Month: August 2025

The NFL draft charts a new path forward in professional football, and this year’s class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. The 2025 edition begins Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN and ESPN+. Rounds 2-7 take place Friday and Saturday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The first pick is expected to be Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, but things could get wild in the early going. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is drawing rave reviews, and he could be the second pick of the night if tiebreakers favor him over the Cleveland Browns’ Jaxson Dart.

Lindberg builds a dynamite running back corps, starting with last year’s RB13 finisher, Bucky Irving, who should be able to carry the load for the Raiders once again. He follows up with a trio of high-upside bench stash running backs capable of returning RB2 value if any of his starters miss time.

Daugherty hedges against Lindberg’s running back group by drafting Jets backup running back Braelon Allen, who could be the team’s top goal-line rusher in 2025. He then rounds out his roster by drafting Eagles defensive end Jordan Hicks, who finished as the league’s fourth-highest tackle for loss earner in 2024. Samulski continues to focus on a strong defensive front by taking Boise State defensive lineman Chuba Hubbard. The third-round pick is an overlooked gem that should be a key contributor on the team’s pass rush.

Ice hockey is one of the world’s most popular sports. It’s a fast-paced game played on ice and is governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), which has 59 full member nations and 22 associate members. The IIHF oversees both men’s and women’s Olympic ice hockey.

In the early days of Olympic ice hockey, it was Canada and then Czechoslovakia that dominated the tournament. But in the 1960s, the United States began to rise as a force to be reckoned with and won three of the next seven gold medals. The United States also won the 1980 Olympics, which was known as the “Miracle on Ice,” beating the Soviets and becoming the dominant international team.

At the 1948 St. Moritz Games, a controversy erupted because the American Hockey Association sent two teams to the tournament instead of one. The AHA was an association of professional players who were not members of the Amateur Athletic Union, which was the governing body for amateur ice hockey in the United States.

But the Americans swept their first two games against Sweden and Czechoslovakia, and were in good shape to make the medal rounds. But in a Valentine’s Day game against the Soviets, the U.S. team trailed 2-1 in the second period and appeared to be headed for a loss.

Then, with just a few seconds left in the period, Dave Christian, son of Bill Christian of the 1960 gold medal winners, fired a long slap shot toward Soviet goalie Vladimir Tretiak. Tretiak, one of the greatest goalies in Olympic history, sloppily kicked the puck out, and a streaking Johnson swooped down on it, slamming it past him for the winning goal.

Whether it’s helping bring down Jose Mourinho, marching to protest their club owner or expressing solidarity with a fan community that has been attacked by hackers, these stories remind us that fans are not passive media consumers. They have a long history of using their passion for football to fight for change.

Across the world, supporters are protesting decisions made by their clubs that they feel harm their morals. This fan activism enables them to turn their creative energies and imagination into civic action, says media scholar Henry Jenkins.

For instance, in 2021, a group of Tottenham fans called Change for Tottenham marched before their team’s match against Manchester United to call on owner Daniel Levy to sell the club. Levy bought the club in 2001, but since then it has never been a success on the pitch. Instead, it has become a business, with Levy prioritizing hosting major events over building a successful football club.

Other fan protests are more subtle. In the United States, for example, a group of Austin FC fans has been able to compromise with the club’s front office on sharing pro-immigrant messaging at games. They have gotten banners approved to say “Austin Is An Immigrant City” and have distributed “Know Your Rights” cards. They are also boycotting games to highlight the team’s silence on immigration raids in Southern California, where some of the players play. Leslie Jimenez, leader of the Angel City Brigade, a group that sits during LA Galaxy home games to highlight this issue, says there isn’t a day that goes by without her thinking about these raids.

The 2026 edition of the Asian Games will feature competitions in 41 sports, including esports. This will be the second time that the Games have included esports, and they will take place from September 9 to October 4 in the city of Nagoya in Japan. A total of 11 medal-contending events will be included in the programme.

The organisers of the Asian Games are set to begin two major meetings this week on the path towards a successful event next year in Aichi-Nagoya. The 1st Technical Delegates Meeting will run from Wednesday (April 30) to Friday, and the 3rd OCA Coordination Committee Meeting takes place over two days on May 1-2.

Cricket has been retained for the 2026 Asian Games, while Mixed Martial Arts will make its debut at the continental meet, the Olympic Council of Asia has confirmed. Both events were formally approved at the 41st meeting of the AINAGOC Board of Directors in Nagoya on Monday (April 28), with cricket making its fourth appearance at the Asian Games.

The organising committee has also announced plans for transport infrastructure around the city to support athlete movement to and from competition venues. This will include leveraging existing rail services, such as JR lines (Tokaido Shinkansen and Chuo Main Line), Kintetsu Railway and Meitetsu Railway, and the city’s comprehensive subway system and bus routes. Shuttle buses will also be available if necessary to ease travel demand. Measures will also be taken to curb private cars from surrounding areas to help maintain urban order during the Games.

The world of sports has never been more dynamic, but it’s not all about the latest technology. Sports innovation ideas need to be practical and solve real problems for facilities. They also need to deliver a clear return on investment. Keeping up with the latest sports technology trends is about more than staying modern- it’s about adding value to your customers and reducing risk every day.

Wearable tech and AI are refining the way athletes monitor their health, boosting recovery and improving injury prevention. VR training is giving athletes hyper-realistic skills practice from anywhere. The growth in women’s sport showcases broader achievement and equality, and personalized training is bringing a more nuanced approach to athlete development.

Streamlining fan experience is one of the most significant sports technology trends, with companies like MLB and NFL leveraging data analytics to improve fan engagement. The rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is also changing the game for fans, with AR overlays superimposing real-time stats on live video and allowing users to watch matches from different viewpoints or in immersive environments.

Across the spectrum of sports, there is increasing awareness that the industry needs to be fairer and more inclusive. As the market grows, we are seeing more players and clubs investing in anti-discriminatory technology and taking steps to address gender and other forms of inequality. A growing number of sports are also deploying video assistant referees, with benefits including fewer wrong calls and increased trust in results.

Athlete retirement news is usually about big-name stars hanging up their cleats and pursuing other career paths in fields like real estate, fashion, broadcasting or even restaurants. But the truth is that even professional athletes have a hard time knowing when to retire.

While regular people typically retire in their 60s or 70s, many athletes choose to end their careers at much younger ages. This can create a tough transition as they go from being highly compensated and well-managed to surviving on minimum wages with little or no support system.

As a result, a lot of athletes struggle with early retirement, which can be extremely difficult for them and their families. Fortunately, there are many things athletes can do to prepare for this transition and make it as smooth as possible.

One of the best ways to get ready for retirement is to start preparing financially early. Athletes should pay off any outstanding debts and make income-producing investments to cover retirement expenses. Additionally, they should work with an experienced financial advisor to establish a budget and ensure that their assets are protected in the event of an injury or unexpected illness.

Another way to prepare for retirement is to formally withdraw from the Olympic or Paralympic movement testing pool. This can be done by submitting a statement to USADA through email or courier. If you’re a member of the Olympic or Paralympic movement, you must notify USADA by the end of your last competition that you’re withdrawing from the testing pool and requesting to be reinstated in the future. If you fail to comply with these requirements, you could face a sanctions violation under the World Anti-Doping Code or USADA’s National Anti-Doping Policy.

The World Test Championship launched in 2019 with the aim of adding significance to bilateral Test series by introducing a points system over a two-year cycle. Its premise is that the highest performing teams will be rewarded with greater scheduling opportunities while the weaker sides will find it easier to maintain their level. This is a similar model to the one used in cricket’s other global events, with the World Cup in ODIs and T20Is rewarding the best teams.

But despite the inaugural final in 2021 being hailed as “just desserts” for a golden generation that had failed to reach the top of the white-ball game, the current format has come under fire, with Wisden editor Lawrence Booth claiming it was designed on the back of a cigarette packet. His harsh assessment highlights a number of issues with the championship that are exacerbated by a lack of transparency and the fact that it doesn’t have a clear winner.

South Africa ripped the title mace from Australia’s callused grip at Lord’s, winning a riveting final by more than 50 runs thanks to Aiden Markram’s magnificent hundred and Temba Bavuma’s crucial fifty. It ended years of tournament heartache for the Proteas, who also lost their last two ICC trophies in the same fashion. This article outlines three key issues that emerged from the final and how they could be addressed in future.

From Hollywood megastars repping their favorite teams to viral pop culture moments that go viral on social media, sports and celebrity worlds have never been more intertwined. Whether they’re making headlines for their sexy dance moves or the latest raucous argument, these are the stories that keep fans up to date on all of the cross-overs and celebrity involvement that keep the sports world buzzing.

Whether you have the standings of multiple leagues memorized or are convinced that Taylor Swift put Travis Kelce on the map, everyone has a little bit of sports celebrity gossip inside them. Celebrity presence at games and events generates interest and excitement, boosts fandom and often leads to higher viewership and ticket sales for the event in question. From celebrities stepping in as coaches to the impact of a sudden health crisis, these are the stories that have everyone talking.

Madeline and Charlotte are back with a special announcement: The Sports Gossip Show has officially joined The Athletic Podcast Network! This weekly show breaks down and adds context to the wildest developments in the personal lives of athletes around the world. Because it’s much more fun to watch them play if you know what they’re up to off the field.

In this week’s episode, the gals get shook by the latest controversies surrounding Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Plus, they brush up on WNBA star Suni Lee’s new beau, NBA player OG Anunoby and her StudBudz. They also break down all the latest on a former WWE star and her Coldplay cheating drama, surfing superstar Billy Kemper’s gruesome injury and more.

Athlete endorsements are pivotal for brand marketing, offering unique opportunities to leverage athletes’ personal connections and wide reach to build credibility and boost consumer trust. However, it is critical to manage the risk of a bad public image or involvement in controversies that can damage both the athlete’s and brand image.

In a digital age where consumers are spread out across multiple platforms, it’s important to meet them where they are. Athletes can leverage social media to share their own experiences and highlight the product, creating a more authentic connection that feels like a genuine recommendation. Additionally, long-term partnerships can help cultivate emotional engagement and foster loyalty.

Choosing the right athletes is crucial, as they are often seen as role models for their followers. Athletes’ positive image can shift consumer perception and spark conversations that influence cultural trends. It is also vital to align the athlete’s core values with a brand’s ethos, fostering authenticity that resonates with audiences. For example, athlete Naomi Osaka’s activism for social justice aligns with Nike’s message of empowerment and equality, making their partnership feel natural.

Athletes can use legal counsel to review their contracts to ensure they have protections against unfair or detrimental terms, preventing them from getting stuck with an endorsement deal they can’t afford. Contact The Hughes Companies to speak with an experienced attorney and sports agent about your athlete endorsement potential or existing contract.

International qualifiers are the gateway to competing at the highest level of international football. They not only determine the teams that will play on the world stage, but also heighten national pride and unite communities. They are also a major source of excitement for fans around the globe, with many countries focusing on ramping up training sessions and implementing new tactics to secure the all-important points needed to qualify.

The 2026 qualification began with 54 FIFA-affiliated nations, but Eritrea withdrew before matches began and Congo were suspended by FIFA on Feb. 6 due to government interference. The remaining 55 competed in nine groups of six teams in a home-and-away round-robin format over the September, October, and November 2025 FIFA match windows. The group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 tournament, joining co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States, while the two best second-place finishers will advance to a two-legged inter-confederation playoff tie against the winner of the CONCACAF championship.

Typically, the top team of each group automatically qualifies to the next round, while the other three places are awarded by a tiebreaker based on aggregate score and head-to-head comparison (and goal difference in the case of a deadlock). However, this is not always the case, as some qualifying rounds have ties decided by other criteria such as away goals or extra time.