Why the NBA Must Fix Its Draft System to Stop Tanking | Deadspin.com Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior. #NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

Why the NBA Must Fix Its Draft System to Stop Tanking | Deadspin.com

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.
Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.
“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”
Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.
According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.
Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.
Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.
Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.
“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”
Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.
One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.
How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.
Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.
It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.
If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior.

#NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

Sports news April 17, 2026

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.

Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.

“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”

Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.

Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.

Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.

Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.

“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”

Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.

One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.

How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.

Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.

If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior.

Source link
#NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

Foundation Shuts Down NFT Marketplace After Failed Sale

IFL 2025-26: Chanmari thrashes Namdhari to keep top-six hopes alive <div id="content-body-70875272" itemprop="articleBody">Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/cfc-vs-scd-score-results-chennaiyin-v-sporting-club-delhi-isl-2025-26-goals-farukh-choudhary-indian-football/article70874164.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season</a>Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/odisha-vs-mohammedan-score-result-isl-2025-26-goals-standings-points-table-football-news/article70875146.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw</a>The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.Published on Apr 17, 2026</div> #IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive

An oft agonising eight-year wait for a title ended for Shubhankar Sharma after a commanding victory at the Boulders Classic. As the winning putt settled the contest, he allowed himself a pause before being engulfed by celebrations, with friends rushing onto the course to soak in a cherished triumph.

It was a finish that felt both cathartic and familiar in equal measure, but one that carried the weight of years spent chasing a return to the top. Reflecting on his dominant week, Shubhankar said his favourite moment came right at the end.

“It was nice to walk down the 18th knowing that I had done it after hitting my tee shot. There were many great shots that I hit, but my favorite moment was on the 18th, because that hadn’t happened in a long time,” he told Sportstar.

The 29-year-old, who has battled form and equipment challenges in recent times, said winning on home soil made the moment even more meaningful.

“Winning is always hard in golf. I’ve come very close over the years. This is special because all my friends are here. They were all there to pour beer on me; it was quite a moment on the 18th hole. It’s probably tough to recreate this if I were playing in Europe,” he said.

“This has been the best week I’ve had probably in the last four or five years. I’ve had good events abroad as well, but the amount of fun I’ve had here has been incredible.”

Shubhankar also pointed to the steady improvement in Indian golf infrastructure, while acknowledging there is still progress to be made. “We’re getting better, but there’s still a long way to go. Obviously, that requires a lot of investment, and more and more people will get into golf.”

He also reflected on the broader growth of the sport in India since the start of his career.

“The skill level here has gone so far up. Also, the PGTI prize money fund is a lot more than it used to be. Thirty lakhs was the smallest amount back when I used to play here. Now, it’s one crore — almost 2.5 times! That is a big jump. It’s an Olympic sport, and the government is also taking some interest. There are only good things for this sport in the future.”

After lifting the winner’s trophy, he also encouraged young Indian golfers to aim higher and test themselves on bigger stages.

“I would just request all the players to push themselves as much as possible. Don’t settle for average. Don’t settle for just winning a tournament. Set higher bars for yourself. We have so many international players who play here now, but there’s a lot of depth outside,” he said.

“Push yourself, invest in yourself, and go abroad to play qualifiers. Don’t get comfortable here. Use the platform PGTI provides to get on the main European tour. Go abroad during the summer holidays when there are no tournaments here. Don’t save money and sit at home.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Boulders #Classic #Shubhankar #Sharma #savours #longawaited #title #triumph">

Boulders Classic 2026: Shubhankar Sharma savours long-awaited title triumph An oft agonising eight-year wait for a title ended for Shubhankar Sharma after a commanding victory at the Boulders Classic. As the winning putt settled the contest, he allowed himself a pause before being engulfed by celebrations, with friends rushing onto the course to soak in a cherished triumph.It was a finish that felt both cathartic and familiar in equal measure, but one that carried the weight of years spent chasing a return to the top. Reflecting on his dominant week, Shubhankar said his favourite moment came right at the end.“It was nice to walk down the 18th knowing that I had done it after hitting my tee shot. There were many great shots that I hit, but my favorite moment was on the 18th, because that hadn’t happened in a long time,” he told Sportstar.The 29-year-old, who has battled form and equipment challenges in recent times, said winning on home soil made the moment even more meaningful.“Winning is always hard in golf. I’ve come very close over the years. This is special because all my friends are here. They were all there to pour beer on me; it was quite a moment on the 18th hole. It’s probably tough to recreate this if I were playing in Europe,” he said.“This has been the best week I’ve had probably in the last four or five years. I’ve had good events abroad as well, but the amount of fun I’ve had here has been incredible.”Shubhankar also pointed to the steady improvement in Indian golf infrastructure, while acknowledging there is still progress to be made. “We’re getting better, but there’s still a long way to go. Obviously, that requires a lot of investment, and more and more people will get into golf.”RELATED | Shubhankar Sharma wins inaugural edition of Boulders Classic after creating PGTI historyHe also reflected on the broader growth of the sport in India since the start of his career.“The skill level here has gone so far up. Also, the PGTI prize money fund is a lot more than it used to be. Thirty lakhs was the smallest amount back when I used to play here. Now, it’s one crore — almost 2.5 times! That is a big jump. It’s an Olympic sport, and the government is also taking some interest. There are only good things for this sport in the future.”After lifting the winner’s trophy, he also encouraged young Indian golfers to aim higher and test themselves on bigger stages.“I would just request all the players to push themselves as much as possible. Don’t settle for average. Don’t settle for just winning a tournament. Set higher bars for yourself. We have so many international players who play here now, but there’s a lot of depth outside,” he said.“Push yourself, invest in yourself, and go abroad to play qualifiers. Don’t get comfortable here. Use the platform PGTI provides to get on the main European tour. Go abroad during the summer holidays when there are no tournaments here. Don’t save money and sit at home.”Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Boulders #Classic #Shubhankar #Sharma #savours #longawaited #title #triumph

mwasimuddin125 0

An oft agonising eight-year wait for a title ended for Shubhankar Sharma after a commanding victory at the Boulders Classic. As the winning putt settled the contest, he allowed himself a pause before being engulfed by celebrations, with friends rushing onto the course to soak in a cherished triumph.
It was a finish that felt both cathartic and familiar in equal measure, but one that carried the weight of years spent chasing a return to the top. Reflecting on his dominant week, Shubhankar said his favourite moment came right at the end.
“It was nice to walk down the 18th knowing that I had done it after hitting my tee shot. There were many great shots that I hit, but my favorite moment was on the 18th, because that hadn’t happened in a long time,” he told Sportstar.
The 29-year-old, who has battled form and equipment challenges in recent times, said winning on home soil made the moment even more meaningful.
“Winning is always hard in golf. I’ve come very close over the years. This is special because all my friends are here. They were all there to pour beer on me; it was quite a moment on the 18th hole. It’s probably tough to recreate this if I were playing in Europe,” he said.
“This has been the best week I’ve had probably in the last four or five years. I’ve had good events abroad as well, but the amount of fun I’ve had here has been incredible.”
Shubhankar also pointed to the steady improvement in Indian golf infrastructure, while acknowledging there is still progress to be made. “We’re getting better, but there’s still a long way to go. Obviously, that requires a lot of investment, and more and more people will get into golf.”
RELATED | Shubhankar Sharma wins inaugural edition of Boulders Classic after creating PGTI history
He also reflected on the broader growth of the sport in India since the start of his career.
“The skill level here has gone so far up. Also, the PGTI prize money fund is a lot more than it used to be. Thirty lakhs was the smallest amount back when I used to play here. Now, it’s one crore — almost 2.5 times! That is a big jump. It’s an Olympic sport, and the government is also taking some interest. There are only good things for this sport in the future.”
After lifting the winner’s trophy, he also encouraged young Indian golfers to aim higher and test themselves on bigger stages.
“I would just request all the players to push themselves as much as possible. Don’t settle for average. Don’t settle for just winning a tournament. Set higher bars for yourself. We have so many international players who play here now, but there’s a lot of depth outside,” he said.
“Push yourself, invest in yourself, and go abroad to play qualifiers. Don’t get comfortable here. Use the platform PGTI provides to get on the main European tour. Go abroad during the summer holidays when there are no tournaments here. Don’t save money and sit at home.”
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Boulders #Classic #Shubhankar #Sharma #savours #longawaited #title #triumph">Boulders Classic 2026: Shubhankar Sharma savours long-awaited title triumph

The 29-year-old, who has battled form and equipment challenges in recent times, said winning on home soil made the moment even more meaningful.

“This has been the best week I’ve had probably in the last four or five years. I’ve had good events abroad as well, but the amount of fun I’ve had here has been incredible.”

He also reflected on the broader growth of the sport in India since the start of his career.

After lifting the winner’s trophy, he also encouraged young Indian golfers to aim higher and test themselves on bigger stages.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Boulders #Classic #Shubhankar #Sharma #savours #longawaited #title #triumph

Deadspin | ATP roundup: Semifinals set at Barcelona and Munich Jan 18, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alex Molcan during his second round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three of the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan continued his strong run in Munich on Friday and joined three top seeds in the semifinals at the BMW Open. Molcan defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 in 78 minutes in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court tournament. Up next is No. 2 seed Ben Shelton, who outlasted Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Saturday’s other semifinal pits No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany and No. 4 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Zverev rallied for a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win against No. 5 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, while Cobolli cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic. Barcelona Open Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar roared into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against No. 7 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in just 69 minutes. Jodar advanced to face ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who earned a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event. No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev and Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic will meet in the other semifinal. Rublev rolled to a 6-4, 6-3 win against Czech Tomas Machac and Medjedovic took care of Portugal’s Nuno Borges, 7-6 (6), 6-2. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Semifinals #set #Barcelona #Munich

#Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Semifinals #set #Barcelona #Munich">

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Jan 18, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alex Molcan during his second round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three of the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan continued his strong run in Munich on Friday and joined three top seeds in the semifinals at the BMW Open.

Molcan defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 in 78 minutes in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court tournament. Up next is No. 2 seed Ben Shelton, who outlasted Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Saturday’s other semifinal pits No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany and No. 4 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Zverev rallied for a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win against No. 5 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, while Cobolli cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic.

Barcelona Open

Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar roared into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against No. 7 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in just 69 minutes.

Jodar advanced to face ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who earned a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event.

No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev and Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic will meet in the other semifinal. Rublev rolled to a 6-4, 6-3 win against Czech Tomas Machac and Medjedovic took care of Portugal’s Nuno Borges, 7-6 (6), 6-2.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Semifinals #set #Barcelona #Munich">Deadspin | ATP roundup: Semifinals set at Barcelona and Munich

Jan 18, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alex Molcan during his second round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three of the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan continued his strong run in Munich on Friday and joined three top seeds in the semifinals at the BMW Open.

Molcan defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 in 78 minutes in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court tournament. Up next is No. 2 seed Ben Shelton, who outlasted Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Saturday’s other semifinal pits No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany and No. 4 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Zverev rallied for a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win against No. 5 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, while Cobolli cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic.

Barcelona Open

Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar roared into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against No. 7 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in just 69 minutes.

Jodar advanced to face ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who earned a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event.

No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev and Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic will meet in the other semifinal. Rublev rolled to a 6-4, 6-3 win against Czech Tomas Machac and Medjedovic took care of Portugal’s Nuno Borges, 7-6 (6), 6-2.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Semifinals #set #Barcelona #Munich

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.

The Public Investment Fund announced it was selling a 70 per cent stake in the record 21-time Saudi football champion to Kingdom Holding Company — a firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.

Al-Hilal was one of four Saudi Pro League clubs controlled by PIF. The others are Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In football, PIF also has a majority stake in Newcastle in the English Premier League.

In a statement on Thursday, the investment fund said the sale of Al-Hilal “aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy” in its wider bid to drive “the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.”

ALSO READ | LIV Golf CEO says the show will go on amid reports of Saudi Arabia funding uncertainty

“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”

The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.

Following reports that PIF would be pulling out of LIV, the competition CEO said in a memo to his staff — a copy of which was sent to The Associated Press — that the 2026 season would go ahead “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The situation beyond 2026 remained cloudy, however.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#AlHilal #sold #majoritystake #owner">

Al-Hilal sold — Who is the new majority-stake owner? The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.The Public Investment Fund announced it was selling a 70 per cent stake in the record 21-time Saudi football champion to Kingdom Holding Company — a firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.Al-Hilal was one of four Saudi Pro League clubs controlled by PIF. The others are Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In football, PIF also has a majority stake in Newcastle in the English Premier League.In a statement on Thursday, the investment fund said the sale of Al-Hilal “aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy” in its wider bid to drive “the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.”ALSO READ | LIV Golf CEO says the show will go on amid reports of Saudi Arabia funding uncertainty“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.Following reports that PIF would be pulling out of LIV, the competition CEO said in a memo to his staff — a copy of which was sent to The Associated Press — that the 2026 season would go ahead “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The situation beyond 2026 remained cloudy, however.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #AlHilal #sold #majoritystake #owner

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The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.
The Public Investment Fund announced it was selling a 70 per cent stake in the record 21-time Saudi football champion to Kingdom Holding Company — a firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.
Al-Hilal was one of four Saudi Pro League clubs controlled by PIF. The others are Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In football, PIF also has a majority stake in Newcastle in the English Premier League.
In a statement on Thursday, the investment fund said the sale of Al-Hilal “aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy” in its wider bid to drive “the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.”
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“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”
The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.
Following reports that PIF would be pulling out of LIV, the competition CEO said in a memo to his staff — a copy of which was sent to The Associated Press — that the 2026 season would go ahead “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The situation beyond 2026 remained cloudy, however.
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#AlHilal #sold #majoritystake #owner">Al-Hilal sold — Who is the new majority-stake owner?

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.

ALSO READ | LIV Golf CEO says the show will go on amid reports of Saudi Arabia funding uncertainty

“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”

The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#AlHilal #sold #majoritystake #owner

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