Start your morning with Buzzcast with Abe Madkour: The toughest job in sports business; Sankey speaks and NCAA reacts; Dallas’ dilemma and where’s the buzz around NASCAR’s final weekend?
Federal law officers are “investigating a youth baseball company owned by” the MLBPA that spent at least $3.9M “while holding few sparsely attended live events for kids,” according to sources cited by ESPN.com. The Florida-based business, Players Way, “has generated barely six figures in revenue since its founding in 2019.” While the union said it has put $3.9M into the company, sources said that “the amount is closer to” $10M. Sources said Players Way funds “largely paid the six-figure annual salaries of its executives and consultants” — which includes “a handful of former major leaguers, some of whom were simultaneously working other full-time jobs outside the union.” One source described Players Way finances as a “black box.” The complaint accused MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark of “self-dealing, misuse of resources and abuse of power at the union.” Clark, who “has not been charged with any crime,” and other union officials have dismissed the allegations as “baseless” (ESPN.com, 10/30).
The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. filed a lawsuit Wednesday to “force UCLA to honor the remaining two decades of its contract and keep Bruin football games in the historic stadium through 2044,” the L.A. Times reported.
Filed in L.A. County Superior Court, the complaint against UCLA and the University of California Regents alleges that the university has “been ‘unequivocally expressing its intent to abandon the Rose Bowl Stadium and relocate its home football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.’”
UCLA’s lease runs through June 30, 2044. Pasadena officials said that taxpayers have “invested more than” $150M in stadium renovations, while recently refinancing another $130M in bonds for additional capital improvements. The filing alleges that UCLA, after “years of public assurances that it is staying,” has “now ‘chosen to disregard those promises’ and has formally notified the plaintiffs that it is ‘moving on’ and that ‘there’s no way we’re staying long term.’” Home attendance for UCLA has been a “deepening concern” in recent seasons. The team has averaged 35,253 fans for its four home games this season, “putting it on track for an all-time low” at the Rose Bowl (L.A. TIMES, 10/29).
UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs that controls and manages the strategic marketing, sales and delivery of commercial rights for UEFA club competitions, has agreed to enter an exclusive negotiation period with Anheuser-Busch InBev to become the official global sponsor in the beer product category for all UEFA men’s club competitions — excluding the UEFA Youth League — from 2027-33. The decision by UC3 follows a competitive bidding process launched in early October by UC3, supported by its global marketing and sales agency Relevent Football Partners (UC3).
The announcement “extends AB InBev’s sponsorship reach within the world of soccer.” The company also has a 40-year partnership with FIFA, including sponsoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the new sponsor for UEFA men’s club competitions, AB InBev replaces Heineken after three decades. The beer company has been sponsoring the UEFA Champions League since 1994. In 2023, Heineken renewed its partnership through 2027 (ADWEEK, 10/29). The deal will likely be worth close to $232M each season. It is the “first major deal lined up by Relevent” since it was picked this year by the EFC group and UEFA to “drive up the value of commercial deals and raise prize money for hundreds of clubs” who enter the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League each season. The target is at least $5.8B in gross revenue each season from 2027. Current gross revenue is at least $5.1B, which pays almost $2.9B into the prize fund shared by the 36 Champions League teams (AP, 10/29).
The IOC and Saudi Arabia have “canceled their 12-year deal to host the video gaming Esports Olympics” in Riyadh. The IOC said today that they “mutually agreed that they will end their cooperation on the Olympic Esports Games.” It is a “rare failure for a Saudi-backed sports project that was a key part of the Vision 2030 program” driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The partnership was confirmed on the eve of the Paris Olympics last year but the inaugural Esports Olympics due to be held this year in Riyadh was postponed to 2027. The IOC said that it “will ‘develop a new approach’ to the video gaming Olympics and ‘pursue a new partnership model’” (AP, 10/30).
The Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series continues to generate robust viewership figures both in the U.S. and Canada. Monday night’s 18-inning thriller averaged 11.4 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes and the network’s streaming services in the U.S., which marked the second best for a World Series Game 3 going back to 2021, trailing only last year’s Dodgers-Yankees Game 3 (13.6 million). Fox alone, even without the Toronto market accounted for, drew 11.2 million viewers on Monday night.
Due to the game’s length, the viewership figure for Monday does not include all 18 innings. The prior 18-inning World Series game — between the Dodgers and Red Sox in 2018 — was measured by Nielsen through the 14th inning. Though the latter innings were not rated by Nielsen, Fox’s Mike Mulvihill noted on X that 8 million viewers were still tuned in at the conclusion of the game.
Bringing in the Canadian market takes the Game 3 average to 17.6 million viewers, MLB said on Wednesday night, up 27% from last year. The World Series’ three-game average across both the U.S. and Canada is at 18.7 million viewers, a 25% increase over 2024.
The NBPA will “appeal the NBA’s decision” to place Heat G Terry Rozier on unpaid leave after he was arrested last week. The NBA placed Rozier on leave hours after the federal government unsealed charges against him and Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. An NBPA spokesperson said, “While we are in agreement with the league that upholding the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance, their decision to place Terry on leave without pay is counter to the presumption of innocence and inconsistent with the terms of our collective bargaining agreement.” The NBA’s CBA, the league’s governing document, does “not specifically allow the league to put a player on leave for such matters.” The NBA Constitution “seems to give commissioner Adam Silver more latitude.” Article 24 gives him “broad powers to punish members of the NBA in instances that are not directly spelled out in the constitution or its bylaws” (THE ATHLETIC, 10/29).
Rozier and Billups will “not receive their salaries while on leave for their arrests on federal gambling-related charges,” according to sources cited by the AP. Rozier had been “due to receive the first installment” of a $26.6M annual salary with the Heat “later this week.” Sources said that the first installment, “and future installments, will be held pending resolution of his legal case.” A source said that if Rozier is cleared and allowed to return to the NBA, which placed him on leave hours after his arrest, he “could receive the held payments in full.” A source said that the Heat will “not receive any immediate salary cap relief by the NBA’s decision.” A source said that Billups is “having his salary held by the Trail Blazers” (AP, 10/29).
MLS club FC Dallas and Toyota are renewing a multiyear deal of Toyota’s presenting sponsorship and naming-rights agreement for the 20-year-old stadium and soccer center. FC Dallas President Dan Hunt said that the agreement is a 10-year extension of the agreement, which will “now run through 2035.” Financial terms were not disclosed. Hunt also said that “hopefully we’re going to be putting our name in” to bid on being a host site for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, but he declined to elaborate on the bidding process. The next chapter for Toyota Stadium includes a $182M renovation project, a public-private deal that is expected to be completed in 2028. The city, the Frisco Economic Development Corp., the Frisco Community Development Corp. and Frisco ISD are “helping to fund the project.” The Hunt family is “footing the bill for a significant portion of the renovation” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/29).
Cosm has reached a long-term extension of its partnership with the NBA, which enables the immersive venue operator to produce and present NBA game broadcasts in its “shared reality” LED domes. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Cosm CEO Jeb Terry confirmed it extends into the 2030s.
“We do try to make sure that all of our major tentpole deals now have term to them,” Terry told SBJ. “What we’re excited about is being able to announce that the NBA is into the next decade… especially given that they were the first we were able to partner around.”
Indeed, the NBA was Cosm’s first major sports partner, as announced at the league’s All-Star weekend in Salt Lake City in February of 2023. That was more than a year before Cosm opened its first venue in L.A.’s Hollywood Park mixed-use development last June — let alone unveiled its second in north Dallas last summer or announced locations in Atlanta (targeted to open in 2026), Detroit (2026) and Cleveland (2027) slated to open in the next two years. Each Cosm venue features an 87-foot-diameter LED dome that shows live sports to attendees in 12K+ resolution, as produced using specialty cameras by Cosm crews on-site at events.
“This extension is really a proof-positive that this concept works,” said NBA VP, Head/New Media Partnerships Teddy Kaplan. “As crazy as it is, and as hard as it is to imagine what shared reality is, you have to see it to believe it, and our fans have responded so well in L.A. and Dallas. We’re emboldened by our fans and how they’re taking to Cosm.”
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Wings G Paige Bueckers is “looking to make her leap onto the big screen,” as she is “attached to star” in the sports film “Jess & Pearl,” according to sources cited by DEADLINE. Apple Original Films is developing the film “set in the world of women’s basketball,” which is “based on an original idea” by Zahir McGhee. The film follows “two phenoms who forge an extraordinary bond as teammates until fame, competition and the ruthless business of college athletics threaten to turn their friendship into an epic rivalry.” David Bernad will “produce the movie through his Middle Child Pictures banner, alongside Wasserman’s Lindsay Kagawa Colas and Tommy Alter.” Bueckers, who is repped by Wasserman, “will executive produce” (DEADLINE, 10/29).
Legends Global has hired Matt Goodman as SVP/Business Development for the company’s hospitality and merchandise divisions. Goodman brings extensive sports industry experience to the role, having previously served in executive positions with the Mavericks (COO), LIV Golf (president, franchises), and NYCFC (chief commercial officer).
“As we were looking to revamp our revenue generation business development group, Matt’s name continued to come up as a forward thinker and innovator,” said Legends Global President, Hospitality, Tom Funk.
Most recently, Goodman was consulting industry clients on media rights, sponsorship strategy, valuation and go-to market strategy through his boutique firm GoodGame Advisory. Clients included Dude Perfect, Sport Fishing Championship and Victory+. No search firm was involved with Goodman’s hire. His varied experiences, especially in pro sports C-suite positions, should benefit Legends Global in a hyper-competitive sports venue food and beverage market.
“We needed an executive leader that can speak to a partner team’s needs,” Funk said of Goodman. “I think it’s refreshing that we can sit cross the table with someone that’s been a COO of a team.”
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Sporting-goods company Puma intends to “expand its continuing cost-reduction program” and said that it aims to “return to growth from 2027 onward as the group rolls out a brand-reset strategy.” The company said today that it “plans a reduction of around 900 additional white-collar roles globally” from a total number of approximately 7,000 by the end of next year. In 2025, 500 roles were already cut under the program. The group has been undergoing a turnaround plan under new CEO Arthur Hoeld. Puma maintained its guidance for this year posting third-quarter sales of $2.27B, “15% lower than in the same period a year earlier” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 10/30).
The shares fell as much as 3.1% in early Frankfurt trading. Puma’s stock is down by more than 50% this year, “far worse than” the performance of rivals Nike and Adidas. In the U.S. and Canada, Puma is “considering retooling its partnership with United Legwear that’s focused on the sale of socks and bodywear.” Puma said that it has a 51% stake in the joint company, but it is “now considering turning that into a licensing model this year to ‘optimize’ its distribution network.” Beyond that, Puma is “looking to cut the overall size of its product range and reduce the number of new articles it introduces every year.” Puma said that it will “focus more on creating innovative products for football, running and training” and make sure that its “lifestyle products are clearly ‘rooted in and inspired by sports.’” The brand added that they are “creating a new marketing approach in which teams will create campaigns and branding efforts on products as they’re being developed” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 10/30).
This week on the SBJ Sports Media Podcast, SBJ golf and sports media reporter Josh Carpenter is joined by SBJ soccer writer Alex Silverman for a deep dive into MLS viewership on Apple and what it could mean for the future of the media rights partnership. Also, SBJ media reporter Austin Karp has a conversation with former HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg. The two discuss the future of the in-season version of Hard Knocks, the creation of HBO Real Sports as well as the impact of HBO’s partnership with boxing.
Company: Legends
Title: Group Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships
Read Normansell’s full Forty Under 40 profile
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The relationship aspect of the partnership world is really rewarding, because you’re building these connections with the industry. And if you do what you say you’re going to do or you over-deliver, people come back and can be your customer for life.”
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View the full list of Forty Under 40 honorees. On Friday, Nov. 21, we will celebrate our Forty Under 40 class at a regal, black-tie gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. To buy tickets, go to FortyUnder40Awards.com.
The Loyola Chicago men’s basketball team “will wear uniform patches honoring chaplain Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt,” who died Oct. 9 at age 106 (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/29).
Rutgers is “hiring” Saint Joseph’s GM Rob Sullivan to serve as the GM “for both its men’s and women’s programs” (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 10/29).
Ferraro’s Ristorante owner Gino Ferraro said that the restaurant has “agreed to drop a lawsuit against various entities tied to the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix after the parties settled out of court” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 10/29).
The most read article yesterday was about discussions for a settlement between NASCAR and teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports before this weekend’s Cup Series championship race in Phoenix: NASCAR hints at urgent settlement efforts as championship weekend looms.
In a front-page piece, the L.A. TIMES went with the header, “For some L.A. Latinos, ICE raids tested their Dodgers faith. Can the World Series bring them back?” Latino Dodgers fans had their “faith in the team tested this summer” when the Trump administration began immigration raids across Southern California. Many were “disappointed the team was not more forceful in condemning the raids, especially given the fact that Latinos are such a big part of its fan base.” But on Tuesday night in front of the Greyhound Bar and Grill in Highland Park, an hour before the fourth game of the World Series began, Jorge De La Cruz showed up “to make sure he got a good seat.”
Also:
Brad Marchand is stepping away from the Florida Panthers to help a friend whose daughter died last week of cancer.
Marchand is serving as a guest coach Wednesday night for an under-18 team in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in place of friend JP MacCallum.…
— ESPN (@espn) October 29, 2025
Nearly 37 million people in the U.S. watched American Express NBA Tip-Off 2025 across NBC/Peacock, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video, the most viewers for an opening week in 15 years.
(Note: Excludes NBA Tip-Off 2011 and 2020 when the season started Christmas week.) pic.twitter.com/8yrqpQ65uH
— NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2025
Eight million people were still watching Game 3 of the World Series when Freddie Freeman walked it off at 2:45am ET per Nielsen.
Remarkably more people were watching when Freeman ended it than were watching at first pitch.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 30, 2025
“This city would have hosted in 1916 but for cancellation due to WWI; it would be the last city to host before they were canceled again.”
The Morning Buzz offers today’s back pages and sports covers from some of North America’s major metropolitan newspapers:
“What is Berlin?”
Updated Jan. 2, 2026, 7:24 p.m. ET
It’s time to dust off the annual ’49 football trophy’ that will once again be hoisted in the air on Thanksgiving Day.
The long-standing, 90-year high school holiday rivalry between Joseph Case and Somerset Berkley is officially back on this coming November. The last time the two schools met was in 2022 when the Raiders defeated the Cardinals, 50-14.
Returning this month, the Soldier Hollow Kickers and Gliders program aims to introduce more youth across the Wasatch Back to cross-country skiing, with renewed efforts focused on reaching families in the local Latino population.
The beginner-focused program is designed for children ages 6 to 11 runs from Jan. 6 through Feb. 26, with sessions held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Soldier Hollow’s Sports Discovery Center, located at 2002 South Olympic Drive in Midway.
“Kids will learn the basics of skiing through purposeful play, games and drills. All participants get free hot chocolate to warm back up after each practice,” said Gerrit Garberich, senior sports manager and head comp BIA Coach.
Last winter, Garberich and Luke Bodensteiner, Soldier Hollow’s general manager and chief of sport development for the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, began a discounted registration initiative aimed at increasing participation among Latino families.
That initiative set aside 20 spots for Latino participants at a discounted rate of $25 supported by the Wasatch Community Foundation and the Wasatch Latino Coalition. Additionally the program offers needs-based scholarships to all families.
Program leaders have pointed to longstanding underrepresentation of Latino families in local skiing programs as a key reason for expanding outreach and reducing barriers.
“Last year we had 95 kids participate in our program but only four took advantage of the $25 registration for the Latino community,” said Garberich.
Organizers recognized that challenges such as transportation and communication have limited participation in the past and said they are working to improve outreach and access for Latino families this season.
Transportation was not offered last year due to a lack of available bus drivers — a limitation organizers said may have affected participation. This winter, the program has secured two bus drivers in hopes of increasing access and enrollment.
Free transportation will be available for registered participants, with a program bus picking up children at 3:40 p.m. from the southeast portion of the Wasatch Recreation Center parking lot and returning them to the same location at approximately 5:45 p.m.
The goal is to reduce common barriers, organizers said — which include cost, equipment and transportation — that can prevent families from accessing winter sports.
The program provides all ski equipment, including skis, boots and poles. Families are asked to send children dressed for winter conditions, including windproof or snow pants, base layers, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, neck gaiter, warm socks and a water bottle.
Registration is now open, with separate links available in English and Spanish. Families seeking Spanish-language registration and access to the reduced $25 rate for Latino participants are encouraged to use the Spanish registration link, while general registration is available through the English link.
Barre3
Embrace strength, cardio and mindfulness all at once with a session at this Bethesda studio. As anyone who’s done barre can attest, those subtle movements inspired by ballet training look deceptively easy but deliver major results. The workouts take you through low-impact isometric moves, bursts of cardio, and breath work that’s meant to center your mind. Everyone, from beginner to expert, is welcome at Barre3, which is known locally for its popular classes, with about a dozen offered per day.
4829 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-858-6101, barre3.com
Chevy Chase Athletic Club
This 20,000-square-foot club sprawls across the 18th floor of the Barlow Building in Friendship Heights, offering penthouse views of downtown D.C. as you lift, spin or power walk. Its squash program is the biggest in the area, including private and group classes, clinics, tournaments and more. Various personal training options zero in on youth sports, seniors’ balance and flexibility, and all-around fitness.
5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-656-8834, myccac.com
City and County Recreation Centers
Want to work out on the cheap or even for free? Montgomery County has 22 recreation centers with workshops, clinics, drop-in programs, sports, open gym and special events. A fitness center pass is free with proof of county residency and gets you access to gym equipment, open gym and more. Some classes, ranging from golf to pickleball, are available for a fee, and a pass to the county’s four indoor pools and seven outdoor pools costs $400 per year for county residents. There are also city rec centers for a small fee in Gaithersburg and in Rockville, where the Rockville Swim & Fitness Center offers day passes and membership packages for residents and nonresidents.
Montgomery County: montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/recreationcenters; Gaithersburg: gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation; Rockville: rockvillemd.gov/398/swim-fitness-center
CrossFit Bethesda
If the idea of walking into a huge gym—where you don’t really know how to work the machines or, well, do much of anything—fills you with dread, consider a more personalized workout routine at CrossFit Bethesda. Coaches and classmates quickly get to know your name as you all run through barbell squats and kettlebell swings together. Variety is the name of the game here, so if boredom with the same old, same old is what’s killing your desire to work out, CrossFit might be a good fit—the high-intensity fitness approach combines elements of weightlifting, cardio and even gymnastics.
4848 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-381-5855, crossfitbethesda.com
Equinox Bethesda
One of 111 Equinox clubs around the globe, this is a posh place for getting fit, equipped with such luxuries as a saltwater pool and a spa for facials and massages. Group classes, which are unlimited for members, include cycling, barre, Pilates and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Equinox also prides itself on a top-notch personal training program.
4905 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-652-1078, equinox.com
extendYoga
You can do your sun salutations and asanas at this studio, or from the comfort of your home in virtual classes, as teachers lead you through sessions with an emphasis on the vinyasa flow style. Choose from about six classes per day. As part of its mission to make yoga welcoming to all, Extend offers Repped, an “inclusive yoga series” aimed at underserved groups; past months have been devoted to Muslim and Asian American Pacific Islander communities.
12106 Wilkins Ave., North Bethesda, 301-881-3330, extendyoga.com
Hotworx Bethesda
Eight small saunas that can accommodate up to three people each make up this boutique fitness studio, part of a national chain. Classes—taught by instructors via TV screens in the saunas—combine heat, infrared energy and exercise with the goal of maximizing the calories burned in shorter bursts of time. Choose from sessions such as 30-minute hot yoga or hot Pilates, or 15-minute HIIT workouts such as cycling. The studio is open 24/7 to accommodate busy schedules.
4830 Rugby Ave., Bethesda, 301-966-3924, hotworx.net
Life Time
Billed as “Potomac’s first athletic country club,” that Life Time location is all about breaking a sweat in style. Locker rooms decked out in wood and marble, and accented with flowers, feel reminiscent of a high-end hotel bathroom (they also have steam rooms, saunas and a whirlpool). Tend to your whole body, head to toe, at the spa, and recharge at the cafe with a seasonally changing menu. The Gaithersburg location (billed as “Gaithersburg’s only athletic country club”) offers swanky spa services, too, and also boasts two indoor and two outdoor pools. At both Life Time spots, children ages 3 months through 11 years can hang in the Kids Academy while you get your workout in.
1151 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 240-314-7022; 10121 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-569-5100; my.lifetime.life
Onelife Fitness
The basketball courts are a major draw at some of the Onelife gyms; you can play pickup, just shoot around, or join one of the camps, classes, leagues or organized games. (Note: The Pike & Rose, Germantown and Olney locations don’t have courts.) Cutting-edge equipment, a wide range of group fitness classes, and amenities such as pools, whirlpools and saunas at several locations are good reasons to work out here. Overdid it just a bit? Many locations offer red light therapy (which reduces pain and inflammation), HydroMassage (for loosening tight muscles and alleviating pain) or compression therapy (to decrease muscle soreness and inflammation) on-site.
4400 Montgomery Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-9570; 20500 Seneca Meadows Parkway, Germantown, 240-686-4500; 17821 Georgia Ave., Olney, 301-358-6698; 11594 Old Georgetown Road (Pike & Rose), Rockville, 301-245-3908; 1407 Research Blvd., Rockville, 240-599-8383; onelifefitness.com
Orangetheory Fitness
Newbies and seasoned athletes alike are welcome here—Orangetheory workouts are for all fitness levels. This popular chain takes you through instructor-led classes that differ from traditional HIIT classes because of their adaptability—you can raise or lower your intensity based on your fitness level and goals for the day. That’s aided by a system that tracks your body in real time, showing you your heart rate at all times and helping you adjust accordingly. The cardio part of the workout includes treadmills, rowers and other equipment.
7955 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-565-0366; 622 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg, 301-250-1060; 18205 Hillcrest Ave., Olney, 443-221-6700; 1601 Rockville Pike, Suite 210A (Congressional Plaza), Rockville, 240-380-3311; 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Suite R-10, Potomac, 301-265-5050; 8455 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-798-7433; orangetheory.com
Pink Moon
Moms are the raison d’être for this wellness center that opened in Bethesda in May 2025. Pilates and total-body toning classes are the main draws, as are yoga sessions—some of which even incorporate your little ones, from babies through preschoolers. Child care is also offered for kids ages 6 months to 6 years from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on weekdays. If you’re new to working out or easing back into it postpartum, don’t worry—they’re all about inclusivity here.
7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, 240-222-1146, pinkmoonmoms.com
Soldierfit
Atten-hut! Boot camp classes are the centerpiece here; the Rockville location reserves half of its 10,000 square feet for those sessions, aimed to strengthen you both physically and mentally. The 50-minute workouts are structured military-style, but the idea is to build camaraderie, too—Soldierfit encourages you to think of its trainers as your “friendly drill sergeants.” There’s also cardio and other workout equipment if you prefer to go it alone.
12241 Nebel St., Rockville, 240-669-8298; 1 E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, 301-407-1800; 12210 Plum Orchard Drive, Suite 206, Silver Spring, 301-751-3163; soldierfit.com
SoulCycle
Cyclists, you may just find your tribe at the Bethesda outpost of this popular chain of spin studios. High-energy music—maybe Taylor Swift, ’90s throwbacks or hip-hop, depending on the class—pumps from the speakers as instructors lead you through the choreography. Hooked? You can buy your own SoulCycle bike for at-home workouts and pedal along with classes you stream live.
4931 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-803-7685, soul-cycle.com
The St. James Performance Club
Grapevine your way to better health in the step aerobics class, challenge yourself to a boot camp-style routine in the pool, or sculpt your body on the gym equipment at this offshoot of The St. James’ mega sports complex in Virginia. Whatever your workout, refuel afterward with a tropical acai bowl or a pineapple-mango smoothie at Vim & Victor, a chef-curated wellness bar.
6828 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 240-507-5366, thestjames.com
Urban Boxing Bethesda
Some days you just want to slam a fist into something. Do that here and get a full-body workout at the same time. The plethora of classes offered in this gritty but well-equipped studio include boxing of course—but also kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiujitsu, mixed martial arts, sparring and yoga. All experience levels are welcome, and some boxing classes are for kids only.
4834 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-2186, urbanboxingbethesda.com
YMCA
Dink and lob at the Y, which has a happening pickleball program—you can play, take classes or sign up for clinics. Spice up your fitness routine with a new class, from belly dancing to Zumba. Or dive into the indoor or outdoor pool (swimming classes are offered for kids, teens and adults). Bonus: Cooking classes with an emphasis on nutrition are offered for kids, adults, seniors and families. Nutrition counseling is also available for members.
YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase, 9401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-3725; YMCA Silver Spring, 9800 Hastings Drive, Silver Spring, 301-585-2120; ymcadc.org
This appeared in the 2025-2026 Insider’s Guide.
A parent said to me recently, “We don’t have time for anything anymore. Every season is another sport, another camp, another commitment.” That comment stuck with me, because it echoes what many parents have shared with me over the years. One parent told me how, in their experience with youth sports, certain activities began taking priority over everything else not because kids loved them more, but because families had already invested so much money that stepping back didn’t feel like an option.
Hockey and dance were early examples. Those weren’t just sports; they were major financial commitments that shaped the entire family’s schedule and budget. Another family we know has a son who eventually signed with the LA Kings. When he received his signing bonus, he bought his dad a new truck. He told him, “You wore your truck out taking me to practices and games all those years.” It was a heartfelt gesture, but it also shows the level of sacrifice families feel obligated to make long before they know whether any of it will pay off.
Even the outdoors, the place many of us turned to for simplicity, isn’t immune from this shift. Several people have told me how fishing, once the most accessible pastime around, has become another high‑cost, high‑pressure pursuit. Multiple locators with forward‑facing sonar, spot‑lock trolling motors, specialized tackle, and the vehicle to tow the boat have turned a “fishing boat” into a serious investment. What used to be a quiet day on the water has become yet another arena where gear and competition creep in. Parents also tell me they feel pressure to keep spending, keep traveling, and keep their kids committed year‑round, sometimes chasing the child’s dream, sometimes chasing their own. That’s not new, and it’s not going away. But it does feed into a culture where families feel they have to keep up, spend more, and sacrifice more.
Meanwhile, the simple things, the things that used to define childhood, are getting squeezed out. Those last crisp days of pheasant season. Walking a woods line for squirrels or rabbits. Wandering a field with a dog and no real agenda. Summer mornings on the lake. These moments have been replaced by “mandatory” camps, weekend tournaments, and off‑season practices that leave no room for anything else. One parent told me, “My own grandsons have so much going on that it’s almost impossible for them to find time to fish with Grampa.” Not because they don’t want to but because their schedules don’t leave room for unstructured time, family traditions, or simply being outdoors for the fun of it.
If we want kids to stay active in sports and still grow up with the outdoor traditions so many of us value, we need to bring back some balance. Let them rest. Let them wander. Let them fish with their grandparents. Let them be kids again.
Gary Korsgaden lives in Pelican Rapids, Minn.
From 2008 to 2012, Spain absolutely dominated the international soccer scene— winning two European championships (2008, 2012) and a World Cup title (2010). In 2024, the Spanish took home another Euros title, and are currently the top-ranked team in the official FIFA rankings.
Despite losing to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final, the team is filled with a perfect blend of youth and experience with talent at every position. All eyes will be Lamine Yamal, the 18-year old sensation that took the world by storm last year with his dominant play at the Euros.
How they Qualified:
Spain qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing atop Group E in UEFA qualifying, securing one of Europe’s automatic spots for the expanded 48-team field. They put together a consistent, high-scoring campaign and remained in control of the group throughout, ultimately clinching first place ahead of Turkey and the other contenders.
World Cup Group Stage Schedule:
Group H is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Previous World Cup appearances:
What is Spain’s Best Finish in the World Cup?
Who’ll be Spain’s Key Players at the World Cup?
Lamine Yamal is a right-winger for FC Barcelona and one of Spain’s most productive young internationals. He became the youngest player ever to represent Spain and played a major role in their EURO 2024 title, contributing both goals and assists throughout the tournament. His breakout season with Barcelona included consistent La Liga and Champions League production, and he finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, the highest placement ever for a teenager.
Pedri is a central midfielder for FC Barcelona and has been a regular for Spain since breaking through in 2021. He won the UEFA Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament, was named to the Team of the Tournament, and played in the 2022 World Cup. Known for his passing accuracy, ball retention and ability to control tempo, he remains one of Spain’s most important midfield pieces.
Rodri is Spain’s first-choice holding midfielder and an anchor for Manchester City, where he has won multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several domestic trophies. He captured the Ballon d’Or, becoming one of the few Spanish players in history to win the award. Rodri was central to Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph and has accumulated more than 50 caps, providing elite defensive coverage, distribution and tactical stability heading into 2026.
Who is Spain’s Manager for the World Cup?
Luis de la Fuente is Spain’s head coach and has been in charge of the senior national team since 2022 after previously managing multiple Spanish youth sides, including the U-19, U-21 and Olympic teams. He guided Spain to the EURO 2024 title, becoming the first Spain manager since Vicente del Bosque to win a major tournament. Known for balancing possession-based play with a more direct attacking approach, de la Fuente has integrated a strong mix of youth and experience into the squad and enters the 2026 World Cup cycle with a stable core and proven results at both youth and senior levels.
Spain’s All-Time Leading Scorer:
Spain’s All-Time Caps Leader:
Spain’s Team Nickname:
About the Country:
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Published 11:09 am Friday, January 2, 2026
LA GRANDE — La Grande Parks and Recreation is seeking information regarding significant damage at both Pioneer Park and Benton Park.
Parks and Recreation Director Stu Spence announced on Friday, Jan. 2, that a vehicle, or possibly vehicles, caused the damage at both parks.
“It’s always frustrating when people damage places meant for kids and families,” Spence said. “Due to the nature of the damage, repairs will need to wait until spring, and the affected areas may take more than a year to fully recover.”
The damage at Pioneer Park happened sometime during the night of Dec. 30, at the soccer field near the pavilion, according to the press release. Similar damage was done during the night of Dec. 31 to the play field at Benton Park.
Youth sports programs and families throughout the community heavily use both of the parks. Parks and Rec will continue to assess the sites, Spence said, and develop a plan to repair the damage as conditions allow.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Parks and Rec or the La Grande Police Department.
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