Team USA and Mexico are playing an important game in the World Baseball Classic. Both teams are currently undefeated with 2-0 records, competing for the top position in their pool. Managers from both teams shared their thoughts on the game, with some friendly rivalry and discussions about team strengths.
Key Facts
Team USA and Mexico both have 2-0 records in the World Baseball Classic.
They are set to play on Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
Italy is also 2-0 in the same pool.
Paul Skenes will start for Team USA, and Manny Barreda is scheduled to start for Mexico.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa believes his team has the best players.
Team Mexico manager Benji Gil suggested other countries could also claim to have top players.
Mexico previously defeated Team USA in pool play in 2023.
Tarik Skubal, a player for the Detroit Tigers, faced backlash from Team USA fans after deciding to leave the World Baseball Classic (WBC) early. He initially committed to only one game in the tournament but further upset fans by saying he would not continue to play in the bracket stage. Skubal promised to participate in future events but left in the middle of the current competition, prompting criticism.
Key Facts
Tarik Skubal is a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and a two-time American League Cy Young winner.
Skubal announced he would only pitch once in the WBC before returning to his team for spring training.
His first game at the WBC was against Great Britain, where he gave up a home run on his first pitch but then retired after three innings.
Despite initially suggesting he might continue, Skubal decided to leave before the bracket stage of the WBC.
Skubal stated he plans to participate in future events like the 2028 Olympics and the next WBC.
Some American fans criticized him for his decision, with strong reactions on social media.
Skubal acknowledged feeling uncertain about his decision but remains committed to returning at future events.
The New York Jets made several significant player transactions, including trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick and signing multiple defensive players to new contracts. Jets running back Breece Hall responded to these moves, highlighting his own contract expectations.
Key Facts
The Jets traded a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick received a three-year, $40 million contract extension from the Jets.
The Jets signed defensive tackle David Onyemata, linebacker Demario Davis, and defensive ends Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare to new contracts.
Breece Hall, a star running back for the Jets, was franchise tagged and is looking for a new contract.
Hall tweeted about the team’s spending, suggesting he expects a significant contract as well.
If Hall and the Jets don’t agree to a new deal by July 15, he will play the 2026 season under a one-year, $14.293 million contract.
Hall had his first 1,000-yard rushing season recently and was among the top 15 in the NFL for yards from scrimmage in two of the last three years.
The BYU Cougars' basketball team is gaining momentum ahead of the Big 12 Conference tournament and NCAA Tournament. Freshman AJ Dybantsa has been named Big 12 Freshman of the Year due to his outstanding performance, prompting some fans to argue he should also be Player of the Year.
Key Facts
BYU Cougars recently won against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Freshman AJ Dybantsa is a top NBA draft prospect and now Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Dybantsa averages 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
He is seen as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Some fans think Dybantsa deserved to be named Player of the Year.
BYU is projected as a No. 6 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Their potential first-round opponent is predicted to be UCF Knights.
Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam won gold and silver medals at the Winter Olympics. To celebrate her achievements, her fiancé, Jake Paul, gave her a Mercedes-Benz G-Class as a gift. Jake Paul, a professional boxer, suffered a recent loss in a match against Anthony Joshua.
Key Facts
Jutta Leerdam won a gold medal in the 1000m women's speed skating event at the Winter Olympics.
She also won a silver medal in the 500m women's speed skating event.
Jake Paul, her fiancé, gave her a Mercedes-Benz G-Class to celebrate her Olympic achievements.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class typically starts at $375,000.
Paul, a professional boxer, recently faced Anthony Joshua in a match and lost.
During the match, Jake Paul got a jaw injury requiring two titanium plates.
A new promotion from DraftKings allows new users to receive a bonus when betting on NBA games. By placing a $5 bet, users can earn up to $200 in bonus bets if their initial wager wins. This offer also extends to bets on the NCAA Tournament.
Key Facts
DraftKings offers new users a chance to earn $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager.
The bet must be placed on odds of -500 or longer to qualify.
The bonus is given only if the initial $5 bet wins.
Bonus funds are divided into eight $25 bets, valid for seven days.
DraftKings also offers a 100% profit boost for NCAA Tournament winner bets in March.
Upcoming NBA matchups include the Nuggets vs. Thunder and Knicks vs. Clippers.
Key players include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder and Nikola Jokić for the Nuggets.
The promotion does not require a manual code to activate.
The article promotes a special offer from Betr, a daily fantasy sports platform, for users who register using the promo code "NEWSWEEK." New users can receive up to $200 in "Betr Bucks" if their first two entries lose during an NBA game, such as the Nuggets vs. Thunder matchup. The promotion is available to new customers in participating states who meet age requirements.
Key Facts
The promo code "NEWSWEEK" offers a $200 "no-sweat" bonus for new users.
Users get refund protection in the form of "Betr Bucks" if their first two entries lose.
The promotion requires registration and is available only in certain states.
There is a focus on tonight's NBA game between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The matchup features popular players like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jokic's average points per game suggest that the "over" line for his performance may be a good bet.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's betting line requires outperforming his average to make a successful bet.
The sign-up process involves registering, using the promo code, depositing funds, and placing entries.
Mike Evans, a well-known wide receiver, signed a new deal with the San Francisco 49ers after deciding to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Evans wanted a team with a strong quarterback and opportunities for more game involvement. Some fans and commentators are criticizing Baker Mayfield, suggesting his performance was a reason Evans chose to switch teams.
Key Facts
Mike Evans signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
Evans was considering other teams partly based on having a quarterback he trusts and more chances to play.
Fans and analysts have criticized Baker Mayfield, stating his performance led to Evans’ decision to leave.
Trevor Sikkema, a sports analyst, noted that Evans’ departure reflects poorly on Mayfield and the team's head coach, Todd Bowles.
Mayfield's performance reportedly declined in the second half of the season.
Other players on the Buccaneers received more attention from Mayfield, which might have influenced Evans’ choice.
A new promotion from Kalshi, called the Kalshi promo code NEWSWEEK, offers users a $10 bonus for participating in prediction markets by trading on NBA games, such as the Nuggets vs. Thunder. To get the bonus, users must create an account, deposit at least $1, and make $10 worth of trades. Kalshi is a legal platform available throughout the United States.
Key Facts
Kalshi offers a $10 bonus for new users who trade $10 on prediction markets.
Users must create an account and deposit at least $1 to qualify.
The promotion applies to NBA games like Nuggets vs. Thunder.
Trades can be accumulated from smaller amounts to reach the $10 requirement.
Kalshi operates legally in all 50 U.S. states.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to use the platform.
The platform allows trade participation across various prediction markets.
Newsweek could earn a commission if users sign up through article links.
The article discusses a sports betting promotion for NBA games. New users of the Sleeper platform can use a promo code to get bonuses when they bet on NBA matchups.
Key Facts
The Sleeper promo code NEWSWEEKXL offers new users a $20 bonus or a $100 deposit match.
Users must deposit at least $10 to qualify for the bonus.
The promotion is for new Sleeper users in certain states.
Legal age requirements vary: 18+ in most locations, 19+ in Alabama and Nebraska, and 21+ in Massachusetts and Arizona.
NBA games mentioned include the Nuggets vs. Thunder and Knicks vs. Clippers.
Notable players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic have key roles in these games.
Injuries may affect player performance and betting outcomes, such as Jalen Williams and Jamal Murray being sidelined.
Users must register and verify their identity to participate in the offer.
BetMGM offers special promotions using the bonus code "NEWSWEEK" for NBA games. Bettors in specific states have access to two deals: a $1,500 first bet safety net or a "Bet $10, Get $150" offer.
Key Facts
BetMGM has promotions for NBA games using the bonus code "NEWSWEEK."
The $1,500 first bet offer acts like a safety net, refunding lost bets as bonus bets.
The "Bet $10, Get $150" offer requires a $10 bet in certain states and awards $150 in bonus bets if the bet wins.
The promotions are available for games like Nuggets vs. Thunder and Knicks vs. Clippers.
Different offers apply based on the bettor's state, with Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia having a specific deal.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder is close to tying a scoring record.
The NBA game lines include Cavaliers vs. 76ers, Thunder vs. Nuggets, and Knicks vs. Clippers.
Venezuela and Nicaragua are playing in the World Baseball Classic. Venezuela wants to advance to the quarterfinals by winning against Nicaragua. Nicaragua was already knocked out of the competition.
Key Facts
The game between Venezuela and Nicaragua is part of the World Baseball Classic.
Venezuela has won 2 games and wants to reach the quarterfinals.
Nicaragua has lost 3 games and is out of the tournament.
The game is on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
You can watch the game on FOX Sports 2 or stream it on Fubo.
Luis Arraez hit two home runs for Venezuela in a previous game against Israel.
Enmanuel De Jesus was a key player, striking out eight in a recent win for Venezuela.
Nicaragua's best efforts in their last game were two singles in a loss to Israel.
The Atlanta Hawks announced that Jonathan Kuminga may play against the Dallas Mavericks on March 9, as his status has been upgraded to "questionable" due to a knee issue. Kuminga played well in his previous games for the Hawks, scoring an average of 21.3 points per game. The Hawks are currently on a six-game winning streak.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Hawks will play the Dallas Mavericks on March 9.
Jonathan Kuminga’s status is now "questionable" due to a knee injury.
Kuminga last played on March 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
In three games with the Hawks, he averaged 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
The Hawks have won six games in a row and have a 33-31 record.
They are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference.
The game against the Mavericks will start at 7:30 PM ET.
Cuba and Puerto Rico, both undefeated, will play against each other in a World Baseball Classic game. The match will take place at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the winner will lead Pool A. The game will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1 and is available for live streaming on Fubo.
Key Facts
Cuba and Puerto Rico both have a 2-0 record in Pool A.
The game is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
It will be held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Cuba recently won against Colombia 7-4, with Ariel Martinez hitting a three-run homer.
Puerto Rico won against Panama 4-3, with Darell Hernaiz hitting a walkoff homer in the 10th inning.
The match will be shown live on FOX Sports 1 and streamed on Fubo.
Viewers can try Fubo for free, but regional restrictions may apply.
The Tennessee Titans made several moves to strengthen their defense by acquiring new players as the NFL free agency period began. They agreed to sign players like Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, Alontae Taylor, and Cor'Dale Flott. These additions are expected to give the team flexibility in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Key Facts
Robert Saleh, former 49ers defensive coordinator, is now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans traded T'Vondre Sweat for pass rusher Jermaine Johnson from the New York Jets.
The team plans to sign John Franklin-Myers, who had 7.5 sacks last season with the Denver Broncos.
Former New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor is set to join the Titans on a three-year deal worth up to $60 million.
Former New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Titans.
These deals become official when the NFL's new league year starts on Wednesday.
Tennessee finished last season with a record of 3-14.
The new signings may influence the Titans' choices in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Caesars Sportsbook offers a promotion using the code NEWSWK250BM for new users. This promo provides a 100% bonus bet match on any initial wager up to $250, whether the bet wins or loses. New users must place their first wager within 30 days and use the bonus bet within 30 days of receiving it.
Key Facts
Caesars Sportsbook offers a special promo code: NEWSWK250BM.
The promo offers a 100% match on the first bet, up to $250.
The bonus bet is given no matter if the first wager wins or loses.
To qualify, users must place their first wager within 30 days of account creation.
The initial bet must have odds of -500 or longer to qualify.
The bonus must be used on NBA games or other sports within 30 days.
New users need to enter the promo code during registration.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through their links.
Tottenham Hotspur's interim manager, Igor Tudor, states the team's main goal is to stay in the Premier League, despite also competing in the Champions League. Spurs are struggling in the Premier League but have advanced in the Champions League, and they will play Atletico Madrid next.
Key Facts
Tottenham Hotspur is focused on staying in the Premier League rather than just advancing in the Champions League.
The team is just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
Igor Tudor is the interim manager after Thomas Frank was fired last month.
Spurs have qualified for the Champions League last 16 and face Atletico Madrid next.
Players Djed Spence and Cristian Romero are available to play again.
Brazil forward Richarlison will start the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid.
Tudor emphasized growing as a team and switching the right way in games.
The Arizona Cardinals have signed Gardner Minshew to a one-year contract as a replacement for Kyler Murray, who the team plans to release. Minshew has previously played for several NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals may also consider drafting a new quarterback in future drafts.
Key Facts
The Arizona Cardinals signed Gardner Minshew to a one-year, $5.75 million deal.
Minshew's contract could be worth up to $8.25 million with incentives.
The Cardinals plan to release Kyler Murray at the start of the NFL league year on March 13.
Gardner Minshew has had previous stints with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Minshew's career highlights include appearing in 14 games with the Jaguars in 2019 and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
The Cardinals are considering drafting a future quarterback from upcoming drafts, including candidates like Ty Simpson and Drew Allar.
The 2027 quarterback draft class is anticipated to include notable players like Dante Moore and Arch Manning.
Tua Tagovailoa, a quarterback who was recently let go by the Miami Dolphins, has signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins will still be responsible for his full salary due to a record-breaking dead-cap hit. As Tagovailoa joins the Falcons, he is expected to compete for the starting position.
Key Facts
Tua Tagovailoa was released by the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins face a $99.2 million dead-cap hit, the largest in NFL history.
Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons already have another left-handed quarterback, Michael Penix.
Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons' new head coach, has previous experience with left-handed quarterbacks.
Tagovailoa struggled last season, ending with 15 interceptions, one of the highest in the NFL.
Michael Penix completed 60.1% of his passes last season before an ACL injury ended his year.
Kansas City Chiefs have signed Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million. The Chiefs made this decision to address weaknesses in their running game and to support quarterback Patrick Mahomes, especially after his injury.
Key Facts
Kenneth Walker III played for the Seattle Seahawks and was the Super Bowl LX MVP.
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Walker to a three-year contract worth up to $45 million.
ESPN reported the Chiefs had one of the lowest explosive running back rush rates in the NFL over the past two seasons.
Walker is noted for his "explosive, elusive, and shifty" running style.
The Chiefs aim to improve their running game to support quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who recently suffered major injuries.
Walker could become the first 1,000-yard rusher for the Chiefs since Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero revealed the contract details, making it the most lucrative for a free-agent running back in league history.
Walker was drafted by the Seahawks in 2022 and has had productive seasons with over 1,000 yards.
