7 hours ago
The MLB season is nearing the trade deadline and entering the playoff push. With under 60 games left, teams are making final pushes for playoff berths. Player production has become vital, and improved play has helped specific teams join the playoff race. Entering the week, here are the top 10 first basemen.
MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Jul 8, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Alec Burleson has played a pivotal role for St. Louis. His production has helped the team make a push for a Wild Card spot. Entering the week, he leads the Cardinals in hits.
Alonso had a slow start in his first season with Baltimore. However, he's increased his production over the past few months. Entering the week, he leads the Orioles in hits, home runs, RBI, and total bases.
#cardinals
MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Jul 8, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Alec Burleson has played a pivotal role for St. Louis. His production has helped the team make a push for a Wild Card spot. Entering the week, he leads the Cardinals in hits.
Alonso had a slow start in his first season with Baltimore. However, he's increased his production over the past few months. Entering the week, he leads the Orioles in hits, home runs, RBI, and total bases.
#cardinals
4 days ago
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS color commentator Tony Romo was arrested Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to multiple reports.
According to the report, Romo was traveling southbound on Interstate 43 on the high-rise bridge in Milwaukee when he was stopped by authorities on the evening of July 23. Law enforcement officials indicated that the former quarterback performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests, which led to his arrest of operating while intoxicated (OWI), Wisconsin's legal term for DUI.
Romo, 46, was taken into custody, booked, and released the same night. The incident is reportedly being treated as a first-time offense, which in Wisconsin is typically categorized as a cicli violations rather than a criminal charge. Potential penalties could include fines and other administrative consequences.
A court appearance has been tentatively scheduled for September 21, where further details surrounding the case are expected to emerge. CBS is scheduled to broadcast four games on September 20, the day before his expected appearance, but announcers have not yet been ***** igned to specific games.
Since his 14-year career in Dallas, Romo has largely maintained a clean public image.
#quarterback #scheduled
According to the report, Romo was traveling southbound on Interstate 43 on the high-rise bridge in Milwaukee when he was stopped by authorities on the evening of July 23. Law enforcement officials indicated that the former quarterback performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests, which led to his arrest of operating while intoxicated (OWI), Wisconsin's legal term for DUI.
Romo, 46, was taken into custody, booked, and released the same night. The incident is reportedly being treated as a first-time offense, which in Wisconsin is typically categorized as a cicli violations rather than a criminal charge. Potential penalties could include fines and other administrative consequences.
A court appearance has been tentatively scheduled for September 21, where further details surrounding the case are expected to emerge. CBS is scheduled to broadcast four games on September 20, the day before his expected appearance, but announcers have not yet been ***** igned to specific games.
Since his 14-year career in Dallas, Romo has largely maintained a clean public image.
#quarterback #scheduled
4 days ago
From Caitlin Clark's complaining to Cathy Engelbert controversies, 11 reasons that show why WNBA is own worst enemy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The WNBA has every reason to be thriving at the moment, and in some ways, it is.
The talent pool is strong, with collegiate stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more going head-to-head with standout veterans. The league has a historic rookie in Minnesota's Olivia Miles, and Aces star A'ja Wilson is making the case that she is the most dominant player of all-time as she takes aim at another MVP award.
Headlines that often have little to do with basketball have dominated the conversation around the league, however. Some of that is by design, as many players are outwardly political, but what's rubbing some fans the wrong way goes well beyond that.
All that's holding back the WNBA at this point might be the WNBA itself.
#clark
The WNBA has every reason to be thriving at the moment, and in some ways, it is.
The talent pool is strong, with collegiate stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more going head-to-head with standout veterans. The league has a historic rookie in Minnesota's Olivia Miles, and Aces star A'ja Wilson is making the case that she is the most dominant player of all-time as she takes aim at another MVP award.
Headlines that often have little to do with basketball have dominated the conversation around the league, however. Some of that is by design, as many players are outwardly political, but what's rubbing some fans the wrong way goes well beyond that.
All that's holding back the WNBA at this point might be the WNBA itself.
#clark
5 days ago
Former ESPN host Trey Wingo is defending former coworkers at the network after “NFL Live” went through a shakeup with former NFL star Ryan Clark’s dismissal.
The longtime sports media figure came quick to the defense of his former program after Emmanuel Acho attacked ESPN for getting rid of Clark. However, Wingo’s got receipts regarding viewership that don’t support Acho’s claims.
MORE: Ryan Clark details controversial ‘NFL Live’ exit, ESPN layoff
Acho recently took to social media to suggest that Clark is a main reason why “NFL Live” is so successful. However, WIngo is quick to point out that the ESPN show’s ratings have dipped significantly over the years.
In fact, WIngo even posted a chart commenting on Acho’s rationale showing that the program peaked in viewers over a decade ago. That includes top ratings for “NFL Live” allegedly coming in 2013, which is long before Clark’s tenure.
#clark #live #ryan
The longtime sports media figure came quick to the defense of his former program after Emmanuel Acho attacked ESPN for getting rid of Clark. However, Wingo’s got receipts regarding viewership that don’t support Acho’s claims.
MORE: Ryan Clark details controversial ‘NFL Live’ exit, ESPN layoff
Acho recently took to social media to suggest that Clark is a main reason why “NFL Live” is so successful. However, WIngo is quick to point out that the ESPN show’s ratings have dipped significantly over the years.
In fact, WIngo even posted a chart commenting on Acho’s rationale showing that the program peaked in viewers over a decade ago. That includes top ratings for “NFL Live” allegedly coming in 2013, which is long before Clark’s tenure.
#clark #live #ryan
6 days ago
FORT DODGE − Let's set up the finals, shall we?
The Class 4A field at the Iowa high school state softball tournament will narrow to just the final two teams by the end of the day Wednesday, July 22. At the start of the day, No. 1 ADM and No. 2 Carlisle were both one win from reaching the state final, while No. 3 Fort Dodge, No. 4 Western Dubuque and No. 7 North Polk were each hoping to stay alive after suffering losses earlier this week.
The final two teams remaining after today will square off on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. for the Class 4A state **** le. Before we get there, here's a rundown of all the action as it happens in Fort Dodge.
Games listed in the order they are played on July 22.
The Comets put on a stellar defensive effort in this elimination game, but Dodgers' pitcher Aubrey Alstott's effort in the circle and at the plate helped carry Fort Dodge to the next round.
#dodge
The Class 4A field at the Iowa high school state softball tournament will narrow to just the final two teams by the end of the day Wednesday, July 22. At the start of the day, No. 1 ADM and No. 2 Carlisle were both one win from reaching the state final, while No. 3 Fort Dodge, No. 4 Western Dubuque and No. 7 North Polk were each hoping to stay alive after suffering losses earlier this week.
The final two teams remaining after today will square off on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. for the Class 4A state **** le. Before we get there, here's a rundown of all the action as it happens in Fort Dodge.
Games listed in the order they are played on July 22.
The Comets put on a stellar defensive effort in this elimination game, but Dodgers' pitcher Aubrey Alstott's effort in the circle and at the plate helped carry Fort Dodge to the next round.
#dodge
6 days ago
Indiana Fever All-Star Caitlin Clark and her enablers must take the rest of us for idiots.
The fouls they claim occurred? The “contusion” she says she suffered? The technicals that aren’t deserved? Clark doesn’t suddenly become invisible when she’s involved in a physical play, so we can see what actually happened.
Which is that Clark is flopping. And her histrionics while doing so are putting other people in danger.
Now, before you start howling and going on about the eyeballs Clark has brought to the WNBA and women’s basketball, I am not a Clark hater. She can be an electrifying player — her player of the week honor is richly deserved after she went off for a combined 75 points in her last three games — and she’s been the gateway drug to women’s sports fandom for millions of people.
That, however, does not entitle her to a free pass.
#fever #star
The fouls they claim occurred? The “contusion” she says she suffered? The technicals that aren’t deserved? Clark doesn’t suddenly become invisible when she’s involved in a physical play, so we can see what actually happened.
Which is that Clark is flopping. And her histrionics while doing so are putting other people in danger.
Now, before you start howling and going on about the eyeballs Clark has brought to the WNBA and women’s basketball, I am not a Clark hater. She can be an electrifying player — her player of the week honor is richly deserved after she went off for a combined 75 points in her last three games — and she’s been the gateway drug to women’s sports fandom for millions of people.
That, however, does not entitle her to a free pass.
#fever #star
7 days ago
Texas coach Sean Miller offered a laundry list of reasons for why he's thrilled the Longhorns will face the Baylor Bears next season in a neutral site contest at the Frost Bank Center.
The "San Antonio Hoops Showdown" is set for Nov. 15, the Spurs announced Tuesday. Tickets for the 264th all-time meeting between the programs will go on sale at noon on Oct. 1 at FrostBankCenter.com and Ticketmaster.com. Start time and television broadcast information will be announced at a later date.
"We wanted to play a high-quality opponent knowing we're going to challenge our team to the highest level, and Baylor does that," Miller said. "The fact that they are also from our state is icing on the cake."
But that's not the only reason Miller, whose team will enter the 2026-27 season as a consensus preseason top-10 team after advancing to the Sweet 16 and finishing 25-15 overall last season, is excited about the game.
"This allows us to tap into our San Antonio fan base and in particular our great relationship with the San Antonio Spurs," Miller said via news release. "The Spurs come to Moody Center and play (in the regular season), and now we can reciprocate and go to their home court. It's great for our players, our team and, to a large extent, for the continued relationship and development between the University of Texas and the San Antonio Spurs. Playing in an NBA arena is always something that means a lot to our team and to our players because it's where they one day want to be."
#SPURS #team #baylor #announced
The "San Antonio Hoops Showdown" is set for Nov. 15, the Spurs announced Tuesday. Tickets for the 264th all-time meeting between the programs will go on sale at noon on Oct. 1 at FrostBankCenter.com and Ticketmaster.com. Start time and television broadcast information will be announced at a later date.
"We wanted to play a high-quality opponent knowing we're going to challenge our team to the highest level, and Baylor does that," Miller said. "The fact that they are also from our state is icing on the cake."
But that's not the only reason Miller, whose team will enter the 2026-27 season as a consensus preseason top-10 team after advancing to the Sweet 16 and finishing 25-15 overall last season, is excited about the game.
"This allows us to tap into our San Antonio fan base and in particular our great relationship with the San Antonio Spurs," Miller said via news release. "The Spurs come to Moody Center and play (in the regular season), and now we can reciprocate and go to their home court. It's great for our players, our team and, to a large extent, for the continued relationship and development between the University of Texas and the San Antonio Spurs. Playing in an NBA arena is always something that means a lot to our team and to our players because it's where they one day want to be."
#SPURS #team #baylor #announced
13 days ago
Tarik Muharemovic will leave Serie A, as Juventus elected not to bring him back, while Antonio Silva, who had been attached to Milan, won't be coming to the Peninsula. Both are headed to the Premier League, Fabrizio Romano reports (via SOSFanta).
Leeds United have bested Bournemouth and Sunderland in the race for the Bosnian defender. They will pay €38/40M to Sassuolo. The Bianconeri will pocket half of that figure due to a 50 percent resale clause. They wished to acquire him for about €15M, but the Emilian side drove up his price tag. The center-back will sign a rich five-year deal.
While Juventus gave serious thought to signing Muharemovic, Milan didn't go past an initial inquiry for Antonio Silva. Benfica couldn't convince him to sign an extension and then swiftly sold him to the Cherries.
The Rossoneri have already signed Mario Gila for a higher fee. They might add further if they parted ways with Fikayo Tomori. The Englishman has been linked to the Old Lady, but they'll resume negotiating with Bologna for Jhon Lucumi first now that his €28M release clause is no longer in play. He's drawing interest from Saudi Arabia, though, Sportitalia informs.
The Rossoneri would have purchased the latter if they really wanted him, considering how much they shelled out for Gila, who's more of a sure thing. If they address the position again, it'll have to be a proper stud.
Leeds United have bested Bournemouth and Sunderland in the race for the Bosnian defender. They will pay €38/40M to Sassuolo. The Bianconeri will pocket half of that figure due to a 50 percent resale clause. They wished to acquire him for about €15M, but the Emilian side drove up his price tag. The center-back will sign a rich five-year deal.
While Juventus gave serious thought to signing Muharemovic, Milan didn't go past an initial inquiry for Antonio Silva. Benfica couldn't convince him to sign an extension and then swiftly sold him to the Cherries.
The Rossoneri have already signed Mario Gila for a higher fee. They might add further if they parted ways with Fikayo Tomori. The Englishman has been linked to the Old Lady, but they'll resume negotiating with Bologna for Jhon Lucumi first now that his €28M release clause is no longer in play. He's drawing interest from Saudi Arabia, though, Sportitalia informs.
The Rossoneri would have purchased the latter if they really wanted him, considering how much they shelled out for Gila, who's more of a sure thing. If they address the position again, it'll have to be a proper stud.
14 days ago
There has been a vacancy in the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive rotation for a few months. In May, we highlighted four free agents the Chiefs could sign to play defensive end on the site.
New Orleans Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan has returned to his long-time team since that writing, but the three players remaining are still on the market with training camp nearing.
Jadeveon Clowney is always a name to consider, but there’s another candidate from the list who was also highlighted by friend of the site Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports this week.
4 veteran free agent defensive ends the Kansas City Chiefs could sign for competitive depth during training camp and the preseason | A to Z Sports
Derek Barnett
New Orleans Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan has returned to his long-time team since that writing, but the three players remaining are still on the market with training camp nearing.
Jadeveon Clowney is always a name to consider, but there’s another candidate from the list who was also highlighted by friend of the site Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports this week.
4 veteran free agent defensive ends the Kansas City Chiefs could sign for competitive depth during training camp and the preseason | A to Z Sports
Derek Barnett
14 days ago
So many things go into an NFL team having a successful season. Coaching, injuries, roster depth, plain ol’ luck, good or bad – they can all play a part in how well a team plays. But there is one thing that is almost always a barometer of how well a team is doing, and that’s the play at quarterback.
Sure, a QB can play well while his defense lets him down (cough, 2025 Cowboys, cough), or a world-class defense can lift a team despite the shortcomings of its QB. In general, though, how your QB goes is a good indicator of how your teams is going.
So how will Dak Prescott do in 2026? We’ll break it down into one stat – TD passes. We’ll use that as a shorthand for Prescott’s year. We have four options for the number of TD passes Prescott will throw in 2026, and offer a short reason for each range of numbers.
If you’re in this category, you probably believe in the recent ‘every other year’ injury curse for Prescott. In no season when Prescott plays more than 12 games has he thrown for under 20 TDs. But since 2020, Prescott has alternated injury-shortened seasons with healthy ones, and 2026 just happens to be an injury season in that cycle.
This was Prescott’s normal range early in his career. If he is in this range in 2026, it likely means the running game is really performing and the defense is keeping games relatively close so as to not force Prescott into playing hero ball. The last time Prescott was in this range was 2022 when he only played 12 games, so injury could also be the issue.
Sure, a QB can play well while his defense lets him down (cough, 2025 Cowboys, cough), or a world-class defense can lift a team despite the shortcomings of its QB. In general, though, how your QB goes is a good indicator of how your teams is going.
So how will Dak Prescott do in 2026? We’ll break it down into one stat – TD passes. We’ll use that as a shorthand for Prescott’s year. We have four options for the number of TD passes Prescott will throw in 2026, and offer a short reason for each range of numbers.
If you’re in this category, you probably believe in the recent ‘every other year’ injury curse for Prescott. In no season when Prescott plays more than 12 games has he thrown for under 20 TDs. But since 2020, Prescott has alternated injury-shortened seasons with healthy ones, and 2026 just happens to be an injury season in that cycle.
This was Prescott’s normal range early in his career. If he is in this range in 2026, it likely means the running game is really performing and the defense is keeping games relatively close so as to not force Prescott into playing hero ball. The last time Prescott was in this range was 2022 when he only played 12 games, so injury could also be the issue.
14 days ago
LAS VEGAS — The trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto will be on hold for a bit longer.
The NBA’s annual Board of Governors meeting is taking place at Summer League this week and a ruling on the investigation into the Clippers and failed startup Aspiration won’t be finalized before commissioner Adam Silver meets with the media on Tuesday night.
That doesn’t mean Silver will be short on topics to cover.
The league recently closed a round of bidding on teams for its prospective league in Europe and has seen a number of groups go public about their interest in bringing an expansion team to Las Vegas.
And Silver will likely be asked why it took nine days for the NBA to officially inform the Clippers and Raptors that their trade was on hold until the Aspiration investigation was completed.
The NBA’s annual Board of Governors meeting is taking place at Summer League this week and a ruling on the investigation into the Clippers and failed startup Aspiration won’t be finalized before commissioner Adam Silver meets with the media on Tuesday night.
That doesn’t mean Silver will be short on topics to cover.
The league recently closed a round of bidding on teams for its prospective league in Europe and has seen a number of groups go public about their interest in bringing an expansion team to Las Vegas.
And Silver will likely be asked why it took nine days for the NBA to officially inform the Clippers and Raptors that their trade was on hold until the Aspiration investigation was completed.
15 days ago
Penn State has a long and convoluted college football history that includes extended periods of success, brief periods of inactivity, and a whole bunch of drama in between the lines. But everything they've encountered in their nearly 140-year history has led them to the 2026 season, where Matt Campbell will be at the helm for the first time as the team embarks on a redemption journey.
They had a catastrophic 2025 season that resulted in a coaching change, an abandoned 2027 recruiting class and a lot of uncertainty about the program. Fast forward to today and it's a miracle that the outlook on the Nittany Lions has flipped so dramatically. USA Today's Paul Myerberg ranked all 18 Big Ten programs and had Penn State listed at No. 5.
It doesn't help the school's case that the conference has been on a national championship run as of late, with Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana all achieving glory in consecutive years since 2024. Unsurprisingly, those are three of the teams ranked above the Nittany Lions, with the Oregon Ducks being the only team missing a national championship that has a better outlook.
It's no slight, with the team having a top-5 record in the nation over the last five seasons and clinching back-to-back College Football Playoff berths. Penn State earned a trip to the tournament in 2024, but missed it during the tumult of last season.
Getting back to the playoffs so quickly would be a dream come true, but finishing fifth in the Big Ten likely wouldn't be good enough to make it. Wherever they land, though, Nittany Lions fans should rejoice over how much the team's hopes have changed in such a short amount of time.
They had a catastrophic 2025 season that resulted in a coaching change, an abandoned 2027 recruiting class and a lot of uncertainty about the program. Fast forward to today and it's a miracle that the outlook on the Nittany Lions has flipped so dramatically. USA Today's Paul Myerberg ranked all 18 Big Ten programs and had Penn State listed at No. 5.
It doesn't help the school's case that the conference has been on a national championship run as of late, with Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana all achieving glory in consecutive years since 2024. Unsurprisingly, those are three of the teams ranked above the Nittany Lions, with the Oregon Ducks being the only team missing a national championship that has a better outlook.
It's no slight, with the team having a top-5 record in the nation over the last five seasons and clinching back-to-back College Football Playoff berths. Penn State earned a trip to the tournament in 2024, but missed it during the tumult of last season.
Getting back to the playoffs so quickly would be a dream come true, but finishing fifth in the Big Ten likely wouldn't be good enough to make it. Wherever they land, though, Nittany Lions fans should rejoice over how much the team's hopes have changed in such a short amount of time.
15 days ago
Swindon Town boss Ian Holloway was sent off during the latter stages of his side's 1-0 pre-season friendly victory against Spanish club Costa City in Alicante.
The club confirmed that the 63-year-old was dismissed in the 89th minute after an altercation with a Costa City player.
Friday's match, played in blisteringly hot conditions, was decided by a second-half penalty from Fletcher Holman.
The club added that Holloway reacted "following an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct by one of the opposition's players off the field" after it was alleged that the former Queens Park Rangers, Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager had been struck in the face by the ball.
The club confirmed that the 63-year-old was dismissed in the 89th minute after an altercation with a Costa City player.
Friday's match, played in blisteringly hot conditions, was decided by a second-half penalty from Fletcher Holman.
The club added that Holloway reacted "following an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct by one of the opposition's players off the field" after it was alleged that the former Queens Park Rangers, Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager had been struck in the face by the ball.
15 days ago
One of the biggest stories emerging from Real Madrid pre-season involves highly-rated midfielder Thiago Pitarch, whose future will be decided by new head coach Jose Mourinho over the coming weeks.
According to AS, the Portuguese manager wants to ******* s the young midfielder in person before making a final decision on whether he will become part of the senior squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
The latest Real Madrid news comes shortly after Pitarch enjoyed a remarkable summer with Spain at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship.
His performances played a key role in Spain lifting the trophy, while he also finished the tournament as the competition's leading ******* ist provider, significantly boosting his reputation ahead of the new season.
Instead of heading into the campaign with certainty, however, the Real Madrid academy graduate now faces another important challenge as he attempts to convince Mourinho that he deserves a permanent place in the first-team setup.
According to AS, the Portuguese manager wants to ******* s the young midfielder in person before making a final decision on whether he will become part of the senior squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
The latest Real Madrid news comes shortly after Pitarch enjoyed a remarkable summer with Spain at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship.
His performances played a key role in Spain lifting the trophy, while he also finished the tournament as the competition's leading ******* ist provider, significantly boosting his reputation ahead of the new season.
Instead of heading into the campaign with certainty, however, the Real Madrid academy graduate now faces another important challenge as he attempts to convince Mourinho that he deserves a permanent place in the first-team setup.
16 days ago
This week's sports news cycle was full of top rankings in the NFL, reflecting where many feel teams stand going into 2026. Think of it as the ******* ociated Press College Football Weekly rankings, so to speak.
ESPN currently ranks the New England Patriots roster seventh across the board. Some want to debate this; some seem to agree, but that's for another article.
This one, however, has to do with a certain Patriots player who was snubbed from the list for being labeled one of the best at his position.
Patriots tight end Hunter Henry was exceptional in 2025. The veteran racked up 60 receptions on 87 targets for 768 yards and 7 touchdowns. It was his second outing in Josh McDaniels' offense, and catching passes from Drake Maye only seems to have added to his success.
Henry did not make ESPN's Top 10 Tight Ends List ahead of the 2026 season. It was a list compiled by the network's very own Jeremy Fowler.
ESPN currently ranks the New England Patriots roster seventh across the board. Some want to debate this; some seem to agree, but that's for another article.
This one, however, has to do with a certain Patriots player who was snubbed from the list for being labeled one of the best at his position.
Patriots tight end Hunter Henry was exceptional in 2025. The veteran racked up 60 receptions on 87 targets for 768 yards and 7 touchdowns. It was his second outing in Josh McDaniels' offense, and catching passes from Drake Maye only seems to have added to his success.
Henry did not make ESPN's Top 10 Tight Ends List ahead of the 2026 season. It was a list compiled by the network's very own Jeremy Fowler.
16 days ago
Julian Alvarez's name has become more synonymous with Barcelona than Atletico Madrid given the intense speculation over the last few months.
The Argentine remains the top target for the Catalans, with the player himself keen on playing for the Blaugrana next season. But Atletico Madrid simply won't budge.
As the transfer saga continues to drag, it has given Barcelona's rivals time to pose a strong challenge in the race to sign Alvarez.
According to The Independent, Alvarez has long been admired by Mikel Arteta, and the Gunners are now stepping up their interest as they look to strengthen their forward line.
Alvarez scored a wonder goal vs Switzerland. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
The Argentine remains the top target for the Catalans, with the player himself keen on playing for the Blaugrana next season. But Atletico Madrid simply won't budge.
As the transfer saga continues to drag, it has given Barcelona's rivals time to pose a strong challenge in the race to sign Alvarez.
According to The Independent, Alvarez has long been admired by Mikel Arteta, and the Gunners are now stepping up their interest as they look to strengthen their forward line.
Alvarez scored a wonder goal vs Switzerland. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
17 days ago
Paige Bueckers embraces fitting new nickname after Nike's latest ad goes viral originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paige Bueckers has been one of the WNBA's brightest stars throughout the 2026 season, and Nike is making sure everyone knows it.
The Dallas Wings guard is enjoying another outstanding campaign while helping transform Dallas into one of the league's top teams. Following another dominant performance Friday night, Nike unveiled a creative Western-themed campaign featuring Bueckers that quickly generated buzz across social media.
The centerpiece of the campaign wasn't just the visuals. It was a new nickname that many fans believe fits Bueckers' game perfectly.
Nike's latest advertisement styled Bueckers as an Old West outlaw, complete with a wanted poster.
Paige Bueckers has been one of the WNBA's brightest stars throughout the 2026 season, and Nike is making sure everyone knows it.
The Dallas Wings guard is enjoying another outstanding campaign while helping transform Dallas into one of the league's top teams. Following another dominant performance Friday night, Nike unveiled a creative Western-themed campaign featuring Bueckers that quickly generated buzz across social media.
The centerpiece of the campaign wasn't just the visuals. It was a new nickname that many fans believe fits Bueckers' game perfectly.
Nike's latest advertisement styled Bueckers as an Old West outlaw, complete with a wanted poster.
17 days ago
Norway and England meet Saturday in a 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, with the winner advancing to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals.
MORE:How to live stream World Cup 2026
Norway forward Erling Haaland (9) celibates with Norway forward Andreas Schjelderup (21) after scoring the second goal of the game during FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ.
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM ET
MORE:How to live stream World Cup 2026
Norway forward Erling Haaland (9) celibates with Norway forward Andreas Schjelderup (21) after scoring the second goal of the game during FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ.
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM ET
17 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons are off for two more weeks before rookies officially report to Flowery Branch to for training camp on July 24. The team will have 12 open practices, including two joint practice sessions with the Indianapolis Colts, before the 2026 roster cut deadline.
Atlanta's relatively small six-person draft class will be joined by the team's 13 undrafted free agents, including four rookie wide receivers. The Falcons needed help at the wide receiver position and will look for someone in this group to stand out when camp begins.
In today's Falcons Wire training camp spotlight, we take a look at UDFA wide receiver Le'Meke Brockington to see what he can bring to the team in 2026.
2025 Stats: 46 catches, 484 yards, 4 TD
Brockington's 2025 season was the best of his collegiate career, finishing with 484 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound wideout appeared in 45 games for the Golden Gophers, recording 80 total catches for 1,042 receiving yards.
Atlanta's relatively small six-person draft class will be joined by the team's 13 undrafted free agents, including four rookie wide receivers. The Falcons needed help at the wide receiver position and will look for someone in this group to stand out when camp begins.
In today's Falcons Wire training camp spotlight, we take a look at UDFA wide receiver Le'Meke Brockington to see what he can bring to the team in 2026.
2025 Stats: 46 catches, 484 yards, 4 TD
Brockington's 2025 season was the best of his collegiate career, finishing with 484 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound wideout appeared in 45 games for the Golden Gophers, recording 80 total catches for 1,042 receiving yards.
18 days ago
Coming into Friday Night, the Astros needed just two wins to capture their 10th consecutive Silver Boot Series from the Rangers. They still need two wins. Rangers 7 Astros 3.
On this night, Wyatt Langford would be the hero, albeit late. In the 8th, Langford would deposit the second pitch offered by reliever Bryan King into the left field seats, breaking a deadlocked 3-3 affair. Jake Burger would follow that up with his 16th blast of the season and just like that, King would allow 4 runs in a dreadful showing.
Aside from King's errant outing, the focus lies front and center on Hunter Brown. In short, Brown isn't right. The evidence continues to mount, from a 23-pitch opening inning to the issuing of lead off walks time and time again. The "ace" who was once dominant is now struggling with mechanics and attacking the zone. At one point in the fourth inning, Brown would scrap the wind up completely and actually deliver from the stretch to multiple batters. It would mark Brown's fifth start since returning from a shoulder strain and now the question is "if" the mound dominance which placed him third in last year's Cy Young Award voting will ever return this season full throttle. Brown's final stat line would read: 6 IP, 4H 3 ER 5 BB and 4 K's.
The five walks would tie a career high.
The Rangers would start the scoring, putting up a pair of runs in the first. Brandon Nimmo's double would score Wyatt Langford. Josh Jung would cross home plate shortly thereafter.
On this night, Wyatt Langford would be the hero, albeit late. In the 8th, Langford would deposit the second pitch offered by reliever Bryan King into the left field seats, breaking a deadlocked 3-3 affair. Jake Burger would follow that up with his 16th blast of the season and just like that, King would allow 4 runs in a dreadful showing.
Aside from King's errant outing, the focus lies front and center on Hunter Brown. In short, Brown isn't right. The evidence continues to mount, from a 23-pitch opening inning to the issuing of lead off walks time and time again. The "ace" who was once dominant is now struggling with mechanics and attacking the zone. At one point in the fourth inning, Brown would scrap the wind up completely and actually deliver from the stretch to multiple batters. It would mark Brown's fifth start since returning from a shoulder strain and now the question is "if" the mound dominance which placed him third in last year's Cy Young Award voting will ever return this season full throttle. Brown's final stat line would read: 6 IP, 4H 3 ER 5 BB and 4 K's.
The five walks would tie a career high.
The Rangers would start the scoring, putting up a pair of runs in the first. Brandon Nimmo's double would score Wyatt Langford. Josh Jung would cross home plate shortly thereafter.
18 days ago
Erling Haaland's performance at the 2026 World Cup will see a dramatic rise in jersey sales around the world. With seven goals in five matches in leading Norway to the quarterfinals, coupled with his social media stardom, his brand is skyrocketing.
As far as jerseys go, fans might have noticed during the tournament that the back of his Norway kit is different from what he wears with his club side, Manchester City.
While scoring goals in the Premier League, his jersey features "Haaland" on the back. It's different when he's representing his country as he has "Braut Haaland" on the back of his Norway jerseys.
Why the difference?
Erling Braut Haaland is his full name with "Braut" the last name of his mother, Gry Marita Braut. a former professional heptathlete. "Haaland" comes from his dad, former Premier League player Alf-Inge.
As far as jerseys go, fans might have noticed during the tournament that the back of his Norway kit is different from what he wears with his club side, Manchester City.
While scoring goals in the Premier League, his jersey features "Haaland" on the back. It's different when he's representing his country as he has "Braut Haaland" on the back of his Norway jerseys.
Why the difference?
Erling Braut Haaland is his full name with "Braut" the last name of his mother, Gry Marita Braut. a former professional heptathlete. "Haaland" comes from his dad, former Premier League player Alf-Inge.
18 days ago
As reported by HNB, Union St Gilloise are set to receive around €32m from Inter for the signing of Anan Khalaili. The Israeli attacking full-back has been of interest to a number of clubs this summer, many from Serie A, but Inter have been the one to meet the demands of Union St Gilloise. The €32m fee that Inter are set to pay to sign Khalaili is inclusive of bonuses, with Union having also included a sell on percentage as part of the deal. As a result, Khalaili becomes Union’s record transfer sale.
Khalaili had been one of their more expensive signings in recent seasons, but once again Union have been vindicated in their decision to spend. Inter will get a versatile player who can operate anywhere down the right hand side. Khalaili leaves after two seasons in Belgium. His first saw him play 47 games, scoring twice and providing four ****** ists. He was even better last season, with six goals and six ****** ists in 52 games.
Inter now provide Union with a decent sum of money from which they can improve their squad as they look to regain the Belgian Pro League ****** le that they lost to Club Brugge last season.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
Khalaili had been one of their more expensive signings in recent seasons, but once again Union have been vindicated in their decision to spend. Inter will get a versatile player who can operate anywhere down the right hand side. Khalaili leaves after two seasons in Belgium. His first saw him play 47 games, scoring twice and providing four ****** ists. He was even better last season, with six goals and six ****** ists in 52 games.
Inter now provide Union with a decent sum of money from which they can improve their squad as they look to regain the Belgian Pro League ****** le that they lost to Club Brugge last season.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
19 days ago
We are diving into some fantasy football content this offseason as we look to bring in all sorts of football fans to Bucs Wire. While offensive players often dominate fantasy football discussions, IDP leagues continue to grow in popularity, offering another way for fans to enjoy the game.
We will start with some rookie profiles and how they fit into the landscape of the teams that drafted them. Next up is Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs.
Downs enters the NFL as one of the most decorated defensive prospects in recent memory. After starring at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, he established himself as one of college football's premier defensive playmakers, winning the Jim Thorpe Award while earning unanimous All-American honors. His versatility, instincts, and football intelligence made him one of the safest defensive prospects in the 2026 draft, and Dallas wasted little time making him a centerpiece of its secondary.
Caleb Downs
Reddy Steward
We will start with some rookie profiles and how they fit into the landscape of the teams that drafted them. Next up is Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs.
Downs enters the NFL as one of the most decorated defensive prospects in recent memory. After starring at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, he established himself as one of college football's premier defensive playmakers, winning the Jim Thorpe Award while earning unanimous All-American honors. His versatility, instincts, and football intelligence made him one of the safest defensive prospects in the 2026 draft, and Dallas wasted little time making him a centerpiece of its secondary.
Caleb Downs
Reddy Steward
19 days ago
Texas A&M's 2026 season is just eight weeks away, as the Aggies will kick off the new campaign against Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, and after leading the program to its first appearance in the College Football Playoff, Mike Elko enters his third season at the helm with even higher expectations after signing his six-year extension back in November.
After a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Elko and his staff landed 17 additions from the transfer portal, with more than half coming on defense, while former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton stands out due to his 6'4" frame and ability to stretch the field, providing starting quarterback Marcel Reed much-needed size and a reliable red zone target.
After losing unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell, who led the SEC with 11.5 sacks last season, the hope is that rising sophomore Marco Jones and Northwestern transfer edge Anto Saka provide stability to the pass rush that will yet again require a collective effort to match last season's production.
Mike Elko has earned the national praise that's come his way this offseason, but compared to the other 15 SEC head coaches, nearly every college football ****** yst has placed the New Jersey native in the top 5, while USA TODAY's Blake Toppemeyer placed Elko 6th behind Josh Heupel (Tennessee), Lane Kiffin (LSU), Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), Steve Sarkisian (Texas), and, at a deserving No. 1, Georgia coach Kirby Smart.
"Elko needed just two seasons to take Texas A&M to the playoff. By early November, the Aggies had an argument for being the nation's best team. That unraveled after a scare from South Carolina, followed by losses to Texas and to Miami in the CFP's first round. Still, the Aggies' momentum is palpable. Elko must continue elevating and prove last year was no fluke. His recruiting success suggests he's building Texas A&M for staying power, and he's proven more reliable than predecessor Jimbo Fisher at developing talent."
After a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Elko and his staff landed 17 additions from the transfer portal, with more than half coming on defense, while former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton stands out due to his 6'4" frame and ability to stretch the field, providing starting quarterback Marcel Reed much-needed size and a reliable red zone target.
After losing unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell, who led the SEC with 11.5 sacks last season, the hope is that rising sophomore Marco Jones and Northwestern transfer edge Anto Saka provide stability to the pass rush that will yet again require a collective effort to match last season's production.
Mike Elko has earned the national praise that's come his way this offseason, but compared to the other 15 SEC head coaches, nearly every college football ****** yst has placed the New Jersey native in the top 5, while USA TODAY's Blake Toppemeyer placed Elko 6th behind Josh Heupel (Tennessee), Lane Kiffin (LSU), Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), Steve Sarkisian (Texas), and, at a deserving No. 1, Georgia coach Kirby Smart.
"Elko needed just two seasons to take Texas A&M to the playoff. By early November, the Aggies had an argument for being the nation's best team. That unraveled after a scare from South Carolina, followed by losses to Texas and to Miami in the CFP's first round. Still, the Aggies' momentum is palpable. Elko must continue elevating and prove last year was no fluke. His recruiting success suggests he's building Texas A&M for staying power, and he's proven more reliable than predecessor Jimbo Fisher at developing talent."
20 days ago
247Sports recently reported that Texas football's Trevor Goosby is playing a role in helping raise funding to combat childhood heart disease. The offensive lineman's mission to give back draws from his own bout with Atrial Septal Defect, or ASD, which is defined as a congenital heart defect that increases the amount of blood flowing through the lungs and causes symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat.
Goosby underwent open heart surgery at age 16.
"It just means everything," Goosby said, according to 247Sports. "Just because of, I guess I would say, how successful I've been — I'm a humble guy, so I don't like to talk about it too much. But, just being able to use my platform for good and use my platform to bring awareness to things like this, stuff that isn't talked about as much."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Texas Baseball Transfer Tracker: Which players are coming in, going
Goosby underwent open heart surgery at age 16.
"It just means everything," Goosby said, according to 247Sports. "Just because of, I guess I would say, how successful I've been — I'm a humble guy, so I don't like to talk about it too much. But, just being able to use my platform for good and use my platform to bring awareness to things like this, stuff that isn't talked about as much."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Texas Baseball Transfer Tracker: Which players are coming in, going
20 days ago
The Chargers’ star special teams player is up next! Let’s get to know linebacker and ST ace Del’Shawn Phillips!
Height: 6’2
Weight: 230 pounds
College: Illinois
Experience: 7
Phillips hails from Highland Park, Michigan where he starred as Cass Tech High School. Originally committed to Western Michigan, Phillips was ruled academically ineligible and needed to step away from the sport to get his grades in order.
After taking a year away from football, Phillips joined the team at Garden City Community College. He had a standout freshman season with 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. In his sophomore season at Garden City, he helped his team win that year’s NJCAA National Championship. After committing initially to play for the University of Arizona, he wound up swapping to Illinois.
Earning a job right away with the Illini, he recorded 84 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack in his first season in the Big Ten. He was named a team captain as a senior and capped off his career with a 95-tackle, four-interception season en route to earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors.
Height: 6’2
Weight: 230 pounds
College: Illinois
Experience: 7
Phillips hails from Highland Park, Michigan where he starred as Cass Tech High School. Originally committed to Western Michigan, Phillips was ruled academically ineligible and needed to step away from the sport to get his grades in order.
After taking a year away from football, Phillips joined the team at Garden City Community College. He had a standout freshman season with 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. In his sophomore season at Garden City, he helped his team win that year’s NJCAA National Championship. After committing initially to play for the University of Arizona, he wound up swapping to Illinois.
Earning a job right away with the Illini, he recorded 84 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack in his first season in the Big Ten. He was named a team captain as a senior and capped off his career with a 95-tackle, four-interception season en route to earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors.
20 days ago
Four former Nebraska men's basketball players contributed over the weekend to their international teams' efforts to qualify for a major tournament.
Jack McVeigh (Australia), Thorir Thorbjarnarson (Iceland), Keisei Tominaga (Japan) and Tai Webster (New Zealand) all helped their countries advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Australia won Group A with a 6-0 record after defeating the Philippines 92-49 on Monday. Jack McVeigh had three points, two ****** ists and a pair of steals in 22 minutes.
Iceland advanced to the second round after defeating Great Britain 88-86 in the European qualifiers. Thorbjarnarson had three points, a rebound and a steal in seven minutes off the bench.
Japan, which clinched Group B after defeating China last week, lost to Korea 81-79 on Monday. Tominaga went scoreless in only five minutes of work.
Jack McVeigh (Australia), Thorir Thorbjarnarson (Iceland), Keisei Tominaga (Japan) and Tai Webster (New Zealand) all helped their countries advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Australia won Group A with a 6-0 record after defeating the Philippines 92-49 on Monday. Jack McVeigh had three points, two ****** ists and a pair of steals in 22 minutes.
Iceland advanced to the second round after defeating Great Britain 88-86 in the European qualifiers. Thorbjarnarson had three points, a rebound and a steal in seven minutes off the bench.
Japan, which clinched Group B after defeating China last week, lost to Korea 81-79 on Monday. Tominaga went scoreless in only five minutes of work.
21 days ago
Argentina men's national team head coach Lionel Scaloni abandoned a postgame interview following his side's dramatic comeback win against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Scaloni was overwhelmed with emotion after Argentina's remarkable victory that propelled them into the World Cup quarterfinals. After trailing 2-0, the defending champions netted three goals in just over 10 minutes to seal the comeback, which was naturally spearheaded by the legendary Lionel Messi.
The 48-year-old coach was so emotional that he couldn't finish his traditional post-match interview. When a reporter asked him how he was feeling, Scaloni responded, speaking in Spanish, "I can't look at you, I'm sorry, I'm too emotional, what a group of players, my brother, that's all... I have to go, I can't," as per The Mirror US.
Australian soccer fans' anti-Donald Trump chant could spark World Cup controversy
Scaloni was overwhelmed with emotion after Argentina's remarkable victory that propelled them into the World Cup quarterfinals. After trailing 2-0, the defending champions netted three goals in just over 10 minutes to seal the comeback, which was naturally spearheaded by the legendary Lionel Messi.
The 48-year-old coach was so emotional that he couldn't finish his traditional post-match interview. When a reporter asked him how he was feeling, Scaloni responded, speaking in Spanish, "I can't look at you, I'm sorry, I'm too emotional, what a group of players, my brother, that's all... I have to go, I can't," as per The Mirror US.
Australian soccer fans' anti-Donald Trump chant could spark World Cup controversy
