Brock McGillis is pushing back at the narrative that HBO’s new Heated Rivalry series might help more hockey players come out.
McGillis, who is regarded as the first openly gay professional hockey player, told the website PinkNews on Monday, Dec. 15 that he “wholeheartedly” disagrees with fellow retired hockey player Sean Avery’s recent comments that the show could help encourage other players to come out.
“It’s probably more likely to have an adverse effect on a player coming out,” McGillis, 42, told the website. “And I hate to be negative because I really enjoy the show. But I also don’t believe that many hockey bros are going to watch it. And I don’t think, if they are watching it, they’re talking about it positively.”
The hit series, based on author Rachel Reid’s popular novel series Game Changers, centers around two gay players in the fictional equivalent of the NHL who navigate a secret relationship over the course of eight years while both are two of the league’s biggest stars.
Starring actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, Heated Rivalry was originally adapted for the Canadian streaming service Crave but began streaming on HBO Max on Nov. 28, and was picked up for a second season on Friday.
Last week, Avery — a former NHL player-turned-romance novelist himself — told Rolling Stone that he believes the series’ success could inspire gay NHL players to come out.
“Heated Rivalry’s success should open the door for the first gay NHL player, if there is one,” Avery told the magazine.
But McGillis, who came out in 2016 after he had retired from a semi-professional hockey career that included several seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and the United Hockey League, disagreed.
“It might help the people around [players] understand a little more if they’re dating somebody; hopefully,” the retired hockey player and current LGBTQ+ activist told PinkNews in response to Avery’s comments, adding that NHL players “didn’t jump out of the closet” when he came out in 2016 and began doing interviews.
“Nobody’s like, ‘Oh, yeah. This came out and now I’m ready [to come out],’ ” McGillis told the website. “It’s not happening.”
McGillis says hockey has a problem with homophobia, which is normalized in the sport and
Brock McGillis Says ‘Heated Rivalry’ Won’t Help Gay NHL Players Come Out
St. Louis Blues Recall Otto Stenberg
The St. Louis Blues announced today that forward Otto Stenberg has been recalled from the club’s AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.
The move puts Stenberg, 20, in a position to potentially make his NHL debut as soon as tonight during the team’s contest against the Nashville Predators. The club selected Stenberg No. 25 overall at the 2023 draft, the middle selection in the team’s trio of first-round draft choices that year. 2023 No. 10 pick Dalibor Dvorsky has already landed in the NHL, playing in a total of 25 career games so far, while No. 29 pick Theo Lindstein is still waiting, like Stenberg, to make his debut.
Stenberg is in the midst of his second season playing professional hockey in North America, and this year is his first year beginning the season in North America. In 2024-25, Stenberg began his season in the SHL before crossing the Atlantic to play in the AHL after the conclusion of the World Junior Championships. The 5’11” center has been solid at the AHL level, scoring 25 points in 59 games, and drawing positive reviews for the pace and work rate in his game.
Avalanche Being Connected to Canucks Top Trade Target
The Vancouver Canucks made a franchise-altering blockbuster move late last week, as they dealt superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. With this move, the Canucks moved on from their former captain and officially began their latest retool in the process.
The Canucks certainly ended up landing a big return for Hughes. This is because the Wild sent over forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and their 2026 first-round pick to the Canucks to bring in Hughes. With this, the Canucks landed three good young players who they are hoping will be a big part of their future and a first-round pick that they will look to hit with at the draft.
While the Canucks traded Hughes, there is no question that they have plenty more work to do. The Canucks are open for business, and with them being at the bottom of the NHL standings, more of their players are expected to be on the move. Pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) forward Kiefer Sherwood, however, is their biggest trade candidate now that Hughes has been dealt to the Wild.
With Sherwood having a bargain $1.5 million cap hit and in the middle of a strong season for the Canucks, he is expected to continue to generate a ton of interest as the season rolls on. Now, the best team currently in the NHL has been named a dark horse potential landing spot for the gritty Canucks winger.
Avalanche Named Dark-Horse Potential Landing Spot for Sherwood
In a recent article for theScore, John Matisz argued that the Colorado Avalanche could be a dark-horse club to watch in the Sherwood sweepstakes.
“Consider Colorado a dark horse. The (23-2-7) Avalanche may be the last team that needs to make a splash, and the front office should be turning over every stone to ensure the roster’s as deep as possible. Sherwood, a former Av, would have no issue keeping up in coach Jared Bednar’s high-paced system,” Matisz wrote.
When looking at the Avalanche’s roster, it is fair to argue that they would benefit by adding Sherwood to it. The 30-year-old forward would have the potential to be a strong addition to the Avalanche’s top nine, as he would not only provide them with more secondary scoring but also far more grit. Thus, he could be a great player for the Avalanche to bring back to Colorado as they look to win the Stanley Cup.
In 32 games on the year so far with the Canucks, Sherwood has posted 13 goals and 17 points. He has also recorded a whopping 140 hits this campaign, so there is no question that he would have the potential to be a big pickup for a contender like the Avalanche.
Avalanche Would Have a Ton of Competition for Sherwood
While Sherwood looks like he could be a great fit on the Avalanche, the same can be said for several other teams. Sherwood’s scoring ability, grit, and cheap contract make him a very appealing trade target. Thus, the Avalanche would have a lot of competition for him if they entered the sweepstakes.
A few teams that have been connected to Sherwood so far this season include the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens. Yet, it will be interesting to see if the Avalanche can end up being the team that lands the Canucks winger.
Buffalo Sabres Fire GM Kevyn Adams; Jarmo Kekalainen Takes Over NHL Team
Still looking to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2011, the Buffalo Sabres parted ways with GM Kevyn Adams on Monday.
Jarmo Kekalainen, who was hired by the team as a senior advisor last May, now steps into the general manager’s role. The 59-year-old native of Kuopio, Finland previously served as the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets for just over 11 years, and became the NHL’s first-ever European GM when he was hired in Columbus back in 2013.
When Adams, 51, moved into Buffalo’s GM chair in June of 2020, the Sabres were already nine years removed from the post-season. With 68 points in 69 games before the 2019-20 campaign was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Buffalo sat 13th in the Eastern Conference, three points shy of qualifying for the NHL’s 24-team summer ‘bubble’ playoffs.
Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Sabres in 2011. In November of 2013, they moved on from longtime GM Darcy Regier. He had run the team since 1997 and overseen its lone run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999, as well as delivering a Presidents’ Trophy in 2006-07.
Tim Murray then guided the ship for the next 2.5 years, drafting Sam Reinhart second overall in 2014 and Jack Eichel at No. 2 in 2015. But Alex Nylander was a miss at No. 8 in 2016 and the Sabres failed to gain ground in the standings. After last-place finishes during a rebuilding phase in his first two years, Buffalo moved up to 23rd in 2015-16 and regressed to 26th before Murray was let go in April of 2017.
Jason Botterill, now the GM of the Seattle Kraken, oversaw the next three seasons. He acquired some key players when he picked up goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the second round in 2017, defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson in 2018 and center Dylan Cozens at No. 7 in 2019. But still, there was minimal upward movement in the standings. The Sabres finished 31st (last), 27th and 25th under Botterill’s watch.
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All the while, Adams had been working in various roles with the Sabres. The right-shot center retired from playing in 2008, after 540 NHL games with six different teams. In 2009, he came to Buffalo as a development coach, then spent several seasons deeply involved with the team’s youth hockey program, the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. Eventually, he moved into the team’s business operations side while building a strong relationship with the Pegulas.
When Adams succeeded Botterill in the GM chair in 2020, the move was framed as a cost-cutting measure amid the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. At the same time, many jobs within the organization were eliminated entirely.
With no front-office experience, Adams was regarded with skepticism by the Sabres’ savvy fanbase. During his tenure, he gave them few reasons to reconsider. The high-water mark was a 20th place finish in 2022-23, just one point out of a playoff spot. But the Sabres then backslid from 91 points to 84 in 2023-24 and 79 in 2024-25.
This season, despite just having wrapped up a six-game road trip with three-straight wins out west, the Sabres are currently tied with the Blue Jackets for last place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 14-14-4. But because the Eastern Conference is so tightly packed, they’re not completely out of the post-season mix — just six points away from a wild-card spot.
Kekalainen’s hiring in May looked like a signal that the Pegulas might be ready to move on from Adams if their hockey team didn’t get off to a good start. That notion was reinforced by Terry Pegula’s statement on Monday.
“The hiring of Jarmo was the result of an extensive search process in which Jarmo stood out as our top choice for the senior advisor position,” Pegula said. “Jarmo has distinguished himself over the last eight months, and his experience, professionalism, and drive speaks for itself. I am looking forward to him leading our organization to the next level.”
In addition to the Sabres’ inability to gain ground in the standings, Adams’ time in Buffalo will be remembered for the players who thrived after he traded them away.
That trend began under Botterill. He made the 2018 deal that sent an unhappy Ryan O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues, where he promptly won a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy.
Adams quickly found himself at odds with Jack Eichel, who wanted to deal with a neck issue with a surgical procedure that didn’t pass muster with the Sabres’ medical team. Both sides dug in before Eichel was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in November of 2021, and underwent the procedure of his choice. He went on to win a Stanley Cup in 2023, finished fifth in Hart Trophy balloting in 2024-25 and his currently ninth in NHL scoring with 41 points in 31 games — a career-best pace of 108 points over a full 82 games.
In the summer of 2022, Adams traded Sam Reinhart to the Florida Panthers for a first-round draft pick and goaltender Devon Levi. A consistent 20-goal scorer with Buffalo, Reinhart jumped to 33 goals and 82 points in his first year in Florida, then exploded for 57 goals in 2023-24 — and has been a crucial part of the Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup wins.
Not every deal was a dud: the 2024 swap that brought back defenseman Bowen Byram in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt was solid, and Ryan McLeod has taken a step forward since being acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in the summer of 2024.
But the 2025 deadline deal that sent Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a package headlined by Josh Norris hasn’t paid off yet. Cozens has 40 points in 52 games with his new team, but the change of scenery hasn’t altered Norris’s tendency to find himself on the injured list. He has played just nine games for Buffalo but when he is in the lineup, he’s productive — with 10 points in those nine games.
Ultimately, Adams will remembered as an out-of-the-box hire who wasn’t able to improve on the results of the two GMs who came before him. He leaves with a record of 178-196-42.
In Kekalainen, the Sabres are getting an experienced general manager with a steady hand who took the Blue Jackets from a club that made the playoffs once in their first 12 years of existence to a squad that made the playoffs four straight years during his tenure. They also pulled off one of the biggest upsets of all time when they swept the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2019 post-season.
During Kekalainen’s time in Columbus, the team’s record was 409-362-97. And while the small market made it difficult for the Blue Jackets to retain players, Kekalainen took some big swings in trades. His draft list includes 2025 Norris Trophy finalist Zach Werenski, and he shocked the hockey world when he was able to sign Johnny Gaudreau as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2022.
Adams is the first NHL general manager to be fired during the 2025-26 season. Remarkably, no in-season coaching changes have been made yet, after nine teams started the year with new bench bosses.
The Kekalainen regime will officially begin on Thursday, when the Buffalo Sabres host the Philadelphia Flyers.
Reinhart scores twice, Panthers defeat Lightning
Carter Verhaeghe had a goal and an assist, and Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell also scored for the Panthers (17-13-2), who have won five of six and closed out their four-game road trip with a 3-1-0 record. Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves.
J.J. Moser and Max Crozier scored for the Lightning (18-12-3), who are 2-2-1 in the past five games. Jonas Johansson made 19 saves.
Reinhart gave Florida a 1-0 lead with a short-handed goal at 2:16 of the first period. Aaron Ekblad chipped the puck up to Reinhart in the Panthers’ defensive zone and Reinhart skated down the ice on a 2-on-1 before beating Johansson five-hole with a wrist shot from the right face-off circle.
Lundell extended the lead to 2-0 at 3:48 when he finished on 3-on-1 rush, burying a wrist shot far side from the right circle.
Marchand made it 3-0 at 11:48 of the second period when he deflected a Verhaeghe pass under Johansson’s right pad from the low slot.
Reinhart scored his second on the power play to push the lead to 4-0 at 18:08 with a wrist shot from the left circle off a cross-ice pass from Mackie Samoskevich.
Crozier scored his first NHL goal to make it 4-1 at 19:27 with a slap shot from above the right circle that beat Bobrovsky to the far post through a screen.
Moser cut the deficit to 4-2 at 2:11 of the third period with a wrist shot from the left circle to the short side.
Verhaeghe extended Florida’s lead to 5-2 at 6:37. Uvis Balinskis took the puck after Crozier broke his stick in the neutral zone and passed it forward to Verhaeghe who scored with a backhander off the right post as he cut to the net.
Dalibor Dvorsky scores twice but Blues lose 5-2 to Predators
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Hockey Fights Cancer daily digest
Welcome to the Hockey Fights Cancer Daily Digest. Though Hockey Fights Cancer is now a year-round campaign, most teams will be having their Hockey Fights Cancer nights during the month of November. NHL.com will provide all the highlights from each night as well as stories about the campaign.
Dec. 15
The St. Louis Blues welcomed back a familiar face who helped serve as an inspiration on Hockey Fights Cancer Night.
Former forward Kelly Chase, who spent eight of his 11 NHL seasons with the Blues, addressed the crowd and thanked them for the support. Chase was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a form of blood and bone marrow cancer in November 2023. He made an emotional address to fans in attendance.
Bowen discusses final season as Maple Leafs broadcaster in Q&A with NHL.com
In NHL.com’s Q&A feature called
A look at J.T. Miller’s Rangers captaincy – the highs, lows and how he’s changing the culture
The number of people who have asked me what the “J.T. Miller Experience” has been like since the Rangers brought the impassioned forward back to New York is comical.
Coming off of his well-documented ups and downs during his time with the Canucks in Vancouver, where the phrase appeared to be coined, the question is often asked with a negative connotation to it.
The 32-year-old has been a magnet for opinions over his 14-season NHL career, but I believe the Rangers received the most authentic and mature version of Miller in the club’s second go-round with the J.T. Miller Experience.
NFL Playoff Picture 2025: Updated AFC and NFC standings, bracket, tiebreakers for Week 15
The Broncos and Rams became the first two teams to clinch playoff berths on Sunday, and they have the inside track to the No. 1 seeds in the AFC and NFC. Here’s how the NFL playoff picture looks after Monday Night Football in Week 15:
AFC Playoff Picture
DIVISION LEADERS
1. Broncos (12-2) If they win out, they’re the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
2. Patriots (11-3) Their lead in the AFC East still looks safe, but they’ll have a tough time catching the Broncos for the No. 1 seed.
3. Jaguars (10-4) The clear favorites in the AFC South.
4. Steelers (8-6) Have a one-game lead over the Ravens in the two-team race for the AFC North.
WILD CARDS
5. Chargers (10-4) First in the wild card race thanks to a better AFC record than the Bills.
6. Bills (10-4) Probably won’t catch the Patriots in the AFC East even after they won on Sunday, but in great shape for a wild card.
7. Texans (9-5) Just need to keep winning to clinch the final AFC wild card berth.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
8. Colts (8-6) A valiant effort from Philip Rivers in a loss in Seattle, but it’s now an extreme long shot the Colts make the playoffs.
9. Ravens (7-7) Stayed in the AFC North race by beating the Bengals.
10. Chiefs (6-8) Mathematically eliminated.
11. Dolphins (6-8) Mathematically eliminated.
12. Bengals (4-10) Mathematically eliminated.
13. Jets (3-11) Mathematically eliminated.
14. Browns (3-11) Mathematically eliminated.
15. Raiders (2-12) Mathematically eliminated.
16. Titans (2-12) Mathematically eliminated.
NFC Playoff Picture
DIVISION LEADERS
1. Rams (11-3) Own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks in the NFC West.
2. Bears (10-4) If they run the table they win the NFC North.
3. Eagles (9-5) Playing the hapless Raiders was a good way to turn things around.
4. Buccaneers (7-7) Two games remaining against the Panthers will determine who wins the NFC South.
WILD CARDS
5. Seahawks (11-3) Need to win their rematch with the Rams on December 18.
6. 49ers (10-4) Despite a lot of injuries, they remain in playoff position.
7. Packers (9-4-1) Fell behind the Bears in the NFC North with an ugly, injury-filled loss.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
8. Lions (8-6) Running out of time to turn their season around.
9. Panthers (7-7) Fell out of first place in the NFC South by losing to the Saints.
10. Cowboys (6-7-1) Any realistic hope of making the playoffs ended on Sunday night.
11. Vikings (6-8) Mathematically eliminated.
12. Falcons (5-9) Mathematically eliminated.
13. Saints (4-10) Mathematically eliminated.
14. Commanders (4-10) Mathematically eliminated.
15. Cardinals (3-11) Mathematically eliminated.
16. Giants (2-12) Mathematically eliminated.
NFL Week 16 Power Rankings: Packers’ injuries flip NFC playoff race
It’s amazing that in a season full of defining moments, just two plays from one game might change a team’s outlook. Yet that’s exactly what happened to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Two plays.
Season flipped.
The Packers led the Denver Broncos 23-14 in the third quarter when Jordan Love took a deep shot to wide receiver Christian Watson. The pass was intercepted by Patrick Surtain II, instantly changing the feel of the game. Watson also suffered an injury on the play and didn’t return.
Two series later, with Green Bay clinging to a 23-21 lead, the Packers lost pass rusher Micah Parsons for the season with a torn ACL. The team was visibly deflated after that, and Denver went on to win the game.
In the span of less than an hour, the Packers went from looking like a potential top seed in the NFC to a team hanging on for dear life in the playoff race. Green Bay now sits seventh heading into a crucial road matchup against the Chicago Bears, who lead the NFC North.
Watson is the speed that makes the offense go. Parsons is the player who makes the defense go. Without them, what now?
And it wasn’t just those two losses. The Packers are also without tight end Tucker Kraft, who was having a career year, along with a slew of other key contributors. Against Denver, they lost right tackle Zach Tom — their best offensive lineman — and safety Evan Williams, arguably their best player on the back end this season.
How do they overcome all of that? I’m not sure they can.
The Packers drop to No. 10 in my power rankings this week after the loss to the Broncos. I picked Green Bay to reach the Super Bowl before the Parsons injury, but these injuries will be tough to overcome.
Is it impossible? Not if Jordan Love plays out of his mind and players like Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness emerge as dominant edge rushers. But it certainly won’t be easy.
The NFL being a survival test was on full display Sunday in Denver. The Packers’ season changed in a big way in less than an hour.
Bears QB Caleb Williams Trolls Analyst for Shedeur Sanders Take
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is doing more than just tuning out the outside criticisms about his game — he’s laughing at them on social media.
Before the Bears took on Cleveland in Week 15 at Soldier Field, former NFL running back LeSean McCoy used his platform on the “Speakeasy” show with Emmanuel Acho to push a baffling narrative about Williams’ development as an NFL quarterback and how he stacks up against Shedeur Sanders, the Browns’ newly christened starter.
“I think he’s better than Caleb right now, to be honest,” McCoy said of Sanders during December 12’s episode of the sports talk show. “I don’t see Caleb playing like this. I see Caleb playing off script, running the ball, great, running the ball, great. I don’t see him playing like this. Yo, Shedeur is doing this in his second start.”
That’s not quite how things unfolded for Williams and Sanders in Week 15, though.
While Williams threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover in the blowout win over the Browns, Sanders struggled to get into rhythm against the Bears, failing to score a touchdown for the first time in four starts and throwing three picks.
Afterward, Williams had a little fun at Sanders’ expense, reposting a TikTok in which someone cut up McCoy’s disparaging comments about the Bears quarterback and wove it together with a montage of Williams’ best throws in the romp against the Browns.
Caleb Williams Also Set NFL Record in Win Over Browns
Williams made some excellent throws to help the Bears pummel the Browns, including a how-did-he-do-it missile that found veteran wide receiver DJ Moore in the back of the end zone. For the eighth time this season, he also finished the game without throwing an interception. It’s a trend that helped him achieve a new career milestone on Sunday.
On his seventh pass against the Browns, Williams became the NFL record holder for the fewest interceptions thrown (12) in a quarterback’s first 1,000 career passing attempts. He has thrown only six interceptions through his first 14 starts this season. He has also thrown more than one pick in the same game only twice in his first 31 career starts.
That’s taking care of the football at an extremely high level.
Williams could still chase a few more records before the end of the 2025 season. He is just 850 yards away from becoming the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer with three games left to play. While he would need to average roughly 283 passing yards per game for the rest of the way, he has a live arm that, when accurate, is capable of throwing 300-plus.
Williams would also need 10 touchdown passes over the final three games to surpass Erik Kramer’s single-season record of 29. Neither is likely, but both remain attainable.
Bad Game Does Not Define Shedeur Sanders’ Potential
Sanders undoubtedly played his worst game to date against the Bears. He completed just 51.4% of his passes, the lowest mark of his four starts this season for the Browns. He locked in on his targets too often and threw three interceptions, doubling his total on the season. And worst of all, he and the offense contributed exactly zero points.
Even still, Sanders should not be judged too harshly for one bad start as a rookie.
Sanders has shown promise as a passer despite only winning one of his first four starts. While his accuracy (52.2%) needs work and his interception total (six) is too high, he has also shown good touch on his deep passes, seemingly making at least one “wow” throw downfield in each of his first four performances.
Sanders had two of those types of throws against the Bears on Sunday. He connected with Isaiah Bond on a 42-yard dart in the second quarter. He also linked up with him for a 49-yarder in the third quarter. The Browns failed to score on both drives, though.
Sanders might still have a long way to go before the Browns will anoint him their new franchise quarterback. Even still, he has time left to put the loss to Chicago behind him.
NFL Week 16 Power Rankings: Broncos, Bills surging, 49ers lurking as we pick team MVPs
Editor’s note: Every week, Josh Kendall and Chad Graff rank and analyze all 32 teams from first to worst.
The Broncos, Bills and 49ers are making moves as the NFL season nears its finish, and the Week 16 power rankings take a look at the MVP for each team as we try to sort out where everyone fits.
1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3)
Last week: 1
Sunday: Beat Lions 41-34
MVP: Matthew Stafford
The Salt-and-Pepper Slinger topped 350 passing yards for the third time this season, going 24-of-38 for 368 yards. He’s second in the league in passing yards (3,722) and first with 37 touchdown passes. That’s four short of tying his single-season best (set in 2011 in Detroit and matched in 2021 in Los Angeles), and it’s a staggering number considering he has only five interceptions. Losing Davante Adams (hamstring) would hurt, though.
Up next: at Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
2. Denver Broncos (12-2)
Last week: 4
Sunday: Beat Packers 34-26
MVP: Nik Bonitto
Bo Nix made a late run at this distinction Sunday with a 302-yard, four-touchdown day, but the Broncos have gotten to the top spot in the AFC with their defense. Bonitto is the best player on that unit with 12.5 sacks and 80 splash plays, according to TruMedia. Denver has won 11 straight, and its two losses came by a combined four points.
Up next: vs. Jaguars, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
3. Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
Last week: 3
Sunday: Beat Colts 18-16
MVP: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
After posting his ninth 100-yard game of the season (seven catches, 113 yards), Smith-Njigba leads the league with 1,541 receiving yards, which already is the 14th-best receiving season in the last 10 years. His yards per route run (3.97) is the best of the last 10 years, and if he hits his average the next three games, he’ll finish with 1,871 yards, tied for the third most in the last 25 years.
Up next: vs. Rams, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
4. Buffalo Bills (10-4)
Last week: 6
Sunday: Beat Patriots 35-31
MVP: Josh Allen
The Bills were down 21-0 at one point and 24-7 at halftime Sunday, and then Josh Allen happened. Buffalo’s quarterback leads the league in second-half EPA per dropback (0.38) and has 15 second-half passing touchdowns, which is second in the league. Allen’s overall yards per game, completion percentage, passer rating and yards per carry are all better than last year, when he was the league MVP.
Up next: at Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
5. New England Patriots (11-3)
Last week: 2
Sunday: Lost to Bills 35-31
MVP: Drake Maye
As a rookie last season, Maye posted a 3-9 record with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. After Sunday, he is 11-3 with 23 and seven, and sits second in the league in EPA per dropback (0.23). The most remarkable part of Maye’s season is that he is among the top five in the league in completion percentage (70.9) and average air yards per attempt (8.9). He might be the actual MVP this year.
Up next: at Ravens, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
Last week: 7
Sunday: Beat Titans 37-24
MVP: Christian McCaffrey
The ninth-year running back leads the league in touches per game this year (24.64) and in the last three years combined (22.03). He’s third this season in scrimmage yards (1,742) — behind Bijan Robinson (1,858) and Jonathan Taylor (1,761) — after another 87 Sunday in the Niners’ fourth straight win.
Up next: at Colts, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
7. Houston Texans (9-5)
Last week: 9
Sunday: Beat Cardinals 40-20
MVP: Will Anderson Jr.
The defensive end is ninth in the league in sacks (10.5) and leads all players with more than 100 pass-rush snaps in pressure percentage (21.3 percent). He’s also first in splash-play rate (21.5 percent, according to TruMedia). That means he makes a game-altering defensive play on one of five snaps. He’s top five in the league in quarterback pressures, third- and fourth-down stops and forced fumbles, but he left Sunday’s game after seemingly getting poked in the eye.
Up next: vs. Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
8. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
Last week: 5
Sunday: Lost to Broncos 34-26
MVP: Jordan Love
The Packers quarterback is second in the league in EPA per dropback (0.22) and has 23 touchdowns versus just six interceptions, but he probably can’t play well enough to overcome all that has befallen Green Bay. Micah Parsons’ expected ACL tear on top of Tucker Kraft’s ACL tear earlier this year on top of Christian Watson’s chest injury on top of a myriad of offensive-line injuries feels like it’s too much to overcome, even for a really good team.
Up next: at Bears, Saturday, 8:20 p.m. ET
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
Last week: 13
Sunday: Beat Jets 48-20
MVP: Trevor Lawrence
He didn’t earn this designation until Sunday, and all it took was one of the best games in NFL history. No joke! Lawrence became the first player in NFL history with five passing touchdowns, 50-plus rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in a game. Lawrence, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara are the only players to account for six touchdowns in a game since 1999. Lawrence is only 21st in the league in EPA per dropback (0.02), but the Jaguars held onto first place in the AFC South with the win.
Up next: at Broncos, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
10. Chicago Bears (10-4)
Last week: 10
Sunday: Beat Browns 31-3
MVP: Drew Dalman
The Bears’ new center is serving as a representative here for the remade interior of Chicago’s offensive line, which also includes guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. The Bears lead the league in yards per carry before contact (2.09) and rushing first downs/touchdowns (123) and are second in rushing yards overall (2,126). Chicago ran the ball 33 times Sunday on the way to overpowering a very good Browns defense.
Up next: vs. Packers, Saturday, 8:20 p.m. ET
11. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
Last week: 11
Sunday: Beat Chiefs 16-13
MVP: Tui Tuipulotu
Maybe this should go to quarterback Justin Herbert, but Tuipulotu just keeps making plays. He had two more sacks and nine more pressures as the Chargers chased the Chiefs out of the playoff race Sunday. Tuipulotu is now tied for fifth in the NFL in sacks (12) and fourth in splash-play rate (15.7 percent). He has seven additional tackles for loss.
Up next: at Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
12. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
Last week: 12
Sunday: Beat Raiders 31-0
MVP: Quinyon Mitchell
The offense finally got going Sunday, but this team is still led by its defense. That defense has a lot of stars, but none has played better this year than Mitchell. The cornerback does not have an interception, but Sunday was his seventh game of allowing 10 or fewer yards in coverage, according to Next Gen Stats. His 15 pass breakups rank fourth in the league.
Up next: at Commanders, Saturday, 5 p.m. ET
13. Detroit Lions (8-6)
Last week: 8
Sunday: Lost to Rams 41-34
MVP: Jahmyr Gibbs
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is having a great year (third in splash plays), but it’s hard to laud anybody on this defense. Offensively, there are plenty of candidates, but Gibbs edges out Amon-Ra St. Brown because Gibbs is second in the league in touchdowns with 16 and fifth in scrimmage yards with 1,594. It’s going to be a shame if he’s not in the playoffs, and the Lions only have a 25 percent chance of making it after this loss.
Up next: vs. Steelers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
Last week: 17
Monday: Beat Dolphins 28-15
MVP: Derrick Harmon
The rookie defensive tackle has quietly been one of the most impactful players in the league this year. In the nine games Harmon has played, the Steelers have allowed 96 rushing yards per game. In the five games he has missed, they have allowed 165.8. With Harmon out again Monday night with a knee injury, the Dolphins gained just 63 on the ground, but that was mostly because they threw the ball for much of the second half as they tried to catch up.
Up next: at Lions, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
15. Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
Last week: 21
Sunday: Beat Bengals 24-0
MVP: Derrick Henry
There aren’t a lot of great candidates in Baltimore, which is probably why the Ravens are .500 even after Sunday’s win. Henry did top 1,000 yards again Sunday, though, gaining 100 yards on just 11 carries. He has topped the 1,000-yard mark in seven of his last eight seasons. Henry is fifth all time in rushing touchdowns (116).
Up next: vs. Patriots, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
Last week: 14
Sunday: Lost to Falcons 29-28
MVP: Emeka Egbuka
At one point, Baker Mayfield was in the NFL MVP race. But he’s played so poorly since Week 7 that we have to go with Egbuka. The rookie wide receiver was great early in the season, but the problem for Tampa Bay is that everyone is struggling now. That’s why the Bucs lost for the fifth time in six games Thursday night. In Weeks 1 through 10, the rookie averaged 75 receiving yards per game and had six touchdowns. In Weeks 11 through 15, he averaged 38.6 yards per game and didn’t score.
Up next: at Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
17. Carolina Panthers (7-7)
Last week: 15
Sunday: Lost to Saints 20-17
MVP: Rico Dowdle
With apologies to Derrick Brown, who has been great and whom we sincerely don’t want to make angry, Dowdle has been a spark for this team. Since his breakout in Week 5 against Miami, the Panthers are 6-4 and Dowdle is third in the league in rushing (895 yards). He couldn’t get going Sunday, though, averaging 3.1 yards per carry as Carolina wasted a great chance to take the NFC South lead.
Up next: vs. Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
18. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
Last week: 16
Sunday: Lost to Seahawks 18-16
MVP: Jonathan Taylor
Taylor leads the league in rushing (1,443) and touchdowns (18), and he’s going to have to step it up even more with the Colts’ season slipping away. Indianapolis has now lost four in a row and five of its last six and has an 8 percent chance of making the playoffs after starting the season 7-1.
Up next: vs. 49ers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
19. Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
Last week: 22
Sunday: Beat Cowboys 34-26
MVP: Jonathan Greenard
Despite Sunday night’s offensive outburst, this has to be a defender, and Greenard is the most obvious candidate among a balanced group. The bad news in a bad-news kind of season for the Vikings is that he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after recording his third sack of the season against Dallas. That sack total is not impressive, but he has 46 pressures and is tied for seventh in non-sack tackles for loss (eight).
Up next: at Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
20. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Last week: 18
Sunday: Lost to Vikings 34-26
MVP: Dak Prescott
Prescott would be in the actual MVP conversation if Dallas’ defense wasn’t so bad. He leads the league in passing yards (3,931) and is tied for the lowest off-target rate among regular starters (8.2 percent). The Cowboys are fourth in the league in scoring (29.1 ppg) but are essentially out of the playoff race because they’re 31st in scoring defense (30 ppg allowed). Dallas has only won once this year when scoring fewer than 30 points.
Up next: vs. Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
21. Miami Dolphins (6-8)
Last week: 19
Monday: Lost to Steelers 28-15
MVP: De’Von Achane
Achane is third in the league in rushing (1,186) and fifth in scrimmage yards (1,636) after Monday night, but he only had 60 yards on the ground against the Steelers because the Dolphins could only get him the ball 12 times as they played catch-up most of the night. Miami had its four-game winning streak snapped and was officially eliminated from the playoff race with the loss.
Up next: vs. Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
22. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)
Last week: 20
Sunday: Lost to Chargers 16-13
MVP: Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes, who tore his ACL in the fourth quarter Sunday, will see his streak of seven straight AFC Championship Game appearances end because the loss eliminated the Chiefs from the playoff race. The disappointing season has been the offense’s fault, but the problem has not been Mahomes. He hasn’t been Superman, but he’s 10th in the league in EPA per dropback (0.12) and fourth in passing yards (3,587). Now, we’ll all wait to see if he can be healthy for Week 1 next year.
Up next: at Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
23. Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
Last week: 24
Sunday: Beat Buccaneers 29-28
MVP: Bijan Robinson
The third-year running back leads the league with 1,858 yards from scrimmage, which is just 30 shy of his career high, with three games left to play. Robinson, who tied his season high in catches Thursday night (eight), has had more than 100 yards from scrimmage in nine games this year. “Sorry you guys won’t get a chance to watch him in the postseason,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said.
Up next: at Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
24. New Orleans Saints (4-10)
Last week: 25
Sunday: Beat Panthers 20-17
MVP: Demario Davis
This is something of a lifetime achievement award, but Davis has been good this season. He leads the Saints with 123 tackles, which is pretty remarkable for a 36-year-old who has played more than 1,000 defensive snaps since joining the league in 2012. The Saints have three NFC South wins in their last five games, including two over Carolina.
Up next: vs. Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
25. Washington Commanders (4-10)
Last week: 26
Sunday: Beat Giants 29-21
MVP: Marcus Mariota
Mariota is the most unlikely player on this list. The 11-year veteran has started seven games in place of Jayden Daniels this season, and he’s slinging it. He’s not always completing it (he’s 29th in completion rate at 62 percent), but he leads the NFL in air yards per target (10.1) by a full yard, and he’s a respectable 16th in EPA per dropback (0.05). Mariota had a 109.8 passer rating Sunday and rushed for 43 yards. He should start the rest of the way after Daniels was officially shut down Monday.
Up next: vs. Eagles, Saturday, 5 p.m. ET
26. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10)
Last week: 23
Sunday: Lost to Ravens 24-0
MVP: Ja’Marr Chase
Joe Burrow certainly isn’t any happier after being shut out for his first time as a pro on Sunday. “When your quarterback plays like that, your team is not going to have a chance,” he said after the game. But with all of the Bengals’ struggles, and the list is long, it’s amazing how well Chase has done. He had 10 catches for 132 yards against the Ravens and is fourth in the league with 1,147 yards this season.
Up next: at Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
27. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
Last week: 27
Sunday: Lost to Texans 40-20
MVP: Trey McBride
Honestly, there aren’t a lot of great options in Arizona, and head coach Jonathan Gannon may be on the way out after Sunday’s embarrassing loss. McBride, though, has been excellent. He had 12 catches Sunday for 134 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first tight end in NFL history to have 100-or-more catches in back-to-back seasons. He leads the league with 105 receptions and is sixth in receiving yards with 1,071.
Up next: vs. Falcons, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
28. New York Jets (3-11)
Last week: 28
Sunday: Lost to Jaguars 48-20
MVP: Isaiah Williams
Williams leads the league in punt return yards (396) and has returned two for touchdowns. What would have been his third was called back by penalty on Sunday. He’s 15th in kickoff return yards (653). And, on top of that, he had career highs in catches (six) and receiving yards (53) against the Jags. All of that is good enough for MVP honors on this team.
Up next: at Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
29. New York Giants (2-12)
Last week: 29
Sunday: Lost to Commanders 29-21
MVP: Cam Skattebo
Yes, we know Skattebo hasn’t played since Week 8, but it was his spirit, which has been carried on by quarterback Jaxson Dart, that at least gave this Giants season some hope. The fourth-round rookie running back had 101 carries for 410 yards before his injury. Despite what New York fans’ memories may tell them, he wasn’t John Riggins (Skattebo is just 23rd in the league in yards per carry after contact with 3.04), but he did start changing the Giants’ vibe, which was much needed.
Up next: vs. Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
30. Tennessee Titans (2-12)
Last week: 30
Sunday: Lost to 49ers 37-24
MVP: Cam Ward
Not much has gone right in Nashville, but the Titans might have their quarterback if they can find the right coach for Ward in the offseason. This year’s No. 1 pick is 38th in EPA per dropback (minus-0.17), and that’s admittedly not great. But there have been some flashes in an otherwise awful season. On Sunday, he had a 101.2 passer rating and threw a touchdown to defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, so that was fun.
Up next: vs. Chiefs, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
31. Cleveland Browns (3-11)
Last week: 31
Sunday: Lost to Bears 31-3
MVP: Myles Garrett
Garrett had another 1.5 sacks Sunday, putting him at 21.5 on the season and on the doorstep of breaking the official league record of 22.5 shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. The NFL has only tracked sacks since 1982. Pro Football Reference lists Detroit’s Al Baker as the unofficial single-season leader with his 23 in 1978. Garrett could pass both marks against Josh Allen this week.
Up next: vs. Bills, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
Last week: 32
Sunday: Lost to Eagles 31-0
MVP: Maxx Crosby
The Raiders are desperately trying to catch the Titans for the worst point differential in the league. Sunday helped as Las Vegas was outgained 387-75 in a game that lasted just two hours and 31 minutes. At least Crosby got another sack. He’s 10th in the league with 10 now.
As NFL stars deal with season-ending injuries, let’s end the 18-game season talk
As Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons hobbled to their respective locker rooms Sunday evening, moments after each tumbled to the turf and writhed in pain while trainers and team doctors rushed to their aid, a sickening feeling settled over all who watched.
Two of pro football’s brightest stars, we soon learned, each tore an ACL in an otherwise spectacular day of late-season football. Now, Mahomes and Parsons face surgeries, long recovery roads and uncertainty over when/if they will regain their elite forms. The three-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback and the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year joined hundreds of their football brethren who have landed on injured reserve this season. (According to NFLPA figures, 309 players have been placed on IR through 15 weeks of regular-season action, which is slightly down from 319 through 15 weeks in 2024, but up compared to 274 through this point in 2023.)
The Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl dreams took a major hit. Also in jeopardy: the Kansas City Chiefs’ chances of quickly rebounding next season from a disappointing 2025.
The football gods are cruel. Or, are they trying to tell us something?
Just last week, the NFL announced a $32 million investment to launch professional women’s and men’s professional flag football leagues in conjunction with the anticipated wave of excitement stemming from the sport’s debut in the 2028 Olympic Games. Also, last week, the NFL announced that it will host games in Munich, Germany, next season and in 2028. The push to globalize America’s most popular sports league remains in full force. NFL officials and team owners envision a day when games rival the Premier League in popularity.
The driving force behind that goal: continue driving the annual revenue of this cash cow to $25 billion and beyond.
Another leg of those revenue-generating plans involves the eventual expansion from 17 regular-season games to 18. Few fans would argue against such a move. The appetite for football is voracious. However, the sight of Mahomes and Parsons sidelined by injury offered a painful reminder that the altar always demands a sacrifice, and eventually, even the game’s brightest and best fall prey.
The adage, “Injuries are part of the game,” is true. Yet, with each torn knee ligament (entering Week 15, 59 players were on IR with such injuries) and popped Achilles tendon (11 seasons have ended in such fashion), it grows harder to grasp the prudence of further expansion of the regular-season schedule.
More football is great, but at what cost? Will the unquenchable thirst for more — more money, more games — eventually take its toll and lead to the shortening of careers and the deterioration of the game?
The NFL has invested in many technological advances to ensure that players use the top-of-the-line equipment. The league hopes that rigorous testing will soon ensure games take place on only the highest quality of playing surfaces (whether natural or synthetic). Officials implement rule changes every couple of years and declare the game safer than ever. Injuries remain inevitable, however, even in this modern age where athletes are bigger, faster and stronger than ever.
Changes to the offseason program, training camp, preseason workload and regular-season preparation process may have alleviated some of the pounding those bodies sustain leading up to game days. However, year-round training, which seems like necessary preventative maintenance, replaces some of the wear and tear. And don’t forget that ever-expanding college football seasons mean some athletes come into the NFL with more mileage on them than ever. So, is it any wonder that even the most diligent and dedicated players struggle to make it through a season unscathed?
It’s still too early to know what kind of long-term impact 17 regular-season games, an expanded postseason and shortened offseason is having on athlete bodies (feels like we know, but the answers aren’t concrete); however, the last thing that any pro football player needs is another 50-plus plays worth of collisions before postseason action even begins.
And yet, NFL owners want more.
The NFL has long operated with a “next man up” attitude. If a man goes down, scrape him up, plug another in and the show goes on. It’s what happened when Mahomes, Parsons, Malik Nabers, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Tyreek Hill, Michael Penix Jr., Daniel Jones, Najee Harris and others went down with season-ending injuries at various points this season. Indeed, the show will go on. Yet how appealing is a league whose stars only last a portion of the season and second-rate/mistake-prone backups fill their roles?
It’s impossible to predict when the injury bug will strike. Any of those players had the same chance of getting hurt in Week 1 as they did in Week 15. However, players feel it is unwise to heighten the risk of injury by expanding their workload with a longer regular-season schedule. Sure, you can trim the preseason further, but most veterans don’t play in those contests anymore anyway. You can implement a second bye week, but the pounding will still pile up.
Fortunately for the players, true negotiations towards such an expansion have yet to take place. The controversy-laden resignations of NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell and chief strategy officer J.C. Tretter have caused a leadership void, and the ongoing search for replacements has bought them some time. Yet, expansion talks are coming — likely this offseason after the players union elects its next full-time executive director — well before the expiration of the current CBA, which runs through 2030.
If NFL team owners are smart, care about the quality of the game and the investments that make the league go (the players), they would abandon thoughts of an 18th game. Yet, we all know where their priorities lie. That’s why the players — once they finally get their leadership structure figured out — should resist at all costs.
You’re talking about a war, but the best move from the player camp would involve coming to that future negotiation table with the stance of “We want to go back to 16 games, and we want the same economic structure that we have now.” Owners would have a coronary. Even so, with players now coming out of college with the security of NIL money and the added asset of their multi-billion dollar company, OneTeam Partners, players would be better equipped for a lockout.
That will never happen, though. It was hard enough for NFLPA leaders to get the player body on the same page for the last two CBA negotiations. Such a bold move — although effective — would scare too many players.
And so, owners will again have the upper hand. They already hate the revenue split they agreed to in the last CBA and how much they’re spending in terms of salary cap and player benefits. So it’s expected that the owners would attempt to keep the current economic structure in place as long as they get an 18th game and recoup some of that. Players — desperate to hold onto what they have — will relent, unwittingly giving the NFL an 18th game basically for free.
Except it doesn’t have to be that way. The NFL doesn’t need an 18th game to grow the pie. Operating according to the current playbook of gradually expanding the international slate, and continually auctioning prime games to streaming services (We all grumble about the latter, but keep forking over the bucks), league revenue will still increase by roughly $1 billion a year.
Opting for quality over quantity would best serve everyone. The players avoid the increased risk of injury and shortened playing careers, and the owners receive a stronger product to dole out to the world.
Injuries are indeed an unfortunate part of the game, but unnecessarily embracing heightened risk defies logic.
Patrick Mahomes Injury Update: NFL Doctor Shares Worrying Report on Chiefs QB Following Successful Surgery
While a 16–13 defeat in Week 15 knocked the Kansas City Chiefs out of playoff contention this season, it also cost them something more troubling. Late in the fourth quarter of the Week 15 game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes went out with an injury. Chiefs fans feared the worst, and now a well-known sports doctor has just revealed that those fears may be justified.
“Patrick Mahomes underwent surgery tonight to repair his ACL,” Dr. David J. Chao wrote via his X post. “The timing and the surgeon who performed the surgery essentially confirms he also tore his LCL, which makes his recovery more difficult.”
The Chiefs’ QB suffered the injury in the Week 15 game as he tried to scramble out of the pocket during a play. As Mahomes looked to throw the ball, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Da’Shawn Hand chased him down. Soon, Mahomes’ left knee buckled outward, a sign that fans immediately worried about. Now, according to Dr. Chao, who has spent more than 17 years as a head team doctor in the NFL, the video replays revealed the nature of Mahomes’ injury right away.
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“In-game on Sunday from the six score war room, we indicated, based on the video, there was worry for ACL and LCL,” said Dr. Chao in the clip attached to his X post. “If you go back and look at the video, his knee bows outward, stretching the lateral collateral ligament, and buckles, tearing the ACL. That was always the worry. And this news tonight essentially confirms it.”
Dr. Chao then also pointed to another detail that confirmed that the Chiefs’ QB tore his LCL. He mentioned that the surgeon who operated on Mahomes in Dallas has a strong specialty in LCL repairs. And this is the same surgeon who repaired Houston Texans linebacker Jaylon Smith’s LCL coming out of Notre Dame. More recently, Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter traveled to the same surgeon for LCL surgery.
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“Patrick Mahomes likely has that [LCL] as well as the ACL,” said Dr. David J. Chao. “Also, that’s the reason for early surgery. Micah Parsons, with an isolated ACL, has not had surgery yet same day as a tear of Patrick Mahomes – same level of superstar. The reason to hurry and do the surgery for the LCL is that it is a true repair. So, it is multi-ligament, what it seems for Patrick Mahomes, more than just ACL.”
As the NFL doctor pointed out, the Chiefs would not have rushed their star QB into surgery so quickly if it were just an ACL. Then, Dr. Chao even compared Mahomes’ case to Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, who reportedly tore his ACL in his Week 15 game but did not undergo immediate surgery.
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Parsons will end this season with 12.5 sacks. Meanwhile, through 14 games this season, Patrick Mahomes has recorded 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. So, both are elite stars, but why the different approach? The answer, according to Dr. Chao, points again to a multi-ligament injury, which is no joke. That kind of injury will demand patience, discipline, and time from Mahomes. Still, Dr. Chao offered some hope.
“The good news is he’s [Mahomes] on the road to recovery, and he still has a chance to be ready for this upcoming season,” Dr. Chao concluded. “But the road is harder with now essentially confirmation based on insider knowledge, not insider information, of likely a multi-ligament injury for Patrick Mahomes.”
He acknowledged the long recovery ahead, but he also said the Chiefs’ quarterback could still be ready for next season. That update offers a positive note for fans, especially after Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid shared the latest health news on Mahomes.
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Andy Reid shares Patrick Mahomes’ recovery plan after surgery
After Patrick Mahomes left the Week 15 game with the injury, head coach Andy Reid told reporters that it did not look good. Later, an MRI revealed that Mahomes had a torn ACL in his left knee. Still, he sought a second opinion on his injury and later underwent surgery.
On December 15, Dr. Daniel Cooper performed the surgery on the Chiefs’ QB in Dallas and cleared him to begin rehab immediately. After receiving the news of Mahomes’ successful surgery, Reid then sounded confident in his QB’s mindset.
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“He’ll [Mahomes] attack it [rehab] just like he does everything else,” Reid told reporters. “There’ve been some pretty good quarterbacks that have had the same injuries. They’ve done pretty well after they came back. So, he’ll get after it. He’s got good people here to rehab him. And again, he’ll be right on top of all that.”
That optimism matters. But is it enough? History offers reassurance for Patrick Mahomes. While playing as the QB for the New England Patriots, Tom Brady tore both his ACL and MCL in 2008. But he then returned in 2009 to lead the Patriots to the playoffs with a 10-6 record. He even won Comeback Player of the Year. So, the injury clearly did not hold him back.
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Could Patrick Mahomes follow a similar path to recovery as Brady? It’s possible. But it won’t be easy. But as Reid and Dr. Chao pointed out, a comeback next season is very much possible for Mahomes.
Unexpected name lands with Bills in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
The Buffalo Bills pulled to within one game of the AFC East by shocking the New England Patriots in a comeback win this weekend. Even if they don’t win the division, they’re still in excellent shape and can clinch a playoff berth as early as Week 16.
Despite their 10-4 record, the Bills have had their share of struggles this season, with their lack of a No. 1 wide receiver getting much of the attention. While they need someone to take some of the pressure off the shoulders of Josh Allen and James Cook, the Bills have another major issue to address.
MORE: Veteran CB, much-maligned EDGE headline Bills’ top-5 defenders from Week 15
Through 14 games, the Bills are 30th in the NFL in rushing yards surrendered (2,004) and 32nd in rushing touchdowns given up (23). That’s why College Football HQ’s Nick Merriam has them targeting a defensive tackle rather than a receiver in his recent 2026 NFL mock draft.
Pick No. 24: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
With their first selection, Merriam has Buffalo grabbing Ohio State nose tackle Kayden McDonald. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, McDonald took over for 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams, and the Buckeyes’ defense didn’t miss a beat.
Is the 2025 NFL draft enough to save Andrew Berry’s job? Hey, Mary Kay! (Podcast)
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Following the Browns’ 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears, Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe tackle the biggest question facing the Cleveland Browns: What does the future hold for head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry?
They kick off the Hey, Mary Kay! edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast by debating whether one or both could be fired and if Berry’s successful 2025 draft class is enough to secure his position.
The conversation quickly turns to the franchise’s most glaring need: a quarterback.
Dan and Mary Kay discuss the immense pressure on the front office to finally find their guy, questioning the trust in Andrew Berry’s evaluation skills for the league’s most important position.
Then they get into Shedeur Sanders’ performance, analyzing his recent step back against the Bears. Where does Sanders need to improve? How will the Browns get a full enough evaluation on him?
Here’s the latest podcast:
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Two years after hitting bottom, the Denver Broncos are the Super Bowl contender you didn’t see coming.
The Denver Broncos were no one’s idea of a Super Bowl contender two years ago.
Stumbling to an 0-3 start in 2023, they allowed 70 points in a game, the third most ever scored in NFL history. There was so much trader’s remorse about quarterback Russell Wilson — whom the team had acquired to great fanfare less than two years earlier — that they benched him and later agreed to eat $85 million of his contract.
By that season’s end, the Broncos had missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.
In a sign of how quickly fortunes can flip in the parity-filled NFL, Denver (12-2) now boasts one of the league’s best defenses, a quarterback it believes in and an 11-game winning streak. And after Sunday’s 34-26 win against Green Bay, a team with its own credible aspirations of a deep playoff run, the Broncos have become the Super Bowl contenders no one saw coming even midway through last season.
Cleveland Browns legend Paul Wiggin dies
Paul Wiggin won an NFL championship with the 1964 Browns and found comfort nearly 52 years later when Cleveland’s drought without a major professional sports title ended.
Wiggin died on Dec. 12 at the age of 91, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced along with the Minnesota Vikings.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection at defensive end, Wiggin spent his entire NFL playing career with the Browns (1957-67). Drafted in 1956 by the Browns in the sixth round (No. 73 overall), Wiggin never missed a game in 11 seasons.
When the Cavaliers broke Cleveland’s championship curse by capturing the NBA title in 2016, Wiggin rejoiced during an interview with the Beacon Journal.
Cooper Flagg becomes youngest player to score 42 points but laments Mavericks’ overtime loss to Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Cooper Flagg scored the most points by an 18-year-old in NBA history, but he couldn’t enjoy the accomplishment because it came in a loss.
Flagg had 42 points — topping the previous mark of 37 set by LeBron James on Dec. 13, 2003 — in a 140-133 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
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Cooper Flagg becomes youngest player to score 42 points but laments Mavericks’ overtime loss to Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Cooper Flagg scored the most points by an 18-year-old in NBA history, but he couldn’t enjoy the accomplishment because it came in a loss.
Flagg had 42 points — topping the previous mark of 37 set by LeBron James on Dec. 13, 2003 — in a 140-133 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
“Obviously we didn’t win. So it’s tough for me to want to be happy, or any of that, but obviously it’s a success,” said Flagg, who had a bag of ice on his ankle after rolling it at the end of regulation.
Flagg also became just the fifth rookie to record 40 points, five rebounds and five assists in the last 15 years as he finished with seven board and six assists.
“The more time he spends on the floor, the more he sees, the better he gets. He displayed it all tonight,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said.
Flagg has been playing his best basketball the past few weeks as the No. 1 overall draft pick has averaged 25.7 points in the last seven games. He’s also playing aggressive enough to get to the line and went 15 for 20 against Utah.
“It’s come a long way from the start of the season, so I’m proud of that fourth quarter,” Flagg said. “It’s a new game … but I am getting more and more comfortable … and just settling in, honestly, just being myself and letting the game come to me.”
He scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and made a savvy play to get the game into overtime when he missed a free throw on purpose with such a big carom that teammate Max Christie got the rebound with 3.9 seconds remaining and was fouled.
With Anthony Davis out and Dallas missing several other teammates to injuries, this game may be a harbinger of things to come as Flagg becomes a centerpiece of the Mavericks’ offense.
“We were going to Coop. He was killing them the whole game, so they finally tried to double him.” P.J. Washington said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all. I know exactly what he’s capable of. He’s a special player so there will be a lot more to come.”
Flagg also tied Mark Aguirre for the most points by a rookie in Mavs history as he begins to make his mark on the franchise. But he couldn’t stop thinking of what he could have done to get the win despite the throbbing ankle. The Jazz made a late 11-0 run and then dominated in overtime as Flagg didn’t score a basket in the extra period.
“I gotta be better. I had a couple of dumb turnovers, missed a couple easy ones, but I gotta be better, executing down the stretch like that,” Flagg said.
Setting records might be nice but Flagg feels it just means he’s consistently improving and that’s been his goal all season.
“I’m not really focused on a lot of that stuff (the records). I’m more just focused on being present, day to day, and trying to get better and and getting our team as many wins as we can,” Flagg said.
___
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What channel is Knicks vs Spurs today? NBA Cup final TV info, prediction
It all comes down to this as the New York Knicks (18-7) and San Antonio Spurs (18-7) square off in the NBA Cup final Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
The Knicks advanced to the title game with a convincing 132-120 victory over the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday night.
It was the opposite for the Spurs, who overcame a double-digit first-half deficit to pull off a 111-109 victory as 9.5-point underdogs over the heavily-favored Oklahoma City Thunder, who came into the game tied for the best start in NBA history (24-1) and had their 16-game winning streak snapped.
A big reason was the return of Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama, who scored 22 points and was a +21 in only 21 minutes of action. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick had missed the previous 12 games with a left calf strain he suffered on Nov. 14.
This is the first of three meetings between these two franchises, as the next head-to-head matchup will come in the Lone Star State just over two weeks from now, when the Knicks travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs on New Year’s Eve.
The third and final regular-season contest will be a Sunday afternoon matinee at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2026, with the game being televised on ABC.
Here’s everything you need to know on how to watch, stream and our prediction on who will win this year’s NBA Cup between the Knicks and Spurs on Tuesday night:
What time is Knicks vs Spurs NBA Cup final today?
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 16
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: T-Mobile Arena
The Knicks-Spurs NBA Cup championship matchup begins at 8:30 p.m. from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What channel is Knicks vs Spurs NBA Cup final today?
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
The Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Cup final will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, which has an 11-year deal with the NBA.
Stream Knicks vs. Spurs live on Amazon Prime Video
Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Cup final betting odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Dec. 16:
Spread: Knicks by 2.5 points
Over/under: 228.5 points
Moneyline: Knicks (-135), Spurs (+110)
Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Cup final, prediction
A winning streak will come to an end here with everything on the line in the NBA Cup championship game as the Knicks have won five straight and the Spurs winners of three in a row.
Wembanyama has only played the Knicks three times so far in his young career but was dominant in two of those head-to-head meetings. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman dropped 40 points and 20 rebounds against the Knicks on March 9, 2024 and followed it up last season with 42 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks and four assists on Christmas Day but the Spurs came up short in a 117-114 loss to the Knicks at MSG.
This should be an exciting, back-and-forth contest in the desert, but with Webanyama likely playing more than the limited action he saw in the semifinals over the weekend (21 minutes), I’m giving San Antonio the slight advantage here as the Spurs win their first ever NBA Cup in the league’s third installment of the in-season tournament.
Webanyama will nearly put up a 40/20 performance again to earn tournament MVP honors, joining the likes of superstars in Lakers’ forward LeBron James and Bucks’ forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to win the award.
Spurs 119, Knicks 112
NY, San Antonio meet in Cup final
LAS VEGAS — The NBA Cup final doesn’t count. New York will enter with an 18-7 record. San Antonio will enter with an 18-7 record. And when Tuesday night’s game between the Knicks and Spurs is over, those records will be unchanged.
But the game will have plenty of meaning. The teams are sure of that.
A trophy, some bragging rights and a ton of money will be at stake when the Knicks and Spurs play in the NBA Cup title game at T-Mobile Arena. It’ll be the first time those franchises have met with a trophy on the line since San Antonio topped New York in the 1999 NBA Finals.
How to watch star-studded lineup, TV, streaming
Kevin Perrington-Turner
Asbury Park Press
Dec. 16, 2025, 4:55 a.m. ET
The NBA will feature a five-game slate on Christmas Day for basketball fans.
The day’s matchups include superstars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Nikola Jokic.
Basketball fans are getting the best present they could ask for on Christmas Day – a long lineup of televised NBA games.
This year has some high-profile matchups both casual and diehard fans will relish as they see superstars hit the hardwood floor on Dec. 25 (a Thursday).
Here’s the lineup:
Noon – In the first game the New York Knicks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. This is the first of FIVE games. .
2:30 p.m. – The Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champs, will host 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama and his San Antonio Spurs with former Rutgers star Dylan Harper also in the lineup. The MVP winner of last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, plays for the Thunder.
5 p.m. – Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors will host 2025 No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg and his Dallas Mavericks.
8 pm. – Superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić will try to lead the Los Angelas Lakers to a win over the Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
10:30 p.m. – Anthony Edwards and his Minnesota Timberwolves will head to Denver and try to get a win over three-time MVP winner Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets.
Stream NBA games on live on Fubo (free trial)
How to watch Christmas Day NBA games
All games will be aired on ABC and ESPN.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Cooper Flagg Breaks LeBron James Record vs. Jazz
History followed Cooper Flagg into Salt Lake City on Monday night. The win did not.
The Dallas Mavericks rookie delivered the most explosive performance of his young NBA career, pouring in a career-high 42 points against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. In the process, Flagg broke a record that had stood for more than two decades.
Even so, the night ended in frustration. Utah survived late drama and pulled away in overtime for a 140–133 win, wasting a performance that will live in NBA record books.
A Record LeBron James Once Owned
At just 18 years old, Flagg set a new NBA benchmark.
With his 42-point outing, the No. 1 overall pick surpassed LeBron James for the most points ever scored in a single game by an 18-year-old. James previously held the record with 37 points, set during his rookie season in December 2003 against the Boston Celtics.
The context matters. In league history, only James and Flagg have ever topped 24 points multiple times before turning 19. Monday night pushed Flagg into rare territory, not just historically, but stylistically. He was not simply scoring. He was controlling stretches of the game.
Flagg finished with 42 points on 13-of-27 shooting, added seven rebounds and six assists, and lived at the free-throw line, converting 15 attempts. He scored 14 points in the first quarter, setting the tone early, then added 12 more in the fourth as Dallas tried to close.
Flagg Tried to Drag Dallas Across the Finish Line
The Mavericks had opportunities.
Dallas led late in the fourth quarter and looked poised to escape with a win behind Flagg’s shot-making. With seconds remaining in regulation, Flagg intentionally missed a free throw, setting up a frantic sequence that ended with Max Christie converting at the line to force overtime.
It was clever. It was desperate. It worked.
Briefly.
Overtime belonged to Utah. The Jazz opened the extra period on an 11–4 run and never let Dallas recover. Flagg did not disappear, but the burden finally became too heavy for one player to carry alone.
Utah Survives Behind Star Power of Its Own
While Flagg stole headlines, Utah answered.
Keyonte George led the Jazz with 37 points, repeatedly punishing Dallas’ perimeter defense. Lauri Markkanen added 33 points and 16 rebounds, controlling the paint late and sealing the win.
The victory marked Utah’s second straight and pushed the Jazz to 10–15 on the season. Dallas, meanwhile, fell to 10–17, another reminder that growth and results do not always arrive together.
What This Night Means for Cooper Flagg
The loss will sting. The record will not fade.
Flagg also matched Mark Aguirre for the most points ever scored by a rookie in Mavericks history. He now trails only James and Kobe Bryant for the most total points scored by a player before turning 19.
He turns 19 later this week.
The Mavericks’ season remains uneven. The standings are unkind. But Flagg’s trajectory is unmistakable. Nights like this are not flukes. They are signals.
Dallas did not get the win. Cooper Flagg still left with something bigger.
History.
NBA Cup faces pressure to terminate its partnership with Emirates over UAE’s alleged role in Sudan crisis
Multiple human rights organizations are petitioning the National Basketball Association (NBA) to drop Dubai’s government-owned Emirates airline as a sponsor of the league’s in-season tournament, the Emirates NBA Cup, due to allegations of sportswashing.
“The NBA is letting itself be used as a pawn to distract people from what the UAE is doing in the world. This partnership is not innocent – it is sportswashing and it hides the suffering of millions of Sudanese people behind a trophy,” the Speak Out On Sudan petition, which is co-sponsored by 14 organizations, says on its website.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has repeatedly denied that it is playing any role in Sudan’s civil war, particularly accusations that it provides military, financial and logistical support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been accused of crimes against humanity by a number of human rights organizations.
Sportswashing is the practice of a government or organization supporting sports or organizing sports events to enhance its reputation. The term was popularized by the Sport for Rights campaign in 2015.
After years of strategic planning, the NBA developed an in-season tournament to drum up excitement among fans ahead of the marquee Christmas fixtures and make the entirety of the marathon 82-game season more relevant to viewers. It was not sponsored for its first edition in 2023 but has subsequently been named after international airline Emirates over the last two seasons.
The UAE wants to project a modern image and invests a lot of money into curating that brand while it faces accusations of complicity in atrocities in Sudan, said Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, the organization that is leading the Speak Out On Sudan petition in collaboration with Sudanese groups and leaders.
The NBA and Emirates airline did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.
The NBA Cup final takes place at 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesday between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas.
What is happening in Sudan?
For nearly three years, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary RSF have viciously competed for territory. In January this year, the United States accused the RSF militia of committing genocide. Later, in a case at the International Court of Justice, Sudan’s acting justice minister, Muawia Osman, alleged that the RSF had “the support and complicity” of the UAE.
The UAE has been repeatedly accused of supplying weapons to the RSF. The UAE has vehemently denied the allegations, even though an expert panel appointed by the United Nations Security Council said last year they were “credible.”
Earlier this year, top members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee called for the RSF to be officially designated as a terrorist organization, and said that “foreign backers” including the UAE have “fueled and profited from the conflict.”
Khalil al-Anani, a professor of politics and visiting researcher at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University, told CNN that the UAE’s primary objectives in Sudan are to “to control its natural wealth, including agriculture and gold.” At the same time, he said, the UAE “does not want to see a successful democratic transition in Sudan.”
In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson last month, the UAE president’s diplomatic adviser, Anwar Gargash, said the UAE’s interests in Sudan aren’t economic, but it does have geostrategic interests. He said the UAE wants to see Sudan as a “contributor to stability in the region” and for that to happen, the Muslim Brotherhood and “other extremist groups” must have no influence.
In response to CNN’s request for a comment, the UAE’s foreign ministry referred to a statement from its embassy in Washington, DC, saying the country condemns attacks against civilians in Sudan.
“The warring parties, including the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with allied militias and extremist-linked actors, share responsibility for atrocities committed against civilians and for blocking humanitarian access. The UAE reaffirms the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring rapid and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan and stresses the need for perpetrators to be held accountable for their crimes,” the statement said.
It also noted the UAE’s humanitarian and ceasefire efforts in Sudan. UAE officials have said that the UAE is second only to the United States in aid deliveries to Sudan.
‘Jekyll and Hyde quality’ to the UAE’s role in the world
The UAE’s role in the world has a “Jekyll and Hyde quality,” Refugees International president Konyndyk said.
“They want to project a positive image – a modern, a lively country that is engaged in the arts, is engaged in culture, is engaged in sports, is sponsoring football teams and basketball tournaments, is sponsoring concerts and musical events. And they invest really heavily in curating a particular global brand,” he told CNN.
“At the same time, they are also doing and enabling and supporting and fueling horrible mass atrocities in Sudan.”
The campaign to urge the NBA to drop the UAE partnership started in 2024 when Emirates first signed on. Refugees International wrote to NBA commissioner Adam Silver along with deputy commissioner Mark Tatum expressing their human rights concern about the partnership.
Tatum, in a letter, said the NBA believes its partnership is “consistent with the NBA’s mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the game of basketball.”
With the lack of action on this request, organizations continue to petition the NBA and are now hoping to spread awareness of their cause.
“We’re appealing to the court of public opinion,” said Mutasim Ali, a survivor of the Darfur genocide and legal advisor at the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights. “The players should be concerned, the fans should be concerned.”
Denny Hamlin Discloses the Massive Figure Teams Pay Because of NASCAR’s Sponsorship Restrictions
Denny Hamlin addressed growing frustrations a few months ago following NASCAR’s move to fully standardized parts in 2022. While the shift was intended to control costs, its ripple effects have extended far beyond that goal.
Competitive balance has tightened to the point where cars now mirror one another almost perfectly, leaving drivers with fewer tools to create separation on track. Passing has become more difficult, short-track racing has lost much of its edge, and teams have found themselves boxed into purchasing expensive components from approved suppliers, even when those parts fail to suit their setups or when alternatives elsewhere in the market might outperform them.
Hamlin explained that once NASCAR signs a category partner, teams lose their entire freedom within that space. If the sanctioning body locks in a fuel or tire partner, teams cannot seek sponsorship from a competing brand in the same category.
That restriction applies regardless of competitive benefit or financial upside. According to the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, the most critical performance elements on a race car, fuel and tires, sit squarely within those locked categories, yet teams remain unable to leverage them commercially.
Hamlin expanded on that point with a concrete example, saying, “I think we probably pay about $700,000 a year in tires. In tires. I mean, Goodyear is the official provider of NASCAR tires, but we have to purchase them. They’re not given to us. We have to purchase them.
“But that’s an agreement that they have with NASCAR itself. And again, it’s a category where we couldn’t go get a Michelin to sponsor our car.”
The structure has contributed to broader consequences across the garage. Mechanical innovation has slowed as teams operate within the limits of a spec car. Distinct driving styles carry less influence when equipment behaves the same across the field. At the same time, safety and performance concerns tied to mandated components often leave teams powerless to act independently.
NASCAR’s requirement that teams purchase parts exclusively from approved vendors has shifted problem-solving authority away from the organizations that race the cars weekly.
Manufacturers have felt the effects as well. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota now have limited room to highlight engineering identity or technical evolution. With fewer avenues to differentiate, their ability to connect innovation to on-track performance has diminished, a factor that could affect long-term investment and fan engagement.
When flaws emerge in a required component, the impact becomes universal. Every team must wait for NASCAR and its supplier to address the issue. The early version of the Next Gen chassis highlighted that risk. Its excessive stiffness failed to absorb impact energy effectively, contributing to a series of injuries and concussions before adjustments were made.
Tires present another constraint. With Goodyear serving as the sole supplier, teams cannot explore alternative compounds or manufacturers to better match track characteristics or driving approaches.
That strategy exists in other forms of motorsport. Formula 1, while also operating under a single-supplier model with Pirelli, still allows teams to select from multiple compounds. NASCAR’s low-profile Next Gen tires have further altered feedback, reducing the tactile “feel” drivers rely on to manage grip and balance.
Although standardization was intended to reduce costs, several teams argue that the economics remain unfavorable. The mandated parts come with high purchase prices, yet teams do not retain ownership, as the components remain NASCAR property. That imbalance has fueled recent antitrust litigation, prompting teams to question the model’s sustainability.
Now, with NASCAR signaling openness to restoring limited innovation and increasing horsepower, optimism has begun to surface. If implemented, those changes could reintroduce speed, improve race quality, and give teams greater control starting next season.
Kenny Wallace Explained Why Fans Cheered During NASCAR’s Lawsuit
The recent antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR did more than raise legal questions. It also revealed how many fans feel about the sport right now. During the case, a noticeable reaction spread across social media. Some fans were openly cheering against NASCAR itself.
Retired driver and NASCAR analyst Kenny Wallace noticed it and spoke about it on “Coffee With Kenny.” According to Wallace, this response was not about lawyers or court filings. It reflected long-running frustration among fans.
The lawsuit, filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, brought those feelings into the open. While NASCAR later settled, Wallace believes the fan reaction during the case tells a larger story about trust, change, and dissatisfaction within the sport.
The lawsuit that triggered the reaction
The lawsuit was filed in late 2024 by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The teams accused NASCAR of anticompetitive behavior tied to the charter system. Charters were introduced in 2016 and guarantee teams entry into Cup Series races along with a share of revenue. Teams argued that NASCAR held too much control over the system, limiting their ability to operate freely.
The lawsuit moved forward for months before NASCAR settled with the teams. The agreement ended the case before it reached a full trial.
While the legal fight focused on business terms, Wallace said fans reacted emotionally. He saw it across social media and in comments on his own platforms.
“During the NASCAR trial, I noticed a psychological shift, Wallace said.” “The fans were very excited that NASCAR was being sued.”
What Kenny Wallace saw from fans online
Wallace said the fan reaction went beyond simple curiosity. He noticed fans openly celebrating the idea of NASCAR losing in court. “It was bringing the fans a lot of happiness, Wallace said.”
According to Wallace, many fans were not supporting the teams directly. Instead, they were reacting to NASCAR as an organization. He said the volume of those comments stood out.
“There was a larger group of people that like NASCAR losing that trial, Wallace said.” “They’re like, ‘Yeah, yeah, NASCAR’s losing the trial.”
Wallace explained that fans were not focused on legal details. Their reaction came from years of disagreement with the decisions NASCAR has made. He said the lawsuit became a symbol of accountability in the eyes of fans.
Longstanding issues fans keep pointing to
Wallace connected the fan response to specific changes NASCAR has made in recent years. He said fans often mention the placement of car numbers and the current playoff points system.
“They’re getting what they deserve, Wallace said.” “Because they won’t move the number to the middle of the car, and they won’t go back to normal points.”
The number placement changed with the introduction of the Next Gen car, which debuted in 2022. NASCAR moved the numbers forward on the doors to create more space for sponsor logos. The playoff system, introduced earlier, replaced the season-long points format with an elimination-style championship.
Wallace said these topics came up again as soon as news of the settlement broke.
“Within one hour, I seen my timeline filling up, Wallace said.” “What about the car? What about the points? What about the number on the car?”
He added that fan reactions happen quickly online. “Fans move fast, Wallace said.”
The settlement ended the lawsuit, but Wallace believes the fan reaction showed unresolved issues. The cheers during the case were not about the courtroom. They reflected frustration that many fans feel has gone unanswered.
Why Short Tracks Dropping Playoffs Put NASCAR on the Clock
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will return to a full-season points system in 2026. The series confirmed the change after being acquired by FloSports. Instead of a playoff format, the championship will again be decided by total points earned across the entire season. Series officials described the move as a return to a system many drivers consider the fairest.
The decision has drawn attention because many racing series have copied NASCAR’s playoff model over the last two decades.
Veteran racer Kenny Wallace says this move matters because it shows short-track racing is no longer following NASCAR’s lead. Instead, he says, grassroots racing is choosing stability and consistency at a time when NASCAR faces pressure to defend its own system.
Kenny Wallace Points to a Shift in Racing’s Power Structure
Kenny Wallace discussed the change on his “Coffee with Kenny” show. He said the move stood out because it came before any similar action from NASCAR. “This is the first time I’ve seen it be the opposite,” Wallace said. “This is the first time where I’ve seen a short track series say, ‘Nope, we’re making the move before NASCAR does. We’re going back to normal format next year.”
Wallace added that the shift reflects a larger change in the sport. “That’s how far NASCAR has fallen, he said.” “That’s how wounded NASCAR is.”
The series has not cited NASCAR directly as a reason for the change. Officials have said the goal is to reward consistent performance across the season.
NASCAR’s Playoff Format Under Pressure
NASCAR introduced its playoff system in 2004. The format has gone through several revisions, including elimination rounds and stage racing. The goal was to create more drama late in the season and keep more drivers in title contention.
The system has also drawn criticism over the years. Critics say it places too much weight on late races and can allow a champion to be decided by a single incident. The discussion has intensified following NASCAR’s recent antitrust settlement.
Calls for Change Grow Louder
Wallace said the combination of the settlement and the LOLMDS decision has increased pressure on NASCAR to act. “NASCAR cannot go back to normal points quick enough,” he said.
Wallace also pointed to Hall of Famer Mark Martin, who has long supported a season-long points system. After the LOLMDS announcement, Martin reacted simply with, “Great news.”
Wallace echoed that view. “The hell with it. Just go all 36 races,” he said. “Give Mark Martin what he’s been asking for. Mark’s been right so far.”
Martin has previously said most fans prefer a championship decided by results over the full season rather than a playoff reset.
For Wallace, the timing matters. He said the settlement gives NASCAR a chance to reset. “Now they got this opportunity to come together and do all the right things,” he said.
With short-track racing moving back to traditional points, NASCAR faces renewed focus on its own format. The decision from LOLMDS shows that not every series believes that playoffs are the future. Whether NASCAR follows that path remains unanswered, but the timeline for change is now under close watch.
Dale Jr. Questions NASCAR’s Priorities as SRX Struggles Are Laid Bare After Surprise Executive Concerns
It is safe to say that the NASCAR lawsuit revealed a lot of ugly truths. The recent revelations about SRX are turning heads. Leaked messages show NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell and other top brass expressing frustration as fans began noticing how closely SRX mirrored NASCAR.
In one particularly striking exchange, O’Donnell reportedly wrote, “This is NASCAR. Pure and simple. Enough. We need legal to take a shot at this.” And that was enough to make NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s jaw drop. The side venture, which was supposed to be fun, suddenly sparked alarm at the highest levels, leaving Junior shaking his head in disbelief.
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Dale Jr. takes aim at NASCAR for picking on SRX
The 51-year-old NASCAR Hall of Famer didn’t hold back. Talking on his Dale Jr. Download, Junior was baffled by NASCAR feeling threatened by another series.
“I am surprised by some of the comments I read from O’Donnell and a couple people, ‘Man we gotta put an end to this or we gotta go take a look at this,’” Junior said. “Why are we worried? I’m not alarmed by that. I never saw, no disrespect, but I never would’ve worried or considered SRX a problem.”
During the ongoing legal proceedings, the two teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, lead attorney Jeffrey Kessler questioned O’Donnell about the nature of his concerns regarding SRX.
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According to Kelly Crandall, O’Donnell testified, “I was concerned with what was happening on the racetrack.”
Kessler pressed further about O’Donnell’s suggestion to have the NASCAR legal team review the series.
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Exhibits presented in the case included a screenshot shared by Phelps of a fan comment on SRX ‘s social media page, noting that the series was beginning to resemble NASCAR in the same way LIV Golf mirrored the PGA Tour.
And that was enough for Steve Phelps also to respond with a “need to put a knife in this trash series” message.
But what really left Junior scratching his head was that SRX posed no real threat to NASCAR, hence these comments weren’t needed.
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While O’Donnell emphasized the similarities between the two series, Junior personally saw SRX as a separate, entertaining venture that offered fans a unique experience without encroaching on NASCAR’s core operations.
“To hear that they were even remotely the least bit threatened is so surprising to me because they’re this giant that’s NASCAR, and SRX is just this little thing,” Junior added. “They were like 12 cars just barely getting by financially. They’re tearing up so much sh-t; they had no idea they were gonna tear up so much sh-t.”
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But with the antitrust lawsuit trial ending with a settlement, all seems to have simmered down; however, Dale Jr cannot help but take a dig at NASCAR for other reasons.
Dale Jr. sets the record straight on North Wilkesboro drama
Though the case has come to an end, Junior has opened up about the drama, revealing how he was dragged into leaked text messages criticizing him despite having no involvement in the charter lawsuit.
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Even with his prominence in the sport, the 51-year-old faced criticism in chat from NASCAR officials, including Steve O’Donnell, Steve Phelps, and Ben Kennedy.
Speaking candidly, he admitted he didn’t know all the inner workings of NASCAR or why certain decisions had such strong reactions, including the North Wilkesboro race.
The NASCAR Hall of Famer made it clear the return of North Wilkesboro as a points-paying race was due to Marcus Smith and not NASCAR leadership.
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“I don’t know everything about how they run things, and I certainly didn’t know how they felt about some things, and how these text messages have unveiled some things. North Wilkesboro came back because of Marcus Smith. NASCAR, you know, they didn’t play any role,” he said.
With the North Wilkesboro race now avoiding points after nearly 30 years and changes to the Window World 450 increasing it to 450 laps, the sport has seen significant developments.
Though the lawsuit exposed unsettling truths, NASCAR retains an upper hand post-settlement and will now look to recover from its 2025 losses and aim for a stronger future.
NASCAR Distances Themselves From Commissioner Steve Phelps After Public Embarrassment Claims Insider
“NASCAR, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment,” read the press release after the teams, led by Michael Jordan, and NASCAR, settled the antitrust lawsuit. On the surface, it was a clean ending to a messy chapter. But when the settlement was formally announced in court, one familiar figure was noticeably absent.
That was NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps. According to an insider, that absence might not have been accidental. And now, it raises a question whether public embarrassment has begun reshaping NASCAR’s leadership dynamics.
Why Steve Phelps was missing
Steve Phelps’ absence at the time of settlement didn’t go unnoticed, and fans were quick to ask questions. One user put it directly for veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass: “Why wasn’t both Steve’s in the video at the courthouse?” The answer added fuel to an already smoldering conversation.
Pockrass replied that Steve O’Donnell was present in court when the settlement was announced to the judge, while Steve Phelps was not.
“Obviously a lot of controversy with Phelps throughout so my guess is that is likely the reason although can’t rule out just timing of how quickly settlement got finalized,” he said.
Pockrass feels the backlash surrounding the commissioner likely played a role. But he also noted that the timing of how quickly the settlement came together could have also been a factor why he wasn’t there.
That caveat mattered, but the optics were already doing damage. The controversy Pockrass referenced traces back to leaked text messages from 2023, exchanged between Steve Phelps and NASCAR Vice President Brian Herbst during tense charter negotiations.
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In those messages, Steve Phelps repeatedly insulted team owner Richard Childress, calling him “an idiot,” suggesting he should “sell your charter and get out,” and going as far as saying Childress needed to be “taken out back and flogged,” labeling him a “stupid redneck.” The texts surfaced publicly during the lawsuit, igniting widespread criticism across the garage and fanbase.
Under oath, Phelps admitted he was “not proud of” the messages and apologized for them, an acknowledgment that did little to fully calm the fallout. Since then (and especially after the antitrust settlement), Phelps has largely disappeared from public view. On the other hand, O’Donnell has taken on a more visible role.
That contrast is what’s driving speculation. NASCAR hasn’t announced any change in leadership, nor has it commented on Phelps’ courtroom absence. And as Pockrass emphasized, his explanation remains educated guesswork. Still, in a sport hyper-aware of optics, the decision to have O’Donnell front and center while Steve Phelps stayed out of sight has only intensified questions NASCAR may not be ready to answer publicly (yet).
Pockrass provides update on 2026 format
As questions swirl around leadership optics, fans are also pressing NASCAR on something just as contentious: the points system. One fan asked Bob Pockrass directly if there was any news on the format for next season. His response was blunt and telling.
“Wouldn’t expect anything new on the points format for next year until January.” he said.
He said that whatever direction NASCAR chooses, it’s still very much behind closed doors.
That silence hasn’t slowed the backlash. A growing segment of the NASCAR community continues to push hard for a return to a season-long, traditional points system. The argument is familiar but louder than ever: reward consistency, not chaos. Many fans believe the current playoff structure places too much emphasis on winning the “right” races at the “right” time. This often allows strong full-season performers to be undone by one bad night in the postseason.
Critics argue that the championship should reflect sustained excellence over 36 races, not a late-season reset that turns strategy and survival into deciding factors. While the playoffs undeniably deliver drama, detractors say they’ve also diluted the meaning of dominance, creating champions who peak late rather than excel throughout the year.
Internally, NASCAR appears to have reached a checkpoint. Managing director of racing communications Mike Forde revealed last month that the playoff committee’s work is effectively done. “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,” Forde said last month.
That final line is key. With feedback gathered and pressure mounting, the next move belongs to NASCAR itself. Whether the sanctioning body tweaks the format or stays the course, any decision (or continued delay) will only intensify scrutiny as 2026 draws closer. We just have to wait and watch!
Is the Grand National Bash a NASCAR Event? Everything You Need to Know About Tommy Joe Martins’ Brainchild
“All of us are racing for something. No matter the size of the organization, racing at this level is a big deal… and that should be celebrated.” Those words from Tommy Joe Martins capture the spirit behind the Grand National Bash, an award concept born out of a simple realization: Effort doesn’t diminish just because the spotlight does.
Drivers in the Xfinity and Truck Series work just as hard as those in the NASCAR Cup Series, yet the rewards often fall far short. Recognizing that imbalance, Martins created a way to give these competitors the appreciation they’ve long deserved. He has everything you need to know about the awards!
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The Grand National Bash celebrates Xfinity and Truck teams!
For the first time ever, the award ceremony debuted Sunday night with JR Motorsports emerging as the recipient of the Premier Organization of the Year honor, and they didn’t miss a beat in thanking the Grand National bash.
“It takes an incredible group of drivers, team members, and sponsors to make it all possible. Thank you to the [Grand Bash] and the voting committee on this great honor!” JR Motorsports posted on X.
While the event honors NASCAR drivers and teams, it is independent of NASCAR’s official awards ceremonies. It’s organized by the fan communities and not by NASCAR itself.
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For Tommy Joe Martins, the CEO and co-owner of Alpha Prime Racing, the moment carried deeper significance. Much of his racing career has been spent competing against underfunded teams that rarely receive recognition, and his goal with the event was simple: to pause the sport and acknowledge their contribution.
“Throughout my career, I’ve primarily competed with smaller organizations… I’ve often felt the effort it takes to simply participate gets overlooked and underappreciated,” Martins said last month.
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In his view, these teams aren’t just participants; they are the backbone of NASCAR.
The awards were presented by ChaLew Performance, and the event took place at the Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, North Carolina. Moreover, the divisions within the awards were drawing eyeballs.
The Grand National Bash divides organizations into four distinct tiers: Premier, Affiliate, Independent, and Breakout.
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Nominees are selected by a panel that includes media members, drivers, agents, and team representatives, with performance data from Racing Insights helping guide the final selections.
Recognition extended beyond team awards as well. Crew chiefs were also honored, with nominees such as Jim Pohlman, Joe Shear Jr., and Danny Stockman earning consideration.
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On the driver side, contenders included Austin Hill, Chandler Smith, Corey Heim, and Jesse Love, among others.
Events like the Grand National Bash serve a larger purpose, offering long-overdue validation to competitors in the OAPS and Craftsman Truck Series, an acknowledgement that their work matters just as much.
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Which teams and drivers stole the spotlight?
Beyond GRM claiming the top honor of the night and co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller expressing her appreciation, the Grand National Bash recognized several other standout performances of the year.
Joe Gibbs Racing was among the notable winners, earning pit crew of the year for its No. 20 Xfinity Series team driven by Brandon Jones.
Rising star Parker Retzlaff was also celebrated, taking home lap of the year for his dramatic second-place finish at Rockingham, his best career result after missing the pole by just 0.001 seconds.
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On the Craftsman Truck Series side, TRICON Garage’s No.11 team, led by Corey Heim, captured Crew of the Year honors, while Layne Riggs was named Breakout Driver of the Year.
Rounding out the major awards, Martins’ Alpha Prime Racing owned the Independent Team of the Year award.
All in all, it was a win for pretty much everyone, and with the excitement and buzz created around the inaugural event, it can be set with much certainty that this tradition will follow through for years to come
Displeased Fans Rip Into NASCAR’s Format Silence Amidst Growing ‘Disappointment’ Fears
The NASCAR lawsuit was settled earlier this week, with the tide not in favor of the sanctioning body. Across two weeks, the trial divulged jaw-dropping evidence that tainted NASCAR’s reputation further. Hence, the sport’s executives settled with Michael Jordan and Co., agreeing on a permanent charter model. Given this recent defeat, fans are also getting restless about their own demand.
No blip on the format radar
“Wouldn’t expect anything new on the points format for next year until January,” journalist Bob Pockrass wrote in response to a fan’s question. NASCAR has rolled out hints of tweaking the Cup Series playoff format for a few months, raising anticipation levels across the garage and the fanbase. After all, Joey Logano’s worst average finish of 17.1 as the 2024 Cup champion and Kyle Larson’s besting of Denny Hamlin last month are memories that fans would not forget easily.
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In mid-November, NASCAR announced that it may be considering a return to the 10-race Chase for the Championship used from 2004 to 2013. The focus is on an elimination format that culminates with an eight-driver four-race points chase. However, NASCAR’s managing director of racing communications, Mike Forde, also said that the news of the change will be late. The sport will announce its playoff tweak before the Clash race in February – hence Pockrass’s latest update follows from that.
Nevertheless, the pressure is heavy for NASCAR. Unlike many racing series copying NASCAR’s model for years, a local sprint racing series reversed that trend. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will return to a full-season points system in 2026. The series confirmed the change after being acquired by FloSports and after following a playoff model for the last three years. Even Kyle Larson denied pursuing playoffs in his own series, High Limit Racing.
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“This is the first time I’ve seen it be the opposite,” Xfinity veteran Kenny Wallace said about NASCAR setting trends. “This is the first time where I’ve seen a short track series say, ‘Nope, we’re making the move before NASCAR does. We’re going back to normal format next year.” Wallace added, “That’s how far NASCAR has fallen. That’s how wounded NASCAR is.”
Fans may agree with Kenny Wallace, as tides of discontent ruled the crowd.
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NASCAR fans raise their eyebrows
Just after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports bested NASCAR, the spotlight is on the sanctioning body’s next actions. True, the NASCAR lawsuit trial ended in a settlement – but since the terms favored the teams more, it could be seen as NASCAR’s loss. So a fan scrutinized its silence on the playoff format at this time: “Not sure that’s smart. Dinner conversation for the holidays will now be about how NASCAR got owned and questioning if they’ve learned their lesson. Announce full season points now and instead it’s about how NASCAR is back.”
The lawsuit revealed holes in NASCAR’s relations with Cup teams deeper than what fans expected. Bob Jenkins’ loss of over $100 million and Rick Hendrick’s failure to turn profits in the past five years, despite winning three championships, were some. So fans are questioning the sport more: “Which is nuts. I would have thought they would have seen timing is key to starting to fix relations. But sure.” Another fan highlighted the playoff format delay: “Continuing nascar’s tone deafness because if they were smart they’d do it today and get positive talk about nascar out there.”
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The lawsuit also revealed eye-opening evidence in the executives’ personal messages. Commissioner Steve Phelps is in the center, with his derogatory texts on Richard Childress and fans eliciting outrage. “Why hasn’t Steve Phelps resigned yet?” one fan wrote. Somebody else put off even the playoff announcement for this. “NASCARs next announcement needs to be the resignations of Phelps and O’Donnell. As just some redneck fan, I can’t read so I asked a non-NASCAR fan to help me write this.”
Clearly, the sanctioning body’s moves are under careful scrutiny. Let’s wait and see what unfolds as 2026 comes around the corner.
Five most heartbreaking championship losses in NASCAR history
Auto racing is an inherently cruel sport, and NASCAR racing has seen its fair share of heartbreaking championship losses. Here are five that has been particularly painful for the driver that came out on the losing end.
5. Lee Petty, 1950
Bill Rexford claimed the 1950 Cup Series title over Fireball Roberts, but it was Lee Petty who was the recipient of heartbreak. At that time, NASCAR president Bill France Sr. did not allow NASCAR drivers to race in other racing series — a rule that Petty broke and was subsequently heavily penalized for. Petty was docked all of his points in July, and would’ve easily won the title without the penalty.
4. Darrell Waltrip, 1979
The 1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season started out with Darrell Waltrip finishing runner-up to Richard Petty in the Daytona 500 and ended with Waltrip finishing runner-up to Petty for the championship.
Waltrip led Petty by two points going into the season finale at the Ontario (Calif.) Motor Speedway, but finished eighth to Petty’s fifth-place result. That was enough to lift Petty over Waltrip for his seventh and final Cup Series championship.
3. Bill Elliott, 1992
The 1992 NASCAR championship battle is mostly known for the triumphant story of underdog Alan Kulwicki, who won the championship in what could only be described as the culmination of a Hollywood story. But Elliott’s heartbreaking loss — which came after Kulwicki earned the bonus points for leading the most laps in the season finale by one lap over Elliott — was the other side of the story.
Elliott won the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway that day, but ended up 10 points shy of Kulwicki for the title. Softening the blow was Elliott’s 1988 championship, which was the only one he earned during his legendary driving career.
2. Carl Edwards, 2016
Edwards, a 28-time Cup Series winner, had already won nearly everything there is to win in NASCAR going into the 2016 championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Edwards was one of the four drivers eligible for the championship during the season finale, and looked to have the title all but sewn up in the closing laps.
With 15 laps to go, however, the caution flew, re-racking the field for a late-race restart. In a desperation move, Edwards attempted to block fellow championship contender Joey Logano on the restart, which resulted in Edwards hitting the inside wall and Jimmie Johnson winning his record-tying seventh championship.
As shocking as the heartbreak of losing the championship was, it was nothing compared to the shock felt around the NASCAR world when Edwards announced his sudden retirement from NASCAR competition in January 2017. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in February 2025.
1. Denny Hamlin, 2025
Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and future Hall of Famer in his own right, has won 60 Cup Series races. He looked to be well on his way to a 61st and a long-awaited championship on Nov. 2, leading the championship race with three laps to go.
However, a blown tire from fellow title contender William Byron resulted in a late-race restart. Hamlin decided to take four tires on the final pit stop, while Kyle Larson took two and was suddenly in the cat bird’s seat in regard to the championship outlook.
Larson stayed ahead of Hamlin in NASCAR overtime to secure his second title and leave Hamlin still chasing his first going into Hamlin’s 21st season of competition in 2026.
NHRA to launch 2026 Countdown playoff series at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park
NHRA announced today that U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will have a Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event in 2026, with the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals set to open the 2026 Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
The event will take place Sept. 18-20 at the facility in Martin, Mich., serving as the 15th of 20 races during NHRA’s special 75th anniversary season and the first of six playoff races. Tickets go on sale for the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals on Feb. 1.
It marks the first NHRA national event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, giving NHRA four new national event facilities during the 2026 campaign and further displaying NHRA’s growth during the special milestone season.
“Hosting an NHRA national event underscores our continued commitment to excellence, safety, and delivering unforgettable motorsports entertainment,” U.S. 131 Motorsports Vice President of Operations Jason Peterson said. “We are honored to welcome the NHRA, its competitors, sponsors and fans, and we look forward to showcasing our facility, our staff and our passionate racing community that makes this region so special.”
The first two races in the Countdown to the Championship will be at two new facilities in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, as the Great Lakes Nationals is followed by a trip to historic Rockingham Dragway for the NHRA Nationals at The Rock. Both U.S. 131 and Rockingham are preceded by first-time stops at South Georgia Motorsports Park on May 1-3 and Maryland International Raceway on May 29-31.
Known as “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” U.S. 131 Motorsports Park has maintained its status as one of the Midwest’s premier drag racing facilities for decades, drawing fans from nearby markets in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo. A favorite for both racers and fans alike, the Peterson family has built the track into a marquee destination for more than two decades, making it a prime candidate to host an NHRA national event.
That comes to fruition in 2026, hosting a must-see playoff race during NHRA’s massive 75th anniversary season.
“We are thrilled to welcome U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to the NHRA national event schedule in 2026. It’s a historic milestone for the facility and it’s another terrific way to celebrate our 75th anniversary season, bringing the incredible action of NHRA drag racing to the passionate fan base in Michigan,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said.
“Opening the Countdown to the Championship at U.S. 131 will be extremely meaningful during our 75th anniversary season, as it reflects NHRA’s continued commitment to growing the sport and bringing championship-level NHRA racing to outstanding venues. The track’s dedication to its racers and fans, and its enthusiasm as a new NHRA Member Track makes it an excellent addition to the national tour, and we look forward to launching the Countdown there in 2026.”
Dale Jr & JRM’s Cup Dreams in Shambles as NASCAR Charters Break $100M Barrier
For years, the idea of JR Motorsports leaping into the NASCAR Cup Series felt less like a business plan and more like destiny. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has spent his entire life in the sports shadow and spotlight, so it was only natural that fans assumed ownership was inevitable. In fact, his business partner and sister, Kelley Earnhardt, was extremely clear about a potential shift to the Cup Series amid the NASCAR lawsuit.
She said, “Just continue to watch the landscape in the Cup Series and what the charters are doing and all that to see where we end up.” But now, after the antitrust lawsuit settlement, as the NASCAR charter market explodes past imagination, the long-held dream is starting to look more like a financial nightmare. Unfortunately, timing and money both may be conspiring against Dale Jr.
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NASCAR charter prices skyrocket amid Dale Jr.’s Cup dreams
In the aftermath of the legal settlement involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR, the exact financial details remain under wraps. But Junior floated the idea that NASCAR Cup charters could climb as high as $150 million.
“They’re no longer charters. They go from franchises worth around $25 million to charters worth about $150 million or more,” said the 51-year-old veteran on his latest podcast. “And so overnight—and so I’m just saying like once you become a series that has 36 franchises, they are now way over here on an island, even more than ever unrelated to Xfinity, Truck, and everything below it—ARCA, regional, local.”
While he doesn’t currently own a Cup team, JRM is a powerhouse in the Xfinity Series, a division that operates without a charter system and therefore without the same financial barrier to entry.
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Industry insiders speaking with Sports Business Journal confirmed that charter values spiked immediately after the settlement. Optimistic executives now peg those numbers in the $90-$100 million range, a staggering leap in a sport that once handed these assets out for free.
That’s exactly what happened in 2016 when NASCAR awarded charters at no cost to select full-time teams. Those charters guaranteed a starting spot in every Cup race, and a slice of NASCAR shared revenue while also becoming tradable commodities on the open market.
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Before the settlement, the most recent charter sale closed at $45 million, and even that came with uncertainty. At the time, the charter system itself faced a potential expiration in 2031 if a new agreement couldn’t be reached.
And now that the charters are evergreen, the revenue-sharing terms will still require renegotiation at the end of each contract. Teams are guaranteed the right to sell their charters, even if they are forced out due to penalties or other issues.
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However, NASCAR will continue to reserve up to four open spots every couple of races for non-chartered teams, keeping a narrow door open for organizations like JRM as they plan to walk through the door again in 2026, entering the Daytona 500 for the second year after Justin Allgaier’s impressive ninth-place finish in the season’s opener this year.
Still, hope doesn’t pay the bills. With charter prices skyrocketing and no signs of cooling off, the NASCAR Hall of Famer’s vision of JRM as a full-time team now looks painfully out of reach.
Moreover, Junior fears that the permanent charters will turn into a billionaire club, excluding the teams in the lower series from entering the Cup Series. But still, the 51-year-old veteran driver may have something else to smile about.
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JRM gets a prestigious award!
In the aftermath of a crushing finish at Phoenix, JR Motorsports had little reason to celebrate until a quiet moment reminded them of the bigger picture.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller, the team co-owner and CEO alongside her brother Dale Earnhardt Jr., shared the news on X: JR Motorsports has been named the Premier Organization of the Year at the Grand National Bash.
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There was no grand announcement or elaborate presentation. Just one image, understated but meaningful, especially for a team that had come agonizingly close to an Xfinity championship only to see it slip away at the final hurdle.
The honor carries real weight within NASCAR development ranks. Teams and drivers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series put in the same grind as those at the Cup level, yet rarely receive the same recognition.
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To close that gap, Tommy Joe Martins created the Grand National Bash, an awards night designed to spotlight excellence beyond NASCAR’s top tier.
JRM prevailed by strength in numbers. Each and every driver in their organization delivered. Connor Zilisch led the way with 10 wins, Justin Allgaier added three, and Sam Smith contributed another.
Three of the four championship contenders came from the same organization.
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Dodgers tienen deuda superior a los mil millones de dólares en pagos diferidos
Los Angeles Dodgers continúan acumulando compromisos financieros a largo plazo y la cifra ya supera un umbral histórico en las Grandes Ligas. De acuerdo con información de ESPN, la organización angelina debe más de mil millones de dólares en pagos diferidos que se extenderán hasta el año 2047, una consecuencia directa de su agresiva política de contrataciones y de la estructura de varios de sus contratos estrella.
Según el reporte, “los Dodgers ahora tienen compromisos por $1,064,500.000 dólares hasta 2047, adeudados a Edwin Díaz, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Blake Snell, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Tommy Edman, Tanner Scott y Teoscar Hernández”. La cifra incluye salarios diferidos y bonos pactados en distintos acuerdos firmados en los últimos años.
Uno de los casos más recientes es el del relevista Edwin Díaz, quien firmó durante el invierno un contrato por tres temporadas y $69 millones de dólares. El acuerdo contempla pagos diferidos entre 2036 y 2047. De acuerdo con el mismo informe, Díaz recibirá un salario base de $14 millones de dólares en 2026, además de un bono por firma de $9 millones. Posteriormente, cobrará salarios base de $23 millones en las temporadas 2027 y 2028, aunque el club diferirá $4,5 millones de dólares en cada uno de los tres años del contrato.
Una práctica que redefine el poder financiero en MLB
El compromiso asumido con Díaz resulta relativamente menor si se compara con otros contratos vigentes en la organización. Shohei Ohtani encabeza la lista, con $680 millones de dólares diferidos entre 2034 y 2043, mientras que Mookie Betts tiene salarios aplazados por $115 millones de dólares entre 2033 y 2044. Estas cifras reflejan la magnitud de una estrategia que ha permitido a los Dodgers mantenerse competitivos sin que el impacto inmediato se refleje plenamente en su nómina anual.
Ante las dudas sobre cómo el equipo afrontará estos pagos en el futuro, el periodista Joon Lee recordó en octubre que los Dodgers ya habían recuperado la totalidad de los $700 millones de dólares comprometidos con Ohtani durante su primera temporada con el club, gracias a ingresos comerciales, patrocinios y el impacto global del jugador japonés.
La organización también confía en que sus ingresos continúen creciendo en los próximos años. El tamaño del mercado de Los Ángeles, sumado a la enorme popularidad del equipo en Japón por contar con figuras como Ohtani, Roki Sasaki y Yoshinobu Yamamoto, refuerza la percepción de que el dinero difícilmente será un problema para la franquicia a largo plazo.
Brewers’ Freddy Peralta Exit Almost Confirmed As AL East Link Deepens, Per Top MLB Insider
Craig Breslow could be facing his best chance yet to shift the narrative around his Red Sox tenure. A rough trade deadline and a quiet offseason without impact signings have fueled growing frustration, with some insiders, including Terry Cushman Jr., openly calling for his resignation. Now, an unexpected opportunity connected to Milwaukee may offer Breslow a timely path to reset perceptions and steady the franchise’s direction.
But if there’s one thing baseball is known for, it’s surprises!
Just when Red Sox fans seemed resigned to missing out on big names like Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, a new possibility has popped up in Milwaukee. And interestingly enough, word around the league is that Boston is being viewed as the most likely landing spot. And if that move materializes, it could buy him the goodwill he desperately needs.
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“I do expect him to go.” MLB insider Gordo quoted Ken Rosenthal about the probability of Freddy Peralta leaving the Brewers.
Well, it’s definitely surprising to hear that the Brewers might even be open to moving Peralta, especially after the season he just had. The guy had a 2.70 ERA over 33 starts, with 204 strikeouts in 177 innings. That’s ace-level production.
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That said, there’s a bigger picture at play. Peralta is set to hit free agency in 2026, and it’s not hard to imagine the kind of payday he’ll be in line for. And for a small-market team like Milwaukee, that price tag might be tough to swallow. So if you’re the Brewers, why not cash in now while his value is sky-high, even if it’s as a near-term rental?
Moreover, Milwaukee isn’t exactly thin on pitching. They’ve got plenty of depth waiting in the wings, from Quinn Priester and Jacob Misiorowski to Brandon Woodruff, Chad Patrick, Logan Henderson, and Tobias Myers. That makes the idea of dealing with Peralta a little easier to take on.
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Now, on the Red Sox side, the timing makes a lot of sense. Boston is still hunting for another frontline arm to pair with Garrett Crochet. Yes, they brought in Sonny Gray. But there are still questions about whether he can fully carry that momentum alongside Crochet. Add Peralta to a rotation with Crochet and Gray, though, and suddenly the Red Sox look like a serious problem for the rest of the league.
But yes, it won’t come cheap. If Boston wants Peralta, fans should brace themselves for a handful of familiar Red Sox names heading to Milwaukee.
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Freddy Peralta might cost huge for the Red Sox
According to FanSided’s Cody Williams, the price for Freddy Peralta would be steep. The proposed return to Milwaukee includes Jarren Duran, Franklin Arias, and Juan Valera. And that’s a big package because Duran is a proven big-league regular, and Arias is currently the Red Sox’s No. 1 prospect!
That said, Duran has been in trade rumors for a long time now.
Even insiders like Terry Cushman have criticized Breslow for not moving him when his value was high. So if you’re flipping Duran for someone like Peralta, it actually starts to look like solid value. Moreover, Duran led the AL in triples and finished with a .774 OPS. That was better than what Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick put up while playing most of the Brewers’ outfield innings.
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However, the tougher pill to swallow is giving up Arias!
Dealing away your top prospect is always risky and could come back to haunt you down the line. But Peralta might be Boston’s best shot at landing a starter who’s as dependable as Garrett Crochet, if not even more so.
Dodgers Eye Two-Time Cy Young Winner After MLB.com Update
The Los Angeles Dodgers keep finding their way into the center of every major pitching conversation, and the latest update on Tarik Skubal only reinforces why. MLB.com just listed the Detroit Tigers ace as the top pitcher among seven who could still be traded this offseason, and once again, the Dodgers loom as the most obvious—and dangerous—suitor.
The Winter Meetings passed without a single blockbuster involving a frontline starter, but that silence hasn’t cooled the Skubal market. If anything, it has clarified it. Detroit is listening. Contenders are circling. And Los Angeles has both the motivation and the ammunition to strike.
MLB.com Puts Skubal at the Top of the Trade Board
MLB.com laid out the Skubal dilemma in blunt terms. The Tigers control him through 2026 via arbitration, but extension talks remain stalled. That leaves Detroit staring at a familiar fork in the road: trade the best pitcher in the sport now for a historic return, or risk losing him a year from now for nothing more than draft-pick compensation if he rejects a qualifying offer.
From a pure baseball standpoint, Skubal checks every box a contender could want. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged 193 innings, 234 strikeouts, a 2.30 ERA, and a 0.91 WHIP. Statcast crowned him MLB’s most valuable pitcher by run value last season, and his changeup graded as the single most valuable pitch in the sport. Any team that acquires him isn’t just upgrading its rotation—it’s making a statement about winning the 2026 World Series at all costs.
The downside, MLB.com notes, is obvious. Skubal is represented by Scott Boras, and Boras clients rarely skip free agency. Any trade partner must be comfortable paying a massive prospect price for what could amount to one year and one postseason run.
That risk hasn’t scared the Dodgers before.
Why the Dodgers Keep Coming Up in Skubal Talks
The Dodgers’ name refuses to leave the Skubal conversation because they exist in a different competitive tier. They already addressed their most glaring weakness by signing closer Edwin Díaz. They already possess one of baseball’s deepest farm systems. And they already operate with a payroll that allows them to absorb risk other teams can’t.
David Vassegh of “Dodger Talk” reported that people familiar with Detroit’s asking price believe the Tigers want a package comparable to what the Padres sent the Nationals for Juan Soto—even though Skubal would technically be a one-year rental. That’s a staggering ask, but Vassegh also pointed out the uncomfortable truth for the rest of the league: the Dodgers actually have those kinds of players to offer.
KTLA’s David Pingalore went a step further, reporting that Andrew Friedman has actively tried to work a major deal for Skubal. While no front office has confirmed that report, it lines up with how Los Angeles has operated for years. When elite talent becomes available, the Dodgers don’t wait for perfect conditions.
Even inside the clubhouse, the idea has traction. Tyler Glasnow recently acknowledged that the Skubal reports feel “relatively real” and didn’t hide his enthusiasm, calling Skubal “a perfect fit.” That’s not a front-office confirmation, but it does reflect how seriously the Dodgers’ own players are taking the possibility.
None of this comes cheap. Detroit will demand a haul that hurts, and the Dodgers must weigh whether surrendering elite prospects for a Boras client makes sense. But Los Angeles also understands something crucial: flags fly forever, and windows don’t.
With an aging core, a rotation built on both dominance and injury risk, and a chance to chase a third straight World Series title, Skubal represents more than a luxury. He represents control in October.
MLB.com didn’t just list Skubal as tradable. It placed him at the very top of the board. And if history is any guide, when the most valuable piece becomes available, the Dodgers rarely watch from the sidelines.
MLB Writer Lists Cons For Teams Looking to Acquire Marlins Starting Pitcher
To say that the beginning of the offseason has been quiet is an understatement. President of baseball operations Peter Bendix has reportedly been fielding calls on his starting pitchers in terms of potential trades.
The two most often brought up names are Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara. Ryan Weathers has reportedly been drawing interest as well. Cabrera and Alcantara are the two names most frequently mentioned. Miami has not decided one way or another as to whether they will trade one.
If they do, they could get a good return from most clubs. Cabrera and Alcantara are both top-of-the-rotation starters that could solidify a contender’s rotation for 2026 and beyond. Brian Murphy of MLB.com listed the pros and cons of the top 7 pitchers who could be traded. Cabrera ended up on the list, and his pros that Murphy listed could end up scaring some teams off.
Edward Cabrera Cons Could Scare Away Teams in Trade
Cabrera had a really good 2025 season and certainly raised his trade value. He went 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA in a career-high 137.2 innings with 150 strikeouts and just 48 walks. He had a 2.8 WAR, and Murphy believes interested teams need to figure out if 2025 was a season that is a sign of things to come or not.
Red Sox, Nationals exchange pitching prospects
The Nationals will receive right-hander Luis Perales (the Red Sox’s No. 7 prospect, as ranked by MLB Pipeline at the time of the deal) in exchange for left-hander Jake Bennett (Nationals’ No. 11). Both clubs have confirmed the trade.
Perales, 22, has a relatively short professional resume and hasn’t seen much action over the last two seasons, having undergone Tommy John surgery in June 2024. He only made it back in the final days of the 2025 MiLB season, squeezing in three appearances between Double- and Triple-A and a further six in the Arizona Fall League. Despite allowing 16 runs (15 earned) over 13 2/3 combined innings, he also tallied 23 strikeouts, an encouraging return to form; at the time of his injury in 2024, he had a 2.94 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings (14.97 K/9).
Bennett, 25, was a second-round pick by the Nationals in 2022. He, too, was coming off Tommy John surgery in 2025, although he had considerably more time to settle in, having undergone the procedure back in Sept. 2023. He made 19 appearances (18 starts) this year, pitching to a combined 2.27 ERA. Bennett, like Perales, has minimal high-Minors experience to this point in his career; he made his Double-A debut in July 2025.
Deals exclusively involving prospects are uncommon, but there is a likely explanation in this case. Paul Toboni, who took over as the Nationals’ new president of baseball operations in October, spent almost a decade working in amateur scouting and player development with the Red Sox from 2015-23 before being named Boston’s assistant general manager ahead of the 2024 season.
Ha-Seong Kim in agreement on 1-year deal with Braves (source)
Infielder Ha-Seong Kim is returning to the Braves on a one-year deal worth $20 million, a source told MLB.com. The club has not confirmed the news.
Kim, 30, became a free agent after declining his $16 million player option with the Braves for 2026. The option was part of the two-year deal he signed with the Rays as a free agent last offseason that guaranteed him $31 million. Atlanta claimed Kim off waivers on Sept. 1.
It was a frustrating campaign for the Bucheon, South Korea, native, whose debut with the Rays was delayed until July as he rehabbed from surgery the previous October to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He played around a right calf strain in July and twice landed on the IL with back injuries.
Limited to just 48 games on the year — 24 for Tampa Bay and 24 for Atlanta — Kim slashed .234/.304/.345 (83 OPS+) with five home runs. He also had -3 Outs Above Average on defense.
The campaign stood as an outlier to his previous work, especially with the glove. The shortstop joined the Padres on a four-year, $28 million deal in December 2020, coming over to Major League Baseball after seven seasons in Korea’s KBO. Over those four years, Kim produced a .242/.326/.380 slash (99 OPS+) with 47 homers and 78 steals in 540 games, adding 23 OAA.
Kim had his best season in 2023, setting career highs in homers (17), steals (38), OPS (.749) and bWAR (5.4) and winning a Gold Glove at the utility spot. The Padres made Kim their full-time shortstop in 2024, even after having signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million deal in December 2022.
Shohei Ohtani Fear Fades as 36-Year-Old Teammate Terrifies MLB Managers Amid Rising Dodgers Dominance
You can’t just call Shohei Ohtani a Japanese phenom now. Not after he has etched his name in baseball “greats” after all he did in 2024 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 50-50 club entry and the otherworldly gameplay that got him his MVP and first World Series ring—all are proof. But he didn’t stop there; his 2025 encore was almost unfair.
Ohtani hit .282/.392/.622 with 54 home runs and also added 47 innings on the mound with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts. So not just hitting but also pitching. Even then, when MLB managers were asked about one hitter they least want to see the game on the line, the answer was not Ohtani.
It was Freddie Freeman.
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And that’s where things get scary for the rest of baseball.
Skip Schumaker of the Texas Rangers laid it plainly—Freeman hits righties, hits lefties, stays inside the ball, uses the whole field, and never chases. Schumaker was straight, “Obviously Ohtani is the best hitter, but I don’t want to see Freddie.”
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Even Torey Luvullo said the same—if one needs a single, Freeman gets you a single; if double, then he finds a gap.
Even the managers who had openly said that Ohtani was the best hitter said that they would rather take their chances with him than face Freeman.
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Freeman is now 36, and he doesn’t hunt the headlines, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t do amazing things. In 2025, he posted a .295 average, .367 OBP, .869 OPS, 24 home runs, and 90 RBIs across 147 games. It was his fourth straight All-Star season with LA.
That is what makes the Dodgers’ dominance so prominent. Managers mentioned Freddie Freeman and the Dodgers multiple times. The only other player they mentioned was Kyle Schwarber.
Now Freeman’s Dodgers tenure has already got two championships, which also includes that unforgettable 2024 World Series walk-off grand slam. It’s something no one has ever done before. And not just his on-the-field presence, but also his off-the-field presence, his leadership, and his calm presence make him one of the most liked characters in the league.
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As the Dodgers eye a three-peat, then Ohtani might still be the face of the sport—but Freeman is the one keeping the managers up at night. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have again become the “enemy” of the internet!
Edwin Díaz’s Dodgers deal has the internet mad again!
The same old story—the Dodgers being the enemy clan, having signed another big market player, Edwin Diaz. The internet responded right on cue with major lash-back and finger-pointing about how the Dodgers are the evil empire of baseball and bad for the sport. This time, the target is Diaz, and while the whining is predictable, the frustration seems misplaced, to say the least.
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Yes, Diaz landed a three-year $69 million deal, and that’s serious money for a reliever. But it’s not like the Dodgers have keys to some forbidden locker—every team had the chance to compete, but most didn’t. Plus, the contract details have just dropped, and the Mets won’t be happy about it.
The deal includes $13.5 million in deferred money. That’s it. No Shohei Ohtani-level deferral that would require a major accounting magic trick. Deferred money is a common thing across baseball, but somehow it becomes a major issue when the Dodgers are doing it.
However, what sent people spiraling was actually the $6.5 million team option for 2029. On paper, it looks rather cheap for Diaz’s caliber. But that is also conditional and tied to the health and performance of the player. Plus, this is the cost of joining a team that’s on a championship run every season.
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Is this bad for baseball? Not really close. If the Mets are angry, then the frustration should not be west. This is because Diaz is open to returning to New York, but they were the ones who didn’t use the resources they have or beat the deal.
The LA Dodgers didn’t break the system; they simply used it efficiently.
Analyzing MLB free agent, trade markets in mid-December
We’ve seen a number of signings since the conclusion of last week’s Winter Meetings. But with fewer than 10 days remaining in the holiday shopping season, there are still plenty of deals to be made.
Unlike that celebrated stretch in the retail industry, the Hot Stove season will surely linger into January (and possibly February). So where do things stand as we enter the second half of December?
Dylan Cease’s $210 million, seven-year deal with the Blue Jays was seemingly an indication that the market for starting pitching was going to be hot this offseason. Yet in the weeks since, the top free-agent starters remain unsigned.
Michael King appears to be the most likely to sign next, with suitors including the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Cubs and Mets. The belief is that King will sign a deal for four years, while the other top starters – namely Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai and Ranger Suárez – are looking for at least five years.
Imai’s situation will have to be resolved by Jan. 2, when his posting window ends – more on that later – but it remains to be seen when Valdez, Suárez and Zac Gallen land deals. There is plenty of depth on the high-end starting pitching market, though Cease’s deal might have raised expectations of what those pitchers will command.
Three notable hitters have signed big deals this winter, all of them coming in the first base/designated hitter market: Pete Alonso (five years, $155 million with the Orioles), Kyle Schwarber (five years, $150 million with the Phillies) and Josh Naylor (five years, $92.5 million with the Mariners).
Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette should see their markets begin to heat up, especially with few players on the trade market of their caliber.
Tucker has already visited the Blue Jays, though the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers are lurking as potential suitors. Bellinger could wait until Tucker sets the market before making his decision. However, the inclusion of the two New York teams among those interested in Bellinger – the Yankees would love to bring him back after a successful first year in pinstripes – could push him to sign first.
The markets for both Bregman and Bichette aren’t as defined. The Cubs, Tigers and Red Sox are believed to be among the teams pursuing Bregman, while the Blue Jays, Braves and Red Sox have been connected to Bichette.
Of course, the longer they go unsigned, we could begin hearing about some infamous “mystery teams” emerging for any of these four players, especially if they remain available as the calendar turns to January.
Edwin Díaz’s three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers set a record for average annual value for a reliever, but a number of others have signed eight-figure contracts. Other three-year relief deals include Devin Williams ($51 million with the Mets), Robert Suarez ($45 million with the Braves) and Tyler Rogers ($37 million with the Blue Jays).
Ryan Helsley signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Orioles, Emilio Pagán got two years and $20 million from the Reds and Kyle Finnegan returned to the Tigers on a two-year, $19 million deal. Raisel Iglesias inked a one-year, $16 million deal with the Braves, while Kenley Jansen joined the Tigers on a one-year deal, the terms of which remain unknown.
Clubs still seeking back-end bullpen help don’t have many proven options to choose from, with Pete Fairbanks the clear-cut No. 1 choice. Fairbanks has drawn interest from a number of clubs and, according to sources, has at least one team aggressively pursuing him. Given the lack of competition on the market – Luke Weaver is the next-best option – Fairbanks should be able to take his time before making a decision.
One key reason for the slow-moving free-agent market could be the potential for some major trades as teams weigh all options before shelling out nine-figure deals.
All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte appears likely to be moved, even after Arizona signed Merrill Kelly to a two-year free-agent contract. The Red Sox, Blue Jays and Mariners are among the teams interested in Marte, who can block trades to five teams. The Athletic reported those teams are the Athletics, Yankees, Pirates, Giants and Cardinals.
On the pitching side, Freddy Peralta continues to be the most sought-after arm on the market. The Brewers have received significant interest in both Peralta and closer Trevor Megill, with sources saying Milwaukee is likely to move one of them this offseason. Peralta will earn $8 million in 2026, making him an affordable front-line option for pretty much any club in the Majors.
Washington’s MacKenzie Gore – an All-Star this past season – is also expected to be traded, putting another reasonably priced – and unlike Peralta, controllable through 2027 – arm on the market. The Nationals could also deal shortstop C.J. Abrams (who is under control through ’28), though sources said Washington appears more motivated to deal Gore.
There has also been some intriguing talk about the Padres’ willingness to trade closer Mason Miller, whom San Diego acquired at the Trade Deadline in a megadeal that saw Leo De Vries – the game’s No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline – traded to the Athletics.
Then there’s Tarik Skubal, who will continue to be the source of trade rumors from now until next summer’s Trade Deadline. The price tag for Skubal – assuming the Tigers would even move him – will be astronomically high, though if there’s a pitcher worth paying such a haul for, it’s Skubal.
Murakami’s posting window closes on Dec. 22, meaning he must make a decision in the coming days or return to Japan for another season. The slugger has power that should translate to the Majors, though there are questions about both his defense – most clubs project him as a first baseman rather than at third – and his history of high swing-and-miss rates in Japan.
Okamoto is considered the more complete overall hitter, though his defensive ability at third base is also a question mark. Okamoto’s posting window closes on Jan. 4, giving him more time to decide on a big league club.
Braves re-sign Ha-Seong Kim, addressing shortstop need
The Braves have their shortstop, re-signing veteran Ha-Seong Kim, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution confirmed. It continues an aggressive offseason in which the team has tackled nearly all its glaring needs.
Kim is returning on a one-year, $20 million deal, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, who was first to report the signing.
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ESPN Insider Loses Faith in David Stearns After Pete Alonso- Jorge Polanco
After losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz on back-to-back days, the Mets tried to steady things by signing Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal. But instead of calming the situation, the move has drawn criticism from an ESPN insider, who believes it doesn’t actually fix what the Mets just lost. The concern is straightforward. Polanco doesn’t replace Alonso’s power, and the lineup still lacks protection for Juan Soto. What was meant to stop the bleeding has only raised more questions about David Stearns’ plan moving forward.
To MLB analyst A.J. Pierzynski, it didn’t. He called it a “panic signing.” And now, ESPN’s Jim Bowden echoed that sentiment, saying the move was as confusing as it gets and may have actually made the Mets more vulnerable instead of fixing their problems.
“Why do the Mets make this move? And where is he going to play? And what’s his role going to be?” Bowden wonders. “This year, you’ve got rid of the lineup protector for one Soto, because now you have Polanco as your DH. Headscratcher.”
Now that the Mets have landed Polanco, the big question is simple. Where is he even going to play?
Polanco is a natural second baseman, but that spot is already spoken for. The Mets have committed Marcus Semien to second, while Jeff McNeil and Luisangel Acuña remain part of the infield mix. Brett Baty and Mark Vientos occupy third base, and Francisco Lindor firmly locks down shortstop. That leaves one obvious question: where exactly does Polanco fit? With the rest of the infield settled, first base or DH appears to be the only realistic options.
According to Jim Bowden, “They said primarily first base and DH. He’s played exactly ONE inning of ONE game at first base in his Major League career.”
But here’s the catch! Polanco’s lone appearance at the first came on April 6 last season against the Giants, when he came in with two outs in the ninth. That’s it. So, no wonder there’s concern about what the Mets are actually planning for next season.
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And then there’s the elephant in the room: who did Polanco replace? Pete Alonso?
Alonso wrapped up 2025 with 38 HRs and a .272 average. In contrast, Polanco is coming off a season with 26 HRs and a .265 average. So on paper, Alonso was clearly the more reliable bat, especially as protection behind Juan Soto. Still, David Stearns moved on from the team’s home run leader and replaced him with someone who, statistically at least, doesn’t match that production.
The financial angle doesn’t fully clarify things either. Reportedly, Alonso signed with the Orioles for $31 million AAV, while Polanco got $20 million AAV from the Mets. So, for an extra $11 million per year, the Mets let go of their proven veteran slugger.
Well, if you’re also scratching your head, you’re definitely not alone.
The Mets’ new culture is under scrutiny
Well, there may be arguments about the Mets’ former manager, Terry Collins, saying, “This core has not won. Maybe it’s time to go with a different core.” And guess what, Stearns may have just listened to this suggestion. He broke down the team’s core by letting go of Alonso, Nimmo, and Díaz. However, for Bowden, this approach might work for a small-market team like the Brewers but not for the Mets.
“What we’re doing is we’re trying to win as we won in Milwaukee, and winning in Milwaukee works in a small market. This is a different job in New York,” Bowden added. For the unversed, before joining the Mets, Stearns ran the Brewers from 2015 to 2022, and his track record there was solid. During that stretch, Milwaukee posted a 554–479 record, good for a .536 winning percentage, and made the postseason four years in a row.
But big-market teams, especially in New York, operate differently. Success is usually built around a stable core. Look at the Yankees: they shuffle pieces all the time, but cornerstone players like Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole remain untouched. That’s the foundation.
So, the concern is that by breaking up the Mets’ own core, Stearns is trying to apply his Brewers blueprint in a market where that approach may not be practical. For Bowden, that’s a recipe for disaster.
That said, Stearns’ strategy does have its defenders. Former MLB president David Samson backed the decision, arguing that keeping Alonso on a long-term deal didn’t align with financial efficiency. But that raises an obvious question—hasn’t financial efficiency always been the language of small-market teams?
If that mindset is now being applied in New York, Mets fans may need to brace themselves for a cultural shift. And if that’s the case, Bowden’s concern doesn’t sound unreasonable at all.
Red Bulls appoint USMNT legend Michael Bradley as head coach
Michael Bradley, the former U. S. Men’s National Team midfielder, will be the next head coach of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls announced Bradley’s appointment on Dec. 15.
While this will be Bradley’s first senior coaching position, he has a long history with the Red Bulls franchise: he began his playing career there are a youth prospect in 2004. When he was ready to begin his coaching career two decades later, Bradley returned, taking over the MLS PRO youth franchise known as the New York Red Bulls II. He led the squad to a national title in his debut season.
“Michael had an exceptional playing career and has demonstrated a bright future in coaching, especially after leading our Red Bull New York II to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup this past season,” said Red Bulls sporting director Julian de Guzman, via mlssoccer.com.
“He leads with calm confidence and has great way of connecting with people. We are excited for Michael to bring his philosophy to our first team and continue to lead our club towards success.
Inter Miami Make Robert Lewandowski Transfer Decision
Inter Miami CF intends to pair Lionel Messi with Robert Lewandowski to win the 2026 MLS Cup, according to recent reports.
After being crowned Major League Soccer champion by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on Dec. 6, the Miami franchise is already planning for the next season.
Messi, 38, said goodbye to Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who decided to retire from professional soccer after the recently concluded campaign, and with Luis Suarez’s future still in doubt, it is not yet known who will be the third Designated Player who will accompany Inter Miami’s number 10 and Rodrigo De Paul in 2026.
Robert Lewandowski Could Leave Barcelona to Join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami
The Polish striker is under contract with FC Barcelona until June 30, 2026, so at the end of the current European season, he will be out of contract to sign for another club.
Lewandowski has been gradually losing prominence in Hansi Flick’s team, mainly due to the good performance of Ferran Torres.
Last season, the former Bayern Munich player played 52 games and scored no less than 42 goals, considering all competitions, in addition to providing three assists.
In the 2025/26 campaign, he has played 17 games, and he has registered eight goals and one assist. Despite his age, every time he plays, he continues to show that he still has the physique and quality to perform at a high level, which is why the Herons have been interested in pairing him with Messi.
According to Jozwiak’s report, Inter Miami has already decided to sign him. We will have to wait to know the conclusion of this transfer saga.
Red Bull New York Lands European Transfer in Michael Bradley’s First Move as Manager
Red Bull New York announced on Monday, Dec. 15, the appointment of Michael Bradley as head coach for the 2026 Major League Soccer season, and the manager will arrive with a first European signing.
Liga MX Giant Makes Bid for FC Cincinnati’s $5.3 Million Star Player
FC Cincinnati aims to maintain the high level shown in the 2026 Major League Soccer season, but a Liga MX club threatens to take away one of its best players.
The Orange and Blue finished the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference with 65 points, just one behind the Philadelphia Union.
Despite its good campaign, Cincinnati fell in the Conference Semifinals 0-4 against champion Inter Miami. The club’s goal of staying at the highest level has just gotten more complicated, since an important club has made an offer for one of its stars.
According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Liga MX side CF Monterrey has made an offer to sign winger Luca Orellano.
Liga MX’s Monterrey Makes Offer to Sign FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano
Orellano, 25, played 35 games in the 2025 season, scoring three goals and providing six assists. In the 2024 campaign, he accumulated 42 appearances, recording 12 goals and five assists.
Gilbert Arenas’ Son Alijah Arenas Nears College Debut for Injury-Hit USC
The USC Trojans‘ early-season success has come with its fair share of uncertainty. While the team continues to stack wins, the roster has been held together by duct tape, patience, and necessity. Injuries continue to test the limits of their resilience. However, much-needed help may finally be available and on the way. It comes in the form of one of the program’s most anticipated freshmen, Alijah Arenas, especially when head coach Eric Musselman is “desperate.”
Following the Trojans’ 68-61 win over the Washington State Cougars on Sunday, Musselman has confirmed that five-star recruit Alijah, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is closing in on his long-awaited college debut. The young star has spent the last few months recovering from a torn meniscus suffered in July.
“The plan is for Alijah to start practicing on Tuesday or Wednesday,” Musselman told the media, outlining a cautious ramp-up process.
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While Arenas will initially be limited to no-contact work, the expectation is that he could be game-ready by mid-January if all goes well.
“Obviously, we play Wednesday night, so Thursday probably off,” Musselman continued. “Then Friday would be a practice practice. He’s doing great. He worked out today. He sat in my office for three hours after shootaround, talking about a whole bunch of stuff. But yeah, he’ll be a shot in the arm or whatever word you want to use. And we’re desperate for that.”
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The Trojans also remain without point guard Rodney Rice, whose lingering shoulder injury has kept him sidelined since the Maui Invitational game last month. Rice, before going down, was averaging 20.3 points and 6.0 assists per game. He served as a vital offensive counterbalance to Chad Baker-Mazara, who ranks among the nation’s top scorers.
Without Rice, the Trojans have leaned heavily on lineup improvisation, and while many fans hope to see the young star back on the team, Musselman said, “there’s a possibility” he might remain sidelined for the 2025-26 NCAA season.
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“But there’s no finality on what happens,” Musselman concluded.
Even with the lack of depth because of injuries, the Trojans have exceeded everyone’s expectations. They sit in the top 40 of both KenPom and the NET rankings, a feat even the coach has openly acknowledged was unexpected, given the dire circumstances.
While Alijah Arenas’ arrival won’t instantly fix everything, as he hasn’t played a competitive college minute, his scoring ability, athleticism, and positional flexibility offer something the Trojans have been sorely lacking: another body capable of creating offense.
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The team is also missing another veteran player, Amarion Dickerson, who will be out for three or four months with a right hip injury. Given his estimated timeline, he is likely to stay out for the season.
For now, though, all eyes are on Arenas. As the Trojans try to sustain momentum through a grueling stretch of the season, the freshman’s long-awaited debut could mark a turning point, not just for depth, but for how high the team’s ceiling truly is once healthy.
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How have the USC Trojans stayed competitive without Alijah Arenas?
The Trojans currently have 10 wins and one loss this season. The sole loss came against the Washington Huskies, where they fell short by just 8 points. With three key players sidelined, the team is being led by Baker-Mazara, who has been Musselman’s go-to guard. He was reportedly suspended last month over a physical altercation with the coach. But it was soon officially confirmed that the whole thing was a bandwagon of rumors stemming from a parody account.
The senior guard is averaging 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
The Trojans are scoring 87.5 points per game, but they are successfully holding off their opponents to 76.9 points. But they are also struggling with fouls. The team is ranked 6th nationally in fouls per game (19.7 PF/G), which puts their opponents on the free-throw line more frequently than they would like.
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The Trojans will lock horns with the UTSA Roadrunners for their next game on December 17. They will then play against the Brown Bears on December 21. But it will specifically be the games after this that fans are most excited about. Musselman’s team will face two high-ranked teams back-to-back.
The No. 2-ranked Michigan Wolverines on January 2.
The No. 9-ranked Michigan State Spartans on January 5.
With January shaping up to be the Trojans’ toughest stretch of the season, the timing of Alijah Arenas’ return could not be more critical.
The best VRAI created diamond tennis jewelry gifts for holidays 2025
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The brand’s diamonds are made by crystallizing greenhouse gases in a zero-emission foundry.
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Tennis bracelets are expensive, right? These sparkly jewelry pieces have always been seen as a symbol of timeless elegance and this holiday season, VRAI is making it easier than ever to gift sparkle without compromise.
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From dramatic earrings to hand-linked necklaces, these pieces are more than just dazzling, they’re a celebration of innovation, transparency and long-lasting style.
Best-selling VRAI created diamond tennis jewelry gifts to shop now
Below, we’ve highlighted a few top choices for lab-grown diamond tennis jewelry this holiday season:
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VRAI is redefining luxury with ultimate transparency and uncompromising craftsmanship. Their diamonds are created sustainably, and customers even have the opportunity to cut their own rough diamond—a bespoke offering that’s never existed until now. With innovations like VRAI Created Bitcoin Diamonds, each stone can be backed by the value of a truly finite asset.
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WTA Player’s Misbehavior With Ball Kid Triggers Backlash From Former Tennis Pro
Tennis thrives on drama as much as brilliance. While the sport celebrates athletes who embody respect and inspire the next generation, it also grapples with figures whose conduct sparks frustration and divides fans. As awards season unfolds on tour, that contrast sharpens. This time, the spotlight turns uncomfortably toward Yulia Putintseva, whose recent actions have pushed her into headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The Nothing Major crew recently discussed which players belong on the “naughty or nice list” for 2025. During the conversation, Steve Johnson placed Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva firmly on the naughty list. He pointed to her repeated involvement in on-court controversies as the main reason for his stance.
“It’s Yulia Putintseva, she always seems to be in controversy,” said Johnson. He then focused on her treatment of ball kids during matches, which he strongly criticized. Johnson made it clear that respect toward everyone on the court is non-negotiable.
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“She got the staring at the ball kid; you don’t do anything to the ball people,” Johnson added. “Ball kids, ball adults, you’ve got to treat them fully with respect, you can’t dog those people while you’re out on the court. I don’t like that.” His comments reflected the frustration shared by many fans.
The incident he referred to occurred during Putintseva’s third-round defeat at last year’s US Open. In her 6-3 6-4 loss to Jasmine Paolini, Putintseva stood still and appeared to ignore a ball girl who was trying to hand her balls during the match.
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Afterward, Putintseva issued a public apology on social media. She wrote: “I want to apologize to the ball girl for the way I was, when she was giving me balls. Honestly speaking it was not about her. I was really p****d at myself by not winning the game from the breakpoint and then got empty with my emotions and deep in my thoughts, that I was not even focusing on what’s going on and who gives me the ball… All the ball kids were doing amazing as always at the open.”
Despite the apology, backlash followed quickly. Boris Becker criticized her behavior on X, writing: “Who does [Yulia] Putintseva think she is? Terrible behaviour towards the ball girl!”
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For many observers, this was not an isolated case, as Putintseva has faced several similar incidents throughout her career.
Jack Sock calls out Yulia Putintseva’s controversial ‘shoelace’ stunt
This year, world number one Carlos Alcaraz won the ‘Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award’ for the second time in his career. Last year, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur also received praise after winning her third straight ‘Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award’. These honors highlighted players known for respect and fair play on tour.
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However, during the same episode of the Nothing Major Podcast, the focus shifted to the opposite end of the spectrum. While Steve Johnson revisited Yulia Putintseva’s US Open incident, Jack Sock highlighted another controversial habit. This time, the discussion centered on her time-wasting tactics during matches.
“Have you seen her shoelace stunt, by the way?” Sock asked Johnson. He explained that the pattern appears whenever matches turn against her.
“When she’s losing, she always packs shoelaces, puts them in her bag,” Sock said. “Whenever it’s a pivotal time in the match, she’ll slide to the ball and immediately say she ripped the shoelace on her thing.” He added that the delay disrupts opponents and momentum.
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“It’s a tactic, takes minutes on minutes, changes the shoelace, and the other girl is always freaked out,” Sock continued. “It’s a full thing, naughty.” His remarks reinforced the growing criticism surrounding Putintseva’s on-court behavior.
Beyond controversy, her 2025 results also raised concerns. Putintseva won only five Grand Slam matches all year. She lost in the third round of the Australian Open and the French Open, in the first round at Wimbledon, and in the second round at the US Open. Those results dropped her ranking to 71.
Next season, though, she is expected to return before the Australian Open on Sunday, January 18. Only time will tell if she rebounds and avoids further controversy in 2026.
John Isner Takes Dig at Tennis Schedule for ‘Overrated’ Off-Season
Flavio Cobolli and Jaume Munar closed the 2025 season at the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna on November 23, yet the next campaign begins just 40 days later at the United Cup on January 2, 2026. With exhibitions further shrinking recovery time, the off-season debate is heating up. Now, former Wimbledon semifinalist John Isner has weighed in, adding his voice to the growing discussion.
During the latest episode of Nothing Major Podcast, John Isner shared his views on the tennis off-season. He admitted his opinion might divide fans and players. “This might be a controversial take, but the off-season is so overrated,” Isner said. He focused on how priorities change once players reach their late twenties.
“Especially once you’ve sort of established yourself, when you get to your late 20s, you’re not re-inventing the wheel,” he explained. Isner stressed that players should focus on staying healthy.
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“You just need to maintain and keep yourself healthy,” Isner added. “Obviously, be really professional, but you don’t need to absolutely kill yourself during the course of three weeks.” He emphasised basic habits. “Work hard, sleep well, eat well, and just get ready for the next year.”
The former Wimbledon semifinalist then discussed younger players. “If you’re 20 and you’re new on tour, yes, you need to get your body stronger,” he said. He explained that early in a career, the off-season plays a much bigger role.
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“At the beginning of your career, the off-season is very important to get that base,” Isner continued. “But once you’ve established yourself, it’s about maintaining and keeping things smooth.” He also highlighted recovery. “Treatment becomes just as important as the gym work.”
Sam Querrey also questioned whether an off-season still exists. “Is there even an off-season in tennis anymore?” he asked. Querrey listed events filling the calendar. “There’s exhibitions going on right now, there’s UTS, Davis Cup was a week ago, United Cup probably starts December 30.”
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Querrey summed it up bluntly. “Why do we even say there is an off-season in tennis?” he said. “Guys go on vacation for a week, and they just start practising again.” Steve Johnson agreed and compared tennis to golf.
“It’s one of those things, you have to say it,” Johnson said. “Every other sport has an off-season.” He added, “But in the tennis world, no, there’s not really an off-season.”
As the discussion continued, the panel also took a swipe at the growing number of exhibition events staged during the off-season.
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Steve Johnson casts doubt on the significance of exhibition events during the off-season
After the 2025 season ended at the Davis Cup, the off-season featured several exhibition events. Top players stayed busy on the court, keeping fans engaged and the sport visible during the break.
Carlos Alcaraz has already played exhibitions against Frances Tiafoe and Joao Fonseca this year. He is set for another high-profile exhibition at the start of 2026 against his rival, Jannik Sinner, in South Korea.
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On the women’s side, Venus Williams and Madison Keys competed in a recent exhibition at the Charlotte Invitational on December 4, 2025. Keys won decisively, 7-6, 6-0. A brief line-calling glitch added a comical moment that confused both players and fans. It also highlighted ongoing debates about electronic line calls in tennis.
However, Alcaraz acknowledged that exhibitions are less physically and mentally demanding than tournaments. “It’s normal for people to think this way and not understand why we complain about the schedule when we then schedule exhibitions. For me, the biggest difference is that in a tournament you have to maintain concentration, and it is demanding both physically and mentally,” he said.
And now, Steve Johnson praised players for taking part in exhibitions despite fan criticism. He emphasised the benefits of staying active and promoting the sport.
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“There will be guys who play 35 weeks a year, plus exhibitions,” Johnson said. “But there’s really no off-season; it’s good for the guys, like Carlos [Alcaraz] and these guys who have such a limited schedule compared to most because they win everything, to do these exhibitions, because I think it does grow the game immensely. When you see him and these guys at events, trying to grow the game in certain areas.”
With the off-season now underway, the debate over exhibitions and player schedules continues. What are your thoughts on the off-season and exhibition discussion? Share your views below.
Emma Raducanu is Reportedly Leaving Nike in 2026
Emma Raducanu began her tennis career with ASICS before switching to Nike in 2018. According to tennis podcaster Craig Shapiro, Raducanu is leaving Nike for Uniqlo in 2026.
Shapiro described the situation as
Russian Tennis Hit Hard as Another WTA Player Forfeits Citizenship
The ripple effects of geopolitics continue to reshape the landscape of professional tennis. After Maria Timofeeva, Kamilla Rakhimova, another name, has joined the growing list of Russian-born players choosing a new flag. Who is it?
This time it’s the 22-year-old WTA star, Polina Kudermetova. The sister of the former world number 9, Veronika Kudermetova, is now set to compete under the banner of Uzbekistan. According to her updated WTA profile, Polina Kudermetova has officially switched her allegiance from Russia, marking yet another high-profile nationality change in the women’s game.
Nationality switches have become an increasingly common storyline on the WTA Tour in recent years, particularly after 24 February 2022. With Russian athletes facing ongoing restrictions and competing under neutral status at various events, several players have opted for a fresh start – both professionally and symbolically – by representing other nations. For Polina Kudermetova, the move signals a new chapter at a formative stage of her career.
Born on 4 June 2003 in Moscow, Russia, she first came to prominence in 2023 when she made her Grand Slam debut at the AO. Kudermetova has been ranked by the WTA as high as number 54 in singles (on 14 April 2025) and number 203 in doubles (reached on 15 September 2025). If we take a closer look at her singles career, she has won 9 ITF titles so far, and her best record at the majors has been reaching the second round at the 2025 US Open.
Still carving out her place on tour, Polina Kudermetova now joins Uzbekistan’s growing tennis presence, a nation that has actively welcomed players seeking stability and opportunity on the international stage. Uzbekistan eyeing BJK Cup success? Let’s check out what the Uzbekistani tennis officials had to say about these recent additions to their team.
Reactions to tennis stars boosting the Uzbek national team
There are, of course, quite a few benefits of switching one’s sporting allegiance away from Russia. This will remove the current barrier to entry for international team events (like the BJK Cup and the United Cup), which hold both immense prestige and precious ranking points. Uzbekistan’s tennis authorities have reacted positively to the recent switch of allegiance of some high-profile tennis players from Russia, viewing the move as a major boost to the nation’s growing presence on the global tennis stage. Here’s what the FTU Secretary General, Sador Kamilov, had to say about the addition of Kamila Rakhimova recently:
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“The arrival of Kamila Rakhimova to the Uzbekistan national team is an event of historic significance. She has already proven herself to be a strong, competitive tennis player capable of playing on equal terms with the world’s top players. We are delighted to welcome Kamila to our team and are confident that she will achieve great victories, go far, and set new records under the Uzbekistan flag.”
It’s needless to mention that the addition of Polina Kudermetova will certainly strengthen their team further. Even during Maria Timofeeva’s switch, Russian sports website Sportbox.ru called it “a loss for Russian tennis.” With multiple WTA players now flying the Uzbek flag, officials believe the momentum could inspire a new generation of local talent. But for Russian, this high rise of nationality switches is now a big concern. Who else is in this list, though?
Well, players Daria Kasatkina, Varvara Gracheva, Elina Avanesyan, Natela Dzalamidze, and a few others are also in that list of tennis players who have changed allegiance from Russia.
But interestingly, Polina Kudermetova’s sister, Veronika Kudermetova, was recently spotted expressing her love for playing in Russia. She spoke about how much she loves spending time in her home country.
“Just the realization that you’re playing in Russia, that everyone around you speaks Russian—whether they’re your relatives or complete strangers who came to watch tennis—makes a difference compared to the tournaments during the season, which for us are all held outside our country now. The atmosphere in St. Petersburg feels different — very home-like.”
Russia has not been hosting any tournaments in the men’s and women’s tours since 2021. However, they have been conducting Northern Palmyra Trophies on a constant basis since 2022. Veronika’s statement reflects her emotions about getting the chance to play on her home soil. She also spoke about how she loves visiting Russia and spending her time in her hometown, Kazan. Two sisters, two different paths. What are your thoughts on this increase in nationality switches in tennis?
Jack Draper Details the Andy Murray Lesson That Stuck During His Comeback
More than a year after stepping away from the sport, Andy Murray’s legacy still echoes across British tennis. Defined by grit, greatness, and historic triumphs, his influence continues to shape the next generation. That enduring impact now finds a clear voice in Jack Draper, one of the United Kingdom’s brightest prospects, who stands as living proof that Murray’s resilience still inspires long after the final match.
Jack Draper recently appeared as a guest on the YouTube channel The Tennis Mentor. During the discussion, he revealed a valuable piece of advice he received directly from Andy Murray. The tip focused on how to handle left-handed opponents more effectively.
“One important thing Andy Murray taught me regarding the difficulty of reacting against left-handers. Indeed, if you are on the deuce side, position yourself a bit closer to the center line to close off their angle. Psychologically, you think you’re leaving the other side of the court open, but on the contrary, you force them to serve flat, which they hate.” Draper explained.
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His struggles against left-handers are not new. Earlier in his career, he also faced challenges off the court. Ahead of Roland Garros, he revealed how difficult it was to find practice partners when he was lower-ranked.
“I remember being 340 in the world and I got a wild card into the Miami Open. I wrote my name down for practice, and no one wanted to hit with me. They were all just crossing out my name and putting someone else’s,” he told SkySports. The experience highlighted the reluctance many players feel toward practicing with left-handers.
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This issue is common across the tour. At this year’s Australian Open, fellow left-hander Ben Shelton admitted it is nearly “impossible” to secure practice partners. Players usually agree only if they are about to face a lefty in competition.
“People get very paranoid about hitting with someone who is a lefty if they’re playing a righty,” Draper explained during a pre-tournament press conference in Paris. “I do understand it. It’s probably not what you’re going to face.” His comments reflected a broader mindset on tour.
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Left-handers naturally create different problems. Their forehands target backhands, often the weaker wing. Their wide serves open sharp angles and unusual spins. Even left-handers admit they struggle against similar styles.
On court, the Brit has not competed since the US Open due to an arm injury. The issue affected him throughout the year. He is now set to return at the United Cup, representing Great Britain with Emma Raducanu and Mimi Xu.
For the Brit, the comeback promises to be tough, as he recently withdrew from the UTS Grand Finals in London.
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David Law expressed concern over Draper’s extended return to tennis
Jack Draper’s withdrawal from the UTS Grand Finals raised concerns across the tennis world. Fans had been eagerly awaiting his return after a long absence from the tour.
On social media, Draper explained his decision. “I’ve been working hard to get ready for the UTS, but frustratingly, I’m just not quite ready. It’s a tough call as I want nothing more than to compete but I’ve been advised to take more time. Sorry to let down fans and miss out on the event.”
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The injury came at a particularly unfortunate time. Draper had just claimed his first Masters title at Indian Wells and reached the final of the Madrid Open. He was beginning to establish himself as one of the world’s top players.
However, on The Tennis Podcast, David Law shared his concern about Draper’s long-term comeback. “It concerned me hearing it because we heard just how motivated he was, how upbeat he felt about managing to get out there on the court again and start hitting serves,” he said.
Law added that Draper had been clear about his plans to play the event. “And we’ve seen some video clips of that. And he was very clear that he was going to play this event, and this would be his first sort of little dipping the toe back in, and then the goal was to get out there and be properly out there in Australia and relaunch his season. Let’s not forget just what an amazing first six months of the year he had in ’25. And that’s what he’s looking for again, and then hopefully more beyond that. Going straight into competition is really hard.”
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He also emphasised the importance of easing back into competition. “You don’t really want to be doing that sort of thing from zero to that. You want something like these semi-competitive exhibition-type events, where you can feel some of the nerves and the pressures.”
With the 2026 season approaching, all eyes are on Draper. Fans will be hoping he can rebuild his form, gain momentum, and make a strong return ahead of the Australian Open.
Ranking college football’s top 25 postseason venues, from Rose Bowl to Independence Bowl
Editor’s note: This article is part of our College Football Stadium Rankings series, highlighting the most interesting venues across the country.
Bowl season opens Saturday, with the LA Bowl kicking off major college football’s five-week, 46-game postseason. Several bowls boast histories that belong in the first chapter of the sport’s annals. Others are footnotes that rarely end up in the index. But all have a place in shaping college football.
Setting aside the Rose Bowl, the stadiums hosting bowls don’t receive nearly as much discussion as the games themselves, but they also have a major role to play. No matter how difficult it is to compare NFL palaces alongside small, on-campus or community-owned facilities, let’s not shy away from doing so.
Entering the 2025-26 postseason, we’ve ranked the top 25 active bowl venues, with descriptions of the other sites below. (Note: This ranking does not include the four on-campus College Football Playoff first-round games.)
1. Rose Bowl
Name/location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Opened: 1922
Capacity: 89,702
Matchup: Indiana vs. Oklahoma/Alabama, Jan. 1 (Tickets)
No venue brings the magical blend of scenery, history and character of the Rose Bowl. Viewing the marquee in person produces the same reaction among football fans as a child’s first glimpse of presents under a Christmas tree. In the sports world, only the blooming azaleas at Augusta National can compare with the aesthetic beauty of the sunset hitting the San Gabriel Mountains. The structure is old, but in American sports, the Rose Bowl is the Sistine Chapel.
2. Sugar Bowl
Name/location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Opened: 1975
Capacity: 76,468
Matchups: Sugar Bowl — Georgia vs. Ole Miss/Tulane, Dec. 31 (Tickets); New Orleans Bowl — Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss, Dec. 23
As indelible as the Rose Bowl is to college football, the Sugar Bowl is its near-equal to SEC fans. The Superdome is among New Orleans’ most recognizable structures, with a roof that covers 9.7 acres, or 440,000 square feet. Several renovations have improved the structure (especially since Hurricane Katrina) but haven’t altered the iconic look of the stadium that has hosted seven Super Bowls.
3. Fiesta Bowl
Name/location: State Farm Stadium; Glendale, Ariz.
Opened: 2006
Capacity: 63,400
Matchup: CFP semifinal, Jan. 8 (Tickets)
The Fiesta Bowl long has been considered an interloper for positioning itself as the fifth New Year’s Day bowl, but its warm-weather climate makes it a great destination. When the game moved into the current stadium nearly 20 years ago, the Fiesta Bowl enjoyed modern comforts and amenities to go along with the perfect location. State Farm Stadium has a retractable roof and possesses as good of a big-game feel as any venue in the country.
4. Cotton Bowl
Name/location: AT&T Stadium; Arlington, Texas
Opened: 2009
Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 100,000)
Matchup: Ohio State vs. Texas A&M/Miami, Dec. 31 (Tickets)
“Jerry World” changed the game like few football stadiums have. The Cowboys’ massive palace with a retractable roof cost $1.15 billion nearly two decades ago and has forced communities to change how they build new stadiums. The Cotton Bowl moved out of its Fair Park namesake in 2010, and the postseason classic returned to the big time when the Bowl Championship Series morphed into the College Football Playoff four years later.
5. Peach Bowl
Name/location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Atlanta
Opened: 2017
Capacity: 71,000 (expandable)
Matchup: CFP semifinal, Jan. 9 (Tickets)
A modern architectural marvel, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a retractable roof with a pinwheel design that can fully open in 12 minutes. The structure has allowed the Peach Bowl to go from the least of the New Year’s Six bowl games to a critical postseason player. It’s still catching up on prestige and history, but collectively the Peach Bowl and Mercedes-Benz Stadium have elevated Atlanta to its rightful place on college football’s national scene.
6. Orange Bowl
Name/location: Hard Rock Stadium; Miami Gardens, Fla.
Opened: 1987
Capacity: 64,767
Matchups: Orange Bowl — Texas Tech vs. Oregon-James Madison winner, Jan. 1 (Tickets); CFP championship, Jan. 19
With its amazing weather and world-renowned beaches, Miami tops the destination list for perfect bowl locations. Hard Rock Stadium doesn’t have the mystique as its CFP stadium colleagues, but the open-air facility has improved significantly since its 2015 renovation. With incredible history and upcoming events, including this year’s CFP championship game, the Orange Bowl has a lot going for it.
7. ReliaQuest Bowl
Name/location: Raymond James Stadium; Tampa, Fla.
Opened: 1998
Capacity: 65,857
Matchups: ReliaQuest — Vanderbilt vs. Iowa, Dec. 31; Gasparilla—NC State vs. Memphis, Dec. 19
If the College Football Playoff expands to 16 teams and adds two bowls to the quarterfinal/semifinal rotation, it would be a crime not to consider the ReliaQuest Bowl. It’s one of the industry’s best-run bowl destinations, and Raymond James Stadium is a perfect place for holiday season football. It has charisma and texture, both inside and outside the structure. It’s difficult to believe the open-air stadium is nearly 30 years old, but it’s in great shape.
8. Las Vegas Bowl
Name/location: Allegiant Stadium; Paradise, Nev.
Opened: 2020
Capacity: 65,000
Matchup: Nebraska vs. Utah, Dec. 31
Like the ReliaQuest Bowl, the Las Vegas Bowl deserves a shot at moving up if another two games are added to the CFP rotation. While this bowl has longevity, it doesn’t have the tradition because it only recently became a game featuring two Power 4 conference teams. However, Allegiant Stadium and its translucent fixed roof make any sporting event feel like the big time. Plus, Vegas is an attraction all to itself.
9. Texas Bowl
Name/location: NRG Stadium; Houston
Opened: 2002
Capacity: 72,220
Matchup: LSU vs. Houston, Dec. 27
The NFL’s first retractable-roof dome, NRG Stadium has hosted the Texas Bowl since 2006. It’s no longer considered a state-of-the-art facility, but it still provides a fantastic football environment. Currently a mid-level contract bowl for the SEC and Big 12, the Texas Bowl remains a solid postseason destination. It’s just too bad organizers didn’t revive the name Bluebonnet Bowl, which represented Houston from 1959 to ’87.
10. Citrus/Pop-Tarts Bowl
Name/location: Camping World Stadium; Orlando, Fla.
Opened: 1936
Capacity: 60,219
Matchups: Citrus Bowl — Michigan vs. Texas, Dec. 31; Pop-Tarts Bowl — BYU vs. Georgia Tech, Dec. 27; Cure Bowl — Old Dominion vs. USF, Dec. 17
With three bowl games over two weeks, Camping World Stadium is football’s busiest place just 16 miles from the world’s happiest place. The open-air stadium itself is not up the standard of its high-level bowl matchups — especially the Citrus Bowl — which is why it’s located at No. 10 on this list. However, that will change. Last month, the Orlando City Council approved a $400 million renovation, which will boost the capacity and the give the stadium modern touch and amenities.
11. Holiday Bowl
Name/location: Snapdragon Stadium; San Diego, Calif.
Opened: 2022
Capacity: 35,000
Matchup: Arizona vs. SMU, Jan. 2
Some of college football’s most entertaining postseason games were Holiday Bowls at the old Jack Murphy Stadium. After the old stadium’s demolition in 2020, the Holiday moved into brand-new Snapdragon Stadium three years ago. It’s a tighter home and much nicer than the old stadium, which was decrepit in its final years.
12. Gator Bowl
Name/location: EverBank Stadium; Jacksonville, Fla.
Opened: 1946
Capacity: 69,132
Matchup: Missouri vs. Virginia, Dec. 27
One college football’s oldest postseason games, the Gator Bowl is approaching its third iteration as a stadium. It remained largely unchanged for its first 50 years before Jacksonville landed the expansion Jaguars in 1995. Then it was rebuilt for the NFL and hosted a Super Bowl in 2005. Now, it will undergo another major renovation which will limit capacity next year and force the bowl to relocate in 2027. Then, EverBank Stadium will surge near the top of the list of open-air stadiums.
13. Music City Bowl
Name/location: Nissan Stadium; Nashville, Tenn.
Opened: 1999
Capacity: 69,143
Matchup: Illinois vs. Tennessee, Dec. 30
The Music City Bowl’s home has shifted through a laundry list of names over the years, but it’s been a solid site, and its location is perfect, along the Cumberland River and near downtown Nashville. This is the penultimate Music City Bowl for this stadium. After the 2026 game, a new $2.1 billion dome will replace the current Nissan Stadium, and it should usher Nashville into a top-tier status with CFP championships, Final Fours and perhaps a Super Bowl in its future.
14. Alamo Bowl
Name/location: Alamodome; San Antonio, Texas
Opened: 1993
Capacity: 64,000
Matchup: TCU vs. USC, Dec. 30
A longtime facility that has more than served its purpose, the Alamodome has helped build the Alamo Bowl from a lower-tier postseason game into one of the top three bowls outside the CFP. It has great sightlines, and it remains a staple for other high-level sporting events, such as the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
15. Sun Bowl
Name/location: Sun Bowl Stadium; El Paso, Texas
Opened: 1963
Capacity: 51,500
Matchup: Arizona State vs. Duke, Dec. 31
There’s something regal and classic about the 90-year-old Sun Bowl and its generations-long relationship with CBS. The telecast provides a portal to a simpler time in college football, and the ambiance surrounding the stadium feels familiar. The stadium is aging by modern standards, so comparing it to the NFL palaces is unfair. But as a setting, the Sun Bowl remains undefeated.
16. Birmingham Bowl
Name/location: Protective Stadium; Birmingham, Ala.
Opened: 2021
Capacity: 47,100
Matchup: Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern, Dec. 29
Old Legion Field saw plenty of history from legendary Iron Bowls to the first SEC Championship Game, but it wasn’t cracking the top 20 of this list. But new Protective Stadium has underrated qualities, from a gorgeous exterior to great view of the field. If the Birmingham Bowl gets the chance to move up in the bowl lineup, people will see it’s one of the nation’s better mid-sized open-air stadiums.
17. Frisco Bowl
Name/location: Ford Center at The Star; Frisco, Texas
Opened: 2016
Capacity: 12,000
Matchups: Frisco Bowl — Ohio vs. UNLV, Dec. 23; Xbox Bowl — Missouri State vs. Arkansas State, Dec. 18
The Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility has turned into a bowl hotspot. The Star provides an intimate yet modern environment that provides a great atmosphere for bowls involving Group of 5 teams. This year, ESPN Events shifted the Bahamas Bowl to Frisco, with Xbox securing sponsorship rights. Now there are two bowls at The Star.
18. Fenway Bowl
Name/location: Fenway Park; Boston
Opened: 1912
Capacity: 37,751
Matchup: UConn vs. Army, Dec. 27
Its inarguable that Fenway Park is one of sports’ most iconic viewing environments, right there with the Rose Bowl, Wrigley Field and Augusta National. But this list strictly relates to bowl games and their environments, which is why it isn’t ranked in the top two. It cracked the top 20 for one reason alone: People will tune in to see Fenway Park host a bowl game. They might not even know — or care — who is playing.
19. Liberty Bowl
Name/location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium; Memphis, Tenn.
Opened: 1965
Capacity: 50,000
Matchup: Navy vs. Cincinnati, Jan. 2
Few communities work harder to maintain their place in the bowl lineup than Memphis, which has nurtured a 60-year partnership with the Liberty Bowl. The facility doesn’t have the modern amenities of newer bowls, but what it has seen — including Bear Bryant’s final game at Alabama — gives the stadium character, and on television, tradition trumps luxury.
20. Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Name/location: Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, N.C.
Opened: 1996
Capacity: 75,037
Matchup: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State, Jan. 2
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game action has become the curtain raiser to the ceremonial mayo dump for the winning coach. But that fun moment aside, the game delivers a good vibe on television, and the blue seats are a difference maker. Now in its 30th season, the stadium will take on an $800 million renovation that should vault it into one of the best open-air stadiums in America.
21. LA Bowl
Name/location: SoFi Stadium; Inglewood, Calif.
Opened: 2020
Capacity: 70,000
Matchup: Washington vs. Boise State, Dec. 13
As a stadium, nothing compares to SoFi. At a cost of $5 billion-plus, SoFi Stadium is the best in the world and its translucent canopy roof provides the stadium with a unique covering. The LA Bowl’s lack of history (it enters its fifth and potentially final year this weekend) is the only reason why it’s not higher on this list. But SoFi has hosted a CFP championship game, and that’s likely to happen with more regularity.
22. Game Above Bowl
Name/location: Ford Field; Detroit
Opened: 2002
Capacity: 65,000
Matchup: Northwestern vs. Central Michigan, Dec. 26
As a domed stadium, Ford Field is perfect for the Lions. The environment really pops on television and the raucous crowd carries well. It doesn’t have the same vibe for the Game Above Bowl, which is understandable. It’s not a slight on the structure; it’s just difficult to bring out a modicum of the excitement for a lower-level bowl matchup.
23. Rate Bowl
Name/location: Chase Field; Phoenix, Ariz.
Opened: 1998
Capacity: 48,330
Type: Minnesota vs. New Mexico, Dec. 26
The Phoenix area easily ranks among the best bowl locations with its temperate climate in late December. This game used to be played at Arizona State University, but it has been moved to Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, which is equipped with a retractable roof. To improve fan visibility and broaden the viewing experience, the bowl brings in bleachers behind one of the sidelines, which is helpful.
24. Pinstripe Bowl
Name/location: Yankee Stadium; Bronx, N.Y.
Opened: 2009
Capacity: 46,537
Matchup: Penn State vs. Clemson, Dec. 27
Similar to Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium has few peers as a baseball environment. It doesn’t have the century-old charm of Fenway to bring in casual viewers, but the Pinstripe Bowl hit a home run (or a foul ball, depending on your perspective) with its matchup this season.
25. Independence Bowl
Name/location: Independence Stadium; Shreveport, La.
Opened: 1924
Capacity: 50,000
Matchup: Louisiana Tech vs. Coastal Carolina, Dec. 30
The Independence Bowl has become a postseason outlier of sorts. It somehow has survived for nearly 50 years without a consistent television contract, a shiny new stadium or prominent matchups in a non-destination location. Its perseverance is a credit to its bowl staff and the city of Shreveport’s upkeep of Independence Stadium.
And now, the rest of the bowl venues that didn’t quite make our top 25…
68 Ventures Bowl
Name/location: Hancock Whitney Stadium; Mobile, Ala.
Opened: 2020
Capacity: 25,450
Matchup: Louisiana vs. Delaware, Dec. 17
A new facility that replaced legendary Ladd-Peebles Stadium in 2020, Hancock Whitney Stadium has the functionality required to stage a quality bowl game. It’s best known for the Senior Bowl, which welcomes many of the nation’s top NFL Draft prospects in late January and early February.
Boca Raton Bowl
Name/location: Flagler Credit Union Stadium; Boca Raton, Fla.
Opened: 2011
Capacity: 30,000
Matchup: Louisville vs. Toledo, Dec. 23
A nice open-air stadium which doubles as the home of FAU football, the Boca Raton Bowl has great aesthetics coupled with a fantastic location. The palm trees around the stadium give it that perfect South Florida feel. Despite its place in the bowl pecking order, players will root for a trip here over other locations.
Armed Forces Bowl
Name/location: Amon G. Carter Stadium; Fort Worth, Texas
Opened: 1929
Capacity: 47,000
Matchup: Rice vs. Texas State, Jan. 2
Home of TCU football, Amon G. Carter Stadium had two major renovations in the last 15 years, which makes it one of the friendliest mid-sized stadiums in the country — ironic considering the stadium’s nickname is “Hell’s Half Acre.”
Military Bowl
Name/location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Opened: 1959
Capacity: 34,400
Matchup: East Carolina vs. Pittsburgh, Dec. 29
Once held at Washington D.C.’s RFK Stadium, the Military Bowl moved to the Naval Academy in 2013. The hillside circling one of the end zones gives it a unique flair.
Salute to Veterans Bowl
Name/location: Cramton Bowl; Montgomery, Ala.
Opened: 1922
Capacity: 25,000
Matchup: Troy vs. Jacksonville State, Dec. 16
A century-old facility, Cramton Bowl once hosted the Philadelphia A’s in spring training, staged Auburn and Alabama games through the early 1950s and was best known for the annual Blue-Gray all-star football game between players from the North and South through 2001.
First Responder Bowl
Name/location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium; Dallas
Opened: 2000
Capacity: 32,000
Matchup: UTSA vs. FIU, Dec. 26
When the Cotton Bowl Classic left for Jerry World, the Cotton Bowl stadium started its own bowl game in 2011. It ran through 2018 before moving to SMU’s cozy on-campus stadium.
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Name/location: Brooks Stadium; Conway, S.C.
Opened: 2003
Capacity: 26,000
Matchup: Western Michigan vs. Kennesaw State, Dec. 19
The teal turf gives the home of Coastal Carolina football a little panache. What is most striking about the facility is Adkins Fieldhouse located outside the north end zone. It looks like a giant golf clubhouse overlooking the football field. This year’s matchup is perhaps the best among Group of 5 programs, with two conference champions going head-to-head.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Name/location: Albertson Stadium; Boise, Idaho
Opened: 1970
Capacity: 36,387
Matchup: Utah State vs. Washington State, Dec. 22
It’s interesting how this bowl has stayed in place for nearly 30 years. Although it’s a hidden gem as a city, Boise doesn’t attract many visitors in December. Yet, several thousand fly to Idaho for this bowl game. Every year one of Boise State’s conference rivals plays on the blue turf, sometimes after losing badly there during the regular season.
New Mexico Bowl
Name/location: University Stadium; Albuquerque, N.M.
Opened: 1960
Capacity: 39,224
Matchup: San Diego State vs. North Texas, Dec. 27
If you look at University Stadium itself, there’s nothing special. But if you step inside, you can see the mountains outside of Albuquerque, and that makes your trip worthwhile.
Arizona Bowl
Name/location: Casino Del Sol Stadium; Tucson, Ariz.
Opened: 1928
Capacity: 50,782
Matchup: Fresno State vs. Miami (Ohio), Dec. 27
Home of the Arizona Wildcats, the newly named Casino Del Sol Stadium once staged the Copper Bowl in the early 1990s. What the facility lacks in aesthetic beauty it makes up for in location. Tucson’s surroundings are breathtaking and visible from the upper deck.
Hawaii Bowl
Name/location: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex; Honolulu, Hawaii
Opened: 2015
Capacity: 15,194
Matchup: Hawaii vs. California, Dec. 24
The stadium is a makeshift facility that is smaller than many high school football programs’ homes. But nobody really cares about comfort at a football game when you’re watching in Hawaii, right?
The College Football Stadium Rankings series is part of a partnership with StubHub. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Stunning Plans to Revamp City Ground Unveiled
An English club outside of the traditional “big six” is aiming to own one of the largest stadiums in the Premier League, having unveiled plans to expand its capacity to 52,000. English football continues to evolve, and a number of clubs have recently explored ways to improve or redevelop their stadiums, including Portsmouth, Birmingham City and Manchester United.
Elsewhere, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Everton have all carried out major work on their home grounds in recent years, with the latter two even relocating entirely. As the game moves further away from its traditional guise, the shift from terrace culture to a commercialised, multi-billion-pound entertainment industry has meant that much of its history has been lost along the way.
That said, the move from smaller, boxed-in stadiums to higher-capacity venues is not always a bad thing. And for one historic club with ambitions of returning to the top of the football pyramid, it feels like a long time coming.
English Club Unveil Plans For 52,000 Capacity Upgrade
Nottingham Forest have unveiled fresh plans to expand the City Ground to hold 52,000 fans – and their vision has been backed by the Mayor of the East Midlands. The Tricky Trees have been at their home since 1898, and owner Evangelos Marinakis has been keen to take the club to the next level.
Forest already have approval to increase the capacity of the City Ground to 35,000 by demolishing and rebuilding the Peter Taylor Stand. But there are plans to submit a fresh planning application which would see the stadium increase to 52,000 seats. See the plans below:
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward is keen for the stunning project to be approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council. She told the BBC: “I think, understandably, there are many fans who feel that they’ve been at this point in the past with talk about change, and they wonder: will it happen?
Andrew Novak partners with Lauren Coughlin to win Grant Thornton, pick up another team title
NAPLES, Fla. — Andrew Novak made three straight birdies on the back nine and Lauren Coughlin finished off their 9-under 63 in modified fourballs for a three-shot victory Sunday in the Grant Thornton Invitational, the second team title this year for Novak.
They were challenged primarily by Chris Gotterup and Jennifer Kupcho until the par-5 17th at Tiburon Golf Club.
Gotterup and Kupcho both missed the green in tough spots and had to work hard for par. Novak and Coughlin were in the final group behind them, and Novak poured in a 6-foot birdie putt that gave them a a two-shot lead going to the final hole.
Coughlin’s birdie putt helped them set a tournament record at 28-under 188.
They finished three ahead of Gotterup and Kupcho (63), Denny McCarthy and Nelly Korda (63), and Michael Brennan and Charley Hull (65).
Novak also won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Ben Griffin, the only team event on the PGA Tour. He jokingly said it would be the “modern day grand slam” to get the mixed-team title that pairs PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players.
Novak said he didn’t get a sense of how close it was until seeing a leaderboard on the 13th green, and even then knew he and Coughlin had one advantage.
“We had more holes than anyone else,” he said, referring to the number of birdie chances down the stretch. Novak holed a 7-foot birdie putt on the 13th, followed by a pair of 10-foot birdie putts on the 14th and 15th and what effectively was the clincher on the 17th.
In modified fourballs, both players hit tee shots, then play the other’s golf ball the rest of the way with the low score counting on the card.
Novak and Coughlin each earned $500,000. It was the largest payoff for Coughlin, who won twice on the LPGA last year.
Korda missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole that would have given her and McCarthy a little hope, and at worse put them alone in second. Korda gets one more chance at winning this year, teaming with her father next week in the PNC Championship.
Dylan Wu wins playoff as five players – including two surprises – earn 2026 PGA Tour cards at Q-School
Dylan Wu made a 20-foot birdie putt on the first hole of sudden death to earn the fifth and final 2026 PGA Tour card via Q-School.
Wu and Ben Silverman finished 72 holes of regulation at Dye’s Valley Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, tied for fifth place. In previous years, both would have been awarded Tour cards for next season. But with the circuit nixing ties, the two men went back to the 18th hole.
A.J. Ewart had earlier wrapped up medalist honors, shooting 66 Sunday to finish at 14 under par. Adam Svensson (66), Alejandro Tosti (67) and Marcelo Rozo (69) tied for second at 12 under.
Both Wu and Silverman found the fairway in the extra session. Wu hit first and landed his shot 20 feet short of the hole. Silverman followed and left his approach on a similar line, but 35 feet away. After Silverman, who finished 140th in FedExCup points this past season, narrowly missed his birdie effort, Wu sank his.
The 29-year-old Wu split time between the PGA and Korn Ferry tours this past season, finishing well outside the number for full 2026 PGA Tour status in both.
Ewart, a 26-year-old Canadian who attended Barry University, has played in only two career PGA Tour events — a pair RBC Canadian Opens with a pair of missed cuts. He was 15th in points this season on the PGA Tour Americas.
While Svensson and Tosti will both be making return trips to the primary circuit, Rozo will join Ewart as a rookie. The 36-year-old from Colombia has four career Tour starts, and none since 2021. He was 45th in points this past season on the Korn Ferry Tour.
The top 40 players and ties beyond the top five this week earned guaranteed starts on the 2026 KFT.
Tour Confidential: The most important golf figures of 2025
Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss the most important golf figures of the last 12 months, the drama of PGA Tour Q-School and more.
As we count down the final days of 2025, let’s take a quick moment to reflect on the year that was. Who were the most important golf figures of 2025?
Jack Hirsh, associate equipment editor (@JR_HIRSHey): Important? I think it’s got to be new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp and new LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler. Both have taken over legacy properties badly in need of fresh ideas and new perspective. Already we’re hearing talks of massive changes for the PGA Tour schedule as soon as 2027. Whether you like them or not, the Tour is clearly looking for something that will put its LIV Golf problem to bed. With Kessler and the LPGA, a new TV deal seems like it could be the spark to get the Tour to ride this new wave of interest in women’s sports around the world. There are certainly more important names in the golf world right now, but none will have more pressure to achieve their goals in 2026 than these two.
Zephyr Melton, associate game-improvement editor (@zephyrmelton): Jack laid it out well, but I’ll go ahead and give Tiger Woods his obligatory mention. The popularity of the sport still ebbs and flows with Tiger — as evidenced by the heaps of coverage when he so much as posts a swing video. His competitive career may be behind him, but his influence on the game remains unmatched.
Josh Sens, senior writer (@JoshSens): Good answers above. To them, I’d add Rory McIlroy for providing the most compelling entertainment of the year at both the Masters and the Ryder Cup. And Tommy Fleetwood for best feel-good story. But that’s more about rooting interest than importance. Beyond those guys, some non-traditional golf figures come to mind, especially at a time when the game is stretching increasingly beyond its old boundaries. Caitlin Clark getting into golf. LeBron James going viral with every swing posted online. And though I’d rather get a root canal than watch a bunch of “influencers” knock it around, clearly people are interested, as we saw with the success of the Internet Invitational. Welcome to the future, for better or worse.
And who — not mentioned above — might we be talking about in this space a year from now as a key figure of 2026?
Hirsh: I think it will be someone like Jon Rahm. His prominence in the game has seemed to diminish since his move to LIV, but he’s still played pretty well and I think will start making more of an impact in majors. He still hasn’t won one since the 2023 Masters.
Melton: How bout Brooks Koepka? Speaking of LIV, he’s long been rumored to want out of his LIV deal in order to get back to the PGA Tour. Could 2026 be the year we see a LIV star defect back to the Tour? If it is, BK is likely the first domino to fall.
Sens: Bryson. His impact shows no sign of slowing.
Five players earned Tour cards for 2026 via PGA Tour Q-School Sunday at TPC Sawgrass. Which outcome — the good or bad — stuck out to you the most?
Hirsh: Sad to see one of the Tour’s great people, Camilo Villegas, come up one shot short of a playoff to keep full playing status on the Tour. He’ll still be around as a former winner, but I wouldn’t be surprised if former winners hanging onto fringe status is exactly what shrinking the number of exempt players from 125 to 100 is targeting.
Melton: Alejandro Tosti is headed back to the Tour — and the content gods thank him.
Sens: Villegas’ final missed shorty on 18 was painful. But it was touching to see him stick around to celebrate with his friend and countryman Marcelo Rozo. Personally, I was rooting for Spencer Levin, who has been around the block and then some and just didn’t have his best stuff today.
Speaking of the Tour’s aforementioned card changes, are five cards from Q-School enough? Too little? And is Q-School still a key part of the Tour’s construction?
Hirsh: We absolutely need Q-School, especially now that Monday Qs are gone. I think five is a good number, especially with the Korn Ferry Tour shrinking to 20 cards. I also like the hard five instead of the ties, because a playoff, like we got this year, for the last PGA Tour card of the season is pretty awesome. But I’d also like to use this space to mention we still need Monday Qs.
Melton: I’d like to see Q-School give even more cards. We always talk about “life-changing” weeks in pro golf, but there’s no tournament where that’s more true than the Final Stage of Q-School. The drama of it is unlike anything else in the sport, and that makes it one of the coolest weeks of the year.
Sens: Five feels about right. And eliminating ties only adds to the excitement. Nothing like a sudden-death playoff to cap a four-day stress test.
Our Josh Sens recently wrote about a golfer who just broke a world record for most courses played in a year. What’s your number? And if you could pick one course you have already played to tee it up on for the rest of your life, which is it?
Hirsh: First of all, that’s a level of golf sicko-ness of which I’m not familiar. Bravo! I have no idea what the most courses I’ve ever played is. Probably around 20. I’m sure Zephyr has played some ungodly number of courses the last couple years. If I had to pick one course though, it would probably be Royal Dornoch. Links golf is undefeated.
Melton: I wish I played half as much golf as my co-workers think I play. I only logged 40 rounds in 2025! As for the most courses, it’s likely in the range of 30 or so. When you don’t belong to a club, variety is the name of the game. As for one course for the rest of my life? Give me Pasatiempo. Elite course. Elite vibe. Elite logo.
These 5 players just earned their PGA Tour cards for 2026
With apologies to Bobby Jones, there is hit-and-giggle golf and there is career-on-the-line golf, and they are not at all the same.
Sunday showcased the difference between them.
For the light-hearted former, fans had the pleasure of the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Fla., a joint PGA and LPGA Tour production pitting 16 two-player teams in a mixed-format competition imbued with all the tension of a birthday party at a putt-putt course. In the third and final round of that feel-good affair at Tiburón Golf Club, Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak pulled away from the pack with a 9-under 63 in modified four-ball (each hitting their own drives, then playing the other’s ball and recording the better score on every hole), giving them a tournament total of 28-under and a three-shot win over three teams that included a trio of the LPGA Tour’s biggest names (Nelly Korda, Charley Hull and Jennifer Kupcho).
That was the fluffy, wallet-padding stuff.
For nail-biting action with no purse on the line, you had to turn elsewhere in the Sunshine State—Ponte Vedra Beach, to be precise—where the annual dogfight known as Q-School Finals was unfolding. At Q-School, the math is always unforgiving. This year, though, it was crueler than ever, as, owing to an offseason format change, only the top five finishers made it through. Previously, the top five finishers and ties earned their cards.
The stage was set for heartache and heroics on the Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass, and, per custom, Sunday’s final round delivered both. One especially agonizing moment involved the popular Tour veteran Camilo Villegas, who flubbed a short birdie putt on 18 that he knew he likely needed. Sure enough, the miss left him at 10-under, a torturous single stroke out of a playoff. (Villegas stuck around, though, to join a celebration that we’ll get to shortly.)
For Spencer Levin, a 41-year-old who has been grinding in the pro game for two decades with varying degrees of status, the pain came in slower drips throughout the day. After a 63 on Saturday, Levin was in position to regain the PGA Tour card he lost in 2017. But his Sunday was a frustrating 1-over struggle that dropped him into T13.
Then there was the case of Ben Kohles, who was tied for the lead when he went viral for all the wrong reasons. His unfortunate turn occurred on the par-4 8th hole, where Kohles blocked his drive into the trees and then was penalized for causing his ball to move while fussing with debris around his lie: double bogey. Kohles backed that up with a water ball on the next hole and another double bogey that drowned his hopes for good.
You know what they say, though: every shot in golf makes someone happy. And by day’s end, five players were especially pleased. Here’s a look at who got through and how they did it.
A.J. Ewart
A 26-year-old Canadian and the son of a teaching professional, Ewart grew up in a cold climate but went on to play in balmy weather at Barry University in Florida. He won seven times in college and turned pro in 2023. This past year, Ewart lost in a playoff at the Victoria Open, bagged four top-10s on the PGA Tour Americas and narrowly missed his Korn Ferry Tour card. But by winning Q-School with a 14-under total, he now has something better.
Adam Svensson
Same country of origin as Ewart. Same college alma mater, too. But Svensson, 31, is older and more seasoned, with several Tour campaigns under his belt, along with a win at the 2022 RSM Classic. After finishing 167th in the FedExCup standings in 2025, Svensson needed a big week to regain full status in 2026. He delivered with a T2 finish.
Alejandro Tosti
True to his name, Tosti can get toasty. In his young career, the fiery Argentine has been caught up in confrontations with fellow players and tournament officials. At the 2023 Albertsons Boise Open, he was suspended for what was reported to be an expletive-laced outburst directed at his playing partner, Kyle Westmoreland. More often, though, Tosti’s play has spoken for itself—and it has held up under pressure. This is the second consecutive year that he has earned full Tour status by way of Q-School.
Marcelo Rozo
When his par putt dropped on 18, guaranteeing him a T2, Rozo pointed to the sky and broke into tears. It was the day’s most outwardly emotional finish, and no wonder. After a serious wrist injury in 2022, Rozo thought he might never play competitive golf again. He sat out all of 2023 and earned his real estate license as a backup career. A native of Colombia, Rozo is 36, and his triumphal moment Sunday was a long time coming.
One of the day’s most touching scenes followed soon after, as Rozo celebrated with family members alongside his countryman Villegas and Villegas’ family. Villegas had stuck around to share in Rozo’s moment after coming painfully close in his own bid.
Dylan Wu
The lone American to punch his card this week, Wu did so in emphatic fashion, with a birdie on the first hole of a two-man playoff against Ben Silverman. Since turning pro in 2019, Wu, 29, has toggled between the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, gaining experience that came in handy Sunday. After two back-nine bogeys threatened his chances, Wu responded with an eagle on 16 and two gutty pars on the final two holes before coming up big in sudden death.
Jon Rahm Influences Pro to Cut Ties With PGA Tour Despite $1.2 Million Penalty
Jon Rahm’s decision to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in late 2023 sent shockwaves through the golf world. And the consequences that followed this were even more fiery. An indefinite PGA Tour suspension, removal from FedExCup eligibility, and a flood of mixed reactions from fans and media questioning his motivations and legacy. However, recently, the scenario has been noticing a prominent shift. A shift that is even guiding another tour pro to make a crucial decision in his career.
Yet, amid constant scrutiny, Rahm has made sure to hold on to his elite status in LIV Golf. Rahm’s move from the PGA Tour to LIV was backed by a historic contract that was reportedly worth more than $300 million. A few reports even claimed that the total value potentially climbed up to $500 million. However, now, Rahm’s influence is once again reshaping the sport. And that has convinced Laurie Canter to take up the LIV Golf offer despite the penalty amount being fixed at $1 million.
The DP World Tour offered little flexibility to the LIV Golf players. They were routinely suspended and fined, with no exceptions made if they wished to compete in DP World Tour events. Rahm’s situation, however, has forced a rethink. More so because of the importance Rahm’s presence carries for the Ryder Cup. Notably, that has acted as a driving force behind Laurie Canter accepting the LIV Golf offer.
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Sitting for an interview with The Times, Canter reflected on the matter and stated, “I think there is a big shift in the mood music about how players who’ve gone to LIV and come back are treated now, especially guys like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell [Hatton]. I think the traditional rhetoric in 2022 was fronted by Keith Pelley [the former DP World Tour chief executive], and he’s gone now.”
Jon Rahm’s value to Europe’s Ryder Cup ambitions has put the DP World Tour in a difficult position. They did not shy away from imposing a hefty fine on Rahm, but after he publicly stated that he would not pay any fines, the DP World Tour has had to rethink whether holding on to their demands while risking the absence of one of Europe’s most influential players on golf’s biggest team stage would be beneficial for the sport or not.
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Canter further stated, “The tour has to do what’s best for itself, but as to whether I’m having my cake and eating it, I feel like I’m doing the opposite. I’m not leaving the DP World Tour. I’m playing LIV instead of playing on the PGA Tour. I will have to start paying fines myself [LIV will no longer subsidise them in 2026] and I’m not over the moon to drop £1million to stay a member, but I want to be involved.” Notably, this converts to $1.17 million.
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And now, the situation for Jon Rahm is taking further turns as the CEO of the Saudi-backed league has shared a new update.
LIV Golf shifts stance on fines as Rahm, Hatton futures questioned
Amid the chaos that erupted between LIV Golf, against the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour, it’s the future of Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton that has faced the biggest interrogation mark. Ever since these icons have become a part of the Saudi-backed league, LIV Golf has borne the hefty fines that have been imposed on their stars. But that narrative has noticed a major shift recently.
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The league has decided not to impose any more fines on behalf of Rahm and Hatton. However, they have claimed to sort the matters out with the authorities of the DP World Tour. Scott O’Neil, the LIV Golf Commissioner, has stated, “This is something that needs to be settled, and I’m looking forward to that day. We’re having constructive conversations with Guy Kinnings [the DP World Tour chief executive] and his team. We are hoping that before the season starts, we can all come together in the best interest of golf and put this behind us.”
Amid this, Rahm’s 2025 Ryder Cup participation, too, dealt with a lot of back and forth. Rahm was allowed to play the Ryder Cup in Bethpage Black just because the legal court proceedings and the hearings were adjourned. However, his future for the upcoming Ryder Cup still remains questionable as the final judgment is still awaiting. Only time can tell how the future of these LIV golfers will turn out.
Pro Golfer Breaks Down in Tears as Q-School Crushes PGA Tour Card Hopes
The 41-year-old has ground out a 20-year pro-life after a highly decorated amateur career with one victory in a PGA Tour event in 408 starts so far. Still, Spencer Levin got something left in the tank and advanced to the third round of PGA Tour Q School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, hoping for a massive breakthrough. That didn’t happen, and the pro golfer breaks down in tears agonizingly.
“I mean, it just I don’t know. Just hoping today was gonna be a day, but it wasn’t, so that’s it. I don’t have much else to say,” Levin said before a long pause, holding somehow his tears back when asked what’s kind of going through your head right now. Levin added then, “Yeah, um, today, you know, you wake up thinking it’s… could be the day and… felt good. Everything felt good. I slept good last night. Usually I don’t sleep good before days like this and I did. Um, I just… there were some putts I needed to make that I didn’t make.”
Five Dreams Realized: Q-School Finals Deliver Drama and Redemption at Sawgrass
The sun was setting over TPC Sawgrass on Sunday evening, and Dylan Wu stood over a 20-foot birdie putt that would change his life. Again.
This wasn’t just any putt. This was the culmination of 72 grueling holes at Q-School Finals, where careers are made and broken in the span of four days. Wu and Ben Silverman had finished tied at 11-under, forcing a sudden-death playoff for the fifth and final PGA Tour card available. One would walk away with full status for 2026. The other would head to the Korn Ferry Tour.
Wu rolled it in. The former hockey player showed ice in his veins when it mattered most, securing his return to the big leagues with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
When Second Chances Actually Come
Professional golf can be brutally unforgiving. Miss your number by one spot, and you’re watching the playoffs from home. Finish 126th instead of 125th, and suddenly you’re scrambling for starts. The margins are razor-thin, and the consequences are real.
That’s what makes Q-School Finals so compelling. It’s not just about talented players trying to break through. It’s about veterans fighting their way back, about careers hanging in the balance, about the raw human drama that unfolds when everything is on the line.
Adam Svensson knows this better than most. The 31-year-old Canadian has been through the wringer. He’s won on Tour. He’s made the FedExCup Playoffs. He’s also watched his status slip away. This week at Sawgrass, he fired a second-round 64 and never looked back, finishing T2 at 12-under to punch his ticket back to the Tour.
“It’s a week that defines dozens of careers,” the Tour’s official recap noted. That’s not hyperbole. For Svensson, it meant redemption. For others, it meant something even more profound.
The Long Road Home
Marcelo Rozo turned professional in 2012. That’s 13 years of grinding, of Monday qualifiers, of PGA Tour Latinoamérica events, of Korn Ferry Tour starts that didn’t quite add up to the magic number. He’d come close before, finishing 47th on the Korn Ferry Tour points list in 2019, 62nd in 2022. He even pushed Scottie Scheffler to a playoff at the 2019 Evans Scholars Invitational.
But close doesn’t get you a Tour card.
At 36 years old, with just four PGA Tour starts to his name across more than a decade as a professional, Rozo finally broke through. His T2 finish at Q-School Finals earned him full PGA Tour membership for 2026. He’ll be a rookie at an age when many players are thinking about their next chapter.
The beauty of golf is that it doesn’t care about your timeline. Rozo’s journey proves that persistence matters, that the dream doesn’t have an expiration date.
The Kid Who Got It Right the First Time
While veterans were clawing their way back, A.J. Ewart was writing a different story. The 26-year-old Canadian had never played Final Stage before. He’d never had a PGA Tour card before. He’d spent the past few years grinding on PGA Tour Americas, where he won the 2024 Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open and finished 15th on the 2025 points list.
Ewart didn’t just earn his card. He won the whole thing, posting rounds of 66-67-67-66 to finish at 14-under and claim medalist honors. Five birdies against one bogey in the final round. Steady, composed, ready.
He’s a Barry University alum, just like Svensson, and just like Svensson, he won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the NCAA Division II Player of the Year. That was in 2022. Three years later, he’s a PGA Tour member.
The Others in the Fight
Alejandro Tosti made it back for the second straight year via Q-School, eagling the 16th hole on Sunday to secure his spot. The 29-year-old Argentinian has now earned his Tour card three different ways: through the Korn Ferry Tour, through Q-School in 2024, and now again in 2025. He’s determined to make it stick this time.
And then there’s Wu, whose playoff heroics capped off a week of high drama. He’d played in the conditional 126-150 category in 2025, which means limited opportunities and constant uncertainty. Now he’s got a full season ahead of him.
What It All Means
Q-School Finals isn’t just a tournament. It’s a referendum on perseverance, on talent, on the ability to perform when the pressure is suffocating. The top five finishers walked away with PGA Tour cards.
Everyone else got varying levels of Korn Ferry Tour status or headed back to the drawing board.
Five players. Five different paths. Five dreams realized on the same December weekend in Ponte Vedra Beach.
That’s the magic of Q-School. That’s why we watch.
Five Players Earn PGA Tour Cards at Q-School Final Stage
The grueling final stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School presented by Korn Ferry concluded Sunday at TPC Sawgrass and Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., with just five players securing full PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season. Across four demanding rounds with no cut, these golfers emerged from a field of 176 competitors to earn one of the most coveted prizes in professional golf, fully exempt status on the PGA Tour.
Q-School has always been one of the sport’s toughest tests, a week where careers can change dramatically with every swing. With only five cards awarded under the Tour’s updated exemption system, margins were razor-thin and pressure intense throughout the final stage.
A.J. Ewart Tops the Leaderboard
A.J. Ewart led all competitors at 14-under-par over four rounds to top the Q-School leaderboard and secure his first fully exempt PGA Tour card. The Canadian played steady golf all week, finishing with rounds of 66-67-67-66 for a 266 total that kept him ahead of the pack.
Ewart’s performance was noteworthy not just for his consistency, but also for his ability to handle pressure in a setting where every shot can have season-defining implications. His strong showing reflects success on other circuits as well; earlier in 2025, Ewart competed on PGA Tour Americas, where he had four top-10 finishes and a runner-up result among seven top-25s.
“I came here with the goal to win a golf tournament,” Ewart said. “It wasn’t necessarily to finish in the top five or 25. It was to go and prepare to win a golf tournament. So to do it feels kind of like the old saying of ‘aim small, miss small.’ I try to look at any tournament you go out and try to win. If you set your standards a little below that, you’re going to sell yourself short a little bit.”
With this achievement, Ewart joins a growing Canadian contingent on the PGA Tour that will include established names like Corey Conners, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes and Sudarshan Yellamaraju in 2026.
Svensson, Tosti and Rozo Also Get Full Status
Tied for second at 12-under were Adam Svensson, Alejandro Tosti and Marcelo Rozo, all of whom earned their own PGA Tour cards alongside Ewart. Svensson, also from Canada, has previously competed extensively on the PGA Tour, playing 159 events since 2019 and winning the RSM Classic in 2022.
The top-five finishers tied at 12-under highlight the depth of competition in Q-School; Tosti (Argentina) and Rozo (Colombia) both held their own amid a stacked international field. Their performances reflect success at other professional stops, including Korn Ferry Tour starts and global events, and solidify their place among the Tour’s newest membership class.
Dylan Wu Wins Playoff for Final Card
The final PGA Tour card, the fifth and most dramatic, came down to a sudden-death playoff between Dylan Wu and Ben Silverman. On the opening hole of the playoff, Wu made a clutch birdie to clinch the final spot, capping a memorable week for the young pro.
Wu’s path to Tour status was defined by resilience. Already experienced on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he has competed in more than 100 events, Wu’s ability to convert in the most pressure-packed moment of the week underscored his readiness for the next level.
That playoff finish provided some of the most dramatic moments of Q-School, a reminder that in this high-stakes environment, qualification often hinges on a single putt or tee shot.
Pressure of Q-School Leads to Withdrawals, Disqualification
For many players, PGA Tour Q-School represents the most stressful week of their careers, with livelihoods and future playing rights on the line. The high-pressure environment leaves little room for error, and once a player falls well off the pace, the reality of missing out on status can quickly set in.
That reality played out during this year’s final stage, as four players (Carson Young, Trey Mullinax, Robby Shelton and Braden Thornberry) withdrew following their rounds on Thursday and Friday. In addition, one competitor was disqualified for failing to report to his tee time, a rare but sobering reminder of how unforgiving the process can be.
The disqualification involved Norman Xiong, who opened with an 8-over-par 78 at Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass, leaving him more than 10 shots back of the top five positions required to earn a PGA Tour card. Xiong was scheduled to tee off Friday morning at Sawgrass Country Club, but officials later confirmed he did not show up for his 10:25 a.m. tee time, resulting in an automatic disqualification.
Meet the 5 Players Who Earned PGA Tour Cards
As the year draws to a close, the golf world just witnessed another high-stakes battle. The pressure cooker reached a boiling point at the windy TPC Sawgrass of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, because the PGA reduced the “Safe List” from the top 125 players to the top 100 for the 2026 season. This forced many talented veterans back to Q-School presented by Korn Ferry, where a field of 176 hopefuls competed across 72 holes for a guaranteed Tour card.
To make matters worse, the tour offered only five cards with absolutely no ties allowed. Previous years allowed anyone tied for fifth to advance, but this year, the players knew a tie meant a sudden-death playoff where one golfer would come out on top. But in the end, five men had to conquer this ruthless environment on the final round, and they did it. Now, let’s look at the warriors who proved they belong on the biggest stage in golf for the upcoming season.
A.J. Ewart
A.J. Ewart didn’t just survive the test; he dominated the entire class. Ewart played clinical golf to finish as the medalist at 14-under par, posting four consecutive rounds in the 60s, a feat no one else matched. And with that, the 26-year-old Canadian completes an unusual journey, bypassing the traditional Korn Ferry Tour ladder almost entirely. He played on the lower-level PGA Tour Americas last season and missed a promotion by inches.
But that near-miss heartbreak couldn’t shatter the former Barry University alumnus as he sealed his victory on Sunday with four clutch birdies on the 10th, 13th, 14th, and 16th holes in the back 9 of the final round.
“I came here with the goal to win a golf tournament,” Ewart said. “It wasn’t necessarily to finish in the top five or 25. It was to go and prepare to win a golf tournament.
Adam Svensson
Adam Svensson started slowly with a 70 but ignited his week with an impressive 64 on Saturday. So, the Canadian veteran only needed to remain steady, and he perfectly accomplished that with a calm 4-under 66. A massive birdie on the 16th hole finally secured his return to the promised land.
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Svensson, who previously played in 159 events on the PGA Tour since 2019, carded 5 birdies and 1 bogey to finish tied for second place with Alejandro Tosti and Marcelo Rozo.
“I was nervous the whole day. My heart rate was going 90 per cent of the day,” the 31-year-old said. “I’m just so happy it’s over. I’m extremely happy. To get back after a rough year, it’s special.”
Alejandro Tosti
The Argentine star went 69-67-65-67 and finished tied with Svensson and Rozo for second at 12-under par to earn his card again. Tosti’s performance turned the tournament magical when he drained a massive eagle putt from the front of the green at the par-5 16th hole to grab the lead. That cushion allowed him to survive a bogey on the 17th without panicking.
Alejandro Tosti finished 129th in the FedExCup standings in 2024, which placed him just outside the usual safety zone for full PGA Tour status. He played on the PGA Tour in 2025, making cuts and securing several strong finishes, including top-10 results.
Marcelo Rozo
Marcelo Rozo delivered one of the most nerve-wracking finishes of the entire group, starting the front 9 of the final round with 2 bogeys and zero birdies. But on the back nine, the 36-year-old Colombian successfully carded 3 birdies, including his back-to-back birdies at the 14th and 15th holes, and needed a par on the treacherous 18th hole to avoid a playoff.
With hands shaking, Rozo drained the par putt to post 12-under and secure his job. Despite playing 255 Tour-sanctioned events across the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Latinoamérica, Rozo had never held full PGA Tour status until this moment.
Dylan Wu
And Dylan Wu delivered the most dramatic moment of the entire week to snatch the final card. He started the day outside the top five and needed a miracle to advance. The 29-year-old delivered that miracle with a 30-foot eagle putt on the 16th hole. That heroic shot moved him to 11-under par and forced a sudden-death playoff against Ben Silverman on the 18th. Wu then drained a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to win in walk-off style. After competing in more than 100 events on the Korn Ferry Tour, Wu screamed with relief. He is finally back on the PGA TOUR!
Ben Griffin’s Wife Dana Myeroff Opens Up on PGA Tour Reality Days After Wedding
Golf analysts Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner named Ben Griffin the “biggest overachiever” after he collected three PGA Tour wins and joined elite company in 2025. The 29-year-old stunned everyone with a season that saw him in the runner-up spot twice and twelve times in the top-10. A December wedding to Dana Myeroff capped off the year, and in Sunday’s PGA Tour video, his wife revealed what she believes made the difference.
“Golf is funny,” she said, “because it’s an individual sport, but when you surround yourself with the right team, it leads to amazing results, and I think this year just goes to prove he’s surrounded by the right people.”
While golf demands solo execution under pressure, she recognized that Griffin’s achievements stemmed from a carefully chosen circle of support. And even Griffin himself acknowledged this foundation.
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“Knowing that you have support in your corner, and fortunately for me, I had a good group around me that all wanted me to succeed,” he added.
And that group includes more than just coaches and trainers.
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Among them is Doug, who Dana described as “a really important person” in Griffin’s life and who officiated their wedding. Doug reflected on this bond, too.
“It was an incredible honor to be able to officiate Ben and Dana’s wedding, but he’s really grown to be almost a part of the family,” he said. “Ben’s done a really, really smart job of putting the right people around him and creating an incredible environment for excellence.”
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Pro golfer Ben Griffin married Dana Myeroff in a ‘refined tropical luxury’-themed wedding on Dec. 6 in Palm Beach, which was attended by 125 guests. Given that the couple was “on the road” most of the year due to the PGA Tour’s “really demanding schedule,” they heavily relied on their wedding planner. Meredith Falk of GLDN Events, to craft their dream wedding weekend.
The festivities began on Thursday, Dec. 4, with a family-only dinner at upscale-casual restaurant Buccan, followed by time back at The Colony Hotel’s bar with everyone in town. The next afternoon, on Friday, Dec. 5, was a rehearsal lunch aboard the private yacht Mariner III, then a welcome party at The Brazilian Court Hotel.
Coming back to Griffin’s grind, he works daily with Derek Smith, his trainer in Jupiter, Florida. “I’m very blessed and grateful for a lot of people in my life that have given me this opportunity,” he said.
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Now, looking back at his 2025 journey, the support backs what his wife said.
Ben Griffin achieved his big breakthrough in April at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he and Andrew Novak won their first professional title together. He won his first solo title at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial on May 25. In November, he won the World Wide Technology Championship, setting a competition record with a final-round score of 63. Griffin finished that tournament with a total of 259 strokes, two strokes ahead of the second-place player.
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These three wins put him on a list alongside Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy as the only players to reach that number in 2025. Those performances earned him a nomination for the PGA Tour Player of the Year Award. Now that’s pretty fancy stuff for a guy who hadn’t won on tour before 2025 and who once (briefly) walked away from pro golf for a 9-to-5 desk job.
His grind through the 30 events on the PGA Tour showed not only his talent but also the support of his team in helping him succeed. But can he keep it up for the coming season?
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Ben Griffin is locked in for key 2026 PGA Tour events
Ben Griffin’s great results in 2025 have guaranteed him a spot among the early commitments for important PGA Tour events in 2026. Tournament directors have already confirmed his participation in the American Express event in January.
Griffin will arrive in the Coachella Valley as one of golf’s biggest stars after making his first U.S. Ryder Cup team. His T-7 finish at the 2025 American Express foreshadowed his breakout season. The tournament lasts for 54 holes and takes place on three courses. The top 65 pros will play in the final round.
The American Express will be held from January 19 to 25, 2026, in the Coachella Valley. It will feature 156 professionals and 156 amateurs competing on three courses: the Pete Dye Stadium Course, the Nicklaus Tournament Course, and the La Quinta Country Club.
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The support system powered Griffin’s remarkable 2025. As the American Express unfolds in January, the question remains: can that foundation carry him through another championship season?
Sidney Crosby Calls Sharks Rookie One of the Best in NHL
Sidney Crosby doesn’t throw around compliments lightly. When one of the greatest players in NHL history calls someone
Best bets for Vikings vs. Cowboys, NBA, NHL, CBB on Sunday, Dec. 14
The Dallas Cowboys returned from their bye and posted three consecutive victories to give themselves an opportunity to earn a playoff berth, but they made their path to the postseason much more difficult with their 44-30 road loss to the Detroit Lions last week.
Dallas’ playoff chances weren’t great prior to the matchup with Detroit, but they became much slimmer with the defeat as the Cowboys (6-6-1) will need plenty of help before they host the Minnesota Vikings (5-8) at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football. Their best shot at a postseason spot is overtaking the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (8-5), who enter Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season with a three-game losing streak, for the NFC East title.
The San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears occupy the final two wild card spots in the conference with 9-4 records, and a loss to the Vikings would effectively end the Cowboys’ chances to grab one of those berths. But even with a win, Dallas would need Philadelphia’s struggles to continue, and the Eagles are hosting the 2-11 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday and face the 3-10 Washington Commanders twice over the final three weeks of the season.
Minnesota ended its four-game slide with a 31-0 rout of Washington last week and would like nothing better than to deal a major blow to Dallas’ playoff hopes. The Vikings will have to find a way to slow down CeeDee Lamb, however, as the Cowboys star receiver is expected to be in the lineup after exiting last week’s contest with a concussion. The 26-year-old wideout was extremely effective against the Lions prior to leaving in the second quarter, hauling in six passes for 121 yards.
Eight games are on Sunday’s NBA schedule, including a matchup between the Golden State Warriors (13-13) and Portland Trail Blazers (9-16) at 9 p.m. ET at the Moda Center. The Trail Blazers have lost six of their last seven contests but won both of their previous meetings with the Warriors this season.
Meanwhile, the NHL has six games on its slate, one of which has the Montreal Canadiens (16-11-4) hosting the Edmonton Oilers (15-11-6) at the Bell Centre at 7 p.m. ET. The Oilers enter with a point streak that reached five games with their 6-3 road triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
There also are plenty of college basketball games on Sunday, including a matchup between Washington State (3-7) and USC (9-1) at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. The Cougars are in the midst of a four-game losing streak, while the Trojans bounced back from their lone defeat of the season with a 94-81 triumph over San Diego last time out.
The Cowboys are 5.5-point favorites against the Vikings in the latest consensus NFL odds. The Warriors are 4.5-point favorites against the Trail Blazers, the Oilers are -130 favorites on the money line against the Canadiens and USC is a 14.5-point favorite against Washington State.
Below is a snapshot of what to watch and bet for Sunday, Dec. 14. All times Eastern
NFL best bets, where to watch
Vikings at Cowboys
Time: 8:20 p.m. | Location: Arlington, Tex. | TV: NBC | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine picks — Model: Cowboys -5.5 (-112) | Expert: J.J. McCarthy Over 28.5 pass attempts (-123)
The teams are meeting for the first time since 2022, when the Cowboys outgained the Vikings 458-183 in total yards and rolled to a 40-3 victory at Minnesota. It was Dallas’ fifth win in its last six matchups against the Vikings but first in that span by more than four points. The SportsLine Projection Model sees another comfortable triumph by the Cowboys, who cover the spread in 61% of its simulations. SportsLine fantasy football expert Dave Richard (11-2, +980 on his last 13 NFL player prop picks) believes J.J. McCarthy will be throwing the ball often since Minnesota’s ground attack may not be effective against Dallas’ defense.
More NFL best bets
Titans-49ers Over 44.5 (-108, Sportsline model A-rated play)
Packers -115 (R.J. White)
Model’s best anytime TD scorer picks for Week 15
NBA best bets, where to watch
Warriors at Trail Blazers
Time: 9 p.m. | Location: Portland | TV: NBA League Pass | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine picks — Model: Under 234.5 (-111) | Expert: Warriors -4 (-108)
Neither team is an offensive juggernaut, as they are averaging a combined total of 231.2 points this season. The Warriors have exceeded their 113.7-point average in back-to-back games after producing 112 or fewer in five consecutive contests, while the Trail Blazers have scored more than their average of 117.5 points in three of their last five outings. And even though Golden State and Portland combined for 250 or more points in both of their previous meetings this campaign, the SportsLine Projection Model’s simulations say the Under for Sunday’s matchup hits almost 71% of the time. SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall (33-19, +1206 on his last 52 NBA ATS picks) likes Golden State to cover since the Trail Blazers are reeling and Stephen Curry, who averaged 36.5 points against Portland over the first two showdowns, is back from his quad injury.
NHL best bets, where to watch
Oilers at Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. | Location: Montreal | TV: NHL Network | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Canadiens +109
Both teams were on the road Saturday, with Edmonton posting a three-goal victory in Toronto and Montreal dropping an overtime decision to the Rangers in New York. The Canadiens have won only one of their last four contests both overall (1-2-1) and at home (1-3-0), while the Oilers have won three straight on the road. However, that streak has only improved Edmonton’s record away from home to 7-8-3, and the SportsLine Projection Model thinks the run will end as Montreal wins in 54% of its simulations.
CBB best bets, where to watch
Washington State at USC
Time: 7:30 p.m. | Location: Los Angeles | TV: FS1 | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: USC -14.5 (-112)
Watch the NHL’s mascots in action
Mascots from the NHL, including Florida’s Stanley C. Panther and Buffalo’s Sabretooth, race against mascots of professional teams from Western…
Youppi, the Montreal Canadiens and Expos mascot, takes his time leaving the ice between periods of a Sabres-Canadiens game at the Bell Centre …
It’s the World Series, and Toronto Maple Leafs mascot Carlton leads the roar at Scotiabank Arena.
Tusky is the Utah Mammoth’s mascot, and the NHL’s newest anthropomorph. He’s everywhere along the Wasatch Range.
Pittsburgh Penguins mascot IceBurgh seems to find many corners of PPG Paints Arena.
The Colorado Avalanche’s mascot, Bernie, patrols the corridors and the ice at Ball Arena in Denver.
Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty kicks off game introductions as the Flyers take on the Buffalo Sabres at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphi…
Harvey the Hound, the mascot of the Calgary Flames, took to the ice Monday night at Scotiabank Saddledome, joined by local youth hockey players.
Edmonton Oilers mascot Hunter the Lynx plays Santa, beats the drum and makes friends at Rogers Place.
Vancouver Canucks mascot Finn gets into the holiday spirit as the Canucks take on the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena on Thursday.
Rachel Lenzi
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NHL Weekend Rumors: Devils Cap Crunch, Quinn Hughes Market, and Oilers Trade Pressure
Talk about a busy few days in the NHL. The league’s trade market offered up two of the biggest storylines of the season this week as two big trades — Quinn Hughes to Minnesota and Tristan Jarry to Edmonton — dominated the news cycle. And, things might not be slowing down. According to multiple insiders, teams are calling, prices are being set, and frustration is mounting as contenders try to find workable paths forward.
Devils Tried to Add, But Cap Space Remains the Roadblock
The New Jersey Devils were in on Quinn Hughes and are actively attempting to make moves, but Elliotte Friedman made it clear that they weren’t able to pull of the trade of this season because they couldn’t clear the necessary cap space to get it done.
That will inevitably lead to questions about GM Tom Fitzgerald and the previous moves he’s made, but what else he might be looking at. If trade partners aren’t willing to take salary back, the Devils are being forced to explore alternative routes to clear space. How quickly can New Jersey can act? If they’re stuck, what happens to “Fitzy” if he can’t improve the roster?
Maple Leafs, Maccelli, and Ongoing Trade Exploration
Friedman also touched on Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Mattias Maccelli, noting that the winger hasn’t been an ideal fit in Toronto. Trade talk is circulating.
The Maple Leafs weren’t alone in their interest last summer, and Friedman believes some of those same teams could circle back if Maccelli becomes available. Meanwhile, Toronto continues to be one of the league’s most active callers, according to Frank Seravalli, as the team searches for a way to reshape its roster without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
Latest on Philip Danault and the Canadiens
Phillip Danault is another familiar name popping up and talk out of Los Angeles is that he could be on the move. Frank Seravalli reported the Montreal Canadiens have reached out to the Kings about a potential reunion, while Darren Dreger downplayed that possibility. Dreger wonders if Danault may simply be seeking a fresh start.
Flames and Stars Monitoring Defensive Options
In Calgary, Rasmus Andersson appears unlikely to reach an extension with the Calgary Flames. Seravalli described talks as amicable but fundamentally misaligned, with both sides far apart on term and value. Friedman added that Andersson has legitimate history with the Dallas Stars, and Jamie Oleksiak is another defenseman who could make sense as a reunion option for Dallas.
The Stars are also dealing with sudden urgency following Tyler Seguin’s injury. Friedman believes Dallas is surveying the market to determine what’s available, how much it will cost, and where best to allocate resources.
Quinn Hughes Market Included 6 Teams
Quinn Hughes was the centerpiece of league talk over the past 48 hours. He was traded to the Minnesota Wild, but not before teams like the Rangers, Capitals, Hurricanes, Red Wings, Devils, Sabres and others kicked tires.
The Wild stepped up, and the deal got done quickly, with Canucks’ President Jim Rutherford saying no one got close to what the Wild offered. It was the original offer tabled by Wild GM Bill Guerin that the Canucks chose to accept, and Hughes has given Minnesota no guarantees he’ll re-sign.
Nashville, Stamkos, and Marchessault
Tampa ‘Deserved’ An NHL Outdoor Game And The Lightning’s Jersey Hits Home
In unveiling the team’s Stadium Series jersey, Kevin Preast, who oversees venue operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vinik Sports Group, noted how the uniform serves as a “true tribute to our community and to Lightning hockey, honoring the deep connection between the two.
NHL nationally televised games for week of Dec. 15
Each Monday throughout the 2025-26 NHL season, ESPN and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes will provide fans with a guide of games that will be nationally televised. Today, a look at games for the 11th week of the regular season.
Highlights include the Ottawa Senators visiting the Winnipeg Jets on
Zizing ‘Em Up: Matthews adds to Olympic hype, talks Team USA with NHL.com
TORONTO — Auston Matthews knows how close the United States came to winning the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.
Only too well.
And it has stoked his appetite and anticipation for what lies ahead at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in less than two months.
In a performance teammate Zach Werenski described as
Draisaitl’s legend with Oilers, in Germany growing on cusp of 1,000 NHL points
EDMONTON — Growing up in Cologne, Germany, Leon Draisaitl never envisioned joining the NHL’s exclusive 1,000-point club.
“It’s certainly something that I never thought would be possible, something that was only truly a dream,” Draisaitl said. “So, to be closing in on that and hopefully being able to achieve that in the near future is something that is hard to explain.”
The dream is about to become a reality for the Edmonton Oilers forward.
Draisaitl pulled within one point of the milestone with three assists in a 6-3 win at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, bringing his NHL career total to 999 points (416 goals, 583 assists in 823 games).
He did not get a point in a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, but his next chance to reach the milestone will come on Tuesday, when the Oilers travel to face the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena (7:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, SNW, SNO, SNE).
“It’s impressive how fast he’s been able to do it,” Oilers captain Connor McDavid said. “He’s been such a great player for us for so long, and it’s special to see him get there. It’s always exciting when someone gets to a big milestone.”
Only 102 players in NHL history have reached the 1,000-point plateau, and Draisaitl would be the first German-born player to get there.
The 30-year-old has single-handedly raised the profile of hockey in his home country, paving the way for a new generation of NHL players from Germany. Draisaitl’s popularity is likely to rise to unprecedented levels when he leads Germany at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in February.
“Leon is a rock star in Cologne,” said Utah Mammoth forward JJ Peterka, a native of Munich. “It helps a lot If you have a superstar in the NHL who plays as good as Leon does every night. It’s covered more in the media, it’s noticed everywhere, and more kids look up to him. They look over to North America and see a German there racking up so many points, it influences a lot.”
Selected by Edmonton with the No. 3 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Draisaitl has long surpassed Marco Sturm (487 points) as the highest-scoring German-born player, and he will continue to elevate the bar. He is in his 12th NHL season and the first season of an eight-year, $112 million contract ($14 million average annual value) he signed with Edmonton on Sept. 3, 2024.
“He’s the best German player to ever play the game, that’s for sure,” said Sturm, who is the current coach of the Boston Bruins. “He’s a guy that’s going to hit a lot of milestones coming up. I don’t know anyone else even in the future who is going to be that good. He’s a special player, a special person. For me, it’s so much fun to look at him and watch him play the game.”
But Draisaitl isn’t just considered the best German-born player in the NHL. He’s also looked upon as one of the best of his generation from any country.
Among his accolades, Draisaitl won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy after scoring a League-leading 52 goals. In 2019-20, he won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player, the Ted Lindsay Award, which is given to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted on by members of the NHL Players’ Association, and the Art Ross Trophy as the League’s leading scorer after putting up 110 points (43 goals, 67 assists) in 71 games.
In his first 11 NHL seasons, Draisaitl has scored at least 50 goals four times and finished with at least 100 points six times, including a career-high 128 (52 goals, 76 assists) in 80 games in 2022-23. Since 2018-19, Draisaitl ranks second in the NHL in points with 792 (341 goals, 451 assists) in 554 games, behind only McDavid (878 points in 536 games).
He helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past two seasons, and he has 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) in 33 games this season.
“Leon is a top five player in the world. That’s the category that he is at,” said Minnesota Wild forward Nico Sturm, a native of Augsburg, Germany. “For me, he is already the best German player to ever play the game. Hopefully, if everyone stays healthy, he should be the face of our team at the Olympics, and we need that because we don’t have the media coverage that maybe soccer gets. Whenever you have stars, they attract fans. You need those kind of players.”
Draisaitl has inspired young Germans to take up hockey and will get international exposure at the men’s Olympic hockey tournament, which will be held from Feb. 11-22. In June, he was one of six players named to the preliminary roster for Germany, which is in a group with the United States, Denmark, and Latvia.
“He’s our guy. He’s a bright star that is just shining in the spotlight as he should be and as he deserves,” said Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, who is from Zell, Germany. “We’re fortunate enough to have him on the national team, and we’re proud of that and it just shows how much of an impact he has on a daily basis. He doesn’t just show up here and there, he shows up every single game, and I think that’s the most remarkable thing and it kind of reflects on the points, for sure.”
Perhaps more impressive than reaching 1,000 points is the number of games it will take Draisaitl to get there. He’s in the same neighborhood as Pat LaFontaine (847) Adam Oates (830), Mark Messier (822), Brett Hull (815), and Joe Sakic (810).
“It’s a huge accomplishment, but I think if you ask him, he would say he accomplished more by going to the Final twice and making a push to win the Stanley Cup,” said Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle, who is from Viersen, Germany. “So, yeah, he’s a special player. I love watching him. It’s a pleasure to be able to play with him for the Olympics.”
Draisaitl is one of 40 German-born players (34 skaters, six goalies) to play at least one game in the NHL. He only trails Sturm (938), Dennis Seidenberg (859) and Jochen Hecht (833) in games played.
By the time Draisaitl is done, he will hold every NHL record for a German-born player.
But that’s not what drives him.
“I don’t want to start a competition with other Germans or whoever,” Draisaitl said. “I am the player I am. I want to have the best career that I can possibly have in team success and individual success. I don’t compare myself to anyone nor do I want to. Those were all amazing hockey players, but I try to write my own history, my own story.”
That story will include a 1,000-point celebration with his teammates.
“I’m going to try to enjoy it in the moment, of course,” Draisaitl said. “Sometimes those moments can be hard to enjoy because you’re in the heat of the battle, and you never know how that specific game is going to go. Sometimes it depends on the situation of the game. I’m certainly going to try to enjoy it, but I think that’s certainly something that comes after the game and potentially years later.”
NHL.com independent correspondents Darrin Bauming and Craig Merz, and NHL.com senior director of editorial Shawn P. Roarke contributed to this report
The NHL’s best this week: Battle of Florida continues Monday
On Monday, the next installment of the Battle of Florida will be contested between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, a rivalry that has certainly intensified in recent years.
The two teams entered the league one year apart. The Bolts in 1992 and the Cats a year later.
Although the Panthers miraculously made it to the Stanley Cup Final in their third season, the state of Florida wasn’t truly on the hockey map until the Lightning won the title in 2004.
But for most of the two teams’ existence, the rivalry was purely geographical, with the hockey world largely focusing on other feuds or thriving franchises. Despite achieving far less success in the 23 years after they made the Cup Final in 1996, the Panthers won the lion’s share of games against the Lightning. In that same 23-year span, the Cats had a sub-.500 record against the Lightning in only seven seasons, and the club’s all-time record against their in-state rival is 79-54-29.
But this truly became the
Injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons ruin NFL’s Week 15
First, Patrick Mahomes went down. Then, it was Micah Parsons.
The NFL lost two of its all-time greatest players to serious knee injuries in a span of a few hours on Sunday, ruining a day filled with exciting comebacks and fascinating stories.
Forty-four-year-old Philip Rivers played his first game in 1,800 days and nearly led the 14-point underdog Indianapolis Colts to a stunning upset against Seattle before Jason Myers kicked a 56-yard field goal with 29 seconds left to lift the Seahawks to an 18-16 victory.
Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills from a 21-0 deficit to a 35-31 victory at New England, snapping the Patriots’ 10-game winning streak and preventing them from clinching the AFC East.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough rallied the New Orleans Saints to a 20-17 comeback victory over the Panthers capped by Charlie Smyth’s 47-yarder as time expired, damaging Carolina’s chances to win the NFC South and boosting Tampa Bay’s hopes.
Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams overcame a 10-point deficit and rolled past the Lions 41-34, dampening Detroit’s playoff bid. The Rams lost three-time All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to a hamstring injury in the game. He could miss Thursday night’s game at Seattle, a battle for first place in the NFC West.
Jalen Hurts played like the Super Bowl MVP and the Philadelphia Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak with a 31-0 rout over the woeful Las Vegas Raiders.
But the injuries to Mahomes and Parsons overshadowed everything else that happened in Week 15.
Even the Chiefs being eliminated from playoff contention was secondary to the news about Mahomes.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP tore the ACL in his left knee late in the fourth quarter of a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that ended Kansas City’s streak of 10 straight playoff appearances and seven consecutive trips to the AFC championship game.
“Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes posted on social media before the diagnosis was announced. “And not going to lie it hurts. But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.”
Parsons is believed to have suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, a person with knowledge of the All-Pro pass rusher’s injury told The Associated Press on Sunday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the severity of the injury hadn’t been confirmed by tests.
“I’m sickened,” Parsons told the AP in a text message.
Parsons’ injury is a devastating blow to the Green Bay Packers, who lost 34-26 to Denver on Sunday to fall a half-game behind the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears.
Parsons was steps away from another sack when he suddenly pulled up and fell to the ground, grabbing at his left knee.
Asked about the possibility that Parsons tore his ACL, coach Matt LaFleur responded: “It doesn’t look good. I’ll leave it at that.”
With Parsons, the Packers were Super Bowl contenders. Without him, it’ll be much more difficult to get there. The Packers take on the Bears in a showdown for first place on Saturday night.
“We all know what type of player he is and the impact he’s had on our football team and to lose somebody like that, it’s tough,” LaFleur said. “Like I said, nobody’s going to feel sorry for us. We’ve got to find a way and guys have got to rally around one another.”
Mahomes and Parsons will not only miss the rest of this season but their status for the start of 2026 is uncertain. Players typically return from ACL injuries in 9-12 months.
Running back Adrian Peterson tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee on Dec. 24, 2011. He was back on the field for Week 1 the next season, ran for 2,097 yards in 16 games and became the last non-quarterback to win the NFL MVP award in one of the most remarkable comebacks in league history.
Quarterback Carson Wentz tore his ACL, LCL and sustained damage to his IT band and meniscus on Dec. 17, 2017 and ended up watching the Eagles win the first Super Bowl in franchise history from the sideline. He returned to the starting lineup in Week 3 the following season, and threw for 3,074 yards, 21 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 102.2 passer rating in 11 games.
If Mahomes and Parsons didn’t damage other ligaments, it increases the possibility they could return for the 2026 season opener.
Regardless, both star players have a long, grueling rehab ahead.
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AP Sports Writers Dave Skretta and Pat Graham contributed to this report.
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Micah Parsons, Patrick Mahomes injuries headline Week 15 in the NFL
Sunday’s NFL slate was an especially significant one in terms of attrition.
With only three weeks left in the regular season — and with the start of the playoffs less than a month away — the importance of each game is only increasing. And that means the serious injuries multiple star players sustained in Week 15 could be major factors down the homestretch.
Here are some of the players who went down Sunday — and the fallout from their injuries.
Patrick Mahomes
Instead of pulling off yet another signature comeback, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes finished his season prematurely with a torn ACL during the Chiefs’ 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mahomes was driving into Chargers territory with under two minutes to go when he hurt his left knee. Five plays later, his backup, Gardner Minshew, threw an interception that sealed the loss — which eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts,” Mahomes wrote on X. “But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.”
The immediate aftermath of the injury is obvious. Instead of Mahomes keeping the team’s season alive, the Chiefs will now miss the playoffs for the first time in his career. And now, in part depending on how soon he can undergo surgery, his status for the start of next season is also unclear.
One more player to keep an eye on: Travis Kelce, the legendary tight end who is close with Mahomes. Kelce, 36, is in the final year of his contract, and while he has bounced back from a subpar 2024 season, he is still a lesser player than when he was a consistent 1,000-yard receiving option. Will Kelce be tempted to play another year to go out on a higher note with Mahomes?
Micah Parsons
Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons is feared to have torn an ACL, as well, a source told NBC Sports’s Mike Florio.
Parsons sustained the injury late in the third quarter of the Packers’ 34-26 defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos. As Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur put it after the game, the Parsons injury is a “double whammy.”
The Packers are 9-4-1 and in the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. They will travel to Chicago next week to play the Bears, a game that will have massive implications in the playoff race. With a win, Green Bay could win the division and host a playoff game. With a loss, the Packers could be in danger of falling out of the postseason field entirely.
A plus for Green Bay? It holds a tiebreaker over the eighth-place Detroit Lions, who also lost Sunday. A minus? The Packers will also have to play a desperate Baltimore Ravens team in Week 17 and go on the road to play the Minnesota Vikings to end the regular season.
“It’s obviously tough,” LaFleur said about Parsons. “We all know what kind of player he is and the impact he’s had on our football team. To lose someone like that, it’s tough. But no one is going to feel sorry for us. We need to find a way. Guys have to rally around each other.”
Davante Adams
Don’t worry, Los Angeles Rams receiver Davante Adams didn’t tear an ACL. But he did pull up lame with a hamstring injury in the second half of the Rams’ 41-34 win over the Lions, and the timing is brutal.
Adams has been a major part of Los Angeles’ offense this season, catching 60 passes for 789 yards and a whopping 14 touchdowns. The team seems doubtful he will be able to suit up for its next game, as the Rams have a short turnaround before a Thursday night showdown on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.
“I can’t imagine that’s good for Thursday with just the short amount of time, but I certainly wouldn’t rule him out quite yet,” Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay said after the game. “But it didn’t look good.”
Thursday’s game is another one with big consequences. The winner will take the lead in the NFC West, while the loser will fall into a wild-card spot. A Rams win would put them in the driver’s seat for the division crown, as Los Angeles would then also own the tiebreaker over the Seahawks.
If the Rams lose, they could still win the division and host a playoff game, but they would need help from others in that scenario. A loss Thursday could ultimately be the difference between the second seed or the five seed for either Los Angeles or Seattle.
Injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons ruin NFL’s Week 15
First, Patrick Mahomes went down. Then, it was Micah Parsons.
The NFL lost two of its all-time greatest players to serious knee injuries in a span of a few hours on Sunday, ruining a day filled with exciting comebacks and fascinating stories.
Forty-four-year-old Philip Rivers played his first game in 1,800 days and nearly led the 14-point underdog Indianapolis Colts to a stunning upset against Seattle before Jason Myers kicked a 56-yard field goal with 29 seconds left to lift the Seahawks to an 18-16 victory.
Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills from a 21-0 deficit to a 35-31 victory at New England, snapping the Patriots’ 10-game winning streak and preventing them from clinching the AFC East.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough rallied the New Orleans Saints to a 20-17 comeback victory over the Panthers capped by Charlie Smyth’s 47-yarder as time expired, damaging Carolina’s chances to win the NFC South and boosting Tampa Bay’s hopes.
Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams overcame a 10-point deficit and rolled past the Lions 41-34, dampening Detroit’s playoff bid. The Rams lost three-time All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to a hamstring injury in the game. He could miss Thursday night’s game at Seattle, a battle for first place in the NFC West.
Jalen Hurts played like the Super Bowl MVP and the Philadelphia Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak with a 31-0 rout over the woeful Las Vegas Raiders.
But the injuries to Mahomes and Parsons overshadowed everything else that happened in Week 15.
Even the Chiefs being eliminated from playoff contention was secondary to the news about Mahomes.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP tore the ACL in his left knee late in the fourth quarter of a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that ended Kansas City’s streak of 10 straight playoff appearances and seven consecutive trips to the AFC championship game.
“Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes posted on social media before the diagnosis was announced. “And not going to lie it hurts. But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.”
Parsons is believed to have suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, a person with knowledge of the All-Pro pass rusher’s injury told The Associated Press on Sunday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the severity of the injury hadn’t been confirmed by tests.
“I’m sickened,” Parsons told the AP in a text message.
Parsons’ injury is a devastating blow to the Green Bay Packers, who lost 34-26 to Denver on Sunday to fall a half-game behind the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears.
Parsons was steps away from another sack when he suddenly pulled up and fell to the ground, grabbing at his left knee.
Asked about the possibility that Parsons tore his ACL, coach Matt LaFleur responded: “It doesn’t look good. I’ll leave it at that.”
With Parsons, the Packers were Super Bowl contenders. Without him, it’ll be much more difficult to get there. The Packers take on the Bears in a showdown for first place on Saturday night.
“We all know what type of player he is and the impact he’s had on our football team and to lose somebody like that, it’s tough,” LaFleur said. “Like I said, nobody’s going to feel sorry for us. We’ve got to find a way and guys have got to rally around one another.”
Mahomes and Parsons will not only miss the rest of this season but their status for the start of 2026 is uncertain. Players typically return from ACL injuries in 9-12 months.
Running back Adrian Peterson tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee on Dec. 24, 2011. He was back on the field for Week 1 the next season, ran for 2,097 yards in 16 games and became the last non-quarterback to win the NFL MVP award in one of the most remarkable comebacks in league history.
Quarterback Carson Wentz tore his ACL, LCL and sustained damage to his IT band and meniscus on Dec. 17, 2017 and ended up watching the Eagles win the first Super Bowl in franchise history from the sideline. He returned to the starting lineup in Week 3 the following season, and threw for 3,074 yards, 21 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 102.2 passer rating in 11 games.
If Mahomes and Parsons didn’t damage other ligaments, it increases the possibility they could return for the 2026 season opener.
Regardless, both star players have a long, grueling rehab ahead.
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AP Sports Writers Dave Skretta and Pat Graham contributed to this report.
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Fan of the Year uses Packers games to teach first-grade students
Green Bay Packers fans are everywhere, even Middlebury, Connecticut, where first-grade teacher Ashley Christensen might be creating more.
Christensen is Green Bay’s Fan of the Year and nominee to be NFL Fan of the Year. The contest celebrates football fans whose fandom go above and beyond to inspire others. The winner will be announced during Super Bowl week in February.
Packers fans have had good results in recent contests. Tom Grossi was named the NFL Fan of the Year for 2023, while Matthias Kraus won the German NFL Fan of the Year award and was the Packers’ International Fan of the Year nominee for 2024. Both Grossi and Krause announced draft picks from the stage during the 2025 NFL Draft held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Voting is open until Feb. 4. Fans can vote here.
Christensen, who was born and raised in Connecticut, uses the Packers’ season to teach first-graders.
Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman declares for NFL Draft after tumultuous college career
Jay’Viar Suggs took an unconventional path to the Wisconsin Badgers last winter in the transfer portal.
Now, he’s hoping his unconventional path will take him to the NFL.
On Sunday, the seventh-year defensive lineman formally declared for the NFL Draft in a post on Instagram.
He projects as a long shot to hear his name called on NFL Draft weekend, but his whole career has been a bit of a long shot.
He first enrolled at Division-II Grand Valley State, where current Badgers outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell was the head coach, and Suggs redshirted his freshman season in 2019.
His 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID, and then he didn’t see any game action in 2021. He finally earned playing time in 2022 and 2023, and he did enough to attract an offer from LSU in the transfer portal for the 2024.
Suggs came off the bench in Baton Rouge and entered the transfer portal again last winter when he joined a Wisconsin defensive line in need of added bulk up front.
He became a starter this season, playing the second-most snaps of any Badgers defensive lineman behind Ben Barten. Now, Suggs has exhausted his eligibility after seven years in college, and he’s off to the pros.
He projects as an undrafted free agent, given his lack of high level college experience and his advanced age for an NFL rookie.
He played just over 450 snaps at the Division-I level in his college career and doesn’t have the type of production that gets players drafted.
But scouts could still fall in love with Suggs’ traits and upside to give him a shot as an undrafted free agent or a rookie minicamp invitation at the very least.
More Wisconsin Badgers News:
Wisconsin Badgers defense has underrated problem Luke Fickell must address in transfer portal
Wisconsin Badgers quarterbacks reached new levels of disappointment in rough 2025 season
Wisconsin Badgers injuries don’t excuse coaching missteps from Luke Fickell in bad 2025 season
Philip Rivers: It was a blast being out there, but we’ve got to win
There was a storybook ending to Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL on Sunday, but he and the Colts were on the wrong side of it.
Rivers completed a key third down pass to Alec Pierce to set up Blake Grupe’s 60-yard field goal with 47 seconds left to play in Seattle and the kick put the Colts ahead on the road in a game they desperately needed to boost their chances of making the playoffs. The lead would not hold, however. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold completed a pair of passes that set up a 56-yard field goal that Jason Myers hit to make the Colts 18-16 losers in Rivers’ first game since 2020.
After the game, Rivers said it was “a blast” to be back on the field but a disappointment because the Colts are “scrapping like crazy to try to stay alive and get in the postseason.” They didn’t help that cause on Sunday and Rivers knows that time is running short for the team to rescue itself.
“If I can stay healthy, I feel good, and it is going to get better as we go,” Rivers said. “But the catch is that we’ve got to win. It doesn’t really matter if it’s getting better as we go if we don’t win because it’s going to be over in three weeks. So that’s the catch there. But it’s going to continue to get better. I mean, this is obviously the first one. We’re talking about three days of practice.”
Rivers gets an extra day to prepare for Week 16 because the Colts will be at home against the 49ers next Monday night and the Colts will need to be at their best if they want to have a chance at being on the right side of a fairy tale in Week 18.
NFL playoff picture: Rams and Broncos clinch in Week 15
Week 15 saw the first two teams clinch playoff spots for the NFL postseason, while an incredible run of success came to a brutal end for a storied franchise.
Both the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos locked up playoff spots with their wins on Sunday. The Rams’ win over the Detroit Lions clinched at least a Wild Card spot for Los Angeles, while Denver booked their spot in the playoffs with a win over the Green Bay Packers. Similar to the Rams, the Broncos have not yet clinched their division.
But staying in the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs joined the ranks of those teams eliminated from playoff contention, meaning that the Chiefs will be at home during the playoff for the first time since 2014. Add in the fact that Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in his left knee late in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and it was a brutal Sunday for Kansas City fans.
Here is how Week 15 shaped the standings.
AFC Playoff Picture
Here is the full AFC playoff picture following Sunday’s games:
Denver Broncos (12-2) – x
New England Patriots (11-3)
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
Buffalo Bills (10-4)
Houston Texans (9-5)
Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
Miami Dolphins (6-7)
Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) – e
Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) – e
New York Jets (3-11) – e
Cleveland Browns (3-11) – e
Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) – e
Tennessee Titans (2-12) – e
Let’s start at the top of the AFC, where the Denver Broncos became the first team in the conference to clinch a playoff spot with their win over the Green Bay Packers. While the Broncos have not clinched the AFC West yet — they can clinch in Week 16 — they at least know they are in the playoffs.
Things also improved for Denver in the race for the No. 1 seed. With the New England Patriots losing to the Buffalo Bills, the Broncos now have a one-game lead over New England, plus they have already clinched a tiebreaker over the Patriots based on their record in common games.
Instead of looking ahead, the Patriots might be checking the rear-view mirror. After losing to the Bills, and missing out on a chance to clinch the AFC East, the Patriots now can see the Jacksonville Jaguars coming. Jacksonville’s win over the New York Jets moved them to within one game of New England for the No. 2 spot.
At the other end, the Kansas City Chiefs joined the ranks of eliminated teams with their loss to the Chargers. Andy Reid and company will miss out on the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
If the NFL playoffs began today, these would be the matchups on Wild Card Weekend:
No. 7 Houston at No. 2 New England
No. 6 Buffalo at No. 3 Jacksonville
No. 5 Los Angeles at No. 4 Pittsburgh
NFC Playoff Picture
Here are the full standings in the NFC:
Los Angeles Rams (11-3) – x
Chicago Bears (10-4)
Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
Detroit Lions (8-6)
Carolina Panthers (7-7)
Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Minnesota Vikings (6-8) – e
Atlanta Falcons (5-9) – e
New Orleans Saints (4-10) – e
Washington Commanders (4-10) – e
Arizona Cardinals (3-11) – e
New York Giants (2-12) – e
As in the AFC, the NFC saw the first team clinch as the Los Angeles Rams are booked into the postseason. The Rams have not clinched the NFC West yet, as they still have the same record as the Seattle Seahawks. But the Rams’ win earlier in the year over Seattle gives them the tiebreaker edge right now.
And sets up a massive game on Thursday Night Football when those two teams meet again.
With the Chicago Bears winning and the Green Bay Packers losing, those two NFC North rivals flip spots both in the division, and the conference. Chicago is back up to the No. 2 spot from No. 7, while the Packers drop from No. 2 to No. 7. Chicago now leads in the NFC North, but those old rivals are set to meet on Saturday night in a game that could go a long way to deciding the division.
Tampa Bay remains in the lead in the NFC South. Both the Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers lost this week, and the Buccaneers maintain the division lead due to a better record in common games (5-4 versus 4-5).
If the NFL playoffs began today, these would be the three first-round matchups:
No. 7 Green Bay at No. 2 Chicago
No. 6 San Francisco at No. 3 Philadelphia
No. 5 Seattle at No. 4 Tampa Bay
What about Steelers-Dolphins?
One game remains on the Sunday slate, Monday Night Football between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins.
For the Dolphins, this is an elimination game. With both the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans winning on Sunday, the Dolphins will be eliminated with a loss to the Steelers. A victory over Pittsburgh will keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
As for the Steelers, they are currently leading the AFC North, even with the Baltimore Ravens winning on Sunday. A win would keep them in the division lead with an 8-6 record over the Ravens, who are currently 7-7.
A loss would still see the Steelers atop the division, thanks to a better record in division play. Pittsburgh’s record in AFC North games is 3-1, while Baltimore’s is now 3-2 after their win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
NFL winners and losers: The Chiefs are out, and have reached their crossroads
The Chiefs have been inevitable for a long time. There’s an entire generation of young football fans who have no memory of Kansas City being anything but elite, led to consistent greatness by Patrick Mahomes’ arm, Travis Kelce’s hands, Chris Jones’ motor, and Andy Reid’s mustache. No matter what problems appeared on paper, or the issues that presented themselves on the field, the Chiefs always had a MacGyver-like way of escaping problems to return to greatness.
Then 2025 came along, an early losing streak, and finally a trap that Kansas City couldn’t Houdini their way out of. Now the franchise is at the crossroads for the first time in over a decade, and there’s a lot of soul searching to do.
There is nothing that can take away how impressive the Chiefs were in 2023. This was a team that battled through having mediocre weapons, and questionable talent outside of a handful of transcendent players to win a string of one-score games, then move through the playoffs with superior coaching, and win another Super Bowl. It not only shut up everyone who doubted the Chiefs, but established them as a terrifying team to watch in 2024 — because it was assured that the Chiefs would upgrade at several key positions. While Kansas City did improve, and they did make it back to the Super Bowl, this time they were overmatched — but again, the expectation was that the Chiefs could somehow get even better because of all the areas they were lacking.
There’s no sugar coating what a disappointment this year was. Everything collapsed, and the tough part is that there aren’t any excuses. The Chiefs got bodied, time and time again, opening the fissures in the roster and turning them into caverns. Now Kansas City is facing a season-ending injury for Patrick Mahomes’ with a torn ACL in his left knee, and there’s no real reason to even think of starting him in these final meaningless football games.
The question now is how big this reset needs to be, and only the Chiefs can answer these questions. Obviously Mahomes will be back, and he’ll be fine — but there can’t be deference to a bygone era anymore. Tough decisions are going to have to be made, and there’s a lot of longstanding veterans who don’t have a place anymore, so long as Kansas City is serious about trying to compete again.
This season marked the third straight year of Travis Kelce’s regression. In terms of tight ends he’s still a high-tier talent, but Kelce is no longer someone who can carry the Chiefs’ offense. There were far too many times that Mahomes looked for Kelce on a critical third down and was met with either a dropped pass, his target being just out of position, or seeing his once-reliable target unable to get the separation he needed to feel comfortable making a throw. Kelce is on pace for a career-low in first down catches, which is what so much of this Chiefs offense was predicated on.
The running game needs a total overhaul. Relying on Isaiah Pacheco and the ghosts of running backs past in Kareem Hunt and Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn’t do the team any favors in taking pressure off the passing game and forcing Mahomes to bail out the offense with hero ball.
The offensive line isn’t good enough. In 2025 we saw Mahomes under pressure on 23.5% of his pass attempts, which is the highest pressure rating he faced since his rookie season. Meanwhile the run game averaged 4.4 yards-per-attempt, which was a small improvement — but not at the expense of the passing game taking a step back.
Chiefs receivers weren’t great. Hollywood Brown isn’t effective anymore. JuJu Smith-Schuster is cooked. Xavier Worthy is inconsistent. Rashee Rice might not be a true No. 1 receiver long term. There’s so much work to do on the offensive side of the ball to make Mahomes’ life easier, because there’s too much at stake to have his career peter out because you didn’t do enough to support him.
The saving grace from all this is that the defense is still very, very good and the bright spot of this organization right now. Chris Jones had a down year by his very high standards, but was still one of the best interior linemen in the league. Meanwhile George Karlaftis is quickly becoming one of the best young pass rushers in the league, and the secondary is still great.
All this was wrapped up and distilled in a loss to the Chargers. Los Angeles is a good team, but not a great one. Its the kind of game the Chiefs of the past would have asserted themselves in more, instead of limping to a sad finish to their season.
The soul searching begins now. With this many holes to plug it might be time to question whether the structure in place is the right one. Is the correct move to have Andy Reid usher in a new era that requires a partial rebuild? Or is it time to turn this team over to Steve Spagnuolo, who appears to be the heir apparent in Kansas City? It’s not a question of ability, but pragmatism. Reid remains one of the best coaches in the NFL, one of the greatest of all time. There still needs to be a very candid conversation about how long Reid wanted to keep this going. Had the Chiefs found a way to win the Super Bowl would he have retired? How much more is his heart in this? Does he have the fortitude to oversee the overhaul that needs to happen now?
For the first time in over a decade the Chiefs have real questions to answer. Existential questions about the future of their organization. How they handle the next six months will establish their trajectory for the next 10 years. This is the first time in forever that Kansas City enters an offseason with more questions than answers.
And now onto the rest of the winners and losers in Week 15.
Winner: Trevor Lawrence
This is a cautionary tale in why you never write off a quarterback too soon. There’s been a lot of “BUST” talk around T-Law this season, and at times it’s been understandable — but Sunday’s performance against the Jets was the culmination of what Lawrence has quietly been doing for weeks now.
Sure, you can write this performance off with the understanding that the Jets are a dumpster fire, but the Trevor Lawrence of a year ago didn’t have the tools to throw for over 300 yards, with five passing touchdowns, and another on the ground. This is the effect that Liam Coen’s offense has had on Jacksonville, which has finally given Lawrence the tools and confidence to play at the level he was always capable of.
We’ve said time and time again that QB talent is vastly overrated when players enter the league, and the differentiating factor is the fit. Remember this when you next write off a QB, because this season alone we have Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, and Daniel Jones (before injury) all shining in a new situation. This stuff matters.
Winner: The Bills
Buffalo didn’t necessarily need this win to solidify a playoff spot or save their season, but they needed it to know that this team still has it. The Bills aren’t willing to go gently into that good night when it comes to abandoning being the best team in the AFC East, at least not yet.
Going into Foxboro and wrestling a win away from the AFC East leader was a statement for the playoffs as much as anything else. If these teams meet again in the playoffs, as they very well could, it made them know that they can go toe-to-toe with New England and walk away the victor. Those kind of things are important in a season, even if they seem like small victories in the moment.
Loser: The Panthers being their own worst enemy
What a kick in the teeth for fans in Carolina. Fate handed the Panthers a chance to move ahead into an almost-guaranteed NFC South win for the first time in a decade, and they totally crapped the bed in New Orleans. It was a masterpiece in beating themselves, as a typically-disciplined team gave up 103 yards in 11 penalties, went to a soft prevent defense in the fourth quarter with no teeth, and made some inexplicable key play calls that doomed the team on offense.
Bryce Young is the lightning rod for criticism in Carolina, but oftentimes he’s the figurehead for the deeper issues of this franchise. The Panthers’ consistent inconsistency is far beyond the pale, and as goofy as their nonsensical nature is, at the same time there need to be answers. Losing 12-straight games when you’re the favorite is symptomatic of larger issues. Managing to beat the NFL’s best teams, and lose to its worst ones is an abomination.
If nothing else, someone needs to explain how running a prevent defense inside the red zone when you’re up by one score makes sense, because I’ve never seen anything like it. The Saints won, but the Panthers beat themselves.
Loser: Joe Burrow
Welcome to the emo Joe Burrow era. This is a man who already went through his dyed hair phase, and he’s quickly moving to locking his door, playing songs by “The Cure,” and writing dramatic poetry about his parents.
You know things are getting weird when Ja’Marr Chase is talking about needing to be Joe’s therapist through a difficult time.
We have to get everyone with talent out of Cincinnati before it’s too late. Too many promising careers have gone there to die.
Read it and keep: Rams will win the Super Bowl title in 2026
Who’s going to beat them?
Who’s going to stop the unstoppable offense? Who’s going to score on the persistent defense? Who’s going to outwit the coaching genius?
Who can possibly halt the Rams on their thunderous march toward a Super Bowl championship?
After yet another jaw-dropping Sunday afternoon at a raucous SoFi Stadium, the answer was clear.
Nobody.
Nobody can spar with the Rams. Nobody can run with the Rams. Nobody can compete with the Rams.
Nobody is talented enough or deep enough or smart enough to keep the Rams from winning their second Super Bowl championship in five years.
Nobody. It’s over. It’s done. The Rams are going to win it all, and before you cry jinx, understand that this is just putting into words what many already are thinking.
The Rams’ second-half domination of the Detroit Lions in a 41-34 win should again make the rest of the league realize that nobody else has a chance.
The Seahawks? Please. The 49ers? No way. The Eagles? They’ve been grounded. The Bears? Is that some kind of a joke?
The Patriots? Not yet. The Broncos? Not yet. The Bills? Not ever.
The Rams trailed by 10 points at one juncture Sunday and then blew the Lions’ doors off in the second half to clinch a playoff berth for the seventh time in nine seasons under Sean McVay, setting them up for the easiest ride in sports.
With a win in Seattle on Thursday night — and, yes, they should beat a team that just barely survived Old Man Rivers — the Rams essentially will clinch the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
That means they have to win only two games at SoFi to advance to a Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. That means they can win a championship without leaving California, three games played in the sort of perfect climate that gets the best out of their precision attack.
And as Sunday proved once again, they’re good enough to win three essentially home playoff games against anybody.
“I love this team,” McVay said.
There’s a lot to love.
They have an MVP quarterback, the league’s most versatile two-headed running attack, an interior defense that gets stronger under pressure, and the one weapon that no team can match.
They have Puka Nacua, and nobody else does.
Is he unbelievable or what? He is Cooper Kupp in his prime, only faster and stronger. He caught a career-high 181 yards’ worth of passes on yet another day when he could not be covered and barely could be tackled.
“He’s unbelievable,” McVay said. “He’s so tough, a couple of times he just drags guys with him … he epitomizes everything we want to be about … he’s like Pac-Man, he just eats up yards and catches.”
Pac-Man? The Rams even score on their old-school references.
In all, it was another Sunday of totally fun football.
They outscored the league’s highest-scoring team 20-0 at one point, they outrushed the league’s toughest backfield 159-70, they racked up 519 total yards against a team once thought destined for a championship.
And they did it with barely a smile. With the exception of Nacua repeatedly banging his fist to his chest — can you blame him? — the Rams are steady and steadfast and just so scary.
”All we want to do is go to work and find a way to be better,” said Matthew Stafford, who likely answered the crowd’s chants by clinching the MVP award with 368 yards and two touchdown passes. “It’s a fun group right now but we understand there’s more out there for us.”
Lots, lots, lots more.
This year a similar column appeared in this space regarding the Dodgers. By the first round of the playoffs, one just knew that they were going to run the table.
The same feeling exists here. The Rams look unrelenting, unfazed, unbeatable.
“Guys just kept competing, staying in the moment,” McVay said.
This moment belongs to them. One knew it Sunday by the end of the first half, which featured a Stafford interception and a struggling secondary and Jared Goff’s vengeful greatness and a 10-point Lions lead.
Then the Rams drove the ball nearly half of the field in 30 seconds in a push featuring Stafford and Nacua at their best. Stafford connected with Nacua on a brilliant 37-yard pass in the final moments that led to a Harrison Mevis 37-yard field goal to close the gap to seven.
“Right before that I told the guys, ‘Let’s go steal three,’” Stafford said.
Turns out, they stole a game.
“One of the key and critical sequences,” McVay said of that late first-half hammer, which led to a dazzling third quarter that finished the flustered Lions.
“We never panic,” Blake Corum said. “Because we know … what we have to bring to the table.”
What they’ve increasingly been bringing is a running attack that perfectly complements the awesome passing attack, as evidenced Sunday by Corum and Kyren Williams combining for 149 yards and three touchdowns.
The Lions’ more vaunted backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery? Seventy yards and one score.
“We push each other to the limit,” Corum said of Williams.
Potentially disturbing was how one noted Ram may have pushed past his limits, as receiver Davante Adams limped off the field early in the fourth quarter after apparently reinjuring his troublesome hamstring.
To lose him for the playoffs would be devastating, as he frees up space for Nacua and is almost an automatic touchdown from the five-yard line and closer.
Then again he’ll have a month to heal. And the Rams still have a bruising array of tight ends led Sunday by the touchdown-hot Colby Parkinson, who caught 75 yards’ worth of passes and two scores, including one inexplicable touchdown in which he clearly was down at the one-yard line.
The Rams got lucky there. But even if the right call was made, they would have scored on the next couple of plays. The way the Rams attacked, they could have been scoring all night.
“You knew that it was going to be that kind of game where there was some good back-and-forth,” McVay said. “You needed to be able to know that points were going to be really important for us, and our guys delivered in a big way.”
Just wait. By the time this season is done, McVay’s guys will have delivered a trophy representing something much bigger.
It rhymes with Strombardi.
NFL power rankings Week 16 see shakeup after Patriots, Packers losses
For the past six weeks, the New England Patriots have been the No. 1 team in our NFL power rankings. But not this week.
New England’s close loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Dec. 14, opened the door for a new team to take over the top spot in our NFL Week 16 power rankings, the first time this team has sat atop our power rankings this season.
It is the sixth team to be ranked No. 1 in our power rankings poll since play began this season, joining the Philadelphia Eagles (Weeks 1-5), Detroit Lions (Week 6), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 7), Indianapolis Colts (Weeks 8-9) and Patriots (Weeks 10-15).
Many teams could make an argument to be No. 1 right now, including the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks, 11-3 Los Angeles Rams and 12-2 Denver Broncos.
Who is the new No. 1 team in our NFL power rankings now? Check out our Week 16 NFL power rankings to find out. Previous ranking in parentheses. These rankings will be updated after the Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers game on Monday Night Football tonight (Dec. 15).
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32. Las Vegas Raiders (32)
The Raiders have now lost eight straight games. They are just 2-12 in Pete Carroll’s first year. Big changes could be coming in Las Vegas.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles, 31-0
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Houston Texans (Dec. 21)
31. Tennessee Titans (31)
The Titans have struggled mightily on defense, having given up the second-most points in the AFC. They have given up at least 25 points in four straight games.
NFL Week 15: Lost to San Francisco 49ers, 37-24
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Kansas City Chiefs (Dec. 21)
30. New York Giants (30)
The Giants’ losing skid has now reached eight games. Jaxson Dart has shown promise for New York, but this team has a lot of issues.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Washington Commanders, 29-21
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Minnesota Vikings (Dec. 21)
29. New York Jets (28)
Brady Cook was 22-for-33 for 176 yards and a touchdown, with three passes intercepted in the loss. Who is going to be the starting QB for the Jets next season?
NFL Week 15: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars, 48-20
NFL Week 16: Sunday at New Orleans Saints (Dec. 21)
28. Cleveland Browns (26)
Shedeur Sanders fell back to earth with an 18-for-35, 177-yard performance, with three passes intercepted. Cleveland is now 3-11.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Chicago Bears, 31-3
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Buffalo Bills (Dec. 21)
27. Arizona Cardinals (27)
Arizona has now dropped six straight games to fall to 3-11 on the season. Will Jonathan Gannon get another season as the Cardinals’ coach?
NFL Week 15: Lost to Houston Texans, 40-20
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Atlanta Falcons (Dec. 21)
26. Cincinnati Bengals (23)
This team didn’t bother to show up to its home game against the Ravens. 4-10 for Cincinnati? A 24-0 loss at home? Inexcusable.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Baltimore Ravens, 24-0
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Miami Dolphins (Dec. 21)
25. Washington Commanders (29)
The Commanders ended an eight-game losing streak with the win over the Giants. Their reward? The Eagles, Cowboys and then Eagles again over the last three weeks of the season.
NFL Week 15: Beat New York Giants, 29-21
NFL Week 16: Saturday vs Philadelphia Eagles (Dec. 20)
24. New Orleans Saints (25)
The Saints have defeated the Buccaneers and Panthers in back-to-back weeks and have the Jets and Titans up next. Tyler Shough (24-for-32, 272 yards, one touchdown) is showing promise for New Orleans.
NFL Week 15: Beat Carolina Panthers, 20-17
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs New York Jets (Dec. 21)
23. Atlanta Falcons (24)
Did Kirk Cousins earn himself another starting gig in the NFL next season with his 30-for-44, 373-yard, three-touchdown performance?
NFL Week 15: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 29-28
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 21)
22. Kansas City Chiefs (18)
The Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention with the loss, something we did not see coming this season. To make matters worse for Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes was injured late in the game.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers, 16-13
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Tennessee Titans (Dec. 21)
21. Dallas Cowboys (19)
This will be looked back upon as a season of missed chances for the Cowboys, who fell to 6-7-1 with the loss to the Vikings.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Minnesota Vikings, 34-26
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Los Angeles Chargers (Dec. 21)
20. Minnesota Vikings (22)
The Vikings might not be that far away from contending in the NFC North with J.J. McCarthy as QB. He was 15-for-24 for 250 yards with a pair of touchdown passes and one pass intercepted in Minnesota’s second straight win.
NFL Week 15: Beat Dallas Cowboys, 34-26
NFL Week 16: Sunday at New York Giants (Dec. 21)
19. Miami Dolphins (20)
NFL Week 15: Monday Night Football at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 15)
NFL Week 16: Sunday Night Football vs Cincinnati Bengals (Dec. 21)
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (17)
The Buccaneers led the game against the Falcons in the fourth quarter, 28-14. Ouch. They are now fighting for the playoffs.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Atlanta Falcons, 29-28
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Carolina Panthers (Dec. 21)
17. Carolina Panthers (16)
The Panthers blew a shot to take over first in the NFC South over the Buccaneers, who they play in two of the final three weeks of the season.
NFL Week 15: Lost to New Orleans Saints, 20-17
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 21)
16. Baltimore Ravens (21)
Kyle Van Noy’s interception, then handoff to Alohi Gilman, who returned it for a touchdown, was a thing of beauty.
NFL Week 15: Beat Cincinnati Bengals, 24-0
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs New England Patriots (Dec. 21)
15. Indianapolis Colts (15)
Indianapolis has now lost four straight and ends the season with the 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. But we were impressed with Philip Rivers’ performance off the street for the Colts.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Seattle Seahawks, 18-16
NFL Week 16: Monday Night Football vs San Francisco 49ers (Dec. 22)
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (14)
NFL Week 15: Monday Night Football vs Miami Dolphins (Dec. 15)
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Detroit Lions (Dec. 21)
13. Detroit Lions (11)
The Lions’ playoff hopes took a hit with the loss to the Rams. At 8-6, Jared Goff and Detroit could need help to make the NFC postseason.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Los Angeles Rams, 41-34
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 21)
12. Philadelphia Eagles (13)
Philadelphia’s 3-game skid is over. Jalen Hurts looked more like Jalen Hurts. Saquon Barkley looked more like Saquon Barkley. Good signs for the Eagles.
NFL Week 15: Beat Las Vegas Raiders, 31-0
NFL Week 16: Saturday at Washington Commanders (Dec. 20)
11. Houston Texans (12)
The Texans have now won six straight games, and they have one of the NFL’s best defenses. Could this team be a Super Bowl contender?
NFL Week 15: Beat Arizona Cardinals, 40-20
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 21)
10. Los Angeles Chargers (10)
How big was the win over the Chiefs? Los Angeles is now 10-4 on the season and closer to a playoff berth. But we still have questions about the Chargers’ offensive line.
NFL Week 15: Beat Kansas City Chiefs, 16-13
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Dallas Cowboys (Dec. 21)
9. Green Bay Packers (5)
Green Bay’s 4-game win streak ended with the loss at Denver, and the Packers fell out of the NFC North lead. Saturday’s game against the Bears will be pivotal.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Denver Broncos, 34-26
NFL Week 16: Saturday at Chicago Bears (Dec. 20)
8. Chicago Bears (9)
The 10-4 Bears have been a huge surprise, but tough games against the Packers, 49ers and Lions remain to close out the regular season.
NFL Week 15: Beat Cleveland Browns, 31-3
NFL Week 16: Saturday vs Green Bay Packers (Dec. 20)
7. San Francisco 49ers (8)
The 49ers have won four in a row. They are 10-4. And they are somehow in third place in the NFC West, which is proving to be the toughest division in the NFL.
NFL Week 15: Beat Tennessee Titans, 37-24
NFL Week 16: Monday Night Football at Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 22)
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (7)
Yes, it was the Jets, but Jacksonville has now won five straight. Trevor Lawrence had five touchdown passes and a touchdown run in the win.
NFL Week 15: Beat New York Jets, 48-20
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Denver Broncos (Dec. 21)
5. Buffalo Bills (6)
The Bills rallied from a 21-point deficit to stay in the AFC East race. James Cook’s 22 carries for 107 yards, with two touchdown runs, were a big reason why.
NFL Week 15: Beat New England Patriots. 35-31
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Cleveland Browns (Dec. 21)
4. New England Patriots (1)
The Patriots’ reign as the No. 1 team in our NFL power rankings is over, but New England showed us that it can contend for the AFC title in the loss to the Bills.
NFL Week 15: Lost to Buffalo Bills, 35-31
NFL Week 16: Sunday at Baltimore Ravens (Dec. 21)
3. Seattle Seahawks (4)
Jason Myers had six field goals for the Seahawks against the Colts, accounting for all of Seattle’s points. The Seahawks needed every one of them.
NFL Week 15: Beat Indianapolis Colts, 18-16
NFL Week 16: Thursday Night Football vs Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 18)
2. Los Angeles Rams (3)
Puka Nacua had nine catches for 181 yards in the win for the Rams. He was targeted 11 times. Los Angeles might be the team to beat for the Super Bowl.
NFL Week 15: Beat Detroit Lions, 41-34
NFL Week 16: Thursday Night Football at Seattle Seahawks (Dec. 18)
1. Denver Broncos (2)
The Broncos have won 11 straight games. They are 7-0 at home and could be a very difficult out on the NFL playoffs, especially if they get homefield advantage in the AFC postseason. This team deserves to be No. 1 right now.
NFL Week 15: Beat Green Bay Packers, 34-26
NFL Week 16: Sunday vs Jacksonville Jaguars (Dec. 21)
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.
Matas Buzelis to defend more on the perimeter as Bulls experiment with lineups
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis has had to guard up the positional spectrum and defend bigger forwards as the Bulls’ optimal power forward.
Buzelis added 10 pounds of muscle to endure more of that contract and dish out some punishment of his own. But as the Bulls tinker with lineup configurations to escape this recent skid they’ve been on, Buzelis’ role might get changed around. The Bulls have started pairing Zach Collins and Jalen Smith in lineups together to address some of the team’s rebounding woes.
But how the shift affects Buzelis is worth monitoring as he shifts to a small forward role. Offensively, coach Billy Donovan said, not much will change for the talented second-year forward. He’ll still handle the ball in pick-and-roll settings and attack closeouts when the opportunity presents itself. Buzelis entered Sunday averaging 13.8 points on 46.9% shooting.
But defensively, it is where the learning curve is more challenging for younger players. And for Buzelis, the issue will come from guarding more perimeter-oriented players.
“I think Matas has the foot speed and length to be able to do that,” Donovan said of Buzelis guarding on the perimeter. “Certain guys will be a little bit more dynamic and [a] little bit more challenging, but I feel pretty confident with his foot speed and his length that he can guard multiple positions.”
‘Where are we?’
Coach Billy Donovan was flummoxed pregame.
He couldn’t understand why the Bulls have been getting outscored in transition while failing to attack the offensive glass. The Pelicans blitzed the Bulls for 143 points in their last meeting, thriving in transition and being comfortable playing at the high-octane space the Bulls try to impose on teams.
“They have been incredibly dominant in the paint [and] incredibly dominant at the rim,” Donovan said. “Nw that that happens from a variety of different reasons: [It’s] them playing off the bounce [and] getting to the rim, it’s the offensive rebounding, it’s the cutting, getting some layups and and all those things kind of coupled together have enabled them to, you know, put up some really remarkable numbers at the at the rim, so that that’s going to be certainly a priority.”
Donovan has also been dismayed by his team’s lack of resistance in transition.
“Where are we?” Donovan said. “So much of the game now is about [answering] back. Whether you score, [you’re] answering back to defense, or whether you get scored against, answering back to offense. We’ve got to be better there.”
The Bulls entered 22nd in offensive rebounding rate and 21st in points allowed per 100 possessions in transition. The key for the Bulls, as currently constructed, is to beat the other teams in transition at a breakneck pace.
Banged up Bulls
Guard Ayo Dosunmu (right thumb sprain) was out for Sunday’s game against the Pelicans. Donovan said the hope is that Dosunmu returns for the Cleveland game on Wednesday.
Victor Wembanyama finally got a real NBA test – and he aced it
LAS VEGAS — Victor Wembanyama has accomplished a lot during his young NBA career — winning rookie of the year honors, making the all-star team and leading the league in blocks — but his first two seasons came and went without a single high-stakes game. The young San Antonio Spurs were too early in their rebuilding cycle to vie for a spot in the play-in tournament or the playoffs, and the 2023 No. 1 draft pick’s second season was cut short by a blood clot in his shoulder.
When the 7-foot-4 phenom carried France to the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, it felt like an extended-length movie trailer for what might be possible once the Spurs grew up. And when he poured in 42 points to enthrall the Madison Square Garden crowd during a loss to the New York Knicks last Christmas, Wembanyama again hinted at a long-presumed NBA takeover that has unfolded in fits and starts.
Saturday night finally brought a real test: Wembanyama, 21, returned to the court after missing 12 games with a calf strain for an NBA Cup semifinal matchup with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. The NBA cleared the rest of its calendar to highlight this showdown between the Spurs, who have vaulted up the standings despite injury issues, and the Thunder, which entered at 24-1 while riding a 16-game winning streak and on track for the best record in NBA history.
Wembanyama led the Spurs to a stunning 111-109 upset by posting 22 points, nine rebounds and two blocks and acing the most significant test of his NBA career to date. His game-changing impact was obvious: The Spurs (18-7) outscored the Thunder by 21 points in his 21 minutes, and they were outscored by 19 points in the 27 minutes he was on the bench. San Antonio advanced to face New York in Tuesday’s championship game; the Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic, 132-120, in Saturday’s other semifinal thanks to 40 points from Jalen Brunson.
“This is not a typical regular season game because we know that if we lose, we’re out,” Wembanyama said. “Some people are built for these moments, and some aren’t. But we definitely are, and it shows.”
In the run-up to the semifinals of the NBA Cup, the in-season tournament introduced in 2023, Wembanyama made it clear that he was in Las Vegas for the competitive test and to put the Thunder on notice, rather than for the $530,000 in prize money that goes to each member of the tournament champion.
“Poor Vic needs more money, right?” he quipped at Friday’s media day. “Just stacking money hasn’t really been a goal of mine.”
Wembanyama proceeded to tell ESPN that he thought Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — but not Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic — were in contention for the NBA’s “best player” label. Then he added, “When I come back on the court, I think it’ll be me.”
And in an interview with Prime Video, Wembanyama downplayed his individual matchup with Thunder center Chet Holmgren. “The MVP is on that court,” he said, referring to Gilgeous-Alexander. “He’s our main focus. Anybody is hard to guard when you have to help on the MVP.” Dirk Nowitzki, the Hall of Fame player turned broadcaster, later scolded Wembanyama for being “too swaggy [and] too dismissive of Chet” given Holmgren’s key role during the Thunder’s championship run.
But Wembanyama proceeded to back up his big talk after making a fashionably late entrance to the semifinal. The Spurs sought to limit Wembanyama to 20 minutes in his first game since Nov. 14, so he came off the bench for the first time in his career and remained sidelined for the entire first quarter.
To pass the time as Oklahoma City built a 31-20 lead, Wembanyama stayed warm with stretching exercises and a jostling match with teammate Bismack Biyombo. When it was his turn to take the court to open the second quarter, Wembanyama sat for a quiet moment with his head bowed, his eyes closed and his hands clasped before leaping to his feet and ripping off his warmup pants.
“My thoughts before the game were that this is the kind of game you have to make things happen, no matter the conditions,” Wembanyama said. “[Coming off the bench with a minutes limit] is just a slight detail. I can do all right with three quarters. … Looking back, I think it was a good formula. It was a good system to do it like this. I just tried to make the most out of it.”
Wembanyama got straight to work with a tip-in basket on his first offensive possession, followed by an offensive rebound and an assist to set up a Dylan Harper three-pointer on his second. Within minutes, he had grabbed his first steal and committed his first of five turnovers while playing with a bit too much haste.
After connecting on two lobs at the rim in the first quarter, the Thunder suddenly found it inadvisable to enter the paint. Oklahoma City, owner of the NBA’s best defense, generally wanted no part of the NBA’s best individual defender. During a rare moment of head-on ambition, Holmgren lofted a turnaround jumper over Wembanyama that wound up smothered as soon as it left his fingertips.
The Spurs were within three after Wembanyama hit a deep three-pointer shortly before halftime. When he reentered the game midway through the fourth quarter, the Thunder’s lead was just one point. The final minutes were a sight to behold as Wembanyama finished a lob dunk, drilled a tough jumper over Alex Caruso and made four free throws to help ice the win.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 29 points, but Oklahoma City was eliminated from the NBA Cup in the semifinals one year after falling to the Bucks in the tournament’s championship game. Holmgren and Jalen Williams added 17 points apiece for the Thunder.
“[Wembanyama was] huge, obviously,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “He’s got great two-way impact. He’s obviously a rim deterrent. He’s a problem on the glass, and he was early. Then he caught his rhythm offensively and made some really tough shots down the stretch.”
Along the way, Wembanyama savored every sequence. After being fouled by Cason Wallace on a drive, Wembanyama grinned while flexing in a display of strength. After absorbing two swipes from Caruso and hitting a clutch fadeaway jumper, Wembanyama pointed his finger at the Thunder guard. After Holmgren missed a crucial free throw with eight seconds left, Wembanyama roared his approval. And after the final buzzer, he triumphantly raised both hands over his head.
“It was the worst-case scenario fcoach Mitch Johnson said. “It was going to be a little bit of a wild card. I thought he played unapologetically. I thought he played relentless. I thought he played too fast at times, and it was all for the right reasons and with the right intentions. I wouldn’t change any of it.”
This was the type of comprehensive dominance that many expected when Wembanyama entered the NBA as the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. On Saturday, he displayed the inherent advantages that come with his unprecedented combination of height and skill but also the same competitive spirit that left him in tears when France lost to the United States in the gold medal game in Paris.
Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged Saturday that it’s “definitely a possibility” that the Thunder and Spurs are headed for a long-term rivalry given their deep pools of young talent. Though Oklahoma City is a few years ahead of San Antonio’s pace, Wembanyama and teammates De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Harper appear poised to make up ground quickly. Fast forward a few years, and it’s possible that this win will be remembered as the Spurs’ coming-out party.
Before Saturday’s festivities were complete, Wembanyama delivered one last flourish. As the Thunder has stockpiled blowout wins in recent years, opposing fan bases have accused Gilgeous-Alexander of foul-baiting tactics and Oklahoma City’s physical defense of getting away with illegal contact. As Wembanyama gushed about the Spurs’ 9-3 record during his injury absence, he tacked on an aside that could be read as a subtle dig at the Thunder’s polarizing reputation.
“I’m just glad,” he said, “to be part of something that’s growing to be so beautiful — pure and ethical basketball.”
LaKeith Stanfield Cast as Dennis Rodman in New Bulls Movie
The Dennis Rodman biopic has officially found its new lead. LaKeith Stanfield has boarded 48 Hours in Vegas, a film centered on the Chicago Bulls star’s infamous midseason disappearance during the 1998 NBA Finals, a story that later became one of the most memorable moments in ESPN’s The Last Dance documentary, per EW.
Stanfield confirmed his involvement through a statement tied to the project, signaling a major casting shift after the film previously moved on from Jonathan Majors. The movie focuses on Rodman’s chaotic 48-hour trip to Las Vegas, a gamble that somehow fit within the Bulls’ championship run and Phil Jackson’s unconventional approach to managing personalities.
“I’m genuinely excited to help create an exhilarating, joyful work that both honors and thoughtfully examines the legacy of Rodman and fellow trailblazers,” Stanfield said in a statement. “Those who moved to the beat of their own drum, undeterred by the obstacles placed before them, then and now.”
Revisiting Rodman’s Wildest Bulls Chapter
Fans who watched The Last Dance will remember the Vegas story vividly. In the third episode of the 10-part series, Michael Jordan recalled how Rodman requested a break during the season as Scottie Pippen worked his way back from injury. What followed became NBA folklore.
“Dennis says, ‘I need a vacation,’” Jordan said during the documentary. He explained how Jackson ultimately agreed to a tightly controlled window. “‘Dennis, well, can your vacation be, like, 48 hours?’” Jordan recalled Jackson saying, a compromise that gave the film its title.
Rodman’s ability to disappear into chaos and return locked in became a defining part of his legend. The upcoming film aims to capture that tension, the balance between freedom and discipline that helped power one of the most dominant teams in league history.
The project originally planned to reunite Stanfield with The Harder They Fall castmate Jonathan Majors, but Majors exited the film less than a month after being found guilty of one count of assault and one count of harassment in a 2023 domestic violence trial. Stanfield now steps into the role, reshaping the direction of the biopic.
Rick Famuyiwa and a Familiar Creative Team
The film will be directed by Rick Famuyiwa, who also plans to write a new draft of the script. Famuyiwa previously directed The Wood and Brown Sugar, and penned the 2007 biopic Talk to Me. His more recent work has lived largely on television, including the pilot for The Chi and episodes of The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.
Famuyiwa and Stanfield have crossed paths before. Stanfield appeared in a minor supporting role in Famuyiwa’s 2015 film Dope, making 48 Hours in Vegas a more substantial reunion between the two.
Production duties fall to Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Aditya Sood, the team behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the upcoming Project Hail Mary. Their involvement signals a stylized approach to a story already packed with personality.
Stanfield arrives at the role with an extensive resume that spans television, biopics, and franchise films. He starred for four seasons in FX’s Atlanta and earned an Oscar nomination for Judas and the Black Messiah. His recent work includes roles in Die My Love, Roofman, and Play Dirty. Up next, he will appear in I Love Boosters and the action thriller F.A.S.T.
With Stanfield now attached, 48 Hours in Vegas moves forward with fresh momentum and a lead known for channeling complex, unconventional figures, much like Rodman himself.
JJ Redick Takes Shot at Refs After Lakers’ Ugly Win Over Suns
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick was not too thrilled with the officiating in their 116-114 win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Redick threw some shade toward the referees after the game, though he acknowledged that he was also at fault for the Lakers’ near-collapse in the fourth quarter.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Redick thought that the Lakers made a lot of mistakes against the Suns. They were up by as much as 20 points, but Phoenix took the lead with 12.2 seconds left. He admitted to being wrong for using their challenge too early on a Jake LaRavia play, while also subtly taking shots at the refs.
“I thought we made a lot of mistakes tonight. Lot of mistakes, myself included. I shouldn’t have challenged that even though apparently in the NBA, you’re now allowed to grab a guy’s jersey as he goes up for a layup, which they acknowledge that Jake’s jersey was being grabbed as he went for layup, but apparently, that doesn’t affect guys anymore,” Redick said.
Redick was talking about late in the third quarter when Devin Booker blocked LaRavia’s shot. The Lakers called a timeout, and the coach decided to challenge because his player’s jersey was grabbed.
However, the officials didn’t think a foul occurred, so the challenge was unsuccessful.
Redick Calls Win Over Phoenix Ugly
At one point in the third quarter, the Lakers had a 20-point lead over the Suns. Things appeared to be over, but the home team made a furious rally late in the fourth quarter.
Just when it looked like the Lakers had solved their defensive issues with Jarred Vanderbilt, they went back to their old ways and allowed the Suns to get back into the game.
Luckily for the Lakers, Dillon Brooks‘ tomfoolery and LeBron James‘ clutch free throws and block were enough to win. JJ Redick described the victory as “ugly,” which is a good sign for the team.
“It’s going to sound sick, but love winning games like this. Wish it had not been a one-possession game, not been down with 12 seconds, like all that stuff. But, you know, winning ugly is actually really fun because it means you got in the trenches and you fought, and we did that tonight,” Redick said, via Spectrum Sportsnet.
The Lakers improved to 18-7 for the season, putting them in fourth in the West standings behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets.
What’s Next For The Lakers?
The Lakers will continue their four-game road trip on Thursday, when they visit the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. They then face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday before going back to Phoenix for a rematch against the Phoenix Suns on December 23.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Not Worried About Sixth Man Award Race, Focused On Winning Games!
TMZSports.com
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the current favorite to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award … but he tells TMZ Sports he’s not thinking about his trophy case … all he wants to do is win games.
The Miami Heat role player has been great off the bench this season … averaging nearly 16 points a game, 5.8 rebounds, and five assists a contest so far.
When we caught up with the 24-year-old this week … he said he’s doing his best to keep the team first … and not let the online chatter about his chances at 6MOY get to him.
Does Tyrese Maxey have a case to be a top-10 NBA player?
ATLANTA — The 76ers headed into State Farm Arena on Sunday evening looking to continue their ascension in the Eastern Conference standings.
Didn’t happen.
They suffered a 120-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, dropping to 14-11 and seventh in the standings.
However, they were in fourth place before the game, a half-game behind the third-place Boston Celtics, who take a 15-10 record into Monday’s game against the first-place Detroit Pistons. A victory over the Hawks (15-12) would have also given the Sixers five wins in six games since suffering a 142-134 double-overtime loss to the Hawks on Nov. 30 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Sixers now have a couple of days of practice before resuming play this weekend. At that point, we’ll see if they can get back to winning.
But for the time being, here are some answers to a few of your mailbag questions.
Missed out on the party? No worries. Submit questions for next time by tweeting @PompeyOnSixers to X with the hashtag #PompeysMailbagFlow.
A: Thanks for starting the mailbag, Hector! And yes, Maxey definitely has a legitimate case for being considered a top-10 player in the NBA.
So far, the point guard is having one of the best seasons in franchise history. That’s a statement in itself, considering the Sixers’ storied history.
Maxey is third in the league in scoring at 31.5 points per game behind Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Dončić (35.0) and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.4). Maxey finished with a career-high 54 points and nine assists in an overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 20. He and Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain are the only players in franchise history with at least 50 points and nine assists in a game.
Maxey’s 54-point effort in a game ranked second this season heading into Sunday’s contests. James Harden (Nov. 22), Nikola Jokic (Nov. 12), and Gilgeous-Alexander (Oct. 23) have scored 55 points in a game.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Maxey is fourth in the league in three-pointers made (84) and ninth in assist average (7.2).
There are a lot of outstanding guards in this league, including Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Devon Booker. But one can argue that Maxey has been the league’s third-best guard behind Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander so far this season. And that should speak volumes, considering that SGA is the reigning MVP and Dončić is this season’s MVP front-runner. That’s why he has a legitimate case.
A: Embiid and George both had a great game during Friday’s 115-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Embiid’s 39 points marked his highest regular-season scoring output since scoring a franchise-best 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 22, 2024. Meanwhile, George finished with season highs of 23 points and five assists to go with six rebounds.
Then on Sunday, George finished with a season-high 35 points while making 7 of 10 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Embiid finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks to post his first double-double of the season.
Embiid and George are getting more minutes as they ramp up getting in shape while managing left knee injuries. Some believe taking it easy is the best way to ensure that they’ll be healthy for the postseason. However, they need valuable playing time with their teammates to build chemistry. That will also allow the coaching staff to see what works.
So I would play them alongside Maxey whenever possible, rather than looking to trade one of them. You have to see how they mesh with teammates and how successful they can be before entertaining that thought.
A: The Sixers have been playing it close to the vest regarding Oubre’s return from a left knee ligament sprain. The small forward has been sidelined for four weeks since suffering the injury in a 115-104 road loss to the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 14. The recovery time for a mild Grade 1 lateral collateral ligament sprain takes one to four weeks. A Grade 2 sprain (moderate) typically takes four to 12 weeks to heal, while a Grade 3 sprain (severe/complete tear) may take three to six months to recover fully.
Oubre was reevaluated last week. Asked Sunday whether there was an update on Oubre’s status, coach Nick Nurse said he didn’t have one.
“Nothing new,” he said. “He’s out there walking around a bit. He’s on the court a bit. I’m hoping there’s some. … It looks like there’s some progress there. And just like you, I want him out there ASAP and then back.”
Oubre participated in his first on-court individualized workout before Sunday’s game. The workout consisted of light shooting.
If it’s a Grade 1 sprain and everything goes well, one would assume he could be back as early as one of the Sixers’ upcoming games. They’ll face the New York Knicks on Friday at Madison Square Garden before hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
But Oubre has yet to practice with the team. One would think he’d have to be cleared to practice this week to play against the Knicks or Mavs. If not, his return is expected to take longer.
Regarding the starting lineup, I keep going back and forth between Oubre and Barlow as the fifth starter. Both have played great and deserve to be in the lineup. Last week, I said Oubre, George, Embiid, Edgecombe, and Maxey would make up my starters. Barlow would be the seventh man behind Quentin Grimes.
I’m starting to change my mind. That’s because I feel Barlow’s rebounding is an asset to begin games alongside Embiid. I also think that George might have an easier time guarding small forwards on the perimeter than power forwards in the post.
But Oubre had been the Sixers’ X factor before his injury. He’s had success guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player and plays well off the other starters. That’s why he deserves to start. However, I’m beginning to think Barlow might be the right choice. In that scenario, Oubre would be the sixth man while playing starter’s minutes.
Oubre has several steps to take before returning to action.
NBA Puts Out Statement On LeBron James Grabbing Official in Suns Game
Grudges and rivalry were the theme of the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers’ second matchup of the month. But this level of intensity even left fans confused. LeBron James and Dillon Brooks continued their longstanding personal rivalry through petty antics and fouls. It got the notorious Suns star eventually ejected, the Lakers an edgy 114-116 win, and James almost had his wallet ready to pay up. Then came that Pool Report…
The techs would define the outcome of the game. But the plot twist was the official report after the game. Crew Chief Tyler Ford was asked about that moment when James put his hands on the referee. His answer raised brows.
“During instant replay review, we have the ability to review all unsportsmanlike acts. There was no unsportsmanlike act observed for making contact with a referee.”
Unlike how the last Suns matchup went, James had 26 points in a foul-heavy game. Brooks drew a tech for shoving him in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Brooks made contact with the Lakers veteran again, this time by swatting the ball out of his hands, but into his shoulder.
Well, James did not like that at all.
He mouthed off at Brooks, then argued with the referee. It was getting ugly enough for Rui Hachimura to step in and diffuse it. But not before 6’9″ James jostled the referee (read that again). He got a tech for his actions, but that was for bodying up Brooks, not for confronting the referee with physical force.
The NBA rules dictate that a $2,000 fine punishes any unsportsmanlike conduct at a minimum. The incident is also reported to the League Office. But this pool report throws all assumptions off.
Now, fans are either confused about whether this lets James go scot-free or whether the NBA is exercising double standards here…
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Fans left baffled by LeBron James escaping rare ejection vs Suns
At first, the biggest shocker was that James wasn’t immediately punished for grabbing the referee, apart from the tech handed to him. Those watching also wondered why the referee was so non-reactive.
“Ref’s flabbers were gasted. He was really trying to understand the anger lol. Never occurred to him that he could throw buddy out for that,” a fan theorized.
“Any other player does that to a ref and they’re getting ejected lol,” another fan wrote.
That is precisely what happened.
In the last seconds of the game, Brooks put the Suns on a one-point lead (113-114). James apparently ran through him, and that annoyed him enough to shove the veteran. This time, Bron backed off entirely and let the ref handle it. Brooks got his second tech and, consequently, was immediately ousted from the game.
Ironically, Ford defended that ejection in the pool report.
“Brooks was ejected because he received his second technical foul for making unsportsmanlike contact during the dead ball.”
Not surprisingly, anyone who saw James shove the ref felt…
“They gave lebron a lot of leeway to touch the ref like that,” a fan wrote.
That tech got James to the free-throw line. He and Marcus Smart then made enough of their free throws and got the Lakers barely over the line.
“Im a Lakers fan… LeBron should know better than to touch the ref like that and shouldn’t have gotten away with it,” a fan posted.
In year 23, just days shy of his 41st birthday, and with all that experience, it’s safe to assume that James knows the tricks of the trade.
“I just like to compete,” James said of the matchup with Brooks after the game. “He’s going to compete. I’m going to compete. We’re going to get up in each other’s face.”
Lastly, there are those who are enjoying this stuff while it lasts and goading James to…
“Final year. Take a swing, Bron. It’s worth it,” a fan wrote.
Now it remains to be seen whether the NBA will levy a fine.
Did you know: LeBron James has only been ejected twice in his NBA career. Once in 2017, when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers, for misbehaving with official Kane Fitzgerald. And the second instance came in 2021, when the Lakers star drew blood on Isaiah Stewart’s face while boxing him out for a rebound.
As NBA trade season opens, here are Bucks players eligible to be moved
The NBA’s first major transaction window for the 2025-26 season opens on December 15.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers says the team is not in a panic to make roster changes.
Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is eligible to be traded but is under team control through the 2026-27 season.
The first major transaction window for the 2025-26 NBA season opens on Dec. 15, as players who were signed in the offseason as free agents can begin to be traded. The trade deadline is 2 p.m. CT Feb. 5.
The Milwaukee Bucks are currently the last team in the Eastern Conference play-in picture.
Head coach Doc Rivers was asked following practice Dec. 9 if he had been in communication with general manager Jon Horst about potential roster changes to help spark the team.
“We talk every day,” Rivers said. “I’m not going to sit here and tell you what we’re talking about, but we’re not in a panic here. We’re not saying, ‘oh my God we need to change our team’ or anything like that. You can be. We’re not. We’re not at all.”
Here is a look at the Bucks roster and who is now eligible, or ineligible, to be traded beginning Dec. 15 (in alphabetical order):
Trade ineligible
AJ Green
The 26-year-old guard is not able to be traded until the offseason because he signed a 4-year, $45 million contract extension in mid-October. Green has developed into one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA, and he has made 48.5% of his shots from beyond the arc in 24 games this season.
No-trade clause
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
The 33-year-old forward returned to the Bucks this season on a one-year free agent deal after missing the 2024-25 campaign with a torn Achilles tendon. He has signed multiple contracts with the Bucks since 2019, and by inking another one-year, veteran minimum deal to return to the team, he has an implied no-trade clause in his contract. That means Antetokounmpo must approve any deal that may include him.
Jericho Sims
The Bucks were excited to bring the 27-year-old back as the team’s fourth big man on a one-year deal, and he also received an implied no-trade clause upon his return. It is unlikely the team felt he would play the 30 minutes per game he averaged Dec. 3-6 before Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injuries, Sims recorded five DNP-CD in the first 11 games and played roughly seven minutes per game otherwise. From Nov. 20-Dec. 6 he averaged 5.8 rebounds per game.
Trade eligible
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The 31-year-old superstar is under team control through the 2026-27 season. He has a player option worth $62.7 million in 2027-28, but such options are rarely picked up by players of his stature. He is eligible to sign another extension next October worth $275 million over four additional seasons. Antetokounmpo was in the early MVP conversation by averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists but he has now missed nine full games and parts of two others with adductor and calf strains. He may not play again until January with a right calf strain suffered Dec. 3.
Cole Anthony
The 25-year-old backup point guard has been mired in a terrible slump since Nov. 1, seeing his minutes decrease from about 20 per game down to mop-up duty or “did not play, coach’s decisions (DNP-CD).” In 14 games from Nov. 1-26, Anthony averaged nearly as many turnovers (2.6) as shots made (3.0). Once Porter returned, Anthony has been relegated to the deep bench. He bounced back against Boston on Dec. 11 when pressed into duty due to foul trouble by the starting guards, scoring nine points and handing out five assists in 19 minutes.
Amir Coffey
Teased a potential starter depending on certain matchups in the preseason by Rivers, the 28-year-old Coffey has not played much after Nov. 12. In a nine-game stretch from Oct. 28-Nov. 12 when he played 11 minutes per game, he didn’t attempt more than two shots on average and was just 1 of 7 from behind the 3-point line. Rivers had spoken highly of Coffey’s on-ball defense, but even without the injured Taurean Prince available the 6-7 wing has largely been seen in late game situations.
Gary Harris
Signed to a one-year deal with a player option in the offseason, the 31-year-old had seven DNP-CD in the first 10 games of the season and didn’t play much until Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered his first muscle strain Nov. 17. Since, Harris has played about 17 minutes per game. But he’s averaging less than two shots per game and is 2-for-6 from behind the 3-point line in eight games from Nov. 20-Dec. 6. He logged 33 minutes against Boston on Dec. 11, but was 0-for-3 with two assists and a blocked shot.
Andre Jackson Jr.
The team could have waived the 24-year-old in the summer without any penalty but instead pushed his salary guarantee date to the start of the season. Jackson made the roster out of training camp but remains just a deep bench play either due to foul trouble or blowouts. The Bucks hold a team option on Jackson for next season.
Kyle Kuzma
The 30-year-old forward begun the season playing off the bench, and in his first 10 games (he missed one due to an injury) the Bucks were 7-3 as he subbed in for Antetokounmpo. He averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 25 minutes per game in that stretch and shot 55.3% overall, with most of his attacks coming at or around the rim. In the last 14 games (including nine starts), however, he’s shooting just 45.7% overall and averaging 12 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists in about 27 minutes per game. Against the Celtics, starting in place of an injured Antetokounmpo, Kuzma scored a season-high 31 points on 13 of 17 shooting (including 11 of 13 in the paint) and pulled down six rebounds.
Kuzma has one year left on his current contract for $20.3 million.
Kevin Porter Jr.
The 25-year-old guard re-signed in the offseason on a 2-year, $10.5 million deal that includes a player option for next season. Porter waived his implied no-trade clause.
Porter began the season as the Bucks’ starting point guard but was injured in the first quarter of the first game, and he missed 19 games with a left ankle sprain and then right knee surgery. In his first five full games from Dec. 1-11, he put all-star level numbers with 25.2 points, 8.0 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game while shooting 58% from behind the 3-point line and overall. He is also making 89% of his free throws in that time.
Bobby Portis Jr.
Portis re-signed in the offseason on a 3-year, $44 million deal that includes a player option for 2027-28. The veteran big man is playing his fewest minutes per game (21.9) and therefore is averaging his fewest shots (9.9), points (12.0) and rebounds (5.8) since his first year in Milwaukee in 2020-21. Against the Celtics on Dec. 11, however, he played 26 minutes and recorded his first double-double of the season with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Taurean Prince
Prince re-signed in the offseason on a 2-year deal, $7.1 million deal that includes a player option. He waived his implied no-trade clause.
Prince had developed into one of the league’s top 3-point shooters in his first year-plus in Milwaukee, but he suffered a herniated disc in his neck that required surgery and he is out indefinitely. He said the surgery was necessary to play again and that is his intent, though he is unsure if that means he’ll be back this season.
Gary Trent Jr.
Trent re-signed in Milwaukee on a 2-year, $7.5 million deal that includes a player option for next season. He waived his implied no-trade clause.
Trent, who will turn 27 in January, has been in and out of the starting lineup this season and is shooting 37% from behind the 3-point line and 39.9% from the field. It is his lowest 3-point number since 2022-23 and lowest overall percentage since his rookie year in 2018-19.
Myles Turner
The premier free agent of the 2025 offseason, Turner signed a 4-year, $108 million deal with the Bucks that includes a player option for 2028-29. On Dec. 15, a 15% trade kicker, or bonus, activates.
The Bucks would have to pay that in any deal, though Turner could waive all or part of it should he choose to. Turner is averaging 12.3 points on 38.2% 3-point shooting and is pulling down 5.6 rebounds per game.
Not eligible until Jan. 15
Ryan Rollins
The 23-year-old guard has been a revelation this season after signing a 3-year, $12 million deal to return to the Bucks. He is averaging over 17 points, six assists and four rebounds per game and is in the conversation for Most Improved Player.
The Jan. 15 date applies only to certain players, specifically if they re-signed using “Bird” or “Early Bird” rights to a deal that is 20% or greater than their previous deal and their team is over the salary cap.
Victor Wembanyama keeps delivering on ‘phenom’ hype for Spurs
LAS VEGAS — Dwyane Wade knows what it’s like to see a “phenom” up close, having been teammates and winning two championships with LeBron James with the Heat.
Entering the draft, Victor Wembanyama — the No. 1 pick in 2023 — was as close as it got to James in terms of hype and expectations.
Now in his third season in the NBA, that attention appears justified, as he does things on a nightly basis that we really haven’t seen before at his size and physique.
“I think the hardest thing, for someone to have so much talent like Wemby, is trying not to use all his weapons at once,” Wade, now an analyst for Amazon Prime’s NBA coverage, said in an interview with The Post. “He has so many of them. That’s gonna be the challenge for him. I like everything about his game, there’s nothing I don’t like. It’s just that you don’t want him to use them all at the same time.
LeBron James Gambling Scandal: All You Need to Know, Legacy in Jeopardy
LeBron James has built one of the most carefully protected reputations in modern sport. However, a widening NBA betting investigation has pulled his name into the headlines, even as league officials insist he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The controversy stems from allegations that confidential Lakers information was leaked to gamblers by Damon Jones, a former NBA player and longtime James associate. Although James is not charged or named in the indictment, the case has raised broader concerns about access to non-public information in the era of legalised sports betting.
How LeBron James’ Name Got Involved
The NBA opened an internal review after federal prosecutors accused Jones of selling inside information related to player availability. According to the NBA gambling investigation involving LeBron James’ Lakers circle, two Lakers employees connected to James were contacted by investigators, prompting questions about how sensitive information was handled within the organisation.
While James himself was not accused of participating, the proximity of the league’s biggest star to the investigation has made the situation uncomfortable for both the NBA and the Lakers.
What Prosecutors Allege Happened
Federal court documents allege that Jones used personal relationships to obtain non-public injury and availability updates. In one case, prosecutors say Jones tipped off a bettor that James would miss a February 2023 game before the information was made public. James ultimately sat out, and the Lakers lost.
Jones is also accused of sharing confidential health details about another Lakers star ahead of a January 2024 game. Prosecutors claim Jones received payments for the information through peer-to-peer apps. Jones has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges.
NBA Says LeBron James Was Unaware
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, league sources have moved quickly to distance James from the wrongdoing. Reporting confirmed that LeBron James was unaware of leaked gambling-related information and had no knowledge of Jones’ alleged actions.
An NBA spokesperson said the league is fully cooperating with federal authorities, while stressing that James is not under investigation and has not violated league rules.
Why the Case Matters for the NBA
The NBA has faced growing pressure to protect the integrity of its games as sports betting expands across the United States. Even indirect connections between star players and betting networks can damage public confidence, especially after earlier scandals involving insider wagering.
League executives are concerned less about James personally and more about the precedent the case sets. If confidential information can be monetised through informal relationships, it exposes vulnerabilities that could affect every franchise.
What This Means for LeBron James’ Legacy
For James, the situation highlights how quickly narratives can form, even without evidence of misconduct. While there is no indication that the investigation will alter his on-court legacy, the episode underscores the risks elite athletes face when trusted associates become entangled in legal trouble.
Ultimately, transparency and swift resolution will determine how long the story lingers.
The Bottom Line
LeBron James is not accused of gambling or wrongdoing. However, the NBA betting probe shows how modern scandals can expand beyond those charged, drawing in high-profile figures by association alone. For the league, it is a warning sign. For James, it is an unwanted reminder that even spotless careers can be tested by proximity.
Frankie Muniz says moving to Arizona saved his life after Hollywood
Frankie Muniz says trading Los Angeles for Arizona changed everything.
The 40-year-old actor, who rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid child stars, told Fox News Digital that stepping away from Los Angeles gave him perspective he didn’t have before. Muniz spent many years in L.A. while starring in
What Is NASCAR’s 5-Strike Rule That Could Change Its Future? Check All Details Here
Change is on the horizon, and it looks good so far. The antitrust trial involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR ended in a settlement, which included several modifications. Many will recall the controversial three-strike rule, a provision that effectively allowed teams to lose their charters if they pushed back too firmly against the sanctioning body.
The clause served as a mechanism for NASCAR to maintain firm control over teams when introducing new regulations. That rule nearly derailed the Charlotte Roval race several years ago when teams openly threatened to strike. Now, a revised version has resurfaced with meaningful changes.
NASCAR teams gain a new voice!
As put together in layman’s terms, Bob Pockrass explains the five-strike rule.
“Any rule change that will cost teams significant money gets put to a vote. If the teams vote no and NASCAR proceeds anyway, that is a strike. If NASCAR gets five strikes before the deal ends, then the teams can race in other stock-car series without violating the agreement.”
A five-strike rule has replaced the three-strike system. According to NASCAR journalists Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck, this represents a governance win for the teams.
Under the previous three-strike rule, teams faced consequences after just three instances of NASCAR overriding their objections to costly rule changes. Rather than facing immediate consequences for dissent, organizations can now have greater latitude to challenge decisions without risking their competitive standing.
While the rule does not guarantee the team complete independence, it does provide a more balanced framework for dialogue. In a sport long governed through centralized authority, even a modest shift toward shared decision-making marks a significant step forward.
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The teams basically gain a formal check. If NASCAR implements rule changes that would harm revenue without team approval, accumulated strikes could allow teams to compete elsewhere without breaching their agreements.
This restores bargaining power to teams and forces NASCAR to engage in more negotiated rule-making.
Moreover, permanent charters sharply raised the cost and value of cup-level entry. The settlement makes existing charters evergreen, turning a temporary race entry right into a franchise-style asset, and investors already see values jumping well above prior estimates.
This concentration of power and money will bring mixed competitive effects. On the upside, evergreen charters and expanded revenue-sharing, including international revenue pools, could stabilize team finances, attract outside investment, and support long-term planning in facilities and R&D. And this isn’t the end of the evergreen charter story. For charter owners, there’s still plenty to celebrate.
Teams secures added revenue in the charter deal
According to Bob Pockrass’s reporting, the new charter structure includes several built-in safeguards. A 2/3 majority of teams must approve any system renewal.
Organizations that choose not to renew will still retain ownership of their charters and will be granted at least one year, potentially longer, to complete a sale.
Teams that fall below defined performance standards will be required to sell their charters, but they will be given significant time to do so. Under the revised terms, NASCAR’s share of charter sale proceeds increases to 10%, up from the previous 2%.
In addition, teams will now receive an undisclosed share of NASCAR’s International media rights revenue, our revenue stream from which they had previously been excluded.
They will also be entitled to 1/3 of new commercial agreements tied to team-owned intellectual property. And now that Christmas comes early for NASCAR’s teams, it’s only a matter of time before we see how well the teams are adjusting to the new system.
Concerned NASCAR Fans Raise Red Flags Over Safety Issues Ahead of the Daytona 500
62 days more before the crown jewel of NASCAR roars back to life at Daytona International Speedway. For more than six decades, the NASCAR Daytona 500 has been the sport’s ultimate proving ground. It’s a place where legends are made, careers are defined, and history is written at 200 mph. From Richard Petty’s dominance to Dale Earnhardt’s emotional 1998 triumph, Daytona carries a weight unlike any other race. But the upcoming excitement is paired with unease.
Fans are buzzing not just about contenders and storylines, but primarily about the safety. They question today, that despite all the significant improvements in safety, is NASCAR doing enough to stay ahead of any hidden risks?
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NASCAR Daytona 500 return raises safety concerns
If you take a look back at NASCAR’s early years, then you’ll find that safety was often an afterthought rather than a priority. You had drivers racing without full-face helmets, proper fire suppression systems, or energy-absorbing barriers. Then, the tracks, too, were lined with concrete walls, cars were built more for speed than survival, and the culture leaned heavily on toughness over caution.
Wrecks were brutal (to put it in a simple way), injuries were common, and fatalities (while never normalized) were grimly accepted as part of the sport’s risk. However, that mindset was shattered on February 18, 2001. On the final lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt Sr. crashed in Turn 4. What initially looked like a ‘routine’ superspeedway accident turned fatal, as the seven-time champion succumbed to basilar skull fractures.
The loss of NASCAR’s biggest icon sent shockwaves through motorsports and forced the industry into an uncomfortable but necessary reckoning. Earnhardt’s death became the catalyst for sweeping change. NASCAR accelerated the development and mandatory use of the HANS device, reinforced seat and belt systems, improved cockpit padding, and introduced the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) Barrier at major tracks, including Daytona.
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Car designs evolved to better manage impact forces, and data-driven crash analysis became central to safety planning. The result was a measurable reduction in life-threatening injuries over the following decades. Yet safety in NASCAR has never been a finished project. As cars get faster and competition tighter, new concerns continue to surface.
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And that’s where today’s debate begins. Because fans are once again asking hard questions. On Reddit, a simple but chilling prompt has sparked intense discussion: What’s the biggest safety flaw in NASCAR right now that could be responsible for a fatal crash?
The answers reveal a community that remembers the past and refuses to ignore warning signs in the present.
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Fans spell out NASCAR’s most alarming safety gaps
As the 2026 Daytona 500 inches closer, the responses to the aforementioned Reddit question weren’t dramatic hypotheticals. They were grounded fears, rooted in history and in what fans see every single weekend. Pit road topped the list almost unanimously. One fan put it bluntly: “100%. We have crew guys running out on pit road with cars at highway speeds driving just a couple feet away.”
While NASCAR does enforce pit road speed limits, they vary by track. Superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega are capped at 55 mph, intermediates around 45 mph, and short tracks near 30 mph. Even at those limits, the margin for error is razor-thin when crew members step into traffic. One mistimed release or a car getting pinched, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
That concern only grows at tracks like Daytona and Talladega. As another fan pointed out, “Exposed pit roads at Daytona and Talladega. One day they’ll be an accident coming out of turn 4 while green flag stops are taking place, or going across the trioval similar to Steve Park’s accident, either of them will be catastrophic.”
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During the 2001 NASCAR Daytona 500, Park was one of eighteen cars involved in a crash that happened on Lap 173. He escaped unhurt. And it was during the same race that, on the final lap, Dale Earnhardt suffered the fatal crash. Fans are concerned that while Park escaped unharmed, another driver might not be as lucky.
Another recurring theme was aggressive driving. “Jackass driving from drivers that don’t fear for their safety like they used to,” a fan explained. And their concern is justified. The 2025 season offered examples, including Carson Hocevar’s overly aggressive moves at Atlanta that drew the ire of Kyle Busch. From a safety standpoint, desperation blocks and late dives into tight packs increase the odds of massive, unpredictable wrecks.
Then came the darkest fear: roof-first impacts into the catch fence. “My biggest fear is a car getting over or through a catch fence and going into the stands. We’ve been close several times. I hope it never happens.”
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And history has shown how terrifying such crashes can be. Russell Phillips’ fatal 1995 crash at Charlotte, where his body became entangled and was mutilated by the track’s steel catch fence and light fixtures, remains one of NASCAR’s most horrifying reminders of what can go wrong.
Finally, fans questioned the single-lug wheel system. “With the number of wheels that have fallen off since the introduction of this car it’s amazing to me that one hasn’t ended up in the stands yet,” said a fan.
Since its 2021 introduction, wheels coming loose have become alarmingly common. As recently as the March 2025 Pennzoil 400, Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet lost a right-rear wheel and slammed the wall. The unsettling thought? One of those wheels hasn’t reached the grandstands. Yet (thankfully and hope it doesn’t in the future too).
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For fans, these aren’t complaints. They’re warnings. Let’s hope NASCAR’s listening.
Chase Elliott’s Popularity Hits New Low as Dale Jr.’s Daytona 500 Return Triggers Record-Breaking Sale
For nearly a decade, Chase Elliott has worn NASCAR’s popularity crown like it was custom-fit for him. Every November since Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped away in 2017, the fan vote followed the same script. Elliott at the top, and the applause on cue. In 2025, that tradition held firm once again as he claimed his eighth straight Most Popular Driver Award, a streak that felt untouchable. But popularity, as it turns out, is a tricky thing to measure.
While Elliott still reigns in ballots, the marketplace told a slightly different story this year. When Lionel Racing revealed its best-selling die-cast list, one familiar name unexpectedly stole the spotlight. And no, this time it wasn’t NASCAR’s reigning fan favorite.
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Die-cast sales rewrite Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s popularity
The biggest surprise on Lionel Racing’s 2025 best-seller list wasn’t just who topped it, but what that name represented. Justin Allgaier’s Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet finishing as the No. 1 die-cast of the year was more than a sales win. It was a statement. Allgaier, a longtime JR Motorsports driver, delivered a historic moment by guiding Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team into its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series entry at the 2025 Daytona 500.
For fans, that car wasn’t just metal and paint; it symbolized JR Motorsports crossing a long-anticipated threshold, blending nostalgia with a new chapter of ambition. Unsurprisingly, collectors rushed in. But that Dale Jr. effect didn’t stop there.
Junior himself claimed the second spot on the list with his Budweiser Speedway Classic Late Model Chevrolet. His placement so high on the list proves that even years after retirement, his pull with fans remains almost unmatched. The result felt like a reminder NASCAR has seen before: some legacies never really fade, they just change form.
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Amidst this, Chase Elliott’s placement, however, raised eyebrows. Despite winning the 2025 Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award for the eighth straight year, Elliott landed fourth on the die-cast list. It’s not a bad result by any stretch, but in a season dominated by familiar faces, it’s certainly a new dip for him, hinting at a shift.
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Fan voting still favors Elliott, yet purchasing behavior suggests that emotional connection, nostalgia, and milestone moments can outweigh popularity titles when wallets come out.
“Each die-cast tells a story of triumph and tradition, and we’re proud to bring these moments to fans and collectors everywhere,” said Howard Hitchcock, Lionel Racing CEO, a sentiment that fits this list perfectly.
As the official die-cast of NASCAR, Lionel Racing works closely with the sanctioning body and teams to recreate iconic cars with exacting detail, turning race moments into permanent collectibles. In 2025, those stories spoke loudly. And with Dale Earnhardt Jr tipping Chase Elliott, it proved that they didn’t always follow the expected script.
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Dale Jr. stunned by NASCAR’s view on SRX
Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hide his disbelief when recent court documents revealed NASCAR executives once viewed the Superstar Racing Experience as a legitimate concern. Speaking on The Dale Jr. Download podcast, the Hall of Famer admitted the reaction caught him completely off guard, especially given how modest SRX was by design.
Junior explained that SRX co-founder Ray Evernham’s vision was never about competing with NASCAR at the highest level. To him, it was a nostalgia-driven concept meant to celebrate racing, not disrupt it.
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“When he started talking about SRX and what he wanted to do, in his mind, he wanted to re-create IROC,” Earnhardt said. “The initial idea of SRX as a series that would go into these local markets, and you would bring out these retired guys and some unique personalities, different forms of racing, and offer up a car to the local hero.”
He was also candid about his own distance from the project.
“I will say, though, I wasn’t interested in it, personally. Out of the gate, I just didn’t have the bandwidth to get into it. I wasn’t a fan; I didn’t really watch too much of it,” he said, adding quickly, “No offense to anybody out there that was SRX fans or anybody that worked in the series… but I wasn’t into it.”
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That context made NASCAR’s internal concerns even harder for him to understand. “To hear that they were even remotely the least bit threatened is so surprising to me because they’re this giant that’s NASCAR, and SRX is just this little thing,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.
“They were like 12 cars just barely getting by financially.” He pointed out the high costs and sustainability issues, noting, “They’re tearing up so much shit, they had no idea they were gonna tear up so much shit… In the end, they couldn’t make the money work.”
The lawsuit revelations left him shaking his head. “I am surprised by some of the comments I read from O’Donnell and a couple people of, ‘Man, we gotta put an end to this or we gotta go take a look at this,’” Dale Earnhardt Jr. simply said, “Why are we worried?”
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The remarks provided an unusual glimpse into how NASCAR perceived even minor outside projects while navigating mounting legal and business pressures.
NASCAR 25 Open to Bringing Back Dale Jr’s Iconic Paint Schemes After Facing Heavy Backlash
“We made our Cup debut in February. Now, you can drive the No. 40 Chevrolet across the entire Cup Series schedule in @Nascar25Game. 👀” JR Motorsports recently revealed on X. Now, what should have been a feel-good moment for Dale Earnhardt Jr and JR Motorsports fans quickly turned into something else entirely.
When fans chose their favorite cars, they expected them to look the same as they do on TV, with which they’ve fallen in love in the first place. Be it Justin Allgaier’s Traveller Whiskey No. 40 or Dale Jr. in his iconic No. 8 Budweiser. But the game’s version has quietly taken all of that iconic branding off, saying how video games are still predominantly for kids, so having alcoholic beverages goes against that. But developer Matt Lewis has three good words to say about it.
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“Never say never,” says Matt Lewis
For a fanbase that’s grown used to modern NASCAR games reflecting the sport as it actually looks on Sundays, the absence of those iconic paint stripes felt like a step backward. Fans were not happy at all. But Lewis then explained the ‘why’ behind that call.
“For better or for worse, there’s still a perception out there that video games and kids are sort of hand in hand,” Lewis said. “And even though the vast majority of our audience for this game are well above, not just 18, but even the drinking age, there is that concern.”
That pretty much explains it. Plus, the rules for the iRacing paint scheme also have a ban on alcoholic advertising as a part of their statement reads, “Your Paint Schemes may not…promote or otherwise refer to tobacco products, alcohol or illicit drugs.”
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And it’s not just that. Lewis also mentioned how the hesitation is from the sponsors too.
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So in a lot of cases, it’s the beverage companies themselves who say, ‘We don’t really need to be in a video game because that’s predominantly kids.’”
Lewis noted that technical solutions like age-gating do exist and have been used before. Still, he made it clear that nothing is guaranteed year to year. While he didn’t promise a fixed return, his simple response was, “Never say never.”
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“We have the conversation almost every year,” Lewis said. “So it’s another one that I would say is on the radar. We’ll kind of see how things play out.”
Dale Jr tops die-cast sales in 2025
When Lionel Racing, the Official Die-Cast of NASCAR, released its sales list this year, it offered a snapshot of what moments and personalities fans connected with most in 2025. The top of the chart was dominated by emotional milestones, historic firsts, and names that carry serious weight in the garage and grandstands alike.
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Sitting at No. 1 was Justin Allgaier’s Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet, a die-cast that represented far more than just a clean paint scheme. The car marked JR Motorsports’ first-ever NASCAR Cup Series entry, making it a landmark moment for the organization owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
It was also Allgaier’s first appearance at the very top of Lionel Racing’s annual best-seller list, underlining how strongly fans responded to that Daytona 500 moment. For many collectors, the die-cast symbolized JRM finally stepping onto NASCAR’s biggest stage.
Right behind it at No. 2 was Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Budweiser Speedway Classic Late Model Chevrolet, a reminder that Jr.’s popularity doesn’t fade with time. Even without weekly Cup starts, his name still carries generational loyalty. The throwback feel of the Budweiser scheme tapped straight into nostalgia, blending Earnhardt Jr.’s grassroots roots with his Hall of Fame stature.
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Allgaier made another appearance at No. 3 with the Traveller Whiskey Raced Version Chevrolet, reinforcing just how impactful that Cup debut was. The raced version, complete with the imperfections fans love, gave collectors a more authentic snapshot of the moment. Rubber marks, battle scars, and all.
Richard Childress & Johnny Morris Make Patriotic Power Moves Days After Causing NASCAR’s Collapse in Courtroom
NASCAR’s settlement in the antitrust lawsuit marked the end of one of the biggest arguments in recent history. With veteran car owner Richard Childress being a part of the conversation, the lawsuit had escalated, considering his time in the witness box, where he was made to accept a potential deal to sell an ownership stake in his team. Interestingly, this was supposed to be under an NDA.
Ultimately, the teams seemed to be happy with the settlement. Understandably, Childress also sided with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports during the trial, and seemingly, he has been glad with the outcome. And now, the 80-year-old recently made a public appearance, reflecting his patriotism in a long-awaited football game. He was joined by Johnny Morris, one of NASCAR’s biggest sponsors, whose open letter was a key element in bringing NASCAR down to the settlement.
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Richard Childress and Bass Pro Shops CEO spotted together
Following the NASCAR season, several sporting events remain, and football is one of them. The long-awaited Army-Navy game recently took place. Apart from the action-filled game, there was another eye-catching moment for the fans as Richard Childress made a surprising appearance with Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris. They were also accompanied by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg.
This was a special appearance, considering the value that Morris’ Bass Pro Shops holds in NASCAR. It is a major sponsor for the teams and has added great value to the sport. Being a close friend of Childress, he also gained quite some traction amongst the media, owing to a letter he wrote.
Childress was the subject of racial slurs in the text messages that were publicized before the trial. One of the messages also mentioned that he “needs to be taken out back and flogged.” In the letter that Morris wrote, he expressed the disappointment he felt regarding the racial messages.
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“We are extremely upset by the recent disclosure of shockingly offensive and false criticisms of Richard by the Commissioner of NASCAR Steve Phelps. For the Commissioner and his allies, to attack one of the pillars of the sport is incredibly irresponsible and a disservice to everyone involved in NASCAR and its partners, sponsors and fans.”
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Childress was also made to admit that he was in talks to sell an ownership stake in his team. However, he claimed that this was under an NDA, which was seemingly leaked. The letter from Morris, along with this leak, was two major hits on the sport’s side of the hearing. These were understood to be some of the biggest reasons for NASCAR’s decision of a settlement.
What does the NASCAR settlement say about permanent charters?
The antitrust lawsuit was primarily focused on the 2025 Charter Agreement. Teams claimed that the media share wasn’t enough for teams to operate their cars throughout the season, and asked for permanent charters. However, this would have meant that NASCAR would lose the control it had over the charters, and understandably, the sport did not agree to it.
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However, with the increasing tension within the courtroom during the trial, an undisclosed settlement was made between NASCAR and the plaintiffs (Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan‘s co-owned 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports).
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While most details of this settlement were kept confidential, it was revealed that the charters would be made “evergreen.” Simply meaning, permanent, and the teams could keep their current charters indefinitely.
This was a major victory for the teams and veteran owners like Richard Childress, not just giving them more financial stability, but also security for the upcoming seasons.
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The reunion between Richard Childress and Johnny Morris is more than just two old friends hanging out. It represents the strong victory that the teams had, with the support of the sponsors, over NASCAR.
Greg Stimmel Brings WWE Playbook To NASCAR Sponsorship Strategy
When Greg Stimmel joined NASCAR as Senior VP and Chief Commercial Officer in 2024, he brought with him a playbook written by the sports, spectacle, and storytelling of the WWE where he led global sales and partnership.
The WWE and NASCAR might seem worlds apart, one scripted, one not, but Stimmel sees a striking similarity.
“I think WWE and NASCAR are similar and different all at the same time,” Stimmel said. “When you look at how WWE is constructed… it’s very much about the everyday American, right? And how do you speak to them and how do brands tell stories in that way? That was the through line.”
His mission then: translate the showmanship, engagement, and brand storytelling he honed at WWE to the racetrack, all without undermining NASCAR’s authenticity. “When we were able to tell a story in a different way for a brand at WWE, it’s the same thing we’re trying to do with brands here in NASCAR now,” Stimmel said. “It’s about blending tradition with creativity—bringing fans and sponsors into the sport without being on-the-nose or heavy-handed.”
That WWE experience shapes how he approaches one of NASCAR’s biggest challenges: helping brands navigate an ecosystem that is as much about culture and lifestyle as it is about cars and speed. “We’re very unique as a company where we can take storytelling from the league level down to the track level and partner with teams, and tell that story in such a way that not a lot of other sports can,” he said.
Stimmel points to the competitive product, the close finishes, parity among teams, and unpredictable races, as the hook that draws fans in and keeps brands engaged. That drama, that tension is NASCAR’s secret sauce. It’s what gives sponsors genuine, high-stakes moments to associate their brands with.
But authenticity is just as important as excitement and the WWE lessons aren’t limited to storytelling; they extend to timing, spectacle, and emotional engagement. He compares NASCAR’s biggest races to WrestleMania moments: “Each track has its own personality, and each race has its own. If you want to partner and tell a camping story, Talladega is the spot. Daytona 500? That’s our WrestleMania. It’s the biggest show, the flyovers, the pageantry—it’s a one-of-a-kind moment for any brand.”
ForbesCase Dismissed As NASCAR Races Ahead With Sponsorships In 2025
Looking ahead, Stimmel sees the potential for further evolution. “We’re going to create new assets that we might not even know about yet. Maybe something floating in Lake Lloyd at Daytona. Maybe a rooftop experience. There’s a million things we could do that other sports can’t replicate. That’s our secret sauce.”
For brands, the message is clear: NASCAR offers more than a logo placement. It provides a narrative, a moment, and a connection. And for Stimmel, WWE’s lessons in spectacle, storytelling, and fan loyalty have proven a perfect primer for bringing that vision to the racetrack.
“With the competitive product, the story, and authentic engagement, we’re not just selling sponsorships—we’re giving brands a way to be part of an American cultural touchstone,” Stimmel said.
As for the future of NASCAR and its partnerships, the goalpost is ambitious but set to a level by what’s already been achieved by sports like Formula 1 and the NFL.
“I think invariably what those guys have been able to build over the course of time is extremely impressive, right?” Stimmel says. “And I think that it’s taken them years, if not decades, to get there. And that’s what our aspiration should be, is to go up and do that. So I think that every– League has a unique element. And I think to that point, the NFL is on for whatever it is, 18 weeks, right? And we’re on for 36. And that to me is our secret sauce, is that we are on throughout the year.
We are connected to Middle America unlike anyone else. Our resonance back with the heartland of America and who we are and how we’re going to talk about the brand is very unique. So I think we’ll continue to tell our story, but do I think we have a seat at the table soon? I think so.”
In other words, NASCAR’s playbook for brands isn’t just about selling to an audience, it’s about being part of American culture, every week, all season long. Stimmel’s WWE-honed approach proves that when spectacle, story, and authenticity align, sponsorship becomes something far more compelling than a name on a car: it becomes an experience fans want to be part of.
Case Dismissed As NASCAR Races Ahead With Sponsorships In 2025
NASCAR spent much of the 2025 season defending itself, but now the gavel has dropped, and the courtroom lights have been turned off. NASCAR can finally look back on what actually mattered this year; the product being delivered on the track. Because that product continued to deliver results that kept companies knocking on the door.
While insults were being hurled, and headlines focused on legal maneuvering, NASCAR’s business engine never lifted. The cash register kept ringing; sponsorships climbed by roughly 10 percent year-over-year, a surge fueled not just by legacy partners doubling down, but by new brands deciding to climb over the pit wall.
Not only have blue-chip brands like Coca-Cola, and Anheuser-Busch continued to engage with fans, but relative newcomers such as Freeway Insurance increased their presence by moving up to Premier partner status. There was also the return of Red Bull after a 13-year hiatus.
All of this isn’t just a revenue metric for NASCAR; it’s also a credibility signal. Verifiable proof that the sport’s competitive product, cultural relevance, and fan engagement are once again aligned.
“First and foremost, it’s always the competitive product,” Greg Stimmel NASCAR Senior VP, Chief Commercial Officer said. “If the product is not good, it’s very difficult for brands to then tie into.”
ForbesFreeway Insurance Merges Onto NASCAR’s Fast Lane In 2026
And it’s that competitive product that most argue has never been better. A record 9 races were decided by a last lap pass in 2025, the most in Cup series history, and there were 835 lead changes the most since 2011.
“You’re never going to watch a NASCAR race and see a 40-point blowout, and you turn the race off, right?” Stimmel says. “You have to watch until the very end because someone is always going to be competing to win.”
It’s those finishes, the parity and the unpredictable drama that’s helped gain the attention of sponsors, but that’s just part of the story.
“Those things are really important for us,” Stimmel says. “Then I think the authenticity on how we tell the brand story is also important. You can’t just logo slap anymore.”
That means there is also no clear path for every brand. And different ways for a brand to measure their ROI.
“I think that as we go in and have conversations with brands, everyone has a different success metric,” Stimmel admits. “But the one that is a through line in a down economy is selling things. They need to sell and move cases of product. And I think that NASCAR is uniquely positioned to any sport where the sponsorship element is actually tied into the success of their favorite race car or the race itself.
So when you see Tide on pit road, there’s an association that Tide is helping cars do better on the track at that given point. If you see the activation with Slim Jim, it’s the taste of victory, and there’s this positive association with the sport that I think is unique.”
No one brand learned this lesson better in 2025 than Arby’s. They signed on as a sponsor for Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 car early in 2025. But it wasn’t long before they were all in, stepping in as a founding partner of the Chicago Street Race in July. It was there they promoted their new Angus Cheesesteak.
“Powered by Inspire’s in-house unified data platform and analysis engine, we have a unique look into where our guests engage most,” said Jeff Baker, CMO at Arby’s. “This data showed a significant overlap between Arby’s fans and NASCAR enthusiasts, making the partnership a natural fit. The NASCAR Chicago Street Race—one of the most viewed and distinctive events—was the perfect opportunity for Arby’s to reach both existing and new fans in a bold, memorable way.’
In Chicago Cody Ware’s No. 51 car was wrapped in Angus Cheesesteak glory, trackside arrows shouting, “This Way for Arby’s Cheesesteak,” and an RV bringing the brand straight to fans along with broadcast elements. The payoff? Sixty thousand sandwiches sold in two days and a social media storm proving that when a sponsor shows up with personality and authenticity, fans don’t just notice—they act.
ForbesGreg Stimmel Brings WWE Playbook To NASCAR Sponsorship Strategy
The activation in Chicago not only built momentum for the product, but it also allowed Arby’s to see how it would resonate in such a high-energy environment. It was one of Arby’s most successful launches in years.
“What we saw was clear: our presence not only energized existing customers but also sparked strong interest from a completely new NASCAR audience,” said Baker.
It was the payoff of an idea borne from a pitch deck that proved it was worth doing.
“We challenged ourselves to create messaging that would stand out both on TV and live at the track,” Baker said. “Race for the Cheesesteak” delivered on both, with on-track signage of “This Way for Arby’s Cheesesteak” guiding drivers to the finish line and a commercial that brought the race car experience into viewer’s homes. The concept captured the speed and excitement of NASCAR while giving fans a fun, timely way to engage with the launch of our new Cheesesteak product.”
NASCAR fans can be a fickle bunch. While they understand that sponsorships keep the sport they love going, they can punish brands who seem fake, and reward those who are clever. In the end Arby’s was rewarded not only by moving over 60,000 cheesesteaks in Chicago but with helping the brand build long-term customers.
“Early indicators like strong social engagement, positive fan sentiment, and in-store excitement showed us that fans weren’t just noticing Arby’s, they were actively participating with the brand,” Baker said. “The partnership with NASCAR helped make the launch of the cheesesteak one of our most successful product launches in recent years.”
They built off that success three months later at Las Vegas Motor Speedway when the brand brought a Steak Nuggets-branded No. 51 Ford to the track and even had driver Cody Ware serving up samples from an Arby’s food truck in the fan zone — turning spectators into tasters and cars into billboards for a product they could taste right there.
“Our primary goal for the Vegas race weekend was to drive social engagement, and we saw results that exceeded expectations across all channels,” Baker said. “A secondary focus was product sampling, which performed exceptionally well throughout the weekend. After the race, we felt confident that fans weren’t just noticing Arby’s, they were engaging with the brand in meaningful ways.”
So what’s ahead? Well Arby’s entered NASCAR with a sandwich and now has a playbook.
“We are continuing to evaluate both big and small moments across the full NASCAR schedule that align with our product calendar and business objectives,” Baker said. “With the proven success of our 2025 activations, we see even more opportunities in 2026 to engage fans, add value during the season, and extend the excitement into the off-season.”
As NASCAR turns the page on 2025, the sport’s pitch to future partners is clearer than ever: this isn’t sponsorship by logo; this is sponsorship by story. The competitive product — close finishes, lead changes, unpredictable drama — keeps eyeballs glued. That drives engagement. That drives value. That drives results.
And that, more than any courtroom ruling or press release, may be the clearest sign of where NASCAR stands as 2025 ends and 2026 gets closer: If you bring something real to the track, fans will meet you halfway. Sometimes all the way to the concession stand.
NASCAR Faces Uncomfortable Reality as Grassroot Racing Series Rejects Its Formula, Claims Insider
Most say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but in this case, grassroots racing has one-upped NASCAR in a big way. The current playoff, which has taken the NASCAR community by storm, has been one of the hottest topics of the year. With critics like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chase Elliott among those calling for a return to a full-season point-paying system, the 2026 playoff format appears headed for change.
But grassroots racing, the very foundation of NASCAR, chose a different path and stuck to its own vision. Now, one NASCAR insider can’t help but applaud the series for breaking away from NASCAR’s approach.
Kenny Wallace didn’t hold back. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the veteran and ex-FOX broadcaster couldn’t help but cheer for Team Grassroots.
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“It’s always been monkey see monkey do business,” Kenny Wallace said. “NASCAR comes up with these ideas and then a lot of the short tracks copy what NASCAR does. I will say this is the first time I’ve seen it be the opposite. This is the first time where I’ve seen a short track series say, “Nope, we’re making the move before NASCAR does. We’re going to—we’re going back to normal format next year.”
Since 2023, the Lucas Oil Late Model Series has followed a chase-style playoff format, borrowing heavily from NASCAR‘s elimination-driven approach.
Under the system, drivers earned points during the regular season to qualify for a championship showdown, after which points were reset and the title was decided over the closing races with an emphasis on wins, consistency, and high-pressure moments.
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The goal was clear: heighten urgency, manufacture drama, and keep the championship battle alive until the very end, much like the NASCAR playoff model. But that experiment is now coming to an end.
“For the 2026 season, we’re gonna return to a traditional points format for next year and go away from the Chase format. So we’ve tried something. We wanted to elevate our program,” Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series director Rick Schwallie announced, confirming a significant shift in direction for one of dirt racing’s premier tours.
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This return to roots aligns with other major motorsports series. IndyCar awards its champion based on cumulative points across the entire season, explicitly rejecting a NASCAR-style playoff despite promoter interest, as confirmed by president Doug Boles.
Formula 1 also runs a straight, season-long points race, paying 25 points for a win down to 1 point for 10th, with no mid-year resets or eliminations, so the title goes to the driver who is consistently the best over the whole calendar, rather than just the hottest at the end.
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That is why Lucas Oil’s move back to a full-season championship fits a wider motorsports bias toward rewarding week-to-week consistency, in contrast to NASCAR’s deliberately volatile, playoff-style format that leans into jeopardy and late-season chaos.
Under the traditional format, every race carries equal weight, rewarding seasonal consistency, durability, and adaptability, core values deeply rooted in dirt racing.
For Wallace, the solution lies at the grassroots level.
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“So, a shout-out to the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series for doing something on their own instead of following what NASCAR does. And that leads me to this. That’s how far NASCAR has fallen. That’s how wounded NASCAR is,” he admitted.
Rather than relying on short, high-stakes stretches, championships are won through sustained performances across the entire schedule. As a result, the move for 2026 feels less like a step backward and more like a return to the series’ foundation.
Recently, NASCAR has been embroiled in an antitrust lawsuit throughout the year. And with it, it brought some ugly truths about NASCAR leadership, like Steve Phelps calling Richard Childress a “stupid redneck.”
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Amid all this, Kenny Wallace believes that it’s time to change a few things around in that department.
Wallace names leaders who could potentially save NASCAR
Kenny Wallace has voiced concerns about NASCAR’s current leadership amid the ugly lawsuit drama, stressing the need for experienced voices paired with fresh thinking to help navigate ongoing challenges.
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He pointed to Mark Martin and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt‘s daughter, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, as two figures he believes could bring meaningful change.
According to Wallace, both would be better equipped than outsiders to address NASCAR’s issues, with Martin in particular showing an ability to recognize problems before they become widely apparent.
“I didn’t see it… My defense was that I didn’t think it was a big deal cuz we went for years and nobody said a thing about it. And then all of a sudden this year, Mark came up and said, ‘There’s a reason those old NASCAR races on YouTube get such a big viewership, ’” he said.
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But that didn’t stop there; the 61-year-old veteran praised Earnhardt Miller’s leadership and analytical skills, citing her experience managing race teams, sponsorships, and personnel.
He also highlighted Mark Martin’s business background, shaped by his father’s trucking operation, which gave him early exposure to the business side of racing.
He emphasized that these fresh perspectives are crucial for NASCAR’s future.
“That’s what (bring a fresh perspective with a fresh mind) Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Mark Martin could do for NASCAR,” he admitted. “While we dream that they would be great for NASCAR, I don’t think he’d want that job. Us fans, we’d love it. But I think both of them, I think Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Mark Martin are millionaires over and over as it is right now…”
However, Wallace acknowledged that neither may want the burden of a full-time leadership role, given their financial success and current lifestyles.
Instead, he suggested they could still contribute as advisors, offering insight through occasional discussions without taking on the day-to-day pressures of NASCAR management. Only time will tell if this idea comes to life.
How the NASCAR Charter System Works After the Antitrust Settlement
NASCAR’s charter system has shaped how teams compete and do business in the Cup Series since 2016. Built to give teams stability and predictable income, the model guarantees race entry and shares revenue with charter holders.
That system came under sharp focus during an antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, a case that ended in a December 2025 settlement.
While the lawsuit did not remove charters, it led to changes that now define the system’s future. Here is how the charter system works, why teams challenged it, and what changed after the settlement.
How the NASCAR charter system is structured
NASCAR introduced charters in 2016 to replace the old owner-points model. Under the system, 36 charters were awarded to teams that showed long-term commitment and regular participation over the prior three seasons. A charter guarantees entry into every points-paying Cup Series race and ensures a share of race purses and other revenue.
Each Cup race allows up to 40 cars, leaving four open spots for non-chartered teams. These open teams must qualify on speed and receive less guaranteed money. Charters can be sold or leased, with NASCAR approval, and their value has increased sharply over time.
Sportico reporter Brendan Coffey noted that Spire Motorsports paid about $40 million for a charter before the 2023 season, a major jump from earlier deals that were closer to $10-$15 million.
Charter ownership is capped at four per organization. NASCAR.com explained that when the system was announced, it was designed to deliver “stability and long-term value to existing team owners” while keeping Cup Series fields full and competitive. Revenue distribution among charter teams is not equal and depends on recent performance and owner standings, a structure detailed by Motorsport.com reporter Matt Weaver.
Why teams pushed back against the system
Despite rising charter values, many teams argued the system did not cover their costs. According to Sportico, charter-related payouts are widely estimated at $8–$9 million per team each year, while the cost to operate a single Cup car can reach $10 million or more. That gap leaves teams heavily dependent on sponsorship revenue.
The dispute grew louder after NASCAR signed a new media rights deal set to begin in 2025, valued at roughly $1.1 billion per year. Teams wanted a larger share of that money. Brendan Coffey of Sportico reported that team owners believe NASCAR keeps too much of the media revenue, while NASCAR has countered that teams do not fully account for the expense of owning, operating, and maintaining racetracks.
These tensions led 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to file an antitrust lawsuit in late 2024. The teams alleged that NASCAR used monopoly power to control competition, restrict teams from racing in other series, and impose unfair charter terms. During the trial, testimony included economic analysis claiming teams were underpaid by hundreds of millions of dollars under the existing structure.
What changed after the 2025 settlement
The lawsuit reached federal court in Charlotte but ended with a settlement on December 11, 2025, before jury deliberations.
Charters are now permanent and cannot be revoked. Revenue sharing increased, a significant rise from previous levels. Restrictions that limited teams from competing in other racing series were also eased.
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, said the settlement “levels the playing field without dismantling what works.”
The NASCAR charter system remains in place, but with stronger protections for teams. It continues to guarantee full fields and business stability while reflecting changes prompted by the legal challenge that reshaped NASCAR’s approach to team economics.
The family ties at the heart of NASCAR were highlighted throughout the trial
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The theme of family ties in motorsports was woven through Michael Jordan’s federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, with witness after witness testifying to their emotional connections to the top motorsports series in the United States.
It began on the opening day when three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin broke down in tears talking about his dying father introducing him to racing and financially leveraging the entire family to help his son make it to NASCAR.
Next came Jordan himself, a basketball Hall of Famer who was raised going on family weekend vacations to NASCAR races across the South with his father, a fan of Richard Petty. So began a love affair that led him to partner with Hamlin to launch 23XI Racing in 2021.
Bob Jenkins formed Front Row Motorsports after falling in love with NASCAR as a teenager in East Tennessee, and he’s hoped to hand the team down to his four sons.
Joe Gibbs Racing is a family business, the daughter-in-law of the Hall of Fame NFL coach testified, and Richard Childress said his 60-year-old team is meant to go to his grandsons, both current Cup Series drivers.
And then there is NASCAR itself: Bill France Sr. founded the sport in 1948 and to this day it is privately owned by the Florida-based France family. His youngest son is chairman, his granddaughter vice chair and great-grandson an executive on NASCAR’s board of directors.
It was core principles that Bill France passed down to his two sons that shaped the hardline stance Jim France took with teams as NASCAR chairman in negotiations for the 2025 revenue-sharing agreement.
The teams wanted charters — the equivalent of a franchise in other sports — to become permanent and not renewable. In NASCAR, a charter guarantees cars a spot in the 40-car field each week, as well as specified financial terms, and Jim France never considered permanency an option.
The case was abruptly settled Thursday when NASCAR relented and agreed to permanent charters, and the two teams and their attorneys headed to a Charlotte steakhouse for a celebratory lunch. Hamlin posted a photo on Instagram of a toast with Jordan and their lead attorneys
“My history for this sport, and certainly my passion, this doesn’t happen unless you’ve got a fire to really help and grow this sport, and that’s what happened today,” Hamlin said outside court. “I feel like everything within the settlement is going to grow this sport, and it’s going to be better for everyone, there’s no doubt about it.”
The case had not been going well for NASCAR through the first eight days of testimony. When NASCAR began its defense on Wednesday, it seemed focused on mitigating damages rather than showing it didn’t engage in anticompetitive behavior.
Jim France had testified that he relied on the core principles drilled into his head over dinner growing up in negotiations. His mother, credited with helping her husband build NASCAR from nothing, told her two sons to always pay their bills. Bill France Sr. advised them “do what you say you’re going to do.”
“I’ve just seen so much change over the years and things are changing at a fast pace and I don’t know how to put something in place — I don’t know how we could come to an agreement that covers forever,” he testified.
He later tied it directly to his parents’ advice: “I don’t have a sightline for the future and I don’t feel comfortable making a promise I can’t keep forever.”
France was also asked on the stand whether anyone can take NASCAR away from the family. France referenced the pandemic, when NASCAR shut down for nearly two months before leveraging its ownership of racetracks to become the first sport back up and running, albeit without fans in the grandstands.
“I don’t know,” he slowly said. “We were in business in 2020 of March and we woke up weren’t in business. I don’t know how to answer that.”
On Thursday, France left the courthouse with the family business still intact.
“I learned a lot of things,” he told The Associated Press. “And I always enjoy new learning experiences.”
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Michael Jordan speaks out after 23XI Racing, Front Row settlement with NASCAR
The NASCAR antitrust trial came to an abrupt end as Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, along with Front Row Motorsports, agreed to settle. NASCAR and the teams came together this morning after eight days of a contentious trial.
Michael Jordan was in court every day of this trial. He was fully invested in this trial from start to finish. This morning, to the delight of the Plaintiffs and many fans, the case was settled with improved terms for all teams in the Cup Series.
Teams will be sent a new charter agreement to sign. Among the changes are permanent, “evergreen,” charters. It will essentially set up a franchise system for NASCAR. It will also likely lead to an increase in value for an individual charter on the market.
As a co-owner of 23XI Racing and one of the most famous humans to ever live, Michael Jordan is an important partner in the sport. After this case and the settlement, perhaps his importance has increased along with charter values.
“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans,” Jordan said in a statement released to the media. “With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”
Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin celebrate settlement
Of course, Denny Hamlin, a co-owner of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, is excited. Both Hamlin and Jordan testified as witnesses for the Plaintiffs in this case. The co-owners, along with Curtis Polk, have secured meaningful concessions from NASCAR in this settlement. Not just for their own team and themselves, but for the Cup Series as a whole.
It is hard to tell what led to this settlement at this time. There are a lot of factors, of course. But NASCAR had begun its defense on Wednesday. Then, they came into court the next morning and settled. There was also the Johnny Morris letter.
Wednesday night, Morris, the CEO of Bass Pro Shops, wrote a letter to NASCAR and released it publicly. The letter touched on the comments made by Commissioner Steve Phelps about Richard Childress being a “stupid redneck,” among other insults. Morris also asked the France family to “reflect carefully on the damage that’s being done to NASCAR in the ongoing dispute and dig deep and strive hard for compromise.”
However, the settlement came about, and it is likely a good thing overall. The sport won’t be torn apart completely. Nothing is going to happen with the race tracks. 23XI Racing and Front Row have regained their charters for the 2026 season, meaning they will each have three. On top of that, charters are now permanent. A new era in the sport without taking the nuclear option.
Chevy Team to Enter Kyle Larson’s Series as Michael Jordan Ends NASCAR’s Monopoly
Fresh off the courtroom on Thursday, the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit has just been settled. The major wins for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row are that they can now enjoy their charters permanently and even have a stake in 1/3rd of the intellectual property revenue. As it ends NASCAR’s ‘monopoly’ and opens up opportunities, Spire Motorsports is the first one to grab it.
Spire Motorsports prepare their debut in Kyle Larson’s HLR Series
The team has announced its entry into Kyle Larson’s High Limit Racing in the 2026 season, along with its Cup Series entry. The lawsuit settlement has made the teams more financially stable, so this surely helps them.
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Sprint racing is set to be a new turf for Spire Motorsports in the 2026 season. High Limit Racing, co-owned by Kyle Larson and his brother-in-law, Brad Sweet, is highly anticipated owing to the challenge it provides. Understandably, entering two completely different racing series can be a financial strain on teams, but would that be the case with Spire?
NASCAR’s lawsuit settlement has allowed the team to make its Charters “evergreen.” This will make the Charters higher in value and give the teams more financial stability to keep racing in the Cup Series. This is positive news for Spire as they prepare for their debut in the dirt.
“Going on the road with High Limit is like a dream come true and to do this with people I have deep respect and appreciation for makes it even better,” Spire Motorsports’ co-owner, Jeff Dickerson, said.
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24-year-old Giovanni “Gio” Scelzi is set to pilot Spire’s entry in Kyle Larson’s series. He is the son of former NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car champion Gary Scelz. Scelzi has proved his competitiveness, having won multiple races at the national level.
NASCAR was never too happy with its drivers and teams participating in other racing series. While no written rule stopped teams from running in other series, the reaction coming from the Superstar Racing Experience was solid proof. However, that wouldn’t be the case after the lawsuit’s settlement.
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How will the teams benefit from the lawsuit settlement?
23XI and Front Row Motorsports filed the joint antitrust lawsuit in October 2024 after not signing the Charter Agreements. They claimed monopolistic practices from NASCAR, and one of their primary ask was for the Charters to be made permanent.
There seemed to be quite some resistance from the defendants initially, but a little over a week into the trial, NASCAR agreed to a settlement. The exact details of the same weren’t made public, but one thing is for sure: the teams will benefit from this.
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As mentioned, the Charters will be made “evergreen,” meaning the teams can keep them indefinitely. Not only does this increase their valuation, but it also gives NASCAR less control over them. Moreover, there are expected to be changes in the revenue that teams will earn from the media rights deal, keeping them more financially stable.
Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin were the main faces representing the teams in the courtroom. The duo, who together own 23XI Racing, are responsible for changing the fundamentals of the sport, all for the teams.
With this financial stability, teams can now look into other investments. As for Spire, they will soon be heading into the dirt, leaving a strong trail in Kyle Larson’s HLR Series.
Michael Jordan y NASCAR llegan a un acuerdo en demanda antimonopolio
Front Row y 23XI alegaron que los estatutos eran injustos y no otorgaban a los equipos suficientes derechos ni dinero.
Los dos equipos acusaban a la NASCAR y a su director ejecutivo, Jim France, de operar sin transparencia, sofocar la competencia y controlar la competición para su propio beneficio.
En un comunicado conjunto emitido este jueves, las partes enfrentadas anunciaron un acuerdo, en virtud del cual la NASCAR emitiría una enmienda para los actuales titulares de
Jeffrey Kessler told everyone, including NASCAR, this was going to happen
On Oct. 2, 2024, the day two NASCAR teams shocked the industry by filing a joint antitrust lawsuit against the sport, Jeffrey Kessler, their lead counsel, made no bones about what was to come.
“This is reminiscent for me of many sports that have gone through a transformative model,” said Kessler. “(It’s) sort of a moment when the legal system basically confronts them and says, either you’re going to voluntarily change or you’re going to be changed and you can either get on the bus or get run over by the bus. No one wanted this litigation but NASCAR didn’t really give these teams any choice – you either submit to the bully or you fight. They’re going to fight.
“We think at the end of the day, NASCAR’s going to have to change because that’s what the legal system is going to require.”
It took 435 days for those words to come true.
NASCAR settled with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports on Dec. 11. It happened after there had been eight days of dirty laundry aired in court, which followed the dirty laundry that had previously come out during hearings and discovery over the last 14 months.
Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan and Bob Jenkins are taking their victory lap. They are being celebrated as heroes, game changers, and brave for taking the action that they did and prevailing. For some, David took down Goliath. Or the bully was finally put in its place.
The sport will indeed change. But the question is, how will that be shown going forward?
Judge Kenneth Bell said from the bench, after reviewing the settlement deal before allowing the parties to execute it, he was happy with what it comprises. Bell praised both sides for finally reaching an agreement and for their hard work, though he wished it had happened sooner.
“This is going to be great for NASCAR,” Bell said. “The entity NASCAR, the industry NASCAR, the teams, the drivers and, as you have said yourselves, ultimately the fans.”
It was a long way from Bell saying in June, “I am once again amazed at the effort going on to burn this house down over everyone’s head, but I’m the fire marshal, and I’ll be here in December if need be.”
Bell, by the way, served as an excellent main character of this saga alongside a host of lawyers (seriously, there were so many lawyers) that showed everyone why they are the best in their respective fields and feisty when need be. He was the right man for the job of overseeing what will go down as NASCAR’s trial of the century, with both humor and take-no-crap approach.
Cup Series teams now have permanent charters. Mission accomplished: they got one of the four pillars they wanted during those two years of negotiations.
It appears that the revenue split will also be adjusted. Another mission accomplished from what the teams originally wanted. But it’s hard to imagine that variable will have any effect outside the race shops. Money makes the world go round, so its impact can’t be discounted.
A seat at the table, or having a voice, has been given back to the teams. They argued that NASCAR’s elimination of its three-strike rule left them with no say in the sport’s governance. It appears they will now have a five-strike rule.
At the heart of it all, the teams wanted to feel valued as both partners of the sport and in their bank accounts. Again, time will tell if that happens, but for now, as one of the lasting images of the case, Michael Jordan and Jim France were standing side by side, telling everyone that a compromise has been reached and now it’s time to focus on racing.
“On behalf of the France family and for the sake of the 75 years they’ve invested in building this sport into what it is today and for the fans and for the sport,” John Stephenson Jr., the personal attorney of Jim France, said, “we’re glad to put these differences behind us in this lawsuit, lock arms, move together preserving the charter system for the benefit of all the stakeholders and growing this sport and the fan experience to be the greatest in all of sports.”
Do not be fooled, though; it might have been just business to some, but there were a lot of personal feelings involved, too. All of the handshakes and friendly mingling in the courtroom after the settlement was reached aren’t going to erase that and NASCAR, as a sport, has gone through a very public and ugly battle.
The court of public opinion is unhappy. NASCAR has taken a beating in that area, and they are going to have to reckon with that.
The comments made via text messages and emails were not intended to be made public. If we’re honest with ourselves, it’s human nature to say regretful and even horrid things behind someone’s back. But when it’s done by high-profile people – and made public – there needs to be a reaction.
NASCAR needs to show it has integrity and respect for its competitors. The garage needs to be able to respect and trust those they are working with. And the fans need to feel like there are adults in charge.
For now, though, fortunately, the biggest and ugliest fight is over, and we buckle up to see how it shapes the future. But in the end, it’ll never be forgotten that Jeffrey Kessler was right all along.
Spire Motorsports Sets 2026 Crew Chief Lineup for Cup, Truck Programs
Spire Motorsports has officially locked down its competition lineup for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) campaigns, the team announced on Friday.
The organization’s lineup for the coming season doesn’t include any brand-new hires, but instead, features a shuffling of positions (and job titles) for several members of the Spire Motorsports family — many of which have been with the team for several years.
Matt McCall, a four-time race-winning crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series (with Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski), has been promoted to the position of Competition Director within the organization’s framework at NASCAR’s top-level. McCall joined the organization at the start of this season as Director of Vehicle Performance.
Ryan Sparks, who spent the majority of last season serving in a dual role as Competition Director and crew chief of the No. 7 Chevrolet (which, at the time, was driven by Justin Haley) will get the opportunity to focus on being shot-caller of the No. 7 in 2026, driven by Daniel Suarez.
Both Travis Peterson (who joined Spire Motorsports with Michael McDowell in 2025) and Luke Lambert (who moved with Carson Hocevar from LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in 2024) will retain their positions as crew chief of the No. 71 and No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro, respectively.
In their first season together at Spire, McDowell and Peterson collected three top-fives and six top-10s, finishing 22nd in NASCAR Cup Series points, one spot in front of teammate Carson Hocevar, who with the help of Luke Lambert, collected two top-fives and nine top-10s.
Spire Motorsports has also made some slight changes to its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program’s competition lineup for the upcoming campaign.
Veteran NASCAR National Series crew chief and long-time Spire Motorsports employee Kevin
Spire Motorsports Sends Clear Message With 2026 Crew Chief Lineup
Spire Motorsports is sticking with familiarity while elevating from within as it sets its leadership structure for the 2026 NASCAR season. The team confirmed its crew chief lineup, retaining several key figures across its three-car Cup Series program while preparing for a full-time return to the Craftsman Truck Series.
After the 2025 campaign, Spire leaned on continuity and experience, promoting internal leaders and retaining veteran crew chiefs with championship and race-winning backgrounds.
Cup Series lineup and leadership structure
Matt McCall has been promoted to Cup Series Competition Director. McCall previously served as Spire’s Director of Vehicle Performance. Kevin Rutherford of Frontstretch reported that the move was part of a broader restructuring announced alongside the Truck Series return. McCall is a former Cup Series race-winning crew chief and joined Spire at the start of the 2025 season.
Ryan Sparks will serve as crew chief for the No. 7 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Suárez. Sparks spent much of last season in a dual role that included competition leadership. Joseph Srigley of Racing America reported that Sparks will now “focus on being the shot-caller of the No. 7 in 2026, driven by Daniel Suarez.” Sparks replaces Rodney Childers, who left Spire after the 2025 season.
Travis Peterson will continue as crew chief for Michael McDowell and the No. 71 Chevrolet. Peterson joined Spire with McDowell in 2025. Srigley reported that in their first season together, the pairing recorded several top-five and top-10 finishes while competing full-time.
Luke Lambert also remains in place as crew chief for Carson Hocevar and the No. 77 Chevrolet. Lambert moved to Spire with Hocevar ahead of the 2024 season and will continue working with the driver in 2026.
Truck Series program details for 2026
Spire Motorsports will field the No. 7 and No. 77 trucks in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team last competed full-time in the series before shifting its main focus to Cup racing. Rutherford reported that the Truck Series return was confirmed at the same time as the Cup Series promotions.
Kevin “Bono” Manion has been named Truck Series Competition Director. Manion previously served as crew chief for Spire’s No. 71 truck and brings championship-winning experience to the role.
Brian Pattie will serve as crew chief for the No. 7 truck, while Chad Walter will continue as crew chief for the No. 77 entry.
Context from the Spire Motorsports 2025 season
Spire Motorsports campaigned three full-time entries in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season: the Nos. 7, 71, and 77 Chevrolets.
The team did not record a victory and finished outside the top tier in the final points standings. Rodney Childers, a prominent, championship-winning crew chief, joined the No. 7 team for the start of the 2025 season but parted ways.
Joseph Srigley of Racing America described the new lineup as having “no brand-new hires,” instead pointing to a reshuffling of roles for long-time members of the organization. Rutherford also emphasized that the announcements tied the Cup and Truck leadership under one unified plan.
With the crew chief lineup now finalized, Spire Motorsports is expected to share more updates later in the offseason as preparations continue for the 2026 NASCAR season.
Roger Penske Lands HMS Icon in IndyCar as He Distances Himself From NASCAR’s Mistakes
NASCAR’s judgments may have worked fine for them, but they haven’t always gone down well with the garage and fans. Their officiating history is not short of controversies, whether it was the 2013 “Spingate” Scandal at Richmond, or something as bizarre as Dale Jr being penalized for saying ‘sh-t’ on TV post-race in 2004. They have faced a lot of criticism in day-to-day officiating as well, which includes issues like how the yellow line penalties on superspeedways are often given unfairly or are biased. Whether NASCAR has learned from this or not, IndyCar surely has.
Roger Penske’s IndyCar officiating gets a revamp
Recently, Roger Penske-owned IndyCar made a huge announcement ahead of the 2026 season. The series will now have an independent, non-profit officiating system in place, run by three board members. And one of them includes a veteran from his rival team, Hendrick Motorsports.
Ray Evernham, the HMS icon, is one of the board members who will share the table with former Ford executive Raj Nair and FIA representative Ronan Morgan. Evernham and Nair were selected via voting between the IndyCar owners, the ones who are charter members. While Morgan was selected via the Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA).
INDYCAR Officiating Inc. is the official name. As the board is a non-profit one, it will appoint a Managing Director of Officiating (MDO) and establish an annual budget for itself.
While the three race members will take care of the overall officiating, the managing director will report directly to them. And nobody, whether IndyCar or Penske Entertainment, can interfere in their decision. The MDO will also be responsible for hiring staff for race control and technical inspection. FIA too, will only appoint this person and do nothing else beyond that.
Evernham, former crew chief for Hendrick Motorsports, played a key role in Jeff Gordon’s career. Together, they won three Cup Series championships. Evernham was also responsible for Dodge’s return to NASCAR when he was handling Evernham Motorsports.
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The other board members also have a rich connection with the sport. Raj Nair has 30 years of experience at firms like Singer Group, Inc., Multimatic, Inc., and Ford. All Ford programs, whether in NASCAR or IMSA, were under him when he was the CTO and executive VP of Ford’s product development.
Speaking of Morgan, he brings his 50 years of motorsport experience, donning many hats in the industry — as an official, promoter, organizer, or competitor. Not just NASCAR, he was the sporting manager of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2009 to 2021, too.
What NASCAR and F1 can pick from IndyCar’s move
IndyCar used to have an in-house officiating board, recruited by Roger Penske. However, this could very easily be seen as a conflict of interest, so an independent board was necessary. Unlike IndyCar and Formula 1, NASCAR operates with a different system. The stock car racing series makes use of race directors, track officials, and advanced data systems to manage races. All decisions and sanctions are made from a central race control tower, with the help of technology and officials who make technical calls. Though it’s similar to IndyCar’s previous setup, where the control is still internal.
Meanwhile, in Formula 1, they operate under a race steward system. The FIA appoints these officials to interpret and enforce the regulations. However, the biggest drawback is that there has been a lack of consistency because the stewards are mostly volunteers. As such, there is no proper payment plan in place for these officials. Owing to the inconsistencies, drivers have called for permanent stewards.
In fact, Mercedes driver George Russell said, “Somebody’s got to stick their hand in their pocket to pay the stewards the correct amount. It would be to have consistent stewarding over the course of 24 races. At the end of the day, it’s a job. These people…it’s a multibillion-dollar sport. We shouldn’t be having volunteers having such great power in certain roles. So somebody’s got to pay for these people, in my eyes.”
Maybe what is happening in IndyCar now is a step in the right direction. A step that both NASCAR and F1 can look up to.
While NASCAR Clings to Playoffs, Rival Motorsports Series Makes Bold Return to Traditional Points System
“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. Now, it’s in NASCAR’s hands,” NASCAR’s managing director of racing communications, Mike Forde, said a month ago. And, well, that pretty much sums up the uneasy pause hovering over the sport.
All through the 2025 season, the championship format has been the elephant in the room. Drivers, fans, and insiders have all had their share of opinions. Even if a change comes, it’s expected to be some tweak in the playoffs, as that’s expected to stay. But while NASCAR weighs its options, another major motorsports series has already made a bold, decisive move to go back to its roots.
Late Model Dirt Series returns to its traditions
“For the 2026 season, we’re gonna return to a traditional points format for next year and go away from the Chase format. So we’ve tried something. We wanted to elevate our program,” Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series director Rick Schwallie announced recently and confirmed a major philosophical shift for one of dirt racing’s premier tours.
If you’ve been following the series, then you might be aware that since 2023, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has operated under a Chase-style playoff system, which mirrors the elimination-style drama seen in NASCAR. Drivers, throughout the regular season, accumulate points to qualify for the Late Model Dirt Series Chase.
Once the field is set, points are reset, and championship contenders battle through the final stretch of the schedule with stage-like emphasis on wins and consistency during the closing races. The idea was simple: inject urgency, create must-win moments, and keep the title fight alive deep into the season. Just like how NASCAR does!
And ultimately, with the same format, it also brought in the same criticism for them, like NASCAR. A full season’s worth of consistency could be minimized by a single bad night during the Chase. Mechanical failures, bad luck, or unavoidable incidents late in the year carried outsized consequences. Now, this is something that the dirt racing purists (and even the NASCAR community) have long pushed back against.
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On the contrary, in the traditional points format, every race matters equally. It rewards grinding reliability throughout the season over short bursts. This perfectly mirrors dirt racing’s roots, where mechanical endurance and adaptability matter most. That’s why the return to a traditional season-long points format for 2026 feels like a reset rather than a retreat.
As NASCAR continues debating how much “playoff drama” is too much amid growing community hate and declining viewership, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is choosing clarity. It is now betting that authenticity wins.
FloSports ushers in a new era for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
“Lucas Oil has been at the forefront of grassroots racing since Forrest Lucas launched the Lucas Oil Series, and this partnership with FloSports opens a new chapter for the Series,” FloSports CEO and co-founder Mark Floreani said. “We entered into this partnership to expand on the legacy of Dirt Late Model racing, and to deliver the best possible product to its fans across our platform for many years to come.”
With that statement, FloSports officially confirmed it has acquired ownership of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series from Lucas Oil Products. Now, this marks one of the most significant shifts in dirt racing’s modern era. While Lucas Oil steps away from day-to-day operations after running the series since 2005, it isn’t disappearing.
Instead, the company will remain deeply involved through a multi-year exclusive title sponsorship agreement, preserving the Lucas Oil name and legacy within the championship. For FloSports, this move represents far more than a branding exercise. Having served as the exclusive media rights holder for the national tour since 2022, FloSports now gains full operational control.
This allows FloSports to integrate live event production, marketing, content creation, advertising sales, and business operations under one roof. The goal is simple: increase exposure, streamline operations, and push the series into its next growth phase. Continuity remains a priority.
Series director Rick Schwallie and the entire LOLMDS staff will stay in place, with longtime announcer James Essex continuing as the voice of the tour. FloRacing’s broadcast booth will also feature Dustin Jarrett at select events, with Ben Shelton reporting from pit road.
The timing aligns with an ambitious 2026 calendar. The series will feature 58 races at 26 tracks across 15 states, beginning with the traditional Georgia-Florida Speedweeks offering more than $650,000 in purse money. The season will conclude with Carl Short’s Dirt Track World Championship, where a $100,000 winner’s prize awaits.
This acquisition builds on FloSports’ growing dirt racing portfolio. After taking a minority stake in High Limit Racing in 2023, FloRacing delivered massive engagement in 2025, including over 30 million video views from the Kubota Gateway Dirt National alone. In total, dirt racing content generated more than 220 million video views and 1.2 billion live minutes streamed.
Now, these are numbers that explain exactly why FloSports is betting big on dirt.
Permanent charters pivotal to NASCAR antitrust lawsuit settlement
In the lawsuit, the racing teams called NASCAR and the France family “monopolistic bullies” that forced racing teams to accept, under duress, a revenue-sharing agreement and a lack of permanent charters.
The financial terms of the settlement were not released.
“This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world,” NASCAR and the racing teams said in a joint statement. “ The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.”
The lawsuit was “about making progress,” Jordan, co-owner of the 23XI Racing team, said in a statement.
“It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans,” Jordan said. “With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”
A major goal of the lawsuit was to create “a more sustainable model” for teams, Curtis Polk, another co-owner of 23XI Racing, said in a statement.
“The result brings NASCAR and the chartered teams into better alignment and supports future growth and sustainability for all stakeholders and a better sport for the fans,” Polk said.
Jordan, testifying during the trial, said he had been a fan of racing since childhood – his father was a big Richard Petty fan – but felt the lawsuit was needed to stop teams from being shortchanged by NASCAR.
“Someone had to step forward and challenge the entity,” Jordan testified. “I sat in those meetings with longtime owners who were brow-beaten for so many years trying to make change. I was a new person, I wasn’t afraid. I felt I could challenge NASCAR as a whole. I felt as far as the sport, it needed to be looked at from a different view.”
Jim France, NASCAR CEO and chairman and grandson of founding family member Bill, said in a statement that the settlement provides “flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans.”
MIKE JOHNSON STOKES CONSERVATIVE BACKLASH WITH NCAA-FRIENDLY SPORTS BILL
NASCAR, an acronym for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, was organized in late 1947 by Bill France Sr. in Daytona Beach, with the first race in February 1948 on the beach in Daytona. The circuit was long known as a fixture of the South until unprecedented growth in the 1980s made it national.
Since the turn of the century, races have been held in Canada and Mexico.
Cubs’ Dansby Swanson Announces News Away From MLB on Sunday
The Chicago Cubs remain hopeful of making another trip to the MLB playoffs in 2025. The front office is expected to make additions to the roster in order to contend for first place in the NL Central. If they do return to the postseason, a major reason will be the play of Dansby Swanson, who is entering his fourth season with the Cubs.
The 31-year-old veteran shortstop has consistently provided elite defense up the middle along with steady offensive production since signing a seven-year, $177 million contract with Chicago in December 2022.
In 2025, Swanson posted a .244 batting average, a .300 on-base percentage and a .717 OPS, while adding 24 home runs and 77 RBIs across 159 games.
As Swanson enters the offseason, his focus has momentarily shifted away from baseball. The Purpose and Calling Foundation, founded by Swanson and his wife Mallory, aims to inspire youth through sports, offering unique experiences such as meeting them, hearing messages about purpose and attending games to build confidence and community.
“This morning, the Purpose and Calling Foundation had the honor of donating and wrapping more than 300 presents for the incredible kids at LYDIA Home thanks to the generosity of @malpugh and @dansbyswanson,” Swanson posted on Sunday.
He went on to explain that LYDIA Home’s Residential Treatment Program provides a structured, therapeutic environment for foster children facing serious behavioral challenges, many of whom have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. For these kids, the holidays look very different than they do for most.
“These gifts represent the one time each year the children can ask for items that are not necessities but items that allow them to feel comfortable, confident and like their peers. More than anything, they are a reminder that they are seen, valued and cared for. We are grateful to be part of a moment that helps these children feel a little more normal, a little more hopeful and deeply loved. Thank you to everyone who made this morning possible and showed these kids that there are good people in the world who care about them. We can’t wait for them to be opened on Christmas Day,” the post continued.
Swanson’s charitable work underscores the leadership qualities he brings to the Cubs. Just as he invests in building confidence and community off the field, he provides stability and guidance in the clubhouse. That balance of compassion and competitiveness makes him invaluable to Chicago’s pursuit of another postseason run.
Three Early Contenders for Astros First
The Houston Astros won’t have this much to do in the first round of a Major League Baseball draft since 2015.
The Astros have two selections in the first round of next July’s draft. One is their pick, the No. 17 overall. The other is a prospect performance incentive pick that the Astros are getting for pitcher Hunter Brown finishing in the top three in American League Cy Young voting. That pick is No. 28 overall.
Two sites — Baseball America (subscription required) and MLB Pipeline have already put together their first mock drafts of the 2026 cycle. BA had the Astros taking prep outfielder Blake Bowen out of JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. MLB Pipeline had the Astros taking Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese.
General manager Dana Brown and his staff have several months to figure it out. But, based on the rankings at these two services, here three other players to watch, aside from Bowen and Reese, at No. 17 overall, based on each service’s overall player rankings.
Jackson Flora
The UC Santa Barbara star is considered perhaps the best college pitcher in the draft. If he’s taken as the top college aged pitcher, he’ll be the third USCB pitcher to be that selection in 11 years.
He went 6-3 with a 3.60 ERA last season, including 86 strikeouts and 17 walks in 75 innings. He finished the season as an All-Big West first-team selection and was named the CBWA National Pitcher of the Week and Big West Pitcher of the Week after he threw his first career complete game shutout against Cal Poly on April 19. He spent last summer in USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp.
Carson Bolemon
Bolemon would be a buy-in to developing a prep pitcher. He’s throwing for Southside Christian High School in Simpsonville, S.C. He’s among the elite tier of prep pitchers. Baseball America scouted him and praised his repeatable delivery, his fastball which already hits 96 mph and emerging secondary pitches.
If the Astros go this way, he would be the first prep pitcher they’ve taken in the first round since Forrest Whitley in 2016 out of Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Texas. Whitley never panned out, due in part to injuries. Prep pitchers are notoriously hard to project when it comes to development.
Eric Becker
Becker could be one of the steadiest players in the draft. The two-year star at Virginia figures to stick at shortstop and would give Houston another option long-term if they lose Jeremy Pena when he hits free agency in two years, along with Brice Matthews.
The ACC power produces pro talent on a regular basis. In two seasons with the Cavaliers, he slashed .366/.459/.637 with 17 home runs and the scouts at Baseball America call his swing “clean and simple.” He has the from to move to second or third base, if needed.
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Free agent starting pitchers who succeed without high velocity
Fastball velocity increases year after year. The average fastball — four-seamer or sinker — thrown by a Major League pitcher in 2025 was 94.3 mph, the highest of the pitch tracking era. Ten years ago, it was 92.8 mph. In 2008, the first year velocities were tracked league-wide, it was 91.4 mph.
Now that Dylan Cease has signed, there just aren’t many free-agent starters this winter who throw hard — at least not in the mid-to-upper levels of the market. That’s pretty interesting.
Basically, the one big-name starting pitcher still out there with above-average fastball velocity for an MLB pitcher is Tatsuya Imai, who’s coming over from Japan with a 95 mph fastball that could tick higher in the Majors if he throws with max-effort velocity more regularly.
Or there’s Framber Valdez, whose 94.2 mph average fastball velocity in 2025 was just a fraction below the overall MLB average, but was at least solidly higher than the left-handed pitcher average (93.1 mph).
But if you’re a team looking for a big fastball to add to your starting rotation right now, there just aren’t a ton of options out there. The top group of MLB starters still available — Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Michael King and Zac Gallen — all sit in the 90-to-94 mph range.
And once you get past Imai and Valdez, the fastest heaters you’ll get are basically from 42-year-old Justin Verlander and 41-year-old Max Scherzer. Those future Hall of Famers had two of the most explosive fastballs of their generation, and they can still dial up the heat on occasion, but they’re at the end of their careers.
Of the top remaining free-agent starting pitchers who pitched in MLB in 2025, basically none had a fastball velocity that ranked in the top half of the league.
There are still several pathways available to teams looking for an impact starter — except the Blue Jays, who got an elite 97 mph heater with Cease and another likely above-average fastball with Cody Ponce, who returns to MLB after four seasons in Japan and Korea. Those pitchers just aren’t centered on high-end velocity.
Let’s revisit the names on the list above. Those free-agent starters succeed with a variety of styles. Plenty fit into more than one category:
The top-tier starters left on the market all have standout qualities other than heat. Valdez is a ground-ball machine. Suárez has elite command and an unpredictable pitch mix. King generates insane horizontal movement on his sinker, sweeper and changeup and uses that to freeze hitters in the box. Gallen, when at his best, owns every part of the strike zone.
Or say you don’t need a front-end starter like Valdez, Suárez, King or Gallen. Teams looking for rotation depth have options too. In that middle tier, there are a lot of crafty veterans who get outs in other ways than by dialing up their fastballs.
MLB has always had room for pitchers with different profiles and different approaches. Even in the modern age of velocity, that remains true.
Those other types of pitchers are still quite valuable to have in a rotation. You’ve seen that in some of the starters who have come off the board already, like reliable veteran Merrill Kelly, who just returned to the D-backs with his 92.0 mph heater on a two-year, $40 million deal, or the two starters who accepted the $22.025 million qualifying offer for 2026, the Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff and the Cubs’ Shota Imanaga.
Woodruff had an average fastball velocity of 93.0 mph in 2025 but still generated a 32% strikeout rate and was one of the best pitchers in the Majors at suppressing opposing hitters’ quality of contact, to the tune of a 2.20 expected ERA. Imanaga’s rare lefty splitter keeps hitters off-balance, and even though his fastball is only 90.8 mph, it generates strong rising movement that lets him get plenty of strikeouts with it.
You’ll see the rest of those
Holiday gifts for baseball fans
He’s about to start his 14-year, $500 million extension, so you know that you — or the person you’re giving the gift to — won’t see this shirt go out of style anytime soon. Guerrero jerseys fill Rogers Centre each night and that will only continue to grow as he builds his case for becoming the greatest Blue Jays player of all time in the coming years. But for now, you can’t go wrong with “Guerrero Jr.” and the No. 27 on the back. — Keegan Matheson
The value of Holliday rookie cards could soon be on the rise, as the 22-year-old is a prime candidate for a breakout season in 2026. The former top prospect showed a lot of improvement in ’25 — a significant step up from his tough 60-game debut showing in ’24 — and he could be on an upward trajectory from here. This would be a great gift for a Holliday fan, an Orioles fan, a card collector or somebody who’s all three. — Jake Rill
Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s the anticipation of the Rays returning to Tropicana Field in 2026 after a season spent outdoors. Maybe it’s just an appreciation for how far the franchise (and graphic design) has come since the Devil Rays’ first game against the Tigers on March 31, 1998. Whatever it is, this 12-by-16 print of the club’s inaugural Opening Day commemorative program has it. Seems like a fitting gift for any longtime fan looking to display a piece of history. — Adam Berry
With Roman Anthony set to be the star of the next era of Red Sox baseball, fans are going to want to wear merchandise related to him. The team shop is offering red and navy blue T-shirts with his 19 on the back. Pro tip: The red top is particularly sharp. For those who want to spend a little more, authentic Anthony game jerseys are also available. Of all the players on the Red Sox, Anthony merchandise is likely to go the quickest during this holiday season. — Ian Browne
Whether you were there to witness history or just wish you had been, any Yankees fan would be proud to display this collection of framed replica ticket stubs from each of the team’s most recent World Series appearances — 1977, 1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009. The colorful ticket designs inspire nostalgia and would be an eye-catching addition to any home or office. Similar options are also available for the franchise’s early years and mid-century. — Bryan Hoch
It’s cold in Cleveland right now, and baseball season feels far away. But you can stay warm and rock the Guardians all winter long with the oversized City Connect themed blanket, which measures a comfortable 66 inches by 95 inches. And if you’re looking for other ways to rep Cleveland while staying warm the next few months, there are a few sweet winter knit hats available as well. — Tim Stebbins
Bringing home a souvenir from a baseball game is one of the best ways to remember the experience. And if that souvenir happens to be an actual baseball — whether autographed or caught in the stands — you’ll want to both display and preserve it for everyone to see. Here’s a fun case that has your favorite team’s image on the back. This doesn’t have to be for someone who has a ball already, either — gift it with the promise of bringing them to a game this season or down to Spring Training, and bring a ball back for the case! — Anne Rogers
Artist S. Preston created a great collection of minimalist artwork depicting current Major League parks a few years ago, starting a series of baseball collections. This poster depicts the Tigers’ beloved old home park with a simple rendering of the street sign showing the corner of Michigan and Trumbull. It’s a great item for a nostalgic Tigers fan to hang on the wall. — Jason Beck
Have Buck on your desk year-round, whether the Twins are playing or not. This laser-cut figure displays Buxton at the ready, about to uncoil on a pitch. It’s perfect to display in your workspace, fan cave, mantel, or wherever you want to be reminded of the joy of watching Buxton play ball. — Matthew Leach
The 9-8 victory for the White Sox over the Yankees in Dyersville, Iowa, stands as one of the top moments from the last rebuild coming before this current rebuild. Jose Abreu hit the first Major League home run in Iowa, and of course Tim Anderson’s
MLB spreads holiday cheer, ‘great memories’ with kids in need
It’s the second consecutive year that volunteers traveled to a local Boys & Girls Club rather than hosting the event in MLB’s New York office. The league’s 30-year partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America serves more than 3.3 million youth across 5,200 clubs and all 50 states, creating opportunities on and off the field.
“At the Boys & Girls Club, it’s really about creating memories,” said Stanley King, the program director of the Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse at the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club in Flatbush. “Thanks to partners like Major League Baseball, we created some great memories today.”
The memory-making process began last month, when the kids compiled a wish list and sent it to MLB Together. The list was distributed to MLB employees, who signed up to buy a specific gift.
At the event, the kids could hardly contain their excitement. Upon hearing their name called, they hopped out of their seat and bounded towards the table full of presents, which included scooters, musical instruments and athletic equipment.
“There’s no greater time to give back to the community than during the holidays,” said April Brown, senior vice president of social responsibility and diversity at MLB. “Major League Baseball has the special opportunity every year to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, who we’ve had a 30-year partnership with. To come to a local club here in Brooklyn, it’s amazing. To see the youth in person, bring some cheer and some gifts for the holidays, is what MLB Together is all about.”
“What I love about this is, whenever I come to the Boys & Girls Club, the kids believe in the magic of the holidays,” Masters said. “We’re already looking forward to coming back next year.”
“It brightens the day of our young people,” King said. “I was definitely looking forward to it. Christmas is always a magical time, even for us adults. It takes us back to our childhood. To be able to see the smiles on their faces, it was just a great day of work.”
“MLB Together emphasizes our corporate values of giving back to communities across the country and across the globe,” Brown said. “It’s the most important work that we do off the field. To be able to empower youth, to be able to provide resources, and to partner with those organizations that do that every day on the ground.”
MLB News: Juan Soto Makes His Feelings Knows on Mets Not Bringing Back Pete Alonso
Back in early November, our headline read: Juan Soto would love to see Pete Alonso back on the Mets roster next season. Soto didn’t hide how he felt at the time.
“He’s one of the best power hitters of this generation,” Soto said then. “I really enjoyed my time with him in a Mets uniform, and I hope we can have many more moments together.”
Fast forward to now, and that hope has never come to fruition. Alonso is gone, signing a five-year deal with the Orioles, leaving Mets fans wondering what could’ve been.
Given how outspoken Soto was just a few months ago during the captaincy discussions involving Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte, many expected him to be just as candid about the Mets losing their all-time home run leader. So, what’s Soto feeling in the aftermath, watching a teammate he publicly wanted end up elsewhere?
“Before the news came out, we already knew what was going to happen, as I said, I always keep in contact with the team. We got along well, Pete is a tremendous player, tremendous person, a person that cares about his team and wants the best for his team,” Soto said.
Well, based on what Soto has said, it seems like he knew where things were headed with Alonso and understood that a return to New York wasn’t guaranteed. Now, that naturally leads to the bigger question: was it that the Mets weren’t interested in keeping Alonso at all, or were they simply unwilling to go as far as a five-year commitment?
When Soto called Alonso a “tremendous player,” it also felt like an admission that he’ll miss having him hit behind him in the lineup. If you remember, Soto has talked about this exact dynamic before, especially when he shared the field with Aaron Judge.
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“I had the best hitter in baseball hitting behind me,” Soto once said. That Judge-Soto combo was about as close to a perfect one-two punch as you can get. Both were dangerous, smart power hitters who fed off each other.
Something similar was starting to take shape with the Mets, with Alonso gradually filling that Judge-like role behind Soto. Now, that dynamic is gone too. And Soto hasn’t shied away from acknowledging how much he enjoyed playing alongside Alonso. With the latest rumors hinting at tension between Soto and the Mets’ front office, this could end up being yet another layer in an already complicated situation.
Starting pitcher trade candidates 2025-26 MLB offseason
Why Detroit could trade him: Skubal is heading into his final season before free agency, and with contract extension talks at a standstill, the Tigers are facing the possibility of watching the best pitcher in the sport depart for another team one year from now and getting maybe only a Draft pick in return, assuming they extend him the qualifying offer. So, it might be in Detroit’s best long-term interests to see what it can get for the highly coveted ace. And Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris is listening to trade proposals.
Pros: He’s the American League Cy Young Award winner two years running, is entering his age-29 season and has averaged 193 innings, 234 strikeouts, a 2.30 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP over the past two years. Is that good? Any team that acquires Skubal isn’t just gaining a top-shelf starter; it is sending a clear signal to the rest of the league that it will do whatever it takes to win the 2026 World Series. Skubal was MLB’s most valuable pitcher by Statcast’s pitching run value metric last season, and his changeup was the game’s most valuable pitch.
Cons: It’s expected that any Skubal suitor will have to pony up a haul of players for his services and even then, there is no guarantee that his next team will have him for more than one year. The sensational southpaw is represented by Scott Boras, who typically likes for his clients to reach the open market. Thus, teams interested in Skubal have to ask themselves if it’s worth possibly mortgaging their future for 30-35 starts from Skubal — and one postseason run — before he bolts in free agency.
Why Washington could trade him: Gore might be the most popular starting pitcher on the trade block, with reports that more than half of the league has checked in with the Nationals about him. The return for him figures to be enormous, and Washington still has enough starters to construct a rotation for next season as its roster currently stands. A move would ostensibly boost the Nationals’ farm system, which ranked 23rd in MLB this past summer. Ultimately, multiple executives expect Gore to be traded, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Pros: Gore has been considered a star in waiting since he was the third overall pick of the 2017 Draft by San Diego and the centerpiece of the Nationals’ return for Juan Soto in 2022. In 2025, he really started to put it all together. He was named an All-Star for the first time and entered the break with a 3.02 ERA and a 2.96 FIP across 110 1/3 innings. He boasted a 30.5% strikeout rate and a K-to-BB ratio of nearly 4-to-1 at the time. Gore has shown during those stretches that he can be a bona fide ace, and there is probably some untapped potential remaining in the 26-year-old left-hander.
Cons: Although the first half of last season was evidence of Gore’s ceiling, the second half showed his floor. He had a few disastrous starts out of the break and produced a 6.75 ERA and a 5.49 FIP over his final 11 turns. Gore made it through six innings only twice during that stretch, saw his K rate plummet to 20.7%, walked 29 batters in 49 1/3 innings and spent time on the injured list due to left shoulder inflammation and a right ankle impingement. He finished with a 4.17 ERA and a 4.37 expected ERA. Gore’s xERA has been 4.20 or worse in each of the past three seasons.
Why Milwaukee could trade him: The Brewers have plenty of recent history of trading star pitchers ahead of their final year under club control. They traded ace Corbin Burnes before the 2024 season and reliever Devin Williams the next offseason, each prior to their last season before free agency. In 2022, they traded closer Josh Hader about 14 months before he was slated to reach the open market. Now, they could do the same with their Opening Day starter from the past two seasons.
Pros: The 29-year-old Peralta is coming off a year in which he registered a career-best 2.70 ERA over 176 2/3 innings. He also topped the 200-strikeout mark and had a whiff rate better than 30% for the third consecutive season.
Mets to Show Exit Door to 4 Players As Padres Open Door on $56M Names In Aggressive Move: MLB Trade Rumors
The Padres have reportedly shown interest in the Mets’ young talent, including pitchers Jonah Tong, Will Watson, and Jack Wenninger, and infielder Mark Vientos. Trade talks between the two have started to pick up. And it seems the Mets might let these four go to land Nick Pivetta and Mason Miller.
As per Danish Bartels of the New York Post, “Potential packages of Nick Pivetta-Mason Miller, Nick Pivetta-Ramón Laureano, and Nick Pivetta-Jeremiah Estrada could be in the recent Padres-Mets trade talks, per source. Jonah Tong is a name to watch from the Mets’ end. An improvement to the Mets’ bullpen and rotation.”
Interestingly, back in the day, the Mets held “substantial” trade discussions with the Oakland Athletics regarding Miller. However, the Padres eventually acquired him at the 2025 trade deadline. Hypothetically, if the Mets and Padres do agree on a package, the Padres would receive infielder Mark Vientos along with three of the Mets’ top pitching prospects, like Jonah Tong (No. 4), Will Watson (No. 11), and Jack Wenninger (No. 13).
In return, David Stearns would acquire pitchers Nick Pivetta and Mason Miller.
Speaking of Miller, he appeared in 22 games for the Padres last season. In those, he allowed only two runs on seven hits, including one home run. He struck out 45 and walked 10 over 23.1 innings. The 27-year-old is under team control through the 2029 season.
Nick Pivetta, on the other hand, signed a four-year, $55 million deal with the Padres. Before that, he spent the first half of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies (2017–20) and Boston Red Sox (2020–24). Across 31 games last season, the 32-year-old went 13–5 with a 2.87 ERA over 181.2 innings. He posted career highs with a 5.3 WAR and a 0.985 WHIP.
Both pitchers are undeniably impactful, but many insist the Mets need to be careful if Jonah Tong is part of trade discussions. After all, the right-hander was named Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year in 2025.
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The Mets do value him highly. But at the same time, they are “listening” to the offers, as per Jon Heyman. While Tong, Watson, and Wenninger are being seen as potential trade chips, rookie phenom Nolan McLean is considered to be “off limits” from the Mets’ side. After the Mets lost Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and several other key players to free agency, they are facing significant offseason pressure. That is why the trade rumors have intensified, and they’ve even been linked to an Astros star.
New York Mets could pursue $190 million Astros ace
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut recently predicted that the Mets could land Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez on a sizable free-agent contract.
The Mets have added Devin Williams and Jorge Polanco this month. While neither matches the star power of the players they lost, they’ve still made smart moves. But the team still needs to make additional moves to strengthen the roster moving forward.
If the Mets pursue Valdez, it’s worth noting the possibility that the Baltimore Orioles could also be in the race for him. However, with Pete Alonso’s contract already weighing on the Orioles’ payroll, it seems less likely they’d commit to a five-year deal for Valdez.
For the record, Valdez’s market is somewhat constrained. Some clubs are reportedly wary of his attitude following last season’s catcher incident. That factor opens the door for the Mets. They would want someone to settle for a short-term deal. Valdez would still likely push for four or more years. However, the Mets might be able to convince him to sign a three-year contract.
Not to forget, he’s projected to command a massive $190 million deal.
MLB managers survey: Skippers on rules, players, each other
Which slugger would your favorite team’s manager least like to face with the game on the line? Which ace would they most want to have on their side? And which manager do other managers respect the most?
With all 30 MLB skippers on hand at last week’s winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, we took the opportunity to find out the answers to those questions, plus get their thoughts on the state of the game, next year’s biggest rule change and more.
Here are our favorite responses.
If you were commissioner for a day, what is the one change you would make to MLB?
Craig Albernaz, Baltimore Orioles: That’s a great question. I wouldn’t make any change. I love the game the way it is.
Warren Schaeffer, Colorado Rockies: Every Monday off. Just like the minor leagues — every Monday off. In Coors, you can go six-man rotation. You have a whole day of prep for the next opponent. Every week, you get that rest, and maybe filter in off-days in between them.
Pat Murphy, Milwaukee Brewers: Shadows? Eliminate shadows. Can’t have shadows — dangerous for players. Or devices to communicate for outfielders, so they don’t run into each other.
How do you feel about MLB’s new ball/strike challenge system coming next season?
Albernaz: Just like anything where a new rule change comes in, you just have to see and adapt to it. Strategy coming in, yeah, we’ve talked about it. We have some strategies how it’s going to work in real time. Luckily last year in Cleveland, our stadium was one of those challenge system hubs, so we kind of got a firsthand look at it.
Craig Stammen, San Diego Padres: I think it’ll be exciting. It will be exciting for the fans. It will be another piece of strategy that you involve into baseball that we’ll have to dive into and think about how we’re going to use those two challenges, and when, where and who, so I think it’ll be exciting.
Clayton McCullough, Miami Marlins: In spring training, they rolled it out a little bit … I think it brought a different level of engagement at different points of the game. Giving the players an opportunity to have some say, impactful moments in the game, I’m excited to see how it plays out.
And I’ll also say that the umpires who are back there, it’s a very difficult thing, 300 pitches a night with the type of stuff they’re seeing. They do an exceptional job. Now Major League Baseball has done a good job recently enacting some things that have enhanced our fan experience. And this is another one that has a chance to go over well.
Blake Butera, Washington Nationals: I’m really excited about it. I’ve obviously seen it in Triple-A for a while. One thing it does is you always hear the chatter from the dugout getting on the umpires. It’s like,
The Whitecaps and city of Vancouver agree to explore new stadium
The city of Vancouver and Major League Soccer’s Whitecaps have agreed to pursue plans for a new stadium, which could help prevent a move out of the city if the team is sold.
Under a memorandum of understanding announced Thursday, the city and the team will exclusively negotiate the terms for development of a stadium and entertainment district in the Hastings Park area over the next year.
The agreement comes as the Whitecaps’ lease with BC Place expires at the end of this year and the team seeks a new lease with more favorable terms. The Whitecaps have also been up for sale for the past year, with no guarantee that a new buyer would keep the team in Vancouver.
Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said the MOU was a first step in making sure the team stays. Other details, including the cost of the stadium and who would pay for it, were not part of the agreement.
“When we announced one year ago that this club is up for sale, I told everyone, this is not an end, this is a beginning. A beginning of something new, that we want to develop something new,” Schuster said. “We want to build the future of the club in Vancouver.”
Ahead of the Whitecaps’ loss to Inter Miami in the MLS title match earlier this month, MLS Commissioner Don Garber was critical over a lack of progress in both plans for a new stadium and securing a favorable lease. He suggested “tough decisions” might be made if there wasn’t movement.
“The MLS team, its owners, its fans, its players have done everything to earn the support that they’re not getting today from the city and from the province and that’s an untenable situation,” Garber said. “What we have there has to change. And right now, we’re not necessarily on a path to do that. … We had a very positive meeting with the mayor. We’re looking at getting a better lease at BC Place right now. There’s been no movement on that and it’s been a month.”
Vancouver’s owners — Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luzco, Jeff Mallett and former NBA star Steve Nash — announced last December that the club was for sale. Mallett suggested this past summer that the group’s strategy may include adding a new partner.
Mayor Ken Sim was blunt about the prospects of the team’s future in the city without a new stadium.
“Let’s just call it what it is, there’s probably absolutely no path for the Vancouver Whitecaps to remain in Vancouver without this MOU,” Sim said.
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The Whitecaps and Vancouver agree to explore new stadium in hopes of fending off possible move
The city of Vancouver and Major League Soccer’s Whitecaps have agreed to pursue plans for a new stadium, which could help prevent a move out of the city if the team is sold.
Under a memorandum of understanding announced Thursday, the city and the team will exclusively negotiate the terms for development of a stadium and entertainment district in the Hastings Park area over the next year.
The agreement comes as the Whitecaps’ lease with BC Place expires at the end of this year and the team seeks a new lease with more favorable terms. The Whitecaps have also been up for sale for the past year, with no guarantee that a new buyer would keep the team in Vancouver.
Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said the MOU was a first step in making sure the team stays. Other details, including the cost of the stadium and who would pay for it, were not part of the agreement.
“When we announced one year ago that this club is up for sale, I told everyone, this is not an end, this is a beginning. A beginning of something new, that we want to develop something new,” Schuster said. “We want to build the future of the club in Vancouver.”
Ahead of the Whitecaps’ loss to Inter Miami in the MLS title match earlier this month, MLS Commissioner Don Garber was critical over a lack of progress in both plans for a new stadium and securing a favorable lease. He suggested “tough decisions” might be made if there wasn’t movement.
“The MLS team, its owners, its fans, its players have done everything to earn the support that they’re not getting today from the city and from the province and that’s an untenable situation,” Garber said. “What we have there has to change. And right now, we’re not necessarily on a path to do that. … We had a very positive meeting with the mayor. We’re looking at getting a better lease at BC Place right now. There’s been no movement on that and it’s been a month.”
Vancouver’s owners — Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luzco, Jeff Mallett and former NBA star Steve Nash — announced last December that the club was for sale. Mallett suggested this past summer that the group’s strategy may include adding a new partner.
Mayor Ken Sim was blunt about the prospects of the team’s future in the city without a new stadium.
“Let’s just call it what it is, there’s probably absolutely no path for the Vancouver Whitecaps to remain in Vancouver without this MOU,” Sim said.
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LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls & Chicago Fire Pursue $3 Million-Rated MLS Talent
The Major League Soccer season has come to an end, and clubs are already preparing for 2026. Such is the case for the LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, and Chicago Fire.
After Inter Miami’s victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Dec. 6, the 2025 season concluded, but all MLS clubs are already working behind the scenes to best prepare for the next campaign.
The New York Red Bulls are about to enter a
Brian Gutiérrez, el primero de los refuerzos que reporta con las Chivas
Brian Gutiérrez, primero refuerzo de las Chivas, arribó este viernes a la ciudad de Guadalajara para firmar su contrato por los próximos cuatro años procedente del Chicago Fire y donde se convertirá en una de las peticiones que hizo el técnico Gabriel Milito para apuntalar la formación del Guadalajara.
Después de aterrizar y salir de las salas de abordaje, fue esperado por Jesús Sánchez, el encargado de recibirlo en nombre de la directiva del Club Deportivo Guadalajara y de ahí cruzó toda la terminal aérea, donde fue reconocido por algunos aficionados que le solicitaron unas fotografías.
Tras salir de la terminal aérea, el oriundo del estado de Illinois con 22 años y de ascendencia mexicana, antes de ser recogido por un par de vehículos de Chivas, se detuvo con los medios de comunicación para emitir un breve mensaje. “Muchas gracias por recibirme. Estoy muy contento por lo que viene. Es un sueño hecho realidad y arriba las Chivas”.
Gutiérrez deberá someterse a las pruebas médicas y físicas para después ser presentado oficialmente como el primer refuerzo de las Chivas para el torneo Clausura 2025 y en donde el técnico Gabriel Milito tiene cifradas esperanzas de que pueda convertirse en un hombre importante junto con Fernando “Oso” González y Omar Govea, después de que Erick Gutiérrez perdió protagonismo en el cuadro titular de las Chivas.
Cuanto durará el acuerdo con Brian Gutiérrez
Brian Gutiérrez firmará por cuatro años con las Chivas después de concretar una operación de compra venta de sus derechos de transferencia con el Chicago Fire, escuadra donde empezó desde abajo en las fuerzas formativas del equipo norteamericano.
Brian Gutiérrez junto con Ricardo Marín, que regresa procedente del Puebla, serán las dos novedades en la pretemporada del Guadalajara y solo estarán a la espera de Ángel Sepúlveda, procedente del Cruz Azul, para apuntalar su delantera que con la salida de Javier Hernández y Alan Pulido, necesitaban un hombre de experiencia para apoyar a Armando “Hormiga” González, Yael Padilla y Ricardo Marín, quienes serán los encargados de las labores ofensivas.
Sus números en la MLS
Brian Gutiérrez con el Chicago Fire disputó 35 partidos tanto en temporada regular, playoffs y US Open, donde anotó 11 goles y dio cuatro asistencias de gol en los cinco años que vistió la camiseta del cuadro de la ciudad de los vientos.
Club cool interest in Mohamed Salah as leading contender to sign him is named
Any hopes of seeing Mohamed Salah in Major League Soccer appear to be on hold for now.
According to The Athletic, San Diego FC, the MLS expansion team owned by British-Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, are not expected to make a move for the Liverpool superstar during the January transfer window.
While Mansour’s Egyptian roots and Salah’s global stature once made a U.S. move seem plausible, sources close to the club have dismissed the possibility, describing it as “unrealistic” and not a priority at this stage.
San Diego FC’s focus remains on building a sustainable long-term project rather than pursuing marquee signings prematurely.
Mohamed Salah is unlikely to move to the MLS
The club is prioritising the recruitment of younger players from South America and Europe to lay the foundation for their debut campaign.
Despite MLS Commissioner Don Garber publicly stating that the league would “welcome Salah with open arms,” insiders maintain that the logistical and financial challenges of signing the 33-year-old forward make such a deal highly improbable in the short term.
An MLS move would involve not only a complex salary structure but also competition from multiple Designated Player slots, making it a poor strategic fit for a club still finalising its infrastructure and squad framework.
While San Diego may not be an option, Salah’s future remains a hot topic elsewhere. Multiple reports suggest that Saudi Pro League sides, including Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Qadsiah, are preparing new approaches for January.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed clubs have made Salah their top target for 2026, viewing him as the ultimate marketing icon to elevate the league’s international profile.
Salah faces uncertain future at Liverpool
Report: Galaxy finalizing deal for Union’s Jakob Glesnes
The Los Angeles Galaxy are close to acquiring former Major League Soccer Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes from the Philadelphia Union, The Athletic reported Saturday.
Terms of the reported deal were not immediately known.
Glesnes, 31, was named the Union’s first-ever MLS Defender of the Year in 2022. The three-time All-Star finished second in the voting in 2025, just behind Tristan Blackmon of the Vancouver Whitecaps and ahead of teammate Kai Wagner.
The Galaxy allowed 66 goals during the 2025 season, tied for second most in MLS and behind only Sporting Kansas City (70). Los Angeles won just seven games and missed the playoffs after they were MLS Cup champion in 2024.
Signed to a contract extension in August, Glesnes recorded one goal and two assists in 31 matches (30 starts) this past season.
Named to the MLS Best XI in 2022 and 2025, the native of Norway has totaled nine goals and 10 assists in 181 career matches (178 starts) with the Union.
La Cámara de España ve primordial las ayudas para que España tenga más empresas exportadoras
El director de Competitividad de la Cámara de España, Julián López-Arenas, defiende como prioridades para una mayor internacionalización de la economía española que crezca de forma relevante la cifra actual de empresas exportadoras y que cobre mayor peso la presencia comercial en mercados como el asiático o el latinoamericano.
Durante el diálogo sobre ‘Internacionalización de las pymes para mejorar la competitividad de la economía’, organizado en Servimedia, este directivo de la Cámara de España explicó que, de tres millones de empresas que hay en España, solo 132.000 venden fuera. “Eso significa que la base exportadora española es de tan solo un 2,8%, es ridículo”, señaló.
A su juicio, resulta llamativo que, de esas 132.000 empresas exportadoras, únicamente 54.000 operen con una actividad exportadora regular, lo que representa solo un 1,7% del total.
Para la Cámara de España, las empresas exportadoras tienen que aumentar en tamaño y estar menos atomizadas, y que no ocurra como ahora, que las mil mayores compañías copan el 64% de las exportaciones totales españolas.
No salir a lo loco
Otra de las “debilidades de la internacionalización” de España es, a juicio de López-Arenas, su “concentración” en el mercado europeo. “Llevamos años intentando que las empresas no se focalicen en Europa. Es verdad que es más fácil hacerlo aquí por está más cerca, hay poder adquisitivo y es más fácil a nivel logístico, pero es un mercado maduro y hay que intentar no poner todos los huevos en la misma cesta”, afirmó el responsable de Competitividad de la Cámara de España.
En su opinión, hay que apoyar a las pymes para que se vuelquen más en vender en Asia, Latinoamérica y Estados Unidos. Sobre el gigante norteamericano, remarcó que ahora la actividad está muy concentrada en alimentación, automoción y bienes de equipo y hay que expandirse a más sectores.
A su entender, el acuerdo arancelario de la UE con la Administración Trump ha resultado “positivo” y va a ayudar a dotar de más “estabilidad” al comercio con Estados Unidos, después de que la Comisión Europea haya optado por un camino “conciliador” que ahuyenta una guerra que no interesa a ninguno de los dos bloques.
Ayudas
Para conseguir que crezca la base de empresas exportadoras españolas y ampliar nuevos mercados, López-Arenas dijo que son fundamentales las ayudas a las pymes, como las de Xpande y Xpande Digital, que tiene en marcha la Cámara de España a través de la red de Cámaras de Comercio y que cuentan con la cofinanciación de la Unión Europea a través de los fondos Feder.
El programa Xpande consta de dos fases, una primera en la que se construye un plan de internacionalización estructurado en base a la selección de mercados, y una segunda que desarrolla el proyecto con el respaldo de ayudas económicas, que pueden llegar hasta un 85% de los gastos elegibles, y un presupuesto máximo por empresa de 8.000 euros.
Opinión
Además, el programa Xpande Digital elabora un plan de acción de marketing digital adaptado a cada empresa con el propósito de orientar su desarrollo de forma estratégica. Para ello, puede recibir hasta un 85% de subvención con un presupuesto máximo por empresa de 5.000 euros.
En estos dos programas, junto al de Pyme Global, la Cámara de España canaliza unos 10 millones de euros para ayudas con el apoyo de los fondos Feder. Según López Arenas, son iniciativas que tratan de ayudar a las empresas a dotarse de un plan que les permita “no salir a lo loco” a la hora de salir al extranjero, sabiendo qué nichos de mercado y regiones son más factibles o qué competencia se van a encontrar.
“Nosotros nos encargamos de plantar la semilla y la empresa de salir al exterior y decidir en qué mercados entrar”, indicó el director de Competitividad de la Cámara de España, que destaca la labor a posteriori que se hace también con estos programas en cuanto a seguimiento del desembarco en el exterior o la introducción de mejoras para futuras iniciativas.
López-Arenas subrayó la buena colaboración que tienen las cámaras con la Administración central a través del ICEX (Instituto de Comercio Exterior) y con los organismos autonómicos, para coordinarse en el apoyo a las empresas.
Palanca transformadora
En este diálogo organizado en Servimedia, intervino también el coordinador del Departamento de Exterior de la Cámara de Murcia, Leonardo Pérez, que calificó de “muy positiva” la coordinación institucional que se ha logrado entre administraciones “para evitar duplicidades” en las ayudas a la internacionalización de las empresas.
Pérez juzgó especialmente relevante el respaldo que proporcionan a la digitalización de las pymes en el objetivo de ganar músculo de capacidad exportadora. “La digitalización ha sido realmente una palanca transformadora para el comercio internacional, porque ha eliminado barreras tradicionales que sufrían las empresas, y, al mismo tiempo, ha reducido costes de entrada en nuevos mercados”, manifestó.
Desde su punto de vista, las empresas que operan fuera han ganado mucho con las posibilidades que ofrece la presencia en redes sociales de los mercados locales, y con herramientas como la videollamada o la traducción simultánea, que han agilizado mucho la relación con los clientes.
Rock Music Struggles to Draw Crowds as Tour Earnings Drop
Rock and roll was the music genre that defined generation after generation, but that may no longer be the case.
Rock music is showing signs of struggle in 2025, with touring revenue and chart dominance beginning to shift away from its traditional stronghold. Billboard’s year-end Boxscore charts for 2025 reveal that while rock acts such as Coldplay, Imagine Dragons and Iron Maiden still appear among the top-grossing tours, the genre’s overall share of the live-music revenue pool has declined. Rock accounted for only about 30.2% of the Top 100 tour grosses in 2025, a drop from its greater dominance in past decades.
This shift comes as pop, R&B and hip-hop tours continue to outgross most rock outings. In the age of the Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour, rock has taken a backseat. Despite Coldplay being the top-grossing rock tour of 2025, it only grossed $465M, a mere quarter of the Eras Tour’s gross.
Part of the shift likely stems from how audiences consume music today. Rock’s influence remains culturally significant, and while rock shows still fill arenas, streaming trends and shifting listener tastes favor pop, R&B and hip-hop, genres that consistently produce new hit singles and chart-topping albums. That translates into larger, more frequent tours with broader market appeal.
Interestingly, it’s largely classic rock artists that made Billboard’s list of top-grossing rock tours, not newer bands. While Coldplay and Imagine Dragons took the top two spots, Iron Maiden, Eagles, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Paul McCartney, and Guns N’ Roses took up several spots, pointing to a bigger cultural shift: While rock music was once the soundtrack of the rebellious, progressive younger generation, nowadays other genres speak to teens and young adults more directly.
Rock, however, isn’t dead. Many rock bands still sell tens of thousands of tickets, and will continue to do so. But, the overall touring revenue picture suggests that rock, once the centerpiece of the concert industry, is no longer the undisputed powerhouse it once was.
For fans and artists alike, 2025 feels like a pivot point. Rock remains vibrant live, but its box-office dominance now exists alongside, rather than above, a diversified music landscape.
LLMs Fail to Match Specialized AI Trading Bots That Adjust for Risk
AI-powered trading hasn’t yet reached an “iPhone moment,” when everyone is carrying around an algorithmic, reinforcement learning portfolio manager in their pocket, but something like that is coming, experts say.
In fact, the power of AI meets its match when faced with the dynamic, adversarial arena of trading markets. Unlike an AI agent informed by endless circuits of self-driving cars learning to accurately recognize traffic signals, no amount of data and modeling will ever be able to tell the future.
This makes refining AI trading models a complex, demanding process. The measure of success has typically been gauging profit and loss (P&L). But advancements in how to customize algorithms are engendering agents that continually learn to balance risk and reward when faced with a multitude of market conditions.
Allowing risk-adjusted metrics such as the Sharpe Ratio to inform the learning process multiplies the sophistication of a test, said Michael Sena, chief marketing officer at Recall Labs, a firm that has run 20 or so AI trading arenas, where a community submits AI trading agents, and those agents compete over a four or five day period.
“When it comes to scanning the market for alpha, the next generation of builders are exploring algo customization and specialization, taking user preferences into account,” Sena said in an interview. “Being optimized for a particular ratio and not just raw P&L is more like the way leading financial institutions work in traditional markets. So, looking at things like, what is your max drawdown, how much was your value at risk to make this P&L?”
Taking a step back, a recent trading competition on decentralized exchange Hyperliquid, involving several large language models (LLMs), such as GPT-5, DeepSeek and Gemini Pro, kind of set the baseline for where AI is in the trading world. These LLMs were all given the same prompt and executed autonomously, making decisions. But they weren’t that good, according to Sena, barely outperforming the market.
“We took the AI models used in the Hyperliquid contest and we let people submit their trading agents that they had built to compete against those models. We wanted to see if trading agents are better than the foundational models, with that added specialization,” Sena said.
The top three spots in Recall’s competition were taken by customized models. “Some models were unprofitable and underperformed, but it became obvious that specialized trading agents that take these models and apply additional logic and inference and data sources and things on top, are outperforming the base AI,” he said.
The democratization of AI-based trading raises interesting questions about whether there will be any alpha left to cover if everyone is using the same level of sophisticated machine-learning tech.
“If everyone’s using the same agent and that agent is executing the same strategy for everyone, does that sort of collapse into itself?” Sena said. “Does the alpha it’s detecting go away because it’s trying to execute it at scale for everyone else?”
That’s why those best positioned to benefit from the advantage AI trading will eventually bring are those with the resources to invest in the development of custom tools, Sena said. As in traditional finance, the highest quality tools that generate the most alpha are typically not public, he added.
“People want to keep these tools as private as possible, because they want to protect that alpha,” Sena said. “They paid a lot for it. You saw that with hedge funds buying data sets. You can see that with proprietary algos developed by family offices.
“I think the magical sweet spot will be where there’s a product that is a portfolio manager but the user still has some say in their strategy. They can say, ‘This is how I like to trade and here are my parameters, let’s implement something similar, but make it better.’”
The Thunder, now 24-1, really look like they’re going to break Warriors’ 73-win record
The Oklahoma City Thunder and pre-Kevin Durant Golden State Warriors share a number of similarities.
The superstar point guard who won his first MVP, and first title, two years after his first All-Star selection.
The shooting-guard wingman who became the second All-Star (Klay Thompson and Jalen Williams).
The dominant defense built on like-sized switchers and the pressure they provide.
The hidden gem in Draymond Green (drafted in second round) and Lu Dort (undrafted).
The defensive-ace acquisition (Andre Iguodala and Alex Caruso).
The first-time head coach.
Those Warriors felt the cynicism surrounding their first championship. They heard the critics pointing to the opponent injury luck they’d enjoyed along their postseason path. Nobody called it outright luck. But to say that team was universally accepted as the best in the league would be a lie.
People pointed to the 2-1 hole in which those Warriors found themselves against Memphis in the second round, and the fact that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love combined to play one game in the Finals, as evidence that they weren’t actually as dominant as they’d been made out to be. The Warriors heard it all, and used it as fuel to bombard the league the following season to the tune of a 24-1 start en route to an NBA-record 73 wins in the 2015-16 season.
It’s the same deal for these Thunder, who had their dominance questioned after needing seven games to squeak past the Nuggets in the second round before being on the right side of Tyrese Haliburton’s blown Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals. Were the Thunder actually the best team?
Yes, they were. And like those Warriors, they have used the stage of this season to drive that point home. No championship hangover. No mercy. Their most victim was the Suns, who took a 49-point thrashing (Phoenix’s most-lopsided loss in team history) in the NBA Cup quarterfinals Wednesday night, which ran OKC’s record to …24-1.
These Thunder have virtually mirrored those Warriors at every turn, and it begs the question: Is Golden State’s 73-win record in jeopardy? Yes, it is.
Personally, I’d go so far as to say I’ll be surprised if the Thunder don’t break the record. The odds don’t agree. Caesars currently has the over 73.5 wins mark for these Thunder at +325, and the under at -500, which makes sense as we’re talking about a win total that has never been reached. Things happen. Players get hurt. Schedule losses show up.
I get all that, and I’m still saying I’ll be surprised if Oklahoma City doesn’t win 74 games. This is a team that entered Wednesday demolishing its opponents by 15.9 points per 100 possessions, which would shatter the current NBA record. And that was before they beat Phoenix by 49.
Injuries are the obvious X-factor, but ask yourself who’s going to get hurt that’s going to upend Oklahoma City’s attack? Jalen Williams is the second-best player on the team, and they started the season 18-1 with him in street clothes. Even the one loss never should’ve happened as it required the Thunder blowing a 22-point lead to the Blazers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP of the league for crying out loud, and on paper the Thunder don’t even need him to bury you alive. Seriously, the Thunder are carving opponents up by 16.2 points per 100 possessions when SGA’s not on the floor, per CTG, which is a number no logical mind can wrap itself around.
Speaking of insane numbers, the Thunder have now outscored their opponents by 439 points this season. That’s the highest point differential in history through 25 games by an almost laughable margin.
TEAMSEASONPOINT DIFFERENTIAL
Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26
+439
Boston Celtics
1967-68
+380
Golden State Warriors
2017-18
+375
Milwaukee Bucks
1972-73
+367
New York Knicks
1970-71
+358
Last season the Thunder outscored opponents by 12.9 points per 100 possessions, which was the best net rating in history. This season they are annihilating their own record with an utterly absurd +17.5 through 25 games.
As noted in Michael Pina’s recent piece for The Ringer, Oklahoma City entered play on Wednesday having played 18% of its minutes this season with at least a 20-point lead. On Wednesday the Thunder had their first 20-point lead less than a minute into the second quarter and they played the entire second half leading by at least 26.
So often are the Thunder blowing the doors off their opponents that Gilgeous-Alexander has only had to play the fourth quarter in 12 of his 24 games so far, and yet he still leads the league in total clutch points.
There’s no hole to potentially exploit here. No single player, not even SGA, dominates the ball, so OKC isn’t susceptible to its superstar having an off night, if he ever plans on actually having one of those. He’s scored at least 30 points in 19 of his 24 games this year, and dating back to last regular season SGA has scored at least 20 points in 97 straight games.
The guy is averaging nearly a point per minute. That’s Wilt territory (and Giannis, who’s actually averaging 0.99 points per minute this season, per NBA.com).
To have arguably the best offensive player in the world paired with the best defense in history is like putting prime Aaron Rodgers on the 2000 Ravens. That’s what we’re talking about with the Thunder, who have so many
Thunder blow out Suns, match 73
OKLAHOMA CITY — How will the Oklahoma City Thunder handle the distractions that come along with being historically dominant?
That’s the kind of challenge the defending champions face after the Thunder have followed up last season’s title run by matching the best 25-game start in NBA history.
Oklahoma City punched its ticket to Las Vegas with a 138-89 win over the Phoenix Suns in Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinals at the Paycom Center. It was the most lopsided loss in Phoenix history and the biggest blowout of this season, but the Thunder have made routs seem routine during a 24-1 start, which had only been done before by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
Oklahoma City has outscored opponents by an average of 17.4 points this season, putting the Thunder on pace to obliterate the record they set last season of a plus-12.9 average point differential. Seventeen of the Thunder’s wins have come by double-digit margins.
Lakers fall to Spurs and are eliminated from NBA Cup contention
Any chance the Lakers had at trying to capture a second NBA Cup championship in the third season of the tournament evaporated for good in the fourth quarter against a young, fast and athletic San Antonio Spurs team missing its best player.
The Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup title in 2023 and had designs on winning it again in 2025 and the $500,000 cash that goes to each player on the championship team.
But it was not to be — not with the Lakers unable to slow down the Spurs during a 132-119 quarterfinal loss Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers got down by as much as 24 points in the fourth and made a run to get to within eight points late in the fourth quarter.
But the Lakers got no closer and now will face the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday.
The Spurs will meet the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night in Las Vegas in the semifinals.
Luka Doncic had 35 points, eight rebounds and five assists, Marcus Smart came off the bench to score 26 and LeBron James had 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. But that wasn’t enough against a Spurs team that had seven players score in double figures.
Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 30 points and De’Aaron Fox had 20.
When the Lakers needed someone to lift them when they got down by 18 points in the second, someone to provide them a spark when there wasn’t one for so much of the quarter, they finally got it from the oldest player on the court, 40-year-old LeBron James.
James drove down the lane and threw down a thunderous dunk over Spurs 7-1 center Luke Kornet, bringing the Lakers to within eight points and charging up the crowd in the process.
James growled and yelled in the face of the reeling Kornet. The crowd stood and cheered, now happy that there was a Lakers’ awakening.
But the Lakers couldn’t hold on to that momentum, falling behind 70-58 at the half.
And then when the third quarter started, the Lakers came out flat, giving up back-to-back threes and two more easy baskets for the Spurs to fall into an 80-60 hole early in the third.
The Lakers didn’t make it easy on themselves either.
Doncic got a technical foul in the first quarter after no foul was called after Kelly Olynyk smacked him in the face and Lakers coach JJ Redick was called for a technical foul in the second quarter.
When the Lakers last faced the Spurs a little over a month ago here, San Antonio superstar Victor Wembanyama played in a game L.A. won, but speedy point guard De’Aaron Fox did not.
It was the opposite this time, with Fox playing and Wembanyama out with a left calf strain.
The 7-5 Wembanyama has been out for almost a month and the super-quick Fox has been back during that time, which has changed the dynamic of the Spurs, which meant the Lakers had to shift how they played defense against San Antonio.
The Spurs are more guard-oriented with Fox, Castle and Dylan Harper.
The Lakers got a taste of how much faster the Spurs are now in the first quarter, when L.A. gave up 39 points and trailed by nine after the first frame.
The Spurs show 56% from the field in the first, 50% (six-for-12) from three-point range.
Keldon Johnson came off the bench to score 13 points in the first quarter for the Spurs.
“Yeah, they’re running a lot of pick and rolls with Fox, a lot of pick and rolls with Castle and Harper,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said pregame about the Spurs’ new way of playing. “And all those pick and rolls lead to drives, those pick and rolls lead to kick-outs and catch two threes and then more drives. So, we’ve got to do a good job of containing the basketball and do a good job of contesting.”
Stephon Castle scores 30 to lead Spurs into NBA Cup semifinals with 132-119 win over Lakers
Stephon Castle scored 21 of his 30 points in the second half, and De’Aaron Fox added 20 points in the San Antonio Spurs’ 132-119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal.
Keldon Johnson had 17 points and eight rebounds as the Spurs maintained a healthy double-digit lead for most of the final three quarters to claim the last Cup semifinal spot in Las Vegas, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
Luka Doncic scored 35 points and LeBron James had 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers, who lost for only the third time in 12 games. Los Angeles trimmed its deficit to eight points late in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get closer.
Marcus Smart scored a season-high 26 points with eight 3-pointers for the Lakers, and Austin Reaves had 15 points.
San Antonio has won nine of 12 overall after steadily controlling this meeting of two Western Conference teams hoping to challenge the defending champion Thunder, both this week and in the postseason.
Castle was outstanding in his second game back from a 10-game absence with a hip injury, adding 10 rebounds and six assists. Eight Spurs scored at least eight points, and their bench outscored Los Angeles’ reserves 48-31.
The Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023, and they went unbeaten through group play this fall before running into the Spurs.
San Antonio made a 17-2 run and jumped to an 18-point lead in the second quarter, with Castle and Harrison Barnes exploiting Los Angeles’ season-long struggles in perimeter shooting defense.
Victor Wembanyama missed his 12th straight game with a calf injury, but he traveled with the Spurs.
Up next
Spurs: Face Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Lakers: At Phoenix on Sunday.
Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs Player Stats, Box Score and Game Recap (Dec 10) – 2025 NBA Cup Quarterfinals
Once more we’re not getting the LeBron vs Wemby matchup of the season we envisioned. But this is the most anticipated NBA Cup game of the West. The Lakers and Spurs are the realest threats against OKC’s undefeated dominance. It’s so serious, the Lakers left out the “dangerous” NBA Cup court to ensure player safety. They’re also bringing the star trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. The Spurs were missing Victor Wembanyama but emerged as real underdogs, taking down the Lakers 119-132. The Spurs will now face OKC in the semifinals.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers player stats and box score
Los Angeles Lakers
San Antonio Spurs
Lakers vs Spurs: Game summary and key moments
Without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs were grossly underestimated and the Lakers were favored to win. Yet the Spurs held the lead at the end of each quarter. The Lakers kep it close
NBA Cup quarterfinal winners and losers: Stephon Castle leads Spurs’ upset of Lakers, Thunder destroy Suns
The 2025 NBA Cup quarterfinals came to a close on Wednesday with the Western Conference half of the bracket. As expected, the Oklahoma City Thunder made easy work of the Phoenix Suns to improve to 24-1 on the season and tie the best 25-game start in league history. Later on, the San Antonio Spurs put together a brilliant offensive display to upset the Los Angeles Lakers.
On the Eastern Conference side of the bracket on Tuesday, the Orlando Magic came back from a 15-0 deficit to defeat their in-state rivals, the Miami Heat, while the surging New York Knicks used a dominant second quarter to race past the Toronto Raptors and win for the eighth time in their last nine games.
The semifinals of the NBA Cup are set for Saturday in Las Vegas:
Knicks vs. Magic, 5:30 p.m. ET — Amazon Prime
Spurs vs. Thunder, 9 p.m. ET — Amazon Prime
Before the Cup action resumes, here’s a look at the winners and losers from the quarterfinals:
Loser: Anyone in the Thunder’s way
The Thunder are the defending champs and were 23-1 entering Wednesday night, so there was no confusion about their status as the league’s best team. Still, their destruction of the Suns had to be demoralizing for the other 29 teams, and particularly those hoping to challenge for the title.
This was the first time the Thunder have had anything at stake in a single game since Game 7 of the Finals, and if this is what it looks like when they actually step on the gas, good luck to everyone else. Sure, the Suns were shorthanded, but the gap between the Thunder and the next best teams looks bigger than ever.
The Thunder have now won a franchise record 16 games in a row, and their 24-1 start is tied for the best in NBA history with the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. Their 49-point win on Wednesday was the biggest margin of victory in the league this season and was their fifth win already by 30-plus points (the record in a season is 10).
If you want more proof of their dominance, check out this stat, courtesy of Ben Golliver:
Winner: Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle was the near-unanimous Rookie of the Year last season, but was dismissed in some corners as simply the best of a bunch of bad options. But while his class may not go down as an all-timer, Castle has proven this season that he was no charity case. His effort on Wednesday night to lead the Spurs to the semifinals was his latest piece of evidence.
Castle, who only recently returned from a hip flexor injury that sidelined him for over three weeks, finished with a season-high 30 points, 10 rebounds and six assists on 10-of-14 shooting from the field, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range. He was all over the place on both sides of the ball, and joined Tim Duncan and Victor Wembanyama as the only Spurs players to have a 30/10/5 game at age 21 or younger.
Wembanyama and No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper rightfully receive so much attention, but Castle’s performance against the Lakers was a strong reminder that he’s a big piece of the Spurs’ future, too.
Loser: The Lakers’ defense
The Lakers entered Wednesday night’s quarterfinal with the 21st-ranked defense in the league (116.2 defensive rating). That number is only going to look worse after their no-show against the Spurs.
The Spurs poured in 39 points in the first quarter and never looked back. They crossed the 30-point mark in each of the first three quarters — they
Lakers blitzed by Spurs in NBA Cup quarterfinal loss
LOS ANGELES — The Lakers’ chances of another trip to Las Vegas – and a shot at winning the NBA Cup’s ultimate prize of $530,000-plus per player – passed by them almost as quickly as the San Antonio Spurs’ variety of speedsters did on Wednesday night.
Because even with Spurs star big man Victor Wembanyama sidelined for the 12th consecutive game because of a calf strain, the Lakers had no answers for San Antonio’s speed advantage.
The Spurs broke down and got into the teeth of the Lakers’ defense at Crypto.com Arena, built a comfortable lead behind strong 3-point shooting and handed the hosts a 132-119 defeat to knock them out of the in-season tournament in the quarterfinals despite Luka Donic recording 35 points, eight assists and five rebounds and leading a late-game comeback attempt.
Wednesday was the Lakers’ first loss in NBA Cup tournament play after they went undefeated (4-0) in Group Play.
The Lakers next face the Phoenix Suns, who also lost their quarterfinal matchup to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, on Sunday in Arizona.
The Spurs will square off with the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinal game on Saturday in Las Vegas, while the Orlando Magic will meet the New York Knicks in the East semifinal, also in Las Vegas.
The Lakers (17-7) kept up with the Spurs’ pace early, leading by as many as six midway through the first quarter via a ball screen-heavy offense and sturdy paint defense.
But once the Spurs (17-7) took advantage of their speed, and got out in the open court, the Lakers couldn’t keep up.
Whether it was Stephon Castle (30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists) or De’Aaron Fox (20 points, four rebounds, three assists) leading the way, the Spurs (17-7) consistently put pressure on the Lakers’ defense with their perimeter speed.
San Antonio outscored the Lakers 15-4 in the final 2½ minutes of the first quarter to grab a 39-30 lead going into the second.
San Antonio went on a 17-2 run and opened an 18-point lead in the second quarter, with Castle and Harrison Barnes exploiting the Lakers’ season-long struggles in perimeter shooting defense.
The Spurs, who held a 70-58 lead at halftime, led by as many as 24 (114-90) early in the fourth quarter behind their strong 3-point shooting. San Antonio made 17 of its 38 3-point attempts, in addition to 29 of 36 free throws – with the latter being an advantage the Lakers usually have.
Late shot-making from Marcus Smart (season-high 26 points, eight 3-pointers) and a small-ball lineup helped the Lakers trim their deficit to 122-114 in the final minutes, but that was the closest they got.
Castle’s 3-pointer with 1:41 left gave the Spurs a 130-116 lead and essentially ended the Lakers’ comeback bid.
LeBron James recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but Austin Reaves again struggled with his shot, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists but shooting 6 for 16 from the field.
Keldon Johnson added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs. Eight Spurs scored at least eight points, and their bench outscored Los Angeles’ reserves 48-31.
More to come on this story.
Spurs Coach Gets Honest on Victor Wembanyama After Lakers Win
Victor Wembanyama missed the San Antonio Spurs’ NBA Cup action against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
As the Spurs advance to the next phase of the tournament, the team’s head coach, Mitch Johnson, dropped a major update on the star center following Wednesday’s game.
When asked if Wembanyama could be available on Saturday, the head coach told reporters, “Very much so.”
“He had a very intense day this morning and we’ll have to see how he responds and reacts tomorrow.
Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka Says ‘Sorry’ After Jimmy Fallon Stunt
Aryna Sabalenka showed off her infectious charm and energy during her recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. However, her surprising move made her send playfully apology to the host.
The World No. 1 is making the most of her visit to New York for The Garden Cup at Madison Square Garden, where she played an exhibition match against Japanese player Naomi Osaka.
Apart from this, she joined the late-night show for a special feature.
The Belarusian player slayed in an all-black ensemble, looking like a rockstar in a leather coat dress paired with sheer stockings and high-heeled pointy shoes.
As for her glam, she kept it understated, letting her natural beauty take center stage.
During her visit, Sabalenka’s playful antics left both Fallon and the audience laughing, proving she’s just as daring in the spotlight as she is on the tennis court.
While she is used to being asked for an autograph on just about anything, the four-time Grand Slam winner went ahead and signed the award-winning host’s forehead, but promised one thing.
“I’m going to make it look fancy,” she told Fallon, who responded with a mix of confusion and hesitation as he handed her a marker.
“How do you get a Sharpie off my face?” he asked, but Sabalenka assured him that it would come off, hinting that she’d done it before.
True to her word, the tennis star made it “fancy” by signing just above Fallon’s eyebrow and for a second, it looked like it was a tattoo.
The comment section was flooded with reactions saying it was a total vibe.
“Idk, I think this is a look,” Wilson Tennis’ official Instagram said.
WTA playfully commented, saying, “Please get this tattooed, @jimmyfallon.”
On the other hand, Sabalenka marked the special moment and posted the highlights during her appearance on the show.
She shared some behind-the-scenes snaps, including meeting Emily in Paris star Lilly Collins, who was also a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and a photo of the host visiting her dressing room.
The two-time US Open winner captioned her post with a playful apology to Fallon for signing his forehead.
“Thank you for having me @fallontonight. Sorry for signing your forehead @jimmyfallon,” she wrote.
Her Instagram update garnered a sweet reply from her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, who said, “You killed it as always. So proud.”
New York has always been a favorite city of the tennis star, not only because it hosts the US Open.
UFC’s matchmaking slammed by Islam Makhachev following Dana White’s recent comments about his old rival
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has defended his old rival following Dana White’s comments this past Saturday.
After successfully capturing the vacant lightweight title earlier this year following Islam Makhachev‘s title vacation, Ilia Topuria recently announced he is taking a break from the sport to focus on personal matters.
And with that, the promotion put together an interim lightweight title fight, which the majority of the fanbase believed should include longtime number one contender Arman Tsarukyan, however, he was snubbed.
Instead, the interim title fight will be contested between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, which doesn’t sit well with Makhachev, who has slammed the UFC matchmaking in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA.
Makhachev slams UFC’s matchmaking and defends Tsarukyan
‘Ahalkalakets’ is seemingly still paying for withdrawing from his lightweight title fight against Makhachev earlier this year, despite having picked up an impressive win over Dan Hooker since.
And even this past weekend in the UFC 323 post-fight press conference, Dana White stated that Tsarukyan still has some ways to go before re-earning a title shot.
“That’s the way it played out in the war room. I wouldn’t say (Tsarukyan) is the odd man out. You know, he had an opportunity and you guys know how that played out. I don’t give a s— what the (rankings) say, he’s gonna have to work his way back,” White continued to claim.
However, Makhachev believes Tsarukyan is being hard-done by, and despite having somewhat of a past feud with him, he is supporting his old rival.
“The organization may not like it but they make more and more fights that I don’t understand. Of course, I think Arman should’ve gotten the title shot.
“Let’s be honest, Arman is not going to fight any time soon, it’s Pimblett vs Gaethje, whoever wins, he gets a shot against Topuria meaning one more year layoff for Arman, it’s tough.
“I’ve had the same period in my career, I had a ten-fight win streak before getting a title shot, so Arman should probably wait a bit and be patient,” he continued.
Instead of sitting out inactive, the Armenian is making sure that he stays active, even if it’s not inside the UFC Octagon.
This Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that Tsarukyan will take on UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov in a grappling match.
Makhachev’s comments come ironically after he picked his next opponent
Although the Russian champion has criticized the recent matchmaking in the promotion, he himself has been under scrutiny from the fanbase after picking who he would like to defend his welterweight title against next.
Following his win at UFC 322, Makhachev stated that he would like to fight Kamaru Usman next, despite the fact that the former champion is 1-3 in his last four fights.
Francis Ngannou: PFL contract could end in time for UFC event at White House
Francis Ngannou wants the elusive fight against Jon Jones and calls the UFC’s upcoming White House card a perfect venue for it. Ngannou revealed on Wednesday that his PFL contract will expire in time for next year’s White House card, but it would require fences to be mended with Dana White and UFC.
Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023, vacating the UFC heavyweight championship and later signing with the PFL. Since then, he’s fought once in mixed martial arts, knocking out PFL heavyweight tournament winner Renan Ferreira.
Islam Makhachev’s Next Opponent Revealed as Top UFC Star Drops Insider Info on Dana White’s Plan
Following Islam Makhachev’s stunning victory over Jack Della Maddalena, the leading contenders in the welterweight category are now vying for the championship fight. The division is alive with action, and demand for confrontations is quick. Ian Garry, after defeating Belal Muhammad, has been calling out Makhachev every time, but the Dagestani star and his crew appear to have another rival in mind. Ali Abdelaziz has been teasing about a potential encounter with Kamaru Usman, thus keeping the audience in suspense.
Carlos Prates, who knocked out Leon Edwards on the same night as Makhachev’s main event, has recently revealed some insider info. However, Dana White holds the final word, approving the biggest fights, and it looks like Makhachev’s next opponent could be the one with the biggest name in the category.
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Carlos Prates drops a bold claim about Islam Makhachev’s next opponent
That’s exactly where Carlos Prates steps in with the kind of confidence only someone plugged into backstage conversations could have. “I believe that if Kamaru Usman fights for the belt, I’ll need another fight,” Prates said. “If it’s not Kamaru, I think it will be me.
“There’s what Makhachev wants, [he and Usman] have the same management,” Prates added. “Usman is already one of the greatest of all-time in the division — for me, the greatest. So whatever happens, it’s fine. I believe if I don’t get the title fight next, I’ll get one more fight, then go.”
Prates doesn’t expect Makhachev vs. Usman to be “easy,” but he isn’t siding with the former champ either. “I don’t think Usman wins,” he said.
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Kamaru Usman has managed to score just one win since 2021, which was a comeback win over Joaquin Buckley, while he has lost to Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards twice. Islam Makhachev, on the other hand, just won the welterweight title with an impressive finish over Jack Della Maddalena, thus raising the level of competition in the division.
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Prates knows that timing and politics play a crucial role in everything at the top. He is optimistic that he will get his chance at UFC gold in 2026, but he also realizes that “there’s a lot involved” when the company announces its title fights. His momentum definitely works in his favor — he knocked Leon Edwards out at UFC 322 to make his UFC record 6-1, with all six wins being knockouts. His performance earned him another $50,000 bonus, and he rated the entire experience a very confident nine out of ten.
There has been significant chatter about Makhachev’s potential opponent. But does he want to fight Usman?
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Islam Makhachev pushes for Kamaru Usman as his next big test
Islam Makhachev has not been ambiguous at all in expressing his inclination. He chooses Kamaru Usman as the only one who can challenge him among the already mentioned contenders. The king of the octagon considers the ex-welterweight kingpin to be his hardest trial and the collision that accounts for the most considerable profit.
When Makhachev was asked who he ideally wants next, he didn’t hesitate.
“I said that I wanted to fight Kamaru Usman next, although the media does not believe in this fight as I can see,” he explained. He pushed back on the idea that newer contenders are the tougher matchup, adding, “Usman would steamroll through each of these up-and-comers like [Michael]Morales, Prates the striker, those guys have not been checked yet.”
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For Makhachev, the motivation isn’t just legacy. It’s the challenge and the spectacle.
“I think Usman would be the hardest fight for me, and in terms of media, we could build it up,” he said. He pointed to Usman’s résumé as the selling point: “Like a former champion, the most title defenses in my weight division. We could promote this fight well and make it fun to watch.”
A showdown with Usman is the challenge Makhachev wants, and he’s making sure the spotlight stays pointed in that direction.
No Bets Barred: Closing out 2025 with UFC Vegas 112 and PFL Lyon
The final UFC event of 2025 is upon us.
This Saturday, UFC Vegas 112 takes place at the world’s mightiest APEX, the final UFC event of 2025. On top of that, there’s a PFL card with weekend with a couple of marquee fights, so No Bets Barred is here to break it all down for the last time this year.
This week, host Jed Meshew flies solo to look at UFC Vegas 112 and PFL Eruope. Topics discussed include whether Brandon Royval will actually fight Manel Kape, if the Giga Chikadze vs. Kevin Vallejos fight is a true “so-main event,” some undercard gems from the UFC, the massive favorites at PFL Lyon, the fall from The Climb at UFC 323, and more.
Tune in for episode 145 of No Bets Barred.
New episodes of the No Bets Barred podcast drop every Wednesday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you find your favorite podcasts. The latest episode can be heard below.
Conor McGregor Goes Against TKO COO After Receiving Bad News for UFC White House
The UFC’s White House event is uncharted territory for the promotion due to the sheer scale. But the moment TKO COO Mark Shapiro revealed there would be no tickets sold to the public, the conversation shifted. Fans weren’t just stunned, they were shut out. And that’s when Conor McGregor stepped in. Because when the gates close for everyone else, ‘The Notorious’ doesn’t stand outside knocking. He kicks the door open.
Shapiro’s confirmation, shared by Jed I. Goodman on X, was blunt, “There will be no ticket sales for the UFC White House event.” Why? Shapiro explained that the spectacle isn’t built for revenue. It’s built for reach, prestige, and media dominance. But fans don’t care about branding strategies; they care about seats.
And as the debate brewed online, McGregor posted a simple Instagram story aimed directly at the firestorm, “I’ll have tickets @realbetio.”
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That single line did two things. It signaled the Irishman’s intention to be part of the event, and it contradicted TKO’s top executive in the most McGregor way possible.
Shapiro, meanwhile, continued laying out the company’s thinking. He said the June 14 card, scheduled on Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s birthday, will be a “spectacle on steroids.” He repeated that “there will be no ticket sales,” insisting the UFC will make up the lost gate with “brand reach, engagement, notoriety, press, earned media [and] advertiser interest.”
So if there are no tickets, who exactly gets in? VIPs? Politicians? Sponsors? The roster? It’s one of many unanswered questions swirling around an event still being built from the ground up. And then President Trump threw gasoline on the hype.
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At the Kennedy Center Honors, he teased a card featuring “eight or nine championship fights,” claiming Dana White is “holding back fights right now for six months so he can do it for 250.” Hyperbole? Maybe. Ambition? Definitely.
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But nobody is leaning into that ambition more than Conor McGregor. Just days earlier, he confirmed he expects to fight at the White House. Despite still awaiting the UFC’s matchmaking call, his intent was ironclad as he told Bloody Elbow, “The White House is on. We’re just waiting for a full confirmation. I assume around February, they’ll come reaching out, and we’ll go into the contract negotiations and matchmaking orders, that’s what they say. So I’m just staying ready in the gym, two times a day.”
McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, withdrew from UFC 303 due to injury, and remains without an official opponent. Michael Chandler is still waiting. The UFC hasn’t begun building the card. The entire event exists in a strange limbo between presidential hype and executive caution, but for ‘The Notorious’, his return isn’t just about the White House card!
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“Triple crown” in Conor McGregor’s crosshairs as he takes aim at Islam Makhachev
If Conor McGregor does come back, he doesn’t just picture himself on a novelty card or a ceremonial victory lap. He sees gold. He sees legacy. And he’s already plotting which throne he wants to steal next. So, who does a man who’s already held titles in two divisions set his sights on? According to McGregor, the answer is simple: Islam Makhachev.
During his aforementioned conversation with Bloody Elbow, McGregor didn’t disguise his ambition. He said, “I’m motivated. I’m self-motivated and I for sure want a crack at that belt. I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown.”
But can he really jump straight into a title fight against the welterweight king? That’s where the story gets interesting. Makhachev sits atop MMA Fighting’s pound-for-pound rankings. McGregor hasn’t won since January 2020, his fight against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
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And then there’s the history. The Irish superstar’s rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov still casts a long shadow, and Makhachev is ‘The Eagle’s protégé. That alone adds a layer of fire that few matchups can replicate. McGregor knows it, and he knows what kind of storyline the UFC loves to sell.
According to him, “It would be a good fight, a good scrap, Southpaw, southpaw. It was a good performance out of him and fair play to him, he had the courage to do it, to go up. So yeah, I’m excited for it, let’s see what happens. Let’s get back in the mix. ”
So while fans scramble to understand who will or won’t get access to the White House event, McGregor isn’t worried about tickets. He’s worried about thrones. And whether the UFC gives him Makhachev or someone else, one thing is already clear, Conor McGregor plans to return where he believes he belongs, at the center of the spotlight!
Joe Rogan Reacts to ‘Weird’ Khamzat Chimaev-Ian Garry Altercation
Rogan’s Analysis
During a recent episode of
Youngest UFC winner ever earned one of 11 bonuses despite Dana White’s outrage after PPV event
On this day in 2022, a lot of bonuses were handed out at the final PPV event of the year.
Dana White has confirmed that fighter pay will increase as a result of the promotion’s US broadcast deal with Paramount that gets underway in 2026.
While he hasn’t shared details, many have pushed for some time for the post-fight bonuses that are awarded to be higher from the start of next year.
This has been implemented for events in the past, though White felt burned after doing this for UFC 304 last year only for the card to not live up to expectations.
One event in recent history saw the promotion break its usual pattern of bonuses, not in terms of how much they are worth, but with the quantity that was awarded.
Dana White awarded every UFC 282 fighter that got a finish a bonus
UFC 282 on December 10 of 2022 is widely remembered for the two fights that topped the bill.
Dana White admitted to zoning out of Jan Blachowicz vs Magomed Ankalaev after the two men fought to a draw in their clash to crown a new light heavyweight champion, leaving the UFC with an issue.
Paddy Pimblett has since admitted that he was “lucky” to beat Jared Gordon in the co-main event, with the fight producing one of the most controversial outcomes in some time.
However, what might have been forgotten is that up until the two decisions that ended the night, each and every bout had ended in a finish.
As a result, the promotion chose to award every fighter that got a finish a Performance of the Night bonus, meaning that it made history for the most bonuses given out at a single event with 11.
The only fighter who got a bonus despite not winning was Darren Till, whose loss to Dricus du Plessis was awarded the Fight of the Night bonus.
Among these bonus winners was the history-making Raul Rosas Jr., whose submission win over Jay Perrin in the featured prelim made him the youngest fighter to win a bout inside the Octagon at 18 years old.
Justin Gaethje Rejects Arman Tsarukyan’s Aid for Paddy Pimblett Fight Over One Reason
As Justin Gaethje prepares for one of the most high-stakes fights of his career, an interim lightweight title clash with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, the offers to help are rolling in. And one of them came from an unexpected source, Arman Tsarukyan, a man many believe has what it takes to be a future champion himself.
But instead of excitement, Gaethje saw something else. Why would one of the division’s most dangerous contenders offer to help him beat Pimblett? And why now, when Tsarukyan is still fuming from being passed over for this very title shot? Those questions set the stage for Gaethje’s response on Submission Radio, where he made it clear that this was an invitation he wouldn’t be accepting.
In a clip of his interview shared on X by Red Corner MMA, the interviewer asked Gaethje directly, Tsarukyan wants to help you train, did you see that? Gaethje didn’t hesitate. Yes, he saw it. And no, he wasn’t buying the spirit of generosity that Tsarukyan framed it with.
According to him, “Yeah, I saw that. That’s I would say that from my perspective, that was more of him trying to go against Paddy rather than help me.”
In other words, Arman Tsarukyan’s offer wasn’t about elevating Justin Gaethje. It was about sinking ‘The Baddy’. But even if the intentions were pure, Gaethje explained he wouldn’t make sweeping changes this late in his career.
He said, “But, you know, I’m not going to go and start making drastic changes in my training camps when it comes to getting ready for these fights. And I trust the team that I have. I will bring in training partners. But ultimately, I’m not going to bring in guys that I’m probably and possibly gonna fight in the future. I have nothing against him, he’d be a great training partner, ah but ultimately I might have to fight him one day. So that’d be not smart.”
Bringing in training partners is normal. Bringing in someone he may have to fight? Not a chance. Yet, Tsarukyan’s offer didn’t come out of nowhere. The Armenian contender has been loudly frustrated since being left out of the interim title picture, especially with Pimblett, whom he openly mocked, being awarded the shot instead.
He didn’t hide his feelings, telling ESPN, “But I hope Justin is going to beat his a– and we’re going to forget about Paddy for all our lives. They give him easy fights because they know he’s going to lose to (lightweight champion) Ilia (Topuria).”
Maybe that’s why Justin Gaethje isn’t thinking about division politics. He’s thinking about the possibility that after Pimblett, Tsarukyan might be next. And why sharpen the sword of a man who may soon stand across the cage from you? However, according to a former champion, there might be a gap in ‘The Highlight’s arsenal that may come back to haunt him in his clash against ‘The Baddy’!
Aljamain Sterling claims Justin Gaethje’s “jiu-jitsu is non-existent” with a bold critique
What happens if Justin Gaethje gets the fight he wants on the feet, only to end up on the mat? According to Aljamain Sterling, that’s where the real danger lies, not in Paddy Pimblett’s hype, but in a hole Gaethje has carried for years. On a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sterling didn’t sugarcoat a thing. He argued that Gaethje’s jiu-jitsu simply isn’t at a championship level.
In Sterling’s own words, “It’s non-existent. I’m sure Justin Gaethje would admit that his jiu-jitsu is non-existent. I don’t even know if he actually goes to jiu-jitsu class. He better for this fight. I swear to God, if this guy gets submitted with a rear-naked choke, I’m going to be pis**d. It’s the most basic thing you could go and say I could learn this.”
Is that harsh? Maybe. But does he have a point? Gaethje’s two title-fight losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira both ended by choke. And Pimblett? As per Tapology, eleven of his career wins have come by submission. That’s enough to make even Gaethje’s biggest supporters shift a little in their seats.
Still, Sterling balanced the criticism with optimism. The Justin Gaethje of today, he argued, is not the reckless berserker who fought ‘The Eagle’. He sees a smarter athlete now, someone who uses his wrestling defensively, picks his shots wisely, and doesn’t willingly march into chaos.
“I will say of late he has fought a lot smarter, a lot more intelligent. … He used his wrestling, too.” Sterling noted.
And that’s what makes this matchup so fascinating. Arman Tsarukyan sees Paddy Pimblett as a prop the UFC is pushing. Sterling sees submission danger written in bold letters. Yet Gaethje sees only one thing, a belt he believes should have been his long ago.
So, what version of ‘The Highlight’ will walk into UFC 324? The smarter, disciplined veteran, or the old gunslinger who let chaos decide his fate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Francis Ngannou Gives Final Verdict on UFC Return Amid Refusal to Entertain Dana White’s Assault Allegations
Francis Ngannou has spent nearly three years outside the UFC, yet somehow, the shadow of his departure still looms over every conversation about his future. The former heavyweight champion has crossed into boxing, returned to MMA, and watched the UFC move on without him, but any discussion of a comeback always circles back to the same two things: Dana White and the unresolved tension between them.
And now, with the UFC’s historic White House card planned for next summer, and Ngannou’s PFL contract nearing its end, the questions surrounding him have grown louder. Could he return? Would he return? And what does he make of White’s recent claim that their split once turned physical?
Francis Ngannou chooses not to engage with Dana White’s claims of an altercation
Those questions set the tone when ‘The Predator’ joined The Ariel Helwani Show, and instead of diving into rebuttals, he made an unexpected choice. Ariel Helwani opened the door immediately, asking Ngannou directly whether he’d ever laid hands on White. The former champion didn’t dodge the question, he dismantled it with a jab of sarcasm.
Ngannou repeated, “Who, Dana White?” before adding, “Then he must be the only person that I ever put my hand on.”
From there, he held his ground without taking the bait. When Helwani pointed out that White claimed Ngannou grabbed both him and Hunter Campbell by the collar, Ngannou simply noted, “In his office, that’s what he said, right? Well, I’m sure he has a lot of cameras there.”
But when Helwani asked if that was an invitation for White to prove it, Ngannou shut it down, “I’m not inviting him to do anything. I’m not in court.”
So why not deny it outright? ‘The Predator’ explained that responding to every accusation isn’t a battle he’s interested in fighting anymore. Over time, he said, constantly being expected to answer for what others say becomes exhausting.
He added that he simply scrolled past White’s comments, concluding, “I get past it. I wasn’t even, yeah. I mean, I should be thinking that you’re going to ask me that I just leave it. I’m long gone from that. I kind of like at some point here, very annoying to just have to be responsible of what people say. If Dana said this, then I’m out here going to basically defend myself of what Dana said or whomever if he’s in peace with, it’s okay.”
As such, his refusal to fire back wasn’t weakness, it was a declaration. Francis Ngannou is done giving oxygen to old conflicts. But if he won’t talk about the past, what about the future? That’s where the conversation took a turn.
Ngannou wants to “wait” before thinking about a UFC return
With his PFL contract expiring before the White House card, and with fans still dreaming of a super-fight with Jon Jones, Helwani pressed him on whether a return to the UFC was possible.
Ngannou revealed that he had tried to reopen dialogue in the past, saying he was already willing to talk “before he fell off.” But when Helwani asked whether he’d consider it again once his current deal ends, Ngannou gave a measured answer with, “I don’t know. Wait until it’s over.”
Not a yes. Not a no. A deliberate pause. That approach lines up with everything we’ve seen from him in the past year.
Ngannou’s goals, whether boxing Deontay Wilder, chasing the long-elusive Jon Jones fight, or fighting on the UFC’s White House lawn, all hinge on timing and leverage. And timing, at least right now, appears to be on his side.
While he’s only fought once in MMA since leaving the UFC in 2023, ‘The Predator’ has remained one of combat sports’ most polarizing figures. His split-decision war with Tyson Fury and his brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua only amplified his global profile. Ultimately, what Ngannou made clear is that he’s not interested in reliving old grievances, and he’s not ready to map out a UFC return.
But he’s also not closing any doors. Fighting Jon Jones? Possible. Fighting at the White House? Also possible. Working with Dana White again? If the deal is right and the drama stays elsewhere, nothing is seemingly off the table.
Hot Property: $1.9M Baltimore County estate is sports lover’s playground
Address: 8 Glenberry Court, Phoenix
List price: $1,850.000
Year built: 1993
Real estate agent: Heidi Krauss, Krauss Real Property Brokerage
Last sold price/date: $1,799,900 / Aug. 25, 2022
Property size: 5.14 acres
Unique features: This Georgian estate should suit a sports lover. There’s a full-sized tennis court and a heated saltwater pool. There are five acres for hiking and a finished basement fit for a sizeable home gym. And with five fireplaces, there are lots of logs to be split.
With one-quarter acre (10,540 square feet) of living space, the four-level brick residence boasts six bedrooms, arched windows, skylights and lofty ceilings. There are seven bathrooms, plenty for any occasion. Flooring ranges from sparkling marble in the foyer to polished hardwood. The living room has a striking brick fireplace wall. The master suite features spacious walk-in dressing rooms, its own sitting room and a private porch.
Outside, there’s a stone-framed koi pond, a hot tub and spa. A stone patio overlooks the custom-made pool with its trickling waterfall. The brick pool house has its own kitchenette and grilling space. Beneath that structure are three car bays, which complement the attached three-car garage. The tennis court is fenced and lighted for play after dark and on those hot summer days. The home sits in a neighborhood that feeds a stellar public school system.
Have a news tip? Contact Mike Klingaman at jklingaman@baltsun.com and 410-332-6456.
Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams Will Co-Chair 2026 Met Gala
A music superstar, an Oscar winner, and a tennis legend take over the Met Gala … we don’t know if there’s a punchline yet — because we’ll have to wait and see what happens since Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams have been named co-chairs of the event!
The three stars have been tapped to work with industry icon Anna Wintour — who always heads up the annual fashion extravaganza — on next year’s edition of the event … with Vogue announcing the news via Instagram Wednesday morning.
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The gala has a
Netflix-Paramount bidding wars are pushing Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav toward billionaire status-he has one rule for success: ‘Never be outworked’
The 65-year-old executive has long been one of the media’s highest-paid leaders, taking home a compensation package of $51.9 million in 2024 alone—even as the company weathered layoffs and strategy turmoil.
And earlier this year, Zaslav signed a new contract packed with more stock options that could exceed $420 million in value, with the ultimate payout influenced by whether Netflix’s $27.75-per-share cash-and-stock bid or Paramount’s hostile $30-per-share cash offer wins out.
If either deal pushes through, the package could propel Zaslav’s net worth past $1 billion, according to Bloomberg—placing him alongside a rare group of non-founder CEOs like Tim Cook, Satya Nadella, and Jamie Dimon who’ve joined the billionaire ranks.
David Zaslav missed out on being a tennis star—and vowed to never be outworked again
Zaslav began his career in corporate law before bringing his passion for strategy and negotiation to media—joining NBC in 1989 and helping launch CNBC. He rose to become president of NBCUniversal’s cable and domestic TV and new-media distribution before being tapped to lead Discovery Communications as CEO in 2006, overseeing brands like TLC and Animal Planet.
In 2022, Zaslav orchestrated the landmark Discovery-WarnerMedia merger, handing him control over powerhouse assets, including HBO, CNN, and TBS—plus Warner Bros’ vast film and TV studios.
But Zaslav maintains his real edge hasn’t been timing or luck; it’s been an almost obsessive work ethic.
He learned that lesson the hard way as a teenager chasing tennis greatness. After showing early promise, he eased up on practicing, assuming talent alone would carry him. A few months later, reality hit. His coach—professional tennis legend Althea Gibson—told him bluntly he wasn’t putting in the work. And by then, it was too late.
“By the time I was 14 years old, I was getting beat by most of the people I was used to beating,” Zaslav recalled at Boston University’s commencement in 2023. “I had already watched all the players I grew up with blow right by me. It was a painful experience. It’s painful to be outworked. I lost a little piece of my identity—but I vowed that day I would never be outworked again.”
Zaslav tells Gen Z that working hard is the most important key to success—he still wakes up at 4:45 a.m. to grind
Armed with his own experience, Zaslav warned Boston University graduates that talent is important, but just an “entry ticket.” More importantly, you have to commit yourself to working hard—and that doesn’t stop even once you reach the top.
“If you really want to realize your full potential, you cannot focus solely on what you’re good at—that’s the easy stuff,” Zaslav added. “You’ve got to put more effort toward the things you’re not good at and work at getting better at them. It’ll make a huge difference.”
Zaslav still puts his commitment to hard work into action every morning—beginning with a 4:45 a.m. wake-up call. He then hits the streets of Manhattan, often walking an hour and a half from his home on Central Park West down to his office on 19th Street—either on the phone or listening to music.
That same discipline shaped the guidance he shared with Gen Z graduates—and may even put them on a billionaire track like himself one day.
“Create your own opportunities, and even if you have to make a big change, find a way to do what you really love,” Zaslav said at Boston University, adding: “Never, never, never get outworked.”
Aryna Sabalenka has fiery response to ‘testosterone’ tennis drama
Tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just firing back with bikini snaps.
During an appearance Tuesday on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” the world No. 1 was asked about controversial comments attributed to fellow tennis player Marta Kostyuk, whose October interview with Tennis365 caused a stir when the publication “inserted a comment asking if Kostyuk was ‘intimidated’ by” Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek and a response of “different biological structures” spread like wildfire.
“That’s so funny that we even talk about someone like Marta Kostyuk’s comments, but all I hear here is just excuses,” Sabalenka said. “And it’s actually quite funny because she’s a strong girl. She probably has more muscles than I do, and she looks fit and strong, and I think that’s not the case in all of the matches she lost against top players.”
Kostyuk, currently ranked No. 26 in the world, spoke with Tennis365 at the Wuhan Open about battling the sport’s premier players, such as Sabelnka, 27, and Swiatek, 24, and the challenge that presents.
“With Iga, when I have played her, I wasn’t ready to play her at all,” the 23-year-old Kostyuk began. “I played her over a year ago. With Aryna, I don’t know, to be honest. When I look at these players, I have my own skills, but at the end of the day, they are all much bigger than me, much taller than me, much stronger than me. We all have different biological structure. Some have a higher level of testosterone, some have lower. I know players who are good players who have higher levels of it. It’s just natural, they don’t take anything. I’m sure of that. It’s just the biology of their body. Obviously, that definitely helps.
“I’m trying to see how I can beat these players with the tennis skills I have, but I have to work more than they have to win the points. I need to run a lot more. I am much more of, like, an athletic player. I cannot just hit the ball hard, sweeping players out of the court with my power. I cannot make myself suddenly 10kgs bigger or five centimeters taller, so I have to find ways to use everything I have at 100 percent. For other players, they have more of an advantage in other things. This is just the way I am. My body, I’m really small. I look at the pictures when we are on the court and I look so much smaller than everyone. I cannot be bigger! It’s just part of the sport. I think it’s a very cool challenge, if I think about it. I really have to sit down and think, okay, what can I do to get make better against these players. I’m sure there are many, many things I can do better.”
Tennis365 published a follow-up post to the original interview and provided the full question Kostyuk was asked: “When you play Sabalenka and Swiatek, how close do you feel you are? What makes them a little better? Their consistency or their mental strength?”
“These comments were an honest reflection of how Marta feels on court, but they have been spun to insinuate Kostyuk was criticising her opponents, which was never her intention,” the outlet stated.
“… Tennis365 is a platform that has always prided itself on promoting the game in a positive light and we hope the clarification in this article will end any debate over comments that have been spun wildly by other areas of the world’s media.”
Around the same time Kostyuk’s comments went viral, Sabalenka — who defeated her twice in 2025 — posted bikini photos with some speculating if it was a clapback.
“Just wanted to make sure that she sees the real picture,” Sabalenka told Piers Morgan on Tuesday.
Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams named Met Gala 2026 co-chairs
Music superstar Beyoncé, actress Nicole Kidman and tennis legend Venus Williams have been named co-chairs of the 2026 Met Gala, alongside Anna Wintour, Vogue announced Wednesday.
Beyoncé is returning to
Serena Williams to Lead ‘Trailblazing’ New Prime Video Series
Key Points
Serena Williams stars in and executive-produces Prime Video docuseries
Martina Navratilova says she wouldn’t defect to US today under Trump presidency
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Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said in a video advertisement that she would not defect to the United States if today’s situation were around when she left Czechoslovakia.
Navratilova made the video for
Kubrat Pulev: ‘I’m Happy To Have This World Title In Bulgaria And I’m Going To Win This Fight’
DUBAI, UAE – December 10, 2025 – In a charged atmosphere thick with anticipation, WBA World Heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev and challenger Murat Gassiev came face-to-face for the first time today at the official press conference for BETCITY IBA Pro 13, held at the opulent Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
The Bulgarian veteran and the power-punching Russian knockout artist engaged in a tense stare-down, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most explosive heavyweight bouts of the year on Friday, December 12, live on DAZN.
Umar Kremlev, IBA President, said: “There are so many opportunities for athletes and coaches to compete in the best fights possible. And for the fans, we’re offering better conditions and more competitive match-ups, not just boxing, but the best boxing in the world at IBA. That’s our main goal. Our primary mission is to create a platform where boxers can fulfill their dreams, and where coaches can realize theirs as well — doing what they love while earning a proper living. We aim to increase prize funds for both amateurs and professionals.
“This fight, between Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev, is another example of the IBA’s commitment to delivering the biggest events around the world. Both men are tremendous ambassadors for the sport and I am eager to see them compete for the WBA Heavyweight championship.”
Al Siesta, Director General of IBA Pro, said: “This fight is a phenomenal showcase of the highest level of sport – the heavyweight championship of the world. Pulev vs Gassiev is breaking new boundaries by becoming the first heavyweight title bout to be held in the United Arab Emirates and we are so proud of this.
“On December 12, live on DAZN, I am certain that both Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev will deliver a spectacular show befitting the occasion. It is a true 50-50 fight, which is the hallmark of IBA and IBA Pro, and I can’t split the two men. May the best man win!”
Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs), the 44-year-old ‘Cobra’ from Sofia, Bulgaria, enters the ring to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown for the first time since capturing it earlier this year via a dominant unanimous decision over Manuel Charr.
A former IBF interim title challenger, Pulev has recorded three straight victories, showcasing the granite chin and technical savvy that have defined his 20-year professional career. Despite a mandatory defense having been ordered against rising British star Moses Itauma, Pulev’s team secured a special sanction from the WBA to face Gassiev, with the winner obligated to meet Itauma next.
Reigning WBA Heavyweight Champion, Kubrat Pulev, said: “To be a world champion was my dream and the dream of my father. That’s why we started boxing, because my brother, my father, they were in love with boxing. That’s why we love this great sport.
“I have come a long way, I have more than 300 amateur fights and also a lot of professional fights. I have a lot of experience. Thanks to God, I have the chance to fight for a world title. I’m happy to have this world title in Bulgaria and I’m going to win this fight.”
His opponent, the 32-year-old Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) from Vladikavkaz, Russia, brings devastating power and an unyielding pressure style honed as a former unified cruiserweight champion. With standout victories over Yuniel Dorticos and Denis Lebedev, he now plans his assault on the heavyweight division. A win over Pulev would see ‘Iron’ become Russia’s first heavyweight champion in thirteen years – with no shortage of national pride at stake, Saturday’s bout marks Gassiev’s first step toward heavyweight immortality.
Challenger Murat Gassiev said: “Thank you to Umar Kremlev for this opportunity. This is the heavyweight division – one punch can change any plan, any strategy, any tactic and you need to be ready 100% at any second.
“Kubrat Pulev is a heavyweight champion. He has a lot of experience. Many people said that he is old, at 44 years, but it’s only numbers. He has great experience, he is always in good shape – he looks perfect. I’m 100% sure that he is ready for twelve rounds, and I know this is one of the toughest fights of my professional career. We have had a good training camp and we’re ready for everything.”
The press conference, attended by global media and buzzing with energy, highlighted the cultural clash between Pulev’s old-school resilience and Gassiev’s modern menace. The event underscores the growing prominence of IBA Pro Boxing, now a cornerstone of the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) ecosystem, blending elite amateurs and professionals in a “Festival of Boxing” from December 2-13.
Aryna Sabalenka Claims Playing Transgender Competitors Is ‘Not Fair to Women’
Aryna Sabalenka shared her thoughts on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s tennis during an interview with Piers Morgan released on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
The world No. 1 tennis star, 27, weighed in on the debate when asked by the British host if she agrees with former player Martina Navratilova’s take that
Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter: Tennis stars Aryna Sabalenka, Nick Kyrgios weigh in on trans athlete debate
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Welcome to the Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
COURT CLASH – Before their
U.S. House passes bill to help stadiums combat drones
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Because marijuana remains illegal federally, dispensaries can’t advertise on TV or the radio. So in Michigan they bought up billboards across the state.
The result: Michigan highways are lined with a forest of distracting signs pushing pot, with puns like “Stop by and say high!”
(My personal favorite was a banner trailing from an airplane that said “Weed and bud.” My mom thought it was for a garden store.)
Ohio won’t be so loaded with billboards, though, after the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review waved through a state ban on such signage.
The Outdoor Advertising Association of Ohio warns the rule could violate companies’ First Amendment rights. But even Detroit has recently curtailed the ads. Marijuana and vaping ads are now banned from within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, libraries and other spots where kids congregate.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Messy wintry mix
Top Stories
Marijuana advertising: Ohio is banning advertisements of recreational marijuana dispensaries on billboards, radio, television or the internet and in stadiums and arenas, reports Laura Hancock.
Baseball award: Paul Hoynes, the dogged baseball voice of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Career Excellence Award — the highest honor a baseball writer can receive. Joe Noga reports that a year after Guardians broadcasting legend Tom Hamilton enjoyed his moment in Cooperstown, N.Y., Hoynes will be celebrated there during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s induction weekend in July.
Today in Ohio: U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi recently brushed aside allegations of discrimination tied to the administration’s firing of a Cleveland immigration judge. We’re talking about the lawsuit filed by Tania Nemer, a Summit County attorney, on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Statehouse and Politics
ACA subsidies: U.S. Sen. Jon Husted is proposing legislation to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies for two years, introducing new restrictions like a $5 monthly minimum premium and citizenship requirements. Sabrina Eaton reports the bill aims to address the upcoming expiration of enhanced tax credits while implementing measures to reduce potential fraud.
Hemp regulations: The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 56, which prohibits sales of hemp-based items with over 0.4 milligrams of THC outside licensed dispensaries and makes significant changes to the state’s recreational marijuana law. Jeremy Pelzer and Mary Frances McGowan report the legislation includes restrictions on marijuana transportation, landlord rights, and creates new criminal penalties for certain marijuana-related activities.
Spending restrictions: The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case brought by Vice President JD Vance challenging limits on political party spending in coordination with federal candidates. Sabrina Eaton reports the case explores potential corruption risks and First Amendment free speech rights in campaign finance regulations.
Sloopys: Cleveland.com is hosting the 2025 Sloopy Awards, with voting open for categories like Biggest Windbag and Funniest Politician, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
Northeast Ohio News
Cleveland schools: Cleveland’s school board unanimously approved a plan Tuesday night that drastically consolidates the school district’s footprint ahead of the 2026-27 school year, Sean McDonnell reports. Cleveland Metropolitan School District will close 23 buildings and operate 29 fewer schools, changes CEO Warren Morgan says are needed to confront steep drops in enrollment and a looming $150 million deficit.
Stadium funding: A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request to stop the state of Ohio from raiding $1.7 billion from its unclaimed property fund to help build a new Cleveland Browns stadium, among other projects, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
IT upgrade: Cuyahoga County must upgrade its IT system again, but this time, officials say the process won’t be nearly as painful or as costly as the first overhaul, reports Kaitlin Durbin. The county’s initial transition to the Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP, platform starting in 2016 quickly unraveled into a budget‑busting, delay‑ridden, leadership‑challenged undertaking.
Waterfront development: Cleveland’s waterfront development organization is nearing the selection of a developer for the current Browns stadium site, with proposals including entertainment, housing and public spaces, Rich Exner reports.
Pickleball: Rocky River has resumed adult pickleball at the Civic Center after a month-long pause due to behavioral issues, now requiring registration and extra fees to ensure a welcoming environment, reports Cory Shaffer.
Tanisha’s Law: Cleveland City Council is considering Tanisha’s Law to send clinicians instead of police to some 911 calls, with other cities already implementing similar programs, reports Sean McDonnell.
Traffic stops: Cleveland police made nearly 16,000 traffic stops in 2024, mostly for speeding and registration issues, with Black drivers 3.7 times more likely to be stopped than white drivers, reports Adam Ferrise.
RTA change: RTA’s Cleveland State Line will be no more, but the same bus service will continue on the same routes through the West Side and western suburbs, Rich Exner reports.
Mentor election: A single vote decided Mentor’s at-large city council race, final results showed Tuesday, when the Lake County Board of Elections certified recounts in two of the closest contests from the Nov. 4 election, Molly Walsh reports.
Splash pad: Mentor approved a $5.94 million contract for a new splash pad and bathhouse at Garfield Park, aiming to serve the growing south side, reports Molly Walsh.
Watershed plan: Lake County officials seek public input at a Dec. 19 meeting on updating the Red Creek-Grand River Watershed Plan, which would improve water quality and address flooding concerns, reports Molly Walsh.
Lorain megasite: Lorain County residents protested a proposed industrial megasite, citing concerns over funding gaps, environmental impacts, and lack of public input, despite the county receiving $67.4 million for infrastructure upgrades, reports Hannah Drown.
Health Care and Business
Epilepsy rates: A Case Western Reserve University study shows higher epilepsy rates in Northeast Ohio counties, linked to socioeconomic and environmental factors like extreme heat, reports Julie Washington.
RubberDucks: Prospector Baseball Group has acquired the Akron RubberDucks from Ken Babby, also taking over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, with no announced name change. Marc Bona reports on the sale of the Cleveland Guardians Class AA affiliate and the team’s future plans. The new owners describe the team as “one of the iconic franchises in all of minor league baseball,” reports Joe Noga.
Layoff notice: Property management company PK Management is closing its facility in Richmond Heights, resulting in the loss of nearly 70 jobs, Cliff Pinckard reports.
Crime and Courts
Safety Patrol lawsuit: A former supervisor of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office’s Downtown Safety Patrol unit permanently injured an unarmed motorist during a routine traffic stop, according to a civil rights lawsuit filed Monday, David Gambino reports.
Hopkins arrest: A suspect was taken into custody at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Sunday evening after making threatening statements about activity there, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Guilty plea: An 89-year-old Parma man has pleaded guilty after being charged with a hit-and-run accident that wounded a mother and her 2-year-old child, Lucas Daprile reports.
Meth trafficking: Three men are charged with funneling large amounts of meth from Mexico to Cleveland, Adam Ferrise reports. The indictment details shipments from Sonora and Arizona, with authorities using wiretaps to establish the connection.
Arts and Entertainment
Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez discusses how to handle sharing difficult medical news, emphasizing keeping family informed until more details are known and advising on communicating with employers, all while respecting the patient’s wishes.
Alison Krauss: Alison Krauss and Union Station will tour in 2026, performing in Akron on June 24, supporting their album “Arcadia.” Malcolm X Abram writes about the bluegrass group’s return to the stage with new material.
Ski openings: Ohio’s Snow Trails ski resort in Mansfield will open Thursday, making it the first in Ohio to start the season, with Mad River Mountain near Columbus opening the next day, reports Susan Glaser.
Film events: The Greater Cleveland Film Commission will host multiple events in January, including a gala with David Lester from “Star Wars” and a free production assistant workshop to promote the region’s growing film industry, Joey Morona reports.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a nearly 30-year holiday tradition, requiring extensive logistics. Peter Chakerian highlights Cleveland’s deep connection to their success and annual performances.
Orchestra finances: The Cleveland Orchestra reported a strong fiscal year with a balanced budget, increased endowment and expanded audience reach, reports Zachary Lewis.
Congressional baseball: Cleveland-born author J.B. Manheim explores the history and ongoing popularity of the congressional baseball game, which started in 1909 and raises millions for charity, Marc Bona reports.
‘Kitchen Fables’: Lake Erie Ink’s “Kitchen Fables” is a community cookbook mixing recipes, stories, poems and artwork from Clevelanders of all ages, celebrating creativity and connections, Alex Darus reports.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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Doug Ghim, Adam Hadwin, Cameron Champ among players to watch in PGA Tour-Q School final stage
The holidays are right around the corner, and many professional golfers are hoping for something more than just presents. The final stage of PGA Tour Q-School takes center stage this week in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, continuing two weeks of survive-and-advance style of golf to earn playing privileges on the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour next season.
The penultimate stage was held last week across five sites scattered throughout the United States, where five different 72-hole stroke-play competitions were expected to take place. Due to weather, two sites were shortened to 54 holes. A total of 88 players advanced to the final stage from these five locations with this run of golf representing both a sprint in terms of quality of game and a marathon in terms of mental toughness.
PGA Tour Insider Rejects LIV Golf Poaching Reports With Blunt Statement
Rumors were that LIV is poaching two South Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. One of them was Si Woo Kim, and the other was Sungjae Im. There is no official confirmation on the rumors yet. However, while Si Woo Kim’s involvement is unknown, a source close to the PGA Tour denies any truth in Sungjae Im joining the rival circuit.
“There’s “zero truth” to the Sungjae Im report, per a source,” wrote Cameron Jourdan in an X post.
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Reports from Flushing It Golf suggested Si Woo Kim was deep into talks to join LIV Golf’s Iron Heads GC for 2026. But it was not just Si Woo Kim. The same discussion also looped in Im as a potential addition. That idea gained momentum after Josh Carpenter noted the possible effect such exits could have on the International Presidents Cup team. Reposting the same, Cameron Jourdan denied any truth to Sungjae Im’s involvement, per a close source.
Meanwhile, Sliced Podcast’s host Sam Harrop echoed that stance through his own post, stating he had it on “very good authority” that Sungjae Im is staying where he is. Im’s schedule backs up that assessment, as he continues to be one of the most active golfers on the PGA Tour with 28 starts in 2025. He sits at No. 42 in the world and has represented the International side in three Presidents Cups.
Sungjae Im’s name now appears cleared, while Kim’s next steps remain under watch. As the landscape shifts, clarity around each player’s direction will shape upcoming international team dynamics.
Report: Si Woo Kim leaving PGA Tour for LIV Golf
South Korea’s Si Woo Kim reportedly has a deal to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf.
The four-time PGA Tour winner is in
Golf Fans Voice Same Complaint as Draft of Tiger Woods-Designed PGA Tour Schedule Goes Viral
A possible 2028 PGA Tour calendar sketches a dramatic shift in how the schedule may look. The early proposal, shaped through conversations with several players and the Future Competition Committee led publicly by Tiger Woods, imagines a campaign that begins the week after the Super Bowl. It kicks off with the WM Phoenix Open in February and runs till August.
“🚨🗓️⛳️ #NEW — Golf Channel has unveiled a potential 2028 draft schedule based on conversations with a half dozen players that would see a post Super Bowl start in Phoenix, a week off after every major and playoff event venues that include Pebble Beach and Riviera,” NUCLR GOLF reported in a tweet.
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Scott O’Neil had revealed that the Woods-led Future Competition Committee (FCC) will play a major role in drafting the new schedule. The potential schedule shared by Golf Channel is grounded in parity, scarcity, and simplicity, the three goals stated by the FCC. It contemplates shrinking the current 38-event (non-fall) schedule to about 25 events.
“We started with a blank slate — what would the best product we can possibly create, what would it look like?” Tiger Woods told Golf Channel.
The FCC and Tour leadership say the idea is to create scarcity so top players converge on most events. The aim is to boost viewership and make each week an “appointment” for fans.
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In the new calendar, Signature stops occupy most of the calendar. Miami and the Arnold Palmer Invitational in February and March, and THE PLAYERS in March. Then comes a tightly arranged run of Houston, Austin, and the Masters heading into April. A planned week off follows each major to help with recovery, broadcast pacing, and build-up for the next stretch.
A reworked summer is central to the concept. The U.S. Open remains in June alongside the Canadian Open and Travelers. However, the Open Championship slides into early August because of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. That change compresses the late-season flow and pushes the playoffs to a striking West Coast finish. Pebble Beach and Riviera host the first two postseason stops before the Tour Championship wraps things up.
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While most FCC and leadership insiders support this draft, there’s a mixed response overall. Some, like Billy Horschel, highlight the need to place more tournaments in major U.S. markets to generate broader attention.
“We need to go to the biggest markets — right now we are in five of the 30 biggest markets [in the United States]; we need to make it 12 to 15,” Billy Horschel said.
Horschel feels that at least one-third of the total events on the PGA Tour should be in major markets. This could potentially attract more sponsors and help broaden the reach. However, some view this as a bad move. Voices such as Tom Hoge caution that fewer stops shrink flexibility for those outside the top tier.
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“I don’t love this idea of a reduced schedule,” he said.
Hoge gave an example of the days when golfers had the opportunity to decide what events they wanted to play. He said that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson usually didn’t play the same events most of the time. However, they carried out the events they chose to play in. The reduced schedule mitigates this flexibility, as most PGA Tour members would want to compete in the remaining events to make a living.
While the potential new schedule has more supporters than haters on the inside, fans tell a completely different story.
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Fans’ backlash at the possible new schedule
Fan pushback gathered under the NUCLR GOLF post reflects a mix of frustration and disappointment. Much of it is aimed at the proposed late start.
“Sorry, NO golf in January sucks. When golfers in the north zone of the USA & Canada cant play because of the crap cold weather, we look forward to watching Hawaii/California golf tournaments to get us thru the winter. Cut off golf after Thanksgiving but leave January alone,” one user wrote.
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Unlike other sports, such as football and baseball, most golf fans actually enjoy playing the game themselves. But colder events can prevent golf enthusiasts from playing outside. Viewers in colder regions say January broadcasts from Hawaii and California help them feel connected to the sport during these months when playing outside isn’t possible. Losing that stretch feels like losing a seasonal ritual. Some fans even argued that the Tour could trim December instead of removing an early-year window.
While the late start is worrisome for some fans, others feel like there’s no need to make any major changes.
“1. Not everyone in the world watches NFL. This conflict for a few weeks is way overblown. 2. Not enough golf. Too focused on top players. I for one like to see emerging PGA stars get a chance to actually emerge. This schedule is so biased to established players,” a fan said.
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One of the biggest reasons for making this schedule change is to avoid a clash with the NFL. The NFL enters playoff season in January, and most American audiences are glued to their TVs to watch these games. The PGA Tour leadership feels that this declines the viewership. Hence, they are trying to move the schedule down for a February start to avoid the conflict. But fans note that golf has a niche audience that does not want a later start.
This comment also reflects what Tom Hoge said. While Hoge pointed out flexibility, the fan wants to point out that if all elite golfers started playing in every event on the PGA Tour, it would significantly affect new and emerging stars.
Tradition is another major theme. A few comments question how the Tour can celebrate its heritage while outlining a plan that reshuffles core pieces of the season.
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“How do you talk about playing for history and tradition for years and then do this? Are there plans for another tour that plays under the PGAT umbrella that is in between the KFT and PGAT?” the fan wrote.
“20 years ago I remember someone, probably in Golf Digest, saying that Golf has to be careful not to become Tennis. It’s happening before our eyes. This ridiculous schedule. LIV. TGL. Grass league. It’s freaking sad,” another user said.
The comment points to a larger pattern of fragmentation. Not just golf, but many other sports are becoming less engaging for fans. The accumulation of new leagues and revised structures makes the entire landscape feel unstable.
Reflecting on a similar backdrop about tradition and courses, another user wrote, “No Torrey Pines- and Pebble in February- You have to be kidding.”
For these fans, the schedule doesn’t just change dates; it disrupts familiar markers that have shaped how they follow the sport as a whole.
Scheffler prepares for Golf Channel Games and jokes about his lefty ability
Scottie Scheffler has been at the top of the golfing world for a while now, setting the pace across multiple areas of the game.
Scottie Scheffler has been the standout player of his generation, adding six PGA Tour titles in 2025 — including the PGA Championship and The Open — to reach 19 career victories and four majors. But as he prepares for the new Golf Channel Games alongside Rory McIlroy later this month, Scheffler has admitted there is one department of his game that is far from elite: playing left-handed.
The made-for-TV event, hosted at Trump Jupiter, will include unique challenges such as timed driving and a 14-club test, where players may be forced to hit from their non-dominant side. For Scheffler, that presents a problem.
Scheffler admits his left-handed game is ‘not very good’
Speaking to Golf Channel, Scheffler did not sugar-coat his weakness.
“My lefty game is not very good, to say the least,” he said. “And Sam [Burns], one of my partners, his is not much better either. Maybe that’s something that I’ll hit a few lefty shots this next week [in preparation].”
McIlroy, meanwhile, revealed he is “fairly confident” in his opposite-hand abilities — although he joked that his driver travels only about 180 yards when swung left-handed.
The Golf Channel Games will pit Scheffler and McIlroy, currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, as opposing team captains. Scheffler will partner with Burns, Keegan Bradley and Luke Clanton, while McIlroy teams up with Shane Lowry, Luke Donald and Haotong Li.
McIlroy explains why he agreed to the exhibition with Scheffler
McIlroy said the motivation behind the event was to bring something fresh to golf entertainment — a format reminiscent of the NFL Combine, the NBA Three-Point Contest or MLB’s Home Run Derby.
“Scottie and I have been a part of some of these matches before, and they’ve hopefully provided some entertainment,” McIlroy said. “But this is an opportunity to do something different.
“To lean into other sports in a way… it’s just a chance to try something new, try something different. And I think we’ve put together a collection of pretty good players, different personalities, different skillsets.”
Whether fans embrace the experimental format remains uncertain, but the event will cap off a demanding season for both Scheffler and McIlroy. With the 2026 season fast approaching, the two stars are expected once again to set the standard in world golf — even if one of them may want to avoid hitting left-handed whenever possible.
The PGA Tour Evaluates Franchise Model: Gary McCord’s Bold Solution
Gary McCord sat down with the SubPar podcast to discuss his bold vision for the future of the PGA Tour following its partnership with SSG, a plan that includes the creation of multiple leagues and franchises.
“Our pyramid has been upside down. It’s been pointing at one guy, Tiger Woods. We’re going to succeed because of Tiger. It’s not a good business plan for the long term. We have no base,” McCord explained on the Chamblee podcast. “One hundred guys out of all the great golfers in the world? That’s it? There will be no more signature events. Whatever they call that crap. That’s insane. The other guys have to play beyond belief to get in, that’s bullshit.”
Source: https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/pga/2025/12/01/gary-mccords-vision-pga-tour-jack-nicklaus-tiger-woods-leagues/87550715007/#
McCord envisions a bifurcated league split into two divisions (“Tiger” and “Jack”). Each division would be able to draft its own players, host its own tournaments, and crown a division winner based on end-of-year earnings. The model allows for the addition of more golfers as the tour expands, reducing the number of tournaments available to individual players but increasing the total number of events for fans following both divisions.
“We’ve taken the Tour from 100 guys — 110 on this side, 110 on this side — to 220. With less tournaments,” McCord told SubPar hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz. “That works. That works pretty good.”
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Source: https://golf.com/news/gary-mccord-bold-plan-reinvent-pga-tour/?srsltid=AfmBOoruP0rMvvQMfV_w3PT2JA62PFO_357spGtuqEOkHGmLP4CbjrYd&=1
McCord pointed to SSG’s history of success with sports franchises as one of the key reasons behind his proposed model. Two divisions would allow for defined team and league identities, giving fans new rooting interests beyond individual players.
The revenue opportunities, he argues, would extend well beyond league structure. His plan includes a competitive bidding process for hosting tournaments, putting local, regional, and national sponsors in direct competition to secure events and display their branding. Tournaments would also be allowed to “poach” players by offering appearance-based incentives to draw big names.
“Think about it, we’re going to reduce the number of tournaments played and more than double the amount of players that are exempt to play. All those guys who are crying on TV losing their jobs at 100, 101, we’re going to have 220. We’ve got the economics figured out, the ROI for SSG and future revenue streams within each franchise,” he told Golfweek.
Source: https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/pga/2025/12/01/gary-mccords-vision-pga-tour-jack-nicklaus-tiger-woods-leagues/87550715007/#
McCord’s message appears to be gaining traction. He has already met with Brian Rollap of the PGA Tour and Arthur Blank of SSG. He’s no stranger to structural change either; he led the push 40 years ago to expand the number of fully exempt PGA Tour players from 60 to 125.
McCord will now turn to a grassroots political campaign aimed directly at PGA Tour professionals, using a bottom-up strategy similar to the one that worked decades earlier. For players who fail to crack the top 100, his proposed system may sound especially appealing.
Four-Time PGA Tour Winner Reportedly Nearing Deal With LIV Golf
Si Woo Kim appears poised to become the latest PGA Tour standout to make the jump to LIV Golf, with the four-time winner reportedly in advanced discussions to join the rival league for the 2026 season.
Kim, 30, currently sits at No. 47 in the Official World Golf Ranking after a 2025 campaign featuring three top-10 finishes. His PGA Tour resume includes wins at the 2016 Wyndham Championship, the 2017 Players Championship, the 2021 American Express, and the 2023 Sony Open in Hawaii.
If he signs, this would stand as one of LIV Golf’s biggest additions since the arrivals of stars like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton in 2024–a clear signal that LIV remains aggressive in recruiting established talent.
What Kim’s Move Could Mean
For Kim personally, the shift might be about opportunity. Joining LIV would likely bring more financial security, different format dynamics, and a new challenge–potentially offering stability and a fresh start outside the cut-heavy grind of the PGA Tour.
For LIV Golf, adding a consistent, top-50 player would strengthen the league’s credibility and competitive depth. As LIV prepares for its 2026 season under its new 72-hole format, securing players of Kim’s caliber could be a strategic move to improve tournament quality and, perhaps, help LIV in its ongoing quest for world-ranking points.
But the move would also underscore the continuing tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. As players continue to defect, the Tour must ask how it can retain talent when alternative formats, with big money and fewer rounds, remain attractive.
Other Players Who Recently Made the Switch
This year’s offseason has already seen Laurie Canter, a former PGA Tour-DP World Tour cardholder, formally abandon his 2026 PGA Tour privileges to rejoin LIV Golf. After earning his card via the DP World Tour, Canter turned down the PGA-status offer and signed with LIV’s Majesticks GC.
Shortly afterward, Victor Perez became the first confirmed PGA-Tour-to-LIV switch of the 2025-26 off-season, joining LIV’s Cleeks GC. The 33-year-old French pro withdrew from the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic once the move was announced.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve had the best two seasons in America,” Perez said. “I played decent, but I didn’t have high enough finishes to be in a position to contend. And I just felt the way the PGA Tour was ranking events was putting me at a huge disadvantage.
“Not being in the Signature Events was a big sticking point my end. I could have played better, obviously, but at the same time, I felt like it was really ‘top heavy’. And once you start falling outside the top 10, you’re not really capitalizing on the weeks, which is a little bit of what happened to me.”
Between the shrinking opportunities and constantly shifting criteria, Perez felt the ladder to climb the rankings was being pulled away faster than he could adjust.
“On a personal note, it was quite difficult to get to the PGA Tour in ’24 and [see] the rules changing right away,” he said. “It started with the elevated events, which I wasn’t in, and then this year they were like, ‘Oh, we’re only going to have 100 cards, instead of 125.’ And it seems like another change is coming next season, or maybe the following season.
“So I struggled with that instability. They changed CEOs, and there are plenty of things that have happened that have made it quite difficult to really believe in the product.”
Waiting on Confirmation, Watching the Fallout
Recent coverage from Today’s Golfer suggests “multiple PGA Tour winners” could be headed to LIV next season. This doesn’t necessarily confirm names beyond Kim, but the reference shows a growing momentum behind interest in the Saudi-backed tour.
One name mentioned was two-time PGA Tour winner Sungjae Im. However, according to a source close to Sports Illustrated, “there is a 0%” chance he is leaving the PGA Tour.”
Im’s caddie, Willy Wilcox, had fun with the rumor, posting on social media, “This just in.. Sung Jae signs deal with NASA to play in new space tour with events on Mars and Neptune.”
As of now, the Kim deal is still unconfirmed. “Late stage negotiations” means there’s room for change, and until Kim officially signs, the move remains speculative.
Odds, picks, predictions for the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational
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Korean PGA Tour Star Drops 2-Word Message Amid Boiling LIV Golf Rumors
As several reports noted, Si Woo Kim‘s alleged move to LIV Golf, a second name kept lingering on everyone’s mind. Speculations clouded that Sungjae Im‘s negotiating a deal. As the gossip spread like wildfire, Im has finally cleared the air.
Posting a screenshot of NUCLR GOLF’s tweet, which claimed Im’s admission to LIV, the 2-time PGA Tour winner wrote a massive “Fake news,” distinguishing the fire. With a big thumbs down, Im has reaffirmed his loyalty to the PGA Tour.
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The talks have emerged after Si Woo Kim’s likely move to the Saudi-backed league. He’s reportedly in “late-stage negotiations” and will apparently fill a spot on Kevin Na‘s Iron Heads GC. The team is all-Korean/Korean American, and was short of a place after Jang Yu-bin‘s relegation.
From valleys, figuratively and literally, to PGA Tour? That’s the dream for Tyler Leach
Guy and Wendy Leach bought a golf course in western Wisconsin in 1998. The next year, they had a son, and they named him Tyler. The family lived across the street from the 12th tee at Spring Valley Golf Course, which shares the name of the town it belongs to, a town of only 1,400 people. Tyler and his older sister, Taylor, would spend about half the week at daycare and the other half with Wendy, who worked in the clubhouse. One day, Tyler discovered the practice green, and he never looked back.
“I could just walk across the street and tee it up whenever I wanted to,” Leach said. “I basically lived there. I hardly spent any time in my home.”
You can probably find some PGA Tour dreams at Spring Valley, a tree-lined, public layout that lacks a driving range and still costs less than $30 to play on Saturday mornings. But it’s not exactly the spot where you’d expect any of them to materialize.
And yet, Leach, now a 25-year-old Marquette grad, finds himself on the cusp of a dream realized. Leach’s PGA Tour Q-School journey began three stages ago, at pre-qualifying, and continues at this week’s final stage in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where Leach is among the 176 players vying for five PGA Tour cards.
Only one of them has experience trying to thread shots through the tight corridors on Spring Valley’s closing nine. Spring Valley tips out at barely 6,000 yards, but Leach warns of its difficulty. He was the Big East Freshman of the Year for the Golden Eagles, and even he couldn’t break 7-under 65 there.
The pines, Leach says, “taught me how to hit it straight.” And no range meant more actual golf, which taught Leach how to score. He arrived at Marquette a skilled ball-striker who didn’t miss a start his first year, then caught fire as a sophomore, winning his first tournament and averaging 71.9 in seven events before the pandemic canceled the remainder of the season. He’d play five seasons for the Golden Eagles, twice earning first-team All-Big East honors and bookending his career by helping Marquette to Big East titles and NCAA regional berths.
But for as good as Leach could flush the ball, his putting held him back toward the end of college and into Leach’s professional career, which began two years ago.
“You might even say I had the yips,” said Leach, who recalled the low point at the 2022 Wisconsin State Amateur, where he lost over 16 strokes putting to the PGA Tour average in four rounds and still tied for sixth. “That was pretty demoralizing,” he added.
The next summer, he turned pro anyway.
“My expectations were to put in some work every day and just start climbing the ladder,” Leach said. “I knew I wasn’t good enough when I first turned pro, but I felt like if I kept putting in the work, I could definitely get there. I started to see some progress, but the one thing that just kept lacking was the putter. I just couldn’t quite figure that out.”
It wasn’t for lack of trying, and Leach tried just about everything – left hand low; hips and shoulders open, closed; firm grip, weak grip; lots of face rotation, and none at all. The only place he never went initially was the long putter.
“I actually made fun of people who used the broomstick or the arm lock,” Leach admitted. “I said, there’s no way I’m going to use that. I’m going to putt conventionally and figure this out.”
Marquette head coach Steve Bailey lauds Leach’s self-belief, which Bailey calls his “X-factor.”
“Even during stretches of college when he wasn’t playing his best, he had a superpower of being unfazed by adversity,” Bailey said. “Tyler had his unique way of deflecting hurdles and never doubting his ability.”
Leach’s stubbornness with his stroke eventually wore off this past June, when Leach’s wife, Abby, told him, essentially, “It can’t hurt,” referring to the broom. So, Leach threw a center-shafted L.A.B. Mezz.1 Max in his bag. In his first event with the broomstick, he missed a mini-tour cut by nine. He stuck with it, and good thing; Leach recorded his first pro win at the Minnesota State Open in July, rolling it beautifully.
“Once you have a great putting week, you kind of prove to yourself like, OK, I’ve done this once, I can certainly do this again,” said Leach, who has a mere two career PGA Tour-sanctioned starts to his name, both in Canada.
Through three stages of Q-School, Leach is gaining over a shot and a half per round, about three shots better than his average in college. He’s medaled in two straight stages, too, including last week’s second stage in Tucson, Arizona. Leach started the final round at Starr Pass three shots outside the number before firing 7-under 63, over seven shots better than the field average that day. The round was capped with seven birdies in Leach’s final nine holes.
“It was just one of those days where you black out,” Leach said. “You’re trying not to think about anything. I knew there was a lot at stake, but I was so locked in.”
Leach, among five players at final stage who started at pre-qualifying, was also one of two second-stage medalists out of Marquette. Hunter Eichhorn shot 21 under in Savannah, Georgia, to advance to final stage for the first time since he turned pro in 2022. Eichhorn is from a town even smaller than Spring Valley – Carney, Michigan, located in the U.P. and home to less than 200 residents. He won six times for the Golden Eagles and was thrice the Big Ten Player of the Year. He also was Leach’s roommate for three years and a groomsman in Leach’s wedding.
The two buddies have already played some practice rounds together this week as they look to become the first and second Marquette alums ever to earn PGA Tour cards.
“And neither guy has ever had a swing coach,” Bailey said. “Such a great story.”
Leach, ranked No. 4,896 in the world rankings, doesn’t mind allowing himself to ponder the prospect of such an achievement.
“I’ve been in some pretty dark places with my putting, and it’s definitely a huge accomplishment to climb out of that because it’s hard to make it in professional golf if you can’t make putts,” Leach said. “I went through two or three years there where I was struggling and certainly had my doubts. But if I could finish in the top five, it would mean I overcame that hurdle and accomplished my dream, which is amazing to think about.”
Leach’s parents recently sold Spring Valley, but it will always be home – and that practice green, the beginning of a dream that in a few days could finally come true.
Stars have significantly improved their defensive play
One of the best teams in the NHL thus far has been the Dallas Stars, and it isn’t just because of their offensive weapons.
The Stars are currently fighting it out with the Colorado Avalanche for not only the top spot in the Central Division, but also the entire league. A lot of that can be credited to the team’s depth scoring and goaltender Jake Oettinger. However, Dallas is also showing great improvements without the puck.
Through 31 games, the Stars have given up just 80 goals, good for sixth in the league, and just 10 more than the Avs. There have been multiple assets that have helped the cause, as they’ve worked on perfecting their defensive game.
On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Steve Peters joined Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton to discuss how the Stars have been a much better defensive team than they were in the past.
Steve Peters: With the Dallas Stars, they’re a team that’s got points in 10 straight…Their balance scoring, their goals-for is top five. Goals against, top five. Power play, top five. When you put those three categories and their PK is top 10, you put all of that together, it’s a good hockey team. It’s a balanced hockey team.
One thing I worry about with Dallas is what we saw a year ago with Dallas down the stretch, is their ability to continually defend in front of their goaltender. They left Oettinger out to dry over the last ten games a year ago, and it really carried into the playoffs…It is going to come down to Dallas and Colorado again, and it’s so disappointing that you’re going to see those two teams not meet in the Western finals, but they’re going to meet probably in the second round again and somebody’s going to be gone. It’s too bad, because I think Dallas is getting there. They’re close. If Oettinger can be the difference, it’s the team that can beat the Colorado Avalanche.
You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…
Avalanche’s puck movement toward the net is a key to their success
The Colorado Avalanche are the class of the NHL with a 21-2-7 record that has them one point away from 50 while only one other team has eclipsed 40.
Nathan MacKinnon is laying the groundwork for a rock-solid Hart Trophy case, as he has 24 goals and 27 assists for a 51-point mark that has him seven clear of Connor McDavid in second place.
Colorado leads the NHL with 118 goals scored, and while MacKinnon is running away with the scoring lead, significant contributions are coming from all up and down the lineup.
On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and co-host and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton were joined by former NHL video coach Steve Peters to discuss Colorado’s unique aggression and skill set that allows them to be so dynamic offensively.
Tyler Yaremchuk: I want to start with Colorado. They’re so damn good, but it’s too easy to just say it’s Nate and it’s Makar and it’s their superstars that push them. What else makes this Avs team so damn good?
Carter Hutton: It is more than their top stars. However, their top stars are their top players right now… Colorado is doing everything right right now… When you go to the film on what they do well, it’s all of the little things. Look at the movement that this team has in their offensive zone and their ability to get to the net… This is what’s driven their offense. It’s not just their third and fourth line guys that get to the net, it’s their top line. And you look at every guy on that top line, Necas, Lehkonen and MacKinnon, this is the top line in hockey right now; 5-on-5 goals scored they’re No. 1. Why? Because they find open areas in the slot, but secondarily, they get there.
You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube Blasts the NHL over Recent Ruling
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost forward Bobby McMann for their upcoming matchup against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, as he was suspended for a high-sticking infraction against Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand.
He was tossed from their recent game against the Lightning when he retaliated for a hit on his teammate Dakota Mermis from Tampa’s Gage Goncalves, as he swung his stick near the head of Bjorkstrand during the ensuing on-ice scrum.
Goncalves was assessed a five-minute major and thrown from the game for his own actions.
McMann earned an ejection and an automatic hearing with the National Hockey League Department of Player Safety, resulting in his one game-ban. Meanwhile, Goncalves escaped discipline for his actions against Mermis.
It’s since been revealed that Mermis will have to miss at least a month with his injury, which naturally upset head coach Craig Berube for the lack of punishment against Goncalves while noting that he didn’t feel McMann’s actions warranted a suspension.
“We lose a guy for probably a month at least,” Berube said. “There’s nothing. And that hurt. I thought it was more of him getting bumped and his stick (came up). I know you gotta be in control of your stick, but I don’t think it’s worth a suspension.”
However, Berube expressed approval over Goncalves’ ejection.
“Well, it is a knee. I think it is a good call, the five-minute major,” Berube said of that penalty.
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann was ejected from Monday’s game vs. the Lightning
McMann’s ejection took place in the first few minutes of the third period of Monday evening’s game between the Maple Leafs and Lightning at Scotiabank Arena.
Because of his suspension, McMann will forfeit $7,031.25 of his salary, which will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
While Goncalves was thrown from the game for his actions against Mermis, there have been no reports of any further supplemental discipline. Meanwhile, Mermis is expected to miss at least the next month with the effects of the injury.
Not only was Berube was particularly frustrated that Goncalves wasn’t suspended, but he also expressed doubt on whether McMann’s ejection was warranted.
“That is a tough one. It really is,” Berube said of McMann’s penalty. “I have to look at it more closely, which I didn’t. From our view on the bench, I couldn’t really see it too well. I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that, to be honest with you.”
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Maple Leafs defenseman Dakota Mermis will miss a month
The Maple Leafs have placed Mermis on Injured Reserve retroactive to December 8 when the injury took place again the Lightning.
In his stead, the Maple Leafs have called up defenseman Henry Thrun from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Mermis has played 11 games with the Maple Leafs this season and has scored a goal while averaging 13:01 of ice time; he’s also played two games with the Marlies.
So far this season with the Marlies, Thrun has appeared in 19 games in the AHL and has three goals and six assists.
Inside the Nuggets, Avs and Broncos hot starts, by the numbers
It’s a good time to be a Denver sports fan.
The Broncos (11-2) are currently holding onto the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Nuggets (17-6) are off to their best start since joining the NBA in 1976, and the Avalanche (21-2-7) is leading the NHL in points after a scorching-hot start.
So, is this collectively the best Denver’s pro basketball, football and hockey teams have ever been?
Here’s a look, by the numbers:
Historical look
Before the 2025-26 seasons, the Broncos have started 11-2 or better six times in the history of the franchise, reaching the playoffs each time and winning the Super Bowl twice (Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII), according to Stathead.
Of those, the only time Denver had playoff teams in all three sports was 1977-78. Under head coach Red Miller, the Broncos finished 12-2 and reached Super Bowl XII, losing to the Cowboys, 27-10. The Nuggets had a 48-34 record — the best in the Midwest division — and advanced the Western Conference finals, losing to the Seattle Supersonics in six games. Meanwhile in hockey, the Colorado Rockies (who later became the New Jersey Devils) reached the playoffs despite an awful 19-40-21 regular-season mark. They were swept by the Flyers in the preliminary round.
A look at the other years:
1984-85: Broncos finish 13-3, lose in divisional round; Nuggets finish 52-30, lose in conference finals; no NHL team.
1996-97: Broncos finish 13-3, lose in divisional round; Nuggets finish 21-61, miss playoffs; Avs finish 49-24-9, lose in conference finals.
1997-98: Broncos finish 12-4, win Super Bowl; Nuggets finish 11-71, miss playoffs; Avs finish 39-26-17, lose in conference quarterfinals.
1998-99: Broncos finish 14-2, win Super Bowl; Nuggets finish 14-36, miss playoffs; Avs finish 44-28-10, lose in conference finals.
2013-14: Broncos finish 13-3, lose in Super Bowl; Nuggets finish 36-46, miss playoffs; Avs finish 52-22-8, lose in first round.
The one common theme under this criteria is that two of the three pro teams have done well but never all three at the same time.
If the threshold is lowered to 10 wins through 13 games for the Broncos, it adds five more seasons to the list (1986-87, 1989-90, 2005-06, 2012-13 and 2014-15). Of those years, only 2005 had all three teams reach the playoffs.
2005-06: Broncos finish 13-3, lose in conference championship; Nuggets finish 44-38, lose in first round; Avs finish 43-30-9, lose in conference semifinals.
What oddsmakers are saying
The Nuggets and the Avs entered the 2025-26 seasons among the favorites to win their league’s championships. But the Broncos were a bit more of an underdog, having the 11th-best odds entering training camp at +2,800 — meaning a $100 bet would win $2,800 — according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Fast forward to Dec. 10 and all three teams have seen their betting odds improve.
The Broncos are tied with the fifth-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +1,000, according to BetMGM. The Nuggets are second to the Thunder at +600 and the Avs are the favorites to raise the Stanley Cup at +320.
What the national experts are saying
The Nuggets are ranked No. 2 by NBA.com’s latest power rankings.
ESPN puts the Avs at No. 1 in its latest power ranking: “Months remain before the Stanley Cup playoff picture crystallizes into its final form. It’s a decent bet, however, that the Avs and (Las Vegas) Knights will both be skating into late April and beyond.”
The Broncos are currently ranked between No. 2 and No. 6, according to most outlets. Except for the Washington Post, who has them at No. 12.
“Denver’s 11-2 record outpaces its underlying strength because the Broncos win close, low-margin games that the model views as unstable,” Washington Post’s Neil Greenberg writes.
Broncos inside the numbers
55
The total number of sacks Denver’s defense has entering Week 15. The group is on pace for 72, which would tie the mark set by the vaunted 1984-85 Chicago Bears.
Broncos defense closing on NFL’s sack record, but still not pleased with performance late vs. Raiders
+73
The points differential for the Broncos this season, ranking them ninth in the NFL.
10
Denver’s current win streak.
5
How many fourth-quarter-comeback wins quarterback Bo Nix has led the Broncos to this season.
Keeler: Think Broncos are NFL playoff frauds? Not when Sean Payton calls game like he did vs. Raiders.
12.5
How many sacks edge rusher Nik Bonitto has this year.
Nuggets inside the numbers
25.0
How many points guard Jamal Murray is averaging this season.
Jamal Murray is backing up preseason talk. Will he be finally rewarded as an All-Star?
29.2/12.3/11.0
The averages for points, rebounds and assists for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
10
The Nuggets’ current winning streak on the road.
11
The number of triple-doubles Jokic has this season.
3
The number of times Nuggets players have scored 50 or more points in a game this year. Jokic, Murray and Aaron Gordon each reached the mark this season.
Avs inside the numbers
51
How many total points Nathan MacKinnon has this season. He’s leading the NHL.
24
How many goals MacKinnon has this season. He’s leading the NHL in this category, too.
Keeler: While Broncos, Nikola Jokic own Denver’s eyeballs, Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon quietly putting up best season in Colorado history
+35
MacKinnon’s plus-minus stat this year. He leads the league, ahead of teammates Martin Necas (+28), Cale Makar (+27) and Artturi Lehkonen (+25).
Despite historically great start, Avalanche has a weakness to fix — the power play
118
How many goals the Avs have scored this year, the most among all NHL teams.
70
How many goals the Avs have allowed this year, the fewest among all NHL teams.
Celebrini of Sharks eying ‘huge honor’ of Olympic roster spot with Canada
TORONTO — Macklin Celebrini admits the prospect of playing for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 was on his radar dating back to this past offseason.
Of course, being a 19-year-old entering his second NHL season, the San Jose Sharks center wasn’t sure just how realistic that target was.
Now, 31 games into the 2025-26 regular season, he’s definitely caught the attention of Team Canada’s management team, given that he was third in League with 43 points (15 goals, 28 assists) entering Wednesday.
“I mean, for sure, in the summer, yeah,” he said Wednesday, having just finished practice in preparation for San Jose’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs here on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; TSN4, NBCSCA). “That’s a goal.
NHL looking into consolidating Jets’ franchise records
There’s a chance that the NHL may be giving the Winnipeg Jets the franchise records of the original Jets.
During a media availability in Winnipeg, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly mentioned that Jets owner Mark Chipman has asked about consolidating the records of the original Jets franchise with the current franchise.
According to Bettman, the NHL is looking into it, but mentioned that it’s not as simple as just doing it.
“It’s not so much a process,” Bettman said at the availability. “It’s what the end result would look like and can we make it make sense? The process is trying to figure it out, which is what we’re trying to do.”
“I don’t know if you’ve looked at it with respect to other teams in other leagues,” Daly said. “They’re kind of all over the map in terms of how they’ve done it. Some have worked more well than others, so it’s tricky.”
Due to the unique and complicated process of how the now-Utah Mammoth came to be, the franchise records of the original Jets franchise that then became the Arizona Coyotes do not belong to any team at this point in time.
Instead of the traditional route of relocating the Coyotes to Utah, the Coyotes were instead deactivated in 2024, with the league then expanding to add Utah, and the team granted access to all of the Coyotes’ players and staff, with all of their franchise records only tracking from 2024-25 onwards. The reasoning behind this was so that then-Coyotes owner Alex Merulo could retain the Coyotes brand when an arena deal was finally settled.
However, Merulo has since walked away from the Coyotes franchise, and his exclusive rights to bring hockey to Arizona has expired. This puts into question that, should hockey return to Arizona, whether or not it will exist as the previous Coyotes franchise like originally intended. This also means the records of the old Arizona franchise (and the old Jets franchise) may not be affiliated with the new team.
The other interesting wrinkle in all of this is how it will affect current Jets franchise records. While Connor Hellebuyck would still maintain his Atlanta Thrashers/Jets franchise records, Mark Scheifele, who set franchise records in goals (352) last season and points (842) this season, would have to re-achieve those records, as Dale Hawerchuk had 379 goals and 929 points with the original Jets.
The original Jets played in Winnipeg from 1979 to 1996 before they were relocated to Arizona, where they existed as the Coyotes until 2024. The current Jets originally existed as the Thrashers from 1999 to 2011 until they were relocated from Atlanta to Winnipeg.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman voices concern over Milan Cortina rink delays
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Wednesday expressed concern about the construction delays regarding the hockey rink for the Milan Cortina Olympics.
The slow construction of the main rink is “disappointing,” he said at the Winnipeg Jets’ facility.
“I’m not trying to pile on on this, in all of the prior Olympics, whether they built permanent or temporary facilities, it’s never been this late for a completion in the building of ice, and so that’s why we are cautious,” Bettman said.
The NHL has previously expressed concern about the quality of the ice surface. The league is sending its own experts to Italy to ensure the ice is safe.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has said the completion date of the main rink is set for Feb. 2. The women’s tournament is scheduled to start Feb. 5 and the men’s hockey competition is scheduled Feb. 11-22.
The facility features rinks smaller than NHL standards but still within the International Ice Hockey Federation’s standards.
Daly previously said there’s nothing the NHL or organizers can do about the dimensions of the 16,000-seat Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and secondary Rho facility.
The NHL was caught off guard when it became apparent the two rinks’ dimensions will be slightly wider and 3 feet shorter than what the league and International Ice Hockey Federation agreed upon. Daly said the league and NHL Players’ Association have reminded the IIHF that they expect the ice surface to be standard NHL size at the 2030 Olympics in France.
___
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Bettman: Slow construction of Milan Cortina rink ‘disappointing’
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Wednesday expressed concern about the construction delays regarding the hockey rink for the Milan Cortina Olympics.
The slow construction of the main rink is
Bucyk enjoying Bruins’ success on 70th anniversary of 1st NHL goal
Johnny Bucyk doesn’t remember the finest details of his first NHL goal, scored Dec. 11, 1955.
But on this 70th anniversary, the Boston Bruins legend remembers what’s important:
“I was a rookie with the Detroit Red Wings, it was against the New York Rangers, I scored it on Gump Worsley and we won 2-0,” Bucyk said with a laugh, turning back the clock to his first of 556 regular-season NHL goals.
Seven decades later, the hugely popular man affectionately known as “Chief” holds court every home game in the Bruins alumni suite at TD Garden, an endless stream of guests and star-struck fans appearing at his side for photos and autographs and perhaps to share a special memory.
They’re happier nights this season than they were last, when the Bruins failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs after eight consecutive trips to the postseason. Today, Boston (18-13-0) is flirting with top spot in the Atlantic Division, riding a three-game winning streak after a 5-2 win at the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday, and Bucyk is enjoying every minute of it.
“I think they’re starting to jell,” he said Monday. “There are so many new players. They’re starting to work together, the chemistry is good, they care for each other and the goaltenders have had some strong games.
“They weren’t great at the beginning of the year (three season-opening wins followed by a six-game losing streak). But goalie Jeremy Swayman was under a lot of pressure. Right now he’s playing excellent hockey (having won four of his last five games) and he gives the team a chance to win every night.
“Marco (Sturm) is doing a great job as coach and he’s got the players listening to him, so that means a lot. They’re working, playing together. (Forward) Morgan Geekie is unreal (a team-leading 22 goals in 31 games, his 32 points tied for the lead with David Pastrnak). He knows what to do and he’s in the right place at the right time.”
Bucyk chuckles at the sepia memories of his first NHL goal, coming in one of those games that Worsley surely considered when he replied “the Rangers” upon being asked, while with New York, which team gave him the most trouble.
The Red Wings outshot the Rangers 47-9 that night at Detroit’s Olympia Stadium, the Gumper standing on his head with 45 saves in a 2-0 defeat.
Glenn Hall faced three shots in each period to record his fourth of 12 shutouts that season, probably the easiest of the 84 he would earn with Detroit, the Chicago Black Hawks and the Blues.
Shots on goal weren’t an official NHL statistic in the day, but the League’s Dec. 11, 1955, scoresheet gave Bucyk four shots on Worsley. Red Wings legend Alex Delvecchio, who assisted on Bucyk’s second-period power-play game-winning goal, was credited with five.
Defenseman Red Kelly, who scored Detroit’s second goal early in the third period, fired 11, outshooting the entire Rangers roster by two.
It was the only goal Bucyk scored during his 38-game rookie season, coming in his 16th NHL game. He would add eight assists, then score 10 goals with 11 assists in his second year before his June 10, 1957, trade, with cash, sent him to the Bruins in exchange for future Hall of Fame goalie Terry Sawchuk.
Bucyk’s economical output with Detroit wasn’t indicative of his talent; it was more a reflection of the fact he was parked on the end of coach Jimmy Skinner’s bench, the Red Wings’ Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and Delvecchio skating miles with barely the time to catch their breath between shifts.
“My first two NHL years with Detroit, I usually got on the ice if we were up five goals or down five goals,” Bucyk said, laughing again. “I used to sit on the end of the bench, catch cold and watch Gordie Howe.
“Growing up, Gordie was always my idol. I watched him all the time, even when I was sitting on the end of the bench. I could tell you some stories that no one else ever knew.
“I remember Gord Hannigan of the Maple Leafs once checking Gordie for the entire game. When the play was at the other end of the ice, he’d grab Gordie and hold him so he couldn’t get back into the play.
“I kept watching Gordie to see what he was going to do. The play went down to their end, and wham-o! Gordie nailed Hannigan flat on his butt. No whistle, no penalty, no nothing. Everybody was trying to figure out why the guy was lying in the corner. I knew because I saw it and I’ll never forget it.”
Bucyk would see much more ice and score many more goals during his 21 seasons with the Bruins, the team that has been his family for nearing seven decades. He is the unofficial mayor of Boston’s TD Garden, the star attraction in the team’s alumni suite and far beyond.
At age 90, the Edmonton-born icon remains one of the Bruins’ busiest alumni, adored at every stop by fans who remember him from the club’s 1970 and 1972 Stanley Cup championships or simply know of his legend.
From his late-1950s reunion in Boston with Edmonton minor-pro linemates Vic Stasiuk and Bronco Horvath, dubbed the “Uke Line” for their common Ukrainian heritage, Bucyk would go on to captain the Bruins in 1966-67 and from 1973-77, twice win the Stanley Cup and register 1,339 points (545 goals, 794 assists) for the spoked-B through his retirement in 1978.
To this day, he remains Boston’s all-time leader in goals, 86 ahead of second-ranked Phil Esposito’s 459, and ranks second to fellow Hall of Famer Ray Bourque in assists (1,111-794) and points (1,506-1,339).
Even with that rough edge on his six-foot, 215-pound frame, his crushing hip checks often putting opponents into low orbit, Bucyk spent only 493 minutes in NHL penalty boxes, winning the 1971 and 1974 Lady Byng Trophy as the NHL’s most gentlemanly player.
His No. 9 retired by the team on March 13, 1980, he was voted among the 100 Greatest NHL Players as part of the League’s 2017 Centennial Celebration, and in October 2023 was voted among 20 players on the Bruins’ All-Centennial team.
For a half-century, Bucyk held the record as the oldest NHL player to score 50 goals in a season, 35 years and 308 days when he scored his 50th of the 1970-71 season. Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin was 36 years, 215 days when he scored his 50th of the 2020-21 season.
“Chief” is often asked about his 500th career goal, which came Oct. 30, 1975, on Blues goalie Yves Belanger in a 3-2 Boston Garden win. By coincidence, Belanger faced 47 shots and faced four of Bucyk’s in that milestone game, just as Worsley had 20 years earlier in 1955.
It’s not often that he revisits that maiden goal, his performance that night even more impressive for his physical presence.
“The thundering play of John Bucyk is encouraging for the Wings,” wrote Lewis H. Walter in the Detroit Free Press. “Even more inspiring than Bucyk’s goal was his body checking. He steamrollered several Rangers, his bashing one of the reasons the Wings were able to hold the Rangers in check.”
Bucyk can still feel the effects of his rugged style of play, having had his left hip replaced and both shoulders surgically repaired.
“I used both hips to check,” he joked. “The secret was timing. That was very important. If players today were using the hip check the way I did, they’d be spending a lot of time in the penalty box.
“One night in Toronto, (Maple Leafs captain) George Armstrong was coming around the net with Bronco (Horvath) chasing him. Just as George came around, boom! It felt so good. But when I looked, I realized that I’d missed George and hit Bronco.
“They took him to the dressing room on a stretcher. He came back out but during the intermission he asked me, ‘What the (heck) were you doing, hitting me?’ ”
In fact, Bucyk recalls with mischief, he hit Horvath so hard that his teammate needed to change some of his equipment.
Shoulder surgeries were the result of freak collisions with Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Pierre Pilote, legends with the Montreal Canadiens and Black Hawks.
“All the Rocket did was take me into the boards very politely and my shoulder got stuck on the top of the boards,” Bucyk recalled. “I went down and my shoulder stayed up. Same thing happened when Pilote did the other one.”
Seventy years later, Bucyk remembers his first goal with his focus sharply on this year’s Bruins, hoping his team builds momentum and will be a factor come the playoffs.
“I never imagined I’d be part of the Bruins family for going on 70 years. The Jacobs family, especially Charlie, have been so good to me,” he said, speaking of owner Jeremy Jacobs and his son, Charlie, the team’s chief executive officer. “I don’t know how to explain it. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done. And Cam (Neely, the Bruins’ president) for keeping me on.
“I’ve been wonderfully treated for all of these years by the Bruins ownership and its management and the fans,” he said, already looking forward to the Bruins’ return from the road and a five-game homestand that begins Dec. 16 against the Utah Mammoth.
“I’ll be there,” Bucyk said brightly. “I’ve never stopped working. Why stop now?”
Top photo: Boston Bruins legend Johnny Bucyk speaks with reporters before his team’s Centennial Game at TD Garden on Dec. 1, 2024.
Philip Rivers Set Up to Fail at Colts’ Practice by Backup Amid 44-YO QB’s NFL Comeback
Philip Rivers’ return to an NFL practice field came with an unexpected welcome, courtesy of a backup quarterback half his age with a competitive streak. The Indianapolis Colts pulled the trigger after Daniel Jones tore his Achilles, and the other backups were dealing with injuries. They added the 44-year-old to the practice squad. But his practice sessions did not go as Rivers expected.
While talking to the media, backup quarterback Riley Leonard explained how the whole thing unfolded. He said it started with a simple competition drill. And that’s where Leonard set Rivers up to fail.
“We always finished our sessions with some type of competition, whether it’s throwing to the net or something, and I used to get out there,” Leonard explained. “When it was my day to pick the competition, I would have us sprint out as fast as you can and throw on the run or something like that, and if I got him that day in particular, he sent me like a voice memo at 11 P.M. at night complaining about how I cheated and how I picked an unfair drill.”
However, in the interview, Leonard insisted the 44-year-old “still got it.” Interestingly, Rivers and Leonard have a very close relationship that few people know about.
Leonard’s parents live just five minutes from Rivers’ home. Before last season, Leonard even arranged a throwing session for his Fighting Irish teammates in Alabama. It happened in Rivers’ backyard, which honestly looks like a private training camp with a 50-yard turf field and full end zones.
Earlier this year, Rivers also spoke about Leonard on The Last Word, the Colts’ in-house podcast. He shared why he enjoyed being around the 23-year-old.
“(Leonard’s) just a real pleasant and enjoyable guy to be around. Just really humble, but really competitive and wants to just soak up all he can. You always want those young guys to be confident but also have that humility that, ‘I got a long way to go.’”
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Now Leonard is showing progress on the field. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards and an interception. What’s more, Leonard loves having Rivers around and sees him as his mentor.
Philip Rivers mentored Riley Leonard before the NFL
As mentioned, Riley Leonard trained with Philip Rivers in Alabama while working with QB Country. Back in April, Leonard talked about one of those sessions.
“We actually threw [recently],” Leonard said of Rivers. “I went over to his house. He’s got a really cool place in his backyard where he’ll throw. And I was able to throw with his younger son—who is an outstanding talent, by the way—Gunner Rivers.”
Since then, Leonard has been open about how much he looks up to Rivers. He sees the 2026 Hall of Fame semifinalist as a real mentor. And now both quarterbacks wearing the same uniform might be one of the wildest twists of this 2025 season.
Leonard also explained what stuck with him during those workouts.
“The biggest thing that I learned is just how intentional he is about every little thing. Like if we’re doing the warmup and we’re taking five-step drops, those five-step drops have to be pristine in order for them to be good enough for him…”
Terry Bradshaw Delivers Worrying Verdict on Patrick Mahomes & Share Grim Chiefs Reality
The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a tough reality check this year. Patrick Mahomes & Co. have dropped to 6-7 after the Week 14 loss against the Houston Texans. NFL legend Terry Bradshaw revealed his stance on their remaining season, which will break the fans’ hearts even more.
“They had no continuity, no rhythm, no rhyme to their offence. And so they’re going to be written off. And this year, I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs,” he said on the December 10 episode of the Morning Mayhem podcast.
He then revealed how the injuries have also marred their season in 2025.
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“The Chiefs have not been healthy all year long. And it’s not like they’re losing 35 to 6, you know. I mean, they’re losing close games,” Bradshaw added. “But once they get their people healthy, you cannot overlook them.”
Giants-Commanders matchup is an appetizer of what’s to come
The Giants will have to wait for the first Jaxson Dart-Jayden Daniels matchup.
This means the quarterback the Giants really wanted and could not get in 2024 and the quarterback they really wanted in 2025 and made sure they procured will have to wait before meeting on the field with their NFL teams.
Dart will be out there Sunday to face the Commanders at MetLife Stadium but Daniels has been ruled out of that game after he aggravated a left elbow injury that cost him three games earlier this season.
So, it will be Dart vs. backup Marcus Mariota, which does not have the same appeal. On the subject of appeal, this game features the Giants at 2-11 and the Commanders at 3-10, with both sides riding long losing streaks — seven consecutive games for the Giants, eight for the Commanders.
For Dart vs. Daniels, tune in in 2026.
“He’s a great dude, a great player and it’s gonna be fun to compete against him again,’’ Dart said Wednesday after practice. “We’re going to be playing against each other a lot the next coming years so, just fun to have that competition.’’
Dart and Daniels squared off three times in college. Daniels and Arizona State beat Dart and USC 31-16 in 2021.
Daniels and LSU beat Dart and Ole Miss 40-25 during the 2022 season and the two put on a clinic in 2023, with Dart and Ole Miss winning 55-49.
Dart and Daniels both threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions and both ran for a touchdown in that shootout.
The Giants wanted to trade up to No. 2 in the 2024 draft to get Daniels but the Commanders were never going to make a deal. The Giants tried to move up from No. 6 to No. 3 to get Drake Maye but the Patriots were not interested.
The Giants got shut out in that quarterback cycle and selected wide receiver Malik Nabers.
One draft later, they traded back up into the first round to land Dart at No. 25 overall.
Dart and Daniels have known each other for years. Since high school, they have worked with the same quarterbacks coach, John Beck. In 2021, they were together in the Pac-12 Conference and then they met up in the SEC.
“I mean, on the football field we’re always competing but we have a really good relationship off the field,’’ Dart said. “He has a great family, so it’s been fun to kinda have our journeys cross paths along the way.’’
Dart returns to finish up a season of dramatic highs and unforeseen lows. He won two of his first three starts and has not won since. He returns to a passer rating of 94.1, a completion percentage of 63.6, 11 touchdown passes, three interceptions, 23 sacks and a 2-6 record in his eight starts.
Dart returns to face the Commanders, Vikings, Raiders and Cowboys, with Week 17 in Las Vegas the only remaining road game.
Dart returns after the Patriots in their 33-15 Monday Night Football victory seemed to go out of their way to try to teach him a lesson by smacking him around every chance they could, especially when Dart was tiptoeing the sideline instead of running out of bounds.
The first bye week in Dart’s NFL journey has now come and gone.
“Yeah, he seemed refreshed, energized,’’ interim head coach Mike Kafka said. “He looked good, excited and ready to go. I had a couple conversations with him over the bye, and I think everyone’s excited.’’
Dart did not get away from football in his first bye week. He said he reviewed every snap he has taken with the Giants, self-scouting to see what went right, what went wrong and where he can improve.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST NFL STANDINGS AND GIANTS STATS
“You just have conversations with the coaching staff, we’re able to have that extra time to watch all the games back, all the reps back and try to find those things where maybe you’re making a few of, like similar mistakes,’’ Dart said. “Maybe there’s past concepts that you need to improve at, making sure your mechanics are in the right spots so you have a little extra time to not really worry about game planning and take the time on the field to walk through your mechanics based on different actions or whatever it may be. I felt like it was beneficial.’’
Dart is extremely self-aware and he did not shy away from praising what he believes he has done well.
“I felt like my decision-making has been pretty good,’’ he said. “Not putting the ball in harm’s way and situationally felt like I didn’t really try to force things too much, I tried to kinda let the game come to me. I was happy with that. I was happy with our offense — don’t feel like we took a ton of negative plays. Those were good things. Obviously the Patriots game was a tough one, but I felt, as an offense, we’ve been able to be pretty explosive and do some good stuff.’’
Riley Patterson and Jake Moody Head Our Week 15 Fantasy Football Kicker Streamers
So, you made your fantasy football playoffs! That is awesome. Okay, there is one problem. You need a kicker to stream because of some crazy injury or your kicker missed two extra points in one week. Hey, these things happen.
We will sidestep Thursday night’s game between Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Our goal is to focus solely on the Sunday games.
All the kickers are on board for Week 15 as there are no more bye weeks. Thank the fantasy football gods for that! Here a couple of must start kickers for this week as well.
Riley Patterson — Miami Dolphins
Patterson quietly moves up the kicking hierarchy for the fantasy football playoffs. Over the past three weeks, the kicker has hit double digits every single time. A high ceiling like that is great for a Miami team that has figured things out just enough. Sure, it is too late for the Dolphins’ playoff chances but great for fantasy football owners.
The problem is the first three have been gobbled up in so many leagues. Patterson truly becomes the one best option left. The Miami kicker has a 92% accuracy rate. Patterson has only missed one extra point in 29 attempts.
Drawing a Pittsburgh team that likes to give up yards but not always touchdowns is a pretty ideal scenario. Acrisure Stadium can be a bit suspect when it comes to footing and it will be cold. However, Miami won a game with the temperature below 45 degrees last week. So, why not try for another stream out of Patterson before it loses steam.
Jake Moody – Washington Commanders
Again, this is taking a huge leap. However, the New York Giants specialize in giving up bunches of points at the worst possible time. In a way, it is good that Marcus Mariota starts. The offense should be able to get going against the Giants. Both teams are bad defensively which sets up well for either kicker.
At this point, trusting Jake Moody is not the best idea but it is a streamable one. Moody had zero points last week but the Washington offense was a giant mess to be kind.
Moody was hammering 60 yard attempts in warmups before this game. The long snapper seemed fine to us. If Minnesota can bounce back after getting blanked, Washington could this week too. Moody is owned in very few leagues at this point.
Brandon McManus — Green Bay Packers
Going for the jugular here leads us to McManus. The problem with the Green Bay kicker is he only had to boot four extra points in Week 14 against Chicago. He is going home so to speak to Denver. This is where he kicked for nine seasons.
McManus knows Denver almost too well. Simply, this has been his worst kicking season of his pro career. Yes, his 71.4% accuracy rate is worse than his last year in Denver (77.8%). The question gets asked. Why choose a kicker who is only averaging 2.1 field goal attempts a contest? The rarified air may add a few yards to his kicks too.
The last three weeks have been more like the McManus glory days from Super Bowl 50. Denver does not allow too many touchdowns. Their 40% red zone touchdown rate is by far and away tops in the NFL. Field goals it will be so McManus get your leg loose.
Fantasy On SI Content:
Chiefs Projected to Land Celebrated 1,400
The Kansas City Chiefs have a serious problem on offense that has existed stretching back seasons — they simply can’t run the football.
For years, head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have been able to supplement the rush attack with short, quick-hitting pass plays. But defenses have caught up to them, and the team’s inability to line up under center, post a threatening yards-per-carry average, force teams to respect the run and open up the pass game downfield via play action has withered due to a lack of certain personnel and a stale scheme in need of an update.
Field Yates of ESPN predicted in his first NFL mock draft of the season on Wednesday, Dec. 10, that Kansas City will address its greatest offensive deficiency by selecting Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame as the successor to current RB1 Isiah Pacheco.
Read More: Andy Reid Sends Strong Message on Patrick Mahomes After Chiefs’ 7th Loss
Bills Predicted to Add Game-Changing WR for Josh Allen In 2026
The Bills will need to improve their receiving corps during the offseason. Buffalo’s receivers have struggled this season, and Pro Football Focus has ranked its receiving unit as the 16th best in the league.
One effective way for the Bills to strengthen their receiving corps is through the NFL Draft. There are expected to be several talented wide receivers available in the 2026 NFL Draft. Buffalo could take advantage of this opportunity by adding a receiver in the first round.
Bills Predicted to Draft Denzel Boston
ESPN’s Field Yates published a mock draft on Wednesday, projecting that the Bills will select Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with the 25th pick.
“It’s no mystery that the Bills are still looking for a game-altering receiver after Keon Coleman’s down year and Khalil Shakir’s inconsistent campaign, Yates wrote. “Boston has the potential to check that box for Buffalo with his size at 6-4 and alignment versatility. He routinely got the better of defenders in the red zone over the past two seasons, using his frame to snag 19 receiving touchdowns. He was dependable in the big slot role, too, with two drops on 189 targets since 2024. The Bills have 15 attributed drops this season, which is tied for 17th in the NFL.”
Boston has accumulated 755 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over 11 games this season, bringing his total to 1,655 receiving yards over four seasons at Washington.
The Bills could greatly benefit from adding a player like Boston, who could be a game-changer for quarterback Josh Allen.
Buffalo Needs WR Depth
Since trading wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Texans last offseason, the Bills have been on the lookout for a true No. 1 wide receiver.
Shakir emerged as a top wide receiver last season, recording 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns. This impressive performance earned him a four-year, $60.2 million contract during the offseason.
He mostly kept the same production this season, recording 585 receiving yards and four touchdowns over the course of 13 games.
The Bills are going to need more from Shakir moving forward, and pushing him to the No. 2 receiving role and letting Boston come in as the No. 1 guy would be major for Buffalo.
Boston’s Scouting Report
PFF’s Trevor Sikkema has revised his draft board, now ranking Boston as the 24th overall player and the 4th best wide receiver.
“Boston is a smooth criminal for a big receiver. He’s quick with varying releases versus press and shows good cuts in his routes despite his bigger size,” Sikkema wrote on Monday. “With that frame comes the plus things you want to see: He has a big catch radius that he can maximize at any time with strong hands and great hand-eye coordination. He also aims to produce after the catch and create explosive plays in general. Boston’s production dipped when defenses keyed in on him at the end of 2024, but they did so for a reason.”
It will be interesting to see if the Bills draft a receiver in the first round and if Boston would be a guy who could be available.
NFL Weighing Massive Overhaul to Officiating Crews: Report
NFL fans can’t agree about much when they sit down to watch their favorite team play, but they can align on one thing: the feel the referees are out to get their team.
Luckily for those fans, things might be changing very soon in the world of NFL officiating, as news today points to massive shifts in 2026.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent informed all 32 teams on Wednesday that the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association will end in May of 2025.
More news: Rams’ Puka Nacua Ignites Locker Room Drama After Violating NFL Rules
More news: Will Philip Rivers Start for Colts vs Seahawks? Here’s What Shane Steichen Said
The last time the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement resulted in the 2012 debacle with replacement referees, where multiple late-game decisions were bungled due to the inexperience of the substitutes.
The tenured refs missed three weeks of the season before the two sides came to an agreement to resume play as normal.
While there is no indication yet that the two sides are as far apart in negotiations as they were over a decade ago, the end of the CBA means there could be changes to how officiating works in the NFL.
One sticking point that could be written into the agreement is an incentive-based model that ties compensation and postseason assignments to a ref’s performance throughout the year.
Texans Make Announcement After NFL Delivers Final Decision
Quarterback C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans are preparing to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15, but the NFL had a big change for the franchise.
Houston has done well to overcome their 0-3 start this season. They also lost Stroud for three games due to a concussion, to sit 8-5 on the season with a legitimate chance at winning the AFC South still.
The NFL wants to ensure plenty of fans get to see the Texans fight on.
NFL Flexes Texans-Chargers Into National TV Slot
The Texans and Los Angeles Chargers have known they would square off against one another in Week 17 of this season. They also knew it would take place in SoFi Arena. However, the time slot for the contest remained to be determined.
That is, until Wednesday, when the Texans announced on X, “Our game vs. the Chargers has been flexed to 3:30PM CT on Saturday, December 27 on NFL Network.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on December 10 that “The NFL finalized its Week 17 schedule: Saturday, Dec. 27 will feature a doubleheader starting with the #Texans at #Chargers at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network and ending with the Peacock Holiday Exclusive featuring the #Ravens at the #Packers at 8 p.m. ET.”
There should be plenty at stake for both the Texans and Chargers.
“The two games should have plenty of playoff implications as the 2025 NFL season reaches a close,” The Around The NFL Staff wrote on December 10. “The Texans (8-5) and Chargers (9-4) currently are the Nos. 7 and 5 seeds, respectively, in the AFC.”
This would be a rematch of the 2024 AFC Wild Card Playoffs. Then, the Texans defeated the Chargers, advancing to the Divisional Round.
Houston lost in the next round to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Stroud and the Texans have already exacted a measure of revenge for that loss, defeating the Chiefs on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 13. They have a fitting opportunity to prove their 2024 meeting was no fluke and bolster their positioning for the postseason.
League Could Flex Another Texans Game
Stroud and the Texans are still awaiting final word of their Week 18 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts, which, like the Chargers tilt, has initially been slated as a 1 p.m. Sunday game.
That matchup seemed destined to remain in its previously assigned time slot.
The Colts lost quarterback Daniel Jones for the season to a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the AFC South’s top team. The injury cast tremendous doubts on the Colts’ outlook amid an 8-4 record on the year.
However, the Colts lured former starter (and Chargers icon) Philip Rivers out of retirement. He has not played since 2020.
Still, Rivers is on track to start in Week 15. He would presumably be the Colts’ QB1 in Week 18 if healthy. He is also an eight-time Pro Bowler and was the Comeback Player of the Year in 2013. All of that could entice the league to flex that matchup for Ryans and the Texans, too.
What Is Jon Gruden’s Net Worth in 2025? All About HC’s Earning From NFL, Salary, Contract & More
It’s been four years since Jon Gruden last took to the sidelines. He stepped down as Las Vegas Raiders head coach on October 11, 2021, and hasn’t led an NFL or college team since. Despite the hiatus, Gruden’s name is circulating as a potential candidate following Sherrone Moore’s firing at the Michigan Wolverines. Here’s a look at his financial standing.
What is Jon Gruden’s net worth?
Over his twenty-two years of coaching, Gruden has hopped between multiple programs. As per the reports of Celebrity Net Worth, Gruden’s net worth is $30 million.
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Gruden’s head coaching journey began with the Oakland Raiders (1998–2001) before he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002 to 2008. After a nearly decade-long stint as an ESPN analyst, he returned to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2018, only to resign in October 2021 amid an email scandal.
Jon Gruden’s contract breakdown
Gruden inked a 10-year, $100 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, the longest coaching contract in NFL history, according to Adam Schefter. For context, his Tampa Bay Buccaneers contract was five years for $17.5 million, per ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio.
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The Oakland Raiders’ compensation package included first- and second-round draft picks in 2002, a first-rounder in 2003, a second-rounder in 2004, plus $8 million in cash spread over three years.
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Jon Gruden’s salary
Gruden had two stints with the Raiders. The first one was from 1998 to 2001. The Raiders traded Gruden to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won a Super Bowl against the Raiders. He went on to coach the Buccaneers until 2008.
The Raiders swung for the fences when Mark Davis reeled Gruden back to the sideline with a 10-year, $100 million mega-deal, the biggest coaching contract the NFL had ever seen. It was a clear attempt to revive the magic Gruden created from 1998 to 2001, when he steered the team to a 38-26 mark without a single losing season.
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Jon Gruden’s career earnings
A decade in the broadcast booth didn’t cool his fire. If anything, it sharpened his big-picture understanding of the game. Sure, dropping $10 million a year on a coach who’s been away that long raised eyebrows, but Gruden returned with the same trademark intensity and a broader view of modern football.
As an ESPN commentator, Gruden earned $6.5 million per year. However, the exact figure of his career earnings is not available.
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A look at Jon Gruden’s college and professional career
Born on August 17, 1963, Gruden grew up steeped in football, thanks to his father, Jim, who coached at Indiana Hoosiers and later at Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Gruden went on to play quarterback for three years at the University of Dayton.
He launched his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Tennessee in 1986-87, then bounced through several college stops as an offensive assistant before breaking into the NFL in 1990 with the San Francisco 49ers.
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Lately, after Moore’s firing, Michigan alum Dave Portnoy is strongly rooting for Gruden as a good fit for the job. To make his claims stronger, the Wolverines booster tweeted an old 1984 Gruden media guide bio. It revealed a wish Gruden had that not many knew about: “After graduation, he would like to become the head coach at the University of Michigan.”
Even though Gruden’s Michigan wish did not come true, he had an illustrious career in the pro league.
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Gruden posted a total 117-112 NFL record, including winning Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He tried his luck outside the gridiron, too. Gruden was an on-air analyst for ESPN from 2011 to 2018.
What are the brands endorsed by Jon Gruden?
During his coaching timeout, the then-55-year-old Gruden turned into a commercial regular. He starred in a half-dozen Hooters ads and popped up in spots for GoPro, Corona, Nationwide, Dunkin’ Donuts, Bridgestone, and GMC. Gruden even jumped in to help promote The Dark Knight Rises back in 2012.
Jon Gruden’s investments and business ventures
Not much information is available about Gruden’s business investments. However, he focused on charitable endeavors. Gruden created the FFCA (Fired Football Coaches Association) in 2009 after his exit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The group’s mission included helping fund the development of young athletes at the school level.
Jon Gruden’s house and cars
Gruden and his wife, Cindy, owned 21.5 acres in Jefferson County, Tennessee, and also a custom Las Vegas–area estate that hit the market for $7.5 million. They bought the 8,684-square-foot home for $4.3 million in August 2021, just before his resignation.
Located in the exclusive Southern Highlands community, also home to quarterback Derek Carr, the property included five bedrooms, high ceilings, retractable glass walls, a wine room, a gym, an office, and an infinity pool with mountain and city views. Not much information is available about Gruden’s current residence.
In July 2020, the Southern Nevada Ford Dealers welcomed Gruden to Las Vegas by presenting him with a custom Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Before that, Gruden had owned an ultra-rare, low-mileage 2015 Shelby GT350R, one of just 37 produced that year.
Fans are now eagerly waiting for Jon Gruden to make a comeback to head coaching after four years, this time in college football.
Notre Dame football losing LB coach Max Bullough, per reports
Max Bullough, a former Michigan State player, spent three seasons at Notre Dame, first as a graduate assistant and then as a full assistant.
He was instrumental in recruiting top linebacker prospects and developing multiple NFL draft picks.
Senior defensive analyst Andy Buh is considered a potential internal replacement for Bullough.
SOUTH BEND — Max Bullough made a huge impact on Notre Dame football linebackers, both as a teacher and a recruiter, over the past three seasons.
Now, the high-energy assistant is headed home to Michigan State for a promotion, according to multiple reports.
Bullough, 33, will serve as co-defensive coordinator under new coach Pat Fitzgerald, according to Football Scoop. Michigan State visits Notre Dame Stadium next Sept. 19, followed by a return visit for the Irish to East Lansing in 2027.
A Traverse City, Mich., product who starred as a third-generation linebacker for the Spartans, following his grandfather Hank Bullough, uncle Chuck Bullough and father, Shane, the younger Bullough also had Notre Dame roots through his grandfather, former Irish running back Jim Morse.
A team captain in 1956, the late Morse died in 2023, and his legacy continues through an endowed football scholarship in his name.
Previously a graduate assistant at both Cincinnati and Alabama, Bullough was hired as a Notre Dame GA in early 2023 when James Laurinaitis returned to his alma mater, Ohio State, to coach linebackers.
Promoted to a full assistant in 2024, Bullough saw three of his former Irish linebackers drafted into the NFL: third-rounder Marist Liufau (2024), fifth-rounder JD Bertrand (2024) and fourth-rounder Jack Kiser (2025).
Bullough’s recruiting prowess helped the Irish land four-star linebackers Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Madden Faraimo in back-to-back recruiting cycles. A former first-team all-Big Ten linebacker and three-year pro with the Houston Texans, Bullough brought along team captain Drayk Bowen and fellow linebackers Jaylen Sneed and Jaiden Ausberry for vital rotation roles.
After two seasons with Al Golden coordinating the Irish defense, Bullough adjusted to the style of first-year coordinator Chris Ash in 2025 after Golden returned to the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.
“Anytime our Notre Dame linebackers go on the field, we expect to be the most physical and dominant group,” Bullough said in late October. “That’s how we live and that’s what we are.”
With Bullough’s departure, senior defensive analyst Andy Buh would be a logical replacement. A former defensive coordinator at Stanford (2008-09), Nevada (2010-11), California (2013), Maryland (2016-18) and Rutgers (2019), the 52-year-old Buh worked with Ash at both Rutgers and Wisconsin (2012).
While Buh worked mainly with the nickelbacks this season, teaching freshman Dallas Golden the position in a matter of days before facing Purdue, Buh has coached linebackers at the vast majority of his stops, including Arizona (2020) and Illinois (2021-23).
He spent 2024 as a defensive analyst at Purdue, following former Illini defensive coordinator Ryan Walters.
“Coach Buh is an extremely detailed guy,” Irish defensive back DeVonta Smith, an Alabama graduate transfer, said in late November. “I’ve never been taught so detailed in my run coverage, my hand placement, my eyes, in playing the different coverages that we play. He’s just brought so much to me to help me stay detailed in my game.
“My pre-snap reads, getting all those down, learning all that, he’s allowed me to reach that next level as a football player. I’m tremendously grateful that I have him with me right now.”
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
Four Illini in 2026 NBA Mock Draft – Including a Surprise First
We have hammered it home all season long: Illinois is extremely talented. In fact, we’ve gone so far as to say there may not be another college team that boasts as much talent as the Illini. But now you don’t have to take our word for it. Just ask Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, who released his latest 2026 NBA mock draft on Tuesday.
In his updated two-round draft projections, an impressive four Illini were listed as likely future draftees. Two unexpected names made their respective mock draft debuts, one of which skyrocketed into the first round. We’ll break down each below:
Four Illinois players projected in latest 2026 NBA mock draft
No. 58: Tomislav Ivisic
A bit of a surprise considering his relative struggles to open the season (although he was fantastic against Tennessee), Tomislav Ivisic has stuck around at the very edge of projections due to his coveted skill set of shooting and passing at 7-foot-1.
No. 54: Kylan Boswell
The real shocker in Wasserman’s projections is Kylan Boswell. The senior guard has blossomed into a bucket waiting to happen when he gets downhill, and he has also bumped his three-point percentage up to 30.4 this season – though that number still needs to climb higher.
Still, Boswell’s rim-attacking ability, defense and pick-and-roll decision-making appear to provide enough potential for NBA teams to have a strong interest.
No. 50: Andrej Stojakovic
Andrej Stojakovic, a gifted scorer with ballet-dancer footwork, solid explosion and great finishing ability around the cup, also has his fair share of fans in NBA front offices. His downhill ability and growing defensive influence will almost surely guarantee he gets drafted in 2026, but his three-point shot will determine how early the 6-foot-7 wing goes.
No. 29: Keaton Wagler
Keaton Wagler has exploded onto the scene in his first year of college basketball. Illinois coach Brad Underwood had made it abundantly clear he expected Wagler to be a key piece of the rotation heading into the year, even predicting that Wagler – who was a consensus three-star recruit in the class of 2025 – could be a one-and-done prospect.
Just over a month into the season, Underwood’s prediction is aging like fine wine. Wagler put together a career-best performance against Tennessee on Saturday, then one upped himself on Tuesday vs. Ohio State.
An unbelievably sound decision-maker and pick-and-roll operator, Wagler has NBA-level IQ, along with a sweet jumper and a creative package around the basket. His limited athleticism will remain a question mark and perhaps keep him from ever climbing into the NBA Draft lottery, but he is well on his way to being plucked off the board in the first round.
Why Was Grayson Allen Ejected During Thunder vs Suns NBA Cup QF?
Tonight’s game between the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder took an unexpected turn when Grayson Allen became the focus of an incident that silenced the crowd at Paycom Center. Known for his steady demeanor, the guard found himself at the center of a heated exchange that ultimately resulted in his ejection following an official review.
The replay made everything clearer. During a defensive possession, Allen went straight at Chet Holmgren, looking to run through a screen. Instead of avoiding it, he threw his body into the center, elbowing him in the face. As Holmgren crashed to the floor and whistles blew, both teams quickly approached the situation, creating immediate tension on the court.
Emotions ran high. When Jalen Williams approached to stand up for his teammate, Allen reacted dismissively, causing Williams to shove him, forcing teammates and officials to intervene. The referees convened, reviewed the sequence, and quickly delivered their decision: Allen was ejected from the game, leaving both teams on edge as play resumed.
Nets trying to make most of break right as things could get interesting
The Nets showed some signs of life through the past two weeks, starting with a victory over the Celtics in Boston on Nov. 21.
They’ve won games they were supposed to win and at least been competitive against better teams. As they head into Friday’s game in Dallas, the Nets have won three of their last four.
But in a scheduling quirk due to the vagaries of the NBA Cup, they haven’t played since Saturday’s win over New Orleans.
“The break is kind of tough because you get into a rhythm of playing every other day,” Nic Claxton said following Wednesday’s practice in Brooklyn.
They’ve tried to make the most of their time off, using it to practice with a young, inexperienced team.
Jordi Fernández said the key to the break in the schedule was in “taking care of their bodies and using the days to rest and get better… [and] work on different concepts.”
At 6-17, they are a bit more than a quarter of the way through the regular season.
“We’re 23 games in and we’re looking at the next 20 games,’’ Fernández said. “Can we sustain [it]? Can we get better? Then we look at the next 20. The process is the most important thing for us and the development of the group, not just one player.”
And things could get more interesting in Brooklyn and around the league. Starting Monday, players who signed with teams prior to the season can begin to be traded.
The Nets could well be involved in some of those moves, in part because they have the financial flexibility to take on salary, which they could do in exchange for assets like more young players or draft picks.
A year ago, they saw Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith — among others — leave Brooklyn before Cam Johnson was traded over the summer.
“It’s like a reality TV show,’’ Claxton said. “It’s like that every year around this time. It’s about to start up.”
But Claxton, like Fernández, wants the attention to stay on the players who are still with them.
“You may hear your name in trade rumors and you see teammates come and go,’’ Claxton said. “But you’ve got to focus on who’s here and [let] management handle all that stuff and roll with it.”
CHECK OUT THE LATEST NBA STANDINGS AND NETS STATS
Fernández added: “It’s that part of the year and we all have to deal with it. It’s not the most enjoyable part of the year, but we love our guys. We’re gonna keep focusing on working and getting better and competing. We cannot control anything on the outside, even though we know things may happen. … We’re not the ones thinking or talking [about trades]. We want work, we want accountability [and] we want competitiveness. That’s what we focus on.”
To that end, the Nets have played markedly better defense over the past few weeks after their ugly start to the season.
“All teams go through peaks and valleys and the season is so long,’’ Claxton said. “We have a lot of fresh faces, a lot of guys who haven’t seen any kind of NBA action [and] also a new core. We all had to figure it out and get on the same page with the coaches. It’s starting to happen, but we’ve got to keep building.”
NBA Legend Guarantees Thunder Breaking Warriors Record
The Oklahoma City Thunder remains a dominant NBA force currently having a historically great start to the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led his defending NBA Champions roster to a 24-1 record and a pace that could see them making some history. One loss so far this season came against the Portland Trail Blazers in a one-possession game that had a tired Thunder team on the second half of a back-to-back.
Opposing teams are struggling to even keep the games close vs Oklahoma City, and NBA legend Kendrick Perkins had some strong praise about their chase for history:
“They’re trying to win everything. They’re trying to win. They might go 80-2. This is a real thing, and I mean this with every big bone in my body. That 73-9 record that Golden State got? OKC beating that this year. Hands down. They’re not trying to go for it. They’re just that damn good.”
Perkins appeared on the Road Trippin’ Show with Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson to discuss the state of the NBA. The former NBA Champion had extremely high praise for the Thunder to basically guarantee they’ll surpass the Golden State Warriors’ record of 73-9 for the best regular season ever.
Can Thunder Dominate All Season Long?
The Thunder will have to continue playing at this historic pace to keep improving the odds of winning 74 games. Oklahoma City must go 50-7 for the rest of the season to ensure the record is theirs. The trajectory looks great since they’re currently at the pace to win 78 games if they keep winning this frequently.
Golden State started the 2015-2016 season with an incredible 24-0 record before suffering their first defeat. Both teams had the identically same 24-1 record through 25 games of the season. The Thunder being relatively young with strong roster depth means that their players can remain consistent all season.
Health is the biggest concern for Oklahoma City, but they already survived missing Jalen Williams for the first month of the season. The rest of the Western Conference having many tough teams could harm their pace if they endure a difficult week or two. Thunder players must avoid any negative stretches to keep the goal alive.
Thunder Players Want To Make History
Not every NBA team having a great start will care about the potential of making history. Organizations with veteran rosters will sit out older players or be cautious about back to backs. Oklahoma City’s best players all being young means they have less variables working against them.
Comments from Gilgeous-Alexander and other players have confirmed they like the idea of being a great all-time team. The Thunder sealed their spot in the Las Vegas portion of the NBA Cup tournament to add more success earlier in the season.
Oklahoma City has the chance to break the wins record, win the NBA Cup trophy and defend the NBA Championship all in the same season. All three of those feats see the betting odds strongly on their side. Perkins’ guarantee may come true given the hunger and motivation of the Thunder to keep winning.
OG Anunoby shows how vital he is to Knicks since return from injury
There are few players in the NBA that impact overall winning the way OG Anunoby does.
After the Knicks came out sluggish Tuesday night and were outscored by four points in the first quarter, Anunoby was the catalyst for their dominant second quarter, when they outscored the Raptors by 21 points en route to their 117-101 win in Toronto, earning them a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals.
“OG, he was all over the place,” Josh Hart said after the game. “He really helped start that run and then we were able to get stops, play fast, get out in transition and play to our strength. Huge shoutout to him, really changed the tide of the game.”
“All over the place” is a perfect way to describe Anunoby’s impact. With a quiet and subdued personality, he prefers to stay away from the limelight off the court. But on the court, he makes his presence felt in all facets of the game.
The Knicks held their own in the nine games Anunoby missed with a hamstring strain, going 6-3.
But in the three games since he has returned — in which they went 3-0, two of which were against current playoff teams — it has been evident how much better they are with Anunoby on the court.
The numbers are eye-popping.
Since the Knicks acquired him from the Raptors during the 2023-24 season, they are 76-36 in the regular season when Anunoby plays, good for a .679 winning percentage.
Without Anunoby, they are 25-20 in that same time span — good for a .556 winning percentage.
This year, the Knicks are 11-4 with Anunoby, representing a .733 winning percentage.
Their 6-3 record without him was good for a .667 winning percentage.
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Digging further into the Knicks’ efficiency numbers with Anunoby on and off the court paints a clearer picture of where Anunoby is most valuable.
The Knicks have averaged 124.3 points per 100 possessions with Anunoby on the court compared to 123.3 without Anunoby on the court this season, according to Cleaning the Glass.
So, they are slightly better offensively with Anunoby.
But defensively, it’s stark.
They have given up an average of 108.0 points per 100 possessions with Anunoby on the court this year, compared to 119.0 without him — a whole 11-point difference.
In total, the Knicks have outscored opponents by 16.3 points per 100 possessions with Anunoby on the court, compared to 4.3 without him.
That plus-16.3 net for Anunoby is in the 95th percentile among all players in the NBA.
He might not always have the sexiest box score stats, but he’s become invaluable to the Knicks’ success — and their ambition to be title contenders.
“The versatility that OG gives us, it’s unbelievable,” coach Mike Brown said. “… Having that size and versatility from OG defensively is huge. He can guard one through five. Then you flip it, his shooting, his ability to attack the rim, all those things, at his size, are huge for us.”
His ability to guard anyone on the court means he can usually match up with opponents’ best scorers, regardless of how small or big they are.
That takes pressure off Mikal Bridges to be the point-of-attack defender, where he has struggled, and allows him to play as a help defender, where he has thrived this year.
Though the Knicks don’t fall off as dramatically offensively without Anunoby, he’s been as efficient on that side of the ball as ever in his career.
His 15.7 points per game are down from last year, but his 47.8 percent shooting from the field and 39.4 percent shooting from 3-point range are both improvements. And it’s how he’s scoring that is notable.
Brown’s system emphasizes 3-point shooting, particularly from “sprays” — the term Brown uses to describe threes derived from drives into the lane and kickouts to the perimeter.
It requires catch-and-shoot ability from deep, and that is where Anunoby has thrived.
Of Anunoby’s 3-pointers this season, 45.6 percent have been via catch-and-shoot, according to NBA.com tracking stats — way up from 36.3 percent last year.
Rather than pulling up and firing, he is enjoying higher quality catch-and-shoot looks, which helps to stretch the floor as a whole.
But characteristically, it was his defense that stood out on Tuesday. Anunoby was Brown’s defensive player of the game.
“He had a monster game,” Brown said.
There have been quite a few of those.
Thunder iguala el mejor inicio de 25 partidos en la NBA con paliza sobre Suns
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander anotó 28 puntos, y el Thunder de Oklahoma City igualó el mejor inicio de 25 partidos de una temporada de la NBA al dominar a los Suns de Phoenix 138-89 en los cuartos de final de la Copa NBA el miércoles.
El récord de 24-1 del Thunder empata con el de los Warriors de Golden State de 2015-16, quienes ganaron sus primeros 24 juegos antes de finalmente perder.
Chet Holmgren añadió 24 unidades y ocho rebotes para el Thunder, que estableció una marca de franquicia con su 16ta victoria consecutiva. Avanzaron a las semifinales el sábado contra los Lakers de Los Ángeles o San Antonio.
Parecía que este podría ser un partido difícil para el Thunder. La victoria de Oklahoma City por 123-119 sobre los Suns en el grupo de la Copa NBA el 28 de noviembre fue su juego más reñido durante su racha de victorias.
Pero la estrella de Phoenix, Devin Booker, se perdió su tercer partido consecutivo debido a una distensión en la ingle derecha. Anotó 21 puntos en el enfrentamiento anterior y expresó en la rueda de prensa posterior que el “secreto ha salido a la luz” sobre la defensa líder de la liga del Thunder.
Parece que los Suns tienen más que aprender. Lanzaron un 39.3% desde el campo y anotaron su total de puntos más bajo de la temporada. Dillon Brooks lideró a los Suns con 16 unidades, pero solo encestó cuatro de 16 tiros. Fue la menor cantidad de puntos que Oklahoma City ha permitido esta temporada.
Jalen Williams encestó un triple al sonar la bocina del medio tiempo para darle al Thunder una ventaja de 74-48. Gilgeous-Alexander anotó 17 puntos en la primera mitad a pesar de solo intentar ocho tiros.
Gilgeous-Alexander llegó a 96 juegos seguidos con al menos 20 puntos. Alcanzó el total con una volcada en un contraataque que puso al Thunder arriba 84-50 con 9:15 restantes en el tercer cuarto.
El guardia de Phoenix, Grayson Allen, fue expulsado después de empujar a Holmgren y derribarlo al suelo.
___
Lakers again use traditional court for NBA Cup quarterfinal vs. Spurs
LOS ANGELES — The Lakers once again used their traditional court at Crypto.com Arena for Wednesday night’s NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup against the San Antonio Spurs instead of their bright yellow Cup court.
Multiple Lakers players noted how slippery the Cup Court was for their Nov. 25 Group Play victory over the Clippers, which was the first – and only – time the Lakers used the alternate court this season.
“That was bad,” forward Rui Hachimura said. “I felt it right away. It just felt weird. Like oily, slippery.”
Star guard Luka Doncic was also critical of the court in the immediate aftermath of the game against the Clippers, going as far as to call the Lakers’ Cup Court “dangerous.”
“It’s just slippery,” Doncic said at the time. “I slipped a lot of times and you could see a lot of players slipped. And that’s dangerous, man.”
The Lakers used their traditional court for their final Group Play matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 28 after technicians from the league’s court vendor deemed the Lakers’ Cup court unplayable.
“I really appreciate the Lakers and the league,” Doncic said. “They did us a favor. I was talking about it, so I really appreciate both of them.”
The Cup court was sent back for repairs with the expectation it would be ready if the Lakers hosted their quarterfinal game, but that didn’t come to fruition.
The Orlando Magic also used their traditional court instead of their Cup court in their quarterfinal victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
All 30 NBA teams have used unique, colorful courts for Group Play and quarterfinal games hosted in-market, with a neutral Cup Court to be used for the semifinals and final in Las Vegas.
SMART BACK
Veteran guard Marcus Smart made his return to the court on Wednesday after sitting out the previous six games because of back ailments, most recently being listed as out for Sunday’s road win against the Philadelphia 76ers because of left lumbar muscle strain.
The 12th-year guard averaged 9.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds and a team-best 1.8 steals in the 14 games he played (nine starts) entering Wednesday.
Although the Lakers went 4-2 in Smart’s absence, their defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) of 122.9 in the six games Smart was out ranked 25th in the league over that span.
“I would say the biggest things are the physicality, the disruption and then being another communicator on the court,” Lakers coach JJ Redick responded when asked what Smart brings to the team defensively.
Teammate Austin Reaves added: “He does a lot on that end. He obviously competes at a high level. When he plays, that energy is contagious to the whole team. So when you don’t have a guy like that, your energy shouldn’t go down, but you don’t have that kind of boost when he gets in the game and then starts picking up 94 [feet], taking charges and all those kinds of stuff.”
Why Lakers Aren’t Playing in NBA Cup Court vs Spurs in Quarterfinal?
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the San Antonio Spurs in Crypto.com Arena for a high stakes quarterfinals in the NBA Cup. But the shiny NBA Cup court that’s been a staple for the last two tournaments will only be a sentiment. Because the real deal was proven unsafe. Thanks to Luka Doncic for advocating for player safety, the NBA has taken this issue seriously.
The Lakers and Spurs will play on the standard court the players are familiar with and used to in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Sources confirmed that players, not excluding Doncic, had issues “with the slippery surface of the alternate bright yellow Cup court during the group stage.”
The Lakers went undefeated on that court but there were slips and injuries. Prompting concerns, the NBA decided to not have a different visual for the NBA Cup court “out of an abundance of caution.”
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Irrespective of this decision, it’s not going to look like a regular game. The NBA Cup’s six-figure cash prize makes it a whole other atmosphere.
This is a developing story.
Thunder match Warriors’ dynasty with historic start to season
The moment the Oklahoma City Thunder became champions, NBA fans and media started discussing whether they were going to become the league’s next dynasty.
Now 25 games into the 2025-26 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have matched the NBA’s last dynasty in a historic way.
With their 138-89 domination of the Suns in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, Oklahoma City is now only the second team to ever open a season 24-1.
And the last team to reach that level of dominance early in a season, the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, ended up with the best regular-season record in history.
The Thunder’s depth was on display against the Suns
The Thunder also flexed their muscles and depth to secure their 24th win and their 16th in a row. Oklahoma City even won by 49 without anyone surpassing 30 points on the night.
As always, Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 28 points in 27 minutes to go along with two rebounds and eight assists. He shot a staggering 73.3% from the field, connecting on 11-of-15 shots.
Chet Holmgren put up 24 of his own with the reverse of eight boards and a couple of assists. Jalen Williams, who was only playing in his sixth game of the season after missing the beginning of the season following wrist surgery, posted 15 points with five rebounds and five assists.
But going beyond the top three stars, 13 Thunder players scored in the game, including six who reached double-digits.
Comparing this season’s Thunder to the 2015-26 Warriors
Like this year’s Thunder team, that Warriors squad was on the heels of winning their first title as a group the season before. Then, the Stephen Curry-led Warriors finished off their 24-1 start by going 73-9, breaking the single-season wins record set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who went 72-10.
But while tying the Thunder are thrilled to tie the Warriors’ hot start, they hope for a different outcome in the subsequent postseason. Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and company would go on to capture three more championships together.
While the Warriors returned to the NBA Finals, they blew a 3-1 series lead to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers and failed to complete the success of their season with another championship.
The pressure is now on Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Williams to not only beat the Warriors’ regular-season record but to win it all again.
Jay-Z, Blue Ivy attend Lakers vs. Spurs NBA Cup game
It was daddy-daughter date night at Crypto.com Arena for Jay-Z and Blue Ivy on Wednesday — and the two had a pair of sweet seats for the big Lakers game.
With LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the rest of the Lakers taking on the Spurs in the last NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup of the week, and Hov and his 13-year-old girl sat courtside for the Western Conference tilt.
The Lakers showed love to their special guests on their X account just after tip-off, sharing a photo of two looking stylish in their chairs.
“No reintroduction needed,” the team captioned the pic. “Jay-Z & Blue Ivy courtside.”
There was no sign of Beyoncé, but there were plenty of other celebrities in the venue.
Winnie Harlow — the model fiancée of former Laker Kyle Kuzma — was there, and WWE superstars Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins also had tickets to the game right next to Jeanie Buss.
Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley and defensive back Tony Jefferson made it out as well, fresh off their big “Monday Night Football” victory over the Eagles.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, meanwhile, sat just feet away from the Chargers stars.
While San Antonio is playing without Victor Wembanyama, who’s still dealing with a calf injury, it’s still giving the Lakers all they can handle, holding a 70-58 lead at the end of the first half.
Dale Jr. Reveals the Only Way for NASCAR to Fix Tarnished Image With “Pi**ed Off” Fans
For the longest time now, fans haven’t been happy with NASCAR’s current playoff system. Especially because of the type of competition it creates on the field, rewarding clutch performances over consistent results. The format’s definitely going to change next year, we just don’t know into what. If that wasn’t enough, there’s the ongoing charter lawsuit trial’s burden now, that’s further hampering the sport’s image. Amid all this backlash, where does NASCAR go? What can it do? Dale Jr. might just have a solution.
NASCAR’s olive branch, according to Dale Jr
The playoff system was originally introduced in 2004, and was then called The Chase for the Championship. However, that system has witnessed quite a few changes in the past two decades. With the inclusion of the elimination style and the stage racing system, there has been quite a lot of criticism from fans.
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Speaking on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, however, Dale Earnhardt Jr. seemed to add in a positive suggestion to NASCAR for the long-time fans of the sport, especially in light of the damaged image it’s facing.
“NASCAR is going to have a new playoff point system next year,” he said. “They’re probably going to make what would amount to a significant shift[…] I doubt that we’ll get 36 36-race full-season deal. It’s probably going to be a playoff of some sort, but more than likely I’ll be satisfied.”
While this does sound like a positive change, the fact that the system will still not include a 36-race system is not a deal breaker. This would simply mean that the playoff system will still exist.
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This is exactly what the fans actually want, claimed Dale Jr. Discussing the antitrust lawsuit and how the trial has progressed recently, he mentioned that introducing a complete season would be great news for fans.
“NASCAR is also taking a beating publicly in terms of perspective. And that’s unfortunate. So it would be a good opportunity for them to bring back the full season 36 race schedule as an olive branch to the race fans that they pi–ed off,” he added.
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Over the Silly Season, there have been countless options on how this could go. Some suggested the final race be split into four, and things like that. But Dale Jr is speaking out of concern for NASCAR, for their well-being. He wants them to just give fans what they want for now, to balance things out.
However, that will happen when it has to happen. ‘If’ it ever does. But for now, fans have the present to complain about. And Junior’s message, though about improving the system, once again reminded them of the present problems.
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Fans lash out at NASCAR
There have been many moments through the years when fans felt that the most deserving driver did not win the Championship. As recently as 2020, Kevin Harvick managed to win nine races throughout the season, but he couldn’t make it into the playoffs. This led some fans to compare NASCAR’s France Family to former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone. “The France family has turned into Nascar’s version of Bernie Ecclestone.”
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The sheer power the France family holds in NASCAR’s decision-making has seemingly created a very negative perspective for fans, as someone wrote: “What this trial has shown is there’s no “NASCAR” there is only Jim France. It’s whatever Jim wants.”
However, there seems to be changes happening, and the change being introduced to the playoff system is proof of the same. But, it still hasn’t made a large part of the fanbase very happy. In fact, some even claim that NASCAR does not care for its fanbase: “NASCAR doesn’t give two f**ks about it’s fanbase – they only care about TV contracts and $$$.”
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“It was never about the fans, Dale,” wrote another fan. But is that really the case? Well, it’s seemingly hard to say. The playoff system is largely criticized for several reasons, and the one-race decider is one of them. While the sport could switch to a different method, it may incur them losses in the final races, if the Champion is decided earlier.
Many fans believe this is the reason they will continue with the system: “Narcissists never cave. They will have playoffs and tell us to like it.”
Although there seems to be no clear indication, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s statement on the possible changes to the playoff could take place in 2026. But will that be enough for the fans?
Lawsuit Update: Jim France Uses Deceased Father’s Advice to Justify Killing Teams’ Permanent Charters Hopes
The ongoing charter lawsuit isn’t just about one core issue. It’s about some major problems in the sport, with one of them being why NASCAR doesn’t make the charters permanent. The reason they’re temporary currently is that NASCAR likes to review and renew them on its own to monitor everything and maintain the competitive balance the way they like. But except for them, everyone in the garage wants the opposite.
Thanks to the lawsuit, this topic was brought up in the court, when the CEO of the sport, Jim France, himself had to come into the stands to give his testimony. He justified his decision, and the roots for that mindset go back to some old-school teaching he got from his folks.
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Jim France on following his parents’ advice in business dealings
Teams have pushed for permanent Charters for a long time. Making them permanent would increase the Charters’ resale values, give them more financial security, and more stability. At the same time, however, it would mean that NASCAR might lose control over the Charter negotiations and the policies they design.
This could also mean that the sport simply fails to play around with the Charter Agreement, which might hamper NASCAR’s profits. Undertstandably, this is one of the reasons why the sport has not agreed to this with teams yet. And Jim France doesn’t want to make a fake promise.
“I’ve just seen so much change over the years and things are changing at a fast pace and I don’t know how to put something in place — I don’t know how we could come to an agreement that covers forever,” he told the court. “I don’t have a sightline for the future and I don’t feel comfortable making a promise I can’t keep forever.”
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France then discussed his parents’ teachings in his business dealings, claiming that his mother always taught him to pay his bills. More interestingly, he further mentioned that his deceased father, Bill France Sr., taught him to “do what you say you’re going to do.”
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While this does sound like strong advice for someone getting into business, the teams haven’t been very satisfied with Jim France’s decision. His father, Bill France Sr., laid the foundation for NASCAR and managed it for a long time. Since then, the France family has largely been in control of the sport. But this ownership is often questioned.
Many claim that Jim France can solely make decisions for maximum profits, whilst leaving the teams in losses. This has also raised doubts among teams. They claim that the current revenue-sharing system is unsustainable; moreover, the increase in running costs has not seen a significant revenue increase in the Charter Agreement. This was the primary reason why the lawsuit was filed.
Previously publicized text messages have also revealed that Jim France was not interested in making the Charters permanent. However, there is more that the sport’s authorities were accused of in the NASCAR lawsuit.
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Jim France accused of making profits as teams suffered losses
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed the lawsuit against NASCAR. As the trial progresses, there have been new and surprising revelations, including Jim France’s bold statement on his business model.
However, that is not all. There have been quite a few strong statements from the plaintiffs as well. The NASCAR lawsuit focuses on alleged monopolistic policies from the sport, mainly discussing the Charters. In the initial days of the hearing, Jeffrey Kessler, representing 23XI, claimed that the France Family had been making profits at the teams’ expense.
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“What the evidence is going to show is Mr France ran this for the benefit of his family at the expense of the teams and sport,” he told the court.
As per the Charter Agreement, it was understood that the teams wanted a larger share of NASCAR’s broadcasting revenue. However, then-President Steve Phelps claimed that the sport would have then run in losses.
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The air around the lawsuit seems to be a bit unclear at the moment. But the statement from Jim France regarding the permanent Charters does reveal that he has never been in favor of the same. But could the lawsuit change that?
Judge Bell Rejects Key Testimony as NASCAR’s Attempt to Leverage ‘FOX Clause’ Falls Flat
As the NASCAR trial goes through its second week, eye-opening testimonies are unfolding. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ witnesses have so far created a stir in the courtroom, revealing figures of severe economic loss to teams and team owners. NASCAR, in its part, roped in the big guns like CEO Jim France to the stand. Their second high-profile witness, however, was unable to attend.
NASCAR trial loses a trump card
“After the jury dismissed for lunch, Judge Bell oversaw a dispute between Jeffrey Kessler (teams) and Chris Yates (NASCAR.) Yates wanted to introduce testimony from FOX Sports’ Jordan Bazant that showed a competitor series would hurt NASCAR. Judge Bell wasn’t sure that needed to be presented to the jury because it’s not additive to the dispute at hand. Judge Bell also says that if there was a competitor series in this hypothetical, the teams would be in it, and not NASCAR. So he ruled against allowing it,” Journalist Matt Weaver wrote on X.
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NASCAR wished to rope in the testimony of FOX Sports, the media giant associated with the sport for over two decades. According to NASCAR attorney Lawrence Buterman, chartered teams also get money from FOX – hence, teams are also hurt alongside the sport. However, Judge Kenneth D. Bell still dismissed the witness for the NASCAR trial, claiming that FOX may pay NASCAR less if a rival series springs up. He logged NASCAR’s motion for an appeal to the Fourth Circuit of Appeals in Richmond.
This comes as a significant development after CEO Jim France’s stolid appearance in the witness stand. The topmost NASCAR executive was like a “brick wall,” according to a few journalists. refusing to divulge much information as attorney Jeffrey Kessler grilled him. Contrary to the jaw-dropping evidence that Michael Jordan and Co.’s witnesses brought out, France’s testimony likely did not strike a deeper chord.
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NASCAR chairman stands firm on charters, citing parents’ advice
His mother, credited with helping her husband build NASCAR from nothing, told her two sons to always pay their bills. Bill France Sr. advised them “do what you say you’re going to do.”
It was those two principles that created France’s refusal to budge on permanent charters in the 2025 revenue-sharing agreement.
“I’ve just seen so much change over the years and things are changing at a fast pace and I don’t know how to put something in place — I don’t know how we could come to an agreement that covers forever,” he testified.
He later tied it directly to his parents’ advice.
“I don’t have a sightline for the future and I don’t feel comfortable making a promise I can’t keep forever,” he testified.
That thinking aligns with Tuesday testimony from NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps, who gave NASCAR’s version of the chaotic Sept. 6, 2024, final agreements presented to teams late that Friday afternoon with an end-of-day deadline to sign the 112-page document or forfeit their charters.
Phelps testified the delay in sending the final drafts was because France had promised Roger Penske, owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar, and teams in multiple racing series including NASCAR, that France would personally speak to Penske before the agreements were delivered. France tried to call Penske several times that day and Phelps testified Penske didn’t answer.
It wasn’t until after the two had finally spoken that the charters were sent to teams, at close to 5 p.m. with a midnight deadline.
“Jim is a man of his word,” Phelps testified.
23XI Racing, which is owned by basketball Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Jordan’s financial adviser, Curtis Polk, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, were the only two teams out of 15 organizations that refused to sign. They sued instead.
Multiple team owners have described that day on the opening weekend of the 2024 playoffs as an ultimatum from NASCAR as they found the offers to be a “take-it-or-leave-it” offer that they signed with “a gun to their head.” Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress testified Tuesday his team would have gone out of business if he didn’t sign the agreement.
France was much stronger on the stand Wednesday than he was the day before as plaintiffs attorney Jeffrey Kessler had to repeat many questions and France said on numerous topics that he was either unable to recall, did not remember or was not sure — even in response to evidence introduced that the France Family Trust received $400 million in distributions from 2021 through 2024 and that NASCAR is valued at $5 billion.
He wasn’t sure of the title his niece, Lesa France Kennedy, holds with NASCAR, or the ownership percentages between the two. Evidence showed Jim France owns 54 percent of NASCAR, while France Kennedy, the vice chair, owns 36 percent. France also testified he believes he is paid in “the $3.5 million range” as chairman.
While the extension offer presented in September 2024 did increase annual revenue promised to the teams, it fell short of the team’s request for $720 million — a sum Phelps testified would have put NASCAR out of business.
It also fell short of the four “pillars” the teams were demanding. Teams ended up receiving $431 million annually in increased revenue, but were not granted permanent charters, did not get a voice in governance nor the terms they sought on new business streams.
France testified Wednesday he did believe the teams received several of their asks.
He was the final witness called as the plaintiffs rested and NASCAR began to present its defense.
Evidence has so far been introduced that shows the top team owners in NASCAR all wrote personal letters pleading for France to make the renewable charters permanent. The plaintiffs also introduced several documents detailing communication between NASCAR executives that showed France was stubbornly opposed to permanent charters throughout the two-plus years of bitter negotiations.
France’s position never changed, even though he received pleas from Hall of Fame team owners Joe Gibbs, Rick Hendrick, Jack Roush, and Penske. All four are close personal friends, France said on the stand.
Yates is hopeful to wrap his defense by Friday.
The nine-person jury will have to decide if NASCAR violated antitrust laws, and if so, what the damages are to 23XI and Front Row. An economist has previously testified that NASCAR owes 23XI and Front Row $364.7 million in damages, and that NASCAR shorted 36 chartered teams $1.06 billion from 2021-24.
Should NASCAR lose the case, it will be up to US District Judge Kenneth Bell to unravel the monopoly, and he can make any decisions he chooses. Among them are forcing the France family to sell NASCAR, the racetracks they own, and even dismantling or changing the charter system.
A win for 23XI and Front Row does not guarantee the teams will receive a combined six charters from NASCAR. They have both said they will go out of business if they are not chartered teams.
NASCAR Charter Trials Ignite Over Richard Childress’ NDA Breach as Judge Bell Delivers a Dire Warning
In late November, Richard Childress was distressed. A string of inflammatory text messages between NASCAR’s top executives involved the 80-year-old Cup Series team owner. Among the labels he received were ‘dinosaur’, ‘stupid red neck’, and so on. That may have been the point at which Childress decided to testify in the NASCAR trial, ongoing between Jim France and Michael Jordan’s sides. However, the result of taking the stand in the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit turned even more stressful for him.
The NASCAR trial faces an ultimatum
“Judge Bell asked both parties for a SITREP on the matter after the jury was dismissed. Teams attorney Danielle Williams says she has six questions on the matter. Judge didn’t want to hear them. Williams says she doesn’t even have the documents yet. Judge Bell said both parties need to work together to get a solution before tomorrow morning or he is going to issue an order ‘and I have an idea of what that is going to be,’” journalist Matt Weaver wrote on X.’
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To clarify, Judge Kenneth D. Bell demanded a SITREP or situation report on the jaw-dropping revelation during Richard Childress’ testimony. The six-time Cup Series champion owner was confused when he was asked during cross-examination about the decision to sell a 60% stake of his team, Richard Childress Racing. The questions probed what he thought were confidential discussions with a group that included former NASCAR driver Bobby Hillin Jr.
The NASCAR trial mainly revolves around proving the sport’s anticompetitive practices in a monopoly. However, the breach of Richard Childress’ private information opens up a new legal venue. Childress said that he sent a termination letter to Hillin. Apparently, both parties signed a non-disclosure agreement about RCR’s finances. Childress also clarified that Hillin was mainly going to purchase the stake in the company owned by Chartwell Investments.
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Evidently, the NASCAR trial is assuming a fresh direction. Let’s wait and see when Judge Bell’s ultimatum materializes.
NASCAR chairman Jim France stands firm on charter stance, citing parents’ advice
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR Chairman Jim France had a stronger second day of testimony Wednesday as the final witness called by Michael Jordan’s side in the federal antitrust lawsuit against the racing series, explaining that advice from his late parents helped shape his stance against granting teams permanent charters in the new revenue-sharing model.
NASCAR attorney Christopher Yates opened the eighth day of the trial by asking the soft-spoken France how old he is — 81 — and if he wears hearing aids — he does — as he walked France through a background that included working for the family business in various roles since high school and following a stint serving in Vietnam.
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Plaintiffs Wrap Up Testimony In NASCAR Trial As The Defense Takes Over
Testimony for the plaintiffs in the NASCAR Trial concluded on December 10, as the Anti-Trust Trial involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports moved to NASCAR’s defense.
The anti-trust trial in Federal Court in Charlotte, North Carolina is in the middle of the second week as 23XI Racing and Front Row are suing NASCAR for monopolistic practices regarding the Charter agreement.
NASCAR Chairman Jim France concluded his testimony on Wednesday morning, setting the stage for NASCAR attorneys to call defense witnesses.
France was the final witness called by the plaintiffs. His cross-examination concluded on Wednesday morning.
According to a report from The Charlotte Observer, defense attorney Chris Yates informed Judge Kenneth D. Bell that it is his team’s goal to get through all their witnesses by the end of the week. If that happens, closing arguments could begin on Monday, December 15.
“We will endeavor to be as efficient as possible,” Yates said.
That could be difficult as the defense had over 10 people on its potential witness list. Yates said he and his team would pare down the list.
Richard Childress Upset After Details Of A Potential Sale Addressed In NASCAR Trial
One interesting point that came from NASCAR team owner Richard Childress in testimony for the plaintiffs was the revelation that he had been in discussions with former NASCAR driver Bobby Hillin, Jr. to sell a percentage in Richard Childress Racing.
Childress has been involved in NASCAR racing, first as a driver and then as a full-time team owner, since 1969.
Childress owns 60 percent of the team. The other 40 percent is owned by equity partner Chartwell Investments, which has wanted out of their ownership of RCR for the last “five or six years.” When asked directly, Childress admitted to considering selling part of his stake to Hillin, too.
When pressed on financial details of the sale, the 80-year-old Childress was irked at the line of questioning from NASCAR’s attorney. Childress said NDLs (non-disclosure agreements) had been signed, preventing him from revealing those details.
Judge Bell told Childress he was under oath and had to answer the questions.
“I don’t want to answer that,” Childress said before Judge Bell gave his order.
Motorsport.com described Childress as being “blindsided” by the questioning and instructions by Judge Bell.
Prior to his cross-examination, Childress took a line of questioning from plaintiff attorney Danielle Williams and was direct in his frustrations with NASCAR and its current model of business.
Childress disagreed with much of the 2025 charter agreement.
“We were negotiating a better contract for the charters,” said Childress, who owns two full-time Cup Series charters. “And then it just didn’t happen that way.”
The Charter system began in 2016 and guarantee teams starting positions in every NASCAR Cup Series race and a share of revenue with NASCAR. However, the Charters are not permanent.
Those Charters are renegotiated after seven-to-nine years.
“It wouldn’t cost NASCAR nothing to give us a (permanent) franchise,” Childress said. “All we want to do is be good partners.”
According to the Observer, Childress also agreed with other owners who have testified and said that NASCAR offered the teams a “take-it-or-leave-it” ultimatum in September: In other words, if you don’t sign now, you lose your charters.
Childress begrudgingly signed, but the plaintiffs in the trial, 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, refused to sign and filed the lawsuit against NASCAR.
“We would have lost them,” Chidress said. “Financially, I couldn’t lose our charters.”
NASCAR Chairman Jim France Concludes His Testimony
Jim France has the final word for NASCAR as the Chairman of the company that was founded in 1948 by his father, Bill France. His older brother, Bill France, Jr., took over NASCAR in the 1970s.
When both Frances passed away over the years, the 80-year-old France continues the family legacy as the leader of the stock car racing series.
France was questioned about an email that included NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell stating, “Jim’s overarching comment” in a charter negotiations meeting was a fiery one — “We are in a competition … we are going to win!”
When asked to recall that comment, France said, “I’m not sure.” He added, “That would be his interpretation.”
Financial Details Of The ‘Next Gen’ Car Revealed In NASCAR Trial
NASCAR executive vice president John Probst took the stand on Wednesday to begin the defense.
Propst also serves as the Chief Racing Development Officer for NASCAR and is responsible for changes the Next Gen car.
Propst revealed financial details that NASCAR spent researching and developing the Gen 7 car.
Probst says it cost $14 million total to research and develop the car and said that the teams had no part in the design process.
Teams such as 23XI Racing and Front Row took issue with single source parts for the Next Gen when previously, teams built their own chassis or purchased the cars from other manufacturers.
Teams could build parts or use other vendors as along as their fell within NASCAR rules and regulations.
With the Next Gen, NASCAR owns the intellectual property of the car and design of the car
It’s up to the jury to decide which argument they believe is most credible.
The NASCAR trial resumes on Thursday, December 11 as Judge Bell continues to press the defense to have all witness testimony concluded by Friday so closing arguments can begin on December 15.
NASCAR’s France reiterates his resistance to permanent charters
Jim France was a bit more talkative on Wednesday when finishing his testimony in the antitrust lawsuit the teams filed against France and the sport he owns and operates under cross-examination from NASCAR’s lead counsel, Christopher Yates.
France (pictured above), who had not yet become the chairman and CEO of NASCAR when the original charter system was implemented in 2016, reiterated that he did not want permanent charters for race teams in the 2025 agreement. It was something France said he wasn’t comfortable agreeing to because he didn’t know what the future of the sport could look like. It was the same type of testimony that previous NASCAR executives testified to about why permanent charters, a key issue for race teams during the negotiations, were not granted.
“I don’t know how you can set anything in the changing world we’re in,” France said.
NASCAR CEO France takes the stand as plaintiffs’ final witness in antitrust case
There were multiple other times where France again reiterated that not knowing what the sport would look like in the future made him want to stay away from permanent charters. Under redirect from lead counsel for the race teams, Jeffrey Kessler, France was asked why the race teams couldn’t have stability with permanent charters while having the economics adjusted in the future.
France said he never saw such a proposal from any race team. However, he did say that charters involve more than economics.
Kessler also asked France about a “defense fund” he had been building for NASCAR “in case we got into (a) jam.” France countered that it was not for this lawsuit but was created long before the Race Team Alliance ever brought issues to NASCAR, and that it was there for any claims that might arise.
“Shouldn’t Keep His Job”: Dale Earnhardt’s Long-Time Sponsor Demands Steve Phelps’ Ouster After Disgracing Richard Childress
Dale Earnhardt is a legendary icon of NASCAR. Having clinched 7 Cup Series championships and 76 Cup race trophies, he is an exemplar of peak stock car racing. And Richard Childress played a pivotal role in elevating Earnhardt to success. Earnhardt’s colleague is facing a storm, as a string of text messages between NASCAR executives came out. And this may be another blow for NASCAR’s defense in the ongoing lawsuit trial.
Richard Childress’ former sponsor takes a side
“The fact is Richard Childress has done as much to build and promote NASCAR as anyone in the history of the sport! The commissioner, in all his rant, has only managed to bring discredit to himself and the sport,” Bass Pro Shops’ recent statement read. “The commissioner’s recently revealed contempt for Richard Childress makes it abundantly clear that he and his lieutenants are not capable of being fair and objective when it comes to impartially enforcing the rules and regulations.” It also read, “Such a commissioner most likely wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, keep his or her job for very long!”
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This scathing attack on NASCAR’s executives came from Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. 28 years ago, the sporting goods retailer struck a sponsorship bond with Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt Sr. Their first race together was the 1998 All-Star Race. There, Earnhardt ran a gold-painted No. 3 car. Bass Pro Shops has also sponsored Dale Earnhardt Jr., who used the company’s colors in his Late Model endeavors.
Considering this long-standing bond, Bass Pro Shops is certainly not happy with NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps’ leaked comments. Phelps, in communication with Brian Herbst, Chief Media and Revenue Officer, called Richard Childress many distasteful things. Those ranged from ‘a stupid redneck’ to a ‘dinosaur’. And Phelps also wrote that Childress ‘needs to be taken out back and flogged.’
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Johnny Morris’ statement continued, “It is painful for all fans to watch the current conflict and division occurring within the sport we love. We hope the France family and team owners will reflect carefully on the damage that’s being done to NASCAR in the ongoing dispute and dig deep and strive hard for a compromise. We’re cheering for a prompt and fair resolution that creates a positive path to a happy and long-term future for the founding family, team owners, and most importantly, the fans.”
With this new development, let’s wait and see what impact it makes on the NASCAR trial. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Dale Jr’s Former Driver Unveils NASCAR’s Secret 750HP Test Hours After Steve Phelps’ Bizarre ‘Safety’ Claims
2026 will bring something special for NASCAR drivers and fans. After four seasons of putting up with the Next-Gen car’s shortcomings on the racetrack, the sport will raise its level. It will boost horsepower numbers from 670 to 750 HP on all road course layouts and tracks under 1.5 miles in length. And Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s former driver has a delightful update in that regard – although it came at the same time as Steve Phelps’ jaw-dropping claim in court.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s phenom matches NASCAR’s timing
“Looks like NASCAR’s offseason test at North Wilkesboro Speedway is happening now, per Connor Zilisch’s Instagram story. NASCAR testing the 2026 increase to 750 HP as well as tire & potential aero changes,” journalist Steven Taranto wrote on X. Bozi Tatarevic also dropped a post: “First good view of the rear of the 2026 Chevy Camaro Cup car thanks to this @ConnorZilisch Instagram story.”
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Connor Zilisch, came dangerously close to winning the 2025 Xfinity Series championship for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team. He recently dropped the picture of the black Chevrolet Cup car at the most opportune time. On Wednesday, NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps delivered his testimony during the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit trial. And he boldly claimed that the Next-Gen car is the safest car of all motorsports.
Although Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s 2025 JR Motorsports rookie dropped an update on NASCAR’s intentions to advance the car, Steve Phelps’ claims still strike a bad chord. Calling a car that has caused multiple concussions and injuries in the past ‘the safest’ is an overstatement at least. It is the same car due to which 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch crashed in a 2022 Pocono race and never fully recovered from the resulting concussion. And Ryan Preece also flipped over in the same car at Daytona, not once, but twice. Even Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and participant in the NASCAR lawsuit, has been injured.
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Hence, Steve Phelps’ claims are likely to overshadow Connor Zilisch’s testing updates. Dale Jr.’s former driver will wheel a Cup Series car for Trackhouse Racing in 2026. It was much-awaited for the 19-year-old prodigy who picked up 10 race trophies during the 2025 Xfinity season.
While presenting an ironic scenario, Connor Zilisch shared an important update.
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Interesting updates after the last test
NASCAR’s new horsepower package may have a big impact while being paired with Goodyear’s soft tires. In mid-November, Ryan Preece was among the drivers participating in a Goodyear Tire test at Bristol Motor Speedway. At the test, the new short track horsepower levels were put to the test. As visible in the footage of the cars at the test, the rear diffusers may have been removed from the cars. Now, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s former driver, Connor Zilisch, divulged more details in the latest horsepower test.
“Let’s help out if anyone is wondering: Red: Aero pressure sensors on the spoiler. They measure pressure at points across the spoiler to help correlate with and improve CFD data. Blue: distance sensor pointed sideways so you can more accurately tell how far car is from wall,” one NASCAR expert wrote on X while describing Connor Zilisch’s picture. Then Bozi Tataraveic also pointed out the prominent taillights on the car.
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Clearly, Connor Zilisch’s new post sets the stage for the upcoming 2026 NASCAR season. Let’s wait and see how far the sport’s new updates strike a rapport with drivers, considering the ongoing NASCAR trial.
Jim France’s testimony reveals stubborn stance on NASCAR charters amid emotional pleas
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR Chairman Jim France is continuing testimony Wednesday as the final witness called by Michael Jordan’s side in the federal antitrust lawsuit lodged against the top motorsports series in the United States.
France returned to the stand on the eighth day of the trial to continue answering questions about his refusal to budge on key issues NASCAR teams asked for while negotiating their latest revenue-sharing model.
NASCAR implemented charters in 2016 as an answer to teams pleading for monetary assistance as they said they were bleeding money at an unsustainable rate. A charter is similar to a franchise in other sports, and in NASCAR it guarantees cars a spot in the 40-car field each week, as well as specified financial terms.
The extension offer presented in September 2024 did increase annual revenue promised to the teams but fell short of the team’ request for $720 million — a sum NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps testified would have put NASCAR out of business.
The offer given to teams on the Friday night of the opening weekend of the 2024 playoffs was 112-pages, had a midnight deadline to sign, and fell short of the four “pillars” the teams were demanding. Teams ended up receiving $431 million annually in increased revenue, but were not granted permanent charters, did not get a voice in governance or the terms they sought on new business streams.
23XI Racing, which is owned by basketball Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Jordan’s financial adviser, Curtis Polk, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, were the only two teams out of 15 organizations that refused to sign. They sued instead.
Evidence has been introduced that shows the top team owners in NASCAR all wrote personal letters pleading for France to make the renewable charters permanent. The plaintiffs also introduced several documents detailing communication between NASCAR executives that showed France was stubbornly opposed to permanent charters throughout the two-plus years of bitter negotiations.
Asked by plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler if he has changed his stance on making charters permanent, France testified Tuesday “No, I have not.”
Kessler later introduced a summary of notes from the first meeting of NASCAR executives on how they would approach negotiations with the teams. Steve O’Donnell, now the president of NASCAR, wrote in those notes, “Jim’s overarching comments — we are in a competition. We are going to win.”
France’s position never changed, even though he received pleas from Hall of Fame team owners Joe Gibbs, Rick Hendrick, Jack Roush and Roger Penske. All four are close personal friends, France said on the stand.
The Florida-based France family founded NASCAR in 1948 and the company has always been privately owned. Jim France is the second son of founder Bill France Sr.
Jim France, 81, was soft-spoken on the stand and needed many questions repeated. He said on numerous topics that he was either unable to recall, did not remember or was not sure. His inability to recall specifics even applied to testimony given last week by Gibbs’ daughter-in-law, who wrote an emotional letter to France during the negotiations explaining why her family was desperate for the charters to become permanent.
Evidence showed that as France read Heather Gibbs’ letter, O’Donnell texted France’s nephew, Ben Kennedy, that France was cursing as he read it aloud.
“I don’t believe I swore or got angry,” France testified.
Kessler then went through the letter by paragraphs asking France if anything written made him upset. France said ‘no’ to every citation, but neither he nor O’Donnell have been able to explain why O’Donnell characterized France’s reaction the way he did to Kennedy.
France also disputed some of Heather Gibbs’ testimony about the night of the “take-it-or-leave-it” charter offers. She said she left her father-in-law, then 84, sitting alone in a dark room, his blood sugar monitors going off, as he pleaded on the phone with France for concessions.
She testified that Joe Gibbs told her France was not open to conversation and told the team owner he’d be “at peace” with however many teams signed the agreements. Those who didn’t would lose their charters, which is why so many teams felt they had to sign.
France denied telling Joe Gibbs he’d be “at peace” with however the dust settled.
“I never said anything like that. I’m not saying I did, I’m not sure I didn’t, but I don’t recall,” France testified. “I don’t think I would have said anything like that to coach.”
He also didn’t remember the call from Joe Gibbs that night being of the pleading nature.
“He did not say that, that I can remember, no,” said France, who claimed the conversation was more about specific language regarding revenue.
France is the final witness for 23XI and Front Row. NASCAR will begin its defense following his testimony.
NASCAR attorney Christopher Yates told the court he is hopeful to wrap his defense by Friday.
The nine-person jury will have to decide if NASCAR violated antitrust laws, and if so, what the damages are to 23XI and Front Row. An economist has previously testified that NASCAR owes 23XI and Front Row $364.7 million in damages, and that NASCAR shorted 36 chartered teams $1.06 billion from 2021-24.
Should NASCAR lose the case, it will be up to U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell to unravel the monopoly, and he can make any decisions he chooses. Among them are forcing the France family to sell NASCAR, the racetracks they own, and even dismantling or changing the charter system.
A win for 23XI and Front Row does not guarantee the teams will receive a combined six charters from NASCAR. They have both said they will go out of business if they are not chartered teams.
___
Michael Jordan’s lawsuit: NASCAR’s Jim France takes the stand
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR Chairman Jim France is continuing testimony Wednesday as the final witness called by Michael Jordan’s side in the federal antitrust lawsuit lodged against the top motorsports series in the United States.
France returned to the stand on the eighth day of the trial to continue answering questions about his refusal to budge on key issues NASCAR teams asked for while negotiating their latest revenue-sharing model.
NASCAR implemented charters in 2016 as an answer to teams pleading for monetary assistance as they said they were bleeding money at an unsustainable rate. A charter is similar to a franchise in other sports, and in NASCAR it guarantees cars a spot in the 40-car field each week, as well as specified financial terms.
The extension offer presented in September 2024 did increase annual revenue promised to the teams but fell short of the team’ request for $720 million — a sum NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps testified would have put NASCAR out of business.
The offer given to teams on the Friday night of the opening weekend of the 2024 playoffs was 112-pages, had a midnight deadline to sign, and fell short of the four “pillars” the teams were demanding. Teams ended up receiving $431 million annually in increased revenue, but were not granted permanent charters, did not get a voice in governance or the terms they sought on new business streams.
23XI Racing, which is owned by basketball Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Jordan’s financial adviser, Curtis Polk, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, were the only two teams out of 15 organizations that refused to sign. They sued instead.
Evidence has been introduced that shows the top team owners in NASCAR all wrote personal letters pleading for France to make the renewable charters permanent. The plaintiffs also introduced several documents detailing communication between NASCAR executives that showed France was stubbornly opposed to permanent charters throughout the two-plus years of bitter negotiations.
Asked by plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler if he has changed his stance on making charters permanent, France testified Tuesday “No, I have not.”
Kessler later introduced a summary of notes from the first meeting of NASCAR executives on how they would approach negotiations with the teams. Steve O’Donnell, now the president of NASCAR, wrote in those notes, “Jim’s overarching comments — we are in a competition. We are going to win.”
France’s position never changed, even though he received pleas from Hall of Fame team owners Joe Gibbs, Rick Hendrick, Jack Roush and Roger Penske. All four are close personal friends, France said on the stand.
The Florida-based France family founded NASCAR in 1948 and the company has always been privately owned. Jim France is the second son of founder Bill France Sr.
Jim France, 81, was soft-spoken on the stand and needed many questions repeated. He said on numerous topics that he was either unable to recall, did not remember or was not sure. His inability to recall specifics even applied to testimony given last week by Gibbs’ daughter-in-law, who wrote an emotional letter to France during the negotiations explaining why her family was desperate for the charters to become permanent.
Evidence showed that as France read Heather Gibbs’ letter, O’Donnell texted France’s nephew, Ben Kennedy, that France was cursing as he read it aloud.
“I don’t believe I swore or got angry,” France testified.
Kessler then went through the letter by paragraphs asking France if anything written made him upset. France said ‘no’ to every citation, but neither he nor O’Donnell have been able to explain why O’Donnell characterized France’s reaction the way he did to Kennedy.
France also disputed some of Heather Gibbs’ testimony about the night of the “take-it-or-leave-it” charter offers. She said she left her father-in-law, then 84, sitting alone in a dark room, his blood sugar monitors going off, as he pleaded on the phone with France for concessions.
She testified that Joe Gibbs told her France was not open to conversation and told the team owner he’d be “at peace” with however many teams signed the agreements. Those who didn’t would lose their charters, which is why so many teams felt they had to sign.
France denied telling Joe Gibbs he’d be “at peace” with however the dust settled.
“I never said anything like that. I’m not saying I did, I’m not sure I didn’t, but I don’t recall,” France testified. “I don’t think I would have said anything like that to coach.”
He also didn’t remember the call from Joe Gibbs that night being of the pleading nature.
“He did not say that, that I can remember, no,” said France, who claimed the conversation was more about specific language regarding revenue.
France is the final witness for 23XI and Front Row. NASCAR will begin its defense following his testimony.
NASCAR attorney Christopher Yates told the court he is hopeful to wrap his defense by Friday.
The nine-person jury will have to decide if NASCAR violated antitrust laws, and if so, what the damages are to 23XI and Front Row. An economist has previously testified that NASCAR owes 23XI and Front Row $364.7 million in damages, and that NASCAR shorted 36 chartered teams $1.06 billion from 2021-24.
Should NASCAR lose the case, it will be up to U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell to unravel the monopoly, and he can make any decisions he chooses. Among them are forcing the France family to sell NASCAR, the racetracks they own, and even dismantling or changing the charter system.
A win for 23XI and Front Row does not guarantee the teams will receive a combined six charters from NASCAR. They have both said they will go out of business if they are not chartered teams.
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NASCAR CEO France takes the stand as plaintiffs’ final witness in antitrust case
The man who avoids the limelight and a microphone didn’t have that luxury Tuesday in a North Carolina federal courtroom.
NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France (pictured above) was called as the final witness for the plaintiffs, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, in the antitrust lawsuit the teams filed against France and the sport he owns and operates. France was questioned by the team’s lead counsel, Jeffrey Kessler, for nearly 2.5 hours, during which he repeatedly said he couldn’t recall certain internal communications, events or numbers.
But France did admit that “I did say no” to permanent charters. Kessler did not ask why.
The concept of permanent charters was a key point for race teams during negotiations for the 2025 charter agreement. Heather Gibbs testified to the importance they had for the Gibbs family and how valuable they would be for stability. Richard Childress also testified that permanent charters would help financially in a sport with a challenging economic model.
NASCAR, however, wanted to remain flexible going forward, according to Steve O’Donnell’s testimony. O’Donnell, who became president of NASCAR earlier this year, said the unknowns were part of the reason for not granting permanent charters, as NASCAR didn’t know what the sport would look like in the future regarding costs, schedule, cars and other financial variables.
NASCAR’s O’Donnell admits to concerns over SRX Series as antitrust case continues
NASCAR CEO Jim France was not open to new business model – O’Donnell
Jordan takes the stand in NASCAR antitrust case
Kessler repeatedly pressed France on being the top of the NASCAR food chain and the one who makes decisions. Some of that came through Kessler asking, “You bear the ultimate responsibilities for the company?” and, “The buck stops with you?”
But France, like other NASCAR executives who testified before him, such as Phelps, O’Donnell and Scott Prime, would only say that NASCAR has a board of directors, and that’s where the discussion and decisions go.
Although France said the board can overrule him, he couldn’t recall one of those instances. Kessler quipped to let him know if he thought of one while they continued with the testimony.
France owns 54% of NASCAR through the family trust. Lesa France Kennedy, his niece, owns 46%.
Kessler also spent time showing France communications within the company during the charter negotiations, one of which was O’Donnell saying that France was visibly reacting, swearing, while reading a Heather Gibbs letter out loud. But not only did France counter that he doesn’t recall being upset about the letter, nor there being anything in it that would make him upset, France also said he’s not sure why O’Donnell characterized things that way.
France also challenged part of Heather Gibbs’s testimony. She explained that Sept. 6, the deadline to sign the charter agreement, France had told Joe Gibbs that the negotiations were done and the deadline set. Furthermore, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, I have 20. If I have 30, I have 30,” is what Gibbs relayed.
“I don’t think I’d say that to Coach (Gibbs),” France said.
And so the testimony went as Kessler continued to press on communications France received from team owners and his reaction. France acknowledged receiving letters from Roger Penske, Rick Hendrick, Jack Roush and Joe Gibbs in the spring of 2024. All expressed concerns over the sport’s business model and race teams losing money.
France will return to the stand Wednesday for cross-examination by NASCAR’s counsel. NASCAR will then begin presenting its case.
Tuesday closed with France after also seeing Childress and Phelps on the stand.
Childress testified that he signed the charter agreement because he had no choice. The NASCAR Hall of Famer didn’t want to lose his charters, admitting his company isn’t financially able to compete without them. He said the other businesses Childress has founded help support the race team.
But, he, too, wanted permanent charters. Childress also agreed with the other key items the teams asked for, including a say in the governance of the sport, revenue, and receiving a percentage of new revenue.
“It wouldn’t cost NASCAR nothing” to award permanent charters, said Childress.
He also said, “I would love to see RCR running 60 years from now, but with this model, we can’t do it.”
As for the testimony from Phelps, there were times when he, too, under questions from Kessler, said he couldn’t recall or didn’t know about what he was being asked. However, he disputed the version of events the teams have relayed, claiming the Sept. 6, 2024, deadline was a take-it-or-leave-it situation. Multiple times, Phelps said that wasn’t what happened, or it was an unfair statement.
According to Phelps, the first draft went out in December of 2023. The teams responded in January of 2024.
Another response from the teams came through in February, and soon thereafter, NASCAR began meeting with the teams individually because they were hearing that not all of the information NASCAR was giving to the Team Negotiating Committee (TNC) was making its way back to everyone.
In May, another draft went out with a response from the teams in June. The meetings continued in June, July, and August. The third draft went out on Aug. 14, in which the teams were told the deadline would be the end of August.
Phelps said that Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports then asked for an extension of the deadline. It was moved to Sept. 6. When the new deadline was set, Phelps said he called every team owner or team representative and let them know.
Lawyers for the teams sent comments about the draft on Sept. 5. At this point, Phelps said he was “pleasantly surprised” that the changes and comments weren’t that extensive. He was at the point where he felt the teams would sign after those updates were made.
As for September 6, Phelps said the day unfolded with the deadline being the end of the day. Jim France, meanwhile, had promised Roger Penske that no charter agreement would go out until they had spoken. Penske ended up calling Phelps, who told him to make sure he spoke with France before they could proceed.
Soon enough, the deadline was extended to midnight. Phelps made that decision because he said he knew the teams needed time for the agreement to reach their inboxes. He was still under the impression they were going to sign, and they had been updated by their lawyers.
“I was surprised,” Phelps said, when 23XI Racing and Front Row didn’t sign. Those two teams were even given an additional deadline to sign, but they didn’t.
Phelps also testified that NASCAR could not give the teams the $720 million per year they wanted because it would bankrupt them.
23XI, Front Row should be awarded more than $360 million, economist testifies
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports should be awarded more than $360 million in damages, according to the testimony of the economics expert the teams called upon in their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.
Edward Snyder has a Ph.D. and is a professor of economics. He was called to the witness stand on Monday to kick off the second week of proceedings and underwent nearly three hours of questioning from lead counsel for the teams, Jeffrey Kessler, before being cross-examined by NASCAR. Those questions took up the final two hours of Monday and then continued for another 45 minutes on Tuesday before Snyder was finished as a witness.
In explaining his damages, Snyder broke it down to $215.8 million for 23XI Racing and $148.9 million for Front Row Motorsports. The amounts were determined by Snyder from three different categories: lost profits from reduced revenue (2021 to 2024), reduction in the team’s market value (the difference in market value due to NASCAR’s anti-competitive conduct), and additional lost revenues (competing as Open teams during the 2025 season).
The damages were one part of Snyder’s testimony. As an expert witness, he was asked to consider the allegations in the lawsuit brought by the teams, and during his testimony, he went point by point through a 58-page demonstrative (a visual aid for the jury that is not a document or exhibit entered into evidence) with Kessler, who explained those allegations.
NASCAR CEO France takes the stand as plaintiffs’ final witness in antitrust case
To make his conclusions, Snyder reviewed financials, charter agreements, communication documents included in the case (text messages, emails, etc.), valuation data (from Forbes and Sportico), the NASCAR schedule, and the entry and exit history of teams in the series.
Snyder’s approach to making his determinations was to conduct an industry analysis, analyze NASCAR’s alleged anti-competitive conduct, identify how the market for premier stock car racing teams would operate absent NASCAR’s alleged anti-competitive conduct, and estimate the damages.
As a reminder, 23XI and Front Row alleged that NASCAR maintained its monopoly power through anti-competitive conduct and that they were injured by those anti-competitive acts. The lawsuit was filed Oct. 2, 2024, after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were the only two teams that did not sign the 2025 charter agreement.
Here is what Snyder testified:
• NASCAR’s anticompetitive conduct was done through exclusivity clauses with racetracks, teams, and cars.
Snyder concluded that, as early as 2015 and continuing through 2025, NASCAR created barriers to entry through anticompetitive acts by preventing potential competitors from obtaining venues, teams, and cars.
Additionally, Cup Series teams are compensated below a competitive market rate.
• Snyder compared NASCAR to other sports leagues:
NFL, PGA Tour, NHL, MLS, NBA, WNBA, Formula, IndyCar.
Snyder testified that, unlike NASCAR, other leagues have entry points for competition, such as LIV Golf being created against the PGA or the WNBA seeing the Unrivaled league creation.
When that competition comes along, Snyder testified that either “wakes up” the league financially or they act anti-competitively. NASCAR, for example, didn’t pay the teams more money but added exclusivity clauses. Snyder pointed to the concern NASCAR had about SRX and the possibility of a breakaway series being created. “It confirms NASCAR has a potential barrier to entry,” Snyder said.
• Snyder used the PGA Tour and Formula 1 as examples of leagues that faced competition and turned around and created better financial terms for their participants.
In the case of the PGA, the response to LIV was to create more lucrative events, bring in investors, and create new financial programs.
Formula 1 faced competition from the Grand Prix World Championship (2001) and the Formula One Teams Association (2008). The response was negotiating a better Concorde Agreement with its teams.
• Snyder said the teams having exclusivity clauses with their drivers is not the same as NASCAR’s exclusivity clauses.
“This is common sense,” said Snyder, because the drivers have other options and teams want them committed. NASCAR has created no other options for teams and are protecting a monopoly.
• Snyder said that NASCAR made $311 million in net payments to racetracks in 2024 because “NASCAR pays tracks with exclusivity restrictions.”
• Snyder reiterated some previous testimony already heard in the case about there being no IP protections with previous generation race cars, which opened them up to a copycat series. Those protections were put into place with the Next Gen introduction. He said that the concept bothers him because teams are paying to buy the car but cannot use it elsewhere.
• There was also time spent on Snyder going through comparisons between NASCAR and Formula 1, which he said he did because he saw documents of NASCAR talking about Formula 1 being a benchmark.
The comparisons come through competition on tracks that are geographically distributed
The requirement for specialized equipment
New teams being allowed to join
Teams having no equity in the league
• Snyder said Formula 1 does not have exclusivity clauses with racetracks or similar open-wheel competitors.
• The average revenue share to NASCAR teams during the 2016 charter agreement was 25%. But it was 45% to Formula 1 teams during that same term.
• On the churn of Cup Series teams (enter and exit rate), Snyder said that of the 19 teams that signed the 2016 charter agreement, 11 of them have exited the sport and did not race in 2025. Additionally, 13 teams left the Cup Series and sold their charters since 2016.
Snyder used BK Racing, StarCom Racing, and Furniture Row Racing as examples, particularly with Furniture Row Racing leaving one year after winning the championship.
Here is what NASCAR countered on cross-examination of Snyder through its counsel, Lawrence Buterman:
• Formula 1 does have non-compete clauses with its teams against other open-wheel series.
Snyder appeared to be thinking of McLaren being able to run in Formula 1 and IndyCar. But it’s two different series that they have a team in.
Snyder admitted he did not look at Formula 1 track agreements to see if there were exclusivity clauses.
• Buterman said IndyCar is more comparable to NASCAR as it competes in the United States, has a charter agreement, occasionally shares tracks with NASCAR and has considered a cost cap. Snyder said the financial data for IndyCar was not available to do the analysis.
• NASCAR did not increase payments to the racetracks when they began the exclusivity clauses in the sanctioning agreements.
• Snyder said there could have been a viable potential entrant into stock car racing by 2021 without anti-competitive conduct, but NASCAR pushed back, saying that is his theory and a hypothetical. Additionally, there was never any other potential series that came along in the 50-plus years before the charter agreements began, and NASCAR has never prevented one.
NASCAR pushed repeatedly on Snyder not having a who, what, when, where, or how a new series could have been created.
• NASCAR pressed Snyder on the fact that he didn’t question any team owner about their interest in leaving the sport, but determined NASCAR is anti-competitive because of its contingency plans.
• NASCAR noted that Furniture Row Racing didn’t leave the sport because of NASCAR financial issues but because Joe Gibbs Racing doubled its price for a technical alliance after losing the championship to Furniture Row.
Snyder admitted he didn’t know the specifics but cited an ESPN story in his presentation that said they left because of “lack of necessary funding.”
• Buterman got Snyder to say that NASCAR should share its sponsorship money with the race teams, but the race teams don’t have to share their sponsorship money with NASCAR.
“Yes,” he said. “That’s how it should work.”
Parella Motorsports Acquires Racing America
NEW YORK – December 10, 2025 — Parella Motorsports Holdings and SpeedTour™ (collectively, “the Company”), the leading owner and operator of grassroots motorsports events in the United States, today announced the acquisition of Racing America, a premier digital-first motorsports media platform delivering live streaming, original content, and year-round coverage of amateur and stock car-adjacent racing.
The acquisition unites one of the largest live-event portfolios in grassroots motorsports with the industry’s leading digital content and distribution platform — creating the most expansive, fully integrated motorsports media and events network in North America. The combined business will operate under the Racing America brand and will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The combined company’s promotional video is available for viewing here.
Advancing a Unified Motorsports Platform
Velocity Capital Management, an operationally intensive private equity firm with deep expertise in sports, media, and entertainment, acquired the Company in December 2023. Under Velocity’s ownership, the Company has grown through strategic acquisitions, including MotorsportsReg.com, the industry’s leading registration and fan-engagement platform, and International GT, a classic-car racing series for late-model Porsche and Ferrari vehicles. The Racing America acquisition marks the Company’s third strategic acquisition under Velocity’s ownership. Velocity’s strategic partner, the Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation, was instrumental in originating the opportunity to acquire Racing America through its long-standing relationship with its ownership group and continues to provide both capital and industry insight to accelerate the Company’s growth.
“This acquisition marks a defining moment in our evolution and the next chapter for grassroots racing in this country,” said Lee Giannone, CEO of the newly formed Racing America. “By combining our national live-events platform with Racing America’s digital capabilities, we’re creating the foundation for the future of motorsports — one that connects fans and competitors year-round, expands global reach, and positions Racing America as the definitive home for grassroots and professional racing alike.”
Delivering a Fully Integrated Fan Experience
With Racing America’s digital production and streaming capabilities layered onto the Company’s nationwide live-event footprint — including the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Formula Regional Americas Championship, Formula 4 United States Championship, Ligier Junior Formula Championship, and International GT — the combined organization becomes the industry’s largest single source of live racing, original content, and behind-the-scenes access.
“This marks a new era for Racing America as we expand from a digital media platform into a fully connected motorsports network,” said Colin Smith, President of Racing America. “With Velocity Capital Management’s support, we will broaden our content and technology offerings, stream more live events, and deliver the rich storylines that motorsports fans want to see.”
Accelerating Growth and Expanding Accessibility
“Racing America is uniquely positioned to accelerate fan interest and participation in grassroots and amateur motorsports,” said Erin Edwards, Partner at Velocity Capital Management. “Our goal is to make grassroots racing accessible to everyone while providing passionate fans with more ways to engage with the sport they already love.”
As part of the transaction, Jeffrey Wolf, Velocity Operating Partner and former media executive at E.W. Scripps and Sony Pictures, will become Chairman of the Board.
“Transforming the Company from an events business into a broader motorsports entertainment platform is central to our growth strategy,” Wolf said. “Today’s fans expect compelling storytelling, premium production, and behind-the-scenes access. With Racing America, we can deliver all of that — and more.”
What’s Next for Racing America
Following the acquisition, the Company will transition to operate exclusively under the Racing America brand. The unified platform will feature:
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Racing America’s 2026 season kicks off at Sebring International Raceway on February 26, 2026.
About Parella Motorsports Holdings
Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) owns several major road racing series including Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Formula Regional Americas (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.), Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC), and International GT (IGT). PMH hosts SpeedTour™ motorsports festivals across legendary U.S. circuits including Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Circuit of the Americas, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. More information is available at SpeedTour.net and MotorsportReg.com.
About Racing America
Racing America is a digital-centric motorsports media and services platform previously owned by Race Team Alliance member teams, the 16 charter-holding organizations that operate 36 NASCAR Cup Series teams. Racing America produces and distributes over 250 live racing events annually and serves as a central media hub for the NASCAR and grassroots community. The company also operates RacerJobs.com and maintains strategic partnerships with Racing America OnSI (Sports Illustrated), TobyChristie.com, and RacerTravel.com.
About Velocity Capital Management
Velocity Capital Management is an operationally intensive lower-middle-market private equity firm focused on the sports, media, and entertainment (“SME”) ecosystem. The firm’s focus spans various domains within the sports sector, including media rights, sports technology, location-based entertainment, and fan engagement platforms. Velocity’s leadership has nearly 90 years of institutional investment, C-suite, and ownership experience allowing them to leverage relationships and expertise to transform companies, and unlock growth, efficiency, and exceptional value across SME. Velocity’s current portfolio includes Elevate Sports Ventures, Unique Sports Group, Racing America, Videocites, X Games, and Camp. For more information, please visit www.velocitycm.com.
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Parella Motorsports acquires Racing America, creating North America’s largest integrated grassroots motorsports platform
Parella Motorsports Holdings and SpeedTou have announced the acquisition of Racing America, a premier digital-first motorsports media platform delivering live streaming, original content, and year-round coverage of amateur and stock car-adjacent racing.
The acquisition unites one of the largest live-event portfolios in grassroots motorsports with the industry’s leading digital content and distribution platform – creating the most expansive, fully integrated motorsports media and events network in North America. The combined business will operate under the Racing America brand and will be headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. The combined company’s promotional video is available for viewing here.
Velocity Capital Management, an operationally intensive private equity firm with deep expertise in sports, media and entertainment, acquired the company in December 2023. Under Velocity’s ownership, the company has grown through strategic acquisitions, including MotorsportsReg.com, the industry’s leading registration and fan-engagement platform, and International GT, a classic-car racing series for late-model Porsche and Ferrari vehicles. The Racing America acquisition marks the Company’s third strategic acquisition under Velocity’s ownership. Velocity’s strategic partner, the Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation, was instrumental in originating the opportunity to acquire Racing America through its long-standing relationship with its ownership group and continues to provide both capital and industry insight to accelerate the Company’s growth.
“This acquisition marks a defining moment in our evolution and the next chapter for grassroots racing in this country,” said Lee Giannone, CEO of the newly formed Racing America. “By combining our national live-events platform with Racing America’s digital capabilities, we’re creating the foundation for the future of motorsports – one that connects fans and competitors year-round, expands global reach, and positions Racing America as the definitive home for grassroots and professional racing alike.”
With Racing America’s digital production and streaming capabilities layered onto the company’s nationwide live-event footprint – including the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Formula Regional Americas Championship, Formula 4 United States Championship, Ligier Junior Formula Championship, and International GT – the combined organization becomes the industry’s largest single source of live racing, original content, and behind-the-scenes access.
“This marks a new era for Racing America as we expand from a digital media platform into a fully connected motorsports network,” said Colin Smith, president of Racing America. “With Velocity Capital Management’s support, we will broaden our content and technology offerings, stream more live events, and deliver the rich storylines that motorsports fans want to see.”
“Racing America is uniquely positioned to accelerate fan interest and participation in grassroots and amateur motorsports,” said Erin Edwards, partner at Velocity Capital Management. “Our goal is to make grassroots racing accessible to everyone while providing passionate fans with more ways to engage with the sport they already love.”
As part of the transaction, Jeffrey Wolf, Velocity Operating Partner and former media executive at E.W. Scripps and Sony Pictures, will become chairman of the board.
“Transforming the company from an events business into a broader motorsports entertainment platform is central to our growth strategy,” Wolf said. “Today’s fans expect compelling storytelling, premium production, and behind-the-scenes access. With Racing America, we can deliver all of that – and more.”
Following the acquisition, the company will transition to operate exclusively under the Racing America brand. The unified platform will feature:
Nationwide live racing events
Best-in-class streaming and digital production
Original and documentary-style content
A growing direct-to-consumer subscription offering
Expanded engagement opportunities for fans, partners, and series competitors
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Racing America’s 2026 season kicks off at Sebring International Raceway on Feb. 26, 2026.
MLB finalizes 2-game series in Mexico City between Diamondbacks and Padres in April
ORLANDO, Fla. — Major League Baseball finalized plans for a two-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres at Mexico City’s Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú on April 25-26.
The series was anticipated when the regular-season schedule was announced in August but was not confirmed until Wednesday. Arizona will be the home team for both games.
This will be the third set of regular-season games in Mexico City after the Padres swept San Francisco in 2023 and Houston swept Colorado in 2024, both in two-game series.
Scheduled games at San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico City in 2020 were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic and contemplated games for 2025 were scrapped over finances.
Regular-season games were played in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1996 (Padres and New York Mets), 1999 (Padres and Rockies), 2018 (Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres) and 2019 (Cincinnati and St. Louis, and Houston and Los Angeles Angels).
MLB’s collective bargaining agreement also called for games in Paris in 2025 and London next year but the France trip was canceled because of a failure to find a promoter and the Britain series because of scheduling issues with West Ham’s Olympic Stadium and Fox television. The CBA called for games at San Juan in 2026 but none have been announced.
Yankees Lose Player to Mets Amid MLB Free Agency
The New York Yankees rivalry with the New York Mets has intensified in recent years with both teams emerging as World Series contenders. A huge reason for that has been both clubs consistently ranking near the top of the league in payroll, making New York a destination for free agents whether playing in pinstripes or across the city in Queens.
Since taking over in 2020, Mets owner Steve Cohen has turned the franchise into one of baseball’s biggest spenders, creating a roster that attracts star free agents who might otherwise choose the Yankees.
The results have been clear. The Mets signed Juan Soto in 2024 to a record-breaking contract after he spent the previous year with the Yankees, and more recently added right-handed reliever Devin Williams last week following his stint in the Bronx.
That trend continued on Wednesday during the Rule 5 MLB Draft. The Yankees announced a recap of their draft, losing three players to other organizations while adding three of their own. Notably, the Mets were once again among the teams to pluck talent from the Yankees.
“In the Major League phase of the 2025 Rule 5 Draft, the Yankees selected RHP Cade Winquest in the first round from St. Louis. In the Triple-A phase, the Yankees selected RHP Hansel Rincon in the first round from Milwaukee and C Abrahan Gutierrez in the second round from the Athletics. Additionally, Chicago NL selected RHP Adam Stone (first round), Seattle selected RHP Sean Hermann (second round) and New York NL selected LHP Matt Turner (third round) from the Yankees in the Triple-A phase,” the team wrote on X.
The Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select certain minor league players who are not protected on a 40-man roster, giving those players a chance to reach the majors while preventing organizations from stockpiling talent without opportunity.
As for Matt Turner, who the Mets selected from the Yankees in the Triple-A phase, he is very much a minor league journeyman. The 26-year-old left-handed reliever has spent his entire professional career in the minors after being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 2017 MLB Draft.
Turner has never pitched for the Yankees at any level, as they only added him following the 2025 season. He split last year between Double-A and Triple-A with the Colorado Rockies, posting a 5.79 ERA across 41 appearances. While his track record suggests he is more organizational depth than a future big-league contributor, the Mets saw enough value to take a chance on him.
10 prospect for 2026 MLB Draft
Egg Harbor Township High School graduate Cameron Flukey is one of the key starting pitchers for Coastal Carolina, which boasts one of the best pitching staffs heading into the College World Series beginning Friday.
The Phillies announced Tuesday they re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract. The club really had no choice.
Contact John Russo:
609-272-7184
jrusso@pressofac.com
X @ACPress_Russo
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Cardinals wrap 2025 Winter Meetings
“That’s not how it has felt to me,” said an admittedly weary Bloom, who kept himself busy throughout the three days of MLB’s Winter Meetings conducting trade talks surrounding Cardinals mainstays Brendan Donovan, JoJo Romero, Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras. “To some degree, it’s binary — either you have something or you don’t. Right now, we don’t.”
A Cardinals club in the beginning stages of a full-on rebuild left Orlando on Wednesday without a trade being made, but it certainly wasn’t because of a lack of trying. With the Cardinals already fielding several calls about Donovan and Romero, they were queried by the Mets with interest in Contreras, per a source, after first baseman Pete Alonso left for the Orioles in free agency.
Bloom, a Cards consultant the past two years, knows the Cards can’t seriously contend in 2026 even if he brought those players back. Instead, he wants to try and exchange Donovan and Romero at the height of their values for a bevy of promising prospects.
Marmol guided the Cards to the playoffs in 2022, but he and the club have been home for the postseason each of the last three years. However, that doesn’t mean he has done a poor job. Marmol has masterfully handled the bullpen each of the past two seasons, and he helped the Cardinals make it through 2025 without losing a starting pitcher to an arm injury. He and many coaches on his staff have backgrounds in player development and those skills are going to be needed more than ever in 2026 and ‘27.
“I had one [trade proposal] a couple of years ago come on Christmas Day. Famously, I’m not even a Christmas celebrant, and I was still annoyed by that.” — Bloom, who is of the Jewish faith
MLB’s Draft Lottery continues to giveth and taketh from the Cardinals. In a year when the Cardinals were hopeful of adding another high pick to help speed up their roster rebuild, the club plummeted to the No. 13 pick in the random process. The Cards’ luck with ping pong balls was so sour that they even fell below the Rockies, Nationals and Angels (pick Nos. 10-12), who weren’t eligible to land a top six pick because of MLB rules.
The Cardinals went into Tuesday with MLB’s eighth-best odds at the No. 1 pick (2.35 percent). It is the second time in three seasons the Cards fell below their slot in the odds. In 2023, they fell from the fifth-best odds to No. 7 where they landed infielder JJ Wetherholt.
The Cards came into last year’s lottery with the 13th-best odds at No. 1, but they defied the odds and landed the No. 5 pick and selected hard-throwing lefty Liam Doyle. Wetherholt and Doyle, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the organization’s prospect rankings, per MLB Pipeline, are foundational pieces from which Bloom hopes will hasten the roster recovery.
Bloom famously plucked reliever Garrett Whitlock away from the Yankees in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft when he worked for the Red Sox. On Wednesday, his club took a stab at another reliever by drafting Matt Pushard in the MLB portion of the Rule 5 Draft.
Pushard, 28 and a native of Maine, was 4-5 with a 3.61 ERA in 49 appearances (one start). Using a fastball that has touched 97.4 mph and one that limited foes to a .163 batting average in 2025, Pushard struck out 73 batters in 62 1/3 innings. He came highly recommended by University of Maine head coach Nick Derba, who was selected in the 30th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Cardinals and spent six seasons in the club’s Minor League system.
Bloom knows that he must be similarly aggressive in St. Louis by using the talent in place to build a brighter future. Donovan and Romero are almost certain to move on based on the widespread interest. Contreras is expected to waive his no-trade clause to play in New York. Bloom must avoid getting stuck awaiting a perfect trade — a common knock from Red Sox fans — and execute deals to collect prospects for the rebuild.
MLB winter meetings end but plenty of offseason questions remain
ORLANDO, FL — Tigers Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal stayed in Detroit.
Slugger Kyle Schwarber returned to Philadelphia.
The Los Angeles Dodgers got better.
The New York Mets got worse.
And the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox did nothing.
The Baseball Winter Meetings came and went this week at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort with three major free-agent signings (Schwarber, Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz), no major trades, and one big surprise (the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds bidding for Schwarber).
Yet, general managers, teams and agents insist important groundwork was laid, and anticipate that by the time they gather around the Christmas tree, there will be plenty of new toys for everyone.
The 10 biggest questions remaining before the holidays:
What are the New York Mets going to do after Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, $155 million contract and closer Edwin Diaz fled for the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal?
Will they steal Cody Bellinger from the Yankees? Do they throw money at Kyle Tucker? Will they actually give a free-agent starter more than a three-year deal?
Prediction: The Mets take a run at Bellinger, but wind up trading for Astros first baseman Christian Walker or signing free agent Kazuma Okamoto, while also signing starter Michael King and reliever Robert Suarez.
Are the Arizona Diamondbacks really going to trade All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, or realize no one will give them the pitching package they desire?
The Diamondbacks came to the winter meetings believing Marte would stay with them.
They left town believing he will be traded.
Prediction: Marte is traded to the Boston Red Sox, but the Detroit Tigers and, yes, the Cincinnati Reds are possibilities.
Will the Detroit Tigers really trade Tarik Skubal?
They surprised teams by engaging in serious talks, and were intrigued by the Dodgers’ potential package of prospects, triggering trade rumors.
Prediction: Skubal will stay put. There’s simply no team that will strip their farm system for one year of Skubal knowing that he could be parting after one year for the riches of free agency, where he’s expected to receive at least $400 million.
Were the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds actually serious in their bids for Kyle Schwarber?
Absolutely.
The Pirates offered a four-year, $120 million package and the Reds told Schwarber they’d up the ante to at least five years, $150 million like the Baltimore Orioles, but Schwarber simply wanted to return to Philly.
“There were a lot of things that stuck with us through our last four years in Philadelphia,’’ Schwarber said, “and knowing that there were so many great things in the future to come in Philadelphia.”
Prediction: Neither team plans to spend anywhere near the money they offered Schwarber, believing he was an exception, but the two teams are expected to be more active on the trade front.
Are the Dodgers done with their free-agent spending, or are they greedy for more?
The Dodgers certainly don’t need any more help after landing Edwin Diaz, but hey, they’re the Dodgers, so why not? They do have an opening in the outfield, particularly if they trade Teoscar Hernandez, and there’s no one on the market better than Kyle Tucker.
Prediction: The Dodgers will make a bid for Tucker, and are willing to pay in excess of $30 million a year, but only on a short-term contract. They have no interest in giving him the nine- or 10-year deal he’s seeking. And Tucker has no interest in signing a deal that won’t carry him through the rest of his career.
Where will free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman go?
A year ago, the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs were in hot pursuit of Bregman. He signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox, but opted out after the first season, leaving $80 million on the table.
Now, one year later, the Red Sox and Tigers are still interested, with the Cubs saying they’re perfectly comfortable with rookie third baseman Matt Shaw.
Prediction: Bregman returns to Boston, but won’t get anywhere near the $40 million annual salary he left behind.
Now that the Orioles signed Pete Alonso, what’s their next move?
The Orioles need pitching. Desperately. And now they have some bats they can unload in either Ryan Mountcastle or Coby Mayo for a pitcher, and still hit the free-agent market.
Prediction: The Orioles trade for Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera, who is under team control for three seasons. He’d be the ideal compliment to Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish.
Will the San Diego Padres trade a prized reliever like Mason Miller to get starting pitching help?
The Padres are desperate for starting pitchers, and even listened intently to offers for Miller to get the help they need.
A.J. Preller, president of baseball operations, confirmed that they had trade talks involving Miller, but also Adrian Morejón, Jeremiah Estrada and David Morgan. They have two gaping holes in their rotation that they need to fill, with little money to spend.
Prediction: The Padres will surprise everyone by trading ace Nick Pivetta, who’s scheduled to earn $20.5 million, for starters now and in the future.
Will the Yankees spend the necessary money to bring back Cody Bellinger?
The Yankees are making no secret how bad they want Bellinger, but money talks, and so far they haven’t given him a lucrative long-term contract.
“We’re an aggressive franchise, but we already have some very large commitments,’’ Yankees GM Brian Cashman told reporters. “The more of those you have, the more it affects you in other areas. Everything’s tied together.
“Our ownership has obviously demonstrated, year in and year out, how massively committed they are. At the same time, that’s not an open blank checkbook, either.
MLB Offseason Tracker: Orioles Make Splash By Signing Pete Alonso
There are 29 teams in MLB that are chasing the Los Angeles Dodgers with their pursuits beginning this offseason.
This offseason is headlined by a class of free agents that includes Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez, Kyle Schwarber (who agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies), Ranger Suárez, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, and Pete Alonso (who agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Orioles).
Beyond these stars, there are dozens of impact players who could be signed for more affordable deals. There are also plenty of options available on the trade block, including Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan, and Sandy Alcántara.
Who will make the next big move? Where will Tucker sign? Will anybody close the gap on the Dodgers?
Notable MLB offseason trades and free agency signings
Dec. 10
Orioles sign Pete Alonso
The Orioles shocked the league by winning the Pete Alonso sweepstakes. They reportedly agreed to a five-year, $155 million deal to steal the slugger from the New York Mets.
Dec. 9
Pirates sign Gregory Soto
The Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly aggressive in Kyle Schwarber’s market, but they whiffed. They added Soto on a one-year, $7.75 million deal, per multiple reports.
Dodgers sign Edwin Diaz
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz ditched the Mets and signed a historic three-year, $69 million deal with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers add Diaz to a bullpen that features Tanner Scott at the backend of games.
Phillies sign Kyle Schwarber
The Phillies prioritized Kyle Schwarber and brought him home on a five-year, $150 million deal. Schwarber also received offers from the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Red Sox trade Vaughn Grissom to the Angels
Vaughn Grissom was acquired in the trade that sent Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves, but this time, Grissom was traded from the Red Sox to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for outfielder Isaiah Jackson.
Dec. 8
Rays sign Steven Matz
The Rays added Steven Matz from the Red Sox in free agency on a two-year deal, per multiple reports.
Diamondbacks sign Michael Soroka
The Diamondbacks kicked off their offseason by agreeing to a one-year deal with free agent pitcher Michael Soroka.
Dec. 6
Nationals trade Jose Ferrer to the Mariners for Harry Ford, Isaac Lyon
The Mariners made a bit of a shocking move as they traded top catching prospect Harry Ford and minor leaguer Isaac Lyon to the Washington Nationals in exchange for pitcher Jose Ferrer.
Dec. 4
Pirates trade Johan Oviedo to Red Sox
The Red Sox acquired pitcher Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a huge five-player trade, per both teams involved. The return to the Pirates was headlined by outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia.
Dec. 3
Rays sign Cedric Mullins
Veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins agreed to a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays after spending the second half of the season with the Mets.
Reds re-sign Emilio Pagan
The Cincinnati Reds were able to re-sign closer Emilio Pagan after Pagan put together a solid campaign in the Queen City this year, per multiple reports.
Dodgers re-sign Miguel Rojas
The Dodgers re-signed World Series star Miguel Rojas a month after he clubbed a game-tying home run in Game 7. This is reportedly set to be Rojas’ final season before retirement.
Giants sign Sam Hentges
Reliever Sam Hentges agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, per multiple reports.
White Sox sign Anthony Kay
Pitcher Anthony Kay and the Chicago White Sox agreed to a two-year deal worth $12 million, per multiple sources. There’s a club option for the third season of Kay’s deal.
Dec. 2
Blue Jays sign Cody Ponce
The Blue Jays added veteran pitcher Cody Ponce on a three-year, $30 million deal after the righty won KBO MVP last season.
Astros sign Ryan Weiss
The Houston Astros and former KBO pitcher Ryan Weiss agreed on a one-year, $2.6 million deal, per multiple sources.
Angels sign Alek Manoah
The Los Angeles Angels signed right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah to a one-year deal. Manoah was an All-Star in 2022, but struggled over the last three years.
Dec. 1
Mets sign Devin Williams
Former Yankees pitcher Devin Williams agreed to a solid three-year deal with the crosstown rival New York Mets, according to multiple sources.
Nov. 29
Orioles sign Ryan Helsley
Former Mets pitcher Ryan Helsley signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles after half a season in Queens. Helsley has an opt-out after the first year of his new contract.
Nov. 26
Blue Jays sign Dylan Cease
The Toronto Blue Jays and ace Dylan Cease agreed to a massive seven-year, $210 million deal. Cease is the first big-name free agent to sign for over $150 million this offseason.
Nov. 25
Red Sox acquire Sonny Gray from the Cardinals in a trade
The Red Sox added the reliable veteran pitcher they needed in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Boston acquired Sonny Gray in a trade that sent a few prospects back to St. Louis.
Nov. 23
Mets trade Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien
The New York Mets swapped fan favorite outfielder Brandon Nimmo for Texas Rangers infielder Marcus Semien. Both teams moved in a new direction with reliable big leaguers.
Nov. 21
Cubs sign Phil Maton
The Chicago Cubs signed reliever Phil Maton to a one-year deal after the veteran split time with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers last season.
Giants acquire Joey Wiemer from the Marlins
The San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash.
Giants sign JT Brubaker
The Giants agreed to a one-year deal with pitcher JT Brubaker, per multiple sources.
Diamondbacks sign James McCann
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed veteran catcher James McCann to a one-year, $2.75 million contract.
Nov. 19
Braves acquire Mauricio Dubon from the Astros
The Houston Astros sent Mauricio Dubon to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for infielder Nick Allen.
Braves re-sign Raisel Iglesias
Following a down year with the Atlanta Braves, closer Raisel Iglesias agreed to a one-year, $16 million deal to remain with the team next season.
Nov. 18
Orioles acquire Taylor Ward from the Angels
The Baltimore Orioles agreed to a shocking trade with the Los Angeles Angels that sent Grayson Rodriguez to Los Angeles in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward.
Trent Grisham accepts qualifying offer with the Yankees
The Yankees were able to retain Trent Grisham on the $22.025 million qualifying offer as Cody Bellinger’s fate hangs in the balance.
Gleyber Torres accepts qualifying offer with the Tigers
The Tigers retained Gleyber Torres on the qualifying offer after a solid first year with the team last season.
Shota Imanaga accepts qualifying offer with the Cubs
The Cubs were able to retain Shota Imanaga on the qualifying offer after he opted out of his contract with the team weeks prior.
Brandon Woodruff accepts qualifying offer with the Brewers
Brandon Woodruff shockingly accepted the qualifying offer from the Brewers, worth $22.025 million for next season.
Nov. 17
Yankees re-sign Ryan Yarbrough
Left-handed reliever Ryan Yarbrough agreed on a one-year deal to return to the Yankees after an American League Division Series exit this year.
Nov. 16
Mariners re-sign Josh Naylor
Slugger Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners agreed on a five-year, $92.5 million deal that sent the slugger back to Seattle. Naylor was a crucial piece of the puzzle for Seattle’s push to the American League Division Series last season.
White Sox win MLB draft lottery and have top pick for first time since taking Harold Baines in 1977
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Chicago White Sox won Major League Baseball’s amateur draft lottery Tuesday and will have the top selection for the first time since taking Harold Baines in 1977.
Coming off a 102-loss season, Chicago had the highest odds to win the weighted lottery at 27.73%. The White Sox will have the No. 1 selection for the third time when the draft starts on July 11 in Philadelphia ahead of the All-Star Game.
Baines became a six-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. Chicago selected first baseman Danny Goodwin with the top pick in 1971, and he played in parts of seven major league seasons.
Baines represented the White Sox on stage for the lottery at baseball’s winter meetings.
“I’m still learning more and more about the draft. I’m getting familiar with some of the top names,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz said in an interview on MLB Network. “It looks like, at the top of the draft, that it’s a really impressive one.
“But on top of that, when you look at the pool space that you’re given and a chance to really walk away from a draft class and do some damage, bring in some real talent. … I’m just excited for our fan base and the people that are working for the Chicago White Sox.”
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky is currently projected as the top selection, followed by Fort Worth Christian High School shortstop Grady Emerson.
Tampa Bay will pick second, followed by Minnesota, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore, the Athletics, Atlanta and Colorado.
MLB and the players’ association established the lottery in the March 2022 collective bargaining agreement. The union pushed for the innovation to encourage teams to compete for wins rather than trade off players at the deadline in an attempt to get a higher draft choice.
Pittsburgh won the lottery the first year and chose right-hander Paul Skenes, the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner. Cleveland went first in 2024 and selected second baseman Travis Bazzana and Washington picked shortstop Eli Willits this July.
Colorado, the Los Angeles Angels and Washington were not eligible for this lottery. The Rockies, a big league-worst 43-119. were excluded because a team can’t receive a lottery pick in three consecutive years. The Angels and Nationals were blocked because teams that receive revenue sharing money can’t get a lottery pick in two straight years.
After the White Sox, Minnesota had the second-highest odds of the top pick at 22.18%, followed by Pittsburgh (16.81%), Baltimore (9.24%) and the Athletics (6.55%).
The New York Mets, the second-biggest spenders this year behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a 0.67% chance and will wind up drafting 27th after missing the playoffs.
Mets check in on Cardinals’ Willson Contreras after Pete Alonso’s exit
The Mets lost a franchise icon on Wednesday, but could have their eyes on the Midwest for a potential replacement.
New York talked to the Cardinals about Willson Contreras following Pete Alonso’s signing with the Orioles, according to MLB.com.
Contreras, a three-time All-Star, was primarily a catcher until 2025, when he played 120 games at first base for St. Louis.
In his 10th big league season, Contreras, 33, hit .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs. Defensively, he was a plus defender — according to Baseball Savant — with six outs above average.
The native of Venezuela has 172 home runs with an .811 OPS across his big league career with the Cubs and Cardinals.
He has two more guaranteed years left on his five-year, $87.5 million contract with a club option for 2028.
Wednesday proved to be another tough day for the Mets this offseason, with Alonso leaving Queens for Baltimore on a five-year, $155 million contract.
Alonso, the Mets’ franchise leader in home runs with 264, is coming off a big year with a 144 OPS+ that marked a 22-point improvement from his up-and-down 2024 campaign.
His departure now leaves the Mets with another hole to fill.
Miami’s Lionel Messi by the numbers: Inside a record-breaking MVP season
Lionel Messi has even more hardware for his trophy case.
The Major League Soccer 2025 MVP on Tuesday went to the Inter Miami attacker, who captured 70.34% of the combined fan, player, club and media vote.
Messi also won the league MVP in 2024 — a decision that drew criticism at the time because he spent a considerable portion of that season away from MLS, playing for Argentina in the Copa América 2024 and missing much of the season’s middle third.
But this year, no one is criticizing — and for good reason. 2025 was a season for the history books. Below is a record-breaking MVP season told through some of Messi’s most mind-boggling statistics:
2: consecutive MVP awards
Messi is the first player to win the MLS MVP award twice — and the first to win it in back-to-back seasons. Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez and Mexican attacker Carlos Vela both came close in the late 2010s, but neither pulled if off.
28: non-penalty regular-season goals
Messi scored 29 goals for Miami in the 2025 regular season. That wasn’t a league record — the aforementioned Vela scored a whopping 34 in 2019 — but it’s worth digging a little deeper into those numbers.
Many a Golden Boot winner’s stats have been padded by penalty kicks, and 2019 Vela falls into that category: Nine of his 34 goals were penalties, meaning just 25 came from open play. Messi, meanwhile, scored only one penalty in 2025, giving him 28 goals from open play — a league record.
15: goal contributions in the playoffs
Miami played six playoff games in 2025: three against Nashville in the first round, then one apiece against Cincinnati, NYCFC and Vancouver on the way to lifting the Cup. The team scored 20 goals along the way, setting a record for an MLS playoff run.
No Miami player scored more than Argentine winger Tadeo Allende, who scored nine times in six games (including one in the MLS Cup final). But no Miami player had more total goal contributions — goals and assists combined — than Messi.
Messi scored six goals and set up another nine for a frankly absurd playoff goal-contribution tally of 15. That means he was directly involved in 75% of Miami’s playoff goals and was the central force behind its record-setting run.
62.4: percentage of Miami goals Messi influenced directly
The playoffs, though, were just a small part of Miami and Messi’s 2025 run. If you combine them with the regular season, Miami scored 101 goals in total; Messi contributed 63 goals and assists to that tally. No one else in MLS came close to having that level of influence over his team’s goal-scoring record.
8.65: number of goals by which Messi outperformed his own xG
xG, or “expected goals,” is a cumulative statistic that evaluates a player’s shots, key passes and shot quality to estimate how many goals he should be scoring. When compared to a player’s actual tally, it offers a fascinating look at whether they’re over-performing or under-performing their underlying numbers.
Take NYCFC’s Alonso Martínez, for instance: He scored 17 goals in 2025, but his xG suggested he should’ve scored 23.03. Seventeen goals looks strong in isolation, but his xG indicates he could have — and probably should have — scored more.
Messi found himself at the opposite end of that comparison in 2025. His xG suggested he should’ve scored 20.35, but he put away a whopping 29, outperforming his expected tally by 8.65. Among the league’s top scorers, only one player — FC Cincinnati’s Evander, who scored 18 goals off an expected 8.83 — outperformed their xG by a larger margin.
Why Ohio’s highways won’t look like Michigan’s when it comes to marijuana ads: The Wake Up for Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
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Because marijuana remains illegal federally, dispensaries can’t advertise on TV or the radio. So in Michigan they bought up billboards across the state.
The result: Michigan highways are lined with a forest of distracting signs pushing pot, with puns like “Stop by and say high!”
(My personal favorite was a banner trailing from an airplane that said “Weed and bud.” My mom thought it was for a garden store.)
Ohio won’t be so loaded with billboards, though, after the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review waved through a state ban on such signage.
The Outdoor Advertising Association of Ohio warns the rule could violate companies’ First Amendment rights. But even Detroit has recently curtailed the ads. Marijuana and vaping ads are now banned from within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, libraries and other spots where kids congregate.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Messy wintry mix
Top Stories
Marijuana advertising: Ohio is banning advertisements of recreational marijuana dispensaries on billboards, radio, television or the internet and in stadiums and arenas, reports Laura Hancock.
Baseball award: Paul Hoynes, the dogged baseball voice of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Career Excellence Award — the highest honor a baseball writer can receive. Joe Noga reports that a year after Guardians broadcasting legend Tom Hamilton enjoyed his moment in Cooperstown, N.Y., Hoynes will be celebrated there during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s induction weekend in July.
Today in Ohio: U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi recently brushed aside allegations of discrimination tied to the administration’s firing of a Cleveland immigration judge. We’re talking about the lawsuit filed by Tania Nemer, a Summit County attorney, on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Statehouse and Politics
ACA subsidies: U.S. Sen. Jon Husted is proposing legislation to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies for two years, introducing new restrictions like a $5 monthly minimum premium and citizenship requirements. Sabrina Eaton reports the bill aims to address the upcoming expiration of enhanced tax credits while implementing measures to reduce potential fraud.
Hemp regulations: The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 56, which prohibits sales of hemp-based items with over 0.4 milligrams of THC outside licensed dispensaries and makes significant changes to the state’s recreational marijuana law. Jeremy Pelzer and Mary Frances McGowan report the legislation includes restrictions on marijuana transportation, landlord rights, and creates new criminal penalties for certain marijuana-related activities.
Spending restrictions: The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case brought by Vice President JD Vance challenging limits on political party spending in coordination with federal candidates. Sabrina Eaton reports the case explores potential corruption risks and First Amendment free speech rights in campaign finance regulations.
Sloopys: Cleveland.com is hosting the 2025 Sloopy Awards, with voting open for categories like Biggest Windbag and Funniest Politician, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
Northeast Ohio News
Cleveland schools: Cleveland’s school board unanimously approved a plan Tuesday night that drastically consolidates the school district’s footprint ahead of the 2026-27 school year, Sean McDonnell reports. Cleveland Metropolitan School District will close 23 buildings and operate 29 fewer schools, changes CEO Warren Morgan says are needed to confront steep drops in enrollment and a looming $150 million deficit.
Stadium funding: A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request to stop the state of Ohio from raiding $1.7 billion from its unclaimed property fund to help build a new Cleveland Browns stadium, among other projects, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
IT upgrade: Cuyahoga County must upgrade its IT system again, but this time, officials say the process won’t be nearly as painful or as costly as the first overhaul, reports Kaitlin Durbin. The county’s initial transition to the Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP, platform starting in 2016 quickly unraveled into a budget‑busting, delay‑ridden, leadership‑challenged undertaking.
Waterfront development: Cleveland’s waterfront development organization is nearing the selection of a developer for the current Browns stadium site, with proposals including entertainment, housing and public spaces, Rich Exner reports.
Pickleball: Rocky River has resumed adult pickleball at the Civic Center after a month-long pause due to behavioral issues, now requiring registration and extra fees to ensure a welcoming environment, reports Cory Shaffer.
Tanisha’s Law: Cleveland City Council is considering Tanisha’s Law to send clinicians instead of police to some 911 calls, with other cities already implementing similar programs, reports Sean McDonnell.
Traffic stops: Cleveland police made nearly 16,000 traffic stops in 2024, mostly for speeding and registration issues, with Black drivers 3.7 times more likely to be stopped than white drivers, reports Adam Ferrise.
RTA change: RTA’s Cleveland State Line will be no more, but the same bus service will continue on the same routes through the West Side and western suburbs, Rich Exner reports.
Mentor election: A single vote decided Mentor’s at-large city council race, final results showed Tuesday, when the Lake County Board of Elections certified recounts in two of the closest contests from the Nov. 4 election, Molly Walsh reports.
Splash pad: Mentor approved a $5.94 million contract for a new splash pad and bathhouse at Garfield Park, aiming to serve the growing south side, reports Molly Walsh.
Watershed plan: Lake County officials seek public input at a Dec. 19 meeting on updating the Red Creek-Grand River Watershed Plan, which would improve water quality and address flooding concerns, reports Molly Walsh.
Lorain megasite: Lorain County residents protested a proposed industrial megasite, citing concerns over funding gaps, environmental impacts, and lack of public input, despite the county receiving $67.4 million for infrastructure upgrades, reports Hannah Drown.
Health Care and Business
Epilepsy rates: A Case Western Reserve University study shows higher epilepsy rates in Northeast Ohio counties, linked to socioeconomic and environmental factors like extreme heat, reports Julie Washington.
RubberDucks: Prospector Baseball Group has acquired the Akron RubberDucks from Ken Babby, also taking over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, with no announced name change. Marc Bona reports on the sale of the Cleveland Guardians Class AA affiliate and the team’s future plans. The new owners describe the team as “one of the iconic franchises in all of minor league baseball,” reports Joe Noga.
Layoff notice: Property management company PK Management is closing its facility in Richmond Heights, resulting in the loss of nearly 70 jobs, Cliff Pinckard reports.
Crime and Courts
Safety Patrol lawsuit: A former supervisor of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office’s Downtown Safety Patrol unit permanently injured an unarmed motorist during a routine traffic stop, according to a civil rights lawsuit filed Monday, David Gambino reports.
Hopkins arrest: A suspect was taken into custody at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Sunday evening after making threatening statements about activity there, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Guilty plea: An 89-year-old Parma man has pleaded guilty after being charged with a hit-and-run accident that wounded a mother and her 2-year-old child, Lucas Daprile reports.
Meth trafficking: Three men are charged with funneling large amounts of meth from Mexico to Cleveland, Adam Ferrise reports. The indictment details shipments from Sonora and Arizona, with authorities using wiretaps to establish the connection.
Arts and Entertainment
Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez discusses how to handle sharing difficult medical news, emphasizing keeping family informed until more details are known and advising on communicating with employers, all while respecting the patient’s wishes.
Alison Krauss: Alison Krauss and Union Station will tour in 2026, performing in Akron on June 24, supporting their album “Arcadia.” Malcolm X Abram writes about the bluegrass group’s return to the stage with new material.
Ski openings: Ohio’s Snow Trails ski resort in Mansfield will open Thursday, making it the first in Ohio to start the season, with Mad River Mountain near Columbus opening the next day, reports Susan Glaser.
Film events: The Greater Cleveland Film Commission will host multiple events in January, including a gala with David Lester from “Star Wars” and a free production assistant workshop to promote the region’s growing film industry, Joey Morona reports.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a nearly 30-year holiday tradition, requiring extensive logistics. Peter Chakerian highlights Cleveland’s deep connection to their success and annual performances.
Orchestra finances: The Cleveland Orchestra reported a strong fiscal year with a balanced budget, increased endowment and expanded audience reach, reports Zachary Lewis.
Congressional baseball: Cleveland-born author J.B. Manheim explores the history and ongoing popularity of the congressional baseball game, which started in 1909 and raises millions for charity, Marc Bona reports.
‘Kitchen Fables’: Lake Erie Ink’s “Kitchen Fables” is a community cookbook mixing recipes, stories, poems and artwork from Clevelanders of all ages, celebrating creativity and connections, Alex Darus reports.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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Listen: Former Dallas Cowboys player Daryl Johnston on the NFL draft and brain injuries
Intersections Podcast: Daryl Johnston, sportscaster for FOX Sports and former Dallas Cowboys fullback, joins Intersections podcast to discuss playing football for Syracuse University, being drafted to the Dallas Cowboys and what we know now about concussions in football.
Listen below or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube
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Gunman accused of shooting Jets CB Kris Boyd in NYC fled upstate, chopped off hair and ditched phone in escape attempt: prosecutor
The violent Bronx nut accused of shooting Jets cornerback Kris Boyd in the stomach outside a Manhattan eatery last month fled to Buffalo, ditched his cellphone, and chopped off his hair in a failed attempt to hide out from cops, prosecutors revealed late Tuesday.
Frederick Green, 20, was arraigned Tuesday night in Manhattan Criminal Court on attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession charges for the pre-dawn shooting that left the 29-year-old NFL star gravely wounded outside Asian-fusion hotspot Sei Less on West 38th Street on Nov. 16.
The entire incident was captured on surveillance footage, in which Green, of the Bronx, allegedly appeared unmasked “before, during, and after the shooting,” Assistant District Attorney Sarah Csanadi told the courtroom.
Boyd was out on the town with Gang Green linebacker Jamien Sherwood, wide receiver Irvin Charles, and a friend from Texas when a group started to “chirp” at them about their flashy outfits outside the restaurant near Seventh Avenue, police said.
The athletes ducked into the eatery, a popular spot for celebrities, but stayed only about 10 minutes, walking back out around 2 a.m. — where the same group immediately resumed hurling insults and mocking their clothing.
That’s when Green allegedly opened fire, shooting Boyd and causing a bullet fragment to enter a vein, become lodged in his pulmonary artery, and end up in his lung, according to prosectors. The gunman then bolted and hopped into a white BMW that sped off, police said.
Green fled to Buffalo, where he hid at a female acquaintance’s apartment, Csanadi alleged.
While there, evidence shows he cut “an extensive amount” of his hair off in an attempt to conceal his identity, changed his phone device, and deactivated his social media accounts to keep law enforcement off his tail, prosecutors alleged.
Green was located and detained at the apartment in Buffalo on Monday after cops tracked a gray Mercedes registered to his girlfriend, law enforcement sources said.
As officers tried to detain him, he attempted to jump out of a window to avoid being apprehended, Csanadi told the court.
Prosecutors told Judge Kacie Lally that Green had no intention of returning to Manhattan to face law enforcement.
Boyd was initially listed in critical but stable condition — but just days later, he shared a hopeful Instagram update announcing he was finally breathing on his own.
Several days after that, he told followers he’d been discharged for a short time but had to return to the hospital “due to my health issues”, adding that he wouldn’t be in contact.
Boyd continues to suffer from complications from the wounds and possibly requires additional surgery, Csanadi revealed.
Boyd — a 5-foot-11 defensive back for Gang Green — joined the Jets this year after breaking into the league with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. He’s also logged time with the Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans.
Green was held without bail following his Tuesday night arraignment.
The alleged shooter has four prior arrests on his record — most of them sealed — including raps earlier this year for unlawful possession of person’s ID and criminal possession of a controlled substance, sources said.
He was also busted as an adolescent offender in 2024 for reckless endangerment and had a sealed juvenile arrest in 2018 for robbery, according to sources.
The suspected shooter stayed silent as detectives escorted him out of the Midtown South Precinct on Tuesday afternoon for his arraignment.
In court, he remained mum while dressed in black sweat pants, a black North Face jacket, and a white surgical mask.
His mother, father, and stepfather were also present in the courtroom and appeared stoic during the late-night hearing.
Green’s defense attorney requested home detention and bail for the alleged shooter, but he was ultimately ordered to be held without bail by Judge Lally at the request of prosecutors.
He will return to court on Thursday.
How They Fared: WSU’s Pole shines for Chiefs in 1st start
Things are dire for the NFL’s decade-long dynasty.
The nine-time defending AFC West Champion Kansas City Chiefs are 6-7 and out of the running for the division title.
However, one former Washington State Cougar — one of four on the Chiefs’ roster — has emerged as a bright spot in a dark time.
Rookie left tackle Esa Pole made his first career start in the Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday Night Football.
Pole, filling in for an injured Wanya Morris, allowed just three pressures through 42 pass-blocking snaps on two-time MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The undrafted rookie did so while matching up against a Texans’ defense that ranks sixth in the NFL with 36 total sacks.
Pole’s efforts drew praise from his head coach, Andy Reid, in both the postgame news conference and a Monday session with reporters.
“So after the game, I mentioned I was proud of him (Esa Pole) because he had no reps in practice for the most part and then just a couple of fill-in things. I thought he did a nice job for what he was asked to do,” Reid said Monday. “We just picked him back up here, and he again had limited reps and jumps, and I mean, he’s a rookie. He jumps in and did some pretty good things against what I think is a pretty good football player.”
Pole signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent shortly after the NFL draft, got released prior to the season and landed with the New York Jets’ practice squad.
Kansas City picked him back up to their practice squad shortly after that and signed him to the active roster on Dec. 3.
Here’s how the other locals, including former Cougs, Idaho Vandals and a Moscow Bear, fared in the NFL’s Week 14.
Idaho
LB, Kaden Elliss, Atlanta Falcons: The veteran linebacker made six total tackles (two solo) in a 37-9 loss to the Seahawks.
LB, Christian Elliss, New England Patriots: The Patriots were on a bye week.
LS, Hogan Hatten, Detroit Lions: Hatten snapped for four field goal attempts (3-for-4) and five extra points (5-for-5) to account for 14 points in the Lions’ 44-30 win over the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
CB, Marcus Harris (Cal), Tennessee Titans: The rookie cornerback recorded four total tackles (three solo) and forced one fumble in the Titans’ 31-29 win over the Browns.
WSU
S, Jaden Hicks, Kansas City Chiefs: The second-year safety played just 11 snaps in the Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Texans on Sunday Night Football.
CB, Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs: The veteran cornerback tallied two solo tackles in a 20-10 loss to the Texans on Sunday Night Football.
QB, Gardner Minshew, Kansas City Chiefs: The backup QB and Washington State’s most recent bowl-game winning quarterback (2018 Alamo Bowl vs. Iowa State) did not play in the Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Texans on Sunday Night Football.
N, Chau Smith-Wade, Carolina Panthers: Smith-Wade and the Panthers were on their bye week.
DT, Daniel Ekuale, Pittsburgh Steelers: On the injured reserve with an ACL injury, he was also suspended without pay for five games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. He did not play in a 27-22 win over the Ravens.
LB, Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders: Luvu made three total tackles (two solo) with one pass defensed in the Commanders’ 31-0 loss to the Vikings.
LB, Brennan Jackson, Las Vegas Raiders: On the injured reserve due to a foot injury, he did not play in a 24-17 loss to the Broncos.
S, Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals: Thompson tallied seven total tackles (three solo) in the Cardinals’ 45-17 loss to the Rams.
LB, Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers: The team captain made seven total tackles (six solo) with one pass defensed and a QB hit in the Chargers’ 22-19 overtime win over the Eagles on Monday Night Football.
OL, Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks: The starting right tackle was part of a unit that permitted the Falcons to achieve just two sacks and allowed the Seahawks to post 31 second-half points in a 37-9 victory over the Falcons.
WR, Kyle Williams, New England Patriots: The rookie receiver, who has scored touchdowns on two of his five career catches, was off the gridiron during the Patriots’ bye week.
CB, Cam Lampkin, Los Angeles Rams: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 45-17 win over the Cardinals.
OL, Esa Pole, Kansas City Chiefs: The rookie made his first career pro football start, protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside in the Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Texans on Sunday Night Football. The rookie allowed three total pressures on 42 pass-blocking snaps.
QB, Cam Ward (Miami), Tennessee Titans: This year’s No. 1 overall pick completed 14-of-28 passes for 117 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and the Titans survived a Shedeur Sanders-led Browns comeback attempt in their 31-29 victory.
Steelers closing in on an NFL record 22nd consecutive season finishing .500 or better
The Steelers haven’t finished with a losing record since 2003, and with four games to go this season, they’re currently 7-6. With two more wins, they’ll clinch a winning season, and set a new NFL record in the process.
Pittsburgh’s current streak of 21 consecutive seasons finishing .500 or better is tied for the longest streak in NFL history. The Cowboys also had 21 straight seasons finishing .500 or better from 1965 to 1985.
If the Steelers finish this season at .500 or better, they’ll make it 22 years in a row and have the record to themselves.
The Steelers’ four remaining games are home against the Dolphins, at Detroit, at Cleveland and home against the Ravens. The betting odds favor the Steelers to win at least two of those games and finish with at least nine wins.
The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2017, and coach Mike Tomlin’s seat has been getting warm as Pittsburgh fans have increasingly seen just finishing .500 or better as too low a bar. But it’s a bar that the Steelers clear every year, for more than two decades.
Shouldn’t Marcus Jones also be returning kickoffs for Patriots?
Only in emergency situations. Punt returner and kickoff returner are vastly different jobs with little crossover, particularly at an elite level. Punt returning is more about short-area quickness and creating separation, while kickoff returning is more pure speed and angles. Not saying Jones couldn’t do both, but his burst and acceleration make him ideal for returning punts. Unless you lose a couple of kickoff returners during a game and need him in a pinch, I’d keep him as a punt returner only.
Is it likely that if we held on to the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Drake Maye would have been the pick?
— Sheila McVay, West Roxbury
Tough call. I’d lean toward yes, but you’ve got to keep in mind that a large part of the success or failure of a young quarterback depends on those around him, both personnel and coaching. To that point, it’s a safe bet that we know he would have been very good, but there’s no way of telling how things would have turned out for Maye in Chicago or Washington. (You could argue the growth of Maye and Caleb Williams was stunted in their first seasons because of coaching.) In New England, the coaching staff and personnel around Maye has allowed this season for an organic development that has proven beneficial for all involved.
Why do the Patriots ground and pound in the middle of the line at the goal line? This is far from one of their strengths. What are their strengths? Wheel routes? QB rollouts?
— Edward Hozubin, Northborough
Addressed some of this last week, but it’s worth reiterating that a lot depends on the opponent and defensive scheme, as well as your roster. I’m still a little puzzled as to why there aren’t more jump balls offered to pass catchers such as Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, and Mack Hollins. Or leaning on Maye’s athleticism with designed rollouts or bootlegs.
In the end, it can come down to a question of efficiency and execution, particularly having all 11 guys on the same page. Over the last couple of weeks, Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels have addressed this topic, and I was struck by how they both stressed that execution and precision remain paramount. “Precision is critical — that space is limited,” Vrabel said Monday. “Things happen so much quicker down there.” Regardless of how you do it, it’s something that needs sharpening between now and the playoffs.
Maye’s knack for the long ball is the best I’ve seen in a while. This was one of the few areas Tom Brady did not excel in. How do their numbers compare on passes over 20 yards?
— Bob Granese, Chino Hills, Calif.
Tried to comb through some advanced stats, but there was little definitive information. So I turned to my favorite numbers guy, Aaron Schatz.
“I can tell you Maye, this year, is third with 16.3 yards per pass on passes of 20-plus air yards behind Sam Darnold and Jayden Daniels, and he has a 50 percent completion rate (not including defensive pass-interference calls), which is also second in the league behind Darnold,” said Schatz, who created Football Outsiders and is now the chief analytics officer at FTN Fantasy.
“For Brady, it’s tough to gauge over the breadth of his career, so I decided to look at his peak, which I defined as 2007-12. Obviously, he had plenty of other good seasons, but that’s right at his peak, plus you get two seasons (part of the third) with Randy Moss, who might be the greatest deep-ball receiver ever.
“Clearly, 2007 was Brady’s best season; he had 17.6 yards per pass on passes of 20-plus air yards, and had a completion rate of 44 percent. The numbers for Brady did fall off from 2009-12, eventually bottoming out at 31 percent in 2012. Ultimately, we’re only talking about Maye for one season, so the sample size needs to be taken into consideration.”
With the UNC football season now ended, do you foresee or have you heard rumors about any NFL teams going after Bill Belichick for an open head coaching role? I noted how carefully Belichick recently addressed this question when he said, “I am not pursuing any NFL positions,” which doesn’t preclude an NFL team going after him.
— Chip Huckins, Westmoreland, N.H.
Not at this time, although that’s a great catch by you reading between the lines. I did find it interesting that his longtime second-in-command Berj Najarian, who moved on to Boston College after Belichick left the Patriots, recently left his position at The Heights. If he joins Belichick in Chapel Hill, my guess is he’ll bring some stability to a situation that was anything but for much of the last year. Najarian’s presence would likely serve as an indicator Belichick could demonstrate a renewed commitment to UNC for an extended period.
Some questions have been edited for length and clarity.
Nick of time: 4 NHL contests featured game-tying goals within the final 15 seconds of regulation
Now this is coming through in the nick of time.
For the first time in NHL history, there were four contests that featured game-tying goals within the final 15 seconds of regulation on the same day.
Cutting it even more close, two of the tying scores on Tuesday night came within the final 2 seconds, which marks just the second time that’s happened on the same day (Oct. 8, 2009), according to NHL Stats.
There was plenty of late-night drama on the ice.
Pavel Dorofeyev of Vegas tied his game against the New York Islanders with 14 seconds left, while Colorado’s Cale Makar came through on a power-play goal with 8 seconds remaining at Nashville.
Connor McDavid cut it a little closer by scoring the equalizer for Edmonton with 2 seconds on the clock versus Buffalo, and 19-year-old Beckett Sennecke of Anaheim really had a flair for the dramatic, scoring with 1 second left in Pittsburgh.
Alas, not all the tying goals resulted in favorable endings.
Of the four late-scoring teams, only Anaheim prevailed — in a shootout, no less. Dorofeyev and the Golden Knights lost to the Islanders in a shootout. It was the same fate for Makar and the Avalanche, who lost in a shootout.
As for McDavid and the Oilers, they lost 33 seconds into OT when Buffalo’s Alex Tuch scored.
So far this season, the NHL has had 372 close contests, which is defined as a one-goal margin or two-plus with an empty-net goal. It’s the most at this stage of a season in league history (475 games played), according to NHL research.
___
tying goals within final 15 seconds of regulation
Now this is coming through in the nick of time.
For the first time in NHL history, there were four contests that featured game-tying goals within the final 15 seconds of regulation on the same day.
Cutting it even more close, two of the tying scores on Tuesday night came within the final 2 seconds, which marks just the second time that’s happened on the same day (Oct. 8, 2009), according to NHL Stats.
There was plenty of late-night drama on the ice.
Pavel Dorofeyev of Vegas tied his game against the New York Islanders with 14 seconds left, while Colorado’s Cale Makar came through on a power-play goal with 8 seconds remaining at Nashville.
Connor McDavid cut it a little closer by scoring the equalizer for Edmonton with 2 seconds on the clock versus Buffalo, and 19-year-old Beckett Sennecke of Anaheim really had a flair for the dramatic, scoring with 1 second left in Pittsburgh.
Alas, not all the tying goals resulted in favorable endings.
Of the four late-scoring teams, only Anaheim prevailed — in a shootout, no less. Dorofeyev and the Golden Knights lost to the Islanders in a shootout. It was the same fate for Makar and the Avalanche, who lost in a shootout.
As for McDavid and the Oilers, they lost 33 seconds into OT when Buffalo’s Alex Tuch scored.
So far this season, the NHL has had 372 close contests, which is defined as a one-goal margin or two-plus with an empty-net goal. It’s the most at this stage of a season in league history (475 games played), according to NHL research.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
4 NHL games feature tying goals in final 15 seconds of regulation
Now this is coming through in the nick of time.
For the first time in NHL history, there were four contests that featured game-tying goals within the final 15 seconds of regulation on the same day.
Cutting it even more close, two of the tying scores on Tuesday night came within the final 2 seconds, which marks just the second time that’s happened on the same day (Oct. 8, 2009), according to NHL Stats.
There was plenty of late-night drama on the ice.
Pavel Dorofeyev ofVegastied his game against the New York Islanders with 14 seconds left, whileColorado’sCale Makar came through on a power-play goal with 8 seconds remaining atNashville.
Connor McDavid cut it a little closer by scoring the equalizer forEdmontonwith 2 seconds on the clock versusBuffalo, and 19-year-old Beckett Sennecke ofAnaheimreally had a flair for the dramatic, scoring with 1 second left inPittsburgh.
Alas, not all the tying goals resulted in favorable endings.
Of the four late-scoring teams, only Anaheim prevailed — in a shootout, no less. Dorofeyev and the Golden Knights lost to the Islanders in a shootout. It was the same fate for Makar and the Avalanche, who lost in a shootout.
As for McDavid and the Oilers, they lost 33 seconds into OT when Buffalo’s Alex Tuch scored.
Knicks ‘starting to figure out who we are,’ advance in NBA Cup
TORONTO — The New York Knicks have much bigger goals than anything they could accomplish right now, but checking off micro wins along the way can only help — the first being continuing to establish their identity.
The Knicks advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas with a convincing 117-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, their eighth win in nine games.
The wins are starting to look similar, with Jalen Brunson setting the pace. Brunson scored 20 of his game-high 35 points in the first quarter, which helped offset Karl-Anthony Towns spending much of the quarter on the bench in foul trouble, and Brandon Ingram powering Toronto with 17 points in the opening frame.
More than anything, the Knicks’ opportunistic defense was on full display, holding the Raptors to just 13 points in the second quarter while outscoring them by 21.
It’s different from how New York started the season, with a 3-6 record away from Madison Square Garden.
NBA Cup a big chance for Knicks to snap long title drought
Sure, if you want, make light of all of this. Make fun of the NBA Cup, this three-year-old Adam Silver invention that tries to add a little spice to early season games while also adding a few extra dollars to the players’ pockets.
(Lord knows you can go to town talking about the floor designs for these Cup games; it looked as if the Knicks and Raptors played 48 minutes through blood spatter Tuesday night at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.)
The player has yet to be born who has spent even one minute in his driveway counting down the clock, dribbling by himself, yelling (in his best Mike Breen voice),“3 … 2 … 1 … and the shot to win the NBA Cup … Bang! BANG!!!”
Sure. All of that is fair.
Pacers’ Carlisle closing in on 1,000 wins
A big moment in NBA coaching history is looming. It might happen Friday. Maybe on Sunday. Maybe sometime next week. But it’s going to happen, and it’s going to be something the likes of which the league won’t see again for at least a few years.
Rick Carlisle is going to get his 1,000th career win as a coach.
It should be a moment to savor, although Carlisle — the Indiana Pacers’ coach who is now 999-878 in his career — typically doesn’t want much fanfare directed his way. He’ll become the 11th coach in NBA history to reach that milestone, joining Gregg Popovich, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley, George Karl, Doc Rivers, Phil Jackson, Larry Brown and Rick Adelman. With the exception of Rivers, who is still coaching, they’re all in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
NBA Pundit Suggests Bold Zion Williamson Trade For Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a difficult situation of having a terrible record and not owning their upcoming first-round draft pick. Moves were made with the intent of the Pelicans trying to compete for a playoff spot this season. However, New Orleans currently holds the worst overall record in the league at 3-22.
Zion Williamson has only played in 10 of the 25 games so far this season and is expected to miss a couple more weeks at the very least. NBA insider Bill Simmons pitched a trade idea of sending Willamson to another struggling team badly needing a change. The Bill Simmons Podcast featured Simmons naming the Los Angeles Clippers as the ideal trade partner.
A trade package of Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins and an unprotected 2030 draft pick is what Simmons believes would appease the Pelicans. Collins and Bogdanovic are contracts that match Willamson’s salary, but the draft pick is the real temptation in this package. The Clippers are currently struggling with an aging roster and could see that pick become a massive asset in five years.
Why Clippers Would Want Zion Willamson
Simmons discussed the overall topic of teams that need to take risks at the trade deadline. The Clippers have a similar problem of not owning their upcoming first round draft pick. Los Angeles expected to contend with the duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden leading some noteworthy role players.
A terrible 6-18 record sees the Clippers trending towards having a lottery pick that goes to the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder. Simmons stated that they need to find a team with a top-level talent currently at a low market value. Willamson is the perfect name to fit that formula since he looks great when healthy, but he’s barely on the court.
The logic of Simmons is that the Clippers can keep swinging for the fences and improve their ceiling by risking on Zion’s health. If Willamson can play even 65% of his games for the Clippers, it could help them sneak into the playoffs and have an interesting younger piece for the next few years to gamble on.
Why Pelicans Would Trade Zion Willamson
The controversial trade that sacrificed this season’s draft pick saw the Pelicans sending it to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a package to move up in the 2025 NBA Draft. New Orleans strongly believed in the talent of Derik Queen, and he does look like one of the best rookies so far this season.
However, it makes the season’s embarrassment far worse with the usual saving grace for losing going to another team. Simmons suggests that the Pelicans would just give up since 3-22 is a deep hole to get out of and the team shows little sign of improvement.
New Orleans would take to bite the bullet of the season ending poorly and their pick likely being a great one for Atlanta. The bright spot at the end of the tunnel would be investing in Williamson’s health woes continuing and the Clippers being in a terrible situation by 2030.
Tyler Kolek’s Knicks role has grown with another NBA Cup payout on line
TORONTO — NBA Cup prize money isn’t created equally.
For Karl-Anthony Towns, it’s a tiny fraction of his $53 million salary. For Tyler Kolek, it’s a big bonus on top of his $2.2 million.
And it arrives just in time for the holidays.
“Definitely it’s a big number. Last Christmas, I bought my mom a car with the money we got,” Kolek said before the Knicks’ 117-101 win over the Raptors in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night. “We were in this round last year and we didn’t advance. So hopefully we can get it done. It would be a nice little Christmas gift.”
Another car for Mom?
“Nope, my dad wants the next one,” the backup guard said.
Kolek played a small role in the Knicks advancing, but will have more chances to help determine whether they can win the NBA Cup title with the grand prize of $514,790 per player.
He had stepped into bigger minutes following the injuries to Landry Shamet (shoulder sprain) and Miles McBride (ankle sprain), neither of whom has a set return date.
McBride, who was hurt in Sunday’s victory over the Magic, suffered a high ankle sprain, according to a source, and was undergoing further testing as of Tuesday to determine the severity.
McBride did not travel to Toronto after leaving New York’s practice facility Monday in a walking boot.
The circumstances left Kolek as one of only two backup guards alongside Jordan Clarkson, notching eight minutes and two points off the bench.
“Every game that you get into is a big opportunity,” Kolek said. “Especially since it’s a Cup game. We’re trying to win. So I’m excited for the game no matter what.”
The prize for a quarterfinal elimination is $51,497, which Kolek used last Christmas for his mom’s new car.
A semifinal appearance nets $102,994, and a loss in the finals gets each player $205,998.
That’s a much nicer car for dad.
Mitchell Robinson had a different reason to get to Vegas.
The country music enthusiast wanted to attend the Zac Brown Band concert at the Sphere, the venue near the strip owned by James Dolan.
The band has dates booked in Vegas on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, when the Knicks would be in town if they advanced.
The show is sold out but Robinson probably has a hookup.
“They also got a country concert, so I can go to that,” Robinson said.
Paolo Banchero Makes ‘Scary’ Admission on Franz Wagner Injury After Magic-Heat Cup QF
December 7 hasn’t been kind to Magic star Franz Wagner. This past Sunday, while facing the Knicks, he went down with a lower-leg injury in the very first quarter. Wagner, the team’s leading scorer, managed just seven minutes on the floor, putting up seven points, three rebounds, one assist, and a block on 3-of-4 shooting before leaving the game.
Adding to the irony, the injury came almost exactly a year after Wagner tore his right oblique, a setback that sidelined him for about six weeks.
“No, you never want to see one of your brothers go down in that way,” said Wagner’s teammate Paolo Banchero. “Definitely was scary for the whole team to see that, but glad that it wasn’t season-ending. So, we just want to, um, continue to play well, up until whenever he’s back. And tonight was a huge win.”
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The Magic delivered that win with a 117-108 victory over the Heat. Banchero started the game and contributed 18 points over 32 minutes on the floor.
Banchero is also slowly finding his rhythm after returning from a long absence due to a knee sprain. The former No. 1 overall pick missed 10 games, and although head coach Jamahl Mosley confirmed Banchero was still on a minutes restriction, the young star played over 32 minutes in tonight’s win against the Heat.
“Yeah, I’m feeling better every game. Definitely sore. So looking forward to these days to rest. Feel good though,” Banchero said, showing he’s ready to carry more of the load while Franz Wagner recovers.
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Wagner, unfortunately, is sidelined after a high ankle sprain suffered in the Magic’s last game against the Knicks. He’s expected to miss the next 2-4 weeks, which lines up roughly with how long Banchero was out with his groin strain.
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Wagner is likely targeting a mid-January return, coinciding with the Magic’s two-game European trip that includes a stop in his hometown of Berlin.
Nonetheless, the Magic appear well-positioned moving forward. Tonight’s win showcased Banchero stepping up. Mosley praised Banchero’s progress, saying, “I think he’s done a great job of just continuing to find a flow within the game,” highlighting the confidence the coaching staff has in him to help fill the gap left by Wagner.
Looking ahead, the Magic’s schedule eases slightly after Cup play, giving them a chance to build momentum even without Wagner. 9 of their next 14 games will be on the road, including the first West Coast trip of the season, but only five opponents currently have records above .500.
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If Banchero continues playing like he did tonight, the Magic have a solid shot to rack up wins while giving Wagner the time he needs to recover.
Miami Heat controlled early minutes of the NBA Cup showdown
After Miami Heat jumped out to a 15–0 lead, it felt like Orlando was already in trouble. Miami knocked down its first seven shots, kept getting to the rim, and looked like it might blow the Magic away early.
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But slowly, the game flipped. Once the Magic settled down, Desmond Bane lit the fuse with one of his trademark nights, dropping a game-high 37 points, hitting big threes.
By the 117-108 finish, Orlando had punched a ticket to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup East Semifinals.
Miami, meanwhile, completely fell apart behind the arc. After halftime, they made just two threes, finishing a rough 8-of-33 (24.2%) from deep.
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That collapse wasn’t random; teams have been slowing the Heat down lately by clogging the paint and throwing more zone looks at their league-leading pace (105.42), forcing Miami to shoot their way out.
The Heat have now lost four straight games as their transition-heavy offense continues to hit a wall.
For Orlando, it wasn’t only Bane. Wendell Carter Jr. stepped in with 14 points on 6-of-8 and 10 rebounds, giving the Magic exactly the push they needed inside. Miami’s early punch landed hard, but the Magic’s defense slowed the pace, controlled the second half, and rode their new scoring star all the way to Vegas.
UK stadiums swap beef burgers for wild venison to cut carbon emissions
Dec 10 (Reuters) – The humble beef burger is disappearing from menus at stadiums across Britain, as venues such as Brentford’s Gtech Stadium switch to wild venison in a bid to slash carbon emissions.
Hospitality partner Levy UK says the move, now rolling out to more than 20 venues in the UK and Ireland, could cut emissions by 85% and save up to 1,182 tonnes of CO₂e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) annually.
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France refuses to budge on team charters
NASCAR chairman refuses to budge on team charters in testimony during Michael Jordan’s lawsuit
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR Chairman Jim France testified Tuesday in Michael Jordan’s federal antitrust lawsuit against his family that he still has not changed his mind on granting teams permanent charters, and evidence showed he entered negotiations on a new revenue-sharing agreement determined to thwart teams’ efforts for a bigger piece of the stock car series’ revenue.
France was the final witness called by attorneys for Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports on the seventh day of the trial. Those race teams have accused NASCAR of being a monopolistic bully that engages in anticompetitive business practices.
Also called Tuesday was Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress, who testified that he only signed a 2025 revenue-sharing agreement because refusing to do so would have put Richard Childress Racing out of business.
NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps testified to the frustrating two-plus years of negotiations between the top motorsports series in the United States and its race teams. The plaintiffs introduced several documents detailing communication between NASCAR executives that showed France was stubbornly opposed to granting teams permanent charters throughout the process.
The charter system is equivalent to the franchise model used in other sports. In NASCAR, a charter guarantees cars a spot in the 40-car field each week, as well as specified financial terms.
Asked by plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler if he has changed his stance on making charters permanent, France said,
Scoreboard getting an upgrade at Bowman Gray Stadium
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The curious reason Hideki Matsuyama isn’t a top five player in world golf
Hideki Matsuyama finished off his 2025 campaign on a high note, winning the Hero World Challenge in a playoff against Alex Noren.
Hideki Matsuyama managed to begin and end his campaign in style, first setting a PGA Tour scoring record to win The Sentry and later defeating Alex Noren in a playoff to claim the Hero World Challenge. His win at Albany provides momentum heading into 2026, particularly with Scottie Scheffler among those chasing him down the stretch.
Yet those two victories mask the broader reality of his season. Matsuyama recorded just one top-10 finish in a PGA Tour event all year and failed to contend in the majors, where his best result was a tie for 16th. Across the last three seasons, he has registered only one top-10 in the majors.
The area of the game preventing Hideki Matsuyama from being a top-five player
Despite boasting a résumé that places him among the most accomplished players of the past decade, Matsuyama continues to be held back by his putting. Speaking on 5 Clubs, Gary Williams argued that the 33-year-old remains too inconsistent on the greens to fully realise his potential.
Williams noted Matsuyama’s remarkable achievements — 11 PGA Tour victories, eight wins on the Japan Tour, triumphs at the Memorial, the Genesis at Riviera, two World Golf Championships, a FedExCup playoff event and, of course, the 2021 Masters. He added that Matsuyama is a “mortal lock” for the World Golf Hall of Fame given his international résumé and major pedigree, with top-six finishes in all four majors.
But Williams highlighted a clear pattern: Matsuyama “lives uncomfortably outside the top 100” in putting statistics. His career figures — rankings of 111th, 119th and 176th in strokes gained putting — show why he often endures long stretches without top-10 finishes despite being “one of the elite ball-strikers in the world”.
Why putting may not actually be Hideki Matsuyama’s biggest concern
Alarmingly for Matsuyama, putting was not his only vulnerability in 2025. He also struggled off the tee, finishing the season ranked 139th in strokes gained off the tee on the PGA Tour.
While he remains an accurate ball-striker with his irons, Matsuyama is not particularly long by modern standards, averaging just over 300 yards last season. Coupled with a driving-accuracy ranking of 124th, the combination of modest power and inconsistent tee-to-fairway control created challenges throughout his year.
It is therefore unsurprising that his best performance came at Kapalua, renowned for its vast fairways and forgiving collection areas — conditions that mitigated his weaknesses and allowed his elite approach play to shine.
With The Sentry absent from the 2026 calendar, Matsuyama faces added urgency to correct his issues both on the greens and off the tee. Without meaningful improvement in those areas, it will be difficult for him to re-establish himself among the world’s top five, even if he remains capable of producing brilliance on any given week.
Coeur d’Alene tennis team 14th at 55+ nationals
Courtesy photo The Coeur d Alene tennis team, representing the Pacific Northwest, finished 14th in the country in the 55+ division at the USTA League National Championships on Nov. 7-9 in Scottsdale, Ariz. According to team captain Tim Qualls, the Cd’A team
Sabalenka says women facing transgender athletes not fair
Dec 10 (Reuters) – World number one Aryna Sabalenka weighed into the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sport, saying it would be unfair for women to face
U.S. Wimbledon Legend Says She’s ‘P***ed as Hell’ at Trump
President Donald Trump complained about the hours he works while simultaneously bragging about his excellent results in a lengthy late-night Truth Social rant. “There has never been a President that has worked as hard as me!” he raged in the post. “My hours are the longest, and my results are among the best.” The president went on to list his accomplishments, including stopping eight wars and therefore “saving many millions of lives in the process,” as well as creating “the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country,” before boasting about the results of his multiple cognitive assessments. He called for the “seditious” New York Times to cease publication following the release of a report that analyzed Trump’s decreased working hours and public appearances compared to his first term. The president has faced increased scrutiny of his fitness for office and his sleep schedule. He has been photographed seemingly dozing off during multiple high-profile meetings and public appearances. He has also dodged questions about why he needed to undergo an MRI during his October physical exam, with the White House eventually claiming it was due to his advanced age.
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Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is fronting a new advert blasting Donald Trump’s “authoritarian presidency” and calling on Americans to “speak up.” In the video for advocacy group Home of the Brave, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, who grew up in communist Czechoslovakia before moving to the U.S., says, “I defected from a totalitarian regime, and like hell am I going to be cowed again. I’m so proud to be an American, but I’m embarrassed for what Trump is doing to our country.” Navratilova, 69, adds, “I am p—-d as hell about people capitulating to Trump. This was the freest country in the world when I defected in 1975. If this was the situation for me now, I would definitely not choose to live here.”
The group says the ad is part of a campaign highlighting harms it attributes to Trump’s second term and features first-person testimonies from ordinary Americans, alongside other high-profile figures speaking out.
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Whether you’ve been extra committed to your fitness routine in 2025, have a job that requires you to sit for the better part of your eight-hour shift, or are on your feet for the majority of the day, you may find yourself dealing with aches, stiffness, and soreness. While over-the-counter oral pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve pain, if you’re looking for a topical remedy, Penetrex’s nurse and athlete-approved discomfort-relieving cream has you covered. Penetrex is known for its leading muscle and joint relief cream, which targets soreness and inflammation through its fast-acting transdermal delivery system that allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the affected area.
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The cream is infused with a blend of natural soothing ingredients, including arnica, vitamin B6, MSM, and Boswellia. Penetrex has sold over two million jars of its non-greasy and odor-free cream over the past decade and has become an Amazon bestseller. Some customers have called the cream a “godsend” and a “miracle cream” for soreness, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling. If you’ve been looking for a topical recovery formula that actually works (and doesn’t leave behind an oily residue), look no further than this discomfort relief cream.
Comedian and iconic 2000s voice actor Jeff Garcia was reportedly hospitalized following a bout with pneumonia last month. Garcia, 48, is best known for voicing the beloved sidekick Sheen in the Jimmy Neutron franchise, who later got his own spinoff, Planet Sheen. Garcia is also a stand-up comedian who had been doing sets as recently as last month until he was hospitalized on Nov. 20, according to TMZ. He recovered and was discharged a few days later. On Tuesday, however, the outlet reported, citing family sources, that Garcia was back in a hospital in Southern California. Garcia began his career in comedy in 1991 by performing at comedy clubs throughout Southern California. He became an actor in 1995 and voiced a variety of characters in popular films, including the penguin flick Happy Feet, the Rio franchise, and Barnyard: The Original Party Animals. Garcia was married to Lisa Garcia from 2002 and 2013. They share two children, Savannah and Joseph, according to the Daily Mail.
Grammy-nominated opera, classical and gospel singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death at his home in Santa Monica on Monday. He was 71. Police told KTLA that his 31-year-old son, Micay Sykes, was “found inside the residence and taken into custody without incident.” Sykes’ neighbor and friend was the first to identify him as the victim during a Tuesday interview with KTLA, telling the outlet, “I was born and raised in Santa Monica, so we were really pretty close out here. What a singer … good spirit, good-hearted person, beautiful family.” Micah will be booked on suspicion of homicide and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration. Police have said evidence from the scene is being processed, and a weapon was recovered. Sykes, a native Angeleno and world-renowned baritone, was nominated for his role as the Celebrant in the 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. “Initially, I had no dreams of becoming an opera singer,” Sykes said in 2019. “But that changed when I was at Cal State Fullerton. I had teachers who poured their lives into me. I had everything I needed right on campus to prepare me for my career.”
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Cyber Week is the best time to save on big-ticket items like TVs, furniture, and yes, cleaning devices. Fortunately, the deals are extended this year, and Bissell’s huge sale is one of the best we’ve seen. For a limited time, the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce is up to 52 percent off. This powerful multi-surface cleaner effectively replaces vacuuming and mopping with one sleek machine that delivers a faster, deeper, and more efficient clean.
The Bissell CrossWave OmniForce wet-dry vac blends vacuuming and mopping to tackle everyday cleaning of wet and dry messes. Plus, not only does it sweep up crumbs, dirt, and pet dander, but it also mops away spills and pet accidents—and actually sanitizes—a must for cold and flu season.
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This all-in-one cleaning hero is a game-changer for parents and pet owners who need to tackle tough-to-clean fur, paw prints, and spills all in one go—and on a daily basis. At up to 55 percent off for the post-Black Friday sale event, the CrossWave OmniForce is a no-brainer. This is one of the best deals we’ve seen this year, so now’s the time to invest in a cleaner space for the holidays and beyond.
If you’re looking for a more compact device, Bissell is also offering a slew of deals right now, including discounts on its beloved range of portable carpet and upholstery cleaners (think the Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner).
South Park is continuing its 28th season on Wednesday night with a Christmas-themed episode. A sneak peek shows Vice President J.D. Vance as an elf helping Donald Trump raise money for the Salvation Army. Vance’s likeness on the Comedy Central show has taken a miniature form since last season. Two episodes ago, he was shown having an affair with Trump, who himself was sleeping with Satan. Trump manages to convince Satan that a video of him and Vance having sex was artificially generated, after which Vance and Trump continue to conspire to abort Trump’s and Satan’s baby. When South Park left off last month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was depicted as an attention-hungry “d—–bag” competing for social media likes against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who again is shown shooting a dog. “This is not your content!” Hegseth yells at her. “Everyone like and subscribe to the Department of War!”
The home delivery app Instacart is charging people vastly different prices for identical items, a study led by Consumer Reports has found. The report warned that the pricing differentials could be worth as much as $1,200 a year to a family which uses the app for its regular shop. The report used 437 shoppers to place identical orders at branches of stores including Target and Safeway in four cities—Seattle, Washington; Washington, D.C.; Saint Paul, Minnesota, and North Canton, Ohio—then compared the prices for each order. The highest price difference found was 23 percent. In one case a box of Cheerios cost one shopper $4.99 and another $6.12. In total 75 percent of items were priced differently, the research by Consumer Reports, the non-profit think tank Groundwork Collaborative, and the non-profit news organization More Perfect Union found. The reasons for the price differentials are not clear but the report found that Instacart can use demographics such as household income, sex, and age to adjust prices “dynamically.” The firm denied Tuesday that it used “dynamic pricing,” meaning changing pricing based on customer background and behavior, or that it used demographic data to inform how it changed prices. But as recently as October the company’s webpage said that it used an AI-pricing platform called Eversight and said that the technology uses “dynamic pricing.” That term has since been removed. A Target spokesperson told the New York Times that it “is not responsible for prices on the Instacart platform.” Instacart uses gig workers to pick and deliver items from supermarkets in thousands of cities in all 50 states. It is valued at $12 billion and has seen shares increase by almost 50 per cent since it floated in 2023.
The Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old longtime quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad as they fight for a playoff spot. Rivers, who became a grandfather in 2024, last played for Indianapolis in early 2021 before retiring after 17 seasons in the league. Not only is Rivers now the NFL’s oldest active player, but he is older than his coach, Shane Steichen, by four years. Rivers and his wife, Tiffany, have ten children, the first of whom was born in 2002. They welcomed their youngest child in 2023. The couple’s 23-year-old daughter, Halle, had a boy late last year. Though Rivers has been out of the NFL for nearly five years, he hasn’t been away from football. After retiring, he was named head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in his home state of Alabama, where his son, Gunner, is the quarterback. The Colts’ signing of the eight-time Pro Bowler comes as injuries at the quarterback position have plagued the team.
The cause of death for former Finding Prince Charming contestant Chad Spodick has been revealed, just days after his family announced the tragic news to his fans. A spokesperson for Florida’s Boca Raton Police Department told People on Tuesday that Spodick, 42, died of suicide. The case, however, remains open as authorities complete their investigation. Spodick’s family announced his death on a GoFundMe fundraiser, which was launched to support his mother, Felice Harwood, who they say is now facing the “unexpected financial burden of funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses.” The fundraiser describes her as navigating “unimaginable grief” as she copes with the shock of her son’s loss. More than $27,000 has been raised as of Tuesday. Spodick’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from those who knew him and from fans who remember his time on the reality-dating series. Spodick, a realtor and later flight attendant, appeared in 2016 on the only season of the Bachelor-inspired show, in which 13 gay men vied to date an eligible suitor.
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.
TKO COO Announces Bad News for UFC White House Event
The idea of a UFC event on the White House lawn already sounded unreal and maybe even a little unbelievable. Now, with one blunt clarification, the vision has snapped into sharper focus, and for a lot of fans, it comes with a sting as there will be no way to buy a ticket!
That confirmation came directly from TKO Group COO Mark Shapiro, and it changes how the entire UFC White House event will be experienced. He addressed the topic during an appearance at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, with the key takeaway shared by Jed I. Goodman on X.
As shared by Goodman, “Mark Shapiro says there will be no ticket sales for the UFC White House event.”
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In an audio clip attached to a second post by Goodman on X, Shapiro said, “What we’re trying to figure out right now is, you know, what we can and can’t do with that event, which will be scheduled to take place on Flag Day. Somebody’s birthday is that day as well. It’s going to be a spectacle. I mean, this is if we thought The Sphere was a spectacle, this is a spectacle on steroids.”
He was referring to the show planned for June 14, Flag Day, which also happens to coincide with President Donald Trump’s birthday. The language made one thing clear right away: this isn’t being treated like a normal fight night. But that scale comes with constraints. According to Shapiro, ticket sales were never part of the plan.
He shared, “We’re getting…we’re getting requests. I’m not even talking like people that want to buy tickets because that won’t, that won’t be available. There will be no ticket sales that will hurt us financially.”
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At first glance, that sounds backwards. No gate? No live revenue? But Shapiro framed that as a trade-off the company is more than willing to make. Why? As he pointed out, “But what this will do for brand reach, engagement, notoriety, press, earned media, uh, advertiser interest. This is, this is an absolute monster.”
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In other words, the UFC isn’t selling seats. It’s selling attention. Meanwhile, Dana White and Hunter Campbell are, as he put it, “hard at work at putting together a sensational fight card.”
That card remains a mystery, as does how deeply President Trump will be involved, but more on that in a minute. Logistically, the event is still being solved in real time.
Shapiro referenced structural questions such as “what we’ve got to build in, replace the soil and the sod,” and what inventory will even be available for advertisers. But amid all the uncertainties, he emphasized one thing repeatedly. “The only thing we do know at this point,” he said, “is it is happening, and there won’t be ticket sales.”
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From the UFC’s perspective, though, the upside is obvious. With Paramount now set to carry the promotion into its next era, an event staged at the White House, on national television, under global media scrutiny, is priceless positioning. This isn’t about selling out a venue. It’s about planting a flag. And as we mentioned a little bit earlier, President Trump has now come out with a massive tease for the historic event!
“Eight or nine” championship fights for the UFC White House card, teased by President Trump
President Donald Trump’s tease poured gasoline on an already roaring idea. Speaking at the Kennedy Center Honors, he didn’t frame the UFC White House event as a one-off novelty. He framed it as something closer to a declaration.
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According to him, “We’re going to have a lot of events, one of the things you’re going to have here is some of the UFC press. You’re going to have the fighters coming over, talking about the fights. It’s a big deal. The UFC on June 14. It’s going to be June 14th next year.”
Then came the claim that made people stop scrolling as he stated, “They’re building an arena. The great Dana White is building an arena, and they’re going to have eight or nine championship fights, the biggest fights they’ve ever had. Every one is a championship fight, and every one is a legendary type of fight. He’s actually holding back fights right now for six months so he can do it for 250.”
That number alone would rewrite UFC history. The promotion’s record for championship bouts on one card is three, and it’s only happened nine times. Eight? Nine? That would shatter precedent.
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Naturally, it raises questions. Is this hyperbole? Ambition? Or a glimpse of what the UFC wants its Paramount-era launch to look like? Dana White, notably, has said the UFC won’t even begin matchmaking for the event until February or March 2026. That contradiction only adds intrigue.
As the President further shared, “I think the arena is going to have five or six thousand seats, right in front of the front door of the White House, and 100,000 people in the back, where they’re putting up eight or 10 very big screens. That’s going to be an exciting night. So many people are asking for tickets.”
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That detail clashes with what we already know. TKO COO Mark Shapiro confirmed there will be no ticket sales. So who fills those seats, invitees, media, military, political, and business figures? The mystery deepens. The contradictions, though, are unavoidable. Is this hype racing ahead of logistics? Or is that tension exactly what makes the event feel so oversized already? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Joanna Jedrzejczyk Calls Out Jamahal Hill’s “Lies” as His Girlfriend Confirms Absence at UFC 323
The chaos at UFC 323 did not end with the final horn. Long after the fights were over, a conflict outside the cage became the weekend’s hottest storyline—an unexpected collision between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jamahal Hill that surprised onlookers and sparked online speculations. What should have been a normal interaction between two well-known stars turned out to be sharper, louder, and more personal.
The true shock came later, when the explanations and counterclaims started coming in. Hill provided a detailed summary of the dispute; Joanna Jedrzejczyk dismissed it with a single cutting message; and, in a surprise move, Hill’s girlfriend admitted she was never even inside the arena. The more voices spoke up, the murkier the situation became—and the more questions it raised about what actually happened that night.
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Jamahal Hill and Joanna Jedrzejczyk continue their war of words
Jamahal Hill provided a detailed account of the incident on his YouTube channel, describing it as something that went sideways without warning. ‘Sweet Dreams’ claims he greeted Jedrzejczyk normally until she started probing him about his girlfriend’s absence, then shifted to accusations about a previous event in New York a couple of years ago, which he openly admits involved him “shooting his shot.”
According to Hill, her irritation grew fast, accentuated by accusations that he had been “talking s—” and repeated statements about her Polish toughness. Hill insists he remained composed as she became louder and more hostile, eventually threatening him and his girlfriend before security intervened.
A significant portion of Hill’s explanation is around Joanna’s manager, whom he accuses of creating tension by revisiting the past New York incident in front of his partner and then escalating it further. He said, “Joanna was in New York, I was in New York, and I shot my shot. I was shooting my shot; I tried to smash. Her manager, this entire time we’re at this event, is like subliminally trying to drop messages to my girl, trying to dry snitch.”
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Hill says the manager purposely asked Jedrzejczyk if she had slept with him, right in front of his partner, something he maintains he never said, never implied, and never claimed. He believes the accusation embarrassed Jedrzejczyk, which fueled her rage against him at UFC 323. However, Jedrzejczyk had no intention of allowing his retelling to go unchecked.
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She retweeted the clip of Hill defending himself with a frank dismissal: “You are full of lies, Jamal. 😎 I know the truth. And yes, it’s a shame you didn’t have a camera on.” She offered no further explanation or counter-narrative, only a clear rejection of his version of events, leaving the public with two versions that refuse to overlap. But the one truth we do know is that Hill’s partner, Adaire Byerly, wasn’t a part of the situation at UFC 323.
Hill’s girlfriend confirms her absence from UFC 323
While fans debated whose side seemed more credible, Byerly added a new wrinkle. Far from being a key figure in the fight, she stated that she had not attended UFC 323 at all. “Been moving all day…” she wrote on her Instagram story, “I wasn’t even at UFC 323. I was at home, drinking wine and watching the fights.”
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Her words immediately challenged assumptions about her role and reframed several accounts of Jedrzejczyk allegedly threatening his girlfriend. Whatever Jedrzejczyk said was not meant for the person standing near him. Byerly doubled down on her surprise, saying, “So for those who are asking what happened between Joanna and I? Nothing. I wasn’t even there… I’m just as confused as everyone else haha.”
She also promised a longer reaction video, suggesting that she intended to confront the narrative swirling around her image despite being nowhere near the situation. With Hill defending his account point by point, Jedrzejczyk calling it fiction, and his partner publicly removing herself from the physical altercation entirely, UFC 323’s most dramatic moment is caught between clashing perspectives. For the time being, the only fact is that the incident did not end that night, and neither side appears willing to let the story quiet down.
Maycee Barber Slams “Terrible” Referee for Ignoring Illegal Moves That Nearly Cost Her UFC 323 Win
For Maycee Barber at UFC 323, it wasn’t the damage from her opponent that lingered most after the final bell. It was what she believed the referee had ignored. Earlier this year, she collapsed backstage minutes before her scheduled main event with Erin Blanchfield, turning a six-fight win streak into a question mark overnight.
At UFC 323, the flyweight contender finally steadied the ship with a unanimous decision win over Karine Silva. Yet the victory came with an uncomfortable footnote. Midway through the fight, Barber absorbed an illegal upkick while grounded, a moment that visibly staggered her, and referee Mark Smith allowed the fight to continue without a point deduction.
So what happens when survival replaces fairness in the cage? According to Barber, that’s when frustration sets in. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Barber didn’t hesitate when the topic of inconsistent officiating came up. Reacting to Helwani’s question about repeated warnings instead of penalties, she replied, “I agree completely.”
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What bothered her most was the contrast between pre-fight instructions and in-fight enforcement as she explained, “When we were warming up, ah there was so much conversation about like fingers, you know, like how, oh, if your fingers are up versus your fingers are down, like you get a hard warning in the back of like, you know, if you are going to poke someone in the eye, your first warning is in the back. And, you know, if you accidentally poke someone in the eye, instantly you get a point taken away.”
That standard, she argued, vanished when it mattered more as Maycee Barber drew a clear line between fouls, “But an eye poke is nothing compared to getting illegally kicked in the head, in my opinion, you know, like having someone kick you in the head when you’re a downed opponent, I think that that’s a significantly more uh impactful strike um than getting an eye poke.”
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While acknowledging she’s never suffered an eye poke in a fight, she doubled down on intent. That’s where her criticism sharpened. ‘The Future’ believes Silva’s illegal kick achieved exactly that. Instead, Barber says officials reset both fighters on the feet with no penalty, a decision she called “a big mistake on Mark Smith’s end.”
What stung more was expectation. Barber revealed her coach assured her beforehand, “This is a great ref.” Afterward, her opinion flipped.
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She said, “That was terrible. I don’t want him reffing my fights. You’re going to let someone upkick me and then tell me that, ‘That was not a hard blow. Stop. Relax.’ What the heck? That was a hard blow. Watching it back, I was definitely wobbled.”
But Maycee Barber’s anger didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Smith’s UFC 323 night already included scrutiny for a rapid stoppage in Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira, echoing earlier controversies tied to his officiating. From questionable stoppages to delayed penalties, criticism has followed Smith across multiple events, with fighters and coaches publicly voicing mistrust.
Still, Barber isn’t chasing sympathy. Her performance against Silva mattered. She hadn’t fought since March 2024, and now, she’s already got her eyes set on the future!
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Alexa Grasso rematch and title ambitions laid out by Maycee Barber after massive UFC 323 win
Maycee Barber didn’t dance around it when Ariel Helwani asked about her future. “At the top, I mean, there’s only so many of us,” she said. “So, we’ll just have to see who’s available and what makes sense as far as matchup-wise.” That sounded measured, but the ambition underneath was unmistakable.
Pressed on preference, Barber dropped the caution. “I want the belt, so you know what I want, and whoever’s in the way is going to get taken out.” No callouts. No politics. Just direction.
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When Helwani asked again, she clarified the path that’s been on her mind for years as she said, “I don’t have a preference other than I want to take out whoever’s in the way of getting the belt. And also, you guys have already known I’ve been calling for my rematch for a while against Alexa Grasso. So, would love to take that one out. And then, I mean, if not, then I just want a title shot.”
That rematch matters. Alexa Grasso handed Barber a loss earlier in her career in 2021, and stylistically, it’s always been unfinished business. But timing complicates things. Grasso was slated to face Rose Namajunas at UFC 324 in January before pulling out due to injury, reopening questions at the top of the division.
Above all of it sits Valentina Shevchenko, fresh off a unanimous decision win over Zhang Weili at UFC 322. The belt hasn’t moved far, but challengers are stacking up, and Barber knows patience only works if it’s productive.
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As such, the referee controversy may fade from headlines, but the stakes won’t. For Maycee Barber, UFC 323 wasn’t just about getting her hand raised. It was a reminder that if she’s going to chase gold, she may have to overcome more than just the woman standing across from her!
Maycee Barber Slams ‘Terrible’ Referee for Ignoring Illegal Moves That Nearly Cost Her UFC 323 Win
For Maycee Barber at UFC 323, it wasn’t the damage from her opponent that lingered most after the final bell. It was what she believed the referee had ignored. Earlier this year, she collapsed backstage minutes before her scheduled main event with Erin Blanchfield, turning a six-fight win streak into a question mark overnight.
At UFC 323, the flyweight contender finally steadied the ship with a unanimous decision win over Karine Silva. Yet the victory came with an uncomfortable footnote. Midway through the fight, Barber absorbed an illegal upkick while grounded, a moment that visibly staggered her, and referee Mark Smith allowed the fight to continue without a point deduction.
So what happens when survival replaces fairness in the cage? According to Barber, that’s when frustration sets in. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Barber didn’t hesitate when the topic of inconsistent officiating came up. Reacting to Helwani’s question about repeated warnings instead of penalties, she replied, “I agree completely.”
What bothered her most was the contrast between pre-fight instructions and in-fight enforcement as she explained, “When we were warming up, ah there was so much conversation about like fingers, you know, like how, oh, if your fingers are up versus your fingers are down, like you get a hard warning in the back of like, you know, if you are going to poke someone in the eye, your first warning is in the back. And, you know, if you accidentally poke someone in the eye, instantly you get a point taken away.”
That standard, she argued, vanished when it mattered more as Maycee Barber drew a clear line between fouls, “But an eye poke is nothing compared to getting illegally kicked in the head, in my opinion, you know, like having someone kick you in the head when you’re a downed opponent, I think that that’s a significantly more uh impactful strike um than getting an eye poke.”
While acknowledging she’s never suffered an eye poke in a fight, she doubled down on intent. That’s where her criticism sharpened. ‘The Future’ believes Silva’s illegal kick achieved exactly that. Instead, Barber says officials reset both fighters on the feet with no penalty, a decision she called “a big mistake on Mark Smith’s end.”
What stung more was expectation. Barber revealed her coach assured her beforehand, “This is a great ref.” Afterward, her opinion flipped.
She said, “That was terrible. I don’t want him reffing my fights. You’re going to let someone upkick me and then tell me that, ‘That was not a hard blow. Stop. Relax.’ What the heck? That was a hard blow. Watching it back, I was definitely wobbled.”
But Maycee Barber’s anger didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Smith’s UFC 323 night already included scrutiny for a rapid stoppage in Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira, echoing earlier controversies tied to his officiating. From questionable stoppages to delayed penalties, criticism has followed Smith across multiple events, with fighters and coaches publicly voicing mistrust.
Still, Barber isn’t chasing sympathy. Her performance against Silva mattered. She hadn’t fought since March 2024, and now, she’s already got her eyes set on the future!
Alexa Grasso rematch and title ambitions laid out by Maycee Barber after massive UFC 323 win
Maycee Barber didn’t dance around it when Ariel Helwani asked about her future. “At the top, I mean, there’s only so many of us,” she said. “So, we’ll just have to see who’s available and what makes sense as far as matchup-wise.” That sounded measured, but the ambition underneath was unmistakable.
Pressed on preference, Barber dropped the caution. “I want the belt, so you know what I want, and whoever’s in the way is going to get taken out.” No callouts. No politics. Just direction.
When Helwani asked again, she clarified the path that’s been on her mind for years as she said, “I don’t have a preference other than I want to take out whoever’s in the way of getting the belt. And also, you guys have already known I’ve been calling for my rematch for a while against Alexa Grasso. So, would love to take that one out. And then, I mean, if not, then I just want a title shot.”
That rematch matters. Alexa Grasso handed Barber a loss earlier in her career in 2021, and stylistically, it’s always been unfinished business. But timing complicates things. Grasso was slated to face Rose Namajunas at UFC 324 in January before pulling out due to injury, reopening questions at the top of the division.
Above all of it sits Valentina Shevchenko, fresh off a unanimous decision win over Zhang Weili at UFC 322. The belt hasn’t moved far, but challengers are stacking up, and Barber knows patience only works if it’s productive.
As such, the referee controversy may fade from headlines, but the stakes won’t. For Maycee Barber, UFC 323 wasn’t just about getting her hand raised. It was a reminder that if she’s going to chase gold, she may have to overcome more than just the woman standing across from her!
Coach Khabib Takes Notes After Petr Yan’s Nerdy UFC 323 Strategy Outshines His Team
Both UFC 322 and UFC 323 left fans and critics with one thought – the importance of strategic planning in high-level MMA. The last two UFC PPVs saw arguably the two hottest divisional titles change hands – at welterweight, and then bantamweight. Yet, the stories could not have been more different. What fans saw from Petr Yan’s corner at UFC 323 even earned respect from the mastermind behind Islam Makhachev’s UFC 322 domination – Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The rise of technology and AI has found its way to boost the performance of MMA and Muay Thai athletes. São Paulo-based gym, Fighting Nerds, is now turning heads with the same. By applying a data-driven, analytical approach, its fighters have already started making waves. Still, sometimes, a simple plan on an iPad can make all the difference.
That reality was on full display this past weekend when newly crowned bantamweight champion Petr Yan’s coach put his strategy into action at UFC 323 during the title fight against Merab Dvalishvili. As before, the United States denied Yan’s coach, Kairat Nurmagambetov, entry, but despite that, he crafted the blueprint for ‘No Mercy’s victory from thousands of miles away.
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MMA page “PAM” on X recently posted a picture of Nurmagambetov displaying the game plan he designed to dethrone Merab Dvalishvili. In the grueling five-round clash, Petr Yan dominated and dismantled Dvalishvili in the rematch, following the coach’s decision tree that accounted for every possible scenario. “If Merab goes single leg, we do A; if it doesn’t work, we do B; if his response is C, we do D,” said Kairat Nurmagambetov.
Clearly, the coach was determined not to miss this opportunity to make Yan a two-time bantamweight champion and give him a chance to avenge his previous loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Moreover, Petr Yan’s coach’s innovative approach also caught the attention of MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. His cousin, the current No. 2 bantamweight, will likely soon challenge for the title. PAM’s Instagram story, reshared by ESPN MMA, even earned a like from ‘The Eagle.’
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On Reddit, fans can’t stop discussing Yan’s coach’s “insane” game plan, with many jokingly comparing it to the villainous Lex Luthor from the 2025 Superman movie.
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“Brain Beats Brawn,” Reddit reacts to Petr Yan’s coach’s bold fight plan
Fans praised the Petr Yan camp’s approach, saying it showed exactly how a coach should plan a fight. Alongside the Russian coach Kairat Nurmagambetov, another protege, karate champion Ilyas Khamzin, guided Petr Yan in his corner. One fan commented, “This is the way a coach should do it,” pointing out the mistakes of Jack Della Maddalena’s corner at UFC 322 last month at Madison Square Garden.
Critics slammed the Aussie camp for failing to give their champion proper advice, which led to Della Maddalena losing his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev. Jack had no answer to Islam’s relentless grappling, and his head coach just kept repeating “keep pinging [Islam].” They had a plan A, which they could not implement. Yan’s team had plans A, B, C, and D.
Fans continued to applaud Petr Yan’s coach, praising his mindset with comments like “BRAIN BEATS BRAWN,” and noting that such detailed planning rarely appears in fights. Even from thousands of miles away, fans admired how ‘No Mercy’s corner mapped out every move, especially since the coach had faced multiple US visa denials since 2022, even though Yan’s family visited the US several times.
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At the same time, observing Kairat Nurmagambetov’s plan, one fan said, “That’s some cool-a– stuff right there.” Some fans even compared the coach to Lex Luthor from the 2025 Superman movie, where Nicholas Hoult’s character crafted a similar strategy to defeat Superman after studying the Kryptonian’s fighting patterns.
However, this is not the first time fighters have used a study-based approach in MMA. Years ago, legends like George St-Pierre applied similar methods, analyzing videos in slow motion and using data-driven strategies. In fact, one fan noted, “There are YouTube videos of him talking about his nerd friend analyzing videos in slow motion and doing data analysis on fighters’ response times.”
Predicting Umar Nurmagomedov’s performance against Petr Yan remains difficult, since he must first face Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324. Meanwhile, fans have already mocked the Dagestani’s phrase, given by Islam Makhachev: “Send 2-3 years to Dagestan and forget.” Observing AI-style planning’s dominance over traditional verbal strategies, one fan commented, “The machine got defeated by an AI-generated multiple counter strategy.”
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Fans also mocked Merab Dvalishvili’s loss to Petr Yan, noting that the Russian champ now challenges Team Khabib. While Umar Nurmagomedov, guided by his cousin, could not overcome Dvalishvili, who previously beat him, Yan defeated Dvalishvili and solidified his position as the new bantamweight kingpin. One fan remarked, “Even though he rarely finishes his opponents, watching Petr is always such a nice experience.”
With the buzz surrounding Petr Yan, do you think Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin can challenge Yan’s dominance in the future? Share your thoughts below.
Charles Oliveira Keeps Title Hopes Alive in Fiery Response to Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
Several UFC fans may be talking about Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett and the surprise announcement of the Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira BMF title fight that follows, but ‘Do Bronx’ did not wait for a press conference spotlight to enter the lightweight title conversation. Days after the promotional dust had settled, he sat down for an interview and gave something far more interesting than hype: a quiet, straightforward reminder that he still sees a clear path back to the throne.
His statements stood out for their certainty. No theatrics, no guessing; just Charles Oliveira going through the division as if the path had already been drawn. Two men will fight for the interim crown in January; he’ll face Max Holloway in March, and if he wins, he believes the title picture will rearrange itself around him. He didn’t describe it as ambition. He framed it as inevitability.
Charles Oliveira believes he is on the edge of the title conversation
In an interview with Ag Fight, ‘Do Bronx’ did not pretend that the interim title fight excited him. Instead, he asked why those two fighters were positioned ahead of him in the first place. “With all due respect, I sell much more than the two who are going to fight for the title,” he said. “I have much more charisma… so whether you like it or not, I am already stepping in strong on the edge of that conversation.”
Coming from Oliveira, it didn’t seem like a request; it sounded like a fact he believed everyone knew. And if you believed that he was saying all that because he was snubbed, you couldn’t be more wrong, as ‘Do Bronx’ then turned to Arman Tsarukyan, who many believe was truly snubbed. And the fighter from the favelas completely agrees with the disappointed fans.
“For me, Arman was the guy who should be fighting for the belt,” he admitted. But even there, he pointed to the reality that sales aren’t always tied to rankings. “I think I sell way more than Arman.” And the Brazilian sees the matchup with Holloway as the lever he needs: a big-name opponent, a grand stage, and the opportunity to put himself back into contention not by lobbying, but by performing.
And he isn’t thinking in hypotheticals. “I’m going to win,” he stated flatly. “I’m going to put on a great fight, and I’m going to win this fight.” If he delivers something exceptional, he believes that the title conversation shifts immediately. “I think I’ll burst the bubble, and I’ll be the next in line for the title.”
Oliveira knows that the lightweight division is stacked. He knows the interim title fight would make headlines, and he knows Tsarukyan is looking for justice. But he also understands that this sport rewards moments rather than math. Beat Holloway, win big, and remind everyone why he was champion in the first place, and the UFC will have little choice but to say his name next. But till then, he will keep an eye out for the interim title fight.
Charles Oliveira’s breakdown of the Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje fight
Oliveira may be focused on Holloway, but he’s paying close attention to the interim title fight, both because it impacts his future and because he’s already sparred with one of the men on the card. So, when he broke down Justin Gaethje vs. Pimblett a week ago, he did so with the cool confidence of someone who knows exactly where the risk is.
He acknowledged Pimblett’s tools, which include movement, scrambling, and a ground game capable of shifting momentum. But when the matchup turned to Gaethje, ‘Do Bronx’ did not sugarcoat anything. Gaethje’s striking is chaotic yet precise, and Oliveira understands firsthand how punishing it can be.
“He [Pimblett] strikes well… but Gaethje is a very tough fighter with insane striking,” he stated, emphasizing that a stand-up bout benefits just one man. For Oliveira, Pimblett’s strategy is straightforward but risky: avoid trade, take the fight to the ground, and try to tire out ‘The Highlight.’
Anything else, and he expects a knockout. Despite such analysis, ‘Do Bronx’ admitted to rooting for Gaethje. A familiar name at the top keeps the division aligned with the types of matches he prefers, and as the division reshuffles, he plans to be prepared when the dust settles.
What’s Next For Petr Yan?
Petr Yan secured a unanimous decision victory over Merab Dvalishvili to become the UFC Bantamweight Champion at UFC 323, as we look at what is next.
The win, which avenged his 2023 loss to Merab was a blueprint on how to defeat a man whose greatest strength is his relentless pressure. Merab, renowned for his non-stop takedown attempts, was met with a brilliant defensive effort. Yan successfully stopped 22 out of 24 takedown attempts by Dvalishvili. By frustrating the champion’s grappling offense, Yan was able to dictate the pace and focus on his own game plan.
Options
The strongest argument for Yan’s next opponent is a trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili. The rivalry between the two elite fighters is now tied at 1-1, and given the significance of Merab’s 14-fight win streak, the former champion has a very strong case for an immediate rematch. This fight is already easy to promote as the definitive tiebreaker. Dvalishvili himself immediately called for the rematch, showing his willingness to address the adjustments Yan made. It seems Merab may get that.
“The UFC contacted me and said, ‘Please rest as long as you want, your next fight is a rematch with Petr Yan for the belt. Rest as long as you want and call us when you’re ready’. They probably want to do the fight in the summer, but I don’t want to wait until the summer. I want to schedule the fight early, maybe in the spring, in April would be good, or maybe the fight can be scheduled in the summer,” Dvalishvili said
UFC 323 Prelims Becomes Worst Worst-Performing Card of 2025 in Comparison to Other PPVs
UFC 323 was supposed to carry the momentum of a stacked year—a final pay-per-view headlined by two title fights, a sold-out arena, and a night in which practically every prelim fighter delivered chaos. But once the broadcast numbers came in, a different story began circulating. Not about the card’s quality, but its reach. For the first time this year, the energy inside T-Mobile Arena didn’t translate to screens at home.
Instead, the UFC 323 prelims had the lowest viewership of any prelim slate in 2025, a stark contrast to a night packed with stoppages, knockouts, and breakout performances. While the main card delivered in full, the prelim slump has become the talking point—one that does not reflect what fans inside the arena witnessed.
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UFC 323 prelims numbers struggle to meet expectations
The numbers weren’t kind at all. The FX broadcast opened at 333K, while the ESPN2 simulcast dropped even lower to 282K, putting UFC 323 at the very bottom of the year’s rankings. The comparison made it sting even more: UFC 322 drew 577K, UFC 320 drew 519K, and previous events, such as UFC 316 and UFC 314, easily surpassed 1 million.
UFC 323 stood out like a sore thumb in a year of record-breaking events. However, the event itself was far from flat. The prelims delivered finishes nearly from start to finish, with only two fights going the distance over the whole card. Manuel Torres dominated Grant Dawson in the first round, earning a $50,000 bonus.
Iwo Baraniewski and Ibo Aslan swung as if they had 90 seconds to live, with Baraniewski landing the last blow in a firefight that went into fan folklore. Jalin Turner destroyed Edson Barboza, Fares Ziam annihilated Nazim Sadykhov, and Mairon Santos finished his fight in just 21 seconds in Round 3.
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That’s the irony: the action was all a promoter could wish for; it just didn’t get the attention it needed. So, what happened? Some blame network positioning, others scheduling fatigue, and a few blame the shift in attention toward the year-end main event storylines. But inside the UFC 323 arena, none of that mattered.
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The crowd reacted as if they were watching the best prelim run of the year. It just happened to be the one that, statistically, the fewest people saw. For fighters like Torres and Baraniewski, who stole the show before the champs even arrived, the numbers will not erase the chaos that they brought.
However, the contrast remains stark: the worst-performing prelims of 2025 provided some of the year’s top moments, but not enough viewers to match them. And while the numbers were low in terms of ratings, the fighters did go home with some mega checks in their hands, as the UFC 323 promotional guidelines compliance revealed.
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UFC 323 sees massive compensation at the final ESPN pay-per-view
This contrast made the payouts stand out much more. For a preliminary card that barely registered on the ratings list, the checks offered an entirely different story. When the guideline totals were announced, it revealed that $363,500 was distributed throughout the roster, a considerable sum for a night that failed to attract viewers. Champions Merab Dvalishvili and Alexandre Pantoja took home $42,000 each, while title contenders Petr Yan and Joshua Van earned $32,000 each for stepping into championship bouts.
Fighters in the 16–20 fight bracket, such as Marvin Vettori and Henry Cejudo, got $16,000, while seasoned veterans Edson Barboza and Jan Blachowicz earned $21,000 each. Lower-tier payouts stacked up quickly as well: fighters with 11–15 UFC matches, like Maycee Barber and Jalin Turner, earned $11,000, while those with 6–10 fights, including Tatsuro Taira, Payton Talbott, Chris Duncan, and Manuel Torres, earned $6,000.
Newer fighters like Iwo Baraniewski, Fares Ziam, and Mansur Abdul-Malik left with $4,000–$4,500. Then came the bonuses. Manuel Torres and Iwo Baraniewski, both preliminary fighters, added $50,000 to their totals, while Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili won Fight of the Night, earning an additional $50,000 each. Even though the UFC 323 prelims had the smallest crowd of the year, the fighters who came up and delivered received some of the highest payouts of the night.
Alex Pereira Chasing Three-Division Glory
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira wants to move up to the heavyweight division to add a third belt, with a view to facing Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
Pereira is a two-weight champion, having stopped Magomed Ankalaev in his last fight at UFC 320 in October to reclaim the light heavyweight title and avenge the loss in the first bout. However, having won the middleweight and light heavyweight title, Alex has the chance to become the first fighter in UFC history to win a belt in a third weight class. He would have to beat the current champion Aspinall to do that, who is likely to rematch Ciryl Gane next after their no-contest at UFC 321 in October. Meanwhile, Alex also had eyes on facing ex-heavyweight champ Jon Jones.
“I spoke about my interest, right? I want to fight at heavyweight, but I don’t know… I mentioned the White House against Jon Jones. And I’ve even spoken about a possible fight at heavyweight for a third belt. But I don’t know, it’s not in my control. I’m also just waiting, like everyone else,” Pereira said
The Significance
Pereira’s primary motivation is to etch his name into UFC history. While other fighters like Randy Couture (two divisions) and Amanda Nunes (two simultaneous divisions) hold significant records, no fighter has successfully captured a major championship in three separate weight classes. This achievement would instantly elevate Pereira above all others in the conversation about the most accomplished fighters of all time. It would solidify his reputation not just as a dominant striker, but as a uniquely adaptable fighter.
If Pereira were to defeat Jones after becoming a three-division champion, he would instantly become the leading candidate for the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) status, leveraging his record over Jones’ longevity. To beat a fighter like Aspinall, who combines speed, technical striking, and solid grappling, Pereira would have to prove his power translates effectively against larger, more durable opponents. However, he is also being eyed by UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev.
Joe Rogan Reveals Only Way to Beat Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev has reached a point where conversations about him no longer start with if he can be beaten, but with how. After bulldozing Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 and claiming the middleweight title, the numbers told a story that words struggled to soften. More than 21 minutes of control time. Twelve takedowns. A 50-44 sweep across all three scorecards.
So where’s the crack? Is there one at all? According to Joe Rogan, if you’re looking for a blueprint to stop Chimaev, it doesn’t start with bravado or toughness. It starts with something far rarer.
The UFC color commentator addressed the question on JRE MMA Show #171 alongside Brendan Allen, and his answer didn’t leave much room for debate. A clip from the conversation was shared on X by Red Corner MMA, where Rogan says, “The thing is, it’s like these gaps in wrestling, these gaps in grappling.”
He explained that when high-level grapplers face elite strikers, even well-rounded ones, the separation becomes unavoidable. “When a guy’s a really good grappler and then you’re taking on a guy like Dricus, he’s really a striker. He’s a good grappler, a good jiu-jitsu guy. But there’s levels.”
That word, levels, is doing a lot of work here. Rogan didn’t dismiss Du Plessis’ skill set. But he did frame the problem clearly. Against someone like Chimaev, good isn’t enough.
“And the kind of guy like Khamzat,” Rogan added, “like, man, you gotta be a f—- Olympic-caliber wrestler to scrap with that guy.”
At UFC 319, Chimaev landed 131 of 137 strikes in the first round alone. Ninety-five percent accuracy. But only two of those were classified as significant, because most came from top position, in a crushing crucifix that flattened Du Plessis and erased his offense before it could start. Across five rounds, Chimaev’s wrestling didn’t just win minutes. It erased all weapons that could be aimed against him.
That’s why Joe Rogan’s point lands so cleanly. There are no half-measures here. You can’t ‘scramble a little’ with Chimaev (unless you’re someone like Gilbert Burns or Kamaru Usman, but even they had to go through the grinder and still came up short). You can’t hang on and hope to strike later. His background as a three-time Swedish national freestyle wrestling champion isn’t just a line on a résumé. It’s the foundation of everything he does.
The real question isn’t who wants to fight Khamzat Chimaev. It’s who in the division is actually built to survive him, but it’s not just middleweights that have to be worried about running into ‘Borz’ now!
Khamzat Chimaev takes aim at Alex Pereira as he lays out his plans for the future
If his recent interview with ESPN is anything to go by, the undefeated champion already has one foot out the door. Khamzat Chimaev made it clear he plans to defend his middleweight title just once more before shifting his focus upward. The timing matters. He’s targeting a defense after Ramadan in March, then turning his attention to light heavyweight. Why the rush? Motivation, or lack of it.
Chimaev said, “These [middleweight] fights don’t make me excited, but I need to do my job, I need to make money. If there is a big name to make more money, then I will be excited. If you get $3 million for a fight, but then you have a good [opponent] and you make $6 million, of course you’ll be excited.”
The honesty is striking, and that mindset changes everything. At 185 pounds, the path is clear but uninspiring to him. The likely No. 1 contender is Nassourdine Imavov, a fighter Chimaev openly said he’d rather not face because they trained together. He wouldn’t refuse it, but there’s no spark there. The alternative, the winner of Sean Strickland vs. Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, offers competition, not obsession.
His real interest sits one division above. Chimaev didn’t dance around it. His goal is Alex Pereira.
As he revealed, “That’s a good fight for me. Everyone knows that. The UFC knows that. The UFC doesn’t want to give me this guy. And this guy said, ‘Oh, I’ll come to you and [have a grappling match]. Grappling is not our job. UFC is our job.”
In Khamzat Chimaev’s view, Pereira’s willingness to fight others, like Du Plessis when he held gold, but not him, doesn’t add up. Either way, the ripple effect is undeniable. Middleweights now face a champion who sees their division as a checklist. Light heavyweights are staring at an incoming storm. And if Joe Rogan’s “Olympic-caliber wrestler” warning already felt urgent, it just became relevant across two weight classes!
Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka have fan sub in for them during MSG match
Only in New York.
A lucky fan entered the spotlight on Monday night, stepping in to compete for tennis star Aryna Sabalenka during her exhibition match against Naomi Osaka at The Garden Cup at Madison Square Garden — and taking over for Osaka shortly thereafter.
Stumbling after a strong start, the fan seemingly received the full experience of being an athlete in New York City — with cheers shifting to boos within all of five minutes.
“It’s pressure,” the fan said in a post-match interview. “I don’t know what’s going on. I lost the match for her. I’m sorry Aryna, I still love you. You’re still my queen — I love you!”
Sabalenka, the top ranked women’s tennis player in the world, called for the fan to compete for her in the friendly exhibition event, strategically waiting until she was up 40–0 to do so.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, seemed surprised when the fan lined up on the other end of the court — then looked astonished as he smashed a 105 mph rocket of a serve down the right side.
The pair rallied back-and-forth for a while, with Osaka easily returning the fan’s offerings until he eventually lost the point by hitting the ball into the net, prompting Sabalenka to sarcastically throw her hands in the air.
The fan was gearing up for an interview before Osaka handed him her racket to play for her in the following game, but he was unable to recapture his success and quickly fell behind.
A shower of jeers from the MSG crowd rained down on the fan, sounding as if he had just cost the Knicks a playoff game.
The fan playfully shushed the fans, before blaming Osaka’s racket for his underwhelming return attempt, saying “I’m a Wilson player.”
Sabalenka handed the fan one of her rackets, but he once again failed to return the serve, costing Osaka on match point.
Osaka jokingly punished the fan by making him do push-ups on the court, sending the crowd and her opponent into a fit of laughter.
The fan got to take home the racket after the wild scene, and Osaka stepped back in to replay the match, ultimately enduring the same result in a loss.
The Garden Cup is an annual exhibition event held at the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” which also featured a marquee singles matchup between Olympic gold medalist Tommy Paul and former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios.
To close the show, the four tennis superstars united for a mixed doubles match, where Osaka and Kyrgios took down Sabalenka and Paul.
Aryna Sabalenka opposes trans athletes competing against biological women
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Ahead of their Battle of the Sexes tennis match later this month, Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios both said that they do not believe trans athletes should compete against biological women.
The tennis stars are playing an exhibition match that will feature modifications in which Kyrgios will only get one serve, and he will be hitting toward a smaller side of the court.
The modifications make sense, given Sabalenka’s thoughts on women facing biological men in sports.
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Saulter’s season ends in quarterfinals of individual sectionals
West Ranch girls’ tennis player Ta’leighah Saulter finished the season as a quarterfinalist in the individual tennis regionals following a historic season.
Throughout Foothill League play, Saulter didn’t lose a match all season and finished the year undefeated in singles play as she won all 32 sets, each by a score of 6-0.
Saulter contributed to West Ranch taking home the Foothill League title as the Wildcats put up an unbeaten record in league play and secured a playoff appearance.
In the Division 3 playoffs in the Southern Section, the Wildcats secured a first-round win over the California Academy of Mathematics and Science but were defeated in the second round by Brentwood.
While the season ended for West Ranch as a team, Saulter’s season was extended as a singles player. She clinched a first-round bye into the individual regionals, held throughout November in Carpinteria at Cate School.
Saulter defeated Ellie Lin of Oaks Christian by a score of 6-0, 6-2 and advanced to the third round.
With another win over Lyric Wilson of Sierra Canyon by a score of 6-2, 6-1, Saulter advanced to the round of 16 with an automatic bye past the round of 32 at the Biszantz Family Tennis Center in Claremont.
Saulter took victory over Lily Ung of Roosevelt High School, 6-3, 6-4, and advanced to the quarterfinals, where she faced Anna Shtrikman of Milken Community School.
The season ended there for the junior as Saulter lost to Shtrikman 6-3, 6-1, and finished as a quarterfinalist in the tournament.
Herald-News Girls Tennis Player of the Year: Morris’ Skyler Saelens
When she entered high school as a freshman, Morris’ Skyler Saelens hadn’t played tennis competitively. She spent her middle school days as a volleyball and basketball player, but wanted to try something different.
So, she went out for tennis in the fall of her freshman year. After spending a year learning the ins and outs of the game, she won the LaSalle-Peru Sectional title and advanced to the Class 1A state tournament as a singles player in her sophomore season. In her junior season, she paired with teammate Julia Borgstrom, and that team made it to the state tournament, advancing to Day 2.
In her senior season, she returned to being a singles player, and it turned out to be the right choice. She went 32-6 on the season, won the Interstate Eight Conference championship, the Ottawa Sectional championship and went 4-2 at the state tournament, advancing to the consolation quarterfinals. It is believed to be the furthest advancement for a Morris tennis player.
“I hoped to make it pretty far at state,” Saelens said. “I haven’t researched it fully, but it has been speculated that it was the best a Morris girl has ever done.
“I played volleyball up until I was about to start my freshman year. During the summer, I began to think volleyball wasn’t for me because I wasn’t really good at it. I chose tennis instead. I wanted to try something new. I had played just for fun with my family, but never competitively. I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made.”
Morris coach Eric Davy said that Saelens showed up to practice each fall with something new she had worked on during the offseason, whether on the outdoor courts in Morris or at the Five Star Tennis Center in Plainfield.
“It’s a team sport as there are many girls who take the courts,” Davy said. “But Skyler was special as she strove to be the best player on the court. She worked extremely hard on her game, each year implementing a ‘new weapon.’
“She is a fierce competitor. She was second-team All-State in 2024 at doubles and second-team All-State in 2025 at singles, and won a total of nine matches in three state tournaments in a Morris uniform. She definitely left a legacy at Morris for all tennis players to follow. It’s a template that hard work and a little tenacity will enable you to meet your goals.”
Saelens said that the biggest strength of her game was between her ears.
“I had a pretty good ability to strategize on the court,” she said. “I wanted to play smarter, not harder. I also have a lot of perseverance and tenacity. I love to compete and figure out how to win.
“What I like most about tennis is the team aspect. It sounds weird in an individual sport like tennis, but we would cheer each other on when we were done with our own matches, and that really brought us closer as a team. That’s what I will miss the most when I graduate. I will miss the team and the friendships. I don’t remember another sport I played when I was excited to go to practice. Everyone got along so well that we were sad when a practice or match was called off due to the weather. Our coaches [Eric and Sara Davy] made it a better place. They were amazing, not only coaching athletically, but also personally. You could talk to them about anything.”
Late in the regular season, Morris picked up a match against Class 2A Lockport to prepare for the upcoming postseason.
“That match was a last-minute addition,” Saelens said. “The coaches wanted to prepare us for the postseason. I knew Lockport’s No. 1 singles player was really good, but I just wanted to go do my best and see what happens. I beat her, and that felt really good. It put into my head that I could compete at a pretty high level and gave me a boost heading into the postseason.
“Our whole team played well that day, and I think we all benefited from it. That will probably be the match I remember the most.”
Saelens doesn’t plan to play competitively in college, as she has her eyes on attending a Big 10 school to study zoology. Tops on her list at the moment are Wisconsin and Ohio State. But she also doesn’t expect to stop playing altogether.
“A lot of people have asked me if I am going to play in college,” she said. “I might try to find a tennis club or intramurals on campus, but I am going to focus on my academics first.
“It will be hard to not play, but I am sure I will be able to find people that want to go hit around.”
2025 Herald-News Girls Tennis Honor Roll
We are proud to present the 2025 Herald-News Girls Tennis Honor Roll, a list filled with state qualifiers.
SINGLES
Maggie Biscan, so., Lemont: Finished fourth at the Class 1A Hinsdale South Sectional; went 3-2 at the state tournament.
Aubrey Gleason, jr., Lincoln-Way East: Won the championship at the Class 2A Lincoln-Way East Sectional; went 1-2 at the state tournament.
Rebecca Hall, sr., Coal City: Finished fourth at the Class 1A Ottawa Sectional; went 0-2 at the state tournament.
Shreya Patel, sr., Morris: Finished third at the Class 1A Ottawa Sectional; went 1-2 at the state tournament.
Max Phillips-Mantia, sr., Minooka: Finished second at the Class 2A Lincoln-Way East Sectional; went 0-2 at the state tournament.
Sophie Rodil, fr., Lincoln-Way Central: Finished third at the Class 2A Lincoln-Way East Sectional; went 1-2 at the state tournament.
Skyler Saelens, sr., Morris: Herald-News Girls Tennis Player of the Year; went 32-6 on the season, won the Class 1A Ottawa Sectional championship and went 4-2 at the Class 1A state tournament, which is believed to be the furthest advancement for a Morris player.
Emily Urban, so., Lincoln-Way East: Finished fourth at the Class 2A Lincoln-Way East Sectional; went 0-2 at the state tournament.
DOUBLES
Grace Cremieux, sr., and Elle Pruim, sr., Lincoln-Way West: Finished second at Class 2A Lincoln-Way East Sectional; went 0-2 at the state tournament.
Alonda Espino, sr., and Megan Ardaugh, sr., Joliet Catholic: Finished second at Class 1A Hinsdale South Sectional; went 3-2 at the state tournament.
Liliana Gemmell, sr., and Abby Gierasinski, sr., Lincoln-Way East: Finished fourth at the Class 2A Lincoln-Way East Sectional; went 0-2 at the state tournament.
Juliana Michalesko, jr., and Lydia Michalesko, jr., Minooka: Won the Class 2A Lincoln-Way East Sectional championship; went 0-2 at the state tournament.
Emerson Wheeler, so., and Lyla Conley, so., Morris: Finished second at the Class 1A Ottawa Sectional; went 2-2 at the state tournament.
The Union will head to Trinidad in the Concacaf Champions Cup
If the idea of a trip to Trinidad in mid-February sounds appealing, you’ll want to know how the Union will kick off their 2026 campaign.
The first official game of next year will be against Defence Force FC of Trinidad & Tobago in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Defence Force won the Trinidadian league title in the 2024-25 season, then finished third in this year’s regional Caribbean Cup tournament.
The tournament starts in February, and though Concacaf hasn’t set the exact schedule yet, traditionally MLS teams play their first-round games in the middle of the month. If that is true again this time, the Union would play at Defence Force some time from Feb. 17-19, then fly north for their Feb. 21 MLS opener at D.C. United.
Soccer history buffs will appreciate that Defence Force’s home is Trinidad’s most famous sports venue, Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. It was the site of the U.S. men’s soccer team’s legendary “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” win over the Soca Warriors in 1989 that clinched qualification for the 1990 World Cup, ending a 40-year tournament drought.
Defence Force’s name is literal: its squads have historically been built with members of Trinidad’s armed forces. But the soccer is serious too, as the club’s 24 domestic league titles are a record by far. It’s also the only Trinidadian club to have won the Concacaf title, in 1978 and 1985.
The Union will presumably host their home leg of the series some time from Feb. 24-26, leading up to the March 1 league opener against New York City FC.
Should the Union advance as expected, the tone of things will change fast. Either Mexican juggernaut Club América or Honduras’ Olimpia would await in the round of 16. The Union haven’t faced América since the 2021 Concacaf semifinals, Philadelphia’s first time in the tournament, when América won both games by 2-0 scores.
» READ MORE: The Union’s latest signing offers insight into who’s making decisions in the absence of sporting director Ernst Tanner
That round is scheduled for March 10-12 and 17-19, and it’s not clear which team would host first. Around those dates, the Union host the San Jose Earthquakes on March 7, visit Atlanta United on March 14, and host the Chicago Fire on March 21.
After that, MLS stops for the March FIFA window, the last national team games before the World Cup.
2026 Concacaf Champions Cup first round
Games are listed in order of the bracket. Some series will be played Feb. 3-5 and 10-12, and others will be played Feb. 17-19 and 24-26. Concacaf will confirm the schedule at a later date.
— Pumas UNAM (Mexico) vs. San Diego FC (United States); the winner plays Toluca (Mexico)
— Los Angeles Galaxy (United States) vs. Sporting San Miguelito (Panama); the winner plays Mount Pleasant (Jamaica)
— Cruz Azul (Mexico) vs. Vancouver FC (Canada)
— Monterrey (Mexico) vs. Xelajú (Guatemala); the winner plays Cruz Azul or Vancouver FC
— Los Angeles FC (United States) vs. Real España (Honduras); the winner plays Alajuelense (Costa Rica)
— Nashville SC (United States) vs. Atlético Ottawa (Canada); the winner plays Inter Miami (United States)
— Club América (Mexico) vs. Olimpia (Honduras)
— Union (United States) vs Defence Force FC (Trinidad & Tobago); the winner plays América or Olimpia
— Tigres UANL (Mexico) vs. Forge FC (Canada)
— FC Cincinnati (United States) vs. O&M FC (Dominican Republic); the winner plays Tigres or Forge
— Vancouver Whitecaps (Canada) vs. Cartaginés (Costa Rica); the winner plays the Seattle Sounders (United States)
Grant Thornton Invitational: Mixed PGA Tour/LPGA Tour Event Details
It is the quiet season for professional golf, but the Grant Thornton Invitational is back this week for its third annual event at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Some of the top players from the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour will be in the field for this mixed-team event.
This year’s field features 10 major championship winners and a combined 137 wins between the PGA and LPGA Tours. There will be a different format for each day of play and the total purse for the event is $4 million.
Grant Thornton Invitational TV/Streaming Schedule
Friday December 12: Golf Channel and NBC Sports app from 1pm – 4 pm ET
Saturday December 13: Golf Channel and NBC Sports app from 2pm – 3 pm ET / NBC 3pm – 5 pm ET
Sunday December 14: Golf Channel and NBC Sports app from 1pm – 2 pm ET / NBC 2 pm – 4 pm ET
Grant Thornton Invitational Format
Round 1(Friday) Scramble: Each player hits a tee shot and then the team selects the ball to be used for the next shot. Both players then hit their next shots from that same spot. They continue this way until the ball is holed.
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Round 2(Saturday) Foursomes: Each player on a team alternates hitting shots with the same ball being played until the ball is holed out. One player tees off on the odd-numbered holes, and the other tees off on the even-numbered holes.
Round 3(Sunday) Modified Fourball: Both players tee off, and then they alternate balls for their second shots and play the other players ball until it is holed. The lower score of the partners is then counted as the team score for the hole.
Grant Thornton Invitational Teams
Defending champions Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit are back to defend their title against a great field of players from the PGA and LPGA Tours. The event will be Knapp’s first since the tragic passing of his girlfriend in late September.
Inaugural 2023 champions Jason Day and Lydia Ko are also in the field and looking for another title. One late switch came from Charley Hull’s team. The British star was supposed to be paired with Daniel Berger, but he was a late withdrawal and has been replaced by Michael Brennan. Brennan burst onto the PGA Tour scene this fall with a win at the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert.
All Teams competing:
Michael Brennan/Charley Hull
Bud Cauley/Jessica Korda
Luke Clanton/Lottie Woad
Wyndham Clark/Lexi Thompson
Corey Conners/Brooke Henderson
Jason Day/Lydia Ko
Tony Finau/Lilia Vu
Chris Gotterup/Jennifer Kupcho
Tom Hoge/Angel Yin
Billy Horschel/Andrea Lee
MIchael Kim/Rose Zhang
Jake Knapp/Patty Tavatanakit
Denny McCarthy/Nelly Korda
Keith Mitchell/Megan Khang
Andrew Novak/Lauren Coughlin
Neal Shipley/Maja Stark
Rising PGA Tour star Ben Griffin marries Dana Myeroff in Palm Beach
Ben Griffin is capping off a career year on the PGA Tour as a married man.
On Saturday, the 29-year-old golfer married fiancée Dana Myeroff at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, where the couple’s 125 guests got “to experience the magic” of the South Florida locale.
“Weddings are typically the one time in your life that you both have everyone you love in one place to celebrate,” the bride recently told People. “We really wanted the guest experience to be top of mind, [and for] our guests, most of whom are traveling from out of state, to experience the magic of Palm Beach.”
The couple, who got engaged last July after two years of dating, “were really excited to read vows to each other that we wrote during the wedding ceremony,” according to Myeroff.
The nuptials were presided over by Lord Abbett CEO Doug Sieg, who “helped fund Griffin’s golf comeback,” per People. Griffin quit golf four years ago before joining The Tour in 2023.
“Best weekend of my life,” Myeroff gushed on Instagram Tuesday.
It’s been a year Myeroff and Griffin will forever remember.
The North Carolina native secured his first-ever PGA Tour win alongside fellow American Andrew Novak at the Zurich Classic in April. He went on to capture his first solo victory a month later at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
“It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to watch the person you love most achieve their childhood dreams,” Myeroff shared on social media in May. “I am so proud of you Ben and the journey it took to get here. Turns out your dream coming true is my dream too.”
As his play excelled, Griffin ultimately cracked captain Keegan Bradley’s lineup for Team USA at this year’s Ryder Cup.
Weeks after Team Europe’s triumph at Bethpage Black, Griffin sealed his third PGA victory at the World Wide Technology Championship in November.
He’s currently ranked ninth in the world.
Amanda Balionis Joins Fans in Celebrating Ben Griffin’s Wedding to Longtime Partner Dana Myeroff
The PGA Tour turned to Instagram on December 9 with a simple message that sparked immediate celebration across the golf community.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin!” the post read, announcing that Ben Griffin had married longtime partner Dana Myeroff three days earlier. The December 6 ceremony at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, featured 125 guests, live music, flamingos, and a refined tropical luxury theme that reflected the couple’s vision of classic Palm Beach elegance. The PGA Tour’s social media announcement transformed a private milestone into a shared moment, triggering waves of congratulatory responses from fans who’d followed Griffin’s remarkable 2025 season.
The timing carried particular significance. Griffin’s breakout year—highlighted by his first PGA Tour victory at the World Wide Technology Championship in November—created an unexpected scheduling conflict. The wedding date fell on the third round of Tiger Woods‘ Hero World Challenge, an exclusive event Griffin qualified for due to his stellar performance. Griffin had shared earlier that when selecting the wedding date in September, his biggest concern was avoiding Q-School qualification conflicts, never anticipating he’d qualify for the exclusive Hero World Challenge. He chose marriage over competition without hesitation.
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Dana Myeroff, a senior customer success manager at Evisort, walked down the aisle to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” wearing an Anne Barge gown. The ceremony was officiated by Doug Sieg, CEO of investment firm Lord Abbett—the executive who funded Griffin’s return to professional golf in 2021 after he briefly stepped away from the sport. Sieg got ordained specifically for the occasion, marking the depth of their relationship beyond business. The couple’s first dance came to “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
Griffin and Myeroff, who began dating in April 2022 and got engaged in July 2024 at Sea Island, Georgia, now live together in Jupiter, Florida. The couple met during a night out in Florida, building a relationship that weathered Griffin’s demanding tour schedule and career resurgence. Myeroff, a Lehigh University graduate from Chardon, Ohio, has been a constant presence at tournaments throughout Griffin’s breakthrough season.
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The PGA Tour’s decision to amplify the wedding through its official Instagram account reinforced how player narratives extend beyond competition. Fans responded not just to the announcement but to the complete story—a golfer who chose his wedding date before knowing his ranking would soar, who invited the executive who believed in his comeback to officiate, who built a career-defining season while planning his future with Myeroff.
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Fan reactions capture golf community’s investment in Griffin’s journey
The Instagram post ignited responses that revealed how deeply fans track both professional achievements and personal timelines. Amanda Balionis and LPGA star Jessica Korda both liked the post, adding their digital support to the celebration. “The most gorgeous special day ever !!!!!” one fan exclaimed. Another wrote, “Congratulations to the newlyweds!!” The heartfelt messages arrived alongside enthusiastic emojis and well-wishes.
One commenter couldn’t resist noting Griffin’s appearance: “No aviators, cant tell its him.” The observation referenced Griffin’s signature sunglasses, demonstrating the familiarity fans feel with tour players’ distinctive styles. Another fan added a series of congratulatory emojis, writing, “👏👏👏👏congratulations 🍀🍀🍀🍀🥂🥂.”
Multiple responses connected the wedding directly to Griffin’s November tournament victory. “Goes out and wins the world wide tech championship a month ago to pay for the wedding,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Good year to do well on @pgatour. Help pay for those wedding expenses. Congratulations.”
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The social media celebration captured a modern reality: golf fandom invests in the complete narrative, not just the scorecard. Griffin and Myeroff enter married life with plans to sail the Caribbean and St. Barts on a catamaran, with hopes of starting a family. As Griffin continues to build on his 2025 success, the public response to his wedding suggests that fans are equally invested in both chapters of his story.
Third Annual Grant Thornton Invitational Tees Off This Year
In the midst of the quiet season of golf, the Grant Thorton Invitational makes its return for the third time in a row. The annual event will take place in Naples, Florida, where the CME Group Tour Championship was recently held. The event pairs up some of the best PGA and LPGA players for a mixed-team event.
Golf fans can watch as last year’s winners Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit hope to defend their title as they face off against some tough competition. Jason Day and Lydia Ko won the inaugural event and will also return to reclaim their title and a cut of the $4 million purse.
Grant Thorton Invitational
Round 1 begins on Friday, December 12th and can be seen on the Golf Channel and NBC Sports App. The tournament starts with a scramble, but each day is different. Saturday, Round 2, viewers will see alternate shot play on the course, followed by Sunday’s Round 3 which will consist of modified fourball.
The Grant Thorton Invitational will host World No. 2, Nelly Korda. Also making a return to the green is Korda’s older sister, Jessica. Jessica hasn’t played on the Tour since 2023 due to injuries and recovery. However, at last year’s Grant Thorton Invitational she spoke of a return, possibly for the 2026 season.
Other LPGA stars teeing up include World No. 5 Charley Hull, World No. 6 Lydia Ko, World No. 11 Lottie Woad, World No. 13 Angel Yin, and World No. 15 Maja Stark. Although the mens side will feature many relevant faces, they are not as highly ranked players as the LPGA. The highest ranked PGA stars include World No. 28 Chris Gotterup, World No. 53 Jason Day, and World No. 39 Wyndham Clark.
Overall, it’s quite an impressive list of golfers. All together, the course will feature a combined 137 career victories, 9 of which occurred in 2025. 10 major championships will tee off at the event, and seven different countries represented.
Mixed-Team Event
The 2025 list of LPGA and PGA Pairings:
Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp
Lydia Ko and Jason Day
Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak
Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners
Charley Hull and Michael Brennan
Megan Khang and Keith Mitchell
Jessica Korda and Bud Cauley
Nelly Korda and Denny McCarthy
Jennifer Kupcho and Chris Gotterup
Andrea Lee and Billy Horschel
Maja Stark and Neal Shipley
Lexi Thompson and Wyndham Clark
Lilia Vu and Tony Finau
Lottie Woad and Luke Clanton
Angel Yin and Tom Hoge
Rose Zhang and Michael Kim
While this list features many familiar pairs, there are new match-ups as well. Following last year’s win, Knapp and Tavatanakit spoke on their partnership. Tavatanakit, who won earlier in the 2024 season at the Honda LPGA Thailand, stated
“It was nice to put the cherry on top of my 2024 season to win my last event of the year, It’s definitely going to be a nice feeling to take some time off. And to be able to do it alongside Jake, it’s just been so fun, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
Knapp agreed with Tavatanakit, stating,
“Great way to end the year before Christmas.”
“I feel like in an event like this, you never really know what your partner’s going to be like when you haven’t met them before, and I feel like I couldn’t have gotten a better partner. I feel like we got along perfectly. Energy was the same. It was a really, really fun week.”
With some player input and stated goals, what a future PGA Tour schedule could look like
If there was any ambiguity as to Brian Rolapp’s vision for the PGA Tour, it was washed away last week by Tiger Woods, the lead architect and front man for the chief executive’s Future Competition Committee.
“There’s going to be some eggs that are spilled and crushed and broken, but I think that in the end we’re going to have a product that is far better than what we have now, for everyone involved,” Woods said at the Hero World Challenge.
Woods mixed his metaphors but not the message. Using Rolapp’s governing principles of “parity, scarcity and simplicity,” Woods and his fellow FCCer’s — a group that includes Patrick Cantlay, Adam Scott, Camilo Villegas, Maverick McNealy and Keith Mitchell, along with a group of business advisors — have been sussing through countless models of a new and improved Tour schedule. At the core of this exercise, according to various sources, is “scarcity,” which strongly suggests that the current 38-event schedule (which doesn’t include the fall tournaments) is due for a significant haircut.
By most accounts, the goal is to nip/tuck the Tour lineup to around 25 events that are played on the best stages with the best fields and in the biggest markets.
“We started with a blank slate — what would the best product we can possibly create, what would it look like?” the 15-time-major-champion-turned-schedule-wonk explained. “You take a white sheet of paper and you start throwing ideas out there, and there’s like a thousand ideas on this board. Then you add in all the people that we interviewed and what would they like to see and you throw all those up there.”
It’s an exercise that many in the game have started on their own. Woods has an ambitious eye toward the 2027 season, but ’28 is more likely — and on which we’re basing the below presumptive schedule.
“I’m going to give you tournaments and then I’m going to give you venues,” Billy Horschel said with little prompting when asked to come up with his version of a new schedule.
Most of these experiments start after the Super Bowl and end before Labor Day with the obvious goal to avoid football’s all-consuming shadow, and of the half-dozen players interviewed, there were no real themes other than an attempt to create the best product.
Based on player input and expressed goals, here’ what a 2028 PGA Tour schedule could look like:
WM Phoenix Open – Feb. 17-20
“Because of the weather, you’re going to start with Scottsdale. It may not be the best venue but it’s the most eyeballs,” Horschel said. “I think we should start the week after the Super Bowl [which is scheduled for Feb. 13 in 2028]. Even though it’s always been the same week, I think you still get a bigger number [of fans].”
And then?
“There’s no other venue you’d want to go to because of the weather that time of year out west,” Horschel said, “so you go to Florida.”
Miami Championship – Feb. 24-27
“You could start [the season] at Doral, make it like the Daytona 500, sort of the granddaddy big tournament, but Phoenix would work as well,” Ryan Palmer said.
Arnold Palmer Invitational – March 2-5
The Players Championship – March 9-12
Week off – March 16-19
Much of the discussion with the Future Competition Committee has focused on playing Tour events in major markets and/or on iconic courses. Austin, which hosted the circuit’s match play event from 2016 to 2023, would be a popular option geographically and from a market standpoint for a spring event. There is also the idea that existing tournaments could be relocated to larger markets, like the John Deere Classic moving from Silvis, Illinois, to Chicago, or the Travelers Championship relocating from Cromwell, Connecticut, to New York or Boston.
“We need to go to the biggest markets — right now we are in five of the 30 biggest markets [in the United States]; we need to make it 12 to 15. A third of our events need to be in the biggest markets,” Horschel said. “Then you’re going to have iconic venues that may not be in the biggest markets — Hilton Head, Pebble.”
Austin event – March 23-26
Houston Open – March 30-April 2
Masters – April 6-9
Week off – April 13-16
Off weeks after majors? That has support from many players and media partners.
RBC Heritage – April 20-23
Atlanta event – April 27-30
Truist Championship – May 4-7
Charles Schwab Challenge – May 11-14
PGA Championship – May 18-21
Week off – May 25-28
Memorial – June 1-4
RBC Canadian Open – June 8-11
U.S. Open – June 15-18
Week off – June 22-25
The lead-in to the ’28 Open Championship is complicated by the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, with the Men’s Golf Competition at Riviera Country Club scheduled for July 19-22 and the new Mixed Team event thereafter, July 23-24. For its part, the R&A is shifting its major date from the traditional mid-July spot to the first week of August.
Travelers Championship – June 29-July 2
Denver event – July 6-9
John Deere Classic – July 13-16
Week off – July 20-23
Scottish Open – July 27-30
Some players might make the trek across eight time zones to compete in the Scottish Open, or they could head early to the still-to-be-determined Open Championship site to acclimate.
Open Championship – Aug. 3-6
Week off – Aug. 10-13
No part of the scheduling experiment would be impacted more than the postseason. This is where a West Coast swing could come into play, when the weather would be considerably better than in February. The venues would also lend gravitas.
Playoff (Pebble Beach) – Aug. 17-20
Playoff (Riviera) – Aug. 24-27
Playoff (Tour Championship) – Aug. 31-Sept. 3
A reimagined postseason would be complicated by the Tour’s long-standing relationships with FedEx — which currently sponsors the season-long points race and the first playoff event in Memphis, where the shipping giant has its global headquarters — and East Lake, which has hosted the season finale every year since 2004.
Getting the likes of Pebble Beach on board for a move to August would also be economically challenging for the resort.
“In a perfect world, we’d go play Pebble at this time of year [late summer], but we don’t have carte blanche to say where we go because most of these are private clubs or resorts like Pebble Beach, and if I’m Pebble Beach, you want that week [in August] for people who pay money to play golf,” Brian Harman said. “It’s super complicated. Of course we’d love to play Pebble in August, but so would everyone else on the planet.”
According to Woods, there are countless options for a schedule that adheres to Rolapp’s vision of “scarcity.” But even if the FCC can connect all the dots in time for a 2028 rollout, there is sure to be pushback from players who have already seen playing opportunities slashed by the creation of signature events.
“Before LIV, it seemed to be a schedule that worked pretty well. Guys could pick and choose where they wanted to [play],” Tom Hoge said. “Events had roughly the same stature throughout the season.
“You go back to Tiger and Phil [Mickelson], they very rarely played the same events other than WGCs or majors, but they sort of carried those events they chose to play. That model seemed to work pretty good. The beauty of playing the PGA Tour is if you want to take a month off you can, and if you want to play four weeks in a row you can. I don’t love this idea of a reduced schedule.”
There is also the notion that the events that are trimmed from the Tour schedule could create a tier of tournaments just below the primary product and a new platform for promotion and relegation. But that does little to convince some players that a wholesale move to less-is-more is good for the bottom line and the sport.
“This is not growing the game of golf,” Palmer said. “I’m having a hard time seeing how this grows the game.”
Convincing the “middle class” as well as the Tour’s countless partners will likely be a bigger challenge than piecing together a bigger and better schedule, but those who are putting in the work are confident Rolapp’s vision is the correct path forward.
“The hard part is there isn’t a decision that ever gets made that there aren’t winners and losers. That’s the universe, push one way and you get pushed the other way,” said Harman, a member of the Player Advisory Council. “It feels like we’re on to something, like it’s got a little momentum. We’re trying to get more eyeballs on golf. We’re trying to get more people to have an appointment for the week to sit down and watch golf.”
Who Is Daniel Berger’s Replacement Michael Brennan? PGA Tour Pro’s Career, Net Worth, Background & More
The third edition of the Grant Thornton Invitational is just around the corner. Scheduled to take place from December 12 to 14 at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, the tournament will see LPGA and the PGA Tour pros tee off in pairings. Unfortunately, just days before the start, Charley Hull’s partner, Daniel Berger, withdrew from the tournament, and Michael Brennan was announced as his replacement. Now, while this was pretty surprising news, no details about the reason for the withdrawal have been confirmed. Now, with Berger out of the tournament, let us get to know Brennan.
Who is Michael Brennan?
Brennan, 23, was born on February 9, 2002, in Leesburg, Virginia. Both his parents, Michael and Shannon, were ardent golf lovers, and Brennan was introduced to it at a fairly early age. Since childhood, Brennan has liked golf while swinging his club at the River Creek Club.
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Sensing his interest in the sport, Brennan got golf lessons from his coach, Adam Harrell, starting at 12 years old. Coming to his academics, the 23-year-old PGA Tour golfer attended Tuscarora High School. Next up, Brennan got admitted to the Academy of Engineering and Technology for further studies.
Over the years, Brennan’s golfing skills took center stage, and in 2019, he signed with Wake Forest University. Playing for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Brennan won a whopping eight individual titles in a span of four years from 2020 to 2024. And soon, he continued his good work in the PGA, too.
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A look at Michael Brennan’s PGA Tour accolades
Immediately after finishing college, Brennan turned professional in 2024. Owing to his 12th ranking in the PGA Tour University standings, the 23-year-old got eligible to play in the PGA Tour Americas. With an immediate impact, Brennan dominated proceedings with three titles and led the points list. Such a stellar show earned him promotion to the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour, too. However, the best was still to come.
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Playing in the Bank of Utah Championship, Brennan had the opportunity to play in his first official PGA Tour event. The 23-year-old closed with a 66 to win by four strokes over Rico Hoey. And with that, he directly earned the PGA Tour card while bypassing the need to play in the Korn Ferry. In the 6 events he has played so far on the Tour, he has earned $1,192,399.
Now, with another great opportunity to get into the spotlight, fans cannot wait to see how he performs in the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational.
Rickie Fowler to Sit Out Crucial PGA Tour Event After Injury Derailed His Season
Rickie Fowler’s sudden disappearance from the PGA Tour spotlight had fans guessing for weeks. His 2025 season, which included just three top-ten finishes, seemingly concluded at the BMW Championship in August 2025. He finished tied for 7th and has been on an extended break since then. The silence around the same remains. And now, while the Grant Thornton Invitational is around the corner, the American star might be missing out on this event too.
The Grant Thornton Invitational is scheduled to begin on December 8 at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, and conclude on December 14. Now, since the BMW Championship has passed more than 3 months ago, Fowler hasn’t made a return yet. Moreover, he was not invited to Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge. And now another update has been revealed, which has snatched away his chances of competing in the Grant Thornton Invitational.
Rickie Fowler is no longer sponsored by Grant Thornton. And this has removed the natural pathway or expectation for the 36-year-old to be part of their major event. A Golf enthusiast X handle, @Rickie_Tracker shared this update on X. They also shared how Fowler is seemingly looking forward to making a return to the fairway at the American Express Golf Tournament (AMEX).
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The Amex is scheduled to begin on January 22, 2026. While 45 days are left for the event to begin, Fowler is absent from the competitive sphere for 158 days. Before the AMEX tournament, the PGA Tour’s Sony Open is scheduled to happen in Hawaii in mid-January. However, he hasn’t participated in the event for three consecutive years. And this brings another question to the minds of fans. Will Fowler be able to pull off a good show after this long break?
While the sponsorship change explains his absence from the Grant Thornton event, Fowler also confirmed the physical struggles that have kept him off the course for months.
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Rickie Fowler opens up on injury struggles while eyeing stronger 2025 return
Rickie Fowler indeed struggled hard to end this season on a good note. While he pulled off some above-average performances in the first half of the season, in the last few months, fans could not spot the American on the course. However, he recently sat down for a candid conversation with Grant Horvat on his YouTube podcast. In the conversation, he reflected on how he has been dealing with the current scenario.
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“Gonna be a tough task… first competitive round in two and a half months”, said Fowler, reflecting on how he is looking forward to his return.
When he was asked about his shoulder injury, he said, “I had some shoulder issues all year. Luckily, I played good enough to earn some time off. I only hit balls a few times, and then I’ve probably played about six rounds now. Still a little slow.”
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Looking forward to a better run in the future, he confidently stated, “I feel like things have been heading in the right direction, and I’ve been in a good spot for a few months now, knowing where the game is and it’s continuing to get better.”
Now, only time will tell how the coming days turn out for the six-time PGA Tour winner.
Rickie Fowler Announces PGA Tour Return After Injury Left Him Winless in 2025 Season
Rickie Fowler walked off the 18th green at Castle Pines in August and became a ghost for nearly four months. Fowler skipped the Fall Series and ignored the lucrative “silly season” exhibitions completely this year. So the fans wondered where the PGA Tour’s brightest orange spark was. Finally, that calculated silence broke today with a Tweet from a popular Twitter fan account, ‘Rickie Fowler Tracker.’
Rickie Fowler has committed to 2026 The American Express. It’s actually just 44 days until he is officially back. The event will be held at La Quinta, California, starting from January 15th to 18th. Official PGA Tour commitments also confirmed Fowler’s entry alongside players like Sepp Straka and Ben Griffin.
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It’s a massive update, and one must remember the noise surrounding his 2025 season to understand this return. Critics roasted Fowler for accepting seven sponsor exemptions into the massive $20 million Signature Events and post even labeled these invites “free checks” for Fowler as a guy who was resting on past glory rather than current form.
And in the middle of that, Fowler ended the 2025 season with almost nothing due to his nagging shoulder issues throughout the entire 2025 grind. And his best performance came when he fired clutch rounds of 66-69-66-69 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship to finish T6, vaulting him into the Top 50, and securing his 2026 playing privileges.
This is a developing story..
LIV Boss Points Finger at PGA Tour After Unexpected Hurdles Halt Negotiations
Golf is fractured. It has been the case for about 3-4 years now. Some would blame LIV Golf, some the PGA Tour, and some even say the DP World Tour. But if Scott O’Neil is to be believed, golf could have been unified a long time ago, at least some of it, if a set of “invisible hands,” meaning the PGA Tour, hadn’t intervened when their deal with DPWT was in the final stages.
The PGA Tour funds the DPWT and has a seat on its board. The Tour is changing its schedule and the number of events in 2027, giving the DPWT a 6-month window, September through February. It is for DPWT to get it together with the help of the PGA Tour top players who are willing to travel and won’t have a place to play those months. Basically, what is happening is the PGA Tour is telling the DPWT not to worry about the LIV players, as the PGA Tour pros (the ones that would actually want to show up) will tee up there for 6 months.
In an interview earlier this week with Golf.com, O’Neil said, “We’ll have surprise objections at the last minute of deals; for example, we’ll have the ‘invisible hand’ come get us at times,” hinting at the Tour’s involvement in DPWT’s decision-making. But what the European Tour may not be realizing is the consequence of this.
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In 2022, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour formed a partnership, making it harder for the European circuit to make deals with LIV since the two tours need to work together. Because of this partnership, the PGA Tour owns 40% of European Tour Productions, which means 10 DP World Tour players can earn PGA Tour cards each year. By the end of 2035, this deal will end, and the DPWT’s survival might depend on the PGA Tour. They may have to let go of a major share of European Tour Productions and could cease to exist, or could own just a small percentage of their tour.
European pros like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton joined LIV and faced the wrath of DPWT in the form of fines. Earlier, LIV was paying these fines, but now, it won’t be doing so. Rahm and Hatton have also refused to pay these fines, which increase by a reported six figures every time they tee up in a LIV event. This season, the Spaniard even missed the closing stretch of the European Tour. This has put their Ryder Cup appearances in jeopardy. Other budding names like David Puig may also suffer.
O’Neil recently told The Telegraph about talks with the DP World Tour to resolve the Ryder Cup uncertainty.
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“This is something that needs to be settled, and I’m looking forward to that day,” O’Neil explained. “We’re having constructive conversations with Guy Kinnings [the DP World Tour chief executive] and his team. We are hoping that before the season starts, we can all come together in the best interest of golf and put this behind us.”
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Overall, the efforts to merge men’s professional golf are still unclear. On June 6, 2023, there was an unexpected agreement to bring together the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) into one organization by the end of that year. However, that deadline passed without a solution. This agreement aimed to resolve all ongoing legal disputes and create PGA Tour Enterprises, with PIF being a minority investor. Nearly two and a half years later, there has been no real progress in negotiations, despite continuous efforts.
And what’s the players’ take on this merger? They themselves have been vocal about where they see things headed.
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Players look forward, yet nobody believes it will happen
Jon Rahm expressed doubts about a possible LIV Golf agreement before the Masters in April. He said, “I think we all would like to see that. But as far as I can tell, and you all can tell, it’s not happening anytime soon.” He highlighted how challenging the situation is, adding, “We all want a solution, and it’s hard to find one.”
Rory McIlroy has similar concerns, even though he supports bringing everyone together. At CNBC’s CEO Council Forum in late November, he said he believes the merger would benefit golf but thinks, “with what’s happened over the last few years, it’s just going to be very difficult to be able to do that.” He is also worried about the spending habits of LIV Golf’s Saudi backers, who have invested five to six billion dollars without getting any return.
Bryson DeChambeau gave a straightforward view of the current situation.
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“I wish something major would happen, but I don’t think it will in the immediate future. There are too many wants on both sides and not enough concessions on the other. We’re just too far apart on many issues,” he told Fox News in November.
Former MSU AD Set to Lead Rocket Classic Through Critical 2026
organizers of the Rocket Classic announced that Mark Hollis–former athletic director at Michigan State University and current radio host at WJ–will serve as the tournament director for the 2026 edition of the event.
Hollis isn’t just a name; he brings decades of administrative, media, and collegiate-sports leadership, giving the Rocket Classic a new face of stability and vision. He acknowledged the commitment required of Detroit Golf Club members and the broader community when hosting a PGA Tour event, framing it as “giving your backyard up” and stressing that the tournament must deliver value not only for Rocket but for “the neighborhood,” corporate partners, and fans.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Rocket Classic’s future, including speculation that 2026 could be its final playing under the current PGA Tour schedule, Hollis’ appointment arrives at a critical moment, making his leadership more than ceremonial.
Rocket Classic’s Uncertain Future
Launched in 2019, the Rocket Classic quickly became a rare hard-charged PGA Tour stop inside a major U.S. city’s limits–specifically Detroit. Held at Detroit Golf Club, it stood out for combining big-time golf with urban-community energy.
Yet the event has faced headwinds: scheduling volatility across the Tour, shifting sponsorship climates, and questions about long-term viability. Under those conditions, the announcement of a new tournament director can be interpreted as not just a fresh start, but a lifeline. Hollis’ background in sports administration and local media gives credibility to the idea the Rocket Classic may be poised for a reimagined 2026 edition, potentially with adaptive strategies to strengthen community support, corporate partnerships, and fan engagement.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Hollis himself underscored a key point: hosting a PGA Tour event is disruptive for club members, local residents, and the community. “It’s like if you had a backyard party and the neighborhood was back there all summer, it has to be good for you to give your backyard up. That’s what they do. It has to be good for the community.” he said.
Thus, 2026 likely won’t be business-as-usual. Expect increased attention to community relations: traffic, noise, local business involvement, and member accommodations. Corporate sponsors (nearly 200 reportedly involved) will be under pressure to see value.
With Hollis’ radio and media background, the 2026 Rocket Classic could lean into stronger local broadcasting, community outreach, and fan-focused activation. That might mean more accessible coverage, outreach to Detroit’s wider population, and perhaps even efforts to make the tournament feel less like a closed club event and more like a citywide sporting festival.
Given past efforts to integrate local college players–such as sponsor exemptions for newcomers from Michigan-area schools–there could also be renewed pushes to highlight local and regional golf talent, making the Rocket feel more inclusive and community-oriented.
New Timing, New Stakes
In a major update that could reshape who shows up in Detroit next summer, the Rocket Classic will shift on the PGA Tour calendar in 2026–moving from its usual late-June slot to July 30-August 2. This timing places the tournament roughly two weeks after The Open Championship, meaning players will have just returned from a major before heading to Detroit.
This could have real consequences for the field. On one hand, the later date might discourage some golfers who opt to rest after The Open or prepare for other late-summer tournaments. On the other, it could attract players looking to stay hot or build momentum. The shift also gives the host Detroit Golf Club more time to finalize course preparations after its recently completed $16.1 million renovation, potentially improving conditions and appeal.
What This Means for the PGA Tour, Sponsors, and Fans
For the broader PGA Tour ecosystem, the future of city-based tournaments like the Rocket Classic remains a litmus test. Big-market events, especially in nontraditional golf hubs, are seen as necessary to diversify the Tour’s footprint.
NHL suspends Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann for high-sticking
The NHL Department of Player Safety has announced that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann has been suspended one game for high-sticking.
The infraction in question occurred during last night’s Maple Leafs game, when the club took on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Early in the third period, Toronto was defending a 1-0 lead, and Toronto’s Simon Benoit took down Tampa Bay’s Jack Finley with a hard, legal check. Tampa Bay forward Gage Goncalves appeared to respond to the hit by delivering his own check to Maple Leafs defenseman Dakota Mermis, who was collecting a puck in Toronto’s corner. Things escalated from that point, with a scrum breaking out near the center of the ice and Goncalves fighting Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua.
Goncalves was assessed a match penalty for his hit on Mermis, with the key point of controversy on the play being the apparent knee-on-knee contact of Goncalves’ hit. During the center-ice scrum that broke out as a result of Goncalves’ hit, McMann responded to a shove from Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand by hitting Bjorkstrand on the top of the helmet, with some force, with his stick. McMann was assessed his own match penalty on the play.
In their video explaining their decision, the Department of Player Safety said that McMann struck Bjorkstrand’s head “with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline.” The Department of Player Safety drew a clear distinction between the aggressive manner in which McMann lowered his stick and the conventional way a player would be expected to lower a raised stick. They also considered the intentionality of the act, stating that McMann was “in full control” of his stick and his body at all times of the incident in question. They added that McMann “simply must display more control” to ensure his stick does not strike an opposing player’s head in such a manner.
McMann has no prior history of supplemental discipline at the NHL level, which is a factor the department takes into account. This suspension will cost McMann the chance to play in Toronto’s game on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. McMann has eight goals and 14 points across 29 games this season. He ranks seventh among Maple Leafs forwards in time on ice per game, averaging 14:19 per game with most of that being at even strength.
Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann suspended 1 game for high-sticking Lightning’s Oliver Bjorkstrand
The infraction occurred during a scrum in Monday’s game, stemming from Gage Goncalves incurring a game misconduct for kneeing Maple Leafs defenceman Dakota Mermis. During the encounter that included a fight between Mermis and Maxwell Crozier, McMann and Bjorkstrand were shoving each other aggressively. Bjorkstrand landed the first blow with a cross-check that came dangerously close to McMann’s neck, which McMann retaliated with a high-stick that grazed the side of Bjorkstrand’s head and shoulder.
McMann was assessed a match penalty on the play, and the NHL Player Safety stated in their video ruling that the play warranted supplemental discipline because he was in full control of his stick and chose instead to act dangerously with it. His lack of a prior suspension explains why the suspension was only for a game, as there is a case that the NHL would have laid down the hammer if this were done by a player with more history of suspensions.
It is worth noting that Goncalves, who received a major penalty and a game misconduct, never received a hearing from the NHL Player Safety for his infraction.
“That is a tough one. It really is,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said post-game. “I gotta look at it more closely, which I didn’t. On our view on the bench, I couldn’t really see it too well. So I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that, to be honest with you.”
McMann will be eligible to return on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers. He has produced 14 points (eight goals and six assists) in 29 games played so far this season.
How to Watch Sabres vs Oilers: Live Stream NHL, TV Channel
The Edmonton Oilers (13-11-5, 31 points) look to continue their torrid scoring as they host the sliding Buffalo Sabres (11-14-4, 26 points) at Rogers Place on Tuesday night.
How to Watch Buffalo Sabres vs Edmonton Oilers
When: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM ET
TV Channel: ESPN+, MSG Sportsnet
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Edmonton has gone off for 15 goals in consecutive wins on home ice after opening their five-game homestand with a 1-0 shutout loss on Dec. 2. The Oilers hammered the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 on Saturday, blitzing the Jets with four first-period goals and cruising from there. Evan Bouchard and Leon Draisaitl each notched a goal and an assist, and Curtis Lazar also potted a goal to make it a 5-0 game early in the second period. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Matt Savoie, and David Tomasek also lit the lamp, and Connor McDavid recorded a pair of helpers.
The Sabres fell to 0-3-0 on their six-game road trip with a 7-4 loss to the Calgary Flames on Monday night and head to Edmonton on a back-to-back. Buffalo never led, getting to within one goal four separate times before the Flames pulled away. Captain Rasmus Dahlin had a goal and an assist, with Tage Thompson, Owen Power, and Alex Tuch also finding the net. Josh Norris and Jason Zucker had two assists each, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was yanked after two periods, having surrendered five goals on 22 shots.
The Oilers, who lost in each of the last two Stanley Cup Finals, have gotten 17 goals from Draisaitl this season while McDavid has 14 goals and a team-high 42 points. Stuart Skinner is 10-8-3 in 21 starts in net with an .889 save percentage and 2.86 goals-against average. Buffalo, which has an NHL-record 14-year playoff drought it is trying to end, is led by Thompson’s 13 goals, while Tuch has 10 markers and a team-best 25 points. Alex Lyon is 3-6-3 in 13 starts and 14 appearances, posting a .901 save percentage and 3.16 GAA.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann suspended 1 game for high
TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann has been suspended one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning winger Oliver Bjorkstrand, the NHL announced Tuesday.
The incident occurred three minutes into the third period of Toronto’s 2-0 win over Tampa Bay on Monday night.
McMann received a match penalty after swinging his stick and hitting Bjorkstrand’s head following a cross-check from the Lightning forward.
McMann, who is being suspended for the first time in his career, will forfeit U.S. $7,031.25. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
He will miss Toronto’s game Thursday night against the visiting San Jose Sharks, and is eligible to return when the Maple Leafs host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
McMann, 29, has eight goals and six assists in 29 games this season.
Leafs coach Craig Berube disagreed with the match penalty on Monday, calling it a
Flyers Notebook: Ty Murchison excited for NHL debut
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PHILADELPHIA — A promising young hockey player only gets one shot at his NHL debut, so Ty Murchison was determined to make his a good one.
Recently called up from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers defenseman was scheduled to make his debut against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Flyers coach Rick Tocchet had heard good things about the California native and wanted to get a look at a player Phantoms coach John Snowden had given positive reviews. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Murchison said goaltender Dan Vladar has been helpful with the initial transition.
“He’s been great,” Murchison said. “Kind of letting me know to take it all in. Everyone remembers their first. A bunch of guys have been giving me bits and pieces of stuff. They’ve all been great.”
After the optional Tuesday morning skate, the 22-year-old Murchison said he was trying to keep his nerves steady, even though he had about 20 well-wishers watching in the stands.
“I have a big entourage coming,” he acknowledged with a smile. “From all over the place. California, Arizona, Prince Edward Island (Canada). It will be a good night.”
Murchison was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He played four years at Arizona State, just the fourth alum of the program to play in the NHL. He said he found out he was going to make his debut after Monday’s practice at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, N.J.
“Coach Tocchet brought me in and it was a quick conversation,” said Murchison. “Obviously it was great news. I was really excited.”
Murchison was scheduled to partner with Noah Juulsen on the third defense pairing.
“He’s been extremely talkative,” Murchison said of Juulsen. “It makes it super easy. We’ve only skated together twice but he’s a great player, easy to play with. The communication is huge. Makes it a lot easier for me.”
Monday, Tocchet said he likes Murchison’s physical game, one that can be useful to a Flyers lineup which sometimes gets away from that element.
“I think just playing hard every night,” Murchison said. “With pace, physical brand, just trying to do that consistently. The season’s been going well so far with the group down there. The older guys have made it real easy.”
Tocchet was a rookie back in 1984 and can appreciate what a new player goes through for his first NHL game.
“They’re flying his parents in,” Tocchet said. “It’s a huge moment. In people’s lives it’s a huge moment. I think that’s big for him. He’s really worked hard. I just want him to enjoy it, go play and have fun.”
• • •
Carl Grundstrom, who made his Flyers debut Nov. 8, was slated to play Game 2 against the Sharks.
Meanwhile, Cam York, who missed the Colorado game on Sunday, took part in the morning skate, a possible sign he’s on the mend.
“I think they (the training staff) are giving him a little more time to see where he’s at,” Tocchet said. “A little more pace in his practice. As of now, it’s day-to-day so we’ll see how it goes.”
• • •
Travis Konecny has had a few successful nights this season, but there are games when he’s looked a bit off. His 23 points and plus-8 are both second on the team.
“He had a terrible first period (vs. Colorado), he’ll tell you,” Tocchet said. “But then he started to play. To me, he knows, it’s turnovers. A lot of guys, when a team puts pressure, we got into what I call ‘awareness mode.’
“I want you to skate and then be aware. When we get it, we try to make a play and we stop skating. That’s when you get turnovers. He is getting better at it but that’s the one thing he has to work on, his turnovers.”
San Jose Sharks unable to slow down Philadelphia Flyers
The San Jose Sharks allowed two goals in the second period, including a backbreaker with just 12 seconds left before intermission, in a sluggish 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Sharks allowed even-strength goals in the second period to forwards Carl Grundstrom and Noah Cates, with Cates’ goal right before intermission giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead.
The Sharks never recovered, losing for the fourth time in six games and dropping to 1-2-0 on their five-game road trip, which continues with stops in Toronto on Thursday and Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Flyers forward Travis Konecny scored an empty-netter with 1:44 left in the third period to round out the scoring.
Winger Collin Graf extended his goal streak to three as he scored at the 11:33 mark of the first period for a 1-0 Sharks lead. But that was the Sharks’ first shot of the game on Flyers goalie Dan Vladar, who faced just 11 shots in the first two periods.
Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic made xx saves as the Sharks were outshot 29-18. San Jose has now been outshot in 27 of 31 games this season.
Entering Tuesday, the Sharks, via points percentage (.517), held the second and final wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Flyers (15-9-3) have won four of their last six games and are in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division with 33 points, one point out of a playoff spot.
Nedeljkovic got the start on Tuesday as Yaroslav Askarov came down with an illness and had to be scratched from the lineup.
With Askarov unavailable, the Sharks signed former Colgate University goalie Justin Kowalkoski to an amateur tryout contract to back up Nedeljkovic. Kowalkoski, 39, played at Colgate from 2004 to 2008 before a brief professional career.
Nedeljkovic finished with 28 saves, including 15 in the third period, to lead the Sharks to an impressive 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh on Sunday.
Tuesday’s game marks the first time this season that Nedeljkovic has started consecutive games for the Sharks. Before Sunday, Nedeljkovic was 0-3-0 with a .870 save percentage in his last five games.
Nedeljkovic had to make 16 saves in the first period, with the only blemish being Christian Dvorak’s goal at the 18:39 mark. Travis Konecny lifted a puck into the neutral zone, where it bounced off Trevor Zegras and past Sam Dickinson, where Dvorak picked it up, went in alone, and beat Nedeljkovic for his seventh goal of the season.
LINEUP NOTES
Warsofsky said Timothy Liljegren, who has been on the Sharks’ top defense pair alongside Dmitry Orlov for several games this season, was questionable to play Tuesday as he dealt with a lower-body injury.
But Liljegren, who averaged 20:07 of ice time in 24 games this season before Tuesday, took his regular spot in the lineup alongside Dmitry Orlov.
Ryan Reaves, after sitting out the last two games, drew back into the Sharks’ lineup and start on the fourth line alongside Zack Ostapchuk and Barclay Goodrow.
With Reaves returning, winger Jeff Skinner will be a healthy scratch for just the second time this season. Skinner missed 10 games from Nov. 15 to Dec. 3 with a lower-body injury before returning to play the Stars and Hurricanes. Warsofsky told reporters in Philadelphia that he liked Skinner’s game in Raleigh, but that he wanted to go with a bigger lineup against a heavier Flyers team.
The only other time Skinner was a healthy scratch this season was on Oct. 26 when the Sharks beat the Minnesota Wild 6-5 in overtime. Skinner is three games shy of 1,100 for his career.
Konecny gets 500th NHL point in Flyers’ 4-1 win over Sharks
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Travis Konecny got his 500th NHL point and Dan Vladar only had to make 17 saves as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Konecny helped tie the game at 1-1 late in the first period when he backhanded a lofty puck into the neutral zone. Christian Dvorak found it and promptly deked to his back hand for an easy score with 1:21 to play in the period.
The assist was Konecny’s 500th career point. He added an empty-net goal with 1:43 left to play.
Vladar, a career backup with Boston and Calgary before signing with the Flyers in the offseason, was busy late when San Jose pulled goalie Alex Nedeljkovic with just under four minutes left.
The Sharks scored first when Collin Graf drilled home a cross-slot pass from John Klingberg 11:33 into the game.
Carl Grundstrom, recalled from the AHL’s Lehigh Valley recently to replace the injured Tyson Foerster, tipped home a long-distance wrist shot by defender Nick Seeler to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead at the 3:20 mark of the second period.
With 11 seconds remaining in the period, Noah Cates took a pass from Bobby Brink and wristed it past Nedeljkovic for a 3-1 lead.
Nedeljkovic, who finished with 26 saves, was in net because Yaroslav Askarov was ill. He was expected to at least back up Tuesday but was a late scratch, and the Sharks signed Justin Kowalkoski, a 39-year-old geologist 17 years removed from a hockey career at Colgate, to a one-game amateur contract as an emergency backup.
Up next
Sharks: Their road trip continues Thursday night in Toronto.
Flyers: Host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night.
___
Konecny gets 500th NHL point in Flyers’ 4
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Travis Konecny got his 500th NHL point and Dan Vladar only had to make 17 saves as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Konecny helped tie the game at 1-1 late in the first period when he backhanded a lofty puck into the neutral zone. Christian Dvorak found it and promptly deked to his back hand for an easy score with 1:21 to play in the period.
The assist was Konecny’s 500th career point. He added an empty-net goal with 1:43 left to play.
Vladar, a career backup with Boston and Calgary before signing with the Flyers in the offseason, was busy late when San Jose pulled goalie Alex Nedeljkovic with just under four minutes left.
The Sharks scored first when Collin Graf drilled home a cross-slot pass from John Klingberg 11:33 into the game.
Carl Grundstrom, recalled from the AHL’s Lehigh Valley recently to replace the injured Tyson Foerster, tipped home a long-distance wrist shot by defender Nick Seeler to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead at the 3:20 mark of the second period.
With 11 seconds remaining in the period, Noah Cates took a pass from Bobby Brink and wristed it past Nedeljkovic for a 3-1 lead.
Nedeljkovic, who finished with 26 saves, was in net because Yaroslav Askarov was ill. He was expected to at least back up Tuesday but was a late scratch, and the Sharks signed Justin Kowalkoski, a 39-year-old geologist 17 years removed from a hockey career at Colgate, to a one-game amateur contract as an emergency backup.
Up next
Sharks: Their road trip continues Thursday night in Toronto.
Flyers: Host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night.
___
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Penguins’ problems protecting leads reaches ugly new low
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the most surprising teams in the NHL this season. They entered the year with almost no expectations, but through the first two months of the season, they have found themselves in the playoff race and entered Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks with the seventh-best points percentage in the NHL and the third-best in the Eastern Conference.
They had a great chance to improve that mark and seemed to be in a position to do so in what was a pretty dominant performance for 59 minutes and 40 seconds.
Unfortunately for the Penguins, NHL games are 60 minutes.
They learned that lesson the hard way in what turned into a 4-3 shootout loss.
Penguins’ problems protecting leads reaches embarrassing new low
As surprising as the Penguins have been this season, they have had two huge issues that have cost them even more points in the standings. They have struggled to protect leads in the third period, and they have been awful when games go to overtime and shootouts.
Both issues surfaced again on Tuesday — and for the second game in a row.
The Penguins not only surrendered a game-tying goal with 0.1 seconds to play in regulation, but they also lost in another shootout. They are now 0-5 in shootouts this season and 1-7 in games that go beyond regulation.
They are 13-7 in games decided in regulation.
On Sunday, they surrendered a game-tying goal to the Dallas Stars — another game they dominated for 58 minutes — with two minutes to play, and then also lost in a shootout.
What makes Tuesday’s game-tying goal so appalling is the manner in which they gave it up.
With 17 seconds to play, the Penguins had a 3-2 lead, a power play and an offensive zone face-off. It should have been no sweat to just possess the puck and secure the regulation win. They even won the face-off. Allowing a game-tying goal in that situation is about as careless and baffling of a situation as you can get for an NHL team. But the Penguins have found a lot of ways to lose games late.
Before Tuesday, they had already lost four games this season when leading after two periods, tied for the most in the league. And while they entered the third period on Tuesday tied, they still took the lead late and seemed to be in a good position to win.
But no lead is safe for them. They keep proving that over and over again. It is awfully hard to imagine how they could give up one worse than this.
The shootout issues are another issue. They are not only 0-5 in them this season, but they have now lost nine shootouts in a row and 13 of their past 14 shootouts going back to before this season. That is a lot of points to leave on the table. They will add up, and they could be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out.
Mailbag: Avalanche’s speed unmatched; Islanders could be buyers
NHL.com’s weekly Over the Boards mailbag is in full swing this season. Every week, senior writer Dan Rosen sifts through your questions sent to him on X and chooses several to answer.
To participate in future mailbags, send your questions to @drosennhl on X and use #OvertheBoards.
What do you think about the Colorado Avalanche? Do they have the deepest team at the moment? Do you think their team is deeper/superior than the team of 2022? Their defense and especially goaltending is impressive and the best I’ve seen from the Avs. I just don’t get why their power play is no good. — @Haldol25
They’re the best team in the NHL, not only by record (21-2-6 entering Tuesday) but by the eye test.
I haven’t seen a team that can match the Avalanche’s speed. There isn’t one, at least not right now.
It’s led by the top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and Artturi Lehkonen, which has been together all season, but the Avalanche move the puck so well from the back end that the rest of their forwards, namely Brock Nelson, Gabriel Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, Ross Colton, Victor Olofsson, Jack Drury and Parker Kelly, play fast too.
They’re not speed burners like MacKinnon and Necas, but when you move the puck as well as the Avalanche, you’re forced to play fast. That’s how they generate so much of their offense.
They’re excellent defensively because of how good they are moving through the three zones. They don’t spend time defending. Their goalies, Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, have been excellent, but they’re not facing grade-A chance after grade-A chance.
As good as they have been, the Avalanche do a great job of insulating Blackwood and Wedgewood.
The power play is a mystery. With all the talent, how was it converting at just 16.0 percent this season entering Tuesday?
Well, it appears the Avalanche are more stagnant on the power play than they are at 5-on-5. At 5-on-5, they move the puck quickly and force the opponent to chase them around the ice. At 5-on-4, they get guilty of holding on to the puck too long, maybe looking for the perfect play instead of zipping the puck around and getting their feet moving, as they do at 5-on-5.
If you watch their power-play goal in the 3-2 win at the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, you’ll see how the Avalanche moved the puck quickly, went low to high and Cale Makar’s shot from the point created chaos in front, leading to Nelson scoring off a rebound. Simple and structured. On and off the sticks. It works.
As for how the Avalanche this season stack up against the Avalanche of 2021-22, the team that won the Stanley Cup, it’s too early to assess that. It’s not fair to compare a team not even halfway through its regular season to a team that won 56 games and had 119 points before going 16-4 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to win the Cup.
The Islanders are two points out of first place in the Metropolitan Division. Do you think Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche will add to the team come February/March if they are still in that spot to replace Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov? — @AlaRocco0801
Absolutely.
If the New York Islanders maintain their current pace, the expectation is that they will add, particularly knowing Palmieri is out 6-8 months following surgery to repair a torn ACL and Romanov is out 5-6 months following shoulder surgery. Palmieri was injured Nov. 28, and Romanov was injured Nov. 18.
The Islanders can get relief under the NHL salary cap by placing both on long-term injured reserve. Currently, the relief is about $3.6 million based on the League’s new LTIR rule. But they can use the player’s full cap charge if they place him on LTIR and rule him out for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs too. That seems possible with Palmieri; under his injury timeline, at best the forward would be returning in late May or early June. But that’s a reach. Romanov’s timeline gives the defenseman a glimmer of hope of returning in the playoffs, provided the Islanders get there and win at least one round, making it harder to rule him out for the balance of the season, including playoffs.
Regardless, if the Islanders stay in the mix, I expect them to be active in trying to acquire help to replace Palmieri and Romanov. They could be among the most active teams approaching the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline on March 6.
You mentioned blue line as a need for the Columbus Blue Jackets on last week’s SiriusXM NHL Network Radio appearance. What type of ‘D’ do you think they need. I think they have enough offensive minded ‘D’ but need a different mix, especially a shutdown third pair left-handed defenseman to pair with Dante Fabbro. — @mstuart142
The Blue Jackets signed Brendan Smith on Nov. 24 to fill the exact role you mentioned, the left-handed defenseman to pair with Fabbro. That has been Smith’s primary job, and I anticipate the Blue Jackets letting that ride for a little bit to see how it works out, but it’s reasonable to think they will continue to look to upgrade the third defense pair as the season continues.
I agree that they have solid offensive-minded defensemen, led by Zach Werenski but also including Denton Mateychuk and, to a lesser degree, Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. The need is a blue-liner with some more size and snarl and simplicity to his game. That’s Smith, for now.
It doesn’t seem like there will be much separation in the Eastern Conference, so the expectation is that the Blue Jackets will stay in the mix. Provided they do, it makes sense for them to be active in looking to upgrade on the back end, potentially to move a player in ahead of Smith, who has already proven in other stops to be a reliable seventh defenseman.
By the way, I also mentioned the need for help on defense in response to your question last week about the Blue Jackets and Kiefer Sherwood.
Regarding the U.S. Olympic hockey team, it would need three goaltenders. Usually, the No. 3 doesn’t see much if any action, but what do you think of Jonathan Quick being selected for the third spot? He’s a fierce competitor, leader and a proven winner. — @AndyG_Wxeyes
It’s a great question and not a terrible idea, but it depends on what USA Hockey will be looking for in a third goalie. It is also dependent on the drug testing protocol for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. If Quick isn’t in it already, then he may not be an option at all. Players who are candidates to be named to the Olympic roster have been subjected to drug testing from the International Ice Hockey Federation and the National Anti-Doping Organization. If Quick has not been subjected to that testing, it means he is not eligible to be selected to play in the Olympics. The list of players subjected to that testing is not public.
However, considering Quick, the New York Rangers’ backup goalie, for the team falls in line with why I think Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane should be getting serious consideration to play in his third Olympics after 2010 and 2014.
Quick was on the U.S. team in 2010 in Vancouver, when he was still a young goalie in the NHL. He played in the Olympics in 2014 in Sochi. Kane played big roles in both tournaments.
They have experience in this unique event, understand what it is all about and could be important leaders for the U.S. team.
Most importantly, they can still play.
Quick is 3-3-1 with a 1.86 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in seven games this season. Kane has 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 21 games.
To the crux of your question, if the Americans were to take Quick, he would go as a third goalie and a guide, if you will, for the top two, which could very well be Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars and Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.
There’s obviously a strong argument for Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins and Spencer Knight of the Chicago Blackhawks to be on the team too. But if the U.S. takes three of those four, it would be taking three goalies who have zero Olympic experience.
Quick has also become accustomed to playing in the backup role in New York behind Igor Shesterkin. He knows what it’s like now to sit for a while before playing, to not be in a rhythm. If the U.S. were forced to use him in the Olympics, it would be in that situation.
Certainly U.S. coach Mike Sullivan, who is also the Rangers coach, would have confidence in Quick if forced to use him, considering how he’s played this season.
However, it goes back to how USA Hockey views the position and the value of the third goalie.
Is the preference an experienced player in that position like Quick, or a younger goalie who would benefit from the experience of being at the event with it being known the NHL will also go to the Olympics in 2030?
I’m guessing Quick is not going to get any consideration. But it’s a good talking point about the value of Olympic experience and if that matters to USA Hockey or any of the nations that are going to be there.
I’ve heard that the Olympic ice arena is behind schedule, so I’m curious if it’ll get done on time but hopefully they don’t cut corners in the process. My question is, do they have on-site inspectors there to keep things honest? — @Hockeyguy32657
Yes. The NHL facilities operations experts are now consulting with the ice technicians on the ground in Milan at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, the main rink for the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Ice conditions are the chief concern for the NHL and NHL Players’ Association, but there’s a level of confidence now that they know the League’s experts are involved and on the scene in Milan.
The League will have access to test the ice from now until the tournament begins, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said Monday.
Fantasy football Week 15 QB Rankings
Week 14 saw several injuries that will shake up the position, including the biggest news of the week being Philip Rivers’ unretirement after nearly five years away from the game.
Fortunately, most of the injuries aren’t going to impact fantasy starting lineup decisions. Jayden Daniels is the most prominent after suffering a setback with his left elbow, and Daniel Jones went on season-ending IR after tearing an Achilles tendon.
Use these QB rankings to help solidify your decisions as needed or layer in your own risk tolerance. It’s safe to say, though, riding the quarterback who has carried you this far is the wisest play for the vast majority of gamers entering Week 15’s opening playoff stanza.
Week 15 Fantasy QB Rankings
Quarterback rankings: Week 15RkPlayerPosTmOppTier 11Matthew StaffordQBLARDETTier 22Lamar JacksonQBBAL@CIN3Josh AllenQBBUF@NE4Joe BurrowQBCINBALTier 35Sam DarnoldQBSEAIND6Jaxson DartQBNYGWAS7Dak PrescottQBDALMIN8Brock PurdyQBSFTEN9Baker MayfieldQBTBATLTier 410Jalen HurtsQBPHILV11Jared GoffQBDET@LAR12Patrick MahomesQBKCLAC13Drake MayeQBNEBUF14Bo NixQBDENGB15Justin HerbertQBLAC@KCTier 516Tyler ShoughQBNOCAR17Bryce YoungQBCAR@NO18Aaron RodgersQBPITMIA19Marcus MariotaQBWAS@NYG20Jacoby BrissettQBARI@HOU21Jordan LoveQBGB@DEN22Tua TagovailoaQBMIA@PIT23C.J. StroudQBHOUARI24Caleb WilliamsQBCHICLETier 625J.J. McCarthyQBMIN@DALTBDPhilip RiversQBIND@SEA27Shedeur SandersQBCLE@CHI28Trevor LawrenceQBJACNYJ29Kirk CousinsQBATL@TB30Kenny PickettQBLV@PHI31Cam WardQBTEN@SFINJGeno SmithQBLV@PHIINJTyrod TaylorQBNYJ@JACINJJustin FieldsQBNYJ@JACINJRiley LeonardQBIND@SEAINJJayden DanielsQBWAS@NYGIRDaniel JonesQBIND@SEA
Green: Player moved up in the latest rankings update.
Red: Player moved down in the latest rankings update.
0.1 point per rushing yard
6 points per rushing TD
0.05 points per passing yard
4 points per passing TD
-1 point per interception thrown
Fantasy Quarterback Rankings
Fantasy Running Back PPR Rankings
Fantasy Wide Receiver PPR Rankings
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Fantasy Defense Rankings
Chad Ryland and Joey Slye Best Week 15 Fantasy Football Kickers to Sit
The cold means things are about to heat up. Week 15 features the start of no more byes. For the next four weeks, there will be 32 kickers at the ready.. Now, who do we dare go and try to sit? Often, what becomes the problem is which kickers might need the boot to your bench or off your roster?
The second week of December brings some big chill in some expected locales. It may not be quite as extreme as previous weekends. However, there are other variables to consider. A kicker’s form is one thing but his surroundings play a more and more vital role in the final weeks of the regular season.
Anyhow, Thursday night and the weeked approach fast. Get ready and brace for impact.
Okay. it is time to rumble!
Chad Ryland – Arizona Cardinals
The consistency of inconsistency is king. When it comes to the Arizona Cardinals, they are demoralized. Kyler Murray is out for the year and who knows what may happen next. Now, the offense has become more and more one dimensional. They are losing a field goal a week over the last month. What?
Yes, that is correct. Ryland has missed one field goal attempt in every game the last four weeks. Two of these kicks were very makeable and made a difference in the outcome. Despite this, Ryland still is a member of the Cardinals. Kickers have been cut for less. Look at what happened to Younghoe Koo after Week 1.
Arizona faces a Houston team that can shut almost everything down. The Texans are on a roll, are 8-5, and now have a chance to win the AFC South. Meanwhile, Arizona has lost nine of 10 games and have little incentive to change much now.
Arizona may be more apt to trying to score garbage points late again which impacts Ryland’s ability to accumulate a lot of points.
Blake Grupe – Indianapolis Colts
Grupe may have a new quarterback as a teammate by Sunday. As we reported earlier, Philip Rivers was signed to the practice squad on Tuesday. Rivers is 44 but hey if Jason Pierre-Paul can make a return then why not Rivers. Anyway, Grupe did kick two field goals for the Colts last week in the loss to Jacksonville.
This week could be different. Grupe is kicking in the elements and Seattle can always be adventure for kickers. Plus, Grupe has missed eight field goals in 2025. That is not so good.
Again, this is the biggest problem with Grupe. No one knows from week to week what may happen next. Seattle typically allows touchdowns more in abundance compared to field goals as well.
Both of these theories combined lead us to just look elsewhere.
Joey Slye – Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans won their Super Bowl last week over Cleveland. While Jake Elliott has missed five field goals over the last month, Joey Slye has made seven field goals over the last five weeks and has not missed one.
There is one problem. Slye, like most kickers, is up and down. Also, he has a relative down matchup against San Francisco. It boils down to what offense the Titans can muster against the 49ers. Cam Ward is not going to have that easy of a time here.
The smart thing to do is to look elsewhere for better potential matchups. Again, another team having to play catchup means fewer field goals.
More From Fantasy On SI:
Former Alabama running back’s NFL season ends early
Jerome Ford’s 2025 NFL season came to a premature end on Tuesday when the Cleveland Browns placed the running back on injured reserve.
NFL rules require a player on injured reserve to miss a minimum of four games, and the Browns have four games remaining on their 2025 schedule, starting with the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The Browns said Ford has a shoulder injury.
Ford had been Cleveland’s leading rusher in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. But the addition of former Pike Road High School star Quinshon Judkins in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft reduced Ford’s role as a ball-carrier this season.
Ford’s 2025 total will be 73 yards on 24 carries after he ran for 813 yards and four touchdowns on 204 carries in 2023 and 565 yards and three touchdowns on 104 carries in 2024.
Ford also caught 26 passes for 103 yards and averaged 22.6 yards on 13 kickoff returns in 2025.
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Ford will become an unrestricted free agent in March unless the Browns re-sign him before then. Ford is in the final season of a four-year contract signed after the Browns selected him from Cincinnati in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Ford had that contract altered to stay with Cleveland in 2025. His original contract called for Ford to be paid $3.486 million this season. But that salary was not guaranteed, and the running back accepted a pay cut to a guaranteed $1.75 million to remain with the Browns this season.
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Ford played at Alabama in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He ran for 151 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries and caught two passes for 11 yards while playing behind future NFL running backs Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. In two seasons at Cincinnati, Ford ran for 1,802 yards and 27 touchdowns on 214 carries and caught 29 passes for 271 yards and one touchdown.
In 57 games with the Browns, including 18 starts, Ford ran for 1,463 yards and seven touchdowns on 340 carries, caught 107 passes for 647 yards and five touchdowns and averaged 24.2 yards on 58 kickoff returns.
Spice Adams Reveals the Fantasy Football Punishment That Would ‘Destroy My Soul’
During Anthony “Spice” Adams’ sports career, he competed San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears between 2003 and 2011. After that, Adams proved that he was far from a one-trick pony by launching a new chapter that kept him in the spotlight in a new way. Adams remained successful by transitioning from the gridiron to becoming a TV co-host and comedian.
Between his years in the NFL and the time he has spent entertaining people, Adams seems perfectly positioned to speak about sports compellingly. Even still, the way that he recently described the harshest fantasy football punishment that he has heard of was even more compelling than expected.
In December 2025, Spice Adams spoke to Fox News Digital about something that happens around the world at the end of every NFL season: fantasy football punishments. While talking to the outlet, Adams explained the details of the most elaborate fantasy football punishment that he’d heard of.
“The most intricate I’ve heard of has been someone has to go to a bar when it opens, and then they can’t leave until it closes. In between that time, they have beer every hour on the hour. “
After briefly describing a punishment that would take up hours of the sufferer’s life and force them to consume excessive alcohol, Adams didn’t hold back when he discussed how awful he would find that punishment. On top of describing why that punishment would cross the line for him, Adams expressed his opinion that it would be unsafe for anyone to be put through that.
“That would destroy my soul to sit there and waste all of that time, to be in there from — some of these bars open at 6 a.m. And they’re there from 6 a.m. to sometimes 2 a.m. And they’re recording the whole thing, and it’s just some of these, like you can really hurt yourself.”
As Spice Adams continued to talk to Fox News Digital, he suggested that instead being stuck in a bar for hours, eating a Red Baron Humble Pie would be the perfect Fantasy Football punishment. According to Red Baron’s website, the Humble Pie “is smothered with Carolina Reaper sauce and covered in spicy mozzarella cheese with Ghost Pepper flakes, cayenne-dusted pepperoni, habanero slices, jalapeño, and habanero pepper flakes.” Even reading that description may make some people feel hot, which Adams told the outlet would make consuming the pizza a very humbling punishment. That said, Adams suggested taking safety precautions before trying to take on the crucible of consuming a Red Baron Humble Pie.
“This will definitely humble you. Like, it has all the spices in the world in it. You know what I mean? And when you eat it, you know, you gotta come prepared, man. Like you gotta put these goggles on. You got gloves, right? You can’t rub your eyes with Carolina Reaper sauce on your fingers. Like you can’t do that.”
NFL Insider Says This Head Coach Could Be the Next to Be Fired
With four more weeks left in the NFL regular season, two teams—the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants—have already fired their head coach.
As many as seven others could be on the hot seat as well.
Cleveland’s Kevin Stefanski, Miami’s Mike McDaniel, and Vegas’ Pete Carroll are the three most-talked about coaches who are believed to be on thin ice, but Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently named another head coach who could be close to losing his job.
During a video posted to social media in which he answered fan questions, Breer named Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as a name to watch when the next round of coaches start getting fired.
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“I certainly don’t think he’s safe right now,” Breer stated. “I don’t know what the owner’s going to do, but it does feel to me that some level of change is coming. I think JG knows this. Right now, they’re [3-10], and you can’t lose [10 of your last 11 games] and expect that to go unchecked. I think there’s going to be significant change after the year, almost regardless.
“They’ve got a decision to make at quarterback, they’ve got a team I think with some really good young talent on it, but is there enough based on the amount of draft capital they’ve had the last couple of years? I think there are a lot of questions to ask about the future of that team.”
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The Cardinals appear to be in store for an offseason of sweeping change.
It’s been reported that Arizona will move on from $230.5 million quarterback Kyler Murray after the season. The two-time Pro Bowler will likely be traded to recoup some form of draft capital, but if the team can’t find any takers, Murray could also be released.
If owner Michael Bidwell decides he wants to go full reset and bring in a new head coach to find his next franchise quarterback, few would be surprised.
In two-plus seasons with the Cardinals, Gannon has a 15-32 record. He’s never won more than eight games in a season, and Arizona is 3-10 under his guidance this season.
Colts Urged To Make This Move Ahead Of 2026 Season
The last few weeks haven’t been great for the Indianapolis Colts after starting the season on a massive high.
Indy lost four of their last five games, with three of them coming from one score or less. Daniel Jones tore his achilles and will be out for the remainder of the season. Backup quarterback Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury with his future in the air. Starting cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner are both dealing with injuries which could potentially sideline them for multiple weekends.
The 2025 season started off good for the Colts, but took a massive left turn. There is still some time for Indianapolis to salvage their way into the playoffs, but it is looking slimmer as each week passes.
Indy has to start preparing for the future of the organization with the year now in jeopardy of not finishing how the team was hoping for after a good start to the season.
Indianapolis Colts Making Trade Moves in 2026 NFL Draft?
Indianapolis started the season 7-1 before a hard November. The Colts had to rely on the free agency market to get a hopeful starting quarterback after their first 3 QBs suffered injuries.
Daniel Jones is dealing with an Achilles tear and was placed on IR. Anthony Richardson suffered a broken orbital fracture and is on IR. Riley Leonard has a knee injury that could sideline him in Week 15.
FanSided’s Austen Bundy believes that the Colts should start making some calls to acquire the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft to help the team in the future.
“From the top of the AFC South Division to signing retired QB Philip Rivers to the practice squad, Indianapolis has seen its season make a complete 180 and its front office will have to do the same with its offseason priorities,” Bundy wrote. “Indianapolis gave its 2026 first-round pick to the New York Jets when it acquired Sauce Gardner ahead of the deadline.”
“It may take dealing next year’s first and a handful of other picks to entice New York [Giants] or Las Vegas [Raiders] to part with such a valuable selection. But with a rookie QB talent like Fernando Mendoza (Indiana connection) projected to go first overall, the Colts should be thinking about the long-term rather than attempting to piecemeal its way back to playoff contention.”
The Colts do not have much draft capital to make, but if they could pull off some magic to acquire the first overall (or a top 3), they should go all in to make sure things go forward.
If Mendoza or any other QB in the draft were to make their way to the Colts, they would be the fifth full-time starting quarterback.
Future Of Daniel Jones
After struggling to find a proper replacement for Andrew Luck who retired back in 2019, the Indianapolis Colts have found it with Daniel Jones.
The former NY Giants quarterback was on track to have his best season in the NFL, but will fall short due to his achilles tear. On the season, Jones threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The quarterback is currently on a one-year, $14 million deal, which seemed to be a cheap with how he has been playing. The Colts were most likely going to extend the quarterback for beyond the 2025 season. The former Duke Blue Devil would at least make a minimum of $40.24 million if Indy placed the franchise tag on Jones.
The timing of Jones injury will play a big factor if the Colts would keep the player and there is uncertainty if he could return for the majority of the 2026 season.
If he returns to Indy or not, Jones proved that he could be a franchise quarterback around the league and should have no difficulty finding a new home after he returns to 100%.
Colts Could Consider Shocking QB Change Before 2026 Season
The Indianapolis Colts saw their season take a drastic turn in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars when quarterback Daniel Jones went down for the rest of the year due to a torn Achilles.
Jones had come on strong this season with the Colts. Many expected the franchise to work out a long-term deal to make him their quarterback of the future. Unfortunately, those plans could change.
In 13 games played, Jones completed 68 percent of his pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also ran for 164 yards and five more touchdowns.
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Coming back from an Achilles tear can be a very difficult task. It’s quite possible that Indianapolis could get cold feet investing in Jones long-term. Perhaps the team could consider changing course altogether.
Of course, the viral news this week has surrounded the Colts signing 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers. However, the main question becomes, who will Indianapolis have under center in 2026?
Bringing Jones back could still be an option. If the Colts choose to move in a different direction, where could they turn?
At the trade deadline, Indianapolis acquired star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. In that deal, the Colts traded their first-round picks for the next two years. Adding a rookie quarterback who can play immediately likely isn’t a legitimate option.
Enter future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If the 42-year-old signal caller decides to continue his playing career, he will enter free agency once again this offseason. He could simply re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Indianapolis could consider pursuing him.
Throughout the 2025 season, it has been clear that the Colts are not far away from a Super Bowl run. Rodgers might have interest in being the missing piece for that run in 2026. Indianapolis would likely have interest in a quarterback of Rodgers’ caliber to go all-in on pursuing a championship as well.
On the outside looking in, the pairing makes a lot of sense. It might never have a chance of happening, but it shouldn’t be completely dismissed.
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Rodgers has played in 12 games this season, throwing for 2,370 yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s still capable of being a quality NFL starter.
While this is just an idea, it could be something to monitor as the offseason draws closer. Rodgers to the Colts might be the move that both sides need to win it all.
Michael Strahan Announces College Football Immortality With Texas Southern Tigers
Michael Strahan, one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive legends, first made his mark as a star at Texas Southern. He terrorized offenses to earn First Team All-American honors in 1992. He even set the school’s sack record with 41.5 and won the Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year award. So it’s no surprise that his college legacy just earned him one of the sport’s highest honors.
Fox Sports announced Michael Strahan’s latest milestone on December 9 through an Instagram post. In the post, Fox Sports congratulated Strahan for officially being inducted into the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame.
“Forever in the history books 🔥,” Fox Sports wrote in the caption. “Congratulations @michaelstrahan for being inducted into the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame 🏆 @nffnetwork.”
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Former NFL Player Gets Concerning News About CBS Future
CBS has long been one of the premier networks for sports coverage in the United States. One of the most-watched shows on the Paramount network, and its premier weekday morning show, is “CBS Mornings.” Hosts Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil, joined by former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson, provide news coverage each morning.
Burleson played 11 years in the league for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. He made 135 appearances during his career, totaling 457 receptions for 5,630 yards and 39 touchdowns. His best season in the NFL came in 2004 with the Vikings, when he caught 68 passes for 1,006 yards and nine scores.
Burleson has had a daily job on TV since 2016, when he joined NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.” He began his stint with “CBS Mornings” in 2021, when the show rebranded from “CBS This Morning.”
King, Dokoupil and Burleson have held their positions as hosts since the third member joined. However, this week, Alexandra Steigrad of the New York Post reported that the morning show “will likely be overhauled” due to Dokoupil moving to CBS’s evening news program.
Because of this overhaul, it is likely that Burleson’s four-year tenure with “CBS Mornings” will be coming to an end.
In addition to Dokoupil moving off the show, King, who has been on the show since 2011, has a contract with CBS that expires in May. When that happens, she will likely leave “CBS Mornings” as well.
With all this movement, it is very likely that Burleson will no longer be a part of the morning show when the two other hosts leave, Steigrad said.
Steigrad said the overhaul will not happen in the “near term,” giving Burleson time to weigh his options at other networks.
Three college football QBs receive first
Coming into the 2025 season, a bevy of talented returning passers were expected to dominate college football. With the regular season complete, it’s fair to say that NFL Draft experts are realizing the same thing that many fans did– those quarterbacks mostly underperformed drastically. In their place, only a trio of QBs were recently tabbed as first-round ready by one writer.
Struggling Returnees
On the list of underperforming veteran passers are names like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Penn State’s Drew Allar, and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. Preseason Heisman favorite Arch Manning is considered a near-lock to return to school, and fellow standout LaNorris Sellers is weighing over a decision in that area. Only three players have stepped up ahead of the field into likely first-round picks.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza has wowed college football fans, but has also impressed NFL executives and even casual fans. On Sunday’s Browns/Titans battle, Cleveland fans had a
Knicks book trip to Las Vegas with NBA Cup quarterfinal win vs. Raptors
This game isn’t fun anymore. The Knicks sapped the life from the Scotiabank Arena.
The Toronto Raptors’ home crowd was alive and well for the NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup against the Knicks on Tuesday, and after an electrifying first-quarter duel between All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram, the Raptors — without R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley — took a 39-35 lead into the second quarter.
And then the Knicks put the kids to sleep. Just like a team with championship aspirations is supposed to do.
A suffocating second quarter put the Knicks up for good, and they staved off Toronto’s repeated attempts to claw within single digits in a 117-101 victory over the Raptors on Tuesday. The Knicks outscored the Raptors, 34-13, in the second quarter to win just their fourth road game of the season.
“Scoring 39 in the first was easy for them,” team captain Jalen Brunson said in his walk-off interview after scoring 35 points, 20 of which came in the first quarter. “They’re a good team, but we had to crack down a little bit. We had to up the pressure, find a way to get stops and score in transition.”
Now. after two heartbreaking NBA Cup quarterfinal losses in the opening two years of the In-Season Tournament’s inception, the Knicks will finally advance to the semifinals — the Las Vegas rounds — to face the Orlando Magic on Saturday.
The Knicks convincingly lost their first two games of the year against the Magic, but got their first one back in a 106-100 victory on Sunday.
“It’s an opportunity to win something and I’m happy with the way we played and the way we fought,” Brunson said. “We knew this team was gonna bounce back, We played them last week.”
And now, they get a chance to right their wrongs: The blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023. Trae Young icing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, then rolling imaginary dice on the center-court Knicks logo in 2024.
The Knicks — and it’s about time — are Vegas-bound to put those memories far out of reach.
“I think as competitors whenever you have the ability to win something you want to do that,” Brunson said after practice on Monday. “If you are a competitor, you should want to compete every time you step on the court. so for us, it’s important to first focus on Toronto and if we can get past that, it’s something we definitely want to win. And, we’re going to go out for it.”
It couldn’t have happened without their performance on Tuesday — plus a little bit of luck, because Miles McBride is out with an ankle injury, and his return timeline is unknown.
McBride is the Knicks’ hound on the perimeter, and he’s taken yet another pleasant step in his offensive development as a flamethrower from three-point range. The Knicks downgraded him to questionable on Monday then ruled their sixth man out ahead of tipoff against the Raptors on Tuesday.
But Toronto also had their own injury issues: Quickley was a late scratch with an illness, and Barrett has been out since late November with a knee injury.
The Raptors entered their NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup without two of their best scorers — the former Knicks who would have liked nothing more than to stick it to the team that dealt them up north in the deal netting OG Anunoby for New York.
That wasn’t the Knicks’ problem. Their issue? Stopping Ingram, who matched Brunson nearly point for point in the opening period. Ingram scored 17 of his team-high 31 points in the opening period, picking the Knicks apart in the mid-range and from downtown.
New York, of course, is prepared to stop a wing in its tracks. There might not be a person walking in Canada capable of stopping Brunson from imposing his will.
Josh Hart added 21 points, and Mikal Bridges scored 15. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds after spending most of the first quarter in foul trouble.
Next-up: a pit stop home, before jets take off to Las Vegas.
Knicks storm past Raptors to advance into NBA Cup semifinals
TORONTO — The streaking Knicks are taking their luck to Sin City.
Behind an efficient masterclass from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks pummeled the Raptors in Tuesday night’s NBA Cup quarterfinal, 117-101, advancing to Saturday’s semifinal in Las Vegas against the Orlando Magic.
Brunson, who thrives in the single-game elimination environment (check out his two NCAA titles with ’Nova), scored 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting, dissecting Toronto’s porous defense while getting off smooth and swishing jumpers.
He was 6-of-9 from deep, and the Knicks (17-7), winners of four straight and eight of their last nine, cruised to the final buzzer, never allowing the lead to reach single-digits in the second half.
Brunson was joined in offensive efficiency by his Villanova buddy, Josh Hart, who dropped in 21 points on 8-of-11 from the field.
Karl-Anthony Towns, returning from a one-game absence because of calf tightness, added 14 points with 16 boards.
After falling in the NBA Cup’s quarterfinals the last two years — including last season’s infamous Trae Young dice roll on the MSG midcourt logo — the Knicks are in the Vegas Final 4.
But it didn’t start so pretty Tuesday for NYK.
The first quarter was a slopfest for the Knicks, who committed seven turnovers that led to 12 Raptors points.
Toronto led after that opening quarter, 39-35, despite Brunson going off for 20 points in the first nine minutes.
The Knicks picked up the defensive intensity in the second quarter, dominating those 12 minutes to take a 17-point lead into the break.
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The Raptors (15-11) are fragile, understaffed, and they folded.
They were at home but the clear underdogs, having lost five of their previous six games — including a lopsided defeat at MSG last week.
Toronto was also missing former Knicks RJ Barrett, who has a knee injury, and Immanuel Quickley, who was a late scratch with an illness.
The Knicks, who didn’t have Miles McBride because of what a source described as a high ankle sprain, have been vocal about their desire to win the NBA Cup despite its scheduling conundrums.
Since the Knicks won, they’ll fly across the country to Vegas for a road trip that could last a week and end in Indianapolis.
If they had lost, they would’ve gone home for about a week with just one home game.
So now they’ll hit the road instead of enjoying a mini winter break.
And as a reward for their schlepping, the Knicks earned more prize money with semifinalists collecting over $100K per player compared to the over $50K for quarterfinalists (a championship would net them over $500K apiece).
Jalen Brunson has an incident with heckler during NBA Cup quarterfinal
Jalen Brunson has become the latest NBA player to have an on-camera incident with a heckler.
Brunson and the New York Knicks faced off on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors for an NBA Cup quarterfinal game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ont. During the first quarter, the Amazon Prime broadcast caught Brunson exchanging words with a heckler in the Toronto crowd.
The two-time All-Star Brunson was about to inbound the ball when he heard something from the heckler and turned around two separate times to respond to him. Brunson then made the inbounds pass and proceeded to hit a three-pointer just seconds later.
Here is the video.
Maybe the fan was trying anything that he could to get into Brunson’s head since Brunson was already absolutely torching the Raptors by that point. He scored 20 points in just the first quarter alone and finished with 35 points overall as the Knicks won 117-101 to advance to the NBA Cup semifinal in Las Vegas, Nev.
Hecklers are obviously a staple of any sporting event, but the NBA in particular has seen a recent rise in incidents of players engaging with them. Most notably, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey also had a very heated moment with a heckler during an NBA Cup game a couple of weeks ago.