Deadspin | Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama named 1st-time MVP finalist Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Third-year San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is a first-time NBA Most Valuable Player candidate along with Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the league announced Sunday. The league announced the MVP finalists, along with the finalists for the rest of its 2025-26 season awards, during the broadcast of the opening game of the Orlando Magic versus Detroit Pistons playoff series on NBC. Wembanyama, who is also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, averaged a career-best 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds and led the league with 3.1 blocks per game. He would be the youngest MVP in league history at 22 years old, a few months younger than Derrick Rose was in 2010-11. To do so, he’ll have to beat out the last two league MVPs in Gilgeous-Alexander (31.1 ppg, 6.6 assists per game, 4.3 rpg), who won his first MVP last season, and Jokic (27.7 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 10.7 apg), who won his third in 2023-24. Detroit’s Ausar Thompson and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren are the other two finalists for DPOY, which Wembanyama is heavily favored to win. Three of the first four picks in last year’s draft are the finalists for Rookie of the Year. No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg of Dallas (21.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.2 steals per game), No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe of Philadelphia (16.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg) and No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel of Charlotte (18.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, league-high 273 made 3-pointers) earned the recognition. Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Portland’s Deni Avdija and Detroit’s Jalen Duren are the three finalists for Most Improved Player. In his first season in Atlanta, Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points — 9.8 more than in any of his first six seasons. Avdija averaged a career-high 24.2 points, and Duren — like Avdija a first-time All-Star — averaged 19.5 points, far exceeding the 11.8 he averaged last season. The Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr., Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. and San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson are the finalists for Sixth Man of the Year. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, Denver’s Jamal Murray and Gilgeous-Alexander are finalists for Clutch Player of the Year. Any of them would be a first-time winner of the award, which will be given out for the fourth time this year. Three coaches of top-two seeded teams were named finalists for Coach of the Year in Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff, San Antonio’s Mitch Johnson and Boston’s Joe Mazzulla. Whoever wins will be a first-time COTY. The award winners will start being announced this coming week during playoff broadcasts, starting Monday with Defensive Player of the Year, Clutch Player on Tuesday, Sixth Man on Wednesday and Most Improved Player on Friday. NBA award finalists Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) Nikola Jokic (Denver) Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio) Rookie of the Year VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia) Cooper Flagg (Dallas) Kon Knueppel (Charlotte) Defensive Player of the Year Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City) Ausar Thompson (Detroit) Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio) Most Improved Player Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta) Deni Avdija (Portland) Jalen Duren (Detroit) Sixth Man of the Year Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver) Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami) Keldon Johnson (San Antonio) Clutch Player of the Year Anthony Edwards (Minnesota) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) Jamal Murray (Denver) Coach of the Year J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit) Mitch Johnson (San Antonio) Joe Mazzulla (Boston) –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #named #1sttime #MVP #finalist

Deadspin | Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama named 1st-time MVP finalist
Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Third-year San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is a first-time NBA Most Valuable Player candidate along with Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the league announced Sunday.

The league announced the MVP finalists, along with the finalists for the rest of its 2025-26 season awards, during the broadcast of the opening game of the Orlando Magic versus Detroit Pistons playoff series on NBC.

Wembanyama, who is also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, averaged a career-best 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds and led the league with 3.1 blocks per game. He would be the youngest MVP in league history at 22 years old, a few months younger than Derrick Rose was in 2010-11.

To do so, he’ll have to beat out the last two league MVPs in Gilgeous-Alexander (31.1 ppg, 6.6 assists per game, 4.3 rpg), who won his first MVP last season, and Jokic (27.7 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 10.7 apg), who won his third in 2023-24.

Detroit’s Ausar Thompson and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren are the other two finalists for DPOY, which Wembanyama is heavily favored to win.

Three of the first four picks in last year’s draft are the finalists for Rookie of the Year. No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg of Dallas (21.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.2 steals per game), No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe of Philadelphia (16.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg) and No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel of Charlotte (18.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, league-high 273 made 3-pointers) earned the recognition.

Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Portland’s Deni Avdija and Detroit’s Jalen Duren are the three finalists for Most Improved Player. In his first season in Atlanta, Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points — 9.8 more than in any of his first six seasons. Avdija averaged a career-high 24.2 points, and Duren — like Avdija a first-time All-Star — averaged 19.5 points, far exceeding the 11.8 he averaged last season.

The Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr., Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. and San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson are the finalists for Sixth Man of the Year.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, Denver’s Jamal Murray and Gilgeous-Alexander are finalists for Clutch Player of the Year. Any of them would be a first-time winner of the award, which will be given out for the fourth time this year.

Three coaches of top-two seeded teams were named finalists for Coach of the Year in Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff, San Antonio’s Mitch Johnson and Boston’s Joe Mazzulla. Whoever wins will be a first-time COTY.

The award winners will start being announced this coming week during playoff broadcasts, starting Monday with Defensive Player of the Year, Clutch Player on Tuesday, Sixth Man on Wednesday and Most Improved Player on Friday.

NBA award finalists

Most Valuable Player

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)

Nikola Jokic (Denver)

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)

Rookie of the Year

VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia)

Cooper Flagg (Dallas)

Kon Knueppel (Charlotte)

Defensive Player of the Year

Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City)

Ausar Thompson (Detroit)

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)

Most Improved Player

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta)

Deni Avdija (Portland)

Jalen Duren (Detroit)

Sixth Man of the Year

Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver)

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami)

Keldon Johnson (San Antonio)

Clutch Player of the Year

Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)

Jamal Murray (Denver)

Coach of the Year

J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit)

Mitch Johnson (San Antonio)

Joe Mazzulla (Boston)

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #named #1sttime #MVP #finalist

Sports news April 20, 2026

Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Third-year San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is a first-time NBA Most Valuable Player candidate along with Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the league announced Sunday.

The league announced the MVP finalists, along with the finalists for the rest of its 2025-26 season awards, during the broadcast of the opening game of the Orlando Magic versus Detroit Pistons playoff series on NBC.

Wembanyama, who is also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, averaged a career-best 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds and led the league with 3.1 blocks per game. He would be the youngest MVP in league history at 22 years old, a few months younger than Derrick Rose was in 2010-11.

To do so, he’ll have to beat out the last two league MVPs in Gilgeous-Alexander (31.1 ppg, 6.6 assists per game, 4.3 rpg), who won his first MVP last season, and Jokic (27.7 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 10.7 apg), who won his third in 2023-24.

Detroit’s Ausar Thompson and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren are the other two finalists for DPOY, which Wembanyama is heavily favored to win.

Three of the first four picks in last year’s draft are the finalists for Rookie of the Year. No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg of Dallas (21.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.2 steals per game), No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe of Philadelphia (16.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg) and No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel of Charlotte (18.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, league-high 273 made 3-pointers) earned the recognition.

Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Portland’s Deni Avdija and Detroit’s Jalen Duren are the three finalists for Most Improved Player. In his first season in Atlanta, Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points — 9.8 more than in any of his first six seasons. Avdija averaged a career-high 24.2 points, and Duren — like Avdija a first-time All-Star — averaged 19.5 points, far exceeding the 11.8 he averaged last season.

The Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr., Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. and San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson are the finalists for Sixth Man of the Year.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, Denver’s Jamal Murray and Gilgeous-Alexander are finalists for Clutch Player of the Year. Any of them would be a first-time winner of the award, which will be given out for the fourth time this year.

Three coaches of top-two seeded teams were named finalists for Coach of the Year in Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff, San Antonio’s Mitch Johnson and Boston’s Joe Mazzulla. Whoever wins will be a first-time COTY.

The award winners will start being announced this coming week during playoff broadcasts, starting Monday with Defensive Player of the Year, Clutch Player on Tuesday, Sixth Man on Wednesday and Most Improved Player on Friday.

NBA award finalists

Most Valuable Player

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)

Nikola Jokic (Denver)

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)

Rookie of the Year

VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia)

Cooper Flagg (Dallas)

Kon Knueppel (Charlotte)

Defensive Player of the Year

Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City)

Ausar Thompson (Detroit)

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)

Most Improved Player

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta)

Deni Avdija (Portland)

Jalen Duren (Detroit)

Sixth Man of the Year

Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver)

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami)

Keldon Johnson (San Antonio)

Clutch Player of the Year

Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)

Jamal Murray (Denver)

Coach of the Year

J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit)

Mitch Johnson (San Antonio)

Joe Mazzulla (Boston)

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #named #1sttime #MVP #finalist

Konate close to new Liverpool deal, keen to stay amid Real Madrid links <div id="content-body-70884517" itemprop="articleBody">Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté said he is close to agreeing a new contract with the Premier League club, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season. The 26-year-old France international, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a reported fee of 36 million pound, had been linked with a move to Real Madrid.Konaté has been a key part of Arne Slot’s side, forming a strong defensive partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk. During his time at Anfield, he has won the Premier League, two League Cups and the FA Cup, and finished runner-up in the Champions League.“There are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,” Konaté told reporters after Liverpool’s 2-1 derby win over Everton on Sunday.“I think everyone wants that as soon as possible, but we are in a good place.“For sure, there is a big chance that I will be here next season. This is what I have always wanted.ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/epl/premier-league-title-race-arsenal-manchester-city-next-opponents-teams-matches-this-season/article70883144.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Premier League title race: Who are Manchester City and Arsenal playing next?</a>“I am waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is done you will have to ask Richard Hughes what I told him in September and November, before all the speculation. He will say something to make everyone quiet.”The current campaign is set to end without silverware for the defender, with Liverpool eliminated from the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, and sitting fifth in the Premier League with five matches remaining.“It has been a bad season by Liverpool’s standards. If we finish in the top four, we will not be happy,” Konaté said. “It is an amazing club and a great family. This club means so much to me.”Published on Apr 20, 2026</div> #Konate #close #Liverpool #deal #keen #stay #Real #Madrid #links

Deadspin | Giants’ Landen Roupp on a roll entering series finale vs. Marlins Apr 4, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp (65) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images A pair of 27-year-old right-handers who are off to successful starts will face relatively unfamiliar opponents on Sunday afternoon when Max Meyer and the Miami Marlins close a three-game road series against Landen Roupp and the San Francisco Giants. The teams have split the first two games of the set, with the Giants drawing even Saturday in a 6-2 win after the Marlins dominated the opener 9-4. Meyer (1-0, 3.96 ERA) has allowed no more than three runs in any of his outings this season, with Miami winning three of his five starts. He limited the St. Louis Cardinals to two runs and three hits over 5 1/3 innings on Monday, striking out a season-best eight in his team’s 5-3 home win. The fourth-year major-leaguer has never faced the Giants, who experienced an interesting situation on Saturday when designated hitter Casey Schmitt slipped rounding second base in the second inning of a scoreless game, eventually costing San Francisco a run. But Schmitt responded with a tie-breaking, two-run home run four innings later, giving the hosts a lead they never relinquished. Giants manager Tony Vitello insisted to reporters afterward that he was not surprised how the sequence of events unfolded. “He makes the coaches feel comfortable around him because he’s not afraid to laugh at himself, which we all have to do because we all make mistakes,” Vitello noted of Schmitt. “He wants to win. When an obstacle comes up, he gets a little more determined. I don’t think it’s a coincidence (the home run) happened.” The Giants’ Roupp (4-1, 2.28 ERA) has been the club’s best starter in the early going, including a current three-game personal winning streak in which he held the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers to a total of two runs and seven hits in 17 innings, striking out 17. He has won his last two starts despite getting just three runs of support in each. Roupp has thrown just one inning against the Marlins in his three-year career, a hitless ninth in a 7-5 home loss in September 2024. The right-hander will have to deal with a lineup that’s been much more productive against righty pitchers this season, including the season-high-tying, 16-hit outburst in a game started by right-hander Adrian Houser on Friday. The Marlins weren’t nearly as effective Saturday as the Giants threw three left-handers, including starter Robbie Ray. Miami began the weekend with the third-highest team batting average in baseball (.276) against right-handers. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said he loved watching the show Friday, one in which his team put up nine or more runs for the fourth time this season. All four surges have come in games started by opposing right-handers. “From the very beginning I thought our approach was outstanding,” McCullough said after Friday’s win. “Our swing decisions were outstanding. It was just a real offensive clinic, one through nine, with the type of quality at-bats.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Giants #Landen #Roupp #roll #entering #series #finale #Marlins

#Deadspin #Giants #Landen #Roupp #roll #entering #series #finale #Marlins">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 4, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp (65) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

A pair of 27-year-old right-handers who are off to successful starts will face relatively unfamiliar opponents on Sunday afternoon when Max Meyer and the Miami Marlins close a three-game road series against Landen Roupp and the San Francisco Giants.

The teams have split the first two games of the set, with the Giants drawing even Saturday in a 6-2 win after the Marlins dominated the opener 9-4.

Meyer (1-0, 3.96 ERA) has allowed no more than three runs in any of his outings this season, with Miami winning three of his five starts. He limited the St. Louis Cardinals to two runs and three hits over 5 1/3 innings on Monday, striking out a season-best eight in his team’s 5-3 home win.

The fourth-year major-leaguer has never faced the Giants, who experienced an interesting situation on Saturday when designated hitter Casey Schmitt slipped rounding second base in the second inning of a scoreless game, eventually costing San Francisco a run. But Schmitt responded with a tie-breaking, two-run home run four innings later, giving the hosts a lead they never relinquished.

Giants manager Tony Vitello insisted to reporters afterward that he was not surprised how the sequence of events unfolded.

“He makes the coaches feel comfortable around him because he’s not afraid to laugh at himself, which we all have to do because we all make mistakes,” Vitello noted of Schmitt. “He wants to win. When an obstacle comes up, he gets a little more determined. I don’t think it’s a coincidence (the home run) happened.”

The Giants’ Roupp (4-1, 2.28 ERA) has been the club’s best starter in the early going, including a current three-game personal winning streak in which he held the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers to a total of two runs and seven hits in 17 innings, striking out 17. He has won his last two starts despite getting just three runs of support in each.

Roupp has thrown just one inning against the Marlins in his three-year career, a hitless ninth in a 7-5 home loss in September 2024.

The right-hander will have to deal with a lineup that’s been much more productive against righty pitchers this season, including the season-high-tying, 16-hit outburst in a game started by right-hander Adrian Houser on Friday. The Marlins weren’t nearly as effective Saturday as the Giants threw three left-handers, including starter Robbie Ray.

Miami began the weekend with the third-highest team batting average in baseball (.276) against right-handers.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said he loved watching the show Friday, one in which his team put up nine or more runs for the fourth time this season. All four surges have come in games started by opposing right-handers.

“From the very beginning I thought our approach was outstanding,” McCullough said after Friday’s win. “Our swing decisions were outstanding. It was just a real offensive clinic, one through nine, with the type of quality at-bats.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #Landen #Roupp #roll #entering #series #finale #Marlins">Deadspin | Giants’ Landen Roupp on a roll entering series finale vs. Marlins

Apr 4, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp (65) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

A pair of 27-year-old right-handers who are off to successful starts will face relatively unfamiliar opponents on Sunday afternoon when Max Meyer and the Miami Marlins close a three-game road series against Landen Roupp and the San Francisco Giants.

The teams have split the first two games of the set, with the Giants drawing even Saturday in a 6-2 win after the Marlins dominated the opener 9-4.

Meyer (1-0, 3.96 ERA) has allowed no more than three runs in any of his outings this season, with Miami winning three of his five starts. He limited the St. Louis Cardinals to two runs and three hits over 5 1/3 innings on Monday, striking out a season-best eight in his team’s 5-3 home win.

The fourth-year major-leaguer has never faced the Giants, who experienced an interesting situation on Saturday when designated hitter Casey Schmitt slipped rounding second base in the second inning of a scoreless game, eventually costing San Francisco a run. But Schmitt responded with a tie-breaking, two-run home run four innings later, giving the hosts a lead they never relinquished.

Giants manager Tony Vitello insisted to reporters afterward that he was not surprised how the sequence of events unfolded.

“He makes the coaches feel comfortable around him because he’s not afraid to laugh at himself, which we all have to do because we all make mistakes,” Vitello noted of Schmitt. “He wants to win. When an obstacle comes up, he gets a little more determined. I don’t think it’s a coincidence (the home run) happened.”

The Giants’ Roupp (4-1, 2.28 ERA) has been the club’s best starter in the early going, including a current three-game personal winning streak in which he held the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers to a total of two runs and seven hits in 17 innings, striking out 17. He has won his last two starts despite getting just three runs of support in each.

Roupp has thrown just one inning against the Marlins in his three-year career, a hitless ninth in a 7-5 home loss in September 2024.

The right-hander will have to deal with a lineup that’s been much more productive against righty pitchers this season, including the season-high-tying, 16-hit outburst in a game started by right-hander Adrian Houser on Friday. The Marlins weren’t nearly as effective Saturday as the Giants threw three left-handers, including starter Robbie Ray.

Miami began the weekend with the third-highest team batting average in baseball (.276) against right-handers.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said he loved watching the show Friday, one in which his team put up nine or more runs for the fourth time this season. All four surges have come in games started by opposing right-handers.

“From the very beginning I thought our approach was outstanding,” McCullough said after Friday’s win. “Our swing decisions were outstanding. It was just a real offensive clinic, one through nine, with the type of quality at-bats.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #Landen #Roupp #roll #entering #series #finale #Marlins

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, football’s global governing body said on Sunday.

The proposal must be approved at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which is being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

In December, FIFA said prize money for the 2026 World Cup would be 50 per cent higher than for the previous edition at $655 million, after agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tournament.

However, FIFA has told Reuters that the prize money on offer is set to increase, with the world governing body projected to surpass $11 billion in revenue in the current four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.

“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

“This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in development funding available to all 211 member associations.

ALSO READ: Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest-ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.”

The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, $655 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.

FIFA’s December announcement on prize money said the champion would take home $50 million and the runner-up $33 million, while the 16 nations that failed to advance from the initial group phase were set to earn $9 million.

Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.

FIFA’s 2025 annual report said 93 per cent of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted by the end of 2025, thanks to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations">

World Cup prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associations FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, football’s global governing body said on Sunday.The proposal must be approved at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which is being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.In December, FIFA said prize money for the 2026 World Cup would be 50 per cent higher than for the previous edition at 5 million, after agreeing a record 7 million financial contribution to the tournament.However, FIFA has told Reuters that the prize money on offer is set to increase, with the world governing body projected to surpass billion in revenue in the current four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.“This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in development funding available to all 211 member associations.ALSO READ: Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest-ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.”The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, 5 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.FIFA’s December announcement on prize money said the champion would take home million and the runner-up million, while the 16 nations that failed to advance from the initial group phase were set to earn million.Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to .5 million to cover preparation costs.FIFA’s 2025 annual report said 93 per cent of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted by the end of 2025, thanks to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations

mwasimuddin125 0

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, football’s global governing body said on Sunday.
The proposal must be approved at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which is being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
In December, FIFA said prize money for the 2026 World Cup would be 50 per cent higher than for the previous edition at $655 million, after agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tournament.
However, FIFA has told Reuters that the prize money on offer is set to increase, with the world governing body projected to surpass $11 billion in revenue in the current four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026.
“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
“This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in development funding available to all 211 member associations.
ALSO READ: Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community and FIFA is proud to be in its strongest-ever financial position to benefit the global game through its FIFA Forward programme.”
The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, $655 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.
FIFA’s December announcement on prize money said the champion would take home $50 million and the runner-up $33 million, while the 16 nations that failed to advance from the initial group phase were set to earn $9 million.
Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.
FIFA’s 2025 annual report said 93 per cent of its total budgeted revenue had already been contracted by the end of 2025, thanks to the success of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States last year.
Published on Apr 26, 2026

#World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations">World Cup prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associations

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, football’s global governing body said on Sunday.

The proposal must be approved at Tuesday’s FIFA Council meeting, which is being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

“FIFA can confirm it is in discussions with associations around the world to increase available revenues,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

“This includes a proposed increase in financial contributions to all qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and in development funding available to all 211 member associations.

ALSO READ: Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United

The biggest slice of FIFA’s initial funding package for the North American showpiece, $655 million, was to be performance-based payments to the 48 participating nations.

Additionally, each qualified nation would be entitled to $1.5 million to cover preparation costs.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#World #Cup #prize #money #rise #FIFA #holds #talks #associations

Deadspin | Vancouver wins first pick in PWHL draft Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey handles the puck against Bemidji State during a WCHA first-round playoff game Feb. 27, 2026 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won, 7-0. The Vancouver Goldeneyes have secured the first pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, with Olympic gold medal-winning defenseman Caroline Harvey expected to be their selection. The PWHL awards its No. 1 draft choice in a manner that differs from other pro leagues, using what has been dubbed the Gold Plan. Instead of the pick being handed to the team with the worst record, or distributed through a lottery system, the PWHL team that earns the most points after being eliminated from postseason consideration secures the spot. With their 4-3 overtime defeat of the Minnesota Frost on Saturday night coupled with the Seattle Torrent’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Victoire, the first-year Goldeneyes secured the first pick. Saturday was the last day of regular-season play. The full draft order is still to be determined — as is the date of the draft, which is expected to be held in June. Harvey, 23, turns pro after leading Wisconsin to three NCAA championships — plus one runner-up finish — in her four seasons with the Badgers. In 150 games, she produced 201 points (54 goals, 147 assists), 15 power-play markers and 12 game-winning goals. The NCAA title capped a busy hockey season for Harvey. She won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in the Milan-Cortina Games, adding it to the silver medal she won in Beijing in 2022 as a 19-year-old. She was MVP of the Olympic Tournament with nine points in five games, an Olympics mark for an American defender. Harvey also was named Best Defenseman at the 2003 and 2005 World Championships, both of which the United States won. She is from Salem, N.H. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Vancouver #wins #pick #PWHL #draft

#Deadspin #Vancouver #wins #pick #PWHL #draft">

mwasimuddin125 0

Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey handles the puck against Bemidji State during a WCHA first-round playoff game Feb. 27, 2026 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won, 7-0.

The Vancouver Goldeneyes have secured the first pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, with Olympic gold medal-winning defenseman Caroline Harvey expected to be their selection.

The PWHL awards its No. 1 draft choice in a manner that differs from other pro leagues, using what has been dubbed the Gold Plan. Instead of the pick being handed to the team with the worst record, or distributed through a lottery system, the PWHL team that earns the most points after being eliminated from postseason consideration secures the spot.

With their 4-3 overtime defeat of the Minnesota Frost on Saturday night coupled with the Seattle Torrent’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Victoire, the first-year Goldeneyes secured the first pick. Saturday was the last day of regular-season play.

The full draft order is still to be determined — as is the date of the draft, which is expected to be held in June.

Harvey, 23, turns pro after leading Wisconsin to three NCAA championships — plus one runner-up finish — in her four seasons with the Badgers. In 150 games, she produced 201 points (54 goals, 147 assists), 15 power-play markers and 12 game-winning goals.

The NCAA title capped a busy hockey season for Harvey. She won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in the Milan-Cortina Games, adding it to the silver medal she won in Beijing in 2022 as a 19-year-old. She was MVP of the Olympic Tournament with nine points in five games, an Olympics mark for an American defender.

Harvey also was named Best Defenseman at the 2003 and 2005 World Championships, both of which the United States won.

She is from Salem, N.H.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Vancouver #wins #pick #PWHL #draft">Deadspin | Vancouver wins first pick in PWHL draft

Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey handles the puck against Bemidji State during a WCHA first-round playoff game Feb. 27, 2026 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won, 7-0.

The Vancouver Goldeneyes have secured the first pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, with Olympic gold medal-winning defenseman Caroline Harvey expected to be their selection.

The PWHL awards its No. 1 draft choice in a manner that differs from other pro leagues, using what has been dubbed the Gold Plan. Instead of the pick being handed to the team with the worst record, or distributed through a lottery system, the PWHL team that earns the most points after being eliminated from postseason consideration secures the spot.

With their 4-3 overtime defeat of the Minnesota Frost on Saturday night coupled with the Seattle Torrent’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Victoire, the first-year Goldeneyes secured the first pick. Saturday was the last day of regular-season play.

The full draft order is still to be determined — as is the date of the draft, which is expected to be held in June.

Harvey, 23, turns pro after leading Wisconsin to three NCAA championships — plus one runner-up finish — in her four seasons with the Badgers. In 150 games, she produced 201 points (54 goals, 147 assists), 15 power-play markers and 12 game-winning goals.

The NCAA title capped a busy hockey season for Harvey. She won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in the Milan-Cortina Games, adding it to the silver medal she won in Beijing in 2022 as a 19-year-old. She was MVP of the Olympic Tournament with nine points in five games, an Olympics mark for an American defender.

Harvey also was named Best Defenseman at the 2003 and 2005 World Championships, both of which the United States won.

She is from Salem, N.H.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Vancouver #wins #pick #PWHL #draft

Bitcoin vs Ethereum: Two Different Approaches to Quantum Threats

Related Posts

Post Comment Cancel reply