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Vikings QB Target Could Indeed Be Available via Trade

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Patriots QB Mac Jones as a rookie in 2021
Sep 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) looks for an open receiver during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have insisted this offseason that they have no real interest in trading quarterback Mac Jones, but their stance may be smoke, designed to raise his trade value. The Athletic‘s Matt Barrows claimed last week that the “stars could be aligning” for a Jones trade, despite the 49ers’ public rhetoric.

A mid-round offer might be enough if the Vikings want to rekindle Sam Darnold-like magic.

If so, most assume the Minnesota Vikings would be somewhere near the top of his destination list.

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The Case for Mac Jones Is Alive and Well

Don’t cancel the Mac Jones trade theories just yet.

Mac Jones throws a football on the Patriots sideline before a game against the Jets. Vikings Mac Jones trade.
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) tosses a football along the sideline during pregame activity against the New York Jets. The former first-round pick developed early experience in Foxborough before later stops around the league. Oct 24, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA: Jones prepared for action while continuing his rookie-season development with New England. Mandatory Credit: USATODAYSPORTS

Barrows: SF May Not Refuse Trade Offer for Jones

Barrows just isn’t quite buying that Jones is untouchable.

He wrote last week, “The 49ers have stated that they don’t intend to trade Jones, who, after all, proved extremely valuable in 2025 and has a cap cost of only $3.1 million in 2026. Still, circumstances are aligning to create an offer that might be hard to refuse.”

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“The first is that Jones didn’t just look like a starter in 2025 but someone who could lead an imperfect team, which is what any potential suitor would be. The win at the Rams — on a short week and in prime time — came at the height of the 49ers’ injury woes. They played without George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, and with Jones battling through a PCL injury. The second reason to trade for Jones is that the league just watched another Shanahan reclamation project, Sam Darnold, thrive on the national stage.”

Jones has already stated this offseason that he believes he’s a starter in the NFL — not a QB2.

Barrows added, “Darnold, who signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in 2023, served as Brock Purdy’s backup that season. The following season, he led the Minnesota Vikings, who run a similar offensive system, to a 14-win season.”

“In 2025, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks and last week stood before the city with the Lombardi Trophy in his right hand, a beer can in his left and a wide grin on his face.”

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Redoing the Sam Darnold Arrangement

In 2024, Minnesota signed Darnold as a “bridge” quarterback for McCarthy, and all he did was deliver 35 passing touchdowns and 4,319 passing yards. Seeking a big payday and guaranteed starting job, Darnold chose the Seahawks in 2025 free agency, leaving the Vikings to sink or swim with McCarthy.

Minnesota sank, at least in terms of missing the postseason, while Darnold won the Super Bowl. What a world.

In Jones, Vikings head coach and de facto CEO Kevin O’Connell would have a chance at a do-over. The 49ers groomed Darnold for a year in 2023; they did the same for Jones in 2025.

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If O’Connell wants to rewrite history, he can finagle the Jones trade with San Francisco and restart the clock on his Darnold experiment — but with a different former 1st-Rounder in Jones.

2025 Rankings and Stats

These were the NFL’s top quarterbacks in 2025 per EPA+CPOE:

  1. Drake Maye
  2. Brock Purdy
  3. Jordan Love
  4. Josh Allen
  5. Matthew Stafford
  6. Sam Darnold
  7. Daniel Jones
  8. Dak Prescott
  9. Mac Jones
  10. Patrick Mahomes

The odds of Jones arriving in Minnesota and playing poorly like his earlier days are low. If Darnold could thrive in Minnesota, so can Jones — or so goes the theory.

Mac Jones warms up on the field at Levi's Stadium before a 49ers game.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) loosens up on the field during late-game warmups at Levi’s Stadium ahead of action against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran passer worked through preparation reps while serving in a reserve role for San Francisco’s offense. Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA: Jones stayed ready as part of the 49ers’ quarterback depth chart. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.

The 49ers also compiled a 5-3 record on Jones’s watch in 2025, as he delivered 269 passing yards per game with 13 touchdowns in 8 starts. The numbers would translate to a fringe MVP season if scaled to 17 games.

The Trade Price

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This is the tricky part. San Francisco’s brass is already working diligently to drive up Jones’s trade price. Two offseasons ago, Darnold was “free” in free agency. Jones won’t be that way. At the very minimum, Vikings interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will have to send a 3rd-Rounder to The Bay for Jones. Truth be told, the price will likely be steeper than that, perhaps in the neighborhood of a 2nd-Rounder.

O’Connell and Brzezinski must ask themselves if the price tag is worth it. Minnesota has suffered from four underwhelming drafts in a row. They can’t easily donate high-round picks and feel great about it.

Mac Jones prepares to throw a pass during a Patriots game against the Panthers.
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) scans downfield while preparing to deliver a pass during first-quarter action at Bank of America Stadium against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie quarterback handled early offensive responsibilities as New England leaned on his accuracy and timing. Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA: Jones operated the offense in road action for the Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.

If Jones can be a years-long starter, the price will be worth it. If he’s more of a flyer, the club might be better off rolling with McCarthy, signing Malik Willis from free agency, or exploring Kyler Murray’s availability.

Jones will turn 28 just before Week 1 of 2026; there’s plenty of time for a team to christen him as the long-term QB1 and ask him to hold down the fort for a decade, akin to Darnold’s current trajectory.


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BetMGM Grand National Offers | Free Bonus Bets & Promos

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All eyes are on Aintree this week ahead of the 178th edition of one of the UK’s most prestigious horse races, the Grand National.

Ahead of the famed race, horse racing betting sites are providing customers with plenty of Grand National offers.

The BetMGM Grand National offer is a ‘bet and get’ offer, providing new customers with £40 in Grand National free bets when they sign up and bet £10.

And along with similar Grand National betting sites, BetMGM are running several offers during the three-day meeting for existing customers too.

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To that end, we’ve compiled a guide to the latest BetMGM Grand National offers, including information on the BetMGM sign up offer and any relevant info on BetMGM Grand National free bets.

What is the BetMGM Grand National offer?

The latest BetMGM Grand National offer, which runs before and during the Grand National Festival, is a standard bet £10, get £40 offer.

To claim the offer, customers can sign up via our link and deposit a minimum of £10 through an eligible payment method.

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Next, bettors must wager £10 or more on any sports market at odds of evens or greater. This is a low odds threshold to unlock any welcome bonus, though each-way bets must have a £20 total stake with only the win part qualifying for the BetMGM Grand National offer.

The free bet offer from BetMGM is split into the following denominations: 1x £10 free horse racing bet, 1x £10 free football bet, 2x £10 free bet builder bets.

Grand National free bets will be credited to a bettor’s account after their qualifying wager has been settled.

The horse racing and football free bets don’t have any requirements attached to them and can be placed on a selection at any price. However, the free bet builder wagers must have combined odds of 3/1 or higher.

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Free bets expire within seven days, and you must select the free bets via the checkbox on the betslip when you want to use them.

Is there a BetMGM bonus code for Grand National 2026?

Customers don’t need to use a BetMGM offer code to unlock the BetMGM Grand National offer.

All new customers need to do is click our link before depositing £10 and betting £10 on any sports market, including the Grand National, with odds of evens or greater.

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BetMGM Grand National Offers – Bet boosts

Customers will find bet boosts among the BetMGM Grand National offers, with the bookie choosing to enhance the odds on selected horses or other single markets.

These bet boosts will be available throughout the meeting, which starts on Thursday and runs through the Grand National, with several boosts available on the day of the race.

BetMGM Grand National Offers – Golden Silks

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BetMGM’s Golden Silks scheme gives bettors the chance to bag a profit boost token for each day of the 2026 Grand National Festival.

Punters will need to opt in and then wager a minimum of £20 or more on racing to unlock seven profit boost tokens, with one available each day of the week.

The tokens can secure a 10 per cent boost for any winning bets and will be available to use on any race at Aintree, including Saturday’s Grand National.

BetMGM Grand National Offers – Golden Wheel

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Existing BetMGM customers can secure free bets and more by spinning the Golden Wheel, which is a unique BetMGM Grand National offer.

Users are entitled to one free spin per day to unlock prizes, such as BetMGM free bets, up to £5,000 in cash, free spins and more.

BetMGM Grand National Offers – Best odds guaranteed

BetMGM offers customers the best odds guaranteed for bets placed on the Grand National after 11am on the day of the race.

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BetMGM pays out at the best possible price, so if the starting price is greater than the odds you took, you’ll receive the bigger price.

BetMGM Grand National Offers – Each-Way Plus

BetMGM regularly runs its each-way plus offer on UK and Irish races, and the Grand National Festival will be no exception.

The each-way plus promotion boosts the number of places paid out on for each-way wagers.

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Punters can expect extra places to be available on several races at Aintree across all three days.

How does the BetMGM free bet offer compare with rival Grand National offers?

BetMGM is one of the best new horse racing betting sites on the market and provides one of the best Grand National offers for new customers. Check out the table below to see how it compares against rival bookmakers with our table below.

Bookmaker

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Offer

Free bet restrictions?

Eligible payment methods

Betfair Sportsbook

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Bet £10, get £50 in free bets

Free bets can only be used on accumulators, bet builders & other multiples

Bank transfer, debit card & Apple Pay

Paddy Power

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Bet £5, get £30 in free bets

n/a

Debit card, Apple Pay, bank transfer

Betfred

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Bet £10, get £50 in free bets

3x £10 free sports bets, 2x £10 free accumulator bets

Debit card, Apple Pay, instant bank transfer

BetGoodwin

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Bet £10, get £15 in free bets

1x £5 sports bet, 1x £5 acca bet, 1x £5 sub cover bet

Debit card

NetBet

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Bet £10, get £20

£5 football bet builder, £5 football acca, £5 horse racing acca, £5 tennis bet

Debit card, bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal

Responsible Gambling

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If you decide to engage with any of the BetMGM betting offers highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets.

Betting should only ever be considered a form of entertainment – it will never be a surefire way to make money.

When taking advantage of Grand National offers, assume you’ll lose and therefore, only wager what you can afford. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget.

Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.

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The same applies if you’re using new casino sites, slot sites, poker sites or any other form of gambling.

If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

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£17 tickets still available for Tyson Fury vs Makhmudov ahead of Saturday fight

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The Gypsy King is set to go against Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov

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It may seem as though Tyson Fury only recently walked away from boxing, yet the heavyweight star is poised to make a dramatic comeback to the sport. The Mancunian fighter previously announced his retirement following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.

However, earlier this year he began teasing a return to the ring, sharing glimpses of his training sessions and hinting at potential venues for his next fight. Eventually, he made it official – and this weekend, the wait is finally over.

On Saturday, April 11, Tyson Fury will take on Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov in a highly anticipated bout at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While the fight will be broadcast live on Netflix, many fans will undoubtedly want to witness the two heavyweight contenders go head-to-head for their careers, honour and legacy in person.

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Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do exactly that. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ranks among the largest and most prestigious arenas in the UK, with a capacity of 62,000 spectators, reports the Mirror.

As such, tickets remain available despite the general sale having launched several months ago. There’s a host of general admission and VIP and hospitality options still up for grabs, reports the Mirror.

Below, we’ve outlined everything supporters need to know about securing tickets for Fury vs Makhmudov this weekend.

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How to buy Fury vs Makhmudov tickets

Tickets for Fury vs Makhmudov are currently on sale through a range of online ticketing retailers, including official, resale and VIP platforms. The most affordable option for tickets is currently through resale website Viagogo.

The online secondary market has tickets available from as low as £17 per person. This is by far the cheapest and most straightforward way to secure Fury vs Makhmudov tickets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.

Next is VIP and hospitality specialist Seat Unique. This online retailer focuses on providing fans with access to live events alongside added perks such as early entry, food and drink packages, premium seating and much more.

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Prices start at £219 per person for Premium Seats, rising to £999 for access to the Super Suite. Tickets are also still available through Ticketmaster, which has a range of tickets on offer for around £50 for seats towards the top of the venue. Prices rise to as much as £4,000 each for ringside access.

Where is Fury vs Makhmudov?

Tyson Fury will face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The north London arena serves as the home ground of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

Many major acts have graced this impressive 60,000+ capacity venue, including Beyoncé, Coldplay and many others.

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Fury v Makhmudov Undercard

  • Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov – Heavyweight
  • Conor Benn v Regis Prograis – Catchweight (Super Welterweight)
  • Jeamie TKV v Richard Riakporhe – For TKV’s British heavyweight title
  • Frazer Clarke v Justis Huni – Heavyweight

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Why Indian broadcasters hesitant to buy FIFA WC 2026, 2030 media rights? | FIFA World Cup 2022

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FIFA is facing a major challenge in India as the media rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups remain unsold, despite the 2026 tournament kicking off in just a few weeks. The governing body began the sale process in July 2025, initially asking for $100 million, but has now slashed the price to $35 million in a bid to attract buyers. However, even this steep reduction has not been enough to secure a deal. 


JioStar front runners so far

 


JioStar, formed after the merger of Star India and Viacom18, is currently the leading contender, valuing the rights at around $25 million for both editions. Its predecessor, Viacom18, had paid $62 million for the 2022 World Cup. Currency fluctuations, particularly a stronger US dollar, have further increased costs for broadcasters dealing with dollar-denominated rights.

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Let us try to find out why is this the case in a country where football is consistently growing interest among the young generation – 
 


Consolidation reduces competition

 


The merger of Star India and Viacom18 has dramatically reduced competition, leaving fewer serious bidders. Sony Sports, Eurosport, and FanCode have also shown limited appetite for high-value sports rights, citing profitability concerns and strategic priorities. Even Zee Entertainment, exploring sports channels, is yet to enter high-value deals.

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Cricket’s dominance and budget constraints

 

Heavy investments in cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and ICC events, have consumed a large share of broadcasters’ budgets. Cricket also offers more advertising opportunities with frequent commercial breaks, unlike football, which restricts inventory and limits revenue potential. 
For a comparison to that of cricket media rights, the ongoing IPL media rights cycle for 2023–2027 is worth ₹48,390 crore, which averages around ₹9,678 crore per year. This breaks down to roughly ₹118 crore ($14.61 million) for each match. 

 

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Unfavourable match timings

 


FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be held across the US, Canada, and Mexico, meaning games will air late at night or early morning in India. These inconvenient timings are expected to lower live viewership, further diminishing ad revenue potential.

 

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Football’s fragmented audience

 


While football is India’s second-most popular sport with over 300 million fans, the viewership is highly concentrated in metros and regions like Kerala, Goa, and the Northeast. This fragmented audience makes it harder to attract mass-market advertising.

 

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Declining rights values across leagues

 


The hesitation is part of a broader trend. Premier League media rights have fallen from $145 million (2013-16) to $65 million (2025–28). Similarly, Indian Super League (ISL) rights dropped from Rs 275 crore to Rs 8.62 crore in one season. Bundesliga, La Liga, and UEFA competitions have also seen declining valuations in India.

 

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Structural changes in India’s sports media market, the dominance of cricket, fragmented football viewership, limited ad inventory, and unfavorable match timings together explain why broadcasters remain cautious about investing in FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030 media rights. Despite football’s popularity, these factors make it a high-risk proposition for Indian buyers.

 

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Man City FA Cup semi-final vs Southampton date and kick-off time confirmed

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Manchester City will take on Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Liverpool 4-0 last weekend.

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Manchester City will return to Wembley Stadium to take on Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday, April 25. The game will kick off at 5.15pm with the match available on BBC One and TNT Sports 1. City reached the last-four last weekend when they beat Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland scored the opener on 39 minutes from the penalty spot before adding a second shortly before half-time. Antoine Semenyo added a third shortly after the break with Haaland completing his hat-trick just before the hour mark.

The victory ensured City would be back at Wembley just five weeks after beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final. Mikel Arteta’s side were expected to reach the semi-finals when they travelled to Championship club Southampton.

Man City vs Southampton VIP and hospitality tickets

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However, the Saints pulled off a major shock to beat the Gunners 2-1 with former City youth player Shea Charles scoring the winner five minutes from time. Should City beat Southampton, they will face either Chelsea or Leeds in the final on Saturday, May 16. Their semi-final will be played on Sunday, April 26, at 3pm.

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Were City to win the FA Cup, they would complete a domestic double this season. Pep Guardiola’s side also have the chance to make it a treble if they can win the Premier League.

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Justice Department reportedly probes NFL over antitrust exemptions

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Justice Department reportedly opened an investigation into the NFL on Thursday over whether the league used anticompetitive tactics against fans.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the investigation.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Justice Department and the NFL for comment.

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CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaking at a press conference in San Francisco

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference after Super Bowl LX at Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Feb. 9, 2026. (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire)

The reported investigation comes as Trump administration officials and lawmakers have warned about revisiting the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. The law allows the NFL to negotiate league-wide TV deals without violating U.S. antitrust rules, provided it meets certain conditions, including protecting customer access.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, addressed the issue in a letter to the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission. He requested a review of the league’s antitrust exemption status.

Meanwhile, surging streaming prices and sky-high ticket costs have combined to leave the average American NFL fan boxed out of watching their beloved game altogether or making it impossible to find.

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A Fox News poll in March indicated that 72% of sports fans think major sporting events should stay free on broadcast TV, amid reports that the NFL is considering allowing teams to sell the rights to preseason games to streaming services.

NFL FANS’ 2025 BILLS COME UNDER FOCUS AS FCC PROBES THE RISE OF SPORTS STREAMING SERVICES

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said on “Fox & Friends” last month that officials are reviewing thousands of comments on whether a significant share of sports should remain free on broadcast television.

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The Amazon Prime Video Thursday Night Football logo appears on a television camera during the second half of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 29, 2024. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)

Carr said the FCC is looking into whether sports leagues should continue to benefit from a special antitrust exemption, and that public comments solicited on the matter largely support keeping games more accessible.

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“We actually got thousands and thousands of comments. It was a big number for the FCC… The vast majority so far, based on an initial assessment, support keeping a significant portion of these sports games on free, over-the-air broadcast TV,” Carr said.

FORMER NFL STARS WEIGH PROS AND CONS OF LEAGUE’S GLOBAL EXPANSION, STREAMING GAMES

“So, we’ll be looking at it. There could be actions at other portions of the government, and Congress as well, if these sports leagues continue to push this issue.”

Carr made his feelings clear, stating he thinks the experience of finding a game to watch has become frustrating and costly.

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“You effectively have to have a computer science degree to decipher this,” he said, adding that, historically, broadcast TV and sports leagues have had a mutually beneficial relationship that allowed leagues to grow while supporting local news.

LEGENDARY SPORTS AGENT SUGGESTS FRESH APPROACH TEAMS SHOULD TAKE AS NFL TICKET PRICES CONTINUE TO SKYROCKET

“We’re at a tipping point where these leagues can push it so far, putting games behind paywalls, that they undermine their ability to claim that antitrust exemption.”

NFL fans themselves have also spoken out about the league’s streaming strategy.

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OutKick’s Davey Hudson took to the streets of Nashville and New York City last month to talk to aggrieved football fans.

“I think it’s frustrating when you just want to watch a game, and you have to figure out what app it’s on. And then you’re paying for multiple apps all the time,” one fan said.

Another fan was blunt, calling the current system of watching games “f—ing stupid.”

“Well, it’s f—ing stupid, you have to get five different platforms to watch all of the games that you want to, and still you have to pay on top. It’s ridiculous at this point,” the fan said.

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One fan called it a “pain in the a–” to keep track of where and when the games are being streamed.

A different fan called it a “money grab,” citing Netflix as the latest streaming service the NFL brought in to start broadcasting its games.

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NFL fans who want access to every game need to purchase YouTube TV for “NFL Sunday Ticket,” in addition to the costly subscriptions for all the streaming services the NFL broadcasts on. Those streaming services are Amazon Prime, Peacock and Netflix. The combination of those respective services is over $1,500 a year, and that doesn’t include the fees that come with basic cable packages or high-speed Wi-Fi that is needed to accommodate the platforms.

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Fox News’ Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.

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2026 SA Derby preparation for Maher pair in Caulfield feature

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Amazake keeps the South Australian Derby as his primary goal with an important appearance set for Caulfield.

On Saturday, the Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) provides the launchpad toward the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville come May 2.

Dad And Dave and Awesome Artist, fellow Ciaron Maher charges, will share the Saturday bill with Amazake.

National assistant trainer Jack Turnbull from the Maher team indicated Dad And Dave will look to stake his claim as a Derby hopeful during Saturday’s event, whereas Awesome Artist might proceed to the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington on April 25.

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With eight starts still seeking a first win, Amazake boasts impressive staying qualities and is far more filled out than during his spring efforts.

The gelding earned third place in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield en route to a distant finish in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington, something Turnbull admitted was too soon.

“We gave him a crack because he ran a place in the Norman Robinson, but he was up against Observer at that stage who was a cut above,” Turnbull said.

“Time has been his friend and he’s a fuller horse now and more mature.

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“I think he’ll be fine now, so we’ll give him his chance, so he’ll run on Saturday and then onto the Derby in South Australia.

“He’s still a maiden, which you wouldn’t believe, but he’s won good prize money and has been running in good form races and only getting beaten a couple of lengths, with excuses.

“He’s in good shape.”

Coming off the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on March 21, Amazake and Dad And Dave placed fourth and ninth.

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In Tasmania over summer, Dad ‘N’ Dave claimed the Tasmanian Derby (2200m) in February.

“If he doesn’t run to form, we’ll probably turn him out,” Turnbull said.

“He’s done the whole Tasmania thing, and he would want to show us that he warrants a trip for the Derby.

“Awesome Artist is down here after winning last time and maybe heading to the St Leger.”

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Racing fans should explore betting sites for the best racing betting markets on the betting sites ahead of the South Australian Derby.

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The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026 shows the fitness sector has achieved record growth

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By Kath Hudson    09 Apr 2026

The newly published The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026 shows penetration has reached a remarkable 18 per cent of over-16s, with a record 12.2 million members.

Released this morning at an event in London, this is the second report into the UK fitness sector commissioned by UK Active, following last year’s debut. It is produced in collaboration with Sport England and 4Global, with analysis from Grant Thornton UK.

The data represents a sample coverage of 74 per cent of private operators, 85 per cent of public operators and 88 per cent of independent operators. 

The headline stats are impressive: total income has reached £6.5 billion, up from £5.7 billion in 2024.

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Visits to clubs have risen by 10 per cent since 2024 – reaching 679 million and showing continued growth in demand from people of all ages.

The sector is generating £7.5 billion in attributable social value through health and fitness, measured in terms of life satisfaction and reduced health conditions.

The total number of clubs has reached 5,842 – an increase of 4.2 per cent since 2024.

Outgoing CEO of UK Active, Huw Edwards, says: “Today’s report provides clear evidence that the UK is home to one of the strongest health and fitness sectors in the world and a much-needed success story for UK plc.

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“Consumer demand for the services provided by gyms, pools and leisure centres is growing year-on-year, and our members are rising to the challenge by investing in new clubs and services.

“The most exciting thing is the untapped potential to get millions more people active if the sector gets the right support from the government to remove the barriers to growth and help us reach more communities.”

Utku Toprakseven, chief development officer, at 4Global, says: “This year’s analysis highlights a maturing sector, where operators are generating more value per member through more frequent usage, diversified offers and stronger alignment with consumer needs. At the same time, the data reinforces the critical role of the sector in supporting national health outcomes, with £7.5 billion of social value being generated through sustained participation.”

Rob Turner, partner, consulting, at Grant Thornton UK, says: “This sector is a key contributor to both the UK economy and the nation’s health. The growth in gym numbers and their rising popularity strongly support the Government’s Prevention Agenda and will, in turn, ease pressure on the NHS. 

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“Additionally, fitness spaces are also evolving into key social hubs, with wellness becoming a core part of personal identity, and more than just exercise. For public and private investors alike, this is a high‑growth market with significant long‑term potential.”

The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026 is sponsored by headline partners BLKBOX, and Matrix, and contributing partners Precor and Technogym.

Sign up for a free digital subscription to HCM to see our feature on the report in the next issue. 

UK Active members can download the report from its website.

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McLaughlin: Can Pac-12 Regain its Former Power 5 Status?

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College Football logo

Meetings have taken place to discuss the notion of pooling the media rights in College Football, with a focus on the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.

The move would change the sport in a major way.

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On Georgia Tech’ host Jarvis Davis discuss the QB battle in Atlanta.

Will Alberto Mendoza emerge to start for Brent Key’s Yellowjackets in 2026?

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Baylor Bears logoBaylor heads into the 2026 season with Florida transfer QB DJ Lagway ready to take control for the Bears.

What is Dave Aranda looking for this Spring?

00:00 Discussing media rights in college sports
07:02 College football media rights talks
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13:35 Georgia Tech Quarterback depth chart
16:52 Building a run-focused offense
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29:04 Baylor football schedule breakdown
32:55 Aranda’s future and team outlook

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KKR vs LSG LIVE Score, IPL 2026: 4, 6, 4 – KKR’s 21-Year-Old Star Angkrish Raghuvanshi Goes Berserk After Mohammed Shami Breathes Fire Early

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Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants LIVE Updates, IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi have stabilised Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) innings after the early dismissal of Finn Allen against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their crucial IPL 2026 clash in Kolkata on Thursday. KKR have reached 89/1 after 9 overs, with Rahane and Raghuvanshi nearing half-centuries. LSG pacer Mohammed Shami bowled a terrific first over, after which Prince Yadav took the first wicket. KKR are desperate to notch up their first win of the season after getting off to their worst start in IPL history. (LIVE SCORECARD)

KKR playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Navdeep Saini, Kartik Tyagi.

LSG playing XI: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Manimaran Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav.

KKR vs LSG LIVE Score | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants, IPL 2026 LIVE Updates, straight from Eden Gardens, Kolkata:

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KKR vs LSG, IPL 2026: Will Cameron Green finally bowl today after recent doubts? | Cricket News

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KKR vs LSG, IPL 2026: Will Cameron Green finally bowl today after recent doubts?
Cameron Green (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: The focus ahead of the IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has been on whether Cameron Green will return to bowling. During the warm-up ahead of the match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, the all-rounder was seen bowling in the nets, raising hopes that he might soon resume full duties after missing out with the ball in earlier matches.KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane made it clear that Green’s bowling is key to improving the team combination.

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“When he (Green) is allowed to bowl, we will see him, the combination gets better, so Rovman Powell plays, when Cam Green bowls then we have an extra bowler,” he said at the toss after being asked to bat first. He also confirmed a lineup change, adding, “Just one change – Sunil (Narine) comes in place of Blessing, Varun is still recovering from his hand injury.”Talking about batting approach, Rahane said, “We just want to, as a batting unit, watch the ball and react, rather than putting pressure on ourselves, trying to focus on a certain target and then try to achieve that. I think just being in the moment, try to react and watch the ball.”The discussion around Green started after KKR’s loss to Mumbai Indians, where he didn’t bowl and the team struggled to defend a big total. Rahane’s earlier comment, “That question you need to ask Cricket Australia,” added to the confusion and sparked debate about player workload and outside influence.Later, Cricket Australia clarified that there was no sudden restriction. Green has been managing a lower back issue and is gradually working towards bowling again. His recent net session suggests progress, though it’s unclear if he will bowl today against LSG. For such a high-profile player, expectations remain high for both batting and bowling contributions.

KKR vs LSG Playing XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Navdeep Saini, Kartik TyagiKolkata Knight Riders Impact subs – Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Tejasvi Dahiya, Rahul Tripathi, Tim SeifertLucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Manimaran Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince YadavLucknow Super Giants Impact subs – Ayush Badoni, Matthew Breetzke, Shahbaz Ahmad, Mayank Yadav, Himmat Singh

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