Female athletes appeal NCAA settlement arguing it violates Title IX
An attorney representing the athletes said in a statement that the settlement violates Title IX, the federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in education. Eight female athletes filed an appeal Wednesday of a landmark NCAA antitrust settlement, arguing that women would not receive their fair share of $2.7 billion in back pay for athletes who […]
An attorney representing the athletes said in a statement that the settlement violates Title IX, the federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in education.
Eight female athletes filed an appeal Wednesday of a landmark NCAA antitrust settlement, arguing that women would not receive their fair share of $2.7 billion in back pay for athletes who were barred from making money off their name, image and likeness.
U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken approved the settlement last week, clearing the way for direct payments from universities to athletes and the end of the NCAA’s amateurism model.
The athletes who appealed the settlement competed in soccer, volleyball and track. They are: Kacie Breeding of Vanderbilt; Lexi Drumm, Emma Appleman, Emmie Wannemacher, Riley Hass, Savannah Baron and Elizabeth Arnold of the College of Charleston; and Kate Johnson of Virginia. They have standing to appeal because they previously filed objections to the proposed settlement.
Ashlyn Hare, one of the attorneys representing the athletes, said in a statement that the settlement violates Title IX, the federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in education.
“We support a settlement of the case, but not an inaccurate one that violates federal law. The calculation of past damages is based on an error that ignores Title IX and deprives female athletes of $1.1 billion,” Hare said. “Paying out the money as proposed would be a massive error that would cause irreparable harm to women’s sports.”
The House settlement figures to financially benefit football and basketball stars at the biggest schools, who are likely to receive a big chunk of the $20.5 million per year that colleges are permitted to share with athletes over the next year. Some athletes in other sports that don’t make money for their schools could lose their partial scholarships or see their roster spots cut.
“This is a football and basketball damages settlement with no real benefit to female athletes,” Hare said. “Congress has expressly rejected efforts to exempt revenue-generating sports like football and basketball from Title IX’s antidiscrimination mandate. The NCAA agreed with us. Our argument on appeal is the exact same argument the conferences and NCAA made prior to settling the case.”
The appeal was filed by the law firm Hutchinson Black and Cook of Boulder, Colorado, and was first reported by Front Office Sports. It would be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
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CBS Sports ranks SEC Football head coaches from best to worst ahead of 2025 season
One week after the SEC’s 16 teams invaded Atlanta over four days for its 2025 SEC Kickoff Media Days event, CBS Sports unveiled its ranking of the league’s head coaches ahead of a pivotal season for the league. After winning four straight national titles between 2019-22 and 13 championships over the last two decades, the […]
One week after the SEC’s 16 teams invaded Atlanta over four days for its 2025 SEC Kickoff Media Days event, CBS Sports unveiled its ranking of the league’s head coaches ahead of a pivotal season for the league. After winning four straight national titles between 2019-22 and 13 championships over the last two decades, the SEC has watched as the Big Ten has claimed the past two College Football Playoff national championships.
The Big Ten’s recent run of Playoff success aside, the SEC can still claim to winning Ranking Season this offseason, especially when it comes to its head coaches. Since the retirement of his mentor, former Alabama coach Nick Saban, Georgia‘s Kirby Smart continues to reign atop all national head coaching rankings as one of just two current multi-time national championship-winning coaches.
But how about the rest of the SEC? Well CBS Sports provided this week with its definitive ranking of the league’s head football coaches. Check it out below.
As mentioned above, Smart is one of just two current FBS head coaches with two national championships on his resume after claiming back-to-back natties in 2021 and 2022 (Clemson‘s Dabo Swinney is the other). As the only current SEC coach with such distinction, the 49-year-old Smart once again stands head and shoulders above his league peers in this ranking.
In fact, CBS Sports ranked Smart as the unanimous top-ranked choice among voters, keeping the Georgia coach in the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive season. And while most SEC media members aren’t as confident in this year’s Bulldogs’ chances of repeating as league champs, it’s generally a good idea to never count out a Kirby Smart-coached team.
Steve Sarkisian (Ricardo B. Brazziell-American-Statesman/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The second spot in CBS Sports’ ranking goes to the man who finally brought Texas back to national prominence. That includes leading the Longhorns to the SEC Championship game in their first season in the league, only losing to Smart and Georgia — twice — last season.
Sarkisian, who has led Texas to back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances, once again has the Longhorns primed for another big season in 2025 as the overwhelming favorites to win the SEC as voted on by league media. And with a stout defense and new QB1 Arch Manning in tow, Sarkisian has all the tools to not only win the SEC but also challenge the Big Ten’s Playoff reign.
The 63-year-old Kelly enters a vital 2025 season with intense pressure to get LSU back to the Playoffs in his fourth season at the helm. To his credit, Kelly hasn’t shied away from those expectations, repeatedly saying a College Football Playoff appearance is the bare minimum for LSU this upcoming season.
And while the Tigers have been fairly consistent during his first three seasons, including reaching 10 wins twice before a slight dip to nine in 2024, Kelly understands the standard at LSU is competing for a national title. Of course, having returning QB1 Garrett Nussmeier back after leading the SEC in passing last season means the excuses are out the window. The time is now for Kelly and LSU in 2025.
Replacing an all-time coaching legend like Nick Saban is never easy, and despite those somewhat unfavorable circumstances, DeBoer still managed to win 9 games in his first season in Tuscaloosa. Of course, that snapped a 16-year run of 10 or more wins for the Crimson Tide.
Still, the standard is the standard at Alabama, and that means Playoff appearances and annually contending for a national championship, which DeBoer and company have fully embraced entering Year 2. And given DeBoer’s highly-successful coaching resume, hope springs eternal for Crimson Tide fans, especially with the offseason addition of new OC Ryan Grubb.
Lane Kiffin (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Kiffin enters Year 6 in Oxford having topped the 10-win mark three times, including the past two years. And despite just missing out on a Playoff berth last season, that run of success has certainly elevated Kiffin and Ole Miss onto the national stage entering 2025.
While losing a talent like Rebels all-time leading passer Jaxon Dart could signal a step back, the 50-year-old Kiffin finally appears to have all his ducks in a row both personally and professionally, including talented new QB1 Austin Simmons in tow. If Kiffin can get the most out of Simmons this season, the Rebels could be in line for another serious Playoff push in 2025.
No SEC coach had a more tumultuous offseason than Heupel, who witnessed returning starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava enter the transfer portal before the end of Spring practice after an NIL dispute. This came despite Tennessee making its first-ever Playoff appearance in 2024.
Heupel found his QB replacement in former UCLA and Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar, but expectations aren’t what they were a year ago entering Iamaleava’s first season as QB1. Much like Kiffin, if Heupel can transform Aguilar into a difference-maker and return the Vols to the Playoff — or even keep them competitive in the SEC — Heupel will continue his climb up these rankings.
Drinkwitz is arguably the SEC’s most entertaining coach not named Lane Kiffin, and after back-to-back double-digit win seasons in Columbia, he’s become a regular within coaching carousel rumors whenever a bigger job comes open.
But in the meantime, Drinkwitz has the SEC’s northern-most Tigers primed for another successful season in 2025, especially with former Penn State transfer QB Beau Pribula now leading the Missouri offense. If Drinkwitz can get the most out of Pribula this season, Mizzou could be a serious SEC darkhorse to not only make it to Atlanta for the league title game, but also a potential Playoff appearance.
Shane Beamer (Katie Dugan-GamecockCentral.com)
The 48-year-old son of legendary Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer finally had the Gamecocks on the verge of something special last season, including winning its final six regular-season games. That late-season run of success nearly earned South Carolina its first-ever Playoff appearance.
With preseason All-SEC first-team QB LaNorris Sellers returning, Beamer and the Gamecocks are among several potential league darkhorses that have the talent to make waves in 2025. If Beamer can get South Carolina over the 10-win plateau for the first time since Steve Spurrier roamed the sidelines in Columbia, expect to see him climb these rankings next year.
The longtime college assistant enters just his fourth season as a head coach, and Year 2 in College Station after leading the Aggies to an 8-5 mark in 2024. Of course, given the emergence of rival Texas in the SEC last season, the pressure is already mounting for Elko at A&M.
Elko and the Aggies return plenty of talent off last year’s squad, including dual-threat QB Marcel Reed, who was thrust into the fire as a true freshman in 2024. While the Playoffs might be a bit of a stretch in 2025, if A&M can make a run at double-digit wins this season and potentially challenge for another SEC title game appearance, Elko will quiet any and all doubters in College Station.
As the SEC’s longest tenured head football coach, Stoops has certainly built himself plenty of leeway across a dozen years in Lexington. But after averaging more than 7 wins over the prior decade, Stoops and Kentucky took a significant step backwards with just four wins in 2024.
That’s already led to plenty of consternation within Big Blue Nation, and unless Kentucky can reverse course in 2025 and get back over .500 this season, Stoops’ seat will undoubtedly get hotter and hotter with each loss. The pressure is on in Lexington, and whether Stoops remains the SEC’s longest tenured coach could be put to the test this upcoming season.
Billy Napier (Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Another hot seat candidate, Napier fought off the doubters thanks in large part to a massive assist from talented freshman QB DJ Lagway, who led Florida to a 6-1 mark as the Gators starting QB last season.
Of course, given his quarterback’s success in 2024, expectations for Napier and Lagway have only intensified this upcoming season as Florida fans dream of once again contending for the SEC Championship in 2025. Given those lofty goals, Napier needs to keep momentum rolling in Gainesville if he’s going to be brought back for 2026 and beyond.
Freeze’s return to the SEC with Auburn hasn’t been nearly as successful as his first run in the league with Ole Miss. In fact, after barely achieving bowl eligibility with six wins in 2023, Freeze’s Tigers took a step back with just five wins last season.
An offseason filled with speculation around his golf game certainly hasn’t helped Freeze’s perception among the Auburn fanbase, and unless he can right the ship in 2025 and get the Tigers back over .500 and once again contending again in the SEC, his seat will only continue to heat up.
The Sooners coach enters Year 4 in Norman knowing another losing season isn’t going to cut it at Oklahoma. Following a second 6-7 campaign in his first three seasons, Venables overhauled the roster and coaching staff, taking over defensive play-calling duties and hiring Washington State OC Ben Arbuckle.
But more importantly, Venables landed ex-Wazzu QB John Mateer out of the transfer portal to spearhead the Sooners’ new offensive. Mateer is already drawing Heisman Trophy hype and if Venables is going to stick around in Norman beyond 2025, it’ll likely require a big season for Oklahoma.
Clark Lea (Stephanie Amador-The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The fifth-year Commodores coach is coming off his first bowl win of his tenure in Nashville after riding the wave created by former transfer QB Diego Pavia in 2024, which included a stunning win over Alabama.
It was Vanderbilt’s first winning season under Lea and the seven victories were the most since the ‘Dores won nine in back-to-back seasons under James Franklin in 2012-13. That turnaround undoubtedly earned Lea a reprieve from any hot seat consideration, especially if Pavia can lead a few more upsets in 2025.
15. Sam Pittman, Arkansas (No. 57)
The 63-year-old Pittman avoided the axe despite considerable hot seat discussion all last season after directing the Razorbacks to its second 7-6 season in the last three in Fayetteville. Of course, that hot seat talk will only intensify if Arkansas continues to struggle in 2025.
Pittman enters Year 6 with a 30-31 record overall and isn’t beating back the critics, despite three winning seasons in his last four years. Not helping matters is Pittman’s potential replacement is already on staff in the form of former head coach-turned-OC Bobby Petrino, who is entering his second season back in Fayetteville. If Arkansas starts slow or struggles early, a change could be in order.
16. Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State (No. 68)
The 41-year-old Lebby is the SEC’s youngest head coach and enters Year 2 in Starkville after a difficult Year 1 when the Bulldogs won just two games for its worst record since SEC legend Jackie Sherrill‘s final season in 2003.
While Lebby likely has plenty of leeway from the Mississippi State administration, another two-win season isn’t going to cut it. If senior QB Blake Shapen can stay healthy within Lebby’s explosive offensive scheme, the Bulldogs could become a serious season spoiler in 2025.
DU Hockey Adds 10 Incoming Freshmen for 2025-26 Season
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DENVER – The University of Denver hockey program announced today 10 incoming freshmen that will join the Pioneers for the 2025-26 season. This year’s rookie features seven forwards in Clarke Caswell (Brandon, Manitoba), […]
DENVER – The University of Denver hockey program announced today 10 incoming freshmen that will join the Pioneers for the 2025-26 season.
This year’s rookie features seven forwards in Clarke Caswell (Brandon, Manitoba), Kyle Chyzowski (Burrey, British Columbia), Kristian Epperson (Mequon, Wisconsin), Brendan McMorrow (Lakeview, Minnesota), Brady Milburn (Kamloops, British Columbia), Payton Nelson (Centennial, Colorado) and Reid Varkonyi (Sherwood Park, Alberta), defenseman Eric Jamieson (Calgary, Alberta) and a pair of goaltenders with Johnny Hicks (Kamloops, British Columbia) and Quentin Miller (Montreal, Quebec).
“I am thrilled to welcome these 10 players into our hockey program as they join our Pioneer family,” said DU Richard and Kitzia Goodman Hockey Head Coach David Carle. “This is our fourth large class in the last six years, and we pride ourselves as a program that brings in high character players and develop them during their time at Denver. This entire group brings tremendous talent, is eager to learn and has a passion to win national championships and add to the legacy of Denver hockey. We know they will represent all Pioneers with pride on the ice, in the classroom and in the community.”
More information on each player is below.
Clarke Caswell | Forward | Brandon, Manitoba
#25 | 5-11 | 180 lbs. | Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
NHL: Selected by the Seattle Kraken in Round 5 (141st Overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Before Denver: Spent four years with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League from 2022-2025, totaling 191 points (57g/134a) in 199 career games … Recorded 22 goals and 62 assists for 84 points while playing in 65 regular-season contests and serving as team captain in 2024-25 … Skated in five 2025 playoff games and recorded four points (2g/2a) … Named Swift Current’s team MVP and recipient of the organization’s leadership and maturity, and sportsmanlike awards in 2025 … Spent 12 days in April 2025 with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL on an amateur tryout but did not play in any games … Played in 68 regular-season contests in the 2023-24 season, registering 26 goals and 51 assists for 77 points with the Broncos … Registered 29 points (9g/20a) in 63 games during his first full WHL campaign in 2022-23, earning team rookie of the year and scholastic honors … Skated in the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge for Canada Black, recording five points (2g/3a) in the five games of the tournament … Split the 2021-22 season between the Brandon Wheat Kings U18AAA and Swit Current … Played in 38 games for Brandon, earning 88 points (35g/53a) and then played three contests for the Broncos (0g/1a) … Named to the MU18HL First All-Star Team and league Rookie of the Year in 2021-22 with Brandon … Recognized in 2021-22 as a member of the CSSHL U15 All-Academic Team with Brandon … Previously played in the CSSHL for two years for Pursuit of Excellence Prep and RINK HA Kelowna Prep.
Personal: Has two older siblings … Intends to major in business at DU … Career goals include helping Denver win the national championship, earn his business degree and then play professional hockey … Favorite music includes country, rap and pop … Favorite TV shows are Prison Break, Ted Lasso, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Breaking Bad … Used to play the cello when he was younger … Also played baseball, golf and basketball while growing up … Hobbies include golf, basketball, pickleball, cooking and swimming.
Other: Picked in Round 1 at No. 6 overall by Swift Current in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft … Rated at No. 77 among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2024 NHL Draft … Played in the Brick Invitational with the Winnipeg Jr. Jets (2015-16).
Why DU: “I chose the University of Denver because of the top of the line facilities, coaching and support staff, as well as the long lasting success of hockey team, and the on and off-ice development as a player.”
Kyle Chyzowski | Forward | Surrey, British Columbia
#16 | 5-10 | 175 lbs | Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Before Denver: Played in five seasons with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League from 2020-2025, totaling 231 points (90g/141a) in 273 career regular-season games and 58 points (23g/35a) in 56 postseason outings … Recorded 41 goals and 64 assists for 105 points in 66 games during the 2024-25 regular season as team captain of Portland and earning WHL All-Star First Team (West) honors … Contributed 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points in 18 WHL playoff games in 2022 … Served as an alternate captain on Portland for two seasons (2022-2024) … Posted 17 goals, 33 assists and 50 points in 65 games in 2023-24 and registered 11 points (9g/2a) in 18 postseason contests for the Winterhawks … Played in 54 contests in 2022-23 and put up 35 points (14g/21a) before recording nine points (2g/7a) in nine playoff games … Skated in 68 contests in his first full WHL season in 2021-22, earning 35 points (13g/22a) and contributed five assists in 11 postseason games … Previously spent four years at Delta Hockey Academy Prep … Split the 2020-21 season between Delta and Portland where he played in four games for the Academy and 20 contests in WHL (5g/1a) … Recorded a total of 56 points (21g/35a) in 65 career games with Delta Hockey Academy from 2017-2021 … Picked by Portland at No. 58 overall in the third round of the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft.
Personal: Has an older brother … Father played college hockey for Minnesota Duluth and for the then-Denver Rangers of the International Hockey League in 1988-89 … Graduated from South Delta Secondary School in 2022 and was recognized in the Honors Club and Principal’s List … Enjoys golfing, tennis and hiking in the summer … Used to play baseball, soccer and lacrosse … Wants to win a national championship at Denver.
Why DU: “I chose the University of Denver because it has a very high-end hockey program with a huge history of winning. Denver is also a beautiful city with a ton of things to do outdoors, so that made it very enticing to want to spend my college years here.”
NHL: Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in Round 3 (No. 88 Overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Before Denver: Spent the 2024-25 season with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League after playing the previous two years with the U.S. National Team Development Program … Scored 27 goals and 53 assists for 80 points in 58 regular-season games for Saginaw … Went on a nine-game point streak (6g/11a) from Sept. 27-Oct. 23, 2024 … Recorded three or more points in 11 games during the season with Saginaw and never went more than two consecutive outings without recording a point … Contributed three goals and one assist in five OHL 2025 playoff matchups … Split the 2023-24 season between the U.S. NTDP Under-17 and Under-18 squads, playing 14 games for the U17 team (2g/5a) and skating in 42 contests and contributing 16 points (7g/9a) for the U18 team … Recorded four goals and seven assists in 32 USHL games with the NTDP in 2023-24 … Won gold with the United States at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, contributing three goals and two assists in six contests … Skated in a total of 59 matchups for the NTDP in 2022-23 and registered 41 points overall (18g/23a), including 29 points (13g/16a) in 39 USHL contests … Combined for 64 points (27g/37a) in 115 total NTDP games across two seasons (2022-2024)… Spent two years at Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school and recorded 100 points (39g/61a) in 56 games in the 2021-22 campaign and 87 points (37g/50a) in 50 outings in 2020-21 … A product of the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals organization.
Personal: Graduated from Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school in Minnesota in 2024 … Has one brother and two sisters … Enjoys spending time with family and friends in his free time … Likes all kinds of music … Favorite TV show is Peaky Blinders and favorite movie is Django Unchained … Career goals are to win a national championship, continue to develop his game and earn an opportunity to play in the NHL … Has volunteered at local schools and hospitals as part of community outreach efforts … Also participated in lacrosse, soccer and cross-country running while growing up.
Other: Won a USA Tier I national championship in his U14 year … Also won a U11 state championship … Picked in the first round at No. 9 overall by the Madison Capitals of the 2024 USHL Draft … Selected by Saginaw at No. 84 overall in the Round 5 of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection … Rated at No. 201 among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting heading into the 2024 NHL Draft and moved up to No. 47 in the rankings for the 2025 Draft.
Why DU: “I chose to join the University of Denver because of its winning culture and strong commitment to player development, both on and off the ice.”
Johnny Hicks | Goaltender | Kamloops, British Columbia
#31 | 5-10 | 157 lbs | Victoria Royals (WHL)/Brooks Bandits (BCHL)
Before Denver: Split the 2024-25 campaign between the Brooks Bandits of the British Columbia Hockey League and Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League … Began the season with Brooks and recorded an 18-3-0 record, 1.37 goals-against average and .943 save percentage in 21 games … Played in the BCHL All-Star/Top Prospects Game in 2024-25 and finished with the highest GAA and Save% in the BCHL during the year despite only playing half of the season … Joined Victoria on Jan. 3 and went on to produce a 10-4-1 record, 2.69 GAA, .909 Save% in 14 regular season contests and was twice named WHL Goaltender of the Week … Went 5-0-1 while leading the league with a 2.10 GAA and .939 Save% in the 2025 WHL playoffs … Spent a year and a half with Brooks (AJHL/BCHL) from 2023-2024 after suiting up for the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL from 2021-2023 … Named the Most Valuable Player for Merritt in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, while also earning Rookie of the Year honors the first season … Played in his first BCHL Top Prospects Game in 2022-23 … Overall, posted a 33-30-10 record, 3.23 GAA, .913 Save% and six shutouts in 80 BCHL games across four seasons from 2021-2025 … Went 26-3-0 with a 1.98 GAA, .909 Save% and seven shutouts in 30 AJHL outings with Brooks in 2023-24 … Won the BCHL Rocky Mountain Classic in 2024 with Brooks … Posted the best Save% and GAA during the 2023-24 BCHL Playoffs with Brooks … Won a gold medal with Canada West at the 2023 World Junior-A Challenge, appearing in one game.
Personal: Has an older sister and younger brother … Graduated from Valleyview Secondary School in 2023 … Intends to major in psychology … Career goals include playing in the NHL and winning the Stanley Cup … Would also like to become a sports psychologist and start a charity for kids that can’t afford to try out hockey … Loves playing the guitar and has written five songs … Also enjoys hiking, working out, listening to music, being with his family and friends, playing soccer, football, swimming, basketball, tennis, camping, photography and painting … Volunteered with his junior team when the city was flooded.
Why DU: “I chose Denver because of how great of an opportunity it is to go to such a prestigious school and play for such a professional hockey program. Additionally, I want to win and develop as a goaltender, student and person.”
Eric Jamieson | Defenseman | Calgary, Alberta
#15 | 6-3 | 206 lbs | Everett Silvertips (WHL)
NHL: Selected by the Calgary Flames in Round 5 (177th Overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Before Denver: Spent three-plus years with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League after spending three years at the Edge School in Calgary, Alberta … Totaled 81 points (27g/54a) in 209 career WHL games … Scored 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points with Everett in 66 regular-season games in 2024-25 as team captain … Contributed four points (1g/3a) in 13 WHL postseason games in 2025 … Recorded 32 points (10g/22a) in 66 regular-season matchups while serving as an alternate captain for Everett in 2023-24 … Skated in 65 games for Everett in 2022-23, registering three goals and 10 assists … Split the 2021-22 season between Edge School Prep and Everett … Recorded 25 points (5g/20a) in 27 CSSHL contests for Edge Schol before moving to the WHL and skating in 12 games for the Silvertips (0g/0a) … Named team MVP of Edge during his junior year of high school in 2021-22 … Only played in five games in 2020-21 for Edge (0g/2a) … Registered 22 points (5g/17a) in 30 regular-season games in 2019-20 … Grew up playing for the Blackfoot Men’s Hockey Association and also previously played for the CNHA Canucks and the Calgary Northstar Sabres organizations.
Personal: Has two younger siblings … Graduated from the Edge School in 2023, earning honors with distinction and being named to the Principal’s list in each of his four years (2020-2023) … Intends to major in finance at Denver … Wants to play professional hockey and then go into accounting and start his own firm … Enjoys fishing and hanging out with family and friends in his free time … Favorite music includes country, rap and metal … Favorite movies are The Equalizer series … Participated in community service projects at Everett … Also played lacrosse, volleyball and ran track as a kid … Scholastic player of the year of the hockey team during his senior year of high school.
Other: Picked at No. 195 overall in the ninth round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft … Entered the 2024 NHL Draft ranked No. 84 among North American players in NHL Central Scouting’s final list.
Why DU: “Denver had exciting opportunities in both hockey and academics.”
NHL: Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in Round 7 (No. 196 Overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Before Denver: Spent the 2024-25 season with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League after playing the previous two years with the U.S. National Team Development Program … Scored 24 goals and added 18 assists for 42 points with Waterloo in 58 regular-season games, earning team MVP honors … Tied for fifth in postseason scoring in 2025 with 14 points (7g/7a) in 15 playoff contests and helped Waterloo reach the Clark Cup Finals … Played for the United States at the 2024 World Junior-A Challenge, recording seven points (2g/5a) in five games and winning a gold medal … Won a silver medal with Team USA at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championships … Skated for the U.S. NTDP from 2022-2024, compiling 74 points (38g/36a) in 121 career games … Had 22 points in 61 total contests with USA in 2023-24, including producing 16 points (5g/11a) in 27 USHL outings … Registered 31 points (14g/17a) in 60 total games in 2022-23 with the NTDP and had 16 points (9g/7a) in 38 USHL outings … Played in 123 USHL games across three seasons from 2022-2025, totaling 74 points (38g/36a) … Won gold with the Americans at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, contributing six points (1g/5a) in seven contests … Grew up playing for the Lakeville North Youth Hockey Association and previously played for the Minnesota Blades and Green Bay Jr. Gamblers organization … Played one year of high school hockey with Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in 2021-22 and was recognized as the team’s most determined player.
Personal: Graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret prep school in 2024 … Father played D-III hockey at Gustavus Adolphus college while his mother was a tennis player at the school … Has an older sister … Hopes to one day play in the NHL and win the Stanley Cup before starting his own business … Likes to hang out with friends and play golf in his free time … Likes country and 80’s music … Favorite movie is Rounders … Previously volunteered at Feed My Starving Children … Used to play soccer as a kid.
Other: Picked by the Waterloo Black Hawks at No. 8 overall in the first round of the USHL Entry Draft … Selected in the second round at No. 29 overall by the Spokane Chiefs in the 2021 WHL US Prospect Draft … Selected to the USA Hockey’s NTDP Evaluation Camp in 2022 … Rated at No. 147 for the 2024 NHL Draft and No. 144 for the 2025 NHL Draft in NHL Central Scouting’s final North American skater rankings … Played for Team Minnesota at both the 2025-16 Brick Invitational and 2019 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
Why DU: “I choose the University of Denver because of their history of winning national championships and the chance to excel in academics.”
Brady Milburn | Forward | Kamloops, British Columbia
#10 | 6-2 | 205 | Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL)
Before Denver: Spent four years with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL from 2021-2025, combining for 123 points (58g/74a) in 188 career games … Registered 20 goals and 32 assists for 52 points in 49 regular-season matchups in 2024-25, earning Team MVP honors … Contributed 11 goals and 11 assists in 22 games in the 2025 postseason run for the Chiefs … Recorded 42 points (18g/24a) through 50 games during the 2023-24 season … Played in eight postseason matchups in 2024, contributing six points (1g/5a) … Skated in 49 regular-season games in 2022-23 and recorded 28 points (16g/12a) before posting eight points (4g/4a) in 15 playoffs contests … Had 10 points (4g/6a) in 40 games during his first season with Chilliwack in 2021-22 … Previously played with the Thompson Blazers and the Yale Hockey Academy.
Personal: Has two older brothers that also played Division-I hockey … Graduated from South Kamloops Secondary School in 2023 and was named to its honor roll … Intends to major in business … Wants to continue to play hockey after college … Hobbies include golf, hanging with friends and family and doing outdoor activities … Favorite music is country … Favorite movie is Step Brothers … Also played basketball while growing up.
Other: Drafted at No. 120 in the round 8 of the 2024 USHL Entry Draft by the Muskegon Lumberjacks … Picked in the ninth round at No. 181 overall by the Regina Pats of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft … Played for the BC Junior Canucks at the 2014-15 Brick Invitational.
Why DU: “It is a great city with a great hockey program and coaches and the chance to win a championship.
NHL: Selected by the Montreal Canadiens in in Round 4 (No. 128 Overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Before Denver: Spent the 2024-25 campaign with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League after spending the previous two seasons playing major-junior in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts and Rimouski Oceanic … Posted an 8-2-0 record, 2.29 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in 10 regular-season games with Chilliwack before going 14-9-0 with a 2.40 GAA, .925 Save% and one shutout in 23 outings during the 2025 BCHL Playoffs … Split 2023-24 in the QMJHL between Quebec and Rimouski … Began the year in Quebec and recorded a 12-13-1 record, 3.04 GAA and .901 Save% before finishing the year in Rimouski with a 10-4-0 mark, 2.60 GAA and .917 Save% … Went 14-4-0 with a 2.11 GAA, .911 Save% and two shutouts with Quebec in 2022-23 while being coached by Patrick Roy and winning both the QMJHL Championship and CHL Memorial Cup … Previously played for Laval-Montreal Rousseau Royal of the QMAAA (2020-2022) and prep hockey with Collège Notre Dame (2019-20).
Personal: Has two older brothers … Intends to major in business … Graduated high school from Collège Notre Dame in 2022 … Wants to play in the NHL and win the Stanley Cup … Loves music and produces music on his computer … Also plays the guitar, piano and DJs from time to time … Favorite TV show is The Walking Dead … Used to play soccer, lacrosse, basketball, tennis and swim as a kid.
Other: Chosen by the Quebec Remparts at No. 176 of the 10th round in the 2021 QMJHL Entry Draft … Picked at No. 94 overall in round 7 by the West Island Shamrocks of the QJHL Draft … Played in the 2017 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament with Ahuntsic Braves.
Why DU: “I chose DU because of its incredible hockey program and the legacy behind it. The history of winning, the way they develop players and the culture around the team really stood out to me. From the coaching staff to the facilities, everything felt like the right fit and the best place for me to grow on and off the ice.”
Payton Nelson | Forward | Centennial, Colorado
#18 | 5-11 | 178 lbs | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)
Before Denver: Spent 2024-25 with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League and recorded 17 points (11g/6a) in 53 games … Added two assists in four outings during the 2025 BCHL postseason … Played parts of two seasons in the United States Hockey League from 2022-2024 with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Des Moines Buccaneers … Split 2023-24 between Des Moines and the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League, skating in 29 USHL games (1g/1a) and 24 NAHL contests (7g/7a) … Began 2022-23 with Muskegon and recorded two assists in 10 games before finishing the year with Des Moines and registering five points (2g/3a) in 31 outings … Played for the Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA in 2021-22 where he recorded 92 points (39g/53a) in 61 games … Played for the Chicago Mission organization from 2019-2021.
Personal: Has an older brother … Graduated high school in 2023 from Michigan International Prep … Also attended high school at Lyons Township from 2019-2021 and Cherry Creek in Colorado from 2021-2022 … Intends to major in business … Mother was a Division-I swimmer at Southern Illinois … Enjoys aviation and likes to play golf … Wants to play hockey as long as he can and pursue aviation … Used to play baseball, basketball and soccer as a kid.
Other: Picked by the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the fifth round at No. 76 overall in the 2022 USHL Entry Draft … Selected by the Tri-City Americans at No. 201 overall in round 10 of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft … Played for the Colorado Thunderbirds at the 2018 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament.
Why DU: “It has always been a dream of mine to play hockey at the University of Denver since I was a little kid. I am from Centennial so I grew up watching DU hockey, and it’s an honor and privilege to be able to be a part of the successful reputation they have created here at Denver.”
Reid Varkonyi | Forward | Sherwood Park, Alberta
#28 | 5-10 | 185 lbs. | Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
Before Denver: Played for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League in 2024-25 after skating the previous two seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League (2022-2024) … Recorded 52 points on 20 goals and 32 assists in 59 USHL games in 2024-25 while also serving as an alternate captain on Sioux Falls … Had two assists in four 2025 USHL Playoff contests … Registered 28 points (10g/18a) in 54 games with Salmon Arm in 2023-24 after picking up 13 points (4g/9a) in his first BCHL campaign in 2022-23 … Totaled 41 points (14g/27a) in 102 BCHL regular-season games and had seven points (1g/6a) in 27 postseason outings in his career with the Silverbacks … Appeared in two contests with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in 2011-12 … Skated three seasons for Northern Alberta Prep (2019-2022) and one with Edmonton Ice Bantam Prep in 2018-19.
Personal: Has two younger brothers … Intends to major in business … Graduated from Vimy Ride Academy in 2023, earning honors in each of his four years … Would like to play in the NHL someday and then pursue work opportunities in business and management … Enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, wake surfing and pickleball … With Sioux Falls, joined the team in collectively volunteering over 500 hours to the community, including reading to kids, helping at food banks and volunteering for the Salvation Army.
Other: Chosen by Sioux Falls at No. 2 overall in the 2022 USHL Futures Draft … Picked by the Portland Winterhawks at No. 59 overall in round 3 of the WHL Prospects Draft … Skated with Team Brick Alberta at the 2015-16 Brick Invitational.
Why DU: “I chose DU because of the long tradition of excellence of both the hockey program and the university. I wanted to be around great people and have the opportunity to develop both as a hockey player and person. The university offers unmatched resources in all aspects.”
TICKETS: Full and Friday half-season tickets for DU’s 2025-26 campaign as well as five-game mini plans are on sale now. Single game and group ticket will be available in the coming weeks. Click here for more information.
Rhode Island high school girls hockey quarter century All-State team
La Salle celebrates RIIL Girls Hockey Championship, beating SCMB, 2-0 La Salle blanks the Smithfield-Coventry-Moses Brown co-op, 2-0, to win the RIIL Girls Hockey State Championship Sunday afternoon at Schneider Arena. The Providence Journal’s quarter century All-State girls hockey team recognizes top players from the past 25 years. The team includes standout forwards, defensemen and […]
La Salle celebrates RIIL Girls Hockey Championship, beating SCMB, 2-0
La Salle blanks the Smithfield-Coventry-Moses Brown co-op, 2-0, to win the RIIL Girls Hockey State Championship Sunday afternoon at Schneider Arena.
The Providence Journal’s quarter century All-State girls hockey team recognizes top players from the past 25 years.
The team includes standout forwards, defensemen and goalies from various Rhode Island high schools.
Many of the selected players went on to compete at the collegiate level.
The Providence Journal continues its feature of selecting the top All-State teams from the last quarter century. The sports staff of Bill Koch, Eric Rueb and Jacob Rousseau is dusting off archives in search of the best athletes. We’ll start with the spring sports and then move to winter and end with the fall teams. The plan is to publish every sport before the 2025-26 school year begins.
Here is The Providence Journal Quarter Century All-State Girls Hockey Team:
Forwards
Taryn Lapierre’s career at Mount St. Charles coincided with the early beginnings of girls hockey in the state. The forward was a four-time All-State selection (2003-07). The Mounties won three state championships during her time as she led the school’s forward line. In her senior year, Lapierre scored 21 goals and handed out 13 assists in 16 regular season games. Over four years, she finished with 73 goals and 59 assists.
Eliza Barker was The Providence Journal’s 2025 Player of the Year. The La Salle forward was as physical as any on the ice and helped lift the Rams to their first title in four years this past season. Barker made The Journal’s second team as a freshman, but was a first-team selection over her final three winters. She finished with 31 goals and 16 assists for a 47-point season in her senior year and graduated with more than 100 goals scored.
Meaghan Rickard only had two All-State seasons at La Salle before she opted for the prep route. But her 2011-13 winters with the Rams were a treat for hockey fans. Rickard led the 2013 Rams in scoring with 22 goals and 19 assists. La Salle finished the season undefeated and became just the second team to post a 21-0 winter. Rickard then landed at Providence College, for which she played for four seasons.
La Salle dominated the state for a stretch after breaking through for its first title during the 2011-12 season. Michaela McNamara (Class of 2015) helped lead that charge as a two-time first-team selection (2013-15). The Rams swept the South County co-op as McNamara, who also earned second-team honors in 2012, was named the tournament’s MVP in her senior year. She scored 66 points in 16 regular-season games with 36 goals and had the game-winning score against South County in the first game of the championship series.
Kayla Kiernan was a scoring machine for North Smithfield from 2009 through 2011. Over that time, the forward earned a second-team honor and two first-team selections for her scoring prowess. She finished with more than 100 goals scored in her career (24 goals and 12 assists in her senior season) and attended UMass-Boston. Kiernan led North Smithfield to the semifinals in her senior season.
Katherine Barker had a breakout season with East Bay during her sophomore winter. The forward, who went to Mt. Hope, led the state in scoring with 27 goals and 10 assists for 37 points during the 2018-19 season. She paced East Bay’s scoring again the following year with 17 goals and eight assists as the co-op reached the state championship series for the third straight winter. Her senior season was abbreviated due to the pandemic, but Barker was still named to The Journal’s All-State first team for a third time.
Defense
Alex Tancrell-Fontaine played on the East Greenwich boys team for four seasons. If she played with the girls, Fontaine would have rewritten EG’s record books and likely would have been a four-time All-Stater. She was selected to the national team camp from 2007 to 2010 and played on Union College’s blue line for four seasons.
Skylar Fontaine was equally as impressive as her older sister. Fontaine played for just two seasons on the East Greenwich boys team before moving to the prep ranks after the 2015 season. She was a leading point getter as a defender in her sophomore year with the Avengers. At just 16 years old, Fontaine verbally committed to Northeastern University, for which she played for five seasons. In her final season with the Huskies, Fontaine posted seven goals and 41 assists for 48 points over 38 games. She led the nation in assists that winter and scored four game-winning goals.
Bay View’s Bethany Fogerty continues the trend of outstanding defensemen after posting three first-team All-State seasons with the Bengals (2009-12). As a junior, Fogerty scored five goals and had seven assists as Bay View surrendered just 12 goals in the regular season. She was Bay View’s second leading scorer with 15 points during her senior year.
Bay View’s Kristen Leach rounds out the quarter-century All-State defense. Leach was one of the best blueliners as soon as she reached the ice with the Bengals. She was a four-time All-State first team selection (2002-06) and led Bay View to a state title in 2005 and a runner-up finish the following winter.
Goalies
Ava Porter graduated as one of the most feared goalies during her time. The Moses Brown star, who played for the Smithfield/Coventry/Moses Brown co-op, was a two-time All-State first team pick (2024-25) and a second teamer in 2023. The co-op won a Division II crown in 2022 and then back-to-back state championships with Porter. SCMB lost to La Salle in the 2025 championship, but Porter was still the top netminder with a 95% save percentage and a 1.45 goals-against average. Porter begins her career with Providence College field hockey in the fall.
Holly Scott delivered La Salle’s breakthrough state championship win her senior year in 2012. Scott was also the MVP of the state championship series, during which she posted two shutouts and had 72 saves across three state championship games vs. Mount St. Charles. She earned her second All-State first team selection for a 95% save percentage that winter. She surrendered only 16 goals in the regular season and her junior year featured a 1.74 goals-against average mark across 15 games.
Drew Hoffer’s Golf Journey from High School to College | Sports
Resume: In her freshman season with the Dubuque women’s golf team, Drew Hoffer played in 20 rounds across 10 events, with an average score of 82.3 and a season-low score of 73. Hoffer helped the Spartans to a 24th-place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championships. At Oregon, Hoffer, a 2024 graduate, was a […]
Resume: In her freshman season with the Dubuque women’s golf team, Drew Hoffer played in 20 rounds across 10 events, with an average score of 82.3 and a season-low score of 73. Hoffer helped the Spartans to a 24th-place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championships.
At Oregon, Hoffer, a 2024 graduate, was a two-time state qualifier in golf. Hoffer placed 33rd at the Division 1 state meet as a senior and took 48th as a junior. Hoffer also competed in club gymnastics where she was a four-time state qualifier.
Most memorable team accomplishment you’ve been a part of in college?
My most memorable team accomplishment is making it to the NCAA DIII National Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia along with four of my teammates this past May.
Most memorable individual athletic achievement/moment in college?
My most memorable individual achievement was placing eighth at the Wartburg Spring Invite at Prairie Links. I shot 73, 76 in harsh conditions. The weather was 40 degrees with 40 miles per hour winds. On day one we broke the school record as a team as well.
Biggest difference competing in high school versus college?
The biggest difference from high school to college is that everyone has the same drive and motivation towards the goals of the team. The level of thought that is put into practice everyday makes you better and better and results are seen in weeks.
What’s your major and what career do you see yourself in after graduation?
My major is Physical Education and Health. After I graduate I plan to teach physical education and possibly adaptive PE.
High school/club athletic memory that you still cherish?
A memory I still cherish from high school is making it to state again my senior year. And being able to finish my gymnastics career with my favorite teammates after two ankle injuries.
Teammate you miss playing/competing with the most?
I miss playing with Addi Sabel because we have been friends for our entire lives and being on the same team and having three successful seasons together is something I miss from high school.
Coach(es) that had the greatest impact on you?
The coach that had the greatest impact on me was Derek Schnarr, my swing coach for golf. He always was available to help and taught me to be confident in my golf game and how to get better and better everyday.
Another one is my gymnastics coach Jessie Carlson, she pushed me like no other coach has and encouraged me to not only be a good gymnast but a better person.
Here’s why D-II Augusta University is opting into the House Settlement … for golf
Good morning, and thanks for spending part of your day with Extra Points. Most Division I schools decided to opt into the House settlement. More than 300 D-I schools eventually decided to participate, including every FBS program (outside the service academies), every school in the Horizon, Missouri Valley and WCC, and schools in almost every […]
Good morning, and thanks for spending part of your day with Extra Points.
Most Division I schools decided to opt into the House settlement. More than 300 D-I schools eventually decided to participate, including every FBS program (outside the service academies), every school in the Horizon, Missouri Valley and WCC, and schools in almost every other conference in the country.
Ultimately, 54 schools decided to opt out — mostly, but not exclusively, private schools in the Northeast and on the East Coast. Every school in the Patriot and Ivy Leagues and eight of the nine schools in the NEC (Long Island being the exception), declined to opt in.
The House settlement structure was centered on D-I, but several schools in Division II and Division III compete at the D-I level in specific sports. These institutions were permitted to opt-into the settlement for those specific sports, but they didn’t have to.
Nine schools outside D-I decided to opt-in: Minnesota State (men’s and women’s hockey), Minnesota Duluth (men’s and women’s hockey), St. Cloud State (men’s and women’s hockey), Lake Superior State (men’s hockey), Michigan Tech (men’s hockey), Colorado College (men’s hockey, women’s soccer), Dallas Baptist (baseball), Johns Hopkins (men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s fencing) … and Augusta University (men’s and women’s golf).
I wasn’t surprised to see so many hockey programs. Ice hockey isn’t offered at the D-II level, so many schools, including championship-caliber programs, compete in D-I instead. Michigan Tech won the CCHA the last two seasons, and Minnesota State and St. Cloud have been postseason regulars. Dallas Baptist and Johns Hopkins are also postseason regulars in baseball and lacrosse.
There’s no massive TV opportunity in college golf, at least not yet. There are D-II golf tournaments. Why would Augusta University do this?
I reached out to athletic director Ryan Erlacher for an explanation.
“I think it’s safe to say, when you think of Augusta, GA, you think of golf.”
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News: Rich Eisen, Pat McAfee, NFL national revenue and more
Rich Eisen discusses the prospect of a return to “SportsCenter”; Pat McAfee issues a public apology; and NFL national revenue sharing continues to rise. Plus additional news about Max Starks, The CW, Kentucky Oaks and Bill Belichick. Rich Eisen says doing ‘SportsCenter’ at ESPN is ‘to be determined’ Former SportsCenter anchor Rich Eisen, who will […]
Rich Eisen discusses the prospect of a return to “SportsCenter”; Pat McAfee issues a public apology; and NFL national revenue sharing continues to rise. Plus additional news about Max Starks, The CW, Kentucky Oaks and Bill Belichick.
Rich Eisen says doing ‘SportsCenter’ at ESPN is ‘to be determined’
Former SportsCenter anchor Rich Eisen, who will be bringing his eponymous daily show to ESPN Radio in September, said on “The Dan Patrick Show” this week that it is still “to be determined” whether his new ESPN deal will include anchoring “SportsCenter.” Eisen served as a “SportsCenter” anchor from 1996-2003 before leaving ESPN for NFL Network.
Eisen will be hosting a new SportsCenter-focused podcast, which he revealed during the interview is going to be titled “This Was SportsCenter.” The show is slated to feature some of his former colleagues from his previous seven-year stint with the network and will be part of The Rich Eisen Podcast Network, which is also coming to ESPN platforms under the new agreement.
Pat McAfee publicly apologizes to Mary Kate Cornett and her family
Pat McAfee issued a public apology to Mary Kate Cornett and her family at the end of Wednesday’s edition of his program on ESPN. During a February edition of the show, McAfee amplified a false internet rumor about the undergraduate student. At the time, Cornett denied the allegations and accused McAfee, Barstool Sports host Kevin Clancy and former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown of defamation.
McAfee explained that his team “had no personal knowledge” of Cornett, instead going off what was posted online and failing to verify any of the facts. Although he mentioned the situation at his program’s “Big Night Aht” event this past April and pledged to try and “make some sort of silver lining in a very terrible situation,” the issue had not been mentioned on his show ahead of Wednesday. McAfee revealed that he wanted to speak with the family before discussing it on the public forum, and he explained that he met them and apologized in person.
“I deeply regret the pain that was caused,” McAfee said. “I hated watching what our show was a part of in her interviews and reading about it, and my hope is that this can be something that we all learn from going forward. I know we certainly have. Our goal with this show is to make the world a happier place, a better place, to celebrate life and sports and to unify folks. I and we don’t always get it right, but we’ll never stop trying.”
McAfee is entering his third football season hosting “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN and has also been serving as an analyst on weekly editions of “College GameDay.” ESPN reached a licensing agreement with the former NFL punter in 2023 under which it airs 235 episodes a year of the show in the afternoons. Starting in the fall, McAfee and his program will be airing on ESPN platforms simultaneously with “The Rich Eisen Show” on ESPN Radio, Disney+ and ESPN+, plus a Stephen A. Smith-hosted show on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio.
NFL National Revenue Sharing Rises 7.5% YoY
The publicly-owned Green Bay Packers, the only NFL organization required to divulge its financial statement annually, disclosed national revenue sharing of $432.6 million in is annual report this week — indicating a 7.5% increase from the previous year. The remuneration is primarily attributed to the NFL national television contracts that combined are reportedly worth more than $10 billion per season. All 32 NFL teams received the same national revenue sharing payment, indicating a total of $13.84 billion generated in this category during the fiscal year.
“That’s mostly the growth in the national TV deals,” Mark Murphy, president of the Green Bay Packers, said regarding the financial results. “The league has it so they’re trying to grow at about a 7% growth rate annually. And then the other thing I think the league’s done a good job of is moving more towards streaming, but still a vast majority of our national revenue is coming from broadcast television.”
The NFL continues to invest in the streaming domain with several exclusive game presentations airing on multiple platforms throughout the year. YouTube will be showcasing its first exclusive NFL game in Week 1 when the Los Angeles Chargers face the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs from Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. In addition, Amazon’s Prime Video is airing 17 NFL games throughout the year, primarily on Thursday nights, and Netflix is presenting a Christmas Day doubleheader for the second consecutive year.
“I continue to be amazed by the popularity of the NFL and the league office’s ability to generate revenue,” Murphy said. “It’s impressive. A big part of it obviously is TV. How people watch TV is changing dramatically. NFL games and athletics or sports in general are the few things people watch live anymore.”
Plus: Max Starks, The CW, Kentucky Oaks, Bill Belichick
Former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Max Starks has been named a color commentator for live game broadcasts starting this season, iHeartMedia Pittsburgh announced this week. Starks previously served as a sideline analyst for the Steelers Audio Network since 2021, and he will continue working with play-by-play host Rob King and reporter Missi Matthews.
The CW Network has signed a multiyear deal with Professional Bull Riders under which it will exclusively present weekend PBR Camping World Team Series events. Broadcasts of PBR airing on The CW commence on Saturday, Aug. 9 and run through Sunday, Oct. 26.
NBC Sports is presenting the Kentucky Oaks on prime time television for the first time in its history. The race will air on Friday, May 1 live from Churchill Downs at 8 p.m. EST on NBC and Peacock ahead of the Kentucky Derby the next day.
ESPN networks will be televising “8, if not 10,” of Bill Belichick‘s first games serving as University of North Carolina Tar Heels head football coach, according to a report by Michael McCarthy and David Rumsey of Front Office Sports. Belichick, who appeared on various football studio programs last season on ESPN and The CW, makes his debut coaching the team on Monday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.
