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Comcast topped Wall Street’s revenue and earnings estimates for the first quarter on Thursday, lifted by NBC’s sports slate in February and improving broadband customer losses. 

The company said it lost 65,000 broadband customers compared with 183,000 losses in the same period last year. Heightened competition from wireless providers like Verizon and T-Mobile has led to quarterly customer losses for Comcast and its cable peers in recent years – which has weighed on these companies’ stocks in particular. 

In response, Comcast in the last year has shifted its strategy and introduced more competitive pricing packages in a bid to reduce the broadband losses. The company has also leaned on its mobile business for growth, which added 435,000 new lines during the quarter. In total, Comcast now has 9.7 million mobile customers. 

The company also reported 322,000 cable TV customer losses – fewer than the 427,000 in the same period last year. 

Revenue for Comcast’s connectivity and platforms unit, which includes its Xfinity-branded broadband, cable TV and mobile businesses, decreased 2% to $17.32 billion. 

The company’s stock climbed as much as 8% in premarket trading.

Here’s how Comcast performed for the period compared with average analyst estimates, according to LSEG:

• Earnings per share: 79 cents adjusted vs. 73 cents expected
• Revenue: $31.46 billion vs. $30.43 billion expected 

Comcast’s net income fell nearly 36% to $2.17 billion, or 60 cents per share, compared with $3.38 billion, or 89 cents a share, during the same period last year. Adjusting for one-time items including amortization and investments, Comcast reported earnings per share of 79 cents. 

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were down roughly 17% to $7.93 billion. 

Comcast’s overall revenue increased roughly 5% to $31.46 billion for the quarter. 

Revenue got a boost from Comcast’s NBCUniversal, which aired a slate of sports – including the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics and NBA All-Star Weekend, during the quarter – that the company coined as “Legendary February.” 

The media business, which is made up of NBCUniversal, recorded a nearly 61% increase in revenue to $7.28 billion during the quarter. Excluding the Olympics and Super Bowl – which provided significant boosts to advertising sales – revenue for the unit was up about 13%.

Live sports remains the highest-rated programming on traditional TV and streaming, and beckon the most advertising dollars. The Super Bowl, in particular, breaks records annually when it comes to its pricey commercial spots. NBC received an average $8 million per 30-second ad, CNBC reported. 

Domestic advertising for the media unit was up 135% to $3.45 billion for the quarter. Excluding the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics, it rose 4.7% to $1.54 billion. 

NBC’s sports roster also helped lift streaming service Peacock during the quarter. Peacock subscribers increased 12% year over year to 46 million. Peacock nearly doubled revenue to $2.1 billion compared with the same period last year. The streamer recorded a quarterly loss of $432 million compared with a loss of $215 million in the prior year period. 

Adjusted EBITDA for the media segment decreased to a loss of $426 billion due to higher operating expenses related to the costs associated with the Winter Olympics and Super Bowl as well as the cost of the NBA rights. 

NBCUniversal is part of the overall content and experiences segment, which also includes the film studio and theme parks – each of which saw sales climb year over year. 

Revenue for the film studio was up 21% to $3.43 billion, while Universal theme parks revenue increased 24% to $2.33 billion. The theme parks were boosted by the opening of Epic Universe last May. 

RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo delivered another memorable performance as Al Nassr advanced to the Asian Champions League Two final with a hard-fought victory in the semifinals on Wednesday, keeping alive the Portuguese superstar’s quest for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored once and provided an assist as Al Nassr defeated their opponent 3-1 on aggregate to reach the final of Asia’s second-tier club competition. The result marks a significant milestone for the Saudi club, which has invested heavily in global talent to elevate its profile on the continental stage.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January 2023, has embraced his role as the team’s leader and talisman. In the decisive semifinal leg, the 41-year-old forward demonstrated that age has not diminished his hunger or ability to perform in crucial moments. His goal came at a vital time, breaking the deadlock and shifting momentum firmly in Al Nassr’s favor.

Al Nassr’s path to the final has been impressive. After navigating a challenging group stage and knockout rounds, the team showed resilience and tactical maturity under coach Luis Castro. The Portuguese manager has built a system that maximizes Ronaldo’s strengths while integrating other high-profile players such as Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and new signings who have added depth to the squad.

The Asian Champions League Two, formerly known as the AFC Cup, offers clubs from across Asia a platform to compete for continental glory. For Al Nassr, reaching the final represents validation of the club’s ambitious project to become a powerhouse in Asian football. Victory in the competition would also provide a strong boost ahead of future campaigns in the more prestigious AFC Champions League Elite.

Ronaldo’s presence has transformed expectations around Al Nassr. Since arriving in the Saudi Pro League, he has consistently delivered goals and moments of brilliance, helping the team challenge for domestic honors while gaining valuable experience in Asian competitions. His leadership on and off the pitch has been credited with elevating the standards at the club and inspiring younger players in the squad.

Wednesday’s semifinal victory was not without drama. The opponent mounted a strong challenge, particularly in the first half, forcing Al Nassr to defend deeply at times. However, Ronaldo’s experience proved decisive. His assist for the opening goal showcased his vision and precision, while his own strike demonstrated the clinical finishing that has defined his legendary career.

Post-match, Ronaldo expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress but remained focused on the ultimate prize. “We are one step closer to something special,” he told reporters. “The final will be very difficult, but this group has the quality and mentality to win it. I came here to help the club achieve big things, and we are getting closer.”

Coach Luis Castro praised Ronaldo’s influence. “He is an example for everyone,” Castro said. “Not just because of his goals, but his work rate, professionalism and desire to win. Tonight he showed why he is still one of the best in the world.”

Al Nassr will now prepare for the two-legged final, scheduled for later in May. The opponent will be determined from the other semifinal, with several strong teams still in contention. A victory in the final would mark Al Nassr’s first major Asian title and add another chapter to Ronaldo’s remarkable career story.

The achievement comes amid growing interest in Saudi football. The Saudi Pro League has attracted numerous world-class players in recent years, raising the overall standard and visibility of clubs like Al Nassr. Reaching the Asian final further enhances the league’s reputation and demonstrates that Saudi teams can compete successfully on the continental level.

For Ronaldo, the campaign carries personal significance. After winning every major honor in Europe, he has set his sights on success in Asia. A title with Al Nassr would silence critics who questioned his decision to move to the Middle East and add another trophy to his already glittering collection.

Fans in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia celebrated the result late into the night. Social media was flooded with messages of support for Ronaldo and the team, with many highlighting his enduring impact at an age when most players have retired. The victory also boosts Al Nassr’s chances of qualifying for next season’s elite continental competition.

As the final approaches, Al Nassr will focus on recovery and tactical preparation. The squad possesses a blend of experience and youthful energy that could prove decisive. Key players are expected to be available, though rotation and fitness management will be crucial given the demanding schedule.

The Asian Champions League Two final promises to be a showcase of the best club football Asia has to offer. Al Nassr enters as one of the favorites, driven by Ronaldo’s ambition and the collective strength of a talented roster.

This run to the final also highlights the growing competitiveness of Saudi clubs. With significant investment and strategic planning, teams from the kingdom are challenging traditional Asian powerhouses and reshaping the continental hierarchy.

For Ronaldo, every match brings him closer to adding an Asian title to his legacy. His journey from European champion to Middle Eastern trailblazer continues to captivate football fans worldwide. As Al Nassr prepares for the biggest game of the season, all eyes will be on the Portuguese superstar and his teammates as they chase glory on the Asian stage.

The road to the final has been challenging, but Al Nassr has shown the character and quality required at this level. With Ronaldo leading the charge, the club stands on the brink of history. The football world will be watching to see if they can take that final step.

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama has started light training and individual on-court work as he progresses through the NBA’s concussion protocol, offering cautious optimism for the San Antonio Spurs as they navigate their first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers without their franchise cornerstone.

The 22-year-old phenom, who suffered a concussion after a hard face-first fall in Game 2 on April 21, participated in limited non-contact activities on Thursday, including light shooting, ball-handling drills and stationary movement exercises. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the positive development but emphasized that Wembanyama remains in the protocol and has not yet been cleared for full team practice or contact work.

“Wemby did some light work today,” Johnson said after Thursday’s practice. “He’s feeling better, but we’re taking it step by step. The protocol is there for a reason, and we’re going to follow it exactly. His health is the most important thing.”

Under NBA concussion guidelines, Wembanyama must complete a graduated return-to-play process that includes rest, light aerobic exercise, sport-specific training, non-contact drills, full-contact practice and finally medical clearance. He has already passed initial symptom assessments and cognitive testing, allowing him to begin the early active stages of recovery.

The injury occurred at the 8:57 mark of the second quarter in Game 2 when Wembanyama lost balance after contact with Portland’s Jrue Holiday and slammed face-first into the hardwood. He was immediately removed from the game and did not return as the Blazers evened the series at 1-1 with a 106-103 victory.

Medical experts note that Wembanyama’s height and long limbs may have contributed to the severity of the fall, generating significant force upon impact. However, early signs suggest the concussion is on the milder side, with no reported loss of consciousness or prolonged neurological symptoms. The Spurs have been deliberately cautious, limiting his activity to controlled environments with close medical supervision.

Wembanyama’s full injury history adds context to the team’s conservative approach. The young star has dealt with ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, a hip pointer, knee contusion, shoulder soreness and a rib contusion in his first three seasons. While none have been long-term, the frequency has prompted the organization to prioritize long-term durability for their generational talent.

For now, the Spurs are without their Defensive Player of the Year candidate as the series shifts to Portland for Game 3 on Friday. Luke Kornet has started at center in Wembanyama’s absence, providing solid minutes, but the drop-off in rim protection and defensive versatility has been noticeable. San Antonio’s young supporting cast, including Stephon Castle and other rising pieces, has shown promise but lacks the anchor Wembanyama provides.

Johnson has not set a firm timeline for Wembanyama’s return. Game 4 on Sunday or Game 5 back in San Antonio remain the most realistic targets if he continues progressing without setbacks. A return for Game 3 is considered highly unlikely given the protocol’s minimum timelines and the need to ensure full symptom resolution.

The Spurs finished the regular season with one of the strongest records in the Western Conference largely due to Wembanyama’s transformative impact. His playoff debut in Game 1 was electric, with 35 points, five rebounds and two blocks in a 111-98 victory. His absence has forced tactical adjustments, with increased reliance on perimeter defense and collective effort on the glass.

Fan reaction has been supportive but anxious. Social media has been filled with well-wishes for Wembanyama’s recovery alongside calls for patience from the organization. Many point to the long-term benefits of a measured approach, especially given his youth and massive physical frame.

Wembanyama has handled the situation with characteristic maturity. In brief comments to reporters earlier this week, he expressed appreciation for the medical staff and excitement to return when cleared. His focus on proper recovery aligns with modern NBA thinking around head injuries and player longevity.

If Wembanyama is cleared in time for later games in the series, his return could dramatically shift momentum. His presence transforms the Spurs from a promising young team into a dangerous postseason threat capable of exploiting Portland’s interior weaknesses. However, rushing back risks prolonging symptoms or causing secondary issues, a scenario the organization is determined to avoid.

The broader narrative around player health in the playoffs has gained attention. Concussions remain a serious concern across sports, with improved protocols helping protect athletes while sometimes frustrating fans eager for star players to return. Wembanyama’s case highlights the balance teams must strike between competitiveness and caution.

As the series continues without him, the Spurs must prove their depth and resilience. Portland has seized the opportunity, playing with confidence and capitalizing on San Antonio’s temporary frontcourt vulnerabilities. Game 3 in Portland’s Moda Center will test the Spurs’ ability to compete on the road in a hostile environment.

Looking further ahead, Wembanyama’s recovery timeline could influence not only this series but the team’s longer postseason aspirations. A healthy Wembanyama gives San Antonio a genuine chance to make noise beyond the first round. Without him for an extended period, the path becomes significantly steeper.

For now, the focus remains on daily evaluations and gradual progression. Light training is an encouraging first step, but full clearance requires consistent symptom-free performance through increasingly demanding activities. The Spurs will continue monitoring closely while preparing their roster for the immediate challenges ahead.

Wembanyama’s rapid rise has already rewritten expectations in San Antonio. How he navigates this latest health challenge will add another layer to his story as one of the league’s brightest young stars. With the organization committed to a careful process, fans can expect updates in the coming days as he works toward a safe return to the court.

The basketball world continues to watch closely. Whether Wembanyama rejoins the lineup in this series or later, his presence remains central to the Spurs’ hopes in what has already been a breakthrough season for the franchise.

A Business Built on Discipline and Direction

In a fast-changing world, consistency is rare. Said Abulafia has built his career around it.

Based in Tel Aviv–Jaffa, Abulafia leads a historic family-owned bakery business operating since 1879. He is navigating one of the most unpredictable business environments in recent years. His approach is simple. Stay focused. Stay disciplined. Keep moving forward.

“Success to me is creating lasting value,” he says. “Having a positive impact on people, and maintaining consistency, discipline, and control over my direction.”

This mindset has shaped every stage of his journey.

From Law to a 19th-Century Family Business

Abulafia did not start in hospitality. His career began in corporate law.

He worked in the M&A department at what was then Israel’s largest law firm. The role gave him exposure to deals, structure, and high-level decision-making. But it wasn’t where he wanted to stay.

He made a shift. He joined his historic family-owned bakery business, a brand with roots going back to 1879.

That move changed everything.

Instead of advising businesses, he was now building one. Day-to-day operations replaced boardroom strategy. Execution became the priority.

“I focus more on what I can do in the near term to move in that direction,” he explains. “It’s more about staying consistent and moving forward than following a strict system.”

Leading Through Uncertainty in Hospitality

The past few years tested that mindset.

Abulafia ran the business through COVID-19 disruptions and ongoing instability. Demand shifted overnight. Supply chains became unpredictable. Costs increased.

Margins tightened from both sides.

“At one point, margins were getting squeezed from both sides — rising costs and unpredictable demand,” he recalls.

Instead of waiting for conditions to improve, he adapted.

He streamlined operations. He made the business leaner. He strengthened relationships with suppliers to secure better terms. He focused on consistency and quality to keep customers returning.

He also invested more in brand presence, rather than relying only on foot traffic.

“What initially felt like a setback ended up making the business more resilient,” he says.

The result was not just survival. It was a stronger operating model.

What Makes a Strong Business Leader Today

Abulafia’s leadership style is shaped by pressure.

He believes discipline matters more than motivation. Motivation comes and goes. Discipline stays.

“Consistency, resilience, and adaptability,” he says. “You learn quickly that discipline matters more than motivation, relationships matter more than transactions.”

He also emphasizes people.

Customers, employees, and partners are not just part of the system. They are the system. Strong relationships create long-term stability, especially in uncertain markets.

Another key idea is staying calm under pressure.

In hospitality, conditions can change daily. Leaders who react emotionally fall behind. Leaders who stay steady create clarity.

Balancing Growth with Personal Well-Being

Abulafia does not separate business performance from personal health.

He sees them as directly connected.

“When personal well-being is neglected, business performance inevitably suffers,” he says.

His routine reflects that belief. He prioritizes workouts, daily walks, and time to think. These are not extras. They are part of how he operates.

He also keeps his planning simple.

There is a long-term direction, but the focus stays on what matters now. He regularly checks what is working and adjusts.

This flexible approach allows him to stay responsive without losing direction.

Building Trust in a Complex Environment

One of the less visible challenges in Abulafia’s journey has been building trust.

“As someone operating as part of an Arab family business within a predominantly Jewish environment, it meant earning trust and integrating into a diverse setting,” he explains.

He approached this the same way he approaches business. Stay grounded. Focus on people. Be consistent over time.

Outside of work, he supports initiatives that promote dialogue between different communities. This reflects a broader belief that business and social impact are connected.

How Said Abulafia Defines Success Today

For Said Abulafia, success is not just about results.

It is about how those results are achieved.

“I look at success from a few angles,” he says. “The outcome is important, but so is how I got there, whether I stayed true to my own standards.”

Growth also plays a role.

He sees success as a process, not an endpoint. Even strong performance is a signal to keep improving.

“I don’t see success as an endpoint, but as a chance to grow into the next version of myself,” he adds.

Consistency Over Everything

Abulafia’s story is not about quick wins.

It is about steady progress under pressure.

He built his leadership style through real challenges. He refined it by staying consistent when conditions were unstable.

His approach is clear:

• Focus on what you can control
• Prioritize people
• Stay disciplined
• Adapt when needed

Above all, keep moving forward.

“What keeps me going is knowing that what I build can have a real, positive impact on people,” he says.

In a volatile industry, that mindset is what sets lasting businesses apart.

PITTSBURGH — The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night with Round 1 starting at **8 p.m. ET** on April 23, as the league brings its marquee event to Pittsburgh for the first time since 1948 in a highly anticipated three-day spectacle at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium.

The 91st edition of the draft runs April 23-25 and will feature 257 selections across seven rounds. With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick, football fans across the country are eager to see which top prospects hear their names called first in one of the most talent-rich classes in recent memory.

Full 2026 NFL Draft Schedule and Start Times:

– **Thursday, April 23 – Round 1**: 8 p.m. ET
– **Friday, April 24 – Rounds 2-3**: 7 p.m. ET
– **Saturday, April 25 – Rounds 4-7**: Noon ET

All rounds will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, NFL Network and streamed on NFL+, Disney+, and other platforms. The first round is expected to run well into the night, with teams receiving eight minutes per selection this year instead of the traditional 10.

The choice of Pittsburgh as host city has generated significant excitement. The event spans the iconic North Shore, with the main stage at Point State Park offering stunning views of the city skyline and three rivers. Acrisure Stadium, home of the Steelers, will also play a central role in fan experiences and player introductions. Local organizers expect hundreds of thousands of visitors, turning downtown Pittsburgh into a football festival atmosphere for the entire weekend.

This year’s draft class is headlined by elite quarterback prospects, game-changing wide receivers, dominant defensive linemen and versatile edge rushers. The top of the board features several players projected as potential franchise cornerstones, making the opening round particularly compelling for teams at the top of the order.

For fans tuning in, the broadcast will feature the usual mix of analysis, player interviews and emotional family reactions as prospects wait in the green room. New this year are enhanced fan engagement features, including interactive elements on the NFL app and expanded coverage of the “draft experience” zones around the city.

The timing of the draft — falling on the final weekend of April — gives teams a full offseason to evaluate talent before organized team activities and minicamps begin in earnest. General managers and coaches have spent months preparing big boards, conducting interviews and finalizing trade strategies that could lead to significant movement on draft night.

Pittsburgh’s football heritage adds extra flavor to the event. The city that produced legends like Joe Greene, Terry Bradshaw and Troy Polamalu now hosts the event that shapes the future of the league. Steelers fans are particularly energized, hoping their team can add impactful pieces to build around quarterback Russell Wilson or his eventual successor.

For casual fans and hardcore draft enthusiasts alike, the 2026 NFL Draft promises drama, surprises and the annual infusion of new talent that keeps the league fresh. Whether you’re watching from home, attending in person or following along on social media, the event remains one of the most engaging spectacles on the NFL calendar.

Teams at the top of the draft order face critical decisions that could define their franchises for years. The Raiders, Panthers, Giants and other early picks will be under the microscope as they try to select difference-makers in a class loaded with talent at premium positions.

Beyond the first round, Days 2 and 3 offer teams opportunities to find starters and depth pieces at more reasonable prices. Many analysts consider the middle rounds especially deep this year, with several projected starters potentially available on Day 2.

As the clock ticks down to 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, anticipation continues to build across the NFL world. Pittsburgh is ready to host, the prospects are prepared for their moment, and millions of fans are set to watch history unfold live.

The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here — and it all starts tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.