Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

Vikings Chat with Defender at Scouting Combine

Published

on

Advertisement

Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart (19) reacts after tackling Georgia Bulldogs running back Branson Robinson (not pictured) during the first quarter of the 2024 Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings continued their pre-draft evaluations at the Scouting Combine, reportedly meeting with a defensive prospect who fits a clear roster need in the trenches.

The decision-makers met with Clemson defensive tackle Demonte Capehart, the player announced at the Combine. He’s scheduled to fly off the board on Day 3 of the NFL Draft in a couple of months.

Capehart spent six years at Clemson and appeared in 57 games with the ACC program. In those appearances, he logged 72 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. He can provide strength and power in the middle of the defensive front.

Advertisement

In a recent report, Draft Huddle summarized his skill set, “DeMonte Capehart is a large, experienced interior defensive tackle with strong anchor ability, rotational experience, and a power-driven play style developed within Clemson’s defensive line system. He wins with size, strength, and gap discipline rather than elite explosiveness or pass-rush production. While his limited statistical output and pass-rush ceiling cap his overall upside, his durability, frame, and interior toughness provide a reliable floor as a rotational NFL defensive tackle in a multi-front defensive scheme.”

demonte capehart
Clemson defensive linemen, top to bottom, Cade Denhoff (44), Vic Burley (45) DeMonte Capehart (19), and defensive end Jahiem Lawson (15) play Troy during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.

According to PFF, Capehart produced an elite run-stopping rate of 8.6%. His play in the ground game is undoubtedly his best attribute.

And that’s where the Vikings enter the conversation. The defense led by defensive magician Brian Flores lacks some oomph in that area.

Last season, Flores coordinated one of the league’s elite units, but the ground game left some room for improvement. The Vikings ranked 9th in run DVOA and 14th in rush EPA. Sure, that’s not bad by any means, but it didn’t quite match the success against the pass.

Advertisement

There were also a couple of alarming games in which opponents ran over them with little resistance. Contests against the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Green Bay Packers come to mind when backup-caliber runners (Kimani Vidal, Kenneth Gainwell, and Emmanuel Wilson) were unstoppable.

Minnesota’s defensive line room still includes the two expensive veterans the franchise added a year ago. There’s a decent chance that one of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen won’t be on the team when the Draft kicks off, however. Too enticing are the potential salary-cap savings for a team in the red.

Vikings defenders agains the new York Giants in 2025
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (61) reacts with linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Scheduled to become an exclusive rights free agent, Jalen Redmond is widely expected to return for another year after his breakout campaign. Behind that top trio, the Vikings employ 2024 and 2025 draftees Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, who have played rotational roles.

Pre-draft meetings at the Combine do not automatically signal strong draft interest, but they are a key part of a team’s evaluation process. Franchises typically use these conversations to gauge football IQ, personality, and scheme fit as much as on-field production. For a veteran college player like Capehart, who has extensive experience in a high-level defensive system at Clemson, those interviews can be especially important.

The Vikings, in particular, have shown a willingness in recent drafts to target interior defenders on Day 3 who can contribute early while developing into more consistent contributors over time.

Advertisement

Adding another Day 3 pick could complete the room, especially if that guy can perform against the run. Capehart fits that profile and could be on Minnesota’s list of intriguing players. He is expected to perform well at the Combine to boost his stock.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFFOver The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

avatar
Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Sporting KC eager to pick up steam vs. Rapids

Published

on

MLS: Sporting Kansas City at LA GalaxyMar 14, 2026; Carson, California, USA; Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Lasse Berg Johnsen (4) celebrates his goal during the second half against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

With both teams led by first-year coaches, Sporting Kansas City host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday in Kansas City, Kan.

After a last-place finish in the Western Conference table in 2025, Sporting KC (1-2-1, 4 points) hired Raphael Wicky to turn around the team’s fortunes. Kansas City picked up its first win under Wicky, a 2-1 decision at the Los Angeles Galaxy last Saturday.

Dejan Joveljic scored in first-half stoppage time and Lasse Berg Johnsen netted what proved to be the game-winner in the 74th minute. The Galaxy found the back of the net in the 82nd minute.

“In terms of togetherness, of trying to be a team when we are in possession, when we aren’t in possession, when we press high, when we are suffering together in a low block, we have to have everyone helping each other,” Wicky said. “When you have that foundation with talent you can win football games …We need to keep working on the culture and togetherness and what we want to do on the field.”

Meanwhile, the Rapids’ two-match winning streak was snapped with a 3-1 loss at Eastern Conference co-leader New York City FC last Saturday. Darren Yapi scored off an assist from Rafael Navarro for Colorado.

Advertisement

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen missed his second straight match with a shoulder injury, and is listed as day-to-day.

Even though the Rapids (2-2-0, 6 points) maintained 59.3% of the possession, they couldn’t net the equalizer against NYCFC. Colorado coach Matt Wells said Rob Holding and Keegan Rosenberry used well-placed passes to set up midfielder Paxten Aaronson with transition opportunities.

While he said Colorado arrived in better attacking positions than NYCFC, the Rapids’ leading scorers, Navarro and Yapi, who each have two goals on the season, “weren’t able to find the right action.”

Advertisement

“We are an attacking team that is going to create numerous opportunities for our wingers and forwards because of the nature at which we play,” Wells said. “We attack with numbers; we attack with speed. Which is exactly the team we want to be.

“I want more from both those guys (Navarro and Yapi) and will keep demanding it. They have incredible potential and great mindsets.”

-Field Level Media

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Ligue 1: Lens Run Riot Against Angers (5-1) to Reclaim Top Spot

Published

on

Elsewhere in Ligue 1, all eyes turn to Saturday’s clash in Nice, where Paris Saint-Germain must respond. Sitting two points behind Lens, the Parisians need a win to reclaim first place, but will have to do it without in-form Bradley Barcoley, sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury.

In Monaco, Paul Pogba may finally be nearing a return. The 2018 World Cup winner is back in full training with the Principality club. No official comeback date has been set, but April 5, against Marseille on Matchday 28, is being targeted.

In the Premier League, no Arsenal or Manchester City in league action this weekend, the top two meet instead in Sunday’s League Cup final. Manchester United were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Friday, leaving the door open for Aston Villa and Liverpool to close the gap. The Reds, meanwhile, will be without Mohamed Salah for their trip to Brighton.

On the international stage, France are gearing up for a US tour next week, but head coach Didier Deschamps will be without Manu Koné, injured in Europa League action with Roma. Les Bleus face Brazil on Thursday and Colombia on Sunday.

Advertisement

In tennis, Arthur Fils made a perfect start at the Miami Masters, setting up a third-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who knocked out world No. 6 Alex de Minaur. Casper Ruud and Jack Draper, meanwhile, crashed out early.

And finally, in EuroLeague basketball, it was a night of fireworks: leaders Fenerbahçe beat Milan, while Kaunas stunned Real Madrid, inspired by a standout performance from Sylvain Francisco.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Justin Timberlake’s star-studded golf experience returns to Las Vegas

Published

on

There are golf tournaments — and then there are experiences.

The 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas, hosted by Justin Timberlake, has quickly carved out a lane of its own: part competitive golf, part cultural moment, and entirely unlike anything else on the calendar.

Now entering its fifth year, the event has become one of the most anticipated annual gatherings in the game — bringing together a curated mix of athletes, entertainers, actors and cultural icons for a weekend that blends golf, entertainment and philanthropy at the highest level.

A one-of-a-kind setting — and an unmatched field

Set against the backdrop of Wynn Golf Club — the only course on the Las Vegas Strip — the Invitational delivers a setting that feels as premium as the guest list.

Advertisement

And the guest list is exactly what sets this event apart.

In recent years, Timberlake has welcomed an eclectic and electric mix of talent, including Jimmy Fallon, Michelle Wie West, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, Michael Phelps, J.J. Watt, Blake Griffin and Michael Strahan, along with Matthew Stafford and Colt McCoy.

The crossover doesn’t stop with sports. The field has also featured entertainers and personalities like Nate Bargatze, Andrew Santino, Brian Baumgartner and Michael Peña, alongside actors like Chace Crawford and a new generation of golf and lifestyle voices including Kira Dixon and Erin Lim Rhodes.

Michael Phelps hits a shot during the 2025 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas.
Michael Phelps hits a shot during the 2025 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas.

8AM Golf

Advertisement

Add in names like Ryan Sheckler, Sean Malto, Chandler Parsons, Trey McBride, Courtney Lee and Dexter Fowler, and you get a lineup that feels less like a tournament field and more like a perfectly curated cultural moment.

This isn’t a traditional event. It’s a collision of worlds, where elite competitors, entertainers and personalities all show up with something to prove — and have a great time doing it.

More than a tournament — it’s a full weekend experience

What makes the 8AM Invitational truly unique is that it doesn’t stop when the last putt drops.

Select sponsor guests are invited inside the ropes, gaining rare access to both the competition and the personalities that define it. That includes watching the tournament up close, playing in a celeb-am leading into the event, and attending two unforgettable parties hosted at Wynn alongside the players and talent.

Advertisement

And in a nod to one of golf’s most iconic traditions, the Invitational enforces a strict no-phone policy — both on the course and at the parties — creating an atmosphere that feels present, private and refreshingly unplugged.

From left: Michelle Wie West, Erin Lim Rhodes and Kira K. Dixon.
From left: Michelle Wie West, Erin Lim Rhodes and Kira K. Dixon.

Jeff Marsh

Where entertainment and golf collide

From competitive moments during the day to late-night performances and stories that rarely leave the room, the energy of the 8AM Invitational is constant.

It’s golf — but louder, more social and unmistakably modern.

Advertisement

Yet beneath the spectacle is real competition. Many of these names can play, and pride is very much on the line when they tee it up at Wynn.

Driven by purpose

At its core, the 8AM Invitational is about more than just the experience.

To date, the event has raised more than $1 million for the American Skin Association, using its platform to drive meaningful impact beyond the ropes.

The can’t-miss event on golf’s calendar

In a sport rooted in tradition, the 8AM Invitational is something entirely different.

Advertisement

An epic annual gathering. A one-of-a-kind golf experience. And a weekend at Wynn Las Vegas that continues to redefine what a golf event can be.

Interested in experiencing the 8AM Invitational yourself? Click here to get in touch.

“>

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Cameron McEvoy claims 50m freestyle world record in record-breaking swim | Other Sports News

Published

on


Olympic and world champion swimmer Cameron McEvoy has broken the men’s 50-meter freestyle world record which had stood for 17 years.


The 31-year-old Australian posted a time of 20.88 seconds on Friday at the China Open in Shenzhen, taking 0.03 second off Brazilian Cesar Cielo’s previous mark.


Cielo set his world record of 20.91 during swimming’s so-called “super suit” era in 2009. Those suits were later banned because they increased buoyancy and reduced drag, resulting in nearly 150 world records falling in 2009 before being prohibited in 2010.

Advertisement


“I knew I had a chance to do a PB (personal best),” McEvoy said. “My old PB was 21.06, so maybe 20.99? But doing ?20.88 is unreal. It’s crazy.” 
Cielo was quick to congratulate McEvoy on social media, tweeting: “Congrats, Cam.

 

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mar 21 2026 | 1:22 PM IST

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Saurav Ghosal hails Olympic debut as watershed, urges ecosystem growth | Other Sports News

Published

on


Former India No. 1 Saurav Ghosal termed squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics a watershed moment and emphasised the need to expand access, improve coaching, and strengthen the ecosystem to sustain the sport’s growth.


Recently appointed Sports Commissioner of World Premier Squash, Ghosal said the role is a culmination of his journey in the sport.


“I played professional squash and for India for more than 20 years… it’s been a blessing. This phase is a coming together of all those experiences and I’m excited to hopefully make a contribution at the global level and democratise the sport,” he said.


“I’ve always viewed pressure situations as opportunities… this is an opportunity to do something substantial in the sport,” he added.

Advertisement

 


On India’s rise in squash, Ghosal underlined the importance of participation.


“Strength lies in numbers… if you have more players playing, the probability is that you will produce champions,” he said.


“The upward trajectory is very heartening… and this is an attempt to democratise the sport, get more kids, more people and recreational players involved because the entire ecosystem has to be involved,” he added.

Advertisement


He also highlighted the role of exposure and opportunity.


“There are so many players who haven’t had the financial backing or the right guidance. This can give them a window to showcase their talent on the world stage,” he said.


India currently has multiple players in the top-50, including teenager Anahat Singh.


“It’s great that we have four boys in the top-50 we also have Anahat in the top-20. Success breeds success and that will help the overall ecosystem,” Ghosal said.

Advertisement


“She has everything going for her – talent, mentality, support… if she continues the way she is, there’s no reason she cannot be a mainstay in the top-10,” he added.


“I don’t want to put undue pressure on her, she’s still 18 and needs to enjoy this time,” he said.


On squash’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Ghosal said it marks a defining moment.


“It’s a watershed moment, not just for Indian squash but globally, the Olympics is the biggest platform and the epitome of sporting excellence,” he said.

Advertisement


“It’s only befitting that squash gets the chance to showcase its athletic excellence on the biggest stage… and I’m sure it will be a very entertaining show,’ he added.


“I really hope we have Indians making a dent in that 16-player draw, that’s what everyone is gunning towards,” he said.


On pathways to the Olympics, he pointed to the Asian Games and called it an opportunity for the players to book their spots.


“The winner (at Asian Games) will be the first confirmed spot. Winning gold is not easy, no Indian has done it before, but it is definitely within reach.

Advertisement


“The idea is not just to qualify but to put yourself in a position to be a realistic medal contender,” he said.


Despite progress, Ghosal highlighted structural gaps in Indian squash.


“You can’t train in India 365 days at the highest level… even the top players train abroad because the quality of the highest echelon of coaches is not there in India today.


“That is something we need to work towards… getting people from abroad and having Indian coaches work with them so they understand what it takes at the highest level,” he said.

Advertisement


Drawing comparisons with other top squash playing nations, he said: “If you look at Egypt, most players train at home, you have top players training together and pushing each other constantly.” 
He also stressed the need to expand grassroots access for the sport to become bigger in the country.


“It has been a slightly elitist sport… access to courts has not been easy, though that is slowly changing.


“Junior programmes and more tournaments have helped… kids see it, get into the competitive feeling and play more.


“To really explode in numbers, taking it into schools is important, and using digital platforms to reach players even in far-flung areas.

Advertisement


“Getting it on TV is extremely important… it gives kids that aspirational value to take up the sport,” he said.


On the format and innovation in World Premier Squash, which uses AI enabled qualification pathways, he said it will be “extremely different” from traditional squash.


“Short, sharp and entertaining, and as inclusive as possible across age groups.


“There are so many players who are extremely talented but may not travel… this gives them a chance to qualify from wherever they are,” he said.

Advertisement


“All you need is a phone and the app, and you could be on a global leaderboard and even stand on the same court as the top players,” he added.


“It’s about bridging the gap between the professional tour, juniors and recreational players… a 360-degree effort to elevate the sport,” he said.


Asked about India’s maiden Squash World Cup triumph, Ghosal said it was a step forward but bigger goals remain.


“It’s a good achievement, but there are bigger things to win. The Olympics is the epitome and players now have the opportunity to do something substantial there,” he said.

Advertisement


Ghosal stressed that collective effort will be key going forward.


“We are talking about five players today, we need to aim for hundreds. If all stakeholders work together over the next five to 10 years, there’s no reason why we can’t get there,” he said.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

'Wowzer!' – Shoes fly and athletes collide in mixed relay

Published

on

Belgium win a chaotic 4x400m mixed relay final at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Poland.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

2026 Valspar Championship Saturday TV coverage: Watch Round 3

Published

on

The third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship begins Saturday morning at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Saturday, including full Valspar Championship TV coverage, streaming details and Round 3 tee times.

How to watch Valspar Championship on Saturday

Sungjae Im followed up a first-round 64 with a second-round 69 on Friday to take the Valspar Championship halfway-point lead at nine under par. Im is one shot clear of his closest competitor, David Lipsky, and two shots ahead of Doug Ghim and Chandler Blanchet.

Im is seeking his third career Tour victory, and first since his win at the 2021 Shriner’s Childrens Open. Lipsky has yet to notch a PGA Tour title.

On Saturday, Im and Lipsky will play in the afternoon’s final pairing at 1:55 p.m. ET.

Advertisement

You can watch the third round of the Valspar Championship on TV via Golf Channel beginning on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the NBC broadcast at 3 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive streaming coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, as well as featured group and featured hole coverage all day Saturday.

Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship.

PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ 2025 promotion
Advertisement

Get ESPN+

With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.

Advertisement

How to watch on TV Saturday

Golf Channel will carry third-round TV coverage of the 2026 Valspar Championship from 1-3 p.m. ET on Saturday followed by the NBC broadcast from 3-6 p.m. ET.

How to stream online Saturday

You can stream the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage starting on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET in addition to featured group and hole coverage.

Advertisement

NEWSLETTER

Sign up for GOLF’s Top Stories Newsletter!

Get the latest golf news and our most-read stories delivered to your inbox daily!


SIGN UP NOW

Advertisement

2026 Valspar Championship Round 3 tee times (ET)

Tee No. 1

7:35 a.m. – John Parry, John VanDerLaan 

7:45 a.m. – Andrew Novak, A.J. Ewart 

7:55 a.m. – Patrick Rodgers, Davis Thompson 

Advertisement

8:05 a.m. – Matti Schmid, Mackenzie Hughes 

8:15 a.m. – Davis Chatfield, Christiaan Bezuidenhout

8:25 a.m. – Kevin Streelman, Vince Whaley 

8:35 a.m. – Stefan Jaeger, Dylan Wu 

Advertisement

8:45 a.m. – Michael Kim, Bud Cauley 

9 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Lee Hodges 

9:10 a.m. – Justin Lower, Denny McCarthy 

9:20 a.m. – Isaiah Salinda, Jimmy Stanger 

Advertisement

9:30 a.m. – Webb Simpson, Ryo Hisatsune 

9:40 a.m. – Rasmus Hojgaard, Joel Dahmen 

9:50 a.m. – Henrik Norlander, Chad Ramey 

10 a.m. – Karl Vilips, Kevin Roy 

Advertisement

10:10 a.m. – Matt Wallace, Ricky Castillo 

10:25 a.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Takumi Kanaya 

10:35 a.m. – Kevin Yu, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen

10:45 a.m. – Sam Ryder, Justin Thomas 

Advertisement

10:55 a.m. – Andrew Putnam, Kensei Hirata 

11:05 a.m. – Pierceson Coody, Matthieu Pavon 

11:15 a.m. – Chandler Phillips, Xander Schauffele 

11:25 a.m. – Adrien Dumont de Chassart, S.H. Kim 

Advertisement

11:35 a.m. – Seamus Power, Blades Brown 

11:50 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Tom Kim 

Noon – Hank Lebioda, Patrick Cantlay 

12:10 p.m. – Patrick Fishburn, Alejandro Tosti 

Advertisement

12:20 p.m. – David Skinns, David Ford 

12:30 p.m. – Jordan Spieth, Rico Hoey 

12:40 p.m. – Corey Conners, Nicolai Hojgaard 

12:50 p.m. Danny Walker, Brooks Koepka 

Advertisement

1 p.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Tony Finau 

1:15 p.m. – Brandt Snedeker, Gary Woodland 

1:25 p.m. Jordan Smith, Alex Smalley 

1:35 p.m. – Marco Penge, Matt Fitzpatrick 

Advertisement

1:45 p.m. – Doug Ghim, Chandler Blanchet 

1:55 p.m. – Sungjae Im, David Lipsky 

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Hawkes pair Airman and Devil Night target 2026 William Reid Stakes

Published

on

Recently, the training venture run by Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes has experienced up-and-down results.

Their freshest win in Victoria was a Kilmore maiden from earlier this month, alongside Stakes-level achievement with Gangsta Granny in Sydney on March 7.

The stable often delivers powerful teams for the Melbourne and Sydney carnivals, including participants in three of five Group 1 races at Rosehill.

On Saturday, Caulfield hosts the William Reid Stakes (1200m), wrapping up Melbourne’s Group 1 schedule, where the Hawkes have Airman and Devil Night entered.

Advertisement

Airman remains winless approaching 18 months, penalized for his victory in the Group 2 Premiere Cup (1200m) at Randwick during October 2024.

Wayne Hawkes commented that Airman carries the class needed for Saturday’s event and has trialled sharply in readiness for his first outing post-November.

“He won the Premiere Stakes which is two weeks before The Everest and which is the best lead-up race to The Everest,” Hawkes said.

“You know he is up to that class of race, but he hasn’t won for 18 months, but I wouldn’t discard him.

Advertisement

“He’s going pretty well.”

Devil Night has secured one win across seven runs, highlighted by his conquest of the Blue Diamond Stakes, Melbourne’s leading juvenile race, on start two.

Spring brought mixed fortunes for the three-year-old, though Hawkes cited his fourth to Giga Kick in the Schillaci Stakes as a key performance.

Devil Night began autumn placed second behind Pallaton in Caulfield’s Zeditave Stakes (1200m) last month, with a recent quiet trial at Flemington.

Advertisement

“He’s going super and this is the race we’ve picked out for him,” Hawkes said.

“He was getting beaten in the spring behind Giga Kick, which isn’t bad for a three-year-old and Giga Kick is an Everest horse, and the bottom line is, there’s your form.

“Beau Mertens had a sit on him in his trial and I’m happy with the horse and how he’s going.”

Regarding which he prefers, Hawkes leaned marginally to Devil Night.

Advertisement

“He’s the fitter one,” Hawkes said.

Compare the betting sites for William Reid Stakes racing odds.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Diana Taurasi reacts as WNBA, WNBPA reach landmark CBA agreement

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The WNBA’s milestone 30th season is scheduled to tip off in less than two months. On Wednesday, the marathon negotiations between the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association ended with an historic agreement on a collective bargaining agreement.

The two sides verbally agreed to a deal that would raise teams’ salary caps to $7 million, ESPN reported. Last season’s salary cap was $1.5 million. Players will be eligible for supermax deals starting at $1.4 million in 2026, up from $249,244 in 2025.

Every WNBA player will earn at least $300,000 under the new CBA, sources told ESPN.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

WNBA ball goes through hoop

A detail of the WNBA logo on a basketball during warmups between the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun at Climate Pledge Arena on June 20, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.  (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Diana Taurasi, an 11-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion, reacted to the latest development. The former Phoenix Mercury guard said she believes the deal is a step in the right direction.

“The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years,” she told The Spun. “There’s a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women’s sports. It’s nice to see the WNBA in a better place than where you left it.”

WNBA STARS’ ALL-STAR GAME MESSAGE ON PAY INCREASE DRAWS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION

Advertisement

The details of the term sheet are still being finalized. The next step is ratification by the players and the league’s board of governors.

Diana Taurasi during a press conference

Diana Taurasi speaks during a press conference at the Phoenix Mercury Practice Facility on March 13, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Taurasi announced she was retiring after a 20-year career in the WNBA.  (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Taurasi’s sentiments echoed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s stance about what she described as a landmark deal.

“The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league,” Engelbert told reporters shortly after the deal was struck early Wednesday, “and it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.

“It’s [been] a process, but we’re very proud to be leading in women’s sports, and these players are amazing, and we’re going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May.”

Advertisement
Cathy Engelbert speaks

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference before the WNBA All-Star basketball game on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA executive committee president Nneka Ogwumike, who participated in the prolonged bargaining sessions, commended the efforts that led to the new CBA.

“We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal,” Ogwumike said. “We’re proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that’s what this looks like.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Once the new CBA is finalized, it will mark the sixth agreement in WNBA history, with the previous one reached in 2020. The full terms of the new deal are expected to reflect the league’s recent surge in growth, viewership and overall popularity.

Advertisement

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Where should the new PGA Tour season begin?

Published

on

Last week at the PGA Tour headquarters, new Tour CEO Brian Rolapp unveiled six themes for where the league is headed. One of them was a splashy start date on the West Coast, a way for the Tour to get fans excited and kick-start the year in a big way.

“We want to open big with a marquee event at an iconic venue in the west, among other things,” Rolapp said, “allowing us to finish on network television in primetime on the East Coast.”

How might that look? It’ll likely be in late January or early February, and we already know the Tour’s time in Hawaii is probably limited. That leaves a couple of current tournaments as the likely options: the Farmers at Torrey Pines in San Diego, the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, or the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the Monterey Peninsula. The Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles could also be an option.

We might not get an answer soon — and the Tour might still be figuring it out as well — but you could make a case for most of these spots, just as GOLF’s Subpar duo thinks their local event, the WM Phoenix Open, would be the ideal kickoff.

Advertisement

“In my opinion this would go the week before the Super Bowl, in between the conference championships and Super Bowl, there’s that dead week,” said Subpar co-host Colt Knost, on the latest Subpar episode. “This is the week, let’s get the PGA Tour started, get everybody excited and then we take a week off for the Super Bowl — because there is no reason to go against that — and then we get going.

“Their goal long-term is to own the summer,” he continued. “They want golf to be must-see TV throughout the summer, going up against baseball, obviously some basketball. That is their big goal. But I love that we are going to open big.”

Co-host Drew Stoltz, who is also a member of the Thunderbirds, the organization that runs the WM Phoenix Open, agreed.

“I mean, what’s bigger?” he said. “There are some great venues, some great golf courses out west, but if you are going to make a big splash to open the season what would make more sense than that? I don’t have any insider information, not saying it’s a done deal, but if this is the way you are going, we will start basically when football ends, we will call it, even if it’s the week before the Super Bowl, this is the biggest you got.”

Advertisement

For more on the latest Subpar episode, where they break down Cam Young’s Players win and talk more about Rolapp’s six themes, you can listen here or watch on YouTube below.

“>

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025