USL plans to start league that would rival MLS

USL Set to Launch a New Division One Men's Professional League by 2027

In a groundbreaking announcement, the United Soccer League (USL) revealed plans to introduce a Division One men's professional league by 2027, positioning itself as a rival to Major League Soccer (MLS). This new league will operate independently of MLS while adhering to the sanctioning standards set forth by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Alec Papadakis, the CEO of USL, described this initiative as a pivotal moment for both the USL and the broader landscape of soccer in the United States.

Papadakis emphasized that launching a Division One league represents a significant step toward expanding access to premier competition in the country. “By uniting people through soccer and bringing Division One to more cities, we're not just growing the sport—we're creating lasting opportunities and nurturing a sustainably vibrant soccer ecosystem in the U.S.,” he stated.

This newly proposed league would represent the highest tier in a three-level structure within USL, which currently includes the USL Championship (Division Two) and USL League One (Division Three). The establishment of a tiered system aims to foster a promotion and relegation model in the long term, a distinction that sets USL apart from MLS, which does not feature promotion or relegation.

In a subsequent statement, U.S. Soccer provided support for this initiative, highlighting the growing strength of the United States as a soccer nation. They noted that the investment in soccer infrastructure will only gather momentum as the country prepares to host major events like the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With its origins tracing back to 1986, USL has been dedicated to developing a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway in soccer for both men and women. The organization has already made strides in women’s soccer with the introduction of the USL Super League (Division I) in 2024 and the USL W League, which leads the pre-professional women's leagues in the country. The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics continue to enhance interest in soccer, further spurring the development of local leagues like the USL.

Sources: Qatar cooling investment in France, PSG

Ousmane Dembélé is on a blistering scoring streak for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Recently, he added two more goals to his tally in a convincing win against Brest, showcasing his current form. Football analyst Julien Laurens sheds light on what drives Dembélé's exceptional performance, noting that not only is he capitalizing on opportunities, but also fulfilling the expectations that come with being a standout player in one of Europe’s top leagues.

However, this impressive sporting performance comes amidst a shifting financial landscape for PSG. Reports indicate that Qatar's investment vehicles are reconsidering their interests in France, including their ownership stake in PSG. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), with assets estimated around €500 billion, along with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), has apparently eased its investment activities within the country for more than a year now.

The tweak in investment strategy is not in direct response to the ongoing investigation against PSG's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Although he faces preliminary charges related to alleged corruption involving a French businessman, both Al-Khelaifi and his allies maintain that these issues are entirely separate from his obligations to the club. They assert that Al-Khelaifi is merely being embroiled in a scandal due to his high-profile status.

Discontent with local media treatment and French political environments has influenced Qatari officials to reassess their portfolio in France. While QIA continues to manage significant assets in Paris, including hotels and properties, there are signs of divestment from their French investments. PSG was once seen as a priority for QIA and QSI since their acquisition in 2011, but the club has continually failed to meet the ambitious goal set by QSI: winning the UEFA Champions League.

Interestingly, American investment fund Arctos, along with NBA star Kevin Durant, acquired a minority stake in PSG in late 2023, signaling QSI's intent to welcome outside investors. Meanwhile, QSI is also exploring opportunities beyond France, having recently invested in the Portuguese club Braga. As the landscape continues to change, the future of both Dembélé and PSG could present new and intriguing challenges.

Havertz out for season as Arsenal confirm surgery

Arsenal's hopes for a successful season have taken a significant hit with the announcement that star player Kai Havertz will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to a hamstring injury. This setback occurred during the club's midseason training camp in Dubai, where Havertz suffered the injury enhancing concerns about the team's attacking capabilities.

Arsenal confirmed that Havertz will undergo surgery in the coming days, followed by a recovery program that is anticipated to last into the preseason preparations for the next season. The club stated, "We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week. Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days. Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into preseason preparations for next season." The club expresses its full support for Havertz, aiming to ensure he returns to full fitness as quickly as possible.

This injury presents a grim scenario for Arsenal, who are already short on attacking options. Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for the entire season following a knee surgery, leaving the squad struggling for a recognized striker. Havertz, having played a pivotal role this season with 34 appearances and being the club's top scorer with 15 goals, was seen as a crucial player for Mikel Arteta's plans.

The situation raises questions regarding Arsenal's decision not to secure a striker during the January transfer window. After a rejected £40 million bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Arteta expressed disappointment about the team's limited attacking options. Potential targets, such as Benjamin Sesko from Red Bull Leipzig and Alexander Isak from Newcastle, were not available, complicating the pursuit further.

Interestingly, prior to Havertz’s unfortunate injury, Arsenal had begun to find some footing in their attacking lineup, especially with Bukayo Saka nearing a return from his hamstring injury. Saka’s recovery, which included a return to light training, offered a glimmer of hope for the team's offensive strategy ahead of his expected comeback in March.

Ronaldo tops sport rich list, no women in top 100

In a recent conversation on Gab & Juls, former footballer Sami Khedira revealed an intriguing anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo's competitive nature during training at Juventus. Khedira shared that Ronaldo would often engage his teammates in friendly bets that involved wine bottles—adding a playful twist to their practice sessions.

Highlighting Ronaldo's dominance in the sports world, Sportico's recent report confirms that the football legend topped the list of the world's highest-paid athletes once again, accumulating an astounding total income of $260 million in 2024. The report noted that despite the impressive figures, there were no female athletes featured in the top 100 earners, a reflection of the ongoing gender disparity in sports compensation.

The cumulative earnings of the leading 100 athletes reached an impressive $6.2 billion, which includes $4.8 billion in salaries and prizes, along with $1.4 billion in endorsements. As part of Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking income, his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr played a significant role, yielding $215 million in wages and $45 million in endorsements. Having just celebrated his 40th birthday, Ronaldo's earnings far exceeded those of his nearest competitors.

In fact, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, ranked second, earned $153.8 million—over $100 million less than Ronaldo. Following Curry were Tyson Fury, Lionel Messi, and LeBron James in the rankings, showcasing the elite tier of sports professionals distributed across multiple sports and countries.

While the list predominantly featured male athletes, Coco Gauff managed to make her mark as the highest-earning female athlete with $30.4 million, indicating that more women might break into the top tier in the future. Comparatively, athletes like Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, once at the forefront of female athletic earnings, show a fluctuating landscape of sports salaries, underscoring the need for ongoing support and recognition of women in sports.

How the U.S. ran up a 6-1 win over Finland: Grades, top players and lingering questions

The opening match of the 4 Nations Face-Off showcased an intense battle as Canada edged out Sweden with a close 4-3 overtime victory. However, the second game was a rapidly shifting affair where the United States faced Finland. Initially, the score was locked at 1-1 for 37 minutes, but the U.S. team decisively broke free, eventually thrashing Finland with a 6-1 score on the scoreboard.

Looking ahead, Finland is set to clash with their rivals, Sweden, at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, followed by a highly-anticipated match between the U.S. and Canada later that night at 8 p.m. ET. Let’s unpack the U.S. victory against Finland, complete with team grades, standout performances, and what lies in store for the next games.

Grading the Teams

United States: A
Team USA commenced the match cautiously, aware that a subpar showing against Finland could reflect poorly, especially after a solid performance by Canada the previous night. Yet, despite an early struggle, they maintained poise and composure, culminating in a remarkable last 23 minutes where they scored four goals. The standout moment was Matt Boldy’s deft deflection that ignited their scoring spree. With a significant advantage in scoring chances and an expected goals percentage of 72.5%, this match was an important confidence booster as they prepare to face Canada.

Finland: D
Finland’s impressive start unraveled dramatically in the first minute of the third period. Their disciplined approach was unfairly interrupted by a penalty, leading to a rapid shift from a close contest to a daunting three-goal deficit. The once-promising game spiraled as Team USA capitalized on the slip-up, effectively sealing Finland's fate and underscoring their struggles amidst key absences from their lineup.

Key Learning Points

The Tkachuks have emerged as pivotal players, showcasing their synergy on the ice. Their combined efforts proved lethal, showcasing a dynamic ability to orchestrate scoring plays. Meanwhile, Finland's top lines struggled to make significant contributions, raising pressing concerns regarding their offensive effectiveness going forward.

The song “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd not only serves as the U.S. goal anthem but also carries an underlying competitive spirit, reminding everyone of their previous triumphs in a lighthearted jibe at Canada.

Player Watch
Auston Matthews of Team USA has shown promise despite not scoring this match; his contributions were integral in setting up others for success. Conversely, Mikko Rantanen’s lack of performance underscores a critical need for Finland’s star players to step up amidst mounting pressure.

Looking Ahead
The upcoming matches pit Finland against Sweden, and the U.S. gearing up to take on Canada. Team USA’s commanding win against Finland not only boosts their morale but also sets a thrilling stage for a climactic showdown against their long-standing rivals. Finnish coach Antti Pennanen faces tough decisions as he seeks to recalibrate his squad amidst evident shortcomings.

Castroneves turns to provisional for Daytona 500

In an exciting development for racing fans, four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves is set to compete in the prestigious Daytona 500 as the special 41st driver. This opportunity is made possible through a new rule that allows a "world-class driver" to secure a provisional spot. Although Castroneves had aimed to qualify on his own merit, he found himself involved in an early eight-car crash during the qualifying race, forcing his Chevrolet to the sidelines for repairs and eliminating his chances of earning a spot through traditional means.

"Unfortunately, we're going to have to take the provisional," Castroneves stated. "That's not what we wanted, but we will. In the end, we have more to learn." Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace emerged victorious in the first qualifying race, making a historic win for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team. Wallace expressed his long-desired win for the Duel, stating, "I've wanted one of these Duel wins for so long; now I got one, and I'm good!"

Justin Allgaier secured the only open spot from the first race, marking a significant entry for JR Motorsports, co-owned by racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Allgaier stated the achievement meant a lot to his team, and with music star Chris Stapleton sponsoring, excitement is high. Austin Cindric and Erik Jones competed fiercely in the second qualifying race, with Cindric taking the victory after a late caution altered the race outcome, much to Jones's disappointment.

Surprisingly, Castroneves's involvement means the Daytona 500 will host its largest field since 2015, although Trackhouse Racing will miss out on points or payouts for his efforts. The controversy surrounding the provisional has caught the attention of notable drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr., who were surprised at not being considered for the designation. Ultimately, however, both managed to secure their places through time trials.

The Daytona 500 qualifying process is unique, with only the front row determined by time trials and the remaining open spots secured in qualifying races, leading to a thrilling race day on Sunday.

Sources: Mavs C Gafford to miss at least 6 weeks

In a significant setback for the Dallas Mavericks, center Daniel Gafford has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 sprain of his right knee's MCL, ruling him out for at least six weeks. The injury occurred during the team's recent defeat against the Sacramento Kings, and the Mavericks announced that he will be reevaluated in two weeks after the incident.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Gafford expressed optimism regarding his recovery with a brief message: "Y'all wait for me...Be back soon." However, this injury adds to the Mavericks' woes, as they will now be without their top three big men following the All-Star break.

Sources indicate that All-Star forward/center Anthony Davis, a major addition from the Luka Doncic trade, is also expected to be on the sidelines for at least four weeks due to a left adductor strain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II, previously the starting center, is recovering from a stress fracture in his right ankle and is currently in a walking boot. Additionally, reserve center Dwight Powell has missed the last 14 games with a strained hip.

Despite these injuries, the Mavericks managed to secure back-to-back victories against the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat with 6-foot-7 two-way player Kessler Edwards stepping in as the starting center.

Tkachuk brothers power U.S. to rout over Finland

Brotherly Brilliance: Tkachuks Shine in U.S. Victory

On February 13, 2025, the Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, showcased their dynamic chemistry and physical style of play in their first major game together, leading the United States to a resounding 6-1 victory over Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off held in Montreal. Both brothers scored twice, leaving no doubt about their impact on the game from the very first puck drop.

"That's the way we play, one of the reasons why we're on the team," Matthew Tkachuk, a recent Stanley Cup champion, remarked after finishing the game with three points. The brothers exhibited their aggressive playing style, which set a competitive tone as they relentlessly pursued their opponents, including Brady delivering a game-high eight hits against Finnish player Niko Mikkola.

The game was marked by physicality and high-paced action from the outset, evidenced by a notable hit from American Jack Eichel, who knocked Finnish captain Aleksander Barkov into the U.S. bench. Coach Mike Sullivan praised the Tkachuk brothers for their ability to elevate their teammates, describing their presence as igniting a combative spirit within the squad.

As the game progressed, it became clear that the scoring was only a matter of time. After a stagnant first half, American Matt Boldy finally broke through to score the go-ahead goal by deflecting a shot from teammate Brock Faber. It was only 15 seconds into the third period when Matthew Tkachuk struck again, leading to a flurry of goals that silenced the Finnish crowd.

Despite Finland's early 1-0 lead courtesy of Henri Jokiharju's shot, U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck proved to be a formidable last line of defense, stopping 20 shots after conceding the initial goal. In contrast, Finnish netminder Juuse Saros struggled, allowing six goals on 32 shots, leading to speculation about changes in their lineup for their next matchup against Sweden.

After this emphatic win, the focus for the U.S. team shifts to their upcoming encounter with Canada, a match that Brady Tkachuk anticipates as "the biggest game" of his career. The Tkachuks' performance has laid a strong foundation for the U.S. to build upon as they aim for further success in the tournament.

Watkins dazzles as USC takes down No. 1 UCLA

JuJu Watkins Shines in USC's Upset Win Over UCLA

In a thrilling showdown on February 13, 2025, the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans faced off against their crosstown rivals, the UCLA Bruins, in a highly anticipated match that saw JuJu Watkins deliver an extraordinary performance. Scoring an impressive 38 points, Watkins led the sixth-ranked Trojans to a 71-60 victory, marking the Bruins' first loss of the season.

The game began with an energetic start from the Trojans, who established a 14-point lead in the second quarter, driven solely by Watkins' scoring prowess. However, the third quarter proved challenging for USC as they could only muster nine points, allowing UCLA a 52-47 lead going into the final period.

With the sellout crowd at the Galen Center roaring with anticipation, USC made a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter. The Trojans outscored the Bruins 24-8, ending the match with an 11-2 run, a testament to their resilience and determination. Kiki Iriafen also contributed significantly with 13 points for USC, while Lauren Betts led the Bruins with a solid performance of 18 points and 13 rebounds.

This victory marks a historic moment for USC, as it is their first win against a top-ranked team since 1983. With a record of 22-2, USC's strong performance is a testament to their exceptional skill and teamwork, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.

Kershaw: Didn't feel like right time to retire

Clayton Kershaw, the acclaimed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has recently opened up about the challenges he's faced while recovering from foot surgery. After undergoing the procedure to address a bone spur and a ruptured plantar plate, Kershaw spent a daunting four weeks on crutches followed by another four weeks confined to a walking boot. Each painful step made it difficult for him to fulfill his role as a father to his four kids.

Despite contemplating retirement in recent years, Kershaw has embraced a rigorous rehabilitation process, eager to return to the mound this summer. "I hope this is the last time I have to rehab—I'm kind of done with that—but at the same time, I don't want that to be the reason that I stop playing," he shared after Thursday's workout. Having recently celebrated his 37th birthday on March 19, Kershaw reflected on the importance of being part of the team during last year's championship victory, despite not being able to pitch.

In addition to the foot surgery, Kershaw had previously undergone shoulder surgery in November 2023 and was excited to be a part of the Dodgers' rotation last summer, although he was sidelined due to aggravating a longstanding toe injury. The Dodgers, recognizing his contributions to the team, saved him a roster spot while finalizing a new contract worth $7.5 million with several performance incentives.

As Kershaw recovers, his loyalty to the Dodgers remains steadfast. He expressed gratitude for being able to spend his entire career with one organization: "I'm so thankful for this organization. It is special to be able to be in one organization for your entire career." He aims to continue wearing the Dodgers jersey for as long as he can, navigating his recovery with the hope of rejoining a formidable rotation that includes stars like Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell.

Currently, he has started running and has been long-tossing, with plans to begin throwing bullpen sessions soon. Kershaw anticipates being back in the Dodgers' rotation by late May or early June, though he remains uncertain about whether this season might be his last. Balancing family life, especially with his daughter in fourth grade, adds another layer to his journey. Kershaw is grateful for the time spent at home during this recovery phase, recognizing the challenges of balancing his baseball career and family life.

Giants looking to sell limited stake in NFL team

The New York Giants are making headlines as they announce plans to sell a limited stake in the team, potentially setting a new record for valuation among NFL franchises. As of Thursday, the team is considering selling up to 10% of its shares, a move that comes amid the growing valuation of NFL teams, fueled by immense media deals and market interest.

The ownership remains within the prominent Mara and Tisch families, who collectively control 50% of the franchise. John Mara and Steve Tisch have expertly managed the team since the passing of their fathers in 2005. With the Giants renowned as one of the most valuable sports franchises globally, thanks to their storied history and the lucrative New York City market, the team has enlisted Moelis & Co. to facilitate this exploration.

The official statement from the Giants emphasized that the investigation for a minority, non-controlling stake is in its early stages, and further comments will be limited. Notably, the valuation of the Giants sits at an impressive $7.3 billion, according to Forbes, while CNBC estimates it at $7.85 billion. In contrast, other teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, recently crowned Super Bowl champs, reached valuations between $6.6 billion and $7 billion, showcasing the fluctuating landscape of NFL finances.

This initiative follows an NFL policy change in August, which permits private equity firms to invest up to 10% in teams. With notable recent transactions, such as Arctos Partners acquiring 10% of the Buffalo Bills and Ares Management purchasing the same stake in the Miami Dolphins, the Giants are strategically positioning themselves in a rapidly evolving financial environment.

Follow live: No. 1 UCLA faces off against JuJu Watkins, No. 6 USC

In a thrilling matchup that’s the talk of the town, the top-ranked UCLA Bruins are set to maintain their impeccable record as they take on the No. 6 USC Trojans in a highly anticipated clash. With a flawless 23-0 record, the Bruins are currently the only unbeaten Division I team in the nation, both men’s and women’s categories. This first game of two between these Big Ten rivals is just 14 miles away from UCLA, making for an exciting crosstown rivalry.

Leading UCLA into this confrontation is Lauren Betts, a towering 6-foot-7 junior who has been impressive this season, averaging 19.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. On the opposing side, USC's star, JuJu Watkins, is not one to overlook, boasting an average of 23.9 points per game, and having previously broken the NCAA freshman single-season scoring record.

As the teams gear up for battle, both Betts and Watkins are strong contenders for the national player of the year, although Hannah Hidalgo, a sophomore from Notre Dame, leads in the current race.

The big question looms: Will UCLA continue their perfect streak, or will the Trojans claim an essential victory to enhance their resume and dethrone their local rival? Stay tuned, as live coverage and expert analysis of this top-10 showdown will have fans on the edge of their seats!

Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal, Liverpool eye Amoura

Impact of Kai Havertz's Injury on Arsenal

In a recent development, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is reportedly set to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. This setback comes as a significant blow to the team, which has been relying on him for his performance and creativity on the pitch.

The ESPN FC crew shared insights on the ramifications of this injury, emphasizing Havertz's crucial role within the squad. His absence could necessitate strategic adjustments as Arsenal navigates the upcoming fixtures without this key player.

Transfer News Heating Up

As Arsenal seeks to fill the gap left by Havertz, the club is also exploring other transfer opportunities. Notably, there are reports of interest in Mohamed Amoura, a promising forward currently on loan at Wolfsburg, valued at €14.5 million. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have shown keen interest in him, potentially looking to boost their attacking options.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and AFC Bournemouth are eyeing Feyenoord's Igor Paixão after his standout performance against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League. His impressive displays have put him on the radar of several Premier League clubs.

Future Transfer Targets

Juventus is reportedly prioritizing a move for Feyenoord defender Dávid Hancko, with a hefty price tag of at least €35 million, indicating the competitive nature of the transfer market as teams prepare for the summer window. Additionally, Chelsea is monitoring the situation of goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher at Liverpool, reflecting their concerns over current squad performance.

In the backdrop of these updates, Crystal Palace is already strategizing replacements for Marc Guéhi, who is likely to attract attention from major clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham due to his contract situation.

Jays GM: 'Desire is strong' to extend Vlad Jr.

DUNEDIN, Fla. – The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing a long-term contract with their star first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. With Guerrero set to report to spring training soon, this creates a sense of urgency for the team, as he has made it clear that he will not engage in contract negotiations once he arrives. His reporting date is expected to be this coming Tuesday.

Blue Jays' general manager, Ross Atkins, expressed the organization's strong desire to retain Guerrero, stating, "We've worked extremely hard on keeping Vlad here for a long time. The desire is strong, and we will continue to do that. We will never close the door." Currently, Guerrero's salary stands at an impressive $28.5 million, positioning him as a top free-agent candidate after the 2025 World Series.

Adding to the pressure, Juan Soto recently made headlines by signing a record-breaking $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets. Atkins emphasized the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach toward team valuations and roster construction, considering various historical financial factors.

Guerrero had an outstanding previous season, boasting a batting average of .323, with 30 home runs and 103 runs batted in, and he finished sixth in the American League MVP voting. Blue Jays manager John Schneider reiterated the team's commitment to Guerrero, hoping for a positive resolution: "We all want Vlad to be here. He's got a huge career ahead of him, wherever that may be. We hope it's here." The team has also stated that they have no intention of trading the star player.

It's not just Guerrero they're focusing on this offseason; the Blue Jays also made significant moves by signing Anthony Santander to a $92.5 million, five-year deal and bringing in right-hander Max Scherzer with a $15.5 million, one-year contract. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is eager to bounce back after an injury-plagued last season, emphasizing, "I need to be healthy. I need to make my starts." In response to last year's setbacks, he acknowledged that the back injury felt like a significant concern.

'What a moment!' | O'Brien kicks Leigh to golden-point win with dramatic drop goal

In a thrilling encounter on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Leigh secured a remarkable victory over defending champions Wigan, thanks to the outstanding performance of Gareth O'Brien. O'Brien clinched the game with a perfectly timed drop goal, breaking the deadlock that had persisted throughout the match.

This victory not only highlights O'Brien's skill and composure under pressure but also marks a significant achievement for Leigh, who managed to outshine one of the top teams in the league. The match was a true testament to the competitive spirit of rugby, showcasing both teams' determination to win.

Premier League champion Littler beats Humphries to win Glasgow thriller

In an electrifying showdown in Glasgow, defending Premier League champion Luke Littler rose to the occasion, overcoming world No. 1 Luke Humphries 6-5. This thrilling match marked Littler's first nightly victory of the season, showcasing his remarkable resilience.

Initially, Littler faced a daunting challenge, trailing 5-1 against Rob Cross in the quarter-finals. However, the 18-year-old demonstrated his skill by staging a stunning comeback, eventually winning that match 6-5 before proceeding to take on heavyweights like Michael van Gerwen.

The finals were notable not only for the high-stakes competition but also for the crowd's reaction, with jeers and whistles directed at Humphries. In fact, PDC referee Kirk Bevins had to intervene, reminding fans to maintain decorum. Despite this distraction, Humphries appeared to combat an injury to his finger, yet he kept the pressure on Littler throughout the final.

In a vibrant display of competitive darts, Littler delivered an impressive 170 checkout that electrified the audience. Ultimately, the match culminated in a nail-biting deciding-leg shoot-out, which Littler clinched on double 20 (D20) after a tense back-and-forth exchange.

Littler reflected on the unusual final, expressing his appreciation for the fierce competition and the crowd's engagement. He noted the importance of his decisive 11-darter when the match was on the line, emphasizing how crucial that moment was for his victory.

This win positions Littler firmly in the Premier League race, proving that he remains a formidable force in professional darts. With the next match set for February 20 at Dublin's 3Arena, both players are expected to continue their fierce rivalry.

Former football players sue over 'Last Chance U'

Former Players Sue Over 'Last Chance U' Portrayal

LOS ANGELES -- In a significant legal move, six ex-football players from East Mississippi Community College, known for their appearances on the popular documentary series Last Chance U, have filed a lawsuit against multiple defendants, including their alma mater, Netflix, and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

The plaintiffs, John Franklin III, Ronald Ollie, C.J. Reavis, Deandre Johnson, Tim Bonner, and Isaiah Wright, are seeking an astonishing $30 million in damages, claiming they were not compensated for their contributions to the series. They are holding the defendants accountable for what they describe as the wrongful misappropriation of their likenesses and insisting on fair remuneration for their work.

The players participated in the series during different seasons—Franklin, Ollie, and Reavis in 2015; Johnson and Bonner in 2016; and Wright played in both years. The list of those being sued also includes Conde Nast Entertainment and Greg Whiteley, the director and executive producer of Last Chance U. This compelling documentary focuses on the tumultuous lives of junior college football players, with the first two seasons dedicated to East Mississippi.

In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege they weren't provided with adequate legal representation or the opportunity to thoroughly read their contracts before agreeing to have their names and images featured in the series. They state they were pressured into signing agreements, with threats suggesting that refusing to do so would jeopardize their ability to practice and compete, effectively sidelining their dreams of playing professional football.

The complaint highlights that the college profited from merchandise featuring the players showcased in the series while the plaintiffs received no financial compensation. The lawsuit further asserts that their portrayals in the documentary created a false narrative that harmed their reputations.

Ryans: New OC can get Texans 'over the hump'

DeMeco Ryans, the head coach of the Houston Texans, expressed high hopes for his newly appointed offensive coordinator, Nick Caley, stating that he believes Caley can help the team "get over the hump." This optimism comes after Ryans led the Texans to clinch the AFC South title two years in a row and win a wild-card playoff game, although they faced disappointing losses in the divisional round.

Ryans highlighted the need for improvement, as the offense struggled significantly, especially in their recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. With a notable drop in offensive performance under former coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was let go after the team experienced challenges with their scoring and protection of quarterback C.J. Stroud, Ryans aims to elevate the team's capabilities.

Caley, who has never been an offensive coordinator before, comes in with impressive prior experience, including a stint with the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. He brings a fresh perspective and is eager to work with Stroud, praising his natural skills and competitiveness. Caley mentioned that while he has past experiences to draw from, he plans to develop an offense tailored specifically for Houston.

As fans await the upcoming season, Ryans and Caley's partnership could potentially signal a turning point for the Texans, especially with the roster featuring notable talent like Pro Bowlers Laremy Tunsil and Joe Mixon.

Kershaw: Didn't feel like right time to retire

GB win silver and bronze at European Championships

In a thrilling display of teamwork and determination, Great Britain clinched both silver and bronze medals in the team pursuit events at the European Championships held in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. The men's team, composed of Josh Charlton, Michael Gill, Noah Hobbs, and Rhys Britton, put their all into the gold medal ride-off against reigning world champions Denmark. Despite their valiant effort, they narrowly missed out, finishing just half a second behind in an exhilarating sprint finish.

On the women's front, the British team faced Italy in their round one match-up. Although they didn’t advance past this round, their impressive time of 4 minutes and 18.745 seconds was sufficient for them to qualify for a bronze medal ride-off against France. The team—Grace Lister, Maddie Leech, Sophie Lewis, and Anna Morris—started strong and managed to fend off a revived French team, ultimately racing ahead to secure victory by an impressive margin of 5.208 seconds.

These outcomes marked a contrast from day one of the championships, when the women's team had previously won silver while the men took bronze in the team sprints. Unfortunately, individual competitors faced challenges; Lauren Bell and Rhian Edmunds were unable to repeat the team success, as both were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the women's sprint. Matt Walls concluded the men's points race in 13th place, while Neah Evans, still recovering from an earlier crash, finished ninth in the women's elimination race. Championship newcomers Lyall Craig and Harry Radford placed 13th and 14th, respectively, in the men's 1km time trial.