Author: rb809rb

  • Gio Savarese’s 2026 MLS Predictions, USMNT World Cup Outlook & Vinícius Jr Racism Debate

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    The Cooligans welcome former MLS head coach and analyst Giovanni Savarese for a deep dive into the 2026 MLS season. Gio shares his predictions, breakout teams to watch, and how the league continues to evolve ahead of a massive 2026 on home soil. The conversation also turns to the USMNT, as the guys assess expectations, pressure, and what success should realistically look like at the 2026 World Cup.

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    Christian and Alexis then tackle the troubling racist incident involving Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s clash with Benfica. They unpack how these situations are currently handled, question whether the responsibility to stop a match unfairly falls on the player experiencing abuse, and debate what meaningful structural changes could better protect players moving forward.

    Finally, it’s a jam-packed Champions League recap. Folarin Balogun shines in a statement performance against Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus suffer a shocking defeat to Galatasaray, and Bodø/Glimt pull off a stunning win over Inter Milan. The boys react to all the drama, surprises, and what these results mean going forward.

    Timestamps:

    (6:30) – 2026 MLS preview and predictions

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    (30:00) – Gio Savarese’s USMNT World Cup outlook

    (39:00) – Vinicius Junior deals with racism again: time for a rule change?

    (59:00) – Folarin Balogun shines in Champions League loss to PSG

    (1:04:30) – Serie A teams suffer shocking Champions League losses

    MLS PREDICTIONS

    MLS PREDICTIONS

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  • ‘The Louis Theroux Podcast’ Returning for Season 7, Sets Launch Date (Exclusive)

    ‘The Louis Theroux Podcast’ Returning for Season 7, Sets Launch Date (Exclusive)

    The Louis Theroux Podcast will return for a seventh season.

    Spotify and Mindhouse have confirmed that the popular interview show, hosted by the beloved British broadcaster and documentary-maker, will launch on March 3.

    Theroux is back opposite some of the most intriguing names in entertainment, film, sport and more, including tennis maverick Boris Becker, Twin Peaks‘ detective Kyle Maclachan, singer Lulu, comedian Stewart Lee, Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey, and investigative journalist and author Patrick Radden Feefe. A bonus episode and more guests will be announced in due course.

    “Someone once said to me that the key to a great conversation is genuine curiosity. ‘Could you repeat that?’ I replied. ‘I wasn’t listening,’” Theroux joked to The Hollywood Reporter. “But seriously — who could fail to be curious when faced with guests as fascinating, whose lives and work are as full of incident, insight, and artistry, as Boris Becker, Lulu, Stewart Lee, Laufey, Kyle MacLachlan, Patrick Radden Keefe, and Yorgos Lanthimos?”

    “Each one, it strikes me now, comes from a different area of professional life, but all of them practise their art forms at the highest levels,” he continued. “It’s a real pleasure having these conversations, and being allowed the space to let them flow and go in surprising directions, and with no topics off the tables. Thanks for watching!”

    Since its launch in 2023, The Louis Theroux Podcast has cemented Theroux as one of the U.K.’s most successful podcasters. Last year, it was the third most-listened-to podcast overall in the U.K., according to Spotify Wrapped data — climbing from sixth place in 2024.

    Series six saw Florence Pugh dissecting the pros and cons of intimacy coordinators, Steve Coogan got candid on his most challenging role yet, and Malala Yousafzai discussed her university experience as a Nobel prize winner.

    The podcast’s back-catalogue also boasts recordings with Little Simz, Ed Sheeran, Michael Cera, Nick Cave and Tracey Emin, alongside headline-making episodes with Jimmy Carr, Bella Ramsey and many more.

    The Louis Theroux Podcast is a Spotify podcast from Mindhouse, available on all podcast platforms, with video episodes exclusively on Spotify. Series 7 launches Tues, Mar. 3, 2026.

  • Lynne Ramsay to Receive Cinema City Honorary Award at Glasgow Film Festival

    Lynne Ramsay to Receive Cinema City Honorary Award at Glasgow Film Festival

    BAFTA-winning Glaswegian writer-director Lynne Ramsay will receive the Cinema City Honorary Award at the Glasgow Film Festival.

    She will get the honor on March 6 at a special In Conversation event entitled “From Page to Pulse,” which will be hosted by Glasgow filmmaker Adura Onashile (Girl) and be part of the festival’s annual Industry Focus strand. In it, the director will take “a deep dive into her unparalleled approach to adaptation,” organizers said.

    The filmmaker made her feature film debut in 1999 with the Glasgow-shot Ratcatcher, which won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. “Throughout the last three decades Lynne has become renowned for her distinctive visual style and powerful storytelling, having directed Hollywood titles that include We Need to Talk About Kevin, Die My Love, and You Were Never Really Here,” the festival said.

    Launched in 2024, the Cinema City Honorary Award recognizes filmmakers who have made “an outstanding contribution to cinema.” The name of the award stems from the 1930s when Glasgow was home to more cinemas per person than any other place in the U.K. and it became affectionately known as the Cinema City.

    Previous recipients of the award are Viggo Mortensen and Glaswegian Hollywood star James McAvoy.

    Lynne Ramsay is one of a very small number of filmmakers who have the seemingly miraculous power of taking a unique vision in their minds and creating it onscreen exactly as they imagined,” said Paul Gallagher, GFF head of program. “Her films have changed our understanding hiiiof what cinema can do and be.”

    Added Samantha Bennett, GFF industry manager:“It is a true honor to welcome a homegrown talent of Lynne’s calibre to the Industry Focus program.”

    GFF’s 2026 lineup of guest will also include a variety of other stars and filmmakers. McAvoy will attend GFF’s closing gala for the U.K. premiere of hos directorial debut California Schemin’, joined on the red carpet by film cast members Samuel Bottomley, Séamus McLean Ross and Lucy Halliday
    Glasgow-based director Felipe Bustos Sierra (Nae Pasaran) will return to the fest for the opening gala of Everybody to Kenmure Street, after the film won an award at Sundance.

    Other filmmaking talent attending the festival includes Alice Winocour, Mark Jenkin, Polly Findlay, Marc Evans, Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, and Edinburgh filmmaker Sean Dunn for the U.K. premiere of his black comedy The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford.

    The 22nd edition of GFF will take place Feb. 25-March 8.

  • Contender power rankings, Cade’s MVP case, Celtics/Lakers lessons, Team USA & Boozer vs. Dybantsa with John Fanta

    On today’s Kevin O’Connor Show, KOC is joined by NBC broadcaster John Fanta to talk everything NBA. They start with Eastern Conference contender power rankings: who’s the number one team in the East? Could Cade Cunningham really be MVP?

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    Then, they turn to Team USA hockey’s gold-medal win against Canada before John tells the story of his call-up to the NBA on NBC by Mike Tirico.

    Plus, they discuss if Anthony Edwards is the face of the league, address the troubles in Phoenix & Houston, and take a look at the top prospects in this year’s fiery draft class.

    That and more, today!

    Eastern Conference Contenders (1:39)
    USA Hockey and John’s NBC Career (43:16)
    Draft Class (1:10:20)

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics talks to head coach Joe Mazulla during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics talks to head coach Joe Mazulla during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

    (Luiza Moraes)

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on the Yahoo Sports NBA YouTube channel

    Check out all episodes of The Kevin O’Connor Show and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

  • Messi Meltdown in LA, EPL Title Race Drama & Is the 2026 World Cup Already Cracking?

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    LAFC sent a loud message in their 3-0 dismantling of Inter Miami, and it wasn’t just about the scoreline. Los Angeles FC looked sharp, organized, and ruthless, while Inter Miami CF looked frustrated and overwhelmed. We break down what went wrong for Miami, what this result means long-term, and whether Lionel Messi’s heated postgame interaction with referees is a sign of deeper cracks. Plus, we recap the rest of MLS opening weekend and highlight the teams that set the tone early.

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    Across the pond, the Premier League title race is heating up once again. Manchester City and Arsenal continue to push each other to the limit at the top of the table. Can City pull off another late surge, or is this finally Arsenal’s year? We examine the remaining fixtures, squad depth, and pressure points that could decide the title.

    Off the pitch, concerns are growing around the 2026 tournament. With New Jersey canceling its World Cup fan zone and Gillette Stadium reportedly resisting FIFA licensing without additional funding, we ask whether the 2026 World Cup is starting to show serious organizational strain. Is this just early logistical turbulence—or a warning sign for what’s ahead?

    Timestamps:

    (7:00) – LAFC thrash Messi and Inter Miami

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    (23:00) – MLS opening weekend recap

    (32:00) – Arsenal and Man City continue to battle in PL title race

    (47:45) – World Cup in danger of falling apart already?

    MESSI-INTER MIAMI

    MESSI-INTER MIAMI

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  • Fremantle Seals Production, Distribution on Wacky Comedy Competition ‘Special Delivery’ (EXCLUSIVE)

    Fremantle Seals Production, Distribution on Wacky Comedy Competition ‘Special Delivery’ (EXCLUSIVE)

    Global colossus Fremantle has added to its vast entertainment portfolio, securing worldwide production, development and distribution rights outside Japan to “Special Delivery,” a whacky fun comedy game show co-developed by Amsterdam’s Blue Circle, a Fremantle company, and Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), the top Japanese producer and broadcaster.

    Fremantle will bring “Special Delivery” to market at this week’s London TV Screenings, the biggest European TV sales platform of the first six months of the year, where the RTL-owned Super Indie hold a Feb. 27 upfront.

    Billed by Fremantle as an “irresistibly fun comedy competition,” “Special Delivery” plays to Japan’s strength as an format export power, Variety noted Monday: “high-concept entertainment formats built around simple game mechanics.” 

    Here, comedians are sent on hilarious missions to try to deliver anything, anywhere, anyhow. The parcels they collect at Delivery HQ are “absurd,” the destinations “impossible” and the conditions “ridiculous.” The net result is “unpredictable deliveries that create maximum mischief, laugh-out-moments and instantly visual, viral-ready comedy,” Fremantle noted Tuesday, announcing its deal on “Special Delivery.”

    Commissioned for TBS in Japan, “Special Delivery” bowed this January in Japan, where its debut episode ranked No. 1 in its time slot, scoring a 28% audience share. 

    Played by celebrities in Japan, the format can be adapted to different casting approaches worldwide, Fremantle noted.

    “As a broadcaster known for bold, inventive comedy, TBS has been an exceptional creative partner, and together we’ve shaped a format that harnesses the originality of Japanese entertainment into something with clear global potential,” said Vasha Wallace, Fremantle EVP global acquisitions and development, global entertainment. “There is a strong appetite worldwide for big, visual, laugh-out-loud comedy, and ‘Special Delivery’ has all the ingredients to travel and connect with audiences beyond Japan,” she added. 

    “We’re delighted to partner with Fremantle on ‘Special Delivery,’ and proud of what the teams have created together in Japan. The format’s bold physical comedy and playful competition feel universally entertaining, and we’re excited to see the format reach audiences internationally,” observed Kentaro Fukuda, head of global IP studio at TBS.

    Blue Circle is a 100% Fremantle subsidiary which is one of the biggest and most prolific Netherlands specialists in entertainment, daily show, sports and lifestyle programming, behind Dutch reversions of “Dancing With the Stars,” “Idols” and “X-Factor.”

    TBS ranks as one of Japan’s biggest media conglomerates, with a bevy of international format breakouts, such as game show “Takeshi’s Castle,” sports entertainment reality format “Ninja Warrior,” sold to 160 territories, and variety show “Fun TV with Kato-chan and Ken-chan,” which spawned “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

  • China Box Office: Lunar New Year Sales Fall 38 Percent From 2025 as ‘Pegasus 3’ Leads Soft Holiday

    China Box Office: Lunar New Year Sales Fall 38 Percent From 2025 as ‘Pegasus 3’ Leads Soft Holiday

    In any other market during any other holiday, a blockbuster opening of over $300 million would be an instant cause for celebration. But the $369.3 million debut of race-car comedy Pegasus 3 during the first six days of China‘s Lunar New Year holiday came with a potentially worrying caveat.

    The film pulled far ahead of the competition during the opening stretch of China’s biggest moviegoing week of the year, leaving Zhang Yimou’s espionage thriller Scare Out in a distant second place with $110.7 million, martial arts epic Blades of the Guardians in third with $97.3 million and family animation Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector in the third at $89.7 million, according to data from Artisan Gateway covering Feb. 17–22. Jackie Chan’s action-comedy sequel Panda Plan 2 took up the rear with $24.6 million.

    Total ticket revenue during the holiday so far, however, has amounted to $715 million (RMB 5.1 billion), a 38.6 percent drop from the first six days of Chinese New Year in 2025 ($1.2 billion, or RMB 8.3 billion).

    China’s theatrical film market has grown so top-heavy in recent years that the Lunar New Year holiday corridor generally sets the tone for the whole year. Last year’s holiday winner, animated sequel Ne Zha 2, went on to smash global records with a $2.2 billion box office total, ensuring that China’s film market staged a full-year recovery even though most major domestic releases disappointed throughout the rest of the calendar.

    Pegasus 3 is currently on track to top out at around $622 million (RMB 4.3 billion) — a huge number, for sure, but not enough to save the market amid the relatively weak performance of its fellow holiday releases. To date, China’s theatrical box office is down 65 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

    Pegasus 3 is the latest installment of blogger-turned-blockbuster director Han Han’s hit racing-comedy franchise, again led by Shen Teng as underdog driver Zhang Chi. In the latest installment, Zhang returns to competition to lead a newly assembled team in a high-stakes international rally. The film’s producers include Shanghai Tingdong Film Co., Maoyan Damai Entertainment, Bona Film Group, Wanda Pictures and others.

    Zhang Yimou’s Scare Out, which opened in second place, marks the veteran filmmaker’s return to the espionage genre following the success of Cliff Walkers (2021). The contemporary spy thriller stars Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong and centers on a national-security investigation triggered by the leak of sensitive military intelligence. The project is produced by Damai Entertainment, with Alibaba Pictures handling distribution.

    In third position, Blades of the Guardians is a star-driven wuxia spectacle directed by legendary action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping and adapted from the popular manhua Biao Ren. The film features a marquee ensemble led by Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, Yu Shi, Tony Leung Ka-fai and Jet Li. Production is backed by Woo Ping Pictures and Beijing Dengfeng International Culture Communications Company, alongside Damai Entertainment, China Film Group, Huaxia Film and other partners.

    Fourth-place finisher Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector continues the long-running animated franchise’s regular Lunar New Year presence for family audiences. Directed by Lin Huida and produced by Fantawild Animation, the installment follows Briar, Bramble and their human companion Vick as they encounter Nian — the mythical beast associated with the Lunar New Year — whose arrival grants them mysterious new powers and draws them into a fantastical city inhabited by supernatural forces.

    The overall softness of the lineup compared with recent years’ holiday hauls underscores the growing volatility of China’s theatrical sector, where a single breakout hit can disproportionately determine the market’s annual trajectory. Theater operators have now started 2026 at a deficit, placing added pressure on the local industry to deliver major hits later in the year that can reverse the downward momentum at the country’s cinemas in recent years.

  • Josh Sargent to MLS? + Anton Ferdinand on West Ham vs Spurs & Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso Mistake

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    Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the latest soccer headlines, starting with reports that USMNT striker Josh Sargent could be headed back to MLS with Toronto FC. Is it a smart career move or a major step backward for the American forward? The guys also react to rumors linking Timo Werner to the San Jose Earthquakes and debate whether the club made a massive mistake by failing to keep star winger Cristian Espinoza. Plus, with Chucky Lozano’s exit from San Diego seemingly inevitable, they discuss who the club should target as his replacement.

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    Former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand then joins the show to preview the West Ham vs. Tottenham derby and relive his legendary stoppage-time equalizer against Spurs in 2005. They also chat West Ham’s tough season so far and how the club can push forward to avoid relegation.

    Finally, the guys debate whether Real Madrid made a massive mistake by firing Xabi Alonso and what it means for the club’s future. Christian and Alexis wrap things up with their AFCON Final predictions as Senegal and Morocco prepare to battle for continental glory.

    Timestamps:

    (6:45) – Josh Sargent heading back to MLS? Smart move or disaster?

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    (17:30) – Timo Werner is headed to San Jose: redemption tour or flop?

    (30:15) – Chucky Lozano is leaving San Diego – who will replace him?

    (37:15) – Anton Ferdinand joins The Cooligans

    (57:00) – Xabi Alonso now Real Madrid’s biggest enemy?

    (1:10:00) – AFCON Final Predictions

    JOSH SARGENT-MLS

    JOSH SARGENT-MLS

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  • Divisional fantasy preview + Prop Bets + DFS: The matchups, players & bets you CAN’T ignore this weekend

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    Divisional round weekend is right around the corner and we have Matt Harmon and Joel Smyth here to get you ready. The two preview each game and provide their favorite matchups and prop bets along the way. Smyth also shares his favorite DFS lineup for Divisional weekend.

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    (5:00) #6 Bills @ #1 Broncos

    (21:50) #6 49ers @ #1 Seahawks

    (37:35) #5 Texans @ #2 Patriots

    (49:00) #5 Rams @ #2 Bears

    (1:01:50) Joel’s Divisional Round DFS Lineup

    Divisional round weekend is right around the corner and we have Matt Harmon and Joel Smyth here to get you ready. The two preview each game and provide their favorite matchups and prop bets along the way. Smyth also shares his favorite DFS lineup for Divisional weekend.

    Divisional round weekend is right around the corner and we have Matt Harmon and Joel Smyth here to get you ready. The two preview each game and provide their favorite matchups and prop bets along the way. Smyth also shares his favorite DFS lineup for Divisional weekend.

    (Jason Jung)

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  • Kyle Tucker Goes to the Dodgers, Red Sox Bring In Ranger Suárez and the Yankees & Diamondbacks Make Trades

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    The Los Angeles Dodgers did it again. The defending back-to-back World Series champions have had yet another big-time offseason. After adding star closer Edwin Díaz, they went out on Thursday night and brought top free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker into their already star-studded lineup, solidifying them even more as the Evil Empire of baseball.

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    On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the shocking—at least to some—move of Los Angeles once again bolstering their roster as they look for the first three-peat in baseball since the New York Yankees’ 1990s dynasty. With the Tucker deal coming in at four years, $240 million, should Commissioner Rob Manfred start to worry about the perception the Dodgers are giving off to opposing fans with their free agent spending?

    Later, Jordan and Jake discuss the Boston Red Sox adding one of the big-arm free agents, Ranger Suárez, to their already crowded starting pitching depth chart and why he will be an interesting fit in their rotation. They then get into the Yankees trading for Ryan Weathers and the Arizona Diamondbacks acquiring Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals before giving an update on Team USA’s newest roster additions. The guys close the show by making their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad, and The Uggla.

    1:39 – The Opener: Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers

    20:36 – Red Sox sign Ranger Suárez

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    43:29 – Scott Boras Scoreboard update

    46:10 – Around the League: Trade news

    1:01:48 – Team USA roster update

    1:08:09 – The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

    Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

    Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

    (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

    🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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