Displaying items by tag: sports

Pickleball has continued its meteoric rise, maintaining its title as America’s fastest-growing sport for the fourth year in a row. In 2024 alone, participation surged nearly 46%, with the number of U.S. players estimated at 19.8 million by SFIA, and some alternative estimates from the APP suggesting that number could be as high as 48 million. 

The sport is becoming increasingly popular among younger demographics, with the 25–34 age group now leading participation and the average player age dropping to just under 35. Infrastructure is racing to keep up, with over 68,000 courts now in the U.S. and a projected $855 million investment needed to meet future demand. 

While challenges like court shortages persist, the sport’s rapid growth has attracted significant attention from manufacturers, with over 1,200 new paddles and 476 brands registered in 2024 alone. 

Finsum: With cross-generational appeal and increasing institutional support, pickleball has evolved from a niche pastime to a defining part of the American athletic landscape.

The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college basketball has significantly tilted the playing field in favor of blue blood programs, further eroding the chances for mid-majors to make deep tournament runs. 

Top talent from smaller schools is increasingly being poached by power conference programs offering far more lucrative NIL deals, making it harder for underdogs to retain breakout stars. As a result, teams like George Mason or Loyola Chicago may soon become relics of a bygone era, replaced by a tournament field dominated by historically elite programs. 

Jay Williams and other analysts have pointed out that the transfer portal and NIL have created a new recruiting pipeline where even mid-level Power Five schools can outbid and outshine mid-majors. The evidence is showing on the court—while some smaller programs still challenge the big names, they rarely break through to the Sweet 16. 

Finsum: Ultimately, the NIL era may not have killed Cinderella, but it’s certainly made her invitation to the dance much harder to come by.

The NFC and AFC championship games are set, with the Eagles hosting the Commanders and the Bills facing the Chiefs for a spot in Super Bowl LIX. These matchups highlight intriguing storylines, from the Eagles' dominant roster depth to the Commanders’ reliance on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' exceptional play. 

Philadelphia's defense and Saquon Barkley’s consistency against Washington make them a tough opponent, but the Commanders’ opportunistic defense and run game could swing the odds in their favor.

Meanwhile, the Bills, led by Josh Allen, have shown resilience in close games, while the Chiefs will lean on Patrick Mahomes and their big-play threats, like Travis Kelce, to secure another Super Bowl appearance. In the AFC, Buffalo’s overall offensive efficiency gives them an edge, but Kansas City’s experience and home-field advantage cannot be underestimated. 

Finsum: Both games promise drama as teams vie for NFL’s ultimate prize, inclement weather could prove for a throwback championship weekend. 

As December arrives, the NFL playoff race is heating up, with pivotal matchups shaping the standings. The Kansas City Chiefs have secured their spot in the playoffs, leading the AFC with an 11-1 record, while the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC East title and trail the Chiefs by one game for home-field advantage. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers solidified their hold on the AFC North following a win over the Bengals and a Ravens loss to the Eagles. In the AFC, the Denver Broncos currently occupy the seventh seed after a crucial victory against the Cleveland Browns. 

Over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles are positioned as a top contender for the No. 1 seed after defeating Baltimore. With several weeks left, the race for playoff berths and home-field advantages continues to intensify across both conferences.

Finsum: The playoffs appear as wide open as ever this year with the Chiefs seemingly weaker than in previous years. 

Derek Jeter considered the 2000 World Series, where the Yankees faced the Mets, his most stressful experience, feeling relief rather than joy after winning. He believed losing to the Mets would have forced him to leave Manhattan, reflecting the pressure of maintaining control over the city. 

As the Yankees prepare for the ALCS against the Guardians and the Mets face the Dodgers in the NLCS, there's a chance of another Subway Series. This would be the third time both New York teams made the LCS in the same year, with 2000 being the last occurrence. 

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, formerly with the Yankees, and players from both teams are familiar faces, heightening anticipation. However, both teams remain focused on their current opponents, determined to advance.

Finsum: This could be an absolute electric sporting event in one of the most prominent sports cities in the U.S.