Mar 23, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The San Antonio Spurs are building momentum as the season winds down, a push that is putting pressure on Western Conference leader Oklahoma City.
San Antonio defeated the Miami Heat 136-111 on Monday for its sixth consecutive victory and 10th in 11 games. The Spurs (54-18) might be able to sneak a step closer to the Thunder on Wednesday as they visit the slumping, injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies (24-47) while Oklahoma City (57-15) travels to face Boston.
The Spurs are an NBA-best 22-2 since Feb. 1 and clinched their first playoff berth since 2019 last Thursday. They are in second place in the Western Conference and just three games back of the defending champion Thunder, who have maintained a grip on first place behind a 12-game win streak.
The combination of the Spurs’ victory over Miami and Houston’s 132-124 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday allowed San Antonio to clinch the Southwest Division title.
For the Spurs, 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama has re-established the franchise and lifted it back into title contention. Wembanyama had 26 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in 26 minutes at Miami for his fourth 26-15-5 game of the season. Only one other player — injured Memphis big man Zach Edey — has posted a 26-15-5 game this season. That came in November before ankle issues sidelined him for the year.
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Wembanyama, 22, has had 11 games this season with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. The third-year pro averages 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and a league-best 3.0 blocks per game.
“He is something that we haven’t seen,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “He affects as much of the game, in every single way, on the court on both ends with or without the ball and what the other team tries to do on both sides, in my very ignorant opinion, as much as any player I’ve ever seen. He is someone who touches every bit of our program.”
Memphis dropped a 146-107 decision to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday for its third straight loss and 11th in 12 games.
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Without rotation players Cam Spencer (low back soreness), Javon Small (low back soreness) and rookie Cedric Coward (personal reasons), the Grizzlies were not competitive in the loss. They trailed by 10 at the end of the first quarter and 71-46 at halftime. The Hawks scored 45 points in the third and built a 116-75 advantage entering the final quarter.
Memphis got 26 points from GG Jackson along with 20 points and eight rebounds from Tyler Burton off the bench. Burton was signed to a second 10-day contract earlier this week, as was DeJon Jarreau, to assist the Grizzlies in piecing together a roster to close out their injury-plagued season.
But with star guard Ja Morant likely out the rest of the season with an elbow injury he sustained in late January — he has appeared in only 20 games this season — and with surgeries ending the seasons for Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger), the Grizzlies’ final 11 games will be challenging.
Monday night might have been a blueprint. The undersized Grizzlies were outrebounded 44-34 by the Hawks and committed 21 turnovers, 10 more than Atlanta. The Hawks made 25 of 54 3-point attempts.
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“We had too many turnovers and we couldn’t rebound against them,” Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “And on top of that, they capitalized in transition and shot the ball very well.”
After barely escaping with a win in the third round, Coco Gauff revealed that she had been struggling with personal problems, which she took with her onto the court, resulting in a lack of motivation and a tough day for her at the Italian Open.
The World No. 4 American toiled at Foro Italico against Argentina’s Solana Sierra but managed to keep her campaign alive. Gauff produced 25 unforced errors, lost the opening set and trailed 0-3 in the decisive set before scripting a comeback story.
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Her frustration level crossed the line of control after Sierra broke her serve in the opening set to take a 5-6 lead. Frustrated with how the game panned out, the 22-year-old briefly struck herself on the head with the racket. Despite a sluggish outing, Gauff survived the scare and qualified for the next round with a 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 win.
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In the aftermath of the fixture, Gauff explained that she has been going through personal issues for a few months. She has carried it on the court, which has left her bereft of the pleasure of enjoying her time on the court.
“It was a tough day for me. One of those days I just didn’t feel motivated to go on the court. Then when you’re on the court, you’re motivated. You get too frustrated,” Coco Gauff said (via Tennis Now).
“No, mental. Just personal things off court that I’m just trying to get through, but then you also remember how much fun you have. I think my regret today was not enjoying the battle, for sure. I’ve been going through it for a few months. I mean, good days and bad days, yeah,” she added.
Gauff, seeded third, will continue her campaign in Rome, and her next opponent will be the winner of the clash between Iva Jovic or Taylor Townsend.
Coco Gauff supports French Open boycott ahead of title defense
After the Italian Open, Coco Gauff will shift her focus on her title defence at the Roland Garros later this month. However, the prestigious Grand Slam has found itself under scrutiny and boycott threats before she commences her title defence.
Top players across the men’s and women’s categories, including Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and others, have threatened to boycott the tournament. The controversy erupted due to a conflict over the prize money distribution between players and the organisers.
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Gauff admitted that she can see a scenario where players boycott the French Open, but only if everyone stands together. She cited WNBA basketball players as an example to put emphasis on her point.
“It’s not about me, It’s about the future of our sport and the current players who aren’t getting as much benefits as even some of the top players are getting, when it comes to like sponsorship and things like that. We’re making money off court. Just taking what the WNBA accomplished. They also have a union, so I think that helps,” Coco Gauff commented.
While the fate of the tournament hangs in balance, reports indicate that players are expected to arrive in Paris for a crisis meeting before the French Open begins.
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) gives a thumbs up during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings on Thursday night, making the roster pretty full after an initially quiet free agency and a fruitful draft. Now, our staff has recommendations for one extra free-agent move as a cherry on top.
One signing helped the offense. Now the staff turns to the defense.
We asked for one name per writer. Here’s what they said.
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Staff Picks for the Vikings’ Next Free Agent Addition
New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy celebrates on the field after his team defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2019. Van Noy played a major role in New England’s defensive dominance during the championship matchup, helping secure another title in the Patriots dynasty era. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports.
Kyle Van Noy | OLB
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
After trading Jonathan Greenard, the Vikings need an experienced EDGE rusher to rotate with Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Van Noy turned 35 recently, but still played almost 50% of the snaps in 2025, and has familiarity with Brian Flores.
Xavier Woods | S
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
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The Vikings shored up a lot of spots over the last few years, including the offensive and defensive lines. There are a few spots that are more glaring than others right now, with wide receiver taken care of after the Jauan Jennings signing. I wrestled with which position needs the most attention now, and between EDGE and safety, I feel the team has solid young depth on the outside.
Safety is the one position that could use another veteran body. If Harrison Smith truly is retired, then Xavier Woods is the player I would tap in. He brings experience and can help younger players, like rookie Jakobe Thomas, find their path. Without Smith at the wheel, the defense may need a steady hand to keep the ship on course.
Joey Bosa | OLB
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings have addressed plenty of holes on their roster, and did well to cover them in the draft. There’s still room to add depth at the EDGE rusher position in the Dallas Turner role. A veteran like Joey Bosa, or someone a little younger like Yetur Gross-Matos, could be a good contingency plan.
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Cameron Jordan | OLB
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Jordan will turn 37 this summer, so yes, he’s old and won’t play much longer. He should cost around $7 million or $8 million. The longtime New Orleans Saint registered 10.5 sacks last year and missed just two games in his entire career, an absolutely remarkable feat.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan stands along the sideline during a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 1, 2023. Jordan remained one of the Saints’ veteran defensive leaders during the 2022 season, continuing to anchor the pass rush with his trademark durability, energy, and long-established presence in New Orleans. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
His father, Steve Jordan, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 seasons from 1982 to 1994. There is some poetry in adding Jordan; he can finish his career where his father’s started and ended. Steve Jordan, incidentally, is one of the best tight ends in Vikings history.
Bring his son aboard to play OLB for a year or two. He’d make great insurance for Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.
Nobody
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
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The signing of Jennings saps up a lot of the cap savings the Vikings got in the Greenard deal. What cap they have left needs to be treated like having a single silver bullet against a hungry vampire; they need to make it count. This money will be saved and used to fill roster positions should an injury occur during the preseason or at the start of the season.
Jadeveon Clowney or Joey Bosa | OLB
VT Writer: Cole Smith
The one glaring hole right now is EDGE3 depth, depending on how the Vikings view Jake Golday. I’d be in favor of signing either Jadaveon Clowney or Joey Bosa to bring a veteran presence off the bench.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
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With Jonathan Greenard gone, the Vikings can use another pass rusher. Clowney is 33 years old, but can still produce. He had 8.5 sacks last season in 13 games while playing just under 400 defensive snaps. The man can ball; he proves it every year.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala
Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney stands on the sideline during the second quarter of a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sep. 30, 2018. Clowney was one of the NFL’s most physically disruptive defenders during his Texans tenure, combining explosiveness, speed, and power as a premier edge-rushing presence. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings still lack depth at the EDGE position behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. By adding Clowney, who had 8.5 sacks last year in 13 games, the Vikings gain a rotational pass rush threat that can provide additional pressure on the quarterback and depth on a cheap one-year contract. This kind of move is ideal for the Vikings’ current cap space and needs.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
The former first overall selection remains awaiting an opportunity in 2026. Clowney has a solid 23 sacks over the last 3 seasons, the perfect amount for a third EDGE rusher. That is a spot that opened up on the Vikings after Jonathan Greenard got sent packing to Philadelphia, meaning Dallas Turner is now a starter. Minnesota needs EDGE rushing depth, and they have the money to get a halfway decent rotational piece.
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Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings could use another established pass rusher to solidify their defensive front. Every summer, he chooses his new team, and he’s always fantastic. With Jonathan Greenard in Philadelphia, it’s time to make the call.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Jeremy Doku struck again as Manchester City kept their title hopes alive with a vital 3-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
The winger scored his fifth goal in six games before Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush wrapped up a victory at the Etihad Stadium that cut Arsenal’s advantage at the top to two points.
Both contenders now have three games to play, with Arsenal the next in action at relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.
After Monday’s frustrating draw at Everton, City needed to win to keep any pressure on the Gunners and – as at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they were facing defeat until the final moments, Doku came to their rescue.
The Belgian struck in now trademark style to break the deadlock on the hour with a fine curling shot before Haaland and substitute Marmoush made the points certain.
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Victory was not without controversy, however, as European hopefuls Brentford had two penalty appeals turned down and City captain Bernardo Silva might have been sent off on another day for lashing out.
But ultimately City, who were again missing the influential Rodri, did what they needed to do.
Doku repeatedly troubled Brentford cutting in from the left and he threatened in the opening minutes when he shot straight at Caoimhin Kelleher.
Silva and Tijjani Reijnders both shot over and Haaland headed tamely at Kelleher.
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Haaland had another opportunity from a Doku cutback but his shot was blocked by Kristoffer Ajer and Kelleher smothered Nathan Ake’s follow-up.
Despite City’s dominance, they looked vulnerable at times and they had a scare when Gianluigi Donnarumma missed Michael Kayode’s long throw-in and Matheus Nunes cleared off the line.
Nunes was also involved in some of the game’s main talking points, the first coming after the dangerous Kevin Schade raced onto a long ball.
The Portuguese chased back and Schade went down as the pair made contact on the edge of the area but nothing was given by referee Michael Salisbury.
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There was further controversy when Silva escaped with a yellow card after striking the back of Nathan Collins’ leg with his arm in frustration following a tangle in the area.
Rayan Cherki drove wide as City tried to step up the urgency after the break but manager Pep Guardiola felt the need to make changes on the hour, sending on Phil Foden and Marmoush.
Within seconds the game changed, although it had nothing to do with the substitutes as Doku again ran at the Brentford defence. The Belgian got lucky when an attempted pass was cut out by Mikkel Damsgaard and rolled straight back to him, but there was nothing fortunate about his sublime finish.
Brentford appealed again for a spot-kick following another incident involving Schade and Nunes but it was cleared.
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Haaland made sure of victory when he backheeled in amid a goalmouth scramble 15 minutes from time and Kelleher produced a fine save to deny Foden before Marmoush completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Novak Djokovic says his preparation for the French Open has been far from ideal after another difficult clay-court outing in Rome.
Djokovic was eliminated by Dino Prizmic and later admitted he has been dealing with ongoing physical and health issues ahead of Roland Garros.
“It’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest,” Djokovic said.
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“I don’t recall the last time in the last couple years I had a preparation where I didn’t have some kind of physical or health issues coming into the tournament. There’s always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to go into detail about the issues affecting him after the match.
“I hope you understand I will not talk about that,” he said. “I want to congratulate Dino. Deservedly the winner today.”
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Djokovic also confirmed he will not play another clay-court tournament before Roland Garros, meaning he heads to Paris without a win on clay this season. The tournament in France will also be just his fourth event of 2026.
Despite the concerns surrounding his fitness and form, Djokovic said he is still hoping things improve before the Grand Slam begins.
“I don’t know. I hope so,” he said with a smile when asked if he expects to be ready for Roland Garros. “Let’s see what happens.”
The Serbian added that continuing to compete despite the setbacks has been his own choice.
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“It is frustrating. At the same time it’s my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions. It is what it is.”
Vinesh Phogat on Saturday indicated that she would fight back after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued a detailed show-cause notice, accusing her of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations, while also declaring her ineligible to compete in domestic events till June 26.
The WFI said Vinesh failed to complete the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under UWW Anti-Doping Rules.
It means that the two-time World Championship medallist will have to wait for her comeback. She was targeting the National Open Ranking event in Gonda, starting Sunday, for her return to competition.
She had quit the sport in 2024 after her disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games.
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“Life is caught in some deep whirlpool’s midst. The world seeks flaws in my character, persists.. Life has always held your head held high. No sword has the power to make it bow.!!!,” according to the English translation of her tweet in Hindi.
Earlier in the day, the WFI, in a 15-page notice, alleged that Vinesh’s conduct had caused “lasting damage to reputation of Indian wrestling” in Paris and violated provisions of the WFI Constitution, UWW International Wrestling Rules and anti-doping regulations.
Allegations have flown thick and fast in the last few days. Vinesh had accused WFI of blocking her entry for the Gonda event and also said that she was one of the six complainants against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment.
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WFI said that compliance with WADA rules was non-negotiable and the onus to prove her eligibility was on Vinesh.
“We have to see if WADA rules have been followed properly. It has not yet been proved that she has fulfilled the requirements for coming back from retirement. She has to complete the mandatory six-month notice period before she becomes eligible to compete again,” WFI President Sanjay Singh told PTI.
CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Katie McCabe of Arsenal applauds fans after the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at Broadfield Stadium on May 06, 2026 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal Women are reportedly considering offering Katie McCabe a new contract, despite earlier expectations that she would leave the club this summer.
McCabe’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and reports had suggested the Ireland captain was preparing to leave on a free transfer, with Manchester City Women linked as a possible destination.
Back in March, McCabe admitted there had already been interest from other clubs.
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“Yes, there’s been interest,” she said.
“The Arsenal fans know how committed I am to them and to the club. I think I’ve shown that over the last 10 years. I’ve given absolutely everything.”
However, Arsenal are now believed to be reconsidering their position after McCabe’s performances this season. Her versatility and consistency have reportedly impressed key figures at the club, especially after filling in at centre-back while continuing to perform strongly at left-back.
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McCabe joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015 and has become one of the club’s most important players over the last decade. She has made more than 200 appearances and helped Arsenal win the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, League Cup and Women’s Champions League.
For now, McCabe’s future remains undecided, but a stay in north London now appears more possible than it did a few months ago.
Both sides have held preliminary talks for their possible encounter later this year, which would see them square off for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown.
Additionally, Benavidez has proposed they meet at a catchweight of 190lbs, allowing him to defend his WBO and WBA world cruiserweight titles.
Bivol, too, boasts a win over Ramirez, which followed an equally dominant points victory over Canelo Alvarez that same year, in 2022.
Since then, the Russian has claimed all four major belts at 175lbs, outpointing Artur Beterbiev by majority decision in February 2025, after which he decided to undergo back surgery and vacate the WBC title, enabling Benavidez to be elevated from ‘interim’ to full champion.
Having now recovered from his surgery, the 35-year-old will make a mandatory title defence against Michael Eifert on May 30.
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Regardless of his next performance, though, Hall of Famer Bradley has said on his YouTube channel that he expects Bivol to cause Benavidez serious problems.
“Bivol has the perfect style to beat him. I like me some David Benavidez – I can’t wait ‘til he fights again – but [fighting] Bivol is a recipe for disaster.
“[Benavidez has] got a high boxing IQ, too. But he’s stubborn. Bivol isn’t stubborn. Bivol is one of those guys that’ll do the complete opposite [to] what you think he’s gonna do.
“He’ll have a plan A and a plan B. When he fought Ramirez, he stepped to Ramirez. We thought he was going to box because Ramirez was so damn big.
“Ya’ll probably don’t think Bivol would step to Benavidez – you’ll be surprised.”
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Along with Bivol’s boxing brain, Bradley highlights his foot speed as a significant factor in a potential clash with Benavidez, who is known more for his hand speed.
Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley (26) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Taj Bradley on the 15-day injured list Saturday with inflammation in his right pectoral muscle.
The move is retroactive to Wednesday, the day after Bradley struck out eight batters in six innings and earned the win in an 11-3 victory at Washington.
Bradley, 25, improved to 4-1 with a 2.87 ERA through eight starts this season. He has struck out 52 batters and walked 17 in 47 innings.
Bradley is 23-28 with a 4.64 ERA in 83 career games (81 starts) with the Rays (2023-25) and Twins, who acquired him from Tampa Bay at the 2025 trade deadline for right-hander Griffin Jax.
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Minnesota recalled right-hander Travis Adams from Triple-A St. Paul to replace Bradley on the 26-man roster.
Adams, 26, is 3-0 with a 9.00 ERA in five relief appearances this season at St. Paul.
Like everyone, Rory McIlroy has seen the quotes coming out of LIV Golf as players on the rebel tour, which recently lost the backing of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, work to figure out what the future holds for them and their tour.
Bryson DeChambeau told several outlets this week, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated, that he might focus on growing his YouTube channel while playing in the tournaments that “want him” if LIV folds. DeChambeau told Skratch that it’ll be up to the PGA Tour members to decide if he can rejoin the PGA Tour and what the punishment will be. DeChambeau also noted that the Tour’s current policy regulating players’ creation of social media content at tournaments is another hurdle. Put clearly, DeChambeau and his team have talked with the PGA Tour, but he might not want to return. Thomas Pieters said that if LIV Golf goes away, he won’t go back to the PGA Tour. Anirban Lahiri told The Times of Londonthat he knows at least a “dozen” players who would rather retire than rejoin the PGA Tour.
To McIlroy, all of these quotes are telling.
“I think I’ve said at the start, I was probably too judgmental with the guys that went because I was seeing it from my point of view and maybe not seeing it from other points of view,” McIlroy said on Friday after his second round at the Truist Championship. “But again, I’m not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA TOUR.
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“But … if you want to be the most competitive golfer you can be, this is the place to be. And if you don’t want to play here, I think that says something about you.”
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has said he currently doesn’t have a plan to reintegrate LIV players should the league cease operations after 2026. That’s not something he currently has to worry about with LIV working to secure funding for 2027 and beyond. Ever since he took over at the helm, Rolapp has been clear that he wants to do whatever is best for the PGA Tour. That’s why he created the limited Returning Members Program to welcome Brooks Koepka back from LIV in January, albeit with a stiff financial penalty. But Rolapp also recognizes that the PGA Tour membership has scars from golf’s fracture that he does not, and he’ll have to toe the line between doing what’s best for business and keeping his membership happy.
McIlroy wants to do what’s best for the PGA Tour’s bottom line as it enters its for-profit era. But the reigning Masters champion also knows that the potential reunification process won’t be quick.
“It’s a question if they do want to come back. Obviously, we have seen the quotes over the last few days,” McIlroy said. “Again, it all depends on what happens to LIV. But if it is a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on the traditional tours, you know, I think Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that. That’s just good business practice.
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“But again, I think there’s going to be a lot of sort of bridges to cross to get there.”
McIlroy acknowledges that all this unification talk is largely null and void if LIV Golf, which is seeking outside investment, continues in 2027. While DeChambeau’s contract ends after 2026, many players, including Jon Rahm, are under contract with LIV for several more seasons. So, if there is a LIV Golf, that’s where most of their golf will be played.
On the topic of LIV’s future, McIlroy knows that the fat lady isn’t singing yet. But with the PIF announcing it would be withdrawing funding, she’s certainly warming up. LIV may very well continue beyond 2026, but it will take a different form than the one that has existed for the last five years.
And that says everything to the six-time major champion.
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“It doesn’t mean that LIV is going to go away. They’re going to go and try and find alternative investment, whatever that may look like. But when one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks that you’re too expensive for them, that sort of says something,” McIlroy said with a laugh.
Chelsea may have picked up their first point in Premier League play since March 4 with Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool, but it is little consolation to the Blues as their chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League continue to dim – even as a bonus sixth spot becomes closer to a reality.
The Blues currently sit in ninth place thanks to their poor run of form, despite sitting level on points with the Reds in early March. They entered the weekend nine points behind fifth-place Aston Villa with three games to go, a win at Anfield the only way they could mathematically begin the comeback. Fifth place now eludes them, but the Champions League is technically still within their sights – but it will depend on a lot of favors, and for them to actually pick up their form with two games to go.
A special set of circumstances could see a sixth Premier League team enter the Champions League next season, but Chelsea have to dig themselves out of their own mess first. Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford all entered the weekend ahead of the Blues and though just three points separated the four teams before this round of matches began, one of them just might be more likely to reach Europe’s top club competition than two-time winners Chelsea.
How the Premier League’s sixth-place team could qualify for the Champions League
The Premier League was guaranteed to have four teams in next season’s edition of the Champions League, but in the new Swiss style format introduced in the 2024-25 season, a bonus berth each is available to the two countries atop UEFA’s association club coefficient rankings. The rankings are determined by the performance of those countries’ clubs in European competitions each season and are currently led by England and Italy, the Premier League bolstered by the fact that all six of this season’s participants advanced to the knockouts and that Arsenal will take part in the final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.
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That’s how the Premier League earned a fifth spot, though it is one that many expected for England’s top flight, and seems likely to go to Aston Villa at this point. There’s a unique quirk in this whole scenario, though — Villa are off to the UEFA Europa League final on May 20, where they play Freiburg in a competition where winners take home a well-earned European trophy and a Champions League berth.
This is where things get tricky. It’s a well established rule that winning the Europa League only generates an extra spot for the team that wins it. So, for example, if you win the Europa League and win your domestic league, congratulations, you’ve qualified twice for the Champions League, but nobody else gets the benefit. Your league wouldn’t expand from four to five spots (or five to six). That’s not the same as the extra Champions League spot leagues win for performance in the Champions League though. That’s just always tacked on at the end.
So here’s what that means for England if we follow the bouncing ball. If Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fourth in the Premier League, then they’ve qualified for the Champions League twice, to nobody else’s benefit. Then, the extra Champions League spot from the coefficient ranking goes to the fifth-place team in England. However, if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth in the Premier League, then the top four in England qualify, Aston Villa qualify via solely the Europa League, and then the coefficient spot gets awarded, meaning the sixth place team in England goes to the Champions League. Simple.
This is a noticeably more complicated scenario than last season, though the same operation is at play, more or less. Six Premier League teams reached the Champions League because Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League, the top four qualified, and then the bonus spot went to the first team that hadn’t already qualified, which was the fifth-place finisher.
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Who’s in the running for sixth?
Chelsea are still mathematically able to finish sixth, but their late-season slump has really put a dent in their chances of reaching the Champions League. Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford all entered the weekend above the Blues and will stay there for another week regardless of their own results because Chelsea’s draw at Liverpool was not enough to lift them out of ninth, even temporarily. Everton are also mathematically in the hunt, depending on how results fall.
Much of it will come down to the final weeks of the season. The Premier League title race — or whatever is left of it — will run through this race, with challengers Manchester City to face Brentford and Bournemouth during that stretch. The same is true for the relegation race, with Spurs hoping to stay safe in an upcoming battle against Chelsea, while Nottingham Forest hope to have secured safety from the drop before the final day against Bournemouth.
Could Chelsea miss out on Europe altogether?
There is a very real possibility that Chelsea will sit out of European competition completely next season. Only the top seven are guaranteed continental play next season — currently, the sixth-place team will qualify for the Europa League’s league phase and the seventh-place side will enter the final qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. If a sixth Champions League spot comes into play, expect the Europa League berth to land at seventh place and the Conference League berth to fall to the eighth-place team. That would mean whoever sits in ninth would miss out entirely.
Chelsea do have one more option available to them, though — they will play Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16 and if they win, they will qualify for the Europa League.
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