標籤: announcement

southampton Bayern Munich are on the verge of buying goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

The Israel international joined the Bundesliga winners in 2024 and has not enjoyed regular game time.

The previous summer, he joined Hamburg SV on loan but his situation did not improve. Therefore, Bayern Munich cut the stopper’s stay short and sent him on loan to Southampton in the winter market.

The 25-year-old has excelled under Tonda Eckert, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 24 goals in 26 matches. He played a role in helping the Saints finish fourth and qualify for the Championship playoffs.

However, the English club was expelled due to the spying scandal and would play in the second division the following season.

Two weeks ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Germany That the spy gate will have an impact on the goalkeeper’s future. it came months later Peretz said He would be happy to extend his stay with Eckert.

Spy gate has no impact on Southampton move

Sky Deutschland taken now xFormerly known as Twitter, to refute Germany’s recent claim.

Sky claim it is their exclusive case that Southampton reached a ‘complete agreement’ with Bayern Munich to buy Daniel Peretz.

The goalkeeper’s excellent relationship with manager Tonda Eckert appears to have been a key factor in his decision.

Vincent Kompany’s side will earn around €7.5-8m from his sale to Southampton. There is no clarity on whether this is the total fee or just the fixed fee.

The parties are now sorting out the minor details and this is the only deal left. There should be no delay as the report states that an official announcement is ‘expected soon’.

With this, the Saints secured their first-choice goalkeeper for the next season. Sky has made no mention of the details of its contract or individual terms.

Deal beneficial to all parties

Daniel Peretz’s permanent transfer from Bayern Munich to Southampton is a win-win for all parties.

The move helps Saints secure their number 1 and allow him to enjoy regular games at St Mary’s. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, will collect €7.5-8m for a player who had no future at the Allianz Arena.

Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo have a touchdown celebration in order! While the San Francisco 49ers star is ready for a season filled with a refreshed playbook and new challenges. McCaffrey is already making big steps in the offseason at home. Just nine months after welcoming baby Colette, Olivia Culpo revealed that baby No. 2 is officially joining the roster.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers know their offensive MVP still needs careful load management. After battling injuries in 2024, McCaffrey returned with a full-season Revenge Tour in 2025, earning him Comeback Player of the Year honors. But the Niners also learned the hard way that feeding their star RB too many touches could turn into a risky fourth-down gamble.

Christian McCaffrey scores big off the field

Culpo, who celebrated her 34th birthday on May 8, broke the Internet with a major roster update — baby No. 2 is officially on the way. In a joint Instagram post, Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey shared gorgeous photos of a family picnic, including their 9-month-old daughter Colette, family pup Oliver, and a game-changing reveal: a strip of sonogram photos laid out on a blanket like the ultimate Playbook tease.

Culpo captioned the post, “The best birthday present ever…baby #2 coming soon.”

Last October, Culpo opened up about adjusting to motherhood and admitted she once feared that having a daughter might derail her career ambitions. Instead, she continues to win in and out of the fame arena.

Long before he became part of the NFL power couple circuit, Culpo built a resume worthy of Hall of Fame status. After winning Miss Rhode Island USA in 2012, she went on an undefeated championship run. Capturing Miss USA and eventually Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas. Dressed as the Statue of Liberty for the national costume round, she became the first American winner since Brooke Lee in 1997.

Since then, Culpo’s career has remained in franchise-player territory. She appeared on Model Squad, had roles in films such as The Other Woman and I Feel Pretty, and starred as “UFO” in The Masked Singer. In 2025, SJE took over the hosting duties of Next Gen Chef.

McCaffrey’s 2025 stat line proved he is still an elite dual-threat weapon, posting monster receiving numbers while remaining the focal point of the offense. Hunt? The heavy snap count seemed to diminish some of his trademark explosiveness as a runner. His yards per carry are down significantly compared to last season.

Now entering the season at age 30 in June, McCaffrey still has a lot left in the tank. But if the 49ers want another deep playoff run, keeping their franchise fresh rather than running it into the ground might be the smartest play call on the board.

On Saturday night, WWE will return to the ESPN app with the 2026 edition of Backlash. The event, taking place in Tampa, FL, will be headlined by a World Heavyweight Championship match between cousins ​​Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu. And the card will also include the reveal of Dannhausen’s mystery partner for the tag match against Kit Wilson and The Miz.

However, there is another big reveal planned for the event. And that’s an announcement from WWE icon John Cena that will reportedly “shake the foundation of WWE,” according to the future Hall of Famer. Rumors suggest that this club will be related to the launch of WWE. However, it may ultimately get a lot of praise from Tampa fans.

With that in mind, we’re offering five fun speculations about John Cena’s Backlash announcement.

John Cena announces location for WrestleMania 44

WrestleMania 43 is going to take place in Saudi Arabia next year. However, there has been a lot of new speculation on where 44 will be. Recent reports have revealed that Nashville and Ireland are in the running for the event. Considering all the recent news, Cena is likely to announce the location for WrestleMania 44 at Backlash.

John Cena reveals date of 2026 WWE Draft

For years, the annual WWE Draft became a major week on the company calendar. However, last year the event was skipped entirely, and instead, WWE went with the Transfer Portal. With complaints that the product has become a bit stale recently, both Raw and SmackDown really need the roster overhaul that the draft can bring. Fans will welcome the announcement of the 2026 WWE Draft at Backlash.

John Cena announces WWE has purchased the rights to Lucha Underground

There has been a lot of speculation among fans for the past few years regarding the return of Lucha Underground. The brand, which ran for four years from 2014 to 2018, still has a huge number of supporters. Especially since it played a major role in the careers of many current and former WWE stars.

It would be a lot of fun if Cena announced that WWE has purchased the rights to the brand to get a video library and plans to bring the company back with bi-weekly programs.

John Cena reveals plans for a performance center in Mexico

The WWE Performance Center has been one of the biggest successes in the company’s history. Instead of relying solely on talent from the indies or other companies, he created a wrestling factory that developed future stars.

After purchasing AAA last year, there were rumors that the company might open a new performance center in Mexico. It’s possible that this could be Cena’s announcement at Backlash.

John Cena reveals WWE has purchased TNA Wrestling

If Cena’s announcement is to truly shake up WWE, it needs to be monumental. New details on Club WWE won’t do that. However, it would be revealed that he purchased TNA. There has been speculation for some time that the company would purchase its longtime competitor. The working relationship over the past two years may have set the stage for an eventual purchase.

Although this would not be good for the wrestlers and staff, TNA’s video library and brand would be a very valuable asset to WWE.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

We’ve known the names for a while: Mats Sundin and John Chayka. But some people around the game still refuse to believe that a former player (a great guy, admittedly) and a young executive, whose last act in the NHL five years ago was getting suspended by the league, would be the new Toronto Maple Leafs front office duo.

But we are here.

The Leafs are officially announcing Sunday that Sundin and Chayka have been hired to run their front office. Sundin’s role will come with the title of Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations. Chaika will be the general manager.

Friedman said it is a full-time commitment for Sundin. He would move his family from Sweden to Toronto.

As far as the composition of the pair is concerned, he says the goal would be to have the two unite publicly. But he adds that “there needs to be someone who has the final say and reports directly to MSLE President and CEO Keith Pelley. That’s Chayka. The position the organization advertised in its interview process was ‘Chief of Hockey Operations,’ and Chayka will be that.”

The move is already being ridiculed in some circles of the game. Sundin has zero front office experience in the NHL, while Chayka was the youngest GM in league history in 2016 when he was hired by the Arizona Coyotes. He left the team after four years under controversial circumstances. He was ultimately suspended for one year by the NHL for “engaging in conduct detrimental to the league and breaching his fiduciary duty to the club”. That conduct included illegal scouting practices, including watching prospects separately from the NHL Combine.

Athletic beat writer Jonas Siegel said he found it “hard to understand what they’re doing.”

sene lamens made him Manchester United debut in October, a month after joining the Premier League team.

The Belgian has been the No. 1 for the Red Devils ever since and there has been no change since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January.

Lammens will remain Manchester United’s No. 1 after this season, meaning Altay Bayindir will have to settle for a backup role.

Bayinder started the season ahead of Andre Onana, who is now on loan at Trabzonspor, before taking over the role of Lamen’s main goalkeeper.

The Türkiye international’s Premier League statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 6
• Start: 6
• Clean Sheets: 0
• Targets allowed: 11
• Savings: 13

He has not made an appearance for the Premier League team since September and was offered the opportunity to return to his country in the winter market. Besiktas showed strong interest, but the Old Trafford club banned from going out at the last minute.

Manchester United player’s future possible in Türkiye

The Turkish media continued to push the 27-year-old towards the Istanbul club, to the extent that Besiktas manager Sergen Yalkin had to put the matter to rest in March.

At that time, he Said: : “This is not the time to answer these questions. We play cups, leagues. We will talk about these issues when the transfer window comes.”

Later that month, Sport Witness broadcast news The Black Eagles hope to sign him for free in the summer. However, Manchester United are unlikely to accept this.

fan Now cover the latest on the Turkish club’s ongoing efforts to sign the stopper, following his failed January move.

Ersin Destanoglu is their current number 1 and his contract expires at the end of this season. It appears that Yalkin’s side are keen to work on a contract extension with the Manchester United player.

Besiktas has started preparations to reshape the team and finalize the goalkeeping position.

They have reached an agreement in principle with Alte Bayindir for personal terms and the newspaper says the transfer will be made official at the end of this season.

The Fanatic says Michael Carrick is unlikely to cause difficulties for Michael Carrick’s side in the next window, indicating that agreeing terms with Manchester United will not be an issue.

Our opinion: Manchester United must sell

Altay Bayindir joined Manchester United from Fenerbahçe in September 2023 and has not enjoyed regular minutes since.

This will not change next season. Therefore, it would be in the Red Devils’ interests to sell him in the next window, and for the player to leave Old Trafford.

His contract expires in 2027, with the option of a further year, and transfer market He is worth €7 million.

VfB Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth has confirmed that the club will sign Bilal El Khanous permanently. The purchase from Leicester City has been secured.

Sporting Bild interviews WohlgemuthAnd during talks he confirmed that Stuttgart would complete the permanent transfer.

“Yes, that’s correct. I can confirm it,” He said this when asked if the €15m purchase option on the Leicester midfielder had been fulfilled.

“All conditions have now been met. We are delighted to have secured Bilal a permanent contract with VfB.”

successful loan deal

Bilal El Khanous joined Stuttgart on loan from Leicester City last summer after the Foxes languished in the Championship.

Leicester signed him from Genk in August 2024 for €22.5m, but he struggled during his first season, registering only three goals and seven assists in 39 matches.

However, in Stuttgart, El Khanous has flourished. He has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 33 games so far. The earnings are being compared to Lionel Messi.

Stuttgart have shown deep satisfaction over the deal, and reports earlier this month claimed the clubs Permanent transfer had already been agreed upon.

Those reports suggested that the loan agreement included a permanent clause, which became active once El Khanous reached a specified number of goals this season. Wohlgemuth has now confirmed that the condition has been met.

Financial boost for Leicester

Overall, the deal appears to be a win-win for all parties. Leicester City have secured approximately €21.5m through a combination of loan fees and permanent transfers, effectively recouping their original investment.

The result provides a welcome boost amid Leicester’s ongoing financial difficulties. This also eliminates the risk of selling the player at a low price this summer if they are delisted.

Now El Khanous will focus on continuing to impress and get his career back on track.

The Charlotte Hornets won their fourth consecutive game after defeating the Sacramento Kings 134-90 at the Spectrum Center on Tuesday. The Hornets improved to 38-34 and are in a three-way tie with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte drained 26 three-pointers against Sacramento to tie the franchise record. Coby White and LaMelo Ball each had six three-pointers.

White finished with a team-high 27 points on 9 of 12 shooting, including 6 of 12 from three-point range, and five rebounds in just 18 minutes off the bench.

The Hornets have continued to perform well since the All-Star break. They are 12-3 in their last 15 games. After defeating the kings, White issued a subtle warning For the rest of the NBA.

“I’ve never been on a dangerous team,” White said.

“It can be a back-and-forth game, and then you hit a run, and then you look up, and you’re up by 20, and then you’re up by 30. The main thing for me is that we’re explosive, but we’re starting to maintain those leads when we get them and continue to build on them. That’s the impressive thing to me, too.”

🎙️ Coby White: “I’ve never been on a dangerous team.”

“It can be a back-and-forth game and then you hit a run, and then you look up and you’re up by 20, and then you’re up by 30. The main thing for me is that we’re explosive, but when we get leads we start maintaining those leads… pic.twitter.com/vYT553cRAd

– r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) 25 March 2026

The Hornets led by 46 points against the Kings.

Charlotte acquired the 26-year-old White via trade with the Chicago Bulls in February. He has provided immediate offense to the second unit and stayed on the floor in closing situations.

In 12 games with the Hornets, the former North Carolina standout is averaging 15.9 points on a career-best 40.3% shooting from beyond the arc, 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in less than 20 minutes.

Charlotte has a strong chance to finally return to the playoffs after a nine-year absence.

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro had a slightly awkward moment this week when an unusual glitch during Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad announcement left him briefly thinking he had been overlooked.

The Italian coach appeared to have finished reading the list when he called Vinicius Junior’s name in a tone that suggested it was the final selection. The inclination of the journalists present in the room started moving towards questions.

However, a few seconds later, Ancelotti returned to the microphone and added João Pedro’s name, admitting that he had left it in by mistake.

For a few moments, that short pause created real doubt. And for a player who has been in strong form at Chelsea, it was not an easy situation to deal with.

Speaking afterwards, João Pedro described how he felt after the announcement.

“It always feels like the first time, you always feel nervous.”he told the local outlet globo esporte. “When she finished the list, I said: ‘Oh my God, I’m left out’!”

That reaction quickly turned to confusion. Then there was relief.

“Then suddenly everyone started calling me, I didn’t understand. I went back and said: ‘Lord, I’m in, I’m in!’. It’s the same feeling from the first time I was called. I’m very happy. I’m living a very special moment in my life. Now it’s all about fighting against France and Croatia.”

Form at Chelsea explains call-up

Joao Pedro’s inclusion is not a surprise given his recent performances in England. This season, Joao Pedro has 12 goals and 6 assists for Chelsea in all competitions. The attacker has become an essential attacking outlet for the Blues.

While he prefers to operate as a central striker, he has also operated deep at times, playing effectively as a creative forward. That flexibility has helped him earn minutes and impact games in a variety of ways.

according to FBRef According to the data, he averages almost two shots on target per game and almost one important pass per match, highlighting both his finishing presence and creative contribution.

Furthermore, his work rate without the ball has improved. Chelsea have relied on forwards who can press and link up play, and Joao Pedro fits that model well.

That wider contribution probably played a part in Ancelotti’s thinking. Despite heavy competition in Brazil’s attack, players with tactical versatility stand out.

Competition and ambition

João Pedro himself admitted how difficult it is to secure a place in the team, especially with Brazil’s depth in attacking positions.

“I like to play as a No. 9, but in some games I play as a No. 10. It’s a childhood dream to score for the national team. I hope that day comes. I’ll keep working and it will happen.”

The Chelsea player also made it clear that the World Cup is a major target this season, which will determine how he approaches both club and international football.

“Each time it’s another dream closer to being achieved. Everyone who gets called up has that fire from childhood. Wearing the national team shirt is something you can’t explain. To be called up before the World Cup makes me very happy. The competition is huge in every position.”

what happens next

For Chelsea, this episode says as much about Joao Pedro’s trajectory as it does about their reaction.

He is no longer an outsider hoping for recognition. Instead, he is now expected to join the conversation between Brazilian teams, even if the competition remains fierce.

The brief confusion during the announcement only highlighted that change. His not being named seemed surprising – because, based on his current level, it probably shouldn’t have been.

If he can maintain this form in the final months of the season, Chelsea will not only look to perform in the Premier League, but also push to become a regular option for the Brazilian on the biggest stage.

🇵🇹Chelsea and Sporting CP

💬 Following claims that Bluco is taking shares in the Portuguese club, Frederico Varandas explains the current situation…https://t.co/3Z7ZXKMwYm #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 17 March 2026

MIAMI – With Miami Heat stars Norman Powell and Tyler Herro set to return together for Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic, there’s no denying it will make for an interesting transition for head coach Erik Spoelstra. While the Heat have to differentiate the roles of Powell and Herro as Saturday approaches with 15 games left in the season, Spoelstra is relishing the challenge.

Saturday night against the Magic will be the 12th game that Herro and Powell will play together, as both have long battled injuries, especially the former, who has missed 47 games overall. However, Herro was returning to All-Star level since the break, specifically averaging nearly 26 points per game in March.

Powell had missed the last seven games before the Magic clash with a right groin strain, while Herro had been absent for the last two matches due to quadriceps soreness. In his first year with Miami, he led the Heat in scoring with 22.5 points per game, en route to becoming a first-time All-Star, with Bam Adebayo being the team’s main offensive weapon as Herro missed a portion of the time.

“I mean, we felt like we had to do whatever we needed to do the last two games, but guys being healthy and getting back on the court, it’s definitely encouraging, and they’ve both been very good the last few days at attacking the way they needed to attack. And I think they’ll be ready to go,” Spoelstra said.

Erik Spoelstra talks about the progress he’s made in getting Tyler Herro and Norman Powell back in the first video.

In the second video, Spo explains how the duo’s return will affect the rotation and lineup, “We’ll do it the best we can…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/9PKHCKs0qU

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 14 March 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra in lineup with Norman Powell, Tyler Herro

Since the Heat can’t rely on Adebayo to score 83 points every game, like his historic night against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, Powell and Herro want to take some weight off his shoulders. However, there is some question whether both Herro and Powell should eventually start together or whether one will come off the bench.

For Spoelstra, the thought process of figuring out rotations and lineups won’t be 100 percent immediately.

“We’ll do it the best way we can think of,” Spoelstra said before Saturday’s game against the Magic. “You know. Is everything going to be OK right now? I don’t know, you know, but now is the time. So it simplifies the definition of the role. We have to do whatever it takes right now to get the job done and get the win. And we need our firepower there.”

Either way, the goal for Miami is simple as they head into the home stretch of the season, which is to avoid the play-in tournament, as the team currently sits in sixth place in the East, having the needed spot to do so.

“I mean, it goes without saying, but right now it’s getting really competitive. You can see pictures of the playoffs. You can see the light in the tunnel, and I think it’s just bringing great competition. And so you’re either about it or you’re not. I think that’s our locker room,” Spoelstra said.

At any rate, the Heat’s upcoming games are important to solidifying their spot in the Eastern Conference as they enter Saturday on a seven-game winning streak. It remains to be seen how Herro and Powell will be utilized in the coming days. After Saturday, Miami will take on the Charlotte Hornets next Tuesday and return home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo broke Kobe Bryant’s mark of 81 points with a historic 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

He also broke the hearts of many Los Angeles Lakers fans.

There were some salty tears being shed at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, with Lakers fans criticizing the announcement made before the game between Los Angeles and the Minnesota Timberwolves that Adebayo had passed LA legend Kobe Bryant for the second-highest scoring performance in a single game in NBA history.

Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter just announced Bam’s 83 points and called it a sad event. Cheers scattered throughout the LA home crowd. pic.twitter.com/0wYoYcJFN7

– David Mendez-Yapkowitz (@Dave_Yapkowitz) 11 March 2026

To say that Adebayo was on the field against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday evening would be an understatement. He made 20 of 43 shots from the floor and 7 of 22 on his attempts from behind the arc. The former Kentucky Wildcats star also performed well at the free-throw line, where he shot 36 of 43. They made more free throws from the foul line (29) than the Wizards attempted.

Of the thousands of players who have played in the NBA, he is now one of two in history to score at least 83 points in a game, along with Wilt Chamberlain, whose 100 points in 1962 remains the gold standard for single-game scoring feats.

Kobe’s 81 points in the 2006 game hold a special place in the hearts of Lakers fans, so at this point it’s a little hard for them to accept that someone in the modern era has topped the Black Mamba’s total score in that game against the Toronto Raptors 20 years ago.

The Lakers will visit Adebayo and the Heat on March 19, so this is a game where he can make a big statement to those bitter LA fans.

Grady Dick established himself as a solid rotation piece early on, during his rookie and sophomore campaigns. But in their third season, the bar has risen for the Toronto Raptors. They are no longer building a lottery team for the future. They are now a playoff-caliber team that intends to improve their record against the best teams in the association.

With the Raptors having different goals this season than the previous two seasons, Dick has fallen out of favor in head coach Darko Rajakovic’s rotation for most of the season. But on Sunday, Dick made the difference by scoring 10 points in just 13 minutes of play and most importantly, he impressed Rajakovic to the extent that he nailed member of rotation from this point onwards.

“He’s in the rotation now. That shouldn’t change. There are a lot of expectations for him. He needs a lot of work, because he’s a very important player for us. I have a lot of confidence in him,” Rajakovic said in his postgame presser, via Omar Osman on Twitter (formerly Twitter).

Darko on how Grady handled being in and out of the rotation:

“He handled it in the best possible way. He went back and did a lot of work. He was going back to shooting at night. He was coming in early and was the first one in the gym every morning getting shots, working out… pic.twitter.com/Y8AhrLrwfW

– Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) 9 March 2026

Grady Dick handled Raptors demotion gracefully

The Raptors drafted Dick with the 13th overall pick in 2023, and he started 71 games in his first two seasons in the NBA. This season, he has started in only one game.

Some young players may have taken this to heart; They may have become discouraged which will then lead to a negative feedback cycle. But that’s not the case with Dick, as the Raptors head coach noted.

Rajakovic said, “He handled it in the best way possible. He went back and did a lot of work. He was going back to shooting at night. He was coming in early and was the first one in the gym every morning taking shots and working out.”

Nine years into his NBA career, Bam Adebayo’s defensive impact remains undeniable. The Miami Heat star’s defensive abilities were on full display during Tuesday’s blowout win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Adebayo equaled his career high with six steals and added a block as Miami held Brooklyn to 98 points on 33-of-86 (38.4 percent) shooting. After the performance, the 28-year-old was asked if being left off last year’s All-Defense team served as motivation this season.

“I think people get tired of seeing continuity. It gets boring when you see someone do it over and over again,” Adebayo replied. “But at the same time, as I’ve grown up in this league, the norms have changed. You have guys who are making it who aren’t making the playoffs; they’re at the bottom of the league in record. You’re seeing some crazy things now. I don’t know if it’s just voter fatigue, but I’m always going to be first-team All-Defense. That’ll never change. It doesn’t matter what the voters say. My teammates know that. I can have moments like that. Where I can steal six times, where I have the most plus-minus, that side will never change.

Adebayo was selected Second Team All-Defense for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 before receiving his first first-team selection in 2024. After being left out of last year’s team, he anchored a Miami defense that ranks fourth in the NBA this season.

Bam Adebayo sets the record straight on his place in the NBA’s defensive hierarchy

The Heat have posted a 110.65 defensive rating during Adebayo’s minutes. According to CleaningTheGlass, he allows 4.8 fewer points per 100 possessions on the court versus off, the sixth-largest defensive rating swing among Big 20 players who have played more than 1,500 minutes.

“He creates an atmosphere,” Erik Spoelstra said of Adebayo’s impact. “In that first quarter [against the Nets]I think he had four steals, and then he had a couple blocks. In the first half, our defense really came out strong. And those are two really good defensive plays, back to back. Our defense has been good all year, but we really need to step up to a higher level to finish out this regular season.

The Heat are struggling to avoid falling in the Eastern Conference Play-in Tournament for the fourth consecutive season. Miami, the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic are separated by half a game for the East’s sixth to eighth seeds.

Victor Wembanyama sent a clear message on the unique situation of the San Antonio Spurs after Tuesday night’s emphatic 131-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Vembanayama did not need much time to strengthen Philadelphia’s defense. In 24 minutes of action, he finished with a stat line of 10 points, eight rebounds, six blocks, four assists and three steals. He shot 3 of 5 from the field, including 1 of 5 from beyond the arc, and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line.

Vembanyama reflected on the victory after the game. Enjoying a strong campaign for San Antonio, the young superstar center sent a bold message about the team’s quality compared to the rest of the league.

“When we play like this as a team, I think we’re the best team in the world,” Wembanyama said.

“When we play like this as a team, I think we’re the best team in the world.”

Victor Wembanyama after Spurs’ 40-point win over the Sixers 🗣️

(via @NBAonNBC)

pic.twitter.com/JPtz4DzV37

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 4 March 2026

Victor Wembanyama, how the Spurs played against the 76ers

Victor Wembanyama continues to stake his claim as one of the best superstars in the league. Furthermore, the Spurs have made serious progress as playoff contenders, their blowout win over the 76ers being another example.

The game started out close as San Antonio led only 32–25 after the first quarter. Despite this, the Spurs took a dominant lead in the second and third periods with an 81–39 performance and never looked back.

Eight players scored in double figures for San Antonio in the win, including Wembanyama. Devin Vassell led the team with 22 points, five rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block. He made 7 of 10 shots overall, including 6 of 8 from downtown. Dylan Harper came next with 22 points and two assists, Stephon Cassel had 15 points and 10 assists, Keldon Johnson added 12 points and nine rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox and Carter Bryant each provided 11 points apiece.

San Antonio improved to a 44–17 record on the season and finished second in the Western Conference standings. They are 5.5 games above the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves while three games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Spurs will remain at home awaiting their next matchup. They will host the Detroit Pistons as tip-off takes place on March 5 at 8 pm ET.

Sunderland winger Ian Poveda has now arrived in Colombia to complete his move to Inter Bogotá journalist pipe sierra Reporting that the 26-year-old man arrived in Bogotá today from the United Kingdom.

According to Sierra, Poveda was welcomed by Salvatore Simeone and Gonzalo Muñoz, the men responsible for the club’s sporting management and the negotiations that brought the London-born winger back to Colombia. The reception suggests that an official announcement is now only a matter of time.

this update Follows up on earlier reports that Poveda had already reached a full agreement with Inter Bogotá. Now, the process has moved from paperwork to physical presence, which usually signals the final step before confirmation.

The situation was clear since December

For Sunderland, this result has been months in the making. back in decemberAS in Colombia noted that Poveda made his first appearance in 112 days against Norwich City, playing 45 minutes.

Crucially, the outlet insisted that his lengthy absence was not due to injury. Instead, head coach Regis Le Bris left him out of his senior plans.

Despite being under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2027, AS said at the time that Sunderland “may consider transferring him” in the January window. There were no named lovers then. However, the message was clear – his future is not in the Championship.

Since that report, Poveda has remained marginalized. Competition for wider roles has been stiff, and he has not forced his way back into the picture.

The logical conclusion for Sunderland

His arrival in Bogotá now looks like the logical conclusion of that process. Sunderland appear to have found a solution for a player outside the manager’s project.

What remains unclear is the structure of the deal. There has been no confirmation of the transfer fee, nor whether it is a permanent move or a loan. Given the length of his contract, that detail will be relevant to Sunderland’s financial situation.

Either way, Poveda is already in Colombia and has been welcomed by club officials, effectively marking the end of his time at the Stadium of Light. Official confirmation is expected soon.

The Atlanta Hawks have officially begun selling their Magic City-inspired merchandise following a viral announcement that garnered national attention earlier this week.

After unveiling a surprise collaboration with the Magic City on Thursday, the Hawks listed their “Forever 404 Magic City Peachtree Hoodie” for sale on the team’s official website. The hoodie is priced at $125 and is currently available for pre-order, with two days left in the pre-sale window. The organization has also placed a limit of two hoodies per order.

The partnership was announced with the introduction of “Magic City Night”, a themed promotion tied to Atlanta’s March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic. The revelation spread quickly online on social media and caused a significant increase in demand for tickets, with reports indicating that average list prices increased immediately after the news broke.

Former Hawks guard Lou Williams publicly expressed his support for the collaboration during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back on Friday. Williams, widely known by his nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou”, praised the franchise for embracing Atlanta culture and expressed approval of the partnership. His comments came after Thursday’s official announcement and heightened trading interest as the weekend pre-sale approaches.

The Atlanta Hawks are now selling the “Magic City Monday” hoodie for $125.

Wild times. pic.twitter.com/6vs5mr8nJ2

– Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) 28 February 2026

Hawks-Magic City collaboration brings a surge of merchandise

The collaboration has placed the Hawks at the center of a broader cultural conversation, encompassing basketball and one of Atlanta’s most recognizable nightlife institutions. The co-branded hoodie features the Hawks’ logo along with the Magic City name across the chest, aligning with the team’s “Forever 404” branding tied to the city’s area code.

On the court, Atlanta (30-31) is ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks picked up their third consecutive win on Thursday with a 126-96 win over the Washington Wizards and will host the Portland Trail Blazers (29-31) on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

With merchandise now available for purchase and demand for tickets growing, the Hawks collaboration is building momentum beyond social media. The pre-sale launch Saturday marks the latest step in a rollout that grew from Thursday’s announcement to Friday’s player support and weekend merchandise push, as Atlanta prepares for its upcoming home expansion.

The Atlanta Hawks experienced a sharp increase in ticket prices after announcing their upcoming “Magic City Night” promotion in collaboration with Magic City.

According to Yahoo Sports, the average list price for the Hawks’ March 16 home game increased nearly 300 percent after the team announced the partnership on social media.

Yahoo Sports shared on X, formerly known as Twitter:

“The Hawks and Magic City are teaming up for the ultimate collaboration

Average list price increased 300% after team’s social media announcement”

The promotion, called “Magic City Night”, is scheduled for the time when Atlanta hosts the Orlando Magic. The franchise also unveiled co-branded merchandise, including a hoodie with the Hawks’ logo emblazoned with the Magic City name on the chest. The collaboration quickly generated national buzz and was widely discussed on social media platforms.

The Hawks and Magic City are teaming up for the ultimate collaboration

Average list price increased 300% after team’s social media announcement pic.twitter.com/Xr6xxOdkit

– Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) 27 February 2026

Former Hawks guard Lou Williams – widely known by his nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou” – publicly expressed his support for the partnership during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back. Williams, who previously played in Atlanta and has a long association with the Magic City, called the collaboration an authentic reflection of the city’s culture.

His association with the venue dates back to 2020, when his “Lemon Pepper Lou” nickname was popularized due to a visit to the Magic City during the NBA’s Orlando Bubble due to quarantine protocols and referencing the club’s signature wings. Williams later adopted this nickname as part of his personal brand.

Atlanta (30-31) is currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings and entering the promotion with a three-game winning streak. Whether driven by curiosity, cultural significance or social media momentum, the Hawks’ announcement has translated into immediate market impact, with ticket demand soaring in the wake of the Magic City collaboration.

The Los Angeles Lakers finally find themselves in another tough game, this time against the Phoenix Suns. They lost their matchup earlier in the week against the Orlando Magic after a poor final game between Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Against the Suns, they had a chance to win again with the final possession, but Austin Reaves was not able to capitalize.

The Lakers have now lost five of their last seven games, and they are trying to get back on track during the second half of the season. After the game, Doncic explained what the team needs to do to get back in the win column.

“Just go game-by-game, try to win every game. Obviously, we didn’t start well [out of the All-Star break]But nothing is finished. “We just have to have the mentality of trying to win every game,” Doncic said.

“Just go game-by-game, try to win every game. Obviously we didn’t start well [out of the All-Star break]But nothing is finished. We just have to have the mentality to try to win every game” – Luka Doncic on what the Lakers, who have lost 5 of 7, need to do to get on track pic.twitter.com/Bjbd9nJutO

-Dave McMenamin (@mcten) 27 February 2026

Head coach JJ Redick offered another perspective on the recent loss, and he knows the spotlight is weighing heavily on them, just because of who they are.

“Our losses stand out more than other teams. Because we’re the Lakers — and that’s how we lose,” Redick said, via Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register.

The Lakers have also been healthy this stretch, which perhaps makes things more disappointing for them. The last two losses are nothing to be too concerned about as they have come down to final possession, but they are games they definitely want to win.

The Lakers are now 34-24 and in sixth place in the Western Conference standings, and there is a possibility they could fall in the play-ins. There is still enough time in the season for them to work hard and register some wins so that they can secure a comfortable place in the top six.

Interest from Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea in Patrick Mercado forced Sevilla to make a swift deal for the youngster this week.

This is according to El Pespunte. The Spanish outlet today covered the 22-year-old and how Sevilla knew there was ‘no time to lose’ following the arrival of the Premier League pair.

They were only carrying out ‘strategic scouting’ of the young midfielder, but as soon as Chelsea played their hand, it ‘quickly turned into a race against time’.

The Blues’ growing interest in Mercado forced Sevilla to act quickly and secure the signing of the midfielder from Independiente del Valle.

They were keen to avoid a bidding war, knowing that they could not win economically.

The objective was clear. Close the deal before Chelsea’s ‘machine’ gets into full gear. The Blues have been watching Mercado for some time.

Chelsea have long been interested

sports witness A report covered in October Saying that Chelsea were interested. They Re-nominated in December One report said that the wolves were advancing. Seville was aware of this.

Thus, they knew that when Chelsea started to take the lead, they needed to move quickly. Thus, they secured a deal worth close to €6m for the 22-year-old.

Interest wasn’t the only problem. There was also a last-minute attempt by Brighton to overtake their Spanish counterparts. However, Mercado remained steadfast in his commitment to Sevilla.

announcement within 24 hours

An official announcement is expected in the next 24 hours. However, he is unlikely to be officially included until after the World Cup.

He would be a perfect fit for Sevilla, with Sport Witness covering a report today on how they need to find a place in their squad before registering him. This potentially gave Chelsea a chance to steal.

But it seems that in Spain they are confident that a compromise will be reached. Sevilla surged ahead of Chelsea and Brighton after last-minute efforts.

The Dallas Mavericks suffered their tenth consecutive loss at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Anthony Edwards having a stellar performance with 40 points and six rebounds in a 122–111 victory. After the game, the All-Star MVP was seen not only in excitement, but also made a firm announcement to the fans.

“We got 25 more [games] Hopefully we can go 25-0,” ANT responded when asked about his expectations for the rest of the season, per a post on Ax by ClutchPoints.

“We got 25 more [games] “Hopefully we can go 25-0.”

Anthony Edwards after Timberwolves’ win to start after All-Star break

(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/MbXHZNyB0e

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 21 February 2026

The Timberwolves currently sit in 5th place in the Western Conference with a 35-22 record and will have their sights set on the top spots in the standings. Edwards recorded his eighth 40-point outing of the season and pushed the Mavericks’ losing streak to their worst in three decades.

The Timberwolves started the game 8-for-13 from three-point range, exploded for 40-points in the first quarter, and built a lead that reached 17–18 points before halftime. Edwards led that surge with 20 points in the first half, including 17 points in the second quarter.

The Wolves finished the half with 69 points and 11 made threes and then proceeded to withstand a late surge from the Mavericks. Dallas responded with a 24–8 run that cut the deficit to two midway through the third quarter.

However, the comeback was immediately stopped, even though the Mavs were tied at 103–103 with 6:55 remaining. Dallas is also missing players like Cooper Flagg and Max Christie, along with Kyrie Irving and Derek Lively, who are both out for the season.

Edwards took control of the final minutes and scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to eventually make the margin comfortable. In addition to ANT, Rudy Gobert recorded 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks, while Naz Reed added 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four threes.

The Timberwolves will now play the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, with the Mavericks set to take on next year’s finalists the Indiana Pacers, hoping to end their losing streak.

The Golden State Warriors fell to 29-27 after a 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the loss underscores a bigger reality: The championship window may be closed with Stephen Curry out.

Perkins shared his stance during Friday’s broadcast of First Take, arguing that Golden State’s inability to make a major roster upgrade has effectively ended its title aspirations.

“Steph Curry actually had a chance to win another championship in Golden State, those days are over. His only hope was to be aggressive and try to get Giannis Antetokounmpo and from my understanding the Bucks didn’t want any part of what they were trying to offer. Because I heard they were trying to include Draymond Green in the deal, that probably ruined the whole deal. Milwaukee probably said we were too good for that kind of dollar.” Are.”

Perkins continued to question the team’s current roster construction and future flexibility.

“So when you think about where they are and what would be available on the market for them – we don’t know about Jimmy Butler and how old he would be for us after his ACL injury. Draymond Green is accomplished when it comes to really being a guy that can give you real production, especially with the dollars he’s making. He’s not delivering… It’s a shame because Steph Curry is playing at an all-time high level.”

“Those days of Steph Curry actually having a chance to win another championship at Golden State, those days are over.”

– Kendrick Perkins 👀

(via @FirstTech)
pic.twitter.com/WSPwaCbNTz

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 20 February 2026

Kendrick Perkins links Warriors’ title concerns to injuries, West competition

Perkins later emphasized the competitive landscape within the Western Conference.

“What friends? [are] What’s going to be free is that you can pair up with Steph who is really going to move the needle? Because I say this: SGA, he’s not going anywhere, Anthony Edwards is not going anywhere, Wembley, Jokic, all these guys, Luka, are still in the Western Conference. So, not being able to go get Giannis and see the production around him right now, the pieces he’s got are dead birds in the tall grass. Those days of Steph winning championships in Golden State are over.”

Questions over Golden State’s roster have intensified following Jimmy Butler III’s torn ACL injury last month, an injury that has clouded the team’s short-term outlook. Butler was viewed internally as a key veteran capable of providing postseason experience and a two-way impact upon his return the following season.

The 37-year-old Curry has continued to produce at a high level despite the team’s uneven results. He averaged 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three in 39 appearances. However, Curry has been sidelined since January 30 after suffering a right knee injury during a 131–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Warriors announced he would be reevaluated in 10 days.

At the trade deadline, Golden State made a notable move by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, indicating a desire to rearrange the roster. Additionally, the Warriors remain in eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

Golden State concludes its four-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Denver Nuggets (35-21) at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC. Whether Perkins’ announcement proves premature or prophetic will depend on how the rebuilt roster responds once Curry returns and the postseason picture becomes clearer.

The Golden State Warriors fell to 29-27 after a 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the loss underscores a bigger reality: The championship window may be closed with Stephen Curry out.

Perkins shared his stance during Friday’s broadcast of First Take, arguing that Golden State’s inability to make a major roster upgrade has effectively ended its title aspirations.

“Steph Curry actually had a chance to win another championship in Golden State, those days are over. His only hope was to be aggressive and try to get Giannis Antetokounmpo and from my understanding the Bucks didn’t want any part of what they were trying to offer. Because I heard they were trying to include Draymond Green in the deal, that probably ruined the whole deal. Milwaukee probably said we were too good for that kind of dollar.” Are.”

Perkins continued to question the team’s current roster construction and future flexibility.

“So when you think about where they are and what would be available on the market for them – we don’t know about Jimmy Butler and how old he would be for us after his ACL injury. Draymond Green is accomplished when it comes to really being a guy that can give you real production, especially with the dollars he’s making. He’s not delivering… It’s a shame because Steph Curry is playing at an all-time high level.”

“Those days of Steph Curry actually having a chance to win another championship at Golden State, those days are over.”

– Kendrick Perkins 👀

(via @FirstTech)
pic.twitter.com/WSPwaCbNTz

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 20 February 2026

Kendrick Perkins links Warriors’ title concerns to injuries, West competition

Perkins later emphasized the competitive landscape within the Western Conference.

“What friends? [are] What’s going to be free is that you can pair up with Steph who is really going to move the needle? Because I say this: SGA, he’s not going anywhere, Anthony Edwards is not going anywhere, Wembley, Jokic, all these guys, Luka, are still in the Western Conference. So, not being able to go get Giannis and see the production around him right now, the pieces he’s got are dead birds in the tall grass. Those days of Steph winning championships in Golden State are over.”

Questions over Golden State’s roster have intensified following Jimmy Butler III’s torn ACL injury last month, an injury that has clouded the team’s short-term outlook. Butler was viewed internally as a key veteran capable of providing postseason experience and a two-way impact upon his return the following season.

The 37-year-old Curry has continued to produce at a high level despite the team’s uneven results. He averaged 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three in 39 appearances. However, Curry has been sidelined since January 30 after suffering a right knee injury during a 131–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Warriors announced he would be reevaluated in 10 days.

At the trade deadline, Golden State made a notable move by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, indicating a desire to rearrange the roster. Additionally, the Warriors remain in eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

Golden State concludes its four-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Denver Nuggets (35-21) at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC. Whether Perkins’ announcement proves premature or prophetic will depend on how the rebuilt roster responds once Curry returns and the postseason picture becomes clearer.

Amid all the groaning about the increasingly lackluster NBA All-Star Game, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama displayed an intense competitive fire that resonated with the players on the court and those watching at home. He bravely led a shorthanded and injury-limited Team World, posting 34 points and three blocks in a total of 20 minutes. Although the 7-foot-5 Frenchman was on the losing side, he presented himself as someone who is expected to eventually become the face of the league.

Vembanyama addressed fans’ All-Star-Game apathy by energizing the proceedings. Exhibition competition will always have its flaws, but for the first time in ages, the conversation around it isn’t overwhelmingly negative. And that is a big reason for this. The 22-year-old decided to give fans a better product. It’s exactly the proactive approach Silver and company want to see from the game’s top players.

Vembanyama’s efforts only reinforce the notion that he will soon become an NBA trailblazer. However, he is not campaigning for this privilege/responsibility. The 2024 All-Defensive First-Team selection firmly believes that such change can only happen naturally, free from media provocation or his own promotion.

According to HoopsHype, Wembanyama told reporters when asked about players’ reluctance to publicly stake a claim for the title of future face of the NBA, “I see what you’re trying to tell me, too.” “But I think it’s something that should be natural. Social media, the NBA can promote whoever they want, but at the end of the day it’s going to be the best players – and the ones people want.

“Becoming the face of the league is not something that can be manufactured – maybe only to a certain extent. It’s just going to be the best player. So becoming the face of the league will be a byproduct of their basketball level.”

Victor Vembanyama is not shying away from the subject. The two-time All-Star is confident he will one day take over this role. But he is not going to issue any public petition. His performance on the court makes a pretty compelling case in itself.

The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 blocks while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from 3-point range this season. If he can stay healthy and lead the Spurs to a deep playoff run, the NBA will no longer have to worry about finding a new leading man.

The New York Knicks have officially added fourth-year forward Jeremy Sochan to their roster. After clearing waivers on Friday, the former San Antonio Spurs athlete agreed to terms to fill New York’s 15th roster spot.

Sochan commented on the team’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter) with just two words, “Bing Bong!” , which was a playful reference to the franchise’s fan-favorite slogan and catchphrase.

The No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft from Baylor joins a Knicks team that currently sits in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 35-20 record behind the Boston Celtics (35-19) and Detroit Pistons (40-13). The signing comes as New York looks to strengthen its bench ahead of an intense playoff push in a largely comparatively weak Eastern Conference season.

A versatile forward renowned for his defensive skills and ballhandling, Sochan played 212 games over four seasons with the Spurs, averaging 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He started 149 contests and averaged 27.3 minutes per game over his first three seasons. However, his role diminished this year, appearing in only 28 games and averaging career highs of 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per outing.

San Antonio agreed to waive the 22-year-old after failing to find a trade before the February 5 deadline. Following the waiver process, 10 teams reportedly expressed interest in signing Sochan, with the Knicks emerging as the frontrunner. New York’s roster flexibility, aided by recent moves including the trades of Gershon Yabusele and the acquisition of guard Jose Alvarado, allowed the team to absorb Sochan’s proportionate veteran minimum contract without exceeding the NBA’s second-apron hard cap. Alvarado has since averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals in three games, giving the Knicks another boost at guard.

Now with the Knicks, his second career team, Sochan will be eligible for the playoffs as he was waived well before the March 1 deadline. Although unlikely to see heavy minutes, his presence provides insurance in the frontcourt and adds depth to a team aiming for a championship run.