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Deadspin | OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA’s top clutch performer Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the runaway winner in the Clutch Player of the Year award balloting, revealed Tuesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander received 96 of 100 first-place votes in balloting for the Jerry West Trophy. He had 484 total points, well ahead of Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray (117) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (116). Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning league MVP and is favored to win the award again this season. But he liked receiving the Jerry West Trophy too. “This award means a lot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Clutch Player award on NBC Sports. “To get this award, you have to help your team win games late and what I’m about more than anything is winning games.” Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 points that occurred in clutch time, defined as games that were within five points in the final five minutes of regulation or overtime. He shot 60.9% from the field (39 of 64) during clutch time and made a league-best 16 go-ahead field goals. Fourth-place Cade Cunningham (50 points) of the Detroit Pistons received one first-place vote, fifth-place Jalen Brunson (42 points) of the New York Knicks landed two and sixth-place Nikola Jokic (37 points) of Denver received one. This was the fourth season in which the award was given out. De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won the 2023 award, followed by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in 2024 and Brunson last season. Fox now plays for the San Antonio Spurs. West was known as “Mr. Clutch” during his stellar career (1960-74) with the Los Angeles Lakers due to his many late-game exploits. He died in 2024. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #OKCs #Shai #GilgeousAlexander #named #NBAs #top #clutch #performer

Deadspin | OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA’s top clutch performer
Deadspin | OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA’s top clutch performer Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the runaway winner in the Clutch Player of the Year award balloting, revealed Tuesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander received 96 of 100 first-place votes in balloting for the Jerry West Trophy. He had 484 total points, well ahead of Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray (117) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (116). Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning league MVP and is favored to win the award again this season. But he liked receiving the Jerry West Trophy too. “This award means a lot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Clutch Player award on NBC Sports. “To get this award, you have to help your team win games late and what I’m about more than anything is winning games.” Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 points that occurred in clutch time, defined as games that were within five points in the final five minutes of regulation or overtime. He shot 60.9% from the field (39 of 64) during clutch time and made a league-best 16 go-ahead field goals. Fourth-place Cade Cunningham (50 points) of the Detroit Pistons received one first-place vote, fifth-place Jalen Brunson (42 points) of the New York Knicks landed two and sixth-place Nikola Jokic (37 points) of Denver received one. This was the fourth season in which the award was given out. De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won the 2023 award, followed by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in 2024 and Brunson last season. Fox now plays for the San Antonio Spurs. West was known as “Mr. Clutch” during his stellar career (1960-74) with the Los Angeles Lakers due to his many late-game exploits. He died in 2024. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #OKCs #Shai #GilgeousAlexander #named #NBAs #top #clutch #performerApr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the runaway winner in the Clutch Player of the Year award balloting, revealed Tuesday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander received 96 of 100 first-place votes in balloting for the Jerry West Trophy. He had 484 total points, well ahead of Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray (117) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (116).

Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning league MVP and is favored to win the award again this season.

But he liked receiving the Jerry West Trophy too.

“This award means a lot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Clutch Player award on NBC Sports. “To get this award, you have to help your team win games late and what I’m about more than anything is winning games.”


Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 points that occurred in clutch time, defined as games that were within five points in the final five minutes of regulation or overtime.

He shot 60.9% from the field (39 of 64) during clutch time and made a league-best 16 go-ahead field goals.

Fourth-place Cade Cunningham (50 points) of the Detroit Pistons received one first-place vote, fifth-place Jalen Brunson (42 points) of the New York Knicks landed two and sixth-place Nikola Jokic (37 points) of Denver received one.

This was the fourth season in which the award was given out. De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won the 2023 award, followed by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in 2024 and Brunson last season. Fox now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

West was known as “Mr. Clutch” during his stellar career (1960-74) with the Los Angeles Lakers due to his many late-game exploits. He died in 2024.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #OKCs #Shai #GilgeousAlexander #named #NBAs #top #clutch #performer

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Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the runaway winner in the Clutch Player of the Year award balloting, revealed Tuesday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander received 96 of 100 first-place votes in balloting for the Jerry West Trophy. He had 484 total points, well ahead of Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray (117) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (116).

Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning league MVP and is favored to win the award again this season.

But he liked receiving the Jerry West Trophy too.

“This award means a lot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Clutch Player award on NBC Sports. “To get this award, you have to help your team win games late and what I’m about more than anything is winning games.”

Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with 175 points that occurred in clutch time, defined as games that were within five points in the final five minutes of regulation or overtime.

He shot 60.9% from the field (39 of 64) during clutch time and made a league-best 16 go-ahead field goals.

Fourth-place Cade Cunningham (50 points) of the Detroit Pistons received one first-place vote, fifth-place Jalen Brunson (42 points) of the New York Knicks landed two and sixth-place Nikola Jokic (37 points) of Denver received one.

This was the fourth season in which the award was given out. De’Aaron Fox (then with the Sacramento Kings) won the 2023 award, followed by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in 2024 and Brunson last season. Fox now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

West was known as “Mr. Clutch” during his stellar career (1960-74) with the Los Angeles Lakers due to his many late-game exploits. He died in 2024.

–Field Level Media

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UK ambassador to UAE warns of regional risk amid fragile ceasefire<div style="--widget_related_list_trans: 'Related';"> <p>In the Gulf, the ceasefire is holding. But only just. For Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, that fragile pause is the only thing standing between contained tension and renewed escalation.</p><div> <div class="c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only"> <div class="c-ad__placeholder"> <img class="c-ad__placeholder__logo" src="https://static.euronews.com/website/images/logos/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg" width="72" height="72" alt="" loading="lazy"/> <span>ADVERTISEMENT</span> </div> </div> <div class="c-ad u-show-for-desktop"> <div class="c-ad__placeholder"> <img class="c-ad__placeholder__logo" src="https://static.euronews.com/website/images/logos/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg" width="72" height="72" alt="" loading="lazy"/> <span>ADVERTISEMENT</span> </div> </div> </div> <p>In an interview with Euronews, Hobart said that “the important thing is that there is a ceasefire still… we’re not going to resolve the war while we’re still fighting.”</p> <p>The message is blunt. Diplomacy does not begin in parallel with conflict. It follows it. And for now, the region is suspended in that narrow gap between the two.</p> <p>“I think we don’t know yet… but we hope, of course, that it’s part of the beginning step into something which brings us to a sustainable resolution.”</p> <p>Whether that hope holds depends largely on a stretch of water just 33 kilometres wide. The Strait of Hormuz is not just a regional flashpoint. It is a global pressure point, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil supply. When it closes, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching.</p> <p>“You can’t talk very easily while you’re firing missiles across the Straits of Hormuz,” Hobart said. </p> <p>That urgency is already shaping diplomatic engagement between London and Abu Dhabi, particularly in recent talks between the UK Foreign Secretary and the UAE Foreign Minister.</p> <h2>Security cooperation</h2> <p>“They obviously focused fundamentally on the current regional situation and Iran and in particular on the critical importance of getting the Straits of Hormuz open again,” according to Hobart.</p> <p>Behind that sits a broader strategic calibration. Security cooperation is being reinforced, but so too are the systems that underpin long-term resilience, from energy transition to financial security.</p> <p>“We agreed a framework of cooperation between our countries,” Hobart says, including work “not just in foreign policy and in defence, but also in AI… in the energy transition… in tackling global crime and illicit finance.”</p> <p>On the ground, that partnership has already been tested. The recent attacks were not incremental. They marked a step change, “unprecedented, unwarranted and hugely dangerous, risking lives.”</p> <p>And yet, the outcome could have been significantly worse. The UAE’s defensive systems held. “They’ve intercepted 95% of the projectiles fired at this country.”</p> <p>That figure is more than a statistic. It is a signal of preparedness, coordination, and a defence architecture functioning under pressure.</p> <p>For the UK, the response has been deliberately controlled. Support without escalation. “This wasn’t the UK’s war… but particularly in defence of the Gulf countries, we have enabled the US to help support that defence.”</p> <h2>Underlying risk</h2> <p>At the same time, the crisis has triggered a wider international alignment. Maritime security, once a technical issue, has become a geopolitical priority. “What we want is the law of the sea to be followed… these international thoroughfares… open and flowing.”</p> <p>That position is now backed by scale. “There were over 50 countries taking part… who are there to support freedom of navigation… in the Straits de Hormuz.”</p> <p>Even so, the underlying risk has not disappeared. It has been managed, not removed. “I think the risk is there… the risk is reduced while there isn’t fighting and while there is a prospect of talking.”</p> <p>For residents in the UAE, that translates into a cautious normality. Daily life continues, but with an awareness that conditions can shift quickly. “For expats that are here… at the moment you can live a pretty normal life, but you need to pay attention to what the authorities are saying.”</p> <p>That balance, between reassurance and realism, has defined the response. “I think it’s getting the balance right between a kind of calming message… but also the need to respond to a very unusual situation.”</p> <p>Zoom out, and a more structural picture emerges. The UAE operates in a region it cannot control. Its strength lies in how it responds. “The UAE can’t control the whole of that environment, so it’s about how does it flex and respond to that overall.”</p> <p>And despite the pressure, those fundamentals remain intact. “The fundamentals for the UAE haven’t changed… it also has a brilliant geography… and a business environment which is very conducive and open.”</p> <p>For now, that balance is holding.</p> </div>#ambassador #UAE #warns #regional #risk #fragile #ceasefireIran war,United Arab Emirates,Gulf,Ceasefire

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Deadspin | Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak have fond memories entering Zurich defense Apr 27, 2025; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Ben Griffin, left, celebrates with teammate Andrew Novak after winning on the 18th hole during the final round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak had the honor of experiencing a golf rarity at last year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. They each earned their first PGA Tour wins simultaneously in the team-based event. Twelve months later, the pair reunites at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. this week with fond memories of last year’s one-stroke victory over Danish brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard. “In golf, you really don’t get to do (win) much. Unless you’re Scottie (Scheffler) or Rory (McIlroy) or one of those lucky freaks, you don’t win that much,” Novak said at the pair’s Tuesday press conference. “I hadn’t won since before COVID on the Korn Ferry Tour. So just the fact that I got to go lift a trophy and be a winner for that week was pretty special, because I had done multiple years of not doing that.” Novak, 31, and Griffin, 29, turned pro in 2017 and 2018, respectively. They credit their extensive friendship dating back to playing junior golf together as natives of the North Carolina Research Triangle with what makes their partnership work. “We (have) just played a lot of golf together. We know each other’s games really well,” Griffin said of their chemistry. “It’s not like we’re just a random team that kind of comes about, and you kind of have expectations of the other guy and maybe there’s a little bit of added pressure because you want to hit perfect shots for your partner.” Coming off their dual debut PGA win, Griffin found more success the rest of the season than Novak. He followed with his first solo tour win less than a month later at the Charles Schwab Challenge and also won the World Wide Technology Championship, finishing 10th in the FedEx Cup rankings. “Just built a lot of confidence,” Griffin said of how he carried over the momentum of his Zurich win. “… I knew I was starting to play some really good golf and just wanted to keep playing as many events as I possibly can. Just felt that confident in my game, and I just wanted (to) keep giving myself chances. “Didn’t take long to win again, and a lot of it was kind of being freed up from finally winning on tour and having the job security and not really thinking about a whole lot except trying to compete against the best in the world and try to beat them.” Novak hasn’t won again on tour in the 12 months since, but he carries better recent form into this week’s event. He’s coming off a T16 in last week’s RBC Heritage and has three top-20 finishes as well as a top-10 this season. Griffin has made eight of 11 cuts this season but is still looking for his first top-10 finish and has just one top-20 in his first event of the season back in January. Novak admitted he arrived at this week’s event with a different vibe after last year’s Zurich success. “I do think walking into the clubhouse today and pulling in and registering, it does feel a little bit different. Just a little bit more confidence coming in here,” Novak said. “… It is a nice little different vibe. A little bit of extra confidence coming into this week. It’s still a golf tournament. We’re going to have to go out. We don’t win just because we show up. We’re going to have to play well. I think vibes are good.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ben #Griffin #Andrew #Novak #fond #memories #entering #Zurich #defenseApr 27, 2025; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Ben Griffin, left, celebrates with teammate Andrew Novak after winning on the 18th hole during the final round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak had the honor of experiencing a golf rarity at last year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

They each earned their first PGA Tour wins simultaneously in the team-based event.

Twelve months later, the pair reunites at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. this week with fond memories of last year’s one-stroke victory over Danish brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard.

“In golf, you really don’t get to do (win) much. Unless you’re Scottie (Scheffler) or Rory (McIlroy) or one of those lucky freaks, you don’t win that much,” Novak said at the pair’s Tuesday press conference. “I hadn’t won since before COVID on the Korn Ferry Tour. So just the fact that I got to go lift a trophy and be a winner for that week was pretty special, because I had done multiple years of not doing that.”

Novak, 31, and Griffin, 29, turned pro in 2017 and 2018, respectively. They credit their extensive friendship dating back to playing junior golf together as natives of the North Carolina Research Triangle with what makes their partnership work.

“We (have) just played a lot of golf together. We know each other’s games really well,” Griffin said of their chemistry. “It’s not like we’re just a random team that kind of comes about, and you kind of have expectations of the other guy and maybe there’s a little bit of added pressure because you want to hit perfect shots for your partner.”


Coming off their dual debut PGA win, Griffin found more success the rest of the season than Novak. He followed with his first solo tour win less than a month later at the Charles Schwab Challenge and also won the World Wide Technology Championship, finishing 10th in the FedEx Cup rankings.

“Just built a lot of confidence,” Griffin said of how he carried over the momentum of his Zurich win. “… I knew I was starting to play some really good golf and just wanted to keep playing as many events as I possibly can. Just felt that confident in my game, and I just wanted (to) keep giving myself chances.

“Didn’t take long to win again, and a lot of it was kind of being freed up from finally winning on tour and having the job security and not really thinking about a whole lot except trying to compete against the best in the world and try to beat them.”

Novak hasn’t won again on tour in the 12 months since, but he carries better recent form into this week’s event. He’s coming off a T16 in last week’s RBC Heritage and has three top-20 finishes as well as a top-10 this season.

Griffin has made eight of 11 cuts this season but is still looking for his first top-10 finish and has just one top-20 in his first event of the season back in January.

Novak admitted he arrived at this week’s event with a different vibe after last year’s Zurich success.

“I do think walking into the clubhouse today and pulling in and registering, it does feel a little bit different. Just a little bit more confidence coming in here,” Novak said. “… It is a nice little different vibe. A little bit of extra confidence coming into this week. It’s still a golf tournament. We’re going to have to go out. We don’t win just because we show up. We’re going to have to play well. I think vibes are good.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ben #Griffin #Andrew #Novak #fond #memories #entering #Zurich #defense">Deadspin | Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak have fond memories entering Zurich defense Apr 27, 2025; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Ben Griffin, left, celebrates with teammate Andrew Novak after winning on the 18th hole during the final round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak had the honor of experiencing a golf rarity at last year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. They each earned their first PGA Tour wins simultaneously in the team-based event. Twelve months later, the pair reunites at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. this week with fond memories of last year’s one-stroke victory over Danish brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard. “In golf, you really don’t get to do (win) much. Unless you’re Scottie (Scheffler) or Rory (McIlroy) or one of those lucky freaks, you don’t win that much,” Novak said at the pair’s Tuesday press conference. “I hadn’t won since before COVID on the Korn Ferry Tour. So just the fact that I got to go lift a trophy and be a winner for that week was pretty special, because I had done multiple years of not doing that.” Novak, 31, and Griffin, 29, turned pro in 2017 and 2018, respectively. They credit their extensive friendship dating back to playing junior golf together as natives of the North Carolina Research Triangle with what makes their partnership work. “We (have) just played a lot of golf together. We know each other’s games really well,” Griffin said of their chemistry. “It’s not like we’re just a random team that kind of comes about, and you kind of have expectations of the other guy and maybe there’s a little bit of added pressure because you want to hit perfect shots for your partner.” Coming off their dual debut PGA win, Griffin found more success the rest of the season than Novak. He followed with his first solo tour win less than a month later at the Charles Schwab Challenge and also won the World Wide Technology Championship, finishing 10th in the FedEx Cup rankings. “Just built a lot of confidence,” Griffin said of how he carried over the momentum of his Zurich win. “… I knew I was starting to play some really good golf and just wanted to keep playing as many events as I possibly can. Just felt that confident in my game, and I just wanted (to) keep giving myself chances. “Didn’t take long to win again, and a lot of it was kind of being freed up from finally winning on tour and having the job security and not really thinking about a whole lot except trying to compete against the best in the world and try to beat them.” Novak hasn’t won again on tour in the 12 months since, but he carries better recent form into this week’s event. He’s coming off a T16 in last week’s RBC Heritage and has three top-20 finishes as well as a top-10 this season. Griffin has made eight of 11 cuts this season but is still looking for his first top-10 finish and has just one top-20 in his first event of the season back in January. Novak admitted he arrived at this week’s event with a different vibe after last year’s Zurich success. “I do think walking into the clubhouse today and pulling in and registering, it does feel a little bit different. Just a little bit more confidence coming in here,” Novak said. “… It is a nice little different vibe. A little bit of extra confidence coming into this week. It’s still a golf tournament. We’re going to have to go out. We don’t win just because we show up. We’re going to have to play well. I think vibes are good.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ben #Griffin #Andrew #Novak #fond #memories #entering #Zurich #defense

Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028. The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.” Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028. Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. “Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.” The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio. The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #ColumbusMay 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028.

The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.”

Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028.


Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.”

The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio.

The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus">Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028. The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.” Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028. Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. “Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.” The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio. The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

Deadspin | Texans confirm contract extension for All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr. Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Houston Texans announced they have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension on Tuesday. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed by the team, but the contract extension was first reported last Friday as being for three years and 0 million (4 million guaranteed). Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Texans #confirm #contract #extension #AllPro #AndersonJan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans announced they have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension on Tuesday.

Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed by the team, but the contract extension was first reported last Friday as being for three years and $150 million ($134 million guaranteed).


Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.

Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Texans #confirm #contract #extension #AllPro #Anderson">Deadspin | Texans confirm contract extension for All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr. Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Houston Texans announced they have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension on Tuesday. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed by the team, but the contract extension was first reported last Friday as being for three years and 0 million (4 million guaranteed). Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Texans #confirm #contract #extension #AllPro #Anderson

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