The 2026 men's World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off in 442 days on June 11, 2026. It may seem a lot of days remaining but trust me, time goes fast and before you know it, the largest and most ambitious World Cup in history will kick off in Mexico City.

As a result, here's a special Onside/Offside where I give my top 11 contenders and assess who's right on track for a deep run in the tournament and who's currently in need of more work. As a bonus, I also break down the current state of the host nations.

Welcome to Onside/Offside: a World Cup contenders special edition!

THE TOP CONTENDERS

ONSIDE: Spain

It's simple, really: Spain truly are the real deal, and in my humble opinion, they're the current favorites to win next summer's World Cup. Since their Euro 2024 victory against England last summer, La Roja haven't lost a game, and scarily for everyone else, they continue to evolve.

The wins haven't always been perfect, but that's the thing about Luis de la Fuente's Spain, and what makes them different from other Spanish sides in the past: it's not perfection or tiki-taka aesthetics that matter. All they care about is getting the job done, and that's what you saw in this window against the Netherlands, where two fantastic matches saw them win on penalties to book their a place in June's UEFA Nations League semifinals. They are also versatile in their system, meaning that they are quite happy and comfortable changing ideas mid-game.

And here's the other component that is so unique: Due to the drop in average age (from 27 at the Euros to 25 in 2025) they have this air of unapologetic swagger. For example, when former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart criticized Lamine Yamal for his attitude and for wearing his shorts too low during the first leg of their game with the Dutch, the 17-year-old star posted a gallery on his Instagram account celebrating the victory with the caption: "Shorts down, a goal, a missed penalty and INTO THE SEMIFINAL, COME ON SPAIN!"

My point is less about Yamal's response on social media and more about the fact that this Spanish side is young, hungry and confident, and they could care less what you think of them.

Oh, and just wait until Rodri returns.

ONSIDE: England

The Thomas Tuchel era has just begun, so it's difficult to place the Three Lions in either category because there are still many questions left unanswered. Their first two matches under the German manager were wins against Albania and Latvia -- with all due respect to these European nations, it wasn't exactly a challenging window, but I'll place England in the Onside category for two reasons.

First, this is an insanely talented squad -- perhaps the most talented in recent years when you also consider the overwhelming depth and the fact that some of the younger members still have one more season to get even better. From Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly (who became the youngest player in history to score on his senior England debut with his goal against Albania) to Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, there is no shortage of legitimate quality.

Second, I like the Tuchel appointment because he is a pragmatist. He doesn't romanticize a particular style of play, but rather focuses on building an environment that appeals to his squad. He wants to instill a club-focused mentality where the fast-paced aggression of the English game is implemented. It's not about pretty patterns or possession, but rather entering the box, recovering the ball and finding different ways to threaten the opponent.

"The Premier League is a very physical league, a very direct league. We should be proud enough of the culture and the style of English football and the English league to implement this," Tuchel said in his first news conference as manager. "We have to increase the intensity in our games. I want to have more touches in the opponent's box. I want to have more ball recoveries in the opponent's half."

You saw some of those things in this window, but again, it's too early to tell. However, I do believe this philosophy is what's necessary for England to actually win major competitions.

ONSIDE: France

When it comes to going deep in a competition, I never worry about France. Ever. Even if they looked terrible right before the tournament, it wouldn't mean anything to me because their talent and mental foundation is made of alloy steel. As my colleague Julien Laurens puts it: the habit of winning is strong throughout the squad. An opponent's momentum to France doesn't exist, because it's all about what they do.

So, as Didier Deschamps prepares for the World Cup and his final hurrah as manager -- we reported back in January that he was stepping down following that competition -- I am sure this team will be more than motivated to give him a good send-off next summer.

What intrigues me about France is that when it comes to goals, there is currently little reliance on Kylian Mbappé, who hasn't scored in his past seven appearances for the national team. He remains very much involved in all that's good for France, but it's not just about him anymore. From Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise, their offensive firepower is scary.

Elsewhere in the squad, there is no shortage of energy, and Mike Maignan is one of the best goalkeepers in the game. So, yeah. France? Not worried at all.

I think if anything, this is more about Deschamps and his managerial expertise because sometimes, he overplays his hand with team selection and strategy. There's no need to get cute here, Didi: Just play the hits, and everything else will follow.

ONSIDE: Morocco

Let me tell you something. Morocco's historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals, was no fluke, and it's also something that should be noted for 2026.

After losing in disappointing fashion to South Africa in the round of 16 of AFCON in 2023, Walid Regragui's team pressed the reset button and have been on a mission ever since to elevate their game. They are perfect in World Cup qualifiers -- the latest victory being a 2-0 win over Tanzania -- has the Atlas Lions looking good for another spot at next year's tournament.

In four of their past six games in all competitions, they have scored at least four goals and conceded only twice. We already know about their depth, which includes Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri, but last year, another member entered the frame when Real Madrid's Brahim Díaz switched allegiance from Spain to Morocco (his father is Moroccan), and the rewards have been great as the winger/attacker has eight goals since joining.

To me, however, this is about Regragui, who is a tremendous manager. Under him, who's to say the Atlas Lions can't roar at the World Cup once again?

ONSIDE: Netherlands

I'll make this one brief, but not without value. The Netherlands, who have never won the World Cup (but have gone to three finals), are so close to being a legitimate contender.

The first few years under Ronald Koeman were not great, and despite earning a semifinal place at last summer's Euros, he remains somewhat of an unpopular figure with the fanbase, mainly because he is extremely stubborn. But this recent loss to Spain in the Nations League was some of the best football I have seen them play, and it's because Koeman was forced to experiment due to injuries.

There is so much talent in this squad, and it is capable of causing damage in 2026, but they need a reliable striker. If they can find that next season, they will make some noise. That's why I have you in the Onside column, Oranje. I believe you can find that No. 9.

ONSIDE: Argentina

Alongside Spain, the defending champions are favorites to win the World Cup as Lionel Scaloni's side -- the first CONMEBOL nation to qualify for 2026 in this international window -- is more complete than ever before. They have a tremendous chance to defend their title and at this point, it's actually scary to say that they keep getting better.

Argentina are a machine, completely in sync where every single member of the squad knows their role. They're the football version of a fraternity where everyone one fights for each other. They have confidence, style and one single objective: to win.

Have you noticed something else here? I went a whole paragraph without even mentioning Lionel Messi and that's the truly terrifying part for anyone who comes their way. Argentina are great with and without Messi as that's something they have had to adjust to in the last few months due to their captain's absence as a result of injury and muscle fatigue.

Their latest victims were Brazil, who were destroyed 4-1 on Tuesday night at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The swagger was so evident, I mean -- Emiliano Martínez started juggling in the middle of the game, for crying out loud!

So there's not much to say about Argentina aside from the fact that with qualification sorted, Scaloni can now continue to build and strengthen this already impressive roster. Messi or not, whoever is in their group better watch out.

OFFSIDE: Brazil

To be perfectly honest, I know what you're all thinking, and yes, I was very close to omitting them from this list because there are other South American contenders -- Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador and even Paraguay -- more worthy than the Seleção right now. We have also seen this demise for the last two years, and I even warned you about it.

After Tuesday's embarrassing loss to Argentina, Vinicius Jr. said they have to "rethink everything." Matheus Cunha talked about a "collective problem," while fans and critics continue to pressure the need for Dorival Junior's resignation. He himself called it the most "delicate moment of his career," but he has no doubt that they will find a way.

Here's what I think. Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, have been here before. In 1966, when England won, the Brazilians were terrible, unable to compete with the physicality of the tournament and eliminated in the first round for the first time since 1934. But there was talent. So in the following four years, they transformed into what is known as the greatest World Cup squad in history. Between 1974 and 1990, Brazil also went through a dry spell as big as the grand canyon, with zero World Cups/Olympic gold medals and only one Copa America (1989) title.

Now, my point here is that this Brazilian side remains insanely talented, and despite the issues, they will qualify for the World Cup and still think that they have the DNA components to turn it around because -- well, their résumé speaks for itself. But they have to do three things: bring back their resilience and joy (both on and off the pitch), find a way to reenergize Neymar Jr. as a leader, and finally, replace Dorival Junior. He's a very nice man and a good manager, but to make these Brazilians into champions, you need someone who can reinvigorate their confidence and ignite the fire.

They need charisma and leadership. I think you all know who I am talking about.

ONSIDE: Japan

I don't know about you, but I have a furtive feeling that we're going to see some very surprising contenders in 2026. Conservative wisdom often pressures us to pick European teams in this category, but I think this expanded 48-team field, the new format and the fact that it's being played across three nations in North America is going to throw a major curveball to many nations. I also think that the way international teams play these days rely so much more on being more direct and smarter without the ball. Commitment, therefore, is more important than philosophy.

May I present to you: Japan.

Back in Qatar, the Samurai Blue earned historic wins against Germany and Spain in Group E and were so close to reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16. Since then, their project has continued under the same strategy: fast, fluid, physical, relentless football under Hajime Moriyasu. Now, thanks to their undefeated run in qualifying, they became the first team to earn a place for next summer. But they have way bigger aspirations as the federation officially announced its intent to win the World Cup by 2050, hopefully sooner.

"Now that we know we're going to the World Cup, from today, we have to use this time to do whatever we need so that we can become champions of the World Cup," said captain and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endǒ earlier this week.

It may seem like a far-fetched dream as they've never gone beyond the round of 16 and winning it is obviously a big ask, but as I said at the start, next summer could offer more than one shocking story in the knockout stages, and there's no reason why a determined, very talented Japan couldn't cause some noise.

OFFSIDE: Germany

Okay, Deutschland. Just know that despite the obvious talent, attractive style and your safe passage to this summer's Nations League semifinals, you are in the Offside column for one main reason, which remains by biggest question mark under Julian Nagelsmann: Germany are a sprinter, not a marathon runner. What do I mean by that? Well, at the beginning they're almost unstoppable, but the deeper they go into a competition, the more vulnerable they become. Back in the day, it used to be the other way around.

I use the same metaphor in the scope of 90 minutes, as we saw in this window when Die Mannschaft overcame Italy (which included a bizarre goal from a corner where Italy fell asleep) in the aforementioned Nations League, but not without some major defensive mishaps of their own. Nagelsmann loves to play in a fluid, passing style with a high press and when things are clicking, it's great to watch. But because there is no real attention given to protecting the midfield, his team almost always finds itself in precarious situations upon losing the ball in the final third. It's literally what happened against the Italians in the second leg at Dortmund.

If that can be solved, then I think they're on course for an intriguing World Cup, but this is Germany we're talking about, the four-time World Cup champion. They're not looking for an intriguing World Cup: they want to win it. At this point, I don't see it happening unless some of the mentioned issues are resolved.

OFFSIDE: Portugal

This is a tricky one to decipher because Portugal's qualification and path to glory partly depends on what Roberto Martínez decides to do with Cristiano Ronaldo -- or rather, what Cristiano Ronaldo decides to do with Portugal, because let's face it, the only one who will determine a place in Portugal's lineup is the 40-year-old star.

There's no denying that the impact of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and the all-time scorer in international football is colossal within Portugal's line-up because for better or worse, he demands so much attention. However I think this can be a problem because when you look at the rest of the squad -- and combine it with Martínez's pragmatic approach -- Portugal is at its best when there is no specific target man. With Ronaldo on the field, the fluidity often disappears.

They ended up winning against Denmark to make it into the Nations League semifinals, but the first leg when they lost 1-0? That was one of the worst performances I have ever seen from them. This inconsistency is partly down to the fact that they still have Ronaldo in the starting line-up, but next summer -- if they indeed make it -- his role needs to be seriously revised.

I'll finish this in the same manner as I started: this decision is only down to Ronaldo so Portugal's fate, therefore, is largely dependent on what he wants.

OFFSIDE: Belgium

Since the departure of Martínez after failing to escape the group stage in 2022, the Red Devils have been going through a major identity crisis. They just simply don't know who they are right now.

Domenico Tedesco's side lost to France in the Round of 16 in last summer's Euros and after an underwhelming start in the Nations League last year, Tedesco was gone in January. Shortly after, Rudy Garcia came in and much like Tuchel and England, these are early days still when it comes to figuring out what he can do with this team.

Unlike the Three Lions, there isn't a sea of young, dynamic talent in every position at Garcia's disposal. Romelu Lukaku remains one of the most lethal strikers in international football, but he will be 33 when the World Cup starts. Kevin De Bruyne will be 35 and perhaps not even playing in Europe by then. They have other key players, of course, such as Jérémy Doku, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard, and they have younger stars such as RB Leipzig's Loïs Openda and Club Brugge's Maxim De Cuyper, who is the summer target of many major teams in Europe.

They have to be in the conversation whenever we talk about World Cup contenders. But can they resuscitate the hopes that were never achieved by the golden generation?

Doubtful.

HEAT CHECK FOR THE WORLD CUP HOSTS

OFFSIDE: United States

As my colleague Jeff Carlisle put it after this disastrous Nations League campaign, USMNT fans have every right to worry. They should thank Gianni Infantino for being named co-hosts so they didn't have to qualify: If I'm being honest, even in a 48-team competition and with an expanded qualifying pool, I feel that right now, the U.S. might have struggled to seal a place.

Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of work to do because at this point, out of the three hosts, the United States are the least likely to progress out of their group. I don't even need to know who else is in at this point; all I know is that this team needs drastic improvements. The "home" advantage also proved to be a mirage in this window as the USMNT opened the Nations League to an almost-empty SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

It's not that soccer isn't popular in the country. Of course it is. It's massive and continues to grow. But the support for the USMNT? That's different, and it's up to the federation to be more strategic about the situation.

The reason why I bring up the lack of support -- as shown by the mostly empty SoFi Stadium for Sunday's third-place game, a space that quickly filled up for Mexico vs. Panama in the Concacaf Nations League final -- is because the USMNT needs the fans' energy. They are a team who shine from that support.

From a tactical perspective, Pochettino has to make them more relentless and have them fighting for everything, so goals can occur through their counterattacking resiliency. You don't need superstars -- just a collective will to score in a more direct approach. They need to be the international version of this season's Nottingham Forest.

With just over 14 months left until the World Cup, the USMNT has a lot to do.

ONSIDE: Mexico

As a complete contrast, Mexico are finally feeling good. Thanks to Javier Aguirre (his third stint as manager), El Tri won their first ever Nations League title with two strong victories over Canada and Panama. Amid a noise of Mexican criticism and exaggeration that often causes the national team to underperform, Aguirre has simplified everything.

For Sunday's final, he had an old-school 4-4-2 system where Santiago Gimenez and Raúl Jiménez complemented each other upfront -- the former scoring all of Mexico's goals in the tournament, including both in the final -- backed by an experienced midfield that included West Ham's Edson Álvarez and Luis Romo, who recently moved to Chivas. Together they make up for more than 160 appearances for the national team.

This type of experience represents Aguirre's ultimate message: "In an official match, the great obligation we have is to make the Mexican player see that they have that obligation to run, to fight for their jersey, for their country, and to make their people proud," said the manager prior to the final.

Time will tell if they can continue to succeed this summer at the Gold Cup, or against tougher opponents at the World Cup. The overall objective is to reach and indeed go beyond the quinto partido (fifth match), something they've never done. The last time they made it to the quarterfinal stages was in 1986, where they lost to West Germany on penalties.

Just like next summer, that was a World Cup they hosted so maybe, just maybe, with the crowd overwhelmingly behind them -- whether it's Mexico City, Guadalajara or anywhere in the U.S., Mexico could finally go beyond el quinto partido.

ONSIDE: Canada

In this international window, Canada earned third place in the Nations League with a win over the USMNT -- that's two straight wins over the U.S. for the first time since 1985 -- but overall, I am a fan of their progress under Jesse Marsch. At last summer's Copa América, they reached a historic semifinal in their first-ever appearance before losing to eventual champions Argentina.

This is a vibrant, young, talented and willing Canadian team, and as long as they continue to evolve and develop -- and remain healthy -- I think Canada can surprise a few people in 2026.

Georgia wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was driving 107 mph before he was stopped and arrested by police on March 19, according to an Athens-Clarke County Police Department incident report.

Tuggle, a sophomore from Goshen, Indiana, was clocked driving 42 mph over the speed limit on the Georgia State Route 10 Loop outside Athens. He was driving a 2021 Dodge Charger and his girlfriend was in the car, according to the report.

The arrest report indicated there were other motorists on the highway and that Tuggle stopped his vehicle in the right lane, rather than the shoulder, when police pulled him over.

"I instructed Tuggle to exit the vehicle, at which point he nearly exited without placing the vehicle in park," the report said. "Due to his reckless disregard for the safety of others -- including himself, his passenger, other motorists, and myself -- by operating the vehicle at a speed 42 mph over the limit and exceeding triple-digit speeds, I placed him under arrest."

Tuggle was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and speeding.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart suspended Tuggle and freshman offensive lineman Marques Easley from the team indefinitely on March 20.

Easley, from Peoria, Illinois, was arrested in Oconee County (Georgia) on March 17 after wrecking his Dodge Charger into a power distribution box in an apartment complex and causing damage to other cars.

On Tuesday, Smart called the team's latest traffic arrests "disappointing."

"You know, both of them are younger players and have made crucial mistakes," Smart told reporters. "As far as the process we followed, it's not been several months. You know, it's been several years in terms of defensive driving courses, having players ride and learn how to drive, just like my two kids did, with a driver's service."

A wreck killed a Georgia football player and a recruiting staffer in January 2023, hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship in a ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in the wreck that occurred while LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were racing.

"[Athletic director] Josh Brooks has done a tremendous job meeting with every player, and we've had several speakers come in, and we continue to educate," Smart said. "We're not going to stop at that. You know, it's very unfortunate that, you know, one of those young men got his driver's license within one month of that happening at 18 or 19 years old, and it's amazing how many kids come to school now without a driver's license.

"So, it's no excuse, but one of those things we will continue to educate and discipline our guys to try to correct it."

NEWARK, N.J. -- Duke's Maliq Brown, out since the ACC tournament with a shoulder injury, is a "maybe" for the Blue Devils' Sweet 16 game against Arizona on Thursday.

Coach Jon Scheyer said Wednesday "there's a chance he could be available tomorrow night," calling Brown a game-time decision for the East Regional semifinal.

Brown hasn't played in two weeks since he left the first half of Duke's ACC tournament quarterfinal game against Georgia Tech. He also missed games this season with toe and knee injuries.

Brown averaged 2.7 points and 4.1 rebounds this season for top-seeded Duke. The 6-foot-9 junior forward has defensive value going far beyond his modest stats because of his ability to move his feet, switch screens, defend multiple positions and use his length to create deflections.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Russell Wilson is coming to the New York Giants with the expectation that he will be the starting quarterback. It's no different than the approach he has taken every year of his illustrious career, which includes a Super Bowl victory and multiple Pro Bowls.

Wilson officially signed with the Giants on Wednesday, less than a week after the team added veteran quarterback Jameis Winston as a free agent. New York also re-signed Tommy DeVito earlier this offseason.

None of that has altered Wilson's mentality.

"Yeah, I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day," Wilson said during an introductory news conference via video when asked how the situation was laid out by the Giants. "I think this team's really looking for somebody to lead them in every way."

Wilson, 36, started 11 games last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been a starter every year of his career, even as a rookie third-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.

But at this point of his career, he had to wait until the second tier of free agency to find the right spot. Wilson had interest in returning to the Steelers and also visited with the Cleveland Browns.

He agreed to terms with the Giants on Tuesday night after being stuck in a quarterback waiting game that seemed to revolve around Aaron Rodgers. The Giants and Steelers were among the teams interested in Rodgers. Pittsburgh is still waiting for an answer from Rodgers, who visited last week.

"Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player," Wilson said. "He's done some amazing things in this league. I've been fortunate to be able to do some great things, too. And really what I'm focused on is right now and what we can do here. That's been my focus since I've signed and everything else. And also, too, along the way is finding a place that continues to believe in you."

One caveat for Wilson is that the Giants are still believed to be in the market for a quarterback in this year's draft. They have the No. 3 pick and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders could be in serious consideration.

Even if the Giants don't pick Sanders, they could grab a quarterback with a later pick, either by moving into the back end of the first round or on Day 2 of the draft. Owner John Mara said earlier this year that finding a quarterback of the future was the organization's "No. 1 issue" this offseason. That hasn't been addressed, considering Wilson and Winston are not signed long term and both are well into their respective careers.

At the start of Wilson's professional journey, he won the starting job over a newly signed Matt Flynn in Seattle. Wilson was asked Wednesday how he would handle a similar situation in which a rookie could be added to the quarterback room.

"If we draft a quarterback, we will make sure that he does everything he can to be ready to go and be prepared with his mentality," Wilson said. "But for me, it's about the process of winning. I'm focused on winning, what I can do as a quarterback of the New York Giants to help us win and to do everything that we can to lead."

As the Giants searched for a veteran quarterback this offseason, part of the allure seemed to be that they could help a young quarterback obtained through the draft as a mentor of sorts. This could be a role that Wilson and Winston are asked to play if the Giants elect to add to the quarterback room in the draft. Wilson's approach won't change regardless.

"Yeah, I think the first thing is you always handle yourself first. You always get yourself prepared at the highest level and control what you can control," he said. "And part of that is doing everything I can to be my best every day. And then from there, from leading in that sense, everybody else grows with you from that. They learn from you, they see how you work, they see your practice habits, they see your mental habits and how you go about it. Your approach every day. And so I'm excited about the opportunity to continue to lead, not just the quarterback room, but really the locker room in every way."

Wilson noted the players in the Giants locker room as a key factor in his decision to sign. He downplayed any notion that he and his wife, pop star Ciara, chose New York because of all that comes with being under the bright lights in the big city.

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback said his decision was "about football." The Giants' situation offered an opportunity to start and an intriguing roster.

Among the many players that Wilson mentioned was wide receiver Malik Nabers. The prospect of playing with the second-year receiver seemed to energize him.

"He's an explosive athlete," Wilson said of Nabers, who had 109 catches and 1,204 yards as a rookie. "Just his ability to make plays. I love Malik, man."

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Wednesday night's game against the Denver Nuggets because of a sprained left foot.

Antetokounmpo has played in all 18 games since the All-Star break but missed 12 before the break because of right knee and left calf injuries.

The 30-year-old played 37 minutes Monday night in Milwaukee's 108-106 loss to the Suns in Phoenix. He scored 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting and pulled down 10 rebounds.

On the season, the two-time league Most Valuable Player is averaging 30.2 points (second in NBA) and 12.0 rebounds (sixth).

His absence is a double blow for the Bucks (40-31), who learned Tuesday that guard Damian Lillard will be sidelined indefinitely because of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) in his right calf.

A nine-time All-Star, Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 58 games (all starts) in his second season with Milwaukee.

The game Wednesday is important to both the Bucks and Nuggets (45-28), who are jostling for playoff position as the regular season draws to a close. The Bucks are trying to stave off the Detroit Pistons for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Nuggets are just a half-game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for the third seed in the West.

LeBron James is relaunching the "Mind the Game" podcast with a new basketball brain to pick at.

Two-time MVP Steve Nash will be James' co-host on Season 2 of the podcast, which will debut Tuesday.

James' last co-host on "Mind the Game," JJ Redick, is now his coach on the Los Angeles Lakers. James and Redick were equal participants in selecting Nash as his successor.

The first season of "Mind the Game" was an immediate success, averaging 1.5 million views per episode and quickly amassing more than 500,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Nash, 51, retired from playing basketball in 2014 but has since served as the general manager for the Canadian men's national team and has been a coaching consultant with the Golden State Warriors and the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets for 2 seasons, posting a 94-67 record (.584). Eleven of his 18 years as a player overlapped with James' playing career in the NBA.

James recently posted a series of tweets to X, expressing his view of a need for a shift in basketball coverage.

Exactly made my point but anyways. Happy this convo has started. It ain't about 'face of the game" and it ain't about one person or one show, it's about the culture of basketball,, the most beautiful game in the world. Our game has never been better. Incredible young stars from...

LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2025

The new season of "Mind the Game" will have the same director, Jason Gallagher, who was Redick's longtime director on his various podcast ventures before he went into coaching, sources told ESPN.

The only game-worn photo-matched jersey to ever surface from Michael Jordan's 1984-85 rookie season with the Chicago Bulls -- believed to be the first worn by the Hall of Famer in the NBA -- sold at auction for $4.215 million by Sotheby's, it was announced Wednesday.

It is the fifth-most-expensive NBA jersey ever sold at auction.

Only a jersey that Jordan wore during 17 games during the 1996-97 NBA season ($4.7 million), Wilt Chamberlain's 1972 NBA Finals Game 5 championship-clinching Lakers jersey ($4.9 million), Kobe Bryant's 2007-08 MVP game-worn and signed Lakers jersey ($5.85 million) and Jordan's "Last Dance" jersey ($10.091 million) have sold for more, the last of which set the record paid for an item of sports memorabilia in September 2022.

Photo-matching company MeiGray, alongside forensic analysis outfit Proven Data, matched the jersey to preseason games played in 1984 on Oct. 5, 7, 13 and 18. In its authentication letter, MeiGray said it believes that the jersey was Jordan's first to be worn "while playing in the NBA."

The Bulls' preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 5, 1984, was played in front of 2,000 fans in Peoria, Illinois.

The jersey was also photo-matched by Sports Investors Authenticated, though SIA only photo-matched the jersey to the games on Oct. 7 and 13 -- and includes a letter from James Spence Authentication certifying the autograph.

The jersey is noticeably repurposed from a previous player (or multiples). On the jersey's back, there are darkened stains near the name and numbers where those of a previous Bulls player were removed. The front of the jersey features a gigantic Jordan signature -- signed "My Very Best" -- to the right of the 23.

The last time this particular Jordan jersey was sold, in 2009, it was auctioned off by Grey Flannel Auctions for $66,000. The description from that lot included a letter from the Chicago Bulls from May 1985 in which the consignor said the Bulls' then-PR director said, "If that jersey has a number and name change, sounds like you have the very first jersey this organization issued Michael Jordan."

Dallas Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving underwent successful surgery to repair his torn left ACL on Wednesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, sources told ESPN.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Riley J. Williams, the Chief of Sports Medicine at HSS, per sources. Irving only had an ACL tear in his left knee -- with no damage to any other ligament or the meniscus, sources said.

Irving, 32, sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Mavericks' 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings on March 3.

The injury was a devastating blow to the Mavericks' season, as Irving was the team's best overall player.

Irving, who made his ninth NBA All-Star team in February, was the only NBA player this season averaging at least 20 points, 40% 3-point shooting and 90% from the free throw line. It's the fifth season in his 14-year career in which he has reached or surpassed those averages -- the second most all time, trailing Golden State's Stephen Curry, according to ESPN Research.

Prior to the injury, Irving was averaging 39.3 minutes played over his past 10 games, a stretch that began right after the team dealt co-star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. He played the most minutes per game by any player in the NBA from Feb. 4 to March 2.

Irving, who was on pace to be an All-NBA candidate, averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season, serving as the Mavericks' best overall player and a leader for the organization. He has a $43.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, the final year of a three-year, $126 million deal he signed in 2023.

The Mavericks, who have gone 3-8 since Irving's injury, are currently 35-38 on the season as they compete for a Play-In Tournament berth. They had Anthony Davis return to the lineup Monday night for the first time in over six weeks since aggravating an adductor injury, finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block in 26 minutes in Monday's 120-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Monday's game marked just the second time Davis had taken the court for Dallas since coming to the Mavericks in exchange for Doncic at the start of February.

Davis, already dealing with an abdominal strain at the time of the trade, made his debut in Dallas against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 8 -- playing 31 minutes and scoring 26 points to go along with 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks -- before aggravating his injury.

Then, as Davis has sat out for the past six weeks, Dallas has seen a series of players -- from Irving (torn ACL) to Daniel Gafford (knee sprain), Dante Exum (fractured hand) and Caleb Martin (hip strain), among others -- all go down with injuries, often leaving the Mavericks flirting with not having the eight healthy bodies required by league rules to play an NBA game.

Michael Jordan went from being LeBron James' childhood idol to now, in the twilight of James' Hall of Fame career, being the basketball figure his résumé is most often judged against.

James opened up about the current relationship between him and Jordan as part of a wide-ranging interview that aired Wednesday on "The Pat McAfee Show."

While James characterized their dynamic as being in "a good spot," he admitted there is distance between them.

"We don't talk," James said during the 75-minute interview that was taped at McAfee's studio outside Indianapolis on Tuesday. "Because I'm still playing. I'm still playing, I'm still focused on my craft right now."

James said, "I would hope so," when asked if he believed a rapport could blossom between him and Jordan after the Los Angeles Lakers star retires -- similarly to the way James became closer to Kobe Bryant after Bryant finished his playing career.

"The funny thing is, me and Kobe -- the late, great Kob, obviously -- me and Kobe never had a real relationship either," James said. "We were on the [USA] Olympic team, we had a great relationship there. The Olympic team in '08, the Olympic team in '12, but it was always competitive between us. We were always like, I was on the East Coast, he was on the West Coast, and it was like, even though ... in '09 and we didn't beat Orlando and didn't get an opportunity to play him in the Finals [there was a competitive friction]."

James said that first began to change in 2016 when Bryant retired and that it continued to evolve when James signed with L.A. as a free agent in the summer of 2018.

"That's when our relationship became really, really good," James said. "He welcomed me. He called me, like, 'Bro, anything you need in L.A., I got you. You're a Laker now. You're family.' And we would have multiple conversations. Obviously, you guys saw him coming to a lot of games. ... And when I passed him for the scoring record in Philly, he had a tweet out there like, 'Keep on going.' Like, 'Keep transcending the game. Keep going.' And that s--- meant so much to me."

James and Jordan did come together to share a memorable embrace at halftime of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland when the league honored the league's 75th Anniversary Team.

"That was dope," James said. "That's straight respect, admiration and me, for sure, I wear 23 because of MJ. And the inspiration that he gave me as a kid in Akron, Ohio, who don't have much inspiration in your hometown."

However, so long as James, 40, is still an active player and continues to stack his résumé to be able to compare to Jordan -- a six-time champion, five-time MVP and 10-time scoring champ -- he doesn't expect the relationship with 62-year-old Jordan to change.

"I think it's because I'm still playing," James continued. "And MJ, we all know MJ. Even if you don't know him personally, he is one of the most ruthless competitors there is, and until I'm done and he doesn't have to look at me running up and down wearing the No. 23 and every time my name is mentioned, it's mentioned with his, [a relationship will have to wait]."

Among the many topics James also touched on with McAfee was how his son Bronny James has developed throughout his rookie season with the Lakers.

"For me as a dad, it doesn't matter if he never scores, ever. For me as a dad, I'm just super proud of him, period, as a young man. For me as a mentor and as a teammate of his that wants to see him thrive because I have seen the work he's put into the game, I am super proud of his development to where he is now," James said. "From the moment that he was drafted ... to now ... his development has skyrocketed."

Bronny James, whom the Lakers selected with the No. 55 pick in the second round after his freshman season at USC, scored a season-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting for the Lakers last week. He followed that up by scoring 39 points on 14-for-21 shooting Monday for the South Bay Lakers, L.A.'s G League affiliate.

"Super proud of Bronny," James said. "Super proud of his game and where he is today, starting off the G League season with just trying to figure it out and now, 39 [points] and even when I talked to him, he was more pissed off at the technical free throw that he missed more than anything. He was like, 'I could have had a 40 ball, and I missed that damn technical free throw.' So, the kid, he's awesome."

It's a long way from where Bronny James was in October when he made his debut for the Lakers on opening night in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That debut came less than a year and a half after he suffered a cardiac arrest because of a congenital heart defect and needed corrective surgery.

"Us going out on the floor and having that moment, physically I wasn't even there," LeBron James said. "I wasn't even there. I'm floating. I could only imagine where Bronny was. We haven't even talked about it yet. At some point we will. But I wasn't even there. I was so [overjoyed], I might have been in the rafters. I might have been at home -- my body might have been at home watching the game and watching the moment. I completely was not there.

"But, damn, that was an unbelievable moment, man, for me to be able to have that dream, be able to speak it into existence, for it to come to fruition. For my mom and my wife and my daughter and my youngest son to be there, I started thinking about everything from what the hell he went through less than a year before with his cardiac arrest."

James' younger son, 17-year-old Bryce, is coming off a state championship during his senior season with Sierra Canyon and is committed to play basketball for the University of Arizona in the fall. James, who is in his 22nd season, was asked whether he could see himself staying in the NBA long enough to play alongside both of his sons.

"Don't do that to me," James said with a smile.

HOUSTON -- New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn will begin the season on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation, team president of baseball operations David Stearns announced Wednesday during the team's workout at Daikin Park.

Stearns also said that right-handed relievers Max Kranick and Huascar Brazoban and catcher Hayden Senger have made Mets' opening day roster.

After the workout, infielder Luisangel Acuna was informed that he had made the roster, a source confirmed to ESPN, rounding out the Mets' projected 26-man roster. The club has until noon Thursday to finalize the group before opening the season against the Houston Astros.

Blackburn was slated to pitch out of the bullpen to begin the season. Stearns said Blackburn reported knee soreness in the days after his last spring outing. He received an injection for the discomfort and will be shut down for seven to 10 days. Stearns added that the injury isn't believed to be serious, and Blackburn is expected to return before the end of April.

Acuña and outfielder Alexander Canario were the only two healthy position players who attended the Mets' workout Wednesday and hadn't been told whether they made the roster.

With Acuña on the roster, barring a last-second development, Canario won't make the team. Canario, who is out of options, would be exposed to waivers if he isn't put on the roster. The Mets already have six outfielders on their projected roster.

"It's really just ensuring we stay open to what might be out there," Stearns said during the team's workout. "This is a highly active time of year as players are on waivers, players have assignment clauses, players have upward mobility clauses, players take their outs and become free agents, players become available at the last minute before rosters are submitted. And the last thing we want to do is tell a player that they are on the opening day roster and then have to walk that back before rosters are due."

Acuña, the younger brother of former Braves MVP Ronald Acuna Jr., is a former top prospect who impressed during his first major-league stint at the end of last season. The 23-year-old Venezuelan batted .308 with a .966 OPS and three home runs in 14 regular season games as the Mets fought for a playoff spot down the stretch. He mostly played shortstop in place of the injured Francisco Lindor, and has played second base and center field as a pro. This spring, he spent time at third base for the first time.

Kranick, a 27-year-old lifelong Mets fan from Pennsylvania, hasn't pitched in the majors since appearing in two games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022. Brazoban, 35, was traded to the Mets last summer and posted a 5.14 ERA in 19 appearances with the team.

Senger, at 27 years old, has never been on a major-league roster, having spent the last seven seasons in the minors. The opportunity opened for him opened when starting catcher Francisco Alvarez fractured his left hand earlier this month. Senger was a 24th-round pick in 2018 who has spent the last two winters working at a Whole Foods in the Nashville area while his wife, Ryann, worked as a physician's assistant to help keep his dream alive.

"I gotta give a shoutout to my wife," Senger said. "She has worked for a lot of years to support me through this and it kind of made it all worth it now that I get to say I'm a Major League Baseball player."