June 2025 is a powerhouse month for ESPN+, bringing an action-packed lineup of live sports, exclusive original content, and marquee championship events to subscribers. Whether you’re into football playoffs, combat sports, lacrosse, or iconic tennis tournaments, there’s something for every type of sports fan. And for bundled Disney+ viewers, much of this content is accessible […]
June 2025 is a powerhouse month for ESPN+, bringing an action-packed lineup of live sports, exclusive original content, and marquee championship events to subscribers. Whether you’re into football playoffs, combat sports, lacrosse, or iconic tennis tournaments, there’s something for every type of sports fan.
And for bundled Disney+ viewers, much of this content is accessible directly via the ESPN hub—blending convenience with premium coverage.
Here’s your complete guide to what’s streaming on ESPN+ in June 2025:
Football
United Football League (UFL) Playoffs
The UFL Playoffs heat up in June as teams fight for the 2025 Championship:
June 8 – Conference Championships
Michigan Panthers vs. Birmingham Stallions – 3 PM ET (ABC, ESPN+)
DC Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks – 6 PM ET (FOX, ESPN+)
June 14 – UFL Championship Game
Live from St. Louis, 8 PM ET (ABC, ESPN+)
Basketball
NBA Finals
June 5–22
The NBA Finals stream across ESPN platforms, with ESPN+ offering expanded highlights, analysis, and companion coverage for subscribers.
WNBA Regular Season
June 3 – Dallas vs. Seattle
June 22 – Indiana vs. New York
WNBA games continue on ESPN+ as the season builds toward All-Star selections.
Hockey
2025 NHL Draft
June 27 – Round 1
June 28 – Rounds 2–7
Live draft coverage includes in-depth prospect analysis and interviews, with ESPN+ carrying all rounds.
Soccer
The Soccer Tournament (TST)
June 4–9
ESPN+ streams 27 live matches from WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, featuring both men’s and women’s teams in a 7v7 winner-takes-all format.
Lacrosse
Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
June 6 – Denver Outlaws vs. Carolina Chaos – 6 PM ET
June 7 – Utah Archers vs. Boston Cannons – 1 PM ET
June 7 – California Redwoods vs. Carolina Chaos – 7 PM ET
Weekly games continue through June 28 on ESPN+ and ABC.
Combat Sports
UFC
June 7 – UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
Main Card: 10 PM ET (ESPN+ PPV) | Prelims: 8 PM ET (ESPN) | Early Prelims: 6 PM ET
June 14 – UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley – 7 PM ET
June 21 – UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. – 12 PM ET
June 28 – UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira
Main Card: 10 PM ET (ESPN+ PPV) | Prelims: 8 PM ET | Early Prelims: 6 PM ET
PFL (Professional Fighters League)
June 12 & 20 – World Tournament Semifinals
Featuring featherweight and welterweight contenders battling for a spot in the 2025 Finals.
Top Rank Boxing
June 7 – Keyshawn Davis (C) vs. Edwin De Los Santos
Lightweight clash with major title implications, streaming live on ESPN+.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 32
New episodes every Tuesday in June
Celebrating 20 years of TUF, this season features Hall of Famers Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen as rival coaches.
Auto Racing
Formula 1
June 15 – Canadian Grand Prix
In addition to traditional race coverage, ESPN+ offers live telemetry feeds, on-board cameras, and F1 Academy, Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup events.
Baseball
Savannah Bananas – Banana Ball
June 7 – Charlotte, NC – 7 PM ET (ESPN2 & ESPN+)
June 28 – Washington, D.C. – 7 PM ET (ESPN2 & ESPN+)
This viral baseball phenomenon brings entertainment and athleticism in equal measure.
Tennis
Wimbledon 2025 (Preview)
June 30–July 13
ESPN+ will stream full daily coverage from every court in English and Spanish, along with replays, highlight reels, and historic matches.
College Sports
NCAA Championships
Through June 6 – Women’s College World Series
June 11–14 – Outdoor Track & Field Championships
June 13–23 – Men’s College World Series
Over 140 college events will stream live on ESPN+ this month.
Original Programming
Rabil’s Places – Premiering June 4 (New Episodes Weekly)
Produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, this five-episode series follows lacrosse legend Paul Rabil as he explores the game’s deep roots and cultural evolution. Guests include Bill Belichick, Chris Hogan, Gary Gait, Charlotte North, Mick Foley, and more.
Episode 1: Turf Wars (June 4)
Episode 2: Slick Sticks (June 11)
Episode 3: Crab Cakes and Lacrosse (June 18)
Episode 4: Crease and Desist (June 25)
Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan, a basketball junkie, or a casual viewer looking for something new, ESPN+ in June 2025 offers one of its most diverse and jam-packed schedules yet. Stay tuned for updates and enjoy the ride.
Key Takeaways
ESPN+ will offer extensive live sports events, studio shows, and exclusive films in June 2025 with select content available through Disney+.
A new Marvel original series premieres alongside the return of an Emmy award-winning program on the platform.
Bundled subscribers gain access to a specially curated collection of sports content through both ESPN+ and Disney+ interfaces.
Complete List of New Releases on ESPN+ in June 2025
ESPN+ subscribers can look forward to an action-packed June with major sporting events, exclusive documentaries, and special programming across multiple sports. The streaming service continues to expand its offerings with both live content and on-demand viewing options.
Major Live Games and Scheduled Events
ESPN+ will broadcast several live events throughout June 2025, including key matchups across multiple sports. The month kicks off with the conclusion of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, with games scheduled for June 3, 6, and if necessary, June 9 and 12.
Soccer fans can enjoy the International Champions Cup starting June 15, featuring premier clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich competing in pre-season matches across the United States.
The 2025 College World Series will stream from June 14-25, with all games available exclusively on ESPN+.
Tennis coverage includes weekly ATP and WTA tour events, with the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships (June 16-22) serving as a key Wimbledon warm-up tournament.
UFC Fight Night events are scheduled for June 7 (Las Vegas) and June 21 (Austin), with exclusive preliminary coverage and post-fight analysis.
Exclusive Originals and Documentaries
“The Captain: Beyond the Field” debuts June 5, a four-part follow-up to the acclaimed Derek Jeter documentary, exploring his business ventures and ownership aspirations.
The highly anticipated original series “Playmakers” premieres June 12, profiling innovative coaches who transformed their respective sports through tactical innovations.
“Summer of Golf: 2025” launches June 18, providing behind-the-scenes access to players preparing for the major tournaments ahead.
Two new “30 for 30” documentaries arrive: “Breaking Barriers: The Story of Althea Gibson” (June 10) and “The Miracle Marathon” (June 24), examining the legendary 1984 Olympic women’s marathon.
“In the Arena: The WNBA Revolution” debuts June 15, chronicling the league’s explosive growth and cultural impact through its 30-year history.
Seasonal Highlights and Recaps
ESPN+ will feature comprehensive coverage of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 26-27, including exclusive interviews, analysis, and behind-the-scenes content from the two-day event.
MLB coverage expands with “Baseball Tonight: Midseason Special” on June 30, providing in-depth analysis of the season’s first half and predictions for the pennant races.
Weekly NFL offseason programs continue with “NFL Live: Training Camp Preview” episodes, focusing on team-by-team breakdowns ahead of the 2025 season.
“The Return: Formula 1 Mid-Season Review” premieres June 22, examining the championship battle at the halfway point of the racing calendar.
“EURO 2025: Group Stage Highlights” will compile the best moments from the European Championship’s opening rounds, available June 28.
Upcoming Series and Specials
“Peyton’s Places” returns for its sixth season on June 8, with NFL legend Peyton Manning exploring football history through conversations with the game’s greatest figures.
The popular ESPN series “Detail” adds new episodes focusing on NBA Finals analysis from Kobe Bryant’s archives and fresh baseball breakdowns from Alex Rodriguez.
“Quest for Gold: Paris Edition” debuts June 29, following American athletes in their final preparations for the 2025 Summer Olympics.
“The Point with Serena Williams” premieres June 20, featuring the tennis legend interviewing prominent athletes about competition, mental preparation, and life after sports.
“Inside the Octagon: Championship Roadmap” releases June 13, providing an in-depth preview of upcoming UFC title fights scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Featured Sports and Leagues Streaming in June 2025
ESPN+ delivers an extensive lineup of live sports this June, with major league baseball games, international soccer tournaments, and exclusive SportsCenter analysis. Subscribers can enjoy a diverse range of competitions across multiple sports categories.
MLB and Baseball Coverage
Baseball fans will have plenty to watch on ESPN+ this June with a robust schedule of MLB games and college baseball action. The platform will stream select MLB regular season matchups each week, giving subscribers access to teams battling for playoff positioning as the season heats up.
College baseball continues with NCAA tournament coverage, including regional finals and Super Regional games leading up to the College World Series. ESPN+ will provide exclusive access to many of these matchups not available on traditional ESPN channels.
The Women’s College World Series will be a major highlight, with games streaming through early June. This tournament showcases the best teams in women’s collegiate softball competing for the national championship.
Baseball enthusiasts can also find classic MLB games, analysis shows, and baseball documentaries in the on-demand library. ESPN+ continues to strengthen its baseball offerings with insider content and technical breakdowns from former players and coaches.
Soccer, Basketball, and Additional Sports
Soccer takes center stage in June with international competitions and club tournaments streaming exclusively on ESPN+. The platform will feature matches from prestigious leagues like Bundesliga, LaLiga, and FA Cup, providing soccer fans with high-quality action from around the globe.
Basketball coverage includes WNBA regular season games as the season gains momentum. ESPN+ will stream select matchups featuring star players and championship contenders. Subscribers can also access basketball analysis shows and documentaries.
Additional sports featured in June include:
UFC fight nights and exclusive prelims
PGA Tour golf coverage
Tennis tournaments
College lacrosse championships
Formula 1 racing analysis
With over 140 college sporting events streaming live in June, ESPN+ continues to be a premier destination for college sports fans. The diverse lineup ensures something for every sports enthusiast.
Spotlight on SportsCenter Segments
ESPN+ subscribers gain access to exclusive SportsCenter segments in June, offering in-depth analysis not available on the regular broadcast. These segments feature renowned ESPN analysts breaking down key storylines across all major sports.
Daily SportsCenter briefings will highlight the previous day’s action and preview upcoming events with expert commentary. The platform will also offer specialized segments focusing on MLB standings, soccer tournaments, and emerging stories across the sports landscape.
SportsCenter’s digital-exclusive content includes extended interviews with athletes and coaches competing in June events. These conversations provide unique insights into strategies and preparation methods.
The popular “SVP’s One Big Thing” and other branded segments will be available on-demand shortly after their initial broadcast. ESPN+ users can access these segments anytime, making it easy to stay informed on breaking sports news and analysis throughout June.
How to Access June 2025 Content on ESPN+
ESPN+ offers multiple ways to access its extensive June 2025 content lineup through various platforms, subscription options, and bundle packages designed to provide flexibility for sports fans.
Streaming Service Platforms and Devices
ESPN+ content is accessible through the enhanced ESPN App on numerous devices, making it convenient for subscribers to watch their favorite sports programming. Viewers can stream June 2025 content in HD on:
Living room devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast)
Mobile phones and tablets (iOS and Android)
Computers and laptops via web browsers
Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
The ESPN App interface features a dedicated ESPN+ section where all June programming is organized by category, making it easy to find live events, original shows, and exclusive content. Users can create personalized watchlists for upcoming June events and receive notifications when their selected content becomes available.
Integration with Hulu and Direct-to-Consumer Access
Unified content recommendations based on viewing habits
For those preferring direct access, ESPN has launched new direct-to-consumer plans designed to give fans more choice and flexibility. These plans allow standalone access to all ESPN content through the enhanced ESPN App without requiring additional subscriptions.
ESPN’s strategy focuses on providing multiple entry points to its content while maintaining consistent user experiences across platforms.
Subscription Details and Benefits
The newly launched ESPN+ subscription plans offer comprehensive access to June 2025 programming. The primary plan costs $29.99 per month and includes:
Core Benefits:
Full access to all live sports events in June 2025
Complete library of ESPN+ Originals and studio shows
Exclusive content not available on cable ESPN channels
Ad-free viewing experience (premium tier)
4K streaming where available
ESPN+ subscribers also gain access to NFL PrimeTime and other exclusive shows like “Man in the Arena: Tom Brady” without additional fees. The service offers flexible payment options including monthly subscriptions or annual plans with savings.
For budget-conscious viewers, ESPN+ can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu at reduced rates compared to individual subscriptions. New subscribers can often find promotional trial periods to test the service before committing.
Trends and Insights for ESPN+ in 2025
ESPN+ is undergoing significant transformation in 2025 as sports streaming continues to evolve and reshape how fans consume content. The platform is responding to changing viewer habits with new features and expanded offerings.
Cord-Cutting and Sports Streaming Growth
The cord-cutting trend has accelerated dramatically in 2025, with ESPN+ benefiting significantly from the shift away from traditional cable. Sports content has remained one of the last strongholds of cable TV, but that barrier is now crumbling.
ESPN’s new standalone streaming app launching in May 2025 represents a major acknowledgment of this trend. For $29.99 monthly, viewers can access ESPN’s live sports without a cable subscription.
Sports fans increasingly expect on-demand access across multiple devices. The flexibility of watching games on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
Industry data shows sports streaming subscriptions have grown 34% year-over-year, outpacing all other streaming content categories. This surge in sports streaming coincides with declining cable subscriptions, which dropped below 50% of American households for the first time in early 2025.
Subscriber Statistics and Viewer Demographics
ESPN+ has seen remarkable subscriber growth, reaching 28.3 million subscribers by May 2025—a 22% increase from the previous year. The platform’s expansion comes as sports viewing demographics continue to evolve.
The core demographic for ESPN+ has broadened significantly. While the 18-34 male demographic remains strong, female viewership has increased by 41% since 2024. Viewers over 45 now constitute 33% of the subscriber base, showing the platform’s widening appeal.
Geographical distribution reveals interesting patterns:
Urban areas: 58% of subscribers
Suburban regions: 31% of subscribers
Rural communities: 11% of subscribers
The ESPN Insider feature continues to draw subscribers interested in fantasy sports and analysis from experts like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. Engagement data shows subscribers spend an average of 7.3 hours weekly on the platform, with peak usage during major sporting events.
Innovations and Future Developments
ESPN+ is implementing several technological innovations to enhance the viewing experience. Personalization algorithms have been refined to provide customized content recommendations based on viewing history and preferences.
The platform has expanded its interactive features, including multi-angle camera views for select events and enhanced statistics overlays. These innovations help differentiate ESPN+ from traditional broadcasts and competing streaming services.
ESPN’s new bundling strategy offers subscribers more flexibility. Users can bundle ESPN with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 monthly, creating a comprehensive entertainment package under the Disney umbrella.
4K streaming capabilities have been expanded to cover more live events, with plans to implement 8K streaming for select premium content by year-end. The platform is also testing augmented reality features that allow viewers to project game statistics into their living rooms.
Mobile viewing enhancements include improved battery optimization and offline viewing options for replays and documentaries, addressing key pain points identified in user feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
ESPN+ continues to expand its content lineup for June 2025 with exciting sports events, original series, documentaries, and special programming. Subscribers can look forward to extensive coverage across multiple sports and entertainment categories.
What new sports events will be available on ESPN+ in June 2025?
ESPN+ will stream several major sporting events in June 2025, including exclusive UFC Fight Nights and the continuation of the MLB regular season. Tennis fans can enjoy coverage of pre-Wimbledon tournaments and qualifying matches.
The platform will also feature expanded WNBA coverage during the middle of their season with several exclusive games not available on traditional ESPN channels.
Which original series are set to release on ESPN+ next month?
“Detail” returns with new episodes featuring in-depth analysis from sports legends examining gameplay from the NBA Finals and other major competitions.
Season 3 of “Peyton’s Places” continues with new episodes exploring football history and culture with the legendary quarterback as host.
“Man in the Arena: Tom Brady” will release a special supplementary episode covering Brady’s broadcasting career and post-retirement ventures.
Are there any exclusive documentaries premiering on ESPN+ in June 2025?
A new “30 for 30” documentary exploring the 1995 Seattle Mariners season will debut exclusively on ESPN+ in early June.
“The Captain: Beyond the Field,” a follow-up to the Derek Jeter documentary series, examines his business ventures and ownership aspirations.
ESPN Films will also release “Racing Dreams,” a documentary focusing on young NASCAR hopefuls and their journey through development programs.
Can viewers expect any special live programming on ESPN+ for June 2025?
ESPN+ will feature special live coverage of the College World Series with additional camera angles and interactive features exclusive to the platform.
The PGA Tour will have enhanced coverage of select tournaments with featured groups and additional analysis not available on traditional broadcasts.
Special draft preview shows for both the NBA and NHL will provide in-depth analysis of prospects ahead of their respective drafts in the ESPN streaming service.
What are the latest ESPN+ exclusive shows to be added in June 2025?
“The Point” debuts as a new hockey analysis show featuring former NHL players breaking down playoff performances and upcoming draft prospects.
“Inside the Octagon” premieres as an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at UFC fighters preparing for upcoming bouts throughout the summer.
“Quarterback Camp” returns with a new format focusing on rookie QBs adjusting to the NFL following their first minicamps.
How can I find a complete list of ESPN+ releases for June 2025?
Subscribers can access the complete June 2025 programming schedule directly through the ESPN+ app under the “Coming Soon” section.
The official ESPN+ website provides a regularly updated calendar of upcoming content that can be filtered by sport, type, and date for easy reference.
ESPN+ subscribers can also sign up for personalized notifications about upcoming content in their favorite sports categories through the ESPN+ service settings.
Social Dance Club Summer Lessons | University Park Campus News
During the summertime, State College is largely quiet and many Penn State clubs are on break, with no meetings or events. However the Social Dance Club is still holding open-door lessons for various styles of dance throughout the summer at either the State College Municipal Building or the HUB-Robeson Center from 6 p.m. to 8:30 […]
During the summertime, State College is largely quiet and many Penn State clubs are on break, with no meetings or events.
However the Social Dance Club is still holding open-door lessons for various styles of dance throughout the summer at either the State College Municipal Building or the HUB-Robeson Center from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on most days.
Isabella Ramirez, the president of Social Dance Club, said the club has had to alternate between the two locations due to scheduling conflicts during the summer regarding their availability.
“It’s just a little lighter I guess,” Ramirez, a third year studying biotechnology, said. “We have a few days that we’re in and out of the municipal building as well as the HUB just because scheduling gets a little bit difficult and just to give people a break.”
Ramirez also said instructors were “in and out,” and that attendance is more “free-flowing” during the summer when compared to the fall and spring.
Community members and students salsa dance at a PSU Social Dance Club night in the State College Municipal Building on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in State College, Pa.
Alexandra Antoniono
Hugo Ayala, an instructor for the Social Dance club, said holding summer lessons allows for there to be a distraction from other stressors for both students and community members.
“There’s a distraction for them during the summer as [compared to] just doing research and work and also members of the community can go there and just use the time to have an extra hobby to do,” Ayala, an assistant research professor in the Eberly College of Science, said. “It does help to have a little bit of dancing sometimes, just so that people can practice what they already learned during the semester.”
CJ Witherell, treasurer of the Social Dance Club, said the continuation of lessons into the summer — despite the fluidity of attendance — allows community and club members still in State College to stay connected through the club.
“The group is run by a combination of grad students and undergraduate students.” Witherell, a PhD student studying mechanical engineering, said. “A number of our members are graduate students and community members who continue to live in State College over the summer and we just really want to see our friends and continue to work on our dancing.”
They said due to the turnover of members across semesters there were some challenges with organizing lessons, training new executive members, scheduling the room for lessons and determining the availability of instructors.
Witherell said despite these challenges being able to offer others the ability to dance is something that fills them with great joy.
“Dance is the thing that has always brought me the most joy in my life and that’s where a lot of my deep friendships stem from and so it’s just really important to me that it’s accessible to other people,” Witherell said.
Erin Blose, another instructor for the Social Dance Club, said while summer lessons see smaller attendance than the fall and spring, they allow for greater flexibility with how she carries out lesson plans.
Students learn the Bachata dance at the PSU Social Dance Club on Thursday, Feb. 20, in State College Pa.
Luke Kupstas
“During summer, since we have generally less attendance because people are not in town, we will match it to who’s there so we’ll show up with a thought of a lesson.” Blose, a Penn State alumna, said. “If brand new people are there, we will do brand new things. If people show up who have been going all year for the last two semesters, that topic that we’ve thought of — we’ll try to find ways to apply it in a more advanced manner.”
Blose also said the more relaxed nature of summer lessons allows for instructors to provide a more open and approachable atmosphere compared to the fall and spring semesters.
“We try to be so friendly and open and willing to work with whomever shows up because we’re just happy to dance with anybody who’s there,” Blose said. “Anybody who wants to dance should be able to dance and we’re happy to work with wherever you’re at.”
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“You coach a person, not a sport” — John O’Sullivan School is over or ending just about everywhere, and the multi-billion-dollar summer camp industry is about to begin in earnest. According to IBISWorld (Industry, Business & Investment Services) the U.S. camp industry, which includes sports and recreational camps, has a direct and indirect economic impact […]
“You coach a person, not a sport” — John O’Sullivan
School is over or ending just about everywhere, and the multi-billion-dollar summer camp industry is about to begin in earnest. According to IBISWorld (Industry, Business & Investment Services) the U.S. camp industry, which includes sports and recreational camps, has a direct and indirect economic impact of $70 billion. That’s not chump change.
Given the sheer size of participation around the country, and the globe, it begs the question of just who is running all these camps and to what end? Having spent the better part of my career engaged in 7-10 weeks of hockey camps every summer, I have seen a lot of really good camps, and my share of poorly run camps where the operators are simply trying to make as big a profit as possible.
It is why every one of the camps I was supervising promised much more than sport-specific skill development and Xs and Os. I wanted to make sure our camps had a life skills component as well as an academic component, and I wanted the participants to have fun. Given the changing landscape of NIL, I worry that more and more camps will morph into nothing more than emphasizing elite performance and “win at all costs” mindsets, and that parents will shell out ridiculous amounts of money in pursuit of the brass ring.
The brass ring, of course, used to be a college scholarship to get a free education that could help set up student-athletes for a great post-sports career. It’s much more than that these days, and if NIL is allowed to go on unchecked, I worry about the unintended consequences for young kids, impressionable teenagers and overly eager but equally naïve parents. The temptation for unscrupulous coaches and private instructors to make crazy amounts of money selling unsuspecting consumers on false hopes genuinely concerns me.
Don’t get me wrong, I realize that the sports industry as a whole has changed and is growing, and that is creating jobs (increasingly so in women’s sports, especially). And that’s not all bad. But with this rapid growth comes greater responsibilities, and color me skeptical, but given the lack of control and the “Wild, Wild West” mentality in who is actually running college sports these days, I’m a tad concerned. The vast majority of these athletes are not getting life-changing NIL deals, and even the ones who are may be woefully unprepared for the sudden wealth they have come into.
So let me focus for a minute on the people actually responsible for the instruction that happens on fields, courts, ice, water or whatever space your kids are in — and that includes band, dance, art and academic camps. Who are the teachers, coaches, instructors and counselors and what is their motivation? Do they have your child’s best interest at heart or are they simply filling you up with unrealistic expectations, so you’ll keep paying their fees? I know there are many legitimate coaches and private instructors out there but do your due diligence to ensure you are being told the truth.
I’m going to zero in on the impact of coaches, because at least teachers and most non-sports-related staff have some level of formal training and need a certification to do their jobs. That is not always the case with athletics. Just like the volunteers who coach most youth sports teams, many of the people possibly working at your own kids’ camps may simply be former athletes with no formal coaching training. That’s on you, Mom and Dad, to do your homework.
I think it’s important that coaches understand the impact they have on young people‘s lives. With USA Hockey, coaches are made to attend at least the first three levels of the coaching certification program before they’re allowed to be a head coach. This doesn’t mean that every coach “gets it” just because they went through a certification process, but it certainly gets them started on the right path.
In his book “Every Moment Matters: How the World’s Best Coaches Inspire Their Athletes and Build Championship Teams,” John O’Sullivan talks about creating an athlete-centered environment. He describes great coaches as the ones who understand that coaching is about relationships and that sport specific knowledge, while important, is not sufficient. He says, “You don’t coach a sport, you coach people. And for kids, it starts with their hearts.”
But even at the adult level I have witnessed “coaches” who suck the joy right out of their players. They place the emphasis on the wrong objectives, taking what is supposed to be a fun experience and turning it into something it’s not supposed to be. We remember the impact the great coaches made on us. But we also remember the scars of those who had the wrong priorities and never cared about us as people.
I am happy to say that in my own children’s experiences, they were blessed with youth coaches who, for the vast majority of their time, had the kids’ best interests at heart. With one very notable exception of a coach who was into coaching for all the wrong reasons, our State College youth and school sports memories are good ones. Great coaches teach life skills and make the experience joyful. Sports, done right, breaks down cultural barriers and promotes diversity while building bonds that can last a lifetime.
From left: Mike Blanc (Auburn) leads a panel discussion with Tony Overstake (Oregon), Latosha Ramsey (Miami) and Chris Morgan (Louisville) at the the Pro and Collegiate Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) conference.
I believe it’s critical that coaches at all levels need to make getting the right training to learn HOW to coach a priority. I am a big believer that we should never stop learning and that “iron sharpens iron.” I recently attended the Pro and Collegiate Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) conference at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. It was both an inspiration and a call to action to me. We get to see and hear the stories of the successes, for sure. But when you also hear about the challenges, and in some cases the tragedies, it makes you stop and ponder who is running this show. After you share ideas and experiences with these people who are actually working with the professional and elite college athletes you understand even more the importance of helping them build a strong moral and spiritual foundation.
The speakers at the conference included FCA directors Nobles Darby IV, the team chaplain of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Browns; Patricia Hollowell of Maryland; Desmond Cook of the Miami Dolphins; Reggie Hutchins from Florida State; Mike Blanc of Auburn; Chauncy Franks from TCU; Tony Overstake of Oregon; Latosha Ramsey of Miami; Jim Black of Stanford; Chris Morgan of Louisville; Richard Lopez of Arizona; and Fleceia Comeaux of the Houston Dash and U.S, women’s soccer team. Topics included “Be Strong and Courageous,” “Get off the Fence,” “Presence,” “NIL and Transfer Portal,” “Growing a Healthy Ministry,” and “Board and Donor Advancement.”
Joe Battista caught up with former PSU assistant football coach Brian Norwood at TCU.
Of course, half of the learning that takes place at these conferences is the casual conversations at meals, during socials and in between sessions. I even found time to catch up with an old friend from Penn State football, Coach Brian Norwood, who is now at TCU. Our kids went to school together in State College and I’m sure State High fans will recognize the names of the Norwood kids, especially Jordan, who played football at Penn State before going on to a career in the NFL. The bond of friendship shaped by sports is real and it is strong.
While I am no longer coaching a team, I am still involved in teaching hockey camps and leading FCA “Huddles” with more than 100 high school and college coaches and athletes for football, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, soccer and even one school band. I consider it one of the most important roles I have been honored to have during my sports career.
I take my role very seriously because I am totally aligned with the philosophy so elegantly described by Rev. Billy Graham:
“A coach, in one year, will impact more people than the average person will in a lifetime.”
Dinner at Joe T. Garcias in Fort Worth with FCA members representing colleges from South Carolina, Florida, Washington, Utah, Oklahoma, Georgia, Kansas and Texas
LANCASTER, S.C. – Buford High multi-sport athlete Christian Griffin has settled on one sport. Griffin, 18, has signed to play college soccer at USC Lancaster. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. 1
Bill Belichick Is Happy To Play by NIL, Transfer Portal Rules if There Were Any
College football leaders were expecting to have a decision on the House v. NCAA settlement as the July 1 date looms—for both the approval date and the start of the athletic fiscal calendar. As U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken evaluates the revised agreement she received for what will be a month on June 7, […]
College football leaders were expecting to have a decision on the House v. NCAA settlement as the July 1 date looms—for both the approval date and the start of the athletic fiscal calendar.
As U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken evaluates the revised agreement she received for what will be a month on June 7, it’s left the state of college sports in a limbo period with time running out.
Power Four coaches simply don’t know how to operate within the NIL landscape and the transfer portal without the presumed guidance from the settlement terms.
New North Carolina Tar Heels coach Bill Belichick was likely expecting much more clarity in his entry into college football after five decades in the NFL, and he is one who is calling for regulation.
How Can College Football Coaches Follow NIL Rules They Don’t Know?
Belichick was candid in a recent appearance with ESPN’s Rece Davis alongside Clemson‘s Dabo Swinney on the College GameDay Podcast.
“For me, it’s really pretty simple: I’d say, tell me what the rules are and then we’ll play by them,” Belichick said. “Right now a lot of it is up in the air, and once the House settlement is done and once some rules are solidified, and honestly, it’ll probably take a year for this to settle in and see how things go. There will be some adjustments made, it sounds like the judge has already committed to that too, and we’ll take a look at things later on.”
It’s a murky territory for coaches who are hoping not to be the first to violate the new era of NIL payments in college sports towards athletes, but who are also trying to build championship rosters to make a play at the College Football Playoff.
“Whatever it is, however the money is distributed and however the contracts are written, whatever the length of the contracts are and so forth, then we’ll figure it out,” Belichick continued. “But I’d say right now it’s a lot of ‘we’re not sure,’ ‘we’ll have to wait and see.’ Some people view it one way, some people view it another way. And you just have to come to an agreement on that. I think things will settle eventually, but right now they’re a little bit up in the air and we’ll see what happens when everything has a bit more declaration to it.”
“Yeah, I mean, I think there are no rules right now. We just want some rules. Tell us what they are,” Sweeney chimed in to add.
The problem is, what exactly are those rules, and when will they be put into practice?
What entity will be enforcing them?
Coaches may not even realize that they’re in violation of terms at this point and are clearly begging for clarity from the top down.
If you’re looking to attend the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, here’s your chance. The ticket application for practice rounds and tournament tickets is now available. Augusta National began taking applications Sunday and the lottery will remain open until June 20. Submitting an application is a simple process; all that is required […]
If you’re looking to attend the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, here’s your chance. The ticket application for practice rounds and tournament tickets is now available.
Augusta National began taking applications Sunday and the lottery will remain open until June 20. Submitting an application is a simple process; all that is required is creating a free account at Masters.com. Fans can enter to win a maximum of four tickets for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds, as well as two tickets for tournament rounds on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
While those lucky enough to be selected will be offered tickets at a discounted rate, prices to attend the 2026 Masters are higher than they were this year. Monday and Tuesday practice rounds are $125. The Wednesday Par 3 Contest is $150. Thursday-Sunday rounds are $160. This year, Monday-Wednesday practice rounds were $100. Thursday-Sunday tournament rounds were $140.
The lucky winners will be notified in July. Don’t even think about selling those tickets.
“As a reminder, August National, Inc. is the only authorized source/seller of Masters Tickets,” the website states. “The resale of any Masters Ticket is strictly prohibited. Holders of Tickets acquired from third parties, by whatever means, may be excluded from attendance to the Tournament.”
2026 Masters to follow emotional 2025 triumph of Rory McIlroy
Attending the Masters is a true bucket list item for golf fans. It’s the first major every calendar year and the most famous golf tournament in the world. Winning the Masters earns a golfer a lifetime exemption back to Augusta National and of course, the coveted Green Jacket.
There have been many emotional wins throughout the near 100-year history of the tournament. This year’s Masters delivered another one, as Rory McIlroy captured his first Green Jacket. McIlroy’s playoff win over Justin Rose was his first major triumph since 2014 and with it, he completed golf’s Grand Slam.
McIlroy will be one of the favorites to repeat in 2026. As always, expect world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, LIV Golf‘s Bryson DeChambeau and a host of others to contend. The 2026 Masters is scheduled for April 9-12.
USA scores sled hockey gold on home ice, in front of alumnus
BUFFALO, N.Y. — If you’re a fan of the sport of hockey and the United States of America, it’s been a good couple of weeks. Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson knocked in an overtime goal for the stars and stripes to win the World Championships — and now their para counterparts pulled off the same dominance. […]
BUFFALO, N.Y. — If you’re a fan of the sport of hockey and the United States of America, it’s been a good couple of weeks. Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson knocked in an overtime goal for the stars and stripes to win the World Championships — and now their para counterparts pulled off the same dominance.
“It’s amazing to see the youth, and the growth and the development of our sport,” said Buffalo-area native Chris Manns, who has earned a share of World Championship and Olympic gold from his sled. “I was injured in a train accident in 1991, and then a group by the name of Western New York Youth Physically Challenged Sports just called me one day and wanted to know if I want to come and try the sport of sled hockey at Buffalo State College. I went down that Saturday, and I fell in love with the sport and ever since then I’ve been playing.”
Western New York, being the hotbed for hockey talent that it is, the same can be historically said for those standing on two feet or sitting on two blades.
“At one point, there was five of us were from Buffalo on the national team and obviously it’s special,” Manns said. “Just to be back here where so many young disabled athletes in the organization can come out and see this sled hockey at the highest level.”
So the World Championships making their way back to the 716 for the first time in a decade? Excitement is a light way to put it. Spectrum News 1 heard from team captain Josh Pauls, an elder statesman on the team, ahead of the tournament and Manns has kept in touch with him the whole journey here.
“My last year on the team, ’08-’09, in Czech Republic at the World Championships, Josh was just a rookie,” Manns recalled. “It’s awesome to see him carry the torch and lead the next group of national players to where they are now.”
So a pair of dominating preliminary games, rounded out by a close finisher to the prelims and 6-1 semis win over China to bring the hometown red, white and blue to the final stage yet again.
“You work so hard for all your life, to train to win gold. From one USA former player to the guys, two words: Beat Canada.”
A 6-1 victory again, gold medals earned — mission accomplished.
Team USA keeps the title on home soil, their seventh going back to 2009. Manns hopes this showing will encourage more New Yorkers to work their way to the roster in years to come.
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