NFL in headlines for 2026 schedule drama, streaming costs, and regulatory scrutiny—massive year for the league. 32-team pro football, AFC/NFC split.
Paramount Skydance plans to merge HBO Max into a new service, creating a platform with around 200 million subscribers. The move aims to compete with Netflix and Disney, but the deal faces regulatory scrutiny and industry challenges amid a shifting media landscape.
Lou Holtz, legendary college football coach known for his success at Notre Dame and other teams, has died at age 89 in Orlando, Florida. He was celebrated for his wit, discipline, and leadership, leading six teams to bowl games and ranking 10th in career victories.
Florida State football player James McAneney was arrested in Fort Lauderdale after a confrontation with police, which included charges of trespassing, resisting arrest, and battery on an officer. The incident occurred during spring break, and McAneney has been suspended from the team pending investigation.
Las Vegas continues to expand as a major sports hub, with talks and votes expanding the NBA’s footprint and confirming future Super Bowl rotations back to the city amid ongoing expansion discussions.
Hailee Steinfeld announced the birth of her daughter in her newsletter, sharing gratitude and early moments. She married NFL MVP Josh Allen last May, and the couple revealed her pregnancy in December. Allen is recovering from foot surgery and expected to join the Bills' offseason.
The DOJ is examining whether the NFL's broadcast and streaming practices are anti-competitive, amid rising costs for consumers and concerns over the shifting sports media landscape. The investigation follows recent reports of high subscription fees and regulatory scrutiny of the league's exemption from antitrust laws.
Chris Payton-Jones, a former NFL cornerback, has died in a car collision in Gainesville, Florida. He was 30, and his death follows a crash where his sedan collided head-on with a pickup truck. Payton-Jones had recently transitioned to content creation and mentorship. His family confirms his passing, and tributes highlight his positive influence.
NFL coach Mike Vrabel has been involved in a controversy after photos of him with reporter Dianna Russini at a Sedona resort were published. Vrabel has continued his coaching duties, while Russini has resigned from The Athletic following an internal investigation. The NFL confirms it is not investigating Vrabel's conduct as of today, April 23, 2026.
Federal authorities have charged Luther Davis and CJ Evins with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity theft. Davis is accused of impersonating NFL players using disguises to secure nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans. They are scheduled to plead guilty on April 27.
The Patriots coach has announced he is seeking counseling and will miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft as questions swirl over his relationship with Dianna Russini. The NFL says it is not investigating at this time, and the team expresses support while Vrabel emphasizes family and self-improvement.
The Raiders have positioned quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a potential franchise-altering pick after drafting him No. 1 overall, while surrounding him with veteran guidance and additional talent. Mendoza has led Indiana to a national championship and is entering a high-pressure environment with a veteran cohort and a mix of high-ceiling NFL-ready players in the draft.
Florida has issued an investigative subpoena to the NFL over the Rooney Rule, arguing it may violate state law by requiring race- and sex-based hiring. The move adds to a widening dispute about how the league interprets and applies the rule.
NFL owners have awarded Nashville the 2030 Super Bowl LXIV. The event will be hosted at the new $2.1 billion stadium across from Nissan Stadium, with planning led by local leaders. Public events and a drone show are planned, and discussions point to a halftime show possibly featuring top artists.
Rashee Rice has been ordered to serve 30 days in jail after testing positive for THC, in addition to existing probation terms linked to a 2024 Dallas highway crash. He is set for release on June 16 and will miss team activities during the jail term and upcoming minicamps.