The Cleveland Browns secured a convincing 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in their first preseason game, highlighted by an impressive outing from rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a former Colorado Buffaloes star. Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and threw two touchdown passes, demonstrating poise and skill in various offensive situations. He operated both under center and from shotgun formation, showing versatility and calm under pressure. Sanders' emergence was a critical factor as the Browns overcame a 7-0 deficit early in the game. After a muffed punt recovery by Cleveland set up favorable field position, Sanders rolled left and threw a 7-yard touchdown pass between two defenders to Kaden Davis, tying the game in the second quarter. Sanders then connected with Davis again on a 12-yard touchdown shortly before halftime to give the Browns a 14-7 lead. Sanders continued to direct the offense effectively, culminating in a third touchdown drive in the third quarter. The Browns outplayed the Panthers on both sides, with the Panthers managing just 251 yards on offense while committing six penalties and two turnovers. The game also featured some on-field tensions resulting in ejections for Panthers receiver Xavier Legette and Browns cornerback Rayshawn Jenkins after an altercation. Former NBA star LeBron James praised Sanders’ performance publicly, acknowledging his confidence and playmaking ability. The Browns, now 1-0 in the preseason, are set to face Philadelphia next, while the Panthers prepare to visit Houston.<br /><br />This game indicated the Browns’ promising depth at quarterback and demonstrated Sanders’ potential as an impactful player for Cleveland moving forward.

8/11/2025, 1:02:00 PM

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has reached a groundbreaking seven-year deal with Paramount, making Paramount+ the exclusive streaming home for UFC events in the United States starting in 2026. This move represents a significant shift in how fans will access UFC content, as all events, including the highly anticipated pay-per-view (PPV) fights, will now be available through the streaming service. Notably, the traditional pay-per-view model will be discontinued, meaning that viewers will no longer have to pay separately for each major event. Instead, UFC fans will gain full access to these high-profile fights as part of their Paramount+ subscription. This shift is poised to transform the viewing experience by consolidating UFC content into a single platform, potentially attracting more subscribers to Paramount+ and making it easier for fans to watch all UFC events without additional costs. The deal reflects the growing trend in sports broadcasting towards streaming services, which are increasingly becoming the go-to venues for live sports content, replacing traditional cable and satellite pay-per-view models. By integrating all UFC events on Paramount+, the UFC and Paramount aim to enhance fan engagement and expand the sport’s reach in the digital era. For subscribers, this means more convenient access and likely better value, as they will no longer face the high fees typically associated with pay-per-view events. This move highlights a strategic effort by both the UFC and Paramount to innovate in sports media distribution and cater to evolving viewer preferences.<br /> <br /> Overall, the seven-year partnership marks a new chapter for UFC broadcasting, promising fans more accessible and streamlined coverage of one of the world’s most popular combat sports.

8/11/2025, 1:02:00 PM

The New York Giants’ Week 1 preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills provided early insight into which lesser-known players made strong cases for roster spots and who still has work to do. While the game ended in a 34-25 Giants victory, the focus was less on the scoreboard and more on individual performances that could influence final roster decisions. Among the notable standouts was rookie tight end Thomas Fidone II. The seventh-round pick showcased reliability and composure, catching all three of his targets for 22 yards and successfully converting a crucial two-point attempt. His ability to find soft spots in Buffalo’s zone coverage and become a dependable target for quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito was impressive, with clean catches and sharp moves to gain extra yards demonstrating his potential value to the team. Wide receiver Montrell Washington also made positive strides, turning opportunities into momentum and bolstering his chances of securing a spot. In contrast, defensive lineman Jermiah Ledbetter struggled and will need to rebound with stronger performances over the remaining two preseason games to maintain his roster hopes. Among the running backs, Dante Miller showed explosive speed and playmaking ability, particularly out of the backfield, catching all seven passes thrown his way for 80 yards. Though his rushing yardage was modest, his dynamic playmaking on screen passes caught attention. Veteran running back Singletary’s limited rushing output was offset by his dependable pass-blocking and veteran presence, factors that strongly favor his continued roster place. Overall, these early performances highlight the razor-thin margin between making or missing the Giants’ final roster, with some under-the-radar players rising while others must improve quickly to survive the cut. The next two preseason games will be critical for many hopefuls looking to secure a spot on the depth chart. <br /> <br /> The preseason presents a pivotal proving ground where film and individual moments carry more weight than the game result itself. The Giants and their coaching staff will closely analyze these performances as they finalize personnel decisions, making every snap highly valuable for players on the bubble.

8/11/2025, 1:00:00 PM

Paramount’s shares rose 4.2% in premarket trading following a major announcement that the company will become the exclusive U.S. home for the UFC’s full slate of events starting in 2026. Under a landmark seven-year media rights agreement with TKO Group Holdings, Paramount+ will stream all 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights annually. Additionally, select marquee numbered events will be simulcast on Paramount’s CBS broadcast network. This deal marks a significant shift as the UFC moves away from its traditional pay-per-view model to boost accessibility and reach a broader audience through streaming and broadcast platforms. This agreement, valued at about $1.1 billion per year, emphasizes Paramount’s strategy to leverage live sports content to drive subscriber growth and increase engagement across its platforms. David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, highlighted the cultural impact and global recognition of the UFC and expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. With approximately 100 million U.S. UFC fans, this deal could significantly expand Paramount+’s subscriber base while providing fans with easier access to hundreds of hours of live UFC content annually. The partnership is also notable for the shift it represents in sports media distribution, as UFC events will no longer be predominantly behind paywalls but instead available on direct-to-consumer streaming, supplemented by free-to-air broadcasts of key events. Paramount also indicated plans to explore UFC media rights internationally as opportunities arise. This landmark deal positions Paramount+ as a major player in the competitive sports streaming market and signals a new era for MMA fans in the United States.

8/11/2025, 1:00:00 PM

TMZ Sports recently caught up with a former Virginia Tech outfielder during a ceremonial shift he was doing at Raising Cane's. During the conversation, he was asked about which current Major League Baseball player he would most want on his team. Without hesitation, he stated that he would choose Bryce Harper above all other Big Leaguers. This endorsement is significant as Harper is widely regarded for his talent and leadership on the field. Claiming Harper as the top pick reflects both respect for his skills and admiration from fellow players. The former Virginia Tech outfielder's preference highlights Harper’s strong reputation among his peers and fans alike. The setting of the interview—a ceremonial stint at Raising Cane's—adds a relatable and down-to-earth aspect to this sports news. It shows how former athletes often engage with fans and communities in diverse settings after their playing careers or during breaks. Although the interview was brief, it provided a glimpse into the opinions and preferences of past players about current stars. Choosing Harper implies his status as a highly valued and impactful player in today’s Major League Baseball. The mention of Raising Cane's also connects the sports world with popular culture and local business, showcasing how athletes remain visible and influential beyond the diamond in settings like this fast-casual restaurant. Overall, the conversation captured by TMZ Sports underscores Bryce Harper’s continued prominence in baseball and the respect he commands from other players, even those from previous generations.

8/10/2025, 12:31:00 PM

Sunday’s WNBA schedule is packed with five exciting games, headlined by a high-stakes clash between the league’s top two teams. The New York Liberty, holding the No. 1 seed in the current standings, will host the No. 2 seeded Minnesota Lynx. This matchup carries significant implications for positioning as the regular season nears its final stretch, with teams vying for optimal playoff seedings and momentum. The Liberty have been exceptional this season, consistently demonstrating strong offensive and defensive performances that have propelled them to the top of the league. Meanwhile, the Lynx have shown resilience and skill, making them formidable challengers eager to unseat New York from their leading position. This game presents a pivotal opportunity for Minnesota to close the gap in the standings or potentially overtake the Liberty, setting the stage for a compelling battle on the court. In addition to this marquee confrontation, the other four Sunday games will provide basketball fans with a variety of competitive matchups, reflecting the intensity and unpredictability that have characterized the 2025 WNBA season. As teams push towards securing playoff spots, every game is crucial, contributing to the evolving dynamics of the league. With the regular season set to conclude in early September, Sunday’s contests, especially the Liberty-Lynx encounter, offer a snapshot of the high-level competition and drama fans can expect heading into the postseason. The event promises thrilling action as players showcase their talents and teams compete fiercely for supremacy.

8/10/2025, 12:21:00 PM

Arsenal have been very active in the 2025 summer transfer window, signing a number of new players to strengthen their squad under manager Mikel Arteta. So far, the Gunners have completed high-profile arrivals including Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, along with Christian Nørgaard and Cristhian Mosquera, spending approximately £192.6 million. Several departures have occurred as well, with Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, and others leaving either on free transfers or for undisclosed fees. This major squad overhaul is part of Arsenal’s bid to finally convert their recent Premier League runner-up finishes into a title-winning campaign[1][2][4]. Despite the extensive work done already, the transfer activity is far from finished. Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal remain "actively looking" for additional signings while also planning to offload some current squad members. The manager emphasized the ongoing evaluation of squad needs and possible moves in the coming weeks, indicating Arsenal aim to fine-tune their squad further before the season gets fully underway[1]. Among the players Arsenal continue to be linked with is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. While no official deal has been announced, interest in Eze suggests Arsenal are targeting creative midfield reinforcements to bolster their attacking options and provide fresh impetus to their lineup. This potential move aligns with the club’s ambition to strengthen intelligently and address specific tactical requirements as they prepare to challenge for major trophies again[1]. With the transfer window running until September 1, Arsenal’s business is expected to keep evolving as they balance incoming talent and departures to build a team capable of pushing for the Premier League title and other honors.

8/10/2025, 12:19:00 PM

Dart is not competing to be the starting quarterback for the New York Giants. Despite speculation suggesting that Jaxson Dart might challenge Russell Wilson for playing time early in the season, head coach Brian Daboll confirmed at the start of training camp that Wilson would be the undisputed starting passer for the Giants for the entire 2025 NFL season. Daboll emphasized that although there will be competition among quarterbacks in practice, the leadership and starting role belong to Wilson, a veteran with a decade of Pro Bowl experience and a solid track record. Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Giants after starting 11 games last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns. The Giants added him as the clear veteran presence to lead the team after releasing Daniel Jones last year. While the Giants also signed Jameis Winston and drafted Dart in the first round, Dart’s role is viewed as a developmental project rather than an immediate starting contender. The Giants’ quarterback room is designed to combine Wilson’s experience and leadership with younger talent like Dart for the future. Wilson’s presence is intended as a stabilizing force to help the team be competitive in 2025, with Daboll making it clear there would be no quarterback battle for the starting role. The plan is for Wilson to lead the offense with Dart and others providing depth and potential later development. Thus, any narrative about Dart overtaking Wilson’s spot early on is not supported by the team’s official stance at training camp.

8/10/2025, 12:08:00 PM

Birmingham City’s return to English football’s second tier, the EFL Championship, began with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, a recently relegated side. The game took place on August 8, 2025, and was marked by an energetic atmosphere that reflected the excitement around Birmingham City’s comeback to this level after promotion. The Blues took the lead about 10 minutes into the second half through Jay Stansfield, who capitalized on a rebound after a shot from new signing Kyogo hit the post. This goal initially suggested Birmingham City was on track for a victorious start to the season. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the final moments when Ipswich Town's George Hirst scored a last-gasp equalizer. The goal came after a handball was spotted in the build-up, a detail unnoticed for most except the referee, overturning what had seemed a winning situation for Birmingham. The late equalizer sparked visible frustration among the Birmingham players, highlighted when Conor Chaplin kicked the ball back into the crowd, leading to tense scenes with Blues players surrounding him. The post-match atmosphere was further marred by an altercation between a fan and a player, which occurred late in the game, detracting from the celebratory mood expected for Birmingham's Championship return. Despite the disappointing draw and incident, fans and commentators found positives in Birmingham’s performance, hoping the team can build on a spirited showing as they embark on their 2025/26 campaign in the second tier. The 1-1 result left both teams level early in the season, with Birmingham City sitting second and Ipswich Town third on the league table, each with one point from their opening match. The match was not only significant for the football but also underscored the passionate and sometimes volatile nature of football environments where emotions run high. <br /> <br /> Overall, Birmingham City’s first match back in the Championship was a rollercoaster of high hopes, last-minute heartbreak, and off-pitch tensions. Supporters will be eager to see how the team harnesses the positives and addresses challenges as the season progresses.

8/9/2025, 12:08:00 PM

Vanessa Kirby stars in the upcoming gritty crime thriller drama **"Night Always Comes,"** a film exploring the harsh realities and aspirations of home ownership. Directed by Benjamin Caron and based on Willy Vlautin's 2021 novel of the same name, the story follows Lynette, played by Kirby, a desperate woman in Portland, Oregon, who embarks on a dangerous, one-night odyssey through the city's criminal underbelly. Her urgent goal is to raise $25,000 to prevent her family from facing eviction, which sets the stage for a tense and emotionally charged narrative. The film also features notable actors such as Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen, Stephan James, Julia Fox, Randall Park, Michael Kelly, and Eli Roth. Vanessa Kirby not only stars but also serves as a producer on the project [1][2][3][4][5]. Filming took place in Portland during the spring of 2024, reflecting the novel's Pacific Northwest setting. The film's runtime is approximately 108 minutes and it is scheduled for release on Netflix on August 15, 2025. The story highlights Lynette's battle to secure a future for herself and her brother while confronting her troubled past in a narrative that combines crime, drama, and thriller elements [1][3][5]. Meanwhile, Maroon 5 is set to release their eighth studio album, marking another milestone for the pop-rock band. Though details about the album's content or release date remain sparse, this new record continues the band's enduring presence in the music industry.

8/9/2025, 12:04:00 PM

The award has evolved into a comprehensive platform celebrating various facets of football excellence beyond just the best player. It now includes the Kopa Trophy, which honors the most promising young player under the age of 21, named after the 1958 Ballon d'Or winner Raymond Kopa. This accolade is prestigious and decided by a jury consisting of former Ballon d'Or winners, covering players worldwide from all FIFA confederations. Alongside this, there is Yashin's Trophy dedicated to goalkeepers, recognizing their critical role and outstanding performances. The Gerd Müller Trophy acknowledges the top goal scorers, celebrating players who demonstrate exceptional finishing skills and scoring consistency throughout the season. The platform also highlights players making a significant social impact through the Sócrates Award, underlining the importance of contributions off the pitch, whether in social causes, community influence, or inspiring leadership. Further extending its scope, the awards now honor outstanding teams and managers, recognizing that football is a collective effort involving strategic planning, leadership, and teamwork. This multi-award structure allows for a broader recognition of talent and contribution in football, making the event a more inclusive and multi-dimensional celebration of the sport's excellence. For instance, recently, the Kopa Trophy nominees have featured young stars like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, reflecting the award’s role in spotlighting emerging talents who are shaping the future of football. Such diversification in awards reflects the sport's evolving values, acknowledging individual brilliance, leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility as essential pillars of football success. <br /> <br /> This development has enhanced the award's prestige and relevance by encompassing a wider range of achievements, encouraging players and teams to excel across multiple dimensions both on and off the field.

8/9/2025, 11:42:00 AM

Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting has faced persistent and growing criticism from fans due to his long-term frugality and poor business decisions that have contributed to the team's continued losing seasons. Despite his billionaire status, Nutting is widely accused of failing to invest adequately in the team’s payroll and free agency, resulting in mediocrity and frustration among supporters. Over his 18-year tenure, the Pirates have experienced a losing record averaging about 74 wins to 88 losses per season, with frequent bottom-tier finishes in Major League Baseball. This chronic underperformance has fueled anger, with fans staging protests, walkouts, and boycotts to express their disappointment. The situation has worsened with decisions such as releasing key players late in the season and cutting payroll even further following poor team performance. Nutting’s reputation as one of the cheapest owners in professional sports is compounded by accusations that his primary goal is personal profit rather than building a competitive team. Revenue sharing funds and taxpayer money have largely benefited Nutting personally rather than improving the Pirates’ on-field product. This pattern of mismanagement even led to controversies like the insensitive removal and disposal of fan-purchased commemorative "Bucco Bricks" at PNC Park, for which Nutting issued a public apology. Despite moments when the team showed promise, such as rookie phenom Paul Skenes attracting strong attendance, Nutting’s reluctance to increase payroll has dimmed hopes of sustained success. Fan frustration continues to grow as many call for Major League Baseball to intervene and end Nutting’s costly reign, fearing that without change, the Pirates will remain trapped in a cycle of losing and fan alienation. <br /> <br /> The core of the conflict lies in Nutting’s persistent undervaluing of team investment despite clear fan support and occasional success spurts, creating a divide of trust that remains unresolved. His financial priorities have overshadowed the Pirates’ competitive ambitions, making him one of the most unpopular owners in MLB history. As fan actions have yet to adequately influence ownership strategy, the future of the franchise under Nutting remains uncertain and contentious.

8/9/2025, 11:40:00 AM

On August 8, 1988, Wrigley Field in Chicago marked a historic moment by hosting its first game under new lights, ending its long-standing status as the only Major League Baseball stadium without nighttime lighting. The Tribune Company, then owners of the Chicago Cubs, installed these lights to allow the team to play night games, a major shift from decades of exclusively day games at the iconic ballpark. The inaugural game under the lights began on August 8 against the Philadelphia Phillies, with Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe throwing the first pitch shortly before 7 p.m. The Cubs led 3-1 by the fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Ryne Sandberg. However, the game was cut short and eventually called off due to a thunderstorm, so it did not count as an official night game. The first official night game at Wrigley Field took place the very next evening, August 9, 1988, when the Cubs played the New York Mets and secured a 6-4 victory. During this game, Mike Bielecki started as pitcher for the Cubs, while Mets’ Lenny Dykstra made history by hitting the stadium’s first official night homer. Since then, night games have become a regular feature at Wrigley Field, alongside other nighttime events such as concerts. The addition of lights represented both a practical evolution and a cultural milestone for the Cubs and their fans, bringing new energy and opportunities to the storied ballpark known as the Friendly Confines.<br /> <br />Prior to 1988, Wrigley Field had been an exception in Major League Baseball by maintaining a tradition of only daytime baseball games since opening in 1914. The installation of lights aligned Wrigley with every other stadium in the league, allowing broader scheduling and attendance possibilities. This change was welcomed by fans and players alike, as the illumination cast a new glow on a historic venue that had witnessed over seven decades of baseball history.<br /> <br />The night the lights came to Wrigley marked a turning point in Chicago sports history, blending cherished tradition with modernity and expanding the ballpark's role within the city's vibrant culture.

8/8/2025, 11:35:00 AM

On August 8, 2025, the New England Patriots unveiled a striking 12-foot-tall bronze statue of Tom Brady at Gillette Stadium, located in the Patriot Place Plaza next to the Patriots Hall of Fame, where Brady was inducted last year. The statue commemorates Brady’s legendary career with the Patriots, during which he led the team to six Super Bowl titles and secured 17 division championships over 18 seasons, becoming one of the most decorated players in NFL history. His No. 12 jersey has also been retired by the team, reflecting his immense impact and legacy[1][3][4]. The statue captures Brady in an iconic celebratory pose, symbolizing his status as a “Patriot for life” and preserving his remarkable achievements for fans to admire. The event was presided over by Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and coincided with a preseason game against the Washington Commanders. Attendees at Gillette Stadium watched the unveiling on video boards, and the ceremony was streamed online for fans who could not attend[3]. Despite standing 12 feet tall, some fans humorously wonder if from the statue’s head one might glimpse downtown Providence, highlighting Brady’s close ties to the New England region[4]. Beyond his monumental statue, Brady maintains close personal connections, meeting with longtime friends every Thursday night in Worcester for dinner and conversation, underscoring his grounded, community-oriented lifestyle even after his career peak. This impressive monument endorses Brady’s status not only as a Patriots icon but also as one of the greatest football players in NFL history, immortalizing his legacy in the heart of New England football[1][2][3].

8/8/2025, 11:02:00 AM

Algeria, fresh from a commanding 3-0 victory over Uganda in their opening match, is set to face South Africa on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET in the second Group Stage match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025. The match will take place at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Riding high on confidence after their initial win, Algeria aims to secure qualification for the quarter-finals by defeating South Africa. Algeria's head coach, Madjid Bougherra, emphasized the importance of treating every match like a final. He praised his team's focus, discipline, and strong group spirit, while remaining cautious about South Africa's tactical flexibility and potential to change strategies rapidly.<br /><br />South Africa’s coach Molefi Ntseki is similarly prepared, stating his team will compete on equal footing with one of Africa’s strongest sides. The stakes are significant: a win for Algeria guarantees progression and increases pressure on Uganda and Niger, while a South African win would complicate the group standings, keeping qualification open for multiple teams. A draw would leave all four teams still in contention heading into the final round. For fans in the USA, the match will be broadcast live on beIN Sports, with free streaming available on fuboTV, making it accessible for supporters eager to watch this pivotal clash between two ambitious teams.<br /><br />Both teams bring different dynamics to the field—Algeria with a cohesive, motivated squad and South Africa drawing from a group of mainly locally-based and unattached players—suggesting a tactical and intense encounter as the African Nations Championship unfolds.

8/8/2025, 11:02:00 AM