Max Verstappen faces toughest test yet at Canadian GP

There’s a headline this week about Max Verstappen that no F1 reporter saw coming six months ago. The four-time defending world champion is seventh in the drivers’ championship. Seventh. He has 26 points. Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old who replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes this year, has 100.

Now Verstappen has got Montreal, which historically has not been a track where Red Bull’s problems have been small. They grow up.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is built around long straights, heavy braking zones and a pair of slow chicanes leading to the Wall of Champions. Under the 2026 rules, with new active aero and more demanding energy-deployment systems, each of those features penalizes a car that is weak in power-unit performance or low in harvesting efficiency. It’s a brutal description of where Red Bull currently sits in its first year as a full power unit constructor in partnership with Ford. The team’s DM01 engine, named after Red Bull’s late founder Dietrich Mateschitz, is its first in-house creation.

This is not going well.

Red Bull’s Formula 1 troubles and impact on Verstappen

Formula One: Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026
Visualize images via Reuters Connect

Red Bull has scored 30 constructors’ points in the first four races. Mercedes has 180. The team’s best finish all season is a fifth place for Verstappen at Miami, where he qualified second, but spun in the opening lap and finished 40 seconds behind the race winner.

“Absolutely not,” Verstappen said in Miami when asked if the spin cost him any victory. “I lagged behind by 40 seconds. A spin is not 40 seconds.”

That’s as honest a self-assessment as you’ll hear from a driver in this sport.

Verstappen has been openly unhappy about the 2026 rules since before the season started. After the Chinese Grand Prix he called it a “joke”. He has compared racing to “Mario Kart”, noting that drivers now have to manage battery deployment, often forcing them to straighten up and coast. He has said he wants F1 to make “significant” changes for 2027. And Verstappen has openly told Dutch outlet Viaplay that he needs the next several weeks and months to figure out what he really wants from the rest of his career. He has a release clause in his Red Bull contract that is activated if he falls outside the top two in the standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July, and given where he is now, the math says he will have to make a decision.

Is Verstappen focused on F1 or other interests?

max verstappen red bull f1 2026
Credit: F1

This is why he keeps wandering towards other forms of racing. Last weekend, Max Verstappen made his Nurburgring 24 Hours debut in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, and was leading the race with a few hours remaining, before a driveshaft failure took his team out of contention. He has talked about Le Mans. He talked about NASCAR. He hasn’t said he’s excited to drive the RB22 around Montreal.

Verstappen is the closest thing to generational dominance the sport has had since the Schumacher years. He has 71 Grand Prix wins, the third most in F1 history. They won four consecutive World Championships from 2021 to 2024. If he leaves the sport or continues to struggle until 2026, the entire competitive shape of F1 changes. “The next Schumacher” the legend goes. The “Verstappen vs. the field” story fades away. What you are seeing now, the rise of Antonelli, the resurgence of Mercedes, the McLaren title defence, is a game between changing eras in real time.

Montreal is where you find out how much of it is real and how much is a bad Red Bull car.

Montreal and Verstappen’s history there

max verstappen formula 1 red bull miami grand prix
Credit: F1

Verstappen has been very good at this track recently. He won here three consecutive times from 2022 to 2024, becoming the third driver to do so after Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. He likes the rhythm of the circuit. He likes the way he punishes other drivers’ mistakes. In years when his car hasn’t been at its absolute best, Montreal has historically been a place where he can deal with the problem.

But the rules of 2026 changed the mathematics. Energy deployment matters more here than at most tracks on the calendar. The new Straight Mode aerodynamic system, which essentially flattens the wings on long straights, rewards cars that can put down clean power through deployment zones. The Red Bull is not one of those cars right now. By the admission of their own engineers, there is a chassis problem at the top of the engine learning curve. The car is heavy. It loses grip in high-speed sections. Verstappen has spent the qualifying sessions making constant steering corrections to keep things on track.

However, there is a way. If it rains in Montreal this weekend, and the forecast says it might, none of the above will matter much. Verstappen is one of the best wet-weather drivers in modern F1 history. The cooler conditions may also ease some of the tire and energy management issues that are hitting Red Bull on Sunday. If qualifying goes weird, if a safety car comes out at the right time, if the sprint race order gets thrown around, Verstappen suddenly becomes the most dangerous floater.

Longtime Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said after Miami that he saw “light at the end of the tunnel” with the team’s Miami upgrade package. Whether that light is real or just the headlights of another freight train will be answered later this week.

Verstappen has previously said that he does not get frustrated for the sake of being disappointed. After Suzuka, where he finished eighth at his favorite circuit, he was asked how he was dealing with the whole situation. “When he came up to me again I just waved at him,” he said, referring to Antonelli. “It’s not going the way it should, but being upset about it all the time won’t help. I’m just trying to laugh about it.”

The four-time world champion, in a car he can’t push, waves as a teenager laps it up.

Montreal is going to tell us if Max Verstappen has anything left to laugh about in 2026.

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Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen


#Max #Verstappen #faces #toughest #test #Canadian

Open ridicule over Tottenham transfer gone bad – “Next King of North London” faces ridicule

Bild mocks Tottenham transfer: 'Oops! 'Xavi is fighting sudden demotion'
Bild mocks Tottenham transfer: ‘Oops! ‘Xavi is fighting sudden demotion’

Xavi Simmons didn’t just leave Tottenham Hotspur Last Summer; He arrived in London convinced that he was going to rule there.

With a €65m transfer, following a battle with Chelsea, and a determination to prove himself in the Premier League, he became convinced he could become “the next king of North London”.

Or at least, that’s what the ad campaign with PUMA says. Instead, it has been a disastrous season for him and Tottenham.

And now the Leipzig edition of BILD wants to stick the knife.

German media is not kind

The German newspaper’s report on the Tottenham forward today is not kind. there are german outlets openly celebrating their downfallPortraying Xavi Simmons as a future superstar who has completely misjudged his own rise.

They point out that instead of the coronation, Simmons is now sweating over possible expulsion from the Premier League.

Tottenham’s defeat to Sunderland on Sunday left them in the bottom three. West Ham, in 17thNow two points are clear. Nottingham Forest have three forwards in the 16th And Leeds United are now six out of 15th.

The added blow to Simmons in all this is that Sunderland’s goalscorer was former RB Leipzig player, Nordy Mukiele. He is currently ahead of them by 16 points out of 10.th.

Flirting with Barcelona

Bild mocks Tottenham transfer: 'Oops! 'Xavi is fighting sudden demotion'
Bild mocks Tottenham transfer: ‘Oops! ‘Xavi is fighting sudden demotion’

Simmons, once touted as Leipzig’s next great export, now looks like a player who has stumbled into a disaster he never saw coming. He has six games left to save Tottenham.

Bild doubts he will be able to manage it.

According to their information, the 22-year-old has already begun efforts for a return to Barcelona. But BILD makes fun of that idea too? Would Barcelona also want him back? At the moment, the Catalans are more interested in players who are not battling relegation from the Premier League.

He says it is ‘doubtful’ whether Hansi Flick and Co. ‘will have any use for them’. This is a sign of how far he has fallen.

This is a serious situation for a forward who did not expect to be in this situation. Back in Germany, they are clearly enjoying this fact.


#Open #ridicule #Tottenham #transfer #bad #King #North #London #faces #ridicule

Nottingham Forest player faces massive value loss – only €18 million can secure summer deal

nottingham forest arrival lorenzo lucca
nottingham forest arrival lorenzo lucca

Lorenzo Lucca is struggling nottingham forest Since his arrival in January. Now, Napoli is already making plans about his future.

The Italian scored on his debut against Leeds United earlier this season. Since then, he has played only two games in the Premier League and has not been in the team for five consecutive matches.

sports witness The Italian press has covered the reaction to this. Question marks are being raised on his attitude tutomercatoweb Also noting some details of the ankle injury.

This suggests that his absence from action is due to a fitness issue. Despite this, it seems that his future at Nottingham Forest is already sealed and his valuation has dropped significantly.

Napoli wants around €18 million for sale

arianapoli Note that the obligation of Napoli to buy Lucca from Udinese was €35m. He never really broke through in Naples and that is why he transferred to Nottingham Forest.

The Partenopei are watching things closely and are aware that he will return to the club in the summer. Antonio Conte’s side are now keen to make a move for him in the summer and are happy to accept a loss on the deal.

As a result, they value him at between €18m and €20m, with Nottingham Forest not interested in any permanent deal.

Napoli intend to sell the striker permanently in order to recover as much as possible before his price drops further.

Things seem tough for Lucca

It feels like the Italian’s injury problems are being largely ignored, even though it has been widely covered in the press. This is probably why he has not played in the Premier League for several weeks.

Furthermore, he has not always been used enough to prove himself. Within weeks of his arrival, Nottingham Forest changed managers and that probably didn’t help either.

That’s why the current spell says little about the 25-year-old’s abilities. He proved himself well at Udinese and also earned a place in the national team. The striker once again needs consistency to really make a mark next season.

If anything, Napoli should be blamed for poor management of their resources.

#Nottingham #Forest #player #faces #massive #loss #million #secure #summer #deal

Tiger Woods formally charged with DUI after Florida rollover crash, faces possible jail time

Golf great Tiger Woods was officially charged with two misdemeanors this week — driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a chemical or physical test following his single-vehicle rollover crash late last month.

According to the arrest affidavit, Woods attempted to pass a truck by crossing the double line and speeding, striking the vehicle and flipping his Range Rover onto its side. No one was seriously injured in the incident.

“I looked down at my phone … and all of a sudden – acceleration,” Woods said in the bodycam footage.

He also called President Trump after the crash and just before failing some field sobriety tests, seemingly trying to dissuade authorities from turning him in.

Officers at the scene observed “severe signs of impairment”, including bloodshot eyes, extremely dilated pupils, excessive sweating and an unsteady gait. A breathalyzer test found no alcohol, but Woods refused blood or urine tests to check for other substances. Officers later found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.

Woods was arrested that afternoon on suspicion of DUI with property damage, booked and released on bond a few hours later. He has since entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial.

The 15-time major champion has retained criminal defense attorney Douglas Duncan, the same attorney who represented him in a 2017 DUI case in Florida that ended with a guilty plea to reckless driving.

Four days after the accident, Woods released a statement announcing that he would step away from golf for treatment and focus on his health. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation in which I find myself today,” he wrote.

“I am taking some time away to receive treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

Court documents indicate Woods has already been cleared to travel abroad for treatment. The charge comes at a critical moment for the golfer, who has battled multiple back surgeries and other injuries in recent years and was preparing for a limited 2026 schedule that included the Masters. He will not compete at Augusta National this year.

The formal arraignment on April 7 marks the latest chapter in a case that has faced intense public scrutiny.

A court date has not yet been set. Any misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for a prison sentence as the statutory maximum penalty. However, this seems unlikely.

If convicted, the misdemeanor charge can carry a fine, probation and possible license suspension, although the penalty will depend on the outcome of any plea negotiations or trial.

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Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss


#Tiger #Woods #formally #charged #DUI #Florida #rollover #crash #faces #jail #time

Sunderland faces Barcelona threat after development – awaits World Cup price rise

John Lukumi
John Lukumi

There is still a possibility of Jhon Lukumi being eliminated Sunderland But competition for the defender is being encouraged.

The Black Cats were relentlessly pursuing the defender’s signature in the summer. Right after his release condition expired, sports witness The proposal to sign it was rejected.

His agent had also announced his intention to exit, but Bologna remained firm. Despite Lukumi performing well this season, the player has not responded to attempts to renew his contract.

As a result, the Colombian is expected to move in the summer and will be one of the most sought-after players at that time.

Sunderland’s task is becoming more difficult Il Resto del Carlino Watching closely.

Bologna awaits World Cup transfer boost

Bologna are now certain about selling Lucmi.

They know his value is falling as his contract expires in 2027 and a sale is due to take place this summer.

If Lukumi performs well in the World Cup, they will be able to receive a higher fee from his sale.

Sunderland remain interested but Barcelona have now been mentioned. They see the 28-year-old as an alternative to Alessandro Bastoni, who is expected to command a big price in the summer.

Lucumi has attracted the attention of the Catalans, especially because his agent is at work on finding a new destination.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have also joined the chase and view the Bologna man as a replacement for Marcos Senesi. Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are also interested, with both clubs described as ‘very rich’ contenders in the race.

Sunderland’s time may be up

Due to the way Bologna are operating, Sunderland will run out of time to sign Lucumi.

If the centre-back makes an impact at the World Cup, he will attract global attention and his agent and even the Rossoblu would love nothing more than that.

Furthermore, Lucumi is able to play for a major club due to his obvious European experience. That’s why it’s no surprise Barcelona’s interest, which could certainly increase.

The Spanish side are not financially prosperous but their interest is a sign that Sunderland’s task could become more difficult.

The Italian club will also be keeping a close eye on the defender, who could potentially add further hurdles for Regis Le Bris.

#Sunderland #faces #Barcelona #threat #development #awaits #World #Cup #price #rise

“Circle of pressure” – Crystal Palace loanee now faces as much of a technical struggle as a mental one

Crystal Palace midfielder Matheus França now faces a different kind of battle during his loan at Vasco da Gama – and Brazilian media suggest it is increasingly psychological.

The 21-year-old was sent back to Brazil to regain momentum and confidence after a difficult spell in England. However, despite the arrival of Renato Gaucho – that seemed like a potential boost – His situation on the pitch has barely improved.

pressure is becoming a mental problem

according to bolavip There is now a growing feeling within Vasco in Brazil that France’s self-confidence is being affected by the constant criticism from the supporters.

The Crystal Palace-owned attacking midfielder is receiving negative reactions from the stands, even though the team is improving itself. Vasco remains unbeaten under Renato Gaucho France is marginalized and under pressure.

The latest example came in the middle of the week. França came off the bench against Coritiba but failed to make an impact. At a crucial moment, he miscontrolled the ball during a promising counterattack, wasting a chance that could have secured the victory. After this Vasco scored the equalizing goal. This increased the despair around him.

The Brazilian coverage suggests that these repeated moments are joining a cycle. Low confidence leads to poor performances, and those performances bring even more criticism.

Help for Crystal Palace players

That situation has forced Renato Gaucho to manage the player more carefully. Rather than highlight him regularly, the manager is reportedly trying to protect Matthias Franka from further pressure.

The plan is to use him only when the circumstances feel right. Any new mistake risks worsening the atmosphere, which is already tense.

Still, the possibilities have not been completely exhausted. França recently returned from nearly two months without playing, but has shown no apparent improvement in his performances since then.

High costs, low returns

There is also a financial dimension that makes the situation difficult to ignore. Fran Vasco is one of the highest earners in the team, with a salary reported to be around €185k (£160k) per month.

That level of investment is in sharp contrast to its output. In 23 matches, he has yet to score a goal or assist a single goal.

Vasco too Early termination of loan considered A time, when his role in the team was significantly reduced. Although that option is no longer being actively pursued, it shows how serious the situation has become.

the future is practically decided

With Vasco also looking to reduce their wage bill, the outlook for Franca remains uncertain. The current trajectory suggests that he is The loan is not likely to persist beyond expiration.

From Crystal Palace’s perspective, the picture is worrying. This step was to restore trust. Instead, confidence now appears to be the central issue holding the player back.

Unless that changes quickly, França looks set to return to England with the same doubts that accompanied him after his loan move – only now with added psychological weight.

#Circle #pressure #Crystal #Palace #loanee #faces #technical #struggle #mental

Luka Doncic faces similar criticism from same analyst after 1 year

Luke Doncic is arguably the best offensive player in the NBA today. Despite his undeniable skills, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar still receives some criticism from basketball analysts from time to time. However, the criticism Doncic received from Chris Broussard on Tuesday is exactly the same as it was almost a year ago.

During a segment on “First Things First” on Fox Sports 1, Broussard called the 27-year-old guard a ball hog. Popular sports analysts agree that Doncic is one of the league’s greatest players of all-time, but he clarified that he believes the eight-year veteran doesn’t pass the ball well enough.

“[Doncic is] “Hall of Fame ball hog,” Broussard said. “He’s an all-time great ball hog, but he’s a ball hog!”

Broussard said the exact same words on March 25, 2025, almost a year before his statement on Tuesday. Although it’s a new year, the 57-year-old analyst still feels the same way about Doncic.

“Luka Doncic is a ball hog,” Broussard said in March 2025.

Although Broussard thinks Doncic is a ball hog, the stats tell a different story. In 60 games played so far this season, the six-time All-Star is averaging 8.4 assists per contest. That’s good for third-best in the league behind Nikola Jokic (10.6) and Cade Cunningham (9.9).

Luka Doncic, who tops the league in average assists per game, is also averaging 33.4 points (league leader), 7.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per contest. His field goal percentage is 47.4% while shooting 36.4% from beyond the three-point line.


#Luka #Doncic #faces #similar #criticism #analyst #year

Luka Doncic faces suspension after 16th technical foul vs. Pistons

Lakers star Luka Doncic will be out for the team’s next game against the East-leading Detroit Pistons. Doncic received his 16th technical foul of the year, meaning he faces a mandatory one-game suspension.

A technical foul occurred after an exchange of words between Doncic and Magic big man Goga Bitadze in the third quarter. Technical fouls were assessed on both players, placing Doncic on the number requiring suspension.

Although the technicality may have been overturned by the NBA, the moment draws attention to the conversation that has taken place between the six-time All-Stars throughout the season. Doncic has committed several technical fouls for arguing with officials, including in the Lakers’ 120–113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 5.

In post-game comments obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Doncic was clear about how he felt about the technical and advocated for a level of fairness in the officiating of the game.

“Just because I yelled at him, I guess. That’s what he said,” Doncic said of his moment with referee Ed Malloy on March 5. “But I heard three other players say the exact same sentence and I didn’t get a technical. And that’s my problem, you know, I was trying not to talk at all. That’s the first thing I said – no warning or anything.”

Doncic’s suspension is significant as the Lakers look to test their status as contenders against the red-hot Detroit Pistons, who recently made the NBA playoffs for the second consecutive season.


#Luka #Doncic #faces #suspension #16th #technical #foul #Pistons

LeBron James faces the story of L.A. being better off without him

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on an eight-game winning streak, but apparently, some people still think the team would be better off without 41-year-old LeBron James. Following Thursday night’s blowout 134-126 win over the Miami Heat, James took some time to address critics who suggest his appearance could be holding the purple and gold back.

When LeBron James was asked about the narrative, he clearly stated that such takes are usually just for clicks. “It sells papers and clippings and podcasts a lot easier than if you say, ‘LeBron, the team is better off without him.’ Many people will try to like watching it. So, I understand. They are absolutely wrong.” Looking at the figures he just presented, it’s hard to argue with him. Over the past 24 hours, James has led the Lakers to a 2-0 record while scoring a total of 49 points on an absurd 21-26 shooting from the field.

The game in Miami was especially special as James had officially tied Robert Parish for the NBA record for most games played in a regular season with 1,611. He celebrated this milestone by recording a triple-double, finishing the night with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Head coach JJ Redick praised his star’s longevity, noting that James refused to cheat the game even in his 23rd season.

While James provided a steady hand, Luka Doncic provided the fireworks. The Slovenian superstar exploded with a season-high 60 points against the Heat, setting a new record for points by an opponent in Miami. Doncic also broke the Lakers’ single-season record for 3-pointers made during the win. With Austin Reaves scoring 18 points and holding the defense strong late, the Lakers proved they have a terrific balance of youth and veteran leadership.

The Lakers now sit at 45-25 and have moved up to third place in the Western Conference. If this is what a team looks like with a “declining” LeBron James, the rest of the league is in serious trouble.


#LeBron #James #faces #story #L.A

Chelsea groundwork faces new challenge – Arsenal’s strength for wonderkid

Chelsea have tracked Ian Subiabre for over a year, and the situation around the River Plate winger is beginning to change again after a new suitor emerged. One of them is Arsenal.

The Blues were already in a good position. They held talks with his camp and considered a deal through 2025 when his contract situation looked uncertain. Since then, the picture has evolved. However, the opportunity has not disappeared – and may now become even more apparent.

Subiabre is no longer just a name on the scouting list. He is starting to establish himself at the senior level in Argentina and that has changed the face of this race.

Increasing role on the River Plate

The 19-year-old winger has quietly built momentum in recent months. After a slow start to the year, where he struggled for minutes, his role has expanded under successive managers. That’s what has attracted Chelsea, Arsenal and others.

He has now started four consecutive matches and recently completed the full 90 minutes in the first team for the first time. This alone marks a change in trust.

So far in 2026, Ian Subiabre has:

  • scored his first goal of the calendar year
  • Registered assists in two consecutive matches during a transitional period between managers
  • Become a regular attacking option on the left

Their numbers in crude production last year were marginal. He played for 549 minutes in 18 appearances, with no final result. Nevertheless, Rivers continued to pursue him internally as a long-term asset.

Now the main change is the effect. He is gaining touches, taking on defenders and being used more consistently in attacking build-up phases.

Manager Eduardo Cudet has placed him wide on the left, where he can attack space and cut inside. This role suits his profile – direct, quick and aggressive in one-on-one situations.

Contract status and internal stance

As noted, River Plate has already moved to protect itself hail.

After complex negotiations involving the intervention of agent Claudio Caniggia and the Argentine FA, the winger signed a new deal until December 2028. The release clause is €100m (£87m).

Despite that statistic, the club has shown a willingness to listen. He recently rejected an offer of around €10m (£8.7m) from Turkish side Trabzonspor, which was considered well below expectations. Barcelona’s earlier approach was also rejected.

Internally the message is clear. Rivers wants to play, develop and increase his value before making any big decisions.

His agent has publicly supported that plan. The idea is to allow Ian Subiabre to fully establish himself in the first team before potentially considering a move in the summer window.

“Eduardo Coudet is counting on him a lot for the future, but he knows the player is interested in making the jump to Europe in the short term. We don’t know what Subiabre’s decision will be,” He wrote in Argentina.

The player himself has tried to calm the situation by saying that he is focused on Rivers and the time left on his contract.

Arsenal joins chasing Chelsea

This has not stopped Premier League interest from being intense.

Chelsea remains one of the most active clubs in this story. Their long-term interest, combined with aggressive recruitment of young South American talent, keeps them firmly in the frame.

At the same time, Arsenal has now joined the talks for the first time.

Other reports from Argentina Indications are that both London clubs are among a long list of teams keeping a close eye on Subiabre. Inter Milan is the latest to increase its tracking, while Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring developments.

There is growing acceptance that the winger wants to make the jump to Europe in the short term. This is a major detail.

what happens next

arsenal chelsea

The situation remains a familiar one for Chelsea. They have already done the ground work on the player. They understand the contractual landscape and potential price ranges. The important thing is that they know a deal well below the €100m (£87m) clause is realistic.

The emergence of Arsenal adds a new layer. They are more selective in this market, but their presence often indicates serious scouting conviction rather than opportunism.

Still, time can decide everything. Nadi does not want to sell immediately. Players need minutes. Its value is still being formed. However, interest is growing rapidly and the list of clubs involved is constantly growing.

If Ian Subiabre maintains his current trajectory, it won’t be quiet for long. And for Chelsea, it looks like a race they are already preparing for.


#Chelsea #groundwork #faces #challenge #Arsenals #strength #wonderkid

Manchester City star faces €15m judgment as Portugal teammate offers transfer help

Juventus may have an unexpected ally in their pursuit of Bernardo Silva: midfielder Francisco Conceição.

The 23-year-old has admitted that he would recommend his Portuguese teammate to Juventus if the club asked him for help.

His comments follow reports from Turkiye which claim Galatasaray are ready to offer Silva €15m-a-year to join this summer. Galatasaray have scheduled a second round of talks with Silva’s agents in April.

Silva’s contract at Manchester City expires at the end of the season. All signs suggest he is ready to end his trophy-laden nine-year stay at the Etihad.

Galatasaray’s €15m offer changes the landscape

Galatasaray have moved aggressively to gain an edge over their European rivals.

Reports today claim the Turkish giants are heading towards a second phase of talks with plans for €15m per year plus bonuses.

Few European clubs are believed to be willing or able to match that level of wages. Juventus is one of those clubs.

Juventus scouts and officials kept a close eye on Silva for several months.

They reportedly look at the Manchester City star A player who can change his team Next season. Galatasaray’s financial pressures may now force Juventus to rethink their strategy.

One potential ace up their sleeve is Conceição himself. The midfielder has made it clear that he is ready to be involved if the need arises.

“I know Bernardo very well, I know he is strong, but we have not talked about this,” sport mediaset Report him saying this.

“I don’t know if Juventus would want to buy him or not, but if he asked me anything I would tell him that Juventus is a great club and we want to win here. Every team in the world would want to have Bernardo Silva.”

Why will Juventus believe they still have a chance

Despite Galatasaray’s financial strength, Juventus will remain confident of getting Silva’s signature this summer.

Salary won’t be the only factor in Silva’s decision this summer. Juventus may be able to convince him given their sporting projects, Champions League football and perhaps familiarity with Portuguese players like Conceição.

The pair have played together for Portugal, starring in matches during and since Euro 2024. Super-agent Jorge Mendes represents both players. That connection could prove important.

With Silva’s agents set to hold talks with Galatasaray in April, Juventus know they must act immediately – and Conceição could still play a decisive role.

#Manchester #City #star #faces #15m #judgment #Portugal #teammate #offers #transfer

Promising rookie faces uncertain timeline after Lisfranc surgery

The Los Angeles Clippers received an important update regarding rookie center Yannick Konan Niederhauser’s injury after the team confirmed that the 22-year-old has undergone surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury to his right foot.

ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported Tuesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the process was successful but the organization has not set a timeline for the rookie’s return.

“The Clippers say Yannick Konan Niederhauser had successful surgery Tuesday to repair a Lisfranc injury to his right foot.

There is no timetable yet for his return.”

Konan Niederhauser suffered the injury during the Clippers’ 130-107 win over the Indiana Pacers last Wednesday. He logged just eight minutes before exiting the game, but made an immediate impact, finishing with six points, four rebounds and two blocks while shooting 2-for-2 from the field.

Before the injury, the rookie was beginning to play a larger role in the Clippers’ rotation. Over his last seven games, Konan Niederhauser averaged 7.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while shooting 55.2% from the field. He displayed efficiency from beyond the arc and the free-throw line during that stretch, shooting 50% from three-point range and 94.7% at the line in 16.7 minutes per contest.

His recent emergence marks a promising development for a Clippers team that has relied on depth and frontcourt versatility throughout the season.

Clippers await Yannick Konan Niederhauser’s recovery timeline

Los Angeles Clippers center Yannick Konan Niederhauser (14) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the fourth quarter at Target Center.
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagen Images

Overall, Konan Niederhauser appeared in 41 games during his rookie campaign, averaging 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting an efficient 64% from the field and 75.8% from the free-throw line. He has played 10.3 minutes per game and gradually earned more opportunities as the season progressed.

Lisfranc injuries, which affect the midfoot area, can often require an extended recovery period depending on the severity. With no official timeline announced, the Clippers will likely monitor Konan Niederhauser’s rehabilitation closely before determining when he can return to basketball activities.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles will look to maintain momentum after its recent turnaround. The Clippers extended their winning streak to two games by defeating the New York Knicks 126-118 on Monday night.

The win improved Los Angeles to 32–32 on the season, leaving the team in eighth place in the Western Conference standings after recovering from a difficult 6–21 start.

The Clippers continue their four-game homestand on Wednesday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24). Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm PT as Los Angeles attempts to continue its lead in the Western Conference standings while awaiting further updates on the rookie’s recovery.


#Promising #rookie #faces #uncertain #timeline #Lisfranc #surgery

OKC’s hold on the No. 1 seed faces serious threat from the Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder are doing a solid job of sticking with their injury absences, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Unfortunately, despite a valiant effort on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons, it came to a halt.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs earned their tenth consecutive win with a comeback victory over the Toronto Raptors, despite a relatively quiet game from superstar Victor Wembanyama.

With that win, the Spurs moved to within just two games of Oklahoma City for the number two seed in the Western Conference, a feat that seemed impossible when the Thunder got off to a blazing 24–1 start to the regular season.

X, formerly of ClutchPoints, said on Twitter, “The Thunder have just suffered their 15th loss, which is already more than last season. It’s a sharp turnaround for a team that started the year 24-1.”

Of course, injuries are a big part of the reason the Thunder have slipped up a bit, but even before Gilgeous-Alexander went down with an abdominal strain, Oklahoma City was already showing some signs of slipping, with the team losing four of the five regular season matchups it played against San Antonio this season.

Meanwhile, the Spurs are 5.5 games ahead of the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets for second place, meaning it’s highly likely that San Antonio and Oklahoma City will be the top two seeds in the West when all is said and done.

Many are already anticipating a Western Conference Finals showdown between the two teams, rekindling the rivalry between the teams from the days when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook wore Thunder jerseys, while Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard suited up for the Spurs in the mid-2010s.

Thankfully for the Thunder, they won’t see the Spurs again this season until a potential playoff matchup, if that happens.


#OKCs #hold #seed #faces #threat #Spurs

Dillon Brooks faces apparent injury scare vs. Magic

PHOENIX – Another name could be added to the Phoenix Suns’ injury report during the first quarter of Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic. Dillon Brooks got hurt and went back to the locker room.

He was seen grabbing a handful of objects with his left hand, especially after shooting the ball. Before leaving the game, he had five points and three rebounds on 2-7 shooting from the field.

With Brooks missing the last Suns game due to a league-mandated one-game suspension, many were eager to see him on the court. Even Brooks himself seemed excited to be there.

Needless to say, he has only missed seven games this season. Health is money at this stage of the season and losing it would be a big loss.

We will update this story with more details.


#Dillon #Brooks #faces #apparent #injury #scare #Magic

Marinakis special sparks legal mess – Nottingham Forest owner faces arbitration after €20m bid rejected

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis now faces a formal arbitration challenge after admitting he rejected significantly higher bids for Andre Luiz before completing an internal transfer worth €6.5m (£5.6m). report comes from renaissance In portugal.

The Brazilian winger moved to Olympiacos from Rio Ave in January. Both clubs are located within Marinakis’ multi-club structure. However, the situation has worsened after Estrela da Amadora confirmed it will take the matter to Portuguese court. The controversy centers on price.

Marinakis told Olympiacos players that he had received offers of around €20m (£17.1m) for Andre Luiz from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Benfica. Despite this, they decided to transfer the player from Rio Ave to Olympiacos for €6.5m (£5.6m).

“I had offers of around €20m for Andre Luiz from Wolves and Benfica. But I wanted Olympiacos to be stronger.” He said, As we covered earlier.

10% segment takes legal steps

Estrela da Amadora have 10% of the future transfer fee for Andre Luiz. Therefore, the difference between €20m and €6.5m has major financial consequences.

In a statement, Estrella raised “Serious and legitimate concerns” About the transaction. The club said that if higher offers had indeed existed, selling at a lower amount would have directly reduced the revenue to which they were entitled.

The statement also questioned whether the economic interests of Rio Avenue and its contractual partners are fully protected.

Estrella further argued that multi-club ownership “Under no circumstances can transparency, economic fairness, the protection of third parties involved in the contract or the credibility of national competitions be compromised.”

The club has now confirmed it will seek arbitration. It will also request full access to documents related to the operation. Furthermore, the right to report public facts to the relevant authorities is reserved if further investigation proves necessary.

Multi-club model in the spotlight

Marinakis controls Nottingham Forest, Rio Ave and Olympiacos. In this case, they rejected a Premier League-level bid and instead strengthened the Greek side internally.

The move could make sense for Olympiacos. However, it now places its ownership structure in Portugal under legal scrutiny.

For One, the issue does not involve direct transactions. Nevertheless, the controversy continues to affect their owner and raises wider questions about governance within the multi-club network.

It is unclear whether the arbitration process will have financial consequences. It is confirmed that the €20m Premier League rejected bid has now triggered a formal legal battle.

#Marinakis #special #sparks #legal #mess #Nottingham #Forest #owner #faces #arbitration #20m #bid #rejected

Nebraska Faces No. 15 Iowa in High-Stakes Rivalry Split

Nebraska Cornhuskers (/RV)
vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (15/12)
Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, 11 a.m. (CT)
Lincoln, Nebraska (Pinnacle Bank Arena)
Tickets: Huskers.com / 1-800-8-BIG-RED
Halftime: Kansas City Disc Dogs
Live TV: FOX
Kylen Mills (PBP), Isis Young (Analyst)
Live Radio: Huskers Radio Network (10:30 a.m.)
Matt Coatney (PBP), Jeff Griesch (Analyst)
Lincoln (107.3 FM), Omaha (1490 AM/97.3 FM/97.7 HD3), Huskers.com, Huskers App
Live Stats: Huskers.com (statbroadcast – public)

Huskers Shoot for Season Split with No. 15 Iowa
The Nebraska women’s basketball team takes aim at a split of the season series with No. 15 Iowa, when the Huskers play host to the Hawkeyes on Monday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Tip-off between the NCAA NET 27 Huskers (16-9, 5-9 Big Ten) and the NET 14 Hawkeyes (19-6, 10-3 Big Ten) in Lincoln is set for 11 a.m. (CT) on Presidents’ Day.

Tickets for Monday’s game are available now at Huskers.com.

Free live audio from the Huskers Radio Network will be available on Huskers.com, the Huskers App, 107.3 FM in Lincoln and 1490 AM/97.3 FM/97.7 HD3 in Omaha with Matt Coatney and Jeff Griesch on the call for their 25th consecutive season.

The game will be televised live by FOX with Kylen Mills and Isis Young on the call.

Then-No. 20 Nebraska and then-No. 14 Iowa met for the first time this season on New Year’s Day in Iowa City, when the Hawkeyes pulled away late for an 86-76 win. The two teams were tied at 70 with 5:30 left, before Iowa went on a 10-0 run to close the game on a 16-6 surge. Britt Prince scored a game-high 27 points to lead Nebraska, but Chit-Chat Wright responded with 24 points and Hannah Stuelke contributed a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Nebraska played without its second-leading scorer, Amiah Hargrove, who missed while in the concussion protocol. The Hawkeyes played with Fremont, Nebraska native Taylor McCabe, who was forced to end her season prematurely because of a knee injury suffered against Ohio State (Jan. 25).

Nebraska continues to hunt for its first February win, as the Huskers have opened the month 0-4 with all four losses to current NET Top 16 teams. Most recently, the Huskers suffered an 84-67 setback at NET 10 Minnesota (Feb. 12), a team the Hawkeyes fell to 91-85 in Iowa City one week earlier.

In fact, eight of Nebraska’s nine losses this season have come to current NET top-25 Big Ten teams, including NET 2 UCLA, at NET 6 Michigan, at NET 10 Minnesota, at NET 12 Michigan State, at NET 14 Iowa, NET 15 Maryland at NET 16 Ohio State and NET 22 USC. NU’s ninth setback was a one-possession midweek road loss at Wisconsin (63-60, Jan. 21).

While Nebraska has dropped seven of its last nine games, Iowa had lost three straight games before its 65-56 home win over No. 25 Washington at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Wednesday. Wright led the Hawkeyes with 21 points, while Stuelke contributed 14 points and 16 rebounds.

NET 27 Nebraska Cornhuskers (16-9, 5-9 Big Ten)
12 – Jessica Petrie – 6-2 – Jr. – F – 11.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg
33 – Amiah Hargrove – 6-2 – So. – F – 12.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg
2 – Logan Nissley – 6-0 – Jr. – G – 8.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg
14 – Callin Hake – 5-8 – Sr. – G – 7.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg
23 – Britt Prince – 5-11 – So. – G – 17.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Off the Bench
21 – Eliza Maupin – 6-3 – Sr. – F – 8.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg
4 – Petra Bozan – 6-3 – So. – F – 6.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg
5 – Claire Johnson – 5-9 – So. – G – 3.6 ppg, 1.0 rpg
1 – Hailey Weaver – 6-0 – Gr. – G – 2.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg
15 – Kennadi Williams – 5-4 – RFr. – G – 2.5 ppg, 0.8 rpg
34 – Emily Fisher – 6-0 – Jr. – G/F – 2.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg
00 – Alanna Neale – 5-10 – Fr. – G – 1.3 ppg, 0.3 rpg
22 – Natalie Potts [Out] – 6-2 – RSo. – F – Redshirt
3 – Allison Weidner [Out] – 5-10 – Gr. – G – Redshirt
Head Coach: Amy Williams (Nebraska, 1998)
10th Season at Nebraska (174-132); 19th Season Overall (367-241)

NET 14 Iowa Hawkeyes (19-5, 10-3 Big Ten)
45 – Hannah Stuelke – 6-2 – Sr. – F – 14.0 ppg, 8.9 rpg
5 – Ava Heiden – 6-4 – So. – C – 16.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg
1 – Taylor Stremlow – 5-10 – So. – G – 7.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg
4 – Kylie Feuerbach – 6-0 – Gr. – G – 5.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg
11 – Chit-Chat Wright – 5-4 – So. – G – 13.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg
Off the Bench
7 – Addie Deal – 6-0 – Fr. – G – 6.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg
8 – Journey Houston – 5-9 – So. – G – 5.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg
12 – Layla Hays – 6-5 – Fr. – C – 4.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg
32 – Callie Levin – 6-1 – Fr. – G – 1.6 ppg, 0.8 rpg
55 – Teagan Mallegni – 6-1 – So. – G – 0.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg
2 – Taylor McCabe [Out] – 5-9 – Sr. – G – 8.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg
21 – Emely Rodriguez [Out] – 6-0 – So. – G/F – 7.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg
Head Coach: Jan Jensen (Drake, 1991)
Second Season at Iowa (42-16); Second Season Overall (42-16)

Inside the Husker Lineup
• Britt Prince, who was named to the Nancy Lieberman Award Midseason Top 10 on Feb. 2, is one of the nation’s most efficient guards. The 5-11 point guard out of Elkhorn North High School in the Omaha metro area, is hitting 55.4 percent (164-296) of her field goals, 48.6 percent (34-70) of her three-point attempts and 93.7 percent (74-79) of her free throws. At the start of last week, Prince was the only starter regardless of position in the country to hit 50% FG-50% 3FG-90% FT. Prince, who also leads the Huskers in assists (106) and steals (39), ranks second nationally and leads the Big Ten in free throw percentage (.937), including 100 percent (54-54) in league games with a school-record streak (men’s or women’s basketball) of 56 consecutive made free throws overall. Nebraska’s leading scorer, Prince ranks ninth in the Big Ten in scoring (17.4 ppg) and 13th in assists (4.2 apg). She owns eight 20-point efforts, including a pair of 30-point games this season. Prince led Nebraska with 15 points and a season-high matching seven rebounds at Minnesota Thursday.

• Fellow sophomore Amiah Hargrove is emerging as a star in the conference. A contender for Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year, Hargrove ranks second on the team in scoring (12.6 ppg) while leading the Huskers in rebounding (5.8 rpg). She had 24 points and six rebounds in her second start in place of Jessica Petrie (illness) at Ohio State (Feb. 1). It followed Hargrove’s second double-double of the year with 13 points and 11 rebounds in her first start of the year in a win over Northwestern (Jan. 28). The 6-2 forward from Christopher, Ill., opened Big Ten play with a career-high 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting (4-5 3FG) at Penn State (Dec. 6). She added 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting at No. 15 Michigan State (Jan. 15). Hargrove is shooting 53.8 percent from the field, including 42 percent from long range and 80 percent from the free throw line. She has hit 54.3 percent (19-35) of her threes in league play.  She missed the loss at No. 14 Iowa (Jan. 1) after suffering a mild concussion late in the loss to No. 17 USC (Dec. 29). She had 13 points and six boards at Minnesota Thursday night.

• Junior Jessica Petrie has provided consistency and leadership at both ends in her second season as a starter. The 6-2 forward from Gold Coast, Australia, ranks third on the team in scoring (11.5 ppg) and second in rebounding (4.9 rpg), but missed the first games of her Nebraska career with illness in the win over Northwestern (Jan. 28) and a loss at No. 11 Ohio State (Feb. 1). She returned in a somewhat limited role off the bench at No. 8 Michigan (Feb. 4). Petrie, who has produced double figures 15 times, has scored at least seven points in all 23 games this season. She also leads Nebraska with a career-high 23 blocks and owns a career-high 24 steals this season after getting 12 total steals her first two years. She had 14 points on a career-high four three-pointers Thursday at Minnesota, while adding a career-high three steals.

• Junior Logan Nissley has made 12 straight starts. The 6-0 guard from Bismarck, N.D., has averaged 13.3 points on 49.1 percent (27-55) shooting over the last six games. She erupted for a career-high 22 points and a career-best 6-of-12 three-point shooting in her last appearance at PBA against Maryland (Feb. 7). She opened the six-game stretch with 15 points in a win over Illinois (Jan. 24), before striking for 14 points on four threes in a win over Northwestern (Jan. 28). Nissley, who had 11 points at No. 11 Ohio State and pitched in 12 points and four assists at Minnesota (Feb. 12), also ranks high on the efficiency scale. She has hit 47.1 percent (65-138) from the field, including 44.9 percent (48-107) from three-point range and 87 percent (20-23) of her free throws. Nissley is averaging 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists with a 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio. She ranks No. 7 in Nebraska history in three-pointers made (162).

• Callin Hake provides veteran leadership and an emotional heartbeat for the Big Red while joining Prince, Petrie and Nissley as returning starters from a year ago. Hake, a 5-8 senior guard from Victoria, Minn., is averaging 7.6 points and 3.9 assists while hitting 36.6 percent (37-101) of her threes. Hake, who has added 33 steals, also leads the Big Red with 27 charges drawn through 25 games. She has scored double figures eight times, including a season-high 17 in a win over Omaha.

• Senior transfer Eliza Maupin provides another starting option for the Huskers. The 6-3 forward from Webster Groves, Mo., is averaging 8.0 points and 4.5 rebounds over 22 games with 10 starts. She notched her second double-double of the year with 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds at Wisconsin (Jan. 21). She had her first Husker double-double with 12 points and 11 boards at Iowa.

• Nebraska plays a deep rotation that includes 6-3 sophomore Petra Bozan (13 starts, 6.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 6-0 graduate guard Hailey Weaver (13 starts, 2.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg), 5-8 sophomore Claire Johnson (3.6 ppg), 5-4 redshirt freshman Kennadi Williams (2.5 ppg, 2.4 apg) and 6-0 junior Emily Fisher (2.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg).

Scouting the Iowa Hawkeyes
• Second-year head coach Jan Jensen’s Iowa team features a potent inside game with senior Hannah Stuelke and sophomore Ava Heiden. Stuelke, a 6-2 forward, is averaging 14.0 points and a team-best 8.9 rebounds while shooting 54.5 percent from the field. While Stuelke leads Iowa on the glass, including 2.6 offensive boards per game, Heiden leads the Hawks with 16.4 points on 62.7 percent field goal shooting. The 6-4 center also owns a team-best 25 blocks while ranking second on the team with 7.2 rebounds per game. She is averaging 18.2 points per game in Big Ten play.

• Sophomore transfer Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright has taken over the controls in the Iowa backcourt. The 5-4 point guard who spent last season at Georgia Tech is averaging 13.4 points and 4.6 assists while knocking down a sizzling 48.6 percent (54-111) of her threes. Last season she scored 15 points in 30 minutes off the bench for the No. 17 Yellow Jackets in a 72-61 win over No. 23 Nebraska in Atlanta.

• Nebraska native Taylor McCabe, a 5-9 senior guard from Fremont, averaged 8.0 points while leading the team with 49 threes through Iowa’s first 20 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury against Ohio State (Jan. 25).

• Taylor Stremlow has replaced McCabe in the starting five. The 5-10 sophomore is averaging 7.1 points and 3.6 assists on the season while adding more of a threat at the rim and in the mid-range.

• Graduate guard Kylie Feuerbach rounds out Iowa’s probable starters. Feuerbach is averaging 5.1 points and 3.0 assists while serving as one of Iowa’s top perimeter defenders.

• Iowa’s regular rotation includes Addie Deal (6.0 ppg), Journey Houston (5.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and 6-5 freshman Layla Hays (4.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg).

• Iowa is averaging 79.3 points on 48.6 percent schooting, including 36.4 percent success from long range. The Hawkeyes are improving at the free throw line (.689) and own a plus-8.0 rebound margin and a plus-0.5 turnover margin.

Nebraska vs. Iowa Series History
• Iowa leads the all-time series with Nebraska, 26-17, including an 86-76 win over the Huskers in Iowa City on New Year’s Day.

• Iowa won the most recent meeting in Lincoln with an 81-66 win over the Huskers (Feb. 10, 2025).

• Two of the past four meetings between Nebraska and Iowa have gone overtime, including a 94-89 OT win for then-No. 3 Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game in Minneapolis (March 10, 2024).

• The Huskers defeated then-No. 2 Iowa 82-79 in Lincoln (Feb. 11, 2024), which snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Hawkeyes. The Big Red added an 87-84 OT win at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Jan. 16, 2025). 

• Iowa owns a 10-7 all-time edge against Nebraska in Lincoln, while carrying a 12-5 advantage over NU in Iowa City. Nebraska owns a 5-4 lead in the series on neutral courts, but Iowa has won the last three neutral site meetings.

• Iowa has scored 76 points or more in 14 consecutive meetings with Nebraska and owns a 12-2 record in that stretch.

• During Nebraska’s eight-game series winning streak from Jan. 8, 2012 to March 9, 2014, the Hawkeyes failed to reach 76 points in any game.

Prince Advances to Lieberman Midseason Top 10
• Nebraska’s Britt Prince advanced to the list of 10 women’s college basketball players on the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Midseason Top 10 on Monday, Feb. 2. The Lieberman Award was the first of the Naismith Starting 5 award watch lists announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Oct. 27.

• Fan voting for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award opened at http://www.hoophallawards.com on Friday, Feb. 6.

• Prince, a 5-11 sophomore from Omaha, Neb., returns for her second season at Nebraska after averaging 13.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 steals as a true freshman.

• Through 25 games this season, she is averaging a team-best 17.4 points per game while hitting 55.4 percent (164-296) of her shots from the field, including 34-of-70 threes (.486).

• Through 22 games, Prince was the only Division I starter in the country hitting 50 percent of her field goals (.562), 50 percent of her threes (.500) and 90 percent of her free throws (.930), before dipping below the 50 percent 3FG line by going 1-for-3 at No. 8 Michigan (Feb. 4).

• She owns two 30-point performances, eight 20-point efforts and 20 double-figure scoring games this season.

• Prince was the MVP of the Emerald Coast Classic Beach Bracket (Nov. 24-25) after leading the Huskers to a tournament title with 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting in a 91-82 win over Virginia. She averaged 24.0 points and 6.5 assists in the tournament, including 18 points and a season-high seven assists in a win over Purdue Fort Wayne.

• She established her career high with 30 points on 13-of-18 shooting in a win over Oral Roberts (Nov. 19).

• Prince produced a 28-point, six-rebound, six-assist effort in a win over Northwestern (Jan. 28). She hit 10-of-15 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 threes and all six of her free throws.

• She produced a 27-point performance at No. 14 Iowa (Jan. 1), when she also recorded five rebounds and four steals, before getting a game-high 17 points to go with a team-high four rebounds in the win over Purdue (Jan. 4).

• She had 23 points, two assists and two steals in a win over Samford (Nov. 8).

• Prince opened Big Ten play with 20 points in a win at Penn State (Dec. 6) and produced her fourth 20-point effort in conference play this season with 20 points and four assists in a win over Illinois (Jan. 24). She added 20 points and seven assists in a win over Indiana (Jan. 8).

• She tipped 2025-26 with 19 points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal in a win over Northwestern State (Nov. 3).

• Prince led all players with 18 points and seven assists against No. 17 USC (Dec. 29). She also had  18 points and a season-high seven rebounds in a win over Creighton (Nov. 12).

• Prince had 17 points, four rebounds and five assists in a 92-53 win over Bradley (Dec. 3).

• She had 16 points and three assists in a win over North Dakota State in Sioux Falls, S.D. (Nov. 16).

• Prince also had 16 points, four rebounds and four assists at No. 15 Michigan State (Jan. 15).

• Prince, a two-time Gatorade and MaxPreps Nebraska High School Player of the Year at Elkhorn North, earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors while leading the Huskers to the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

• In the NCAA Tournament, Prince led the Big Red with 14 points and six assists against Louisville. She averaged 17.0 points and 5.3 assists over three Big Ten Tournament games, including a season-high-tying 24 points against tourney champion and NCAA No. 1 seed UCLA.

• Prince was the USBWA National Freshman of the Week (Jan. 21, 2025) after going for 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a career-high six steals in a win at Iowa (Jan. 16, 2025), when she hit a career-high five three-pointers.

Potts Announces Plan To Redshirt, Return in 2026-27
• Nebraska redshirt sophomore Natalie Potts will not return to the court in competition this season as she continues her rehabilitation from injury.

• Potts, who made the announcement on Thursday, Jan. 29, plans to return for her fourth year at Nebraska in 2026-27 with up to three years of eligibility remaining.

• “I am making slow but steady progress, and I appreciate the thoughts and encouragement of Husker fans everywhere,” Potts said. “I love my teammates and coaches and will give them my full support as we push for the postseason. I really want to be out there fighting to win with them, but I am just not in position to do that yet.”

• Potts, who was the 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, suffered a knee injury in the fifth game of the 2024-25 season against North Alabama (Nov. 19). The 6-2 forward from O’Fallon, Mo., underwent surgery Dec. 4, 2024, and was eligible for a medical redshirt last season.

• She hoped to return to practice midway through the 2025-26 season, but her participation has been limited while she regains strength.  Potts has recently returned to active participation in Nebraska game-day shoot-arounds, but she will not return to competition this season.

• Potts, who earned a spot on the preseason top 20 list for the Katrina McClain Award, will be eligible to take a redshirt this season.

• “Natalie is working diligently and progressing with her rehabilitation,” Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. “At this time, we believe that it is in the best interest of her long-term health to give her more time to continue to progress and gain confidence with her return to full participation.”

• In 2023-24, Potts was a unanimous choice to the Big Ten All-Freshman team from the conference coaches and was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection by the league media. Potts started all 35 games for a Nebraska team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after working its way to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game. She averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game on the season.

• Through the first four games of her sophomore season, Potts averaged 17.5 points and 8.0 rebounds, before suffering her injury 10 minutes into the game with North Alabama at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

• In 2023-24, Potts led all Big Ten freshmen in rebounding (5.2 rpg) and field goal percentage (.489), while ranking second among league freshmen in scoring (10.2 ppg) and free throw percentage (.829) in 2023-24. She started all 35 games for the 23-12 Huskers, who advanced to the Big Ten Championship Game and the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Nebraska Excels in NCAA Stat Rankings
• Through 25 games, Nebraska ranks among the top 25 teams in 9 NCAA categories.
• FG% – .483 ranks 10th nationally and 3rd in the Big Ten.
• Assists Per Game – 18.5 ranks 10th nationally and 3rd in the Big Ten.
• FT% – .789 ranks 11th nationally and 2nd in the Big Ten.
• Bench Scoring – 27.1 ppg ranks 14th nationally and 1st in the Big Ten.
• Assist-to-Turnover – 1.31 ranks 17th nationally and 6th in the Big Ten.
• Average Home Attendance – 5,619 ranks 14th nationally and 5th in the Big Ten.
• Scoring – 80.4 ppg ranks 19th nationally and 6th in the Big Ten.
• 3FG% – .365 – ranks 17th nationally and 3rd in the Big Ten.
• NCAA NET – Nebraska ranks 27th nationally and 10th in the Big Ten.

Big Red Triple Threats
• Nebraska is hitting 36.5 percent of its shots from three-point range and averaging 8.1 made threes per game with shooters up and down the lineup.

• Five Huskers are shooting better than 35 percent from long range: Britt Prince (.486), Logan Nissley (.449), Amiah Hargrove (.420), Hailey Weaver (.385) and Callin Hake (.366). Additionally, Emily Fisher is 1-for-2 (.500) from long range on the season.

• In Big Ten play, the Huskers have knocked down 37.6 percent of their threes while averaging 8.1 makes per game.

Huskers Make Opponents Pay at Free Throw Line
• Nebraska is challenging the school record for best team free throw percentage in Husker history. Through 25 games, the Huskers are shooting 78.9 percent (333-422) from the line. In 2013-14, the Big Ten Tournament champion Huskers hit a school-record 79.6 percent (507-635) of their free throws.

• The top six Huskers in minutes played are all shooting 70 percent or better at the line, including Britt Prince (.937), Callin Hake (.875), Logan Nissley (.870), Amiah Hargrove (.800), Eliza Maupin (.778) and Jessica Petrie (.714).

• Britt Prince has been Nebraska’s leader at the line. The sophomore point guard leads the Big Ten and ranks second nationally by hitting 93.7 percent (74-79) of her free throw attempts. She owns a school-record (men’s or women’s basketball) streak of 56 consecutive makes and is a perfect 54-for-54 at the line in Big Ten play.

• Cathy Owen owns the Nebraska season free throw percentage record (.950, 57-60) with a minimum of 50 made free throws required. Former Husker point guard Rachel Theriot, an Ohio native and long-time European professional, hit 92.6 percent (63-68) of her free throws in 2014-15. Prince, Theriot and Owen currently own five of the top-six season free throw shooting percentages in Nebraska history, including Prince’s 87.2 percent (68-78) as a freshman last season.

Husker Forwards Producing Career Years
• Sophomore Amiah Hargrove is proving herself as one of the Big Ten’s most improved players in 2025-26. Hargrove’s 303 total points are 147 more than the 156 she scored for the Huskers over 33 games as freshman. The 6-2 forward also has more than double her total steals this season (15) compared to last season (6). She put up 24 points at No. 11 Ohio State (Feb. 1), which followed her second double-double of the year with 13 points and a career-high-tying 11 rebounds in her first start of the season against Northwestern (Jan. 28). She added 16 points and a team-high rebounds at No. 8 Michigan (Feb. 4).

• Junior Jessica Petrie has totaled 265 points through 23 games, surpassing her previous season-best total of 210 points (2024-25) in 138 fewer minutes. Petrie’s 23 blocked shots and 24 steals are also career bests, exceeding her previous career total of 12 steals through her first two seasons combined as a Husker. She had 20 blocks a year ago.

• Senior Eliza Maupin has scored 177 points for the Huskers through her 22 games this season, already surpassing her previous career-best season total of 146 points as a freshman at Kansas State (2022-23). Maupin’s seven three-pointers this season have far exceeded the one triple she hit in her first three seasons at K-State. Her 64 made field goals and 42 free throws made are also the most in a season during her career, while her 17 blocks have matched a career season high.

Carlos Alcaraz Faces Tough Draw at ATP Doha 2026: Latest Tennis News & Schedule Update


Carlos Alcaraz Faces Tough Draw at ATP Doha 2026: Latest News & Schedule Update

The tennis world is buzzing as the ATP Tour heads to the Middle East for the 2026 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. For Indian tennis fans, the eyes are firmly fixed on the Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz. As the tournament draw was unveiled, it became clear that the path to the trophy in Doha will be anything but easy for the World Number 1 contender.

The Doha Challenge: A Star-Studded Bracket

Carlos Alcaraz enters the ATP Doha 2026 as the top seed, but the bracket is loaded with elite talent. Unlike previous editions, the 2026 field features a resurgence of veteran power and rising Next-Gen stars. Alcaraz is projected to face potential quarter-final clashes against heavy hitters like Jannik Sinner or a hungry Holger Rune.

For Indian viewers tuning in via Sony Sports Network or SonyLIV, the late-evening slots in Doha align perfectly with Indian Standard Time (IST), making it prime-time viewing for the massive tennis fanbase in the subcontinent.

Key Matches and Potential Roadblocks

According to the latest tennis news, Alcaraz has been handed a particularly tricky path in the second round, where he is likely to meet a qualifier or a “giant-killer” known for upsetting seeds on the fast Doha hard courts. The desert conditions often lead to a quicker ball bounce, a surface that rewards aggressive baseliners but tests the defensive agility Alcaraz is famous for.

  • Early Rounds: Likely to face top-50 specialists who thrive on hard courts.
  • The Semi-Final Hurdle: A potential showdown with defending champions or local favourites.
  • Physical Fitness: After a grueling start to the season, all eyes are on Alcaraz’s right forearm, which has seen minor niggles in recent months.

ATP Doha 2026: Schedule Update for Indian Fans

The tournament is scheduled to take place in February 2026. Matches typically start around 4:00 PM IST, with the marquee night sessions commencing at 8:30 PM IST. This schedule is ideal for Indian fans who follow the ATP circuit closely. Stay tuned to live scores for real-time updates on Alcaraz’s progress through the draw.

Why This Matters for the 2026 Season

Doha serves as a critical stepping stone for the “Sunshine Double” (Indian Wells and Miami). A win here would give Alcaraz the momentum needed to reclaim the top spot in the ATP Rankings. Given the competition, every match in Doha will be a tactical battle, testing his mental fortitude and shot-making variety.

Conclusion

Carlos Alcaraz’s journey at the ATP Doha 2026 promises high-octane drama and world-class tennis. Despite a “tough draw,” the Spaniard remains the favourite to clinch the title. For Indian fans, this tournament represents the pinnacle of early-season tennis, offering a glimpse into the rivalry that will define the rest of 2026. Whether he’s hitting trademark drop shots or sliding on the hard court, Alcaraz in Doha is must-watch TV.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I watch Carlos Alcaraz at ATP Doha 2026 in India?

In India, you can watch the ATP Doha 2026 live on the Sony Sports Network channels. For digital streaming, the SonyLIV app and website will provide live coverage of all matches.

2. What is the time difference between Doha and India?

Doha (Qatar) is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind India. This means an evening match starting at 6:00 PM in Doha will be broadcast at 8:30 PM IST.

3. Has Carlos Alcaraz won the Doha title before?

Carlos Alcaraz has consistently performed well in Middle Eastern tournaments, though the 2026 edition is widely considered his most significant attempt at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open title following his recent injury returns.

4. Who are the other top seeds in the ATP Doha 2026 draw?

The 2026 field includes heavyweights like Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and several top-ranked stars looking to gain points before the North American hard-court swing.

5. What surface is the ATP Doha played on?

The tournament is played on outdoor hard courts at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

We have an ATP500 event next week at the Qatar Open 2026 as part of the middle eastern swing. Djokovic has withdrawn but we have Alcaraz and Sinner coming back for the first time aince the Australian Open 2026. Who will win?

0:00 | Intro
0:11 | Withdrawals
0:22 | Alcaraz (1)
1:51 | Sinner (2)
3:34 | Outro

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Tennis Talk with Cam Williams is your home for all the ATP and WTA Tours Tennis Breaking News, Draw Previews, Live Streams Play by Play, Match Previews and much more. We cover the largest tournaments throughout the season including the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open and talk about the best players including Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, Rafael Nadal, Alex Eala, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Joao Fonseca, Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka.

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