Jan 31, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFLPA president Domonique Foxworth speaks during the NFL players association press conference in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII at the New Orleans Convention Center. Super Bowl XLVII will be played between the San Francisco 49ers on February 3, 2013 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Because the Minnesota Vikings don’t sound totally committed to J.J. McCarthy for the long haul, fans and NFL media have speculated about the identity of a new quarterback in the 2026 campaign. Along the way, one former NFLer, Domonique Foxworth, claims to have the solution: Arizona Cardinals passer Kyler Murray.
Foxworth’s pitch is straightforward, but the price and the Vikings’ desire make the Murray sweepstakes a bit mysterious.
Murray is no stranger to the Vikings’ January and February rumor mill, but day by day, the connection has grown louder.
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Foxworth Pushes Murray as the Vikings’ QB Answer
It’s new evidence supporting Murray as a Viking.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray operates the offense at State Farm Stadium during live action against the Chargers, captured mid-series on Nov 27, 2022, in Glendale. The image reflects Murray navigating pressure and structure within the pocket, highlighting timing and control as Arizona worked through a competitive afternoon matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Foxworth: Murray to MIN Makes Sense
Foxworth joined ESPN’s Get Up show this week, and among several topics, he mentioned Murray as a Vikings QB1 candidate.
“I still think he’s incredibly talented. Of course, he’s uniquely built to play quarterback, which isn’t always good, but I think he’s a guy that, in the right situation, could help out a lot,” Foxworth told the show’s panel.
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“I really like the Vikings as a spot where they could get someone like Kyler Murray to take some of the pressure off of him. I don’t think that the Cardinals have been a particularly well-run organization. And that’s not to take responsibility away from Kyler.”
With a new head coach in Mike LaFleur, plus no playoff wins for the Cardinals on Murray’s watch, Arizona could trade him this offseason, and Minnesota evidently checks out as a landing spot.
Foxworth added, “I think some of this has to do with him maturing as a player, which I think he will. And finding a new team, sometimes it’s a wakeup call that players need to kind of fulfill their potential.”
“So, I think Kyler Murray’s career is far from over, given his athleticism and arm strength. It’s just, we just hope that he ends up in the right spot so he can fulfill his potential.”
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The Trade Price
Murray’s trade value, of course, is not an exact science. Sometimes NFL trades hit the wire, and the acquiring team retrieves a haul for far less than expected; in other situations, the selling team cleans house.
But because the Cardinals appear to have decided on a new path at quarterback, Murray’s value may be lower than most franchise quarterbacks. The budding consensus suggests Arizona will offload him for a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick, which checks out because he still has about $36 million left on his current contract, and his new team will eat some of the salary.
Therefore, in alignment with Foxworth’s recommendation, Vikings fans must decide if Murray is worth a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder. Some will say yes without hesitation. Others don’t much care for the Murray experience.
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Fansided‘s Mark Howell on Murray’s trade price: “The asking price for Murray is said to be somewhere close to a second-round pick. The Cardinals can ask for more, but they will not receive it. Murray’s contract isn’t expensive, but it also isn’t cheap. He’s coming off a down year by his standards and there is no guarantee he’ll thrive elsewhere, including in Minnesota with O’Connell.”
“Mike LaFleur also did not help build up Murray’s value when he admitted he’ll evaluate the skill positions prior to the draft. That includes quarterback, where Murray’s starting job is anything but set in stone.”
A Geographical Cure for Murray
The Cardinals drafted Murray with the first overall pick in 2019, replacing 1st-Rounder Josh Rosen from the previous draft. He’s worked as the QB1 in the desert for seven seasons, and that arrangement has translated to one playoff trip and no postseason wins.
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He averages 235 passing yards per game, 37 rushing yards, and 1.75 total touchdowns. Those numbers should catch fire anywhere, especially on a team like the Vikings that has featured a Top 3 defense in the last two seasons.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank embraces cornerback Domonique Foxworth at the Georgia Dome after a decisive defensive stand, framed late in the contest on Dec 28, 2008, as Atlanta secured a narrow win over St. Louis. The moment captures relief and celebration following Foxworth’s pass breakup that sealed the outcome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Unimpressive defenses have plagued Murray’s career in Arizona. Here’s a look at the numbers comparatively in the last two seasons:
With the Cardinals, Murray accompanied the league’s eighth-worst defense in the last two years. He’d enjoy the NFL’s best in Minnesota.
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Down to MIN, NYJ, and PIT?
The Murray sweepstakes could already be down to three teams: the Vikings, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. And the Steelers could drop off rather easily if Aaron Rodgers rejoins his old skipper, Mike McCarthy, for one last hurrah.
Most other QB-needy teams will draft quarterbacks, like the Las Vegas Raiders, or cannot afford another large quarterback contract, like the Cleveland Browns.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray releases a pass at NRG Stadium during second-half action on Nov 19, 2023, as Arizona faced Houston. The frame shows Murray working through coverage with balance and vision, emphasizing in-game rhythm and decision-making during a road matchup that tested offensive execution. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Based on the current lay of the land, Murray’s next team could be a binary choice between the Vikings and Jets.
It helps that Murray was a Vikings fan as a kid. Minnesota may have more wooing power than New York.
Tantrums at the ice skating and rows over helmets at the skeleton might have been more predictable, but sometimes you just want the reassuring sounds of curling to remind you the Games have really begun.
It’s sport’s ultimate ASMR – the echoing shouts of “hurry hard” as stones rumble across the pebbled ice, the scratching and scrubbing of brooms, followed by the hollow clank of granite on granite.
If leather on willow is the sound of summer, then close your eyes at the curling and winter is coming. However, whisper it quietly: something is brewing over at the roarin’ game.
Four years ago, it was Great Britain’s curlers who bailed the wider team out, claiming the only two medals of the Beijing Olympics – a men’s silver and a women’s gold – both secured on the final weekend.
Jen Dodds and Bruce Mouat have three wins from three so far (REUTERS)
A hard-fought victory over the Czech Republic was the latest triumph (REUTERS)
The pair admitted they were still smarting from their medal miss in the mixed event in 2022, the childhood friends from Edinburgh having thrown away a lead in the semi-finals before being soundly beaten in the bronze-medal match.
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They have responded in style, with a perfect three wins from three. It hasn’t been flawless, though, as Mouat and Dodds narrowly overcame former world silver medallists Estonia’s Mari Kaldvee and Harri Lill 8-6, with an end to spare, before edging past the Czech pair Vit Chabicovsky and Julie Zelingrova.
They took an early advantage and seemed in control before conceding a fifth-end triple and needed Dodds to keep a super-steady hand to cling on for an 8-7 win. Zelingrova spurned a chance to clinch victory as the shot clock hurried her into a final-stone mistake.
It leaves Team GB joint top of the early standings alongside powerhouse Canada, who beat world champions and favourites Italy’s Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini in a statement of intent.
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The Canadian pair secured an impressive win over Italy and appear to be Team GB’s main challengers (REUTERS)
Those two teams will clash on Saturday morning, while Mouat and Dodds’ Friday opponents in the ten-team round-robin stage are winless Korea and Sweden. Two wins there and a place in the knockouts will be odds-on.
“You have to win ugly sometimes and that was probably that game,” admitted Dodds of the Czech victory. “In mixed doubles, you’re never safe, even when you’re up three in the last end, and it was getting a bit nervy at some points.
“I’m here to support Bruce as much as possible. There are times that I don’t play well and Bruce is absolutely amazing, but this was vice versa.
“You’re a team and you’re in it together; we’ll figure out whatever Bruce needs to help step it up a little.”
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Dodds has been somewhat carrying the team so far, with Mouat admitting he needs to improve (REUTERS)
Mouat, who is favourite for gold in the men’s event after guiding Scotland to world gold last year, admitted he is still adjusting to the ice.
“It’s exactly how we wanted to start the event,” he said. “We just wanted to put a better foot forward, but three wins is exactly what we need at this point.
“We’ve got some tough games ahead and we’re going to have to perform a little better. Jen’s playing amazingly; it’s just that I need to help her a little.
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“I wasn’t playing my best and I can’t blame the ice – I can only blame myself. There were some tricky spots in there; I think it’s manageable. It’s just that I’ve not figured it out yet, so I’m going to have to figure it out faster.”
TNT Sports on discovery+ will be the go-to destination in the U.K to watch everything of Milano Cortina 2026 live all in one place, with over 850 hours of action from every sport, venue, and medal event.
After the summer deadline day defined by the striker Liverpool bought and the defender they did not, the January transfer window ended with the centre-back they recruited and the right-back they did not.
And so Dominik Szoboszlai, who played as a false nine against City a year ago, is likely to line up at right-back against them on Sunday. Liverpool have conducted their transfer business for the future, but not for the present. Slot may be one more defensive injury away from seeing Liverpool’s season condemned to disappointment. As he admitted, it is a task simply keeping his remaining options fit.
Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are out for the season, Jeremie Frimpong for a while yet. The injury-prone Joe Gomez may be able to be on the bench on Sunday, but he will not start. Ibrahima Konate volunteered to return early from compassionate leave after the death of his father to face Newcastle last week. Three different midfielders have operated in the back four in the last two games. Liverpool stand accused of neglecting the immediate issues and leaving Slot short-staffed.
“I’m very happy with the squad, let that be clear,” countered Slot. “But it’s all clear and obvious that we have three long-term injuries. That’s why we’ve tried to strengthen the squad in winter and the player you mentioned [Geertruida], in the end, wasn’t available. But that we’ve tried to strengthen the squad; that is clear. And that tells you that we think that it would have helped us. But it should be possible that we’re not going to sign players that are not good enough to play for this club.”
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Of course, Liverpool did think Guehi was good enough. They bid £35m in the summer; yet they left their move so late that Crystal Palace pulled out when they could not get a replacement. They did not intervene when City bought the England international for £20m in January, although there was a case that their need for him was greater, with Konate enduring a distinctly mixed campaign.
Liverpool missed out on Marc Guehi to Man City (Getty)
Ibrahima Konate has endured a mixed campaign for the Reds (AFP/Getty)
City could fund bigger wages in addition to a transfer fee. Liverpool shifted their attention to next season and the next generation. Jacquet will cost £55m, but is just 20. “A very big talent,” said Slot. Jacquet is still older than Leoni; when you include Noah Adekoya, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Liverpool are bringing in five centre-backs under 21. They are searching for Virgil van Dijk’s successor even as Slot suggested his captain could stay for “maybe even longer” than the remaining 16 months of his deal.
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“This club is not stupid,” he said. “We do know somewhere in the upcoming years, there is life for this club after Virgil.” Yet life now is ever more reliant on Van Dijk. The 34-year-old has played every minute of all 32 Premier and Champions League matches this season. “What a compliment to him at his age to play every three days,” said Slot.
What a relief for Liverpool that he can. The alternative could make Slot’s job all the harder. “But it’s clear and obvious that if we have an injury crisis, even more than we already have, then that makes things even more difficult,” he said. “So we know what the situation is, but this squad is able to do better and more than we’ve done until now, in my opinion. But then they all need to stay available, and that’s going to be a hell of a challenge because we have three games in seven days coming up.”
Virgil van Dijk has played every minute of all 32 Premier League and Champions League matches for Liverpool this year (Reuters)
There is a contrast with City who, when John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were sidelined, swooped for Guehi. The England international was a long-term target for both clubs. He is also 25, experienced in the Premier League, able to slot in straight away.
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Like Leoni, Jacquet will come from another country, earlier in his career, perhaps needing time to adjust. They could be the successors to Van Dijk and Konate.
For different reasons, Slot can call upon neither now. He nevertheless insisted he buys into Liverpool’s strategy. “I have always worked the same. I always want the best for the club, even if in the short term it is not ideal for me,” he said. “I knew which club I went into; this club has a model of signing talented players younger.”
In the short term, though, his life may be easier if he had Guehi and Geertruida, the defenders who Liverpool missed out on at the end of either window.
Rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s new home have fans impatient as the Bucks keep their dealings under wraps with only hours to go before the deadline.
On Thursday, the Bucks’ X account posted a single emoji on their timeline, a yawning emoji. The cryptic message may be a hint at Antetokounmpo’s decision to stay wiith the Bucks, who are valued at $4.3 billion by Forbes.
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The trade deadline closes at 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, and it appears Milwaukee has convinced the two-time MVP to stay with them for another ride. ESPN’s Shams Charania backed the speculation about Antetokounmpo staying in Milwaukee a few hours before the deadline.
“The Milwaukee Bucks believe they can build a contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo this Summer and get him on board with remaining with the team long term,” Charania said on NBA Today on Thursday.
However, Charania revealed that Antetokounmpo was convinced that he needs to leave to expand his legacy, which forced the Bucks to listen to offers. However, Milwaukee believes that they can build a roster good enough around their superstar to compete for another championship.
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The Bucks (20-29) are not good enough to compete for a championship this season. They are 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirms his belief in the Milwaukee Bucks
Reports in the last few weeks have suggested that Giannis Antetokounmpo has lost confidence in the Bucks and wants to move to a new team. While they may be right about the two-time MVP’s aspirations, they forgot to cover the love he has for the city that drafted him.
On Wednesday, Eric Nehm of “The Athletic” published an article featuring an interview with the Bucks star, in which he expressed his desire to play for the Bucks forever.
“Brother, if you ask me deep down what I want today, I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career,” Antetokounmpo said. “I want to win here, another championship.”
“Let’s put the Bucks on the side for one second. Let’s talk about the city itself, the memories that I’ve created here. When you open my kids’ passports, it says Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the world when he is healthy and in his groove. The Bucks superstar has proved in 2021 that he can lead a franchise to a championship if he has the right pieces to support him.
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The Bucks now have a last chance to show their superstar that they can help him get another championship. Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game on 64.5% shooting.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stands on the sideline during road action at Hard Rock Stadium, framed while overseeing game operations on Oct 16, 2022, in Miami Gardens. The scene captures O’Connell managing tempo and communication as Minnesota navigated an early-season matchup under bright conditions against an AFC opponent. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings have all but announced they’ll add another quarterback this offseason, so when NFL.com identified that exact recommendation for the club, it came as no surprise. Kevin Patra labeled one move for each NFL team this week, and for Minnesota, that’s adding a veteran passer.
Minnesota’s QB room needs experience and insulation, and a credible veteran option would tighten Kevin O’Connell’s offensive plan in 2026.
Free agency is 4.5 weeks away. Between that process or a trade, get ready for another signal-caller to enter the mix.
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A Veteran QB Becomes the Vikings’ Priority
You better believe Kevin O’Connell will add some competition to the QB room.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo stands near the sideline at Lincoln Financial Field, scanning the field before kickoff on Sep 21, 2025, as Los Angeles prepared to face Philadelphia. The image captures pregame focus and routine, highlighting Garoppolo’s return to a starting role amid a road environment and heightened early-season expectations for the Rams offense. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
NFL.com to Vikings: Add a Veteran QB
Patra assigned marching orders for each NFL team. For the Vikings, he scribed, “Despite Kevin O’Connell’s persistent support for J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings can’t head into 2026 without a legit veteran to challenge the third-year pro for the job.”
“The former first-round pick has struggled mightily through two seasons, missing 24 games due to multiple injuries. Even when he was healthy, McCarthy was scattershot, completing just 57.6 percent of his passes, sometimes missing by yards, not inches.”
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Acquiring a different quarterback for optionality behind McCarthy is the worst-kept secret in the Twin Cities.
Patra added, “Unable to keep Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones from leaving last year, Minnesota must bring in a veteran who can, at the very least, push McCarthy for the job — if not outright take it. Potentially bringing back Kirk Cousins, who could be released from Atlanta before free agency, makes a lot of sense for both sides.”
“Cousins played well enough down the stretch and his fit in KOC’s system is obvious.”
A “Duh” Recommendation
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A few days after the regular season ended, former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell spoke to reporters and were immediately asked about McCarthy — whether the youngster would take the QB1 title into the offseason and into September.
O’Connell replied, “Ultimately, I think in the quarterback room, it’s about having just the deepest, most talented room you possibly can, every single year. What that looks like at a pretty impactful position on your salary cap, when you’re able to possibly plan for your depth chart looking in a way where you can be competitive no matter what.”
“I think there has to be competition at quarterback. I think that’s what’s gonna make everybody better in that room. It’s gonna be what makes our entire offense thrive through that competition.”
O’Connell already admitted that his team would find another quarterback or two, making Patra’s recommendation Captain Obvious stuff. The plan is already in motion.
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The Options from Free Agency & Trades
How will Minnesota bring Patra’s urging to life? Well, there are plenty of options.
From free agency, the market will look like this:
— Jake Browning — Teddy Bridgewater — Joe Flacco — Jimmy Garoppolo — Case Keenum — Marcus Mariota — Gardner Minshew — Kenny Pickett — Aaron Rodgers — Mitchell Trubisky — Tyrod Taylor — Carson Wentz — Mike White — Malik Willis — Russell Wilson
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back from the pocket at MetLife Stadium during first-half action on Dec 21, 2025, as Minnesota met the Giants. The frame shows footwork, timing, and composure, reflecting McCarthy’s command within the offense while testing coverage downfield in a hostile road setting with pressure building and receivers working routes. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Would-be trades become a bit juicier, even if players like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson probably won’t be available:
— Drew Lock — Davis Mills — Jalen Milroe — Mac Jones — Will Levis — Kyler Murray — Spencer Rattler — Anthony Richardson — Zach Wilson
But Cousins?
Patra specifically mentioned Cousins, which might be intriguing for the Vikings because, for the first time ever, he could be signed cheaply. All signs point to Atlanta releasing Cousins in a few weeks as a cap casualty, and almost assuredly, some team will sign him as a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2.
If O’Connell still has the utmost faith in McCarthy, Cousins could be just what the doctor ordered, given his familiarity with the offense and his newfound affordability.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins releases a pass at U.S. Bank Stadium during second-quarter play on Oct 8, 2023, against Kansas City. The moment highlights rhythm passing and pocket control, capturing Cousins operating within structure as Minnesota pushed tempo and attacked coverage in a high-profile matchup with national attention and playoff implications looming late. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Viking Age‘s Adam Patrick noted on a Cousins reunion last week, “Since the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Minnesota has talked about adding competition to the quarterback room for J.J. McCarthy this offseason, and someone like Cousins, who has experience running Kevin O’Connell’s offense, already has an on-field chemistry with Justin Jefferson, and will be much more affordable at this stage in his career, would be one of the better signal-caller options for the Vikings to consider.”
“Bringing back Cousins wouldn’t put an end to the McCarthy era in Minnesota. But if McCarthy can’t beat out Cousins in a preseason quarterback competition, then it would make the Vikings’ decisions about the young passer’s future with the team a lot easier to figure out.”
It’s worth noting, though, that about half the Vikings’ fan base would groan about a Cousins reunion. Many hoped the franchise had turned the page.
Nigerian teenage midfielder David Oguejiofor has taken a big step in his career after completing a move from Simoiben Football Academy to Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr.
The transfer places the highly rated youngster in one of football’s most star-studded teams. At Al Nassr, Oguejiofor will share the dressing room with global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
Mane, who recently won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, was among the first players to welcome the Nigerian midfielder to Riyadh.
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Al Nassr completed the signing as part of their plan to combine world-class stars with young and emerging talents. Meanwhile, Simoiben Football Academy celebrated another success story, as one of their graduates moves to the top level of the game.
The Kaduna-based academy is owned by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon and his wife, Ibukun. It has continued to build a strong reputation for developing young players, having earlier helped Benjamin Frederick secure a move to Brentford in 2024.
Simoiben Academy announced Oguejiofor’s transfer with pride, describing it as a major opportunity for the midfielder to show his talent on the global stage.
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Oguejiofor joins an Al Nassr side currently involved in a close Saudi Pro League title race. The club sits second on the table with 46 points from 19 matches, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal.
With ten league titles to their name, but none since the 2018–19 season, Al Nassr are eager to end their title drought. The Nigerian youngster is expected to be gradually integrated into the first-team squad.
The move also sees Oguejiofor make history at the club. He becomes only the third Nigerian player to represent Al Nassr, following former Super Eagles forwards Henry Makinwa and Ahmed Musa. Musa was part of the team that won the club’s most recent league title.
The winners of the Women’s Premier League 2026 final walked away with a prize cheque of Rs 6 crore, underlining the league’s growing financial stability and consistency at the top level of women’s franchise cricket. The amount mirrors the prize money awarded to Mumbai Indians after their title triumph in the 2025 final, reinforcing the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining strong incentives for excellence in the women’s game.Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets in a high-scoring final on Thursday, pocketed the Rs 6 crore prize after clinching their second WPL title. The runners-up, Delhi Capitals, once again fell short on the biggest stage despite reaching their fourth final, but still earned a significant financial reward for their campaign.
WPL Auction 2026: Full Breakdown of Every Major Number
RCB’s title win was built around a dominant batting display in a pressure chase. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a sublime 87 off 41 balls, while Georgia Voll produced a match-defining 79 off 54 deliveries. Their 165-run partnership for the second wicket laid the foundation for a record chase, as RCB overhauled Delhi’s imposing 203 for four with two balls to spare.Delhi Capitals had earlier posted a formidable total after Jemimah Rodrigues struck a fluent 57 off 37 balls and Chinelle Henry added late impetus with a rapid 35 off just 15 deliveries. Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee also chipped in with valuable contributions, but the total ultimately proved insufficient against RCB’s relentless response.With this victory, RCB joined Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in the history of the Women’s Premier League, both having won multiple titles. The unchanged prize money from 2025 to 2026 reflects the league’s steady commercial footing rather than short-term inflation, a sign of structured growth rather than volatility.The Rs 6 crore purse not only rewards the champions but also highlights the WPL’s stature as one of the most lucrative domestic tournaments in women’s cricket. As the league continues to mature, the consistency in prize money and the quality of high-pressure finals point towards a sustainable model that continues to elevate the profile, competitiveness and earning potential of women cricketers in India and beyond.Also Visit: England Under-19 vs India Under-19 Final: Match Details, Teams, Date and Venue
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal made MLB history Thursday, reportedly winning an arbitration case that will pay him $32 million this season after his team proposed a $19 million salary.
Skubal, who won his second straight American League Cy Young Award in 2025, had a three-person salary arbitration panel rule in his favor, ESPN reported.
Skubal’s victory marks a new salary record awarded to a player in the arbitration system by $1 million. The New York Yankees avoided arbitration with Juan Soto in January 2024, awarding him a $31 million deal for that year.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts after giving up a hit against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning at Target Field in Minneapolis Aug. 14, 2025.(Jesse Johnson/Imagn Images)
Skubal had a unique position heading into arbitration with five-plus years of service time, while also being able to use the “special accomplishment” clause, which factors in winning Cy Young Awards. It allowed Skubal to compare his proposed salary not just to those who have faced arbitration, but the entire league.
As a result, Skubal could point to pitchers like Zack Wheeler ($42 million), Jacob deGrom ($38 million) and Gerrit Cole ($36 million) heading into 2026.
The Tigers’ previous arbitration high was $19.75 million paid out to David Price, another talented left-handed starter for the organization, to avoid a hearing in 2015.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal high-fives teammates in the dugout after a pitching change during the seventh inning at Comerica Park in Detroit May 14, 2025.(Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
As for his future, Skubal will become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, though lots can happen until then. This arbitration victory doesn’t necessarily guarantee he will spend the entire season in Detroit, especially considering the trade rumors that have swirled around the organization.
The Tigers did, however, bolster their chances at repeating as AL Central champions, acquiring veteran left-handed starter Framer Valdez via free agency. They inked a three-year, $115 million deal with Valdez Wednesday, hours before the panel’s decision on Skubal.
Now, Detroit heads into the season with one of the best one-two punches in a starting rotation in all of MLB.
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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit Sept. 6, 2025.(Rick Osentoski/Imagn Images)
After a fantastic 2024 campaign that ended with some much-deserved hardware, Skubal followed it up with an AL-leading 2.21 ERA over 195⅓ innings in 31 starts. He also struck out 241 batters, 13 more than his league-leading mark the previous year.
Feb 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) controls the ball against the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers traded veteran guard Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday for a 2032 second-round draft pick swap in 2032, multiple outlets reported.
The Sixers also land the rights to Justinian Jessup, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. Jessup, who is playing for Bayern Munich in Germany, was a second-round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors in 2020, with his rights traded to the Grizzlies in July 2025.
Gordon, 37, was scoring 5.5 points in six games off the bench for the Sixers this season. In 18 career NBA seasons, including seven with the Houston Rockets, Gordon has averaged 15.2 points with 2.7 assists in 931 games (665 starts).
