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September 8 -- September 14, 2025
Issue No. 606
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2025 U.S. Open Finals, Forest Hills
| | | Aryna Sabalenka, U.S. Open Women's Final Champion | | |
Quick note: The only time I've been at Forest Hills was for a Simon
& Garfunkel concert. Someone in the crowd annoyed the duo, and
Simon barked back, "What are you, some kind of mental eunuch?" It worked. Very McEnroe. Now on to the matches.
In Saturday's U.S. Open Women's Final Aryna Sabalenka won her second consecutive championship, the first to do so since Serena Williams won three straight from 2012-14. Sabalenka's power game finally prevailed in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3), with a tie-breaker over the lone American finalist, Amanda Anisimova. (Sabalenka has 20-1 record in tiebreakers). Anisimova had won three consecutive games to rally from a 5-3 deficit in the second set to take a 6-5 lead, but Sabalenka's raw power was the difference down the stretch. The huge crowd's disappointment was matched only by Anisomova's sadness, evident on the podium. On the bright side, Amanda now moves up to No. 4 in world rankings and closer to her own winner's trophy at the end of a Grand Slam. Also, on the bright side for Aryna? The check for $5 million!
| | Carlos Alcaraz, U.S. Open Men's Final Champion | | |
In Sunday's U.S. Open Men's Final 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz of Spain defeated Jannik Sinner of Italy in four sets to win his second U.S. Open title and his sixth Major (and $5 million). With speed, dexterity, great net play and a superior serve, Alcazar won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in what has become a classic rivalry between the "New Two." With 100 celebrities in attendance (Hi Steph!), this was the inevitable match for the U.S. Open title which tennis fans had hoped for, and as the winner Alcazar is now the #1 ranked player in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY37onJi0KQ Full Match Highlights: (3:27)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gxDYUX9fsg Full
Match Highlights (25:16)
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
Marketing Director, Sports Today
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Contents
Games
Bay FC 0, Kansas City Current 2
Cal Bears 35, Texas Southern Tigers 3
Mexico 0, Japan 0
Oakland Ballers 7, Great Falls Voyagers 2
Oakland Roots SC 0, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 2
Santa Clara Broncos 1, Dartmouth Big Green 0
Features & Commentary
Cry Me A River(hound), by Lydia Chain
Gary Player, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Sagapolutele Gives Cal New Impetus, by Dave Newhouse
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
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
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Nick Bosa Strip Sack
To Win The Game!
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Sports Today's
Weekend Highlights!
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A San Francisco Special:
49ers and Giants
by Bruce Macgowan
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“The thrill of victory! And the agony of defeat.”
Remember that opening line from the longtime weekend ABC-TV program, The Wide World of Sports?
That pretty much sums up how the 49ers and Giants must have been feeling after this weekend’s games. For the 49ers, exhilaration and exultation. But for the Giants? The all-too familiar experience of frustration and even resignation.
The Giants continue to hang in there in the NL Wild Card chase but time is running short. But for the 49ers, a new season of hope and a good chance for a return to the playoffs has begun.
Let’s start with the Giants who had been clobbering the ball and winning routinely the last two weeks to stunningly jump back into the playoff chase.
But their hopes of staying hot vanished like a mirage when closer Ryan Walker coughed up a 2-0 lead at St Louis Saturday without retiring a hitter. And then Sunday young Taiwanese pitcher Kai-Wei Teng practically handed the Cardinals a win by walking four batters in one inning. The results? Two crushing one-run losses that kept San Francisco from moving just two games behind the stumbling Mets in the wild card chase. Although there is still a chance San Francisco might overhaul the Mets, the Giants have to play the Dodgers SEVEN times over the last three weeks of the season. No one said it would be easy.
Meanwhile, bright sunshine and the near deafening roar of a full house of Seahawks’ fans greeted the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener up in the great northwest.
Despite two costly interceptions and two missed field goals, young veteran Brock Purdy showed his cool in leading the 49ers to a stunning win in the waning moments.
The winning TD catch by former Cal Bear tight end Jake Tonges will be talked about by 49er fans for a long time. Tonges’ first NFL TD catch was a work of art -- as great a catch as you’ll ever see in a football game. Words would not give it justice so if you didn’t see it, I suggest you go to a sports website and check it out for yourself.
The 49ers started this season with a lot of question marks. Seven new starters on defense, mostly rookies, have been thrown into the fray. Meanwhile the offense opens the season staggered by injuries and free agent defections.
But the return of savvy defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the outstanding play of linebacker Dee Winters who has taken over for Dre Greenlaw, and the continuing growth of wide receiver Ricky Pearsall bode well for 49ers fans. And we certainly have to mention the dominance of one of the game’s great pass rushers. Nick Bosa pressured Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold into a fumble in the final minute and then pounced on the ball, probably yelling: “IT’S MINE!” to seal the win.
It wasn’t an artistic masterpiece, but coach Kyle Shanahan will take it. And who knows… perhaps it’s a sign of what’s to come for the 49ers in 2025
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
| | Newcomer Hawaii product to the Cal backfield, freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (#3) would complete 26-37 passes for 259 and run for a touchdown in his first home game as the University of California Golden Bears played host to the Texas Southern University Tigers at Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA | | | | |
Sagapolutele
Gives Cal
New Impetus
by Dave Newhouse
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Slow down, Cal football fans, show some restraint. It’s far too early to predict unprecedented success for quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, such as the first Heisman Trophy ever awarded a freshman.
And stop thinking that he will become a first-team All-American this season. His college debut was, indeed, exciting and historically relevant, but it was just one game. Give this promising teenager some breathing room, for heaven’s sake.
Sagapolulele began his Cal career with greater momentum than former Berkeley quarterbacks Aaron Rogers and Jared Goff, who haven’t done too badly in the NFL. But Sagapolutele received the Shaun Alexander Award as the national freshman of the week after leading the Bears to a 34-15 victory at Oregon State.
| | Cal DB Hezekiah Masses (#5) steps in front of the receiver to snag his second interception of the young season just before halftime | | |
He showed professional poise in completing 20 of 30 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns. He displayed amazing accuracy, short and long, on his throws. Three incomplete bombs could have been caught. Plus he moved the offense with the ease of a seasoned veteran, running effectively when the need arose.
No, Cal isn’t going undefeated this autumn, though improving to 2-0 with a 35-3 home victory over Texas Southern on Saturday. Sagapolutele was again productive, connecting on 26 of 37 throws for 259 yards, one interception, and one rushing touchdown.
There’s no telling where this season is heading for the Golden Bears, kicked in the teeth in recent years by their own field goal kickers, who turned victory into defeat far too often with their steady succession of wide lefts and wide rights.
Holy Oski! Cal drilled a pair of three-point attempts in the season opener. Equally impressive, in spite of key offensive players transferring following the 2024 season, the Bears rolled up 356 yards against the Beavers.
Defensively, Cal was aggressive, tackling in numbers, holding the Beavers to 65 yards rushing. Defense has been the Bears strong point the past few years, but victimized by the team's weak point, errant place kickers.
| | After driving the ball down the field and opening the hole for his quarterback to score the touchdown, offensive lineman Jordan Spasojevic-Moko (#66) lets out a guttural scream | | |
And so coach Justin Wilcox’s Cal record is 44-50 after two games into his ninth season in Berkeley. Cal’s athletic administration appreciates Wilcox’s dedication to his job in spite of his special team’s adversities, but his bosses also are cognizant of his loyalty, turning down a chance to become head coach at his alma mater, Oregon, a few seasons ago.
The general tenor of college athletics nowadays is contained in a three-word expression: See ya later. The transfer portal is like a bus station, with players changing schools in record numbers. See ya later? One player, three schools? Happens all the time.
Wilcox lost a starting quarterback, his top two running backs, and a standout tight end, all of whom transferred. Yes, he picked up some players, but the best of the bunch was an incoming freshman named Sagapolutele.
Riding the left arm of this special talent, could the Bears be looking at an 8-4 season? Hey, they made two more field goals Saturday. OK, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, but it’s certainly worth kicking around.
Ooops!
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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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Cal Bears 35
Texas Southern Tigers 3
Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, September 6, 2025
| | The Golden Bears played host to the Texas Southern University Tigers for the first home game of the season under perfect weather and a two-jet flyover to get everyone's pulses started at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA. The Cal defense held the Tigers to only 194 total yards and did not allow a touchdown, while the Golden Bears offense struggled early but found their way to break out in the second half and win 35-3. Above, storming onto the field in the pregame ceremonies, the Cal Band takes to the field. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | The Cal defense set the tone early as (L-R) Cam Sidney (#20), team captain Cade Uluave (#0), Zae Smith (#99) stifled the Tigers' offense. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
Diving to the end zone in the second quarter, Kendrick Raphael (#1) gets the ball to the 1/2 yard line on his way to leading all
rushers with 131 yards and a touchdown in the game.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Golden State Valkyries
Congratulations!
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The Golden State Valkyries made WNBA history by securing a playoff berth in their first season. The team has been the story of the WNBA this season and the fan base is very strong in the Bay Area. With sellouts at all their home games at Chase Center, they are considered the highest valued team at $500 million. The team is co-owned by Joe Lacob, who attends every home game.
Photo by Ed Jay, courtesy of Bay Area Sports Wrap.
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Santa Clara Broncos 1
Dartmouth Big Green 0
Stevens Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Sunday, September 7, 2025
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We are currently offering the opportunity to feature your advertisement in our weekly publication -- starting at $100.
This is a great chance to increase the visibility for your business among thousands of Bay Area readers who trust and enjoy our content each week.
If you're interested, we'd be happy to provide more details, including placement options and audience reach, etc. Let us know if you'd like to chat further at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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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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Rafael Devers belts a solo homer to right, giving the Giants a
1-0 lead in the 1st inning on Friday night, September 5.
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Devers, Adames go back to back as homer-happy Giants keep rolling
by Jeff Jones
ST. LOUIS – Looking for a way back into the Wild Card race, the Giants have evidently decided the easiest path back is over the outfield fence. They extended their longest streak of games with a home run since the franchise moved to the Bay to 18 early in Friday’s 8-2 series-opening win over the Cardinals, moving one shy of the franchise record, set in 1947.
Rafael Devers delivered Michael McGreevy’s sixth pitch of the night 416 feet away into the bleachers in right-center to establish an early lead the Giants would not relinquish. He was followed in turn by Willy Adames dropping a 401-foot shot into the vegetation just over the wall in left-center.
continued...
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Athletics top prospect Mason Barnett
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Barnett shows grind in bounce-back outing to earn first MLB victory
Martín Gallegos
ANAHEIM – Mason Barnett notched his first Major League win in Friday’s 10-4 Athletics victory over the Angels at Angel Stadium, and it came on a night that began with him looking unlikely to even finish the first inning.
In what was a disastrous start to the game for Barnett, the 24-year-old right-hander inherited a two-run lead before throwing a single pitch and proceeded to allow the top seven hitters in the Angels lineup to reach base. His first out was a sacrifice fly, pushing the Halos’ lead to two runs and leading to Osvaldo Bido warming up in the A’s bullpen.
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SPT 60 — Super Bowl 60:
The Game Behind the Game
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Quarter: Fall
Duration: 7 weeks
Date(s): Sep 25-Nov 30
Class Meeting Day: Thursdays
Class Meeting Time: 6:00-7:30 pm (PT)
Please Note: No class on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23
Tuition: $430
Refund Deadline: Sep 27
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Unit(s): 1
Status: Open
Instructor(s): Andy Dolich
Location: Online
Class Recording Available: Yes
Grade Restriction: No Letter Grade
See syllabus for details (subject to change)
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In February 2026, the Super Bowl returns to Silicon Valley, a spectacle that blends sports, business, media, and technology on a global stage. This course examines the history of the Super Bowl and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the most-watched single-day event in American sports is planned,
promoted, and produced.
Each week, students will hear from football insiders and industry leaders, examining everything from team analytics and player development to broadcast strategy and brand partnerships. We’ll explore how the NFL, the Bay Area Host Committee, and the 49ers are preparing for Super Bowl LX, and how each Super Bowl reflects shifting media habits, global audiences,
and regional impact.
Guest speakers, including iconic players and executives, will illuminate the event’s evolution on and off the field. Together, we’ll unpack the decisions behind $8 million ad buys, security coordination, tech-driven fan experiences, and more. Whether you're a fan, strategist, or cultural observer, this course offers a unique perspective on the Super Bowl as a lens into American ambition,
spectacle, and identity.
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Guest Speakers Include:
Pat Gallagher, Executive Vice President of the
San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee
Al Guido, President of the San Francisco 49ers
and CEO of Elevate
Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO of the
Bay Area Host Committee
Matt Maiocco, San Francisco 49ers Beat Reporter
for NBC Sports Bay Area
Scott Ostler, Sports Columnist at the
San Francisco Chronicle
Brent Schoeb, Chief Revenue Officer and Marketing Officer of the San Francisco 49ers
Keena Turner, Vice President and Senior Advisor to the
General Manager of the San Francisco 49ers;
Four-time 49ers Super Bowl Player
Please note: Speakers may be subject to change.
While this course takes a broad view of the Super Bowl, the guest speakers’ expertise reflects their strong ties to Bay Area
teams and the region.
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ANDY DOLICH
President, Dolich Consulting
Andy Dolich has held executive positions in MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse, 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes, and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide.
To Enroll: continuingstudies.stanford.edu
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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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Millikan Cements Case for Pitcher of the Year in Win over Voyagers
Oakland now 71-22 with Three Games Remaining
By Nevada Cullen
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Add another win to the Pioneer League (modern era) record. The Ballers improved to 71-22 with their 7-2 triumph over the Great Falls Voyagers on Thursday.
Noah Millikan gave his closing statement as to why he should be the PBL Pitcher of the Year. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 22 with six more scoreless stanzas, limiting the Voyagers to just four hits and striking out six in his fifth shutout performance of the year.
The Milkman made 14 starts in his rookie season, and 10 of them were quality starts. Millikan finishes the regular season 7-1 with a league-best 2.12 ERA among starting pitchers and 96 strikeouts.
Also, Cam Bufford became the first Baller to homer 20 times and steal 20 bases in a single season. He drilled a line-drive, two-run round tripper into left center in the seventh to accomplish the feat.
For the third straight game to start the series, the Ballers put up a crooked number in the game's first frame. Dillon Tatum flared an RBI single into center, and Tyler Lozano roped a bases-loaded, two-run single to the left-field wall.
Now, the Ballers did not score a run outside of the first inning in the initial two contests of the series. That changed in the sixth on Thursday, when Daniel Harris IV lofted a solo shot to left to begin the inning.
After an infield single by Tatum, Oakland took a 5-0 when Lozano looped an RBI single into left for his third RBI of the night. In the seventh, Bufford's two-run blast gave the Ballers a 7-0 advantage.
Zach St. Pierre earned his first professional save by pitching the final three frames of the contest. He allowed just two runs and fanned four Voyagers, punching out the side in the seventh.
First pitch for game four against the Voyagers is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. PDT Friday. As always, you can listen to the action on 860 AM The Answer and on the Oakland Ballers YouTube channel.
continued...
| | Suzuki with a magnificent save | | | | |
Mexico 0
vs.
Japan 0
by Lydia Chain
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MexTour Brings International Soccer to Oakland…
But No Goooooooooooooooooooool in Earshot
It was a fútbol centric weekend at the Coliseum! Saturday the 6th's MexTour revisited the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medal match, in which Mexico beat Japan to secure the hardware. Though it was only a friendly, many billed it as an international showdown of sorts.
The night may not have had the significant animosity that some had expected. The Japanese manager Hajime Moriyasu appeared to be focused on the future. Instead of thoughts of revenge, he expressed only respect for the Mexican squad and their
manager Javier Aguirre, who once held his role in managing Japan. Moriyasu went on to articulate his appreciation in being able to play a team with Mexico’s playing style and the immersive experience of “feeling the environment that [they’re] going to be in next year,” alluding to the World Cup to be co- hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
| | Just one of the many impressive tailgating setups on display | | Caramelo, who has been to 10 World Cups and seen Mexico play over 500 times, not missing the game at the Coliseum | Anxious fans, clearly longing for the goal that never came | | Japanese fans showing their appreciation! | | |
The event served as a prelude to the upcoming pinnacle of the sport, but serving different functions. Aguirre himself later explained that he had a great appreciation in being able to give his team preparatory experience too, because they were playing one
of the most competitive teams in Asia. Though he may have wanted focus on the future, Mexico failed to qualify for the most recent Olympics—a fact that cannot be overlooked; Mexican fans wanted another Japanese demolition to bury the memory. Aguirre tried to quell those expectations, stating that Japan’s squad had a lot of talent and skill, but anybody in attendance could attest to the fact that it felt more like a Mexico home field advantage with mere specs of Japan’s supporters in blue among an ocean of those clad in green for Mexico.
Play was aggressive from kickoff with both teams fighting hard for the ball, but Japan may have indeed had something to prove from their last faceoff as they charged in eager to make win the first point. Meanwhile, El Tri used their strong defense to be able
to hold off the Samurai Blue’s attacks as they used their fast and hearty play, plus essentially a home field advantage, to try to press towards a win. Ultimately, after 97 minutes of play, neither team was able to come up with a win. Japan was able to thwart all of Mexico’s efforts by having an extremely successful keeper, and more shots on goal. Though it may have been an indicator of Japan’s improvement and tenacity in being able to hold off a team with the overwhelming majority of the 45,278 fans in
attendance, it did not reflect poorly on the Mexico, but goes to show how the sport is strengthening around the world.
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Oakland Roots SC
Cry Me a River(hound)
Oakland 0, Pittsburgh 2
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A band showing their roots out front of the Coliseum for
Conoce Tus Raíces night
| Despite the result Roots fans keep on smiling | Wolfgang Prentice is a fan favorite | |
Los Roots take over the gallery space in the Coliseum for
Conoce Tus Raíces night
| Pittsburgh really stretched Oakland’s defenses thin | | |
Ilya Alekseev receiving a yellow card.
All captions and photos by Lydia Chain
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On Sunday, September 7th, by stark contrast, the Oakland Roots Sports Club hosted the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Soccer Club. Though the match’s theme was a Latino minded “Conoce Tus Raíces (English: Know Your Roots),” the attendance was not in the tens of thousands, nor were there any Premier League, La Liga or any other international football celebrity players taking their positions on the pitch. There was not a draw. There were two goals. Unfortunately, they were scored by the visitors. After the Roots were scored on within the first four minutes of play, it seemed like it was all they could do to hold a 1-0 score line until halftime. Just when it looked like they could, and perhaps have the
time to regroup in the locker room, there was what ended up being the final nail in the coffin via a penalty. They tried to catch up, but were unable to get close to securing a goal, much less the three that they needed for another win.
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While Lydia Chain has a background in art history and printmaking, she has indulged in photography since she could hold her father’s Polaroid camera steady as a toddler. Now, she relishes the chance to explore the world of sports media and journalism.
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Bay FC 0
Kansas City Current 2
PayPal Stadium, San Jose, CA
Saturday, September 6, 2025
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Match Recap: Bay FC Falls 2-0 to Kansas City Current at PayPal Park
San Jose, Calif. (September 6, 2025) — Bay FC fell 2-0 to the Kansas City Current Saturday night at PayPal Park. A valiant effort to keep the dangerous Midwest side at bay started strong for Bay FC, but the visitors would find the net going into the halftime break. A stellar performance from goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz would keep Bay FC within striking distance all the way to the final moments, but the club couldn’t find the net before the final whistle sounded.
Kansas City put regular pressure on Bay FC throughout the first half. A pair of chances in succession nearly put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute, but strong defensive work kept the ball out of the back of the net. After a save by Silkowitz sent away a headed effort from Kansas City forward Michelle Cooper, Bay defender Joelle Anderson came up with a goal-line clearance to keep the follow-up attempt from going through off the foot of KC forward Bia Zaneratto.
Bay FC came close to the opening score near the half hour mark as a weak clearance bounced out to midfielder Hannah Bebar charging into the final third. Bebar tried her luck from distance, but saw her effort cleared away. Forward Rachel Hill sent a shot at goal on the rebound but missed the target just high.
Kansas City netted the game’s first goal at the 45-minute mark. A long ball played forward by defender Hailie Mace found the feet of Cooper, who slotted it inside the near post to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
continued...
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Major League Table Tennis
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
Friday-Sunday, September 5-7, 2025
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Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) kicked off its third season at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. The league comprises of 10 teams representing major US cities and the season runs from September to March 2026. The roster features many top players including Lily Zhang (left) and Amy Wang who collectively have appeared in five Olympics. Photo by Ed Jay
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Hiromitsu Kasahara battles with Jinbao Ma. Photo by Ed Jay
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2024 Olympian Amy Wang is a member of the Texas Smash team.
Photo by Ed Jay
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Guodong Xiang volleys with Ved Sheth. Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) will return to the Bay Area on the weekend of
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Gary Player -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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Retired South African golfer Gary Player made a speaking appearance at a Pebble Beach event many years ago and I was there to meet him. He was signing autographs and I was lucky enough to get this one from him. He turned pro in 1953 and
has 159 professional wins to his credit.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 148: NIL Go's First Data Drop Exposes A System
In Crisis
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
The College Sports Commission (CSC) finally released its first comprehensive data report from NIL Go, and frankly, the numbers tell a story of institutional dysfunction masquerading as regulatory progress. Since launching on June 11 through August 31, 2025, the platform processed 8,359 deals worth $79.8 million. Sounds impressive, right? Dig deeper, and you'll find a system choking on its own bureaucracy.
The most damning revelation comes not from the CSC's carefully curated statistics, but from data shared by The Collective Association (TCA). Of the 384 deals that 25 collectives it works with submitted to NIL Go, only 25 were approved. Twenty-five. That's a 6.5% approval rate for those who don't want to use their phone calculators.
Here's the breakdown that should alarm anyone who cares about functional governance: 25 deals approved, 120 denied, and a staggering 239 still under review. That means 62% of deals submitted by established collectives, entities that presumably understand the NIL landscape better than most, remain in regulatory purgatory.
The CSC's own data reveals 332 deals were "not cleared" overall, with 75 requiring resubmission. But notice what's conspicuously absent from the CSC report: the total number of deals submitted. This isn't an oversight. It's a strategic omission. By excluding submission totals, the CSC avoids criticism for what appears to be a massive backlog and dysfunctional review process.
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
| | ICONS OF JAPANESE MOTORSPORT NAMED FEATURED MARQUE FOR 2026 ROLEX MONTEREY MOTORSPORTS REUNION | | |
Photo by: Rafael Garcia
On the heels of a successful 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has announced that it will celebrate icons of Japanese motorsports as the featured marque for its 2026 gathering.
Next year’s event, slated for Aug. 12-15, 2026, promises dozens of legendary machines from Japanese motor racing history, featuring iconic vehicles from Mazda, Toyota, Yamaha, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and more. The celebration will embrace the rich diversity of all forms of motorsport where Japanese brands have excelled, including INDYCAR, NASCAR, Formula 1, Formula E, endurance racing, sportscar racing, off road, rally, motorcycle, drifting, and more.
“As a Japanese driver, it is an honor to see Japan’s racing heritage recognized as the featured marque at Monterey’s historic reunion. Japanese cars and motorcycles have long carried the spirit of innovation and passion onto racetracks worldwide, and I am proud to see this legacy celebrated on such a prestigious stage,” said two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato, who was on hand for the announcement at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca after piloting Nigel Mansell’s 1986 Williams FW11 for on-track demonstration laps. “It reflects how far our motorsport culture has come, and it inspires the next generation of Japanese drivers and riders to carry this legacy forward on the world stage."
Tickets for the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will go on sale later this year.
Photo by: Mike Garrett
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Sonoma Raceway Announces 2026 Dates For The 38th Annual DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals:
July 17-19, 2026
SONOMA, Calif. – Sonoma Raceway is excited to announce that the 38th Annual DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will take place July 17–19, 2026, marking another unforgettable weekend of championship drag racing in the heart of wine country.
For nearly four decades, Sonoma Raceway has hosted one of the premier stops on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, delivering the unmatched sights, sounds, and thrills that only nitro-powered, 22,000+ horsepower racing can provide. Building on that tradition, the 2026 event will elevate the fan experience like never before.
“The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals are all about pure speed and unforgettable fan experiences. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back July 17–19,” said Brian Flynn, Executive Vice President & General Manager at Sonoma Raceway.
Sonoma Raceway’s legendary quarter-mile dragstrip continues to be a proving ground for history-making moments. In 2025, the track once again captured the spotlight when Brittany Force electrified fans by setting a new world speed record – an astonishing 343.16 mph – in her Top Fuel Dragster during Friday night qualifying on July 25. That same record-breaking energy, intensity and edge-of-your seat action will be on full display when the NHRA returns to Sonoma Raceway in 2026.
Tickets for the 2026 DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals are on sale now. Fans are encouraged to lock in their seats early by visiting SonomaRaceway.com or by calling the Sonoma Raceway Ticket Office at (800) 870-RACE [7223] during normal business hours.
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2025 ROLEX
BIG BOAT SERIES
Event to Host 2025 ORC Pacific Coast Championship &
2026 ORC North American Championship
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Registration fees for the 61st Rolex Big Boat Series hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club from September 10–14, 2025, will increase by $275 after July 31, 2025. The can’t-miss regatta on the West Coast sailing calendar, Rolex Big Boat Series draws skippers and sailors from across the country eager to compete on the legendary waters of San Francisco Bay.
Registration for the 2025 RBBS is open now and dozens of boats have already committed. The following are invited to compete in this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series:
- One-design boats of the J/88, J/105, Cape 31 and Express 37 classes. Other classes with a minimum of six boats can be considered with application to the Organizing Authority.
- ORC Monohulls with a LOA ≥ 30 feet. Boats with an APH of 500 or lower are required to have an ORC International certificate. Boats with an APH higher than 500 may compete using either an ORC International Certificate or ORC Club Certificate.
- Classic boats built prior to 1955 with a LOA ≥ 48 feet and a current ORRez rating certificate.
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Bears Pull Away To Beat
Texas Southern
Cal Holds Opponent Without A Touchdown For First Time
In Almost Four Years
BERKELEY – The California football team held an opponent without a touchdown for the first time in almost four years and running back Kendrick Raphael rushed for a career-high 131 yards and a touchdown as the Golden Bears pulled away in the second half for a 35-3 victory over Texas Southern on Saturday afternoon at California Memorial Stadium.
The Golden Bears (2-0) took a shutout into the fourth quarter before the Tigers got on the board on a 39-yard field goal by Christian Avelar. Cal held Texas Southern to 194 yards of total offense.
continued...
Photo: Al Sermeno
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Sunday Showdown Against Harvard
Stanford welcomes the No. 6 Crimson in weekend finale
STANFORD, Calif. — Stanford finishes the first part of a two-week homestand this Sunday as it welcomes the Harvard Crimson to The Farm for a Sunday matinee on September 7. Opening pass-back from Varsity Field Hockey Turf is slated for 11 a.m. PT.
FIRST PASS-BACK
Stanford concludes the weekend having dispatched Ball State on Friday afternoon, 6-0. The Cardinal - which bounced back from a lackluster first quarter - had four different goal scorers on the day while Daisy Ford and Kendall Dowd combined for Stanford’s second-consecutive shutout.
continued...
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No. 6 Spartans Take Down No. 10
UC Davis at Aggie Invite
DAVIS, Calif. — Samu Biros scored four goals on four shots to lead the No. 6 Spartans (4-1, 0-0 WCC) in an 11-7 victory over No. 10 UC Davis (3-3, 0-0 Big West) on Saturday afternoon at the Aggie Invitational. The Spartans also took down American River College 22-9 in an exhibition game Saturday morning. The Spartans have now won three out of their four matches against ranked opponents this season.
Vs. No. 10 UC Davis
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WSOC | Gaels Push Win Streak to Three with Third Consecutive Shutout, 1-0 Over Aggies
DAVIS, Calif. — The Gaels went down to Davis and dominated under the lights to come away with their third straight victory and improve to 3-1-1 on the season. Defensively, Saint Mary's continued to be solid throughout the full 90 minutes, holding the Aggies to just four shots and three corner kicks.
Photo: SMC Athletics /Tod Fierner
continued...
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Dons Shutout Spartans, Notch
Third Straight Victory
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) men's soccer team (4-1) picked up its third straight win on Thursday night as the Dons fired on all cylinders to shutout San José State (3-1), 3-0, on the road at Spartan Soccer Complex.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
-
San Francisco got the scoring started early and took a 1-0 lead when Brayden Beason broke through the San José State defense before rocketing home his third goal of the season.
continued...
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Berkovitz's Brace Propels Men's Soccer Past San Diego State
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Niv Berkovitz scored a pair of goals and Jackson Ozburn recorded his second straight shutout to propel Santa Clara men's soccer past San Diego State 2-0 on Friday night at the SDSU Sportsdeck.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Berkovitz tallied a goal in each half at the 20th and 82nd minute marks while Ozburn was credited with four saves to help the Santa Clara improve to 2-1-2 on the season.
-
The first goal came off a corner kick where Diego Diaz skied over a San Diego State defender for a header shot that goalkeeper Eddy Vargas
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
No. 10 Pacific Picks Up Two Wins Saturday to Complete 4-0 Weekend
REDLANDS, Calif. – Capping an unbeaten weekend at the Inland Empire Classic, the No. 10 Pacific men's water polo program defeated Redlands 20-10 and Occidental 21-7 on Saturday at the Thompson Aquatic Center.
It came after Pacific (6-1) ousted Cal Lutheran and Biola on Friday. The Tigers have allowed 10 goals or less in six of seven games this season.
continued...
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Rex Connors Breaks Career Tackles Record; No. 8 UC Davis Falls
At Washington
Score: No. 8 UC Davis 10, Washington 70
Location: Seattle, Wash. (American Airlines Field at Husky Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 1-1, Washington 2-0
The short story: No. 8 UC Davis football battled for four quarters at Washington, and despite falling short the Aggies would find joy with senior defensive back Rex Connors setting the program record for career tackles on a perfect evening in the Pacific Northwest.
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
East Bay Men's Soccer Battles in Low Scoring Season Opener, Comes Up Short to Menlo
ATHERTON, Calif. — Cal State East Bay men's soccer opened its 2025 campaign Thursday afternoon at Wunderlich Field, falling 1-0 to Menlo College in a tightly contested non-conference match. The game's decisive moment came late in the first half, when the Oaks capitalized on a set piece to secure the only goal of the day.
continued...
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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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2025/26 Schedules
San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, September 8, through
Sunday, September 14, 2025
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Monday, September 8
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Seattle Storm, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10
San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox, 12:35 p.m.
Thursday, September 11
Golden State Valkyries @ Minnesota Lynx, 5 p.m.
Friday, September 12
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, September 13
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7:05 p.m.
Bay FC @ Orlando Pride, 2 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Charleston Battery, 4:30 p.m.
Cal Bears vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers, 7:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Boston College Eagles, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 14
San Francisco 49ers @ New Orleans Saints, 10 a.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:05 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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