Whether you’re a fan of football (Americans read soccer) or not, you’ve more than likely heard the name David Beckham. From the late ’90s through the better part of the early 2000s, Beckham was a global sensation on and off the pitch. Whether it was the countless hairstyles, his marriage to one of the world’s biggest pop stars, or simply his status as a sex symbol, Beckham was larger than life. Oh, and the bloke had one of the deadliest free kicks in the game.
Point is, Beckham could score goals and drive revenue wherever he went.

June 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, U.S.; Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo during warm-up before the match. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different than previous installments.
Starting with the size of the field.
For this year’s World Cup, the field expanded to 48 nations, up from the previous number of 32. This means the field is divided into 12 four-team groups, and it also means that the knockout stage begins with the round of 32, and not the round of 16, as in previous World Cups.

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MILWAUKEE — Cleveland outfielder Chase DeLauter has become the latest Guardians position player to go on the injured list.
The team announced the move before a night game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The rookie fractured a rib on his right side when he collided with the outfield wall.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed optimism that DeLauter could return after the required 10 days on the IL.
“We just felt it was best with where he is injury-wise, let’s give it 10 days so he can be 100% on the other end of the 10 days and be ready to go,” Vogt said.

Packers have chance to add former No. 1 overall pick to help Super Bowl chances originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Green Bay Packers snuck into the playoffs last season. They were the No. 7 seed in the NFC and not positioned for a deep run.
The hope this season will be that they can finish higher up the conference standings and chase a Super Bowl.
That won’t be easy, of course, because the NFC North is a powerhouse division with the Lions, Vikings and Bears, too.

The Chargers concluded their second day of mandatory minicamp on Wednesday.
To see some of the action that went down at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA, here are a few clips from the team’s official Twitter account and members of the media.

dj3 makin’ plays pic.twitter.com/Z4EPXSqg7G
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 17, 2026

Jim Harbaugh just escorted us across the field so we could get a closer listen and look at The Man In The Straw Hat — aka OL coach Butch Barry. pic.twitter.

The roars for Rory are in full effect as he get

Jun 17, 2026; Omaha, NE, USA; Georgia Bulldogs shortstop Kolby Branch (9) high fives Oklahoma Sooners second baseman Kyle Branch (6), his brother, after hitting a home run during the ninth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
On Wednesday night in Omaha, Oklahoma met Georgia with a spot in the Men’s College World Series Finals on the line. The Sooners just needed a win over the Bulldogs to punch their ticket to the Finals, while Georgia needed a win to force a winner-take-all finale.

The Ravens’ offensive snap distribution should look different in 2026, not because the foundation has changed, but because Baltimore has rebuilt the supporting cast around Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and an offensive line undergoing one of its most important transitions in years.

Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Caroline Harvey (4) of the United States controls the puck against Canada in overtime of the women’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Amber Searls/Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The accolades keep coming for Caroline Harvey, with the U.S. national team and Wisconsin defender named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year.

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 16: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the final whistle was blown on Columbia’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday night, the first wave of games in this year’s FIFA World Cup officially came to an end. Each team in the tournament has now played one group stage contest.

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Watching UFC Freedom 250 reminded me of what boxing has been getting so wrong of late.
There were so many defining images from the MMA market-leader’s signature show, that it was hard to keep track of them all. 
It went beyond the U.S. Navy combining with the Air Force for a spectacular flyover of Blue Angels and Thunderbird jets, to U.S. President Donald Trump getting his own walkout alongside UFC boss Dana White. The pageantry would have meant little if the fights fizzled out, but each of the seven bouts all seemed to over-deliver.

Stephen A.

FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 27: Casey Washington #82 of the Atlanta Falcons runs through drills during OTA’s at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I’m running a bit late to this news, but it’s surprising during minicamp. The Atlanta Falcons have signed three former UFL players they’ve worked out in recent days, and one of their three cuts qualifies as a bit of a shocker.

Oklahoma City’s Zach Ehrhard drives in a run during a minor league baseball game between the Oklahoma City Comets and the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 27, 2026. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Three separate starting pitchers struggled heavily in a disappointing day across the Dodgers’ minor league system, particularly in the higher levels.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 16: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals looks on during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Entering the season, I would guess that Paul Toboni fully anticipated being sellers at the trade deadline. However, year one under this new regime has exceeded all expectations. The Nats are currently 39-36 and tied for the third wild card spot.

The New England Patriots may need another edge rusher this offseason.
Patriots rookie linebacker Gabe Jacas is dealing with an injury to his knee, which he had a procedure on this spring, and is the only second-round pick from this year’s draft class that has yet to sign with their respective team. Though New England is in good hands with Harold Landry and Dre’Mont Jones on the edge, a third star added to the rotation stands to benefit the team greatly in 2026.

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On First Take, lifelong Knicks fan Stephen A.

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Earlier this offseason, the Miami Dolphins made the decision to move on from starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and bring in former third-round pick Malik Willis on a three-year, $67.5 million deal as his replacement.
Shortly after his release, Tagovailoa found a new home with the Atlanta Falcons, where he’s competing with fellow lefty and former first-round pick Michael Penix for the starting job.
While the Dolphins wrapped up their minicamp earlier this month, Atlanta held theirs this week, with the final session coming on Wednesday.

Saints should finally make roughly $141 million decision on star receiver for Tyler Shough originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New Orleans Saints made a big decision in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, taking wide receiver Jordyn Tyson to help out second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.
Based on that draft pick, and their other selections down the board in the draft, along with their two big free agent moves of signing Travis Etienne Jr.

Second in a series of remembrances by former Cardinals about iconic Crawford Gym.
If not nearly as magnificent as those dimes he fed Bobby Turner through traffic as a high profile, eerily impassive freshman, it was still “Assist Scooter McCray.”
I was on my way out to chat him up and had misremembered the exact location of his La-Z-Boy store on Hurstbourne Parkway.
“Sorry,” I apologized upon arrival after he guided me in over my cell, “just an old man with a bad memory and aches and pains.

Hansi Flick identifies €40 million-rated Valencia star as key target for Barcelona rebuild – report

Barcelona’s search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season has led the club back to one of the most highly-rated young talents in La Liga.

As Hansi Flick and the sporting department continue evaluating options to strengthen the squad, Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra has emerged as a serious candidate.

June 12, 2026; Toronto, Canada; Canada’s Cyle Larin celebrates scoring their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
of the FIFA 2026 World Cup is in the books. Every team has played a match, and starting Thursday we will begin the second round of games for each nation.
And some teams can already clinch a spot in the knockout round.
Here are the scenarios for Group B heading into Thursday’s matches.

June 11, 2026; Mexico City, Mexico; Mexico’s Raul Jimenez celebrates scoring their second goal with Gilberto Mora. Mandatory Credit: Pawel Kopczynski-REUTERS via Imagn Images
The first full week of the FIFA 2026 World Cup is in the books. Every team has played a match, and starting Thursday we will begin the second round of games for each nation.
And some teams can already clinch a spot in the knockout round.
Here are the scenarios for Group A heading into Thursday’s matches.

Credit: Fubo and BIG3
There is a new free way to watch BIG3 basketball this season.
BIG3 announced a new agreement with Fubo Sports Network that will result in 16 games airing on the network this season, with two games each week.
“BIG3 has made waves across the basketball world since its debut and we can’t wait to bring the hype to Fubo Sports Network audiences for Season 9,” said Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Studios.
Fubo Sports Network is a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) network available on many free streaming services, including Samsung TV Plus, Roku and Tubi.

Credit: Fubo and BIG3
There is a new free way to watch BIG3 basketball this season.
BIG3 announced a new agreement with Fubo Sports Network that will result in 16 games airing on the network this season, with two games each week.
“BIG3 has made waves across the basketball world since its debut and we can’t wait to bring the hype to Fubo Sports Network audiences for Season 9,” said Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Studios.
Fubo Sports Network is a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) network available on many free streaming services, including Samsung TV Plus, Roku and Tubi.

CC Sabathia and Ahmed Fareed reveal their lists

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RENTON, WASHINGTON – JUNE 11: Jadarian Price #8 of the Seattle Seahawks runs during practice at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 11, 2026 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft offered a new crop of offensive talent and we should expect immediate impact from several skill-position players.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some top betting value options to win the 2026 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 27: Maliq Brown #6 of the Duke Blue Devils blocks a shot from Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John’s Red Storm in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

2026 NBA Mock Draft: Cameron Boozer goes to Jazz at No. 2, Clippers like Mikel Brown for fifth pick
Could Cameron Boozer Climb To The Second Pick?!
Boozer ‘easiest selection’ of Rd.

Lakers in contract talks to re-sign LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura amid free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers know it is no secret they want to build a contending roster in free agency this summer. It marks the first real opportunity they have had to build around Luka Dončić since his arrival.

Cincinnati Bengals safety Bryan Cook (6) gestures during spring practice on at the Kettering Practice Fields on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Quick Hits | Bengals Break Into Summer With Spring In Their Step
“I always push for more, but now is certainly not the time for injuries,” Burrow said Wednesday. “You do more competitive reps, and it opens that up. We will get plenty of those in July and August and get better other ways.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 13: A replica FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Matchday 1 is in the books, which means it’s time to do what we’re all really here for — judge each other’s predictions.

JuveTori leads the way with 117 points after 24 matches, with Dino1995 and Kmartino close behind.

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#fifaworldcuponyt #Soccer #fifaworldcup #jameis

Dec 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) brings the ball up court against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Mario Mays worried he might be alienating his seniors, but he also couldn’t deny what his eyes were telling him.

Clinical Cross returns to winning ways with victory at Players Championship 22 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Rob Cross picked up his first PDC ranking title of the year on Wednesday, after an 8-5 victory against Maik Kuivenhoven in the final of Players Championship 22, as the Pro Tour double header concluded at Wigan’s Robin Park Leisure Centre in the UK.

A refusal by several players to wear a special Pride Night jersey led to the York Revolution deciding to forfeit an Atlantic League baseball game against Southern Maryland scheduled for Thursday, June 18. 
According to a team statement, despite the game not being played, Pride Night will still be hosted as a free admission event. 

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“This decision was not reached lightly,” the team stated.