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How will Stan Kroenke impact the Angels? We asked reporters who have covered his other teams
Los Angeles Angels fans rejoiced on Tuesday after news broke that longtime owner Arte Moreno was selling the team for $4 billion to Stan Kroenke, whose Kroenke Sports and Entertainment owns a collection of franchises across multiple leagues. Under the group’s umbrella, Kroenke owns the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and Arsenal in the English Premier League. He also owns MLS’ Colorado Rapids and the National Lacrosse League’s Colorado Mammoth. Each of those teams has won at least one league title during Kroenke’s ownership tenure. So what...
30 Years of ‘Joe B. and Locker’: Monumental Sports Network Celebrates Capitals Broadcast Duo’s Milestone Season, Announces 2026-27 Capitals Local Broadcast Schedule
MNMT to broadcast 70 regular season and four preseason games, with a special celebration event planned for Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin at upcoming Capitals game
Predators Trade Veteran Forward to New Jersey Devils
The NHL offseason is winding down, and the season is set to get underway soon as the calendar has finally turned to September. And with the offseason being almost over, there was a late-night trade struck. The Predators traded Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for draft picks. The post Predators Trade Veteran Forward to New Jersey Devils appeared first on HEAVY.
Penguins and First National Bank Announce Fourth Annual ‘FNB Small Business Development Camp’ Program for Local Pittsburgh Businesses
The Pittsburgh Penguins and First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation, will be hosting the fourth annual FNB Small Business Development Camp, designed to assist locally owned small businesses in the Pittsburgh area. Five local businesses will be selected to participate in a six-week training program consisting of
3 burning Oilers questions entering 2026-27 NHL season
The Edmonton Oilers have one goal in mind this coming season. Connor McDavid and his teammates are looking to bring the Stanley Cup back north of the border to Edmonton. They have come oh-so-close in the past, but have fallen short each time. Last season’s defeat was the worst of them all, in some respects. The Oilers were eliminated in the first […] The post 3 burning Oilers questions entering 2026-27 NHL season appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Brayden Schenn's NHL27 Rating Revealed
EA Sports' latest entry for the NHL video game franchise is almost here, and with it has come their latest rankings and ratings for every player throughout the entirety of the NHL.
Hughes due extension after Makar signs record-breaking deal
The Minnesota Wild’s clock is ticking to get defenseman Quinn Hughes signed after seeing Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar get a contract extension today. Makar signed a historic 8-year deal worth $163.4 million, which makes him the highest-paid player in NHL history. He’s the first NHL skater to be making over $20 million as an […] The post Hughes due extension after Makar signs record-breaking deal appeared first on HEAVY.
Avalanche Set NHL History With Massive Cale Makar Extension
After weeks of speculation as to what his next contract could look like, the Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Cale Makar have come together on an extension that has officially set NHL history.On Friday, the Avalanche announced that they have signed Makar to an NHL-record $163.2 million contract extension over eight seasons. This means that Makar […] The post Avalanche Set NHL History With Massive Cale Makar Extension appeared first on HEAVY.
Cale Makar’s Record Contract Marks Fourth Landmark NHL Deal in 11 Months
The Colorado defenseman’s $20.4 million AAV smashes Celebrini’s record from July.
Colorado Avalanche sign Cale Makar to largest contract in NHL history
The Colorado Avalanche signed Cale Makar to a $163.2 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history, his agency said Friday.
Pre-camp 2026 Penguins’ roster prediction
Now that the summer Top 25 Under 25 series has wrapped up today, and with it (almost) the month of August, let’s turn attention to next season. Players on the Penguins are trickling into town and starting to workout in Pittsburgh to prepare for NHL training camp that will begin in mid-ish September. Opening night […]
Zach Werenski Should Be Blue Jackets Captain, Says NHL Analyst
NHL analyst Mike Johnson says that Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski should be named the team captain.Former Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner recently signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Capitals, leaving Columbus without a captain for this coming season.But according to Johnson, this is an easy call for the franchise to make in […] The post Zach Werenski Should Be Blue Jackets Captain, Says NHL Analyst appeared first on HEAVY.
Connor Bedard Predicted to Be Named Next Blackhawks Captain
Chicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard is being predicted to be named the next captain of the historic NHL franchise.Chicago has been without a captain since Nick Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild at this past season’s trade deadline.With the 2026-27 NHL season set to start in about a month, the Blackhawks will need to […] The post Connor Bedard Predicted to Be Named Next Blackhawks Captain appeared first on HEAVY.
Minnesota Wild Still Heavily Pursuing Dylan Larkin
The conclusion of the Detroit Red Wings Dylan Larkin saga has taken longer than anticipated as NHL training camp draws near and yet the captain still remains with his squad after requesting a trade earlier in the summer. Perhaps, this is a move that will not take place until Detroit finds a new GM to […] The post Minnesota Wild Still Heavily Pursuing Dylan Larkin appeared first on HEAVY.
Golden Knights Announce Television Broadcast Details for 2026-27 Season
Vegas scheduled to appear in 15 nationally-televised games in the United States on league rightsholders ESPN and Turner Sports
Alpharetta Mall May Convert to Mixed-Use Entertainment Center
The North Point Mall may be transformed into a sports-adjacent, mixed-use entertainment center. In a major move for professional sports in Georgia, the Alpharetta City Council voted to approve a vision to transform North Point Mall into a sports-adjacent, mixed-use entertainment district. Its all contingent on the NHL awarding a franchise team to the North Point ...
Moment of Science: No, baby rattlesnakes are not more dangerous than adults
"Snake, rattle, and roll!" Dan Smith is clearing up the myth that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults. 🐍
Auston Matthews Ranking Could Be Warning Sign for Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews' most recent ranking on NHL Network could be the incipient warning signs that could unleash a tough conversation. The post Auston Matthews Ranking Could Be Warning Sign for Maple Leafs appeared first on HEAVY.
Penguins Legend’s Production Question Mark Surfaced by NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins watched their longtime star Evgeni Malkin turn back the clock last season.Now comes the challenge of doing it again at 40.NHL.com identified Malkin’s ability to sustain his production as one of the three major questions facing Pittsburgh heading into the 2026-27 campaign.Malkin signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in May, giving him […] The post Penguins Legend’s Production Question Mark Surfaced by NHL appeared first on HEAVY.
There is still some unsettled business in the NHL offseason: Red Wings GM, Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Adam Fantilli and more
The start of the 2026-27 NHL season is a little more than a month away, and there are still a few big storylines that still need to be settled around the league. Let’s talk about some of them… 1. The Detroit Red Wings still need a general manager, and that person has to figure out what to do with Dylan Larkin The Red Wings are definitely not the worst team in the league, but this is still a pretty chaotic situation where things are looking quite grim from the outside. They have not really done much to meaningfully improve a roster that has proven time and time again it is not good enough to make the playoffs or be a contender. They still have $19 million in unused salary cap space. The Yzer-plan has officially come to an end with general manager Steve Yzerman being moved elsewhere in the organization, while ownership seems to be taking its sweet time finding a replacement. One of their top young players, defenseman Simon Edvinsson, remains unsigned as a restricted free agent and has nobody to negotiate a new contract with at the moment. The longer that drags out into training camp, the worse that is going to be for the team, himself and his development. They still have the Dylan Larkin situation lingering over everything as their captain, longest-tenured player, and one of their best players has a trade request that has yet to be fulfilled. The entire situation is also on hold until a new general manager comes in and figures out what to do with Larkin and whether or not his request will be honored. But the latter point brings up another potential question and issue: What if a new general manager comes in and is able to convince Larkin to stay in Detroit? Is that beyond the realm of possibility? Is it really a stretch to think that Larkin’s issue was more of an Yzerman issue than a Red Wings issue? While Larkin has never said anything specifically about his relationship with Yzerman, it’s pretty clear that he did not share the vision for the franchise, or the way the team was being run and constructed. Now that somebody else is going to be running the show, there might be a door for Larkin to walk back in through. Even that brings its own set of potentially chaotic outcomes and questions, ranging from whether or not the Red Wings locker room will welcome him back as their captain, to whether or not the fan-base will be willing to do the same. I imagine the former will be a far easier sell than the latter, and even then nothing cures issues in professional sports quite like winning. They just need to find somebody that can actually turn them back into winners. For now, and based on everything we know, Larkin’s trade request still stands, and still includes just four teams he is willing to accept a trade to, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars. Minnesota remains the best potential fit from a hockey and positional standpoint, but the Wild simply do not have the type of trade assets or young talent that should interest the Red Wings. None of the other three teams seem to be in any better of a situation. Nothing about this seems fun for the Red Wings. 2. Will Connor Hellebuyck be a Winnipeg Jet this season? Subscribe
Main Street Sports sues Comcast, Charter for underpaid licensing fees
Main Street has been in the process of winding down its portfolio of regional sports networks since the the NHL and NBA seasons ended earlier this year.
Sports Science: Stick Mastery
Ever wonder how hockey players stickhandle without looking down? Learn more about stick mastery in Episode 1 of Sports Science presented by Northwell Health.
Sports Science: Stick Mastery
Ever wonder how hockey players stickhandle without looking down? Learn more about stick mastery in Episode 1 of Sports Science presented by Northwell Health.
Edmonton Star Forward Speaks about Coach Mike Babcock
Before Mike Babcock coached a game for the Columbus Blue Jackets, he was dismissed from the organization.Now, he steps into his fourth head coaching job in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers in a few weeks at training camp.According to star forward Leon Draisaitl, this is the coach that the Oilers need to get over […] The post Edmonton Star Forward Speaks about Coach Mike Babcock appeared first on HEAVY.
Kings Legend Anze Kopitar Happy With Retirement Decision
Los Angeles Kings legend Anze Kopitar says that he is happy with his decision to retire after 20 years in the NHL.Kopitar made the decision to walk away from the sport that brought him so much joy at the age of 37 following the 2025-26 NHL season. Now 38 years old, Kopitar played in fellow […] The post Kings Legend Anze Kopitar Happy With Retirement Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
Evaluating the Pens’ 2026-27 schedule, part 3
You can go back and find parts one and two here of this series. We take a look at what the Penguins will be facing now in the home stretch of their 2026-27 schedule. March The NHL season always seems to hit its crescendo in March as teams hit the trade deadline and make last […]
Wordle today: The answer and hints for August 23, 2026
Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #1891.
Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Ripped As Overpaid
The Toronto Maple Leafs and former general manager Brad Treliving managed to get captain Auston Matthews to agree to a four-year, $53 million contract to remain with the club through the end of the 2027-28 NHL season.Right now, Matthews counts $13.25 million against the salary cap as one of the highest-paid players in the NHL. […] The post Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Ripped As Overpaid appeared first on HEAVY.
Canadiens Urged To Trade For Penguins Icon Sidney Crosby
Longtime Pittsburgh Penguins icon Sidney Crosby is set to enter his 22nd campaign in the NHL, all of which have been spent as part of the Penguins after they selected him with the first overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, popularly referred to as the “Crosby sweepstakes”.During his career, Crosby has not only led […] The post Canadiens Urged To Trade For Penguins Icon Sidney Crosby appeared first on HEAVY.
Penguins Trade Proposal Sends Sidney Crosby To Eastern Rival
It goes without saying that Pittsburgh Penguins icon Sidney Crosby will forever be a sports legend in the Steel City.Since being selected first overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, which was famously dubbed the “Crosby sweepstakes”, Crosby has helped lead the Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships while establishing himself as one of the greatest […] The post Penguins Trade Proposal Sends Sidney Crosby To Eastern Rival appeared first on HEAVY.
NHL announces ‘Global Series’ international locations & teams for 2027
The locations of the games and two of the teams have been revealed.
EA Sports shares Top 10 highest-rated players in NHL 27, featuring Oilers’ Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid leads NHL 27 ratings, ahead of Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov.
Samantha Holloway, Seattle Kraken Owner And Managing Partner Of One Roof Sports & Entertainment, To Open VenuesNow Conference
Samantha Holloway, owner of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and managing partner of One Roof Sports and Entertainment, will kick off VenuesNow Conference next month
Florida Panthers to Host Training Camp Fan Fest on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Baptist Health IcePlex
SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers announced today that they will host Training Camp Fan Fest presented by Baptist Health on Saturday, Sept. 19 starting at 10:00 a.m. (ET) at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale. Fans can watch the Panthers on the ice, participate in family activities and games,
HNTB looks to 'set a new bar for the NHL' with Stars' new arena
The Stars selected the Kansas City-based architecture firm to build their new arena in Plano at The Shops at Willow Bend.
Sabres Insider Reveals The Goaltender They Could Trade
It’s going to be interesting to watch whether or not the Buffalo Sabres will be able to repeat their tremendous success they enjoyed over the final two-thirds of the 2025-26 NHL season that saw them return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011, while also winning their division for the first […] The post Sabres Insider Reveals The Goaltender They Could Trade appeared first on HEAVY.
Brad Marchand shares concerning health update.
The NHL's Little Ball of Hate just dropped some bad news.
Brad Marchand shares concerning health update.
The NHL's Little Ball of Hate just dropped some bad news.
Panthers’ Brad Marchand Announces Worrying Update On Social Media
Despite not making the Stanley Cup Playoffs because of numerous injuries to so many key players, one of the positive aspects for the Florida Panthers in 2025-26 was the play of veteran forward Brad Marchand.Marchand, who was acquired at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline from the divisional rival Boston Bruins and later helped Florida repeat […] The post Panthers’ Brad Marchand Announces Worrying Update On Social Media appeared first on HEAVY.
Bad News For Former Bruins Captain Brad Marchand
Former Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand enjoyed personal success in what was his first full campaign with the divisional rival Florida Panthers, to whom he was dealt at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline and helped win the Stanley Cup.While the Panthers would ultimately miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025-26 because of numerous injuries to […] The post Bad News For Former Bruins Captain Brad Marchand appeared first on HEAVY.
6 NBA teams screwed over by the schedule release
The idea of playing a balanced schedule is a rarity in American professional sports. An NFL team that finishes in first place in their division one year draws other first-place teams on the schedule the next year. NHL calendars lean heavily on divisional matchups and regional rivalries. MLB moved to a more balanced schedule in […]
What Should Sharks Expect From Stenberg in Rookie Year?
What should the San Jose Sharks expect from Ivar Stenberg in his rookie season? Two NHL scouts, who watched the […] The post What Should Sharks Expect From Stenberg in Rookie Year? appeared first on San Jose Hockey Now.
Home Street (Sports Showdown) Home
Kraken forward John Hayden participated in last weekend’s youth sports event featuring ball hockey, hoops and soccer as part of One Roof Foundation’s commitment to all kids’ accessibility to physical activity
Louisianians more interested in politics, less polarized than most Americans, survey finds
A new survey on civic life in Louisiana has found that while Louisianians are more interested in politics than the rest of the country, they are less politically polarized.
Abbey Murphy Says Oilers “Shocked” Her On Tkachuk Wingmen Podcast
It won’t be long before the Edmonton Oilers open Training Camp in preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 NHL Season, but as is the case with every NHL club, they hosted Development Camp for the club’s young draft selections earlier in the summer.And during Development Camp, there was a special guest on hand – none other […] The post Abbey Murphy Says Oilers “Shocked” Her On Tkachuk Wingmen Podcast appeared first on HEAVY.
OPB’s First Look: Corporate money in Oregon politics
A new legal theory to skirt Citizens United could be tested in Oregon. Here's your First Look at Wednesday's news.
CSEC, Corus Entertainment Announce Five Year Radio Broadcast Partnership
Exclusive five-year partnership announcement for all Flames radio broadcasts across the region
Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup Final Decision Named Among NHL’s Worst
The Vegas Golden Knights came within two victories of another Stanley Cup championship last season.One decision from that run is drawing considerably less praise.Bleacher Report’s Adam Gretz included former coach John Tortorella’s playoff choices on his list of the eight worst decisions from the 2025-26 NHL season, with his handling of the goaltending situation during […] The post Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup Final Decision Named Among NHL’s Worst appeared first on HEAVY.
Evander Kane stirs up controversy despite still being unsigned.
Has Evander Kane hurt his chances of earning a new NHL contract?
NHL Tonight: Unfinished Business
NHL Tonight: The crew talks Unfinished Business and the latest news on the Dylan Larkin trade situation
Capitals’ biggest mistake so far in 2026 NHL free agency
Capitals have made several moves in the offseason after failing to make the playoffs and those moves may have been made out of panic
Rangers linked to former 2nd overall pick in NHL Draft
The Rangers need to make this move happen.
Kings’ perfect trade target amid 2026 NHL Free Agency
Kings eye Elias Pettersson trade to fill center void, but Canucks' cap hit and no-movement clause complicate a 2026 offseason deal.
Former Maple Leafs Star Cracks NHL’s Top Five Wingers
A former Toronto Maple Leafs star made the list of Top 5 NHL wingers, a placement wrought with question marks. The post Former Maple Leafs Star Cracks NHL’s Top Five Wingers appeared first on HEAVY.
Worrying Warning Given To Maple Leafs Despite Offseason Moves
Among the busiest teams in the NHL so far this offseason have been the Toronto Maple Leafs, who not only made monumental changes to their roster, but to their front office and coaching staff.The Leafs, who missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in a decade, lucked out by winning the NHL Draft […] The post Worrying Warning Given To Maple Leafs Despite Offseason Moves appeared first on HEAVY.
Washington Capitals Offseason Recap
In this series, Heavy Sports is looking at what every NHL team has done over the offseason. Next up is the Washington Capitals. Washington had a disappointing season this past year as they dropped out of the postseason, posting a 43-30-9 record. The team has been busy loading up over the offseason in the hopes […] The post Washington Capitals Offseason Recap appeared first on HEAVY.
Inside the decade-long push to make Las Vegas a sports town
Las Vegas is a certified sports town, with the NFL’s Raiders, WNBA’s Aces, F1, NHL’s Golden Knights and the MLB and NBA likely on the way.
Flyers Make Major Announcement on Second Year NHL Winger
The Philadelphia Flyers took a huge leap forward in 2025/26 in their first season under Head Coach Rick Tocchet, and after a series win in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they’re hoping to take another step in 2026/27 with this young, ascending core.As evidenced by their moves this off-season, the team are still seeking that young […] The post Flyers Make Major Announcement on Second Year NHL Winger appeared first on HEAVY.
Opinion: Why diversity still matters in business
I view stewardship as protecting what matters most: our people, our culture, our communities and the principles that have allowed an independent company to thrive for more than a century and a half.
Maple Leafs continue organizational overhaul with hire of Sidney Crosby’s trainer, Andy O’Brien
O’Brien will oversee strength and conditioning, as well as areas like nutrition, injury rehabilitation and sport science.
Sharks' Macklin Celebrini becomes NHL's highest-paid player with 5-year, $94M extension
Celebrini $18.8 million salary cap hit takes the title from Leo Carlsson, who will earn an average of $18 million a season over the next five years.
YES Network, MSG Networks to exit Gotham app for DAZN streaming service
The regional sports networks that air games for local New York and New Jersey teams, including MLB's Yankees and NHL's Rangers, will have a new streaming home.
Caps Care Year in Review: Capitals and MSE Foundation Raise More Than $1.8 Million for Charity During 2025-26 Season
Through fundraising and programming efforts, the Capitals, its players and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation supported numerous organizations in an array of missions
Cryptic Hint By Jets May Have Sealed Connor Hellebuyck’s Fate
There have been several notable players in the National Hockey League in recent months who have been heavily embroiled in trade rumors, among them being Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.Hellebuyck, who is one of the top players in the NHL at his position and who also helped Team USA win a historic gold medal earlier […] The post Cryptic Hint By Jets May Have Sealed Connor Hellebuyck’s Fate appeared first on HEAVY.
Dallas Cowboys 2026 training camp: Key storylines to watch in Oxnard
The Dallas Cowboys are set to open 2026 training camp in Oxnard, California. Led by head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys feel their offseason moves have them trending in the right direction. Here are some storylines as the Boys invade Oxnard.
Daily Bean: Bruins Prospect Roundup; Marchenko Report; Hughes Reunion Talk
We are in the depths of the NHL offseason, with just 65 days until the Boston Bruins host the New […] The post Daily Bean: Bruins Prospect Roundup; Marchenko Report; Hughes Reunion Talk appeared first on Boston Hockey Now.
Dallas Stars, Jason Robertson agree to 1-year contract
The Dallas Stars and forward Jason Robertson have agreed to a 1-year deal worth $12 million for the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season, the club announced on Tuesday.
NHL to produce games for Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild, Blues
The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, along with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues, have their games produced and distributed by the NHL for the upcoming season, as the league branches out into centralized production.
Carolina Hurricanes To Launch Own Sports Network For Game Broadcasts
The NHL franchise is taking control of its local broadcasts, ditching traditional regional networks to deliver innovative programming and flexible viewing options directly to Canes fans.
Hurricanes To Launch Own Sports Network
Local television network to serve as the home of Hurricanes hockey
UFC Freedom 250 Fails to Knock Out The Ratings
(Welcome to my weekly streaming ratings report, the single best guide to what’s popular in streaming TV and what isn’t. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. If you were forwarded this email, please subscribe to get these insights each week.) If UFC fans wanted one image to say, “Hey, Paramount+ is crushing it with their UFC rights deal,” I could provide that image. Here it is: (Reminder: this is my creation of the Nielsen Top 30, since Nielsen doesn’t combine the lists or include sports. I take all three lists and combine them. Some streaming TV shows probably have higher ratings than many of the films on this list.) Look at that! UFC Freedom 250 is number one! It topped the Nielsen “Top 30” list for shows and films that made the top ten the week of 15-June. So if you’re a UFC fan or supporter of Paramount+, that’s the good news for you this week. This program topped the ratings charts for one week. Everything else is bad news, or at least a huge caveat to that story, which I’ll explain today in the first part of this week’s Streaming Ratings Report—for the weeks of 8-June and 15-June—which is a double issue since I’ve been writing on a bunch of topics recently. UFC Freedom 250 is one of the biggest streaming events of the year, and super relevant to Paramount+’s strategy, so it merited its own article. Let’s dive in! (Reminder: The streaming ratings report focuses on the U.S. market and compiles data from Nielsen’s weekly top ten viewership ranks, Luminate’s Top Ten Data, JustWatch and Reelgood interest data, Samba TV household viewership, company datecdotes, Netflix hours viewed data, Google Trends, and IMDb to determine the most popular content. While most data points are current, Nielsen’s data covers the weeks of June 8th to June 21st 2026. You can find a link to my terminology here.) Subscribe Check Out My Interview on UFC 250 at MMA Draw After you read this article, if you want even more thoughts on UFC and Paramount-Skydance/Paramount+, I did a written interview with MMA Draw. They asked me to answer some questions about UFC Freedom 250, and I was happy to chat with them. Find it here: [ The MMA Draw Newsletter Did Paramount really overpay for the UFC? What the data tells us so far If you know the history of American television, you also know that combat sports is often a leading indicator of the future… Read more a day ago · 10 likes · 1 comment · Nate Wilcox and Zach Arnold ](https://www.themmadraw.com/p/did-paramount-really-overpay-for?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web) I never thought I’d need a combat sports newsletter in my life, but the good folks at MMA Draw publish an excellent one on UFC, MMA, pro wrestling, boxing and more, analyzing both the sports themselves and the politics, economics and antitrust issues that impact them. Check the article and their newsletter out! Paramount+ Has Its Best Sporting Event of All Time…But Was It Worth It? Before we look at the UFC Freedom 250 data in particular, let’s talk about what we can’t say. Namely, let’s start with the lack of comparisons. First off, I’d love to put a chart out comparing this fight to past UFC fights on Paramount+…but we don’t have the data. This is the first time we’ve gotten Nielsen data about a Paramount+ UFC fight. As far as I can tell, Paramount provided data for the first fight, but it was a proprietary datecdote (saying it had “an average minute audience” of 5 million “views”) and then, for two fights, we got the linear viewership numbers when they aired on CBS, but no streaming data. Everything else was crickets. We also can’t compare this fight to other fights/combat sports on streaming, in particular the MMA and boxing, because Netflix also didn’t use Nielsen to track those events, opting for TVision and VideoAmp, respectively. (This isn’t Paramount’s fault, but does still suck.) We also can’t compare to UFC’s fights that used to be on ESPN+, since we don’t have any data for that, plus Disney+ didn’t have marquee fights. The comparisons would not be apples-to-apples. Can we compare to past Pay-Per-View fights? Absolutely not. The comparisons would absolutely NOT be apples-to-apples. That didn’t stop Paramount+, though, who bragged that their UFC events have reached drastically more people than past PPV fights. Duh. Sorry, but I gotta make this point again. A basic tenet of economics is that the cheaper something becomes, the more people consume or buy it. That’s Econ 101. (Sometimes pundits call things “Econ 101” that are actually like Econ 210 or even PhD-level economics, but no, this is really like first or second class basic economics.) Yet I still see one analytics firm consistently say that more people watch films on streaming than PVOD proves streaming which means that the streaming window is more valuable than the PVOD window. No, it’s not! Same thing here. Pay-Per-View events back in the day could be really, really, really expensive! So whole groups of people pitched in to buy them. That increased the perceived value of, say, the Mike Tyson fight. Or a UFC numbered event. So yes, the fact that Paramount+ makes numbered UFC fights essentially “free” if you’re already a Paramount+ member means consumption will go up. Obviously. Same for Netflix and their boxing matches. They’re talking about fights that used to cost consumers, in some cases, $50 in 1996…which is over $100 in today’s dollars. Over 1.6 million people paid that to watch the Tyson-Holyfield fight! Again, streaming is essentially “free”. Or $10 to $20, depending on what streamer we’re talking about and what tier you’re on. No wonder more people are “watching”. (Plus, Nielsen’s out-of-home viewing also helps these numbers.) UFC Freedom 250 Did Well…But I Have A Lot of Worries So what can we compare the fights to? Well, the good news is Nielsen put out that the fight averaged 7.0 million viewers for UFC Freedom 250, which is a solid number for a fight. We also know the length, at roughly 4 and a half hours. (I saw different run times, but this seems to be the consensus considering it started at 8 pm, had a delay and then finished after midnight on the East Coast. If you assume a shorter run time, then yes, the total hours viewed would go down.) That means I have the two numbers needed to add this to my Nielsen database. And then…I can compare this viewership to the NFL: And, uh, not great. But also within striking distance, mainly because the runtime for this event was so long. I’d also add that this event had viewership equal to a regular season NFL game on streaming, but if anything, it was more comparable to an NFL playoff or Super Bowl-esque event. And you can compare viewership to the top football games on broadcast, cable and streaming, and it’s not impressive at all: We can also compare it to other sports that week, including the NBA Finals and start of the World Cup: Again, not great. The NBA generated roughly four times as many average viewers each game for its NBA Finals. The World Cup has similarly big numbers. Also, that’s just a tiny fraction of the 25 most watched sporting events each week. The NBA, NHL and FIFA World Cup had many, many more games racking up hours. We could also compare this to other streaming programs to get an idea of “is this a good investment?” and here is how it ranks compared to other top Paramount+ programs: The worry here? Well, unlike scripted programming, which has rewatchability, older fights/sporting events have very little library value. Very, very few people are rewatching these fights, especially years from now. Paramount has also released datecdotes bragging about their subscriber numbers. Earlier this year, they claimed that the first UFC fight on Paramount+ brought in 1 million subscribers. Then, in their quarterly earnings report, they only ended up with 700K subs. Not great! They claimed they dropped lower-value international subscribers, but that’s why I tend to discount subscriber additions when they’re leaked to the press.1 I expect we may see a bump again for UFC Freedom 250, but I’d caution using subscriber growth so soon after these events to judge the success, since new subs with high churn (see Peacock) aren’t great either. Also, analysts often want to attribute all subscriber growth to their favorite/pet show, and that just doesn’t make sense. The biggest caveat for UFC Freedom 250 and Paramount’s very first UFC marquee event is that these could be high watermarks for the sport. UFC Freedom 250 had an incredible amount of earned media coverage compared to most UFC fights. I mean, it had wall-to-wall national news coverage in the lead up to the event. (The first fight also had a lot of promotion from Paramount since it was first.) Other fights could reach this bar—say the Conor McGregor return to the Octagon—but they’ll be fewer and far between. Was This Deal Worth It? All to ask: is this Paramount deal worth it? In this case, I think the UFC Freedom 250 numbers are more distracting than helpful. This fight did well and compares well to other top sporting events. But we know that the first marquee event was at least a third smaller, if Paramount’s own data is to be believed. And it’s likely the other fights are much, much, much smaller. And then you get to the paycheck that Paramount-Skydance paid. FIFA’s World Cup cost about the same for Fox, but clearly generated multiples more total viewership. (Though it’s only every four years.) The NBA is much more expensive, but until the playoffs, they likely didn’t pay for itself. Even still, Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime Video likely overpaid. So, in that context, the NBA may be an overpay that makes the UFC look not so bad. But two overpays don’t make an underpay, to paraphrase the old cliché about wrongs and rights. And looking at UFC Freedom 250 as the likely ceiling of MMA on Paramount+, Paramount-Skydance likely paid too much. Share 1 I would love regular reports on subscriber additions by programs, but as is, it’s mostly leaked or rumored in haphazard ways.
Penguins Interested in Using Connections to Land 44-Point Center
The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in landing one of the top trade candidates in the market. It was recently revealed that the Seattle Kraken are moving on from Shane Wright this summer. Seattle previously drafted the center with the fourth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Despite lofty expectations, he regressed during the most recent […] The post Penguins Interested in Using Connections to Land 44-Point Center appeared first on HEAVY.
Argentina vs. Spain starting lineups today for World Cup Final
See the official starting lineups for Argentina and Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
When did each of the 52 cities with a major sports franchise last win a title?
By my count, there are 52 cities in the United States and Canada with at least one franchise in the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, or MLB.
Red Wings Prospect Enjoying His Michigan Summer
The post Red Wings Prospect Enjoying His Michigan Summer appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now. When JP Hurlbert heard his name called by the Detroit Red Wings on the night of the NHL Entry Draft […] The post Red Wings Prospect Enjoying His Michigan Summer appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
ESPN announces NHL opening night tripleheader
The 2026-27 NHL season begins on Tuesday, September 29, and ESPN will celebrate the festivities with an opening night tripleheader. ESPN recently announced that the network will televise three NHL games on opening night, beginning with the banner-raising ceremony for the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers at 5 p.m.…
Penguins ticket prices reportedly trending down
Attendance across the NHL was up last season to record levels across the board. A rebound year on the ice meant improvements in Pittsburgh to fill the arena to 94% capacity in 2025-26, up from 91.5% in 2024-25. That 94% figure still ranks near the bottom of the league, with only six teams in the […]
Aaron Boone Reveals the Latest on Yankees Star Max Fried
The New York Yankees have been one of baseball’s best teams throughout the 2026 season to date, and as they begin the second half of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers, optimism continues to grow.With the trade deadline being just under three weeks away, there’s plenty of opportunities for this team to take a […] The post Aaron Boone Reveals the Latest on Yankees Star Max Fried appeared first on HEAVY.
Kraken CEO warns that Washington state business leaders are eyeing exits
Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Kraken NHL team and one of the key figures pushing to return the SuperSonics NBA franchise to Seattle, dished some economic words of warning for state lawmakers on Thursday.
Every Team Has an Edge: EA SPORTS™ NHL® 27 Overhauls All 32 Arena Atmospheres and Presentation for Total Immersion
Powered by Real-World NHL EDGE™ Data and Unique Team Playbooks, NHL® 27 Releases September 11 with Generational Talent Macklin Celebrini Gracing the Cover Watch the Reveal Trailer HERE Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today unveiled EA SPORTS™ NHL 27 , launching September 11, 2026 on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. EA SPORTS™ NHL® 27 brings all 32 NHL arenas to life with authentic atmospheres: presentation that reflects each team’s identity, a new commentary team, a new dynamic crowd system, and a new modernized broadcast package. Alongside new social and competitive mode Connected Franchise, this year marks one of the most significant upgrades in franchise history. Generational talent and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini headlines the Standard and Deluxe Edition covers, ushering in a new era of the EA SPORTS™ NHL franchise. NHL 27 Deluxe Edition Cover “Seeing the Shark Tank brought to life like that is honestly unreal,” said Macklin Celebrini, NHL 27 cover athlete. “The
Avalanche’s Opening-Night Record Stands Among NHL’s Best
With every team’s opening-night matchup for the 2026-27 season now official, it’s a good time to look back at the […] The post Avalanche’s Opening-Night Record Stands Among NHL’s Best appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.
Sabres Troll Red Wings, Other NHL Teams
The post Sabres Troll Red Wings, Other NHL Teams appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now. One year removed from a 14-year postseason drought, the Buffalo Sabres decided to remind the Detroit Red Wings which team […] The post Sabres Troll Red Wings, Other NHL Teams appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Capitals sign 2026 1st-rounder to entry-level contract
Washington's top pick from this year's draft is already locked up, even before he steps foot in the NHL.
Sharks' Macklin Celebrini to be on EA Sports' 'NHL 27' cover
At age 20, Macklin Celebrini will be the youngest ever cover athlete for EA Sports' NHL series when it's released later this year.
Sharks' Macklin Celebrini to be on EA Sports' 'NHL 27' cover
At age 20, Macklin Celebrini will be the youngest ever cover athlete for EA Sports' NHL series when it's released later this year.
Sharks' Macklin Celebrini to be on EA Sports' 'NHL 27' cover
At age 20, Macklin Celebrini will be the youngest ever cover athlete for EA Sports' NHL series when it's released later this year.
Sabres add ex-Rangers, Blue Jackets president to front office
The Buffalo Sabres are adding to their front office, bringing in an executive with 20 years of NHL front office experience.
Habs Daily: Top Prospect Fan Vote, Konyushkov Contract, Price HHoF
Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Friday. Montreal Canadiens News Several former […]
Which Penguin would you want on your beer league team?
This is a good one from the NHL social media team, asking players who they would want on their beer league teams. Who would be the best from the Penguins? Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, duh, they stand apart as an opportunity you’d never forget to get to share the ice with some of the […]
Penguins’ Few Free Agent Options ‘Left’ on Defense
The table was set, the food served, but now the dishes are all but done. The NHL’s July 1 free […] The post Penguins’ Few Free Agent Options ‘Left’ on Defense appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now.
Y! Sports Biz: This Duck is sitting pretty...
How Leo Carlsson became the NHL's highest-paid player.