NHL looking at 34th franchise
August 25, 2026
NHL’s Bill Daly says league has had talks with Phoenix for potential expansion team
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the league is in ongoing discussions with ownership groups in both Phoenix and Atlanta regarding a potential 34th expansion franchise. Meanwhile, the NHL is on track to award its 33rd franchise to a Texas-based group paying a $2 billion expansion fee, aiming for a 2029–30 debut in either Houston or Austin. A return to the Phoenix market would mark the NHL's comeback following the Arizona Coyotes' 2024 relocation to Salt Lake City, supported by a local advisory group working to bring professional hockey back to the region.
Arizona Sports
Florida Panthers Select Sodexo Live! as New Food & Beverage Hospitality Partner
The Florida Panthers have chosen Sodexo Live! as their new multi-year food and beverage hospitality partner for Amerant Bank Arena. This collaboration aims to elevate the overall guest experience through updated technology, enhanced service, and expanded menu options featuring South Florida-inspired flavors alongside traditional arena favorites. To support the transition, Amerant Bank Arena is holding a two-day hiring event on August 27 and 28 to recruit new hospitality team members.
NHL
Mat Ishbia in 'zero' danger of having to sell Phoenix Suns, sources say
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is in "zero" danger of having to sell the franchise despite his mortgage company, United Wholesale Mortgage, reporting a $452 million quarterly loss. Ishbia is currently buying out minority owners Scott Seldin and Andy Kohlberg to raise his family's total ownership to essentially 99%, with Mat holding 78%. League sources emphasized that UWM's overall strong quarterly earnings and Ishbia’s option to sell a minority stake in the Suns if needed keep his control over the team completely secure.
Yahoo Sports
Seattle Times columnist resigns after transgender-athletes column rejected
Seattle Times sports columnist Matt Calkins resigned from the paper after editors refused to publish a piece he wrote regarding transgender athletes in women's sports. Calkins explained in a Substack post that this was part of a broader pattern of editors spiking his conservative-leaning or "against the grain" columns, including past pieces on equal pay and cancel culture. Several media figures criticized the newspaper's decision to withhold the columns, arguing that publications should run controversial opinion pieces and let writers defend their views publicly rather than spiking them over political bias.
Sports Business Journal
Kirkwood gives the Freedom 250 an American winner on the streets of downtown Washington
American driver Kyle Kirkwood secured a victory at the Freedom 250 on the street circuit in downtown Washington. Kirkwood put on a dominant performance throughout the race, leading almost the entire way to capture the win on home soil. His decisive victory provided a memorable highlight for local fans attending the event on the nation's capital streets.
WDBJ7
Enes Kanter Freedom Removed From WNBA Game After Altercation
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was escorted out of Wintrust Arena after a courtside interaction with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud during Sunday's game. Freedom, who attended wearing a shirt reading "Woman noun. Adult human female," has recently challenged the WNBA's gender eligibility rules by claiming he plans to enter the 2027 draft by identifying as a woman. Security intervened after Cloud addressed Freedom following a layup, leading to his removal while he argued that he was being ejected simply for supporting women.
Front Office Sports
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In this role, the Logistics Coordinator will be responsible for managing customer orders from entry through invoicing, coordinating outbound shipments via LTL and small parcel carriers, and ensuring accurate and timely fulfillment. The position involves frequent communication with internal teams and external partners, maintaining detailed records, and providing exceptional customer service. Apply Now.
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Browns will waive Dae’Quan Wright, who has agreed to play for LSU
The Cleveland Browns are waiving tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who has agreed to return to college football and play for LSU this season. Wright, who previously played at Virginia Tech and Ole Miss, is taking advantage of recent court rulings against NCAA eligibility rules that allow players to move back to college and pursue lucrative NIL deals. While a potential NFL waiver claim could complicate the move, Wright intends to spend the year at LSU under coach Lane Kiffin before entering the NFL draft next year.
NBC Sports
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