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 | NWSL awards expansion franchise to 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 #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

Sports news

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

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#Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

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Deadspin | Texans confirm contract extension for All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr. <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27993575.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27993575.jpg" alt="NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">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<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Houston Texans announced they have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>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).</p> </section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>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.</p> </section> <section id="section-4"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Texans #confirm #contract #extension #AllPro #Anderson

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Deadspin | Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak have fond memories entering Zurich defense <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26033216.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26033216.jpg" alt="PGA: Zurich Classic of New Orleans - Final Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">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<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak had the honor of experiencing a golf rarity at last year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>They each earned their first PGA Tour wins simultaneously in the team-based event.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“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.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“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.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>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.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>“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.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“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.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Novak admitted he arrived at this week’s event with a different vibe after last year’s Zurich success.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“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.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Ben #Griffin #Andrew #Novak #fond #memories #entering #Zurich #defense

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Deadspin | Golf Glance: LPGA begins major season; PGA Tour’s lone team event Nelly Korda at the CME Group Tour Championships in Naples, Fla. on Nov. 20, 2025. The LPGA tees off its major season with the Chevron Championship, while the PGA Tour plays its only team event of the season and the DP World Tour returns to action in China. PGA TOUR THIS WEEK: Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Louisiana, April 23-26 Course: TPC Louisiana (Par 72, 7,425 Yards) Purse: .5M (Winner: .37M Each Player) Defending Champions: Ben Griffin/Andrew Novak FedEx Cup Leader: Scottie Scheffler HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+) Streaming (ESPN+): Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET; Friday: 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. X: @Zurich_Classic NOTES: This is the ninth edition of the only team event on the PGA Tour schedule. The teams will play Four-ball (best ball) on Thursday and Saturday and Foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Sunday. … Both winning team members earn a two-year exemption on tour, 400 FedEx Cup points each and spots in the PGA Championship and all remaining signature events. No Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded. … No team has yet to successfully defend a title at the Zurich Classic. … Blades Brown, 19, is in the field on a sponsor exemption and paired with former Florida State star Luke Clanton. … This is the final event for players to earn spots into next week’s signature event via the Aon Swing 5. The standings are currently led by Rick Castillo, David Lipsky, Matt Wallace, Chandler Blanchet and Jordan Smith. All but Castillo are in this week’s field. … The tournament scoring record of 258 was set by Nick Hardy and Davis Riley in 2023. BEST BETS: Matt Fitzpatrick/Alex Fitzpatrick (+1175 at DraftKings) have been enjoying excellent runs. Matt has won two of his past three events to get to a career-best No. 3 in the world, and his brother is coming off a win on the DP World Tour. … Brooks Koepka/Shane Lowry (+1550). Lowry won this event two years ago with Rory McIlroy, and a win this week would get Koepka into next week’s signature event. … Sudarshan Yellamaraju/Ryan Gerard (+1750). Yellamaraju snapped a streak of three consecutive top-15 finishes with a T52 last week. Gerard was sniffing the first page of the Masters leaderboard before settling for a T38. … Novak/Griffin (+1850). Novak has two top-16s in his past three starts. While Griffin has struggled to follow up his breakout 2025, but did play well at the Masters before a 77 on Sunday dropped him to T33. Last Tournament: RBC Heritage (Matt Fitzpatrick) Next Tournament: Cadillac Championship, Miami, April 30-May 3 LPGA TOUR THIS WEEK: The Chevron Championship, Houston, April 23-26 Course: Memorial Park (Par 72, 6,811 Yards) Purse: M (Winner: .2M) Defending Champion: Mao Saigo Race to CME Globe Leader: Nelly Korda HOW TO FOLLOW: TV: Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 6-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday: 1-3 p.m. (NBC), 3-6 p.m. (GC); 2-5:30 p.m. (NBC) Streaming (Peacock): Saturday: 1-6 p.m. ET; Sunday: 1:30-5:30 p.m. X: @Chevron_Golf NOTES: This is the first of five majors this season. Five of the past six Chevron Championship winners were also first-time major champions. … The 132-player field features the top three players in the Rolex Standings in Jeeno Thitikul, Korda and Hyo Joo Kim. Thitikul is still seeking her first major title. … The event moves to the municipal course Memorial Park following a three-year stint at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands. Memorial Park also plays host to the Texas Children’s Open on the PGA Tour. … Stacy Lewis, 41, is four months pregnant and The Woodlands native will compete in what may be her final event before retirement. … With a victory this week, Lydia Ko would pass Annika Sorenstam on the LPGA Tour’s all-time career money list. … The field includes eight amateurs, including top-ranked Kiara Romero and Asterisk Talley. Last Tournament: LA Championship (Hannah Green) Next Tournament: Mexico Riviera Maya Open, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, April 30-May 3 PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS THIS WEEK: Mitsubishi Electric Classic, Duluth, Ga., April 24-26 Course: TPC Sugarloaf (Par 72, 7,205 Yards) Purse: M (Winner: 0,000) Defending Champion: Jerry Kelly Charles Schwab Cup leader: Stewart Cink HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Friday: 9-11 p.m. ET (Golf Channel-Tape Delay); Saturday: 3-6 p.m. (CNBC); Sunday: 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel) X: @ChampionsTour NOTES: The event is moving to the Modified Stableford Scoring system. Points are awarded for: albatross (8 points), eagle (5 points), birdie (2 points), par (0 points), bogey (-1 point) and double bogey or more (-3 points). The player with the highest point total wins the event. … Kelly will make his 200th career Champions start. Last Tournament: Senior PGA Championship (Stewart Cink) Next Tournament: Regions Traditions, Birmingham, Ala., April 30-May 3 DP WORLD TOUR THIS WEEK: China Open, Shanghai, April 23-26 Course: Enhance Anting GC (Par 71, 7,188 Yards) Purse: .75M (Winner: 8, 333) Defending Champion: Ashun Wu Race to Dubai Leader: Patrick Reed HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday-Friday: 12:30-5:30 a.m. ET; Saturday: 12:30-5 a.m.; Sunday: Midnight-5 a.m. (Golf Channel) X: @DPWorldTour NOTES: This is the second of four events on the 2026 Asian Swing. The player with the most points at the end of each Swing earns a 0,000 bonus. … Already a two-time winner of his national open, Wu is attempting to become the first player to win the China Open in consecutive years. He is 19-under par in his past 20 rounds at the event. France’s Alexander Levy has also won the China Open twice. Last Tournament: Hero Indian Open (Alex Fitzpatrick) Next Tournament: Turkish Airlines Open, Antalya, April 30-May 3 LIV GOLF LEAGUE THIS WEEK: OFF. 2026 Season Leaders: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: Ripper GC Last Event: LIV Golf Mexico City (Individual: Rahm; Team: Legion XIII) Next Event: LIV Golf Virginia, Trump National GC, May 7-10 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golf #Glance #LPGA #begins #major #season #PGA #Tours #lone #team #eventNelly Korda at the CME Group Tour Championships in Naples, Fla. on Nov. 20, 2025.

The LPGA tees off its major season with the Chevron Championship, while the PGA Tour plays its only team event of the season and the DP World Tour returns to action in China.

PGA TOUR

THIS WEEK: Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Louisiana, April 23-26

Course: TPC Louisiana (Par 72, 7,425 Yards)

Purse: $9.5M (Winner: $1.37M Each Player)

Defending Champions: Ben Griffin/Andrew Novak

FedEx Cup Leader: Scottie Scheffler

HOW TO FOLLOW

TV: Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)

Streaming (ESPN+): Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET; Friday: 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

X: @Zurich_Classic

NOTES: This is the ninth edition of the only team event on the PGA Tour schedule. The teams will play Four-ball (best ball) on Thursday and Saturday and Foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Sunday. … Both winning team members earn a two-year exemption on tour, 400 FedEx Cup points each and spots in the PGA Championship and all remaining signature events. No Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded. … No team has yet to successfully defend a title at the Zurich Classic. … Blades Brown, 19, is in the field on a sponsor exemption and paired with former Florida State star Luke Clanton. … This is the final event for players to earn spots into next week’s signature event via the Aon Swing 5. The standings are currently led by Rick Castillo, David Lipsky, Matt Wallace, Chandler Blanchet and Jordan Smith. All but Castillo are in this week’s field. … The tournament scoring record of 258 was set by Nick Hardy and Davis Riley in 2023.

BEST BETS: Matt Fitzpatrick/Alex Fitzpatrick (+1175 at DraftKings) have been enjoying excellent runs. Matt has won two of his past three events to get to a career-best No. 3 in the world, and his brother is coming off a win on the DP World Tour. … Brooks Koepka/Shane Lowry (+1550). Lowry won this event two years ago with Rory McIlroy, and a win this week would get Koepka into next week’s signature event. … Sudarshan Yellamaraju/Ryan Gerard (+1750). Yellamaraju snapped a streak of three consecutive top-15 finishes with a T52 last week. Gerard was sniffing the first page of the Masters leaderboard before settling for a T38. … Novak/Griffin (+1850). Novak has two top-16s in his past three starts. While Griffin has struggled to follow up his breakout 2025, but did play well at the Masters before a 77 on Sunday dropped him to T33.

Last Tournament: RBC Heritage (Matt Fitzpatrick)

Next Tournament: Cadillac Championship, Miami, April 30-May 3

LPGA TOUR

THIS WEEK: The Chevron Championship, Houston, April 23-26

Course: Memorial Park (Par 72, 6,811 Yards)

Purse: $8M (Winner: $1.2M)

Defending Champion: Mao Saigo

Race to CME Globe Leader: Nelly Korda

HOW TO FOLLOW:

TV: Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 6-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday: 1-3 p.m. (NBC), 3-6 p.m. (GC); 2-5:30 p.m. (NBC)

Streaming (Peacock): Saturday: 1-6 p.m. ET; Sunday: 1:30-5:30 p.m.

X: @Chevron_Golf

NOTES: This is the first of five majors this season. Five of the past six Chevron Championship winners were also first-time major champions. … The 132-player field features the top three players in the Rolex Standings in Jeeno Thitikul, Korda and Hyo Joo Kim. Thitikul is still seeking her first major title. … The event moves to the municipal course Memorial Park following a three-year stint at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands. Memorial Park also plays host to the Texas Children’s Open on the PGA Tour. … Stacy Lewis, 41, is four months pregnant and The Woodlands native will compete in what may be her final event before retirement. … With a victory this week, Lydia Ko would pass Annika Sorenstam on the LPGA Tour’s all-time career money list. … The field includes eight amateurs, including top-ranked Kiara Romero and Asterisk Talley.

Last Tournament: LA Championship (Hannah Green)

Next Tournament: Mexico Riviera Maya Open, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, April 30-May 3


PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

THIS WEEK: Mitsubishi Electric Classic, Duluth, Ga., April 24-26

Course: TPC Sugarloaf (Par 72, 7,205 Yards)

Purse: $2M (Winner: $300,000)

Defending Champion: Jerry Kelly

Charles Schwab Cup leader: Stewart Cink

HOW TO FOLLOW

TV: Friday: 9-11 p.m. ET (Golf Channel-Tape Delay); Saturday: 3-6 p.m. (CNBC); Sunday: 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel)

X: @ChampionsTour

NOTES: The event is moving to the Modified Stableford Scoring system. Points are awarded for: albatross (8 points), eagle (5 points), birdie (2 points), par (0 points), bogey (-1 point) and double bogey or more (-3 points). The player with the highest point total wins the event. … Kelly will make his 200th career Champions start.

Last Tournament: Senior PGA Championship (Stewart Cink)

Next Tournament: Regions Traditions, Birmingham, Ala., April 30-May 3

DP WORLD TOUR

THIS WEEK: China Open, Shanghai, April 23-26

Course: Enhance Anting GC (Par 71, 7,188 Yards)

Purse: $2.75M (Winner: $458, 333)

Defending Champion: Ashun Wu

Race to Dubai Leader: Patrick Reed

HOW TO FOLLOW

TV: Thursday-Friday: 12:30-5:30 a.m. ET; Saturday: 12:30-5 a.m.; Sunday: Midnight-5 a.m. (Golf Channel)

X: @DPWorldTour

NOTES: This is the second of four events on the 2026 Asian Swing. The player with the most points at the end of each Swing earns a $200,000 bonus. … Already a two-time winner of his national open, Wu is attempting to become the first player to win the China Open in consecutive years. He is 19-under par in his past 20 rounds at the event. France’s Alexander Levy has also won the China Open twice.

Last Tournament: Hero Indian Open (Alex Fitzpatrick)

Next Tournament: Turkish Airlines Open, Antalya, April 30-May 3

LIV GOLF LEAGUE

THIS WEEK: OFF.

2026 Season Leaders: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: Ripper GC

Last Event: LIV Golf Mexico City (Individual: Rahm; Team: Legion XIII)

Next Event: LIV Golf Virginia, Trump National GC, May 7-10


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Golf #Glance #LPGA #begins #major #season #PGA #Tours #lone #team #event">Deadspin | Golf Glance: LPGA begins major season; PGA Tour’s lone team event Nelly Korda at the CME Group Tour Championships in Naples, Fla. on Nov. 20, 2025. The LPGA tees off its major season with the Chevron Championship, while the PGA Tour plays its only team event of the season and the DP World Tour returns to action in China. PGA TOUR THIS WEEK: Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Louisiana, April 23-26 Course: TPC Louisiana (Par 72, 7,425 Yards) Purse: .5M (Winner: .37M Each Player) Defending Champions: Ben Griffin/Andrew Novak FedEx Cup Leader: Scottie Scheffler HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+) Streaming (ESPN+): Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET; Friday: 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. X: @Zurich_Classic NOTES: This is the ninth edition of the only team event on the PGA Tour schedule. The teams will play Four-ball (best ball) on Thursday and Saturday and Foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Sunday. … Both winning team members earn a two-year exemption on tour, 400 FedEx Cup points each and spots in the PGA Championship and all remaining signature events. No Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded. … No team has yet to successfully defend a title at the Zurich Classic. … Blades Brown, 19, is in the field on a sponsor exemption and paired with former Florida State star Luke Clanton. … This is the final event for players to earn spots into next week’s signature event via the Aon Swing 5. The standings are currently led by Rick Castillo, David Lipsky, Matt Wallace, Chandler Blanchet and Jordan Smith. All but Castillo are in this week’s field. … The tournament scoring record of 258 was set by Nick Hardy and Davis Riley in 2023. BEST BETS: Matt Fitzpatrick/Alex Fitzpatrick (+1175 at DraftKings) have been enjoying excellent runs. Matt has won two of his past three events to get to a career-best No. 3 in the world, and his brother is coming off a win on the DP World Tour. … Brooks Koepka/Shane Lowry (+1550). Lowry won this event two years ago with Rory McIlroy, and a win this week would get Koepka into next week’s signature event. … Sudarshan Yellamaraju/Ryan Gerard (+1750). Yellamaraju snapped a streak of three consecutive top-15 finishes with a T52 last week. Gerard was sniffing the first page of the Masters leaderboard before settling for a T38. … Novak/Griffin (+1850). Novak has two top-16s in his past three starts. While Griffin has struggled to follow up his breakout 2025, but did play well at the Masters before a 77 on Sunday dropped him to T33. Last Tournament: RBC Heritage (Matt Fitzpatrick) Next Tournament: Cadillac Championship, Miami, April 30-May 3 LPGA TOUR THIS WEEK: The Chevron Championship, Houston, April 23-26 Course: Memorial Park (Par 72, 6,811 Yards) Purse: M (Winner: .2M) Defending Champion: Mao Saigo Race to CME Globe Leader: Nelly Korda HOW TO FOLLOW: TV: Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 6-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday: 1-3 p.m. (NBC), 3-6 p.m. (GC); 2-5:30 p.m. (NBC) Streaming (Peacock): Saturday: 1-6 p.m. ET; Sunday: 1:30-5:30 p.m. X: @Chevron_Golf NOTES: This is the first of five majors this season. Five of the past six Chevron Championship winners were also first-time major champions. … The 132-player field features the top three players in the Rolex Standings in Jeeno Thitikul, Korda and Hyo Joo Kim. Thitikul is still seeking her first major title. … The event moves to the municipal course Memorial Park following a three-year stint at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands. Memorial Park also plays host to the Texas Children’s Open on the PGA Tour. … Stacy Lewis, 41, is four months pregnant and The Woodlands native will compete in what may be her final event before retirement. … With a victory this week, Lydia Ko would pass Annika Sorenstam on the LPGA Tour’s all-time career money list. … The field includes eight amateurs, including top-ranked Kiara Romero and Asterisk Talley. Last Tournament: LA Championship (Hannah Green) Next Tournament: Mexico Riviera Maya Open, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, April 30-May 3 PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS THIS WEEK: Mitsubishi Electric Classic, Duluth, Ga., April 24-26 Course: TPC Sugarloaf (Par 72, 7,205 Yards) Purse: M (Winner: 0,000) Defending Champion: Jerry Kelly Charles Schwab Cup leader: Stewart Cink HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Friday: 9-11 p.m. ET (Golf Channel-Tape Delay); Saturday: 3-6 p.m. (CNBC); Sunday: 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel) X: @ChampionsTour NOTES: The event is moving to the Modified Stableford Scoring system. Points are awarded for: albatross (8 points), eagle (5 points), birdie (2 points), par (0 points), bogey (-1 point) and double bogey or more (-3 points). The player with the highest point total wins the event. … Kelly will make his 200th career Champions start. Last Tournament: Senior PGA Championship (Stewart Cink) Next Tournament: Regions Traditions, Birmingham, Ala., April 30-May 3 DP WORLD TOUR THIS WEEK: China Open, Shanghai, April 23-26 Course: Enhance Anting GC (Par 71, 7,188 Yards) Purse: .75M (Winner: 8, 333) Defending Champion: Ashun Wu Race to Dubai Leader: Patrick Reed HOW TO FOLLOW TV: Thursday-Friday: 12:30-5:30 a.m. ET; Saturday: 12:30-5 a.m.; Sunday: Midnight-5 a.m. (Golf Channel) X: @DPWorldTour NOTES: This is the second of four events on the 2026 Asian Swing. The player with the most points at the end of each Swing earns a 0,000 bonus. … Already a two-time winner of his national open, Wu is attempting to become the first player to win the China Open in consecutive years. He is 19-under par in his past 20 rounds at the event. France’s Alexander Levy has also won the China Open twice. Last Tournament: Hero Indian Open (Alex Fitzpatrick) Next Tournament: Turkish Airlines Open, Antalya, April 30-May 3 LIV GOLF LEAGUE THIS WEEK: OFF. 2026 Season Leaders: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: Ripper GC Last Event: LIV Golf Mexico City (Individual: Rahm; Team: Legion XIII) Next Event: LIV Golf Virginia, Trump National GC, May 7-10 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golf #Glance #LPGA #begins #major #season #PGA #Tours #lone #team #event

Venus Williams was knocked out of the Madrid Open on Tuesday as the 45-year-old went down in straight sets to Kaitlin Quevedo.

The 20-year-old Spanish wild card beat the seven-time Grand Slam champion 6-2, 6-4 in just under one hour and 45 minutes on court.

Ranked 479th in the world, Williams has now lost all seven matches she has played this season. It was her first match on clay since Roland Garros five years ago.

ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Every game was closely contested in a first set marked by numerous unforced errors due to the wind blowing across the Estadio Manolo Santana but the world number 140, playing in her first 1000-level event, was the more consistent of the two.

Williams got off to a better start in the second set, taking a 3-0 lead, before Quevedo began to fight back and the match was then interrupted by rain while the roof over the centre court was closed.

Quevedo won five consecutive games to seal her passage to the second round.

Earlier, former world number two Paula Badosa lost 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-0 to Julia Grabher as the Spaniard exited her hometown event at the round-of-128 stage.

Beatriz Haddad Maia, a 2023 Roland Garros semi-finalist, went out 6-1, 6-1 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Later, 2025 Roland Garros sensation Lois Boisson makes her return to action when she takes on Peyton Stearns for a spot in the second round, where top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka awaits.

Published on Apr 22, 2026

#Venus #Williams #eliminated #Madrid #Open">Venus Williams eliminated from first round of Madrid Open Venus Williams was knocked out of the Madrid Open on Tuesday as the 45-year-old went down in straight sets to Kaitlin Quevedo.The 20-year-old Spanish wild card beat the seven-time Grand Slam champion 6-2, 6-4 in just under one hour and 45 minutes on court.Ranked 479th in the world, Williams has now lost all seven matches she has played this season. It was her first match on clay since Roland Garros five years ago.ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comebackEvery game was closely contested in a first set marked by numerous unforced errors due to the wind blowing across the Estadio Manolo Santana but the world number 140, playing in her first 1000-level event, was the more consistent of the two.Williams got off to a better start in the second set, taking a 3-0 lead, before Quevedo began to fight back and the match was then interrupted by rain while the roof over the centre court was closed.Quevedo won five consecutive games to seal her passage to the second round.Earlier, former world number two Paula Badosa lost 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-0 to Julia Grabher as the Spaniard exited her hometown event at the round-of-128 stage.Beatriz Haddad Maia, a 2023 Roland Garros semi-finalist, went out 6-1, 6-1 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.Later, 2025 Roland Garros sensation Lois Boisson makes her return to action when she takes on Peyton Stearns for a spot in the second round, where top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka awaits.Published on Apr 22, 2026 #Venus #Williams #eliminated #Madrid #Open

Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Every game was closely contested in a first set marked by numerous unforced errors due to the wind blowing across the Estadio Manolo Santana but the world number 140, playing in her first 1000-level event, was the more consistent of the two.

Williams got off to a better start in the second set, taking a 3-0 lead, before Quevedo began to fight back and the match was then interrupted by rain while the roof over the centre court was closed.

Quevedo won five consecutive games to seal her passage to the second round.

Earlier, former world number two Paula Badosa lost 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-0 to Julia Grabher as the Spaniard exited her hometown event at the round-of-128 stage.

Beatriz Haddad Maia, a 2023 Roland Garros semi-finalist, went out 6-1, 6-1 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Later, 2025 Roland Garros sensation Lois Boisson makes her return to action when she takes on Peyton Stearns for a spot in the second round, where top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka awaits.

Published on Apr 22, 2026

#Venus #Williams #eliminated #Madrid #Open">Venus Williams eliminated from first round of Madrid Open

Venus Williams was knocked out of the Madrid Open on Tuesday as the 45-year-old went down in straight sets to Kaitlin Quevedo.

The 20-year-old Spanish wild card beat the seven-time Grand Slam champion 6-2, 6-4 in just under one hour and 45 minutes on court.

Ranked 479th in the world, Williams has now lost all seven matches she has played this season. It was her first match on clay since Roland Garros five years ago.

ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Every game was closely contested in a first set marked by numerous unforced errors due to the wind blowing across the Estadio Manolo Santana but the world number 140, playing in her first 1000-level event, was the more consistent of the two.

Williams got off to a better start in the second set, taking a 3-0 lead, before Quevedo began to fight back and the match was then interrupted by rain while the roof over the centre court was closed.

Quevedo won five consecutive games to seal her passage to the second round.

Earlier, former world number two Paula Badosa lost 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-0 to Julia Grabher as the Spaniard exited her hometown event at the round-of-128 stage.

Beatriz Haddad Maia, a 2023 Roland Garros semi-finalist, went out 6-1, 6-1 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Later, 2025 Roland Garros sensation Lois Boisson makes her return to action when she takes on Peyton Stearns for a spot in the second round, where top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka awaits.

Published on Apr 22, 2026

#Venus #Williams #eliminated #Madrid #Open
Deadspin | Patriots coach Mike Vrabel chides own decisions in addressing Russini fallout Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Mike Vrabel admitted “difficult conversations with people I care about” were necessary to address photos were published of the Patriots head coach and a former Athletic reporter. Vrabel’s comments to reporters Tuesday come approximately two weeks after the New York Post published pictures of Vrabel and journalist Dianna Russini holding hands and hugging at an adults-only hotel in Sedona, Ariz. The league held its annual meetings in Phoenix from March 29-April 1. Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are both married. Vrabel initially told the Post that the photos were a “completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.” Vrabel took a much more serious and accountable tone on Tuesday. “I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive,” Vrabel said. “You know, we believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. You never want to be the cause of a distraction. And when I — those are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team, with the team, we’ll keep those private and to ourselves. “I care deeply about this football team, and I’m excited to coach them. I also know that I’m gonna attack each day with humility and focus. And what I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward. That’s what I know, and I’m excited to do that. But I wanted to go and just address this, and thank you for your patience in dealing with the private and personal matter.” Several follow-up questions by reporters essentially were dismissed by Vrabel, who said he would keep private the conversations he had with the team’s brass. Russini resigned from the Athletic, where she was lead NFL reporter, last Tuesday amid an internal investigation into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel. Vrabel took over as head coach of the Patriots — the team for which he played — before the 2025 season and led New England to the Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patriots #coach #Mike #Vrabel #chides #decisions #addressing #Russini #falloutFeb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Mike Vrabel admitted “difficult conversations with people I care about” were necessary to address photos were published of the Patriots head coach and a former Athletic reporter.

Vrabel’s comments to reporters Tuesday come approximately two weeks after the New York Post published pictures of Vrabel and journalist Dianna Russini holding hands and hugging at an adults-only hotel in Sedona, Ariz. The league held its annual meetings in Phoenix from March 29-April 1.

Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are both married. Vrabel initially told the Post that the photos were a “completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”

Vrabel took a much more serious and accountable tone on Tuesday.


“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive,” Vrabel said. “You know, we believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. You never want to be the cause of a distraction. And when I — those are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team, with the team, we’ll keep those private and to ourselves.

“I care deeply about this football team, and I’m excited to coach them. I also know that I’m gonna attack each day with humility and focus. And what I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward. That’s what I know, and I’m excited to do that. But I wanted to go and just address this, and thank you for your patience in dealing with the private and personal matter.”

Several follow-up questions by reporters essentially were dismissed by Vrabel, who said he would keep private the conversations he had with the team’s brass.

Russini resigned from the Athletic, where she was lead NFL reporter, last Tuesday amid an internal investigation into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel.

Vrabel took over as head coach of the Patriots — the team for which he played — before the 2025 season and led New England to the Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Patriots #coach #Mike #Vrabel #chides #decisions #addressing #Russini #fallout">Deadspin | Patriots coach Mike Vrabel chides own decisions in addressing Russini fallout Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Mike Vrabel admitted “difficult conversations with people I care about” were necessary to address photos were published of the Patriots head coach and a former Athletic reporter. Vrabel’s comments to reporters Tuesday come approximately two weeks after the New York Post published pictures of Vrabel and journalist Dianna Russini holding hands and hugging at an adults-only hotel in Sedona, Ariz. The league held its annual meetings in Phoenix from March 29-April 1. Vrabel, 50, and Russini, 43, are both married. Vrabel initially told the Post that the photos were a “completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.” Vrabel took a much more serious and accountable tone on Tuesday. “I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive,” Vrabel said. “You know, we believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. You never want to be the cause of a distraction. And when I — those are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team, with the team, we’ll keep those private and to ourselves. “I care deeply about this football team, and I’m excited to coach them. I also know that I’m gonna attack each day with humility and focus. And what I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly, will get the best version of me going forward. That’s what I know, and I’m excited to do that. But I wanted to go and just address this, and thank you for your patience in dealing with the private and personal matter.” Several follow-up questions by reporters essentially were dismissed by Vrabel, who said he would keep private the conversations he had with the team’s brass. Russini resigned from the Athletic, where she was lead NFL reporter, last Tuesday amid an internal investigation into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel. Vrabel took over as head coach of the Patriots — the team for which he played — before the 2025 season and led New England to the Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patriots #coach #Mike #Vrabel #chides #decisions #addressing #Russini #fallout

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