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Shaq to launch professional dunk league NBA great Shaquille O’Neal said on Monday he is ​launching a professional dunk league with its ‌inaugural season set to debut this ​year.The league, which also has ⁠the backing of TNT Sports and Authentic Brands Group, builds on the DUNKMAN TV series launched ‌last year and aims to turn dunk contests from one-off showcase ‌events into a structured professional ‌competition.Featuring ⁠24 athletes from around the world, ⁠the league’s first season will include four live group-stage events, with competitors vying for places in ​the DUNKMAN World Championship.The ‌winner of the final will receive a 0,000 grand prize.“These athletes are innovators, and DUNKMAN is going to give them ‌a global stage, real stakes, and ​a chance to build careers doing what they love,” O’Neal, who ⁠will serve as league commissioner, said in a statement.READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA seasonThe events will air across TNT, ‌ TBS, t ruTV, and H BO Max, with additional content distributed through social media channels and other digital brands.TNT Sports chief content officer Craig Barry said the league would target audiences drawn to both ‌sports and culture, adding that the partnership with ​O’Neal would help create programming built around the personalities and creativity ⁠of top dunkers.A panel of judges will evaluate ⁠each dunk attempt to decide which athletes advance through the competition. ‌Details such as host cities, participants, and broadcast information would be announced in ​the coming weeks.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Shaq #launch #professional #dunk #league

Shaq to launch professional dunk league

NBA great Shaquille O’Neal said on Monday he is ​launching a professional dunk league with its ‌inaugural season set to debut this ​year.

The league, which also has ⁠the backing of TNT Sports and Authentic Brands Group, builds on the DUNKMAN TV series launched ‌last year and aims to turn dunk contests from one-off showcase ‌events into a structured professional ‌competition.

Featuring ⁠24 athletes from around the world, ⁠the league’s first season will include four live group-stage events, with competitors vying for places in ​the DUNKMAN World Championship.

The ‌winner of the final will receive a $500,000 grand prize.

“These athletes are innovators, and DUNKMAN is going to give them ‌a global stage, real stakes, and ​a chance to build careers doing what they love,” O’Neal, who ⁠will serve as league commissioner, said in a statement.

READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The events will air across TNT, ‌ TBS, t ruTV, and H BO Max, with additional content distributed through social media channels and other digital brands.

TNT Sports chief content officer Craig Barry said the league would target audiences drawn to both ‌sports and culture, adding that the partnership with ​O’Neal would help create programming built around the personalities and creativity ⁠of top dunkers.

A panel of judges will evaluate ⁠each dunk attempt to decide which athletes advance through the competition. ‌Details such as host cities, participants, and broadcast information would be announced in ​the coming weeks.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Shaq #launch #professional #dunk #league

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NBA great Shaquille O’Neal said on Monday he is ​launching a professional dunk league with its ‌inaugural season set to debut this ​year.

The league, which also has ⁠the backing of TNT Sports and Authentic Brands Group, builds on the DUNKMAN TV series launched ‌last year and aims to turn dunk contests from one-off showcase ‌events into a structured professional ‌competition.

Featuring ⁠24 athletes from around the world, ⁠the league’s first season will include four live group-stage events, with competitors vying for places in ​the DUNKMAN World Championship.

The ‌winner of the final will receive a $500,000 grand prize.

“These athletes are innovators, and DUNKMAN is going to give them ‌a global stage, real stakes, and ​a chance to build careers doing what they love,” O’Neal, who ⁠will serve as league commissioner, said in a statement.

READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The events will air across TNT, ‌ TBS, t ruTV, and H BO Max, with additional content distributed through social media channels and other digital brands.

TNT Sports chief content officer Craig Barry said the league would target audiences drawn to both ‌sports and culture, adding that the partnership with ​O’Neal would help create programming built around the personalities and creativity ⁠of top dunkers.

A panel of judges will evaluate ⁠each dunk attempt to decide which athletes advance through the competition. ‌Details such as host cities, participants, and broadcast information would be announced in ​the coming weeks.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

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China is winning one AI race, the US another – but either might pull aheadBoth sides don’t want to let their rival dominate. And the competition may yet be transformed further.#China #winning #race #pull #ahead

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Deadspin | Blue Jays adjust bullpen in advance of series against Dodgers <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28428098.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28428098.jpg" alt="MLB: Spring Training-Toronto Blue Jays at Philadelphia Phillies" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 7, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Josh Fleming (35) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Toronto Blue Jays recalled left-hander Josh Fleming from Triple-A Buffalo to give the bullpen a fresh arm in advance of a much-anticipated three-game home series that starts Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays designated right-hander Austin Voth for assignment.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Fleming, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason, started his only game at Buffalo and gave up one run over 3 2/3 innings while throwing 57 pitches. He can provide length out of the bullpen with Toronto set to start Max Scherzer in the opening game of the series.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Fleming, 29, did not pitch in the major leagues last season but from 2020-24, he was 20-14 with a 4.77 ERA for the Tampa Bay Rays (2020-23) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2024).</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Voth, 33, gave up one run over 2 2/3 innings of his lone appearance for the Blue Jays on Sunday. He is 17-19 with a 4.69 ERA in 208 appearances (39 starts) over eight major league seasons with four different clubs.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The Blue Jays enter the World Series rematch on a four-game losing streak after they were swept in a three-game road series by the Chicago White Sox. The bullpen received heavy usage in the series.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #adjust #bullpen #advance #series #Dodgers

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Deadspin | WTA roundup: Alexandra Eala stuns Elena Rybakina in Berlin Mar 21, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) celebrates after match point against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day five of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Wild card Alexandra Eala of the Philippines stunned No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-4 on Thursday in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open. Rybakina is the reigning Australian Open champion and won Wimbledon in 2022. She opened the match by taking a 4-1 lead, but Eala broke Rybakina’s usually strong serve twice to take the opening set. Unseeded American Madison Keys defeated Czech No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova, 6-4, 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals. In Thursday’s other matches, Czech eighth seed Linda Noskova defeated Diane Parry of France 6-2, 6-2, and sixth-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina beat Germany’s Eva Lys, 6-3, 6-2. Lexus Nottingham Open Fifth-seeded American Ann Li charged past Taylah Preston of Australia 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the Round of 16 in the WTA 250 event in the United Kingdom. Czech fourth seed Marie Bouzkova won 31 of 38 first-service points (81.6%) to take out home favorite Hannah Klugman of Great Britain 7-5, 6-2. In other Round of 16 matches Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic defeated American Caty McNally 6-4, 7-6 (3), and Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic eliminated Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Alexandra #Eala #stuns #Elena #Rybakina #BerlinMar 21, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) celebrates after match point against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day five of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Wild card Alexandra Eala of the Philippines stunned No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-4 on Thursday in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open.

Rybakina is the reigning Australian Open champion and won Wimbledon in 2022. She opened the match by taking a 4-1 lead, but Eala broke Rybakina’s usually strong serve twice to take the opening set.

Unseeded American Madison Keys defeated Czech No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova, 6-4, 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals. In Thursday’s other matches, Czech eighth seed Linda Noskova defeated Diane Parry of France 6-2, 6-2, and sixth-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina beat Germany’s Eva Lys, 6-3, 6-2.


Lexus Nottingham Open

Fifth-seeded American Ann Li charged past Taylah Preston of Australia 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the Round of 16 in the WTA 250 event in the United Kingdom.

Czech fourth seed Marie Bouzkova won 31 of 38 first-service points (81.6%) to take out home favorite Hannah Klugman of Great Britain 7-5, 6-2.

In other Round of 16 matches Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic defeated American Caty McNally 6-4, 7-6 (3), and Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic eliminated Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Alexandra #Eala #stuns #Elena #Rybakina #Berlin">Deadspin | WTA roundup: Alexandra Eala stuns Elena Rybakina in Berlin Mar 21, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) celebrates after match point against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day five of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Wild card Alexandra Eala of the Philippines stunned No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-4 on Thursday in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open. Rybakina is the reigning Australian Open champion and won Wimbledon in 2022. She opened the match by taking a 4-1 lead, but Eala broke Rybakina’s usually strong serve twice to take the opening set. Unseeded American Madison Keys defeated Czech No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova, 6-4, 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals. In Thursday’s other matches, Czech eighth seed Linda Noskova defeated Diane Parry of France 6-2, 6-2, and sixth-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina beat Germany’s Eva Lys, 6-3, 6-2. Lexus Nottingham Open Fifth-seeded American Ann Li charged past Taylah Preston of Australia 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the Round of 16 in the WTA 250 event in the United Kingdom. Czech fourth seed Marie Bouzkova won 31 of 38 first-service points (81.6%) to take out home favorite Hannah Klugman of Great Britain 7-5, 6-2. In other Round of 16 matches Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic defeated American Caty McNally 6-4, 7-6 (3), and Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic eliminated Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Alexandra #Eala #stuns #Elena #Rybakina #Berlin

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained">World Cup 2026: Third-place standings, tiebreakers explained The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different than previous installments.Starting with the size of the field.For this year’s World Cup, the field expanded to 48 nations, up from the previous number of 32. This means the field is divided into 12 four-team groups, and it also means that the knockout stage begins with the round of 32, and not the round of 16, as in previous World Cups.That also means that teams that finish in third place in a group could still advance.To complete the round of 32, in addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-place teams will move on as well.Here, we will be tracking the standings among the third-place teams.World Cup third-place standingsHere are the latest third-place standings. Remember, the top eight advance to the round of 32.Note: These are the third-place standings following Czechia-South Africa on Thursday, June 18.How do World Cup third-place tiebreakers work?Here is how FIFA will stack the third-place teams for potential tiebreakers:If there are still ties after those four steps are applied, the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out. #World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained">World Cup 2026: Third-place standings, tiebreakers explained

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different than previous installments.

Starting with the size of the field.

For this year’s World Cup, the field expanded to 48 nations, up from the previous number of 32. This means the field is divided into 12 four-team groups, and it also means that the knockout stage begins with the round of 32, and not the round of 16, as in previous World Cups.

That also means that teams that finish in third place in a group could still advance.

To complete the round of 32, in addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-place teams will move on as well.

Here, we will be tracking the standings among the third-place teams.

World Cup third-place standings

Here are the latest third-place standings. Remember, the top eight advance to the round of 32.

Note: These are the third-place standings following Czechia-South Africa on Thursday, June 18.

How do World Cup third-place tiebreakers work?

Here is how FIFA will stack the third-place teams for potential tiebreakers:

If there are still ties after those four steps are applied, the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained

The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.

“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.

At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.

Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.

The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”

Published on Jun 18, 2026

#Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family">Lionel Messi’s father Jorge going through ‘health situation’, confirms family The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”Published on Jun 18, 2026 #Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family

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