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Four Teams That Are Winning 2026 NFL Draft So Far | Deadspin.com  Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images   The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.Las Vegas RaidersThe Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaPicking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.New York GiantsThe Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., MiamiDripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.Seattle SeahawksThe Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame  Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images   GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots.   #Teams #Winning #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

Four Teams That Are Winning 2026 NFL Draft So Far | Deadspin.com
Four Teams That Are Winning 2026 NFL Draft So Far | Deadspin.com  Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images   The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.Las Vegas RaidersThe Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaPicking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.New York GiantsThe Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., MiamiDripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.Seattle SeahawksThe Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame  Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images   GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots.   #Teams #Winning #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.comFeb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.

So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.

Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Picking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.

New York Giants

The Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesDec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Dripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.

Seattle Seahawks

The Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn ImagesOct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. 

In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. 

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots.

#Teams #Winning #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and six more chapters are coming in rapid-fire sequence on Friday and Saturday in Pittsburgh.

So far, only five teams are holding an A based on our instant reaction grades.

Take a look, but remember the chance for a team to improve their score is right around the corner.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Picking nits is part of the reality of the draft process and until Mendoza wins in the NFL, there will be doubts, concerns and detractors. With Tom Brady in the room and former Michigan teammate John Spytek in the lead personnel role, the Raiders know a turnaround from 3-14 and 23 straight seasons watching someone else celebrate the AFC West division title requires a winner at QB. Mendoza was 16-0 last season, won the Heisman and now carries the flag as the No. 1 pick into his first professional gig. He’s a great starting point, but the brass also knows this can’t be a one-man band. We’re giving the Raiders an A for now with the potential to slice their final score based on what other help they provide Mendoza in this draft.

New York Giants

The Picks: OLB Avrell Reese, Ohio State; OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Reese might prove to be the best value in the first round if the Micah Parsons comparisons are anywhere near on the mark. Mauigoa won’t need much time to endear himself to the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart. In the bigger picture, the Giants made massive improvements with these two moves and most of the interior defensive lineman on the team’s radar — none ready to replace Dexter Lawrence off the plane, of course — are still on the board.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Dripping with Warren Sapp vibes, the modernized remake tale of Tampa catching a falling star in the draft could play out much the same way it did with the Hurricane-turned-Bucs Hall of Famer Sapp. Bain is an on-brand selection for GM Jason Licht, who has a stellar draft record and walked right into a no-brainer with Bain. Is he a perfect fit at any NFL position? Not exactly. If he walking into the NFL with a briefcase overflowing with elite-level college production and temperament that spells greatness? Yessir.

Seattle Seahawks

The Pick: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn ImagesOct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) runs for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

GM John Schneider entered the 2026 draft with some context flowing behind his Super Bowl championship cape: he needed a running back (Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency); likely will have to add multiple cornerbacks; and has the reputation for embracing offers to trade down, an idea he brought up himself before the draft because the Seahawks had only four picks entering Thursday night. Well, something happened on the way to the Schneider kneeldown plan Thursday night. 

In a pick we called with our final mock draft, Schneider sidled up to our No. 2-ranked running back, Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet likely out for the first half of the 2026 season. Yes, there are other needs. But for added context, consider where Schneider has historically found starting-caliber cornerbacks. Josh Jobe is currently a starter. 

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, was waived by the Eagles and signed to the Seattle practice squad before earning his keep. Nehemiah Pritchett is currently a backup drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2024. Richard Sherman is now a talking head, but he got his start with Seattle as a fifth-round pick in 2011. That same year (2011), Schneider brought in a CFL veteran — Brandon Browner — who spent three years with the Seahawks and won consecutive Super Bowls with Seattle and then the Patriots.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi walks off injured in Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 contest <div id="content-body-70906351" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi limped off the field injured during the IPL 2026 encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.</p><p>The 15-year-old went down clutching his hamstring after the third over of SRH’s chase of 229 and was helped off the field by the physio.</p><p>Sooryavanshi had blazed his way to a second IPL century in the first essay to help his side post a 220-plus total in Jaipur. He got to three figures off just 36 balls, one ball slower than his previous fastest last season.</p><p>He also became the youngest player to cross 1000 T20 runs en route the majestic ton at his franchise’s home stadium.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Vaibhav #Sooryavanshi #walks #injured #Rajasthan #Royals #Sunrisers #Hyderabad #IPL #contest

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इंदौर में 25 लाख के USDT कांड में पुलिस पर गिरी गाज, एरोड्रम थाने के टू-आईसी एसआई अटैच; वसूली का शक

Expanding technology and resale options were supposed to make obtaining tickets to sporting events easier than ever, but instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.

It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.

When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.

“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”

This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.

Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.

Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:

On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.

StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:

  1. A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
  2. Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
  3. Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
  4. StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees

That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.

Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.

Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.

The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.

There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.

#StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers">StubHub’s CEO is helping fund the biggest ticket scalpers  Expanding technology and resale options were supposed to make obtaining tickets to sporting events easier than ever, but instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of ticketsRather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expensesAndro profits off the inflated ticket salesStubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer feesThat’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.  #StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers

instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.

It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.

When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.

“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”

This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.

Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.

Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:

On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.

StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:

  1. A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
  2. Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
  3. Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
  4. StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees

That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.

Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.

Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.

The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.

There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.

#StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers">StubHub’s CEO is helping fund the biggest ticket scalpers

Expanding technology and resale options were supposed to make obtaining tickets to sporting events easier than ever, but instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.

It’s now been revealed that one of the biggest stakeholders in online ticket sales is helping fund the very people ruining ticket sales for sports fans. An investigative report by the CBC uncovered information inside StubHub’s IPO filing from last November, which revealed that CEO Eric Baker also runs a hedge fund which scalps tickets, and provides funding to scalpers.

When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.

“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”

This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.

Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.

Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:

On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.

StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:

  1. A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
  2. Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
  3. Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
  4. StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees

That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.

Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.

Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.

The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.

There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.

#StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers

France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.

Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.

The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.

“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.

“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”

That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.

Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.

“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.

“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”

France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

The players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.

“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”

Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.

“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.

“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”

France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.

Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.

“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”

Published on Jul 14, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field">FIFA World Cup 2026 — France’s secret weapon: Communication and analysis beyond the field  France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.STRONG RELATIONSHIPSThe players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”Published on Jul 14, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field

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