Professional Women'd Hockey League leaders believe talent pool is up to the task of filling four new teams next season and maintaining a high level of play.

UEFA has proposed a revamp of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup and 2032 European Championship that could end mismatches between the strongest and weakest teams, with a format similar to the Champions League. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin revealed last year that reform was planned to revive interest from fans and broadcasters because many traditional men's qualifying groups had become predictable. Lopsided recent results that provoked concern included France beating Gibraltar 14-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifying game, and Austrias 10-0 win over San Marino last year in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. On Wednesday, UEFA proposed creating a top tier of the 36 best-ranked teams playing in three groups of 12 with a format similar to the Champions League. Teams in those groups would each play six games against six different opponents and be ranked in a 12-team league table. Teams would be drawn from three different seeding pots, playing a weighted schedule of two teams from each pot. Such a format could fit in existing FIFA-mandated schedules from September to November and would not add extra games to player workloads. The 36 top teams would not play teams ranked Nos. 37 to 55 by UEFA, which could play games in a separate tier and also have a path through playoffs to qualifying for major tournaments. A decision on the proposed revamp is expected in September, UEFA said after an executive committee meeting on the sidelines of the Europa League final in Istanbul, Turkey. "The concept will be fine-tuned over the next few months before being submitted for final approval of the detailed format at the next Executive Committee meeting," UEFA said. UEFA did not specify how many direct qualifying places would be earned from each 12-team group. The 2030 World Cup being co-hosted mainly by Spain, Portugal and Morocco with three opening games in South America is expected to be a 48-team tournament. Europe should get 16 qualifying slots. FIFA has been asked by South American soccer body CONMEBOL to consider expanding to 64 teams. Reporting by The Associated Press.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Mumbai Indians (MI) to a modest total of 147/8 in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday

The coach of the Gators sounds off on recruiting professional players back to college basketball

Former Utah alum and NBA executive Dave Checketts isnt a fan of Utahs historic private equity deal with Otro Capital.Checketts described the deal to Front Office Sports as the Utes selling off their future during a recent episode of Portfolio Players.The comments came during a discussion about what types of deals Checketts might be interested in striking with his sports investment fund Cynosure Checketts Sports Capital. He started by mentioning basketball and golf, and quickly added college sports, though he said: College sports has got to settle its way a little bit before you invest.Checketts suggested he wouldnt approach investments in the way that Otro Capital did with Utah.Its one thing to do what the University of Utah has donekind of sell off their sports program because they want a better stadium and they want a basketball building, and they want it right now, he said. So they kind of sold off their future. Thats different than the kind of investments we are talking about where college sports, if its possible, to make a big change.The Utah-Otro Capital was approved unanimously by the university board in December; however, parties are still finalizing the long-form agreements which have not yet been fully executed and signed, sources told FOS.When the deal is signed, however, it will be considered the first of its kind in college sports. It would require Utah to spin off its athletic department assets, forming a separate LLC called Utah Brands & Entertainment. That entity, now being referred to as Crimson Brand Partners, would be majority owned by the university, though Otro Capital would take a minority stake. As part of a buy-in, Otro Capital would provide a capital infusion.In addition, Otro Capital executives would help the athletic department, as well as university at large, with business and revenue-maximization opportunities. The new entity will manage and grow key revenue streams across the Athletics Department and the university. This includes overseeing, optimizing and enhancing the fan experience, corporate sponsorships, ticketing, event-related revenues and campus-wide university trademarks and licensing, a university explainer reads.The deal does have a buyback clause, giving the university the option to repurchase its shares in certain circumstances.Checketts then endorsed the idea of a super league in college football. Ive said, this whole ideawhich has been floated many timesof a super conference with divisions and relegation, I think, is a sensational idea. Id be really, really interested if thats the road they go down. I have no reason to believe theyll go there, but I prefer that rather than letting the NILs and everything else to turn it into just a minor league. I mean, how can you watch the NCAA tournament and want anything different than that? (When asked whether he has made contributions to Utahs NIL and revenue-sharing efforts, Checketts declined to comment.)Both the University of Utah and Otro Capital declined to comment when reached by FOS.The post Former NBA Exec Dave Checketts: Utah Sold Off Their Future With PE Deal appeared first on Front Office Sports.

The Hurricanes, who swept their first two playoff series, will have gone 11 full days without a game prior to Game 1 vs. the Canadiens -- the longest layoff since 1919.

According to a newly published market research report by 24LifeSciences, global veterinary molecular diagnostic service market was valued at USD 1.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.15 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period 2025–2032. Veterinary Molecular Diagnostic Service refers to specialized diagnostic...

According to a newly published market research report by 24LifeSciences, global veterinary molecular diagnostic service market was valued at USD 1.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.15 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period 2025–2032. Veterinary Molecular Diagnostic Service refers to specialized diagnostic...