The Power Players Shaping College Football’s 2026 Landscape
A look at the judges, coaches, executives and politicians whose decisions will define college football in the coming season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning NBC Sports across Baseball, Football, Nascar.
A look at the judges, coaches, executives and politicians whose decisions will define college football in the coming season.

The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers open the 2026 Hall of Fame Game on August 6, highlighting a preseason that blends historic tributes with emerging talent, broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.
Major League Baseball announced that the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox will meet at the iconic Field of Dreams location in Dyersville, Iowa, on August 12, 2027, continuing a series that celebrates baseball’s cinematic legacy and expands its audience.

The agreement guarantees 22 football games and over 50 men’s basketball contests, anchored by a roster of seasoned commentators.

Joey Votto made his first appearance as an analyst on NBC's Sunday Night Baseball during the Phillies' 11‑4 victory over the Yankees, offering seasoned commentary and engaging banter with his colleagues.

CBS and The CW unveiled new analyst rosters and broadcast crews for the upcoming 2026 college football season, while ESPN reshuffled its analyst contracts.

After five years of sharing NBC Sports’ production resources, Amazon’s streaming service will produce Thursday Night Football on its own, reshaping the league’s media landscape and opening doors for YouTube’s new sports partnership.

The Flyers will start the 2024‑25 NHL season with a home matchup against the Penguins, followed by a back‑to‑back stretch, while goalie prospects rise and the front office eyes free‑agent signings. Across the league, Detroit parts ways with Steve Yzerman.

After the World Cup, club competitions and international tournaments keep the soccer momentum alive, offering fans a clear path to follow leagues, watch stars and explore the growing women's game.
Joey Votto is set to debut as a studio analyst for NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball on July 26, bringing his analytical insights and personal anecdotes to the network’s flagship MLB broadcast.

NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell revealed that Prime Video and TNT Sports aimed for more Cup Series dates than the five each locked in for the 2025-2031 rights cycle, a demand that was tempered by the satisfaction of all current partners.

The early season has reshaped bullpen dynamics, with new All-Star nods, injury-driven role changes, and dominant relief outings redefining the closer landscape.

Yahoo Sports has secured multi-year contracts with fantasy analysts Josh Norris and Hayden Winks, bringing their award-winning show exclusively to the platform and promising new content for millions of fantasy players.

This week's waiver wire spotlight shines on a mix of power arms and contact specialists who are outperforming their draft positions, while a new broadcasting deal promises expanded MLB coverage on NBC and Peacock beginning in 2026.

Prime Video’s second‑season NASCAR coverage drew 2.29 million viewers per race, a 6 % rise year‑over‑year, while its median viewer age of 57.7 made it the youngest audience among broadcasters.

Dusty May’s departure from the University of Michigan to become the Dallas Mavericks’ head coach has ignited a wave of commentary across sports platforms, highlighting both the impact on college basketball and the anticipation surrounding his new role.

This week's Closer Report highlights key changes in MLB closer roles, including Ryan Helsley's return to the Baltimore Orioles and Daniel Palencia's injury for the Chicago Cubs. The article also provides updates on top-tier closers like Mason Miller, Cade Smith, and Jhoan Duran, detailing their recent performances and statistics. It covers injuries, saves, and notable performances across various teams, offering insights into the current state of MLB bullpen situations.

NBC Sports revitalizes Sunday Night Baseball with Jason Benetti’s modern‑classic style, while Sam Mewis’s podcast explores soccer culture and ESPN/ABC’s NBA Finals coverage faces criticism over missed analysis.

A rundown of the most compelling relief pitcher storylines as the 2026 season unfolds, alongside the league's expanded broadcast footprint.
NBC Sports and Overtime have announced the first ever girls flag football All‑American team, honoring athletes for performance, academics and community impact, as the sport expands toward NCAA championship and Olympic inclusion.

Analysts forecast a significant increase in rushing and receiving production for Ashton Jeanty in 2026, driven by his talent and the offensive vision of head coach Klint Kubiak.

This week's Closer Report highlights dominant relievers, injury comebacks, and the upcoming return of MLB to NBC and Peacock

NBC’s 2026 Big Ten schedule reveals three possible primetime matchups for Ohio State, while the network’s Notre Dame obligations shape the timing of those games.

NBC Sports has announced its 2026 Big Ten college football TV schedule, highlighting a Week Zero kickoff and a series of high‑profile Saturday night games across the first month of play.