Tag: Biggest

10 Biggest Football Stadiums in England (Ranked)

Key Takeaways

Stadiums are a crucial part of the make-up of any professional footballing side.
Particularly in the 21st century, many teams have moved to grounds with a higher capacity to facilitate more fans at the games.
Wembley Stadium, with a 90,000-seat capacity, is the largest stadium in England by a considerable margin.

Stadiums are a quintessential part of footballing culture, not only in England but in the wider world as well. They give fans a place to congregate every other week, roughly, and generate an atmosphere that not only pushes the team they support through each game, but also serves to intimidate an opponent. So much can be said about the effects a loud, emphatic crowd of fans can have.

The game has seen many teams move stadiums in the past, though this is something that has become especially prevalent in the 21st century, with some teams having enough money to build grounds that accommodate more fans to make more profit in the long run. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and West Ham United are just some of the teams that have moved somewhere else in recent years.

With home grounds being a part of any club’s fabric, it is worth asking the question; which 10 stadiums in England are the biggest?

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Four of the stadiums have a capacity of over 100,000, with Wembley Stadium and the Camp Nou featured in this list.

10 Biggest Football Stadiums in England
Rank	Name	Capacity	Team
1.	Wembley Stadium	90,000	England National Team
2.	Old Trafford	74,310	Manchester United
3.	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium	62,850	Tottenham Hotspur
4.	London Stadium	62,500	West Ham United
5.	Anfield	61,276	Liverpool
6.	Emirates Stadium	60,704	Arsenal
7.	Etihad Stadium	53,400	Manchester City
8.	St James’ Park	52,305	Newcastle United
9.	Stadium of Light	48,707	Sunderland
10.	Villa Park	42,918	Aston Villa

10

Villa Park

42,918 seats

With a capacity of just under 43,000 seats, Aston Villa have spent all but 23 years of their 150-year existence at Villa Park. The club moved to the stadium in 1897 and have played there ever since. In its history, the ground has hosted games for the World Cup, the Euros and European club competitions. Villa Park has had 55 FA Cup semi-finals contested there, more than any other stadium in England.

There have been discussions in recent years about expanding the capacity of Villa Park to something closer to 50,000 seats, though no significant work has been made on these ideas. At the time of writing, Villa Park is slated to be used as one of the host stadiums for Euro 2028, when the tournament is hosted by Great Britain and Ireland.

9

Stadium of Light

48,707 seats

Newcastle fans at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland

Sunderland Association Football Club have played at eight different home grounds throughout their 145-year history. Much of their early history was spent hopping around a variety of stadiums, including Blue House Field, Groves Field, Horatio Street and Abbs Field, with the latter of those four being the first ground at which Sunderland charged admission fees for fans.

1886 saw a move to Newcastle Road, where the Black Cats would stay for just over a decade until they set up Roker Park, which opened in 1898. Sunderland would call Roker Park home for almost a century and saw over 70,000 fans gather for a 1933 FA Cup clash with Derby County, which remains Sunderland’s record attendance.

In 1997, not long after the Taylor Report, Sunderland moved to the Stadium of Light, where they remain today. An expansion in 2000 saw the ground reach its current capacity and the stadium has hosted three matches for the England national team in the past.

8

St James’ Park

52,305 seats

From one Tyne and Wear side to another, Newcastle United have had a far less nomadic history than their bitter rivals Sunderland. St James’ Park has been used for football since the 1880s, with Newcastle having played there since 1892, the same year they were founded as the club people know today, having spent the time between 1881 and then as either Stanley FC or East End FC.

The Magpies, who have never dropped below the second tier of English football, now play in front of just over 52,000 fans on a consistent basis. The stands of the ground are famously asymmetric, resulting from a combination of Newcastle’s desire to expand and conflict with the local council and residents.

In 1995, there was a proposal for the club to move from St James’ to Leazes Park, though this caused much controversy and ultimately, nothing materialised from the move. Having been used for international contests in the past, the stadium was also used during the 2012 Olympics.

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7

Etihad Stadium

53,400 seats

The Etihad Stadium, or the City of Manchester Stadium to give the ground its name without the influence of sponsorship, has been Manchester City’s home for just a fraction of their history. Between 1880 and 1887, City played their home games across five different stadiums until moving to Hyde Road in the second of those years.

The Sky Blues would remain at Hyde Road for 36 years. The ground’s Main Stand was destroyed by a fire in 1920, however, and City moved to Maine Road three years later. Maine Road initially had a capacity of over 80,000 seats, but throughout the 20th century, this number was reduced and dwindled down to 32,000, which was cause enough for the club to look for a new home.

The Etihad, named as such in 2011, was built to host the 2002 edition of the Commonwealth Games. A year after the event, Manchester City moved into what was their new home, having signed a 200-year lease through the Manchester City Council for rights to the ground. At the time of writing, there are hopes that an expansion of the North Stand that will take the capacity to over 60,000 will be completed in time for the start of next season.

6

Emirates Stadium

60,704 seats

General view of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium

Despite being formed in 1886, it would take almost 30 years before Arsenal started playing in North London. After spending time at the Invicta Ground in the capital’s south-east region, they moved to the stadium that would become known as Highbury in September 1913, calling the ground home until 2006.

Highbury had a capacity of almost 60,000 until implications from the Taylor Report reduced that number to under 40,000 by 1993. Expansion proved problematic, both due to residential properties being close to the ground and its East Stand being designated as a listed building.

As such, when Arsenal wanted to move, a new stadium had to be built, with work being completed between 2004 and 2006 for almost £1 billion. Arsenal moved in the year of the stadium’s completion, their new home being capable of holding over 60,000 people. It has since been used for several international matches, as well as music acts when football isn’t being played.

A Silhouette of Rio Ferdinand outside of Highbury

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5

Anfield

61,276 seats

Liverpool Football Club were formed in 1892 and in their 132 years of existence, they have only played at one stadium. Anfield, famed for its intense atmosphere, particularly on European nights, was, rather ironically, originally the home of Everton Football Club, who played there between 1884 and 1891 until they moved to Goodison Park.

The ground has seen crowds ranging from 5,000 to over 60,000 across its history, with development to the stadium having come steadily throughout the 20th century and into the current millennium. It was only this year that redevelopments on the Anfield Road End of the stadium were completed.

There were discussions about Liverpool potentially moving to a new stadium at Stanley Park at the turn of the century, though by the time Fenway Sports Group took over the club in 2010, it was made very clear that this idea would not be brought to reality.

General view of Liverpool's ground, Anfield

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The current capacity of Anfield is now over 61,000 for the 2024/25 season.

4

London Stadium

62,500 seats

Opened in May 2012, the London Stadium was first known as the Olympic Stadium after the prestigious event for which it was built. Upon the conclusion of the Games, the stadium was repurposed to be used for multiple events, such as football.

West Ham United, who have been known as such since 1900, moved to the Boleyn Ground in 1904. The stadium, often also called Upton Park, had a capacity of around 35,000 seats and served as the Hammers’ home for 112 years until 2016. Having proposed the move some years prior, it was approved in 2011.

Having agreed a 99-year lease to play football at the London Stadium, West Ham played their final game at Upton Park towards the end of the 2015/16 Premier League season, beating Manchester United 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. In the London Stadium, West Ham have found a home that can hold almost double the capacity of its former ground.

3

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

62,850 seats

Founded in the early 1880s, Tottenham Hotspur began life as a football club by playing on public land. While this eventually gathered thousands of spectators, they could not make any gate charges, which led to a pitch being rented at Northumberland Park. After a stand collapse caused a handful of injuries in 1898, Spurs started looking for somewhere else to play their football, settling at White Hart Lane in 1899.

White Hart Lane would serve as home for Tottenham for over a century with a capacity of just over 35,000 seats, a number which, by the turn of the millennium and throughout the early 2000s, paled in comparison to those of their rivals. Spurs were interested in a potential move to the London Stadium, but it was West Ham that ultimately made the successful bid for that ground.

Instead, work continued on the new stadium they had planned on building since 2008. White Hart Lane was demolished after the 2016/17 season, with Spurs spending a campaign playing their home games at Wembley Stadium before the completion of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has a capacity of almost 63,000 seats. Spurs moved into the ground in 2019 and it has since also been used for National Football League games in London.

The Spurs crest with White Hart Lane and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Complete History of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

This article will look at the history of the home of Tottenham Hotspur.

2

Old Trafford

74,310 seats

Known as the “Theatre of Dreams” since the phrase was coined by the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton, Old Trafford is one of world football’s most-famous stadiums and has served as the home of Manchester United since 1910, the club having previously played at North Road and Bank Street in the early days of its 146-year existence.

There was a period of time in the 1940s, due to damage from bombings in the Second World War, where the Red Devils played their home games at Maine Road, the ground of their city rivals Manchester City. Other than that, though, Man United have spent over a century at Old Trafford now.

The largest club football stadium in England, it has undergone a number of expansions in its history and currently has a capacity of just under 75,000. There have been many discussions in recent memory about revamping the stadium and it remains to be seen what improvements are made in the near future.

Image of Man Utd badge in front of Old Trafford

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1

Wembley Stadium

90,000 seats

The largest football stadium in England and one of the most culturally significant football grounds in the world, Wembley as it stands today was opened in 2007 after a four-year build that, with current inflation rates, would cost over £1 billion to build today.

The original Wembley was opened in 1923 and in its maiden year began hosting the FA Cup final, a tradition which has continued to this day. Football icon Pele once described Wembley as the “cathedral of football,” a place of such importance that anyone involved in the sport can recognise it.

At the time of writing, the new stadium has hosted three Champions League finals and the finals of both the men’s 2020 Euros and women’s 2022 Euros. It also played host to the gold-medal games of the 2012 Olympics and has been used for rugby and NFL games in the past, the latter now being played at Tottenham’s new stadium.

The 1923 FA Cup final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham saw over 125,000 people attend, a record that has stood for over a century now. Demolition of the old ground began in 2002 and since the new build’s completion, Wembley’s importance as a stadium has continued.

(All capacity statistics are from the Premier League website or the Wembley Stadium website and are correct as of 27/11/2024)

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December 9, 2024

Cyber Monday shoppers expected to set a record on the year’s biggest day for online shopping

Consumers in the United States are scouring the internet for online deals as they look to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon with Cyber Monday.

Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people’s regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday — a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation — has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it.

Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping, expects consumers to spend a record $13.2 billion on Monday, 6.1% more than last year. That would make it the season’s — and the year’s — biggest — shopping day for e-commerce.

For several major retailers, a Cyber Monday sale is a days-long event that began over the Thanksgiving weekend. Amazon kicked off its sales event right after midnight Pacific time on Saturday. Target’s two days of discount offers on its website and app began overnight Sunday. Walmart rolled out its Cyber Monday offers for Walmart+ members on Sunday afternoon and opened it up to all customers three hours later, at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Consumer spending for Cyber Week — the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — provides a strong indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays.

Many U.S. consumers continue to experience sticker shock following the period of post-pandemic inflation that left prices for many goods and services higher than they were three years ago. But retail sales nonetheless have remained strong, and the economy has kept growing at a healthy pace.

At the same time, credit card debt and delinquencies have been rising. More shoppers than ever are also on track to use “buy now, pay later” plans this holiday season, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items.

Many economist have also warned that President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs next year on foreign goods coming into the United States would lead to higher prices on everything from food to clothing to automobiles.

The National Retail Federation expects holiday shoppers to spend more this year both in stores and online than last year. But the pace of spending growth will slow slightly, the trade group said, growing 2.5% to 3.5% — compared to 3.9% in 2023.

A clear sense of consumer spending patterns during the holiday season won’t emerge until the government releases sales data for the period, though preliminary data from other sources shows some encouraging signs for retailers.

U.S. shoppers spent $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 10.2% increase over last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That’s also more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday pulled in roughly $5 billion in online sales. Consumers also spent a record $6.1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, Adobe said.

Software company Salesforce, which also tracks online shopping, estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $17.5 billion in the U.S. and $74.4 billion globally.

E-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $5 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $4.6 million per minute — with top categories by volume including clothing, cosmetics and fitness products, according to the Canadian company.

Toys, electronics, home goods, self-care and beauty categories were among the key drivers of holiday spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to Adobe. “Hot products” included Lego sets, espresso machines, fitness trackers, makeup and skin care.

Other data showed physical stores saw fewer customers on Black Friday, underscoring how the huge crowds that were once synonymous with the day after Thanksgiving are now more than happy to shop from the comfort of their homes.

RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in stores, reported that its early data showed store traffic on Friday was down 3.2% in the U.S. compared to last year, with the biggest dip happening in the Midwest.

Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, said its preliminary analysis showed retail store traffic on Black Friday was down 8.2% compared to 2023.

Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, noted that in-store traffic was getting spread across multiple days since many retailers offered generous discounts before and after Black Friday,

“Some of the extended Black Friday promotions really ended up leading to a little bit of a softer day-of traffic than expected,” Gustafson said.

While physical items like toys and electronics are always popular around the holidays, experts note that consumers have turned to more “experience-driven spending” in recent years, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic waned.

Jie Zhang, a marketing professor at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, told The Associated Press ahead of the post-Thanksgiving shopping weekend that he expected shoppers to “indulge themselves a bit more” when it comes to self-gifting.

___

AP Business Writer Wyatte Grantham-Philips contributed to this report from New York.

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December 2, 2024
Ashlyn Harris still rattled by ‘biggest lie’ from painful Ali Krieger split

Former USWNT goalie Ashlyn Harris moved on after her and Ali Krieger’s split last October — their divorce proceedings are ongoing — but she still isn’t happy she was labeled a cheater in the public eye.

During an appearance on the latest installment of the “Naked Sports with Cari Champion” podcast, Harris explained that it was her decision to end their near four-year marriage after more than a decade together because she didn’t feel loved or wanted by Krieger.

“[The biggest lie about the breakup is] that I’m constantly pegged as a cheater, which that is so far from the truth and she knows it,” Harris, who’s currently dating actress Sophia Bush, said. “And it torched me.

“… She was in so much pain and rightfully so and I want to make room for her experience. I really thought she never thought I would leave. I don’t think she ever took me seriously.”

Harris said she and Krieger — who share custody of their two children, Sloane, 3, and Ocean, 2 — were living separately last summer before their divorce was made public in October 2023.

Harris and Bush went public with their relationship earlier this year, although they were believed to have started dating months before then.

“I had my own apartment and people were starting to recognize me, so I was like we have to come out with a joint statement, people know I live here,” Harris said. “But I think once it all blew up and it affected her last season [Krieger retired in March]. She was pissed and she was angry, and rightfully so.”

Ashley Harris opened up about her and Ali Krieger’s divorce on the “Naked Sports with Cari Champion” podcast. Instagram/Cari Champion

Harris filed for divorce on Sept. 19, 2023, citing the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” according to court documents obtained by Page Six.

The next month, Krieger posted about being in “my Beyonce Lemonade era,” which was a reference to the singer’s infidelity-themed album.

Harris explained that “the reality” of the situation was that she and Krieger had nothing in common after they stopped playing together.

“I just felt like I wasn’t a priority,” she said. “I didn’t feel that sense of connection whether emotional or physical. It was soccer, job, kids and somewhere down the line it was like, ‘OK, what about me?’ I decided to leave my marriage after almost four years and a decade of being together. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. And I think people miss that. People think only one person was in pain or people think you have to choose a side that you know, you have to punish this person because the idea you had through social media didn’t manage your expectations however you haven’t lived my experience.

Ashlyn Harris (left) and teammate Ali Krieger pose with the World Cup after the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France final match between the Netherlands and the United States at Stade de Lyon on July 7, 2019 in Lyon, France. Getty Images

Ali Krieger #11 of NJ/NY Gotham FC and Ashlyn Harris with their kids after the Mothers Day National Women’s Soccer League match against Orlando Pride at Red Bull Arena on May 14, 2023. Getty Images

“I wanted someone to love me so bad, I caved every bit of who I was inside to try to be more lovable … I just wanted to be enough … I wanted to be able to walk through the door someone miss me, want me and need me in a way that wasn’t so business. On the field everyone thought I was this way, but at home I felt like I was living with a stranger and I just had to take my power back. And unfortunately, people were hurt in that process.”

Harris and Krieger were on two World Cup-winning USWNT teams together in 2015 and 2019 — and they dated for nearly a decade before tying the knot on Dec. 28, 2019, in Miami.

Harris retired from professional soccer in November 2022, and Krieger called it a career at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.

Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush at the L’Oreal Paris’ Women Of Worth Celebration 2024 held at NeueHouse Hollywood on November 21, 2024 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on Nov. 22, 2024. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

“Everyone has an experience, however only one experience played out in the media, which was quite difficult … I was looking over the edge,” Harris said. “It was the first time I was like someone needs to take this nine millimeter and get it the f–k away from me.

“I was at probably the lowest … Honestly, I was like, I can’t survive this. Meanwhile, I was being torched while I was trying to raise two kids and go through this process and make sure that my storm didn’t become theirs.”

Harris explained she didn’t feel loved or wanted by Krieger, who wouldn’t “touch me” or be intimate together.

Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush arrive for the 2024 Glamour Women Of The Year event at Of The Year at Times Square EDITION Hotel on October 8, 2024 in New York City. GC Images

A year prior to their split, Harris recalled making “one last attempt” to save their marriage.

“I started trying all these things — let’s do an open marriage,” she said. “That’s not even me dude. A year before we officially called it quits, that was my last attempt. If I’m not getting what I want and we want to keep this together, which is also the strains the public eye places on you. You feel like you can’t make the brave and hard decisions because you know the impact and wave that will come and that was my biggest fear.”

Bush filed for divorce from Grant Hughes in August 2023 after just 13 months of marriage.

Krieger said in July she was dating someone new.

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November 25, 2024
Jimmie Johnson Takes a Break From His Tiring NASCAR Season by Getting Into Europe’s Biggest Sport in Birmingham

Jimmie Johnson is taking a well-earned rest. After a disappointing season as owner/driver of Legacy Motor Club, the seven-time Cup Series winner is back with his family in the United Kingdom, taking a break from the NASCAR world before another demanding season begins. With his racing team currently in the middle of a rebuild, the 49-year-old has his hands full with responsibilities, but that isn’t stopping him from catching up with some other sports as well.

In an Instagram story uploaded by Johnson, the California native was seen enjoying an entertaining Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. Could we see the 49-year-old potentially invest in European football in the future?

Jimmie Johnson gets a taste of Premier League action

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Jimmie Johnson is broadening his horizons. Literally. The seven-time Cup Series winner has moved to England along with his wife, Chani, and two daughters, Evie and Lydia. The decision to live across the pond came after a family tragedy, which involved a double-murder suicide where his in-laws and nephews passed away. Knowing that a change of scenery would be beneficial, the Johnsons now live in London, while the veteran driver travels often to the United States for races, meetings, and partner events.

Living in the United Kingdom has its fair share of benefits. It has allowed the family to travel across Europe, while Jimmie Johnson has used the opportunity to expand his networking base and knowledge about sponsorships. It seems like the racing driver is also using this time to catch up with other sports, having recently been in attendance at Villa Park for a Premier League fixture. After a two-week-long international break, Aston Villa took on Crystal Palace, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.

via Getty

The Premier League is a highly lucrative sporting competition, featuring record attendances in the stadiums and multi-billion dollar television rights deals. Could Jimmie Johnson look to potentially invest in a football team, or was he simply enjoying the game in his downtime? While the possibilities are endless, the famous atmosphere at Villa Park will surely leave a lasting impression on the veteran racing driver.

After retiring from full-time racing in 2020, Jimmie Johnson’s involvement in NASCAR has transitioned to being an owner/part-time driver. The California native will be competing in the No. 84 Chevy during the 2025 season but in a limited capacity. Legacy Motor Club has undergone a significant rebuild, which means the focus will be on John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones to excel on the racetrack, with Johnson saying, “I’m a result-oriented guy.”

The rebuild involves changes in personnel, such as the addition of Chad Johnston to serve as the organization’s Manager of Race Engineering. Johnston has 7 Cup wins to his name and was the crew chief for Ryan Preece and the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing team in 2024. LMC also parted ways with Dave Ellenz, leading to a reshuffle. Ben Beshore took over the #43 team for the season’s end, while Brian Campe assumed the role of interim crew chief for the #42 team.

Meanwhile, the California native is enjoying life in England, even though his motorsports adventures in the country haven’t gone as planned.

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Johnson crashes $2.5 million car at the Goodwood Revival

Having been there and done that in NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson has been exploring motorsports events in England now that he’s calling the country his new home. The 49-year-old recently participated in the prestigious Goodwood Revival in West Sussex, England, where he crashed his No. 46 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight during a practice session. However, despite the setback, the veteran driver went on to win the Stirling Moss GT Extravaganza race despite plenty of on-track drama.

Reflecting on his result, the California native said, “This is very special – oh I get a cigar too! This is great. What an honor. This has just been an event that I don’t wanna miss. I have always dreamed of coming here and competing. Big thanks and credit to this team. I kind of scratched the back in the rain…and they’ve been able to fix the car back on track. Of course, Dario had just been a long-time close friend. To be able to share a car with him and to be able to share a win together – it’s gonna be a fun night.”

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Jimmie Johnson competed in the event alongside four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti. Despite starting the race in ninth place, the veteran showed just how valuable his experience is by going from fourth to first in a space of two corners, even though he incurred a 10-second penalty. His first appearance at the Goodwood Revival was in 2022, but on-track setbacks forced him to settle for a third-place result while driving a Ford Galaxie 500. Do you think he will participate in more British motorsports events? Let us know in the comments!

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November 24, 2024

10 Biggest Gates in US Combat Sports History [Ranked]

Combat sports is on fire right now and the UFC as well as boxing are arguably in their most successful financial periods of all time.

Turki Alalshikh’s fresh involvement in the sport of boxing has catapulted the sport back to the heights it used to be at after falling behind for many years due to different promoters and fighters pricing themselves out of having the best fight the very best. In his short time in boxing so far, Alalshikh has made some of the biggest fights of all time such as Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight titles and a huge all-British heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, which took place at a packed out Wembley Stadium.

Boxing’s recent financial success is being followed by the UFC. Despite their biggest star, Conor McGregor, being absent from competition for the last three years, the promotion is absolutely thriving without him and is producing huge stars left, right, and centre, who have carried the sport forward. This has resulted in five out of the top 10 UFC gates of all time coming in 2024.

With the UFC and boxing both in insanely successful financial periods, now is a good time to take a look back at some of the biggest fights and events of all time. Including the recent fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson and the dream fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, GIVEMESPORT will take you through the top 10 largest US combat sports gates in history.

10 Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

$18.1 million (2024)

Despite the huge backlash around the fight being made due to the massive age discrepancy, Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson proved to be a huge success and was watched by a staggering 108 million live viewers, according to Netflix. The fight took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and it was packed to the brim with 72,300 fans in attendance. Despite a fiery fight week build-up, the fight itself was incredibly disappointing as it was basically held at the pace of an exhibition bout, leading to many fans in the arena voicing their frustrations with loud boos. Despite the negative reaction the bout got, Paul, Tyson, and Netflix will no doubt be happy as the event generated a huge amount of money.

9 Floyd Mayweather vs Oscar De La Hoya

$19 million (2007)

Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya face off-1

For six years, Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya’s highly anticipated clash held the top spot in the list of largest US combat sports gates. The bout was held in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada and was one of the most talked about and hyped boxing fights of all time. When there is a very exciting and intriguing build towards a fight, the actual fighting typically underwhelms. However, Mayweather vs De La Hoya was a back-and-forth classic with ‘Money’ coming out the victor via split decision in what was one of the toughest tests of his sensational 50-0 professional boxing career.

8 Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez

$20 million (2013)

The two names which are ever present in this list of the largest US gates in combat sports history are Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez, and their 2013 clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, currently occupies the number eight spot in this list. This bout was billed as almost a passing of the torch event as the Mexican, Canelo, was a 23-year-old young man who many people were predicting to be the future of boxing, took on the crisp veteran Mayweather. Despite many fans and analysts thinking Canelo could give Mayweather a run for his money, the American completely dominated the bout.

7 Errol Spence Jr vs Terence Crawford

$21 million (2023)

Many people currently view Terence Crawford as the best boxer alive right now and his masterclass of a performance against Errol Spence Jr in 2023 is a huge factor for those people believing that. Leading into the fight, Crawford vs Spence Jr was looking like one of the most even and difficult fights to call in modern-day boxing history. However, ‘Bud’ showed Spence Jr levels, knocking him down three times in the fight, which led to the referee stepping in and saving ‘The Truth’ from taking potentially career-changing damage. Crawford was the first to defeat Spence Jr and the latter is still yet to return to the ring almost 18 months down the line, which is hardly a surprise given the amount of damage he took.

6 Noche UFC/UFC 306

$22 million (2024)

There is only one UFC event which currently sits inside the top 10 of the largest US combat sports gates of all time and surprisingly, it does not involve the promotion’s biggest-ever star, Conor McGregor. The UFC visited the incredible Las Vegas Sphere just over two months ago with an iconic event which was a love letter to Mexican combat sports. The event was headlined by a UFC bantamweight title fight between then reigning champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. However, the fights and fighters were not the stars of this show, it was The Sphere. UFC Noche is by far the most expensive event the UFC has ever put on production-wise, but that financial blow would have been softened due to the incredible $22 million gate it drew.

10 Highest Gates in UFC History [Ranked]

The UFC’s ability to make big money at the box office continues to get stronger and stronger…

5 Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia

$22.8 million (2023)

Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia’s 2023 clash is one of the most highly anticipated boxing matches in recent memory due to both men’s eccentric personalities, as well as being two of the most powerful, quick, and best young boxing prospects on the planet. At the time of the fight taking place, Davis and Garcia had a combined 46 career KOs between them and the finishing potential was one of the main draws to this fight for fans and a finish is what they got. In the seventh round, Davis landed a very sneaky body shot which crumbled ‘King Ryan,’ deeming him unable to continue. Following the fight, many fans on social media branded Garcia a quitter for choosing not to continue.

4 Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin II

$23.5 million (2018)

Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin hold one of the best boxing trilogies of all time and the second fight between the two, which took place in 2018, takes the number four spot in the list of largest US combat sports gates of all time. What makes the high ranking of this fight even more impressive is that Canelo and Golovkin are not trash talkers and let their hands do the talking and that is exactly what they did. The Mexican and ‘Triple G’ went to war in a sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a fight which was awarded Fight of the Year, according to Ring Magazine.

3 Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin I

$27.1 million (2017)

Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin once again features inside the top 10 of the largest gates in US combat sports history, and it is the first clash between the two which sits one place above their second fight. The bout, which took place just one year prior to their classic in 2018, generated a staggering $27.1 million in ticket sales. What made the first fight between Canelo and Golovkin the biggest of their trilogy was the people’s anticipation to see who truly was the best middleweight fighter alive. Unfortunately, fans who paid to witness the fight that night did not get a definitive answer to that question as the fight was judged a split draw. This ultimately set up their classic clash 364 days down the line.

2 Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor

$55.4 million (2017)

Crossover boxing fights are a very normal thing nowadays. However, they once were a rarity and the huge clash between Floyd Mayweather and MMA superstar, Conor McGregor, in 2017 paved the way for crossover fights. At the time of this fight being made, the Irishman was at the peak of his powers in the UFC and was fresh off making history at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first-ever two-division champion in the company’s history, while his opponent, Mayweather, had been retired for almost two years. The announcement of the fight broke the internet, as did their insane worldwide media tour where they went to London, Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles to sell the fight to the world. The fight did not need selling as McGregor and Mayweather are two of the most eccentric characters in combat sports history and their personalities clashed perfectly. Despite some early success from ‘The Notorious,’ Mayweather showed the difference between a veteran boxer and an MMA fighter who was competing in his professional boxing debut. After wearing the Irishman out, ‘Money’ went on to finish McGregor in the 10th round via TKO.

The 10 biggest gates in US combat sports history
Rank	Fight	Total gate (ticket sales)
10.	Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson	$18.1 million
9.	Floyd Mayweather vs Oscar De La Hoya	$19 million
8.	Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez	$20 million
7.	Errol Spence Jr vs Terence Crawford	$21 million
6.	Noche UFC/UFC 306	$22 million
5.	Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia	$22.8 million
4.	Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin II	$23.5 million
3.	Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin I	$27.1 million
2.	Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor	$55.4 million
1.	Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao	$72.2 million
Figures taken per Michael Benson – correct as of 20th of November 2024

1 Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao

$72.2 million (2015)

MayPac — Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao may hold the largest boxing gate record ever for many more years to come. The dream fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao did absolutely insane numbers and managed to generate a whopping $72.2 million in ticket sales, which leads the huge crossover fight between Mayweather and Conor McGregor by around $17 million. As of right now, it seems extremely unlikely that any combat sports fight will come anywhere close to generating those types of numbers. Despite fans dreaming of the possibility of Mayweather vs Pacquiao for many years, the fight itself was an incredible disappointment for a few different reasons. Some of the reasons why the fight was so disappointing were because of Pacquiao coming into the fight with a serious shoulder injury, Mayweather’s defensive style, the lack of action, as well as the insanely high expectations. Mayweather vs Pacquiao is probably the most underwhelming fight in boxing history. However, everyone involved in the fight would have left happy as they would have set themselves up for life that night.

Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez

10 Biggest Gates in US Boxing History [Ranked]

Floyd Mayweather, Canelo Alvarez and Mike Tyson dominate the list…

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November 20, 2024

Why the world’s biggest sports agency has grand plans to make rugby league Britain’s second-most popular sport

They are the biggest sports marketing agency in the world. Headquartered in New York and with offices in London, Singapore and Sydney, their fingerprints have been on everything from the Premier League to the NFL, Wimbledon to the Olympics.

But just as colossal as IMG’s portfolio is their ambition for one of the newest additions to their sporting stable.

It was in May 2022 that the global giants signed a 12-year ‘strategic partnership’ with the Rugby Football League and Super League to ‘reimagine’ rugby league in the UK. Now 30 months on, IMG’s grand vision can be revealed.

‘We’d love to get to a point where rugby league is the second sport in the UK,’ Matt Dwyer, IMG’s vice president of sports management, tells Mail Sport.

‘If football is first tier, this is a solid second-tier sport with a whole lot of others in the UK. Nothing in this country can catch football, but having a general objective of being the UK’s second sport is a fair one for this sport to aim for.’

Rugby League in Great Britain is currently undergoing a major revamp under IMG agency

In May 2022, IMG signed a 12-year deal to ‘reimagine’ rugby league in the United Kingdom

At the heart of this 12-year project is Matt Dwyer, IMG’s vice president of sports management

SPORTS BY SIZE OF ENGAGEMENT* BASE

1. Football – 13.8m

2. Formula One – 5.8m

3. Running – 4.9m

4. Rugby union – 4.7m

5. Cricket – 4.4m

6. Cycling – 4m

7. Tennis – 3.8m

8. Boxing – 3m

9. Rugby league – 2.8m

10. Snooker – 2.4m

Source: Ernst & Young (2023)

*Engagement = anyone who has watched/followed, participated or attended that sport within the last 12 months

An Ernst & Young study last year found that rugby league only had the ninth largest ‘engagement base’, when measuring the number of adults participating in a sport, following it (on TV, online or on social media) or attending matches. Rugby union, which Dwyer says should be rugby league’s ‘benchmark’, was fourth behind football, Formula One and running.

In terms of total attendance at professional sporting events in the UK, research by Two Circles found that rugby league was fifth in 2022 with 2.2million fans going to matches, while rugby union was second with 5.4m.

Dwyer’s bid to elevate rugby league to No 2, then, appears to be a tall order. But as an Australian living in Sydney, he is well placed to know the potential of the 13-a-side game, which is second only to Australian rules football when it comes to cumulative attendance Down Under.

‘The NRL shows that it’s not an unrealistic aim because 20-odd years ago, union and league were pretty similar size sports in Australia,’ says Dwyer. ‘The NRL is a gold-star example of how if people see your game, it can become really, really big.

‘Our game is basically the same as their game. We are a big believer that our game is good. But the product around it is what could improve. That’s the marketing of the sport, how it is presented, how the fans engage. That fits straight into the IMG sweet spot.’

To get more eyeballs on rugby league, a deal was struck earlier this year for the BBC to show 15 Super League games a season. IMG also helped launch a new streaming platform, Super League Plus, where fans can watch every match live, with Sky also making every game available for their subscribers.

‘You have got to find the right balance,’ says Dwyer. ‘You can’t go just solely on BBC because you are not going to get the revenue. But it’s really important from an awareness point of view. This underpins everything for us.

‘People that aren’t aware of rugby league, we need to make them aware. People that are aware of it but aren’t interested, we need to make them interested.’

In an attempt to stand out from the crowd, Super League – which was launched in 1996 – could also be given a new name. ‘A rebrand was part of our initial recommendations,’ says Dwyer.

‘When our Super League formed, we were the first one to be called that, but a whole lot of other sports then took it on as well. When you are googling, the phrase Super League is quite congested. So that is certainly a consideration.’

Super League – which was launched in 1996 – could also be rebranded to differentiate it

More crucial than a rebranding exercise, though, is improving the promotion of the sport’s stars. Dwyer cites recent research in football showing that children aged under 18 now follow an average of three football clubs, largely based on who their favourite players play for.

‘You have an existing fanbase that we need to look after – and we have got a future fanbase that we need to grow,’ says Dwyer.

‘We have some really interesting characters emerging. Look at Mikey Lewis at Hull KR or Junior Nsemba at Wigan. You need to get more people to see who these guys are and start to get some of these kids wanting to follow them on Instagram. If Bevan French score seven tries in a game for Wigan, we need to make sure as many people are seeing that as we possibly can.

SPORTS BY TOTAL ATTENDANCES IN 2022

1. Football – 50.6m

2. Rugby union – 5.4m

3. Horse racing – 4.9m

4. Cricket – 2.9m

5. Rugby league – 2.3m

6. Motorsport – 2m

7. Equestrian – 1.6m

8. Ice hockey – 1.1m

9. Greyhound racing – 0.9m

10. Tennis – 0.8m

Source: Two Circles

‘So a lot of focus from our digital team has been on how we can help market some of these stars. The idea of marketing an individual as opposed to the club is a bit of a change for many clubs.’

A club’s digital offering is now part a grading system that IMG have controversially brought in to decide which divisions teams play in, instead of promotion and relegation. Clubs are given a score out of 20 based on five categories – fandom (which includes website visits and social media following), performance, finances, stadium and community.

The 12 highest-ranked sides make up Super League and the gradings announced last month saw Wakefield Trinity replace London Broncos in next year’s top flight. Given Wakefield won this season’s Championship and the Broncos finished bottom of Super League, the gradings ultimately achieved the same results as promotion and relegation would have done.

But Dwyer says: ‘We’ve ended up with the teams we would have ended up with anyway, but we got the added bonus of clubs upping their game off the field.

‘Grading is a means to an end. All it really is, is the stick, because the carrot hasn’t really been working for a while. We needed people to move in this direction by introducing something that forced them to do that.’

In all, 20 of the 36 clubs improved their grading scores in 12 months. Nine clubs achieved Grade A status by receiving 15 points or more.

IMG have previously stated that when there are 12 Grade A teams, they would look at increasing the size of the division to 14. ‘That’s the intention for the sport,’ says Dwyer. ‘But there has always been asterisk next to it, which is if the game can afford it.’

And there lies the biggest barrier to IMG’s bold ambition – cash. Warrington chairman Stuart Middleton recently claimed that every Super League club is losing between £1million and £2m a year. That is largely because of reduced TV revenue, with Sky’s last deal with Super League worth around £21.5m a season, almost half of what it was in 2021.

The London Broncos aren’t in Super League next year but the city is an untapped market

‘Sky had basically told the sport that it had been the same for a decade and that if it wasn’t growing or bringing in new subscribers, they didn’t need to pay that number,’ explains Dwyer.

‘That was what we inherited, so we were immediately on the back foot. It was like, “How do we get this to a number where we minimise the damage?” and that’s something we think we did a very good job of.

‘But we need to grow our revenue streams and get to a point where we can make this a sustainable sport. What does that mean in basic terms? It means we need more fans.’

Finances will again dictate whether IMG can fix rugby league’s perennial problem – the struggle to break out from its traditional northern heartlands. Following the demotion of the Broncos, there will be no Super League teams next year outside of Yorkshire and Lancashire, other than French outfit Catalans Dragons.

‘The UK is a big country of which rugby league sort of touches a corridor – the M62,’ admits Dwyer. ‘We know the data says that there’s interest in London. We call that the sleeping giant.

‘But that is the city, not the team. You can’t expect a team, the Broncos, to single-handedly grow a market. They need that central support.

‘So if you had unlimited funds, you would be spending money on trying to market the sport in London. But the sport doesn’t have the funding to be investing in London today.’

While rugby league might not have cracked the capital yet, it has made unlikely inroads in an even more difficult market – America. In March, two regular season NRL games took place in Las Vegas in front of a crowd of more than 40,000. Next year, Super League is gatecrashing the party in Sin City, with Wigan and Warrington playing their season opener there.

Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves will kickstart their season in Las Vegas next year

‘It draws attention to our sport,’ says Dwyer. ‘The interest in Australia was really high last year and I think we will get a similar impact for our sport as well because it’s something new and different. To be involved in such a tier-one event can only be a positive for our sport.’

More critical than taking the domestic league overseas, however, is raising the profile of the international game. Since the home World Cup in 2022, England have only played Test series against Tonga and Samoa, plus two mid-season matches with France.

IMG are now looking at replacing the low-key mid-season internationals with a War of the Roses clash, reprising the Yorkshire and Lancashire fixture which was once a staple of the calendar, having seen the success of the State of Origin in Australia. England are also set to host world champions Australia next autumn in the first Ashes series in 21 years, with one match likely to be staged in London.

‘Where’s the growth for this sport from a global point of view? The international game is really key,’ admits Dwyer. ‘Rugby union is a long way ahead there, but we really feel there is growth potential there if we can make that work.

‘If the people can get behind an England team, even the casual fans. that’s important. England need to be playing the best teams as much as they can.’

Growing international rugby league in England is a key focus of IMG within their 12-year plan

Dwyer has ruled out any radical rule changes in a desperate attempt to ignite interest in rugby league. ‘I’m not going to just introduce forward passes and make it like the NFL, or stick a club in Birmingham or Brighton, or do a Nines tournament or the rugby league equivalent of the Hundred,’ he insists.

But he has defended the speed of IMG’s work, amid criticism from some quarters, with even Rugby League Commercial’s chief executive, Rhodri Jones, stating last month he wanted to see a ‘return on investment’, having paid IMG £450,000 to date.

‘Building a fanbase is not just click your fingers and there it is,’ adds Dwyer. ‘It is slow and steady to an extent. If this had been come in and do a, b and c and the sport will double in size, we’d have done a two-year deal and we’d be off doing the next project. But sport doesn’t work like that, especially in a very competitive market in that tier two.

‘That’s why we did a 12-year deal, but we are very much focused on growing the sport. I’m Australian and a rugby league fan, so this one is personal for me. I want to see this work because it’s a sport that I love.’

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November 10, 2024
Biggest position of need for college football’s top 10 teams: Is QB Quinn Ewers holding Texas back?

Today is the NFL trade deadline. No such thing exists in college sports — though we do have two transfer portal windows, including an upcoming winter period that you should be prepared for. The reasons college programs cannot execute trades is plainly obvious, so instead of the tired practice of making pretend trades without the non-employee’s consent, today we’re instead naming the biggest “need” for each top 10 team as the second half of the season forges on.

Warning: There are some surprises.

1. Oregon: Interior OL

The Ducks are loaded with a solid overall team and talent on both sides of the ball. Guards Nishad Strother and Marcus Harper II are both solid players, but if I had to pick a weaker position group, it would be them. Strother is stiff in the hips, a lunger, and top-heavy in pass protection. He is often caught with his weight forward and struggles with athletic linebackers and defensive tackles, as well as in movement. However, he is a good run blocker, performed well last week against Michigan’s dynamic defensive tackle duo, and stays on his blocks to root people out.

Harper’s pass protection issues are more mental than physical; he seems confused at times about assignments and is often beaten when he pulls as a power pass blocker. In the run game, he struggles to sustain his blocks and faces similar issues with combo blocks. Oregon does a good job of mixing up drops and moving the pocket to help out, and Dillion Gabriel’s quick release and athleticism extend plays.

A coach told me this summer they were concerned about OL depth if any starters were injured, and I agree — it would make their national championship hopes more difficult.

2. Georgia: Tight end

Georgia has the most stacked roster in the country by a wide margin. Although I was tempted to put turnover-prone quarterback Carson Beck as its biggest weakness, I chose the tight end group of Oscar Delp, Lawson Luckie, and Benjamin Yurosek. All three are talented players, but replacing Brock Bowers — the best tight end I’ve seen in my lifetime — has not gone well.

Yurosek has been a disappointment with only three catches in eight games. Delp has been inconsistent as a blocker and has underdelivered in the passing game with nine catches for 120 yards and zero touchdowns, 22 yards after contact, and both a drop and a fumble. Luckie has been the best of the bunch with 13 catches for 183 yards, three touchdowns and a fumble. He’s also a better blocker than he’s given credit for. The Bulldogs need this position to be better.

3. Ohio State: Left tackle

Ohio State’s tight end room might be worse than their left tackle position, but the receivers can help cover the gap. All-American guard Donovan Jackson stepped in last week and competed well in a tough spot, and he will likely start for the rest of the season after both the starting and backup tackles were injured and ruled out. Jackson is an excellent guard and multi-year starter for the Buckeyes, but it may take time for him to adjust to left tackle, which he hasn’t played since high school. He will do well as a run blocker, but leaving him on an island in pass protection, as they did on third down last week, could spell trouble against elite defenders like Abdul Carter.

OSU will need to help Jackson by chipping with tight ends and backs or sliding protection his way. Jackson’s versatility to move to tackle could help his draft stock in a pinch.

4. Miami: Defensive back

Miami’s secondary has been a work in progress with both positive and negative moments. Safety Jaden Harris and corners Jadais Richard and Daryl Porter Jr. have struggled the most this season. Harris has been targeted 18 times, allowing 10 catches for 95 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two penalties. He has been solid in run support, showing physicality. Richard has played press coverage on about half his snaps and allowed 27 catches for 378 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception with three penalties; he’s now expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Porter has allowed 32 catches for 391 yards and one touchdown with three penalties, but his stats are misleading as he often shadows receivers and is rarely in press coverage.

The Canes are expected to get Damari Brown back soon, which could be a boost heading into the College Football Playoff. While there’s room for improvement, Miami’s secondary will need to elevate its play as competition gets tougher.

5. Texas: Quarterback

Few people expected Quinn Ewers to be the weak link for Texas, but he’s been average at best and missed two games with an oblique injury. I also think he’s in his head somewhat and just has not looked like the same guy since returning from that oblique injury three weeks ago. At the risk of absolutely inflaming my alma mater, I’m saying quarterback is Texas’ biggest need, even with talented Arch Manning behind Ewers.

Ewers benefits from Steve Sarkisian’s play-calling, which creates space and mismatches, but his stats are a product of Sarkisian’s scheme and are mostly underwhelming for a team with such talent. He’s completing 69% of his passes, averaging 231.5 yards per game with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. Concerningly, his average yards per attempt is less than 7.5, with most of his yards coming after the catch. The staff doesn’t seem to trust him to go deep, and the preseason loss of running back CJ Baxter has impacted Texas’ play-action game, reducing their play-action rate by 10% from last year. Ewers also isn’t a running threat, with two fumbles on 12 attempts, and defenses can play 11-on-10 without having to account for him. Ewers will need to improve quickly as Texas faces quality opponents like Texas A&M and playoff-level defenses. The Longhorns have the skill talent and defense to win a national championship. I am worried quarterback will hold them back.

6. Penn State: Wide receiver

Penn State’s passing game has slightly improved this season, but they still lack a difference-maker at wide receiver. Nobody has the ability to create space or separation.

Transfer Julian Fleming has been a disappointment with 11 catches for 152 yards, three drops, and zero touchdowns. Liam Clifford, averaging fewer than two catches per game, has 14 receptions for 246 yards and one touchdown. Omari Evans has flashed big-play potential but is only seeing about one reception per game. PSU’s leading receiver, Harrison Wallace III, has 24 catches for 395 yards and two touchdowns, placing him 40th in the Big Ten. Recruiting top talent at wideout is challenging when receivers aren’t utilized heavily, but the team’s strong run game and defense have kept the Nittany Lions competitive. Where are the Jahan Dotsons and KJ Hamlers of the world?

7. Tennessee: Offensive tackle

Tennessee’s offensive line has struggled, especially the offensive tackles. Lance Heard, a transfer with limited film from LSU, was expected to be a standout at left tackle but has struggled mightily. He’s missed two games and has given up 14 pressures and two penalties, appearing heavy and unathletic. Right tackle John Campbell Jr. has nine penalties, 11 pressures allowed, and difficulty with inside moves and power rushers. Campbell is a better run blocker, effective at pulling, and plays through the whistle. This week, they face Georgia’s formidable defensive front. Uh-oh.

8. Indiana: Tight end

Indiana has been a surprise team this season, with their roster exceeding expectations. If I had to pick a position of need, it would be tight end. Zach Horton has been solid, with 16 catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns. James Bomba, primarily a blocker, has missed three games and has only one catch. While not dynamic, these tight ends have been reliable and dependable for moving the chains. But on a team without any real flaws, I wonder if a game-changing tight end could be the difference in a Big Ten Championship race.

9. BYU: Pass-rusher

The Cougars have been solid on both sides of the ball but could benefit from a dominant edge rusher to elevate their defense. They have only 13 sacks this season, ranking 101st nationally, with linebacker Jack Kelly leading the team at four sacks. While Kelly rushes off the edge at times, the defense would be significantly stronger with a true edge threat like an Ezekiel Ansah (throwback).

Tyler Batty has been disruptive, playing both as a 4i and on the edge with 23 pressures generated, but he has struggled to finish, recording just one sack. Isaiah Bagnah has produced similar results, generating 14 pressures with only one sack. BYU primarily bases its defense out of a three-man front, which doesn’t aid in pass-rushing, and while John Nelson has been solid, he operates more effectively as an interior threat.

BYU ranks sixth in the conference in total defense but sits at 11th in sacks—a concern as they face higher-caliber talent. This lack of a consistent edge presence could pose challenges down the road if they secure a playoff berth.

10. Notre Dame: Left tackle

Notre Dame’s offensive tackles are not excelling, which was expected after losing Joe Alt and Blake Fisher to the NFL. The Irish have been forced to start true freshman Anthonie Knapp after Charles Jagusah’s fall camp injury. Knapp has allowed 14 pressures, four sacks, and five penalties, though he shows promise for the future. With the College Football Playoff on the line, Knapp’s inexperience could become an issue against top-tier edge rushers, but these reps should pay off for him next season.

MORE: Tom Fornelli writes that Ohio State needs offensive fixes in this week’s B1G Time.

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November 5, 2024
The four biggest killers of men – and what to watch out for in every decade

Look out for… feeling depressed or overloaded

This is often a time when men are trying to safeguard a career, buy a property or keep on top of a mortgage, build a family and maintain relationships. Not only can stress negatively affect your sleep, sex life, immune system, gut health, heart rate and blood pressure, it can also increase your risk of depression. While other factors come into play — alcohol and substance abuse, loneliness, relationship breakdown — in the UK and New Zealand suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50.

Last year, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) launched their Raise campaign to help identify depression in men. The acronym, which aims to point out the five signs of depression, stands for risk-taking, anger, isolation, substance abuse and exhaustion.

Anthony Davis, a BACP-accredited psychotherapist and contributor to the campaign, says: “There is often pressure on men in these age groups to have everything sorted, professionally and personally. But when they feel they are not living up to their potential, depression can take hold. And if fathers and grandfathers haven’t been open with their emotions, perhaps believing it’s not masculine to talk, this example often gets passed on to the next generation. When difficult feelings are not expressed, they can surface in anger, risky living or acute anxiety.”

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The health plan

According to the BACP, 56% of therapists agree that men are less likely to get support than women. It helps to talk. Speak to those close to you, or a charity such as the Samaritans, or a professional therapist. Anthony Davis says: “It’s important to express these difficult emotions and bring them to the surface in a trusted environment so they can become more manageable.”

Overeating, drinking and a sedentary lifestyle can also be a by-product of stress. Set up the right habits to support your needs. Thibo David, a performance coach, adds: “Studies show that exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety by 22-48%, bolstering resilience against stress.”

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in both the UK and New Zealand. Photo / 123rf

In your 50s and 60s

Look out for… prostate cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

No one knows your body like you do, so try to pick up on warning signs before it’s too late. If anything feels unusual, a follow-up with your GP will generally set your mind at rest and further concerns can be investigated. A simple blood test can detect high cholesterol, high blood pressure, anaemia, poor liver function and diabetes.

Prostate cancer occurs in more than 28% of men, so be aware of any changes, such as difficulty when peeing. Often this is caused by non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, but you may need a PSA test, which measures the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein in the blood.

Dr Anthony Cunliffe, the lead medical adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “Prostate cancer is usually found in the older age bracket, but certain groups are at risk of diagnosis at a younger age, mainly black men and men with a family history of earlier age cancer. Many men still think diagnosis is all about a rectal examination and this puts them off going to the doctor. Empowering men to talk about it with each other is another really important element.”

Dr Hayley Luxton, a senior research impact and intelligence manager at Prostate Cancer UK, adds: “Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its earlier, more treatable stages, so it’s crucial for a man to understand his own risk. You can do this right now, using Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second risk checker. The earlier you catch prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat it.”

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Coronary heart disease is the biggest killer of men (one in eight male deaths). The warning signs are chest pains (angina) when blood flow to the heart is reduced. You might also experience pain or discomfort in your shoulders, neck, arm, or even your jaw. If in doubt, check it out.

The health plan

Cleaning up your act will quickly show benefits. Improve your diet consciously — men should not be eating more than 30g of saturated fat a day, preferably they should consume less. And while the salt guideline for adults is no more than 6g a day, men tend to consume 9.2g a day on average.

Bridget Benelam, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, says: “Only a third of men are meeting the five-a-day recommendation and only 12% meet fibre recommendations of having 30g a day. Men are more likely than women to be overweight or obese and the proportion of men who are overweight increases with age. With men over 45 years, about 80% are overweight or obese. In one recent study, people who followed the healthiest diets reduced [their] risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 21%.”

It is also worth moderating your alcohol intake — previous opinion claimed that a glass of red wine was a healthier choice (because of its antioxidants) but now the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

Lung cancer causes the highest number of cancer-related deaths among men, with smoking being a major contributor. Photo / 123rf

In your 70s and 80s

Look out for… an accumulation of symptoms

When you hit your latter years, the GP’s surgery can become overly familiar, but that is no reason to ignore what is going on. Cases of prostate and lung cancer are high in UK males, with nine in 10 (prostate) and eight in 10 (lung) deaths in those aged 65 and over. Age is the main risk factor. Heart disease increases, too, so watch your intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fats.

Alex Denning, an NHS doctor and the co-founder of Progevity, a new protein drink for adults aged 50 and above, says: “Evidence shows consumption of whey protein lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin response, which has beneficial effects on cardiovascular and arterial health. It has also been shown to improve blood pressure, decrease arterial stiffness, reduce unhealthy lipids and increase healthy lipids in our blood. All of these changes in our body will allow us to stave off poor heart health, remain active and disease-free longer.”

Unfortunately, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related death among men, and almost two-thirds of cases are caused by smoking. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), a health charity, says that in 2022, 14.6% of men smoked (compared to 11.2% of women).

Sophia Lowes, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, says: “Stopping smoking completely is the best thing you can do for your cancer risk and overall health. Common symptoms of lung cancer include a new cough or a cough that doesn’t go away after a few weeks, getting out of breath more than usual, and coughing up blood in your phlegm. If you notice something that’s not right for you, talk to your GP. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, spotting it early means that treatment is more likely to be successful.”

The health plan

Keep exercising. It’s never not too late to lift weights and strength training helps with cognitive ability, cardiovascular health and bone density. Thibo David adds: “Plus it supports your balance and mobility”.

“Stronger muscles keep us upright and prevent debilitating falls. I worked with an 83-year-old client who saw remarkable improvements through regular resistance training. His strength gains and mental clarity were clear indicators of the profound benefits of muscle engagement in later life.”

Also, while the passing of time isn’t for the faint-hearted, maintaining a positive mindset has been shown to improve overall health. Feeling lonely, especially after the loss of a partner, is not uncommon; while dealing with ageing, a long-term illness or the end of a career can push the most stoic of folk towards depression. Again, there is no age limit on seeking support.

Anthony Davis says: “While it might not be easy for men of this generation to speak openly about their feelings, shutting down emotionally can affect their physical health as well as their mental health. I have supported older male clients in my practice and seen the incredible benefit they get from sharing their emotions and experiences. It can bring great comfort and insight to have a safe space to be their authentic selves.”

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November 4, 2024
What is the net worth of world’s biggest dictator? Has 200 secret bank accounts, lives a lavish lifestyle with hidden assets worth…
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What is the net worth of world’s biggest dictator? Has 200 secret bank accounts, lives a lavish lifestyle with hidden assets worth…
This dictator’s life has long been shrouded in mystery, he holds absolute control over North Korea and has amassed a personal fortune far exceeding that of most leaders.

What is the net worth of world’s biggest dictator? Has 200 secret bank accounts, lives a lavish lifestyle with hidden assets worth…

When discussing controversial leaders, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un often tops the list. Known for his strict policies and secretive lifestyle, Kim holds absolute control over North Korea and has amassed a personal fortune far exceeding that of most leaders. Estimates place his total wealth at approximately USD 5 billion (Rs 41,500 crore), according to various sources. Kim’s wealth primarily stems from his complete control over North Korea’s economy and its natural resources. He exerts significant influence not only within his country’s economic management but also on a global scale. A substantial portion of his wealth is reportedly stored in over 200 foreign bank accounts located in countries such as China, Switzerland, and Singapore. These accounts allow him to conduct foreign transactions and conceal his assets from international scrutiny.

Kim Jong Un’s luxurious lifestyle

While many world leaders focus on the welfare of their citizens, Kim Jong Un is notorious for his extravagant spending on personal luxuries. His estimated annual income is around USD 100 million (Rs 830 crore), which he amasses through his complete control over North Korea’s financial system and state resources as the country’s supreme leader.

Kim’s lavish lifestyle is a clear reflection of his wealth and power, standing in stark contrast to the poverty and hunger faced by many North Koreans. Known for indulging in expensive hobbies, Kim frequently spends on luxury items such as high-end cars, private yachts, and jet planes. His vast car collection includes brands like Mercedes Benz, showcasing his taste for exclusivity. Additionally, he has purchased a private jet for personal use during foreign travels, further highlighting his opulent lifestyle amidst his country’s ongoing struggles.

Lesser-known facts about Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un’s life has long been shrouded in mystery, leading to various speculations about his age. He is widely believed to have been born on January 8, 1984, making him approximately 40 years old. His education includes time spent at a school in Switzerland, but he has kept most details about his life under wraps.

Kim Jong Un comes from a lineage of power in North Korea, with both his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il-sung, having served as dictators. This familial legacy has allowed the Kim dynasty to maintain control over North Korea for three generations.

His wife, Ri Sol-Ju, began appearing in public after their marriage in 2009. Together, they have three children. One of their daughters, Kim Ju Ae, has attracted particular attention, as she has occasionally been spotted at public events alongside her father. Additionally, Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, plays a significant role in his administration and is often viewed as a potential successor.

Kim Jong Un’s controversies

Kim Jong Un is internationally recognized for his military power, strict governance, and dictatorial policies. He has gained notoriety primarily for his aggressive military programs, particularly his nuclear weapons program. Exerting tight control over North Korea’s internal politics, Kim has frequently issued aggressive statements against Western countries to assert his power and dominance. His unpredictable behavior and authoritarian rule have led many to label him a “crazy dictator,” as he governs the country according to his whims and suppresses any form of dissent or protest.
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October 12, 2024
One of Australia’s biggest sporting codes is hit by bombshell $30million lawsuit that could spell financial disaster
- Club is fighting to rejoin competition after being axed
- Losing legal fight would be disastrous for governing body
By Aap and James Cooney For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 00:30 EDT, 9 October 2024 | Updated: 00:45 EDT, 9 October 2024

The Melbourne Rebels are seeking $30 million from Rugby Australia in a lawsuit launched after the club was dissolved by the governing body.

In a claim filed to the Federal Court on Wednesday, the club is seeking a declaration that it can resume control of the Rebels so the team can continue to play in the Super Rugby competition.

‘The Rebels are a member of Rugby Australia and had a legal expectation that they would not only be treated fairly but that they would be treated equally to other members,’ the club said in a statement.

‘Amongst other things, the Rebels will assert that Rugby Australia has breached various sections of the Corporations Act.’

The club is also seeking that the court order Rugby Australia to open its books for inspection to determine claims it failed funding responsibilities for the Rebels, including when players were representing the Wallabies.

In the statement, the club said it believed there had been ‘unacceptable and unauthorised spending’ by Rugby Australia, including during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Rebels claim Rugby Australia executives and directors continued to reassure it, and other teams, that a large private equity deal would provide a financial lifeline to the sport.

‘Rugby Australia did secure an $80 million loan facility, but they chose only to provide funding, indemnities or other financial support to the NSW Waratahs and subsequently the ACT Brumbies in preference to the Melbourne Rebels,’ the club said.

The Melbourne Rebels have launched a $30 million lawsuit against Rugby Australia

The Melbourne Rebels were axed by Rugby Australia in May (RA CEO Phil Waugh)

The Rebels were axed by Rugby Australia in May after entering voluntary administration five months earlier with debts exceeding $23 million.

‘While this is undoubtedly a sad day for the Melbourne Rebels, the clarity that this decision provides for our players and staff is welcome,’ a statement from the Rebels said at the time.

‘The club will continue to work with RA and the Rugby Union Players Association [RUPA] regarding next steps for players and staff.’

A consortium led by business heavyweight Leigh Clifford put forward a plan to fund the club until 2030 dependent on RA handing back the licence to them, with funding promises.

The directors of the Rebels also want the team to continue playing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition

But RA boss Phil Waugh said the identity of the consortium members had not been disclosed, their credentials were unable to be fully assessed and the lack of detail made available created an ‘unacceptable level of risk’ and the decision was made to shut the club down.

Many players and staff have since joined other clubs.

Rugby Australia has been contacted for comment.

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One of Australia’s biggest sporting codes is hit by bombshell $30million lawsuit that could spell financial disaster
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October 9, 2024