All articles tagged with #players
With Saudi Arabia’s PIF withdrawing funding after 2026, LIV Golf’s future is uncertain and agents say contract terms could be voided, potentially letting players leave for the PGA Tour or elsewhere. The issue may require legal action as LIV 2.0 faces tighter finances and big names weigh whether to stay or seek returns to competing tours.
An eight-player preview of 2026 fantasy-draft value and bust risk, spotlighting Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow at quarterback, Kyren Williams and Christian McCaffrey at running back, Jaylen Waddle and Drake London at receiver, and tight ends Juwan Johnson and Sam LaPorta, with analysis of ADP, durability concerns, fit in new offenses, and how to balance upside against crowded target shares.
Using Basketball Reference’s Hall of Fame probability model (and additional analysis), the piece identifies 25 active NBA players with strong odds of eventual enshrinement. It highlights near-certainties like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo (all effectively at or near 100%), then showcases other stars such as Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Karl‑Anthony Towns, DeMar DeRozan, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Kevin Love and Devin Booker among the higher-probability players. The article notes that some players with lower model percentages could still reach the Hall with continued excellence, and that several younger stars and recent retirees would have notable cases if still active.
Sports Illustrated’s panel ranks the five biggest Pro Football Hall of Fame omissions, led by Mike Shanahan as the most glaring snub, with Mike Holmgren, Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt and Maxie Baughan also in contention. The piece highlights Shanahan’s two Super Bowls, Holmgren’s transformative coaching career, Wayne’s elite receiving numbers, Holt’s record-setting production in the Rams era, and Baughan’s All-Pro résumé, while noting ongoing debates over voting and other noted omissions such as Belichick.
An SB Nation round-up predicts destinations for the NBA’s top unsigned stars, including Kuminga to the Lakers, Watson to Cleveland, Duren to Detroit, Harden to Cleveland, Mathurin staying with the Clippers, and DeRozan eyeing a ring with Miami, all amid cap concerns and potential late moves before training camp.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, this preview ranks and analyzes the top 50 deadline candidates by a balance of impact and likelihood to move, led by Tarik Skubal for the Tigers, with other notable names like Mason Miller and Luis Arraez among a mix of controllable starters, rentals, and relievers. The piece weighs contract status, luxury-tax implications, and potential fits across contending teams (Angels, Padres, Giants, Mariners, Tigers, etc.), notes the compressed standings driving urgency, and acknowledges some clubs ( Reds, Blue Jays ) may wait until the last moment. Stats are through July 27.
Jason Sobel’s Open Championship 2026 Big Board projects a fast, firm Royal Birkdale test with a star-packed field led by Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick and others from LIV/DP World Tour, where form, major pedigree and links know-how will determine the winner.
Transfermarkt has launched a fan vote to name the World Cup Player of the Tournament, using a pre-selected shortlist per position and a final overall winner. Voting closes July 20. Notable contenders include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, as fans reflect on a tournament that has produced 292 goals.
Lionel Messi remains at the top of The Athletic’s 50-player World Cup ranking after the last-16, with Kylian Mbappe close behind and Harry Kane rising; Erling Haaland, Hakimi and other standout performers also feature prominently as the tournament moves toward the quarterfinals, with several players making big jumps or drops based on form and minutes played.
Wimbledon has announced a 20% increase in prize money to £64.2m for 2026, while players press to tie payouts to tournament revenue across all Slams—proposing 16% of revenue. Organizers caution that revenue alone isn’t a fair metric due to costs and investments, noting Wimbledon’s 90% surplus distribution to the LTA and long-term prize growth. The piece also references prize-money benchmarks at the US Open and French Open in discussions about revenue-linked pay.
A comprehensive, interactive guide listing all 1,248 players across World Cup 2026 squads, with profiles accessible by clicking player photos. The piece, by Marcus Christenson, David Hills, Steven Bloor and Garry Blight, was published June 4, 2026, and aims to provide everything fans need to know about every squad member.
Postponement of LIV Golf’s Louisiana event deepens uncertainty as reports claim Saudi PIF will withdraw funding after this season; players are reportedly weighing their futures, including potential moves to the PGA Tour, amid ongoing talks about pathways back and new contracts, with Brendon de Jonge predicting departures and Bryson DeChambeau keeping his options open.
The NFL has unveiled the current and former players who will announce the second-round selections in next week’s draft, with representatives from all 32 teams. Notable names include Cardinals running back James Conner and Steelers legends Jerome Bettis and John Stallworth (joined by Joey Porter Sr. and Jr.), while each team is assigned an announcer such as Michael Turner (Falcons), Mark Ingram (Ravens), Jake Delhomme (Panthers), and others.
A veteran analyst ranks the 50 best players for the 2026 NCAA men’s tournament, highlighting how NIL money, the transfer portal, and a powerhouse freshman class have created an unusually deep talent pool. Cameron Boozer of Duke leads the list, with top players from programs like Michigan, Iowa State, BYU, Arizona, and Kansas, while injuries sidelined several frontrunners and reshaped projections for the dance.
With the first week of NFL free agency winding down, several high-profile players remain unsigned, including Stefon Diggs, Aaron Rodgers, and Tyreek Hill. The article outlines projected contracts and potential landing spots for a range of top free agents, such as Marshon Lattimore, Dallas Goedert, Jadeveon Clowney, Jauan Jennings, and more, highlighting how the market could still reshuffle rosters as teams chase impact players.