FIFA’s Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, says fans ‘should chill’ about ref denied US entry
MEXICO CITY (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended World Cup ticket prices by saying they align with North American sports. Ticket prices for the 48-nation tournament generally start at $140, with tickets for the World Cup final reaching up to $32,970. FIFA offered some $60 tickets to national federations after being criticized. Infantino claims the average ticket price is under $500 and says it’s comparable to U.S. sports. He says he is unconcerned about investigations by attorneys general in several states. Infantino also praised FIFA for allowing Iran to participate amid tensions with the U.S. He calls the tournament “the biggest event probably in the history of mankind.”
Chiefs lock in Patrick Mahomes through 2033 with a $504.75M reworked deal, AP source says
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured contract that adds two years to his deal and pushes the total compensation past a half-billion dollars. That’s according to a person familiar with the terms who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the Chiefs don’t disclose financial terms of their contracts. Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020 that set a benchmark not only for the quarterback position but for any football player. The extension ties the two-time MVP to the Chiefs through the 2033 season, when Mahomes will be 38, and comes in at $504.75 million, while incentives and escalators could push the value beyond $520 million.
UFC fighters say they’re honored to compete in front of President Trump on card at the White House
WASHINGTON (AP) – UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit is embracing his bold style ahead of the company’s debut at the White House. He is scheduled to fight Sunday on the South Lawn in a mixed martial arts show celebrating President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. UFC CEO Dana White insists the event will proceed despite potential bad weather. The fight card features two championship bouts, including Alex Pereira versus Ciryl Gane and Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje.
Knicks and Spurs set for Game 4 of an NBA Finals that have belonged to the road teams
NEW YORK (AP) – Sometime in these NBA Finals, the home team figures to get a victory. If the New York Knicks do it Wednesday night, they will be on the doorstep of a championship. The Knicks can take a 3-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs, who hope the long arms of 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama already have started swinging the series in their favor. The Spurs won Game 3 on Monday powered by Wembanyama’s 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots. That was the third straight victory by the road team in the series, only the second time that has happened in the NBA Finals.
Texas Tech defends playing QB Brendan Sorsby amid gambling addiction, says ‘it’s not murder’
HOUSTON (AP) – Texas Tech’s sports leadership is defending its plans to play quarterback Brendan Sorsby next season while he treats his gambling addiction. Coach Joey McGuire, speaking Wednesday, acknowledges criticism, including from the NCAA president. McGuire says society accepts other issues but unites against gambling. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt states their role is to support Sorsby’s recovery, not manipulate eligibility. A court order suspended Sorsby for the first two games, but the NCAA plans to appeal the overall decision.
Players’ union asks NHL for a Mike Babcock investigation if Oilers want to hire him, AP sources say
The NHL Players’ Association has asked the league to investigate Mike Babcock’s time with the Columbus Blue Jackets before any team hires him as coach. This request comes amid reports that the Edmonton Oilers are interested in Babcock. The NHL had dropped its investigation when Babcock resigned in September 2023 after criticism over privacy issues with players. Babcock, once a top coach, has faced allegations of bullying. The Oilers are seeking a new coach after firing Kris Knoblauch. They also sought permission to talk to Bruce Cassidy, but Vegas denied the request since Cassidy remains under contract.
Somali soccer referee denied entry to US for World Cup is welcomed home as a hero
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) – Omar Artan, the soccer referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup tournament, has returned home to a hero’s welcome by supporters and officials. Artan was set to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list for the tournament. He was named as Africa’s best male referee in 2025. The U.S.’s unusual move to deny a FIFA-appointed match official permission to enter a World Cup host country drew global outrage and raised questions about America’s capacity to host. Artan is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best match official in 2025.
College sports is suddenly facing a major question that hinges on gambling, the ‘unpardonable sin’
The controversy over gambling in college sports has intensified with Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s court victory. College players betting on their own teams is widely condemned, but resolving the issue is complex. This week, Nebraska and Georgia urged their coaches not to schedule games with Texas Tech. Meanwhile, the Big 12 is debating its response. The case highlights the challenges of regulating college sports, especially with legal sports gambling widespread and lucrative sponsorships involved. Without legal protections, the NCAA struggles to enforce rules, leaving the future of college sports governance uncertain.
A ‘secure zone’ stops Knicks fans from gathering outside MSG, rankling die-hards and the team owner
NEW YORK (AP) – Ahead of Game Four of the NBA Finals, the New York Police Department is barring fans from gathering outside Madison Square Garden. Instead, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city will permit less than 1,000 fans to attend a watch party outside the arena. Bars and restaurants can stay open inside the security perimeter but with capacity restrictions and there will be security screenings within blocks of the arena. The measures have upset fans, nearby businesses and Knicks owner James Dolan, who accused the mayor of enforcing what he called a “police state” around the stadium. The NYPD has cited the public safety threat posed by rowdy crowds to justify the security perimeter.
Vegas and Carolina are playing a Stanley Cup Final for the ages, and the numbers show it
The Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes has been must-see entertainment every night. One big reason is that no lead is safe. This is the first time in NHL history that a team has rallied from a multigoal deficit to tie the score in each of the first four games of the final. That included Carolina coming back from down four in Game 3 at Vegas before losing in double overtime on a bounce off the end boards. The Golden Knights and Hurricanes have combined to score 33 goals, the most through four games since 1981. This was the most-watched final through three games since Chicago-Tampa Bay in 2015.
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