International News
The Chicago Pope news drew so many sports social media references
While his Holiness' particular MLB fandom is being debated, no one has yet objected to "Sirius."
NHL reportedly canceling 2026 All-Star Game, pivoting to international event
After lots of discussion of the future of the NHL All-Star Game, the league will indeed cancel it in favor of an international event in 2026.
Canadian newspaper Stanley Cup cartoon references U.S. deportations
"Bring me home, Canada! Because you never know what could happen!"
Barcelona-Real Madrid LaLiga El Clásico to air on TV for first time since 2021
ESPN will show a LaLiga El Clásico on linear TV for the first time since their 2021 deal with the league.
Dan and Ben Shulman delivered father-son announcer jinxes of the same play on separate broadcasts
On separate broadcasts, both Shulmans discussed Ryan Mountcastle's struggles before he hit a home run.
CFL names Bell Media SVP, former TSN president Stewart Johnston as 15th commissioner
Johnston had worked with the CFL on rights deals since 2006. Now, he'll be doing so from the league side.
Sportsnet, NHL sign new 12-year, $7.7b deal for Canadian broadcast rights
Sportsnet will retain most national Canadian NHL broadcasts for 12 more seasons.
Ligue 1 turning to AI to overcome ‘blind spot’ of translation
"This is going to be standard operating procedure for every major sports league in the world before you know it."
NBA to consider launching European league, with spots for EuroLeague teams
The NBA could expand its European operations in a massive way.
President Trump discussed NHL-KHL games with Vladimir Putin
A call between Trump and Putin included discussion of the idea of NHL-KHL games.
Relevent wins ability to sell UEFA Champions League rights globally
Relevent already controlled these rights in North America, but is taking that control global.
Andrés and Nico Cantor team for historic father-son broadcast on CBS CONCACAF Nations League coverage
The Cantors will call the Canada-Mexico CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on Paramount+.
FIFA president says ‘first ever half-time show’ coming to 2026 World Cup Final
"This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world."
Pat McAfee blasts ‘terrible country of Canada’ after anthem booed at WWE Elimination Chamber
"Kind of sucks that it's in the terrible country of Canada, which booed our national anthem to start this entire thing."
NFL’s global expansion accelerates through DAZN international Game Pass
“It's really exciting for us that the NFL is clearly committed to increasing that presence abroad.”
President Trump addresses Wayne Gretzky’s media-criticized silence on Canada as ’51st state’
"I am therefore making him a 'free agent,' because I don’t want anyone in Canada to say anything bad about him."
Australian radio host fired over crude comments about women’s soccer team
Football Australia condemned Marty Sheargold remarks as "unacceptable."
ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap wants to examine Saudi Arabia’s influence on sports more closely
On the Awful Announcing Podcast, Schaap picked Saudi Arabian influence on sports as his top story that deserves an in-depth look.
Justin Trudeau, Brad Marchand troll U.S. politicians, players over 4 Nations Face Off
"You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game."
LPGA sues Korean broadcast partner over unpaid rights fees and tournament sponsorships
The lawsuit here covers non-payment of both rights fees and tournament sponsorship underwriting money.
15 years after Crosby’s golden goal, Chris Cuthbert called another huge Canada 3-2 OT win over the U.S.
Cuthbert was on the Canadian call for both Sidney Crosby's 2010 goal and Connor McDavid's 2025 one.
4 Nations Face-Off Canadian anthem change garnered political reactions
Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk changed the "O Canada" lyrics from "In all of us command" to "that only us command."
Canada coach Jon Cooper: 4 Nations Face-off ‘not an All-Star Game’
"This is a battle of the best of the best. And it's so fun to be a part of it."
Rams, Eagles reportedly set for 2026 NFL game in Australia
"This is some huge news!"