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February 23 -- March 1, 2026
Issue No. 630
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Bracket Bonanza!
Get on your
Pony and Ride!
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Granted, most of us are still on our way to the amusement park but as the Official Pre-Selection show was on television yesterday, with the Top 16 teams ranked by a panel of expert Bracketologists plus an NCAA Explainer-in-Chief, IT IS NOW PONY TIME! Allow me to start with my non-AI selections. Sports Today readers, feel free to chime in with your picks. In four non-geographical brackets, my top four selections are below.
Florida: In last year's Carousel I picked the Florida Gators to win it all, and while the Warriors plucked Will Richard off that roster, Florida has enough talent and momentum to repeat, plus a
two-game lead in the rugged SEC Conference.
Duke: Duke's 68-63 Saturday victory over then-ranked No. 1 Michigan was an afternoon delight! Cameron Boozer and Company are solid in every area.
Iowa State: After they beat Houston, I had the Cyclones in this spot, but after their loss to AJ Dybantsa and BYU, it's not easy to keep them here. The situation is "fluid," to quote S.A. Smith, (: for now, Iowa State.
Miami of Ohio: The Redhawks are UNDEFEATED! It would be both inconsiderate and unwise to exclude them from the ride!
As noted in other tournaments, like jury selection this can be more about DESELECTION than actual selection. Which teams are overrated or just on your "I can't stand them" list? While many teams are worthy, others just "need to go."
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Regarding Mr. Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Mr. Pi-Gonzalez took me to school today by sharing the truth of Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred’s primary responsibility which is to line the pockets of the 30 team owners in every and any negotiation. (Sports Today, Issue #629).
Salary Cap discussions are upcoming and the less popular MLB teams may be in for huge challenges come the 2027 season. Perhaps forewarned will be forearmed
Ann Cooke
50-Year MLB Fan
Alameda, CA
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Note to Readers:
Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced
by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net
We have updated our Facebook Albums link. Check here to see if your favorite team was covered and enjoy the exceptional photo coverage from our exceptional photographers:
https://conta.cc/49DptcC
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 72, Stanford Cardinal 66
Saint Mary's Gaels (WBkB) 60, USF Dons 61 (OT)
San Jose Earthquakes 3, Sporting Kansas City 0
USF Dons (MBkB) 56, Gonzaga Bulldogs 80
Features & Commentary
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Major League Table Tennis, by Ed Jay
National Sports Forum Celebrates 30th Year, by Andy Dolich
Nancy Kerrigan, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Payton II's Bumpy Road to Warriors, by Dave Newhouse
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Francisco Nighthawks
San Francisco Unicorns
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
| | The BDSE was created in 2013 and is guided by a steering committee. Joining Seaver (center) in 2017 were (from left) Keith Harrison, Christina Wright, Morris White and Andy Dolich | | | |
National Sports Forum Celebrates 30th Year
by Andy Dolich
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“Have a lunatic vision and you are a kook! Get the crowd to believe it and you are an inspired leader!"
I remember the dinner at the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort in Colorado Springs on Wednesday January 24, 1996 at which the 32 attendees at the first National Sports Forum gathered to discuss what resonated with them from the first multi- sports industry conference of its kind.
Seemed like the perfect time to make a toast to NSF Founder Ron Seaver and the other attendees. “Ron, it has been an honor to have participated in the very first and last National Sports Forum.” It was met with total silence. Thankfully my clairvoyant capability only functions on the selection of winning Powerball numbers.
Ron Seaver took a career changing chance leaving his job with the San Diego Padres to create the Sports Forum. Pro leagues, college conferences and event promoters had their own internal meetings but this was the first attempt to bring multiple sports together to share what the future of the sports business might have in store.
Over the next 29 years I was honored to play a number of roles working with Ron and others in growing the NSF, including attendee, advisor, panel moderator, keynote speaker, sponsor and host.
| | Ron Seaver onstage in 2014 | |
A quarter of a century plus five years is a long time. The world of sports that we inhabit has gone through a number of mega changes. The new partnership between the National Sports Forum and Sports Business Journal will supercharge the building of the Yellow Brick Road of sports industry innovation.
Success in any enterprise is measured by Teamwork, Leadership and Trust. It is the heart, mind and soul of executives, staffs, sponsors, broadcasters and fans which make the complicated world of sports succeed. Ron Seaver, along with thousands of men and women, exemplify the importance of these three keys.
The National Sports Forum at thirty is an indelible example that at its core that the business of sports, from local playing fields to the 60th Super Bowl, is defined by people. No matter how influential analytics, metrics, AI, robotics and billionaires have become, we would be climbing the Tower of Babel without fans.
Ron Seaver was a pioneer on the unpredictable business pathway of sports. I learned from Ron and his ever growing group of NSFers. By bringing together a multiple constituency of competitive personalities he taught us what Teamwork, Leadership and Trust is all about.
Leadership DNA
Personal and sports business leadership skills are defined by the ability to navigate the uncharted waters of everyday economic cuisinarts. The only managerial consistency that I have seen is inconsistency. Implement your leadership skills and keep your brand nimble, focused and healthy by becoming an expert on the uses of the Eight Scopes:
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Eight Scopes of Copes of Leadership
1. Microscope: View and understand every minute detail of your business.
2. Telescope: Look beyond the given and create road maps to unexplored territories.
3. Stethoscope: Listen to the heart of your organization and the people in it.
4. Proctoscope: Takes you to places that people don’t want to go, but is necessary to protect the long-term health of the enterprise.
5. Gyroscope: To keep everyone centered in times of crisis. In today’s world, crisis is the new normal.
6. Periscope: To give you the ability to stealthily see what your competitors are up to.
7. Kaleidoscope: To help you visualize and appreciate the ever-changing business patterns and human interactions of your organization. Without diversity we have no teamwork.
8. Horoscope: A tool of science and symbolism used to develop bold plans for the future.
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Most sports organizations are split into quarters with ownership, business operations, team operations and finance existing on different planets. “Ubuntu” is an African term that is generally defined as unselfishness and team unity. The spirit of Ubuntu that teams on the field strive for can become even more powerful if the entire organization lives it everyday in every way.
There are a few historical markers that boggle the mind when comparing 1996 to today’s Wide World of Sports. Here are a few to roll around in your Gray matter in order to comprehend the progress that NSF has stood for over thrity years.
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Then (1996) & Now (2026) Franchise Valuations
Dallas Cowboys -- $272 million, $13 Billion (with a B)
New York Yankees -- $210 million, $7.5 Billion
New York Knicks -- $205 million, Golden State Warriors -- $11 Billion
Detroit Red Wings -- $126 million, Toronto Maple Leafs -- $4.4 Billion
By The Number
Average ticket price to 1996 Super Bowl -- $275 dollars
Average ticket price to 2026 Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium -- $7,000 dollars
New Sports Venue Cost: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, $500 million. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, $6.7 billion.
Top Salary (1996) & Now (2026)
NBA -- Michael Jordan -- $30 million dollars; Steph Curry -- $60 million dollars
MLB -- Cecil Fielder, $9.2 million dollars; Juan Soto, $61 million dollars; combined contracts of Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto -- $1.5 billion dollars
NFL -- Steve Young, $4.5 million dollars; Patrick Mahomes, $80 million dollars
NHL - Wayne Gretsky, $6.5 million dollars; Leon Draisaitl, $14 million dollars
Not Around in 1996
WNBA, NWSL, MLS (Inaugural Season). NFL -- Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens. MLB --Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays. NHL -- Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth. NBA -- Memphis Grizzlies (in Vancouver)
Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards (they were the Washington Bullets), Brooklyn Nets (in New Jersey).
Many thousands of NSF attendees of the past 29 years and the multiple millions of fans they work with have Ron Seaver and his vision to thank for what the National Sports Forum could, would and did become.
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| | | | Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE. | | |
The two Gary Paytons celebrate GPII’s NBA championship
run with Warriors four years ago.
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Payton II's
Bumpy Road
To Warriors
by Dave Newhouse
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Gary Payton of Oakland was known as “The Glove” for his defensive proficiency as an NBA standout guard and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. A good fit all around.
His son, Gary Payton II, should be nicknamed “The Shove” for a multi-stop basketball journey that brought him, mercifully, to the Golden State Warriors.
Why GPII has been shoved around so often makes no sense, for he certainly has NBA ability. Getting the NBA to recognize that ability has been the issue.
He is 6-foot-2, yet is listed as a combination small forward/ shooting guard. Making this unusual pairing successful is his lightning quickness matched with a high-jumper’s leaping ability.
He comes off the bench for the Warriors when his height can be utilized carefully, yet he still does amazing things around the basket. Outside of Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski, GPII is the most workable, and watchable, Warrior.
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GPII found something to smile about during Boston’s overpowering of the Warriors last week, when he had
14 points and two assists in 18 minutes.
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However, he is different from teammates in his game approach, which is best described as carefree. Don’t misunderstand, he plays with a serious attitude, but still makes it look like he’s having tons of fun.
He talks to opponents incessantly, jokes around with other Warriors, and he's unafraid to throw an arm around a referee’s shoulder. He turns a game into a game show.
And during time outs, I’ve seen him engage in conversation with fans. From appearances, there can’t be another NBA player having more enjoyment than GPII.
The reason for that, we can only guess, is the immense effort it took him to not only get to the NBA, but to hang around until his present age of 33.
Like his father, he attended Skyline High School in Oakland, but played his first two college seasons at Salt Lake (Utah) Community College. He then transferred to Oregon State, his father’s alma mater, where he was All-Pac 12 two seasons.
He wasn’t drafted by the NBA in 2016, then played for, and was waived by Houston, Milwaukee, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland and Washington. Enough shoving already.
That unproductive itinerary landed him with Golden State in 2021, but his career remained just as unstable. The Warriors waived him, then brought him back. But he broke an elbow, and then found himself in Portland in 2022, though core muscle surgery sidelined him for months.
In 2023, he was traded back to the Warriors, and he’s gone nowhere else since. But he thinks often of the additional minor-league stops on his hoops odyssey: the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (three times), Wisconsin Herd, South Bay Lakers, and the Capital City Go-Go.
All that traveling around, and uncertain future plans, would drive anyone batty. But GPII weathered it all to become an integral part of the Warriors. So if he seems too playful at times, flashing a charming smile, give him a break. He needs the levity.
| | A GPII bobblehead doll was given out to fans during a game with San Antonio this month. Photo by Rich Yee. | | |
No, he won’t ever emulate his father — a nine-time NBA All-Star, nine-time All-NBA defensive team, first point guard named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, selected to the NBA 75th-Anniversary Team in 2021 — but GPII still is around.
Last Thursday, he scored 14 points in 18 minutes, adding two assists and a steal, as the Warriors lost to visiting Boston, 121-110. Payton then contributed 15 points and two steals in 19 minutes, including two clutch 3-pointers, in the Warriors’ 128-117 comeback win over Denver on Sunday. I don’t know why he wears uniform number 0. He’s hardly a zero.
GPII, who has had a moving van basketball life, is envisioning a new existence: A professional skateboard league targeted for Big Bear, CA this year.
Skateboards for pay? Let’s give "The Shove” some love. He’s been through enough flipping.
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* * * * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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San Jose Earthquakes 3
Sporting Kansas City 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
February 21, 2026
| Centre forward Preston Judd #19 of the San Jose Earthquakes celebrates the Quakes' first goal of the season. The San José Earthquakes defeated Sporting Kansas City 3–0, in a MLS Matchday 1 game at PayPal Park on Saturday evening, February 21, in San Jose, California. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | The Quakes celebrate a goal by Daniel Munie #5 in the 42nd minute. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | The Quakes celebrate a goal by Daniel Munie (left) in the 42nd minute. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | |
Left centre back Daniel Munie #5 of the San Jose Earthquakes scores his second goal of the match in the 54th minute.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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The Quakes won their opening match to kick off the 2026 season. defeating Sporting Kansas City, 3–0, in a MLS Matchday 1 game at PayPal Park on Saturday, Feb 21, in San Jose, California.
To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Cal Bears 72
Stanford Cardinal 66
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
February 21, 2026
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Saint Mary's Gaels 60
USF Dons 61 (OT)
UCU Pavilion, Moraga, CA
Saturday, February 21, 2025
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USF Dons 56
Gonzaga Bulldogs 80
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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Major League Table Tennis
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
February 13-15, 2026
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Our Mission:
Weavery's mission is to provide data and ai strategy advice, training, and innovative solutions to high impact humanitarian organizations. Weavery leverages artificial intelligence to enhance operations and amplify impact to serve a world in need.
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Determined to rebound, Walker sets sights on Giants' closer role
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
:232:08
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to get it regularly in your inbox.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Ryan Walker came into Giants camp with a clear goal in mind this year.
“I’m coming in confident, coming in with the intention of earning that closer role,” Walker said. “It’s as simple as that. I worked a lot on mental strength and knowing who I am. That’s where I want to be. I want to be in that role. I like that role a lot. I’m coming in with a competitive and confident mindset of doing my thing and earning that position.”
Walker, 30, surged into the closer role for the Giants after logging a stellar 1.91 ERA over 76 appearances in 2024, but he lost his grip on ninth-inning duties after enduring a bumpy season on the mound last year. He blew seven of 24 save opportunities in 2025 and finished with a career-high 4.11 ERA over 68 outings, opening the door for Camilo Doval to move back into the ninth last May.
Randy Rodríguez got a chance to close out games after Doval was dealt to the Yankees at the 2025 Trade Deadline, but the All-Star right-hander is likely out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September. The Giants brought in former Tigers closer Jason Foley on a one-year, $2 million deal over the offseason, but he’s working his way back from right shoulder surgery and isn’t expected to be available until midseason. That should make Walker the favorite to slide back into the ninth inning to start the year.
continued...
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Can Kurtz get his glove to match
his monster bat?
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ Athletics Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to get it regularly in your inbox.
MESA, Ariz. -- There was a point not long after his Major League debut last season when Nick Kurtz essentially morphed into Superman for the Athletics, flashing superhuman strength against all foes en route to a historic first year that earned him American League Rookie of the Year honors.
But even Superman has his kryptonite.
There wasn’t much that Kurtz didn’t excel at in 2025. A quick glance at his Baseball Savant page will show a sea of red throughout his batting profile, signaling that Kurtz performed as one of the game’s elite hitters across most categories.
One category below that, however, will show you his one weakness: Defense. Among all qualified first basemen, Kurtz’s -6 OAA (Outs Above Average) and -4 runs prevented both ranked near the very bottom of the Majors.
Now, when you smash 36 home runs with 86 RBIs in 117 games and join Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani as one of only three players with at least 400 plate appearances to have posted an OPS over 1.000 like Kurtz did last year, it might be easy to brush off defense and maintain most of the focus on that dynamite bat.
continued...
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Welcome back old friend! We are thrilled to announce Bob Melvin rejoins us as the Special Assistant, Baseball Operations. In his role, Melvin will serve as an advisor to the front office on baseball matters.
Melvin managed us for 11 seasons from 2011-21, where we went 853-764 (.528) under his guidance, winning three American League West titles (2012, 13, 20) and three AL Wild Card berths (2014, 18, 19). Melvin was named AL Manager of the Year in 2012 and 2018, and also earned National League Manager of the Year honors with Arizona in 2007.
Melvin’s managerial career began with Seattle in 2003. He spent two seasons with the Mariners and five with the Diamondbacks from 2005-09 before his stint with us. After leaving Oakland, he spent two years at the helm of San Diego (2022-23) and two more with San Francisco (2024-25). Melvin is 1678-1588 in 22 seasons as a manager.
| | Letters to the Editor cont... | |
Re: San Francisco Giants
Dear Editor --
One notable loss: Justin Verlander
One notable addition: Harrison Bader
Boring? Sure. Useful? Absolutely.
The Giants didn’t go shopping for fireworks. They went shopping for things that actually work. Last year made it painfully clear where the holes were—outfield, middle infield, rotation depth—so they patched them instead of pretending they weren’t there.
Harrison Bader and Luis Arraez aren’t headline acts, but they catch the ball, get on base, and stop innings from spiraling into nonsense. Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser aren’t saviors either, but they’re real, adult pitchers who belong in a big-league rotation behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. After years of bullpen roulette, that alone feels like progress.
And let’s not bury the lead: a full season of Rafael Devers matters. A lot. That’s the closest thing this roster has to a star who scares opposing pitchers, and now he’s not arriving midstream.
Is any of this sexy? No. Is it smarter than chasing the ghost of one big signing and hoping for vibes? Yes. The Giants raised their floor, gave themselves depth, and reduced the number of automatic losses baked into the roster.
The math people say slightly above .500 and sniffing the wild card. Fine. But the real win is this: fewer nights where you’re muttering what the hell are we doing by the fifth inning.
Low bar? Maybe. But after the last few seasons, clearing it feels like a start.
Carl Macki
Mill Valley, CA
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Ballers Fam,
Got what it takes to be a REAL Baller? Step on the field and prove it.
On Saturday, March 14, we’re hosting a Fantasy Camp at Raimondi Park, built just like our Open Tryouts. This is your chance to experience what our players go through in pursuit of their Big League dreams: the drills, the coaching, the energy, and the championship standard.
Fantasy Camp Details
Raimondi Park: 1689 20th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Saturday, March 14
Registration: 12:00pm
Camp Runs: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: $268.61
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You’ll run through a real tryout-style workout like you’re fighting for a roster spot.
And understand this: Open Tryouts are not a gimmick around here.
It’s how we found Kelsie Whitmore, the first woman to start a Pioneer Baseball League game. It’s where we discovered James Colyer, who just signed with the Washington Nationals.
This field has changed lives.
Now it’s your turn to step between the lines.
You’ll get evaluated. You’ll get real-time coaching from our staff and players. And you’ll find out exactly where your game stands.
So if you’ve ever wondered, “Could I hang?”
There’s only one way to know.
Sign up now Let’s see what you’ve got.
-- Ballers
Oh, by the way, if you’ve played or competed in college or professionally in the last 5 years, and you think our Professional Open Tryouts are more your speed. They are taking place on March 7th.
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San Jose Earthquakes Sign Niko Tsakiris to New Multiyear U22 Initiative Player Contract
U.S. Under-20 World Cup star to remain in San Jose through 2028-29 with option for 2029-30; Homegrown midfielder from Saratoga coming off productive
preseason for Quakes
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes have signed midfielder Niko Tsakiris to a U22 Initiative Player contract through the 2028-29 season with an option for 2029-30.
“The San Jose Earthquakes are pleased to announce that Niko Tsakiris has been signed to a long-term contract,” said Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena. “As a Homegrown U22 Initiative player, we believe Niko has a bright future and we look forward to his continued development and contributions to our team.”
Tsakiris, 20, is coming off a stellar preseason where he recorded a goal contribution in each of the Earthquakes' three matches at the Coachella Valley Invitational—all wins. The attacking midfielder has carried over the positive momentum from the end of 2025, when he helped lead the United States to the quarterfinals in the 2025 Under-20 FIFA World Cup and subsequently scored his first MLS goal off a breathtaking free kick to give the Quakes a 2-1 over Austin FC in the club’s regular-season finale.
“As a Homegrown Player who graduated from the Quakes Academy, it’s been a great learning experience to grow up and develop in this club as a professional soccer player and as a person,” said Tsakiris. “I’m proud to be able to commit to the San Jose community for the foreseeable future and I can’t wait to continue accomplishing our goals together as a club.”
A native of Saratoga, California, Tsakiris is entering his fifth season on the Quakes’ Major League Soccer First Team after graduating from the Quakes Academy at 16 years old and signing a contract as a Homegrown Player on Jan. 13, 2022—then the fifth-youngest player in club history.
Since then, he has made 61 league appearances (33 starts), with one goal and three assists. In 2024, Tsakiris became the youngest player in the Quakes’ record books to distribute an assist in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in a Round of 32 win over Oakland Roots SC. The year prior, he was one of a select few teenagers to appear in the MLS Cup Playoffs presented by Audi.
At international level, Tsakiris has earned 30 caps for the United States at the U-20 and U-23 age groups, most recently in October 2025 at the U-20 World Cup, where he drew rave reviews for his curling free kick goal in a Round of 16 triumph over Italy. In 2024, he was a finalist for U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year.
The San Jose Earthquakes kick off their 2026 MLS schedule Saturday, Feb. 21, against Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park, presented by Habbas Law. The club will give away 5,000 full-size soccer balls at the season opener to launch their One Ball Can Change a Life campaign.
The only way to guarantee a seat to all 2026 Earthquakes home games is by purchasing season tickets . Single-game and group tickets for matches at PayPal Park the July 25 California Clasico at Stanford Stadium vs. the LA Galaxy are now available to the general public HERE, while tickets to the Sept. 19 PRIME TIME clash with LAFC are available HERE. Fans interested in tickets for groups of 10 or more can find more information HERE or call (408) 556-7700 and select option 3
continued...
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Multi-Platinum Musician &
Entrepreneur E-40
Becomes Co-Owner of Oakland Roots
and Soul Sports Club
The Bay Area Native will Perform at Oakland Roots Home Opener In Celebration of Becoming an Owner
Oakland, CA—Today, multi-platinum musician, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earl “E-40” Stevens announced that he has joined the ownership group of Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club – the men and women’s soccer teams.
In his new role, the Vallejo, California native will use his platform to further elevate both clubs’ commitment to bringing together soccer, entertainment, culture, and community. As part of the announcement, E-40 will also perform at the Oakland Roots’ 2026 regular-season home opener on March 14 against New Mexico United.
“Bringing my business acumen and sports fandom together as part of the Oakland Roots & Soul ownership group is truly special,” E-40 said. “This move is about investing in a sport that connects the world. I look forward to working closely with the ownership team to continue to amplify the fan experience while delivering successful results on the field.”
Over the course of his 30+ year career in the music industry, E-40 has firmly solidified his status as a living hip-hop legend, having released several multi-platinum and gold studio albums, mixtapes, collaborations, and hit singles, including “U and Dat,” “Tell Me When To Go,” “Choices (Yup),” and “Function,” among countless others.
As a solo artist, E-40 previously held the record for most solo album entries on the Billboard 200 charts by a hip-hop artist (33) before he was eclipsed in 2025. His legacy as a musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist was celebrated on Oct. 21, 2023, when E-40 had his childhood street in Vallejo, California renamed in his honor as the 1-mile stretch of Magazine Street that was officially renamed
“E-40 Way.”
E-40 joins a growing list of Bay Area favorites in the Oakland Roots & Soul ownership group, including Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, NFL legend Marshawn Lynch, and global rap star
G-Eazy.
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We're less than one month away from our 2026 Home Opener, presented by Sutter Health, on March 14—and it’s shaping up to be a can’t-miss night of firsts at PayPal Park.
Be there as Denver Summit FC takes the pitch for its first-ever NWSL match, while Claire Hutton makes her Bay FC debut and a new era begins under Head Coach Emma Coates. Join us for an electric start to the season and cheer on Bay FC as we kick off the year in front of our home crowd.
continued...
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Ballhalla awaits! The Valkyries return to the violet hardwood for Year Two with a preseason match-up against the Seattle Storm on Saturday, April 25 at 5:30PM at Chase Center.
After an unforgettable inaugural season, we can’t wait to welcome fans back for another year of elite basketball, unforgettable moments, and the electric energy that makes Ballhalla one of the loudest homes in the league. Preseason is your first chance to see the team back on the floor, build momentum for the season ahead, and be part of what’s next.
Single-game preseason tickets will be going on sale soon! Stay tuned for on-sale details and be ready to lock in your seats as we kick off Year Two together.
continued...
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"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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Nancy Kerrigan -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was visiting the Visa headquarters in Foster City when I used to work there. She did a meet-and-greet with the employees and I was able to get this photo and an info sheet signed by her. She earned a bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics and a silver medal in the 1994 Olympics.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
$$$$ball Spring Training Has Begun!
Everybody knows the Los Angeles Dodgers, once again, have the highest salaried roster in Major League Baseball, a mere $401,062,413.
The Miami Marlins are lowest with $78.4.
The rest can be found here.
Now that I have told you that, I had some thoughts about MLB Sports Drafts. "Not all major league sports have a draft system; however, many do, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Each league has its own rules and processes for how the draft operates." ~wiki overview
Baseball is unique in that the draft is currently held
in July, mid season. I know you will not know this but who was the first person drafted by MLB on
June 8, 1965? Hint: The Kansas City Athletics
hold this notoriety!
Answer below...
| Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 172: Let's Take A Look At What NIL Agents Are Slipping Into Representation Agreements | | |
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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Not all NIL representation agreements are created equal. I review a lot of contracts in this space, and some of the agreements currently being put in front of high school and collegiate athletes (and their parents) contain provisions that are so one-sided they border on unconscionable. These athletes are being asked to sign long-term, heavily agent-favorable deals at a stage in their lives when they have virtually no negotiating leverage and, in many cases, no independent legal counsel reviewing the documents on their behalf.
This week, I figured I would walk you through some of the most concerning clauses I've seen showing up in NIL representation agreements and explain why each one should raise a red flag.
The "Perpetual, Irrevocable" License to Use Your NIL.
One of the most alarming provisions I've encountered grants the agency a worldwide, perpetual, and irrevocable license to use the athlete's NIL with zero additional compensation. The premise is that an athlete signs a representation agreement and effectively hands the agent the permanent right to exploit that athlete's NIL for the agency's own benefit, forever, even after the relationship has ended.
A fair agreement limits any such license to the term of the representation relationship, restricts it to uses directly connected to performing representation services, and requires the athlete's prior written approval for each proposed use. Anything broader than that is a gift to the agency, not a standard business term.
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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IMSA Monterey Sports Car Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Goes Full “Throw-Back” May 1–3, 2026
The sights, sounds, and unmistakable style of sports car racing’s golden eras will return to the Monterey Peninsula when the IMSA Monterey SportsCar Championship adopts a full “Throw-Back” theme, May 1-3, 2026, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Fresh off earning IMSA’s prestigious “Golden Ticket” Award—recognizing excellence among premier promoter partners and North America’s top racing venues, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca looks ahead to 2026 with a retro, immersive, fan-focused concept that honors the sport’s rich heritage while showcasing world-class contemporary competition. Read More…
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REGISTRATION OPENS FOR THE
2026 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 62nd edition of Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California. In addition to four days of highly competitive racing in select classes, this year’s event also serves as the 2026 ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) North American Championship.
Scheduled for September 16-20, 2026, this iconic regatta, held on the challenging waters of San Francisco Bay in the shadow of Golden Gate Bridge, invites the following to compete:
- One design boats of the J/88, J/105 and Express 37 classes. Other classes with a minimum number of entries may be considered with application to the Organizing Authority.
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ORC monohulls with a LOA ≥ 30 feet. ORC boats are required to have a current valid ORC International certificate issued by any national rating office. US boats can apply HERE.
- Classic boats built using traditional wooden plank-on-frame construction with a LOA ≥ 40 feet and a current ORRez rating certificate. For the avoidance of doubt, cold-molded construction boats shall not qualify.
| Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
Rick Monday
Rick Monday was the first overall selection in the inaugural Major League First-Year Player Draft in 1965 by the Kansas City Athletics. Monday signed with the A's for a $104,000 bonus and began his professional career in the Single-A Northwest League with the
Lewiston Broncs.
This link will take you to the history of the MLB draft.
This link takes you to LAdodgertalk with a profile of
The First Draftee, after Monday had been
traded to the Dodgers...
Of course, the link to Rick Monday's wiki page...
Note in the picture above the wide open space over Monday's left shoulder, reflecting the openness of the Coliseum long before Mount Davis!
Go Redsox!
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Bears Drop Final Two Games At Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
Gator Robinson Stays Hot At The Plate
CATHEDRAL CITY – Junior Gator Robinson recorded four hits on the day – including a home run, but the California softball team dropped a pair of games to close out the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.
Robinson recorded two hits and homered in game one of the Bears doubleheader, but Cal ultimately fell to Auburn 19-5. Cal then dropped a 6-0 decision to No. 6 Nebraska.
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Photo: Peter Fukumae
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Two Wins Cap Weekend
Cardinal walks off Boise State, run-rules Santa Clara
STANFORD, Calif. – The No. 12 Cardinal wrapped the DeMarini Invitational with a pair of wins this afternoon, erasing a two-run seventh-inning deficit against Boise State before run-ruling Santa Clara. The two wins put Stanford at 10-4 on the young season, and pushed Paul A. Violich Director of Softball Jessica Allister to 300 career wins on The Farm.
For the second time in as many starts, Zoe Prystajko carried a no-hit bid into the sixth inning. Boise State’s first baserunner was a walk with two outs in the sixth, but the Broncos struck for two runs in the top of the seventh.
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ISI Photos
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Pitts Wins Vault As Spartans Score 196.100 on Sunday
SAN JOSE, Calif.—Mikaela Pitts won her third vault title of the season, and the San José State women’s gymnastics team recorded a 196.100, the 16th highest team score in history, in a tri-meet with Air Force and UC Davis at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
- Pitts scored a 9.850 on vault to win the vault title for the second consecutive meet.
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Samantha Macasu led the bars team with a career-best 9.875.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
BVB | Gaels Finish Out Third Coast Challenge 3-1 with Unbeaten
Day Two
HOUSTON — Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball completed the "Texas Two Step" on day two of the Third Coast Challenge, defeating host Houston Christian, 4-1, and Tarleton State, 3-2, to finish 3-1 at the season opening event.
GAME ONE: Saint Mary's 4, Houston Christian 1
The Gaels kicked off day two of the Third Coast Challenge by downing its hosts, the Houston Christian Huskies, 4-1. After splitting the twos and fours, the Gaels rattled off three straight wins from their ones, threes and fives to lock up their second victory of 2026.
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Women's Basketball Erases Double-Digit Deficit, Downs Saint Mary's
in Overtime
MORAGA, Calif. – Led by a second-half surge, the University of San Francisco women's basketball team (16-11, 9-7) earned a come-from-behind 61-60 overtime victory at Saint Mary's (15-14, 6-10) Saturday evening at the University Credit Union Pavilion.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
- San Francisco struggled out of the gate, falling behind 16-6 at the end of the first quarter.
- The Dons continued to lose ground in the second quarter and faced a 32-18 halftime deficit.
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Broncos Record 10 Hits in High-Scoring Finale
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Santa Clara University baseball team scored eight runs on 10 hits Sunday afternoon, but visiting UC Davis used two decisive innings to secure a 13-8 win in the series finale and claim the non-conference series at Stephen Schott Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UC Davis (3-4) scored five runs in the second inning and added four in the sixth to build separation in a game that featured 20 combined hits. The Aggies struck first in the top of the first inning on an RBI double from Tyler Howard, but Santa Clara (4-4) answered immediately in the bottom half
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Photo: AJ Tinio, Santa Clara Athletics
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Christina Agiomamitou ’28
Pacific swimmers chasing history at conference championships
With the 2026 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Swimming & Diving Championships approaching, the Tigers are chasing more than podium finishes.
University of the Pacific aims to defend last season’s conference title on the men’s team and both programs have their sights set on rewriting the school record board when competition begins at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
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UC Davis Clinches First Series of the Season, Defeats Santa Clara 13-8
Score: UC Davis 13, Santa Clara 8
Location: Santa Clara, Calif. (Schott Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 3-4, Santa Clara 4-4
THE SHORT STORY: Powered by an early offensive explosion and three home runs, UC Davis secured a commanding 13-8 victory over Santa Clara on Sunday afternoon to capture its first series win of the 2026 season.
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| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Tyree Campbell in Elite
1,000-point Club
SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Cal State East Bay senior guard Tyree Campbell reached a historic milestone on Saturday, scoring his 1,000th career point in the Pioneers' 70–63 road victory over Cal State San Marcos. With a smooth 3-pointer early in the first half from the top of the arc, Campbell not only helped spark the team, but also joined an exclusive group of players in program history to surpass the 1,000-point threshold.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, February 23, through
Sunday, March 1, 2026
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Monday, February 23
Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Athletics, 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, February 24
Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Angels, 12:10 p.m.
Athletics vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 12:05 p.m.
Wednesday, February 25
Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies, 4:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Milwaukee Brewers, 12:10 p.m.
Thursday, February 26
Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Calgary Flames, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 12:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Texas Rangers, 12:05 p.m.
Friday, February 27
San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres, 12:05 p.m.
Athletics @ Kansas City Royals, 12:05 p.m.
Saturday, February 28
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers, 4 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m.
Bay FC vs. United City FC Women, 11:30 a.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Athletics, 12:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 1
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers, 6:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres, 12:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds, 12:05 p.m.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Sales: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Software Engineer / Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Advisor: Arif Khatib
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $10 hardcover, $7 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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