Deadspin | Men’s NCAA Tournament TV ratings best in 30-plus years

Deadspin | Men’s NCAA Tournament TV ratings best in 30-plus years

Sports news

Mar 21, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; The March Madness logo is seen prior to game between the Texas A&M Aggies and Houston Cougars in the second round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

As the Final Four approaches, some blocks of the 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament have been the most watched in more than 30 years, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel numbers released Wednesday.

CBS Sports and TNT Sports averaged 10.3 million viewers through last weekend’s Elite Eight, making it the most watched NCAA Tournament over two weekends since 1993. Those numbers are up 9%.

The UConn-Duke thriller in the Elite Eight peaked at 18.9 million viewers for the conclusion and averaged 13.4 million viewers.

The early primetime window of the Sweet 16 last week, which included Duke-St. John’s and Michigan-Alabama games, averaged 14.2 million viewers, which is up 38%. It is the most watched early primetime window of the Sweet 16 since 1992.

Every game of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight had better viewership numbers than last year.

Nielsen’s relatively new Big Data + Panel ratings, which was accredited just over a year ago, is a hybrid of cable and satellite ratings, along with viewership numbers from smart TVs. The data is taken from 45 million households and 75 million devices, according to Variety.

–Field Level Media

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FC Goa continued its strong run in the Indian Super League 2025-26, registering a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

A first-half strike from Dejan Drazic and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mohammed Yasir secured all three points for the Gaurs, who climbed to second place with 19 points from 10 matches. NorthEast United remained 12th with seven points. Captain Sandesh Jhingan, who delivered a commanding performance at the back, was named Player of the Match.

The Highlanders began brightly, with Redeem Tlang testing Hrithik Tiwari early with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. Moments later, Brison Fernandes made a lively run down the left but failed to find a teammate inside the box. At the other end, Boris Singh went close twice from distance, but both efforts drifted wide.

NorthEast United looked threatening on the break, with Jithin MS nearly capitalising on a well-timed through ball from Lalrinzuala, only to be denied by a composed save from Tiwari.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Muhammed Nemil produced a lofted pass from deep to release Drazic. The forward held off pressure from fullback Mayakkannan before finishing with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Goa the lead.

Drazic’s evening was cut short soon after as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Abdul Rabeeh. The substitute made an immediate impact, linking up with Udanta Singh to create chances, including a close effort from Nemil that narrowly missed the target.

Goa continued to assert control, with Jhingan marshalling the defence and stepping up with key interceptions to nullify NorthEast’s attacks. The host had a few late first-half advances, but Goa’s backline held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Goa controlling possession while NorthEast searched for openings. Early pressure from Goa nearly produced a second goal when Nemil’s curling free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet.

ALSO READ: Title aspirants Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City face off at Sree Kanteerava

NorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.

Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear chances remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defence without adding to the scoreline.

As NorthEast pushed for an equaliser, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the move before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled it before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner off the post.

FC Goa saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#ISL #Goa #defeats #NorthEast #United #climb #standings">ISL 2025-26: FC Goa defeats NorthEast United 0-2 to climb second in standings FC Goa continued its strong run in the Indian Super League 2025-26, registering a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.A first-half strike from Dejan Drazic and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mohammed Yasir secured all three points for the Gaurs, who climbed to second place with 19 points from 10 matches. NorthEast United remained 12th with seven points. Captain Sandesh Jhingan, who delivered a commanding performance at the back, was named Player of the Match.The Highlanders began brightly, with Redeem Tlang testing Hrithik Tiwari early with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. Moments later, Brison Fernandes made a lively run down the left but failed to find a teammate inside the box. At the other end, Boris Singh went close twice from distance, but both efforts drifted wide.NorthEast United looked threatening on the break, with Jithin MS nearly capitalising on a well-timed through ball from Lalrinzuala, only to be denied by a composed save from Tiwari.The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Muhammed Nemil produced a lofted pass from deep to release Drazic. The forward held off pressure from fullback Mayakkannan before finishing with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Goa the lead.Drazic’s evening was cut short soon after as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Abdul Rabeeh. The substitute made an immediate impact, linking up with Udanta Singh to create chances, including a close effort from Nemil that narrowly missed the target.Goa continued to assert control, with Jhingan marshalling the defence and stepping up with key interceptions to nullify NorthEast’s attacks. The host had a few late first-half advances, but Goa’s backline held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.The second half followed a similar pattern, with Goa controlling possession while NorthEast searched for openings. Early pressure from Goa nearly produced a second goal when Nemil’s curling free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet.ALSO READ: Title aspirants Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City face off at Sree KanteeravaNorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear chances remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defence without adding to the scoreline.As NorthEast pushed for an equaliser, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the move before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled it before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner off the post.FC Goa saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #ISL #Goa #defeats #NorthEast #United #climb #standings

Title aspirants Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City face off at Sree Kanteerava

NorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.

Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear chances remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defence without adding to the scoreline.

As NorthEast pushed for an equaliser, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the move before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled it before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner off the post.

FC Goa saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#ISL #Goa #defeats #NorthEast #United #climb #standings">ISL 2025-26: FC Goa defeats NorthEast United 0-2 to climb second in standings

FC Goa continued its strong run in the Indian Super League 2025-26, registering a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

A first-half strike from Dejan Drazic and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mohammed Yasir secured all three points for the Gaurs, who climbed to second place with 19 points from 10 matches. NorthEast United remained 12th with seven points. Captain Sandesh Jhingan, who delivered a commanding performance at the back, was named Player of the Match.

The Highlanders began brightly, with Redeem Tlang testing Hrithik Tiwari early with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. Moments later, Brison Fernandes made a lively run down the left but failed to find a teammate inside the box. At the other end, Boris Singh went close twice from distance, but both efforts drifted wide.

NorthEast United looked threatening on the break, with Jithin MS nearly capitalising on a well-timed through ball from Lalrinzuala, only to be denied by a composed save from Tiwari.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Muhammed Nemil produced a lofted pass from deep to release Drazic. The forward held off pressure from fullback Mayakkannan before finishing with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Goa the lead.

Drazic’s evening was cut short soon after as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Abdul Rabeeh. The substitute made an immediate impact, linking up with Udanta Singh to create chances, including a close effort from Nemil that narrowly missed the target.

Goa continued to assert control, with Jhingan marshalling the defence and stepping up with key interceptions to nullify NorthEast’s attacks. The host had a few late first-half advances, but Goa’s backline held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Goa controlling possession while NorthEast searched for openings. Early pressure from Goa nearly produced a second goal when Nemil’s curling free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet.

ALSO READ: Title aspirants Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City face off at Sree Kanteerava

NorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.

Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear chances remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defence without adding to the scoreline.

As NorthEast pushed for an equaliser, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the move before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled it before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner off the post.

FC Goa saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#ISL #Goa #defeats #NorthEast #United #climb #standings
Deadspin | Report: Cognizant Classic hit by PGA cutbacks Todd Fleming, Executive Director of Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches with the 17th green in the distance on February 9, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The tournament director of the Cognizant Classic of the Palm Beaches has been laid off as part of a staff reduction by the PGA Tour, Sports Illustrated reported Friday. On Thursday, the PGA Tour laid off 56 employees, per the report. Todd Fleming, the Cognizant director, was among them. The Cognizant is expected to go on in 2027 with an interim director in charge. The tournament has been operated by PGA Tour Events for the past three years. That group also is in charge of events that include the Players Championship and the Tour Championship and uses PGA Tour employees. Most tournaments on the PGA Tour are operated and owned by local groups that work on behalf of area non-profits. The Cognizant first was held in 1972 and known then as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic. It later was called the Honda Classic and then the Cognizant. Since 2007, PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens has been the home course of the event. It was played this season from Feb. 26-March 1 and won by Nico Echavarria, who earned just over .728 million. Earlier this week, the PGA Tour said it is dropping the January season-opening events in Hawaii. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Cognizant #Classic #hit #PGA #cutbacksTodd Fleming, Executive Director of Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches with the 17th green in the distance on February 9, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The tournament director of the Cognizant Classic of the Palm Beaches has been laid off as part of a staff reduction by the PGA Tour, Sports Illustrated reported Friday.

On Thursday, the PGA Tour laid off 56 employees, per the report. Todd Fleming, the Cognizant director, was among them.

The Cognizant is expected to go on in 2027 with an interim director in charge. The tournament has been operated by PGA Tour Events for the past three years. That group also is in charge of events that include the Players Championship and the Tour Championship and uses PGA Tour employees.


Most tournaments on the PGA Tour are operated and owned by local groups that work on behalf of area non-profits.

The Cognizant first was held in 1972 and known then as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic. It later was called the Honda Classic and then the Cognizant.

Since 2007, PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens has been the home course of the event. It was played this season from Feb. 26-March 1 and won by Nico Echavarria, who earned just over $1.728 million.

Earlier this week, the PGA Tour said it is dropping the January season-opening events in Hawaii.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Cognizant #Classic #hit #PGA #cutbacks">Deadspin | Report: Cognizant Classic hit by PGA cutbacks Todd Fleming, Executive Director of Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches with the 17th green in the distance on February 9, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The tournament director of the Cognizant Classic of the Palm Beaches has been laid off as part of a staff reduction by the PGA Tour, Sports Illustrated reported Friday. On Thursday, the PGA Tour laid off 56 employees, per the report. Todd Fleming, the Cognizant director, was among them. The Cognizant is expected to go on in 2027 with an interim director in charge. The tournament has been operated by PGA Tour Events for the past three years. That group also is in charge of events that include the Players Championship and the Tour Championship and uses PGA Tour employees. Most tournaments on the PGA Tour are operated and owned by local groups that work on behalf of area non-profits. The Cognizant first was held in 1972 and known then as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic. It later was called the Honda Classic and then the Cognizant. Since 2007, PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens has been the home course of the event. It was played this season from Feb. 26-March 1 and won by Nico Echavarria, who earned just over .728 million. Earlier this week, the PGA Tour said it is dropping the January season-opening events in Hawaii. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Cognizant #Classic #hit #PGA #cutbacks

The Athletics Federation of India on Friday announced selection criteria for 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships scheduled for August 5-9 in Eugene, USA.

Selection of the Indian squad for 2026 World Athletics U-20 will be finalised based on performance at three different domestic competitions.

The Indian Athletics Series 9 in Ludhiana, Punjab on June 13 will be one of the platforms to select athletes for the U-20 Worlds. The events are: 1500m, 3,000m, 5,000m, 3000m steeplechase, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw.

Indian Athletics Series (10th leg) on June 14 in Trivandrum, Kerala will also be one of the qualification competitions. The events in Kerala are 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 110mh,100mh, 400mh, high jump, pole vault, long jump and triple jump.

The ongoing 24th National Junior Federation Competition in Tumkur, Karnataka will mainly act as a qualification event for decathlon/ heptathlon and race walk.

Only one athlete per event will be automatically considered for selection based on the performance. Except for the relay.

The second entry will be subject to the discretion of the AFI selection committee.

Performance at the 22nd Asian U-20 athletics Championships in Hong Kong from May 28 to 31 can be considered for selection provided the athletes have competed in final trials and maintained their performance.

Qualification standards
Men

100m: 10.51 seconds, 200: 21.51 seconds, 400: 47.11 secs, 800m: 1:50.55 secs, 1500m: 3:44.54 secs, 3000m: 8:23.60 secs, 5,000m: 13:56.95 secs, 110mh: 13:56.95 secs, 400mh: 51.61 secs, 3000m steeplechase: 8:39.79 secs, High jump: 2.08m, Pole vault: 5.05m, Long jump: 7.56m, Triple jump: 15.60m, Shot put: 19.17m, Discus throw: 59.72m, Hammer throw: 68.73m, Javelin throw: 68.98m, Decathlon: 7505 points, 5000m racewalk: 19:44.75 secs, 4x100m relay: 40.26 secs, 4x400m relay: 3:14.04 secs, Mixed 4x100m relay: 43.84 secs, Mixed 4x400m relay: 3:25.37 secs.

Women

100m: 11.64 seconds, 200: 23.40 seconds, 400: 53.09 secs, 800m: 2:09.36 secs, 1500m: 4:21.05 secs, 3000m: 9:06.92 secs, 5,000m: 16:14.34, 100mh: 13.53 secs, 400mh: 59.23 secs, 3000m steeplechase: 9:52.84 secs, High jump: 1.80m, Pole vault: 4.05m, Long jump: 6.09m, Triple jump: 13.11m, Shot put: 14.95m, Discus throw: 51.43m, Hammer throw: 62.51m, Javelin throw: 49.61m, heptathlon: 5207 points, 5000m racewalk: 22:21.82 secs, 4x100m relay: 45.64 secs, 4x400m relay: 3:39.30 secs.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#AFI #announces #selection #criteria #World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Full #list #qualification #standards">AFI announces selection criteria for World Athletics U-20 Championships — Full list of qualification standards The Athletics Federation of India on Friday announced selection criteria for 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships scheduled for August 5-9 in Eugene, USA.Selection of the Indian squad for 2026 World Athletics U-20 will be finalised based on performance at three different domestic competitions.The Indian Athletics Series 9 in Ludhiana, Punjab on June 13 will be one of the platforms to select athletes for the U-20 Worlds. The events are: 1500m, 3,000m, 5,000m, 3000m steeplechase, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw.Indian Athletics Series (10th leg) on June 14 in Trivandrum, Kerala will also be one of the qualification competitions. The events in Kerala are 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 110mh,100mh, 400mh, high jump, pole vault, long jump and triple jump.The ongoing 24th National Junior Federation Competition in Tumkur, Karnataka will mainly act as a qualification event for decathlon/ heptathlon and race walk.Only one athlete per event will be automatically considered for selection based on the performance. Except for the relay.The second entry will be subject to the discretion of the AFI selection committee.Performance at the 22nd Asian U-20 athletics Championships in Hong Kong from May 28 to 31 can be considered for selection provided the athletes have competed in final trials and maintained their performance. Qualification standards Men 100m: 10.51 seconds, 200: 21.51 seconds, 400: 47.11 secs, 800m: 1:50.55 secs, 1500m: 3:44.54 secs, 3000m: 8:23.60 secs, 5,000m: 13:56.95 secs, 110mh: 13:56.95 secs, 400mh: 51.61 secs, 3000m steeplechase: 8:39.79 secs, High jump: 2.08m, Pole vault: 5.05m, Long jump: 7.56m, Triple jump: 15.60m, Shot put: 19.17m, Discus throw: 59.72m, Hammer throw: 68.73m, Javelin throw: 68.98m, Decathlon: 7505 points, 5000m racewalk: 19:44.75 secs, 4x100m relay: 40.26 secs, 4x400m relay: 3:14.04 secs, Mixed 4x100m relay: 43.84 secs, Mixed 4x400m relay: 3:25.37 secs. Women 100m: 11.64 seconds, 200: 23.40 seconds, 400: 53.09 secs, 800m: 2:09.36 secs, 1500m: 4:21.05 secs, 3000m: 9:06.92 secs, 5,000m: 16:14.34, 100mh: 13.53 secs, 400mh: 59.23 secs, 3000m steeplechase: 9:52.84 secs, High jump: 1.80m, Pole vault: 4.05m, Long jump: 6.09m, Triple jump: 13.11m, Shot put: 14.95m, Discus throw: 51.43m, Hammer throw: 62.51m, Javelin throw: 49.61m, heptathlon: 5207 points, 5000m racewalk: 22:21.82 secs, 4x100m relay: 45.64 secs, 4x400m relay: 3:39.30 secs. Published on Apr 24, 2026 #AFI #announces #selection #criteria #World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Full #list #qualification #standards

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