2 hours ago
NFL stadiums are more than places where football games are played. The best ones become part of the identity of their teams and cities. Some have huge crowds, great views and modern facilities. Others stand out because of history, tradition, tailgating or the feeling inside the building.
The 2026 season brings another major change to that landscape. The Buffalo Bills have moved across the street into a brand-new Highmark Stadium. The new building has a fixed capacity of 60,108, making it the NFL's smallest stadium. Standing-room areas can add about 6,000 more fans. Its roof covers most of the crowd, while the grass field, open concourses and player facilities mark a major upgrade from the old stadium.
MORE: 7 best things about NFL preseason games only real fans appreciate
Highmark Stadium is exempt because it is still settling into its new home. It will likely be one of the best once fans have had more time to experience it during a full season.
So, that leaves 29 regularly used NFL stadiums, considering the New York Giants and Jets share MetLife Stadium and the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers co-habit SoFi Stadium. Let's get a deep dive on every NFL stadium.
#stadium #stadiums #games #major
The 2026 season brings another major change to that landscape. The Buffalo Bills have moved across the street into a brand-new Highmark Stadium. The new building has a fixed capacity of 60,108, making it the NFL's smallest stadium. Standing-room areas can add about 6,000 more fans. Its roof covers most of the crowd, while the grass field, open concourses and player facilities mark a major upgrade from the old stadium.
MORE: 7 best things about NFL preseason games only real fans appreciate
Highmark Stadium is exempt because it is still settling into its new home. It will likely be one of the best once fans have had more time to experience it during a full season.
So, that leaves 29 regularly used NFL stadiums, considering the New York Giants and Jets share MetLife Stadium and the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers co-habit SoFi Stadium. Let's get a deep dive on every NFL stadium.
#stadium #stadiums #games #major
18 hours ago
SÃO PAULO x BOCA JUNIORS-ARGCONMEBOL SUDAMERICANA09/15/2026, at 9:30 PMMORUMBISSÃO PAULO
TICKETSFREE ADMISSION:
As provided in Article 1 of State Law 18,159 of June 27, 2025, "Free access to sporting events held in stadiums, gyms, and similar venues throughout the State is guaranteed for lap children up to 2 (two) years old, not yet having reached their second birthday, when accompanied by a guardian."
To comply with the Law, São Paulo FC will register and wristband lap children under 2 years old at fan service points set up next to ticket offices 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 and at other strategic points in the Stadium on matchday.
BIOMETRICSThe General Sports Law provides that, as of June 14, 2025, all stadiums with a capacity of more than 20,000 people must adopt a facial recognition system. This rule applies to matches in all competitions, and São Paulo has adopted it in all sections of MorumBIS.THEREFORE, FACIAL REGISTRATION WILL BE MANDATORY TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND ENTER THE STADIUM.Register at: sao-paulo.bepass.com.br
#stadium #points
TICKETSFREE ADMISSION:
As provided in Article 1 of State Law 18,159 of June 27, 2025, "Free access to sporting events held in stadiums, gyms, and similar venues throughout the State is guaranteed for lap children up to 2 (two) years old, not yet having reached their second birthday, when accompanied by a guardian."
To comply with the Law, São Paulo FC will register and wristband lap children under 2 years old at fan service points set up next to ticket offices 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 and at other strategic points in the Stadium on matchday.
BIOMETRICSThe General Sports Law provides that, as of June 14, 2025, all stadiums with a capacity of more than 20,000 people must adopt a facial recognition system. This rule applies to matches in all competitions, and São Paulo has adopted it in all sections of MorumBIS.THEREFORE, FACIAL REGISTRATION WILL BE MANDATORY TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND ENTER THE STADIUM.Register at: sao-paulo.bepass.com.br
#stadium #points
1 day ago
College students spend four years planning for what to do once they leave campus, and spend the next 40 years trying to figure how to get back. It's a truism that college administrators and broadcasters would do well to remember as they continue to separate college football from college campuses.
On Saturday, North Carolina will kick off its season against TCU in Dublin, the fifth straight year that Ireland has hosted a Week 0 game. A few weeks later, Arizona State will face Kansas in London's Wembley Stadium.
If you're wondering what the Tarheels and Horned Frogs have to do with the Emerald Isle, or why the Sun Devils will travel halfway around the planet to play football, well, you're asking the right questions. As with everything else in college football right now, there are multiple vectors at play here, and absolutely none of them point in the direction of the average fan.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
American universities have played football in international stadiums for as long as the game has existed, sometimes for bowl games, sometimes as part of barnstorming or goodwill tours. (Bo Jackson's final snaps as a college player technically came in a **** anese all-star game in 1986.)
#years
On Saturday, North Carolina will kick off its season against TCU in Dublin, the fifth straight year that Ireland has hosted a Week 0 game. A few weeks later, Arizona State will face Kansas in London's Wembley Stadium.
If you're wondering what the Tarheels and Horned Frogs have to do with the Emerald Isle, or why the Sun Devils will travel halfway around the planet to play football, well, you're asking the right questions. As with everything else in college football right now, there are multiple vectors at play here, and absolutely none of them point in the direction of the average fan.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
American universities have played football in international stadiums for as long as the game has existed, sometimes for bowl games, sometimes as part of barnstorming or goodwill tours. (Bo Jackson's final snaps as a college player technically came in a **** anese all-star game in 1986.)
#years
2 days ago
Simone Biles showcased her Colts-inspired game day style after Jonathan Owens signed with the Indianapolis Colts
Her outfit featured a black Colts tank top, custom jewelry and an Audemars Piguet watch
Biles often personalizes her looks to support Owens but skipped custom pieces as he finalized his jersey number
Simone Biles' game day 'fit checks are back!
The Olympic gymnast, 29, is bringing her signature style back to the stadiums now that NFL preseason is upon us. However, this year is looking slightly different since her husband, Jonathan Owens, 31, signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts in March.
#style #custom
Her outfit featured a black Colts tank top, custom jewelry and an Audemars Piguet watch
Biles often personalizes her looks to support Owens but skipped custom pieces as he finalized his jersey number
Simone Biles' game day 'fit checks are back!
The Olympic gymnast, 29, is bringing her signature style back to the stadiums now that NFL preseason is upon us. However, this year is looking slightly different since her husband, Jonathan Owens, 31, signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts in March.
#style #custom
3 days ago
German national team coach Jürgen Klopp has already spoken with several Bundesliga coaches, including Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany:
During his first few weeks in charge, Jürgen Klopp held long conversations with Bundesliga coaches, including Vincent Kompany, Niko Kovač and Sebastian Hoeneß. Klopp wants to work with them closely and stay in regular contact. He has also spoken to the coaches of Germany's youth teams and made it clear to them that they're part of the process and are very important to him. Klopp attaches a lot of importance to attending games regularly in stadiums. After last week's Super Cup, he will also attend Friday's Bundesliga opener at Allianz Arena.
Klopp is trying as best he can to get a read on his talent pool and taking in feedback from some of the most important managers in Germany's top tier. Sure, you can say that is what he is supposed to do, but it is reassuring that he — so far — is able to juggle managing the here and now, while also working to establish new initiatives for the future.
Juventus is still trying to sort out its desire to bring in a new attacker:
Juventus are unimpressed with Randal Kolo Muani's performances since his return to the club and are now looking at Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The Norway international is being favoured over Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee because it is felt that his characteristics would be a better fit. Nicolas González could be used as part of a deal to bring the costs down, especially as the 28-year-old wants to continue with Atleti following the expiration of his loan.
#wants
During his first few weeks in charge, Jürgen Klopp held long conversations with Bundesliga coaches, including Vincent Kompany, Niko Kovač and Sebastian Hoeneß. Klopp wants to work with them closely and stay in regular contact. He has also spoken to the coaches of Germany's youth teams and made it clear to them that they're part of the process and are very important to him. Klopp attaches a lot of importance to attending games regularly in stadiums. After last week's Super Cup, he will also attend Friday's Bundesliga opener at Allianz Arena.
Klopp is trying as best he can to get a read on his talent pool and taking in feedback from some of the most important managers in Germany's top tier. Sure, you can say that is what he is supposed to do, but it is reassuring that he — so far — is able to juggle managing the here and now, while also working to establish new initiatives for the future.
Juventus is still trying to sort out its desire to bring in a new attacker:
Juventus are unimpressed with Randal Kolo Muani's performances since his return to the club and are now looking at Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The Norway international is being favoured over Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee because it is felt that his characteristics would be a better fit. Nicolas González could be used as part of a deal to bring the costs down, especially as the 28-year-old wants to continue with Atleti following the expiration of his loan.
#wants
3 days ago
ORCHARD PARK, NY — For the first time in six years, an NFL team will move into a new football palace, the 2026 Buffalo Bills set to cross the street and officially open their new Highmark Stadium to kick off Week 2 of the regular season.
With a fixed seating capacity of 60,108, Highmark becomes the league's smallest venue. But that's completely by design. The standing-room only crowd can increase the headcount by roughly 6,000 for a place built to be intimate. And, despite some seemingly overblown criticism about some of the obstructed-view seats that were spotlit for the Bills' first practice in the building earlier this month, players and most fans seem to love their new surroundings.
They include gorgeous views of the field from the concourses (like a baseball stadium interior); a roof that will shield most of the crowed from lake-effect weather during winter; many design homages to Bills Mafia and creature comforts the players simply didn't have at the old Ralph Wilson Stadium (also known as Highmark Stadium before it closed following the 2025 campaign) – chief among them a grass playing surface.
"It's so nice," Bills general manager Brandon Beane recently told USA TODAY Sports. "There's some really nice stadiums, I don't think I've walked into one nicer. It's very intentional about things.
"The players are very excited about it."
#first #design
With a fixed seating capacity of 60,108, Highmark becomes the league's smallest venue. But that's completely by design. The standing-room only crowd can increase the headcount by roughly 6,000 for a place built to be intimate. And, despite some seemingly overblown criticism about some of the obstructed-view seats that were spotlit for the Bills' first practice in the building earlier this month, players and most fans seem to love their new surroundings.
They include gorgeous views of the field from the concourses (like a baseball stadium interior); a roof that will shield most of the crowed from lake-effect weather during winter; many design homages to Bills Mafia and creature comforts the players simply didn't have at the old Ralph Wilson Stadium (also known as Highmark Stadium before it closed following the 2025 campaign) – chief among them a grass playing surface.
"It's so nice," Bills general manager Brandon Beane recently told USA TODAY Sports. "There's some really nice stadiums, I don't think I've walked into one nicer. It's very intentional about things.
"The players are very excited about it."
#first #design
4 days ago
This story was originally published on QSR. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily QSR AM Jolt.
Delaware North, one of the largest and most diversified hospitality and food service companies in the world, has partnered with TipHaus to streamline and automate tip management across its portfolio of venues.
For an operator of Delaware North's scale and diversity, spanning stadiums, arenas, resorts, destination restaurants, and entertainment venues, tip management has traditionally meant a patchwork of manual, location-by-location processes, each with its own rules and reconciliation headaches. Since bringing TipHaus on board in March 2025, Delaware North has replaced that fragmented approach with a single automated system that handles hundreds of distinct tip-pooling and distribution use cases across its operations. Today, TipHaus supports more than 40 locations for Delaware North.
"Partnering with TipHaus has helped Delaware North streamline and modernize our tip management process, reducing administrative effort while improving accuracy and transparency for our leaders," said Michele Seaver, Director of Payroll and Workforce Management at Delaware North. "What used to take a full day of coordination now takes just a couple of hours to pull a single enterprise-wide export. Given the diversity and complexity of our portfolio, the flexibility of the TipHaus platform, and the collaborative partnership we have built with the TipHaus team have been extremely valuable. Their willingness to adapt solutions and get creative to meet our unique operational needs has helped us drive greater consistency across our business while supporting a better experience for all involved," Seaver said.
TipHaus integrates directly with the systems Delaware North already runs, including Oracle Simphony, Toast, and UKG Dimensions, pulling sales, shift, and labor data automatically so that tip calculations run without manual data entry from each location. Rather than forcing a rigid, one-size-fits-all model, TipHaus configures to the specific rules of each property, allowing Delaware North to standardize oversight at the enterprise level while honoring the operational realities of each individual venue.
#Delaware #location
Delaware North, one of the largest and most diversified hospitality and food service companies in the world, has partnered with TipHaus to streamline and automate tip management across its portfolio of venues.
For an operator of Delaware North's scale and diversity, spanning stadiums, arenas, resorts, destination restaurants, and entertainment venues, tip management has traditionally meant a patchwork of manual, location-by-location processes, each with its own rules and reconciliation headaches. Since bringing TipHaus on board in March 2025, Delaware North has replaced that fragmented approach with a single automated system that handles hundreds of distinct tip-pooling and distribution use cases across its operations. Today, TipHaus supports more than 40 locations for Delaware North.
"Partnering with TipHaus has helped Delaware North streamline and modernize our tip management process, reducing administrative effort while improving accuracy and transparency for our leaders," said Michele Seaver, Director of Payroll and Workforce Management at Delaware North. "What used to take a full day of coordination now takes just a couple of hours to pull a single enterprise-wide export. Given the diversity and complexity of our portfolio, the flexibility of the TipHaus platform, and the collaborative partnership we have built with the TipHaus team have been extremely valuable. Their willingness to adapt solutions and get creative to meet our unique operational needs has helped us drive greater consistency across our business while supporting a better experience for all involved," Seaver said.
TipHaus integrates directly with the systems Delaware North already runs, including Oracle Simphony, Toast, and UKG Dimensions, pulling sales, shift, and labor data automatically so that tip calculations run without manual data entry from each location. Rather than forcing a rigid, one-size-fits-all model, TipHaus configures to the specific rules of each property, allowing Delaware North to standardize oversight at the enterprise level while honoring the operational realities of each individual venue.
#Delaware #location
6 days ago
This article originally appeared on SteelersNOW.com.
The 2026 NFL season is right around the corner, and in an effort to stay competitive with their peers and opponents, teams are constantly looking to renovate or make improvements to their stadiums.
In a recent study based on Google and TripAdvisor fan reviews of NFL stadiums, Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, came in ranked at No. 6.
The Baltimore Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium was ranked right behind Acrisure Stadium at No. 7, while the two Ohio teams did not fare well. Huntington Bank Field, home of the Cleveland Browns, was ranked 28th, and Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium came in at No. 31, ahead of only Washington's Northwest Stadium.
Click here to read more from SteelersNOW.com.
#steelersnow #came
The 2026 NFL season is right around the corner, and in an effort to stay competitive with their peers and opponents, teams are constantly looking to renovate or make improvements to their stadiums.
In a recent study based on Google and TripAdvisor fan reviews of NFL stadiums, Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, came in ranked at No. 6.
The Baltimore Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium was ranked right behind Acrisure Stadium at No. 7, while the two Ohio teams did not fare well. Huntington Bank Field, home of the Cleveland Browns, was ranked 28th, and Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium came in at No. 31, ahead of only Washington's Northwest Stadium.
Click here to read more from SteelersNOW.com.
#steelersnow #came
8 days ago
On August 12, Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE:TME) held its second-quarter 2026 earnings call, and the numbers told a story bigger than a music app. Total revenue reached RMB 8.9 billion, up 6% year over year, with the freshly consolidated audio platform Ximalaya adding roughly RMB 0.4 billion of that total. Music-related services revenue climbed 11%, and membership revenue rose 8% to RMB 4.8 billion. But the more interesting shift is happening beyond the subscription numbers, in concert stadiums, merchandise tables and a new audio business the company is only beginning to fold in.
Tencent Music is no longer content collecting streaming fees. Management pointed to live entertainment and artist merchandise as the fastest-growing part of the business, with both delivering strong double-digit year-over-year growth in the quarter. One collaborating rapper's stadium tour opener in Xi'an drew more than 30,000 fans, while another artist wrapped two consecutive sold-out arena shows in Hangzhou and a third sold-out debut arena show in Shenzhen quickly after tickets went on sale. The company's own concert franchise, TIMA, moved to a larger Hong Kong venue this year and more than tripled its audience capacity from last year's event. Fan meetings in Macau for an SM Entertainment trainee group drew tens of thousands of attendees and strong merchandise sales, and the company also invested in The Black Label to expand artist promotion and merchandise collaboration. None of this shows up cleanly in a subscriber count, but it is where TME is choosing to put its energy and capital.
The financial base underneath these bets held up too. Adjusted EBITDA rose 5% to RMB 3.3 billion, non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders rose to RMB 2.5 billion from RMB 2.4 billion a year earlier, and IFRS net profit climbed 4% to RMB 2.7 billion. Combined cash, deposits and short-term investments grew to RMB 44.2 billion from RMB 41 billion just three months earlier. The company also kept buying back stock, repurchasing 43.5 million shares for $400 million during the quarter under a program it expects to complete on schedule.
The acquisition that management is most excited about is also the one that muddies the picture. Ximalaya's consolidation contributed positively to both membership and advertising revenue this quarter, and after accounting for amortization of intangible ******* ets under purchase accounting, it had a favorable effect on gross margin as well. That is a lot of moving parts feeding into headline numbers that otherwise look straightforward. Strip out the roughly RMB 0.4 billion Ximalaya added, and the underlying growth rate looks noticeably softer than the 6% topline figure suggests.
#billion #music #revenue #rose
Tencent Music is no longer content collecting streaming fees. Management pointed to live entertainment and artist merchandise as the fastest-growing part of the business, with both delivering strong double-digit year-over-year growth in the quarter. One collaborating rapper's stadium tour opener in Xi'an drew more than 30,000 fans, while another artist wrapped two consecutive sold-out arena shows in Hangzhou and a third sold-out debut arena show in Shenzhen quickly after tickets went on sale. The company's own concert franchise, TIMA, moved to a larger Hong Kong venue this year and more than tripled its audience capacity from last year's event. Fan meetings in Macau for an SM Entertainment trainee group drew tens of thousands of attendees and strong merchandise sales, and the company also invested in The Black Label to expand artist promotion and merchandise collaboration. None of this shows up cleanly in a subscriber count, but it is where TME is choosing to put its energy and capital.
The financial base underneath these bets held up too. Adjusted EBITDA rose 5% to RMB 3.3 billion, non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders rose to RMB 2.5 billion from RMB 2.4 billion a year earlier, and IFRS net profit climbed 4% to RMB 2.7 billion. Combined cash, deposits and short-term investments grew to RMB 44.2 billion from RMB 41 billion just three months earlier. The company also kept buying back stock, repurchasing 43.5 million shares for $400 million during the quarter under a program it expects to complete on schedule.
The acquisition that management is most excited about is also the one that muddies the picture. Ximalaya's consolidation contributed positively to both membership and advertising revenue this quarter, and after accounting for amortization of intangible ******* ets under purchase accounting, it had a favorable effect on gross margin as well. That is a lot of moving parts feeding into headline numbers that otherwise look straightforward. Strip out the roughly RMB 0.4 billion Ximalaya added, and the underlying growth rate looks noticeably softer than the 6% topline figure suggests.
#billion #music #revenue #rose
15 days ago
Last-Minute Tickets for Pirates vs. Red Sox: Best Prices, Seats for Aug. 15 PNC Park Replica Statue Game originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
PNC Park is one of the best stadiums in MLB today. The Pirates will honor it on August 15 when the team takes on the Red Sox.
The first 20,000 fans will take home a PNC Park replica statue, recognizing the park that opened in 2001.
BUY NOW:Pirates vs. Red Sox tickets on StubHub
Jared Jones looks for his first win since July 18 when he takes the mound for the Pirates. Jones has struck out a combined seven batters in his last two outings. Meanwhile, Sonny Gray takes the mound for the Red Sox.
#pirates #last #best
PNC Park is one of the best stadiums in MLB today. The Pirates will honor it on August 15 when the team takes on the Red Sox.
The first 20,000 fans will take home a PNC Park replica statue, recognizing the park that opened in 2001.
BUY NOW:Pirates vs. Red Sox tickets on StubHub
Jared Jones looks for his first win since July 18 when he takes the mound for the Pirates. Jones has struck out a combined seven batters in his last two outings. Meanwhile, Sonny Gray takes the mound for the Red Sox.
#pirates #last #best
18 days ago
PSLs or Personal Seat Licenses are a hot-button topic in Broncos Country right now. First, what exactly are PSLs? They are a one-time fee to secure the exclusive right to purchase season tickets for specific seats. It has become a new trendy thing in the sports landscape recently. The Buffalo Bills are doing PSLs for their newly opened Highmark Stadium and reportedly made nearly $260 million dollars
Greg Penner said the Broncos haven’t even got to deciding on PSLs yet pic.twitter.com/A5gtL5VMLC
The outrage amongst Broncos fans started when Team President Damani Leech was asked at the start of training camp if a decision had been made when it comes to implementing PSLs. Leech noted that most, if not all, new stadiums built in the past 10+ years had them issued and that they are a "pretty likely thing to happen", but did say no formal decision had been made at that time.
"As you know, I think every stadium in the last 10-plus years that's been built, there have been PSLs issued. So it seems like it's a pretty likely thing to happen, but we haven't made any formal decisions on that."
Well, on Tuesday, Denver Broncos Owner and CEO Greg Penner met with the media and was also asked about PSLs. Unlike Leech, who made it sound like a formality, Penner told reporters that PSLs are "the furthest thing from our minds right now" and that they have so many steps before they reach that point.
#leech #greg #stadium
Greg Penner said the Broncos haven’t even got to deciding on PSLs yet pic.twitter.com/A5gtL5VMLC
The outrage amongst Broncos fans started when Team President Damani Leech was asked at the start of training camp if a decision had been made when it comes to implementing PSLs. Leech noted that most, if not all, new stadiums built in the past 10+ years had them issued and that they are a "pretty likely thing to happen", but did say no formal decision had been made at that time.
"As you know, I think every stadium in the last 10-plus years that's been built, there have been PSLs issued. So it seems like it's a pretty likely thing to happen, but we haven't made any formal decisions on that."
Well, on Tuesday, Denver Broncos Owner and CEO Greg Penner met with the media and was also asked about PSLs. Unlike Leech, who made it sound like a formality, Penner told reporters that PSLs are "the furthest thing from our minds right now" and that they have so many steps before they reach that point.
#leech #greg #stadium
21 days ago
Following the confirmation of the tragic news of the passing of Jorge Messi, father of the Argentine star, pitches, stadiums, and platforms around the world have rallied in support of the Argentina national team's "10."
In the match between Miami and Rayados, Rodrigo de Paul paid tribute by holding up a jersey with the "10" after scoring the go-ahead goal.
Moments of silence on the pitches, cheers and chants in the stands—the fans want to be with Messi from afar.
Support has also come through social media, where teams and sports legends such as Rafael Nadal have sent their condolences during this very difficult time.
Stay strong, Leo!
#messi #support #argentine #Argentina
In the match between Miami and Rayados, Rodrigo de Paul paid tribute by holding up a jersey with the "10" after scoring the go-ahead goal.
Moments of silence on the pitches, cheers and chants in the stands—the fans want to be with Messi from afar.
Support has also come through social media, where teams and sports legends such as Rafael Nadal have sent their condolences during this very difficult time.
Stay strong, Leo!
#messi #support #argentine #Argentina
21 days ago
There is something different about this Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026). Not because of the packed stadiums, not because of the goals. Not even because of the quality of football — although that has continued to improve with every edition.
This tournament feels different because, perhaps for the first time, reputation alone is no longer enough.
For years, conversations around African women's football started and ended with a familiar list of nations. Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Cameroon, Ghana. They were predicted to dominate, while everyone else was merely expected to participate. WAFCON 2026 has quietly challenged that ***** umption.
This tournament has reminded us that African women's football has entered a new era. One where investment, opportunity and belief are beginning to level the playing field.
Many expected the traditional heavyweights to progress comfortably. Instead, this tournament has produced twists that have forced the continent to pay attention. Established teams have had to fight for every point, while emerging nations have shown they are no longer satisfied with simply making up the numbers. That is not a sign that the giants are falling, it is a sign that everyone else is rising.
#tournament #african #different
This tournament feels different because, perhaps for the first time, reputation alone is no longer enough.
For years, conversations around African women's football started and ended with a familiar list of nations. Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Cameroon, Ghana. They were predicted to dominate, while everyone else was merely expected to participate. WAFCON 2026 has quietly challenged that ***** umption.
This tournament has reminded us that African women's football has entered a new era. One where investment, opportunity and belief are beginning to level the playing field.
Many expected the traditional heavyweights to progress comfortably. Instead, this tournament has produced twists that have forced the continent to pay attention. Established teams have had to fight for every point, while emerging nations have shown they are no longer satisfied with simply making up the numbers. That is not a sign that the giants are falling, it is a sign that everyone else is rising.
#tournament #african #different
21 days ago
Barcelona have officially added another fixture to their 2026/27 pre-season schedule.
Hansi Flick's side will face FC Basel on Sunday, 16 August, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CEST at St. Jakob-Park, one of Switzerland's most iconic football stadiums.
Following the friendly against Birmingham City and the triangular tournament in Udine featuring Nottingham Forest and Udinese, the trip to Basel will provide another important test as the Catalans continue their preparations for the new campaign.
The club's final pre-season outing will then be the Joan Gamper Trophy, against Al-Ahly, which will also serve as the team's official home presentation ahead of the new season.
Barcelona and Basel have met twice in official competition, both during the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League group stage.
#sunday #park
Hansi Flick's side will face FC Basel on Sunday, 16 August, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CEST at St. Jakob-Park, one of Switzerland's most iconic football stadiums.
Following the friendly against Birmingham City and the triangular tournament in Udine featuring Nottingham Forest and Udinese, the trip to Basel will provide another important test as the Catalans continue their preparations for the new campaign.
The club's final pre-season outing will then be the Joan Gamper Trophy, against Al-Ahly, which will also serve as the team's official home presentation ahead of the new season.
Barcelona and Basel have met twice in official competition, both during the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League group stage.
#sunday #park
21 days ago
Wolfsburg put at least five million euros on the table for Muhammed Damar. That makes him the second-most expensive signing of the relegated club and, naturally, he is expected to be a key player. At first glance, that doesn't sound like much, but for both sides it could be the biggest risk they have taken this summer — or even in their careers.
The reason: throughout his career so far, the 22-year-old talent has often made some pretty poor decisions when it came to transfers or new contracts. Too often, otherwise more people would probably already have his name on their radar.
Damar, who was regarded early on as an attacking player with enormous potential, began his career at three Berlin clubs. He was developed there and then ended up at TSG Hoffenheim at the age of 18.
Shortly after that, the run of rather poor club choices began. After one year with the Sinsheim side, he moved on loan to Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga in 2023 in order to gain playing time.
That backfired completely. Shortly after his arrival, coach Stefan Leitl ruthlessly cast him aside. Instead of being on the pitch — or at least on the bench in second-division stadiums — he was sent to the second team.
#player
The reason: throughout his career so far, the 22-year-old talent has often made some pretty poor decisions when it came to transfers or new contracts. Too often, otherwise more people would probably already have his name on their radar.
Damar, who was regarded early on as an attacking player with enormous potential, began his career at three Berlin clubs. He was developed there and then ended up at TSG Hoffenheim at the age of 18.
Shortly after that, the run of rather poor club choices began. After one year with the Sinsheim side, he moved on loan to Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga in 2023 in order to gain playing time.
That backfired completely. Shortly after his arrival, coach Stefan Leitl ruthlessly cast him aside. Instead of being on the pitch — or at least on the bench in second-division stadiums — he was sent to the second team.
#player
23 days ago
Tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m., Radio Romanista will broadcast an interview with Mile Svilar to Il Romanista.
The meeting with the Giallorossi goalkeeper took place during Roma's training camp in Cardiff, at the WRU National Centre of Excellence, where the team is continuing its preparations for upcoming matches.
During the interview, Svilar addressed various topics related to his experience with the Giallorossi, his development over the past few seasons, and his goals for the future.
Roma's number 99 also discussed the stadiums he'd like to play in and the high-level matches that can represent important opportunities for personal and professional growth.
He also spoke about his most significant saves since he's been wearing the Roma jersey. Among these, Svilar highlighted a save he considers particularly important for his career and the beginning of his emergence in goal for the Giallorossi.
#romanista #matches #cardiff
The meeting with the Giallorossi goalkeeper took place during Roma's training camp in Cardiff, at the WRU National Centre of Excellence, where the team is continuing its preparations for upcoming matches.
During the interview, Svilar addressed various topics related to his experience with the Giallorossi, his development over the past few seasons, and his goals for the future.
Roma's number 99 also discussed the stadiums he'd like to play in and the high-level matches that can represent important opportunities for personal and professional growth.
He also spoke about his most significant saves since he's been wearing the Roma jersey. Among these, Svilar highlighted a save he considers particularly important for his career and the beginning of his emergence in goal for the Giallorossi.
#romanista #matches #cardiff
23 days ago
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The Stormers believe they are playing for the future of traditional rugby tours when they give New Zealand the opening challenge of its South Africa trek on Friday.
The All Blacks are undertaking their first tour of tests and provincial games in South Africa in 30 years. The Springboks will repay the visit in New Zealand in 2030 and New Zealand will return in 2034.
But Stormers coach John Dobson said the provincial games will become insignificant if his team plus the Sharks, the Bulls or Lions do not knock off the All Blacks, or are at least competitive.
"When the British and Irish Lions were here in 2021 the situation was far from ideal and the results didn't do justice to the traditional tour concept," Dobson told SuperSport.
"Due to it being played during the time of the COVID pandemic, that Lions tour was an unsatisfactory product. The teams were in a bubble, we had players in quarantine, the games were played in front of empty stadiums. And all the local franchise teams took heavy hidings. The Lions won their games by 60 points or more.
#lions #south
The All Blacks are undertaking their first tour of tests and provincial games in South Africa in 30 years. The Springboks will repay the visit in New Zealand in 2030 and New Zealand will return in 2034.
But Stormers coach John Dobson said the provincial games will become insignificant if his team plus the Sharks, the Bulls or Lions do not knock off the All Blacks, or are at least competitive.
"When the British and Irish Lions were here in 2021 the situation was far from ideal and the results didn't do justice to the traditional tour concept," Dobson told SuperSport.
"Due to it being played during the time of the COVID pandemic, that Lions tour was an unsatisfactory product. The teams were in a bubble, we had players in quarantine, the games were played in front of empty stadiums. And all the local franchise teams took heavy hidings. The Lions won their games by 60 points or more.
#lions #south
23 days ago
In the fast-paced world of Hollywood, some once-shining stars drift from the spotlight, but their talent never truly disappears. This week's feature shines a light on 13 celebrated names who captivated audiences with their charisma, unforgettable roles, and genuine individuality. From the faces of childhood nostalgia and beloved TV icons to film legends and pop culture standouts, here's why each of these stars deserves a second act in the limelight.
Lumeimages / MEGA
Famed for his roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch, David Hasselhoff's iconic presence defined an era. Whether he's saving swimmers or singing to stadiums of adoring fans, the Hoff's unique energy is missed. At its peak, Baywatch's massive global audience briefly made it the most-watched television series on the planet, as reported by Forbes. Could a streaming-era revival or reality competition bring him back into the center stage?
MEGA
As a member of the Brat Pack and coach in The Mighty Ducks, Emilio Estevez charmed audiences with both heart and grit. Though he's spent more time behind the camera in recent years, fans would welcome his thoughtful on-screen presence once again. He did step back into the hockey rink briefly, reprising his Gordon Bombay role for Disney's 2021 streaming revival of the franchise.
#mega #audiences #presence #Streaming
Lumeimages / MEGA
Famed for his roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch, David Hasselhoff's iconic presence defined an era. Whether he's saving swimmers or singing to stadiums of adoring fans, the Hoff's unique energy is missed. At its peak, Baywatch's massive global audience briefly made it the most-watched television series on the planet, as reported by Forbes. Could a streaming-era revival or reality competition bring him back into the center stage?
MEGA
As a member of the Brat Pack and coach in The Mighty Ducks, Emilio Estevez charmed audiences with both heart and grit. Though he's spent more time behind the camera in recent years, fans would welcome his thoughtful on-screen presence once again. He did step back into the hockey rink briefly, reprising his Gordon Bombay role for Disney's 2021 streaming revival of the franchise.
#mega #audiences #presence #Streaming
23 days ago
Before the first whistle blew, University of Tennessee at Knoxville researchers scrambled in the 11th hour to prepare soccer pitches across 16 North American stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a range of time zones, climates and elevations.
John Sorochan, a distinguished professor of turfgrass science and management at UT, had FIFA's high expectations to worry about: "It would be a failure if we had to replace any grass between any games in any of the stadiums," he said.
But as players ran, cut, kicked and tackled on the turf, his concerns began to melt into relief. Not only did FIFA not have to replace turf, Sorochan told Knox News, but pitch managers at several stadiums found "the pitch got better as the tournament went on."
As UT researchers wrap up their final reports, the tournament's success is already shaping UT's next chapter with FIFA.
FIFA officials have signaled their desire to continue working with UT. Before this year's tournament, Sorochan completed a research visit to Morocco − one of six countries set to host the 2030 World Cup − to help identify potential challenges, obstacles and opportunities in the host country.
#sorochan #researchers #replace
John Sorochan, a distinguished professor of turfgrass science and management at UT, had FIFA's high expectations to worry about: "It would be a failure if we had to replace any grass between any games in any of the stadiums," he said.
But as players ran, cut, kicked and tackled on the turf, his concerns began to melt into relief. Not only did FIFA not have to replace turf, Sorochan told Knox News, but pitch managers at several stadiums found "the pitch got better as the tournament went on."
As UT researchers wrap up their final reports, the tournament's success is already shaping UT's next chapter with FIFA.
FIFA officials have signaled their desire to continue working with UT. Before this year's tournament, Sorochan completed a research visit to Morocco − one of six countries set to host the 2030 World Cup − to help identify potential challenges, obstacles and opportunities in the host country.
#sorochan #researchers #replace
25 days ago
Exactly 27 years to the day that Don Garber was introduced as Major League Soccer's second commissioner in 1999, LAFC co-managing owner Larry Berg pledged to improve on his predecessor's success upon taking over MLS' leading role on Jan. 1, 2027.
"My responsibility is to work with our clubs, our owners and everyone across this league to build on that foundation to help Major League Soccer reach its full potential," Berg, 60, told media members and hundreds of league employees Tuesday afternoon at the league's Manhattan headquarters.
Garber helped build MLS from a fledgling operation fighting to stay afloat and relevant to a 30-team behemoth with soccer-specific stadiums, youth academies and developmental leagues where the average franchise is valued at $767 million, a 39% increase since 2021. Of the 30 most valuable global soccer clubs, seven of them are MLS teams, led by Inter Miami, which stars Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player in the sport's history. Sponsorship revenue in 2025 was an estimated $716 million, up 8% year over year.
But there are plenty of growth areas Berg, a former senior partner at Apollo Global Management and 26 North, wants to utilize as commissioner. The co-chair of MLS' sporting and competition committee, Berg has the full backing of league owners — who unanimously approved his appointment over the other finalist, former Fox executive David Nathanson — to enact meaningful changes to supercharge the league's growth. Garber already spearheaded a change in the league's calendar, which will switch to a fall-to-spring season starting in 2027 to align with the European leagues. That, Berg said, will greatly help the quality on the field, but so will changing the league's roster investment model so teams are able to acquire better players and build deeper rosters.
MLS currently has a $6.4 million salary cap, but various roster exceptions enable the majority of 2026 payrolls to be in the $12-21 million range. Owners have agreed that the current system is too restrictive. Berg said his No. 1 job is enhancing the roster investment model so teams can have more freedom to construct teams that work best for their markets.
#berg #teams #roster
"My responsibility is to work with our clubs, our owners and everyone across this league to build on that foundation to help Major League Soccer reach its full potential," Berg, 60, told media members and hundreds of league employees Tuesday afternoon at the league's Manhattan headquarters.
Garber helped build MLS from a fledgling operation fighting to stay afloat and relevant to a 30-team behemoth with soccer-specific stadiums, youth academies and developmental leagues where the average franchise is valued at $767 million, a 39% increase since 2021. Of the 30 most valuable global soccer clubs, seven of them are MLS teams, led by Inter Miami, which stars Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player in the sport's history. Sponsorship revenue in 2025 was an estimated $716 million, up 8% year over year.
But there are plenty of growth areas Berg, a former senior partner at Apollo Global Management and 26 North, wants to utilize as commissioner. The co-chair of MLS' sporting and competition committee, Berg has the full backing of league owners — who unanimously approved his appointment over the other finalist, former Fox executive David Nathanson — to enact meaningful changes to supercharge the league's growth. Garber already spearheaded a change in the league's calendar, which will switch to a fall-to-spring season starting in 2027 to align with the European leagues. That, Berg said, will greatly help the quality on the field, but so will changing the league's roster investment model so teams are able to acquire better players and build deeper rosters.
MLS currently has a $6.4 million salary cap, but various roster exceptions enable the majority of 2026 payrolls to be in the $12-21 million range. Owners have agreed that the current system is too restrictive. Berg said his No. 1 job is enhancing the roster investment model so teams can have more freedom to construct teams that work best for their markets.
#berg #teams #roster
26 days ago
Martine Medesse of Benin Republic's Amazons clears the ball as Nigeria's Super Falcons qualify for the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 after playing a 1-1 draw (3-1 aggregate) with Benin Republic's Amazons in the second leg of the WAFCON 2026 qualifying match at MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on October 28, 2025. (Photo by Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped last month, and with it went 39 days of the kind of moments that make a tournament unforgettable: a teenage phenom stealing highlight reels with his flair, a scrappy underdog nation refusing to go home, a 40-year-old goalkeeper turning in the performance of his career, a nine-figure transfer rumor before the confetti had even settled. For four weeks, the entire sports world organized itself around this single competition. But the appetite for those storylines didn't end when the final whistle blew, and it doesn't need a men's tournament to be satisfied. Right now, in stadiums and arenas across the world, women's sports are producing the exact same arcs: breakout stars, Cinderella runs, veteran redemption stories, record-breaking numbers, and transfer fees rewriting what the sport is worth. They're just not getting the same attention. Here are five World Cup moments and the women's sports stories playing out in real time that deserve to be next on your watchlist.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Morocco players celebrate advancing to the knock out stage after the 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Liked Lamine Yamal's flair? Watch Morocco's Atlas Lionesses at WAFCON.
Yamal spent this World Cup as one of the most-watched players on the planet, a teenager with more than 50 million Instagram followers turning every touch into a moment. Morocco is hosting the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for a third straight edition, running through August 16 across Rabat and Casablanca, and the Atlas Lionesses have opened their campaign in commanding form. They beat Kenya 4-0 to open the tournament, then beat Algeria 1-0 to move to two wins from two matches, sitting atop Group A with five goals scored and none conceded. The breakout to watch is Barcelona Femení prospect Kautar Azraf, flagged by CAF as one of the country's brightest young talents ahead of her first senior call-up, the same "unproven teenager announces herself on the biggest stage" arc that made Yamal a global name this summer.
Liked Cape Verde's underdog run? Watch WAFCON's debutant nations.
Cape Verde's men's team was one of the World Cup's most beloved stories, a nation of fewer than 600,000 people holding its own against the sport's giants. Their women's game has its own version unfolding right now. Cape Verde and Malawi are both playing in their first-ever Women's AFCON this year
The 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped last month, and with it went 39 days of the kind of moments that make a tournament unforgettable: a teenage phenom stealing highlight reels with his flair, a scrappy underdog nation refusing to go home, a 40-year-old goalkeeper turning in the performance of his career, a nine-figure transfer rumor before the confetti had even settled. For four weeks, the entire sports world organized itself around this single competition. But the appetite for those storylines didn't end when the final whistle blew, and it doesn't need a men's tournament to be satisfied. Right now, in stadiums and arenas across the world, women's sports are producing the exact same arcs: breakout stars, Cinderella runs, veteran redemption stories, record-breaking numbers, and transfer fees rewriting what the sport is worth. They're just not getting the same attention. Here are five World Cup moments and the women's sports stories playing out in real time that deserve to be next on your watchlist.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Morocco players celebrate advancing to the knock out stage after the 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Liked Lamine Yamal's flair? Watch Morocco's Atlas Lionesses at WAFCON.
Yamal spent this World Cup as one of the most-watched players on the planet, a teenager with more than 50 million Instagram followers turning every touch into a moment. Morocco is hosting the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for a third straight edition, running through August 16 across Rabat and Casablanca, and the Atlas Lionesses have opened their campaign in commanding form. They beat Kenya 4-0 to open the tournament, then beat Algeria 1-0 to move to two wins from two matches, sitting atop Group A with five goals scored and none conceded. The breakout to watch is Barcelona Femení prospect Kautar Azraf, flagged by CAF as one of the country's brightest young talents ahead of her first senior call-up, the same "unproven teenager announces herself on the biggest stage" arc that made Yamal a global name this summer.
Liked Cape Verde's underdog run? Watch WAFCON's debutant nations.
Cape Verde's men's team was one of the World Cup's most beloved stories, a nation of fewer than 600,000 people holding its own against the sport's giants. Their women's game has its own version unfolding right now. Cape Verde and Malawi are both playing in their first-ever Women's AFCON this year
27 days ago
Opinion rankings are just that: opinion, but there are trends with these things, and when it comes to stadium rankings of college football programs, Ohio Stadium (affectionately known as the Horseshoe), where Ohio State plays, is generally ranked pretty highly. The architecture, the updates, the history, and how loud it gets on the banks of the Olentangy all play into the atmosphere and the perception of a stadium.
The latest of these stadium rankings comes from our mothership, USA TODAY, and a panel of four writers that ranked the top 25 college football stadiums. Some leaned into the visual appeal, some into how hard it is to play, and some into tradition, but in the end, ten staff members came up with a comprehensive 25-stadium list, and Ohio Stadium is very high on the list as you'll see below.
We go through the stadiums with the top ten first, from ten down to No. 1, then the rest of the top 25. This list will differ based on who makes it and from what part of the country it is penciled in from, but this is a more national one starting with No. 10.
What USA TODAY says:
"Florida fans singing Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' before the fourth quarter might be a new tradition. It's also peak college football. The Swamp can roar with the best of them, even if the Gators haven't matched their glory years in recent seasons. Consider last season: Florida went 4-2 at home, including an upset of Texas, and 0-6 away."
#rankings #college #opinion
The latest of these stadium rankings comes from our mothership, USA TODAY, and a panel of four writers that ranked the top 25 college football stadiums. Some leaned into the visual appeal, some into how hard it is to play, and some into tradition, but in the end, ten staff members came up with a comprehensive 25-stadium list, and Ohio Stadium is very high on the list as you'll see below.
We go through the stadiums with the top ten first, from ten down to No. 1, then the rest of the top 25. This list will differ based on who makes it and from what part of the country it is penciled in from, but this is a more national one starting with No. 10.
What USA TODAY says:
"Florida fans singing Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' before the fourth quarter might be a new tradition. It's also peak college football. The Swamp can roar with the best of them, even if the Gators haven't matched their glory years in recent seasons. Consider last season: Florida went 4-2 at home, including an upset of Texas, and 0-6 away."
#rankings #college #opinion
28 days ago
In less than a month, college football will be back. If you're a Virginia Tech Hokies fan, you'll have to wait just a bit longer, as VT hosts VMI on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Lane Stadium to kick off the James Franklin era.
While the Hokies have yet to play a game, it's fair to ask: is Virginia Tech back?
We aren't going to fall for that. The Hokies were 3-9 last season. But make no mistake, there's a different vibe around the entire program. It began with the school's financial commitment to success, which directly led to the hiring of Franklin. Of course, luck was on VT's side, too. So was timing.
There aren't many 3-9 teams that receive a lot of national love. Virginia Tech is changing that notion. ESPN recently released its trailer for the 2026 college football season, featuring stars from different schools across the country, coaches, fans, stadiums and more.
The Hokies were featured three times in the video, which lasted 1 minute and 41 seconds. Let's see if you can spot them.
#virginia #back
While the Hokies have yet to play a game, it's fair to ask: is Virginia Tech back?
We aren't going to fall for that. The Hokies were 3-9 last season. But make no mistake, there's a different vibe around the entire program. It began with the school's financial commitment to success, which directly led to the hiring of Franklin. Of course, luck was on VT's side, too. So was timing.
There aren't many 3-9 teams that receive a lot of national love. Virginia Tech is changing that notion. ESPN recently released its trailer for the 2026 college football season, featuring stars from different schools across the country, coaches, fans, stadiums and more.
The Hokies were featured three times in the video, which lasted 1 minute and 41 seconds. Let's see if you can spot them.
#virginia #back
29 days ago
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen offered an honest ***** sment of his clubs wage dynamics, defending massive paychecks for marquee stars while warning against letting intermediate squad contracts spin out of control.
Speaking at a recent Presse Club München event, captured by iMiaSanMia, Dreesen made his stance clear on their choice of wages. "The stadiums are filled because of real star players—that's why it's right to pay them high, or even very high, salaries," Dreesen stated. "But it's all about balance. The middle tier of the squad can't become too bloated. The English clubs are doing a better job than us in that regard."
Dreesen's transparent remarks shed light on the structural challenge facing elite sides. While paying premium wages to game-changers who sell out stadiums and generate worldwide revenue is economically justified, inflation within the squad's middle layer, i.e. paying high, long-term salaries to rotational or system players, can quickly choke a club's wage bill. Dreesen is signalling a clear financial strategy at Säbener Straße: protecting top-tier capital for game-changers while trimming unnecessary fat across the rest of the roster.
This does not seem to be a very clear strategy; how do you determine who is causing the bloating? Is there a clear hierarchy within the squad itself? It does not seem sustainable to have a living hierarchy within the players, but it has been working so far, considering that Bayern Munich is one of the richest clubs in the world.
Do you think European clubs can realistically emulate Premier League wage structures, or will elite talent demands keep pushing middle-tier salaries higher? Let us know in the comments!
#players #salaries
Speaking at a recent Presse Club München event, captured by iMiaSanMia, Dreesen made his stance clear on their choice of wages. "The stadiums are filled because of real star players—that's why it's right to pay them high, or even very high, salaries," Dreesen stated. "But it's all about balance. The middle tier of the squad can't become too bloated. The English clubs are doing a better job than us in that regard."
Dreesen's transparent remarks shed light on the structural challenge facing elite sides. While paying premium wages to game-changers who sell out stadiums and generate worldwide revenue is economically justified, inflation within the squad's middle layer, i.e. paying high, long-term salaries to rotational or system players, can quickly choke a club's wage bill. Dreesen is signalling a clear financial strategy at Säbener Straße: protecting top-tier capital for game-changers while trimming unnecessary fat across the rest of the roster.
This does not seem to be a very clear strategy; how do you determine who is causing the bloating? Is there a clear hierarchy within the squad itself? It does not seem sustainable to have a living hierarchy within the players, but it has been working so far, considering that Bayern Munich is one of the richest clubs in the world.
Do you think European clubs can realistically emulate Premier League wage structures, or will elite talent demands keep pushing middle-tier salaries higher? Let us know in the comments!
#players #salaries
30 days ago
The Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs distributed more tickets during the 2025/26 campaign than in any previous season, according to the latest spectator report released by the DFL. The 36 professional clubs registered a combined total of 21,404,258 tickets, including complimentary and honorary admissions. This amounted to an average of 34,974 tickets per fixture, representing a new record across Germany's top two divisions.
The Bundesliga alone recorded 12,718,097 distributed tickets, an increase of 9.1 percent compared with the previous campaign. The average top-flight attendance rose from 38,082 to 41,562. The return of Hamburg and 1. FC Köln contributed significantly to the increase. Both promoted clubs possess large stadiums and substantial supporter bases, while relegated sides VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel operated with considerably smaller capacities.
Another rise can be anticipated during the forthcoming campaign following Schalke 04's promotion back to the Bundesliga.
Borussia Dortmund once again recorded the league's highest average attendance, welcoming almost 80,000 spectators per home match in their 81,365-seat venue. Bayern Munich followed with approximately 75,000 in their 75,024-seat Arena while promoted Hamburg averaged around 56,900 in the 57,000-seat Volksparkstadion.
The Bundesliga's reported stadium occupancy rate also increased slightly from 95.9 to 96.1 percent.
#tickets #clubs #campaign #hamburg
The Bundesliga alone recorded 12,718,097 distributed tickets, an increase of 9.1 percent compared with the previous campaign. The average top-flight attendance rose from 38,082 to 41,562. The return of Hamburg and 1. FC Köln contributed significantly to the increase. Both promoted clubs possess large stadiums and substantial supporter bases, while relegated sides VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel operated with considerably smaller capacities.
Another rise can be anticipated during the forthcoming campaign following Schalke 04's promotion back to the Bundesliga.
Borussia Dortmund once again recorded the league's highest average attendance, welcoming almost 80,000 spectators per home match in their 81,365-seat venue. Bayern Munich followed with approximately 75,000 in their 75,024-seat Arena while promoted Hamburg averaged around 56,900 in the 57,000-seat Volksparkstadion.
The Bundesliga's reported stadium occupancy rate also increased slightly from 95.9 to 96.1 percent.
#tickets #clubs #campaign #hamburg
1 month ago
A general view of the inside of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium as Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Algeria on June 16, 2026. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The NFL has typically rewarded Super Bowls to cities building new stadiums — even if it's a smaller, midwestern city like Minneapolis, which hosted the 2018 game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
But even though the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing in a glitzy, $3 billion dome in 2031, owner Clark Hunt acknowledged the difficulty in landing a Super Bowl because six other teams are also slated to have new stadiums by then.
Kansas City's hosting of the World Cup, though, bolstered the city's chances.
"Not only did we pull it off, we dominated," Chiefs president Mark Donovan said. "That puts us on a different level now."
#fifa #Argentina #World
The NFL has typically rewarded Super Bowls to cities building new stadiums — even if it's a smaller, midwestern city like Minneapolis, which hosted the 2018 game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
But even though the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing in a glitzy, $3 billion dome in 2031, owner Clark Hunt acknowledged the difficulty in landing a Super Bowl because six other teams are also slated to have new stadiums by then.
Kansas City's hosting of the World Cup, though, bolstered the city's chances.
"Not only did we pull it off, we dominated," Chiefs president Mark Donovan said. "That puts us on a different level now."
#fifa #Argentina #World
1 month ago
Sanford Stadium is widely regarded as one of the best environments to play in across all of college football. The Georgia Bulldogs have been dominant at home throughout history, and the stadium will be as loud as ever throughout the 2026 season.
Georgia will begin the year with one of the most talented rosters in the nation. Sanford Stadium's atmosphere will once again be an essential component to the Dawgs' success this season, as Georgia held an impressive 6-1 record at home in 2025. USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer, Paul Myerberg, Jordan Mendoza and Kevin Skiver recently listed their top 10 stadiums in college football, and Sanford Stadium was ranked No. 6.
"The environment 'Between the Hedges' has made the Bulldogs nearly unbeatable at home under coach Kirby Smart. While the literally barking from Georgia fans doesn't always rattle your eardrums, Sanford Stadium can rumble when challenged. Georgia's .918 home winning percentage during the Kirby Smart era is a credit to the program Smart built. It's also a credit to Bulldogs fans."
Georgia will face a handful of tough opponents at Sanford Stadium this fall. The Bulldogs first true test of the season will be against the Oklahoma Sooners in Athens, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores. The Dawgs are set to face the Auburn Tigers and the Missouri Tigers at Sanford Stadium during SEC play as well, and Georgia will use the atmosphere to their advantage.
The Bulldogs have lost just one home game dating back to 2019. Georgia had a 33-game home winning streak snapped against the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025, but UGA rebounded with ranked home wins over Ole Miss and Texas.
#home #smart #kirby
Georgia will begin the year with one of the most talented rosters in the nation. Sanford Stadium's atmosphere will once again be an essential component to the Dawgs' success this season, as Georgia held an impressive 6-1 record at home in 2025. USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer, Paul Myerberg, Jordan Mendoza and Kevin Skiver recently listed their top 10 stadiums in college football, and Sanford Stadium was ranked No. 6.
"The environment 'Between the Hedges' has made the Bulldogs nearly unbeatable at home under coach Kirby Smart. While the literally barking from Georgia fans doesn't always rattle your eardrums, Sanford Stadium can rumble when challenged. Georgia's .918 home winning percentage during the Kirby Smart era is a credit to the program Smart built. It's also a credit to Bulldogs fans."
Georgia will face a handful of tough opponents at Sanford Stadium this fall. The Bulldogs first true test of the season will be against the Oklahoma Sooners in Athens, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores. The Dawgs are set to face the Auburn Tigers and the Missouri Tigers at Sanford Stadium during SEC play as well, and Georgia will use the atmosphere to their advantage.
The Bulldogs have lost just one home game dating back to 2019. Georgia had a 33-game home winning streak snapped against the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025, but UGA rebounded with ranked home wins over Ole Miss and Texas.
#home #smart #kirby
1 month ago
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Barclays Women's Super League fixtures for the 2026-27 season have finally been released.
The schedule is always published later than many supporters would like because a number of clubs share stadiums with men's teams. The league therefore has to wait until the fixture lists for the top five tiers of the men's game have been finalised before confirming dates.
It should be a slightly less congested campaign for ***** nal than last season. The club are not involved in the FIFA Women's Champions Cup, avoiding a trip to Miami, while there is no Subway Players' Cup either, as clubs competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League are exempt on player welfare grounds.
The previous format, which awarded Champions League clubs a bye to the quarter-finals, provided a significant advantage. The fact that only ***** nal, Chelsea and Manchester City have ever won the competition suggests that format may not have helped competitive balance. With none of those three clubs involved this season, a new name will be added to the trophy.
#clubs #champions #arsenal #ryan
Barclays Women's Super League fixtures for the 2026-27 season have finally been released.
The schedule is always published later than many supporters would like because a number of clubs share stadiums with men's teams. The league therefore has to wait until the fixture lists for the top five tiers of the men's game have been finalised before confirming dates.
It should be a slightly less congested campaign for ***** nal than last season. The club are not involved in the FIFA Women's Champions Cup, avoiding a trip to Miami, while there is no Subway Players' Cup either, as clubs competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League are exempt on player welfare grounds.
The previous format, which awarded Champions League clubs a bye to the quarter-finals, provided a significant advantage. The fact that only ***** nal, Chelsea and Manchester City have ever won the competition suggests that format may not have helped competitive balance. With none of those three clubs involved this season, a new name will be added to the trophy.
#clubs #champions #arsenal #ryan
1 month ago
Whenever anyone asked me what my dream job is, I always had the same answer: I want to create content that resonates with people. It is truly an honor and a privilege to step into the site producer position at Pinstripe Alley, and I cannot wait to build connections with fans of my favorite team across all professional sports.
The New York Yankees fandom was first introduced to me by my grandfather, who grew up in the Bronx after immigrating from Germany. Whenever my sister and I visited my grandparents' house, my grandmother would always show off her vast collection of glass animals and trinkets from her travels around the world while my grandfather sat in the same spot on his couch, always with a pipe in hand, and watched his Bronx Bombers perform their magic. As I watched him pay close attention to every pitch and carefully ****** yze every swing, I realized that it wasn't just a sport he was watching. It was a beautiful human expression of finesse, endurance, and patience.
I was quickly enthralled with the art of baseball, despite the games typically lasting over three hours. Whenever my parents took me to a game at one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, I was always asking questions and cheering for Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, or dancing to Derek Jeter's 2009 walk-up song (Empire State of Mind, for those who don't remember). After watching the Bombers win two World Series during my childhood, I knew I was locked in for life.
I continued to pursue an interest in sports throughout my education, and majored in journalism and mass communication at the University of Wisconsin. During my time as a Badger, I also earned a certificate in sports communication, which was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in sports media. Instead of relaxing under the sun, my summers were spent writing articles as an intern at the New York Post sports department under fluorescent lights, or at the Yankees clubhouse until 1 a.m.
Since graduation, pursuing my passion for sports media has taken me to many amazing new places. Learning more about the nuances of baseball, however, has been the most rewarding. It has allowed me to develop professionally and form new connections, colleagues, and friends that I'm sure will last a lifetime.
#sports #whenever #always
The New York Yankees fandom was first introduced to me by my grandfather, who grew up in the Bronx after immigrating from Germany. Whenever my sister and I visited my grandparents' house, my grandmother would always show off her vast collection of glass animals and trinkets from her travels around the world while my grandfather sat in the same spot on his couch, always with a pipe in hand, and watched his Bronx Bombers perform their magic. As I watched him pay close attention to every pitch and carefully ****** yze every swing, I realized that it wasn't just a sport he was watching. It was a beautiful human expression of finesse, endurance, and patience.
I was quickly enthralled with the art of baseball, despite the games typically lasting over three hours. Whenever my parents took me to a game at one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, I was always asking questions and cheering for Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, or dancing to Derek Jeter's 2009 walk-up song (Empire State of Mind, for those who don't remember). After watching the Bombers win two World Series during my childhood, I knew I was locked in for life.
I continued to pursue an interest in sports throughout my education, and majored in journalism and mass communication at the University of Wisconsin. During my time as a Badger, I also earned a certificate in sports communication, which was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in sports media. Instead of relaxing under the sun, my summers were spent writing articles as an intern at the New York Post sports department under fluorescent lights, or at the Yankees clubhouse until 1 a.m.
Since graduation, pursuing my passion for sports media has taken me to many amazing new places. Learning more about the nuances of baseball, however, has been the most rewarding. It has allowed me to develop professionally and form new connections, colleagues, and friends that I'm sure will last a lifetime.
#sports #whenever #always
1 month ago
New USL Championship side Atlético Dallas, who will join the league for 2027 season, has announced its first signing: Chicharito Hernández, the Mexican legend and former Manchester United striker.
Chicharito had said farewell to Chivas at the end of last year and had not made it clear whether he would continue playing. The chance to be a key figure in a new project in the US convinced the player to move to Dallas.
"I've been fortunate to live the dreams that every young footballer hopes to experience," Hernández said about joining the new team.
"I've worn some of the biggest shirts in the world and played in incredible stadiums in front of passionate supporters. Opportunities like this, though, are different."
Hernández has signed a two-year contract with Atlético Dallas, with an option for a third. After retiring, the Mexican will then have the possibility of joining the club's football department in another role.
#tico #championship
Chicharito had said farewell to Chivas at the end of last year and had not made it clear whether he would continue playing. The chance to be a key figure in a new project in the US convinced the player to move to Dallas.
"I've been fortunate to live the dreams that every young footballer hopes to experience," Hernández said about joining the new team.
"I've worn some of the biggest shirts in the world and played in incredible stadiums in front of passionate supporters. Opportunities like this, though, are different."
Hernández has signed a two-year contract with Atlético Dallas, with an option for a third. After retiring, the Mexican will then have the possibility of joining the club's football department in another role.
#tico #championship
