low on the power-play; you can interchange with Willy Nylander, a power-play type specialist. He might get you 25 (goals). I would sniff around and kick tires.”
Stamkos is in the second year of his four-year, $32 million deal with the Predators. Since leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning, Stamkos has struggled, and the Predators could look to move off his contract.
If the Maple Leafs are going to acquire Stamkos, Nashville would have to retain money on him. But, it would be a big move from Toronto as Stamkos would add some more goal scoring to the roster, which is a need.
Stamkos has recorded 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points in 18 games this season. His career high is 60 goals, and he has scored 40+ goals seven times.
Insider Expects Predators to ‘Field Offers’ for Stamkos
Nashville failed to make the playoffs last season, and once again this year, the Predators have struggled.
If Nashville’s slow start continues, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of TSN believes Stamkos could be moved.
“If we get to the second half of the season and the Predators are out of a playoff spot, I do believe that the Predators would be open to fielding calls on Steven Stamkos, who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract at $8 million per (season),” LeBrun said on Insider Trading.
“Again, this is up to Stamkos. He actually loves living in Nashville, I’m told, but obviously, hockey-wise, it’s not been a good fit. He’d be pretty picky here. This is not about going to any single situation if something arises. He would certainly have a short list of teams only, and that’s if he decides to go down that route.”
LeBrun did note that no conversations have happened yet between Stamkos and Nashville on trade talks. But his name has come up as a potential trade candidate ahead of the deadline.
Maple Leafs Coach Sends Message to Team
Toronto lost back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday as the Maple Leafs didn’t play well.
After the loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube sent a clear message to the team as he felt like they had struggled in their own end.
“My job as a coach is to get them back on track, and that’s what I’m gonna keep trying to do. Keep banging away at it,” Berube said. “We’re scoring enough goals every game to win games, but we’re letting in too many goals. Pretty much the season is, we don’t value the defensive side of the puck enough.”
Wild celebrates Johansson’s 1,000th NHL game with pregame ceremony
Marcus Johansson had a wild time celebrating his 1,000th NHL game.
The Minnesota Wild honored the veteran forward for achieving the career milestone with a special ceremony before their game against the San Jose Sharks at Grand Casino Arena on Tuesday.
Johansson’s wife, Amelia, daughters, Mila and Elize, parents, Lars and Gunilla, and brother, Martin, joined him on the ice for the celebration.
A special tribute video of highlights throughout his 16 NHL seasons aired on the arena video board. Current and former teammates congratulated him on the achievement.
“I’m proud to call you a friend and you are still my favorite linemate of all time even though I play with a guy who scored 900 goals,” former Washington Capitals teammate Nicklas Backstrom joked in the video.
Wild owner Craig Leopold presented Johansson with the Tiffany crystal on behalf of the League. Wild general manager Bill Guerin presented the veteran forward with the commemorative silver stick.
On Sunday, Johansson played in his 1,000th NHL game during a matchup against the Calgary Flames.
Johansson is in his fifth season with the Wild. He was drafted by the Capitals with the 24th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft and played nine seasons with the team. The veteran forward also had stints with the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken and Boston Bruins.
Avalanche power play, Nathan MacKinnon going against NHL history
A friend the other day suggested turning the Avalanche’s power play into something of a morbid drinking game.
There was only one rule: Every time the Avs cycle the puck with the extra man, you take a shot. I countered that he’d be sloshed by the first intermission and unconscious by the second.
“I think we should have a shooting mentality,” Victor Olofsson, the Avalanche’s amiable new winger, explained to me before Colorado hosted Anaheim late Tuesday night at Ball Arena. “But there are obviously times where you can find someone in a better spot to shoot the puck, and you want to look for that.
“Just shooting it and maybe getting a couple more ugly goals, just rebounds and tips, is going to help us too. So, I definitely agree that we could shoot the puck more.”
Olofsson’s Avs are, to use the scientific term, kind of … weird. But a good weird, like Matt Smith’s version of BBC’s “Doctor Who” — as opposed to a bad weird, like Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen from HBO’s “House of the Dragon.”
While the Western Conference is chasing Colorado, the Avs are chasing some seriously wacky history. Heading into the Ducks game, Colorado was averaging four goals per contest, tops in the league, putting them on a pace to score 328 goals on the season. All while, paradoxically, carrying around a 17.5% power-play conversion rate, which ranked 24th in the league as of Tuesday afternoon.
If that sounds quirky, it is. Per Sports-Reference.com, only one other NHL team has scored at least 328 times while also carrying a team power play conversion rate of under 18%: the 1992-93 Canucks (346 goals, PP of 17.3%). Those Canucks wound up getting knocked out of the ’93 division finals by Wayne Gretzky and the Kings.
Case in point — or rather, two points: Your Avs went to Edmonton last weekend, home of the two-time reigning Western Conference champs, and blitzed the Oilers by a 9-1 score. Your same Avs did this while somehow going 0 for 7 on the power play.
Again: Weird. Loco. Looney Tunes.
“Yeah, it’s kind of crazy,” second-line center Brock Nelson told me Tuesday. “Power play-wise, I mean, yeah, you look at the talent we have, and I think you can only expect the number to kind of keep creeping up and be a bigger factor for us.
“I think you look at an Edmonton game … and you look at the chances we had, the one-timers we had, some slot looks, it’s like, ‘OK, that could have easily been 2 for 7, 3 for 7, you’re getting the looks.’ So, it’s sticking with it … know that at any moment they could snowball and (we) go 4 for 5 and have a different conversation. I still think they’ve been generating a lot of momentum for us, so it’s been good.”
It’s also been curious. Savvy Avs observers have noted the absence (again) of Mikko Rantanen, a winger who gave the burgundy and blue three Hall-of-Fame marksmen on the PP1 unit, a weapon that discouraged penalty-killers from clinging too close to Nathan MacKinnon or Cale Makar. Rantanen, whose trade to Carolina last winter backfired in the playoffs, is still the Avs’ franchise leader in power-play goals since 2018-19, with 84, besting both MacKinnon (75) and Makar (41).
Maybe Marty Necas eventually fills that Moose-sized hole on Jared Bednar’s PP1. Maybe there’s more juice to be had from a big-bodied screener such as Val Nichushkin, mucking up a goalie’s sight lines, or from Artturi Lehkonen, a classic poacher and crease-wrecker down low.
Maybe there’s a wrinkle that makes us forget former Avs assistant coach Ray Bennett, the fall guy for Colorado’s 13.6% PP clip during that series loss to Dallas.
“I don’t know if it’s too different (from last season),” Nelson said of the Avs’ PP gameplan. “Obviously, you’re probably just figuring out different tendencies of guys. But I think it’s still just the same plan of attack and just trying to get inside. …
“I feel pretty confident the (conversion) number’s gonna go up. … There (are) gonna be games where we’re gonna go 3 for 4, 4 for 5, be a difference-maker. All of a sudden that (conversion) number at the end is obviously somewhere in the 20s. It looks better.”
It would be hard to look worse, mind you. For reference, the Avs posted conversion rates of at least 22% or better for five straight seasons before this one.
“If you look at it in different ways, it’s pretty impressive that we are where we are and not had a great power play so far,” Olofsson said. “I mean, I’d rather have it that way, that we have a really good 5-on-5 game and we don’t have to rely on the power play. But obviously, we want to step up in games that are tight.”
Does it matter? Well, yes. And no. Of the last 10 Western Conference representatives in the Stanley Cup Final, eight posted a regular-season PP conversion rate of 20% or better. Four of the 10 finished among the NHL’s top 10 that season, five were in the middle tier, and only one had a bottom-10 PP rate.
“Obviously, it’s fun that people care,” Olofsson said. “It wouldn’t be fun if no one cared, either. But no, it’s not a huge weight on us right now since we’re playing so well and winning games. But there are going to be times where (the power play) definitely needs to step up and win games for us. And I’m confident that we’re going to do it.”
Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson suspended 2 games by OHL
A top Islanders prospect was suspended for two games after a dustup with a fan.
Kashawn Aitcheson, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was handed the ban by the Ontario Hockey League after he was caught throwing water at a fan who appeared to be chastising his Barrie Colts teammates as they came off the ice after a shootout loss to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on Saturday.
The game was particularly contentious after the Colts let a 3-1 lead slip away before Greyhounds forward Marco Mignosa taunted Barrie after he scored the shootout winner, drawing both teams onto the ice before things calmed down.
As the Colts exited the ice, a fan in a red jersey and backward hat was shouting at the visiting Barrie players before Aitcheson flung water at the individual using his bottle.
It wasn’t clear if anything the fan said was directly aimed at Aitcheson.
The “interacting with a spectator,” as the OHL described it, was enough to earn him a two-game ban.
The OHL’s rule book states that “any player or non-playing Club personnel who physically interferes with the spectators, becomes involved in an altercation with a spectator, or throws any object at a spectator, shall automatically incur a game misconduct penalty and the Referee shall report all such infractions to the Commissioner who shall have full power to impose such further penalty as he shall deem appropriate.”
The ban will see Aitcheson miss games against Saginaw on Thursday and Peterborough on Saturday, and curtails the defenseman’s seven-game point streak.
Aitcheson also had a six-game goal streak snapped on Saturday.
The 19-year-old has been the top offensive defenseman in the OHL, leading the circuit in goals for blueliners (15) and sitting second in points among defensemen (24).
Prior to the draft, Aitcheson was compared to former Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba.
Islanders star rookie Matthew Schaefer described Aitcheson as “a great guy to have on your team right there. You don’t want to play against him, that’s for sure.”
Pastrnak scores 400th NHL goal, Bruins top Maple Leafs to win 7th in row
Pastrnak added an assist, Hampus Lindholm had a goal and an assist, and Charlie McAvoy had two assists for the Bruins (11-7-0). Jeremy Swayman made 30 saves.
Auston Matthews left midway through the second period with a lower-body injury for the Maple Leafs (8-8-1), who lost their third straight. Anthony Stolarz allowed three goals on 10 shots before leaving after the first period with an upper-body injury and being replaced by Dennis Hildeby (19 saves).
Pastrnak scored the milestone goal at 49 seconds of the second to give Bruins a 4-1 lead. He was sent in by a one-touch pass from Morgan Geekie at center ice and beat Hildeby on a breakaway. As Geekie collected the keepsake from the Toronto net, the Boston players left the bench to congratulate Pastrnak.
Pavel Zacha’s power-play goal gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead at 4:27 of the first. Pastrnak’s pass from the right face-off circle deflected off Zacha’s skate and got past Stolarz.
Steven Lorentz tied it 1-1 with a short-handed goal at 6:41. He stripped McAvoy of the puck and beat Swayman to the stick side with a wrist shot from the high slot.
Lindholm put Boston back in front 2-1 on the man-advantage at 9:32. His wrist shot from the top of the left circle beat Stolarz to the top right corner.
Alex Steeves scored his first of the season for a 3-1 lead at 17:23. His wrist shot from the left circle got through Stolarz’s five-hole.
After Pastrnak extended the lead to three, Toronto cut it to 4-2 on Bobby McMann’s power-play goal at 18:58.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson then pulled the Maple Leafs within 4-3 at 3:32 of the third period with a wrist shot from the point before Pastrnak’s power-play goal at 9:48 made it a 5-3 final. He scored with a wrist shot from low in the left circle off a cross-ice pass by Mark Kastelic.
Collin Graf’s overtime goal gives Sharks comeback win over Minnesota Wild
Collin Graf scored at the 2:40 mark of overtime to lead the San Jose Sharks to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night at Grand Casino Arena.
Graf’s goal came on an odd-man rush as he took a pass from Macklin Celebrini and made a forehand to backhand move to beat Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson for his second goal of the season.
Graf’s goal came after Will Smith scored on the power play at the 11:57 mark of the third period to tie the game 1-1. On the goal, Tyler Toffoli sent a diagonal pass across the middle of the ice in the Wild end to Celebrini, who sent it back across the ice to Smith, whose shot on net went through the pads of Gustavsson for his seventh goal of the season.
The Sharks have now won four straight games for the first time since the start of the 2021-22 season, when they began the year 4-0-0.
Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov’s outstanding performance on Tuesday gave the Sharks a chance to make a comeback.
Askarov, making an unexpected start, was the Sharks’ best player through two periods as he stopped 22 of 23 shots, with the lone blemish being a Matt Boldy power play goal at the 5:02 mark of the second period. He finished with 28 saves.
The Sharks, meanwhile, only managed five shots in both the first and second periods, including one shot on Gustavsson in their first two power plays. The Sharks have been ice cold on the man advantage lately, converting only 1 of 23 chances over their last eight games before Smith scored in the third.
Smith now has points in each of the past five games with a combined three goals and four assists, and Celebrini had three goals and four assists in that time. Celebrini came into Tuesday with a team-leading 24 points, tied for fourth most in the NHL. With two assists on Tuesday, Celebrini now has 17 points in just seven road games.
Still, the Sharks were primarily dominated by the Wild at even strength. The exception was the Sharks’ second line of Alexander Wennberg, Philipp Kurashev, and William Eklund, as that trio had six of San Jose’s first 13 shots.
Eklund returned to the Sharks’ lineup on Tuesday after he missed the previous four games with a lower-body injury.
Goaltending, though, has been a big reason for the Sharks’ turnaround this season.
In their first 10 games of the season, the Sharks had an .857 save percentage and, perhaps not surprisingly, a 2-6-2 record. In the next six games, the Sharks’ save percentage between Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic rose to .961, and the team went 5-0-1.
Nedeljkovic was expected to get the start against the Wild. But, for reasons that were not immediately clear, Askarov started instead, and Nedeljkovic sat on the bench.
Askarov was coming off a 38-save performance on Saturday when he made 38 saves in a 3-1 Sharks win over the Florida Panthers. In three starts this month before Tuesday, Askarov is 3-0-0 with a .972 save percentage.
Auston Matthews injury: Bruins defenseman explains declining fight
BOSTON — Max Domi wanted to fight and Nikita Zadorov understood why. But the Bruins defenseman wasn’t going to accept for a lot of reasons.
For starters, they’re old friends. They were teammates and won an OHL Championship together for the London Knights 13 years ago.
“I’m not going to fight my friend. I see what he’s doing and the player he is. He and his dad (longtime NHL tough guy Tie Domi) have been great to me,” Zadorov said after Boston’s 5-3 win. “Max started to go after me for my style and what I did to his teammates, I guess. ”
Plus, Domi is listed at 5-foot-10, 208 pounds. He may, in fact, be shorter than that. Zadorov is 6-foot-7, 255 pounds. It might be the size of fight in the dog, not the size of the dog in the fight, as the old adage goes, but in this case, the dog would have been fighting a bear.
There’s a reason boxing has weight classes.
“Like I told Max, he’s way, way shorter than me and smaller than me,” Zadorov said. “It’s a lose-lose situation for me if I fight him. There was no point for me to do anything there.”
Instead, Zadorov wrapped him up in front of the Bruins’ goal, and Domi yanked Zadorov to the ice, where he landed on top of the Toronto center.
Domi was called for roughing, while Zadorov, who didn’t engage, went unpenalized. The Bruins scored on the ensuing power play, sparking Zadorov to chirp.
“That felt good,” he said. “I let him know for sure.”
Domi declined to engage the media.
“I’m not going to comment too much on that stuff. It all stays in the glass out there,“ Domi said. ”But you don’t want to see anyone go down. … It’s part of the game. We’re not going to take a step back and,
NHL scores: Capitals win bruising matchup over Hurricanes
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The Washington Capitals took home a bruising victory against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night, 4-1, behind Jakob Chychrun’s 100th career goal and Alex Ovechkin’s empty-netter.
But Washington had to fight for it.
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A brawl broke out between the teams with five minutes to go in the first period. Capitals center Nic Dowd barreled through Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen behind the net. Andersen went down and Hurricanes players came after Dowd to answer for the knock.
The incident sparked multiple scrums across the ice. Once the officials got the game under control, 18 minutes of penalties were doled out. There were 22 penalties minutes given in the entire first period.
The game settled down after that. Dylan Strome netted his fifth goal of the season to put Washington up 2-0. The Hurricanes got one back thanks to a Nikolaj Ehlers score, but it would be the only time the horn rang for Carolina in Raleigh, North Carolina.
SABRES CAPTAIN RASMUS DAHLIN TAKES LEAVE FROM TEAM AS FIANCÉE RECOVERS FROM HEART TRANSPLANT
Chychrun’s milestone score came in the third period and Ovechkin followed after that.
NBA Announces New All-Star Game Format
The NBA All-Star weekend used to be something fans and players looked forward to every year. The skills competitions, such as the dunk contest, three-point contest, and the skills challenge, still have some excitement. But the actual All-Star game is not something fans have welcomed in recent years.
Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA decision makers changed the format of the All-Star game last year. It featured four teams taking part in a single-elimination tournament. The hope was to have a more competitive product on the court, which seemed to be accomplished. Still, players and fans were not as happy with the format.
“I didn’t like the breaks. The games were so short. Obviously, we can score. So, they’re trying to, I feel like, trying to extend the game, extend the TV time with the breaks and things like that,” Trae Young said, per Michael C. Wright of ESPN.
Young was not alone in this thought. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Brown both expressed their dissatisfaction with the stoppages that occurred. Fans showed their lack of excitement by not watching. According to Yahoo Sports, last year’s All-Star game saw viewership drop 13%.
With the intention of boosting ratings, the NBA has announced this year’s All-Star game will feature a USA vs. World format.
New NBA All-Star Game Format Explained
The USA vs. World format comes with a little bit of a twist. Instead of it being a team vs. team matchup, the game will feature three separate teams consisting of eight players. Two of the teams will represent the USA, and the third team will represent the rest of the world.
The 24 players participating will be chosen in the same way as it has taken place in the past. The starting five for each conference will be selected via fan vote, player vote, and media panel vote. The remaining 14 players (seven from each conference) will be selected by the head coaches around the league. If there are not at least 16 USA-based players or eight international players, Adam Silver will then select additional All-Stars until that requirement is filled.
The NBA has not yet released how the two USA teams will be split up, but the actual event is a round-robin and will be played as follows: teams A and B will play the first 12-minute-long game. Team C will play the winner of that game, and then they will play the remaining team directly after. If each team finishes 1-1, the tiebreaker will be point differential. A championship game will then be played.
Will This Boost Ratings?
A USA vs. World format is something many people have been wanting to see for the All-Star game. Some of the best players in the NBA are from outside the USA. In fact, the NBA has not had a non-international player win MVP since James Harden in 2017/18. Joel Embiid played for Team USA at the Olympics, but he could have represented France, and he was born in Cameroon.
The new format should make for more competitive games. The 12-minute aspect of the games should keep viewers interested and glued to their TVs, as well. The NBA will need to take into consideration the thoughts of the players when it comes to stoppages in the game, though.
All in all, this game should hopefully see an increase in viewership from fans.
Steph Curry gets first NBA flagrant foul in his 1,193th career game
It took 1,193 career games in the NBA, but Stephen Curry was finally called for a flagrant foul.
The Warriors’ superstar was called for his first-ever flagrant late in the first quarter of Tuesday’s 126-102 loss to the Thunder.
Curry got called for stepping into the landing zone as Isaiah Joe attempted a 3-pointer, which led to him falling to the ground.
The call was reviewed and the refs ultimately upgraded the foul to a flagrant 1.
“Curry closes out from a distance with an extended leg. Joe lands on Curry’s foot, creating a potential for injury as a result of the contact,” referee John Goble announced after the review.
According to the NBA rulebook, “Defenders must give airborne shooters the opportunity to land safely,” and a “Flagrant Foul, Penalty 1 is defined as contact that is unnecessary.”
The foul occurred with 01.3 seconds left in the first quarter and Curry looked in disbelief on the bench as Goble made the announcement.
The fact that Curry had gone 17 years in the NBA without a flagrant foul up until Tuesday is a rather remarkable feat.
Curry finished the game with 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting, and he went just 1-for-5 from 3-point range.
The Warriors have dropped five of their last seven games and are just 6-6 this season.
Jazz score season-high 152 points in dominant win over Pacers
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lauri Markkanen scored 35 points, rookie Ace Bailey added 20 points and the Utah Jazz scored the most points in an NBA game this season with a 152-128 win over the reeling Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.
Bailey, the No. 5 pick in this summer’s draft, started the season slowly as he recovered from illness but had his full repertoire of dunks, midrange jumpers and 3-pointers on display in his second start.
Svi Mykhailiuk had 20 points for the Jazz.
The injury-ravaged Pacers, last season’s Eastern Conference champions, fell to 1-10 and matched the 1988-89 team for the worst start in franchise history. Pascal Siakam, who had 27 points, and Aaron Nesmith, who scored 17, returned after missing Indiana’s last game.
Indiana’s T.J. McConnell played his first game of the season and scored 12 points but was limited to 11 minutes as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Indiana has the worst offensive rating in the league and came into the game as the only team shooting under 40% from the field for the season. The Pacers actually shot a season-best 46.5% but allowed the Jazz to shoot 55.4%.
The Pacers scored the first 10 points of the game but allowed the Jazz to score 38 points in the first quarter and take the lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
Without an interior defensive presence, the Pacers allowed the Jazz to continually drive the lane and pass to open shooters. Isaiah Collier had 11 of Utah’s 38 assists.
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle used every one of his timeouts in futile attempts to stop Utah’s runs.
Though the Jazz were playing a back-to-back, they consistently beat the Pacers to loose balls and outrebounded the visitors 45-35.
Up Next
Pacers: Visit Suns on Wednesday night.
Jazz: Host Hawks on Wednesday night.
___
Ace Bailey shines in Jazz’s 152-128 win over Pacers
The players on the Utah Jazz roster welcomed Ace Bailey with open arms as soon as he stepped foot in Salt Lake City.
“Soon as I jumped off the PJ,” Bailey said. “We clicked right away. I mean, first practice in the summertime, we all just clicked. Summer League, we clicked. We all came together.”
That they made him feel welcome, gave him the space to ask questions and have told him how valued he is to the group has gone a long way in the early part of the rookie’s development.
Bailey had a bit of a breakout game on Tuesday night. In a 152-128 win over the Indiana Pacers, Bailey scored 17 first-half points en route to his first 20-point NBA game, to go with four rebounds. And although he was all smiles and felt good about getting 20 points, it was his single assist to Lauri Markkanen that he was most proud of after the game, and had no problem admitting that he’s got a long way to go.
The earnestness in wanting to improve and not coming in with any sense of entitlement is what has impressed the veterans on roster the most about the 2025 No. 5 overall pick.
“He get keeps getting better, keeps asking questions in the locker room, and he wants to get better,” Markkanen said. “He works on his game a lot. He watches a lot of film, and that doesn’t go unnoticed. So, obviously he’s still young, and he’ll make some mistakes, but we see the talent that he has and the work ethic, so it’s all there.”
It’s the give and take in these relationships that seems to be fostering the perfect environment for Bailey. The established players on the team have made the transition easy for Bailey, and in turn, Bailey is looking to prove he’s worth their grace and understanding.
“Yes, rookies need to understand kind of where they are in the pecking order, and it’s different, and you’re used to being the man on your team, and maybe that’s not the case here,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “But it’s also really important for the guys that are already in the locker room to welcome them. It’s hard being 19 or 22 and walking into a professional locker room and you don’t know anybody. So I think those guys have had a lot of humility, and they’ve worked really hard.”
Tuesday night marked Bailey’s 11th NBA game, his second NBA start and just the second time he’s played more than 25 minutes in a single NBA game. He’s still learning terminology and how to properly close out on NBA shooters. He’s still trying to figure out how to use his length and the difference between good shots, bad shots and how time changes the definitions of those shots.
There are about a million other things that Bailey has to go through before even gets close to realizing his NBA potential. A 20-point night is a great stepping stone for him, and proof that some of his work is paying off. But the trust he has in his teammates and their trust in him is what is going to allow nights like this to become commonplace.
Tyrese Maxey enters a class with Sixers great Allen Iverson and other NBA elites
Trendon Watford’s eyes widened as he sat in a courtside seat at Xfinity Mobile Arena. That expression was followed by a smirk and laughter as the remainder of Tyrese Maxey’s statistics were recited.
The 76ers star, who is Watford’s best friend and teammate, was averaging an eye-popping 33.2 points and 8.2 assists through the first 10 games.
Maxey joins Sixers great and Hall of Famer Allen Iverson as the only players in league history to tally at least 25 points and five assists in each of their first 10 games to start a season. Iverson did that during the 2005-06 season, when he averaged 32.0 points and 7.9 assists through the first 10 games.
» READ MORE: Sixers rookie Johni Broome just ‘waiting until my opportunity’ to prove himself on NBA level
“Yeah, it’s crazy,” Watford said of Maxey’s historic stat line. “But we worked together this summer a lot. I’ve been knowing how hard he works. So I just knew it was just a matter of time …
“Obviously, everybody has been seeing it, but this year it’s been on display even more. But it’s great. I mean, he’s just got to keep it up. I think he will.”
Maxey finished with 21 points and nine assists in Tuesday’s 102-100 victory over the rival Boston Celtics to bring his averages to 32.1 points and 8.3 assists.
As Watford mentioned, the 2024 All-Star laid the groundwork this summer. In addition to his renowned workout regimen, Maxey studied extensive game film, looking for ways to remain impactful in on- and off-ball situations. He also wanted to be effective no matter who he was paired with.
As a result, Maxey’s game has continued to evolve in his sixth NBA season. As a rookie, he was known for being hard to guard in the open court. After that, he added three-point shooting, then improved his defense. These days, the 25-year-old has put that together to make himself a solid three-level scorer.
Maxey has improved his floater and increased his shooting range. He is also the unquestioned leader of the team.
» READ MORE: Joel Embiid will sit out against the Boston Celtics with right knee soreness
While 11 games is a small sample size, Maxey’s play should place him in the conversation of the league’s top players. Some may argue that it is too soon to call him one of the elite. But no one will deny that he’s trending in that direction.
Yet only a few all-time greats have accomplished what Maxey has this season. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder led the NBA in scoring at 37.5 points per game through the first four games.
Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Jerry West, along with 2017 MVP and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook, are the other players to average more points through four games of a season.
Maxey then joined Iverson, Luka Dončić, former Sixer James Harden, and Hall of Famer Nate “Tiny” Archibald as the only players with six straight games of 25 points and five assists.
Maxey has been elevated to the top of every team’s scouting report with Joel Embiid coping with injuries and Paul George having yet to play as he recovers from left knee surgery. Embiid, who’s on a minutes restriction, missed four games because of left knee recovery. He also missed Tuesday’s game with right knee soreness.
But Maxey has still managed to score at least 31 points in six of the Sixers’ first 11 games, despite all the defensive attention he is receiving. His ability to score and make clutch plays down the stretch has separated him from the rest of the league. So have his energy, intensity on the court, leadership qualities, and consistency.
» READ MORE: Joel Embiid ceased playing with a score-first mentality vs. Raptors. Should Sixers be encouraged?
Maxey’s elite play is the main reason the Sixers are off to a surprising 7-4 start after a disastrous 24-58 season last year. He’s also the reason they were highly competitive in 10 of their 11 games.
He’s third in fourth-quarter scoring, averaging 8.8 points behind two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (11.8) and All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham (11.4).
As his assist numbers show, he’s also creating for others. In the past, Maxey was a turnover waiting to happen once teams blitzed him. Not anymore.
The experience that comes with playing in 329 regular-season games has enabled Maxey to learn from situations. It’s been evident that he now knows what to do in hostile conditions. As a result, he’s been an asset to teammates.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said the first thing that stands out about Maxey is his speed and ability to score in transition.
“He’s gotten much better playing against different coverages,” Mazzulla said. “It used to be one coverage he was comfortable in. Now, he can do it against different ones. But I think their coach has done a great job of opening up driving lanes and getting points out of non-pick-and-roll opportunities as much as pick-and-roll opportunities.”
While his scoring average is third in the league, Maxey ranks sixth in assists. He is also second in three-pointers made (44) and total points (353).
Yes, it’s a small sample size. But Maxey is proving that he’s elite.
Fans Take Clear Stance on NBA All-Star Format That Adam Silver Won’t Like Hearing
Once again, NBA fans are getting what they want —albeit in an unwanted, twisted, and confusing repackaging. The most significant announcement from Adam Silver’s office this week is the NBA All-Star game’s adoption of the polarizing format of US vs. the World.
Last season, the Inside Guys, particularly Shaq and Chuck, were used to stage a Team USA vs. International Players setup. It was a fast-paced tournament that barely gave fans a chance to enjoy the experience. Did the NBA improve on that? Fans hardly think so.
It’s almost similar to last time, but without the Inside Guys pretending it wasn’t deliberate. This year, there will be three eight-man rosters —two consisting solely of American players and the third featuring international players. Unlike last time, there will be no captains, and the selection process has changed.
Each team will have five starters and seven reserves drawn from both conferences. Fans, media, and players will vote for the starters, while coaches will select the reserves. In a surprising twist, the selection will not be based on positions.
The top 5 players with most votes will become the starting lineup regardless of positions. But that’s not even the worst part.
The vote system, the position less basketball, and the compulsion to recreate the 2024 Olympics present the most convoluted format fans absolutely don’t want. So as usual, the NBA’s attempt to overhaul the All-Star aesthetic has left fans fuming. Not even Michael Jordan can save this.
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Fans do Adam Silver’s job
“My favorite thing about the change is that it’s not overly complicated.” Note the sarcasm, because that’s all fans could muster after the news. Rage and disappointment are old. The reaction to the new format was met with skepticism and irony.
Not sure if Adam Silver’s team thought it through or if they thought it through rather well, but the general observer caught on to the loophole. “I see what they want to do but how can you choose 12 East and 12 West AND still have 8 “World” players and 16 USA. It seems someone will be left off because they already have 8 “World” players.”
When it comes to International players, the usual suspects – Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Wemby, SGA and Giannis Antetokounmpo – are likely to get the most votes. But what about the American All-Stars? Will the NBA force the votes to lean into two categories from two diverse conferences? Or will it be organic and then unevenly divided across three teams?
The solution is apparently Adam Silver. If the votes don’t make a 16-8 split (which it likely won’t), the NBA commissioner will select the players.
There’s also the round-robin tournament format that fans don’t like. The 15-minute games from last season were too fast, and some of the games, like the G-leaguers against the vets, weren’t given due regard. “Eh, it was one International team vs a US team. That’s it. No tournaments. It was very simple and again they blew it.”
The agreers just want to see the international titans on one team. “I actually like this idea because I want a Team USA vs. Team World NBA game. The idea of Luka, Wemby, Giannis, SGA, and Jokic all on one team, and knowing there’s nothing Team USA can do to stop them, is very exciting to watch for me. So, good job, NBA/Adam Silver!” and the others are mad that the likes of Alperen Sengun and Josh Giddey probably won’t get the chance they deserve.
Even the old critique about the continuous All-Star overhaul was brought back. “Just do it normal and offer more money to the winning side. This is a galaxy brain over-think. We just want to see some crazy dunks and players trying hard in the 4th quarter.”
Others recommend bringing in the nostalgia with the classic recommendation. “Can we just get a traditional east vs west and the winner gets home court for finals?! 😩”
Fans have long wanted the USA vs. the World format. But not like this, not with such a great disparity. They’re bracing themselves for a lot of young talent getting overlooked in a possible popularity contest, and the rage is going to carry forward to the All-Star Weekend.
Thunder join Warriors, Bulls and Lakers on list of best starts by defending champs
Sometimes, a defending champion picks up right where it left off when the following season starts up. Case in point: the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder are rolling to start the 2025-26 season. Oklahoma City currently boasts the best record in the NBA at 11-1 with an average point differential of plus-14.4. It strung together eight straight wins to start the season, tied for the sixth-longest win streak by a defending champion to begin a season in NBA history and longest since the Golden State Warriors in 2015-16.
The hot start from the Thunder comes on the heels of a 68-win season and an NBA title. Oklahoma City will look to continue its strong run against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night (9:30 ET, ESPN), further establishing its place on a list of the best starts to a season by a defending champion.
Here’s a look back at the best 12-game starts by a defending NBA champion since 1970, and how those teams fared in the postseason.
Golden State Warriors, 2015-16
12-game record: 12-0
Postseason result: NBA Finals loss to Cleveland Cavaliers
There’s fast starts to an NBA season, and then there’s what the Warriors did during the 2015-16 campaign.
Golden State ran the table with an NBA record 24 straight wins to start the season. The Warriors went 73-9 for the season, also the best in league history, and had a plus-10.8 point differential. Warriors guard Stephen Curry became the first player in NBA history to become a unanimous MVP winner — he averaged 30.1 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals while netting a whopping 402 3-pointers.
The Warriors won each of the first two rounds of the playoffs in five games, then came back from 3-1 down against the Thunder to win the Western Conference finals, setting up a rematch with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State jumped out to a 3-1 lead in that series. However, Cleveland stormed back to win its first NBA championship.
Los Angeles Lakers, 2001-02
12-game record: 11-1
Postseason result: NBA Finals win against New Jersey Nets
The Lakers followed their dominant 15-1 2001 postseason and consecutive titles with a similarly strong start to the next campaign.
The Shaq and Kobe-era Lakers lost just one game from Oct. 30 to Dec. 5, 2001, en route to a 58-24 regular-season record. They used that momentum to steamroll through the first two rounds of the playoffs, dropping just one game.
Los Angeles came back from a 3-2 deficit against the Sacramento Kingsto win the Western Conference finals, then dispatched the Nets in four games to win their third straight title.
Chicago Bulls, 1996-97
12-game record: 12-0
Postseason result: NBA Finals win against Seattle SuperSonics
The best way to follow up a 72-10 season and NBA title? Come out of the gates hot in the upcoming campaign.
The Bulls did exactly that, winning 12 straight games to begin the 1996-97 season. Michael Jordan finished second in MVP voting that season, though he averaged a league-high 29.6 points per game.
Chicago would lose consecutive games just twice throughout the season, then dropped just two total playoff games over the first three rounds. The Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in six games to win their fifth championship of the ’90s.
Boston Celtics, 1984-85
12-game record: 11-1
Postseason result: NBA Finals loss to Lakers
Coming off its second title of the 1980s, Boston won 15 of its first 16 games to set the tone for the season. Celtics forward Larry Bird won his second of three straight MVPs after averaging 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game.
The Celtics went 11-4 in the first three rounds of the playoffs before facing their bitter rivals, the Lakers, in the Finals. Boston seemed to be on the way to winning another championship when it defeated Los Angeles by 32 points in Game 1. However, the Lakers bounced back to win the series in six.
Milwaukee Bucks, 1971-72
12-game record: 11-1
Postseason result: Western Conference finals defeat to Lakers
Led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee jumped out to a 30-4 start in 1971-72. In putting together an MVP season, Abdul-Jabbar averaged a league-high 31.7 points per game along with 16 rebounds.
Milwaukee would breeze through the Warriors in five games in the first round of the playoffs. However, the Bucks fell in six games to Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and the eventual champion Lakers in the conference finals.
ESPN Research contributed to this story.
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2025-26 NBA MVP ladder, race: Odds, power rankings, frontrunners including Cunningham, Doncic, Maxey
Entering Week 4 of the NBA, Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham have entered the MVP chat as long shots with Philadelphia and Detroit as two of the hottest teams in the NBA, while Victor Wembanyama‘s 38 point night versus Chicago kept him in the top five of the MVP rankings. Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to jostle one another for the top spot of who can rival the reigning MVP on the best team in the NBA.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Vaughn Dalzell’s Week 4 MVP Rankings
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their run for back-to-back champions opening the season at 11-1 over the first 12 games. In that dozen, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has scored 30-plus points 10 times with 28 and 23 in the two that went under. SGA’s dished at least five assists in 9 of those 12 and grabbed five or more rebounds in seven contests to go along with only six games of 35 or more minutes.
Despite the 33.3% usage rate (5th) to start the season without Jalen Williams, SGA hasn’t played the minutes that you’d assume with his numbers. If Cade Cunningham needs 45 shots and 18 free-throw attempts to score 46 points, how many does SGA need?
Well, SGA scored 35 points on 22 field goal attempts and 11 free-throw attempts two games ago versus Minnesota. SGA is one of the most efficient and prolific scorers we will see this decade and it’s a consistent night to night basis. It’s hard to argue he isn’t defending his MVP the correct way through 12 games. SGA is a safe bet to go back-to-back from everything I’ve seen.
SGA is the safe bet, but my favorite pick to win the MVP was the new slim-thick version of Luka Doncic! Through seven games with him on the court, the Lakers have gone 5-2 and he’s averaged a near triple-double of 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists with the second-highest usage rate (37.8%).
Doncic has only triple-doubled once this season, but double-doubled in five others. His latest outing versus Charlotte, a 38-point performance in 38 minutes, Doncic failed to record his first double-double of the season with seven assists and six rebounds.
The Lakers look great and so does Doncic. I think he will be a top-three contender all year for the award and still put up 30-7-7 at the least with LeBron James back in the mix. For the first time in my life, a team that LeBron is on, doesn’t quote feel like it’s his team, although he is still the leader and shot-caller, but you get what I’m saying. Luka is the face of the Lakers, but LeBron is the voice. There I got it.
For the fourth time in the last five games, Nikola Jokic topped the 30-point mark as Denver is on a five-game winning streak. The Joker is doing it all, leading Denver in points, rebounds, assists, and minutes per game.
Jokic lead the Nuggets in scoring all five games during this winning streak and in fact, Denver is 6-0 when he is the leading scorer this season. When he triple doubles, Denver is 5-1 this season with the lone loss coming in OT during the season-opener to Golden State (137-131). Denver is tied for the third-best record in the NBA and will need to keep up the pace if Jokic wants to win MVP.
At this impressive rate, Jokic will likely finish third or fourth in MVP voting despite averaging a 30-point triple-double on a top-four team in the West. Unless Denver has a better record than Oklahoma City, or the best in the NBA for better words, I don’t know Jokic gets the necessary votes over SGA or Doncic if Jokic didn’t last year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the NBA in scoring (33.4) and top 10 across the board in so many categories, it would take too much time to list them all. The Greek Freak has had to take his game to a different level, including fadeaway game-winners, but more impressively, becoming Point-Giannis.
Antetokounmpo has the third-highest usage rate (35.3%), or the second-best if you don’t include Luka Doncic. He’s directed the Bucks offense to the 10th-best offensive efficiency and 11th-ranked assist to turnover ratio to go along with the 10th-quickest pace. At 7-4, Milwaukee has continued to surprise and with the limited help from his role players. Antetokounmpo is playing like an MVP through 11 games.
The Spurs have won three straight games and are tied with the Nuggets for third-best record in the NBA (OKC, DEN) and second-place in the Western Conference behind the Thunder. Not many people expected this start from the Spurs, that included a 5-0 record over the first five games.
Victor Wembanyama averaged 30.2 points, 14.6 rebounds, 4.8 blocks, and 3.4 assists in the first five games of the season. However, in the second five-game sample size, Wemby averaged 21.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game. Teams have started playing him differently to limit his impact, but the win-loss column hasn’t been impacted, which is what keeps Wembanyama in the race.
When the Spurs start losing, Wembanyama’s odds will start dropping, but will they start losing? San Antonio just received a boost when De’Aaron Fox returned and the Spurs are 2-0 so far as he’s scored 21 and 24 points and shot 60.7% from the field! Maybe not this year for Wemby MVP, but an entire year of chemistry with this young Spurs team could lead to a MVP trophy for Wemby sometime in the next three seasons.
Stock Up
Tyrese Maxey has continued to take control of the 76ers’ high-tempo offense ranking second in the NBA with 33.2 points per game. Maxey turned in a season-low 21 points against the Celtics in his previous game without Joel Embiid, but Philadelphia won, so his odds stayed put at 50-to-1, better than the 70-to-1 last week.
As long as the 7-4 Philadelphia 76ers are winning, Maxey will be in the small second-tier to long shot contenders for MVP. The first tier is made up of SGA, Doncic, Jokic, Giannis, and Wemby. Then the second tier to long shots would be Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant, Paolo Banchero, and Jaylen Brown.
Cade Cunningham was 150-to-1 before the Pistons seven-game winning streak and now he’s 35-to-1. Detroit owns the league’s longest winning streak, but only one of those teams have a winning record, so it’d say hold your horses on any Cunningham MVP chatter.
However, his 46 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assist triple-double in an 137-135 OT win over Washington on Peacock certainly gave us a glimpse of what Cunningham can be. Cunningham went 14-of-45 from the field (31.1%), 2-of-11 from three (18.2%), and 16-of-18 (88.9%) from the free-throw line in the win for one of the more inefficient 46-point outings.
Stock Down
There aren’t many players with their stock dropping besides Anthony Edwards (+10000), so I won’t write about him again, but Victor Wembanyama has watched his drop.
Over the last five games, teams have started implementing defensive fronting strategies with help to limit his scoring impact. It worked with four straight games of 22 or fewer points, outside of the last game when Chicago allowed him to go off for 38 points. Wemby is averaging fewer points (-9.0), rebounds (-3.6), and blocks (-1.8) per game over the last five opposed to the first five.
Wemby has now put himself into the fifth position for MVP for every sports book, but we can write him in as Defensive Player of the Year as long as he stays healthy.
Follow my plays for the season on X @VmoneySports, Instagram @VmoneySports_ and Action App @vaughndalzell.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock
Hochman: Why sports memories matter. Remembering Lenny Wilkens, the late STL hoops star
Benjamin Hochman | Post-Dispatch
Sports columnist
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Underdog promo code CBSSPORTS2: New play $5, get $100 offer for NFL, NBA, more
Thursday is the perfect time to use the latest Underdog promo code CBSSPORTS2, which varies state-to-state but includes the potential to play $5, get $100 in bonus entries. The Week 11 NFL schedule kicks off on ‘Thursday Night Football’ when Justin Fields and the New York Jets battle Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in a contest that could create the chance to find some value on the best DFS apps. Fields is looking to guide the Jets to their third win in a row, while Maye is trying to lead the Patriots to their AFC East title in six years. In the meantime, there’s also NBA, college basketball, college football and NHL going on. Regardless of who you’re targeting or your location, using the Underdog bonus code CBSSPORTS2 will ensure you get the best Underdog promo code available in your state. Click here to get the latest Underdog promo code for new users:
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USA Gymnastics tabs MLS exec Kyle Albrecht to succeed Li Li Leung as president and CEO
Kyle Albrecht’s relationship with gymnastics dates back nearly three decades to that warm summer night in 1996 when the “Magnificent Seven” won gold at the Atlanta Olympics.
He was just a kid when he watched Kerri Strug’s iconic gold-clinching vault on TV.
Albrecht’s view will be much different when the Summer Games return to the United States in Los Angeles in three years.
USA Gymnastics has tabbed Albrecht, an executive at Major League Soccer, as its next president and CEO. Albrecht will replace Li Li Leung, who is stepping down at the end of the year following a highly successful tenure in which she guided one of the crown jewels of the U.S. Olympic movement out of the shadow of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal.
“When I step into this role, you know, certainly I think about it in a way that this isn’t my seat,” Albrecht told The Associated Press. “I’m here to serve the sport and its membership and I’m certainly respectful of the tremendous progress that was made under her leadership.”
Albrecht has been with MLS since 2019. He helped launch MLS GO, the league’s grassroots program, in 2023. Last year he was named general manager of MLS NEXT, the top youth development program in the country.
“(Kyle) has the leadership experience essential to continue USA Gymnastics’ growth, and his fresh perspective will provide new opportunities and leadership as we look to the LA 2028 Olympic Games as a catalyst for the sport of gymnastics and its athletes,” USA Gymnastics chairman Kathryn Carson said in a statement.
Albrecht, 37, will take over an organization that is thriving at multiple levels. Membership has risen to more than 240,000, several high-profile corporate sponsors have returned to the fold after fleeing at the height of the Nassar scandal, it recently agreed to a content partnership with NBC that runs through the 2032 Olympics and the elite programs remain among the world’s best.
“The sport is in such a strong position now because of the systems and the people, the staff and the culture that’s been created,” Albrecht said. “So I think I’m fortunate that I’m coming in and certainly the organization isn’t hitting reset. It’s now about moving forward with the stability and the momentum that we’ve created.”
Albrecht plans to take a “listen first” approach. A former college soccer player at George Washington, Albrecht received an up-close education on what it takes to excel at gymnastics while working home meets for the school’s gymnastics team, where his responsibilities included helping put down the mats and running the event.
“I’m well aware of the determination and commitment to excellence that it takes to be a part of the sport,” Albrecht said.
At the elite level, the U.S. perhaps is in a transitional phase. The women who helped the Americans capture gold at the Paris Olympics — including two-time Olympic champion Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles — have not ruled out making a run at Los Angeles.
The four-woman team that competed for the U.S. at the 2025 world championships last month won only two medals, the program’s lowest total at worlds since 2021.
The men’s team, meanwhile, captured three medals — including a gold on rings by 31-year-old Donnell Whittenburg — as it tries to capitalize on the momentum it built by earning bronze in Paris.
Part of building that momentum over the long term is making sure young athletes are introduced to the sport. Albrecht said one of the main goals during his tenure is to make sure the organization is “providing as much access to anyone who wants to participate in gymnastics.”
The next three years will be important in making sure the infrastructure is there to handle what USA Gymnastics hopes is a sustained uptick in interest as the Olympics near, then capitalize on the likely spike that will come after hosting the Games.
“(It’s about using) that massive moment as a launching pad, I think to engage more fans, to introduce more kids to the sport,” Albrecht said. “Then hopefully as a result, drive the value of our organization up so that we can reinvest it back into the sport.”
___
USA Gymnastics tabs MLS executive Kyle Albrecht to succeed Li Li Leung as president and CEO
Kyle Albrecht’s relationship with gymnastics dates back nearly three decades to that warm summer night in 1996 when the “Magnificent Seven” won gold at the Atlanta Olympics.
He was just a kid when he watched Kerri Strug’s iconic gold-clinching vault on TV.
Albrecht’s view will be much different when the Summer Games return to the United States in Los Angeles in three years.
USA Gymnastics has tabbed Albrecht, an executive at Major League Soccer, as its next president and CEO. Albrecht will replace Li Li Leung, who is stepping down at the end of the year following a highly successful tenure in which she guided one of the crown jewels of the U.S. Olympic movement out of the shadow of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal.
“When I step into this role, you know, certainly I think about it in a way that this isn’t my seat,” Albrecht told The Associated Press. “I’m here to serve the sport and its membership and I’m certainly respectful of the tremendous progress that was made under her leadership.”
Albrecht has been with MLS since 2019. He helped launch MLS GO, the league’s grassroots program, in 2023. Last year he was named general manager of MLS NEXT, the top youth development program in the country.
“(Kyle) has the leadership experience essential to continue USA Gymnastics’ growth, and his fresh perspective will provide new opportunities and leadership as we look to the LA 2028 Olympic Games as a catalyst for the sport of gymnastics and its athletes,” USA Gymnastics chairman Kathryn Carson said in a statement.
Albrecht, 37, will take over an organization that is thriving at multiple levels. Membership has risen to more than 240,000, several high-profile corporate sponsors have returned to the fold after fleeing at the height of the Nassar scandal, it recently agreed to a content partnership with NBC that runs through the 2032 Olympics and the elite programs remain among the world’s best.
“The sport is in such a strong position now because of the systems and the people, the staff and the culture that’s been created,” Albrecht said. “So I think I’m fortunate that I’m coming in and certainly the organization isn’t hitting reset. It’s now about moving forward with the stability and the momentum that we’ve created.”
Albrecht plans to take a “listen first” approach. A former college soccer player at George Washington, Albrecht received an up-close education on what it takes to excel at gymnastics while working home meets for the school’s gymnastics team, where his responsibilities included helping put down the mats and running the event.
“I’m well aware of the determination and commitment to excellence that it takes to be a part of the sport,” Albrecht said.
At the elite level, the U.S. perhaps is in a transitional phase. The women who helped the Americans capture gold at the Paris Olympics — including two-time Olympic champion Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles — have not ruled out making a run at Los Angeles.
The four-woman team that competed for the U.S. at the 2025 world championships last month won only two medals, the program’s lowest total at worlds since 2021.
The men’s team, meanwhile, captured three medals — including a gold on rings by 31-year-old Donnell Whittenburg — as it tries to capitalize on the momentum it built by earning bronze in Paris.
Part of building that momentum over the long term is making sure young athletes are introduced to the sport. Albrecht said one of the main goals during his tenure is to make sure the organization is “providing as much access to anyone who wants to participate in gymnastics.”
The next three years will be important in making sure the infrastructure is there to handle what USA Gymnastics hopes is a sustained uptick in interest as the Olympics near, then capitalize on the likely spike that will come after hosting the Games.
“(It’s about using) that massive moment as a launching pad, I think to engage more fans, to introduce more kids to the sport,” Albrecht said. “Then hopefully as a result, drive the value of our organization up so that we can reinvest it back into the sport.”
___
AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
Trump backs ‘powerful caps’ on college athlete pay
WASHINGTON — President Trump wants “very powerful caps” to limit college athlete salaries so that universities won’t “go out of business.”
Trump told ESPN host Pat McAfee that he fears that “lesser” sports also are being scrapped due to the newly allowed practice of directly paying athletes, which has been allowed since July on top of name, image and likeness (NIL) sponsorships by companies and booster clubs permitted since 2021.
“It is a very serious problem because even football, when they give quarterbacks $12 million, $13 million, $14 million — I read a couple of them — and all of a sudden you’re going to see it’s going to be out of control, and even rich colleges are going to go bust,” Trump said in a Tuesday interview.
“They had the old way. They gave scholarships, and they did lots of good things. But there could be some form of payments, but… look, the NFL, and all of you know, all teams, they have caps. You don’t really have that in college sports,” the president said.
“When the guard comes along that weighs 350 pounds and he’s phenomenal, and they say, ‘That’s going to make the difference between having a great team and a lousy team’, and they give him $10 million — that’s going to start happening pretty soon — all of a sudden you’re going to have NFL-type payrolls.”
The reform allowing for direct payment of players by universities came through a court-approved settlement involving the NCAA, with an estimated initial annual cap of $20.5 million per player. Without changes, the salary cap is expected to rise to $33 million over the next decade, CBS Sports reported.
Trump, whose administration this year paused federal grants to prominent universities to force policy changes, added, “colleges don’t make that much money, even the most successful, so they’re not going to be able to do this. Bad things are going to happen unless they figure this out…
“And frankly, the college football, it’s very big. But as big as it is, if they don’t do some very powerful caps, these colleges are all going to go out of business no matter how rich they are.”
Trump floated Nick Saban, the retired longtime football coach at the University of Alabama, as a potential point person to lead a group to devise new salary caps.
“I don’t want to use any particular sport, because it’s, you know, degrading. But they are really terminating a lot of sports… you would call them lesser sports, but big sports, good sports, and sports where they have tremendous interest, they’re getting rid of them,” Trump added.
“A lot of the lesser sports are being totally terminated. You know that? It’s a shame. It was almost like a training ground for the Olympics, and a lot of those training grounds are being lost.”
RACER Creator Awards partners with 43 Institute (Ken Block Foundation) as preferred nonprofit partner
RACER Media & Marketing is proud to announce a partnership between the inaugural RACER Creator Awards and 43 Institute (Ken Block Foundation), the nonprofit founded in memory of motorsports icon Ken Block. As the awards’ preferred nonprofit partner, 43 Institute will be featured throughout the program, reflecting a shared mission to expand opportunity in motorsports, action sports, and creative industries.
The RACER Creator Awards, launching November 20, 2025, during AutoMobility LA and the LA Auto Show, celebrate creators redefining automotive storytelling, media, and culture. Partnering with 43 Institute highlights the importance of mentorship, access, and opportunity for “motivated misfits” — individuals from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing creative and technical careers.
A special announcement highlighting this partnership will take place at the awards show, emphasizing the connection between creator culture and meaningful community impact.
About 43 Institute (Ken Block Foundation):
Jeff Gordon Remembers His Fallen Friend Who Shaped Hendrick Motorsports’ Public Image
Jeff Gordon rarely shows his emotional side. The four-time champ has proven time and again as an important part of NASCAR’s most trophy-laden team. But behind his success was an integral figure, one who helped him deal with the media, even serving as a “memory bank” in front of the cameras. While the plaudits often go towards the driver when the checkered flag is waved, the Hendrick Motorsports vice-chairman couldn’t help but pay tribute to an unsung hero, an important part of Mr. H’s operations.
Hendrick Motorsports faced a significant setback on April 10th, 2025. Jon Edwards passed away, and his loss hit hard for Jeff Gordon, whose relationship with his longtime collaborator went beyond press releases. As tributes poured in from the whole garage, the NASCAR community felt the weight of his absence, a reminder of how one person’s passion can change and elevate a whole team’s public image. And Gordon’s reflections capture that deep sense of missing a true partner in the sport.
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A heartfelt tribute to Jon Edwards
On a recent episode of NASCAR Live, Jeff Gordon opened up about Jon Edwards, the media mastermind who first joined his orbit in 1994 through Performance PR Plus. “Jon came to us through a company called Performance PR Plus, who, when DuPont first came to NASCAR, was an agency that handled PR and hospitality, and he became my PR guy through them,” Gordon shared. “And it was just an instant connection because this is a guy that loved his job, and he loved racing…and over time, that built more than just a working relationship. It built a friendship as well.”
Edwards had a knack for making intimidating stars like Gordon approachable, as the California-native had that aura about him that even made fans awestruck. But Edward, being media savvy, changed that perception in fans’ eyes and made Gordon a fan-favorite star. Edwards also transformed HMS’ public image, which made him win awards like NASCAR PR Rep of the Year. He also mentored young communicators who now shape the sport’s narratives.
Jeff Gordon leaned on Edwards as more than his PR guy. He was the California-native’s all-time partner in interviews and a close friend. “He became my memory bank, which people that know me know I have a terrible memory… this was a guy that sat in on every interview that I ever did, and when I needed answers and reminders, boom, he was there,” Gordon recalled.
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Edwards was hired full-time by Gordon in the mid-2000s. Later, his career transitioned to Kyle Larson’s team in 2021, and he even rose to Hendrick Motorsports’ Director of Racing Communications in 2022. His sudden passing from complications related to a diabetes-related illness left a gap, but not before he boosted Larson’s career with savvy media marketing, helping the No. 5 driver excel on the racetrack, including the Bristol win, just days after Edwards’ demise.
Fittingly, Larson dedicated his Bristol win to Edwards, saying, “This one’s definitely for Jon. He’s just a great guy here. We’re going to miss him. Wish he was going to be here with us to celebrate, but I know he’s celebrating with us in spirit.”
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Larson, fresh off his second Cup title at Phoenix, channeled that spirit in his awards speech. “I want to dedicate this championship to someone who meant so much to us, Jon Edwards,” he said. “Jon wasn’t just our director of racing communications; he was our friend, our teammate, and truly, the heart of this team. Even though he’s no longer with us, his spirit has been with us every step of the way this season. Jon, this one’s for you. We miss you; we love you, and I hope we made you proud.”
This tribute by Kyle Larson summarized his season, where Yung Money’s 15 top-five finishes carried HMS through slumps. Despite the triumph, the No. 5 driver didn’t forget Edwards’ role behind the scenes, which made him a fan-favorite after joining Rick Hendrick’s side under controversial circumstances in 2021.
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Jeff Gordon’s vision for Hendrick’s revival
Jeff Gordon sees Hendrick Motorsports hitting its stride after a bumpy 2025, with Kyle Larson’s title and William Byron in the final four and regular-season crown signaling real momentum. The team notched eight wins despite mid-season woes on short tracks, where they struggled for consistency.
Gordon, reflecting on the playoffs, admitted the challenges but spotlighted growth. “I wasn’t sure if we could get one here, let alone two here. Our program on the shorter tracks, the one-mile tracks, was just not quite there,” he said in a recent interview. This candid take underscores how Hendrick Motorsports adapted at Martinsville, advancing two cars to the final four, with William Byron winning the race and Chase Elliott coming in at P3.
Yet, Gordon remains upbeat about untapped potential, especially for underdogs like Alex Bowman and his No. 48 crew. Bowman’s six top-fives showed promise, but no wins left room for growth. “We know that they’re very valuable, but we also know there’s things that need to be improved there,” Gordon noted.
“It’s a big part of our focus in this off-season: giving Alex and Blake the tools that they need and making sure to surround them with all the things that can help strengthen their team and button up some of those things. I’m with Rick, I don’t think they’re that far off,” said Jeff Gordon. Ultimately, it all comes down to Rick Hendrick’s mindset of prioritizing engineering and sim tech, to make sure the team is getting the maximum output from the drivers.
As vice chairman of the team since 2019, Gordon’s hand in these shifts keeps the team’s image sharp and accessible, yet motivated for a dominant 2026 run.
Jeff Gordon Believes Hendrick Motorsports Must ‘Hit on All Cylinders’ Before Daytona 500
The 2025 season felt like Hendrick Motorsports was reminding everyone who they are. William Byron kicked things off with three big wins, including two straight Daytona 500 victories in two years, and went on to win the regular series championship. Kyle Larson followed through with another trademark run, locking in his second championship in five years.
After a few seasons of ups and downs, the team looked every bit like its old self again. Still, Jeff Gordon isn’t treating this as the finish line. As the season winds down, the four-time Cup Series champion is more focused than ever and is pushing Hendrick Motorsports to reach even higher next year.
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Jeff Gordon reveals postseason plans
Speaking on the NASCAR Live podcast, Gordon said, “Yeah, always work to be done. Always things that Mr. Hendrick is focused on investing in only to help our organization grow and get better. And for us, it’s about delivering on all those promises to our people. And, you know, the offseason. A lot of work to be done to show in Daytona in February next year to make sure that. You know, we’re hitting on all cylinders and go compete for another championship.”
It’s important to note the sheer determination and hard work that went into a splendid season. All this didn’t come easy. The team opened the Round of 16 with a weak showing at Darlington Raceway, their first playoff race in 2025, where none of their cars finished inside the top 15. At the next stop, World Wide Technology Raceway, the results improved slightly, with some top 12 finishers, but execution errors and strategy missteps exposed cracks in their early playoff game.
Despite that shaky start, Hendrick Motorsports bounced back. With two drivers in the mix at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson delivered when it mattered the most, securing his team’s 15th Cup title. Although William Byron’s late caution helped Larson win, it came at the expense of his own triumph. But with all that behind them, Hendrick Motorsports is ready to pull out the late shifts and burn the midnight oil to get Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott into the championship mix next year.
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Alex Bowman entered 2025 on the back of a promising 2024 campaign. But the new season turned into a grind, steady, yet frustratingly endless through all 36 races. Despite flashes of speed and plenty of fight, Bowman wrapped up the year 13th in points with six top fives, 16 top 10s, and poles at Homestead and Bristol to show for it. However, the points that helped him slide into the Round of 16 quickly came undone after a 40-second pit stop derailed his playoff hopes.
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Gordon added, “Well, listen, I, really enjoying the moment and what we’ve accomplished. This has been a great year for Hendrick Motorsports…But there’s more work to be done. You know, there’s things that we can do to be better, right? We’ve got to get that 48. Alex Bowman. You know, Blake Harris, team allies, an important partner of ours, and we got to get that team better, so we’re very focused on that. You know, the 9 team was strong and right there all the way, you know, to that Round of eight, but we want more for them too, you know.”
Moreover, Chase Elliott pulled together a remarkably consistent 2025 regular season. He finished in the top 20 and every one of the first 17 races and carried an average finish of around 11th. While that kept his No. 9 Chevy locked into the playoffs, it masked an even greater issue. He remained winless until the race at EchoPark Speedway, leading just 95 laps till that point.
However, 2025’s Most Popular Driver‘s playoff run was a mix of resilience and vulnerability that ultimately highlighted two troubling themes, inconsistency and misfortune. After his bounce-back win at Kansas Speedway secured a spot in the Round of eight, he looked poised to contend, but a disastrous 40th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway derailed that momentum and left him 62 points below the cut line.
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While he has shown flashes of top-tier speed, dominance was missing, and he had only one true playoff win in recent seasons. Analysts flagged his lack of urgency when it mattered most, and Gordon looks to change all of this while aiming to get all four of his drivers in the Championship 4 next season.
Gordon vows to support the No. 48 team next season
Jeff Gordon is leading HMS’s efforts to revive the No.48 team after a challenging 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season in which Alex Bowman went winless. While other Hendrick drivers celebrated playoff success, Gordon emphasised the importance of restoring the legacy, one defined by seven championships under Jimmie Johnson.
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Gordon said, “There’s a lot of pride there for a Hendrick car, but specifically the 48, when you look at the seven championships that have come from that car. We want to keep that going for the company, for the people that worked so hard on that car, as well as for our sponsors.”
Beyond history, the No.48 team continues to provide valuable technical insights and data to the organisation, strengthening Hendrick Motorsports as a whole. He added, “That team has contributed tremendously to the success of this company, to all of our teams. They add a lot of value in what they bring, the information that comes from Blake (crew chief) and his team and Alex.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Gordon stressed that rebuilding competitiveness is a priority. He said, “We know there’s things that need to be improved there. It’s a big part of our focus in this off-season. That’s giving Alex and Blake the tools that they need. And making sure we are surrounding them with all the things that can help strengthen their team and button up some of those things.”
The push reflects Hendrick Motorsports’ dedication, not just to honouring past successes but also to leveraging the No.48 team’s expertise and potential for future victories
Valencia’s basketball arena is a stadium tucked in a civic gesture
The newest plaza in Valencia, Spain, has everything one might expect from a public space in a temperate seaside Spanish city. Its five acres contain green space, a playground, ball courts, and walking paths, and the plaza connects to a new market hall, with restaurants and bars serving a wide range of local specialties.
Next to all this—and the real reason for any of it existing at all—is Roig Arena, the new multipurpose stadium built for the men’s and women’s professional basketball teams of the Valencia Basket Club.
The basketball arena is hardly the second thought here, but it’s much more a piece of this broader civic space than the typical pro sports facility. Especially compared to the U.S., where the stadium is often the only element of such a project, Roig Arena and its public amenities offer a refreshing take on a form of urban development that favors the “development” over the “urban.”
Open since September, the project was designed by the international architecture firm Hok and Valencia-based Erre. With a fluid, scaly facade of precisely angled ceramic tiles, the arena has an unmistakable presence in a neighborhood just outside the center of the city. But because it was sunk down into the ground, the arena is actually much shorter than most of the surrounding neighborhood, softening the unavoidable intrusion of such a big building.
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There’s room inside for more than 15,000 people during basketball games, and upwards of 20,000 when the venue is used for concerts, which, according to its business plan, represents a large chunk of its calendar. Even more significant is the market hall, which is open every day, even when there’s no basketball game or concert happening.
In contrast to stadiums in the U.S., Valencia’s was a relative bargain at €400 million, or about $461 million. (The Intuit Dome, the flashy new home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, for instance, cost more than $2 billion.) The project was financed entirely by Juan Roig, owner of the Valencia Basket Club and majority owner of Spain’s largest supermarket chain, Mercadona. It’s a unique financial arrangement in Spain, where most sports arenas are publicly financed.
The Valencia basketball arena’s design was led by Erre partner Amparo Roig, who also happens to be the daughter of Juan Roig. “He wanted to do something important for Valencia and for Spain,” she says. “It was very important to be sustainable economically.”
More than an arena
Making it financially sustainable required focusing on ways the arena could be more than just a sports venue. In the U.S., arenas typically host professional basketball and hockey teams as their anchor users, with concerts and performances as a substantial side business, and fine dining and other concessions adding to the bottom line during events.
In Spain, hockey is not part of the mix, which meant the arena had to be designed to make concerts and events sit on almost equal footing as basketball games, and have concessions that would actually draw more than just the captured audience of a sports game or concert. One sit-down restaurant in the complex specializes in paella and grilled fish. Another offers croquettes and Valencian flatbreads. “We’re not doing hot dogs here,” Amparo Roig says.
In other ways, the arena is a typical sports and concert venue, with priority given to spectators’ view lines, easy ingress and egress, and comfort inside the space. Roig took the designer’s prerogative and included more restrooms for women than men. Specially designed piping systems allow beer vendors to operate on the floor level during concerts. “Subtle things like that make sure that it is very much a party building when it’s in party mode,” says John Rhodes, director of sports and entertainment at Hok.
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The venue also has its share of luxury lounges. But unlike the stuffy, windowless lounges inside most arenas, Roig Arena’s were designed to stretch to the exterior edge of the building, much of which is open to the usually warm air of Valencia.
“What we tried to do was actually ensure that the lounges were almost connected with the outside, with this beautiful climate,” Rhodes says.
An outdoor arrangement
That connection to the outside extends throughout the building. Its facade, made of 8,600 ceramic scales, was carefully configured to block the intensity of the sun while still allowing coastal breezes to enter the building. This partially cools the building, cutting down on its energy use. A rooftop solar array also reduces its energy demands.
The openness of the Valencia basketball arena’s facade raised some concerns from locals. This, after all, is an existing neighborhood; a local school was relocated to create room for the project. As such, the designers focused heavily on community outreach, and on addressing issues that residents raised. The big one was noise—a challenge that forced Madrid’s main stadium to cancel concerts after the roar of a Taylor Swift concert spilled out across the surrounding neighborhood. “We made a lot of effort that the sound didn’t go outside, not through the roof and not through the facade,” Roig says.
It’s part of the project’s civic gesture. In the end, it’s still a big event venue that will always stick out a bit in a city with thousands of years of history. But among the sports stadiums being built around the world, it does at least try to soften the impact, and possibly add more than it takes. “As a designer, it’s very, very rare that you get to introduce such significant public realm into a heritage city,” Rhodes says.
Warning ‘EURO 2032 is an opportunity we cannot waste’ for new Italian stadiums
Italian football figures came together to warn ‘EURO 2032 is an opportunity we cannot waste’ to finally revitalise stadiums. ‘This has now become an atavistic problem.’
The sale of the area around San Siro to Inter and AC Milan has finally been accepted, although some legal challenges are still expected before work can begin on building the new arena.
Meanwhile, it is hoped that the fact Italy will co-host the EURO 2032 tournament with Turkey, providing six host stadiums in each country, can provide a firm deadline and investment to get projects approved.
A summit was held in Brussels on sporting infrastructure as motor of urban and social regeneration, attended by figures from Italian and European football.
Italy will co-host EURO 2032 with Turkey
“EURO 2032 is an opportunity we cannot waste,” said UEFA executive director Michele Uva.
“Let us unite forces. UEFA will be a facilitator with its experience and knowledge. The stadiums that have been either built or revitalised in the last 18 years in the country are all down to personal investment. What Italy needs is an approach from the whole system.
“This is where the European Championships in 2032 represent a big opportunity to step up a level, starting with a change of mentality. As an Italian, I urge everyone to come together, so this can be an advantage for Italian and European football.
“Just look at the €2 billion that were generated by the most recent tournament in Germany, which will be reinvested in youth and women’s football. This is the model to follow.”
Organiser Lara Magoni pointed out that the situation in Italy is particularly dire because hardly any clubs own their stadiums, they are all rented from the local council, and therefore resistant to change or even investment.
“Right now, 90 per cent of Italian stadiums are publicly owned, built between the 1930s and the 1960s. We need a national plan that can allow clubs to invest, making stadiums that are modern, safe and sustainable,” said Magoni.
It took over 10 years for Inter and Milan to finally get permission to purchase San Siro, and this is something Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli cannot hide from.
“This has now become an atavistic problem. We’ve got to think about new stadiums that are open seven days a week, tied to the development of the communities around them. Unfortunately, only 8 per cent of stadiums are owned by private business. We as the Lega Serie A must try to allow smaller clubs to purchase their own stadiums too.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean building entirely new structures, but requalifying the existing venues, like Udinese and Atalanta have done with the Bluenergy Stadium and the New Balance Arena.
Swanson: UCLA bailing on Rose Bowl for SoFi? Nothing is sacred
Well, look at it this way.
You’re UCLA athletics and you’ve reportedly been operating in the red for six consecutive years, racking up more than $200 million in debt. Your football branch, the wing of the department that’s supposed to generate a lot of that revenue, it totally stinks. That team has no permanent coach or clear path to competency, let alone prosperity. It’s a tough sell, no matter where you shop it.
But hey! At least if your plan goes through, you won’t have to play football games at one of the world’s most revered sporting venues anymore.
Wait, what?
What are you doin’, Bruins?
You want to punt on your one advantage as an attraction, football-wise? You want to leave the Rose Bowl – the Rose Bowl! –one of American sports’ most venerable places of play, one of the most beautiful, a literal historical landmark – for the sterile and mostly enclosed, steel-and-concrete contraption that is SoFi Stadium, another off-campus facility that’s also a freeway drive away?
It’s such an outrageous proposition, it’s hard to know where to start.
With the facts, I suppose: On Monday, the city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. filed a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order request in Los Angeles Superior Court, attempting to halt UCLA’s alleged “imminent departure” of home football games from the Rose Bowl to Inglewood.
That follows their lawsuit in late October alleging the university had “long been negotiating” a move from Pasadena to Inglewood, in breach of a decades-long agreement with the Rose Bowl, and the standing lease agreement “explicitly stating there is no option for UCLA to terminate the lease prior to its expiration in 2044.”
The italics are mine, to emphasize the ironclad and apparently prescient no-buyouts-here-buddy nature of the contract: “[A]ny attempt by [UCLA] to terminate this Agreement … would be a breach of this Agreement for which monetary damages alone would be inadequate.”
So, about those reports, per 247sports.com, that this public university wants to just pony up $60 to $80 million to break a contract with a municipality that has issued many millions more in bonds to accommodate it … good luck with that, Bruin braintrust. Actually, no – bad luck and ill fortune, I hope every argument in court gets stuffed.
UCLA’s public no-comment comment on the matter, on Oct. 30, came from UCLA’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, Mary Osako: “While we continue to evaluate the long-term arrangement for UCLA football home games, no decision has been made.”
The admission that they’re even evaluating where to play football home games was incriminating enough: UCLA’s decision-makers are really about to fumble the Rose Bowl. Where the Bruins don’t even pay rent!
I just.
I-
What?
And why? Because Inglewood is a 14 congested miles closer to campus than Pasadena? Because there are more suites to sell at SoFi and, presumably, importantly, more money to make? Because it’s newer?
OK, but riddle me this: Will students still have to get in a car or bus to get to the games? Yes? Soooo, how exactly will their experience improve?
Also, show me the suckers who are going to shell out big bucks for a luxurious box seat to watch mediocre-or-worse college football. What’s the appeal of overpaying to watch what’s essentially a shaky semi-pro team in the same building that you could instead take in the Rams or Chargers? And say the suites do fill for the Bruins – sweet, but what about the other 70,000 seats?
The problem is the football, man. Not the stadium.
Maybe, I don’t know, invest in the product?
UCLA better not think it can automatically count on its alumni to come through, on a fan base’s allegiance to the brand, those people whose traditions are being actively trampled.
And UCLA just played at SoFi, by the way. The Bruins’ 2023 bowl game against Boise State in the shiny new venue moved the dial only backward. Fewer people (32,780) attended the game than attended regular-season games at the Rose Bowl (37,098) this year.
OK, so what are the other arguments in favor of the switch?
Because here’s what I’ve got: Parking will be more expensive. And equally challenging. The tailgating experience will be completely disrupted, and much less enjoyable.
Athletes will play on artificial turf and not grass, and be more prone to injuries. The roof, the roof, the roof will block out the California sun we brag about, that UCLA uses to recruit. And surely a legal battle over home field isn’t going to help attract a great coach.
And what of the glorious views of the San Gabriel Mountains that everyone now associates with UCLA? Relegated to memory, discarded with so much else of college athletics’ lore and legacy.
Rivalries that were for so long the lifeblood of the college game are being treated as more trouble than they’re worth. Conferences are collapsing or morphing into conglomerates without any regional connection or pride. And now we can’t even expect home fields to feel like home?
As painful as it was to peace-out on the Pac-12 Conference, with the way the tectonic plates were shifting beneath the college landscape, I at least understood Athletic Director Martin Jarmond’s arguments (mostly the annual $60 to $75 million payout) in favor of moving to the Big Ten.
There also was, remember, the notion that UCLA could cash in on a bump at the gate from new Big Ten opponents’ fans, like all those Nebraska supporters who showed up among Saturday’s season-high crowd of 44,481. Those friendly, red-clad folks outnumbered UCLA’s faithful and lined up en masse to snap photos in front of the iconic Rose Bowl sign before watching their team take it to their hosts in a 28-21 victory that wasn’t that close.
And what’s with UCLA’s rush to pass on what’s left of its aura? UCLA isn’t even going to let people make plans to come savor the picturesque setting, to stop and smell the proverbial roses a few more times?
Why are they hurrying up this offensive scheme to uproot the team now, starting next season, with only one game against Washington remaining on the docket this year?
“It’s another bad look for UCLA, when they’ve already had a lot of missteps,” said Chris Power, a season ticket holder and lifelong Bruin fan who has missed only one home game since 2002 and attended his first as an infant, who named his son Cade and gave his daughter the middle name Rose.
“If this was all a way to get an on-campus stadium, everybody would be in agreement,” the 43-year-old from Garden Grove continued. “But this just feels, it feels soulless. It’s money, that’s what it boils down to. … I get the reason for it.
“But one of the best things – the best thing – about college football are all the traditions, and so many traditions have been ripped out. And the Rose Bowl is kind of the last thing we could grasp to.
“I was joking around with my wife, ‘How long until they sell the logo and become the GEICO Geckos or something?’”
To be clear: He was being facetious, UCLA. That would be a bad and distasteful idea; don’t do that – it’d be dumb. Like leaving the Rose Bowl for SoFi.
2026 FIFA World Cup turf research continues at University of Tennessee
Sixteen stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is leading the research to ensure turf quality is pristine and consistent across all 104 matches next summer.
John Sorochan, a distinguished professor of turfgrass sciences and management at UT, said the university is in the
Take a look at soccer stadiums similar to Des Moines’ proposed build
American soccer stadiums have come a long way since the Columbus Crew of MLS opened the first soccer-specific U.S. stadium for a pro team in 1999.
Now, even at the second tiers of American pro soccer, leagues require stadiums for their franchises to be purpose-built for
Serena Williams Honored at Baby2Baby Gala for Maternal Health Work
The greatest women’s tennis player of all time continues to win awards. While Serena Williams is no longer dominating the WTA, she is earning recognition for her maternal health advocacy.
Williams was honored with the
Tennis fundraiser aims to support Trenton soup kitchen amid ‘difficult times’
Each year, attorney Jennifer Leighton helps organize a tennis fundraiser to give back to the community.
So, this year, when asked to help select an organization to support, she said the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen was an easy choice.
“I had worked with TASK in my professional life and suggested them as an example of an organization we could support,” Leighton said.
Gifting or keeping? Bloomingdale’s 17 Days of Deals has incredible offers
Great gifting is in the bag — the little brown bag, that is.
Bloomingdale’s just kicked off its 17 Days of Deals event, and in the holiday spirit, each day is like opening a surprise sale. Whether ticking off your holiday gift list or shopping designer duds for yourself, every day will bring new, lowest-of-the-year prices on coveted items.
From celebrity-loved brands like Marc Jacobs and Hoka to Bloomingdale’s own exquisite jewelry and cashmere, there’s something for every taste. The event is running through Nov. 26, so don’t miss out.
Tom Ford Women’s Cat Eye Sunglasses
Today’s offer on Tom Ford sunglasses will have you looking like a star, even if you’re just running to the gym. (The outfit-elevating accessory makes an incredible present as well.)
Not just good looks, these shades offer 100% UV protection and are made in Italy for a streamlined design (like a Ferrari). Shop both the women’s and men’s versions, on sale for today only.
Tom Ford Men’s Cat Eye Sunglasses
What else is in store for the 17-day event?
Remarkable deals on everything from outerwear to Lancôme skincare, Roberto Coin jewelry, Ugg booties and holiday-print family PJs — plus, a Marc Jacobs denim tote we’re drooling over. You’ll want to keep checking back online to see what each day reveals!
While shopping each day of the event, consider joining the Bloomingdale’s Loyallist program to get free shipping on all of your orders. Just don’t delay in shopping these deals: yesterday’s sold out by midday!
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India’s top male tennis player appeals to Chinese officials after saying his visa was denied
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — India’s top-ranked male tennis player is appealing to Chinese authorities after saying he was denied a visa to compete in an Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament beginning Nov. 24 in Chengdu.
Sumit Nagal took to social media to ask the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy to intervene on his behalf.
“I am supposed to fly to China soon to represent India at the Australian Open playoff,” Nagal posted Tuesday. “But my visa was rejected without reason. Your urgent help would be much appreciated.”
Australian Open officials were asked for comment on Wednesday. The 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year, begins Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
Relations between the two Asian powers and with the two largest populations in the world have improved recently. India and China last month planned to resume direct flights between some of their cities after a five-year suspension as the relations between the two countries begin to thaw.
Press Trust of India reported there’d been no immediate response from the embassy or playoff organizers.
One of the 28-year-old Nagal’s career highlights was taking the opening set of a U.S. Open match against Roger Federer in 2019. But Federer won the next three sets to advance to the second round.
Nagal had a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024 but his current ranking is 290. He has been a member of India’s Davis Cup team since 2018.
In January, he lost in the first round at the Australian Open and failed to make it through qualifying for the French Open and Wimbledon. He won the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title with Vietnam’s Ly Hoang Nam, becoming the sixth Indian player to win a junior Grand Slam title.
The Australian Open’s Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff is scheduled for Nov. 24-29 at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre. It’s a 16-player men’s and women’s singles event and 12 teams in men’s and women’s doubles.
In last year’s Asia-Pacific playoff, also held in Chengdu, Zhang Shuai of China and Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej secured places in the main draw of the 2025 Australian Open.
Zhang defeated American McCartney Kessler in the first round in Melbourne before losing to 24th-seeded Yulia Putintseva in the second. Samrej, who had never competed at a Grand Slam venue, not even in qualifying, extended fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev to five sets before losing in the first round.
___
Sumit Nagal appeals to Chinese officials after visa denied for qualifier
BRISBANE, Australia — India’s top-ranked male tennis player is appealing to Chinese authorities after saying he was denied a visa to compete in an Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament beginning Nov. 24 in Chengdu.
Sumit Nagal took to social media to ask the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy to intervene on his behalf.
Novak Djokovic Reveals the Crash That Made Him Lose His Love for Tennis: “Stared at the Wall”
Hailing from the war-torn streets of Belgrade, Novak Djokovic’s journey to the top of world tennis has long been hailed as one of sport’s most inspiring tales. From hitting makeshift balls against a broken wall during air raids to lifting 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has always been the symbol of resilience. Speaking about the foundation of his incredible mental strength, he once admitted, “I came from literally nothing and difficult life circumstances together with my family and with my people. That’s why I managed to find that extra gear.” Yet, even for someone who built his career on unshakeable mental strength, the fire hasn’t always burned bright.
In a candid revelation during an interview with Piers Morgan, the Serbian legend opened up about a phase when he momentarily fell out of love with the sport that made him who he is today. When Morgan asked him to share his thoughts about what it’s like to be at the highest level in the sport, Djokovic simply stated, “Weathering the storm constantly.” He spoke about how, at one particular period, he almost reached 20 or 19 finals in a row, dominating on all surfaces and in all tournaments. “There was no tournament that I didn’t play, that I was not in the finals. So, that’s quite a dangerous place to be mentally and emotionally, if you know what I mean, because you’re like, I mean, ‘I can play every week. I don’t get tired. I’m fine. I’m great. Nobody can beat me,’ and so forth,” Djokovic added.
That’s exactly when he feels the ego grows, and then comes a point of decline. In 2016, other than winning four Masters titles, Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in four sets, completing the historic ‘Nole Slam’. But in 2017, his season got a bit derailed due to an injury, and a year later, he underwent elbow surgery. Speaking on this, Djokovic said that this was the “biggest injury” of his career and it was more like “a big, you know, slap in my face.” He spoke about how masking the injuries with tablets and painkillers worsened things for him. Then he went on to speak about his encounter with Sam Querrey in the R32 of the 2016 Wimbledon. Djokovic lost the match in four sets. But more than the result, there was a lesson he got from this match, which impacted him the most. There were two rain interruptions in that match, and all Djokovic wanted at that time was to spend some time in an isolated room, and hence, he even asked his teammates to leave him alone.
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“I just want to be myself… I let the bags, everything, I didn’t want to drink. I just stared at the wall for 20 or 30 minutes. And that’s the first time I felt really empty and that’s when I realized that you know all the stress and tensions and excitement and anticipation…all the strong emotions that I was feeling for whatever years coming to that moment, my brain had had enough, and I just needed to reset…and I had to do it many times in my career,” Djokovic explained. He skipped some tournaments after that, and it was the same year when Andy Murray defeated him at the ATP World Tour Finals and became the new world number one.
But surprisingly, Novak Djokovic claimed, “I didn’t care about whether I’m going to finish number one or not. That’s the kind of stage or condition that I had at the moment…” This confession struck a chord with fans and fellow athletes alike. For a man whose discipline and motivation often seem superhuman, this glimpse into his humanity was both surprising and grounding. This was the moment when Djokovic felt that he had to regain his love for the sport and rebuild the lost passion surrounding it.
However, this wasn’t the only time that we’ve seen Djokovic admitting a reduction in motivation level. For example, in 2024, during a conversation with Nick Kyrgios on the ‘Good Trouble’ podcast, he said, “Part of me always wants to keep going; I don’t have an expiration date. I’m lucky to have my life, but some mornings, I’m unmotivated and less inspired to travel, to play when I want to be at home, and have a normal life.”
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Not only that, even after Rafael Nadal’s retirement, Novak Djokovic claimed that a part of him has left with the Spaniard, and it’ll be a big challenge for him to find motivation once again. But talking about finding the motivation to keep going, the Serb recently set a deadline for his retirement, perhaps…
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Novak Djokovic reveals his retirement plans after securing the 101st title of his career
For more than two decades, Novak Djokovic has carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders—turning adversity into triumph and doubt into domination. But now, as his legendary career slowly nears its twilight, the Serbian icon has painted a picture of how he wants his story to end: beneath the five Olympic rings, holding his nation’s flag high one final time.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win his first gold medal at the Olympics for his nation. But tell you what, the hunger for bringing in more success for his nation hasn’t yet dampened for this 38-year-old superstar. After winning his 101st title in Athens recently, Djokovic opened up about a dream that goes beyond Grand Slams and world records.
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In an interview, when he was asked if he had set any dates for his retirement, the Serb said, “Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice.” But having said that, he looked a bit concerned about this goal when he added, “I don’t know, I mean, I really don’t know, because there are some things that are not entirely in my control. I’m trying to be as healthy as possible mentally and physically.”
Whether or not destiny grants him that golden farewell, one thing is certain—when Novak Djokovic finally lays down his racket, it won’t just mark the end of a career. It will mark the conclusion of one of sport’s greatest stories, written with heart, resilience, and undying national pride.
Walmart’s Fitop Pickleball Athletic Skort Is a Must-Have
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Nothing makes you want to work out more than a cute workout look. If you’ve ever found yourself searching for the perfect athletic skirt, your quest may have just ended. Walmart’s highly popular Fitop A-Line High-Waisted Pickleball Skort is currently on sale in five chic colors, and shoppers are “obsessed.”
Priced at just $16, down from its original $26, shoppers have fallen in love with this flattering, versatile piece that works for pickleball, tennis, golf,neighborhood walks, and everyday errands, too.
Fitop A-Line High-Waisted Pickleball Skort, From $16 (was $26) at Walmart
One of the standout features of this skirt is its comfortable fabric. Crafted from 92% polyester and 8% spandex, this skirt also boasts a four-way stretch lining made from 86% nylon and 14% spandex.
This combination not only ensures breathability, but also a lightweight feel. That makes it ideal for high-energy activities like pickleball, tennis, padel, shuffleboard, or even a brisk jog. The built-in moisture-wicking technology keeps you dry, ensuring an enjoyable experience whether you’re at the court or running errands.
Fitop A-Line High-Waisted Pickleball Skort, From $16 (was $26) at Walmart
The inclusion of practical pockets makes this cute skort super functional. The inner shorts feature two side pockets, conveniently sized to hold your phone or a couple of tennis balls. Who doesn’t love a skirt that looks cute while also being practical?
Speaking of style, this skirt is as fashionable as it is functional. It features a trendy high-waisted design that not only adds comfort but also provides a smoothing effect. It’s available in black, navy blue, sage green, white, purple, and pink, allowing for personal expression in your athleisure.
Pair it with a simple tee, a sporty tank, or your favorite sweatshirt, and you’ll have an outfit that can take you from a game to brunch with friends in no time. Shoppers noted how seamlessly this skort transitions from athletic performance to casual outings.
“Obsessed,” one shopper wrote. “The fit is so comfy and flattering.I wear it at least once every week, and it has shown no wear.”
Shop More Deals
USAPA Pickleball Paddle Set, $29 (was $61) at Walmart
Yitty Ultraluxe High-Waist Jogger Pant, $30 (was $35) at Walmart
Nirlon Crossover Flare Leggings Yoga Pants, $17 (were $22) at Walmart
With such thoughtful features and a price that feels like a steal, it’s clear why many have become enamored with this item. So if you’re looking to enhance your athletic wardrobe or simply want a comfortable and versatile piece, pick up Walmart’s $16 Pickleball Skort. Colors may sell fast at such a great price, so don’t miss your chance to score your preferred option on sale.
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Nitto ATP Finals: ‘It’s time for the men to step up’ – Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton seek inspiration from US women
By Aleks Klosok, Amanda Davies, CNN
Turin, Italy (CNN) — 2025 was an epic year for American women’s tennis.
Two singles grand slam champions in the shape of Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, who reigned supreme at the Australian and French Opens, respectively.
An American featured in all four singles grand slam finals, with Amanda Anisimova finishing runner-up at both Wimbledon and US Open finals.
Statistically, it was the most successful season for American women on record in nearly a quarter of a century.
The bold accomplishments and records by their compatriots are not lost on male counterparts Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.
Inspired by the repeated achievements of the US women, the American duo – who compete at this week’s season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in Turin – stand ready to grasp the nettle and write their own piece of history.
“It’s not just this year that they’ve had really success, it’s pretty much every year for a long time,” Fritz tells CNN Sports.
“The women have been really carrying US tennis, so it is time for the men to step up.”
Upwards trajectory
And step up is what the US pair have done.
After four American women – the aforementioned trio plus Jessica Pegula – competed in the WTA Finals in Riyadh earlier this month, the most since 2002, Fritz and Shelton have laid down their own marker.
The 28- and 23-year-olds, respectively, became the first pair to represent the US in the singles at the men’s equivalent event for 19 years.
You have to go all the way back to 2006 in Shanghai for the last time that happened, when major champion Andy Roddick and James Blake made up the eight-man field.
That year, Blake made an impressive run to the title match before eventually losing out to Roger Federer.
Fast forward to this year and Fritz returned to Turin for a third time, having been a semifinalist in 2022 and a runner-up last year, while Shelton is making his debut.
Despite his loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 Final, for Fritz, it was the cherry on top of a career-best year that saw him reach the final at Flushing Meadows off the back of two grand slam quarterfinal appearances in Melbourne and Wimbledon.
“I felt like my level at the end of the year was really good,” says the 6-foot-5-inch right-hander.
“I proved a lot of things that gave me a lot of confidence that I’m really right there and also made it clear as well, the things that I need to improve on … moving forward to try to contend against the other top guys.”
‘This is where you want to be’
While not scaling the same heights this year, Fritz has still added two trophies to his cabinet.
For Shelton, 2025 has been a year of marked improvement, backed up by a maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto – his biggest tournament victory to date.
All this having finished outside the world’s top 20 last year.
And the rising Atlanta-born star is relishing the opportunity to compete with some of the biggest names on the biggest stage this week.
“This was a big goal for me at the beginning of the year,” he says smiling.
“I knew that I had my work cut out and had a lot of improvements that I needed to make to be here at the end of the year.
“This is where you want to be, this is where you want to end your year … making the last push in a place like this with a lot on the line makes it pretty easy.”
And an added incentive lies in both players knowing that whoever performs better on the blue indoor courts of Turin will end the year as the No. 1 American.
Grand slam quest
Shelton, though, is not content with just participating.
He, like Fritz, wants to regularly compete for the biggest and best prizes in the sport.
And that means winning majors.
While in this day and age and on current form it seems hard, if not near enough impossible, for anyone to lay even a glove on the current irresistible force in the men’s game – that of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – the American is convinced the stranglehold can be broken.
It’s a bold claim, considering he and Fritz have combined for just two wins in 22 official matches against the dominant duo.
Sheldon’s rationale? Depth, resilience and desire among the US contingent.
“We have multiple guys at the top of the game and we want to be dominant as a country,” he says confidently.
“We’ve had our work cut out for us to catch up to the women who have been dominating … but we’re getting closer.”
It’s been over two decades now since the US last crowned a men’s grand slam singles champion. Only Fritz has come closest to ending the hex.
“I don’t have a time frame. I’ve said a lot that’s for the media to speculate,” Shelton explains.
“There’s too much talent right now for us not to break through at some point. The media will write article after article about the drought or who’s going to be the next or when is going to be the next.
“I just know that it’s inevitable and I’m just excited to kind of be a part of that surge,” he said.
Time will tell whether that prophecy comes to fruition.
Ryan Fox singles out the ‘terrible’ golf tip amateurs should ignore to improve
Two-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Fox has also secured four DP World Tour wins over the course of his career.
He is currently ranked 38th in the world, and with the way he is playing right now, any advice he offers is worth paying attention to.
Fox has been appearing on podcasts recently, talking about his form and sharing stories from life on tour.
While he had plenty of praise for Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, he did mention that Rory can hit shots that nobody else can match.
Having spent 38 years observing the world’s elite golfers firsthand, he is acutely aware of the mechanics behind an effective golf swing and what common faults to avoid.
For amateur players, his most recent advice is absolutely invaluable.
Ryan Fox points out the bad advice holding many amateur golfers back
Amateur golfers are constantly scouring the internet, looking for anything that might give them an edge.
The issue is that some of these tips can do more harm than good, and end up steering players in the wrong direction from the start.
Fox addressed this on the Between Two Beers Podcast, where he did not hold back about what amateurs should avoid.
When asked to name the worst piece of advice he had ever encountered, Fox replied: “Keep your head down. It’s a f–––––g s––t piece of advice.
“If you try to keep your head down, you do that (keep your weight behind the ball), you want to watch yourself hit the ball but you want to actually let it go (turn through the ball).
“Keeping your head down is terrible.”
How body rotation through impact adds speed and distance
Getting your body rotating through the ball is key if you want more speed and distance with the driver.
It is just as important for consistency with your irons, too.
If you are locked into the idea of keeping your head down, it stops your body from turning through the shot, leaving all the work to your arms.
That usually leads to hooks or pulls.
Do not forget: it is the big muscles that produce speed, not the smaller ones.
A good shoulder turn on the backswing and then a full rotation through impact is what really adds distance off the tee.
As Fox pointed out, you can watch yourself hit the ball if you want, but there is no reason to keep your head down after contact has been made.
Europe has season finale in Dubai. PGA Tour goes to Bermuda and LPGA returns to Florida
European Tour
DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Site: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Course: Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth). Yardage: 7,706. Par: 72.
Prize money: $10 million. Winner’s share: $3 million.
Television: Thursday-Saturday, 2-8 a.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 1:30-7:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).
Defending champion: Rory McIlroy.
Race to Dubai leader: Rory McIlroy.
Last week: Aaron Rai won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Notes: The final tournament of the season for the top 50 in the Race to Dubai is effectively a two-man race between Rory McIlroy and Marco Penge. McIlroy has a 767-point lead and a second-place alone clinches the Race to Dubai title. … Tyrrell Hatton is in third place. He would have to win and McIlroy would have to finish about 12th. … McIlroy is the defending champion and going for his seventh title as No. 1 in Europe. The record is eight titles by Colin Montgomerie. … Jordan Smith is in 10th place among players who can earn a PGA Tour card. He has a slim lead over Martin Couvra. … Patrick Reed and Tom McKibbin are the only players from LIV Golf who finished among the top 50. … While this is the final tournament of the season, the 2025-26 season starts in two weeks with the BMW Australian PGA Championship. … Five members of the Ryder Cup team are among the top 20 in the Race to Dubai.
Next week: End of season.
Online: https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/
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PGA Tour
BUTTERFIELD BERMUDA CHAMPIONSHIP
Site: Southampton, Bermuda.
Course: Port Royal GC. Yardage: 6,828. Par: 71.
Prize money: $6 million. Winner’s share: $1.08 million.
Television: Thursday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Golf Channel).
Defending champion: Rafael Campos.
FedEx Cup champion: Tommy Fleetwood.
Last week: Ben Griffin won the World Wide Technology Championship.
Notes: Michael Brennan led the PGA Tour Americas a month ago. Now he is the highest-ranked player in the field at the Bermuda Championship. … Sam Stevens at No. 48 is the only other player from the top 50 at Port Royal. Stevens needs to finish in the top 50 by the end of the year to become eligible for the Masters. … Justin Hastings of the Cayman Islands received one of the sponsor exemptions. The San Diego State graduate won the Latin America Amateur title a year ago to get into the Masters and U.S. Open. … Max McGreevy is sitting at No. 100 going into Bermuda. Only two tournaments remain for players to finish in the top 100 in the FedEx Cup to earn full status for 2026 on the PGA Tour. … Brennan and Steven Fisk are the only two winners during the FedEx Cup Fall who are playing. The other three winners were all on the U.S. Ryder Cup team. … The Bermuda Championship has been on the schedule since 2019.
Next week: RSM Classic.
Online: https://www.pgatour.com/
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LPGA Tour
THE ANNIKA
Site: Belleair, Florida.
Course: Pelican GC. Yardage: 6,349. Par: 70.
Prize money: $3.25 million. Winner’s share: $487,500.
Television: Thursday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (NBC Sports app), 2:30-4:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 1-2 p.m. (NBC Sports app), 2-4 p.m. (Golf Channel).
Defending champion: Nelly Korda.
Race to CME Globe leader: Jeeno Thitikul.
Last week: Nasa Hataoka won the Toto Japan Classic.
Notes: Nelly Korda returns to competition for the first time since Hawaii five weeks ago to rest what was described as nagging injuries. … Korda won the tournament last year to become the first player in 13 years to win seven times in a season. She has yet to win this year … Kai Trump, a high school senior and granddaughter of President Donald Trump, is making her LPGA debut as a sponsor exemption … Only three Americans were in the field last week in Japan. … WNBA star Caitlin Clark is playing in the pro-am for the second straight year. She has a corporate deal with the presenting sponsor. … Jeeno Thitikul, the No. 1 player who leads all the main races on the LPGA, is not playing. … The field features only five of the top 10 in the women’s world ranking. … The top 60 in the Race to CME Globe qualify for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship next week, where all 60 can win the $2 million prize.
Next week: CME Group Tour Championship.
Online: https://www.lpga.com/
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PGA Tour Champions
CHARLES SCHWAB CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
Site: Phoenix.
Course: Phoenix CC. Yardage: 6,860. Par: 71.
Prize money: $3 million. Winner’s share: $528,000.
Television: Thursday-Friday, 4-6:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 4:30-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 4-6:30 p.m. (Golf Channel).
Defending champion: Bernhard Langer.
Charles Schwab Cup leader: Steven Alker.
Last tournament: Steven Alker won the Simmons Bank Championship.
Notes: The final tournament of the PGA Tour Champions season is for the leading 36 players in the Charles Schwab Cup standings. … Miguel Angel Jimenez with four wins was leading the Schwab Cup most of the year until Steven Alker passed him by winning in Arkansas. … Only the leading five players have a mathematical chance to win the Schwab Cup — Alker, Jimenez, Stewart Cink, Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn. … Bernhard Langer has one tournament left to extend his remarkable streak of winning every year on the PGA Tour Champions since he became eligible in 2007. The 68-year-old German did win on the European Legends Tour by breaking his age all three rounds. … Ten players in the 36-man field are former major champions. … Tommy Gainey made it to the final tournament despite starting the season without full status. … Eight players have multiple wins this year.
Next week: End of season.
Online: https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions
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Other tours
Japan Golf Tour: Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters, Taiheiyo Club (Gotemba), Shizuoka, Japan. Defending champion: Ryo Ishikawa. Online: https://www.jgto.org/en/
Asian Tour: Taiwan Glass Taifong Open, Taifong GC, Changhua, Taiwan. Defending champion: Suteepat Prateeptienchai. Online: https://asiantour.com/
PGA Tour of Australasia: Ford NSW Open, The Vintage GC, Pokolbin, Australia. Defending champion: Lucas Herbert. Online: https://golf.com.au/
Sunshine Tour: Stella Artois Players Championship, Randpark GC, Randburg, South Africa. Defending champion: Heinrich Bruiners. Online: https://sunshinetour.com/
Japan LPGA: Itoen Ladies, Great Island GC, Chiba, Japan. Defending champion: Hinaco Yamauchi. Online: https://www.lpga.or.jp/
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
Europe’s 10 players trying to get to the PGA Tour face a tough road
Tom McKibbin earned the 10th and final PGA Tour card from the Race to Dubai standings on the European tour last year. He joined Saudi-backed LIV Golf in late January, too late for the player who was 11th on the list — Jordan Smith — to take his place and get a PGA Tour card.
Maybe it was just as well.
Of the nine players (minus McKibbin) who took PGA Tour cards this year, only Rasmus Hojgaard of Denmark has secured his U.S. card for 2026.
Hojgaard, the top qualifier among last year’s class, also is the only one so far to keep cards on both tours. He is No. 34 in Europe and playing the DP World Tour Championship this week. He also played in his first Ryder Cup.
Two tournaments remain for the other eight to finish in the top 100 of the FedEx Cup (or win) to keep full status. Thorbjorn Olesen is looking good at No. 95 in the FedEx Cup (he also kept his European tour status at No. 98).
Jesper Svensson of Sweden is at No. 121. No one else from that group is in the top 50. Paul Waring of England had to effectively shut down his year in July with a shoulder injury.
Getting starts was not the problem. Except for Waring, who played 12 times before his injury, the average number of PGA Tour starts for the European tour graduates was about 20. The bigger issue was no access to the $20 million signature events with elevated FedEx Cup points.
Hojgaard played three of them — two as the top qualifier from Europe, and the Truist Championship as one of the top five players not already eligible in events leading up to it.
As for Smith?
He was annoyed by the circumstances of last year. Everyone knew McKibbin was contemplating a jump to LIV Golf. But the PGA Tour season had already started and the 10 players were locked in. Smith has said getting to the PGA Tour “is a big goal of mine.”
“It’s just one of those things you have to take on the chin and use it as fuel to get one of those cards the next time,” Smith told the Daily Mail in June.
Smith currently is No. 15 in the Race to Dubai and holding down what would be the 10th spot to earn a PGA Tour card going into the season finale this week. Smith has a 135-point lead over Martin Couvra of France and a 174-point lead over Daniel Hillier.
From LIV to the LPGA
LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler made his first big hire as he builds an executive team, bringing in Monica Fee from LIV Golf to be the chief sales and partnerships officer. Fee will oversee the tour’s global sales and partnership strategy, which includes title sponsorships and commercial assets.
“Monica brings incredible energy, a ton of passion for golf and leading teams, and a reputation for delivering results,” Kessler said.
Fee was part of the executive team that helped launch the Saudi-funded league. She joined LIV Golf in December 2021 as senior vice president and head of global partnerships to oversee sales, partner management and brand development.
Previously, she had spent 15 years at CAA Sports in a key sales role.
“The LPGA is at an extraordinary moment in its history, one defined by momentum, purpose and global opportunity,” Fee said. “I’m excited to help shape its next chapter by building partnerships that elevate women’s golf and connect the LPGA’s values with leading brands around the world.”
Theegala’s long year
Sahith Theegala came into the season at No. 13 in the world. With two tournaments remaining, he is on the verge of falling out of the top 100.
Theegala had a neck injury in May that cost him about two months and forced him to withdraw from two majors, the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. He returned at the British Open and missed his next three cuts.
Theegala is exempt for 2026 as a tournament winner, but he is not in the majors next year. His last top-10 finish on the PGA Tour was a tie for seventh in Napa, California, in September 2024.
Broome honored
Longtime Acushnet Company executive Peter Broome is the latest to be conferred an honorary member of the PGA of America, the 13th person to receive the honor dating to 1962. Broome was senior vice president of the Acushnet Company.
“To join former U.S. Presidents and other golf luminaries on this short list of PGA Honorary Members is humbling and overwhelming,” Broome said. “It has been both a personal and professional honor and privilege to support and promote PGA members who are at the epicenter of the game. My career led me to Acushnet, which shared the same belief in the important role of the PGA Member.”
Broome, a Montreal native, was an assistant pro at Canadian clubs while at McGill University. He became a key figure in the golf industry worldwide during his 30 years at Acushnet.
He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in August 2024, which led to starting the Bridge Foundation for research and treatment of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Divots
Ben Griffin became the third straight World Wide Technology Championship winner with a 63 in the final round. … The LPGA Tour has granted a waiver for 17-year-old Gianna Clemente to compete in the Q-Series next month as she tries to earn a card. Clemente first gained a measure of fame when she made it through Monday qualifying for three straight LPGA events at age 14. … This was the second straight year the Toto Japan Classic was shortened to 54 holes because of weather. … The Tommy Fleetwood Academy is expanding in the United Arab Emirates. Fleetwood already has one in Dubai. Now he is opening another one at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, where he was runner-up last week. … Commercial property insurance company FM, already an LPGA title sponsor with one of the largest non-major prize funds, signed Lottie Woad to a corporate deal. Woad won in her pro debut this summer and already is No. 10 in the women’s world ranking.
Stat of the week
Three of the five winners in the FedEx Cup Fall played on the U.S. Ryder Cup team — Scottie Scheffler (Procore Championship), Xander Schauffele (Baycurrent Classic) and Ben Griffin (World Wide Technology Championship).
Final word
“I’m not going to sit here and just try to admire it. I’m going to keep using each event as fuel for the next one and continue to work really hard. That’s what Tiger Woods always did, what Scottie Scheffler’s doing. I’ve got to continue doing all the right things to be great.” — Ben Griffin after winning in Mexico for his third title this year.
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Europe’s 10 players trying to get to the PGA Tour face a tough road. Jordan Smith wants his chance
Tom McKibbin earned the 10th and final PGA Tour card from the Race to Dubai standings on the European tour last year. He joined Saudi-backed LIV Golf in late January, too late for the player who was 11th on the list — Jordan Smith — to take his place and get a PGA Tour card.
Maybe it was just as well.
Of the nine players (minus McKibbin) who took PGA Tour cards this year, only Rasmus Hojgaard of Denmark has secured his U.S. card for 2026.
Hojgaard, the top qualifier among last year’s class, also is the only one so far to keep cards on both tours. He is No. 34 in Europe and playing the DP World Tour Championship this week. He also played in his first Ryder Cup.
Two tournaments remain for the other eight to finish in the top 100 of the FedEx Cup (or win) to keep full status. Thorbjorn Olesen is looking good at No. 95 in the FedEx Cup (he also kept his European tour status at No. 98).
Jesper Svensson of Sweden is at No. 121. No one else from that group is in the top 50. Paul Waring of England had to effectively shut down his year in July with a shoulder injury.
Getting starts was not the problem. Except for Waring, who played 12 times before his injury, the average number of PGA Tour starts for the European tour graduates was about 20. The bigger issue was no access to the $20 million signature events with elevated FedEx Cup points.
Hojgaard played three of them — two as the top qualifier from Europe, and the Truist Championship as one of the top five players not already eligible in events leading up to it.
As for Smith?
He was annoyed by the circumstances of last year. Everyone knew McKibbin was contemplating a jump to LIV Golf. But the PGA Tour season had already started and the 10 players were locked in. Smith has said getting to the PGA Tour “is a big goal of mine.”
“It’s just one of those things you have to take on the chin and use it as fuel to get one of those cards the next time,” Smith told the Daily Mail in June.
Smith currently is No. 15 in the Race to Dubai and holding down what would be the 10th spot to earn a PGA Tour card going into the season finale this week. Smith has a 135-point lead over Martin Couvra of France and a 174-point lead over Daniel Hillier.
From LIV to the LPGA
LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler made his first big hire as he builds an executive team, bringing in Monica Fee from LIV Golf to be the chief sales and partnerships officer. Fee will oversee the tour’s global sales and partnership strategy, which includes title sponsorships and commercial assets.
“Monica brings incredible energy, a ton of passion for golf and leading teams, and a reputation for delivering results,” Kessler said.
Fee was part of the executive team that helped launch the Saudi-funded league. She joined LIV Golf in December 2021 as senior vice president and head of global partnerships to oversee sales, partner management and brand development.
Previously, she had spent 15 years at CAA Sports in a key sales role.
“The LPGA is at an extraordinary moment in its history, one defined by momentum, purpose and global opportunity,” Fee said. “I’m excited to help shape its next chapter by building partnerships that elevate women’s golf and connect the LPGA’s values with leading brands around the world.”
Theegala’s long year
Sahith Theegala came into the season at No. 13 in the world. With two tournaments remaining, he is on the verge of falling out of the top 100.
Theegala had a neck injury in May that cost him about two months and forced him to withdraw from two majors, the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. He returned at the British Open and missed his next three cuts.
Theegala is exempt for 2026 as a tournament winner, but he is not in the majors next year. His last top-10 finish on the PGA Tour was a tie for seventh in Napa, California, in September 2024.
Broome honored
Longtime Acushnet Company executive Peter Broome is the latest to be conferred an honorary member of the PGA of America, the 13th person to receive the honor dating to 1962. Broome was senior vice president of the Acushnet Company.
“To join former U.S. Presidents and other golf luminaries on this short list of PGA Honorary Members is humbling and overwhelming,” Broome said. “It has been both a personal and professional honor and privilege to support and promote PGA members who are at the epicenter of the game. My career led me to Acushnet, which shared the same belief in the important role of the PGA Member.”
Broome, a Montreal native, was an assistant pro at Canadian clubs while at McGill University. He became a key figure in the golf industry worldwide during his 30 years at Acushnet.
He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in August 2024, which led to starting the Bridge Foundation for research and treatment of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Divots
Ben Griffin became the third straight World Wide Technology Championship winner with a 63 in the final round. … The LPGA Tour has granted a waiver for 17-year-old Gianna Clemente to compete in the Q-Series next month as she tries to earn a card. Clemente first gained a measure of fame when she made it through Monday qualifying for three straight LPGA events at age 14. … This was the second straight year the Toto Japan Classic was shortened to 54 holes because of weather. … The Tommy Fleetwood Academy is expanding in the United Arab Emirates. Fleetwood already has one in Dubai. Now he is opening another one at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, where he was runner-up last week. … Commercial property insurance company FM, already an LPGA title sponsor with one of the largest non-major prize funds, signed Lottie Woad to a corporate deal. Woad won in her pro debut this summer and already is No. 10 in the women’s world ranking.
Stat of the week
Three of the five winners in the FedEx Cup Fall played on the U.S. Ryder Cup team — Scottie Scheffler (Procore Championship), Xander Schauffele (Baycurrent Classic) and Ben Griffin (World Wide Technology Championship).
Final word
“I’m not going to sit here and just try to admire it. I’m going to keep using each event as fuel for the next one and continue to work really hard. That’s what Tiger Woods always did, what Scottie Scheffler’s doing. I’ve got to continue doing all the right things to be great.” — Ben Griffin after winning in Mexico for his third title this year.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
DP World Tour Championship: Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood aim to end 2025 strong
The DP World Tour’s season wraps up this week in the same part of the world where it kicked off the new year. Coming full circle, the top 50 players will tee it up at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai for the DP World Tour Championship.
The top of the standings in the season-long race features names and faces most would not recognize, but that’s the fun in it — there’s something different on the line for everyone. For 10 players in particular, playing privileges on the PGA Tour in 2026 are up for grabs.
As it stands, 11 of the top 16 in the Race to Dubai are non-PGA Tour members. The other five are Rory McIlroy (No. 1 despite playing just 10 DP World Tour events in 2025), Tyrrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre, Aaron Rai and Tommy Fleetwood. The latter three have been recent winners and contenders, quickly boosting their positions.
While anyone can win the DP World Tour Championship, only the top three in the Race to Dubai — McIlroy, Marco Penge and Hatton — can don the year-long crown by week’s end. McIlroy has almost an 800-point edge over Penge with 2,000 points being awarded to the winner and 57.60 points to the player who finishes last in the 50-man field. As for Hatton, he will need a prayer and then some coming from north of 1,700 points off the pace.
2025 Race to Dubai standings
RankingPlayerPoints
1
Rory McIlroy
4640
2
Marco Penge
3873
3
Tyrrell Hatton
2919
Meanwhile, at the onset of the week, the PGA Tour bubble boy is Jordan Smith of England, who is more than 100 points clear of Martin Couvra of France. That margin can easily be overcome, as we saw just last year with Paul Waring going from obscurity to PGA Tour member thanks to his first win in six years in the penultimate event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, over Hatton.
Waring entered that week as No. 229 in the Official World Golf Rankings and played his way onto the PGA Tour, where the 40-year-old looked much like a player ranked outside the top 200 in the world. Despite the season he put together, Waring’s rise illustrates how all it takes is one good tournament to change one’s fortunes.
For the McIlroys and Fleetwoods of the world, there are no concerns over where they will be playing next season, but rather what they could still possibly accomplish this season. It has been a year filled with historic implications, cleared hurdles and even some down spells for both men, yet it’s a campaign that still has some juice to be squeezed.
McIlroy has a chance to claim yet another Race to Dubai crown, and it may be financially irresponsible to bet against him. (McIlroy is also a 4-1 favorite to win the DP World Tour Championship, per DraftKings.) He has a total of six Race to Dubai titles under his belt, including an active streak of three, which pulled him alongside Seve Ballesteros for the second most in DP World Tour history. Collin Montgomerie leads the way with eight.
RankPlayerRace to Dubai wins
1
Colin Montgomerie
8
T2
Seve Ballesteros
6
T2
Rory McIlroy
6
4
Peter Oosterhuis
4
T5
Lee Westwood
3
T5
Sandy Lyle
3
T5
Bernard Hunt
3
T5
Bobby Locke
3
Meanwhile, Fleetwood may not have a chance to claim that title, but he can nevertheless finish his season with a bang while claiming a slice of history. Only McIlroy and Henrik Stenson have won the Race to Dubai and the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup in the same year, but McIlroy did so without winning the DP World Tour Championship. Fleetwood is the second favorite behind McIlroy for the DP World Tour Championship at 11/2.
Fleetwood could technically be the second player, along with Stenson, to win the DP World Tour Championship and the Tour Championship in the same season. Although not the climax of a season-long race like his PGA Tour triumph, a win this week would cap off what has been a transformational season for the lovable Englishman.
McIlroy’s memorable year
Rory’s 2025 has felt like a stock index setting a record year with all signings pointing to it finishing at a new high. And like a stock, when digging into the week-to-week data more closely, it is hardly a surprise to see ups and downs, heaters and cold spells.
It started with an intense focus as McIlroy dusted the field at Pebble Beach and baptized J.J. Spaun at The Players Championship, leading to the longest day in the history of golf — Sunday at the Masters — where he lost and won the green jacket what seemed like a million times over.
With the Masters and career grand slam finally in his pocket, McIlroy was seen as being a player with a
PGA Tour Announces New FedEx Cup Fall Event In North Carolina For 2026
The PGA Tour announced on Monday that it is returning to the Asheville, North Carolina area for the first time in more than 80 years with a new FedEx Cup fall event, the Biltmore Championship.
The event will have co-title sponsors with both the Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville signing a four-year agreement. When the tournament takes place September 17-20, 2026, it will be the first time a PGA Tour event has been played in the area since 1942.
Golf Glance: PGA Tour in Bermuda; McIlroy chases 7th DP title; Trump makes LPGA debut
The PGA Tour’s penultimate event of 2025 takes place in Bermuda, where the grind to secure tour status rolls on. The DP World Tour and Champions Tour hold their season ending events, while Kai Trump and Caitlin Clark compete on the LPGA Tour.
PGA TOUR
THIS WEEK: Butterfield Bermuda Championship, Southampton, Bermuda, Nov. 13-16
Course: Port Royal Golf Course (Par 71, 6,828 Yards)
Purse: $6M (Winner: $1.08M)
Defending Champion: Rafael Campos
FedEx Cup Champion: Tommy Fleetwood
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Friday: 1-4 p.m. ET; Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Golf Channel)
X: @Bermuda_Champ
NOTES: This is the sixth of seven events on the FedEx Cup Fall series. Only the top 100 players following the fall events will secure fully exempt status for 2026. Those who began the fall series in the top 70 already have clinched their top-100 eligibility, with Nos. 51-70 still working to secure spots in the first two signature events of 2026. … While three of the first five Fall events were won by Ryder Cup team members, the highest-ranked player in his week’s field is World No. 40 Michael Brennan. He is ranked No. 99 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings followed by No. 100 Max McGreevy, No. 101 David Lipsky, No. 102 Tom Kim and No. 103 Adam Scott. … No player from Bermuda has made the 36-hole cut. … Blades Brown, 17, will make his eighth PGA Tour start. Other sponsor exemptions include 2026 Arizona State commit Oscar Couilleau and Division II Lee University senior Drew Zielinski. … Campos seeks to become the first player to successfully defend in Bermuda, but has made just two of his past 12 cuts.
BEST BETS: Rico Hoey (+1800 at DraftKings) moved to No. 58 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings with his T21 last week, which followed a runner-up in Utah. … Kevin Yu (+2000) snapped a streak of three consecutive top-20 finishes with a MC last week. … Nico Echavarria (+2800) earned both of his PGA Tour victories to date outside of the United States — Japan in 2024 and Puerto Rico in 2023. … Vince Whaley (+3500), who had 32 consecutive rounds of par or better at one point this season, has three top-10 finishes in this event. … Sahith Theegala (+4000) seeks a strong finish to a disappointing season that has seen him drop from No. 13 to No. 97 in the world and miss nearly two months due to a neck injury. … Seamus Power (+5000) set the tournament record with 28 birdies en route to his 2022 victory.
LAST TOURNAMENT: World Wide Technology Championship (Ben Griffin)
NEXT TOURNAMENT: The RSM Classic, St. Simons Island, Ga., Nov. 20-23
LPGA TOUR
THIS WEEK: The Annika driver by Gainbridge at Pelican, Belleair, Fla., Nov. 13-16
Course: Pelican Golf Club (Par 70, 6,349 Yards)
Purse: $3.25M (Winner: $487,500)
Defending Champion: Nelly Korda
Race to the CME Globe leader: Jeeno Thitikul
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV/Streaming: Thursday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Friday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET (GC / NBC Sports App); Saturday: 1:30-2:30 p.m. (NBC Sports App), 2:30-4:30 p.m. (GC); Sunday: 1-2 p.m. (NBC Sports App), 2-4 p.m. (GC)
X: @theANNIKAlpga
NOTES: There are only two tournaments remaining on the 2025 schedule, with the top 60 players in the points standings earning a spot in the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. … World No. 2 Nelly Korda returns to competition after taking the past five weeks off to recover from an undisclosed injury. She has won this event three times but is still seeking her first victory in 2025. … Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of President Trump, will make her LPGA Tour debut. She is committed to playing for the University of Miami next fall. Also teeing it up in the pro-am portion of the event for the second consecutive year is WNBA star Caitlin Clark. … Other sponsor invites include Wake Forest senior Anne-Sterre den Dunnen and Northwestern’s Lauryn Nguyen.
LAST TOURNAMENT: Toto Japan Classic (Nasa Hataoka)
NEXT TOURNAMENT: CME Group Tour Championship, Naples, Fla., Nov. 20-23
DP WORLD TOUR
THIS WEEK: DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, Nov. 13-16
Course: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course (Par 72, 7,706 Yards)
Purse: $10M (Winner: $3M)
Defending Champion: Rory McIlroy
Race to Dubai leader: McIlroy
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Saturday: 2-8 a.m. ET; Sunday: 1:30-7:30 a.m. (Golf Channel)
X: @dpwtc
NOTES: The top 50 in the tour standings qualified for the season-ending event. McIlroy holds a 767-point lead over Marco Penge as he attempts to win a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy. He is currently tied with Seve Ballesteros for second most all-time, two behind record holder Colin Montgomerie. McIlroy can clinch the title with a second-place finish. Tyrrell Hatton, who is in third place, would need to win and have McIlroy finish outside of the top-10 to have a chance to claim the title.
LAST TOURNAMENT: Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Aaron Rai)
NEXT TOURNAMENT: BMW Australia PGA Championship, Brisbane, Nov. 21-24
PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
THIS WEEK: Charles Schwab Cub Championship, Phoenix, Nov. 13-16
Course: Phoenix Country Club (Par 71, 6,860 Yards)
Purse: $3M (Winner: $528,000)
Defending Champion: Bernhard Langer
Charles Schwab Cup leader: Steven Alker
HOW TO WATCH
TV: Thursday-Friday: 4-6:30 p.m. ET; Saturday: 4:30-7 p.m.; Sunday: 4-6:30 p.m. (Golf Channel)
X: @ChampionsTour
NOTES: The top 36 players in the standings qualified for the season-ending event. Alker is one of five players who have a mathematical chance to win the Charles Schwab Cup along with Miguel Angel Jimenez, Stewart Cink, Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn.
LAST TOURNAMENT: Simmons Bank Championship (Alker)
LIV GOLF LEAGUE
LAST TOURNAMENT: Team Championship (Legion XIII)
THIS WEEK: Season complete
Season Winners: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: Legion XIII
NEXT TOURNAMENT: LIV Golf Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 5-7
Griffin Joins Scheffler and McIlroy in Elite Company After Mexico Event
In a stirring display of composure and scoring firepower, Ben Griffin emerged from behind on Sunday to capture the title at the World Wide Technology Championship at El Cardonal at Diamante in Mexico–his third win of the 2025 season. Trailing by two strokes going into the final round, Griffin fired a remarkable 9-under 63 to finish at 29 under par and claim a two-shot victory.
He birdied all four par-3 holes on his way to victory, and his deft putting under pressure, including multiple long birdies, set him apart as challengers faltered. Griffin’s win not only reinforces his ascendant status on the PGA Tour this year but also places him in very rare company. Only he, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have recorded three or more tour victories in 2025.
Final-Round Mastery: How Griffin Sealed the Win
Griffin entered the final day trailing the leader, but from the get-go, he ramped up the intensity. According to reports, he rattled off five straight birdies starting at No. 8, including a standout 40-foot putt on the par-3 11th that pulled him into contention.
From that point on, the American stayed steady as his rivals stumbled. For example, his nearest challenger, Garrick Higgo, ran into trouble on the 12th hole with a penalty, which allowed Griffin to turn the pressure up and never look back.
On the 18th hole, Griffin two-putted for birdie to lock his margin at two strokes. His final total of 259 strokes set the tournament aggregate record for the event.
Reflecting on his performance, Griffin said:
“After making a few birdies early, I kind of pushed myself a little bit harder than the past few weeks when I was in contention … Fortunately, the putter heated up, made a lot of putts on the back nine.”
Season Momentum
This victory is a defining chapter in what has become a breakout season for Griffin. With two prior wins–the team-event at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Charles Schwab Challenge–his third win cements him as one of the elite performers on tour in 2025.
In addition, by finishing tied for this trio of wins, he slots into an exclusive tier alongside Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. That affiliation signals to the golfing world that Griffin is no longer simply a contender; he is a multiple-winner capable of sustaining performance.
Beyond the tour statistics, the timing of this win carries personal significance. Griffin is reportedly set to marry his fiancé, Dana, in the near future–making his year both professionally and personally rich.
“Three wins and getting married in the same year, hard to beat,” Griffin said.
Looking Ahead for Griffin
With this win under his belt, Griffin will aim to keep the momentum rolling. His world ranking has improved significantly (moving into the top-10 for the first time) and this victory grants him even greater leverage in securing high-profile tournament starts.
But despite the surge, Griffin knows the challenge ahead remains steep. As he put it, the key is staying “pedal down” when in contention–not just getting into the mix but converting at the finish. Given his Sunday performance in Mexico, it appears he’s more than ready.
For the remainder of the 2025 season and into 2026, the golf world will keep an eye on whether Griffin can transform this breakout campaign into sustained dominance. If this week is any indication, he has the game and the mindset to compete with the best.
Rory McIlroy Unknowingly Led This PGA Tour Pro Into Retirement at Just 39
At 39, with a PGA Tour victory, a 59 on his scorecard, and years of competitive golf still possible, Kevin Chappell had his entire future laid out in front of him. Most players would kill for that position. Instead, he walked away. Not because of injury. Not because he couldn’t compete. But because he watched Rory McIlroy play golf, he had a massive realization.
Chappell appeared on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, and he opened up about the exact moment at the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans that ended his career. McIlroy and Shane Lowry were playing as teammates. They’d go on to win the event. Chappell watched them from close range and realized the gap was too wide to bridge.
“I wasn’t really prepared, but was excited to be in the event, and I’m watching Shane and Rory play, and I’m just like, man, I might not have ever been Rory, but I certainly was a top 30 player in the world. The amount of work it’s going to take to get back there and the things I’m going to miss out on, I don’t know that this is worth it to me. So, I kind of sat on that thought for the spring and into summer and took the family over to Europe and played two European tour events or DP World Tour events, and I think this is it,” Chappell shared with Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz on November 11, 2025, on GOLF’s Subpar podcast.
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Chappell had earned his lone PGA Tour win at the 2017 Valero Texas Open. He birdied the 72nd hole to edge
Brooks Koepka by a single shot. That victory pushed him to a career-high 23rd in the world rankings. He’d also won the 2008 NCAA team and individual championships at UCLA.
Modern professional golf demands relentless commitment. The 2025 PGA Tour season features 39 events spanning multiple continents. Players face constant travel, intense physical preparation, and mental pressure. Chappell had even discussed the tour’s growing tensions with Brandel Chamblee, noting the divide between established stars and struggling players. The elite level McIlroy represented felt impossibly distant.
On a side note, not just the golfer, his caddie also had a nervous encounter with McIlroy. Chappell’s body had been warning him long before the Rory moment.
Chappell’s comeback attempt exposed the harsh reality
Chappell underwent back surgery in late 2018. The microdiscectomy and laminectomy at L5-S1 sidelined him for nearly 10 months. The layoff occurred during the onset of COVID-19. He’d never dealt with an injury before. Sitting out that long changed his perspective entirely.
His return looked miraculous initially. Chappell shot an 11-under 59 in the second round of the 2019 A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier. He tied the tour record with nine consecutive birdies. The round landed him in the history books as just the 10th player to break 60.
“I don’t think I broke par the rest of that tournament.”
He finished tied for 47th. That became the worst finish for anyone who’d ever shot 59 on tour. The stark contrast revealed everything wrong with his comeback approach.
“I would have probably been more stringent on myself with how I rehabbed and tried to mirror almost the tour schedule.”
He hadn’t prepared his body for consecutive weeks of tournaments. He felt overwhelmed by travel demands. His rehab lacked the structure needed for tour-level competition. Those physical struggles, combined with the mental realization from watching Rory, sealed his fate.
When Chappell told his wife about retiring, she confirmed what he already knew. “You’ve said this before, but I actually believe you this time.” Her response validated the finality of his choice. This wasn’t frustration after a bad round. This was a calculated decision based on facts and priorities.
Paul DePodesta explains decision to return to MLB with Rockies
LAS VEGAS — The shock is starting to wear off, but the disbelief was still permeating The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel Tuesday night like cigarette smoke hovering in the air at the craps games and poker tables.
There he was, 10 years after he last set foot at the Major League Baseball General Manager meetings, in a room with peers having heard of him, but precious few knowing him.
Paul DePodesta, who spent the last 10 years with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, was holding court with the national media for the first time, with everyone having the same question:
What in the world is he doing here as the new president of baseball operations for the Colorado Rockies?
There wasn’t a single GM who called DePodesta’s hire an “insult,’’ like former manager Joe Maddon said about the San Francisco Giants’ hiring of college coach Tony Vitello to be their manager, but still, no one had an answer.
Hiring DePodesta, 52, isn’t like hiring a reliever who retired two years ago to manage, like in San Diego, or a 33-year-old getting a managerial job in Washington. He had 20 years of MLB experience and was once the GM of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Still, when you’re away from the game for a decade and are wearing a headset and studying a clipboard on Sundays, folks are curious.
“I can’t wait to talk to him,’’ said Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta’s president of baseball operations. “I’d love to hear about his experience in the NFL.’’
The only National League GMs even around when DePodesta departed the New York Mets for the NFL were A.J. Preller of the San Diego Padres and Andrew Friedman of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
No one believed they’d ever see DePodesta in baseball again.
Besides, when the Browns go 56-99-1 under your watch as the Browns’ Chief Strategy Officer, and you’re directly involved in the disastrous Deshaun Watson trade – sending three first-round picks and giving Watson a five-year, $230 million contract – a whole lot of folks tend to lose your number.
Well, not the Rockies – with former Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd running interference – who selected DePodesta after Arizona Diamondbacks assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye was offered the job, and rejected it, because of family reasons.
Now, here DePodesta is, after failing to obtain the next Holy Grail of sports and lead the Browns to their first Super Bowl championship, he’s trying to get the Rockies their first World Series title.
“I’m rooting for both,’’ DePodesta says. “I’ll actually take them in either order, as long as they both happen pretty quickly…
MLB executives debate if Skubal gets traded this offseason
LAS VEGAS — Tarik Skubal is the favorite to capture his second straight American League Cy Young Award on Wednesday. If he wins it, will he still be a member of the Tigers when he accepts the award later this winter?
According to two rival executives, the belief within the industry is that the Tigers will not trade Skubal this offseason despite the fact that he is going into his final year of control prior to becoming a free agent.
Skubal has arguably been the best pitcher in the game over the past two seasons, going 31-10 with a 2.30 ERA in 387 1/3 innings over 62 starts. He earned $10.15 million in 2025 and will be due a healthy raise in his final year of arbitration eligibility, but his 2026 salary isn’t the reason the Tigers would consider trading him.
Assuming he remains healthy and posts another big season in 2026, Skubal’s free-agent deal next winter could wind up being the biggest in history for a starting pitcher. If Detroit doesn’t believe it can (or will) be able to re-sign him, then president of baseball operations Scott Harris will have to weigh the pros and cons of keeping him or trading him.
On one hand, holding on to Skubal greatly increases the Tigers’ chances of reaching the postseason for a third straight year, while a trade would return a haul of players and prospects that could help Detroit stay competitive for years to come. If the Tigers keep Skubal and he signs elsewhere next offseason, Detroit will only receive draft-pick compensation for his departure.
“It’s going to take an enormous offer to get the Tigers to even consider it,” an AL executive said. “Maybe one of the biggest ever for a player on an expiring contract.”
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spoke about the importance of having a true No. 1 starter, and while he wasn’t asked specifically about Skubal, it seems like pursuing an ace-type pitcher is a real possibility.
“I think if a front-line pitcher, top-of-the-rotation pitcher is available, we’re going to be involved in those discussions,” Stearns said. “There are limits to what we would do, as there would be for any player. But we do have the depth and quality of a farm system at this point that we can both have those players impact our Major League team in a real way and potentially trade some of them to get some really near-term help if that’s available.”
While there has been a lot of buzz surrounding three Japanese-born players that are expected to sign free-agent deals with Major League clubs this offseason, there are a couple of former big-league pitchers who are already generating interest after spending the past few years pitching in Asia.
“You’ve got the top tier of the native Japanese free agents is kind of one class of player,” said Pirates GM Ben Cherington, referring to right-hander Tatsuya Imai and infielders Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto. “Then there’s this other class of player that goes to Japan or Korea, improves and comes back.”
Ponce pitched 20 games (five starts) for the Pirates in 2020-21, posting a 5.86 ERA over 55 1/3 innings. Griffin made seven appearances for the Royals and Blue Jays in 2020 and 2022, pitching to a 6.75 ERA in eight innings.
Ponce went on to pitch for two teams in Japan from 2022-24, experiencing mixed results with a 4.54 ERA in 202 innings. Last year, he moved to Korea, where his stuff ticked up, helping him post a 1.89 ERA in 180 2/3 innings for the Hanwha Eagles. Griffin pitched 315 2/3 innings over the past three seasons for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, posting a 2.57 ERA thanks to the development of two new pitches.
Now, both pitchers are expected to return to the Majors, where they hope to carry their success from abroad. Teams scout players in Asia all the time, and according to executives who have seen them, both Ponce and Griffin look far different than they did during their time in the big leagues.
“Ponce wasn’t quite ready to be a sustainable big-leaguer here, then goes over and now he’s a guy,” Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold said. “I think a lot of guys mature over there in a way where it’s like, ‘Hey, I have to survive in a foreign country and do what I can to get people out.’ They learn how to pitch. Cody Ponce has always had really good stuff; now he learned how to get people out.”
“They’re different pitchers now,” Cherington said. “You have to assess them in their current state and do the best you can to translate that.”
In some ways, scouting players in Japan or Korea can be very similar to doing so in the Majors, as qualities such as velocity, spin rate, pitch shapes and strike-throwing are easy to measure. Trying to gauge how pitchers will fare against better competition in the Majors, on the other hand, can be more difficult.
“It’s more art than science,” said Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall. “There is a little bit of a leap of faith; you’re taking a guy who is in a different league in a different country and coming back here. Is this going to work in the big leagues?”
Yankees’ Brian Cashman absent from GM Meetings, will speak remotely
With Major League Baseball’s General Managers Meetings underway in Las Vegas, one head of baseball operations is absent.
That would be Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who is missing the trip to Sin City due to a last-minute, non-baseball obligation, according to a team spokesperson. Instead, Cashman will talk to reporters remotely via Zoom on Wednesday with other American League front office leaders scheduled to speak at The Cosmopolitan hotel.
This is the first time that Cashman has not attended the GM Meetings, which he once called “a necessary evil.” The annual gathering allows teams to discuss their needs internally and externally. It is during this time that groundwork can be laid for future signings and trades.
That’s what happened in 2023, as the Yankees and Padres began talking about the trade that ultimately sent Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to New York at the end of that year’s Winter Meetings, which are held in December.
Cashman last spoke to reporters a week after the Blue Jays bounced the Yankees in the ALDS. At that point, he and his front office — several Yankees executives did make the trip to Vegas — had yet to hold their annual pro scouting meetings, which are meant to provide direction for the club’s offseason.
Regardless of Cashman’s presence, most of his and the Yankees’ needs are clear.
Brewers’ Murphy and Guardians’ Vogt win MLB Manager of the Year
Pat Murphy grew up going to minor league games at MacArthur Stadium in Syracuse, New York. In those days, the local team tried to retrieve all the baseballs that went over the fence during batting practice, but Murphy would pocket a souvenir or two before he was run off.
Quite often chased away by Bobby Cox or a member of his staff.
That long-running connection came full circle Tuesday night when Murphy won the NL Manager of the Year award for the second straight season. The only other NL manager to take home the honor in consecutive years was Cox for Atlanta in 2004 and 2005.
Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt also was a repeat winner as AL Manager of the Year, receiving 17 of 30 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Toronto’s John Schneider got 10 first-place votes and finished second, followed by Seattle’s Dan Wilson. Voting was conducted before the postseason.
The previous AL manager to win in consecutive seasons was Tampa Bay’s Kevin Cash in 2020 and 2021.
“He’s well-deserving. Does a great job with his club,” Murphy said of Vogt. “He’s going to be a Hall of Fame manager, I really believe that.”
Murphy got 27 first-place votes. Cincinnati’s Terry Francona was second, followed by Philadelphia’s Rob Thomson.
The folksy Murphy, who turns 67 on Nov. 28, was coaching Arizona State University when he formally introduced himself to Cox in the early 2000s.
“I said, `I’ve always wanted to meet you,’ and he looked at me, and he goes, ‘So now you have,’” a chuckling Murphy said. “And it was dead silent. I’m like, I don’t know if this guy’s messing with me or what, but I interrupted something.”
The Cy Young Award winner for each league will be announced on Wednesday, and the MVPs are revealed on Thursday.
Vogt led Cleveland to a second straight AL Central title in his second year in charge. The 41-year-old played in the big leagues for 10 years, then retired after the 2022 season. He had a one-year stint as Seattle’s bullpen coach and was hired by the Guardians in November 2023.
Cleveland trailed Detroit by 15 1/2 games in early July and by 11 games in early September before storming back to clinch the division title on the final day of the season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the largest in-season comeback in Major League Baseball history.
The Guardians also became the fourth big league team to reach the playoffs despite having a losing streak of at least 10 games during the regular season, joining the 2017 Dodgers, 1982 Braves and 1951 New York Giants. Vogt’s club dropped 10 in a row from June 26 to July 6.
“The messaging was, we can’t control yesterday, and we can’t control tomorrow,” Vogt said. “We have to lean in on today. We have to win the game today and then we’ll worry about tomorrow tomorrow. I think that was really a mantra that we all kind of owned.”
Cleveland went on its big September run after closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of an MLB investigation into sports betting.
Asked what he will remember when he looks back on this season, Vogt pointed to the resilience of the team.
“It’s one thing to make a comeback and play well down the stretch and fall short, but we were able to come back and win the division and get in the playoffs,” he said.
Murphy directed Milwaukee to a major league-best 97-65 record this year, setting a franchise record for wins. The Brewers were second in the NL Central in early July before overtaking the Chicago Cubs with a remarkable 29-4 stretch that included a 14-game win streak, another franchise record.
Milwaukee eliminated Chicago in a memorable Division Series before it was swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS. The five-game victory over the rival Cubs was the Brewers’ first postseason series win since sweeping Colorado in a 2018 NLDS.
“We had the right who,” Murphy said. “We had guys that are aware and hungry, and that makes the manager look good at the end of the day.”
Murphy was Milwaukee’s bench coach for eight seasons before he was promoted after Craig Counsell left for the Cubs in November 2023. The Brewers also won the NL Central in Murphy’s first season in charge, finishing with a 93-69 record.
Murphy had a long coaching career at the college level before serving as a special assistant with the San Diego Padres for the 2010 season. He went 42-54 as interim manager of the Padres in 2015.
MLB Accused of ‘Hating’ Canada After Major Blue Jays Snub Sparks Huge Outrage
2025 has really been a tough year for Blue Jays fans. First, the team fell short in the World Series after putting together such an impressive season, and now there’s growing uncertainty around key players like Bo Bichette. To top it off, manager John Schneider just missed out on the AL Manager of the Year award. He finished second behind Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt, who went back-to-back with the honor after leading the Guardians to yet another AL Central title.
Well, Vogt’s win does make sense on paper… The Guardians pulled off a remarkable late-season surge. They won 19 of their last 23 games to overtake the Tigers after selling at the trade deadline. But still, not everyone agrees with the decision, especially Blue Jays fans who felt Schneider’s leadership this year deserved more recognition.
“The official BBWAA AL Manager of the Year ballot,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale shared.
So why Vogt?
Well, Vogt pulled off something special with the Guardians this season. The Guardians overcame a 15.5-game deficit to win the AL Central, finishing with an 88-74 record and a playoff berth, all while scoring the third-fewest runs in MLB. Moreover, despite dealing with a midseason slump and off-field issues involving two key players, Vogt kept his team focused, relying on small-ball tactics and elite pitching.
But what about John Schneider? He wasn’t far behind…
Under his leadership, the Blue Jays posted a stellar 94-60 record, better than both the Mariners and the Guardians. If you remember, just a year ago, Toronto sat at the bottom of its division. But Schneider managed to completely flip that script, guiding the team to the best record in the American League. By all accounts, that should’ve made him a leading candidate for the award.
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Still, the final voting didn’t reflect that, and Blue Jays fans aren’t exactly on board with the outcome.
And this comes as the 2025 World Series was promoted as US vs. In the Canada series, MLB was accused a few times of acting against the Jays.
Blue Jays fans are calling out for Schneider’s snub
Is Schneider getting snubbed from the AL Manager of the Year is, something against the Blue Jays? Fans think so. “MLB despises Toronto,” a fan said. “John Schneider not winning is a f****** joke. MLB and its AP hate Canada,” added another. Remember, just at the last leg of the regular season, Springer was visibly upset when a hit against the Red Sox he believed to be fair was ruled foul by the umpire? “If they want New York to win, just tell me and give it to them already!” He said that time.
In doing so, Springer implied that MLB/umpires were biased in favour of the Yankees clinching the division (AL East) and that missed calls were benefiting New York. So, just another example of why the fans think MLB is acting against the Blue Jays and even against Canada.
“Ernie Clement was robbed of the utility gold glove, Alejandro Kirk was robbed of the catcher gold glove for the third time, and now John Schneider was robbed of Manager of the Year. Just ridiculous,” another user added to the list of heartbreaks for the Blue Jays fans. “Worst November in franchise history,” another said.
So yes, despite playing their best in recent times, November this year would be a haunting memory for the Blue Jays for a long time. It started with losing the World Series, then losing out on the Gold Glove races, and now Schneider. More heartbreaking because Vogt won for overcoming a 15.5-game deficit, while Schneider is snubbed despite overcoming 2024’s last position. “It’s bullshit. Schneider should’ve won. And I’m from Seattle,” another one agrees.
This isn’t the first time fans have questioned the logic behind MLB’s Manager of the Year voting. In 2020, Dave Roberts led the Dodgers to a 98-win season and a World Series title, yet he wasn’t even nominated for the award. Many felt his steady leadership through injuries and pressure-packed moments deserved recognition, proving that even clear frontrunners can get overlooked when the voting narrative leans elsewhere.
That’s because the award often rewards surprise success over consistency or dominance. In 2006, Joe Girardi won despite the Marlins finishing below .500, simply because he exceeded expectations with a young roster. Historically, only a handful of winners have managed the league’s best team. So Schneider’s snub fits a familiar pattern — results alone don’t always win over the voters’ perception of adversity.
So, what’s next? Both Schneider and Vogt with face each other again next year with their respective teams. And it would be interesting to witness who wins the battle.
“The whole game of baseball is in Jeopardy:” MLB falls short after Guardians scandal
In the wake of a stunning betting scandal involving two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Major League Baseball this week announced new limits on certain kinds of wagers.
But the hosts of Today in Ohio, the daily news podcast from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, said the move does little to restore faith in the game while the league continues to profit from gambling.
“The whole game of baseball is in jeopardy here,” said cleveland.com editor Chris Quinn on Tuesday’s episode. “This is absolutely wrong. It’s not going to bring trust back.”
MLB’s new rules cap “micro bets” — wagers on individual pitches — at $200 and prohibit combining them in parlays. The league framed the changes as a major step to protect the sport’s integrity, even drawing praise from Gov. Mike DeWine. But the podcast hosts weren’t buying it.
“The last entity that should regulate betting in baseball is baseball,” Quinn said, responding to co-host Lisa Garvin’s observation about the league’s deep ties to gambling companies. “As you note, it’s making money off it with their partnership.”
The scandal hits painfully close to home for Cleveland fans. Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is among those accused of manipulating games for gambling profits — allegedly throwing balls in the dirt to satisfy betting arrangements that may have altered outcomes.
That leaves fans questioning everything about the team’s breakout 2024 season, which ended with an abrupt playoff exit.
“Did we lose the potential for a championship because a pitcher got bought off?” Quinn asked. “You can’t say that’s ridiculous given what he’s charged with.”
The hosts wondered why professional athletes making tens of millions would risk their careers for payouts of just a few thousand dollars.
“Some have theorized that they’re being pressured by organized crime,” Garvin said.
The team on Today in Ohio pointed out the central contradiction in MLB’s stance: the league has partnered with betting companies like FanDuel while claiming it can police the integrity problems those same relationships create. Even Gov. DeWine’s role is complicated, they noted, given that he is part owner of a minor-league baseball team.
“Why would pro sports leagues partner with online betting companies?” Garvin asked. “I understand it’s all about the money, but it just has a really bad look.”
Quinn said baseball largely avoided widespread corruption after the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal, with only isolated cases — such as Pete Rose’s gambling — damaging the game’s reputation. But by embracing gambling in the digital age, he said, the league has opened Pandora’s box.
If baseball truly wants to protect its integrity, the Today in Ohio hosts agreed, it won’t come from half-measures or token betting limits. They argued that states — or perhaps the federal government — must step in and ban these types of bets entirely. The sport, they said, can’t effectively regulate itself while cashing in on gambling revenue.
The episode ended on a sobering note. If corruption of this kind has reached baseball — a sport that once held itself up as America’s moral pastime — it’s hard to imagine that other major sports are immune.
Listen to the episode here.
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How Skubal and Skenes dominate MLB, according to teammates
Editor’s note: This story originally published on Aug. 19, 2025. Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are both finalists for the 2025 Cy Young awards to be announced on Nov. 12, 2025.
Both of MLB’s 2025 Cy Young favorites came from humble pitching beginnings. Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes started his meteoric rise to stardom at the Air Force Academy, while Detroit Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal came of age at Seattle University. Neither place screams baseball immortality, but both pitchers could be flirting with historic achievements for the rest of their careers provided they stay healthy.
Skenes was the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, while Skubal won the American League Cy Young Award last season — and their paths recently crossed as the 2025 All-Star Game starting pitchers in Atlanta. As they head down the stretch with the opportunity to collect more hardware this season, ESPN asked their teammates, team personnel and Skubal and Skenes themselves what makes the two best pitchers in the sport so special.
MLB Timelines for Pirates Top 10 Prospects
Baseball America recently unveiled their updated ranking of the top 10 prospects within the Pittsburgh Pirates’ system, offering a fresh and authoritative glimpse into the franchise’s most valuable future assets.
While the list provides a snapshot of burgeoning talent, for fans and analysts alike, the more pressing question is always when these promising players will transition from potential to production on the major league stage.
It will come as the surprise of absolutely nobody who topped that list; Konnor Griffin emerged this season to become the top prospect, not just in the Pirates’ system, but all of Major League Baseball. His ascension headlines a group that represents the core of Pittsburgh’s long-term strategy to build a better offense for the team that calls PNC Park home.
This analysis will move beyond the rankings to assess the likely developmental path and estimated arrival time for each of these ten players, giving fans an idea of when we can expect to see some of these faces in Pittsburgh.
1. Konnor Griffin
Just one year after being drafted out of high school, Griffin skyrocketed through three levels of the Pirates’ minor league system. He dominated each level, displaying five-tool skills and a mature approach at the plate. The native Mississippian does not turn 20 until April, but Griffin seems to be the rare prospect that eschews any sense of a normal timeline. The slash line from his first professional season reads more like one of a wily veteran: .333/.415/.527. If counting stats are your thing, then Griffin has those covered too: 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, 65 stolen bases, 23 doubles and four triples. Simply put, Griffin looks like a superstar in the making.
Griffin would likely have to dominate next year’s Grapefruit League games in Spring Training to land a spot on the Opening Day roster for Pittsburgh. Even then, it’s hard to envision a player with zero career at-bats at Triple-A skipping the highest minor league level. It would only serve to benefit Griffin to face AAA pitchers, as they’re most similar to the hurlers in MLB that he’ll eventually face.
More than likely, Griffin will start the season at Triple-A Indianapolis. If he continues to produce there, then it won’t be long before we see him at PNC Park. The Pirates are notorious for manipulating service time, so it’s also hard to see them giving up his year of rookie eligibility in 2026. That would mean a promotion to the big leagues wouldn’t happen until August. However, a competitive team in Pittsburgh, combined with a hot-hitting Griffin, may force the front office into promoting Griffin in the first half of the season. All this, of course, assumes that Griffin continues to produce. Any sort of elongated slump, or another lost season in Pittsburgh, could keep Griffin in the minors for the year. That seems like an unlikely scenario, given Griffin’s rapid development,
ETA: 2026
2. Bubba Chandler
Chandler was considered a pre-season favorite for National League Rookie of the Year. He started the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, where his 100+ mph fastball and wipeout slider constantly overwhelmed hitters. Control was Chandler’s only hang-up to making the big leagues; he walked 39 batters between 16 starts in May thru July. In the midst of this slump, he had a two-month stretch with a 5.96 ERA.
He eventually rebounded and was promoted to Pittsburgh on August 16th. His cup of coffee in the big leagues went well, as Chandler struck out 31 batters in 31.1 innings. The 4.02 ERA was fluctuated by one poor start where Chandler allowed nine earned runs to the Milwaukee Brewers. The 23-year-old again showed his mental fortitude, bouncing back to allow only two earned runs in his final 16.2 innings of work for the season.
Chandler maintained his rookie eligibility because of when he was promoted, and again will enter the season as a Rookie of the Year favorite. Barring a major acquisition over the off-season, Chandler will begin the season in the starting rotation in Pittsburgh, with his eyes set on becoming a worthy wingman to ace Paul Skenes.
ETA: Opening Day 2026
3. Edward Florentino
Griffin wasn’t the only teenager in the Pirates system to have a breakout season. Edward Florentino’s signing by Pittsburgh for a $395,000 bonus was a relatively low-profile event for the Dominican native. His professional debut last year in the Dominican Summer League, however, immediately signaled the Pirates had found a gem. In 49 games, he recorded an .891 OPS, showcasing a blend of power (10 doubles, 5 HR) and plate discipline.
His development accelerated dramatically in 2025. Starting in the Florida Complex League, his outstanding .347/.442/.642 performance forced a quick promotion to Low-A Bradenton. There, he proved his initial success was no fluke. Over 54 games, Florentino displayed a complete offensive skillset, clubbing 17 doubles and 10 home runs while also swiping 29 bases, efforts that earned him the Florida State League Player of the Month award for July.
As a result of his dominant season, Florentino emerged as a consensus top-100 prospect, debuting at No. 81 on MLB Pipeline’s prestigious list. Scouts rave about his natural power and feel for the strike zone. He has a pretty left-handed swing that doesn’t look awkward on his lanky, 6’4′ frame. Florentino will likely fill out a bit more, and could eventually shift to a corner outfield position. A shift to first base could be possible too. Until then, he’s a threat on the basepaths and a solid defender in center.
Florentino will likely begin the season at Low-A Bradenton, or High-A Greensboro if the organization wants to challenge him. The Pirates will be in no rush to stunt his development by promoting him too early, so we’re probably a few years away from seeing Florentino in Pittsburgh.
ETA: 2028
4. Seth Hernandez
Hernandez entered this year’s MLB Draft as one of the highest graded high school pitchers ever. The Pirates reaped the benefit of him falling to the number six spot and gladly chose the 19-year-old Southern Californian. High school pitchers have inherent risk, but Hernandez is as close to a sure thing as those types of prospects get. The Pirates also have a proven track record of developing starting pitchers, which gave them confidence to take that risk. Chandler, Jared Jones and Braxton Ashcraft were all drafted out of high school.
Standing 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Hernandez possesses a rare combination of physicality, refined skill, and power. His fastball typically sits at 97-98 mph, and his diverse arsenal includes a circle changeup, a 12-6 curveball, and a slider. Hernandez’s fastball was recently clocked at 101 mph during an exhibition game in the Dominican Republic.
With the potential of a top-of-the-rotation starter, Hernandez’s athletic frame, advanced command, and deep pitch selection suggest he could rapidly rise through the minors, beginning with his professional debut next spring. His profile has even prompted comparisons to the Detroit Tigers’ Jackson Jobe. Jobe spent two full seasons in the minor leagues before debuting late in 2024 during a playoff push by Detroit. He started his journey at Low-A, which is likely where Hernandez will begin his in 2026.
ETA: 2028
5. Rafael Flores
Despite going undrafted in 2022, Rafael Flores was signed by the Yankees for $75,000 and has since demonstrated significant raw power by hitting over 20 home runs in each of the last two seasons. Flores was traded to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline in the deal that sent closer David Bednar to the New York Yankees. He began his tenure with Pittsburgh at Triple-A Indianapolis before being promoted to the big leagues in September.
His primary asset is his power, though it comes with notable swing-and-miss concerns . Defensively, he offers versatility by splitting time between catcher and first base. While considered a serviceable receiver behind the plate, his larger frame means he probably is bound for mostly first base duty. Flores, 25, will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
ETA: Opening Day 2026
6. Termarr Johnson
Drafted #4 overall out of high school in 2022, Johnson was considered one of the better high school hitting prospects in recent memory. His development has been steady, albeit slower than many Pirates fans expected.
During the 2025 season, the 21-year-old Johnson was again among the younger competitors in the Double-A Eastern League while playing for Altoona. Over 119 games, he recorded a .272/.363/.382 slash line, supported by a solid 119 wRC+. He finished the year on a high note, batting .326 over his final 36 contests, although his home run output diminished after July 1st. Now with three full professional seasons, his offensive profile is still taking shape. His most dominant year was 2023, where a power-and-patience approach yielded a 139 wRC+. His 2025 campaign seemed to be a middle ground between that and his other seasons. Johnson’s strengths include advanced zone control, a 75.4% contact rate, above-average bat speed, and raw pull-side power. Defensively, after previously seeing time at shortstop, he played exclusively at second base in 2025, a position that appears to be his long-term home. His limited defensive versatility means his bat will be the key to securing an everyday role.
Johnson will likely be challenged with a start at Triple-A Indianapolis. If he produces, then a debut in Pittsburgh will come sometime next season.
ETA: 2026
7. Antwone Kelley
Kelly represents another success story in the Pirates’ system of developing overlooked pitching talent, having a breakout campaign in 2025. Since signing from Aruba in 2021, he has progressed steadily through the minors, culminating in a strong 2025 where he posted a 3.02 ERA across 107.1 innings at High-A and Double-A, striking out 27.2% of batters while walking a career-low 7.7%.
His leap forward is partly attributed to significant physical maturation, having grown three inches and added over 60 pounds since signing, which translated into added power across his arsenal. His fastball now averages 97 mph and can reach 101, playing effectively up in the zone thanks to his advanced command—he throws it for strikes about 70% of the time. His primary secondary is a solid, above-average changeup in the upper-80s that generates a whiff rate near 40%.
His development into a starting pitcher hinges on his inconsistent, upper-80s slider, a pitch he prioritized by shelving his cutter late in the season. With his durable frame, ability to maintain velocity, and above-average control, Kelly has the ceiling of a mid-rotation starter if the slider improves, with a fallback as a high-leverage reliever. Baseball America even listed Kelly as a potential closer in the future. Kelly will start the season at either Double-A or Triple-A, and a 2026 major league debut is a realistic possibility.
ETA: 2026-2027
8. Hunter Barco
Hunter Barco entered professional baseball with a strong amateur pedigree from the University of Florida, but his development was delayed by Tommy John surgery in 2022 and a subsequent leg stress fracture.
Despite these setbacks, the Pirates’ second-round pick in 2022 enjoyed a healthier 2025, surpassing 100 innings for the first time and earning a September call-up as a reliever. His scoreless streak of 26.1 innings to start the season set a new Altoona Curve record. He was swiftly promoted to Triple-A after his historical start.
As a starter in the upper minors, the 6-foot-4 left-hander succeeded with a 93 mph fastball that relies more on its unique shape and a deceptive, low arm slot than on velocity, allowing him to command it for strikes about 70% of the time. His secondary pitches—an average low-80s slider and a more effective mid-80s splitter—are both swing-and-miss offerings, though his command of them is inconsistent. His future role hinges on improving his strike-throwing, as his complex delivery can cause his command to falter.
Barco has the upside of a back-end starter if he can refine his control, with a viable fallback as a multi-inning reliever. He will be in the mix for an Opening Day rotation spot, and could be the main benefactor of a potential Mitch Keller trade.
ETA: 2026
9. Wlber Dotel
Dotel was a late signing from the Dominican Republic in 2020 but has since developed into a durable and reliable innings-eater, logging over 300 frames since 2023. In a full season at Double-A Altoona in 2025, he recorded a 4.15 ERA over 125.2 innings—the highest total in the Pirates’ system—while striking out 131 batters and posting a career-best 8% walk rate, finishing third in the Eastern League in strikeouts.
His development has been marked by significant stuff gains, adding 5 mph to a fastball that now sits at 96 and touches 100. He has refined his arsenal by better differentiating his four-seam and two-seam fastballs and replacing a below-average changeup with a mid-80s splitter, which has become a reliable swing-and-miss weapon. His upper-80s slider has moments of being a plus pitch, though he sometimes loses its shape when trying to overpower hitters. Despite a deep and powerful repertoire and strong zone metrics (landing all his pitches in the zone over 60% of the time), his 24% strikeout rate suggests he is still learning to sequence and put hitters away effectively.
Dotel’s future lies as either a back-end starter if he can refine his approach, or a high-leverage reliever, similar to Kelly. But because of Dotel’s age (23), he will likely be promoted quicker. He should start the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, with sights set on a big league debut later in the season.
ETA: 2026
10. Esmerlyn Valdez
Valdez is arguably the hottest name on this list at the moment, as he just got done demolishing Arizona Fall League (AFL) pitchers.
Signed by the Pirates out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 for $130,000, Valdez has firmly established himself as one of the most prolific power hitters in the minor leagues . His breakout 2025 season, which earned him the Pirates’ Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year award, was highlighted by a combined 26 home runs and a .286/.376/.520 slash line between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. His performance was not a fluke, as he followed this up with a historic showing in the AFL, where he led the league in home runs and posted an OPS over 1.700, demonstrating his elite power against top-tier competition. He started off AFL scorching hot, going 10-for-20 with eight home runs. Pitchers started adjusting after that, but Valdez still led the AFL in home runs and RBIs. His slash line for the 18 games was an impressive .370/.519/.870.
His offensive profile is built on plus raw power and an aggressive approach geared for all-fields damage. Key adjustments in 2025, including a slightly flattened swing path, helped him achieve a career-best contact rate of 72.4% and tap into his power more consistently, as reflected in a significant jump in his 90th percentile exit velocity.
The main concerns in his profile are his swing-and-miss tendencies and limited defensive value. His miss rate remains around 30%, and scouts question his ability to handle high velocity and sliders away from advanced pitchers . Defensively, he is a below-average runner who splits time between right field (where he has a fringy arm) and first base, ultimately projecting as a corner player.
Valdez will likely start the season at Triple-A Indianapolis. The rate at which he reaches Pittsburgh will largely be determined by his power production, which the big league club currently lacks. It would be hard to deny Valdez a place in the lineup if he keeps launching home runs.
ETA: 2026-2027
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Comparing Shohei Ohtani’s five-year stretch to best in MLB
In the fifth year of his utter domination of Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani only padded an already astounding résumé.
He hit 55 home runs and led the National League in runs scored, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases; he returned to pitching and posted a 2.87 ERA in 47 innings with 62 strikeouts; he became the first player to hit three home runs and strike out 10 batters in one game (and it came in a playoff game); he went to bat nine times in a World Series game and got on base nine times (tying a World Series record with four extra-base hits along the way); and he was the starting pitcher in Game 7 of the World Series, which his Los Angeles Dodgers won to become the first repeat champion in 25 years.
Ohtani is the heavy favorite to win his fourth MVP Award on Thursday. (Only Barry Bonds has won more than three.) And with three unanimous selections, Ohtani is already the only player with more than one such selection — and there’s a good chance this will be his fourth.
The latest MVP honor will cap a remarkable past five seasons for Ohtani, four of which he has spent as both one of the best hitters in the game and one of the best pitchers. The postseason run was a reminder, as Jeff Passan wrote after Ohtani’s three-homer game in the NLCS,
Trackhouse Owner Justin Marks Challenges NASCAR Playoff System
Justin Marks is questioning NASCAR’s playoff system and pushing for a format that rewards season-long performance instead of a single race. In a recent interview, he spoke openly about his concerns with the playoff format.
The finale took a wild turn when William Byron’s right-rear tire suddenly blew out. That sends the race into overtime. That opened the door for Kyle Larson. Kyle grabbed the lead on the restart and won the title. Denny Hamlin, who had been in a position to fight for the championship earlier, lost his shot.
After the race, the main conversation shifted from the finish to a deeper question: should the championship really be decided by one race instead of the entire season?
Justin Marks Says NASCAR Should Reward the Full Season
Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Justin Marks explained why he believes NASCAR Playoff format doesn’t always crown the driver who earned it over the full year.
“You have to balance what’s required in the world today to be an entertainment property that gets people excited with the fact that you are running a sport. And when you run a sport, you just aren’t, you’re not going to have those game five buzzer beater moments, those bottom of ninth home run World Series moments every single time you go.”
However, Marks believes that excitement should not replace fairness. He compared racing to other sports, explaining that not every championship moment is going to be dramatic.
“I mean, we talk about this a lot, like some years the Super Bowl is a one possession game with two minutes left and some years it’s a blowout. Right?” To him, racing should always remain a sport first.
Playoff Format Was an Experiment, Not a Permanent Solution
Marks didn’t ignore the success of the NASCAR Playoff format. In fact, he said the idea was worth trying.
“I think that the one race final championship was worth trying. I really do. It was a very transitional time in the history of NASCAR. I think it was a good experiment.”
The one-race championship did what NASCAR wanted. It created must-watch finales filled with tension and unpredictability. Phoenix has produced several dramatic endings, and the 2025 finish with Byron’s blown tire was another example.
But the same system can also erase consistent performance. A flat tire, a pit road mistake, or a mechanical failure can undo months of strong results.
Season Performance Should Decide the Champion
Marks believes the title should reflect the work done over all 36 races.
“I don’t think that’s the right thing for the future. There is a balance between the final and 36 full races. But I think that the last race, the champion needs to be crowned by the person that performs the best, um, sort of over the course of the season.”
He followed that up by clarifying that he does support the idea of playoffs.
“Now I know that sounds like me saying 36 races. I think a playoff thing is important, and it’s important to sort of build excitement towards the end. But I don’t think it is good for the sport not to take anything about five, eleven, whatever. I really just don’t. So I think there’s a balance there.”
Justin Marks Explains Why NASCAR’s Playoff Format Needs a Measured Approach
If there’s one thing certain about Justin Marks, it’s his discontent with the current playoff system. The debate over a one-race championship format in NASCAR has been raging for the past year, with pressure mounting on the playoff committee to implement changes for 2026. And Marks is all here for it. Fresh off Conor Zilisch’s Phoenix heartbreak, Marks didn’t hold back on criticizing the playoff system, saying, “I think a one-race championship was a great experiment, and it was an interesting journey, but I don’t think that’s where we should go from here on out
The 19-year-old star’s championship dreams came to a halt despite leading most laps due to the winner-take-all one-race finale. And now, as the offseason takes over, the playoff committee is burning the midnight oil to deliver the best format next year. Meanwhile, the Trackhouse team owner gave his view on how the playoffs should look.
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Justin Marks calls for balance in deciding the new playoff system
Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the 44-year-old veteran said, “Balance is what’s required in the world today to be an entertainment property that gets people excited with the fact that you are running a sport. And when you run a sport, you just aren’t going to have those game five buzzer-beater moments or bottom-of-the-ninth home run home series moments, every single time you go. Like some years, the Super Bowl is a one position game with two minutes left, and some years it’s a blowout. You can’t mess with that.”
Just take the Phoenix finale. It took an unexpected turn when William Byron’s right rear tire blew out, sending the race into overtime. That moment opened the door for Kyle Larson, who seized the lead on the restart and clinched the championship. Denny Hamlin, once in contention for the title, saw his hopes fade in the chaos.
After the checkered flag, the discussion quickly shifted from the finish to a bigger question. Should a season-long championship really come down to a single race? The one-race finale has delivered what NASCAR wanted: high-stakes drama, unpredictability, and viral moments. Phoenix has seen its share of thrilling endings, and the 2025 showdown was no different. Yet, the same format erases a year’s worth of consistency. A blown tire, pit road error, or a minor mechanical issue can undo months of excellence.
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However, the Trackhouse Racing team owner also acknowledged the current playoff system while calling for changes. He added, ” I think as I said…I think that the one-race final championship was worth trying. I really do. It was a very transitional time in the history of NASCAR, it was a good experiment. I don’t think it’s the right thing for the future. I think there is a balance between the one final race and the 36 full races. But I think that the last race, the champion is to be crowned by the person that performs the best over the course of the season.”
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It’s not hard to see where he’s coming from. Connor Zilisch, who will be racing for Trackhouse as a full-time Cup Series driver, won a staggering 10 races in the Xfinity Series. But the 19-year-old ended up third at Phoenix Raceway, narrowly missing out on the championship to his best friend, Jesse Love. Fans felt Denny Hamlin was hard done by as well, especially after leading over 200 laps in the final race, only for a late caution to undo months of hard work.
Marks’ man ignited a long-standing debate. Before the playoff era, champions were crowned for season-long consistency, a system that ended after Matt Kenseth’s 2003 title. The current elimination-style playoff, introduced in 2014, has earned both praise for its spectacle and criticism for its all-or-nothing nature. Marks believes that while playoffs bring excitement, the format gives luck too much influence in deciding the ultimate champion.
And amid Marks awaiting the verdict on the new playoff format, the 44-year-old team owner is also eyeing a Tony Stewart legacy with Connor Zilisch. But before Mark chased that glory, NASCAR’s president hinted at what fans must expect from the new playoff format
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Steve O’Donnell drops hints at renewed 2026 playoff format
Denny Hamlin’s heartbreaking loss at Phoenix after leading most of the finale could only be undone by a late-race caution, which has once again fueled criticism of the win-or-go-home setup. Now, NASCAR’s leadership says it’s time for a system that rewards season-long performance, not just who gets lucky.
Speaking to the Sports Business Journal, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s president, said, ” Something that as you look at the future of the sport, making sure that a driver who has delivered all season long has the ability to be named a champion and not have something maybe come down to one race. That’s really been the focal point.”
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The updated format, set to debut in 2026, is still being fine-tuned, but the message is clear. Consistency will matter more and more, and drivers will have a fair chance to fight for wins and the championship.
O’Donnell added, “We want to reward winning. We’re going to continue to do that. Whatever model we come up with, winning is very important. The one-race thing has been a factor. There’s a lot of circumstances that can happen.”
For NASCAR, this overhaul isn’t just about rule tweaks. It’s about rebuilding trust with fans, ensuring the best drivers get their due, and keeping racing exciting all year long. With fans waiting for a verdict to be dropped, all eyes and ears will be on NASCAR as it makes its boldest shift yet.
NASCAR Lawsuit: Charter Trial to Proceed Without Special Protections for Team Owners
19 days. That’s how long NASCAR and 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports have left to fire up all their jets and turn the tide in their favor. The yearlong antitrust lawsuit is set to be discussed on December 1 in a proper courtroom and a trial setting. And now the ongoing legal battle seems to have taken a sharp turn this week as the sport’s most powerful figures step in.
The decision comes amid a heated antitrust lawsuit that has drawn increasing scrutiny over NASCAR business practices and its relationship with top teams. With that being the center of attention in the recent weeks, what followed was the judge’s decision that seems to be tipping in 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ favor.
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Judge’s decision marks a turning point in the legal battle
Judge Kenneth Bell ruled Tuesday that 23XI and FRM can depose Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske without the restrictions NASCAR had requested, as reported by Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. The court’s ruling stands unless NASCAR “irrevocably commits not to call these individuals as trial witnesses.”
Bell emphasizes that, “The trial of this matter will be publicly and fairly contested under the relevant rules and law, without regard to the notoriety of the companies and individuals involved. No company or individual will be accorded special treatment.”
Earlier, FOX’s Bob Pockrass noted that NASCAR wanted Hendrick and Penske’s testimony limited to topics such as the charter system, the origins of the value of the next-gen car, and the charters in IndyCar. However, the two teams appear to be seeking a wider scope. The ongoing antitrust lawsuit challenges NASCAR’s alleged anti-competitive business practices, and given Hendrick and Penske’s deep ties with the sanctioning body, the teams may be looking to uncover whether those relationships afforded them any special treatment.
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Both Hendrick and Penske have expressed their reluctance to participate further. They previously submitted a signed declaration supporting NASCAR in October and preferred that to be the extent of their involvement. If deposed, they wanted questioning confined to the charter and Next-Gen systems. Despite that, NASCAR has listed both team owners among its potential trial witnesses.
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It all dates back to when, in a sharply worded filing, NASCAR pushed back against the plaintiff’s late attempt to broaden witness testimony. The organization argued the two teams were trying to “derail the testimony of Messrs. Hendrick and Penske based on eleventh-hour demands for new information.”
NASCAR also noted the irony in the teams’ positions, stating that, “Plaintiffs have repeatedly touted both in this litigation and publicly that the declarations of Messrs. Penske and Hendrick supported Plaintiffs’ case. … So, Plaintiffs have no basis to complain about the admission of that testimony at trial.”
Furthermore, NASCAR emphasized that the plaintiff never filed motions compelling Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, or any other organization to produce the financial details they now appear to be pursuing. The filing underscored NASCAR’s stance that the plaintiff delayed their efforts and is now attempting to introduce new lines of questioning at the last minute.
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But now, things will start to look different. With the court granting 23XI and FRM the right to question Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske, no one is certain about the outcome. However, amid all this, 23XI Racing’s co-owner’s postseason plans come to a halt with the trial fast approaching.
Denny Hamlin drops his offseason plans amid ongoing NASCAR lawsuit
Denny Hamlin, reflecting on a demanding 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by his team against NASCAR, recently opened up about how both have shaped his offseason. With the December 1 trial date drawing near, Hamlin admitted he’s trying to find moments of rest and recovery even as his off-season plans remain uncertain. After missing out on the championship, he described the emotional toll of the season and said the looming litigation has made it difficult to commit to any major plans or travel.
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He explained, “I don’t have any plans. Usually, I have some kind of plans at some point, but obviously, with the pending litigation and stuff, I don’t know whether I’ll be in town or not. So, that stuff is obviously kind of fluid. But I’m going to take some time and go on a vacation at some point. I certainly need it very, very badly. Other than that, just spending more time at home.”
How a Purple Heart winner and D-Day veteran became a NASCAR Hall of Famer
For NASCAR fans, the likes of Richard Petty, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are considered heroes.
But where heroes are concerned, perhaps no man in NASCAR history encapsulates the word hero more than Hall of Fame team owner Bud Moore.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Moore joined the United States Army in 1943 at the age of 18. One year later, Moore was thrust right into the fray of one of the most important military operations in American history.
On June 6, 1944, Moore and Company D, 1st Platoon, 1st Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment of the 90th Infantry Division landed on Utah Beach in Normandy, France, as part of the D-Day operation.
After serving in the war and earning two Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts, Moore went from being an American hero to a sporting hero.
From American hero to hero of the sports world
In a NASCAR career that spanned 50 years — 11 as a crew chief and 39 as a team owner — Moore became a household name. Moore’s team, Bud Moore Engineering, began fielding entries in 1961.
In his first season as a car owner, Moore fielded cars for the likes of Joe Weatherly and Fireball Roberts. The next year, David Pearson ran a race for Moore. By the time the decade was out, Moore has also fielded entries for Rex White, Cale Yarborough and Tiny Lund.
It was the the 1970s, however, that Moore’s team began to be known as a consistent contender. From 1976 to 1987, Moore’s full-time entry finished top-10 in the Winston Cup Series standings every year. That 12-year stretch included 27 wins between Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison, Benny Parsons, Dale Earnhardt and Ricky Rudd.
The last hurrah for Moore’s team came in 1990, when Morgan Shepherd finished fifth in the standings and won the season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
In total, Moore’s Cup Series entries started 958 races and won 63 of them.
While Moore’s team didn’t produce many results in its final decade of operation, he left an indelible mark on the sport. His contributions were rightfully recognized in 2011, when he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
It was the least amount of recognition Moore could be given on such a prominent stage for his contributions to his country and the sport of stock car racing — the former of which saved the world and the latter of which made him a racing legend.
Corey Heim Credits His Father’s Sacrifices for His NASCAR Success
“He’s been there for every high and every low. Thank you, dad, for your unconditional support and belief in me from day one. Thank you.” Those lines turned the NASCAR Cup Awards into a real emotional tear-jerker. 2025 Truck Series Champion Corey Heim’s heartfelt words brought his father, Ray Heim, to tears, a fitting end to a remarkable season for the Georgia native.
With 12 victories in a single year and the rare feat of leading at least one lap in every race, Heim’s consistency and determination defined his 2025 campaign. And he couldn’t have done it without his old man. The father-son duo had given up everything to reach this level, and Corey Heim knows it all too well.
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Corey Heim pays tribute to his father’s efforts
Speaking on the NASCAR Live podcast, the 23-year-old driver said, “Yeah, well, that said all the impact on my racing career. Yeah, he’s the only reason why I’m here today. Probably my first quarter midget when I was five years old, and I got to run it at my local short track. And he’s supported my racing career, you know, from a personal perspective and also a financial perspective for a long time, to the point where I can finally, you know, race and, you know, get paid to race with Toyota and everything.”
Long before Corey Heim became a NASCAR Truck Series champion, Ray was a late-model racer at Lanier National Speedway, earning several top finishes while juggling work in the gambling industry. To keep his son’s racing dreams alive, he sold slot machine monitors to cover entry costs, displaying the ingenuity and grit often required in grassroots motorsport.
“My dad’s investing pretty much every time he’s got into my racing career,” Heim once shared, acknowledging the depth of his father’s commitment. That faith finally paid off. After stints with Venturini Motorsports, the Georgia native earned a full-time ride that paved the way for his championship triumph.
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The Tricon Garage driver added, “He’s been part of the journey for my whole life, and see him, you know, smiling in Victory Lane after we won the championship, everything is definitely very fulfilling for me because I know like I can never pay him back for what he’s done for me. You know, he can appreciate the accomplishments, and you know, that’s what means most to him. So definitely it was awesome to have him over the weekend, and hopefully we can win some more.”
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The journey began when Corey was just five years old. That Christmas, Ray had gifted him a go-kart, a small gesture that would shape both their lives. What started as weekend trips to a local racetrack soon became a powerful father-son partnership built on discipline, trust, and shared ambition. That being said, Corey couldn’t help but credit his father during the victory speeches.
“Since Corey started picking it up, there has been nothing better to see. He is so dedicated to becoming a better driver. He takes every racing experience and builds on it,” Ray said with pride. That same persistence carried him from his humble quarter midget beginnings to his dominant championship run at Phoenix Raceway, where he clawed back from 10th after a late caution to overtake 2024 NASCAR champion Ty Majeski. Still, as the 23-year-old looks ahead, the next chapter of his NASCAR career remains unwritten.
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Heim is determined that the Truck Series is the best path to Cup
For young NASCAR hopefuls, “one step at a time” is more than a saying; it’s a strategy. Yet, drivers like Carson Hocevar have shown that there is more than one road to the top. For some, the fast track runs through the Truck Series.
To many within the paddock, including Corey Heim, the Truck Series remains the purest testing ground in the sport. It’s why the grassroots racer finds out if they have what it takes to compete under the national spotlight, bridging the jump from local ovals to the Xfinity and Cup circuits.
Heim, who has logged laps in all three national divisions, believes the trucks best prepare a driver for the big leagues. The Tricon Garage driver said, “I think the trucks are probably the most similar to Cup cars. I’ve driven all three. From a vehicle perspective, I think it definitely resonates the most when you’re trying to develop to be a hopeful Cup driver like myself. Xfinity is great, too.”
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That doesn’t mean he dismisses the Xfinity Series entirely. The 23-year-old explained, “You’re comparing apples to oranges at the same time. You race a lot more on the Xfinity side. They’re a little tougher to drive at the end of the day. When you want to go Cup racing, you have to come to the truck.”
The Truck Series also doubles as a classroom, frequently featuring veterans who make select starts. Their presence gives emerging talents a front-row view of elite-level racecraft and a taste of the aggression, possession, and composure needed at the top. With NASCAR’s new rule allowing experienced Cup drivers to run up to 10 Xfinity and 8 Truck races each season, the competition has only intensified.
Beyond the track, the division serves as a finishing school for young professionals. Initiatives like NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity turn it into a holistic training ground, teaching drivers the off-track disciplines of sponsorship, media engagement, and personal branding. Many truck teams operate under the umbrella of major cup organizations, offering access to advanced equipment, top-tier crew members, and strategic guidance.
The exposure that comes with national broadcast and sold-out grandstands ensures these drivers aren’t racing; they are auditioning. For those like the 2025 Craftsman truck champion, the logic is simple. The earlier you can race at something that feels like Cup, the better prepared you will be when the call to move up finally comes.
NASCAR Property Could Factor Into Future Kansas City Chiefs Expansion Strategy
In September, Kansas City’s favorite passions came together on a racecar. Ryan Ellis had a new look on his No. 71 DGM Racing Chevrolet, featuring a football-themed paint scheme. On the hood was the TabloTV logo, with a football going through the field goal uprights. Below the football is the tagline “Pay once, watch forever.” It was only one of the several NASCAR-NFL crossovers in the state, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs team.
Ryan Ellis has packed his bags and taken TabloTV to another NASCAR Xfinity Series team, but the collaborative spirit persists between both sports. Instead of a racecar, an entire racetrack is now the meeting point of the NFL and NASCAR – Kansas Speedway.
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Chiefs may expand into NASCAR
The Kansas City Chiefs have proposed designing a stadium on the Kansas side of the state line with Missouri. That is why the Chiefs are also in negotiations with NASCAR and the state of Kansas to acquire land just west of the Kansas Speedway. Kevin Keitzman, a Kansas City radio host, said, “NASCAR owns a total of 880 acres of land at Village West, folks. They only use 300 of them.” He said the Chiefs also may be building a hotel by the Hollywood Casino and creating an entertainment district.
Despite this early evidence, Patrick Lowry, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Commerce, urged confidentiality. “Kansas Department of Commerce continues to conduct a careful analysis of costs and benefits as part of crafting agreements to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the region while maximizing growth opportunities for Kansas,” he said. The Kansas Legislature agreed to finance up to 70% of the Chiefs project, with a minimum $1 billion price tag. This was done by issuing bonds to be repaid with sales tax collected in the STAR Bond district.
This marks a notable move towards a bond between the Chiefs and NASCAR in Kansas. This year in May, Kyle Larson led for 221 of 267 laps to win the AdventHealth 400 at the 1.5-mile track. It marked his third and final trophy for this season, although Larson emerged as the 2025 Cup Series champion. Then in September, Chase Elliott zoomed from 10th to first on the final restart in double overtime to win the Hollywood Casino 400 in Kansas.
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And the season marked more crossovers between NASCAR and the NFL. Amazon Prime debuted spectacularly in the sport and also ended its five-race tenure with a bang at Pocono Raceway. NFL analysts Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth attended the race and appeared on air, creating a sensational event. Then, NASCAR history is strewn with instances of crossovers – from Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis waving the green flag for the 2013 Daytona 500 to Hall-of-Famers Tony Dorsett (left) and Tim Brown giving the command to start engines at Texas in 2021.
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So, the NFL wishes to tap into its rich ties with NASCAR for the latest endeavor. However, there are some hurdles to cross.
Analyzing the economic impact
While the idea of a new Kansas City Chiefs stadium springing up close to NASCAR racing sounds impressive, the reality may be concerning. That is what J.C. Bradbury, an economist and professor at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, emphasized recently. He claimed that there is no economic benefit to building a stadium. “Economists use the term economic development to describe improving economic outcomes. And stadiums are absolutely not true economic development catalysts,” he said.
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When stadiums are built, multiple changes drive people’s belief in the economic benefits. However, most of the spending happens outside the stadiums around restaurants and stores. Other businesses cannot open, like doctors’ offices and retail stores, because of traffic and people who don’t want to live near stadiums. “There’s actually some negative spillover effects that no one likes to talk about,” Bradbury said.
“This is a private business that largely benefits the owners of the team. It’s generating hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars,” Bradbury said. “Athletes are paid millions of dollars of salaries. These organizations exist as economic entities because they’re profitable. There’s zero justification for taxpayers putting a dime for professional sports stadiums, but we just sort of got in the habit of doing that, and now I’m hoping to try to break this habit.”
Evidently, the NFL’s new project with NASCAR is harboring a mixed approach. We can only wait and see what unfolds in the future, and if we can see a sports crossover in Kansas.
Fans Dismiss Gene Haas’ 22-Yo NASCAR Driver’s Cup Chances
It’s no secret that Gene Haas endured a rough season, marked by yet another suspension in his camp. Fans may recall Kevin Harvick’s 2022 Talladega race when Stewart-Haas Racing was hit with an L-2 level penalty for unapproved Next-Gen modifications, costing them driver and owner points. While Harvick escaped suspension, crew chief Rodney Childers wasn’t as lucky, serving a four-race ban. This time, though, it’s Haas’ Xfinity affiliate facing the blow.
Right-rear hooking, one of NASCAR’s biggest sins, reared its head again. Earlier, Austin Hill’s move on Aric Almirola at Indianapolis earned him a suspension and a playoff points deduction. Now, Haas’ young Xfinity star found himself in similar trouble. And as the postseason unfolds, fans are taking a hard look at whether the 22-year-old still deserves a shot at the Cup level.
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Gene Haas’ No. 41 driver under fire after volatile Martinsville move
If Sam Mayer wants to keep the momentum toward a Cup ride, he will need to do more than rebuild trust. During the playoff race at Martinsville, Mayer spun Jeb Burton into the outside wall on the cool-down lap after the checkered flag. NASCAR determined the move violated Section 4.4B of the Member Code of Conduct.
Sam Mayer said of Burton, “He caused a demolition derby and a parking lot on the front straightaway at the fastest racetrack we go to, and now he just decides to be an absolute dumbass this go around and race a guy with a purple spoiler just awful. It was awful to be around him all day.”
For his part, Burton fought back publicly, calling Mayer “a punk.” As a result of the right-rear hook, the 22-year-old driver was suspended from the season finale Xfinity race at Phoenix Raceway, effectively ending his playoff campaign that round and tarnishing his reputation in the process. That fallout matters a lot for his path to the Cup Series.
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That tension had been building all race long after the Haas Factory driver nudged Burton during an early restart, igniting a feud that simmered for the remainder of the event. An irate Burton fumed over the radio, saying, “Go ahead and tell the 41 [Mayer] that he’s done. He’s done when I get to him. F—- him and his championship.”
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And on the closing lap, Burton made good on his threat, spinning Sam while they fought for sixth place. But moments later, the 22-year-old appeared to retaliate, right rear hooking Burton in Turn 1 after the finish line, a move that drew NASCAR penalties once officials reviewed the footage. As a result of the one-race ban, the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driver is eligible to return at the start of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season at Daytona.
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However, this isn’t just a one-off incident involving Sam Mayer. The 2022 Xfinity race showed that he doesn’t back down from a fight. On the final lap, the Wisconsin native made contact with Ty Gibbs. This sent the Joe Gibbs Racing driver off the track into the wall, ruining his shot at a victory. The frustration carried over to pit road after the race.
Gibbs followed Mayer, and what started as a heated conversation quickly blew up into a physical fight, with punches thrown around as the officials had to step in to separate the two. Fast forward to today, and Mayer seems to have the same aggressiveness and even went ahead to deliver a very cold response post the Martinville incident.
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NASCAR fans slam Sam Mayer’s behavior
Fans haven’t held back their opinions about Sam Mayer’s recent behavior, and many are starting to question whether his mindset matches his talent. One fan bluntly summed it up, “His attitude is the reason he’s not a serious contender for a cup ride, and it goes farther beyond the Jeb incident.” Another echoed that sentiment, adding that, “He’s made some dumb decisions. I know him screwing Larson out of a win at Homestead got him a lot of hate.” What is clear is that for many fans, the frustration isn’t just about one race, it’s about a pattern of choices that seem to have overshadowed his own track ability.
During the Xfinity race at Miami in March this year, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson was dominant, pulling out a 16-second lead with only eight laps remaining. A late caution erased that cushion and forced an overtime restart. On the restart, the 22-year-old driving the No. 41 Ford lined up behind Larson in the restart zone. As they launched, Mayer’s front end made contact with Larson’s rear bumper. Larson noted his “rear tires were off the ground” from the contact, costing him traction and the win.
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Several fans pointed out that the 22-year-old’s confidence has started to come off as entitlement. One comment read, “He’s 22, but as someone who is impartial, I did not like his mindset that he already earned a cup series ride and was upset he wasn’t the #1 name on everyone list.” Another added, “To also add, I do like him, but since he said that and wrecked Jeb Burton, I’ve taken second thoughts about him.” These reactions suggest that while fans acknowledge Mayer’s skills, his approach to the sport and how he carries himself is beginning to alienate those who once rooted for him.
The debate ultimately comes down to personality versus professionalism. One fan drew a fine line between the two, saying, “I think there’s a difference in having a personality and just being a straight up peckerhead. He’s got the talent, but he’s got to reel in his attitude and how he goes about situations on the track.”
Another pointed out, “Stuck up pompous jackass is not a personality we need. I’d rather have Haley or Elliott than that.” For many, Mayer’s future in NASCAR might depend less on his speed and more on whether he learns to temper his ego before it costs him bigger opportunities.
Fans Slam NASCAR for Delays and ‘Gimmicky’ Playoff Format Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Tempers are flaring in the NASCAR community. In 2014, elimination-style playoffs were introduced with a vision to inject more excitement into the sport, as fans were tired of predictable champions. But over the years, that excitement began to fade because the playoffs started to lose its balance between excitement and being too random. And the 2025 season crossed that threshold after late drama at Phoenix Raceway, and now fans can’t wait to see it changed.
Fans demand that NASCAR find that sweet spot between consistency and excitement. Whispers of change hang in the air, yet no straight answers are coming out from the sanctioning body. With ‘how’ and ‘when’ still in uncertainty, fans can only show their frustration from the grandstands and social media.
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NASCAR’s vague timeline sparks backlash
Fans are running out of patience. Now they can’t wait to see the current playoff system change because of a messy 2025 finale at Phoenix, where Denny Hamlin led over 200 laps, only to lose on a late tire blowout for William Byron. The incident led to an overtime restart that ultimately handed Kyle Larson the title.
This upset, plus Connor Zilisch not being able to win the Xfinity title despite showing consistency the whole season with ten wins, has added fuel to the fire. There’s plenty of anger at the existing system, which rewards chaos over skill. And because of this randomized setup, fans are giving it a “gimmicky” label. There is an added uncertainty to the ongoing playoff scenario because of the ongoing antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR and 23XI Racing, which might delay NASCAR’s decision-making process.
NASCAR executive Mike Forde laid it straight on the Hauler Talk podcast: “Where it stands right now… I don’t think the playoff committee is going to meet again. I think we have gotten all the feedback that we needed from them. Awesome job, by the way, from the playoff committee. … Now, it’s in NASCAR’s hands. They’re going to take all the feedback… thought on the spectrum, from no playoffs whatsoever to keeping it how it is and really beating that all up.”
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On the new episode of “Hauler Talk,” @mforde says there are internal discussions still to be had about the NASCAR championship format and he doesn’t know if it will be announced in two weeks or … (via u/iamaranger23) https://t.co/fa1syB2pAo https://t.co/bgNJN2qr5O #NASCAR
— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) November 11, 2025
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The committee, packed with influential figures like Justin Marks, team owners, and Hall of Famers, gave their final take about the current and upcoming playoffs after a year of chats. However, Forde has suggested that now that the ideas have been presented to NASCAR, it’s in the hands of the sanctioning body to either ditch the playoffs entirely or make some tweaks to it. Perhaps that’s why there has been a delay in an impending announcement.
Forde also cleared the air, saying, “There are announcements to come. Honestly, I don’t know where it is. It could be in two weeks; it could be in two months. … We clearly want to make sure that we have been very thorough on this one. Obviously, it will be before Feb. 5 in The Clash, but it could be sooner than later; it could be in January.”
For now, there’s no official news or announcement on the upcoming playoff system, but one thing is guaranteed. Fans will know it all before the Daytona 500 in 2026. Dale Earnhardt Jr. also confirmed 2026 shifts for Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks, but without going into specifics. As things stand, fans are being kept in the shadows, and they’ve been left to vent on social media.
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Fan fury erupts on NASCAR
One supporter nailed the bigger picture up top, venting, “Dude, NASCAR just stays fumbling the bag….the trial is looming, news is not positive, people hated the championship race ….would be truly absurd if they waited to announce the format after the new year.” It’s spot-on speculation, as NASCAR is in deep water because of battling an antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, and it’ll be very surprising if they announce it after the new year.
The finale race at Phoenix left many fans venting, and it mirrored 2014’s early chaos when Tony Stewart wrecked the field, proving the format’s knack to add excitement often backfires on consistent runners.
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“They are going to end up delaying the decision so long we get another year of the same format, aren’t they?” History backs this worry; NASCAR skipped 2025 tweaks despite January promises, citing the need for review after Joey Logano‘s title win, which many think he won because of the luck factor. Many feel the 10-race Chase from 2004 to 2013 rewarded points more evenly, even though the format crowned Jimmie Johnson seven times.
Tying it to the legal battle, a fan takes a sharp guess. “In other words, announce in January if there’s no trial, or announce during the trial as a distraction.” According to Bob Pockrass’s updates, the lawsuit is moving in the direction of the plaintiffs, and the courtroom may end soon. The scenario is similar to how the TV deals in 2017 put a stop to other reforms in sports. Fans remember how the charter negotiations from 2024 are being dragged into 2025, which is costing teams millions in lost leverage.
Finally, frustration boils over the delay in announcing the playoff format: “NASCAR, dude, this should be the easiest thing on your agenda right now.” With Marks promoting a “measured” solution when talking to SiriusXM, it remains to be seen what direction the sanctioning body pivots towards. Ultimately, the dissatisfaction amongst the NASCAR fans is at an all-time high, and with an impending lawsuit to deal with, the time has never been more appropriate to make changes to a controversial format to turn the fans in their favor.
NASCAR Faces Crossroads on Playoff Format as Executive Weighs Next Steps
NASCAR seems to be on the cusp of transition. Back in 2014, the sanctioning body announced a controversial playoff format, one that would keep fans on the edge of their seats, while boosting TV ratings at the same time. Back then, Brian France even said, “We have arrived at a format that makes every race matter even more, diminishes points racing, puts a premium on winning races and concludes with a best-of-the-best, first-to-the-finish line showdown race, all of which is exactly what fans want.” Fast forward to the present day, and the reality couldn’t be more different.
The very integrity of the sport is being questioned, especially when months of effort boil down to the outcome of just one race. Sure, the excitement of a winner-takes-all finale is undeniable, but aspects such as fairness, consistency, and rewarding season-long excellence are coming into review. As NASCAR navigates these concerns with a possible format change from 2026 onwards, an executive outlined the next steps the sport needs to take to get back the love of its fan base.
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The criticism around the NASCAR playoffs
On the recent episode of the Hauler Talk podcast, Mike Forde, Senior Vice President of Communications, revealed that NASCAR’s playoff committee has been actively discussing changes. “I think we feel good about the direction and the possibilities here, because of the playoff committee and the work that they have done on the feedback they have got from the industry,” Forde said.
As per Forde, the challenge ahead is delicate. NASCAR must find a way to preserve the do-or-die thrill that makes the NASCAR playoffs so watchable. At the same time, they need to ensure that it doesn’t alienate fans and drivers who value merit and season-long excellence. It’s a balancing act between spectacle and sport, emotion and logic.
Meanwhile, Nate Ryan shared his opinion on the current NASCAR playoffs format. “The playoff certainly brings excitement, but there is concern about making sure it is legitimate, too.” And he isn’t wrong. The 2025 Phoenix Cup championship race highlighted his (and the majority of the NASCAR community’s) concerns perfectly.
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Although Denny Hamlin had a superior overall season compared to Kyle Larson, with 6 wins, 14 top-five finishes, 18 top-10s, and dominating much of that race too, he lost the championship to Larson. Why? Simply because he finished behind Larson in the final race, all because of one misjudged pitstop. Hamlin’s strong season stats emphasize the debate about whether one race should solely decide the championship.
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Mike Forde echoed the sentiment, stating, “Whoever the 12-year-old wonder kid out there now looks at the Championship format at NASCAR and says, ‘You know what, I don’t like the fact that I can win 10 races like Connor did not win the championship. Let me look at F1. Let me look at IndyCar. I got this driving talent that can translate into other forms of racing. That is his [NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell] nightmare scenario.’”
Connor Zilisch faced a similar fate to Denny Hamlin in his 2025 season. Despite having a record-breaking 10 wins, 20 top-5s, and 23 top-10s, Zilisch lost out on the Xfinity (future O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) championship to Jesse Love after the Phoenix finale. Again, all because he came short during that one race. This, Forde believes, will definitely deter young talents from entering NASCAR as the current system doesn’t reward season-long dominance. Instead, it rewards perfection on one night.
The future may hold a playoff overhaul designed to better balance season-long performance with playoff drama, aiming to crown a champion that reflects both consistency and peak performance. However, no details have been made public yet. Still, the tone coming from NASCAR leadership suggests that something (hopefully positive) is brewing behind closed doors.
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Shake-up for 2026 across all NASCAR series
Rumors have been swirling throughout the NASCAR garage about potential changes to the Cup Series playoff format for 2026. But what’s been less discussed is whether similar adjustments are in store for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) and the Truck Series. Thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr., we might now have an answer.
After a tough 2025 season finale, where JR Motorsports had three cars in championship contention only to see Richard Childress Racing’s Jesse Love take home the title, Dale Jr. found himself chatting with NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve O’Donnell. The conversation, as it turns out, may have confirmed what many had been speculating.
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Sharing details on The Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. said, “I’m excited about next year. We’re going to move the furniture around in the room and change some of the pieces on the chessboard, so to speak, to try to be in a better spot and get everybody happy. Through some things that we’re going to do, we’re going to have four drivers, hopefully, driving for a championship next year. We’ll have to see what the format is.”
While he admitted the details aren’t finalized, Dale Earnhardt Jr. hinted that the Xfinity and Truck Series could mirror whatever changes the Cup Series adopts. “I had an opportunity just by chance to exit the racetrack Saturday night with [Steve] O’Donnell, walking through the Cup garage as the 2 team were celebrating their championship,” he recalled.
“I said, ‘Hey, Steve, a lot of people are talking about the Cup stuff. We know that’s probably coming in terms of a change to the format. But nobody ever says a thing about the Xfinity or Truck, and I guess we’re all just assuming that whatever happens to Cup, something similar will happen.’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah, something similar will happen.’”
If O’Donnell’s comments and Dale Jr.’s revelations hold, fans could be witnessing a series-wide playoff overhaul come 2026.
Justin Marks’ Bold Confession Exposes NASCAR’s Next Gen Promises
After two years of waiting and countless delays, NASCAR’s long-awaited Next Gen car finally broke cover in May 2021. That time, it was heralded as the great equalizer that would redefine competition. When it hit the track at the Busch Light Clash in Los Angeles, the following February, it carried a bold promise: ‘parity.’ Parity…what? Well, basically, parity meant that every team, big or small, would now have the same access to equipment, parts, and opportunities. In short, an equal playing field.
The idea was simple. Level the playing field, tighten the racing, and let driver talent shine over engineering budgets. For a while, it worked. Underdogs shocked giants, and chaos reigned in the best way possible. However, three seasons later, that dream of equal footing is starting to crack. And one outspoken team owner, Trackhouse Racing’s Justin Marks, just put that truth into words.
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Justin Marks outlines how the ‘Big Three’ still dominate
“Where we’re at in our business is the proverbial cream has risen to the top of the sport and the big three teams have taken their places again at the top of the sport, and some of the sort of chaos and unpredictability in the early years of the Next Gen car is gone,” Justin Marks recently noted. And the stats back up his claim.
Penske, Hendrick, and Joe Gibbs Racing continue to dominate the Next Gen era, winning the majority of races in the last few years. Penske tallied championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024, led by Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. On the other hand, Hendrick snagged the 2025 title with Kyle Larson. Even the four finalists for the 2025 championship, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe, are all from Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, underscoring the ongoing supremacy of the big teams.
On the flipside, Trackhouse Racing’s 2025 Cup Series campaign has been marked by struggles. “So that has certainly exposed the areas at Trackhouse that we need to improve on. And we’re working hard on it week in and week out. Speed has not been where we wanted it to be,” Justin Marks revealed. Despite those issues, there’s a bright spot: Shane Van Gisbergen, Trackhouse’s standout driver.
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“But on the flip side of that, we won more races this year than we ever have as a business, big thanks to what Shane has done on road courses this year,” Justin Marks explained. Of the 6 Trackhouse wins, van Gisbergen captured a whopping 5 (Mexico, Sonoma, Chicago, Watkins Glen, and Charlotte Roval). Moreover, he consistently challenged the top teams, showcasing his elite skillset and providing hope for the future. Van Gisbergen’s performance even earned him the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award at 36 years old!
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In essence, while the big three teams continue to set the standard, Trackhouse is pushing to narrow the gap. And with Shane van Gisbergen’s talent leading the charge, they are poised to become more competitive in the Next Gen landscape.
Justin Marks wants the playoff format gone
Justin Marks has never shied away from speaking his mind, and his latest comments take direct aim at one of NASCAR’s most controversial elements: Yes, the controversial playoff system. The Trackhouse Racing co-owner, who’s been shaping his team’s future around Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and rising star Connor Zilisch, believes it’s time for NASCAR to rethink how it crowns its champion.
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Justin Marks argued that while the current one-race championship finale may create drama, it fails to truly reward season-long excellence. “You have to balance what’s required in the world today to be an entertainment property that gets people excited with the fact that you are running a sport,” he said. “And when you run a sport, you’re not going to have those game five buzzer-beater moments, those bottom of ninth home run World Series moments every single time you go.”
He acknowledged that NASCAR’s playoff experiment, first introduced in 2014, was necessary at the time. It injected much-needed energy and unpredictability into the series, helping boost fan engagement. However, like most things, Justin Marks believes the same format has now run its course. “I think that the one-race final championship was worth trying. I really do. It was a very transitional time in the history of NASCAR. I think it was a good experiment. I don’t think that’s the right thing for the future.”
Still, Marks isn’t calling for the total elimination of playoffs. Instead, he’s urging NASCAR to find balance, something echoed by other NASCAR stakeholders as well. He wants a system that rewards consistency while keeping the championship fight alive until the end. “The last race, the champion needs to be crowned by the person that performs the best, sort of over the course of the season,” he said, emphasizing that while excitement may attract fans, fairness keeps them invested.
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With NASCAR reportedly exploring tweaks for the upcoming season, Justin Marks’ comments may have arrived at just the right time.
NFL Week 10 grades: Eagles settle for C+ on MNF; Bills flop vs. Dolphins
Welcome to the Week 10 grades!
If you love rooting for the underdog, then Week 10 ended up being a pretty solid one for you as we saw a total of five underdogs pull out a win.
The Patriot went into Tampa Bay as a 2.5-point underdog and ended up pulling off a 28-23 upset over the Buccaneers. Drake May kept himself in the MVP conversation by throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns.
With CJ Stroud out, the Texans were a 1.5-point home underdog to the Jaguars and it looked like they were going to get run out of their own stadium. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Texans were trailing 29-10, but then they pulled off a stunning comeback to top the Jags, 36-29.
The Jets were also a 1.5-point underdog and although their offense didn’t even produce 170 total yards, they managed to pull off an upset over the Browns thanks in large part to two special teams touchdowns.
And let’s not forget about the Saints. They were a 5.5-point road underdog against a 5-4 Panthers team and somehow they managed to pull off the upset with a 17-10 win.
Finally, we have the Dolphins, who pulled off the shocker of the day by destroying the Bills 30-13 in a game where Buffalo closed as an 8.5-point favorite.
In the final game of Week 10, the Eagles weren’t an underdog, but they did go on the road and beat the Packers, 10-7, in a pivotal NFC showdown.
Let’s get to this week’s grades, starting with Philadelphia’s big win.
Philadelphia 10-7 Green Bay
C+It’s never pretty, but the Eagles always seem to find a way to win. With the offense struggling for most of the game, the Eagles defense held the fort down by shutting out the Packers for the first three quarters. Nakobe Dean was the star of the show with a sack and a key forced fumble after the Packers had driven deep into Philly territory. Offensively, the Eagles came alive in the fourth quarter with a 36-yard touchdown from Jalen Hurts to DeVonta Smith. Whether it’s their offense or defense, the Eagles always seem to get a big play whenever they need one. The Eagles (7-2) have now faced three of the NFC’s best teams (Rams, Buccaneers, Packers) and beaten them all, which makes it feel like this team has a realistic shot to defend its Super Bowl title. CThe Packers now have three losses this year, and all three have one thing in common: Their offense didn’t show up, with Green Bay being held to 13 points or fewer in each game. With Tucker Kraft and Matthew Golden both out, the Packers’ passing game struggled due to a combination of problems: Receivers dropped passes and struggled to get open and Jordan Love was off the mark on several throws. Love also lost one of Green Bay’s two fumbles. The ugly offensive performance overshadowed a solid game by a defense that pitched a shutout in the first half. Heading into November, the Packers (5-3-1) looked like one of the best teams in the NFC; after two straight losses, they suddenly don’t look like much of a Super Bowl contender.
Miami 30-13 over Buffalo
FAfter beating the Chiefs in an AFC showdown last week, the Bills got caught sleeping at the wheel in this game. Buffalo looked overmatched, unprepared and completely out of sync. Josh Allen turned the ball over twice, James Cook lost a fumble and couldn’t get going on the ground, and the Bills receivers had trouble getting open. The defense hasn’t been able to stop the run all season and that issue continued in this game with De’Von Achane going off for over 170 yards. The Bills (6-3) are still a Super Bowl contender, but they have a lot of flaws this year and those flaws were on display in this game.A+We finally found out what the Dolphins can do when everything comes together for them. The defense held the NFL’s second-leading rusher (James Cook) to just 53 yards and they totally bottled up Josh Allen. The Bills QB looked lost against a Dolphins defense that forced three turnovers while also sacking him three times. De’Von Achane was the star of with 225 total yards on just 28 touches. Jaylen Waddle also got the last laugh on the Bills, who tried to trade for him last week. Not only did Waddle stay in Miami, but he finished with 84 yards receiving and a TD. At 3-7 it might be too late to save their season, but if the Dolphins keep playing like this, they certainly could make things interesting with games coming up against the Commanders, Saints and Jets.
L.A. Chargers 25-10 over Pittsburgh
DAfter shocking the Colts last week, the Steelers came crashing back to earth on Sunday night. Aaron Rodgers finally looked old: Most of his passes were off the mark and the Steelers simply couldn’t move the ball in what was easily their worst offensive performance of the year. The mistakes piled up for Pittsburgh with two interceptions, a muffed punt, a missed field goal and a safety, and it’s almost impossible for any team to overcome that. The Steelers (5-4) are still in first place in the AFC North, but they might not be for long if they keep playing like they did on Sunday night. AThe Chargers are a team that can beat you in multiple ways, and on Sunday night, their defense turned into a wrecking ball. A safety by Khalil Mack in the first quarter set the tone for a defense that only gave up one drive of more than 20 yards through the first three quarters. Offensively, Justin Herbert was under attack for most of the game, but that didn’t seem to bother him. Despite getting sacked five times, Herbert still managed to throw for 220 yards and a TD. Kimani Vidal was an unsung hero with 95 yards and a TD on the ground. This is a tough team that can go toe to toe with anyone. When it comes to the AFC West, everyone keeps talking about the Broncos and Chiefs, but you might want to start paying attention to the Chargers because this team is dangerous (and they’ve already beaten both Kansas City and Denver).
L.A. Rams 42-26 San Francisco
AIt’s fitting that this game was played near Napa, because Matthew Stafford is aging like a fine wine. The 37-year-old Rams QB absolutely torched the 49ers defense for 280 yards and four touchdowns. Stafford does a good job of spreading the ball around and he did that here with five different players finishing with more than 30 yards. The Rams defense wasn’t dominant, but the unit seemed to come up with a big play whenever it needed one, from a fumble recovery to a fourth-down stop to a fourth-quarter interception. This was a statement win by a Rams (7-2) team that went on the road and destroyed a strong divisional opponent. D+The banged-up 49ers have been findings ways to win recently, but against the Rams, their injuries finally caught up to them and they were just beaten by a better team. The defense wasn’t able to get much pressure on Matthew Stafford and he made them pay with four TD passes. Offensively, it looked like the 49ers were going to have the firepower to hang with the Rams, but they kept making back-breaking mistakes and that started in the first quarter with a fumble by Jauan Jennings that eventually turned into a Rams touchdown. Mac Jones, who threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, continues to play well, which could create a controversy at QB if Brock Purdy ever gets healthy. No matter who the QB is, though, it’s hard to imagine the 49ers (6-4) being a serious Super Bowl contender due to all their injuries.
Detroit 44-22 over Washington
AAfter a shocking loss in Week 9, the Lions bounced back with a vengeance. The offense had its best performance of the season: The Lions piled up 546 yards, which was the team’s highest total in a road game over the past 10 years. Jared Goff diced up a Commanders defense that had no idea who to stop, so it didn’t end up stopping anyone. Jahmyr Gibbs had 172 yards and two touchdowns on 18 touches and Jameson Williams finally made a splash. The receiver finished with 119 yards, marking the first time in eight weeks that he’s topped 70 yards. When the Lions are clicking, they’re nearly impossible to stop and they were clicking against Washington. The Lions (6-3) better hope they saved some of this offensive magic for next week, because they’ll be facing a much more challenging opponent in the Eagles. D-When you have a backup QB playing (Marcus Mariota), it’s hard to win when your defense is getting burnt for more than 540 yards and 44 points. The Lions scored on their first eight possessions and the only reason they didn’t score on their ninth possession is because the game ended. The Commanders (3-7) never stood a chance here and with the way their defense is playing, they might not win another game all season.
Seattle 44-22 over Arizona
DThis game was a nightmare from start to finish for the Cardinals (3-6). Jacoby Brissett fumbled on two of Arizona’s first three possessions and both were returned for touchdowns, and the rout was on from there. The Cardinals offensive line was no match for a Seahawks defense that beat up Brissett to the tune of five sacks. The Cardinals defense also had a nightmarish start with the Seahawks scoring a TD on each of their first three possessions on drives that all went at least 65 yards. With this blowout loss, you can probably put a fork in the Cardinals’ season, because they seem done. AThe Seahawks are so good, they’re starting to make the NFL look easy. For the second straight week, the Seahawks blew out their opponent and this time around, they did it with one of their best all-around performances of the year. DeMarcus Lawrence got the blowout going by recovering two different fumbles and returning BOTH of them for touchdowns in the first half. Sam Darnold was nearly perfect, Jaxson Smith-Njigba was once again uncoverable and Zach Charbonnet led a rushing attack that ran for a season-high 198 yards. There were a few hiccups here — like the three turnovers from Darnold — but the Seahawks (7-2) were already up 35-0 by the time the first one happened, so it’s hard to ding them too much for that. This is one of the best teams in the NFC and we’ll find out just how good the Seahawks are in Week 11 when they face the Rams.
New England 28-23 over Tampa Bay
B+The Patriots won their seventh game in a row, and somehow, they seem to look better every week. We know Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level, but he hasn’t been getting much help form his rushing attack. However, that changed on Sunday with TreVeyon Henderson going off for 147 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries. Maye also found someone to throw to besides Stefon Diggs: Mack Hollins. The veteran receiver finished with over 100 yards for just the second time in his career. When you’re playing the Bucs, you’re not going to stop them, but you can slow them down and New England’s defense did that. The Patriots (8-2) are now a very real threat not to just win the AFC East, but to also earn the No. 1 overall seed in the entire AFC. B-It might be too much to say that the Buccaneers defense got exposed, but it definitely didn’t look good against the Patriots. The unit got absolutely burnt by the big play with New England scoring three touchdowns that went for 55 yards or more. The Bucs ability to stop the run has been a strength this year, but they got run over by TreVeyon Henderson who scored on runs of 55 and 69 in the second half. On the other side of the ball, Baker Mayfield finished with decent numbers, but the offense just seemed to disappear at times. The offense had five different drives that went for 8 yards or less. Although the Bucs (6-3) have lost three of their past four, this one won’t sting quite as much because the Falcons and Panthers also lost.
Houston 36-29 over Jacksonville
C-This was an epic all-around collapse by a Jaguars team that blew a 29-10 lead in the fourth quarter. The offense totaled just 11 yards in the final period and the defense couldn’t get a stop. Most of the loss has to be pinned on an offense that struggled to move the ball for most of the game. The Jags didn’t have a single drive that went for more than 40 yards in the first half and they went three and out on their two biggest drives of the fourth quarter. The defense also deserves plenty of blame for giving up 26 points in the final quarter. The Jags (5-4) could have taken control of second place in the AFC South, but now it feels like only a matter of time before they lose that to Houston. BThis game got off to an ugly start for the Texans, who turned the ball over twice in the first four minutes, but they made up for it later with one of the best fourth quarters by any team in NFL history. The comeback was possible thanks to an offense that came alive over the final 15 minutes and a dominant performance by the defense. The Texans defense forced two punts while holding the Jaguars to just 11 yards in the fourth quarter, which allowed the offense to get Houston back in the game. Davis Mills, who started for an injured C.J. Stroud, threw for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the final quarter and then he capped off the comeback by scoring on a 14-yard run that gave Houston its first lead of the game with just 31 seconds left to play. Nico Collins showed why he’s one of the best receivers in the NFL with seven catches for 136 yards. The Texans (4-5) essentially saved their season with this win.
Chicago 24-20 over N.Y. Giants
CIf we learned one thing about the Giants in this game, it’s how much Jaxson Dart already means to the team. The Giants (2-8) were leading 17-10 when Dart was knocked out of the game in the fourth quarter, and after that, the team looked completely deflated. With Russell Wilson running the show, the Giants totaled just 22 yards on his three full possessions. Although Dart’s injury explains why the offense struggled, it’s hard to explain why the defense melted down in the fourth quarter. The Giants blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter and that will have Brian Daboll’s seat heating up to a temperature that probably isn’t safe for anyone. C+For the second straight week, the Bears scored a game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes. Although it wasn’t quite as dramatic as their win over the Bengals, this one was still impressive. With the Bears trailing 20-10, Caleb Williams, who didn’t exactly look great during the first three quarters, took over in the fourth quarter. Williams totaled 129 yards and two touchdowns in the final period (77 yards passing and a TD, plus 52 yards rushing and a TD). The Bears defense came up with several big fourth-down stops while also forcing a key Jaxson Dart fumble in the third quarter that led to a pivotal field goal. The Bears (6-3) don’t always look great, but they keep finding a way to win and that’s all that matters in the NFL.
Baltimore 27-19 over Minnesota
BThe Ravens weren’t flashy, but they were impressive in this win. Their defense, which has struggled at times this year, finally came through with some big plays, including two interceptions and three fourth-down stops. Offensively, the Ravens didn’t put up huge numbers, but they did take advantage of everything the Vikings gave them. Minnesota turned the ball over three times and the Ravens got a total of 13 points off of those turnovers. With three straight wins, the Ravens (4-5) are now very much back in the AFC North race. CThe Vikings’ decision to let Sam Darnold leave during the offseason continues to look worse every week. Not just because Darnold is thriving in Seattle, but also because the QB position continues to be one of Minnesota’s biggest problems. J.J. McCarthy completed just 47.6% of his passes while throwing two interceptions on what was a sloppy day for the Vikings. The offense got called for eight false starts, which was the most in a home game in franchise history. Myles Price also lost a fumble on a kickoff that Baltimore quickly turned into a touchdown. At 4-5, this is dangerously close to becoming a lost season for the Vikings.
N.Y. Jets 27-20 over Cleveland
C-When you hold your opponent to 169 total yards, you usually win in the NFL, but the Browns lost this game because of a special teams meltdown in the first half. Not only did Cleveland give up a 99-yard kickoff return for a TD in the first quarter, but 36 seconds later, they gave up a 74-yard punt return for a TD. The defense also imploded late in the fourth quarter with two ugly penalties that allowed the Jets to seal the game. This was just another disappointing loss in a season full of disappointing losses for the Browns (2-7). Over the past five years, NFL teams had been 54-4 when holding their opponent under 170 yards, but that’s now 54-5. B-It’s a good thing the Jets didn’t trade Breece Hall, because he was nearly the entire offense against the Browns. With 83 yards on the ground and 42 yards receiving, Hall accounted for 125 of New York’s 169 yards on the day. The Jets’ special teams also went crazy: Kene Nwangwu had a 99-yard kickoff return TD and Isaiah Williams returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown. The Jets defense also held its own less than a week after trading away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. The Jets (2-7) haven’t had much to celebrate this year, so they should definitely feel good about picking up a win here.
New Orleans 17-7 over Carolina
AKellen Moore’s decision to turn the starting QB job over to Tyler Shough is already starting to pay dividends. With Shough running the show, the Saints offense looked like a well-oiled machine. The rookie QB threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns, including a clutch 30-yard score to Juwan Johnson on a third-and-12 in the fourth quarter that iced the win. Chris Olave (104 yards) and Johnson (92 yards) were the biggest benefactors of the rejuvenated passing game. The defense also deserves a lot of credit for holding one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks to just 73 yards on the ground. The Saints (2-8) might not win many more games this year, but Moore definitely still has them playing hard. This win marked the first time since 1981 that the Saints have won a game with a rookie QB starting. D-This was an absolutely embarrassing loss for the Panthers. Their offense only seems to work if they can run the ball and they couldn’t run the ball against the Saints. That put the game in the hands of Bryce Young, who responded by turning the ball over on consecutive possessions in the second half. The Panthers (5-5) had a chance to stamp themselves as a playoff contender after beating the Packers last week, but instead, they feel like a pretender.
Indianapolis 31-25 (OT) over Atlanta (in Berlin)
CThe Falcons (3-6) might be the most inconsistent team in the NFL. At times, they play well enough to compete with anyone, but at other times, they can’t get out of their own way. Offensively, Michael Penix Jr. made several big throws, but he only completed 42.8% of his passes. The Falcons were especially bad on third down, going 0 of 8 in the game. Defensively, the Falcons forced two Daniel Jones turnovers while sacking the Colts QB seven times, but they couldn’t stop Jonathan Taylor, who ran for 244 yards. On special teams, Zane Gonzalez had a field goal, but the Falcons gave up several huge returns, including a 49-yarder by Ameer Abdullah late in the fourth quarter that set up Indy’s game-tying field goal that sent the game to overtime. Every time the Falcons did something good, they did something bad to cancel it out and that’s been the story of their season. B-Jonathan Taylor took his MVP campaign to Germany: The Colts running back ran for 244 yards, which is the most by any player in the NFL this year. He also added three touchdowns and the Colts needed every single one of those. Taylor carried the offense on a day where the Colts couldn’t fully depend on their passing game. The offensive line got bullied by a Falcons pass rush that sacked Daniel Jones seven times. Jones also turned the ball over twice, which took some luster away from what was otherwise an impressive performance (255 yards and 1 TD, including going 5 of 7 for 57 yards in the fourth quarter, plus overtime). The Colts defense, with Sauce Gardner now in the fold, held the Falcons to zero third-down conversions on eight attempts. The Colts (8-2) continue to look like one of the best teams in the NFL, but if Jones doesn’t cut down on the turnovers, that could come back to haunt Indy later in the season.
Denver 10-7 over Las Vegas (Thursday)
CThis game basically epitomized by the Raiders are 2-7 this year. The defense had its best performance of the season, but that went to waste because the Raiders made mistake after mistake after mistake. On offense, Geno Smith was under siege all night by a Broncos defense that sacked him five times. The Raiders also inexplicably decided not to feature Brock Bowers with their star tight end getting just three targets. On special teams, the Raiders were a total disaster: They gave up a blocked punt in the first half, and then, in the fourth quarter, Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal that would have tied the game with under five minutes left. The Raiders just aren’t good enough to make that many mistakes and win a game against a good team. CFor the second straight week, Bo Nix struggled. The Broncos QB threw two interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter that almost gave the game away. With Nix struggling, the offense got off to a slow start with ZERO first downs on its first four possessions. The Broncos (8-2) won this game, because they have a Super Bowl-contending defense that continues to dominate the opposition. The defense beat up on Geno Smith, who was sacked six times with 1.5 of those coming from Nik Bonitto. If the Broncos are going to be a true Super Bowl contender, their offense is going to have to play better than it did on Thursday night. And Denver’s not going to have a lot of time to fix things because they have the Chiefs coming up in Week 11.
Will Bengals still play Joe Burrow even if out of NFL playoff race?
A potential power struggle is brewing between Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals over his return from a toe injury.
Burrow is determined to play this season, even if the team is out of playoff contention.
The Bengals’ front office may be hesitant to risk their star quarterback if the season is lost.
Despite a high-scoring offense, the team is struggling with the NFL’s worst defense and a 3-6 record.
We’ll see who’s really in charge of the Cincinnati Bengals by Thanksgiving.
Joe Burrow is hellbent on returning from injury for the game in Baltimore that night. Question is, will Bengals coach Zac Taylor and the front office let the superstar quarterback return if the floundering team is essentially out of playoff contention by then?
A power struggle between Burrow and the club’s decision makers could be forthcoming after Joey Franchise returned to practice on Monday for the first time since suffering the turf-toe injury nearly two months ago. That seemed clear by Burrow’s coy tone when asked if he’ll still play this season even if the Bengals are out of it.
NFL Monday night: DeVonta Smith makes the big play for Philly
In a game where points and yards were hard to come by, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith got six of one and 36 of the other on one reception for the key play in a 10-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.
The two longest plays of the NFL’s Week 10 finale came on consecutive snaps in the fourth quarter.
With the Eagles ahead 3-0, Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts threw short to running back Saquon Barkley for a 41-yard gain and long to Smith for a 36-yard touchdown with 10:35 remaining.
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, Smith had four receptions for 69 yards against Green Bay, including the leaping touchdown over Packers safety Evan Williams.
A Crimson Tide teammate of Smith’s, Hurts completed 15-of-26 passes for 183 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and ran five times for 27 yards on Monday night.
A third member of Alabama’s 2017 CFP national-championship team scored the game’s other touchdown. Packers running back Josh Jacobs ran for 74 yards on 21 carries, caught five passes for 33 yards and bulled into the end zone from 6 yards out with 5:49 remaining.
Green Bay had two more possessions. The first featured a fourth-and-1 carry by Jacobs, which ended with the football in the hands of Philadelphia safety Reed Blankenship, a former West Limestone High School star.
In addition to taking the football away from Jacobs, Blankenship made seven tackles for the Eagles.
Green Bay got a final shot when Philadelphia failed on fourth-and-6 at the Packers 35 with 27 seconds to play. After an 18-yard completion, Green Bay sent Brandon McManus out for a 64-yard field-goal attempt with five seconds left. The Eagles called a timeout just before the snap, but McManus kicked the football anyway. The kick came up short, prompting the Packers to put the offense back on the field to try to get a little closer. After an incompletion, McManus had to try to kick a 64-yard field goal for real. It never had a chance as the game ended.
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The Philadelphia-Green Bay game at Lambeau Field involved 17 players from Alabama high schools and colleges. Others included:
Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett (McGill-Toolen) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (Auburn) ran for 7 yards on three carries.
Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) made four tackles on defense and another one on special teams.
Landon Dickerson (Alabama) started at left guard for the Eagles.
Cameron Latu (Alabama) started at tight end for the Eagles. Latu did not record any stats in his first NFL start.
Xavier McKinney (Alabama) started at safety for the Packers. McKinney led Green Bay with seven tackles.
Eagles cornerback Mac McWilliams (UAB) was designated as a game-day inactive.
Packers safety Jaylin Simpson (Auburn) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Tyler Steen (Alabama) started at right guard for the Eagles.
Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (Athens) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Packers quarterback Malik Willis (Auburn) dressed for the game but did not play.
Colby Wooden (Auburn) started at defensive tackle for the Packers. Wooden made five tackles and recorded one tackle for loss.
Eagles defensive tackle Byron Young (Alabama) made one tackle for loss.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
In its next game, Green Bay (5-3-1) plays the New York Giants at noon CST Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Philadelphia (7-2) plays the Detroit Lions at 7:20 p.m. Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Highlights from the ‘ManningCast’ of the Eagles’ win over the Packers
Many expected fireworks with the Eagles facing the Green Bat Packers on Monday Night Football. The clash between the NFC’s best turned into a defensive standoff, but the Birds put the game to bed with a 10-7 win to maintain their grip on the top spot in the NFC.
As the punters on both teams made their case for MVP, retired NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning found plenty of excitement dissecting the game with some Philly celebrities on the ManningCast. Here’s everything you may have missed from the broadcast:
What is there to talk about?
With little going on in the game, the Mannings found plenty of jabs to throw at the Birds — first taking aim at everyone’s favorite punching bag in the Tush Push.
“It looks like guys are leaving early,” Peyton said. “… The left guard is early, the Packers are doing it, so if you’re not going to call it, than don’t call it either way.”
“I feel like they’ve done that all season,” Eli responded. “You think the refs would be looking for that.”
» READ MORE: Grading the Eagles’ win over the Green Bay Packers
Positive yards didn’t help cheer up the brothers, as Jalen Hurts choosing to scramble instead of pass late in the second was met with more negativity.
Perfecting the job of the armchair analyst, Peyton was quick to assume how A.J. Brown was reacting to his quarterback’s performance.
“I don’t think he saw him,” Peyton said. “You think [Brown] is going to bring that up? Say ‘I was open; I was open.’”
» READ MORE: Jason Kelce ice skates, more Tush Push controversy, and other nuggets from the Eagles-Packers broadcast
In the fourth, Peyton refused to lighten up on Brown, despite crediting him with drawing two defenders on DeVonta Smith’s fourth-quarter touchdown, which gave the Eagles a two-score lead with 10 minutes, 35 seconds to go.
After Josh Jacobs’ responded with a touchdown of his own later in the fourth quarter to bring the game back within three, the Colts and Broncos legend found a way to drag Brown again despite the team converting a big third-and-12.
“Shane [Gillis, one of the Mannings’ guests on the show], I’m going to tell [Brown] that you wanted the ball to go to him,” Peyton said following a catch from Smith. “I know there’s tension in the locker room right now. I’m going to be on the record saying he wanted to go to Brown, but he went to Smith, though.”
All about Abbott (Elementary)
Quinta Brunson, the star of the hit Philly-based sitcom Abbott Elementary, brought some much needed life to a difficult-to-watch broadcast. The West Philly native came out firing with her first moments of screen time.
“I’ve had to train myself to have patience to be able to talk with you today,” Brunson said to Eli Manning.
“Why, because you’re an Eagles fan?” Eli responded. “… Jeez Louise, I can’t escape y’all.”
The insults didn’t stop there as Brunson repeatedly slighted Eli by complimenting Payton while acting as a voice for frustrated fans who had to sit through a scoreless first half.
“This has been kind of a wild game,” Brunson said. “I think Eli said it earlier; it would be nice to see some more points on the board.”
In between her quips, though, Brunson may have let it slip that she’s maybe not as big of an Eagles fan as she has led us to believe — she claims she became a fan when they “won the 2011 Super Bowl.”
What?
Nothing Shady
Comedian Shane Gillis also made an appearance on the broadcast — chopping it up with the Mannings for a majority of the third and fourth quarter.
A Mechanicsburg, Pa., native and former offensive tackle at Trinity High School in Cumberland County, Gillis had to play against Eagles legend LeSean McCoy multiple times growing up.
“I went to the Catholic school across the river,” Gillis said. “I had to play him my entire life in every sport. And he just destroyed us every single year.”
Still an Eagles fan despite the embarrassment McCoy gave him, Gillis went on to perfectly predict the Eagles victory. After calling Reed Blankenship’s forced fumble and the ensuing blocked field goal, Gillis was placed high up on Manning’s predictions tracker.
What did he just say!?
Gillis, predictably, is all for the Tush Push, but it’s not something his Trinity squads were executing in the mid-2000s.
But now after his latest Peyton’s Places episode, the elder Manning brother has some lived experience with the play. And he had a bit of advice to offer.
“Better listen, Shane,” Peyton said. “Head down a— up, remember that advice.”
“Are you allowed to say that on TV?” Eli Manning responded.
“It’s ESPN2.” Peyton finished.
What Is Edgerrin Cooper’s Net Worth in 2025? All About NFL LB’s Salary, Career Earnings & More
Edgerrin Cooper’s rise has been fast and fearless. Standing tall at 6-foot-2 and packing 229 pounds of pure muscle, Cooper isn’t just another name on the Green Bay Packers’ defense, he’s becoming their heartbeat. But beyond the tackles and sacks, there’s another side to his journey that’s just as fascinating. It’s the economics behind the game.
What is Edgerrin Cooper’s net worth?
Edgerrin Cooper’s estimated net worth in 2025 sits around $8.6 million, as per multiple reports. Most of that comes straight from his NFL contract and a few smart endorsement deals. The Packers locked him in with a four-year rookie deal worth $8.417 million. That deal included a solid $3 million signing bonus and $6 million guaranteed. For a player still building his résumé, that’s a major win. And it’s clear Green Bay saw long-term value in him right from day one.
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Edgerrin Cooper’s contract breakdown
Cooper got the full $3.073 million signing bonus up front, but it’s spread out over four years for cap purposes. In simple terms, that means the Packers only take a $768,440 cap hit from that bonus this season. Add in his base salary of $795,000, and Cooper’s total cap hit in 2024 lands at $1.563 million.
Interestingly, that $768,440 cap hit from the signing bonus will stay on the books each year of his deal. Meanwhile, Cooper’s salary climbs steadily. In 2025, it’s $1.185 million. Then it bumps to $1.576 million in 2026 and $1.967 million in 2027, as per Spotrac.
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What is Edgerrin Cooper’s salary?
As of 2025, Cooper’s financials look even sharper. He’s set to earn a base salary of $1,185,860, plus a workout bonus of $8,820. That puts his cap hit at $1,963,120 and his dead cap value at $5,013,655. Not bad for a young player in his second year.
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Edgerrin Cooper’s college and professional career
Edgerrin Cooper’s football story began long before the bright lights of Lambeau Field. Back in Covington High School, he was already turning heads as a dominant linebacker. Coaches saw more than just potential. Every game, every tackle added to his growing reputation. By the time his senior season wrapped up, college scouts were lined up, and Cooper’s name was already on their lists.
Then came 2020, a turning point. Cooper chose to take his talents to the Texas A&M Aggies, and that decision changed everything. Over four seasons, he became the engine of the Aggies’ defense.
Forty-five appearances, twenty-one starts, and numbers that spoke volumes: 205 total tackles, 30½ for loss, 8½ sacks, plus interceptions, fumbles, and pass breakups that showed how well-rounded he was.
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By 2023, he wasn’t just a name in the SEC; he was the name. His dominance earned him consensus All-American honors, a recognition that only a handful of players ever achieve. Seventeen tackles for loss and eight sacks tied him among the nation’s best, proving that he could wreck plays anywhere on the field. That season stamped his legacy in College Station.
Soon after, Green Bay came calling. The Packers picked him 45th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time making an impression. In his first year, he recorded 57 solo tackles, 30 assists, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a pick in 14 games.
In 2025, he’s already stacked up 36 solo tackles, 26 assists, and half a sack in just eight games. The Cheeseheads know they’ve got a keeper.
Off the field, Cooper’s showing the same focus he brings to football.
Edgerrin Cooper’s brand endorsements
He’s been stepping into business, investing smartly in real estate and tech startups. That mindset shows he’s not just playing for now, he’s building for what comes after football. For Cooper, it’s all about growth, on and off the field.
NY Jets vs New England Patriots TV channel, time, schedule, streaming info
The Jets accomplished something they haven’t done in 14 months.
Win back-to-back games.
The Jets enter Week 10 with consecutive victories after beating the Cleveland Browns 27-20 at MetLife Stadium in Week 10.
Buy New York Jets tickets
After a disastrous 0-8 start and being sellers at the trade deadline, the Jets have now improved to 2-8 and are aiming for their first three-game winning streak in over two years.
Now the Jets bring their momentum to Foxboro, where they take on the hottest team in the NFL and winners of seven straight — the New England Patriots — in an AFC East primetime matchup on Thursday night.
Here’s what you need to know on how to watch and more on the Jets vs. Patriots divisional showdown at Gillette Stadium to kickoff Week 11:
What channel is Jets vs. Patriots game on?
Livestream: Amazon Prime Video
Jets vs. Patriots will stream exclusively on Prime Video in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit will call the game from the booth at Gillette Stadium, with Kaylee Hartung reporting from the sidelines.
Stream Jets vs Patriots live on Prime Video
Jets vs. Patriots time
Date: Thursday, Nov. 13
Start time: 8:15 p.m.
The Jets-Patriots Week 11 matchup starts at 8:15 p.m. from Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Jets vs. Patriots predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Nov. 11:
Patriots 31, Jets 10: The Jets are flying high after winning two in a row for the first time since last September. Unfortunately for the Jets, this is the perfect recipe for a blowout loss. The Patriots are the hottest team in the NFL, winners of seven straight and are at home, where as the Jets will be traveling to Foxboro likely with their star wide receiver in Garrett Wilson and facing the No. 1 rushing defense in the NFL through 10 weeks. The chance Gang Green surprises here is near impossible given the situation, as the Patriots roll to a three-score victory and continue to increase their lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
Spread: Patriots by 11.5 points
Over/under: 44 points
NY Jets vs. Patriots predictions. Expert picks for NFL Week 11 game
Finally.
After a long 14-month wait, the Jets (2-7) have won consecutive games following Sunday’s impressive 27-20 win over the Cleveland Browns in front of 72,000-plus fans at MetLife Stadium.
And a victory Thursday night would mark the Jets’ first three-game winning streak since October 2023.
Despite back-to-back two wins over AFC North opponents, the Jets will have their work cut out for them on Thursday night.
Not only do the Jets have to play in Foxboro against the red-hot New England Patriots (8-2), but they’ll be doing so without star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks with a knee sprain.
Can the Jets do the improbable and come out on top as an underdog on the road without Wilson, or will the Patriots keep rolling and make it eight consecutive wins?
Our prognosticators throughout the 2025 season are: Art Stapleton (Giants/NFL writer, NorthJersey.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports trending reporter/columnist, NorthJersey.com), Brian Marron (digital producer, NorthJersey.com), Chris Iseman (Rutgers writer, NorthJersey.com), Bob Jordan (sports editor, Asbury Park Press/APP.com) and Dave Rivera (sports editor, USA TODAY Northeast/NorthJersey.com).
Jets vs Patriots NFL Week 11 predictions, staff standings
Dave Rivera: 6-3
Art Stapleton: 6-3
Chris Iseman: 6-3
Brian Marron: 6-3
Bob Jordan: 6-3
Bert Bainbridge: 5-3
Here are our staff predictions for Jets vs. Patriots on Thursday night to begin Week 11 in Foxboro:
Bert Bainbridge
The pick: Patriots 31, Jets 10
Here’s why: The Jets are flying high after winning two in a row for the first time since last September. Unfortunately for the Jets, this is the perfect recipe for a blowout loss.
The Patriots are the hottest team in the NFL, winners of seven straight and are at home, where as the Jets will be traveling to Foxboro likely without their star wide receiver in Wilson and facing the No. 1 rushing defense in the NFL through 10 weeks.
The chance Gang Green surprises here is near impossible given the context of the situation. In the end, the Patriots roll in the spot to a three-score victory and continue to increase their lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
Dave Rivera
The pick: Patriots 27, Jets 13
Here’s why: Just when you wanted to feel good about the Jets, you get the bad news that WR Garrett Wilson is lost for 3-4 weeks. The Jets are coming off their second straight victory, but they can’t rely on special teams touchdowns to boost them that way every week.
The Patriots are on a roll and they’re out to prove that they are for real. They’ll get their opportunity with a national audience watching Thursday night to show they’re going to be a real contender this season.
Chris Iseman
The pick: Patriots 34, Jets 10
Here’s why: Bad matchup for the Jets here. New England’s a far better team, and injuries keep mounting for the Jets.
Bob Jordan
The pick: Patriots 42, Jets 14
Gabe Perreault notches first NHL point in season debut on Rangers’ top line
As the Rangers picked up their first win at Madison Square Garden, Gabe Perreault made his season debut Monday night against the Predators.
The Rangers recalled Perreault from Hartford for the first time this season on Sunday in the aftermath of the team’s seventh straight loss on home ice.
Perreault had started to gain some momentum for the Wolf Pack, posting a four-game goal streak and eight total points over that span.
“I think I’ve been playing well,” the 20-year-old said after morning skate on Monday. “I think it was really good for me to go down there [to Hartford], play a lot of minutes, work on little things I needed to work on. And, you know, hopefully it’ll translate.”
Perreault skated on the left wing of the Rangers top line next to Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller in the 6-3 win over Nashville.
Additionally, head coach Mike Sullivan put Perreault on the second power-play unit with Alexis Lafrenière, Vincent Trocheck, Taylor Raddysh and Braden Schneider.
It was there that Perreault notched his first NHL point in the form of an assist on Lafrenière’s second-period power-play goal Monday night.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST NHL STANDINGS AND RANGERS STATS
“I just think it makes us deeper,” Sullivan said of Perreault’s addition. “It gives us more balance. The thought process with Gabe, he’s had a pretty decent start, especially most recently in Hartford. He’s an offensive player that has really good instincts on that side of the puck. So our intention is to try to set him up for success so he can play to his strengths. So in other words, I don’t know that it makes a whole lot of sense to call a player up like that and put him in a bottom six role.
“I think he’s a guy that potentially could help us, if we can get the best version of him. So it’s a great opportunity for him. We’re excited to watch him.”
After missing a couple of games for the Wolf Pack this past weekend for what was described as an upper-body injury, Perreault said it was “just a precautionary thing.”
He assured he was good to go physically.
Perreault became the fifth rookie to suit up for the Rangers this season, following Noah Laba, Matthew Robertson, Brennan Othmann and Jaroslav Chmelar.
“We want to try to put players in positions to succeed,” Sullivan said. “Ideally, we were trying to give Gabe some time down there to build and develop his game, physically and otherwise, in the hopes that when he does get called to New York, he has the ability to be successful. I obviously talked to Chris [Drury] after the game the other night [and] yesterday when the decision was made.
“A lot of it’s based on Gabe’s own performance down there, and what we think the needs of the Rangers are here at this particular point in time.”
Matt Rempe, who has been nursing an upper-body injury, was moved from injured reserve to long-term injured reserve on Monday.
Monday counted as the eighth straight game Rempe has missed since suffering an apparent injury in his fight with Sharks enforcer Ryan Reaves on Oct. 23.
On LTIR, Rempe is required to miss at least 10 games and 24 days.
Since the timeline is retroactive to the date of the injury, the earliest Rempe could return is after the Red Wings game Nov. 16.
Igor Shesterkin stopped 27 of the 30 shots he faced in his fifth win of the season.
Marchand extends goal streak to 5, Panthers edge Golden Knights
It is Marchand’s longest goal streak since 2015-16, when he had runs of seven games (from Feb. 2-14) and five games (Jan. 16-25). Marchand also extended his point streak to eight games (eight goals, four assists).
Jesper Boqvist and Sam Reinhart scored, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves for the Panthers (8-7-1), who concluded their four-game road trip 2-2-0. Donovan Sebrango had two assists for his first NHL points.
Tomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev scored, and Carl Lindbom made 17 saves for the Golden Knights (7-4-4), who have lost three in a row (0-2-1).
Boqvist gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead at 14:47 of the first period. While skating up toward the blue line, he turned and scored with a one-timer that beat the blocker of Lindbom, who wasn’t fully set in his crease.
Marchand extended it to 2-0 at 10:54 of the second period. Gustav Forsling cleared the puck off the boards into the neutral zone, where Marchand picked it up. He then skated down the left wing, deked around Kaedan Korczak while cutting to the slot and roofed a backhand past Lindbom.
Hertl cut it to 2-1 at 1:25 of the third period, knocking in a rebound while falling to the ice after Bobrovsky made the initial save on Shea Theodore’s shot.
Reinhart responded with a power-play goal to make it 3-1 at 4:54. He redirected Seth Jones’ one-timer from the right point past the pad of Lindbom.
Barbashev made it 3-2 at 9:04. Brayden McNabb’s initial shot hit off the stick of Aaron Ekblad and deflected right to Barbashev, who gloved it down and quickly roofed a shot over Bobrovsky’s shoulder from the bottom of the right circle.
Grayson Allen’s 42-point night the latest highlight in Suns’ good start to season
PHOENIX (AP) — Grayson Allen stood at the free throw line, soaking in the chants from the Phoenix Suns crowd.
“M-V-P! M-V-P!”
Sure, it was a little tongue-in-cheek hyperbole from the home fans considering the former Duke star has never been more than a solid starter in the NBA. But for one night, the 6-foot-4 guard couldn’t be stopped.
Allen scored a career-high 42 points on a franchise-record 10 3-pointers, leading the Suns to a 121-98 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. Even after all those points, it was the MVP chants — along with the game ball — that he’ll take from a special night.
“I don’t know how many times that’s going to happen,” Allen said, grinning when recalling the fans’ response. “That was pretty cool. I’ll never take for granted the amount of support and appreciation I have here.”
Allen’s outburst was the latest example that the Suns might be little better than expected this season. Phoenix stripped down its roster during the offseason — dealing 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets — but has started the year with a 6-5 record after Monday’s win.
The normally stoic Allen broke into a wide grin when he made his 10th 3-pointer of the night with 11:08 remaining in the fourth quarter. He would add two more free throws — while being serenaded with those MVP chants — to match his career high with 40 points and a close-range bucket with 10:05 left made it a career-high 42.
Soon after, his night was done thanks to the Suns’ comfortable lead. Allen finished 12 of 17 shooting, including 10 of 15 from 3-point range.
“He makes it look pretty easy,” first-year coach Jordan Ott said. “When you have that kind of range, where he’s shooting from, it was a career night, a very efficient night. Awesome.”
Allen is averaging a career-high 18.6 points through 11 games, which would be a career high by a wide margin if it holds. He’s been a good complement to four-time All-Star Devin Booker, who is averaging more than 28 points.
Booker is usually the Suns player garnering the MVP love from Phoenix fans, but for one night, he was happy to cede the spotlight.
“I’ll share them every night,” Booker said.
___
Ace Bailey earns first career start in Jazz’s loss to Timberwolves
When Ace Bailey learned that he would be starting for the Utah Jazz on Monday night, he knew he needed to lean on his teammates. They didn’t have to approach the rookie with sage advice. Instead, Bailey went straight to Keyonte George and asked for brutal honesty.
“I really didn’t give him any advice, he came up to me‚
Cade Cunningham’s Grit Leads Pistons to Wild OT Victory
At the end of the day, the game is about a bucket. Cade Cunningham put the Detroit Pistons on his back Monday night, leading them to a thrilling 137–135 overtime win against the Washington Wizards. The game had everything — a hard fall, a clutch shot from a role player, and a performance that captured what the Pistons’ young leader is made of.
The night’s turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Cam Whitmore chased down Cunningham on a fast break and fouled him hard while he went up for a dunk, per The Athletic. Cunningham landed on his lower back, rolled over in pain, and briefly exited the game as fans inside Little Caesars Arena chanted “MVP!” The moment lit a spark. Detroit trailed by eight with just over four minutes remaining, and what followed was the kind of comeback that defines a team’s identity.
Jenkins’ Miracle Sends the Game to Overtime
With 1.9 seconds left in regulation and the Pistons down three, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had to draw up a play to save the night, Detroit News reports. What happened next wasn’t in the playbook. As Jalen Duren slipped while setting a screen, Cunningham was forced to improvise, finding rookie guard Daniss Jenkins in the corner. Jenkins rose over Bub Carrington and drained the game-tying three as time expired.
“I was just watching the play and everybody fell down,” Jenkins said. “The ball ended up in my hands. After that, I caught it and shot it with confidence.”
The shot brought the arena to life and carried Detroit through overtime, where they sealed one of the most dramatic wins of the season.
Cunningham’s Historic Night
Cunningham didn’t just lead the Pistons emotionally — he made history in the process. The 22-year-old finished with 46 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and two blocks in 46 minutes. His relentless approach came at a cost, as he went 14-of-45 from the field. By missing 31 shots, he surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 2002 mark for most missed field goals in a single game since the NBA began tracking shot data in 1983–84, Sports Illustrated reports.
It was an exhausting, unforgettable performance that showed the full spectrum of Cunningham’s competitiveness. His 45 attempts tied Bryant for the seventh-most shots taken in a game during that span, with Bryant holding the record at 50 in his 2016 finale.
“There’s a grit to them. There’s a toughness to them. I couldn’t be more proud of their effort,” Bickerstaff said after the win. “Down as many bodies as we were, a tough game last night, a team sitting here waiting on us fresh… we could’ve given it up, but that’s not the nature of this group.”
The Pistons pulled off the victory despite being down six key players, including Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, and Ausar Thompson. CJ McCollum dropped 42 points for Washington, but missed twice in the final seconds as the Wizards lost their ninth straight to fall to 1–10, per ESPN.
With the win, Detroit remains atop the Eastern Conference at 9–2 and looks every bit like a team built on belief and backbone. Cunningham may have taken 45 shots, but every one told the same story — he refuses to stop shooting when his team needs him most.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club faces multiple lawsuits by former employees
Three separate lawsuits filed in recent months by former employees of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club accuse club workers of violations ranging from sexual battery to gender discrimination to failure to pay wages.
The resort club, at 2000 Spindrift Drive in La Jolla Shores, has been in operation since the 1920s. It also operates The Marine Room restaurant and the La Jolla Shores Hotel.
A club representative did not comment about the lawsuits, telling the La Jolla Light that management does not comment on “any private/internal or confidential company matters.”
The first of the suits, filed in April in Superior Court in San Diego, accuses club management of gender discrimination and harassment, creating a hostile work environment, failing to prevent harassment and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on former employee Zachary Haunschild, among other complaints. It adds that Haunschild “has suffered emotional pain, humiliation, mental anguish [and] loss of enjoyment of life” as a result.
The complaint says Haunschild was “one of the few male members of [the Beach & Tennis Club] leadership team, [which] was predominantly female.”
In one incident, the complaint alleges, a club manager noted in Haunschild’s presence that another male employee was sick and then “visibly expressed her disgust and responded with derogatory comments about male employees, including stating ‘I have no sympathy for men being sick’ or words of that effect.”
A few months later, according to the filing, a female club employee told Haunschild that she had been sexually assaulted by another employee on the premises.
“Haunschild encouraged, recommended and helped facilitate this female employee to report this incident to [the club] human-resources department,” the complaint states. “Shortly after, Mr. Haunschild … began experiencing unlawful retaliation by [Beach & Tennis Club management, which] began to exclude Mr. Haunschild from meetings and isolated him.”
Haunschild also experienced “increased scrutiny and perceived targeting regarding his work performance and commitment to LJBTC,” the lawsuit alleges.
It also lists other instances in which Haunschild believes he was retaliated against, including not receiving help with work-related tasks when he asked for it.
The suit seeks damages for mental and emotional distress, back pay, legal fees and more, along with punitive damages “in an amount necessary to make an example of and to punish [the] defendants and deter future similar misconduct.”
The case, which names Amanda Cohen as a co-defendant with the club, is in arbitration.
Soon after Haunschild’s complaint was filed, the female employee who alleged she was sexually assaulted also filed suit. She is identified in the document only by the initials S.L.
S.L.’s complaint alleges that after months of unwanted advances and inappropriate messages, a male employee “randomly entered her office” one evening and “in an aggressive manner … pushed S.L.’s chair against her desk, choked S.L. and then grabbed the back of her neck and head and forced her to give him unconsented oral sex.”
Soon after, S.L. “was diagnosed with an incurable sexually transmitted disease” that she believes came from the assault, the suit states.
In the weeks following, the complaint alleges, Beach & Tennis Club management “began restructuring her position in order to deprive S.L. of work opportunities and reduce her hours. S.L. was also excluded from leadership meetings in a retaliatory manner. S.L. experienced overly aggressive monitoring and micromanagement.”
The suit, which names Austin Miller as a co-defendant with the club, seeks damages for mental and emotional distress, legal fees and more, plus punitive damages. A jury trial is scheduled for March.
Another lawsuit, filed in June by former employee Adam McHugh, alleges the club engaged in “unfair business practices.”
McHugh was a beach attendant for the Beach & Tennis Club from August 2022 to July 2024 and was paid an hourly wage.
The suit claims club management “failed to comply with various sections of the California Labor Code with respect to plaintiff’s employment. These violations include failure to provide legally compliant meal periods, failure to provide legally compliant rest periods, failure to pay minimum and straight-time wages, failure to pay overtime wages, failure to pay wages upon termination of employment, failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements and failure to maintain required time records.”
It seeks “general unpaid wages and such general and special damages as may be appropriate, pre-judgment interest on any unpaid compensation commencing from the date such amounts were due,” attorney fees, court costs and more.
The suit does not name other defendants besides the club. An arbitration hearing is set for February. ♦
Ons Jabeur Announces Pregnancy, Says Comeback Will Have To Wait Longer
Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, said she is expecting her first child in April and that her return to the tennis court will have to
ATP Player’s Bizarre Mid-Match Request Leaves Umpire Calling for Supervisor
Remember the blazing battles players endured under the scorching sun at the US Open? The first week’s cool, breezy afternoons soon gave way to fiery days and humid nights that nearly brought even the fittest athletes to their knees. As one commentator aptly noted during the Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex de Minaur clash, “I don’t think the players can see it that easily. It’s definitely didn’t easy like this if they close the roof about 15%. Right now, there will be no problem.” Yet, while the US Open has ended and the tour nears its close, chaos returned on the juniors circuit, as one ATP player’s bizarre mid-match request forced the umpire to call a supervisor for sun protection.
At the Challenger Brisbane Open, chaos unfolded under the blazing sun when Indian prodigy Aryan Shah faced Aussie Marc Polmans in a tense junior ATP Challenger clash. After dominating the first set 6-1, Shah found himself struggling in the second at 3-3, battling not just his opponent but the relentless glare above.
In a moment that left everyone stunned, he suddenly asked the umpire if he had a spare pair of sunglasses after resorting to underarm serves during game five. The umpire, confused by Shah’s abrupt change in rhythm, called for the supervisor as the young Indian pleaded, “it is impossible to serve.” Moments later, he returned to normal serving, but the moment had already stolen the spotlight.
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Rafael Nadal’s Uncle Dismisses Carlos Alcaraz’s Schedule Complaint With Bold Fix for Injury Surge
“I don’t have an exact number of matches we should play, I can’t give an exact figure, but they obviously need to do something about the schedule,” Carlos Alcaraz once remarked, echoing a frustration shared across the ATP and WTA circuits. The sport’s relentless calendar has taken its toll, with stars like Novak Djokovic battling shoulder issues despite reaching four Grand Slam semifinals, forcing him to reconsider his year-end participation. Yet, as debates rage on over player fatigue and injuries, Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and longtime coach, has boldly dismissed Alcaraz’s concerns, proposing his own firm fix to the scheduling chaos.
In a candid interview with Tennis Gazzetta, the Italian publication, Toni Nadal shared his unapologetically bold take on tennis’s growing injury crisis. When asked about the increasing complaints surrounding a compressed tour calendar, he dismissed the popular narrative outright, saying, “It’s not a question of calendar. Now many will disagree, but the real problem is that the ball always goes too fast.” He went on to emphasize, “It is not a question of quantity, but of intensity and violence of the gesture.”
The seasoned coach then lamented the disappearance of tactical artistry once cherished in the sport. When asked why players like Federico Coria or Gastón Gaudio no longer thrive in modern tennis, Nadal explained, “Today it is often just a race to see who hits hardest. And when you make such quick gestures, when you get to a ball at full speed, brake and start again, it’s easy for the body to go to the limit and get hurt. I think we should try to slow down the game a bit.”
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With decades of experience shaping one of the sport’s greatest champions, Toni Nadal didn’t stop there. He proposed a radical yet intriguing solution, adding, “I would propose playing with smaller rackets. It would be easier for amateurs and more difficult for professionals, and the game would be less violent.”
Reflecting nostalgically, he said, “When McEnroe or Nastase played, everything was there: gesture, hand, tactics. Tennis is the only sport that begins with a ‘penalty kick’: if you serve well, the opponent doesn’t play… In other disciplines they have changed the rules to increase the spectacle.”
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Griffin wins in Mexico for 3rd PGA Tour title of the year
LOS CABOS, Mexico — Ben Griffin avoided the mistakes that slowed his two challengers Sunday and rolled in three long birdie putts for a 9-under 63 to win the World Wide Technology Championship for his third PGA Tour title of the season.
Griffin two-putted for birdie on the par-5 18th at El Cardonal at Diamante for a two-shot victory. He joined Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy as the only players with at least three wins, with one of those for Griffin a team event in New Orleans.
Clarkston’s Joel Dahmen turned in his tournament-best 6 under in the fourth and final round to finish tied for 40th place overall. Dahmen recorded seven birdies and one bogey.
With two weeks left in the fall season, Dahmen sits in 111th in the FedEx Cup Standings and needs to finish within the top 100 to keep his PGA Tour card.
Griffin, playing for the second time since his Ryder Cup debut, ran off five straight birdies starting at No. 8. That included a 40-foot putt on the par-3 11th to tie the lead, a 25-foot putt on the 12th for his first lead and a 25-foot putt on the par-3 16th that all but sealed it.
He made birdie on all four of the par 3s.
“After making a few birdies early, I kind of pushed myself a little bit harder than the past few weeks when I was in contention to kind of keep the pedal down,” Griffin said. “Fortunately, the putter heated up, made a lot of putts on the back nine. It was fun feeling the nerves down the stretch trying to hold things off. It was nice to make a couple down the stretch.”
Griffin moves to a career-best No. 9 in the world ranking.
Sami Valimaki (64) and Chad Ramey (65) tied for second and picked up a valuable consolation. Valimaki started the week at No. 103 in the FedEx Cup and moved to No. 76, assuring a full card for next year. Ramey went from No. 123 to No. 89 and is likely safe to keep his card.
Two tournaments remain before the top 100 in the FedEx Cup keep full status for 2026.
“These last three tournaments, only goal was to kind of keep the playing rights for the next year, so I think they should be a done deal with this finish,” Valimaki said.
Griffin’s biggest challenge came from Garrick Higgo and Carson Young, who shared the lead going to the back nine on another day of virtually no wind.
Higgo’s came undone with a tee shot into a bush on No. 12 that required him to take a penalty for an unplayable lie, leading to a double bogey. He shot 68 and finished three behind.
Young made a 15-foot birdie putt on the 12th and was tied with Griffin at 27 under.
But his approach on the 13th went left down a slope, across a cart path and into the native area. He made bogey, hit a pedestrian pitch on the par-5 14th that kept him from a good look at birdie, and then three-putt for bogey on the 15th. He shot 68 and tie for sixth.
Griffin had no such issues aside from a three-putt bogey on the fifth hole. He was rock solid from there and finished at 29-under 259.
And his year is not over. He is getting married next month to Dana Myeroff.
“Crazy, three wins and getting married in the same year, hard to beat,” Griffin said.
Higgo moved to No. 52 in the FedEx Cup, which at least locks up a spot for him to play Pebble Beach and Riviera early next season, both $20 million signature events. He has finished no worse that a tie for seventh in his four starts during the FedEx Cup Fall.
“A lot of good stuff,” Higgo said. “I’ve been in contention the last four events, so I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing.”
NASCAR Insider Proposes Three-Car Limit to End Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs’ Dominance
547 wins. That’s how many times Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs have dominated in the NASCAR Cup Series. This year alone, the Toyota outfit grabbed 13 triumphs, while all four Hendrick Motorsports drivers clinched a spot in the playoffs. Even the Championship 4 only featured contenders from these two teams, raising eyebrows about their dominance at the highest level. But is this kind of supremacy detrimental to the stock car racing series?
Earlier this year, influencers like Eric Estepp spotlighted the four-car exception these teams hold under new charter rules, calling it uneven. “I don’t know, sounds kind of unfair to me,” the YouTuber remarked, noting how extra cars build data advantages smaller teams can’t touch. Owners from both sides back the charters for a steady footing, but calls for adjustments grow to fuel new battles. And now the time feels perfect to cap bigger teams.
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Insider pushes for a three-car cap to spark true parity
Jordan Bianchi, dropping gems on The Teardown podcast, didn’t hold back on fixing NASCAR’s team landscape. He zeroed in on the stranglehold by Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. “If you look at the sport right now… Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports dominated to an excessive degree,” Bianchi noted, highlighting their dominance in playoff victories, where Mr. H has 61 wins and Joe Gibbs has 42 victories.
Both teams have this edge in the playoffs because the new charter agreement gives them special treatment that allows them to race with four cars in the field. And this special treatment leaves smaller teams like Trackhouse, which run with two full-time drivers, scraping for more charters despite the current cap for cars being three.
Bianchi‘s fix is to limit every team to three cars maximum, no exceptions, and end technical alliances that amplify big-team advantages. “I want to go to three-car teams, and I also want to severely limit technical alliances,” he urged, arguing it would level resources and let sharp and smart calls from smaller operations shine.
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Picture Ross Chastain‘s Trackhouse nearly winning the championship title, which would be an ‘underdog’ moment. And these types of instances could become routine if parity kicks in properly, giving underdogs like RFK Racing or 23XI real shots at glory without the resource scarcity. It’s not about taking something away from Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing overnight, but about making a path for smaller teams to have their moment to shine as well.
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The charter tweaks made this year already point to this parity, with most teams locked at three. Yet, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing continue to have an extra edge over smaller teams. Bianchi sees this three-car rule as a solid way to create equity. He also suggests that by keeping alliances between bigger teams in check, it forces innovation across the board, much like the Next Gen car’s cost cuts since 2022.
But Bianchi’s blueprint doesn’t stop at teams; it’s part of a bigger revamp eyeing the grind of modern NASCAR.
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Jordan Bianchi urges trimming the schedule
The 2025 Cup season tested limits, stretching from February’s Daytona 500 kickoff to Phoenix’s November finale with just one April off across 38 events. Teams crossed the country, crews battled burnout, and even viewership dipped 13-18% to about 2.5 million per race amid NFL clashes.
Jordan Bianchi suggested reducing the schedule, saying, “One thing I’m going to do is I’m going to reduce the schedule. That will be something different, you know, whether that’s Montreal or Mexico City or whatever else, if we want to do something.” Bianchi declared, slamming the 38-race load as overkill that risks fan fatigue. This echoes Jeff Gluck’s vote for smarter spacing, like summer midweeks, to ease the haul without slashing core action.
His remedy also hits on the scheduling of the races, removing second dates at spots like Las Vegas and Bristol to make it a 29-point race. He also suggested adding a fresh international twist, maybe Montreal.
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Shortening the schedule could boost global appeal and keep the garage refreshed, countering dips from exhausting slots. With exhibitions like the Clash eyeing a return to Daytona, it honors its roots without looking too much. The 2025 season already saw a non-stop schedule, which exposed how exhausting the season can be, highlighting the need for change in the foreseeable future.
35-Year-Old NASCAR Team Owner Eyes Breakthrough Season With O’Reilly Ambitions
“We’ve had a lot of speed. We just haven’t had great luck.” This is what Anthony Alfredo said ten races into the 2025 Xfinity Series season. Indeed, driving the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports did not yield more than a single top ten for the experienced NASCAR driver. He encountered 8 DNFs and finished 24th in points. Yet that is hardly enough of a reason for the team to fold, as it is putting its foot down for a new season.
From 2026 onwards, NASCAR’s second tier of racing will be rebranded as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Along with this rebranded image, a slew of novel developments are on the table. One of them concerns Young’s Motorsports’ newest recruit – Ryan Ellis – who wields good prospects for the future.
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A NASCAR team is growing wings
Despite the forgettable 2025 season, Young’s Motorsports is gearing up for 2026. Tyler Young, the 35-year-old owner of the team, highlighted how the O’Reilly Auto Parts expansion is exciting. Although mainly known for their Trucks team since 2012, the team is heading into its third year of racing in NASCAR’s second tier. Young said, “It’s been truck racing for over 10 years full-time. So to have come over in the O’Reilly series now…It’s a really cool moment for me and my family to keep going.”
Ryan Ellis, who has made a total of 164 starts throughout his career, will pilot Young’s No. 02 Chevrolet. Last May at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ellis scored a breakthrough top-10 result with an eighth-place finish for DGM Racing. So Young is excited to have Ellis on board: “I think just his ability and how good he’s done here of late. I’m excited to get going. I think he’s gonna do a really good job. I think it’s gonna add a program overall, having two cars that will really step up for everyone involved.”
Joining Ellis in his new NASCAR venture with Young’s Motorsports is partner Tablo TV. It will serve as an 11-race primary sponsor of the entry during both the 2026 and 2027 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaigns. Several other sponsorship partners will follow suit, including Sweetwater Construction, which will serve as a four-race primary sponsor. New partner Demco Products joins the team for a three-race deal. Four Loko, Eclipse Claims, ROSCH, and additional partners are yet to be confirmed as part of the program.
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Already, Tyler Young feels optimistic about the chemistry with Ryan Ellis and his new partners. “Yeah. I think there’s just a lot of things you can bounce off each other. Other ideas and I think just notebooks, going back and being able to lean on each other. If one is struggling the one is not be able to help another one out. So that’s gonna be a big part of it.”
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While we wait to see what the future holds for Young’s Motorsports, NASCAR’s second tier’s preparations are already underway.
Making room for new times
In mid-August, NASCAR and O’Reilly Auto Parts announced a multiyear partnership. The end of 2025 marked the end of a dynamic 11-year tenure with Xfinity that elevated the series to new heights with unprecedented fan engagement, innovation, and exposure. But just like Nationwide Insurance and Anheuser-Busch had gracefully bid adieu to their bonds with NASCAR, Xfinity also strove to do the same. The transition from Xfinity to O’Reilly is seemingly going well, as the internet provider handed over the torch as the entitlement sponsor.
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Journalist Adam Stern reported, “Executives from Xfinity have met with counterparts from O’Reilly Auto Parts in recent weeks to open their playbook to the new title sponsor of NASCAR’s second-tier series. That’s according to Matt Lederer, Comcast’s VP/Branded Partnerships, who got the same treatment 11 years ago from Nationwide VP/Sports Marketing Jim McCoy when the Philadelphia-based telecommunications services brand was replacing the Columbus-based insurance company.”
With the coming of the new year, we should expect a bunch of new developments in NASCAR. Let’s wait and see how it all unfolds.
MLB, sportsbooks cap bets on individual pitches in response to pitch r…
Major League Baseball said its authorized gaming operators will cap bets on individual pitches at $200 and exclude them from parlays, a day after two Cleveland Guardians were indicted and accused of rigging pitches at the behest of gamblers.
MLB said Monday the limits were agreed to by sportsbook operators representing more than 98% of the U.S. betting market. The league said in a statement that pitch-level bets on outcomes of pitch velocity and of balls and strikes “present heightened integrity risks because they focus on one-off events that can be determined by a single player and can be inconsequential to the outcome of the game.”
“The risk on these pitch-level markets will be significantly mitigated by this new action targeted at the incentive to engage in misconduct,” the league said. “The creation of a strict bet limit on this type of bet, and the ban on parlaying them, reduces the payout for these markets and the ability to circumvent the new limit.”
MLB said the agreement included Bally’s, Bet365, BetMGM, Bet99, Betr, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, 888, FanDuel, Gamewise, Hard Rock, Intralot, Jack Entertainment, Mojo, Northstar Gaming, Oaklawn, Penn, Pointsbet, Potawatomi, Rush Steet and Underdog.
Cleveland pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted Sunday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on charges they took bribes from sports bettors to throw certain types of pitches. They were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment says they helped two unnamed gamblers in the Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 on bets placed on the speed and outcome of certain pitches, including some that landed in the dirt.
Ortiz’s lawyer, Chris Georgalis, said in a statement that his client was innocent and “has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything.” A lawyer for Clase, Michael J. Ferrara, said his client “has devoted his life to baseball and doing everything in his power to help his team win. Emmanuel is innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
The U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was unconstitutional, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
Ortiz appeared Monday in federal court in Boston. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell granted Ortiz his release on the condition he surrender his passport, restrict his travel to the Northeast U.S. and post a $500,000 bond, $50,000 of it secured. Ortiz was ordered to avoid contact with anyone who could be viewed as a victim, witness or co-defendant.
Last month, more than 30 people, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, were arrested in a takedown of two sprawling gambling operations that authorities said rigged poker games backed by Mafia families and leaked inside information about NBA athletes.
Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, issued a statement denying the allegations. Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, said in a statement his client is “not a gambler” and “looks forward to winning this fight.”
Atlanta Braves hosting tryouts for ‘The Freeze’. See the qualifications
Got the speed of an Olympian?
Got the showmanship to flaunt in front of 45,000 people each night?
You could be the next ‘Freeze’ runner for the Atlanta Braves.
The MLB organization posted the position for ‘mascot sprinter’ recently, looking for the newest sprinter for the fan-favorite runner. Here’s what to know about the job.
Who is Atlanta Braves mascot ‘The Freeze’?
The Braves began one of the most fun promotional events in all of MLB several years ago when they had a runner with Olympic speed face off against a regular fan in a race around Truist Park’s warning track.
It began as a promotion for RaceTrac convenience stores, headquartered in Atlanta, for its frozen soft drinks.
In the race, the fan gets quite the head start (where the outfield’s first hard cut begins) before The Freeze gets to start. Most times, The Freeze catches and passes the fan with ease, but several times the fan wins. It adds quite the excitement to the stadium in between innings.
In one of the more famous races, a young fan thought he had the race locked up before The Freeze caught him and passed him with about 20 yards to go. The fan, who assumed victory, got a little too cocky and fell on his face while waving to the crowd.
What does it take to be The Freeze?
The posted job reads:
NASCAR’s Charter Market Faces Fresh Scrutiny After $165M NWSL Expansion Deal
The comparisons were inevitable. NASCAR’s charter system, which was introduced in 2016 to guarantee teams race spots and revenue shares, has seen values soar from single-digit millions in early deals to tens of millions today, amid ongoing legal battles. But despite the exponential increase, whispers continue to circulate about the current market value of the charters, and whether they truly capture the sports’ powerhouse appeal. Especially after a recent expansion deal.
The scrutiny became stronger when the National Women’s Soccer League came into the debate, as Atlanta just snagged the 17th franchise for a record $165 million fee. This women’s soccer development, despite a narrower TV reach than NASCAR, spotlights untapped potential in team valuations. So now let’s see how this expansion deal brings more backlash to NASCAR.
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NASCAR insider highlights the charter value gap
On a recent episode of The Teardown podcast, hosts Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi dove into the NWSL’s Atlanta bombshell, unpacking how its $165 million startup cost dwarfs NASCAR’s charter scene. Gluck pointed out the stark contrast right away: “The expansion fee for an NWSL team… was 165 million. That’s for women’s soccer, which does not have the same viewership that NASCAR has… So, you’re paying $165 million for a startups women’s soccer team, and currently the top NASCAR charters worth $50 million, maybe 60 million or something.”
This isn’t just chatter; NASCAR charters have expanded sixfold in four years, according to court documents in the ongoing antitrust suit. For example, 23XI paid a large amount of $28 million for one charter in 2024 versus $4.7 million for one in 2020. The lawsuit also started because of the charter agreement, as 23XI and Front Row opted out of NASCAR’s new charter deal. So all these things and the current valuation of the NASCAR charter amplified doubts about whether these assets truly reflect the sport being of a powerhouse caliber.
Bianchi chimed in on the lower end, noting, “The lowest level right now is $50 million. It would be fascinating to see if a Hendrick or Joe Gibbs, or Penske put one of their charters on the market and what that would fetch.” That curiosity ties into real market shifts: Live Fast Motorsports got over $40 million for a charter sale in 2023, but SHR’s closure last year has decreased the prices to $20-25 million amid the ongoing legal battle.
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Gluck wrapped it with optimism but added a layer of criticism too: “There’s a lot more value to come in NASCAR if you can build these terms to go.” Background here traces to the 2016 charter introduction, which was meant to stabilize teams with 36 guaranteed spots in 40-car fields. The terms of the 2025 new charter agreement sparked the rift, where teams like 23XI claim it kills the competition.
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The NWSL parallel isn’t just a fancy comparison; it’s an eye-opener for NASCAR to confront if its economic model matches the excitement on track. This charter battle underscores deeper growing pains that demand tweaks at their earliest. But while NASCAR’s powerhouse status is being scrutinized amid these lawsuit hurdles, some voices are suggesting changes to make the Cup Series more interesting.
Jordan Bianchi opens up about overhaul for Cup revival
NASCAR’s Cup Series is already packed with a 36-race grind and playoff puzzles that frustrate fans and a few drivers. Fans crave clarity, and this is seen in polls showing a nod to simpler setups like the old 10-race Chase over current formats. But still, the sport prioritizes high drama over consistency.
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Enter Jordan Bianchi, the Teardown co-host and veteran reporter, who suggested a bold fix about making the Cup Series more exciting and less complicated. And he framed his suggestion across five pillars: schedule, teams, playoffs, competition, and business.
Bianchi kicked off with streamlining the calendar, proposing a clean 30-race slate. “Five categories: I separated them out into schedule, team-specific issues, playoffs, competition, or the business side,” he explained, hinting at root issues like big teams dominating with four-car charters.
“I want to limit three cars and three cars on. No four-car teams. Ideally, I would love to go even further and go to two-car teams. I just don’t know if that may be an approach too far. So I want to go to three car teams,” the journalist said. Bianchi suggested that giving only three charters to big teams like Hendrick or Joe Gibbs would level the field.
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Bianchi’s take builds on the Next Gen car’s 2022 debut, which was introduced to bring equality between small and big teams. But because of bigger teams sharing tech secrets among themselves through agreements, this parity was not totally achieved.
As NASCAR eyes 2026 tweaks amid fan feedback, Jordan Bianchi’s blueprint feels like a timely suggestion for a sport that now feels simultaneously exciting but complicated.
NASCAR Executive Opens Up About Future Broadcast Schedule Plans After Drastic Lows of 2025
“Our goal was to secure long-term stability with an optimized mix of distribution platforms.” NASCAR President Steve Phelps said these words two years ago, just after the landmark $7.7 billion media rights deal. Although the distribution platforms are still in the mix, the long-term stability may take time to grow wings. That is due to a slew of viewership slumps during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.
The Cup Series registered an overall 14% decline in viewership across the year. The Championship finale at Phoenix Raceway marked a drop to 2.774 million viewers from 2.9 million, and also a ratings fall from 1.60 to 1.44. This was just one of the pieces of evidence of decline – and yet, NASCAR is looking ahead.
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No change in NASCAR broadcast schedule
The media rights deal was for a period from 2025 to 2031. With the first year done and dusted, the second year is beckoning with as much energy as 2025. Brian Hebst, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President, said that he would “expect a very similar makeup of broadcast and cable with respect to the playoffs in 2026.” This year marked the arrival of new media giants like Amazon Prime and TNT Sports, alongside FOX and NBC. And it was a unique medley of experiences for fans, ranging from cable TV to streaming options.
Despite evidence of viewership decline, Steve Phelps said that everything went according to plan. The pursuit of a younger audience compelled NASCAR to take a risky deal. And Amazon Prime excelled in that regard – its five-race debut in 2025 saw it lose 16% of the audience from the same races in 2024, but the 18-34 demo was up 55% year-over-year. Herbst added to the benefits: “If you are ordering paper towels or books for your kids on an Amazon Prime app and it’s a NASCAR race on the face of the Amazon Prime app, those are opportunities that we did not have in 2024 and we’re able to bring to bear for the industry in 2025.”
While the broadcast partners will remain the same, different races will grace every platform. Brian Herbst pointed out that it is a balancing act with novel events – like the Clash at the Coliseum for Fox, the first Chicago street race for NBC. In 2026, San Diego will come to Prime Video. “If you have San Diego in June on the Amazon Prime calendar, that’s kind of a cool opportunity for a family vacation, and the base happens to be available,” Herbst said of scheduling.
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Overall, Brian Herbst’s outlook for 2026 looks optimistic. He continued, “When you look at putting together the right media, the right strategy for our sport, or any property, there has to be some sort of a balance of broadcast cable and a streaming pattern to it. So we’re able to achieve that, but there’s also the economic realities of making sure that your financial position for the industry came in where we needed to come in. So we’re able to accomplish that in Year 1 of the deal in 2025 and expect to grow from here.”
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Like NASCAR’s risky approach, even Formula One is embarking on a dicey alternative from 2026.
Switching partners sparks backlash
Although NASCAR took a gamble on Amazon Prime, the results were pretty impressive. However, Formula One fans are not willing to take a risk with a new media giant. F1 will be leaving ESPN and moving its U.S. broadcast home to Apple TV in 2026. This invited major controversy, as ESPN provided a familiar and accessible platform. For a single subscription, fans can access not only F1 but also college football, UFC, WWE, 30-for-30 documentaries, and other sports content. The Sky Sports simulcast brought U.S. viewers some of the most polished, engaging, and technically insightful broadcasts.
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So the move to Apple TV is bizarre. Jeff Gluck, who recently demanded a shorter NASCAR schedule, shared his thoughts. “This seems like one of the biggest possible missteps F1 can make right now. They had a chance to continue with ESPN for less money and instead took the bigger payday (with promised Apple promotion) to put every race behind a paywall.” He added, “This is the path to making your sport more niche, not growing it — and F1’s growth has been largely built on the casuals. Maybe this is NASCAR PTSD speaking, but I can’t see how this goes well.”
With both NASCAR and F1 taking risks, motorsports fans may be up for some frenzy. Let’s wait and see how the two sports approach 2026.
NASCAR Community Rallies Behind Denny Hamlin After His Carl Edwards Confession
Denny Hamlin has divided the NASCAR community for years. But after the checkered flag was waved at Phoenix Raceway, fans in the grandstands and watching on television shared the same thought. The veteran was hard done by, especially after leading a staggering 208 laps. He was on the cusp of capturing his first title until a late caution allowed Kyle Larson to win the championship. For the 44-year-old, it wasn’t just another loss. It was a culmination of years of close calls and what-ifs.
As confetti dropped for someone else yet again, Hamlin turned to Carl Edwards, who knew precisely how it felt to walk away from it all. What followed was more than just a talk between two drivers; it was a moment that left the NASCAR world thinking about what truly motivates a racer.
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Denny Hamlin draws parallels with Carl Edwards
It almost felt like déjà vu! Another season, another heartbreak for Denny Hamlin. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran reflected, “To borrow from Carl Edwards, I mean, with five laps to go, I knew what it was like to be a champion. I did everything I was supposed to, and so, you know, 40 seconds or 50 seconds at the end deciding whether I win that championship or not has no bearing on my ability or what I’m capable of.”
After dominating the championship race at Phoenix, the Joe Gibbs Racing star found himself seconds away from his long-awaited crown before fate, once again, intervened. It’s no wonder Hamlin turned to someone who understood that exact kind of pain – his former teammate Carl Edwards.
Edwards abruptly retired in 2016 after a questionable caution flag cost him the 2016 championship. While the ‘official’ version suggests that he retired because of family reasons, many in the NASCAR community believe there was more to the decision than what meets the eye. And watching Denny Hamlin’s stunned reaction after the checkered flag was waved, many felt that history could repeat itself once again.
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This time for Denny Hamlin, it wasn’t about the lack of skill or preparation. It was pure bad luck! “I just don’t have the trophy sitting at home, but I know we were the best,” he said. His words carry a quiet acceptance, one that only comes from years of falling short in a sport where inches can define legacies.
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The playoff format, with its “win and in” chaos, makes consistency meaningless at times. Now, this is something that Hamlin knows all too well. At 44, Hamlin’s window for a title is narrowing. Add to that his father’s deteriorating health condition and the birth of his son, and now the road ahead…well, it gets tougher.
Talking about his future plans, he said, “I plan to (race); I have a contract to. But at this point, there’s just absolutely no way that I would even. I don’t even think about race cars right now. I’m gonna need some time on this one.” And as Hamlin steps back to regroup, the NASCAR community is making sure he doesn’t walk that road alone.
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NASCAR community stands behind Hamlin
Denny Hamlin’s crushing 2025 championship loss has deeply impacted not only the driver but also the entire NASCAR community. One fan reflected, “Hard not to, but man the entire racing world put so much pressure on him, compounded by his Dad’s illness and Denny’s own pressure on himself. It’s not over for Denny, but I think for him it probably feels that way.” Hamlin’s emotional toll was visible as he struggled to process the near-miss.
The heartbreak hit hardest with a late caution just three laps from the finish due to William Byron’s flat tire while Hamlin was leading the race. The caution triggered a chaotic pit stop. Hamlin restarted in tenth, which ultimately cost him the title as he finished behind Kyle Larson. One fan observed, “It seems like his spirit [was] ‘broken’ not at the drop of the checkered flag but the moment the caution came out.”
The cruel timing echoed a similar fate suffered by Carl Edwards in 2016. A controversial late-race caution at Homestead-Miami Speedway ended his championship hopes, paralleling Hamlin’s experience. Edwards announced his retirement soon afterward. A fan pointed out, “Now he’s gotta wrap his head around whether he’d be ok going out like Carl or if he wants to run it back to get the sour taste out of his mouth.” Now, it’s up to Hamlin whether he wants to continue racing and chase that elusive title or retire like Edwards.
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As the comparisons to Edwards grew, so did the empathy. Another fan summed up what many felt. “Man, I can imagine the urge to walk away would be so strong after what he experienced. Sixty wins and to be that close, only to have it pulled out from under you. I imagine that’s a special kind of pain.”
Meanwhile, a fan pointed out how Carl Edwards has been helping NASCAR drivers after his retirement. “Cousin Carl continues his post-retirement mission of good deeds one person at a time. No surprise at all that they conversed.” And they are right! Hamlin isn’t the first driver to get guidance from the NASCAR legend.
In a notable incident, way back in 2017, Edwards flew to Atlanta to offer some assistance and advice to his successor, Daniel Suarez. “He just asked me, ‘Hey, Daniel, do you want me to go over there? Do you think it would be helpful?’” Suarez talked about the incident back then.
This collective empathy and fan engagement highlight how Hamlin’s journey extends beyond racing. As we prepare for the 2026 season, here’s wishing Denny Hamlin peace, clarity. And maybe, just maybe, the ending he’s chased his entire career.
Torii Hunter, Gary Matthews Jr. host 2025 Youth Academy golf tournament
NEWPORT COAST, Calif. – What do Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford and Reds ace Hunter Greene have in common? In addition to being key contributors to their teams’ 2025 postseason runs, both are also alumni of the MLB Youth Academy in Compton.
On Monday morning, after the coastal morning haze lifted, MLB All-Star outfielders, former teammates and long-time friends Torii Hunter and Gary Matthews Jr. co-hosted their annual Celebrity Golf Invitational at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach to raise money benefiting that very academy.
Founded in 2006, the MLB Youth Academy in Compton serves children throughout the greater Los Angeles area — particularly those from underserved communities — by offering baseball and softball instruction along with educational and personal development resources.
“When you think about all the kids who’ve come through the Academy, the big leaguers, the All-Stars, umpires in the big leagues, it’s a comprehensive program,” Del Matthews said. “We’re excited about what we’ve been able to do right there in Compton and all the kids who’ve had the chance to come through the facility.”
Hunter and Matthews Jr., who have known each other since they were 15 and who played together on the Angels from 2008-09, emphasized how important it is to give back to the communities that shaped them.
“When you build relationships, you want what’s best for people,” Hunter said. “I’ve seen the impact of the MLB Youth Academy and fell in love with it. I have a heart to give back and keep it moving forward. You’ve got kids from the Academy going to college, playing ball and getting the same opportunities we had growing up.”
“I grew up in Southern California,” Matthews Jr. added. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to partner with so many of my former colleagues and local community members to benefit these kids and create more opportunities.”
Among those kids were twin brothers James and Miles Clark, high school seniors who have attended the Compton Youth Academy since childhood and are both committed to play baseball at Princeton next year.
“The Academy has been a very impactful part of our life and baseball journey,” James said. “They’ve helped us so much with the mental side of the game, teaching us the written and unwritten rules of baseball.”
When asked what it meant to see so many former players and celebrities at the event supporting the Academy, Miles said, “It means a lot that they’re donating and helping raise money. Knowing that the academy helped me so much, that it’ll be able to help the next person.”
“They’ve had coaches there who have always told them, ‘You can play at a high level,’” Sheri said. “Having people with that experience speaking that into their lives really strengthened their belief in their own abilities and what they can do.”
Both brothers credit the Academy for helping them build confidence in themselves that they will carry forward, both on and off the field. They also emphasized that the Academy’s impact goes well past athletics.
Besides their Academy in Compton, there are MLB Youth Academies in the Bronx, Cincinnati, Dallas, Gurabo (Puerto Rico), Houston, Kansas City, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Each Academy’s goal is for 100% of the youth it serves to graduate high school and to provide educational programming such as SAT and ACT preparation and tutoring.
Looking ahead, Matthews Jr. said his vision for the event and the Academy includes continuing to expand opportunities for young women, which is something he’s always looking to do in the work he does.
“Creating more opportunities for young women in the game, whether it’s coaching, broadcasting or whatever their interests might be, I’d love to see more opportunities for them as well. The Academy does a great job creating opportunities for everyone, including young women,” Matthews Jr. added.
Before hitting the course, Leonard shared his reason for being there: “It’s all about reciprocating. Giving back to the kids, I’m for that. I’m in their corner.”
Chargers Urged To Line Up For 32 Total TD Running Back
The Los Angeles Chargers racked up their third win in a row after going 1-3 the previous four weeks. With a 7-3 record, the Bolts find themselves with one of the better records in the AFC and could fight for the number one seed.
LA has been performing well without a prominent running game so far this season. So far, the leading rusher for the Chargers is Kimani Vidal, who was on the practice squad at the beginning of the season and was elevated to the 53-man roster to help with the injuries at the position. Vidal has 404 rushing yards on the season, with over 300 of his yards coming from three games alone.
Justin Herbert is the second-leading rusher on the team with the amount of injuries (and scrambling he has to do) for the Bolts, showing that the team needs some assistance in the run game.
The trade deadline has passed, so the current set of RBs the Bolts have will need to step up their game if Los Angeles wants to make a run in the playoffs. But one NFL writer believes the Chargers can acquire a talented running back in the next offseason to help for the future.
Bolts Acquire AFC East Running Back
The Los Angeles Chargers invested resources in a strong run game for Justin Herbert in the 2025 offseason to help alleviate some pressure off of him.
The Bolts signed Najee Harris to a one-year deal (who has rushed for four straight 1,000+ yard seasons) and drafted Omarion Hampton. But as of now, both players are on injured reserve, leaving Kimani Vidal as the best option in the backfield.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh and offense coordinator Greg Roman have done well with the pass game, but it cannot be the only source of production to lead them to a Super Bowl.
FanSided’s Wynston Wilcox urges the Chargers to trade for Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane next offseason to help the team’s lack of a prominent player in the backfield.
“The Los Angeles Chargers have their top two running backs on IR and with Najee Harris in the final year of his contract, I don’t think they’ll be inclined to bring him back. Omarion Hampton was supposed to be the new shiny toy after being drafted last April, but he was limited to just five games this year,” Wilcox wrote.
“Achane gives them a proven back and reliable option that would take some of the pressure off Justin Herbert. He’s appeared in every game since his rookie season and had at least 800 rushing yards each of the last two seasons; last year he had nearly 600 receiving yards. What he brings to Los Angeles is exactly what Jim Harbaugh needs, so Achane should be a top priority.”
De’Von Achane RB1?
The Chargers are one of 12 teams that do not have a 500-yard rusher on the season. As mentioned, Kimani Vidal is the closest player with 404 rushing yards.
Injuries have knocked Hampton from getting 500 rushing yards (which he was on track to hit), but the Bolts need a player who can guarantee to help them in the running game, with De’Von Achane being a clear answer.
Achane has run for more than 780 yards in three straight seasons, run for five touchdowns in each season and caught a minimum of three touchdowns with the Miami Dolphins. In his career, Achane has 32 total touchdowns.
If the Bolts were to trade for Achane, it would give the team an experienced player who can be used in multiple ways.
Plus, being on a playoff contender could give the player a boost in production.
Chael Sonnen welcomes ex-NFL ‘Incredible Hok’ who stole his catchphrase into exclusive club
Chael Sonnen has given his seal of approval to a new UFC heavyweight who borrowed more than a few of his lines after winning his octagon debut.
Josh Hokit scored a first-minute knockout of Max Gimenis on Saturday night at UFC Vegas 111 to announce himself as a serious contender in the heavyweight division. He even picked up a $50,000 bonus for his performance.
However, it was his post-fight promo that made the headlines and earned him praise across social media. He used a number of Sonnen’s legendary lines, most notably regarding having ‘the biggest arms’, and telling his planned next opponent Valter Walker he ‘absolutely sucks’.
Chael Sonnen offers stamp of approval to Josh Hokit after UFC Vegas 111
After his big victory on Saturday night, Josh Hokit cut a massive promo which finished with him calling out the ranked contender Walker for his next outing. He sprinkled in a number of Chael Sonnen’s most famous lines, which it seems the Hall of Famer appreciated.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Sonnen was shown the interview and appeared overjoyed at what was being said. He then gave his seal of approval to the heavyweight, admitting that the lines may not have originally been his in the first place.
“He did fantastic, yes,” Sonnen beamed. “I, of course, got inspired by some other people but he was paying me some homage there… Oban Elliott starts reaching out to get a hold of me and he says ‘hey man, if you say this guy is in the club I’m reaching out to let him know’.
“So I’m like ‘alright, let me call Colby’. We’ve got this little Bad Guy group going on and the bottom line is everybody gave him the thumbs up. I’m on board, man.”
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: How to Use Emeka Egbuka, Ashton Jeanty and Others in NFL Week 11
Rookies can make or break your fantasy season. If you draft one early, it can pay off if they hit, but if they start slow (i.e. TreVeyon Henderson), it can cost you a high pick. There are also always some rookies who earn starting roles, but weren’t drafted, so they become crucial waiver wire pick ups (i.e. Jaxson Dart).
By now, we have a pretty good idea of which rookies will be fantasy relevant for the rest of the year, and which ones won’t be. As the playoffs draw nearer, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re starting the right ones, so today, I’m ranking the top 10 fantasy rookies for Week 11 of the NFL season.
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1. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
Season Rank (where they rank among rookies on Sleeper): 1
Week 11 matchup: Green Bay Packers
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Before I dive into the analysis, Jaxson Dart exited Sunday’s game with a concussion. There is a chance he doesn’t play against the Green Bay Packers this week, but we’ll find out more as the week goes on.
Dart has been an incredibly consistent fantasy option since taking over a the starter. He’s scored 17+ in every single game, and has had 20+ in four of his seven starts. If he’d been starting since the beginning of the season, he’d be a top-seven fantasy quarterback. Still, even after three games on the bench, he’s QB13. The Packers have a tough defense, but that hasn’t stopped Dart in the past. I expect him to sit right around that 20-point mark this week.
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2. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Season Rank: 4
Week 11 matchup: Dallas Cowboys
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Even with some of the Las Vegas Raiders’ struggles offensively, Ashton Jeanty has been a pretty solid fantasy option at running back. He hasn’t lived up to his first-round price tag, but he’s really coming along quite nicely in recent weeks. Now he gets to face one of the worst defenses in football that can’t stop the run to save their lives. This is a great matchup, and Jeanty could end up outscoring all the rookies this week.
3. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Season Rank: 2
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Week 11 matchup: Buffalo Bills
Emeka Egbuka fell off for a few weeks after his incredibly hot start to the season. He was still getting a ton of volume, defenses were just focusing in on him with so many of the Bucs’ weapons out. He got back on track this week with a 23-point performance and should continue to be a valuable fantasy option for the rest of the year. This week’s game should be a shootout, and we just saw Buffalo’s defense get exposed. No reason he shouldn’t have a big game.
4. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns
Season Rank: 7
Week 11 matchup: Baltimore Ravens
The Cleveland Browns’ offense stinks, but Quinshon Judkins is the only bright spot on the unit. He gets a ton of work, and even if he’s not that efficient, his floor is pretty high. Baltimore’s defense hasn’t been great this year, and while it’s been better in recent weeks, Judkins should be able to have a bit of success and possibly get into the end zone this weekend.
5. Tet McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
Season Rank: 6
Week 11 matchup: Atlanta Falcons
Tet McMillan is another guy in a pretty bad offense, but outside of Rico Dowdle, McMillan is the only bright spot on Carolina’s offense. He’s been a very consistent fantasy option this year, especially when Bryce Young is healthy. The Atlanta Falcons have a decent defense, but they don’t have anyone who can completely shut McMillan down.
6. Oronde Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Season Rank: 11
Week 11 matchup: Jacksonville Jaguars
Oronde Gadsden has been listed as day-to-day after suffering an injury on Sunday Night Football, but it seems like there’s a good chance he’s ready to go this week. He has been excellent since taking over as the Los Angeles Chargers’ TE1 and has launched himself up to the No. 11 rookie in fantasy this year despite hardly playing half the season. If he’s good to go, he’s a must-start against Jacksonville.
7. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Cleveland Browns
Season Rank: 19
Week 11 matchup: Baltimore Ravens
Dillon Gabriel has been surprisingly pretty good in fantasy these past two weeks. He’s averaging 17 points per game over his last two, and this week he plays a Baltimore defense that’s improving, but still has its weaknesses. I wouldn’t start him in one QB leagues, but if you have him in a Super Flex, then I’d consider it.
8. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots
Season Rank: 10
Week 11 matchup: New York Jets
TreVeyon Henderson exploded last week for 147 yards and two scores in the New England Patriots’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If I knew he was going to be the RB1 for sure, he’d be much higher on this list, but Mike Vrabel loves him some Rhamondre Stevenson, so who knows how Henderson will perform. A ton of upside, but a very low floor. Same could be said for third-round draft pick and Week 10 TD scorer Kyle Williams.
9. Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Season Rank: 13
Week 11 matchup: Tennessee Titans
Woody Marks has received at least 10 touches in each of his last four games, and in those games, he’s scored at least 12 points three times. Houston’s offense is tough to trust, but they looked pretty good with Davis Mills under center last week. Maybe they can carry some of that momentum over to this week against a very bad Tennessee defense. If so, Marks could have a pretty good game.
10. Harold Fannin, TE, Cleveland Browns
Season Rank: 9
Week 11 matchup: Baltimore Ravens
Rounding out our top 10 is another Brown, Harold Fannin. He’s been one of the best rookies all season long, and Gabriel loves throwing him the football. He should see at least six targets this week against a Baltimore defense that’s struggled to defend the pass this year. Easy start on most teams this week.
Sleeper’s Top 15 Rookie Rankings For Week 11
1. QB Jaxson Dart
2. RB Ashton Jeanty
3. WR Tet McMillan
4. WR Emeka Egbuka
5. RB Quinshon Judkins
6. QB Dillon Gabriel
7. TE Oronde Gadsden
8. QB Cam Ward
9. RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
10. RB Woody Marks
11. TE Harold Fannin
12. TE Colston Loveland
13. WR Tez Johnson
14. TE Mason Taylor
15. WR Elic Ayomanor
Broncos DC Vance Joseph keeps saving Sean Payton’s bacon
The Broncos are OMG without their D, DOA without VJ. You could build a 10-foot hoagie from the amount of bacon Vance Joseph has saved from Sean Payton’s hindquarters since August.
Denver leads the NFL in punts (53). The Broncos have kicked it away on fourth down four more times than the Browns (49), who went from Joe Flacco to Dillon Gabriel at QB, and 11 more times than the Titans (42), who fired their coach after six games.
Meanwhile, Denver (8-2) rolls into Sunday’s absurdly huge showdown with the Chiefs (5-4) ranked third in the NFL in fewest points allowed (17.2) and fewest yards given up (270.7).
It’s one of the most lopsided 8-2 profiles in modern NFL history — a kaiju corgi with a big body and tiny little legs, stepping on buses and chewing on power cables in the most adorably destructive way possible.
“Shootouts, low-scoring games, as long as we win,” Joseph, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator and mastermind of the Mile High Mashers, told me after practice earlier this month. “You have to improve every single week, fix your issues and move forward. That’s what we’re doing.”
Speaking of issues, the Giants are now looking for a head coach. Brian Daboll became the second NFL boss this season to lose his gig not long after losing to the Broncos. The Titans, who looked Hackett-esque in a Week 1 defeat at Empower Field, have been on the hunt for Brian Callahan’s replacement since mid-October.
As the hottest coordinator in the NFL, Joseph, 53, has already landed on most pundits’ short lists. As well he should.
“It is flattering (to be mentioned),” Joseph said. “I think as a coach, you always like when your work’s being recognized. Obviously, that’s why we do it. I think the highest honor in this league is being mentioned in those conversations, so that’s flattering, also. But this is my, what, 18th, 19th season in the league?
Renck vs. Keeler: Which team has best shot at title: Broncos, Nuggets or Avs?
Weber State Wildcats fire head football coach Mickey Mental
Victor Flores is the Montana State Bobcats beat writer for 406 MT Sports. Email him at victor.flores@406mtsports.com and follow him on Twitter/X at @VictorFlores406
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Watch: NFL teams honor Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland on first NFL Sunday since death
On the first NFL Sunday since the death of Marshawn Kneeland, teams across the country took time out before kickoff to honor the former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman.
Kneeland died by suicide on Thursday in Frisco. He was 24.
Sunday’s slate of games comprised 12 matchups, and reports on Saturday said that the NFL sent a memo to teams requesting they hold a moment of silence prior to kickoff.
The memorials started Sunday morning all the way across the pond for the Colts-Falcons matchup in Berlin in the NFL’s early-morning international game.
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The noon slate brought another seven matchups, all of which paid tribute to the late Cowboys lineup prior to opening kick, along with a tribute to Kneeland and a call for mental health awareness by the studio pregame shows.
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The tributes continued in the evening slate of games, with a handful of other teams offering up a videoboard message and a moment of silence for Kneeland.
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Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also led off his postgame press conference after Baltimore’s win over Minnesota with some words of consolation for Kneeland and for former NFL commisioner Paul Tagliabue, who died on Sunday.
Ahead of Sunday night’s Steelers-Chargers game, Kneeland was also honored with a moment of silence at SoFi Stadium. The team also hoonored former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue. See the moment of on NBC’s broadcast below.
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Prior to Monday night’s Packers-Eagles game, former Cowboys Micah Parsons paid tribute to his former teammate Kneeland.
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Dallas returns from its off week with a Monday night game against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders.
The team is also set to wear t-shirts honoring the former defensive end.
This marks the Cowboys’ fourth primetime matchup of the 2025 season.
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Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Three top-five QBs and a No. 1 pick nobody saw coming
Round 1 – Pick 1
Arvell Reese LB
Ohio State • Jr • 6’4
Jonathan Taylor, Danielle Hunter and Matthew Stafford Lead Top Players From NFL Week 10
Week 10 of the NFL season is done and dusted, and it’s time to see who had the best week. There were a ton of great individual performances this week, especially at the running back position. As always, it was hard to narrow this list down to just 10 players, but I gave it a shot.
Here were my 10 best performers in NFL Week 10.
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1. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor took the week off last week, but is back on top of our list in Week 10. The Indianapolis Colts’ star made a statement in Germany, totaling 286 yards and three touchdowns in their win over the Atlanta Falcons. I mean, are we even surprised at this point? He’s been doing this all year – it’s his FOURTH three-touchdown game of the year. Just insane numbers he’s putting up.
Stat Line: 244 rushing yards, 42 receiving yards, 3 TD
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2. Will McDonald, DE, New York Jets
Everyone (myself included) thought the New York Jets were just going to lay down a die after their fire sale at the trade deadline, but they did no such thing. Instead, they came out with a fire under them and took down the Cleveland Browns. That win was largely due to Will McDonald, who went off with four sacks and five quarterback hits. He was a massive reason the Jets won this game, so he deserves a podium spot on this list.
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Stat Line: 5 tackles, 5 QB hits, 4 sacks
3. De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
This was a great week for running backs across the league. Taylor led the way, but De’Von Achane also had a massive game, rushing for 174 yards and three touchdowns while adding 51 yards through the air. He was the main reason the Miami Dolphins dropped 30 points in their massive win over their AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills.
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Stat Line: 174 rushing yards, 51 receiving yards, 3 TD
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4. Danielle Hunter, DE, Houston Texans
Another defender who finds himself in the top five is Danielle Hunter, who helped the Houston Texans win an overtime thriller this weekend. Hunter totaled seven tackles and 3.5 sacks, including a massive one to force a punt when Houston trailed by nine with 10 minutes left. He was one of the main reasons Houston won this game, so he lands in the top five.
Stat Line: 7 tackles, 4 QB hits, 3.5 sacks
5. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
Yet another running back who had a big game this weekend was Jahmyr Gibbs. The Detroit Lions’ star RB ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 30 yards and a score through the air. The Lions scored 44 points in their blowout win over Washington, and Gibbs was a large reason why their offense was so successful.
Stat Line: 142 rushing yards, 30 receiving yards, 3 TD
6. Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Our first quarterback to crack the list is none other than Matthew Stafford, who is playing as good as anybody in the league right now. After throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions on Sunday, Stafford has now thrown for 743 yards and 13 touchdowns in his last three games. He’s also thrown 20 touchdowns since his last interception. If it’s not Taylor, Stafford is the MVP right now.
Stat Line: 24-for-36, 280 yards, 4 TD
7. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots
With Rhamondre Stevenson out again, TreVeyon Henderson took over as the New England Patriots’ RB1 this week, and man was he explosive. Henderson received 14 carries, but took them for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-sealing 69-yard touchdown run with under two minutes to go. He was one of my favorite players in the draft this year, and I hope the Patriots keep giving him more touches.
Stat Line: 14 carries, 147 yards, 2 TD
8. Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride has been one of the best receivers – not just tight end, but all receivers – since Jacoby Brissett took over as the starter. He’s had 50+ yards and at least one touchdown in every single game since Brissett took over, and now he adds a nine-catch, 127-yard performance to his resume. He’s having a great season, but this was his statement game.
Stat Line: 9 catches, 127 yards, TD
9. Jalen Nailor, WR, Minnesota Vikings
This has been a down year for wide receivers and quarterbacks, but Jalen Nailor made his presence felt on Sunday, catching five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. While Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison struggled, Nailor came through huge for the Minnesota Vikings, but they still fell just short against Baltimore. Still, it was a career day for Nailor.
Stat Line: 5 receptions, 124 yards, TD
10. Brian Branch, DB, Detroit Lions
Detroit beat the brakes off Washington this week, and while their offense will get a ton of the credit, their defense played pretty well, too. Brian Branch was a big part of their defensive success, logging seven tackles, two QB hits, 1,5 sacks and a tackle for loss in the 44-22 win. He was solid in coverage, didn’t miss a tackle and sacked Marcus Mariota twice. It was a great game for Branch and the Lions’ defense.
NFL Week 11 Power Rankings: Lions & Ravens Rise, Steelers and Bills Fall
Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and you know what that means…It’s time to power rank all 32 teams. Last week, we saw a ton of movement, and while this week was a bit more subtle, there were still some big changes made.
Here’s our NFL Week 11 power rankings.
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32. Tennessee Titans (1-8)
Last Week’s Ranking: 32
Week 9 Result: Bye
PFF Rankings: Offense 31st, Defense 19th
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Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm vs Texans
The Tennessee Titans were on a bye this week, and saw the only other two one-win teams both collect wins. Easy last place for the team that now owns the No. 1 overall pick.
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31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
Last Week’s Ranking: 30
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Week 9 Result: 10-7 loss to Broncos
PFF Rankings: Offense 25th, Defense 30th
Week 10 Matchup: Monday, 8:15 pm vs Cowboys
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The Las Vegas Raiders kept it surprisingly close against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, but it doesn’t mean they looked good. Their offense really struggled, and it felt like Denver’s offense shot itself in the foot more than Vegas’ defense played super well.
30. Cleveland Browns (2-7)
Last Week’s Ranking: 27
Week 9 Result: 27-20 loss to Jets
PFF Rankings: Offense 32nd, Defense 1st
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 pm vs Ravens
The Cleveland Browns have not looked good recently. Outside of their big win over Miami, they’ve really struggled on both sides of the ball in recent weeks. Their defense, which was supposed to be great, has now given up 27+ in nearly half of their games.
29. New York Jets (2-7)
Last Week’s Ranking: 29
Week 9 Result: 27-20 win over Browns
PFF Rankings: Offense 27th, Defense 16th
Week 10 Matchup: Thursday, 8:15 pm at Patriots
The New York Jets looked like they were in full-on tank mode after the trade deadline, but they showed everyone they’re still competing after taking down the Browns, 27-20. Their offense still looked really bad; they just made a couple of big special teams plays that helped them win this game.
28. New Orleans Saints (2-8)
Last Week’s Ranking: 31
Week 9 Result: 17-7 win over Panthers
PFF Rankings: Offense 30th, Defense 15th
Week 10 Matchup: Bye
Tyler Shough proved a lot of people wrong on Sunday. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was down on this kid during the predraft process because of a few lowlights, but he was a really good college quarterback, and balled out on Sunday. He has a great arm, makes good decisions and is accurate. That’s a great trio for an NFL starting quarterback. I think this offense can do some damage with him under center.
27. Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
Week 9 Result: 44-22 loss to Seahawks
PFF Rankings: Offense 24th, Defense 18th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:05 pm vs 49ers
The Arizona Cardinals were blown out on Sunday, but that was more a testament to how good Seattle is than how bad Arizona is. I still think they can make some noise and pull off another 2-3 upsets, but they’re still not a great team all around.
26. New York Giants (2-8)
Last Week’s Ranking: 26
Week 9 Result: 24-20 loss to Bears
PFF Rankings: Offense 22nd, Defense 26th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm vs Packers
After blowing yet another lead, the New York Giants have fired Brian Daboll. I feel like it’s the right move, but I also think the timing was a bit weird. If it wasn’t for an injury to Jaxson Dart, they win that game. Still, a loss is a loss, and it was time to move on anyway.
25. Atlanta Falcons (3-6)
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
Week 9 Result: 31-25 (OT) loss to Colts
PFF Rankings: Offense 13th, Defense 22nd
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm vs Panthers
Another week, another loss for the Atlanta Falcons. They’ve been able to keep it close with some top teams in recent weeks, but just can’t get over the hump. They were gashed by Jonathan Taylor, who had the 19th-most rushing yards in a single game in NFL history. Not a fun Europe trip for the Falcons, and I just don’t see how they turn things around anytime soon. Michael Penix stinks and they’re just a hard watch (but that’s fine with me as a Saints fan).
24. Miami Dolphins (3-7)
Last Week’s Ranking: 28
Week 9 Result: 30-13 win over Bills
PFF Rankings: Offense 27th, Defense 27th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 9:30 am vs Commanders (Spain)
The Miami Dolphins might have the lowest floor in the league. When they’re playing bad, they’re BAD, but they also have a very high ceiling. This offense randomly goes off for 30+ points every three weeks, and that’s what happened on Sunday as they took down the Buffalo Bills. They’re hard to rank because you never know what team you’re going to get. I wouldn’t be surprised if they make it two in a row next week, though.
23. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
Last Week’s Ranking: 25
Week 9 Result: Bye
PFF Rankings: Offense 19th, Defense 31st
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Steelers
The Cincinnati Bengals were on a bye this week, but they jumped one spot due to Arizona’s loss. Joe Burrow was spotted at practice on Monday, though, so could we see him back in time to make a playoff push?
22. Washington Commanders (3-7)
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
Week 9 Result: 44-22 loss to Detroit
PFF Rankings: Offense 14th, Defense 28th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 9:30 am vs Dolphins (Spain)
The Washington Commanders suffered yet another loss on Sunday. Their offense didn’t look all that bad without Jayden Daniels, but their defense was atrocious yet again. I don’t see much hope for this team moving forward.
21. Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 22
Week 9 Result: Bye
PFF Rankings: Offense 7th, Defense 32nd
Week 10 Matchup: Monday, 8:15 pm at Raiders
The Dallas Cowboys were on a bye this week, but jumped one spot due to the Falcons’ loss. There are still massive concerns about this defense, but their offense can keep them in most games.
20. Carolina Panthers (5-5)
Last Week’s Ranking: 18
Week 9 Result: 17-7 loss to Saints
PFF Rankings: Offense 21st, Defense 17th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Falcons
The Carolina Panthers dropped an ugly one to the Saints, where they scored just seven points. Carolina’s offense has been pretty bad these last couple weeks, and I don’t see them getting a whole lot better. They were always worse than their record indicated, and this game proved that.
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: 17
Week 9 Result: 36-29 loss to Texans
PFF Rankings: Offense 23rd, Defense 14th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Titans
I was impressed by how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense played against a very good defense, but man, their defense stunk it up against a very lackluster offense that was without their starting quarterback. Maybe Davis Mills is really that good?..No, probably not. I think Jacksonville is just another team that’s not as good as their record.
18. Houston Texans (4-5)
Last Week’s Ranking: 19
Week 9 Result: 36-29 win over Jaguars
PFF Rankings: Offense 20th, Defense 5th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Titans
Speaking of Houston, I never thought they’d win a game where their defense gave up over 20 points, but here we are. Davis Mills looked better than C.J. Stroud has pretty much all year, and led them to their second-most points of the season. Impressive stuff, but I still don’t trust their offense to be consistent.
17. Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
Last Week’s Ranking: 16
Week 9 Result: 27-19 loss to Ravens
PFF Rankings: Offense 29th, Defense 23rd
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm vs Bears
The Minnesota Vikings struggled offensively in this game, but were still able to keep it somewhat close with the Lamar Jackson-led Baltimore Ravens. They’re probably the most average team in the league right now. It feels like there’s a clear tier above and below them, and they’re just floating alone in the middle.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
Week 9 Result: 25-10 loss to Chargers
PFF Rankings: Offense 226th, Defense 10th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm vs Bengals
I wanted to drop the Pittsburgh Steelers further than this, but I just couldn’t find the room. Man, what a pathetic performance from the Steelers on Monday night. The score was 25-10, but it was really 25-3. They just got their butts whooped; there’s no other way to put it. The Los Angeles Chargers have a legit defense, but that was a poor performance from Pittsburgh’s offense.
15. Green Bay Packers (5-3-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
Week 9 Result: 10-7 loss to Eagles
PFF Rankings: Offense 12th, Defense 2nd
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Giants
What a disappointing loss. Not that they lost to Philly, but the way they lost. They looked horrible. Their offense really struggled, and while they played well defensively, it was more on Philly’s offense not playing well. We’re notorious for being low on Green Bay, and these last two weeks have been a perfect example of why we’re so low on them. They just aren’t serious NFC contenders, no matter how much the national media wants you to think they are.
14. Baltimore Ravens (4-5)
Last Week’s Ranking: 20
Week 9 Result: 27-19 win over Vikings
PFF Rankings: Offense 16th, Defense 21st
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 pm at Browns
Yeah, the Baltimore Ravens are back. Lamar Jackson wasn’t great by any means, but they still found a way to grind out a win against a pretty good Minnesota team. Their defense forced a couple of turnovers, and Tyler Loop went 4-for-5. Not all wins are going to be pretty, but a win is a win. The AFC North just got a whole lot more interesting after this week.
13. Chicago Bears (6-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 15
Week 9 Result: 24-20 win over Giants
PFF Rankings: Offense 22nd, Defense 26th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Vikings
I am not a believer in the Chicago Bears. I hope they prove me wrong, but it feels like every time they get a win, it’s a bit lucky. If Jaxson Dart doesn’t get hurt, they lose this game. They’ve also been in tight battles with Cincinnati, Washington and Vegas and barely came out on top. There’s something to be said about winning games no matter the circumstances, but I just don’t believe in this team to win a big one. They get the Packers and Eagles in a few weeks, and that’ll tell us a lot about this team.
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
Week 9 Result: 42-26 loss to Rams
PFF Rankings: Offense 8th, Defense 29th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:05 pm at Cardinals
The San Francisco 49ers are still beat up, but I expected them to be a bit more competitive against the Los Angeles Rams. Their offense wasn’t horrible, but their defense just looked lost. They couldn’t stop Matthew Stafford if their lives depended on it, and that does not bode well for them in the future. It looks like a two-horse race in the NFC West.
11. Buffalo Bills (6-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
Week 9 Result: 30-13 loss to Dolphins
PFF Rankings: Offense 5th, Defense 24th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm vs Buccaneers
The Buffalo Bills beat the brakes off Carolina, knocked off Kansas City and then…Lose to Miami by 17. I know the weather wasn’t perfect, but man, this is a bad loss. They were beginning to establish themselves as real contenders in the AFC after a two-game losing streak, and now everyone’s doubting them again. Can’t have losses like this if you’re as talented as Buffalo.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Week 9 Result: 28-23 loss to Patriots
PFF Rankings: Offense 18th, Defense 9th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Bills
This was Tampa’s chance to make a statement and knock off the New England Patriots, but they blew it. It was a close game, so I’m not punishing them too hard, but giving up a 69-yard rushing touchdown when you know they’re going to run it to try and burn out the clock is just horrible. When their offense gets healthy, I expect them to be better, but for now, they hardly crack the top 10.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
Week 9 Result: 25-10 win over Steelers
PFF Rankings: Offense 15th, Defense 11th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm at Jaguars
The Chargers came out on Sunday night and dominated the Steelers. This was a statement from the Chargers. Despite being down their top two running backs and their two starting tackles, they beat the Steelers by 22 (garbage time touchdowns don’t count in my book). Great win for LAC. They deserve to be in the top 10.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
Week 9 Result: Bye
PFF Rankings: Offense 9th, Defense 7th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 pm at Broncos
The Kansas City Chiefs were on a bye this week, and they stayed put at No. 8. They have some questions to answer next week against the Denver Broncos, though, because last time out, they did not look great against Buffalo.
7. Detroit Lions (6-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Week 9 Result: 44-22 win over Commanders
PFF Rankings: Offense 4th, Defense 4th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 8:20 pm vs Eagles
The Lions just ran through the Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties and called a perfect game. Jahmyr Gibbs ran wild, Jared Goff had an efficient day through the air and their defense looked pretty good once again. If their offense can consistently play this well, their ceiling is a top-five team.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
Week 9 Result: 10-7 win over Packers
PFF Rankings: Offense 6th, Defense 12th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 8:20 pm vs Lions
What an unconvincing win for the Philadelphia Eagles. Their offense struggled all night, and while their defense played really well, I think it was more of Green Bay’s offense not playing well. Still, a win is a win, and they’re 7-2. It’s hard to knock a team for winning, but this was just ugly. I was much more impressed by some teams behind them.
5. Denver Broncos (8-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
Week 9 Result: 10-7 win over Raiders
PFF Rankings: Offense 17th, Defense 7th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 vs Chiefs
The Broncos are a tough team to figure out. They’re 8-2 and have one of the best defenses in football, but I just do not trust that offense at all. Bo Nix needs to be much more consistent, but I can’t put them any lower than No. 6. They keep finding ways to win, and while they can’t keep winning like this forever, it’s working for now, and I have to respect that. I know I just knocked the Eagles for pretty much the same thing, but I think Denver’s defense gives them the slight nod over Philly.
4. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
Week 9 Result: 31-25 (OT) win over Falcons
PFF Rankings: Offense 3rd, Defense 30th
Week 10 Matchup: Bye
The Colts almost looked like themselves this weekend. After a brutal loss to Pittsburgh, Jonathan Taylor got things going with a massive game on the ground, which led the Colts past the Falcons in Germany. European games can be a bit tricky, but I thought they handled it well. Still want to see more from their defense, but they’re back in the top-five this week.
3. New England Patriots (8-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
Week 9 Result: 28-23 win over Buccaneers
PFF Rankings: Offense 11th, Defense 13th
Week 10 Matchup: Thursday, 8:15 pm vs Jets
The Patriots just keep cementing themselves as Super Bowl contenders. Week after week, I keep waiting for them to slip up, but they just don’t. This was their first real test in a while, and they handled it and knocked off one of the best teams in the NFC. Drake Maye and Co. are legit. They could win the AFC this year.
2. Seattle Seahawks (7-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
Week 9 Result: 44-22 win over Cardinals
PFF Rankings: Offense 2nd, Defense 6th
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:05 pm vs Rams
The Seattle Seahawks were our No. 1 team last week, and after a big win over the Cardinals, they fall one spot. This isn’t due to any fault of their own. They’re a great team with a great offense and defense. I was just a little more impressed with their NFC West rivals this week.
1. Los Angeles Rams (7-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
Week 9 Result: 42-26 win over 49ers
PFF Rankings: Offense 1st, Defense 3rd
Week 10 Matchup: Sunday, 4:05 pm vs Seahawks
NFL Week 10: Biggest questions, takeaways for every game
Week 10 of the2025 NFL seasonkicked off Thursday with the Broncos narrowly beating the Raiders despite two interceptions by quarterback Bo Nix.
Sunday’s action started in Berlin, where Colts star Jonathan Taylor turned in the best performance by a back all season in a win over the Falcons. Back in the United States, the Bears and Texans overcame double-digit deficits in the second half against the Giants and Jaguars, respectively. In Tampa, the Patriots halted a potential game-winning drive from the Buccaneers. The Ravens secured their third consecutive win in Minnesota, while the Bills failed to win their third straight in Miami.
In the late window, the Rams avenged their Week 5 overtime lossto the 49ers. QuarterbackMatthew Staffordthrew four touchdown passes for the third straight game, and the win marked Los Angeles’ fourth in a row. Elsewhere in the NFC West, the Seahawks also secured their fourth straight win by defeating the Cardinals. And the Lions comfortably reached 40 points in a blowout win over the Commanders.
In the evening, the Chargers shut down the Steelers offense on their way to a comfortable win at SoFi.
To close Week 10, the Packers lost to the Eagles in a defensive battle on Monday night.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.
Jump to:br/>PIT-LAC | DET-WSH |ARI-SEA |LAR-SFbr/>JAX-HOU|BAL-MIN|CLE-NYJbr/>BUF-MIA|NE-TB |NYG-CHIbr/>NO-CAR|ATL-IND | LV-DEN
Philadelphia 10, Green Bay 7
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Eagles
Are the Eagles poised to make another title run? Their chances of capturing the No. 1 seed improved to 33 percent with the win, per ESPN Analytics, compared to 12 percent if they would have lost. It was a huge win at a difficult venue in Lambeau Field, and highlighted just how dangerous this defense can be now that they’ve bolstered the defensive front with the addition of Jaelan Phillips and the return of Nolan Smith Jr. from a triceps injury. The offense was overly conservative and needs to stop it with the three-and-outs — they have 29 3-and-out drives resulting in a punt this season, the second-most in NFL — but there’s plenty to like heading down the home stretch.
Most surprising performance: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio gave Phillips a major role in his first game as an Eagles, and Phillips delivered big-time. Acquired from the Miami Dolphins for a third-round pick in front of last week’s trade deadline, Phillips got the start and erupted for seven QB pressures, two QB hits and six tackles. He stuffedJosh Jacobson 4th-and-1 with 1:30 remaining, leading to a forced fumble that helped seal the win for Philly. The Eagles have something cooking along the defensive front with the Phillips addition, Smith’s return and Jalyx Hunt heating up. — Tim McManus
Next game: vs. Lions (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Packers
How can the Packers fix their offense? Tight end Tucker Kraft isn’t coming back from last week’s knee injury. He’s done for the year with a torn ACL. Receiver Jayden Reed is still weeks away from returning off injured reserve while recovering from a foot and collarbone surgeries. And the offense line remains a revolving door with center Elgton Jenkins leaving this game because of an ankle injury. Clearly, coach Matt LaFleur didn’t want to put the game in the hands of quarterback Jordan Love, what with his run-heavy game plan, but he’s going to have to figure out a way to get more out of this team if they’re going to make a run to the playoffs.
Trend to watch: For the second straight game, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s unit gave the team a chance to win. A week after the 16-13 loss to the Panthers, they held the Eagles in check for most of the game. The Packers gave up their first points of the game on a field goal halfway through the third quarter and didn’t allow a touchdown until early in the fourth. The Packers are 5-3-1 this season. They allowed 16 or fewer points in all 3 losses. They are now 1-3 when allowing 16 or fewer points this season, their most such losses since 1978, per ESPN Research.– Rob Demovsky
Next game: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
L.A. Chargers 25, Pittsburgh 10
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Chargers
Does this win prove that the Chargers can contend despite their many injuries? No. If the Chargers were playing this version of Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers every week, then this answer might be different. The Chargers still struggled to protect quarterback Justin Herbert; he was sacked five times and pressured 12 times Sunday. But they benefited from Rodgers’ errant throws and his receivers’ dropped passes, which didn’t put pressure on the Chargers’ offense. While Sunday’s win was a great sign for the Chargers’ playoff hopes, it isn’t an indicator that they can be serious championship contenders.
Trend to watch: Ladd McConkey’s uptick in production. It had seemed that McConkey’s role in this offense had diminished as receivers Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston were more productive through the opening weeks of the season. But that has changed in recent weeks. McConkey appears back to being the Chargers’ top receiving threat and finished Sunday night with four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. He leads the Chargers in receiving yards and is second in receptions. — Kris Rhim
Next game: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Steelers
Was this a bad sign or a bad game for Aaron Rodgers? Maybe both. Less than a month from his 42nd birthday, Rodgers, the NFL’s oldest active player, looked every bit his age in his worst performance as a Steeler to date. Rodgers completed 16 of 31 pass attempts with two interceptions and a garbage-time touchdown. He took three sacks and appeared out of sync with his receivers throughout the game. He was intercepted in the first half when he overthrew DK Metcalf in the seam and rocketed the ball right to rookie RJ Mickens. He also took a sack in the end zone for a safety on the Steelers’ third possession as he attempted to extend the play. Prior to Sunday night’s game, Rodgers looked rejuvenated in his first eight starts as he completed 68.7% of his pass attempts, his highest completion percentage since the 2021 season. Rodgers had found success this season by completing short passes, but even those weren’t connecting Sunday night.
Key stat to know: How about two: The Steelers were 2-of-11 on third down and had only 11 first downs on 12 possessions. With the two garbage-time third-down conversions late in the fourth quarter, they narrowly avoided being the first Steelers team in 20 years to not convert a third down in a game. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Detroit 44, Washington 22
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Lions
Have the Lions fixed their offensive issues? The Lions bounced back from last week’s stunning loss to Minnesota with a dominant win at Washington. But it’s tough to tell whether the offensive explosion was a result of the Commanders’ struggling defense or Detroit’s adjustments since last week. Coach Dan Campbell seemingly took over the offensive playcalling duties from first-year coordinator John Morton, as Campbell was spotted talking into a headset between plays with a play sheet in his hands.
Stat to know: Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored his 41st career touchdown, joining Hall of Famer Barry Sanders as the only players in Lions history to score 40 or more touchdowns within their first three seasons, per ESPN Research. Sanders had 47 from 1989 to 1991. It was also Gibbs’ fourth career game with a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown, which is the second most in Lions history behind Sanders (five). Gibbs was coming off a career-low 28 scrimmage yards on a season-low 12 touches in Week 9. — Eric Woodyard
Next game: at Eagles (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Commanders
When will the losing streak end? According to ESPN Research this is the second time in franchise history that Washington has lost four straight by 20+ points (1954). It’s also the most points they’ve allowed over a four-game stretch since 1954. Injuries and ineffective play have wrecked them. They have a chance to end the streak next Sunday against 3-7Miami, but the Dolphins just upset the Bills. The Commanders still have games left versus Denver, at Minnesota and versus Philadelphia (twice). They should get help on offense if and when receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown return from injury. That could provide the boost they need against the 2-8 Giants (away on Dec. 14) or 3-5-1 Cowboys (home on Dec. 25). But the schedule looks bleak the rest of the way.
Stat to know: 8.8 yards per play. That’s what Detroit’s starting offense averaged before quarterback Jared Goff was pulled with 6:56 left in the game. That’s the most Washington’s defense has allowed since Nov. 30, 2014, when the Colts averaged 9.9 yards per play. On Sunday, the Lions gained 546 yards overall. — John Keim
Next game: vs. Dolphins in Madrid (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Seattle 44, Arizona 22
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Seahawks
How many — if any — teams are better than the Seahawks? The Seahawks won by 22 points despite three turnovers, two of which set up short Arizona touchdowns. It was far from a clean performance, but it was dominant nonetheless. And with 198 yards on the ground, it might have marked a turning point for their stagnant run game, the last cylinder on which their explosive offense was not yet firing. Only the Colts, Broncos and Patriots (all at 8-2) have better records than the Seahawks. The Rams are the only NFC team matching Seattle’s 7-2 mark, and their Week 11 matchup will have major implications in the NFC West.
Stat to know: Per ESPN Research, outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence became the fourth player in NFL history with multiple fumble return touchdowns in a game. He did it in the first half — both times via fumbles forced by inside linebacker Tyrice Knight. The Seahawks have not blitzed much this season — they entered Week 9 with the NFL’s third-lowest blitz rate — but coach Mike Macdonald dialed a few up on their way to a 38-7 halftime lead.
Best quote from the locker room:Knight started at middle linebacker in place ofErnest Jones IV, who was out with a knee injury.
Blackhawks’ Louis Crevier working on passing as he settles into permanent NHL role
Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier is ready to spend less time in hotels.
Despite making 56 NHL appearances over the last two seasons, he never became quite established enough in the Hawks’ lineup to earn a housing letter, which would allow him to move out of the extended-stay hotel. This season, he finally got the letter, searched for an apartment, signed a lease and moved in — only to immediately fly out west.
“I spent three days there, and then we went on a two-week road trip,” Crevier said Sunday, chuckling. “But it’s nice knowing that I can come to a place [where] I have my stuff.
“It’s a sign of confidence from the team, as well. It’s going to help me when I come back to my place. It’s going to help me refocus after a good or bad game.”
It is indeed a sign of confidence from the Hawks and coach Jeff Blashill, who seems to trust Crevier wholeheartedly.
The 6-foot-8 former seventh-round pick from Quebec, now locked up on a two-year contract, has proved he deserves a full-time spot within a young defensive corps otherwise loaded with top prospects. He’s borderline bashful off the ice but increasingly confident on it.
“He’s been really, really good for us,” Blashill said. “What is he, 6-100? He’s a huge guy, real long reach, does a great job defending, has been really good on our penalty kill [and] can add some offense with his shot.”
Crevier said he’s trying to hold onto the mentality that his instability forced him to adopt the past two seasons — that he has to earn his playing time every day — even though he has stability. On the other hand, he’s putting less pressure on himself now.
“The Jell-O is coming together,” he said. “I have a lot of fun playing, and I’m enjoying every moment.”
He’ll never be confused with an offensive defenseman, but he does tout a respectable six points in 15 games.
And as Blashill noted, his shot is an asset. He shoots without hesitation whenever he gets a chance, and the puck rockets off his stick. His 98.3 mph blast last week in Edmonton is the eighth-hardest shot measured in the NHL this season.
His biggest focus right now, however, is more frequently executing a very different type of play: short passes in the defensive zone to relieve pressure and jumpstart breakouts.
“I could make an easy play, just rimming it [around the boards] or something like that, but sometimes you have a better play out there,” Crevier said. “I’m never going to be the crazy defenseman that tries all these small plays, but once in a while, [I will] not panic and make a pass that’s a little bit harder to do. It helps us get out of the zone better.”
The coaching staff has talked to him about that at length, and he pushes it to the forefront of his brain before every game — because simply staying calm and looking for those passing options is more than half the battle. Protecting the puck isn’t difficult at his size.
“An important piece of his maturation process,” Blashill said, “is understanding he’s such a big man that that allows you that extra split-second to hold onto the puck and…not just necessarily throw it up the wall.
“Sometimes you have to make a hard play, for sure. But when you have that extra split-second, it allows you to go tape-to-tape on a more consistent basis.”
His growing comfort level in the league aids with that, too.
“I’m not scared of making a mistake,” Crevier said. “I don’t want to, but I’m not thinking about it all the time. It’s the opposite. [I’m] thinking, ‘I can make the play,’ instead of, ‘What if I miss?’ It’s a different approach.”
Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt finding his legs in NHL
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There is little doubt that Filip Gustavsson is at the top of the Wild’s goaltender tandem after signing a five-year, $34 million contract extension in October. But after struggling last season, in the NHL and AHL, backup Jesper Wallstedt has played well in his five starts.
Wallstedt, in fact, improved to 3-0-2 after backstopping the Wild’s 2-0 victory over Calgary on Sunday in the second of his first consecutive starts of the season. His 2.51 goals-against average and .909 save percentage are better than Gustavsson’s (3.19, .896) but that’s a little deceiving.
When the Wild played a heavyweight, Gustavsson got the call. Calgary, in fact, is the worst team in the NHL right now by four points, and Wallstedt’s five opponents are all ranked eighth or lower in their conference — the Flames, Islanders, Sharks, Flyers and Kings.
It was a cunning move for coach John Hynes to give Gustavsson an extra break with the Flames in town. Still, Wallstedt, the 20th overall pick in the 2021 draft, was terrific on Sunday while earning his second career shutout. The Sharks, led by 2024 top pick Macklin Celebrini, are tied with Minnesota for 10th in the West.
“It’s a lot of confidence from getting back-to-back starts,” he said after stopping all 35 of the Flames shots on goal at Grand Casino Arena. “Obviously, that means a lot. I knew it was a big opportunity to go out there and obviously try to make a difference.”
Hynes said Sunday that Gustavsson was in line to start Tuesday against San Jose in St. Paul. He has started 12 of the Wild’s 17 games this season.
“Gus has been playing a lot.” Hynes said after Sunday’s morning skate. “So, give him a little bit of time to work with (goalie coach) Freddy (Chabot) here and get him ready for Tuesday.”
That’s heavy
Yakov Trenin retained his hold on the NHL’s hits lead with four in Sunday’s victory over the Flames, giving him 76. Linemate Marcus Foligno had two, moving him into eighth place with 55.
The Wild are the only NHL team with two players among the Top 10 in hits.
“There’s heavy hockey in this league, and heavy hockey on this team still, and it’s a big factor,” Foligno said.
Briefly
Kirill Kaprizov’s empty-netter on Sunday was his 10th, four behind first-place Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon. Kaprizov tied for sixth with 22 points, seven behind league leader MacKinnon.
Flourtown’s Mike Richter isn’t in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He should be.
When outgoing chairman of the board Lanny McDonald and Ron Francis, the chair of the selection committee, called Joe Thornton in June, they didn’t welcome him to the hallowed halls of the NHL Hall of Fame.
“Welcome to the Hockey Hall of Fame,” Francis said.
Located in Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame isn’t just the home of the NHL’s legends. Lining the halls are the faces of USA women’s hockey stars Cammi Granato and Angela Ruggiero, former Soviet Union goalie Vladislav Tretiak, and legendary college hockey coaches Jerry York of Boston College and Boston University’s Jack Parker, who was inducted on Monday.
It took 17 ridiculously long years for trailblazer Alexander Mogilny, who also averaged over a point a game for his career and won a Stanley Cup, a Lady Byng Trophy, and dominated internationally, to be inducted this year. With the Mogilny wrong righted, who’s next? Well, it’s been 20 years since a certain local goalie last played in the NHL, and it’s about time he took his rightful place among hockey immortality.
It’s time for Mike Richter to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Let’s look at his resumé:
Education: Growing the game
When Richter retired in 2003 due to post-concussion syndrome, he ranked third among American-born goalies in wins with 301. The native of Flourtown trailed only former Flyer John Vanbiesbrouck, his former goalie partner with the New York Rangers, and Hockey Hall of Famer Tom Barrasso.
Although he now sits seventh in terms of wins, the rise of American goalies can be traced back to the roots he planted while starring on Broadway. Jonathan Quick sits atop the list today — ironically set to wrap up his Hall of Fame career at Madison Square Garden, too — and grew up idolizing Richter from his hometown in Connecticut. Former NHLer Cory Schneider,the 26th overall pick in 2004, has stated Richter was his hockey idol while growing up in Massachusetts.
Michigan native Connor Hellebuyck has won the last two — and three total — Vezina Trophies as the NHL’s best goalie and was last season’s MVP. In 2014, while at UMass Lowell, he was named the inaugural winner of the Mike Richter Award, awarded to the most outstanding goalie in men’s NCAA hockey. Fittingly, it was handed out at the Frozen Four in Richter’s native Philly by the former University of Wisconsin goalie and the late Bernie Parent, whom Richter grew up idolizing.
Richter played two NCAA seasons, going 33-25-1 for the Badgers, and was the 1985 Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s Freshman of the Year. The fact that the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member has a national award named after him already sets the tone for his induction case.
» READ MORE: Rangers great Mike Richter on his idol in goal, Bernie Parent: ‘I followed his every move’
Work experience: International expertise
The international resumé helped propel former NHLer Vaclav Nedomanský into the Hall in 2019. So why not Richter?
Long before he donned the famous Statue of Liberty goalie mask with the Rangers, Richter wore red, white, and blue for the U.S. He represented his country 10 times, beginning at the 1985 World Junior Championship, and the following year, he played in four of the seven games at the round-robin tournament. That year, long before the program became the perennial contender it is today, he helped USA Hockey win bronze, the country’s first medal in the tournament’s history.
At the 1988 Calgary Olympics, the U.S. didn’t advance to the medal round, but Richter was the starting goalie for four of the team’s five games. Slowly but surely, Richter was building momentum on the global stage.
In 1991, Richter played in all seven games at the Canada Cup, leading the U.S. to the final series with Canada — the only country to beat the U.S. in round-robin action — before falling. Two years later, he played in four games as the Americans lost to the silver-medal-winning Swedes in the quarterfinals of the Worlds.
And then came the 1996 World Cup. Putting on an MVP performance between the pipes — all but planting a seed that created the best goalies coming from the U.S. and not Quebec — the Pennsylvanian helped “drive the bus” straight through the heart of Canada as the Americans upset the heavy favorites.
“Let’s call it what it is,” former Flyer Joel Otto said in February of Richter’s performance in 1996. “He was incredible.”
“To win a short tournament like that, you need great goaltending, that’s going to be a key for any team going into it, and we had it,” Flyers legend John LeClair added. “Ricky was tremendous from start to finish.”
» READ MORE: Team USA enters the 4 Nations Face-Off seeking hockey supremacy. The Americans’ 1996 World Cup team paved the way.
Richter was the goalie for the disastrous — a collective effort — 1998 Nagano Olympics. However, he ended his tenure with USA Hockey at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, earning silver with a loss to Canada and his rival, Martin Brodeur, in the final. At that tournament, he posted a .932 save percentage — better than his .923 at the World Cup.
USA Hockey has since become a powerhouse, with the U.S. National Team Development Program created shortly after the 1996 World Cup victory. Richter’s generation of American stars laid the foundation of a program that won silver at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and beat Canada to win the first-ever gold at World Juniors in 2004. That medal was the first of six at World Juniors, including gold at the past two, and after five bronze medals at the world championships, the U.S. captured the top prize for the first time in 92 years this past May.
Practical experience: NHL goalie
And yes, there is the NHL.
Richter, despite a career severely impacted by injury, retired atop the Rangers’ all-time wins list with 301 (since passed by Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist) and posted a 2.89 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage, and 24 shutouts over his 14-year career.
Stacked up against legends of the game like Patrick Roy, Dominik Hasek, and Brodeur during the golden age of NHL goaltending, he didn’t win a Vezina Trophy. But he did come close, finishing third in 1991 as a 24-year-old when he collected 21 wins in 45 games and had the NHL’s third-best save percentage among goalies with at least 40 games played (.903). Voted on by the NHL’s general managers, he earned one first-place vote, like Roy, with Ed Belfour winning the trophy.
While Richter’s .904 career save percentage might not pop off the page at first, look a little closer and account for the era he played in, and it paints a different picture. The league average save percentage during Richter’s 14-year career was .898, and in the .880s during his first four seasons.
Richter’s save percentage and goals-against average numbers are also better than contemporaries like Barrasso (. 892, 3.24), Mike Vernon (. 889, 3.00), and Grant Fuhr (. 887, 3.38), who have all been inducted over the past 25 years. Belfour, another Hall of Famer from that era, had a .906 career save percentage.
The USA Hockey Hall of Famer is one of just 19 goalies ever to have 300 wins, a career save percentage over .900, and over 90 goals saved above average, according to Hockey Reference. He was also at his best in the biggest games, posting a .909 career save percentage over 76 playoff contests.
The Germantown Academy grad’s resumé also includes a Stanley Cup. The athletic goalie would go on to make saves without his glove, do improbable splits, stop Pavel Bure’s famous penalty-shot attempt, and stand taller than his 5-foot-11 frame — all while helping the Rangers break a 52-year curse on the way to the 1994 Stanley Cup.
By the end of his 14-year career and 666 regular-season games, Richter was a three-time NHL All-Star, including an MVP turn in the 1994 game at his home rink, MSG. He also backstopped the Rangers to the 1997 Eastern Conference Final, falling to his favorite team growing up, the Flyers.
Richter’s name is littered all over the Rangers’ record book, often only eclipsed by Lundqvist, who played his entire 15-year career in New York. The top category he bested Lundqvist in is wins in a single season, with Richter winning 42 games for the 1994 Presidents’ Trophy-winning squad. That total led the NHL that year, too, as Richter finished sixth for the Vezina behind Hašek.
And in 1997-98, he tied Hašek with 72 games played with 72. The Czech goalie again won the Vezina, with Richter finishing fifth.
References: Provided if necessary
Goalies are a rare breed in the Hockey Hall of Fame. For whatever reason, despite being the backbone of every single team regardless of organization, only 36 have been elected.
Is Richter the only one who has been snubbed? Absolutely not. There are plenty of netminders who deserve to be in — including Richter.
A significant chunk of Richter’s resumé is the impact he had on the game. Mike Richter is the godfather of American goaltending, and given his exploits at the NCAA, NHL, and international levels, he belongs in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith among 8 inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
Zdeno Chara and Duncan Keith didn’t let their unique body types stall their dreams of playing in the NHL. Once there, the former defensemen took their careers to another level, culminating with their induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday in Toronto.
Chara and Keith joined six other former players and coaches in the latest induction class. Former NHL players Joe Thornton and Alexander Mogilny, former Boston University coach Jack Parker, former Canadian women’s coach Daniele Sauvageau, and former women’s players Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker were the others.
Standing 6-foot-9, Chara is still the tallest ever to appear in an NHL game.
Initially a project, he ended up playing 24 seasons in the NHL, and his 1,680 games are the most by a defenseman in league history. He won the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman in 2009, and he led the Boston Bruins to three Stanley Cup finals, winning the championship in 2011.
Rangers beat the Predators 6-3 for their first home win this season
NEW YORK (AP) — Mika Zibanejad scored to end a lengthy goal drought on home ice, Gabriel Perreault picked up his first NHL point and the New York Rangers used an offensive outburst to defeat the Nashville Predators 6-3 on Monday night for their first victory at Madison Square Garden this season.
Perreault assisted on Alexis Lafrenière’s goal a little over 24 hours after getting called up from Hartford of the American Hockey League. Artemi Panarin had two goals and Vladislav Gavrikov and Will Cuylle also scored, while Lafrenière had three points.
The Rangers matched their entire goal production from their first seven home games, when they were 0-6-1 and got outscored 23-6 before facing struggling Nashville. Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves, including a blocker stop when he didn’t have a stick early in the third period.
Juuse Saros got pulled at the second intermission after allowing five goals on just 12 shots, with backup Justus Annunen finishing it out in net. Despite Matthew Wood’s first career hat trick, which doubled his goal total in the league, the Predators lost a fifth consecutive game and for the eighth time in their past nine.
Zibanejad’s goal on a semi-breakaway off a perfect pass from defenseman Adam Fox midway through the first was New York’s first at MSG in 141:27, dating to Oct. 23 against San Jose, two home shutout losses ago.
Gavrikov scored his second with his new team with 1:53 left in the first to restore the lead after Wood tied it on the power play minutes earlier. Playing for the first time since Oct. 9 after missing the past month with an undisclosed upper-body injury, center Vincent Trocheck had the primary assist.
Up next
Predators: Travel to Sweden to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in Stockholm on Friday and Sunday in the NHL’s Global Series event of the season.
Rangers: Visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night, looking to improve on their league-best 7-1-1 road start.
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Rangers get an offensive outburst to beat the Predators 6
NEW YORK (AP) — Mika Zibanejad scored to end a lengthy goal drought on home ice, Gabriel Perreault picked up his first NHL point and the New York Rangers used an offensive outburst to defeat the Nashville Predators 6-3 on Monday night for their first victory at Madison Square Garden this season.
Perreault assisted on Alexis Lafrenière’s goal a little over 24 hours after getting called up from Hartford of the American Hockey League. Artemi Panarin had two goals and Vladislav Gavrikov and Will Cuylle also scored, while Lafrenière had three points.
The Rangers matched their entire goal production from their first seven home games, when they were 0-6-1 and got outscored 23-6 before facing struggling Nashville. Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves, including a blocker stop when he didn’t have a stick early in the third period.
Juuse Saros got pulled at the second intermission after allowing five goals on just 12 shots, with backup Justus Annunen finishing it out in net. Despite Matthew Wood’s first career hat trick, which doubled his goal total in the league, the Predators lost a fifth consecutive game and for the eighth time in their past nine.
Zibanejad’s goal on a semi-breakaway off a perfect pass from defenseman Adam Fox midway through the first was New York’s first at MSG in 141:27, dating to Oct. 23 against San Jose, two home shutout losses ago.
Gavrikov scored his second with his new team with 1:53 left in the first to restore the lead after Wood tied it on the power play minutes earlier. Playing for the first time since Oct. 9 after missing the past month with an undisclosed upper-body injury, center Vincent Trocheck had the primary assist.
Up next
Predators: Travel to Sweden to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in Stockholm on Friday and Sunday in the NHL’s Global Series event of the season.
Rangers: Visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night, looking to improve on their league-best 7-1-1 road start.
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Rangers score 6, cruise past Predators for 1st home win of season
Matthew Wood scored his first NHL hat trick in a losing effort for the Predators (5-9-4).
Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and two assists, Vincent Trocheck had two assists in his first game since Oct. 9, and rookie forward Gabe Perreault picked up an assist for his first NHL point in his season debut for the Rangers (8-7-2), who were shut out in their past two home games. Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and an assist, and Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves.
Trocheck missed the past 14 games with an upper-body injury.
The Rangers lost their first seven home games (0-6-1), scoring six goals and getting shut out five times. They scored five goals before the second intermission Monday, with three coming on four shots in the second period.
Juuse Saros allowed five goals on 12 shots before being replaced by Justus Annunen (five saves) for the third period by the Predators, who have lost five games in a row, the past three in regulation, and eight of nine (1-6-2).
Mika Zibanejad’s breakaway goal, set up by a pass from Adam Fox (two assists), gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead at 10:39 of the first period and ended a home shutout streak of 141:27 dating to a 6-5 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 23.
Wood tied it 1-1 at 16:16 with a double rebound power-play goal from the slot, but Gavrikov scored at 18:07 to give New York a 2-1 lead.
Lafreniere made it 3-1 with a power-play goal at 1:23 of the second. He took a pass from Perreault, split defensemen Nic Hague and Spencer Stastney, deked to his backhand and slid the puck through Saros’ five-hole.
Perreault was recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Sunday.
Panarin pushed it to 4-1 at 7:51 when his one-timer from the left point got through Saros’ five-hole.
Will Cuylle extended it to 5-1 at 19:50 off a 3-on-2 rush.
Wood scored a power-play goal at 12:48 of the third period to cut it to 5-2. Panarin then banked a shot in off Nashville defenseman Adam Wilsby at 13:30 to make it 6-2.
Wood completed the hat trick at 19:15 for the 6-3 final.
Joe Thornton, amid laughs and tears, joins hockey immortals in Hall of Fame
A teary-eyed Joe Thornton thanked his family, his former teammates, and the NHL organizations he played for, including the Sharks, as he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night in Toronto.
Thornton was part of an esteemed Class of 2025, which included former NHL stars Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, and Alexander Mogilny, and women’s hockey greats Brianna Decker and Jennifer Botterill in the Player Category, and coaches Jack Parker and Danièle Sauvageau in the Builder Category.
Thornton and Keith helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and Parker, the former longtime coach at Boston University, was a mentor to several former Sharks players and to ex-Sharks coach David Quinn.
Thornton said after he won Olympic gold, he saw a naked woman on a motorcycle waving a maple leaf flag and said, “I looked at my pregnant (Swiss) wife (Tabea) and said, ‘I’m so proud to be Canadian.’”
Several of Thornton’s former teammates, including Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, and Logan Couture, plus members of the Sharks’ front office and organization, were in Toronto to be a part of the celebration. Thornton was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in June in his first year of eligibility and became the first player who spent the majority of his career with the Sharks to be inducted.
Considering what Thornton accomplished in his career, it’s not hard to see why.
Nicknamed ‘Jumbo,’ a nod to Jumbo the elephant, who, as part of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, died in a train accident in 1885 in his hometown of St. Thomas, Thornton won the Hart Trophy and led the NHL in scoring in 2005-06, and his 1,539 points rank him 14th all-time.
Thornton was drafted No. 1 overall by Boston in 1997 and played eight seasons with the Bruins. In that time, Thornton captained the Bruins from 2002 to 2005 and led the team in scoring three times, including 101 points in 2002-03.
In the most significant trade in Sharks history, Thornton was acquired by San Jose from Boston on Nov. 30, 2005. He played 15 seasons with the Sharks from 2005 to 2020, and in his first season with San Jose, Thornton led the NHL in scoring with 125 points, winning the Art Ross Trophy. He also won the Hart Trophy as the player adjudged to be most valuable to his team, becoming the first player in NHL history to win the scoring title after being traded mid-season.
“I was with my parents, my girlfriend, when I got a phone call and I was told I was traded to San Jose,” Thornton said of the November 2005 trade that sent him from the Boston Bruins to the Sharks. “It was a hard few hours, but then it hit me: I’m 26, I’m in the prime of my career, so let’s go west. I played two nights later, and our head coach, Ronnie Wilson, one of the best, said, ‘Joe, just go play hockey.’”
Thornton was only the third player in NHL history to lead the league in assists three consecutive seasons. He led the Sharks in scoring eight times and helped lead the Sharks to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. Thornton was named to the NHL’s First All-Star Team in 2005-06 and the Second All-Star Team in 2015-16.
Thornton finished playing career with one-year stints in Toronto (2020-2021), and Florida (2021-2022), and officially announced his retirement on Oct. 28, 2023. In 1,714 regular-season games, Thornton had 430 goals and 1,109 assists for 1,539 points, 14th most all-time. Thornton also had 134 points in 187 NHL playoff games.
Internationally, Thornton helped Canada win gold at the 1997 World Junior Championship and the 2004 and 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The Sharks retired his number ‘19’ in 2024, and earlier this year, he was named to the NHL Quarter Century Team.
Thornton officially began his three-day celebration on Saturday as he and other honored members of this year’s class received their Hall of Fame rings and blazers.
Thornton returned to his hometown of St. Thomas on Saturday night and was honored by one of his youth hockey teams, the St. Thomas Stars, at the arena that bears his name. This year’s inductees were recognized Sunday night before the Toronto Maple Leafs played the Carolina Hurricanes at Scotiabank Arena.
Fitzpatrick talks blind hockey ahead of NHL Veterans Appreciation Night with NHL.com
In NHL.com’s Q&A feature called
Burns loving life on, off ice with Avalanche in 22nd NHL season
Brent Burns is still having fun in his 22nd NHL season. That enjoyment is proving to provide a positive influence for the Colorado Avalanche.
The veteran defenseman has brought levity to their dressing room. He’s still producing too; Burns has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 16 games while averaging 20:37 of ice time this season, his first with the Avalanche.
“I grew up in a hockey family; my dad loved the game for a long time and we did a lot of family things around the game, and I just love it,” said Burns, who signed a one-year contract July 2. “I love being around the guys and having so many good laughs every day and just the whole process. I love morning skates and working out and having fun with the guys.
“That’s what everybody says they miss when they’re no longer playing, and there’s a reason why. I think you have to have that. You just really have to enjoy it.”
Burns’ play and ability to keep things light has helped the Avalanche (10-1-5) get off to a fast start. They are first in the Central Division entering their game against the Anaheim Ducks (11-3-1) at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday (9:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, SN360).
He is one of two active players to reach 1,500 games (1,513), along with Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (1,506). Burns has 918 points (262 goals, 656 assists) with the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes and the Avalanche.
“The fire is still there,” Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon said. “You’d never know he’s 40. He still wants to get better. He’s super interesting, he loves to talk about different things. A lot of guys are sick of it by 40, and I don’t how long he’s going to play, but it seems like he’s got lots left in the tank.
“He’s been awesome. He’s an awesome player and an awesome teammate. It’s good to have that experience, and he’s a fun guy to have around every day. He’s just a great person and a funny guy. … At the end of the day you have to be great on the ice as well, and he’s been that too. We’re lucky to have him.”
Indeed, Burns has enjoyed every minute of a career that began with the Wild in 2004 after being a first-round pick (No. 20) at the 2003 NHL Draft. He played seven seasons with Minnesota before joining San Jose, where he was Joe Thornton’s sidekick for the first nine of his 11 seasons there (2011-22).
Thornton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday, and it’s possible Burns could join him one day.
“He brings a lot to us on and off the ice,” Colorado defenseman Cale Makar said. “He’s a goofy guy by nature, and it’s good to have guys around like that sometimes. For him, he’s always a chatterbox — keeping guys up, keeping guys light in the room, and it’s definitely good to have a guy like that.”
But It’s not all fun and games for Burns, who is also admired for his work ethic. The main goal is to help the Avalanche hoist the Stanley Cup, which they most recently won in 2022.
Burns, however, has yet to win the Cup. With the likes of MacKinnon, Martin Necas, Brock Nelson and Gabriel Landeskog up front and Makar and Devon Toews as their top two defensemen, Colorado is still very much in a championship window. Burns has been playing on its second defense pair with Josh Manson.
“There’s a lot of special guys that have been a part of this team for a long time. They’re carrying the [load], and it’s fun to be a part of it and help,” Burns said. “It’s a great group, and a hard-working group too. It’s been fun to see that, and to pick things up from them and it’s a great city.”
Off the ice, Burns’ personality has been good for the Avalanche to help relieve tension and pressure during a season that has such high expectations.
Winning also keeps the mood light. Burns is doing his part in there too.
“It helps,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “The players are facing pressure from different angles, including from me and our staff, so I think on a daily basis you always say happy hockey players are going to be productive hockey players. So, you try to keep everyone in the right mindset.
“We’re a serious team. We take our preparation and our focus pretty seriously, but I don’t think that has to start too early and it doesn’t have to be constant. You can still have fun and focus on what you’re doing when the time is right.”
How to Watch Spurs vs Bulls: Live Stream NBA, TV Channel
The San Antonio Spurs (7-2) hit the road with a two-game winning streak as they visit the Chicago Bulls (6-3), who have dropped two straight after a 6-1 start.
How to Watch San Antonio Spurs at Chicago Bulls
When: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, Chicago Sports Network
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
De’Aaron Fox made his return from a hamstring injury on Saturday night, scoring 24 points to lead the Spurs to a 126-119 win over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans. Victor Wembanyama added 18 points with 18 rebounds and three blocked shots, and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle went for 16 points and 13 assists as San Antonio never trailed. No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper had been off to a strong start but is sidelined for several weeks with a strained left calf.
Chicago led by six with 1:47 remaining before the host Cleveland Cavaliers finished with a 12-0 run to hand the Bulls a 128-122 loss on Saturday night. Former Cavalier Isaac Okoro went for 19 points in his return to Cleveland, with Jalen Smith getting 18 points and 11 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench and Tre Jones scoring 17 points.
Wembanyama comes to Chicago averaging 24.3 points and NBA-bests of 11.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocks, while Castle gets 18.4 points and 7.3 assists per game. Devin Vassell scored 14.9 points a night. Josh Giddey puts up 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game for the Bulls, with Nikola Vučević averaging 17.8 points and 10.6 boards and Ayo Dosunmu scoring 14.6 points per contest off the bench.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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NBA Makes Historic Nikola Jokic Announcement Amid Record Start
If he’s shown us anything through the first ten seasons of his career, it is that Nikola Jokic is inevitable. Three weeks into the 2025-26 NBA season, that remains the case, and The Joker is once again leading the Denver Nuggets as a true title hopeful in the Western Conference.
Helping his team to a 7-2 record, Jokic is currently averaging 25.2 points, 13 rebounds, and 11.9 assists on 64.4% shooting. His scoring is top 15 in the league, while his rebounding is second, assists are first, and shooting percentage is sixth. Though he hasn’t received the same amount of attention compared to players like Luka Doncic or Victor Wembanyama, Jokic is once again putting together an MVP-level season.
Most recently, Jokic was honored for his hot start, specifically his latest performances, as he was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week in the third week of the season.
In that span, the Serbian averaged 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 13.3 assists, and 2.0 steals on 69.6% shooting while leading the Nuggets to a perfect 4-0 record. He has now won the award 18 times, the most in franchise history. Jokic also now has six triple-doubles through the first nine games of the season, the most by far for any player in the league.
Nikola Jokic Is On Fire To Start 2025
With his play over the past five years, it is hard to say that Jokic winning the Player of the Week award is a surprise. However, his numbers over the past week make him deserving of the honor, regardless of how many other times he’s won it.
Beginning with a 34-point, seven-rebound, 14-assist, and four-steal night against the Sacramento Kings, Jokic quickly showed a primer of what he can do on any given night. He followed that performance with an even better 33-point, 15-rebound, and 16-assist game against the Miami Heat just two nights later. It was the seventh time in his career to hit that stat line of at least 30, 15, and 15, only behind Oscar Robertson, who did it 11 times during his career.
The Joker followed those two games with a near-30-point triple-double on 80% shooting against the Golden State Warriors, and 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists on 71.4% shooting versus the Indiana Pacers the next night. The game against Indiana marked his 170th triple-double, and the 72nd time he did it before the fourth quarter.
“The Sombor, Serbia native is 11 triple-doubles away from surpassing Oscar Robertson for second-most in NBA history (181),” Matt Brooks wrote on the Nuggets’ official league website.
At this point, Jokic leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists is hardly seen as notable, but the sheer level of influence and impact he has for the Nuggets is historic. Jokic puts up nearly impossible numbers while leading Denver to be tied for second in the Western Conference with the San Antonio Spurs, and only trailing behind the one-loss Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nuggets Are True Title Contenders
The numbers and history he is making with the Nuggets could be discussed for ages, as if he keeps this play up, another MVP and numerous other accolades are in his future. However, as Jokic has mentioned, winning remains his utmost priority, and so far in 2025, he is doing a strong job at putting his team and teammates in winning positions.
Through ten games, Denver is first in points and assists per game, third in field goal percentage, as well as second in net rating (13.0), third in offensive rating (121.1), and second in defensive rating (108.1). While the offensive numbers could be chiefly recognized as a result of Jokic, the defensive and net ratings are a sign that Denver is a serious contender this season.
All of that being said, Denver has had a relatively easy strength of schedule. Yet still, they’ve gotten great performances out of their other stars that surround Jokic, which is always a good sign for a team that has found more success with an offense that doesn’t care who scores.
Aaron Gordon is perhaps the biggest key to that, as he is averaging a career-high 20.1 points and 5.4 rebounds on 54.6% shooting. Jamal Murray has also been strong, averaging a career-high 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 48.2% from the field. Jokic remains the ignition of the offense, but the two are a near-perfect fit alongside the triple-double monster.
Nate Robinson on Health, Jake Paul, Wembanyama
Nate Robinson is forever indebted to Shane Cleveland, who saved his life.
Robinson had been dealing with kidney failure since his time with the New York Knicks, who drafted him with No. 21 pick in 2005 NBA draft out of the University of Washington.
Robinson went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, winning the Slam Dunk Contest three times at 5-foot-9. After his playing days, Robinson briefly ventured into professional boxing, but in 2022 was struck with a devastating diagnosis — in order to live, he had to get a new kidney.
Cleveland happen to be at the spring football game at Washington when it was announced that Robinson was in need of a kidney. Less than a year later, Cleveland’s kidney was removed and given to Robinson.
Robinson spoke to Heavy.com in association with casino.org, where you can review online gambling, about his health journey, his take on young NBA stars, and his one-time foe — Jake Paul.
Nate Robinson Found a Support System in the Fight for His Life
Cleveland said he was inspired to donate his kidney after seeing the impact his wife, Kara, had when she donated her kidney previously. Robinson said he now has a friend for life.
“That’s my brother,” Robinson said. “We talk all the time.”
Robinson asked Cleveland to join a football pick ’em league with “fun, friendly wagers.”
“The cool thing about getting a transplant is the community of people who have been through kidney failure,” he added. “It’s a lot of people in the world that people don’t even know. I ran into two or three people at my gym alone that had kidney failure. So, you build your community, find new friends.
Robinson also had his father to lean on. Jacque Robinson, a former football star for the Huskies himself, also had kidney disease and was on dialysis for 10 years before receiving a transplant.
“We had two separate kidney diseases,” Robinson said. “They thought it was hereditary, but it wasn’t. The fact that I was able to go through it with my father was pretty cool. He was able to coach me through it. Somebody so close to me was fighting the same fight I was fighting. It was pretty cool to bond with your pops like that.”
“It’s been a long journey, came a long way,” he added. “Just had to educate myself on kidney failure, being on dialysis, learning on how to eat right, taking care of my body, taking my medicine, working out. You get your life back with a fresh start with a new kidney.
“It’s been struggle the previous four to five years. It really was hard. But you find ways to deal, to cope. You find people to lean on, your family. It takes a village.
“It’s been great ever since getting a kidney and I’m just blessed that I can continue to thrive and be here to watch my kids grow and the breathe the air and appreciate the earth that God put here for us.”
Nate Robinson Says Young Players Have it Easier
Robinson, who originally attended Washington on a football scholarship, is not afraid to speak his mind about the state of the NBA and sports in general.
He recently spoke out against young NBA players chasing the bag instead of the legacy. He shared more in his interview with Heavy.com about the state of the league, saying he admires many players but he thinks it’s primed to evolve.
“Back in the day, getting to the pinnacle, getting to the NBA seemed like it was a harder task,” the 41-year-old said. “There’s different avenues now. There’s different gateways and portals to get to the league. It’s changing in many ways.
“The players are changing, the players are evolving. You got centers shooting threes, step back and dribble. Back in the day, if someone was good at shooting threes, it be that person shooting. It’s gonna be fun to see what the league looks like 10 years from now.
“Before you now it they’re gonna start adding four-point plays and shooting one free throw for two points. It’s gonna be a different NBA and different world soon.”
Nate Robinson Very High on Spurs, Wemby
When asked who he’d consider the top players in the NBA, he named the usual suspects — Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He thinks the Oklahoma City Thunder are built to repeat as champions, but likes the developments happening in San Antonio with the Spurs.
“I think San Antonio is doing a good job of doing what OKC did with draft picks,” Robinson said. “Picking the right guys. I think San Antonio is back on what they wanted with David Robinson, adding Tim Duncan, then Manu (Ginóbili) and Tony (Parker). I think they’re back on that again. San Antonio is gonna be a team, not right now, but this year they will open a lot of people’s eyes. I think the next couple years, they’ll be a team that wins a championship soon.”
According to “official” NBA height measurements, Wemby is 19 inches taller than Robinson. From a pure entertainment standpoint, the idea that one of the league’s smallest players ever hooping with the Frenchmen, will have to remain in basketball fans imagination.
“Who wouldn’t want to be on a team that looks like an alien,” Robinson said. “A once in a lifetime kind of player, of course you want to be a part of that. You wanna be that guy on the team that throws the lob.”
“The LeBrons, the Kobes, the Jordans,” Robinson added. “You want to be on those teams with those guys that set a mark on this league and in the history books. (Wemby) is a great player. Very young but upside is crazy. The ceiling is through the firmament.”
If Wemby continues dominant play and winning games, Robinson thinks he can win MVP. “How can you not?” he said. “When you’re a fan favorite and the fans of the world really rock with you like that? How can you not?”
Nate Robinson Think Tank Davis Would Have Struggled Against Jake Paul
Robinson’s one-fight professional boxing career happened in November 2020, amid the pandemic, against Paul, known as “The Problem Child.”
It was only Paul’s second fight and and he won it in devastating fashion, knocking out Robinson the second-round as Snoop Dogg’s provided worldwide commentary. Robinson was adamant that he would defeat the YouTube star turned boxer, but it was a coming out party for Paul. He has grown his record to 12-1 by mainly fighting retired boxers, including beating up on then-58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Paul, 28, has grown into a large figure in the boxing community, though, attracting new audiences to the sport. But his attempts to build a career without facing a professional boxer, caught him some flack. When he did fight a professional boxer, Tommy Fury, he lost in a split decision.
He was set to fight Gervonta “Tank” Davis later this month, but the fight was cancelled after an ex-girlfriend filed a civil suit against Davis alleging assault. Davis, 31, is one of the biggest stars in boxing and has never lost a fight. Despite being much smaller, he was adamant that Paul would lose.
But Robinson is not so sure. He compared the fight to a matchup of Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson in their primes. He said the size difference would have been a problem for Davis.
“They have weight classes for a reason,” Robinson said. “You tell me Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather jump in a ring, who do you think is gonna win that fight?”
Nate Robinson Says Jake Paul ‘Doing What He’s Supposed to Do’
Robinson now praises Paul, saying despite the critics, he’s on a solid path and bringing attention to boxing.
“He’s out there trying to do what people say he can’t do,” Robinson said. “I know the people and the fans want to see him fight a legit boxer. So, the Tank Davis thing would have been cool to see happen.
“He’s out here doing what he’s supposed to do. I don’t know why people are so, everything looks fake. The internet has done that. The internet has made people think and question everything that they see.”
LeBron James Reacts to Bad News From the NBA World Monday
Key Points:
LeBron James reacted to tough news
He included a historic photo
James’ return took a surprising detour Monday
The Los Angeles Lakers have made due without the services of LeBron James so far this season with Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic and others stepping up in his absence.
The Lakers are NBA Finals contenders again even with a young coach, JJ Redick, at the controls of their game-to-game strategies.
On Monday, James shared a message with his followers that came on the heels of bad news in the NBA world.
The James post was viewed by many fans as they reacted to his heartfelt social media gesture.
James reacted to the news that the NBA’s third all-time winningest coach, former Hawks and Supersonics leader Lenny Wilkens, passed away on Sunday at age 88.
“RIP LEGEND!!!!! You’ll be missed! Always was an honor to see you throughout the years,” James wrote with three flying dove emojis and a heart emoji.
He included a photo of himself and the basketball legend embracing each other at an event in Aug. 2022.
James Takes G League Route in Bid for Return
James was expected to take the G League route on Monday as it was announced by Redick that he would practice with the South Bay Lakers.
James is recovering from a sciatica injury on his right side and has not played since last year’s 4-1 NBA Playoffs exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers Battle Hornets Monday
The Lakers found themselves in a battle with the team they almost completed a blockbuster trade with last season, the Charlotte Hornets, on Monday night.
The Hornets led after one quarter and maintained a slim lead in the third juncture of the game as of Monday night, a performance belying their 3-6 record on the year.
Reaves and Doncic stood out as LA’s only two double digit scorers heading toward the fourth quarter as the Lakers struggled to knock off their Eastern Conference opponents.
Lakers’ LeBron James Reacts to Death of NBA Legend
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has joined the rest of the NBA world in mourning the passing of basketball legend Lenny Wilkens.
James, who has yet to play this 2025-26 season as he recovers from sciatica, shared a post on social media on Monday to honor Wilkens and celebrate the legacy he left behind and the life he had on and off the basketball court.
Wilkens passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. His family said he was surrounded by loved ones when he died, although a cause of death was not immediately revealed, according to the Associated Press.
“RIP LEGEND!!!!!” James wrote on X, sharing a photo of himself interacting with Wilkens. “You’ll be missed! Always was an honor to see you throughout the years.”
Wilkens is widely considered to be one of the greatest NBA figures ever. He had tremendous success both as a player and as a coach, being one of only four Hall of Famers to ever be inducted as a player and coach.
The former St. Louis Hawks star was a nine-time All-Star and a one-time All-Star Game MVP. He was the league’s assist leader in 1970 and a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.
As a coach, Wilkens won an NBA championship with the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1978-79 season. He was the winningest head coach when he retired in 2005, amassing 1,332 victories for six different franchises in a span of 32 years.
To this day, Wilkens still holds the record for the most games coached in NBA history with 2,487.
While James didn’t get to play many games against teams coached by Wilkens, he knows how impactful he was to the league.
Cavaliers Legend Mark Price Reacts to Bad News From the NBA World Monday
Key Points:
Mark Prince commented on tough news
He shared a message on his former coach
His message elicited comments from fans
The Cleveland Cavaliers took on the Miami Heat Monday with a 7-3 record on the line against coach Erik Spoelstra’s Heat in South Beach.
The Cavaliers sought a win in hopes of keeping pace with the 8-2 Detroit Pistons, who surprisingly remained on top of the East as the sun came up Monday morning.
Prior to the game, a Cavaliers legend, former four-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA three-point shootout champion Mark Price, hit his X account to share his thoughts on the passing of an NBA coaching world legend.
Price’s Message After Wilkens Death
Price sent a message after the death of former Sonics and Hawks coach Lenny Wilkens, who ranked third in all-time wins as of his passing.
“RIP Coach Lenny,” Price wrote with a dark red heart emoji.
“it was an absolute honor and privilege to play for and be mentored by a legend! He believed in me and gave me an opportunity when not many coaches would! I love you Coach and you will be missed,” Price added.
Fans Add Thoughts to Price’s Message
Fans added their thoughts to Price’s message including former Lakers and Nuggets star Nick ‘The Quick’ Van Exel, who revealed that he would be praying for the Wilkens family.
“There was nothing better than watching you guys at Richfield Coliseum,” another said of Wilkens and Price, who played at theformer home of the Cavs from 1974-1994.
“Back when basketball used to be a real sport,” another said.
“Thanks for the memories! RIP Coach!”
“Praying for his family and friends,” another said.
“Mark I’m so sorry for your loss,” another said. “As a longtime Cavs fan I thoroughly enjoyed watching you guys play the game the right way under coach Lenny,” they added.
“My childhood in this pic,” another said.
“Great memories, great coach, great team, sad day,” another said.
Lakers vs Hornets: Luka Doncic & Co’s Stats, Box Score and Game Summary (11/10) of 2025-26 NBA Season
The Lakers arrived in Charlotte bringing the star power fans sorely missed. Austin Reaves is back in the rotation to back Luka Doncic as we inch closer to LeBron James’ return date. Amid some mildly threatening full-court shots (that didn’t count because it was after the whistle) from Luka, the duo were back to their high-scoring antics. The Lakers stars casually led the team to a 111-121 win over the Hornets and redeemed themselves from that loss to the Hawks. LA improved their record to 8-3 without Bron while the Hornets fell 3-7.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets player stats
Los Angeles Lakers
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama: Makes NBA history with huge night
Wembanyama tallied 38 points (11-19 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 10-10 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists, one steal and five blocks in 36 minutes during Monday’s 121-117 win over the Bulls.
Wembanyama effectively ended the game with a pair of triples in the last minute of the fourth quarter, putting the finishing touches on a comeback victory. He also made NBA history by becoming the first player to finish a game with 35-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, five-plus assists, five-plus made threes and five-plus blocks. Wembanyama has lived up to the hype to open the 2025-26 campaign, producing at a high level across the board on a nightly basis.
Pistons’ Cade Cunningham Joins Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan in Rare NBA Feat vs Wizards
The next generation should take notes on Cade Cunningham’s masterclass in breaking records in a single night. Against the Wizards, he methodically ticked off milestones as if checking items off a grocery list in Detroit’s 137-135 win. The struggling Washington team, sitting at 1-9, hoped to end a three-game losing streak, while the red-hot Pistons came in with an 8-2 record. But Cunningham had other historic plans, turning the matchup into a showcase of skill, poise, and record-setting brilliance.
The Pistons’ point guard delivered a sensational performance, posting a 46-point triple-double with 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and two blocks: a stat line that had NBA pundits scrambling for the record books. As one user on X highlighted, “Cade Cunningham just joined Kobe and Mike as one of the last three 24-and-under players in NBA history to put up 43 shots in a game: Cade (2025): 14/45 FG | 46 PTS | W (OT) Kobe (2002): 17/47 FG | 41 PTS | L (OT) Jordan (1987): 19/43 FG | 43 PTS | L.”
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Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 Pit Crew Wins 2025 Mechanix Wear MVP Award
Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 9 pit crew, led by crew chief Alan Gustafson, has been crowned the 2025 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew (MVPC) following a dominant season-long performance in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The award, presented annually to the top-performing pit crew during the playoffs, recognizes excellence in speed, precision, and race strategy execution. The No. 9 team, supporting driver Chase Elliott, topped the MVPC standings from the regular season finale through the Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.
Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 Pit Crew’s Path to the Award
Mechanix Wear tracks pit crews across every round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The No. 9 crew stayed strong from start to finish and held the number-one position for the entire season. Their results showed a pattern of quick and controlled stops. These results helped reduce lost time on pit road and gave the No. 9 team more chances to gain track position during races.
“The award means a lot,” Gianninoto said. “It’s nice to be recognized for something that we work very hard at every single week and in the offseason. I think from day one of being together, we knew that we would gel well together. Behind the scenes, we’ve learned how we can encourage each other the right way through teamwork and communication. It’s nice to know everyone has each other’s back, and after enough time together it feels like pitting with brothers.”
His comments show how teamwork and steady routines have helped their performance stay consistent all year.
Coaching and Team Endurance
Jacob Claborn, the head pit coach of Hendrick Motorsports, praised the group for handling challenges during the season. According to Claborn, the crew faced changes but continued to show improvement each week.
“This crew has been through a lot this year, including a change on the team,” said Claborn. “It has been great to work with the guys and watch them rise to the occasion every time an opportunity presents itself on Sundays. The No. 9 pit crew brings experience to everything they do. The moment is never too big for them, and they have experienced both the highs of success and the lows of setbacks. Through these moments, they have been able to build their speed over time.”
Their ability to stay calm and adapt allowed them to perform well during high-pressure moments.
Chase Elliott Recognition and Season Finish
Chase Elliott also shared his appreciation for the No. 9 pit crew. He highlighted how the crew continued pushing even though the team was not in the playoffs at the end of the season.
“I’m extremely proud of our whole group,” said Elliott. “They did an exceptional job all year, and I’ve touched on how impressed I was at Phoenix and the drive to want to continue to work hard and lay it all out there, even though we weren’t in the playoffs. They just had an incredible performance on pit road and an amazing way to cap off the season. I’m extremely grateful for their attitudes, their approach, how they pick me up when I’m down or whatever it takes, they’re willing to rise to the occasion.”
Elliott added that the award shows how strong they are, even when their pit stalls were not ideal.
“To have won that award with some of the pit stalls they had this year probably won’t get talked about, but it should because they were put in some horrendous positions throughout the season and throughout the playoffs. All those things continue to exemplify how much of a top-tier group they are, and I’m proud to have them. I’m looking forward to going back to battle with them again next year.”
Grosjean lands Rolex 24 drive with Myers Riley Motorsports
Days after his departure from Lamborghini, Romain Grosjean has landed a ride for next year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Grosjean will join Myers Riley Motorsports and drive the GTD class No. 16 Ford Mustang GT3 alongside co-drivers Sheena Monk, Felipe Fraga, and Jenson Altzman.
It will be Grosjean’s fourth Daytona 24 Hours appearance and his third in a GT3 car, following two starts with Iron Lynx in 2023 and 2024. He then gave the Lamborghini SC63 a short-lived debut at the 2025 Daytona 24 Hours, in what would prove to be the car’s only appearance at IMSA’s crown jewel race before the SC63 project was paused indefinitely.
Grosjean will continue his working relationship with Riley Motorsports, who serviced the Lamborghini SC63 last season under the Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse banner.
Can Soccer Stadiums Revitalize American Cities?
Hordes of fans poured through the entrances and into the merchandise store and concessions markets at the newly built Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I.
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and Rhode Island F.C. was set to play a nationally televised match against Hartford Athletic. The sellout crowd was filled with parents, children and hard-core hometown supporters who sported the club’s blue and yellow jerseys and T-shirts.
With 10,500 seats, the venue, which opened in May, is one of the most expensive lower-tier soccer stadiums in U.S. history.
Rhode Island F.C. is one of dozens of professional soccer clubs in the United States that have looked to build lavish soccer-specific stadiums — a wave taking hold in small and midsize cities. The projects aim to capitalize on the growing professional soccer market, and provide new revenues for club owners and excellent game-day experiences for fans. Often located downtown or on prime real estate, they are promoted as catalysts for local business and neighborhood revitalization.
But a New York Times review of U.S. professional soccer-specific stadium projects found that the mixed-use development components, particularly ones that include housing, are often delayed or, to date, are incomplete. And those projects, experts say, don’t always bring in the revenue and economic activity that are promised.
New high-priced soccer cathedrals for clubs in Major League Soccer, the top U.S. men’s professional league, have been built or are underway in large cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami. But the bulk of soccer-specific stadiums in the country have been built or planned for lower-tiered clubs in smaller cities.
At least 50 stadiums have been completed or are in the planning or development process for soccer clubs that compete in various tiers of the United Soccer League, the M.L.S. development league, or in the top-tiered National Women’s Soccer League. Among those stadiums, more than two dozen were completed in 2020 or later or are currently being planned or developed.
As the number of stadiums being constructed has gone up, so has the price. For instance, Sacramento Republic F.C. — which, like Rhode Island F.C., plays in the U.S.L. Championship — built its privately funded 11,000-seat stadium for just $3 million in 2014.
The club is now in the process of replacing it with a $175 million, 12,000-seat stadium in the city’s Railyards district.
Sports ownership groups view mixed-use development as an important tool to generate revenue that would help them chip away at the high price of buying a franchise, and many have turned to commercial assets recently to diversify their revenue streams, according to a 2024 report from the consulting firm Deloitte.
Such developments have been constructed around the stadiums of N.F.L. franchises like the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, and are a central part of the Washington Commanders’ $3.8 billion stadium project.
Owning a stadium and the surrounding mixed-use developments affects a club’s valuation, said Pete Giorgio, who leads Deloitte’s global and U.S. sports practice.
The exact amount, however, is hard to quantify, he continued, since there are so many different factors: the stadium’s size and age; whether the stadium is in the city center or on the periphery of the metro area; whether the venue can host concerts and other nonsporting events; and whether the group owns the stadium, the land it’s on and the entertainment district around it.
“Things get a little bit complicated in terms of how these things are set up,” Mr. Giorgio said. But, he added, “every team that is looking at renovating or rebuilding, or building a stadium or arena right now is absolutely looking to see if they can do a mixed-use development around it.”
The Rhode Island ownership group, headed by partners of the real estate development firm Fortuitous Partners, believed building a stadium with state-of-the-art amenities was critical to creating the best possible fan experience, said Dan Kroeber, a club founder.
Rhode Island F.C. hopes to rise into the top-tiered ranks on par with M.L.S. after the U.S.L. launches a first-division league, planned for 2027-28, and an eventual promotion and relegation system in which successful lower-tier clubs can climb the ranks and losing teams fall down the ladder.
“This has always been about bringing sports to phenomenal, what we call, underserved, markets like Rhode Island,” said Brett M. Johnson, co-founder of Rhode Island F.C. “But it all comes down to the facility.”
Jeff Buell is among those vying for a U.S.L. club and a high-priced stadium. His project’s investment group, led by Mr. Buell’s real estate firm, Sequence Development, has proposed a $150 million, 8,000-seat soccer stadium in downtown Albany, N.Y. (The group also includes Rhode Island F.C. investors.)
Mr. Buell pitched the stadium as part of a greater $600 million project that would build and renovate several new residential buildings totaling more than 1,000 units, and have more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space on eight acres of underused land.
If Mr. Buell could obtain the land, $150 million in public funds and approval from the city, he said, the project would inject new life into a downtown that hasn’t fully recovered since people began to work remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The neighborhoods that are in and around the downtown desperately need some new energy,” Mr. Buell said. “We think that we can be a jumping-off point for that.”
But executing mixed-use development around the stadium could prove challenging.
At least 12 professional soccer-specific stadium projects that have been completed since 2000 have included mixed-use development with housing as part of the proposal. None have been fully realized, but five have been partially completed. Nineteen other projects with housing baked into their mixed-use development have been proposed or are undergoing construction. Many of those projects are in small or midsize cities such as Grand Rapids, Mich.; Des Moines; and Rogers, Ark.
None of the 600,000 square feet designated for housing, retail, bars, restaurants and commercial space as part of the Colorado Rapids’ $183 million stadium project in Commerce City, Colo., for instance, has yet been realized. The stadium opened in 2007.
The Rapids’ ownership group is still exploring mixed-use possibilities with city leaders, while evaluating its operations and the land around the stadium, Mike Neary, the group’s executive vice president of business operations and real estate, said in a statement.
There’s always an intention for developers and stadium owners to follow through on the mixed-use development portion of stadium projects, said Erin Talkington, managing director of RCLCO, a real estate consulting firm. But the results are mixed when it comes to whether that development actually materializes — or does so at the scope and time frame that city officials expect, she said.
Most professional sports team ownership groups don’t have much real estate experience, and are often forced to go back to the drawing board on the mixed-use development aspect of the project when it comes time to actually plan it, Ms. Talkington said.
The U.S.L. president, Paul McDonough, argues that clubs have learned how to turn development around their stadiums into a focal point of their city.
The Colorado Switchbacks, a U.S.L. Championship club, have completed the first phase of their plans to build apartments and retail around their 8,000-seat stadium, which opened in 2021 in Colorado Springs. The project has quadrupled the revenues of the club, which had struggled financially after debuting in 2015, Mr. McDonough said.
“Now they have a great value,” he said. “They are part of the community.”
Breathing New Life Into Pawtucket?
When Centreville Bank Stadium in Rhode Island is completed, a gravel lot beside it will be replaced by 250 apartment units and roughly 30,000 square feet of retail, including about 10 restaurants and shops, Mr. Kroeber said. A new pedestrian bridge will connect the site to two additional apartment buildings, which will total more than 300 housing units.
The stadium itself is on land that was contaminated by a decommissioned manufactured gas plant. Rhode Island Energy and Fortuitous Partners remediated the site to make way for the stadium project, Mr. Kroeber said.
The new development “brings life to the area,” said David Peart, Rhode Island F.C.’s president. “It’s not just people coming here for soccer and leaving — it’s folks coming here to live.”
Still, building lower-tier soccer stadiums on valuable urban real estate provides few economic benefits, said Mr. Zimbalist, the economics professor. Those stadiums are often used fewer than 50 times throughout the year between soccer games, concerts and high school tournaments — many of which don’t sell out and last only a few hours, he said.
“Are you going to want to build a restaurant next to that?” Mr. Zimbalist said. “Are you going to want to build a bar next to that? You’re going to want to build a hotel next to that?”
Mr. Kroeber vowed that the mixed-use development portion would definitely happen, and said that the group is working on designs and getting the needed permits to break ground on the project. But there is a possibility that the club will seek additional public funding to complete it, he said.
“This is prime real estate that will become the destination of why people are coming to Pawtucket,” Mr. Kroeber said.
The benefits of having Rhode Island F.C. and the stadium in Pawtucket extend beyond economics, Mayor Donald Grebien said. It allows the city to remain a sports and entertainment hub after losing the Pawtucket Red Sox — the Boston Red Sox’s longtime Class AAA affiliate — to nearby Worcester, Mass., in 2021.
The city chipped in $10 million in federal pandemic relief funding toward the stadium project, money that will be paid back through tax payments over 20 years.
“The community embraced the PawSox for many years and they are now embracing Rhode Island F.C.,” Mr. Grebien said. “There’s a self-esteem, if you will, and people have pride in having a sports team that they can associate with.”
NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has died at 84 from heart failure
Paul Tagliabue, who helped bring labor peace and riches to the NFL during his 17 years as commissioner but was criticized for not taking stronger action on concussions, died Sunday from heart failure. He was 84.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Tagliabue’s family informed the league of his death in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Tagliabue, who had developed Parkinson’s disease, was commissioner after Pete Rozelle from 1989 to 2006. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of a special centennial class in 2020. Current Commissioner Roger Goodell succeeded Tagliabue.
“Paul was the ultimate steward of the game — tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL,” Goodell said in a statement. “I am forever grateful and proud to have Paul as my friend and mentor. I cherished the innumerable hours we spent together where he helped shape me as an executive but also as a man, husband and father.”
News of Tagliabue’s death came shortly before seven games kicked off Sunday at 1 p.m. EST. Several teams held moments of silence throughout the day for Tagliabue and Marshawn Kneeland, the Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle who died on Thursday.
Tagliabue oversaw the construction of myriad new stadiums and negotiated television contracts that added billions of dollars to the league’s bank account. Under him, there were no labor stoppages.
During his time, Los Angeles lost two teams and Cleveland another, migrating to Baltimore before being replaced by an expansion franchise. Los Angeles eventually regained two teams.
Tagliabue implemented a policy on substance abuse that was considered the strongest in all major sports. He also established the “Rooney Rule,” in which all teams with coaching vacancies must interview minority candidates. It has since been expanded to include front-office and league executive positions.
When he took office in 1989, the NFL had just hired its first Black head coach of the modern era. By the time Tagliabue stepped down in 2006, there were seven minority head coaches in the league.
In one of his pivotal moments, Tagliabue called off NFL games the weekend after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It was one of the few times the public compared him favorably to Rozelle, who proceeded with the games two days after President John Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963. A key presidential aide had advised Rozelle that the NFL should play, a decision that was one of the commissioner’s great regrets.
Tagliabue certainly had his detractors, notably over concussions. The issue has plagued the NFL for decades, though team owners had a major role in the lack of progress in dealing with head trauma.
In 2017, Tagliabue apologized for remarks he made decades ago about concussions in football, acknowledging he didn’t have the proper data at the time in 1994. He called concussions “one of those pack-journalism issues” and contended the number of concussions “is relatively small; the problem is the journalist issue.”
“Obviously,” he said on Talk of Fame Network, “I do regret those remarks. Looking back, it was not sensible language to use to express my thoughts at the time. My language was intemperate, and it led to a serious misunderstanding.
“My intention at the time was to make a point which could have been made fairly simply: that there was a need for better data. There was a need for more reliable information about concussions and uniformity in terms of how they were being defined in terms of severity.”
While concussion recognition, research and treatment lagged for much of Tagliabue’s tenure, his work on the labor front was exemplary.
As one of his first decisions, Tagliabue reached out to the players’ union, then run by Gene Upshaw, a Hall of Fame player and former star for Al Davis’ Raiders. Tagliabue had insisted he be directly involved in all labor negotiations, basically rendering useless the Management Council of club executives that had handled such duties for nearly two decades.
It was a wise decision.
“When Paul was named commissioner after that seven-month search in 1989, that’s when the league got back on track,” said Joe Browne, who spent 50 years as an NFL executive and was a confidant of Rozelle and Tagliabue.
“Paul had insisted during his negotiations for the position that final control over matters such as labor and all commercial business dealings had to rest in the commissioner’s office. The owners agreed and that was a large step forward toward the tremendous rebound we had as a league — an expanded league — in the ’90s and beyond.”
Tagliabue forged a solid relationship with Upshaw. In breaking with the contentious dealings between the league and the NFL Players Association, Tagliabue and Upshaw kept negotiations respectful and centered on what would benefit both sides. Compromise was key, Upshaw always said — although the union often was criticized for being too accommodating.
Tagliabue had been the NFL’s Washington lawyer, a partner in the prestigious firm of Covington & Burling. He was chosen as commissioner in October 1989 over New Orleans general manager Jim Finks after a bitter fight highlighting the differences between the NFL’s old guard and newer owners.
Yet during his reign as commissioner, which ended in the spring of 2006 after pushing through a highly contested labor agreement, he managed to unite those divided owners and, in fact, relied more on the old-timers who supported him than on Jerry Jones and many of the younger owners at the time.
Tagliabue was born on Nov. 24, 1940, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was the 6-foot-5 captain of the basketball team at Georgetown and graduated in 1962 as one of the school’s leading rebounders at the time — his career average later listed just below that of Patrick Ewing. He was president of his class and a Rhodes scholar finalist. Three years later, he graduated from NYU Law School and subsequently worked as a lawyer in the Defense Department before joining Covington & Burling.
He eventually took over the NFL account, establishing a close relationship with Rozelle and other league officials during a series of legal actions in the 1970s and 1980s.
Tagliabue was reserved by nature and it sometimes led to coolness with the media, which had embraced Rozelle, an affable former public relations man. Even after he left office, Tagliabue did not measure up in that regard with Goodell, who began his NFL career in the public relations department.
But after 9/11, Tagliabue showed a different side, particularly toward league employees who had lost loved ones in the attacks. He accompanied Ed Tighe, an NFL Management Council lawyer whose wife died that day, to Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a few blocks from the NFL office.
Art Shell, a Hall of Fame player, became the NFL’s first modern-day Black head coach with the Raiders. He got to see Tagliabue up close and thought him utterly suited for his job.
“After my coaching career was over, I had the privilege of working directly with Paul in the league office,” Shell said. “His philosophy on almost every issue was, ‘If it’s broke, fix it. And if it’s not broke, fix it anyway.’
“He always challenged us to find better ways of doing things. Paul never lost sight of his responsibility to do what was right for the game. He was the perfect choice as NFL commissioner.”
Tagliabue is survived by his wife, Chandler, son Drew and daughter Emily.
Girls Tennis All-State First Team, 2025
After a season of intense competition and remarkable performances, NJ.com presents the best girls tennis players in New Jersey.
Take a look below at our All-State First Team selections.
ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
SINGLES
Aria Nina Abalos, Montclair Kimberley, Senior
No player was more dominant than Abalos was the last three years. The recent Notre Dame commit captured her third-straight NJSIAA singles title last month when she defeated Pingry’s Fiona Hu. Abalos became just the fourth girl in Garden State history to win at least three state singles championships. Abalos this season also won her fourth Essex County singles title over Amelia Burroughs. She also posted other standout victories against Sofia Basto-Cabrera, Leala Kramer, Jaime Carlin and Sylvie Yao. Abalos posted 91 wins for her career, and went undefeated her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She did it all with grace and ultimate sportsmanship.
SINGLES
Fiona Hu, Pingry, Sophomore
Hu made the move up to first singles this season for Pingry and she made the most of the opportunity, going 14-1 at the top spot in dual matches. Late in the year, Hu advanced to the final of the state singles tournament where she matched up with Abalos. She also won titles at the Prep A and Somerset County Tournament, and guided the Big Blue to an unbeaten record and the Non-Public state championship. Playing a tough schedule, Hu defeated many strong players including Valerie Sinitsyn, Keira Kapur, Lyra Patel, Jaime Carlin, Jordan Lee, Kylee Hung and Britney Lee this season.
SINGLES
Britney Lee, Ridgefield Park, Senior
Despite her Ridgefield Park team winning only eight matches in four years, Lee continually showed up and excelled at first singles for the Scarlets. Lee’s talent showed this season as she made the state singles tournament semifinals. She also made history by winning the first-ever Bergen County Singles Tournament even though she was dealing with an illness for the quarterfinals and semifinals. In her four seasons, she dropped just one regular-season match at the top spot in the lineup, and that as a freshman to that year’s state champion. This year, she posted strong wins over the likes of Jaime Carlin, Priscilla Chow, Sylvie Yao, Jazmine Natividad, Jordan Lee, Leala Kramer and Olivia Lai.
DOUBLES
Angelina Gao, Junior/Rachel Bai, Freshman, Pingry
Gao and Bai together won the state doubles tournament in a thrilling three-set marathon against Mia Custodio and Norah Park of Holy Angels. The Pingry duo edged the Holy Angels pair twice this past season with the other win coming in the North, Non-Public sectional tournament final. Gao became just the fifth player to win multiple state doubles tournament titles, and with one more year left, she could be the state’s first three-time winner. As a tandem, Gao and Bai lost just once this season, and they also won doubles crowns at the Prep A and Somerset County Tournament. Wins on the season for the two include Glen Rock, Chatham, Millburn, Ridge and Kent Place.
DOUBLES
Mia Custodio, Senior/Norah Park, Senior, Holy Angels
Custodio and Park paired up this fall and won the Bergen County Tournament first doubles title against Bergen Tech’s Olivia Domski and Katie Chung. They also defeated Pingry’s Gao and Bai in the regular season to earn the top seed for the state doubles tournament. At states, the two made the championship match where they were a few points away from winning the three-set thriller. Custodio and Park this season beat the likes of Newark Academy, Ridgewood and Millburn.
Aria Nina Abalos is the N.J. Girls Tennis Player of the Year, 2025
Every year, top tennis players across the country, including those in New Jersey, skip high school tennis.
Numerous players opt to focus on training at their respective clubs. They also choose to play in United States Tennis Association tournaments to gain ranking points and a chance at higher Universal Tennis Rating for college recruitment. Some even are homeschooled or attend online school to have more time to train and travel to national tournaments.
Not Aria Nina Abalos.
Abalos travels from her hometown of Bloomfield to Montclair Kimberley every day for school and to play for the Cougars under coach Bill Wing. Her schedule includes advanced academic classes, practice, dual matches and county and state tournaments. Mixed in there are recruiting visits as a Blue Chip 5-star prospect that any college would be lucky to have on its team. She also makes her way down multiple times a week to Edison to train at the Garden State Tennis Center.
Abalos registered a 91-2 record in her four years at Montclair Kimberley, winning three NJSIAA state singles tournament titles. Last month, with her win over Fiona Hu of Pingry in the final, she became just the fourth girl in New Jersey history to win at least three state singles championships.
After going undefeated for the third-straight season, her dominance has earned her the 2025 NJ.com Girls Tennis Player of the Year honor.
“It means a lot to me. It’s a really big deal,” Abalos said. “To accomplish the same things as the couple others in the past I’ve grown up and watched or have heard their names before, it’s incredible for me to wrap my mind around that.”
Abalos reached the state singles semifinals as a freshman, and won every year after that. Yet, the three-time Player of the Year never thought once to skip a season or two.
“I wanted to play high school tennis,” Abalos said. “I’ve seen great players play high school tennis and they excelled at the next level.”
The knock by many about high school tennis is that the competition isn’t as strong compared to the USTA or ITF tournaments that the best players play in. Your UTR could drop even if you shut out a player rated lower than you.
But UTR isn’t everything, and playing national tournaments solo, without support, isn’t everything either.
Playing for your hometown or a local school with your friends and teammates add an element unique to high school sports in general.
Gaining experience against other strong opponents at various tournaments is great, but if you want to play in college, tennis at that level features dual matches, which is what you play in high school.
With high school tennis, you play matches where you rely on your teammates to win as well. You build those bonds on bus rides to away matches, and you get through pressure points with support from the sideline.
Not only can you win individual tournament titles, you can also win team championships that are valuable. That is something you cannot replicate any way else.
“It meant a lot to me to contribute to this team and play for the school I go to,” Abalos said. “High school tennis is challenging. The skill level this year was incredible. It’s fun. It helps your mentality and you get that team environment. MKA made it amazing for me.”
Case in point was the crowd that Abalos had backing her in the state final. Abalos hugged maybe 50 people after her victory, from family members, to club coaches to her teammates she was very excited to see. She even gave a speech.
“It meant so much to me. I’m so thankful and appreciative for the support system that I have. My family, my tennis club, my teammates, my coaches and my friends all came out. My dogs were here. I love my dogs.
“I have no words to describe it. Win or lose, they’re going to be there for me. My job is to make sure I give 110%.”
Abalos will be remembered as one of New Jersey’s best high school tennis players. To go along with her three state singles championships, during her career she won four Essex County singles titles and a Prep B singles crown.
Abalos was the clear-cut favorite in almost every match she played, yet she respected every opponent. Oftentimes she applauded and gave them verbal acknowledgment for great shots and points in the middle of the match.
The recent Notre Dame commit knew she was good, and she did a lot of winning, but she did it with grace and a love for the game.
“It’s incredible,” Wing said. “She works so hard, she’s just a great player and she’s such a good sportsman. She loves to compete. She’s a tremendous student-athlete. One of the greats. She’s special.”
Novak Djokovic Shares How He Wants to Retire from Tennis
Have there been enough breaking news notifications for tennis fans surrounding Novak Djokovic’s announcements as of late? The 24-time Grand Slam champion has a way of keeping the sport on its toes throughout the twilight of his career.
Just this past weekend, fans tuned into the lowly ATP 250 Athens just to see if Djokovic could capture his 101st career singles title against Lorenzo Musetti. Not only did the 38-year-old win, but he quickly announced that he would not compete in the 2025 ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
The always-candid Djokovic was not done making grand announcements. In the wake of his victory, the Serbian superstar revealed exactly when, where, and how he wanted to retire. Spoiler alert: the twilight of his career might be longer than we expected.
Djokovic told reporters,
Emma Raducanu Eyes Major Ranking Boost Ahead of Australian Open Grind
The 2025 season was a testament to Emma Raducanu’s growing consistency on the tour. She played a career-high 50 matches, a significant milestone that underscores her improved physical durability. Her year was a rollercoaster, beginning with a difficult period where she won only three matches before a breakthrough run to the quarter-finals of the Miami Open in March heralded a strong spring and summer. She consistently won matches against players ranked around and below her and notched impressive victories, including a dismantling of 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova at the All England Club.
This consistency helped her climb from a ranking of 61st at the start of the year to world No. 29, crucially positioning her on the cusp of a seeded spot at major tournaments. However, her season ended abruptly in October during the Asian swing, where she struggled with illness, retiring from a match in Wuhan with dizziness and later exiting the Ningbo Open after having her blood pressure checked mid-match.
Looking ahead, Raducanu has already set a definitive target for the new season. As reported by Express, the Brit said, “My goal for the coming weeks is to try to be seeded at the Australian Open. I will do everything I can to achieve that. The higher my ranking is, the better. You might have better chances of advancing in the draw, but you can still be seeded and play against the best players quite early in tournaments. There’s also an element of luck, but you have to do your best in all situations to increase your chances.”
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This goal is particularly strategic, as being seeded would offer her protection in the draw, potentially allowing her to avoid the top players in the early rounds—a luxury she did not have in the 2025 Grand Slams, where she faced Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina in her first three matches. Supporting her ambitions is the confirmed stability of her coaching setup.
Raducanu will continue her partnership with experienced coach Francisco Roig into the 2026 season. Roig, a long-time former coach of Rafael Nadal, is credited with helping Raducanu develop a more aggressive game plan and improve her overall structure since they began working together in August. This continued collaboration provides a foundation for her pre-season training, where she and Roig will focus on converting strong positions into wins. However, Raducanu isn’t the only WTA star who has been affected by the scheduling.
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Joining the list that included Emma Raducanu
In her first-round match against Ann Li in Wuhan, Emma Raducanu had to get her blood pressure checked and ended up retiring while she was down 6-1, 4-1 on a really hot and humid day. In the end, she chose not to go on with the 2025 season. The WTA season was tough, and many players, Raducanu included, definitely felt the strain.
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Daria Kasatkina then decided to wrap up her 2025 season, opening up about the emotional challenges she’s been facing lately, especially with her nationality change and other things going on. She honestly shared, “I’ve been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that. I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone.” This really highlighted just how mentally exhausting tennis can be.
Elina Svitolina hopped on board too, saying, “I’m giving myself the space I need to heal and recharge. Instead of forcing it, and when I step back on the court, I want to fight with everything I’ve got and put my best self on the court for the fans, for the game, and for myself.” So, with the season wrapping up, it seems like the WTA should really think about shaking up the scheduling a bit. It’s definitely taking a toll on their own stars.
In 1996 Chanda Rubin exploded on the world of women’s tennis
Nearly 30 years ago Chanda Rubin emerged as a force in the world of women’s tennis at only 15 years old.
Ranked as high as No. 6 in the world in singles in 1996, Rubin later competed at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open and the Australian Open and faced Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis.
Jan Swift with the Discover Lafayette podcast interviewed Rubin in 2014 as part of the Upper Lafayette On The Move series. You can listen to their conversation here.
Rubin, the daughter of Judge Ed Rubin and Bernadette Rubin, began playing the sport by hitting a ball against a chain-link fence at the family’s Carencro home. Her parents later built a tennis court behind their home.
At age 7, she was competing in tournaments. By her early teens, she was winning national titles. She turned pro at 15 and was ranked sixth in the world in 1996.
Her career singles record was 399-254 when she retired in 2006, finishing with seven WTA singles titles and 10 doubles crowns.
Rubin is a member of the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and USTA’s Southern Tennis Hall of Fame and is a respected spokesperson for her sport locally and globally. She is now a commentator for The Tennis Channel.
Where to watch Jannik Sinner vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime today: Tennis free stream
Jannik Sinner will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in his first match of the ATP Finals group stage Monday at 2:30 p.m. ET. Sinner’sm last match was against Auger-Aliassime, where he won in straight sets during the Paris Masters final.
Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime will air on Tennis Channel, and streams live on DIRECTV (free trial).
What: ATP Finals, Group Stage
Who: Jannik Sinner vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime
When: Monday, Nov. 10, 2025
Where: Inalpi Arena, Turin, Italy
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
TV: Tennis Channel
Stream: DIRECTV (free trial), fuboTV (free trial), Sling
Here’s a recent tennis story via the Associated Press:
TURIN, Italy (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz got his bid to win a first ATP Finals crown — and claim the year-end No. 1 ranking — off to a positive start on Sunday with a straight-set victory over Alex de Minaur.
Alcaraz recovered from a topsy-turvy opening set to triumph 7-6 (5), 6-2 over the seventh-seeded De Minaur in the opening match of the season-ending event for the top eight men’s players.
Ben Shelton saw three set points saved on his ATP Finals debut with two-time champion Alexander Zverev going on to beat the American 6-3, 7-6 (6).
Top-seeded Alcaraz is involved in a tussle with defending champion Jannik Sinner to end the year as No. 1 and the Spaniard can secure that — regardless of what his rival does — if he reaches the final.
It was the first time Alcaraz had won his ATP Finals opener.
“This tournament is one of the best tournaments we have on tour, without a doubt,” Alcaraz said. “We’re playing against the best players in the world, which shows how difficult and important it is.
“I’ve been struggling in the past few years to come to the end of the year with motivation. This year is a little bit different, which I’m proud about, I’m doing the right things to give myself a shot to try and win this tournament.”
Alcaraz seemed in firm control of the opening set. He had already broken De Minaur to love and threatened to do the same in the sixth game to go 5-1 up, but the Australian fought back to deuce before staving off another break point and then taking the game.
De Minaur then broke back and took the set to a tiebreaker where he had a 5-3 advantage before Alcaraz rallied.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz dominated the second set, dropping his serve early but winning all the other games and sealing the victory with a cross-court backhand on his second match point.
Taylor Fritz is also in the Jimmy Connors group with Alcaraz, De Minaur and Lorenzo Musetti, who replaced the injured Novak Djokovic.
The Bjorn Borg group has Sinner, Zverev, Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
It took the third-seeded Zverev just 28 minutes to wrap up the first set against Shelton, who then appeared to step up a gear and had a great chance to level the match in the second-set tiebreaker.
Shelton raced into a 4-0 lead and wasted three set points before sending a backhand wide to hand Zverev the victory after 93 minutes.
The top two finishers in each group advance to the semifinals.
Rafael Nadal Reveals His Mount Rushmore of Tennis Legends With a Surprising Twist
Rafael Nadal stands tall when it comes to seeing the legends and becoming one himself. The Spaniard retired last year, and his farewell ceremony at Roland Garros this year brought tears to the tennis world. He gave a lot to the sport over the last two decades. That goes without saying! His accolades speak for themselves: 22 Grand Slams, including 14 French Open titles. He is the only player to hold that many titles there. It is no small feat. Throughout his career, Nadal helped define the rivalry of the 2000s that made the Big Three stand out among tennis greats. But who would he pick to recreate a historical monument?
That’s exactly the question Nadal answered at the E1 Series finale in Miami. When asked, “Who is your Mount Rushmore of tennis players?” Rafa said without hesitation, “Rod Laver, [Novak] Djokovic, [Roger] Federer and probably myself to be honest.” When the interviewer expressed relief that he included his own name, Rafa joked, “Yes, you have to be humble but also clear. And the numbers say that.” That’s just about right!
Rod Laver is the only player in tennis history to win all four Grand Slam singles titles in a calendar year twice. He did it first in 1962 and then in 1969. The latter feat makes him the only male to do so in the Open Era. Laver won 11 major singles titles and nearly 200 career tournaments. He was ranked world No. 1 for much of the 1960s and played a key role in five Australian Davis Cup victories. His versatility on all surfaces and his dual Grand Slam achievement have cemented his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Now, putting that beside the Big Three just makes sense!
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The Big Three dominated for two decades, winning a combined 66 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic has 24, Nadal 22, and Federer 20. Each completed a career Grand Slam. Novak Djokovic holds records for a triple career Grand Slam and most weeks at No. 1. Nadal is known for his clay-court dominance. Meanwhile, Roger Federer holds the Wimbledon record. These achievements set an unprecedented standard in men’s tennis.
It would be amazing to see them carved into the side of a mountain after all they did for the sport. Nadal is not the only one who answered this question. Back in 2014, Andre Agassi gave his own version, and his answer matched Nadal’s! Agassi said, “The top four would be, not in any particular order, Nadal, (Rod) Laver, Federer and the four is absolutely an open case!” Quite a coincidence, right?
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Even years after two of the three have retired, the Big Three still dominate conversations today. They formed an unbeatable unit of three, each bringing a unique flavor to the sport. In fact, Nadal recently spoke about what sets them apart.
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Rafael Nadal speaks of the differences he noticed in his rivals
Nadal lit up the America Business Forum on November 6 as he spoke about the two rivals who shaped his career. “They are two different personalities, but ultimately, they share a great passion and love for the sport. They are major rivals who have pushed me to my limits all these years,” he said, reflecting on the force that drove all three of them. That shared hunger for the game, he added, is what made their battles unforgettable. But what came next from Nadal revealed the secret behind each champion’s greatness.
Few players have seen Roger and Novak from closer range than Rafael Nadal. He didn’t focus on trophies or records but on what truly set them apart. Against Federer, he’s played 40 times and leads 24-16, with their clashes lighting up every surface imaginable. Nadal owned most of their duels at Roland Garros, while Federer carved out his share of brilliance on grass and hard courts. Each matchup felt like a show of style and contrast that kept fans hooked for nearly two decades.
His rivalry with Djokovic runs even deeper. They have battled more than 50 times, with the Serbian holding the narrow edge. Their marathon encounters became the pulse of an era that defined modern tennis. Together, the trio built something rarer than dominance: sustained excellence and respect that turned competition into collaboration in pushing boundaries.
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When Rafael Nadal described their difference, it came straight from the heart. “Federer was a slightly more magical player from the point of view of pure talent and inspiration, while Djokovic is someone who is a bit more hardworking with a work ethic and a winning mentality that are hard to beat.”
So there you have it! It was Federer’s flair and Djokovic’s grit that shaped him as much as his own drive did. And through all those years, the respect they shared became the true highlight of a golden age in tennis. What do you think? Would you pick them for a tennis version of Mount Rushmore?
Top-seeded CdM girls’ tennis blanks Sage Hill in playoff opener
Corona del Mar High girls’ tennis got an interesting draw to open the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.
The Sea Kings faced off Friday against Sage Hill, their Newport Coast neighbors from just down State Route 73.
This led to rekindling some familiar matchups, with CdM senior Emilie Lew and Sage Hill senior Alexia Beyrath facing off at No. 1 singles.
“I’ve known her for a long time, I’ve played her countless times,” Lew said. “It kind of felt like an old memory, I guess you could say, because we’ve known each other for so long.”
Sage Hill had maybe its most talented team in program history this year, advancing to the top CIF division for the first time. Still, Corona del Mar advanced easily, earning an 18-0 quarterfinal victory at its home courts.
Top-seeded CdM (19-0) will host No. 4-seeded Mater Dei (13-1) in a Division 1 semifinal match Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Coach Jamie Gresh’s Sunset League champion Sea Kings are going for their 11th section championship, and first since 2019.
Lew beat Beyrath 6-4 in that opening set, one of a few close scores in the match, but CdM was simply too strong. CdM senior Polina Briggs and sophomore Julia Cross also swept in singles.
The CdM doubles teams of freshmen Addie DiNicola and Sienna Lynn, seniors Isabel Roytman and Sasha Briggs, as well as sophomore Madi Jackson and freshman Brynn Patterson, also swept.
“I think honestly, this season got better as it went on,” said Lew, the Sunset League singles champion. “The seniors and all of the other players on the team in the past grew closer to the freshmen, and we felt more as a whole together. As our connections grew, during practice and during the matches, our tennis got even better. We all felt comfortable to play on the same team.
“In practice, if there’s better competition, you play better in the matches as well. It was nice to see the progression from the very beginning, when people were a little timid about how the season was going to go.”
DiNicola and Lynn have been playing doubles together all season, though Lynn teamed with Cross to win the Sunset League doubles crown.
“It’s good to get a feel of how it is,” said DiNicola of playing on varsity as a freshman. “I think we’re both aggressive players, and that’s why we work well together.”
The teams gathered near the third singles court at the end to watch the final set to complete, with Polina Briggs beating Sage Hill senior captain Ella Wong by a 7-5 score.
Lightning coach Whit Kenerson said his team was the best in his decade at the school. Sage Hill finished top three in the tough Pacific Coast League for the first time to earn an automatic berth into the postseason.
“Sage, a tiny private school, playing against the big dogs?” Beyrath said. “It has been tough, but that’s also what has made our team stronger. I feel like great competition has pushed us to D1, and made us a better team. I wouldn’t have it any other way; I like being challenged.”
CdM, which lost in the semifinals last season, also expects to be challenged. Still, the Sea Kings will advance to the Division 1 title match at University of Redlands on Friday with one more victory.
“I’m glad we have a good chance during my senior year,” Lew said. “It’s really special when it’s like your last chance, and you get to hopefully go all the way. We have a good chance, so we’re really for it.”
Ons Jabeur announces pregnancy, takes break from tennis
Nov 10 (Reuters) – Tunisia’s former world number two Ons Jabeur announced on Monday that she is expecting her first child and will take an extended break from professional tennis.
Ons Jabeur Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby with Husband Karim Kamoun
Months after announcing that she would take a hiatus from the sport, Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur is now sharing that she’s pregnant with her first child.
The Wimbledon finalist wrote that her return to the court would have to “wait a little longer” because she’s expecting a baby boy, according to a Nov. 10 post to her Instagram account.
“Took a little break to reset and recharge,” Jabeur wrote. “Turns out, we’ve been planning the cutest comeback ever.”
“Soon… we’ll be welcoming our tiniest teammate,” she added.
This is Jabeur’s first child with husband Karim Kamoun, a fitness trainer and former professional fencer. The couple have been married since 2015, when they announced their wedding in a post to Jabeur’s X account.
In the sweet video announcing their new addition to the family, Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” plays in the background as Jabeur and Kamoun embrace. Kamoun’s holding a tiny tennis racket while Kamoun holds a tiny onesie.
The tennis world responded to Jabeur’s announcement with excitement for the couple, including a “congratulations” from the official Wimbledon account and three heart-eyes emojis from Czech tennis star Karolína Muchová.
“OMG!!!! I’m so happy for you guys 🥹,” wrote Greek tennis pro Maria Sakkari.
Prior to her hiatus from the sport, Jabeur saw significant tennis success and took some tough losses. In 2022, she became the #2 ranked women’s tennis player in the world according to the Women’s Tennis Association. That same year, she advanced to the Wimbledon final, which she lost to Elena Rybakina. She also played in the US Open final in 2022, losing to Iga Świątek. She returned to the Wimbledon final in 2023, and lost to Marketa Vondrousova.
In 2023, Jabeur won the WTA Finals, hosted in Mexico, and announced that she would donate a portion of her winnings to benefit people in Palestine. “I can’t be happy with this win,” she said at the time. “It is not a political message, it is humanity. I want peace in this world. That’s it.”
In 2024, Jabeur sustained a shoulder injury that forced her to withdraw from the U.S. Open. She vowed to return to the court in 2025, and made her comeback at this year’s Australian Open. After being knocked out of Wimbledon in the third round, she made the decision in July to take a hiatus from professional tennis, according to the BBC.
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PGA Tour returning to Ashville for the first time in 86 years as it adds to fall schedule
ASHVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The PGA Tour is returning to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for the first time in 86 years, announcing Monday a FedEx Cup Fall event starting next September to be sponsored by the Biltmore Estate and Explore Ashville.
The Biltmore Championship in Asheville is scheduled for Sept. 17-20, 2026, the second new fall event the tour has announced in the last month. It will be held at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, a Jack Nicklaus signature design.
North Carolina already has the Truist Championship in Charlotte (May) and Wyndham Championship in Greensboro (August).
The PGA Tour was last in Asheville in 1942, a four-year run of a tournament called Land of the Sky Open. Ben Hogan won his first individual tour title in 1940, the start of winning three in a row at Asheville.
It was held a week before the Masters from 1940 through 1942. Now it will be the third week in September at a time most players are simply trying to retain their PGA Tour cards.
The LPGA Tour played in Ashville from 1957 through 1960.
The announcement of the four-year deal with Asheville adds to a growing Fall 2026 schedule. The Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas, will be Nov. 12-15. Other Fall Series events for 2026 include stops in Utah, Japan, Mexico, Bermuda and the southeast Georgia coast.
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PGA Tour returns to Asheville for first time in 86 years with fall event
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The PGA Tour is returning to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for the first time in 86 years with a FedEx Cup Fall event in September.
The Biltmore Championship in Asheville, sponsored by the Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville, is scheduled for Sept. 17-20 — the second new fall event the tour has announced in the last month. It will be held at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, a Jack Nicklaus signature design.
North Carolina already has the Truist Championship in Charlotte (May) and Wyndham Championship in Greensboro (August).
The PGA Tour was last in Asheville in 1942, a four-year run of a tournament called Land of the Sky Open. Ben Hogan won his first individual tour title in 1940, the start of winning three in a row at Asheville.
It was held a week before the Masters from 1940 through 1942. Now it will be the third week in September at a time most players are simply trying to retain their PGA Tour cards.
The LPGA Tour played in Asheville from 1957 through 1960.
The announcement of the four-year deal with Asheville adds to a growing Fall 2026 schedule. The Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas, will be Nov. 12-15. Other Fall Series events for 2026 include stops in Utah, Japan, Mexico, Bermuda and the southeast Georgia coast.
Golf Fans All Say Same Thing as PGA Tour Returns to U.S. City After 84 Years With New Event
The 2026 season has seen some unexpected changes in the schedule. The biggest one was probably the exclusion of the season-opening Signature event, The Sentry. After the PGA of America adjudged the Kapalua Plantation Course to be unplayable to host the event, it was taken off the calendar for next season. Then, possibly to Rory McIlroy‘s dislike, they announced the addition of the Good Good Championship sponsored by Good Good Golf. And now, the PGA Tour has given another big update.
As revealed by NUCLR GOLF, “🚨⛳️🏌️ #NEW — The PGA Tour announces the Biltmore Championship in Asheville as new 2026 Fall event (Sept. 17-20). The event will take place at Jack Nicklaus designed The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in North Carolina.” After the Good Good Championship, which was already added to the FedEx Cup Fall events schedule, the Biltmore Championship is the second tournament that will join the ranks after the playoffs next season.
The tournament will be co-hosted by Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville. This will be the first time a tournament will be played in Asheville in 2026 since 1942. The last time the PGA Tour hosted an event here was The Asheville Land of the Sky Open. It was officially played from 1939 to 1942. Interestingly, Ben Hogan won each of them. The LPGA Tour also hosted a tournament in the region, the Asheville Open, which was played till 1960.
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After the PGA Tour dropped the news, most of the fans had the same reaction. And it was all directed towards the Jack Nicklaus 2005-designed golf course. Let’s see what they had to say.
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PGA Tour’s new event for 2026 gets fans excited
As exciting as the fans were about the PGA Tour returning to Asheville, they were happier to learn that the Biltmore Championship will be played on The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. One of them said, “It’s pretty good up here in WNC,” sharing a picturesque view of the course. Looking at the challenging sandtraps and the beautiful fairways with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background certainly makes it look like the course is pretty good.
Giving a more detailed summary of the course, someone wrote, “This is a course I’ve read about and hope to play (before we attend a wedding in the area) .. supposed to be three or four courses built around an exclusive community of BIG DOUGH homes .. it can play really long 7200yds+ or short ~5000yds. Great choice PGA!” As it will host a PGA Tour event, they would probably prefer opting for the longer part of the course. So long-range hitters like Rory McIlroy would enjoy driving through the big fairways. Even though he doesn’t usually participate in the Fall events.
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Looking at how beautiful the course was, one of the netizens complained, “Why can’t some of these course make the regular season schedule NOT THE FEEDER SEASON.” They were hoping to see such a beautiful course being played on during the main season of the FedEx Cup. Stars like Scottie Scheffler & Co. might not opt to play in the Biltmore Championship because of that.
Coming back to acknowledging the amazing course, someone wrote, “This course looks sickkkkkk.” After browsing through some of the pictures, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove will certainly be a visually appealing venue every fan would love to watch pros play at. Even if the top golfers don’t decide to play in the event.
However, while commending the beauty, one fan also criticized the challenges the course might present. They wrote, “Played it. Beautiful, fun, unique course. However, the pros will abuse this course. Predicting the winner at like -28.” While there are a few holes on the course that present a difficult challenge, like the par-3 #7, there are also a few awfully easy fairways on the course, like the par-5 #8. That is probably why the Biltmore Championship has been pushed into the Fall season.
Fans Divided Over Jack Nicklaus Course Hosting New PGA Tour Event
Fans are debating the PGA Tour’s decision to host its new event, the Biltmore Championship, at the Jack Nicklaus–designed Cliffs at Walnut Cove. The PGA Tour has announced plans to add a third event to the 2026 FedEx Fall season and confirmed that the tournament will take place at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in North Carolina from September 17–20. The course, which opened in 2005, has hosted several Korn Ferry Tour events and is home to the UNC Asheville women’s golf team.
PGA Tour Announces New Event
The Tour announced on Monday that it will stage a new event one week before the 2026 Presidents Cup. The tournament will be part of the Tour’s Fall Series and will run under a four-year deal with co-sponsors Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville. With this addition, North Carolina joins California, Texas, and Florida as the only states that host three Tour events each year.
The Asheville stop is one of two new events coming in 2026, along with the Good Good Championship in Austin. Both arrive at a time when the Tour is keeping close watch on its size. While the Tour has reduced the number of full-status players to just 100, it will still schedule around 42 or 43 tournaments from January through November.
PGA Tour Chief Competitions Officer Tyler Dennis said in a statement, “After more than eight decades since the Asheville Land of the Sky Open, we’re pleased to return to the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, a proud name synonymous with the region.”
Fans Undecided If The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Should Host New Event
Many fans have expressed their feelings following the announcement that the Jack Nicklaus–designed Cliffs at Walnut Cove will host the Biltmore Championship. While some fans praise the course as the perfect venue for the new event, others argue that the Tour should host the tournament elsewhere.
“This is a course I’ve read about and hope to play (before we attend a wedding in the area)… supposed to be three or four courses built around an exclusive community of BIG DOUGH homes… it can play really long, 7,200 yds+, or short, ~5,000 yds. Great choice, PGA!” a fan praised the PGA Tour for choosing the course.
“LOVE that golf course. Pros will eat it alive, though!” another fan wrote, endorsing the PGA Tour’s choice of The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
However, some fans were not so pleased with the hosting the new event at the course. “Jack Nicklaus course? I’m out. He makes the worst golf courses imaginable,” a fan said.
“There will never be a PGA tour stop in the Pacific Northwest will there?” another fan asked.
The PGA Tour’s decision to bring the Biltmore Championship to The Cliffs at Walnut Cove highlights its commitment to exploring new markets while preserving classic course design. The venue’s ability to win over fans remains uncertain, but its debut promises to add another exciting chapter to the Tour’s growing Fall Series.
How PGA Tour should alter FedEx Cup Fall format after adding two new tournaments
The PGA Tour on Monday announced that a new tournament will join the FedEx Cup Fall schedule next season, the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, North Carolina. It will be held at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, one week before the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club.
The Biltmore Championship marks the second change to the PGA Tour’s fall swing as the Good Good Championship was previously announced as joining the slate. That event will be held at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa’s Fazio Canyons Course in Austin, Texas.
Reading the tea leaves, it appears as if the 2026 FedEx Cup Fall will look relatively the same in terms of overall tournaments being played.
The Mexico Open, typically held in the regular season, was not on the 2026 schedule; it will instead take place next October. Baycurrent debuted as a new title sponsor in 2025, and it is on board for multiple years, while the Bank of Utah and World Wide Technology have deals through 2027. RSM and Butterfield go through 2028, leaving the Procore Championship in Napa, California, and the Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi, in flux.
If the fall schedule holds or grows, what did PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp mean this past summer when he announced that a new competition committee would be driven by three principles: competitive parity, simplicity and scarcity?
If scarcity was going to be employed for a portion of the PGA Tour schedule, FedEx Cup Fall would be the first place to pare back, especially when considering what has taken place the last few seasons — fewer PGA Tour cards up for grabs, smaller fields, elimination of Monday qualifiers, etc.
However, whittling down the number of fall tournaments would contradict what Rolapp believes to be one of the PGA Tour’s greatest strengths (another one of those three principles): competitive parity.
Limited edition golf driver deals – save big on drivers that stand out from the crowd
If you’re in the market for a new driver to improve your golf game, PGA Tour Superstore has some great deals on clubs running just about all the time. But right now, the massive golf retailer has several limited edition drivers on sale from brands like Callaway, Cobra and TaylorMade.
There are European and American designs, a blacked out Elyte and some out there looks from Cobra. Anyone who likes showing up to the course looking different from their playing partners will be sure to love these deals.
Cobra DS-ADAPT Max-K Limited Edition: was $649 now $499
TaylorMade Qi35 Designer Series Matte Platinum Driver: was $649 now $549
TaylorMade Qi35 Max Designer Series Matte Gold Driver: was $649 now $549
TaylorMade Qi35 Teams Edition Europe Driver: was $649 now $549
TaylorMade Qi35 Teams Edition USA Driver: was $649 now $549
Callaway ELYTE Night Edition X Driver: was $649 now $549
Limited edition golf driver deals
Save $150
Cobra DS-ADAPT Max-K Limited Edition: was $649 now $499 at PGA TOUR Superstore
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This DS-ADAPT Max-K offers the maximum forgiveness allowed within the rules of golf. It also offers more adjustability than any other driver on the market. And just look at that awesome design, which is sure to grab attention. And this isn’t the only color on sale; you can get the Volition, Arnold Palmer and Palm Tree Crew for the same price with the same level of forgiveness.
TaylorMade Qi35 Designer Series Matte Platinum Driver: was $649 now $549 at PGA TOUR Superstore
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I don’t feel like I need to say much about this one. It’s a platinum driver from TayorMade in the company’s beloved QI35 line. Available in right and left-handed versions, this driver has two movable weights that let you set it up for the shots you want to hit.
TaylorMade Qi35 Max Designer Series Matte Gold Driver: was $649 now $549 at PGA TOUR Superstore
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This is the same driver as the platinum model, but, in my opinion, it’s even more visually appealing. If you show up to the course with a gold driver, there’s no way you won’t be the coolest person there. Even if your game doesn’t back up the awesome color, at least you’ll know you look cool.
TaylorMade Qi35 Teams Edition USA Driver: was $649 now $549 at PGA TOUR Superstore
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If you’re on Team America for the Ryder Cup (not literally, unless you’re a member of the actual roster reading this), you can get the limited edition Qi35 Team Edition driver decked out in USA colors. It also somewhat resembles Spider-Man colors, but I don’t think that’s what they were aiming for. Either way, it looks great and definitely stands out from the basic-looking clubs on the market.
TaylorMade Qi35 Teams Edition Europe Driver: was $649 now $549 at PGA TOUR Superstore
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For fans of Europe, this limited edition driver is perfect. It features a beautiful European map tastefully placed at the bottom, complemented by blue and gold colors that add visual interest. Additionally, it’s a TaylorMade Qi35, one of the top drivers of this year.
Callaway https://www.pgatoursuperstore.com/elyte-night-edition-x-driver/2000000054575.html: was $649 now $549 at PGA TOUR Superstore
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Whole TaylorMade and Cobra went with more in-your-face limited edition drivers, Callaway went the opposite, offering a blacked-out version of its Elyte X. Called the Night Edition, it features the same level of quality as the regular Elyte, but in an all-black package. It’s beautiful and $100 off.
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TOPICS
Jim Furyk Urges Tiger Woods to “Dip a Toe” Into Senior Circuit as His PGA Tour Comeback Hits a Snag
It was early September when Tiger Woods looked buff as he swung his club, sending the balls far off. He had the Hero World Challenge in a few months, and fans were almost sure of a comeback. That was until the news of another surgery rolled in. Suddenly, the idea of a full PGA Tour return felt dead. But if Woods takes Jim Furyk’s advice, there’s another path waiting for him.
“I think, honestly, the first thing I’d say is you got to dip a toe… I think just dip a toe, come see what it’s about. Come see if you like it. It’s a lot less taxing on all of us. It’s a lot less taxing on your body,” said Furyk on the Golf Channel Podcast on Monday. Tiger Woods will turn 50 on 30th December, officially becoming eligible to play on the Senior Tour.
For Furyk, such insights come from his own experience. In 2020, he turned 50 and, in all honesty, was not ready to switch gears to the Senior Tour. But when he did, he won the first two starts (The Ally Challenge and The Pure Insurance Championship), becoming the only player after Bruce Fleisher to do so. Still, he didn’t give up the main circuit, eventually dividing his schedule to fit both calendars, as he shared.
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“The first full year…I played seven PGA tour events,” he explained. “I played probably 15 Champions Tour events and then every year I went to three, and then I went to one, and then I went, ‘Yeah, it’s time for me to kind of move on.’” The move came when Furyk finally understood the appeal of the Senior Tour, which he is emphasizing to Woods as well.
For the middle-aged players, whose bodies are now wearing down, the shorter rounds, lighter schedules, and most particularly (For Furyk) the carts during practice rounds offer a great respite. “I love the carts in a practice round. Greatest invention of all time,” he says with a smile, but in all seriousness, and we all know what Tiger thinks of using golf carts at PGA Tour events.
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Furyk is not required to play a practice round on the Champions Tour, but on the PGA Tour, he’ll have to play “nine holes in three hours.” That pace and structure can be daunting on a body. But the three rounds Senior Tour — a “track meet” as he calls it — helps bring the fun back for players in their 50s.
“Enjoy it,” he said. “It might take a few months, but then one by one, everyone says, ‘You know what? I kind of like this Champions Tour thing. This is a little bit more fun, a little easier on my body.’”
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Then there’s also a precedent for players who might want to actually revive their career. Remember Bernhard Langer? He joined the Tour in 2007 and ended up collecting 47 wins, including 12 senior major titles, the most in the Champions Tour history. He is 68 now, and he continues to perform well. His Champions Tour resume now surpasses his PGA Tour and European Tour circuit combined.
By that definition, Tiger Woods might be the apt choice. The last time he won a tournament was in 2019 (Zozo Championship). This might give him that winning spree back, which is unlikely on the main circuit as young players like Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, and others keep dominating.
Moreover, the senior tour seems more than prepared to accommodate the Woods into their roster.
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The Champions Tour is more than ready to have Tiger Woods
In any event that Tiger Woods decides to play in, there are several logistics that need to be kept in mind. Inarguably, he’s the biggest golfer of the modern era, and an increase in security, buses, and a place to hold a larger fan base goes without saying. Just a few days back, PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady confirmed that they’re ready with all that.
“We’re ready. We’re well prepared,” Brady told Golf Channel. “We’ve done some whiteboarding over the past year in preparation for Tiger turning 50, and if and when he plays, our tournaments will be prepared.”
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At the same time, Jim Furyk thinks Woods joining hands with the Senior Tour will be mutually beneficial for both parties.
“Huge impact,” he said on the podcast about Tiger Woods’ impact on the Champions Tour. Furyk also believes that, as compared to the PGA Tour, the senior circuit is far more valuable. “We play in a lot of cities where the tour doesn’t go,” he explains. “Midwest cities, Sou Falls, Madison, Wisconsin. We go to a number of amazing communities, raise a lot of money for charity.”
Every tournament on the PGA Tour Champions joins hands with the local charities of that city. In 2024, the American Family Insurance Championship raised over $2.5 M, which they distributed to children’s hospitals and other local charities.
The Biltmore Championship: A Beacon of Hope for Asheville’s Remarkable Recovery
If you’ve spent any time in the Asheville area, like I have, you know how special this place is. So when the PGA TOUR announced they’re bringing professional golf back here, after 80-plus years, I had to stop and think about what that actually means. The Biltmore Championship arrives in September 2026 as part of the FedExCup Fall series, bringing the world’s best players to the Blue Ridge Mountains. And the timing? It matters. This is about Asheville showing the world it’s still standing, still thriving. Western North Carolina has been through hell and back, and now we get to host something like this.
Rising from the Storm
The timing here matters — a lot. Just over a year ago, Tropical Storm Helene left historic devastation across the Asheville region, forever changing the landscape and lives of countless residents. The storm’s impact was catastrophic, testing the resolve of a community known for its warmth, creativity, and mountain-strong determination. Yet here we are, celebrating the arrival of a world-class sporting event that will shine an international spotlight on this remarkable area.
When they unveiled the Biltmore Championship at a celebratory event held at Biltmore Estate, surrounded by community leaders from across the region, it wasn’t just about golf. It was a declaration. Asheville is back. Western North Carolina is open for business. The recovery efforts have yielded tangible, inspiring results. As Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, noted, this tournament will draw more than 100 players, thousands of spectators, and millions of dollars in direct spending for area businesses, along with hours of live national television coverage showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
The Perfect Partnership
The four-year agreement bringing together the PGA TOUR, Biltmore Estate, and Explore Asheville as co-title sponsors makes perfect sense. These iconic brands capture the essence of the region. Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home and one of the most visited attractions in the country, has been synonymous with elegance, hospitality, and the Asheville experience for generations. Pairing this legendary name with professional golf creates an irresistible draw for visitors and television audiences alike.
Mark Hemphill, chief marketing officer of Biltmore, captured the significance perfectly: “Bringing a world-class golf tournament to the mountains of North Carolina creates an opportunity to make a positive, enduring impact on our community and economy.” He’s right. PGA TOUR events generate substantial charitable impacts for their host communities each year, and the economic ripple effects extend far beyond tournament week.
A Course Worthy of Champions
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove will serve as the tournament venue. Located in Arden, just minutes from Asheville Regional Airport and a short drive from downtown Asheville, this Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece is ranked among the top courses in North Carolina. The 7,167-yard layout sits in a valley bordering the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway, with 18 holes that wind through former farmland and the streams and woodlands of mountain laurel.
Nicklaus himself has said about Walnut Cove, “Areas on this course make you feel as if you are playing through a natural forest.” The front nine crosses open fields that were once farmlands. The back nine threads through cascading streams and native woodlands. It’s golf as it was intended, inextricably part of nature, with that feeling of “aaah” happening on every tee. The course’s natural beauty and championship-caliber design will provide a stunning backdrop for Golf Channel broadcasts and PGA TOUR LIVE coverage on ESPN+.
A Historic Return
The Biltmore Championship marks the PGA TOUR’s first event in Asheville in more than 80 years. You have to go back to the Asheville Land of the Sky Open to find the last one. That tournament, which became an official PGA TOUR event from 1939 to 1942, featured World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Hogan winning the final three consecutive titles beginning in 1940. The new championship will be the seventh all-time TOUR event in the city, reconnecting Asheville with its rich golf heritage.
Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR chief competitions officer, acknowledged this history: “After more than eight decades since the Asheville Land of the Sky Open, the PGA TOUR is pleased to make its return to the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, a proud name synonymous with the region.”
Looking Ahead
When September 17-20, 2026 rolls around, the Biltmore Championship will mean something bigger than four days of tournament golf. It’s about recovery, yes — but also about showing the world what this region has always been: resilient, beautiful, and worth the trip.
If you know Asheville, if you’ve spent time in these mountains or seen how this community pulls together when it matters, you understand why this tournament feels significant. It’s a homecoming. And honestly, it’s a fresh start too.
Max Homa Joins Fans in Celebrating Fellow PGA Tour Pro’s Big Announcement With His Wife
2025 was a year of fatherhood on the PGA Tour. Xander Schauffele began his fatherhood journey amid the Ryder Cup beat in August, while Jordan Spieth welcomed his third child. Justin Thomas was seen embracing fatherhood after winning the RBC Heritage. Now, 30-year-old Maverick McNealy has joined the list, welcoming his firstborn, Adeline, with his wife, Maya.
“I didn’t know I could love two people so much… Maya and I are so excited to welcome baby Adeline to our family. Addie, thank you for welcoming me to parenthood so, umm, uniquely!! 🤍 mothers are superheroes!!” he wrote on Instagram. His message was coated with pure happiness, reflecting future life beyond the greens.
The moment marks a fresh chapter for the couple. He and his wife, Maya, share a warm and supportive relationship rooted in understanding and balance. They got married in late 2023 after a Lake Tahoe proposal, and have grown together through the highs and lows of life on Tour. Maya often travels with Maverick, offering steady encouragement and perspective, and he frequently credits her for keeping him grounded and focused as he continues to chase success on the PGA Tour.
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While still chasing his first Tour win, he has delivered consistent performances and continues to climb the ranks. Although his past few performances have been underwhelming, with a missed cut at the Black Desert Championship, he continues to improve his game. A T23 at the Open shows his ability to deliver results under pressure, cementing his name among the elites. Moreover, his steady growth reflects years of patience and belief.
This joyful news immediately lit up golf social media with heartfelt, exciting energy. Fans were quick to pour in, flooding his post with celebration, humor, and pure love for the little one and his mother.
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Golfers and fans send heartfelt congratulations
Min Woo Lee wrote “congrats!!!”. “That last slide is what it’s all about,” wrote Thomas, talking about a cute video of Maverick looking happily overwhelmed as he held his newborn.
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Mother of two, retired LPGA pro, Michelle Wie West was over the moon, too. “YAYYYYYYYYY CONGRATS,” she commented.
Annika Sorenstam, also a mother of two teenage children, congratulated Maverick. “Congratulations 🍼👶🏻,” she wrote.
Harry Hall, unable to find words, tried to express his joy with emoticons, as he typed, “😍🙌”
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Max Homa liked the post, joining in the celebration.
One fan wrote, “How wonderful this new adventure will be! Cheers to you all💗.” Another added humor, saying, “Congrats to you both! 💕👏🏽 & hilarious. The first of many blowouts 🤣🫣.”
Messages continued with heartfelt simplicity: “Awww!!! Love these. Congrats to you guys!” Wisdom rolled in too, with, “Congratulations, Mav – best job you can ever have. Wishing you and your growing family the best!!”
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One new parent connected deeply, sharing, “Congrats Mav! My daughter is 8 days old. We can do this 🤝.”
Kaulig Racing Ally Breaks Silence After Backlash Over Tony Stewart Return Rumors
At Nashville’s Fairgrounds Speedway, the 19-year-old rising star Dawson Sutton won the All-American 400, a 300-lap Super Late Model showdown that’s tested drivers for 40 years. It was a hometown victory for Sutton, who lives just 20 minutes from the track in his Tennessee home. The win carried extra weight after a near miss last season. “It’s awesome! You know, this is the one that I always wanted to win the All American 400. So it’s super cool,” the young driver said with hometown pride.
Yet the grid felt incomplete without Cup Series driver Chase Elliott, who couldn’t participate because of a schedule mix-up and Jake Garcia’s prior commitment to complete the event. But Elliott’s absence gave the opportunity to the young NASCAR phenom to shine with the signature guitar trophy, something that’s always been on his bucket list.
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Sutton steals the show at home
In a Frontstretch post-race interview fresh off the track, 19-year-old Dawson Sutton was very happy celebrating his dream win, which felt like redemption after last year’s near miss. “Yeah, it feels great. I feel like, like you said, we were really close last year. Just to get this one really just means a lot. I’ve always wanted this one, especially since it’s my home track and, you know, I live 20 minutes from here,” Sutton said, his voice steady amid the celebrations.
.@dawsonsutton_ talks about winning the 2025 ASA STARS All American 400 at his home track in Nashville with @UTKnoxville sponsorship. pic.twitter.com/LcXqIyQWwK
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) November 10, 2025
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This victory, his second ASA STARS win of 2025 after the Glass City 200, shows his rise from 2024 Truck Series rookie to full-time driver for the Rackley W.A.R. team. This season in Trucks, he finished 18th in points with a career-best fourth at Talladega.
The win also meant a lot for Dawson team owner Willie Allen, as he said, “It’s so big…We’ve tried for so long. We’ve got the pole, led the most laps, had something break. It’s huge. We’ve been trying since, I don’t even know, the mid-2000s or something. It means so much.” Dawson had had 11 starts here in the past, but with no wins. This one finally adds the long-awaited guitar trophy to the shelf.
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Sutton’s win came because of his strategy and grit, as he battled Cole Butcher before gaining momentum on lap 209. “Yeah, I feel like we were pretty, pretty equal. He was definitely really solid, especially exiting off the corner. He had loads of drive off, but overall, I feel like we were pretty, pretty similar. He just beat me with track position, and it’s really hard to pass, especially here,” he explained, crediting his crew’s setup for 93 laps led and a 1.179-second win margin over Carson Brown.
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Butcher, despite fading to 14th position due to handling problems, dominated early stages and led 202 laps in the race. Sutton’s win here is a nod to his late-model roots, where he won the Fairgrounds Pro Late Model title in 2024.
Earlier rumors suggested Elliott would race for Ricky Turner’s team. But his absence from the event was because of a misunderstanding about the calendar confusion. “We had talked about the All-American at a couple different points, but I think it was after you mentioned it to me, actually, because I had no idea. But anyways, I inquired about it. I had interest. I love The Fairgrounds. Jake was pretty committed to doing it and wanted to do it. He had kind of got there first. That was totally fine,” the Hendrick star told Steven Taranto.
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In 2014, past winners like Elliott brought Cup experience to the event, but his step-back this season allowed Sutton, who was also mentored by Kevin Harvick, to claim the limelight unchallenged. This win was not only a bucket list for Sutton, but it will also fuel his Truck Series growth and Snowball Derby bid, signaling a racer ready for bigger stages.
While Sutton celebrated under Nashville lights, another young gun navigated the same asphalt for the first time.
Keelan Harvick’s take on Nashville’s pro late model debut
At 13, Keelan Harvick, Kevin Harvick’s son, dove into the nasty turns of Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway for the Pro Late Model All-American 100. This was his latest step on his racing journey. Keelan has been driving in Limited and Super Late Model races since 2024, often with Rackley W.A.R.
The half-mile flat track, known for being hard on tires but with extra banking, tested his instincts early. He spun on a restart, which dropped him to an eighth-place finish, but the experience of running here sharpened his edge for upcoming dad-son races at Kern County.
Harvick owned the learning curve, praising his team’s prep amid the chaos. “You know, Rackley WAR brought me a pretty fast car. Just had to tweak several things on my driving part. I kind of got lifted up on that restart. That kind of put me back. I really had nowhere to go through the wreck. Just unfortunate,” he told Steven Taranto, his tone mixing frustration with resolve.
That pile-up, which is common on restarts here, cost him laps but highlighted the track’s unforgiving nature. Keelan’s top ten finish, despite those wrecks, built on his 2025 junior stock car wins, showing confidence beyond his years in a field of vets.
The debut left Harvick hooked on new venues, eyeing growth from every spin. “Just like Florence, it’s abrasive, but it has more banking than Florence. It’s really cool to just come out and try these new tracks,” he added, grinning at the challenge. With Kevin’s lessons in the mix, Keelan’s wreck-to-resilience story points to bolder 2026 pushes, blending family legacy with fresh Fairgrounds fire.
Four way-too-early storylines for the 2026 NASCAR season
The NASCAR rumor mill is spinning yet again. Kasey Kahne’s gradual reentry into stock-car racing and Tony Stewart’s public longing for NASCAR have fueled rumors of a stunning comeback. Reports suggest Ram Trucks could return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, possibly featuring NASCAR legends.
Ram’s CEO Tim Kuniskis hinted at Stewart’s inclusion, while the man himself admitted, “I’m definitely planning on coming back to NASCAR races… I miss a lot of things about NASCAR and most of all the people.” With Leah Pruett’s NHRA return freeing up his schedule and Kahne already making a strong Xfinity appearance at Rockingham in 2025, the timing seems right. However, his fans say otherwise.
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Insiders reveal why the Tony Stewart rumor sparked unexpected outrage among fans
The speculation surrounding Stewart’s dramatic, though likely brief, return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has moved swiftly from rumor to near certainty, fueled by multiple industry sources confirming the plan. The buzz centers on a 5th Kaulig Racing truck, backed by the returning manufacturer RAM, which is being designed as an “all-star” entry.
The initial whispers of “big names” eventually solidified into concrete targets: both Stewart and former Cup star Kasey Kahne. The information gained significant traction when veterans Freddie Kraft and Tommy Baldwin Jr. mentioned the “pretty cool names” planned for the Kaulig/RAM effort on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, aligning perfectly with the names later floated on the popular SiriusXM show with Mike Skinner.
The potential return of the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is particularly noteworthy given his famously acrimonious relationship with the sanctioning body in the final years of his driving career. Stewart had been publicly sour with NASCAR, often criticizing the direction of the sport, which led many to assume he would never again compete in a NASCAR event.
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However, multiple factors have converged to change his stance. Crucially, the Truck Series has undergone significant rule and procedure changes, and the upcoming points system change may now put the sport in a more favorable position for Stewart. Furthermore, the core motivation for his participation is clearly transactional and centered on his current corporate partners, not a love of the Cup Series.
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The true driver behind this surprising comeback is the financial power and marketing strategy of Stellantis is committed to making a splash with the RAM brand’s return to NASCAR in 2026, launching a major marketing effort that includes a TV show and various other projects. Stewart is already deeply tied to Stellantis, as the Dodge brand pays for a significant portion of his NHRA drag racing bills through the championship-winning Tony Stewart Racing nitro program.
If this deal happens, the reasoning is simple: it’ll be more about Stellantis and Stewart than it is about NASCAR. The OEM is leveraging its financial relationship with Smoke to generate massive, immediate headlines and media attention for its new racing initiative, creating a spectacular ‘BANG’ upon its re-entry.
The all-star concept, which likely involves only a handful of races combined for stars like Stewart and Kahne, provides RAM with maximum media value for minimal financial commitment to a single driver. This strategy of leveraging a high-profile retired star, who is not constrained by manufacturer contracts with Chevy or Ford, opens the door to a host of other legendary drivers.
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Industry speculation suggests that if Smoke and Kahne are legitimate options, then names like Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, and Matt Kenseth could also be possibilities for the rotating seat. RAM’s stated goal is unequivocally to make headlines, and deploying a roster of popular, proven champions from the past is the most effective way to grab attention from both legacy fans and media outlets.
For fans eager to see champions from a precious era back in a stock car, the prospect of a two-time Cup champion like Stewart sharing a RAM truck with fan-favorites like Kahne presents a highly anticipated nostalgia trip, regardless of the behind-the-scenes corporate machinations that made it possible. However, Smoke himself has one big racing regret.
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Tony Stewart reflects on the one race that slipped through his grasp
For all of Tony Stewart’s accolades, including 3 Cup Series titles, 49 wins, and a legacy that spans NASCAR, IndyCar, and dirt, there remains one box left unticked. In a candid conversation with FloRacing’s Dylan Welch ahead of the 2025 World 100 at Eldora Speedway, Stewart admitted, “It’s pretty damn high, in all honesty. I mean, especially when you own the racetrack… I never, you know, I led the Dream, and Scott Bloomquist and I had one of the best duels at a Dream that I’ve ever seen, but yeah, the World…”
That “World” is the World 100, Eldora’s crown jewel and one of dirt racing’s most demanding events. Stewart revealed that despite his countless laps at the Ohio track he owns, he’s never qualified for the main event. “I remember the first time I came to the World 100, we were literally parked by Earl’s house because there were, I think, 212 entries or something,” he recalled. “And back then, it was when they had two rounds of single-lap qualifying… I got to run a non-qualified feature. That was as close as I got.”
For a man who’s conquered nearly every form of motorsport, this regret carries weight. Stewart’s honesty underscores the brutal challenge of Eldora’s biggest race. “It just shows that, you know, the World 100, by far, I feel like, is one of the hardest races to make for sure,” he concluded, a rare glimpse into the humility behind one of racing’s fiercest competitors.
Year Deal with Young’s Motorsports
Young’s Motorsports has acquired the driving talents of journeyman racer Ryan Ellis for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign, the pairing officially announced at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Monday.
Fan Stand Divided as NASCAR 2025 Season Ratings Sees Shocking Results
Love it or hate it, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series could not be ignored. The season saw all kinds of drama — from the Next Gen issues to the faults in the playoff system. On the other hand, it saw some historic moments, like Bubba Wallace’s emotional Brickyard 400 win, the first one for an African-American driver at Indy.
And the drama peaked towards the end of the season, especially at the final championship race. That race saw Denny Hamlin falling prey to the much-hated playoff system, where his season-long form was whitewashed in the final seconds, and a driver who didn’t lead a single lap — let alone win — won the title. Due to all these reasons, the debate whether the Cup Series season was good or not is red-hot right now, and one poll stole all the attention, showing the split in the NASCAR community’s loyalty.
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The poll that ignited the fire
A recent X poll by NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck asked a simple question: “Was the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season a good season?” The results surprised many, as they show 59.5% voted yes, while 40.5% said no, highlighting a fanbase divided between thrilling on-track action and off-track issues.
Was the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season a good season?
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 10, 2025
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This close divide comes after a year of 14 different winners in 36 races and Kyle Larson‘s winning his second title via a bold two-tire strategy amid all-out tire issues at Phoenix. Fans who said yes pointed to races like Kansas, where Chase Elliott won the race with a three-wide pass in the last lap. Jeff Gluck’s poll also rated that Kansas race 90.7% good, crediting the Next Gen era’s parity that helped drivers like Briscoe achieve career highs with three wins.
But the “NO” votes largely came because of the current playoff format. As this playoff format resulted in a drop of 18.9% in viewership to 1.866 million per race since 2014’s debut, this playoff favors late drama over full-season consistency. Another NASCAR stat of ‘most laps completed’ exposed that only three of the top 10 drivers even entered the playoffs.
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NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps acknowledged the hit, saying, “We had projected that reset and told everyone in our industry that reset would be between 14% and 15% in Cup,” tying it to fewer network broadcasts under the $7.7 billion deal. This echoes years of gripes, like the 57.5% playoff drop, pushing talks of a 2026 overhaul to a points-based chase.
But these numbers don’t tell the full story. The fans are venting louder than ever.
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Echoes from the grandstands
Tuning into the backlash, one supporter captured the weariness: “It was good for what it was. I’m hoping a format change can take place. Tired of having this debate at the end of every season.” This rings true after a decade of playoff tweaks since 2014, when viewership spiked initially but dropped as fans grew bored and frustrated with eliminations. For example, Christopher Bell could not go to the round of four despite three consecutive top-three finishes in the Round of 8.
The In-Season Challenge, won by Ty Gibbs for $1 million at Indy, added something fresh but couldn’t completely mask the annual format fatigue.
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“Easily the worst season in the last 10 years. Viewership is at its lowest and continues to plummet. Leadership is uncommitted to making changes. Playoff format sucks. Refuse to listen to drivers. The list goes on.” The championship drew just 2.774 million viewers, which is less compared to 2024’s 2.9 million viewership.
This 14% decline in viewership is because of viewers shifting to cable, and races that are shown on Amazon Prime require a subscription to watch, which many fans skip. And another reason for the lower viewership is also because of flaws in the pack racing environment, which were exposed in the Bristol pack racing. Drivers like Denny Hamlin have voted for softer tires, echoing Goodyear’s ongoing tests.
Amid the complaining, a balanced take emerges: “All Around Races Wise: Yes. But the gimmicks, the bullshit of the playoffs, and the issues this car still is and presents don’t make it a solid season…just a good season overall because of races.” The 59.5% average “good race” poll backs the quality of the races that happened this season, with highs like the 0.022-second Talladega photo finish victory by Austin Cindric.
Yet playoff rounds averaged below 2 million viewership because few decisions made by NASCAR to add excitement felt forced, like some overtime decisions in a race.
Shifting to brighter spots, a fan shared joy: “Except for the last 3 laps of heartbreak, I enjoyed this season more than I have in recent years. I went to more races than I ever have, got to see my current favorite driver win one. Finally did the duels through the 500 at Daytona.” Live attendance held steady, with the rain-delayed Daytona 500 drawing 6.761 million TV viewers, where Byron snagged his second consecutive win. This season finale’s last few laps also broke many viewers’ hearts because Hamlin couldn’t win his first title despite dominating the race.
Finally, exhaustion summed up the protest: “No, and here’s why. It’s exhausting. The constant bizarre calls during races, the Next Gen car obviously needing help and not getting fixed, and constant talk about tires every single week gets exhausting too. The whole lawsuit was exhausting too. I’m glad the season is over.”
NASCAR Defends Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske as 23XI Forces Them to Testify
Michael Jordan’s co-owned 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ antitrust saga against NASCAR is picking up pace as the December 1 trial comes close. Powerhouse owners Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske, who are longtime NASCAR allies with deep roots in the sport’s evolution, now face unexpected inspection in the lawsuit.
Their involvement traces back to the 2024 charter negotiations, where Hendrick’s team contributed via Jeff Gordon on the bargaining committee, and Penske also supported the agreement because of his IndyCar, which constantly needs support from NASCAR to run. But the plaintiff teams want the truth, and for that, they’re ready to go to any length, even if it means breaking NASCAR’s shield of defense over Hendrick and Penske.
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23XI demands complete transparency from Hendrick and Penske
Jeff Gluck tweeted on X, stating that 23XI and Front Row are pushing hard to question Hendrick and Penske without limits. He wrote, “In a new motion today, 23XI and Front Row are asking the court to force Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske to testify about all topics, not just the “sanitized trial testimony that they admit NASCAR CEO Jim France has asked them to provide.””
In a new motion today, 23XI and Front Row are asking the court to force Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske to testify about all topics, not just the “sanitized trial testimony that they admit NASCAR CEO Jim France has asked them to provide.”
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 10, 2025
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The teams feel that both Hendrick and Penske’s broad involvement demands unfiltered questions.
NASCAR, in turn, is defending the duo by seeking “guardrails” on topics, a move that shows NASCAR’s effort to shield its longtime partners from deeper inspection. This late-stage drama originated from Hendrick and Penske submitting their statement about the charters that favored NASCAR in this lawsuit.
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Rick Hendrick’s official statement read, “I believe the potential loss of Charters (I.e., reverting to the system that was in place prior to 2016, as opposed to improving upon the current Charter system) represents an existential threat to Hendrick Motorsports and other Cup Series race teams. It would jeopardize our business and risk the jobs of thousands of people who rely on our industry.”
The pushback intensified when NASCAR added them to its trial witness list on September 10, 2025, which was weeks after the deadline for adding new witnesses. NASCAR added them despite both showing unwillingness to testify.
The teams’ filing said, “It is NASCAR that included Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Penske on their trial witness list, despite counsel for the two men repeatedly telling Plaintiffs that Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Penske had no intention of testifying.” The plaintiffs claim the alleged hypocrisy from the team owners requires a thorough investigation, specifically through full depositions (formal, out-of-court sworn testimonies), to challenge and uncover the truth behind the team owners’ written statements about the charter system benefitting teams.
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NASCAR counters that the teams are being dragged, filing, “They strategically chose to sit on their hands and wait until less than four weeks before trial. Had they moved or said anything at the time of the disclosure, there would have been ample time to take the depositions within the discovery period.”
Yet experts see this as NASCAR’s own trap, with a NYU antitrust attorney, Harry First, noting, “They (NASCAR) define a market, which was pretty much the same as the market that Michael Jordan defined… So they basically define the same markets, and the judge says, sorry, you’ve already admitted it… I mean, I think it’s pretty supportable on appeal, and there would have been ways to handle the complaint that didn’t fall into this trap, but they were sort of too clever by half.”
This testimony tug-of-war isn’t the only revelation stirring the pot.
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23XI CFO questions Hamlin’s spending approach
Deep into the lawsuit’s document pile, an internal 23XI email surfaced, offering a candid look at co-owner Denny Hamlin‘s role amid the team’s financial strains. Sent by CFO Zachary Brown to Michael Jordan, it analyzed personnel strengths and weaknesses during charter talks. It reflected the cutthroat math of racing budgets.
Hamlin, 23XI co-founder since 2020, has been vocal against NASCAR’s terms, but his spending paints his input as a double-edged sword. With purses tied to charters, such insights reveal how even aligned teams grapple with costs, fueling the broader monopoly claims.
The email’s blunt critique hits hardest on Hamlin’s financial style, stating, “He is a terrible businessman. He ascribes to the dumb theory that if he spends more money, it will translate into wins and speed. This is only true to a small extent.” Brown ties this to Hamlin’s mantra of “money is no object,” an attitude that allegedly sparks overspending on strategy and hires.
Hamlin’s crew chief also echoed the email take, suggesting spending large on setups and cars doesn’t always pay off. This internal friction, discovered in August hearings alongside Jordan’s own sharp texts, shows charter woes even hitting teams who are suing NASCAR to fix them.
Ryan Ellis Joins Young’s Motorsports for 2026 Season
Ryan Ellis is stepping into a new chapter in his NASCAR career. The 35-year-old driver has signed a multi-year deal to race full-time for Young’s Motorsports in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starting in 2026.
Along with the new contract, Ellis brings solid sponsorship support. Tablo TV will serve as the primary sponsor for 11 races, while Sweetwater Construction and Demco Products will join as partners. His move marks his third full-time season after parting ways with DGM Racing.
Ellis talked about what the partnership means to him. “So TabloTV has been a great partner of mine for a long time now, and they’ve been with me through thick and thin,” Ellis said. “They wanted to make sure that we could make this move happen. And so, you know, I’m really grateful for their support and their belief in me.”
He explained how rare stable backing can be. “It feels great. You know, it’s not easy to find partners who are willing to stick with you through the ups and downs of this sport. And so, to have TabloTV behind me, believing in me. It gives me the confidence to go out there and perform at my best.”
Ryan Ellis Focused on Improvement and Weekly Results
Ellis says his mindset going into 2026 is centered on growth, consistency, and results. When speaking to reporters, he opened up about the challenges drivers often face during tough runs. “When you’re not getting the results you want, it’s easy to get down on yourself. But I try to use it as motivation,” he said.
He studies every race as a way to find improvement. “Whether it’s my race craft, my strategy, or just my overall performance, I use it as a roadmap to get better.”
Ellis shared his goals for the upcoming season. “One of the big areas is just being more consistent. I need to be able to run up front more often,” he said. “I’m also working on my restarts, my pit stops, and just overall race strategy.”
The long-term goal is simple: win races. “My goal is to win races. I want to be competitive every week,” Ellis said. “I’m excited about the opportunity, and I’m ready to put in the work to make it happen.”
Young’s Motorsports Expands Into O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Ryan Ellis joins the team at a time of major growth. Young’s Motorsports, a family-owned team with a long history in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, is expanding into the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026. The team will field two full-time cars for the first time, strengthening its driver development program.
Team principal Tyler Young said that adding a second entry creates more learning opportunities. “I think it’s gonna add a program overall, having two cars that will really step up for everyone involved,” he said. Young explained how different drivers working together help gather more information. “You can bounce stuff off each other’s ideas. And I think just notebooks going back and being able to lean on each other.”
Young reflected on how far the team has come. “Just when you look at how far this team has come from like Truck Series stuff, competing full-time in O’Reilly Art Series now, and now expanding. It’s a really cool moment for me and my family to keep going perfectly.”
NASCAR Insider Outlines Plan to Strengthen Daytona 500 Amid Super Bowl Threats
William Byron left the Phoenix finale with a crestfallen expression. Yet it was a journey well-ridden, as he had entered it with a buoyant feeling. The Hendrick Motorsports driver won the 2025 Daytona 500 for the second year in a row, thrilling its fans to the core. However, Byron’s prospects of going a possible four times in a row (in 2027) may be under threat. That is not because of any of his rivals, but because of a different sport altogether.
The 2027 Super Bowl LXI has been scheduled for February 14th at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Considering the magnitude of the football event, NASCAR has already sought solutions to save Daytona’s charm, as the Great American Race is held around the same date. However, an insider proposed a more radical yet enthusiastic plan.
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NASCAR could go back-to-back with the thrill
In a recent episode of ‘The Teardown’, Jordan Bianchi laid out his verdict. He proposed that NASCAR’s exhibition race, the Cook Out Clash, should also go to Daytona International Speedway. “We’re also going to move the Clash back to Daytona and make that part of the midweek buildup to the race, like a Wednesday night, Thursday night to the Duels. Let’s do a Tuesday or Wednesday night clash. We talk a lot about how we want to give races a big feel and build up and everything. Having the clash at Daytona, I think we’ll do that and get people excited for the Daytona 500.”
When the Clash race was introduced in 1979, the event was held at Daytona International Speedway as a part of Speedweeks. It remained at Daytona as the official kickoff to the NASCAR Speedweeks for many years. In 2022, it shifted to the LA Coliseum in Los Angeles, going from a superspeedway sprint to a multi-day short-track feature. So moving it back to Daytona, according to Jordan Bianchi, will help boost NASCAR’s popularity at the Daytona 500 amidst a threat from the Super Bowl.
Steve Phelps, NASCAR President, has already taken steps to retain Daytona’s charm. To avoid clashing with the Super Bowl, the 2027 Daytona 500 will be moved from the President’s Weekend to February 21 in 2027. Phelps said, “Fairly large event with some viewers. Listen, they are an amazing product, they’re an amazing league. The Daytona 500 is our Super Bowl. Again, creating some distance and not overlapping is something that we’ll continue to make sure that we do.”
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Yet Bianchi’s proposed solution would also reserve a grand slot for Bowman Gray Stadium. He proposed moving the All-Star Race to the iconic short track. “I don’t want to lose the feel for Bowman Gray in going to places like that or the Coliseum. I think that’s invaluable…But that is what the All-Star race is going to be about. The All-Star Race is going to be about going to Bowman Gray or South Boston, or the Coliseum, or things like that. Imagine the All-Star Race at a venue like that. I think that’s electric and exciting, and it’s going to get people talking.”
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Evidently, a lot of ideas are being thrown around for the 2027 schedule. Meanwhile, let’s focus on William Byron’s possible third consecutive Daytona victory.
Predictions out early
It has barely been a week since the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series screeched to a halt. William Byron put up a massive offense at Denny Hamlin, with the final laps robbing both championship contenders’ hopes. Kyle Larson grabbed the title instead, setting off long-lasting ripples of controversy across the community. The Phoenix showdown has hardly worn off, and we are already en route to Daytona. BetMGM has already established the favorite to win the 2026 season opener. There are two co-favorites, but sadly, neither of them is William Byron.
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The two drivers belong to Team Penske – Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano are both listed at +800. Although their results in the Daytona 500 have been good, Blaney has never won the race. And Logano has not won it in 2015. Their teammate, Austin Cindric, is listed third at +1100; he won the 2022 race. Listed fourth at +1200 is finally William Byron, who won in both 2024 and 2025. Then Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott follow. In 8th place is Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner.
With these predictions out, it may be time to start preparing for a jam-packed February in 2026. Thoughts about 2027 are also on the radar – let’s wait and see what happens.
NASCAR Lawsuit: 23XI Insider Questions Denny Hamlin’s Financial Mindset in Internal Email
The NASCAR lawsuit has already produced enough drama to last an entire racing season. From inflammatory text messages to leaked organizational papers, each disclosure has revealed another facet of the high-stakes business surrounding the sport. In August, the public received a rare glimpse into what really goes on behind the polished press releases. These included messages like Steve O’Donnell’s now-infamous “f— the teams” statement and even a heated email from Michael Jordan himself, in which he screamed about other owners.
More materials are now open to the public. One such exhibit is an internal email from 23XI’s financial wing that appears to criticize Denny Hamlin’s business strategy, providing an unvarnished glimpse of the team’s internal issues amidst the legal upheaval.
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NASCAR lawsuit: MJ’s CFO’s scathing remarks on Hamlin
Amid the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit, an email from the CFO of Michael Jordan’s business arm offers a surprisingly blunt assessment of the veteran driver and co-owner: Denny Hamlin. The email alleges that Hamlin, who has spent more than 20 years in NASCAR, “does not know as much as he thinks he does about race strategy and the other nuts and bolts of racing.”
Overall, the message divides Hamlin’s qualities into positives and negatives. While not much is written in the positive section, it states that “Denny is a great driver, one of the best of all time. He is completely driven for 23XI to succeed. He knows more about how to prepare to drive a race and how to execute almost any other driver.” However, this is all there is to Denny’s positive side.
The email then talks about the negatives in length. Firstly, it criticizes Hamlin for “regurgitating what Chris Gabehart says as if it were gospel,” referencing his long-time collaboration with the respected crew chief. Most notably, the email questions Hamlin’s financial leadership. “He is a terrible businessman. He ascribes to the dumb theory that if spend more money, it will tannate into wins and speed,” the email read.
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The CFO claims Hamlin’s “money is no object” mindset often leads to unnecessary expenditures. And this forces others within the organization to rein in his enthusiasm. Moreover, the email also touches on Hamlin’s interactions with Curtis Polk, Michael Jordan’s representative since 1989.
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The email notes that when Polk or the CFO disagrees with Hamlin, he accuses them of “not valuing him,” though the email insists this is “very far from the truth.” Lastly, the email outlines how, due to Hamlin’s behavior, they “had to have the meeting at the Grove during the sponsor summit last year” as “His is the only position that matters.”
With the December 1 trial date looming for the NASCAR lawsuit, more revealing messages like this one are expected to emerge.
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Jordan and co. hit back at Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick
In the midst of an increasing legal battle over planned depositions in the NASCAR lawsuit, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have responded strongly to Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske. The two senior team owners were added late to the witness list for the December 2025 trial, startling 23XI and FRM. When previously asked if Hendrick or Penske would testify, 23XI and FRM were told “no.”
Following their inclusion, 23XI and Front Row proceeded to compel Hendrick and Penske to provide comprehensive depositions. They demanded clarity on crucial issues like as the NASCAR charter structure, 2025 charter renewal negotiations, team economics, and the NextGen program.
Hendrick and Penske have pushed back. They have requested that the court protect them by limiting the scope of their testimony to “non-confidential matters” already included in previous declarations. The two team owners are opposing in-person depositions in favor of Zoom conversations.
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However, 23XI and Front Row counter that Hendrick and Penske’s confidentiality concerns cannot justify avoiding cross-examination on relevant subjects. “Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Penske’s confidentiality concerns about their team financial information cannot justify preventing Plaintiffs from cross-examining them in open court on a plainly relevant topic. If they have a proper basis to move to seal any of this information, they may do so subject to the strict requirements that the Court applies in considering such a motion.”
Moreover, Jordan and co. have accused NASCAR of “sandbagging” by not disclosing their inclusion on the witness list sooner, forcing last-minute adjustments. The NASCAR lawsuit highlights the boiling high tension between emerging teams challenging NASCAR’s business practices. With the trial looming, the court’s decision on deposition terms could significantly influence the antitrust case’s trajectory and shed light on NASCAR’s internal economics and team dynamics.
Insider Demands NASCAR to Cut Short Race Schedule After Grueling 2025 Season
While the 2025 NASCAR season has come to an end, we can’t forget that it was nothing short of relentless. From the thunderous start at Bowman Gray Stadium in early February to the season-ending finale in Phoenix nine months later, the sport barely paused for breath. With only one off-week the entire year (tucked awkwardly in April), teams have been pushed to their physical and mental limits.
Crew members juggled cross-country travel, drivers battled burnout, and engineers stretched resources thinner than ever. What was meant to be an “action-packed” season for fans has slowly turned into a grind for everyone inside the garage. Even the fans were overwhelmed. And now, after months of non-stop racing, one insider is calling for a dramatic change that could reshape the very rhythm of NASCAR’s future.
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Jordan Bianchi wants the 2026 NASCAR schedule revamped
Jordan Bianchi recently called for a major reduction in the 2026 NASCAR schedule following the 2025 season’s demanding calendar. “One thing I’m going to do is I’m going to reduce the schedule,” said Bianchi. He pointed to the current 38-race slate (36-point races plus two exhibitions) as excessively long.
He argues for canceling the second dates at major venues like Las Vegas, Kansas, Phoenix, Darlington, Bristol, Atlanta, and Martinsville. Bianchi might have a point. Having two races at the same venue in a single NASCAR season can cause overexposure. This saturation can lead to declining fan interest, as the same tracks host multiple events in a season.
Reducing to 29 races by removing these additional dates, Bianchi suggests adding a “30th date somewhere” to introduce fresh appeal. “That will be something different, you know, whether that’s Montreal or Mexico City or whatever else, if we want to do something,” he explained. The inclusion of more international venues, instead of US ones, holds promise to grow NASCAR’s global footprint, excite new fanbases, and inject novelty into the NASCAR schedule.
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Bianchi also advocates moving the prestigious Clash back to its roots at Daytona, which has held the event since 1979. The event has been moved to other venues like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (2022 to 2024) and Bowman Gray Stadium (2025), but he feels it’s better suited as a season-opening showcase on NASCAR’s most iconic superspeedway. “We’re also going to move the Clash back to Daytona,” he said, emphasizing the tradition and visibility the venue offers.
While Bianchi’s proposal focuses on trimming the fat and reviving tradition, not everyone agrees with his approach. Fellow NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck offered a different take – one that doesn’t necessarily see fewer races as the solution. Instead, Gluck believes the issue lies more in how the schedule is structured rather than how long it is.
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Jeff Gluck suggests focusing on structure over schedule
While Bianchi suggested cutting down the NASCAR schedule, Jeff Gluck argued that the focus should be on enhancing race quality and restructuring the races rather than simply reducing the number of events. “I don’t know how I feel about reducing the schedule that much,” Gluck said. “I think I would, you know, do some Wednesday night races in the summer and try to get the schedule shortened that way rather.”
He believes that if races are truly engaging and entertaining, fans will stay invested regardless of schedule length or multiple races taking place at the same venue. Gluck also highlighted the challenge NASCAR faces going head-to-head against the NFL on fall Sundays. “The more you go up against the NFL on these fall Sundays, it’s just such a tough. Nobody’s beating the NFL anymore,” he said.
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The numbers back up Gluck’s claim. In 2025, NASCAR struggled significantly in TV viewership, averaging just around 2.5 million viewers per race, marking a 13-18% drop compared to 2024. In stark contrast, NFL games consistently attracted over 15 million viewers per Sunday, dominating the same time slots NASCAR competes in. Thus, shifting the races to a non-NFL day can help NASCAR gain viewers.
On the subject of the 2025 Cook Out Clash moving from its traditional Daytona venue to Bowman Gray Stadium, Gluck strongly disagrees with the move back to Daytona proposed by Bianchi. “I straight up disagree with your one on the Clash moving Daytona,” he stated. The 2025 NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was an electrifying start to the Cup Series season.
Indicted Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz released from Boston court
One of the indicted MLB pitchers who’s accused of rigging pitches in a scheme with corrupt sports bettors was released from Boston federal court, as the league announced that sportsbooks will cap wagers on pitch prop bets.
Luis Ortiz, who was arrested by the feds in the Hub over the weekend, was in Boston court on Monday for an initial appearance.
The starting pitcher was released on $500,000 bond ahead of a court arraignment in New York on Wednesday. Ortiz, who’s from the Dominican Republic, was ordered to surrender his passport.
Meanwhile, the other defendant — Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz, who’s also from the Dominican Republic — is still not in custody, and officials believe he’s out of the country.
The pitchers allegedly agreed to rig pitches with corrupt sports bettors. The co-conspirators then used that information to place hundreds of fraudulent bets on those pitches.
The duo is accused of agreeing in advance to throw balls (instead of strikes) in exchange for bribes and kickbacks.
Meanwhile on Monday, MLB announced that sportsbooks will cap wagers on pitch prop bets at $200 and exclude those bets from parlays.
The league said this bet limit — and the ban on parlaying them — reduces the payouts and the ability to circumvent the new limit.
“Since the Supreme Court decision opened the door to legalized sports betting, Major League Baseball has continuously worked with industry and regulatory stakeholders across the country to uphold our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
Such pitch prop bets have been “particularly vulnerable to integrity concerns,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders, including licensed sports betting operators, elected officials and regulators, to ensure we are always protecting the integrity of our game,” Manfred added.
The pitchers are being charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
The case goes back to May of 2023 when Clase allegedly agreed with corrupt sports bettors to rig prop bets on pitches. The bettors wagered on the speed and type of Clase’s pitches, based on information they knew in advance by allegedly coordinating with Clase, sometimes even during games.
Clase often threw these rigged pitches on the first pitch of an at-bat. To ensure certain pitches were called as balls, Clase threw many of them in the dirt, well outside the strike zone, according to the feds.
The indictment includes numerous examples of pitches that Clase allegedly rigged, including one in a game against the New York Mets. By allegedly rigging pitches, Clase helped his co-conspirator bettors win at least $400,000 in fraudulent wagers.
Then Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme earlier this year. Before a game on June 15, Ortiz allegedly agreed to throw a ball in exchange for bribes. The bettors allegedly agreed to pay Ortiz a $5,000 bribe for throwing the rigged pitch, and Clase a $5,000 bribe for arranging the rigged pitch.
Then before a game on June 27, Ortiz allegedly agreed to rig a second pitch by throwing a ball in exchange for a bribe. The bettors agreed to pay Ortiz a $7,000 bribe for throwing the rigged pitch, and Clase a $7,000 bribe for arranging the rigged pitch. By allegedly rigging pitches for bribes, Ortiz helped his co-conspirator bettors win at least $60,000 in fraudulent wagers, according to prosecutors.
MLB Rookie of the Year award: Predicting the top candidates for 2026
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz and Braves catcher Drake Baldwin have been named the 2025 Rookies of the Year. Kurtz won the award unanimously following his monster debut season. In most other years, A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson or Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony would have taken home the hardware. They instead finished behind Kurtz. The National League class was stacked — Baldwin beat out the equally deserving Caleb Durbin (Brewers) and Cade Horton (Cubs).
No award gets you excited about the future the way Rookie of the Year does. It’s a young player being recognized for his greatness, and great young players are what sports hopes are built on. With that in mind, here’s a look ahead at the 2026 rookie class and, more importantly, who could be in the running for the 2026 Rookie of the Year awards.
MLB Rookie of the Year awards: Athletics’ Nick Kurtz takes home AL honors, Braves’ Drake Baldwin wins in NL
R.J. Anderson
American League
C Samuel Basallo, Orioles: The O’s believe so much in Basallo that they signed him to an eight-year, $67 million extension in August. The 21-year-old mostly struggled during his late-season cameo (.559 OPS in 31 games), though he’s already had two walk-off hits, and those 31 games were valuable experience. There’s something to be said for taking your lumps, learning what adjustments you have to make, and spending the offseason getting better. Basallo, who did not play enough to exhaust his rookie eligibility, figures to share catcher/DH duty with Adley Rutschman in 2026, which could equal more playing time than the typical rookie catcher. That won’t hurt his Rookie of the Year chances.
SS Kevin McGonigle, Tigers: Arguably the best prospect in baseball, McGonigle slashed .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and more walks (59) than strikeouts (46) across three minor league levels in 2025. He has yet to reach Triple-A and the lack of minor-league seasoning could work against him, but teams increasingly view Triple-A as a pit stop more than a level to spend a full season for development. The shortstop position is wide open in Detroit. McGonigle may not make his MLB debut until June or July, though he wouldn’t be the first Rookie of the Year winner to play only half a season in the big leagues, or thereabouts.
RHP Trey Yesavage, Blue Jays: Baseball fans are already more than familiar with Yesavage given his postseason heroics. He made only three regular-season starts, however, and postseason play does not count toward rookie status, so Yesavage is still eligible for next year’s Rookie of the Year award. We’ve already seen how good he can be on the game’s biggest stage, and he’ll have the added advantage of not having to compete for a big-league job in spring training. We already know Yesavage will break camp in Toronto’s rotation. There’s a long way to go between now and then, but given what we know right now, Yesavage has to be considered the 2026 Rookie of the Year frontrunner.
National League
RHP Bubba Chandler, Pirates: The Pirates slow-played Chandler’s development this season, so much so that he admitted he was
Every franchise’s BBWAA award winners
On Nov. 3, we got our first look at the 2025 finalists for each award. Aaron Judge could bring home the Yankees’ 23rd MVP Award — the most for any team. On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal might capture the Tigers’ seventh Cy Young Award, which would tie for the most for any American League team. That is, unless Garrett Crochet gives the Red Sox their eighth Cy winner.
Of course, some teams have had bigger hauls than others over the years. What follows is a breakdown of each of the 30 franchise winners in those four categories.
It’s worth noting that these awards cover different time frames. There have been AL and NL Manager of the Year Awards since 1983, AL and NL Cy Young Awards since 1967 (there was a single MLB award from 1956-66), AL and NL Rookie of the Year Awards since 1949 (there was a single MLB award from 1947-48), and AL and NL MVP Awards since 1931. (While MVP Awards did exist in different forms before then, we are not including those here; the current version was established in 1931.)
Plenty of ways for Mets to help fix broken rotation
LAS VEGAS — Mets pitching wasn’t supposed to fall apart like that, to drop from the best in baseball to fifth from the bottom in a flash. Really, nobody’s pitching should.
To plummet from an MLB-leading 2.80 ERA on June 12, when the Mets looked like a World Series favorite, to a $340 million club that couldn’t outlast the plucky Cincinnati Reds from a microscopic market is practically unprecedented.
The vaunted Mets pitching lab was allegedly so good they guarded their info like gold, their old pitching coach, Jeremy Hefner, so respected he was snapped up by their rival Braves. So I’ll go out on a ledge and suggest this theory for their historic fall: Mets pitchers weren’t and aren’t good enough.
The Mets had “a bunch of fours and fives,” sniffed a rival executive, which is even harsher than I’d put it.
MLB, sportsbooks make changes to baseball betting in response to player bribery scandal
Major League Baseball said its authorized gaming operators will cap bets on individual pitches at $200 and exclude them from parlays, a day after two Cleveland Guardians were indicted and accused of rigging pitches at the behest of gamblers.
MLB said Monday the limits were agreed to by sportsbook operators representing more than 98% of the U.S. betting market. The league said in a statement that pitch-level bets on outcomes of pitch velocity and of balls and strikes “present heightened integrity risks because they focus on one-off events that can be determined by a single player and can be inconsequential to the outcome of the game.”
“The risk on these pitch-level markets will be significantly mitigated by this new action targeted at the incentive to engage in misconduct,” the league said. “The creation of a strict bet limit on this type of bet, and the ban on parlaying them, reduces the payout for these markets and the ability to circumvent the new limit.”
MLB said the agreement included Bally’s, Bet365, BetMGM, Bet99, Betr, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, 888, FanDuel, Gamewise, Hard Rock, Intralot, Jack Entertainment, Mojo, Northstar Gaming, Oaklawn, Penn, Pointsbet, Potawatomi, Rush Steet and Underdog.
Cleveland pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted Sunday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on charges they took bribes from sports bettors to throw certain types of pitches. They were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment says they helped two unnamed gamblers in the Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 on bets placed on the speed and outcome of certain pitches, including some that landed in the dirt.
Ortiz’s lawyer, Chris Georgalis, said in a statement that his client was innocent and “has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything.” A lawyer for Clase, Michael J. Ferrara, said his client “has devoted his life to baseball and doing everything in his power to help his team win. Emmanuel is innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
The U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was unconstitutional, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
Ortiz appeared Monday in federal court in Boston. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell granted Ortiz his release on the condition he surrender his passport, restrict his travel to the Northeast U.S. and post a $500,000 bond, $50,000 of it secured. Ortiz was ordered to avoid contact with anyone who could be viewed as a victim, witness or co-defendant.
Last month, more than 30 people, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, were arrested for their alleged roles in a purported scheme for gamblers to use inside information.
Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, issued a statement denying the allegations and Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, said in a statement his client is “not a gambler” and “looks forward to winning this fight.”