
NFL Business Stories Dominate First Half of 2026
A mid‑year look at the most‑read sports business stories involving the NFL, from attendance shifts and new stadiums to international appointments and sponsorship expansions.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Italy across Basketball, Soccer, Football.

A mid‑year look at the most‑read sports business stories involving the NFL, from attendance shifts and new stadiums to international appointments and sponsorship expansions.

LSU’s men’s basketball program has landed its first high‑school recruit since Will Wade assumed the head‑coaching position, confirming a verbal commitment from Jordan Bender, a 6‑foot‑8 forward from St. Petersburg, Florida. The commitment is part of a broader ten‑player class that includes transfers, international players and a former G‑League forward, while also raising the profile of prospects such as RJ Luis and Ahmad Hudson.

The series travels to four football‑obsessed nations, revealing how culture, history and emotion shape the world’s most watched sport.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will be more than a tournament; it will be a cultural showcase that unites generations through the diverse expressions of soccer around the globe.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a tournament; it is a personal ritual for billions. 'Game and Glory' explores how Spain, Serbia, Italy, and the Netherlands each turn soccer into a mirror of their cultural soul.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the docuseries Game and Glory delves into the cultural rituals, rivalries, and artistic expressions that define soccer in the world’s most passionate nations.

The upcoming docuseries 'Game and Glory' explores the art, pride, tradition and innovation that define soccer in four of the world’s most passionate footballing nations, just as the 2026 World Cup prepares to unite billions.

From Madrid to Belgrade, from Rome to Rotterdam, the series uncovers the rituals, rivalries and regional pride that make soccer more than a sport.

The Athletic’s senior editor Will Jeanes designs a daily soccer‑themed puzzle for the 2026 World Cup, grouping 16 words into four categories with a single solution.

From early childhood on a German air base to a contract extension through 2030 at Juventus, midfielder Weston McKennie’s career reflects adaptability, resilience, and a bridge between American soccer’s past and future.

Lionel Messi's automotive passion extends beyond the pitch, blending rare supercars with everyday luxury vehicles in a garage that reflects his taste for exclusivity and engineering heritage.

At 41, Guillermo Ochoa will bring his international career to a close following the 2026 World Cup, capping a journey that includes six World Cup tournaments, six Gold Cup titles and a Ballon d’Or nomination.

Nevada Smith, the recently appointed head coach of Siena’s men’s basketball program, brings a blend of NBA G League success, international experience, and a deep commitment to mentorship. His journey reflects both professional achievements and a personal life shaped by family, travel, and a love for the sport.

The still‑nameless Detroit franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League has signed ten players, including scoring phenom Daryl Watts and veteran Hilary Knight, setting the stage for a competitive debut.

Gabriele Gravina, the former president of the Italian Football Federation, argues that Italian football is not in terminal decline and calls for reforms to sustain the sport's progress.

Only twenty‑one percent of readers approved Ruben Amorim’s appointment, while Oliver Glasner attracted the largest share of preference; other candidates including Mauricio Pochettino, Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp also featured in the discussion.

After an early exit in the NCAA Tournament, the Hokies are reshaping their squad with key transfers and returning standouts, aiming for a stronger campaign beginning in November.

At 80, businessman Peter D'Amico is converting 15 acres around his approved soccer complex into a mixed farm of grapes, fruit trees, wildflowers and sunflowers, a project recently cleared by the Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission.

The Wildcats opened summer workouts with intensity, bonding in the Wildcat Lodge while integrating newcomer Ousamne N'Diaye and guard Zoom Diallo into a versatile, unselfish backcourt.

A look at Caroline Harvey’s championship résumé, her resilience after injury, and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Professional Women’s Hockey League draft.

Caroline Harvey, the top prospect in the upcoming PWHL draft, blends athletic excellence with a holistic approach to life, aiming to inspire the next generation of women’s hockey.

When Ty Duncan and his fiancée Breana celebrated their wedding in Italy, a surprise appearance by longtime employee Blake Wilejto turned into a numismatic moment, uncovering a one‑of‑a‑kind hockey card now up for auction on eBay.

Jalen Davis, a top-ranked basketball prospect, travels across continents for camps and tournaments, drawing interest from Kentucky, Louisville, Arizona, Duke and UCLA while focusing on culture, style of play and coach relationships.

Top guard Jalen Davis travels the country, impressing elite programs and seeking the right fit for his next basketball chapter.