The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl was a series of competitions spread out across several days. On Sunday, things came to a close with the main dish, a flag football faceoff between the best in the AFC and NFC.

Festivities played out from Orlando, Florida at the Camping World Stadium. Sunday afternoon offered more skills events, including the punt perfect, great football race and tug-of-war.

We then got a look at the best and brightest in the game facing off sans pads in a seven-on-seven showdown. The flag football spotlight brought together names like Jared Goff, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, giving the fans some fodder ahead of next week’s Super Bowl.

All in all, the NFC walked away with a commanding victory over the AFC giving head coach Eli Manning his third straight victory over his brother Peyton.

Here is a full recap, plus highlights from the event.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Byron Murphy, Jared Goff win MVP

After a commanding win from the NFC, Byron Murphy, who secured a pivotal pick-6 at the start of the fourth quarter was named Defensive MVP. Meanwhile, Jared Goff, who quarterbacked the NFC to a huge lead in the first two quarters was named Offensive MVP.

FINAL: NFC 76, AFC 63

The score was closer than the game was. The NFC was in total control from the get-go, recording numerous touchdown drives and big plays on defense that the AFC just could not keep up with.

Eli Manning is now 3-0 against his brother as coaches in the Pro Bowl. Surely, Peyton Manning is fuming at the thought.

JSN throws a pick-6

It was about time the AFC got one of their own. With so little time left in the contest, the NFC started getting cute with the ball, opting to put Seahawks’ receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba at quarterback. On his very first play, he threw a pick-6, which was called back due to an ‘illegal blitz.’ Even the announcers were unsure why it was called back. Ball don’t lie though, as two plays later, JSN would throw another pick-6, a legitimate one this time.

The NFC still leads by 13 points, but they did give Eli Manning a Gatorade shower, so that would be a shame if it wound up being premature.

AFC breaks out the double-pass for the touchdown

The game may be all but over, but the AFC still has some tricks up their sleeves. A double pass from Russell Wilson handing off to Ja’Marr Chase, who threw the ball back to Wilson, who then found Joe Mixon down the field wound up in the end zone.

The announcers said it best when they uttered, ‘Where has this been all game?’ If the AFC had been this creative all along, they might have had a chance against this NFC squad.

NFC 76, AFC 51

Blink and you’ll miss it, the NFC scored another quick touchdown drive yet again. This time, it was the other NFC West tight end, Trey McBride coming away with the score.

NFC 70, AFC 51

Too little, too late. Russell Wilson is known for his deep ball, and he showed it off with a proper ‘heave-ho’ to Ja’Marr Chase to find the end zone following the Malik Nabers touchdown. As stated earlier, the AFC has had numerous big plays, but each big play is matched by a pick-six or an NFC touchdown drive.

Baker Mayfield leads another quick touchdown drive

The NFC got their own big play from an NFC receiver on the ensuing drive, with Malik Nabers making a masterful catch in traffic followed by a touchdown grab two plays later. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has now been on the field for five plays and has recorded two touchdown passes for the NFC.

It’s 70-45, NFC on top with less than eight minutes to go.

AFC answers back, but it might be too late

After Maye’s second pick-6, the AFC turned back to Russell Wilson, who led a quick touchdown drive thanks in large part to a big reception by Brian Thomas Jr. If the game was not already a four-score affair, this may have been a masterful coaching decision from Peyton Manning. Unfortunately, this game feels all but secured for the NFC.

Byron Murphy with a dagger pick-6

At the end of the third quarter, AFC head coach Peyton Manning said ‘Win the tug of war and we’re back in it.’ The AFC not only lost the tug of war competition, but the first play of the fourth quarter saw the NFC pick off quarterback Drake Maye and run it back for a touchdown.

In the span of a minute and a half of actual game time, the NFC went from a nine-point lead to a 25-point lead, and that may be too much for even the AFC Pro Bowlers to overcome.

NFC dominates tug of war competition

It didn’t take long for the NFC to put their AFC counterparts in the foam pit in the first round. In fact, it may have taken less than 15 seconds. The second round wasn’t any better, which was to be expected with the NFC outweighing the AFC by over 100 pounds.

In all fairness, the AFC put up a better fight in the second round, but a push from Nick Bosa and company put the AFC in the foam once again. That win gave the NFC three more points. It will take a monster fourth quarter for the AFC to win. It’s 58-39.

Is Baker Mayfield the Tom Brady of flag football?

With very little time left in the third quarter, the NFC turned to 2024 Pro Bowl MVP Baker Mayfield and he didn’t disappoint. The Bucs’ quarterback led a two-play drive capped off with a touchdown pass to George Kittle to end the third quarter.

Just when you thought the AFC was getting something going, the NFC finds a way to shut it down. 55-39, NFC out in front.

AFC mounting a comeback?

After a four-and-out from the NFC, Drake Maye and company answered back with a two-play touchdown drive capped off by a 25-yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. All of a sudden, the AFC is back within nine points after the two-point conversion to Jonnu Smith was also successful. It’s 48-39.

Drake Maye to Ja’Marr Chase touchdown

After a season of throwing to Kayshon Boutte and Ja’Lynn Polk, Drake Maye was jumping for joy after a long touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase at the Pro Bowl.

While the AFC has had a number of big plays, the NFC has been able to answer at every turn. There’s still a long ways to climb if the AFC wants to come back. It’s 48-31.

Budda Baker pick-six

The AFC just can’t catch a break. On a 4th down, Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye couldn’t handle the pressure applied by Cowboys’ returner Kavontae Turpin, tossing a hitch route that was jumped by Cardinals’ safety Budda Baker. Without an offensive line to stop him and no DK Metcalf to chase him down, there was nothing but green grass in front of Baker from the moment he caught the ball.

The NFC has nearly doubled the AFC’s point total. They’re up 48-25.

NFC wins team obstacle course

Each team has traded wins at events. Micah Parsons made up for his lackluster Madden performance with a terrific start to the team obstacle course. The early lead provided by Parsons gave the NFC all the leeway they needed to secure the victory. We’ve still got two quarters to go plus a tug-of-war showdown, but the NFC has a very comfortable 42-25 lead.

Madden competition grants AFC three more points

In the history of the Pro Bowl Madden competition, the AFC had never won, but the team of Derwin James and Brian Thomas Jr. was able to take down the NFC’s pair of Micah Parsons and Justin Jefferson to earn the AFC three additional points heading into the second half. It’s 39-25 with the NFC out in front.

End of 2nd: 39-22, NFC leads

Although the AFC gave a valiant effort, pushing the ball far down the field in very little time, their backyard lateral play to end the quarter did not pan out. A backward pass from Brian Thomas Jr. would end up hitting the ground, rendering the play dead.

It was NFC coach Eli Manning who wound up pointing out the violation, securing the NFC’s 17-point lead moving forward.

Justin Jefferson scores again

After the AFC got the best of their defense, Sam Darnold was able to find his usual target, JJettas, for another score and another griddy, leaving the AFC with very little time in the second to close the gap. It’s 39-22, NFC.

AFC answers back

After a failed drive, the AFC answered back with a long drive that resulted in a touchdown for Jaguars’ rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The AFC still trails but the team was ecstatic to get points on the board, with the team jumping into the foam pit in celebration, mimicking the NFC’s celebration after a pivotal interception earlier in today’s contest.

The AFC would fail their one-point conversion. It’s 33-22, NFC leading.

NFC 33, AFC 16

The NFC wasted no time making up for the AFC’s victory in the punt-off. Quarterback Jared Goff found Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a drag route, who weaved and bobbed between every AFC defender for a long touchdown. Although the NFC was unable to get the extra point on the fade to Mike Evans, the NFC’s defense came up big preventing Russell Wilson from leading his own touchdown drive.

Punting competition goes into sudden death

Who didn’t want the punting competition to go into extra rounds? The AFC representatives – Marlon Humphrey and Logan Cooke – matched the NFC representatives – Kyle Juszczyk and Jack Fox – step for step. The non-punters each recorded six points while the punters themselves hit seven each.

In overtime, each punter was given 30 seconds to sink as many balls as possible. Fox went first and drilled 3 punts, while Cooke lipped out each of his first three punts for the AFC. Cooke went off at the end though, hitting a buzzer-beater to tie Fox’s three points.

The punters then went into sudden death, arguably the most dramatic moment any punter has ever experienced in their football careers. Punt for punt to determine the winner. Cooke and Fox each missed their first punts. They each missed their second punts. Clearly, the pressure was getting to them.

It wasn’t until the third round when Cooke would nail his first punt. Fox was unable to match, with his punt banging off the back of the target bins, giving the AFC the win and earning them three points.

NFC 27, AFC 16.

NFC marches down the field to keep momentum: NFC 27, AFC 13

Goff led a ho-hum march down the field highlighted by a nice completion to Justin Jefferson. Staring at a fourth and goal, the Lions QB finds Malik Nabers treating across the middle for a touchdown.

Burrow finds Chase: NFC 20, AFC 13

Some familiar sites as Joe Burrow finds target Ja’Marr Chase for a touchdown. On the point-after, Burrow decided to run in the no-run zone. So, the AFC has to settle for six after the AFC couldn’t convert after the penalty was assessed.

Goff leads NFC score touchdown: NFC 20, AFC 7

The NFC wasted little time widening the gap here. The Lions’ Jared Goff gets a nice TD toss to Kyle Juszcyk from 10 yards out.

The NFC starts the game with a 14-7 lead

After Thursday’s skills events, the NFC has a cushion to start the flag football proceedings.

When is the NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday?

The NFL Pro Bowl fun kicked off this weekend with skills challenges on Thursday. But it all comes to a close with the AFC vs. NFC 7-on-7 flag football game on Sunday, Feb. 2, at 3 p.m. ET.

How to watch Pro Bowl game: TV, time and streaming

Date: Sunday, Feb. 2
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, Disney XD, ESPN Deportes
Streaming: ESPN+; NFL+; Fubo

Watch the NFL Pro Bowl with Fubo, which offers a free trial

Pro Bowl roster: AFC

Starters are denoted with an asterisk (*).

Quarterbacks:

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals*
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (replaces Josh Allen)
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (replaces Lamar Jackson)

Running backs:

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens*
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Fullback:

Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens*

Wide receivers:

Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals*
Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns*
Nico Collins, Houston Texans
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (replaces Zay Flowers)

Tight ends:

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders*
Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins (replaces Travis Kelce)

Offensive tackles:

Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills*
Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers*
Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens (replaces Laremy Tunsil)

Offensive guards:

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts*
Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns (replaces Joe Thuney)
Isaac Seumalo, Pittsburgh Steelers (replaces Trey Smith)

Center:

Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens*
A replacement for Creed Humphrey, if there is one, has not been announced.

Defensive ends:

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns*
Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals*
Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans (replaces Maxx Crosby)

Interior defensive linemen:

Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers*
Nnamdi Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens*
Quinnen Williams, New York Jets (replaces Chris Jones)

Outside linebackers:

Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos*
Kyle Van Noy, Baltimore Ravens* (replaces T.J. Watt)
Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers (replaces Khalil Mack)

Inside/middle linebackers:

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens*
Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts

Cornerbacks:

Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans*
Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos*
Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns

Free safety:

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers*

Strong safety:

Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens*
Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Long snapper:

Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville Jaguars*

Punter:

Logan Cooke, Jacksonville Jaguars*

Kicker:

Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers*

Return specialist:

Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos*

Special teamer:

Miles Killebrew, Pittsburgh Steelers* (replaces Brenden Schooler)

Pro Bowl roster: NFC

Starters are denoted with an asterisk (*).

Quarterbacks:

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions*
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings

Running backs:

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions*
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (replaces Saquon Barkley)

Fullback:

Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ers

Wide receivers:

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings*
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders*
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (replaces Amon-Ra St. Brown)
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (replaces CeeDee Lamb)

Tight ends:

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers*
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

Offensive tackles:

Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
Brian O’Neill, Minnesota Vikings* (replaces Lane Johnson)
Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions (replaces Penei Sewell)

Offensive guards:

Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys*
Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons*
Robert Hunt, Carolina Panthers (replaces Landon Dickerson)

Center:

Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions*
Erik McCoy, New Orleans Saints (replaces Cam Jurgens)

Defensive ends:

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers*
Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys*
Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers

Interior defensive linemen:

Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants*
Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks (replaces Jalen Carter)

Outside linebackers:

Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings*
Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota Vikings*
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams

Inside/middle linebackers:

Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers*
Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders (replaces Zack Baun)

Cornerbacks:

Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears*
Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings*
Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks

Free safety:

Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers*

Strong safety:

Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals*
Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

Long snapper:

Andrew DePaola, Minnesota Vikings*

Punter:

Jack Fox, Detroit Lions*

Kicker:

Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys*

Return specialist:

KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys*

Special teamer:

KhaDarel Hodge, Atlanta Falcons*

Pro Bowl location

The Pro Bowl keeps the football momentum going ahead of next week’s Super Bowl clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

Skill challenges and an entertaining flag football game will unfold at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida

Orlando weather for Pro Bowl Sunday

The AccuWeather forecast for Sunday promises nice weather for fans in attendance. It will be mostly cloudy with an expected high of 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

More than six years ago at his rookie media day availability at the start of the 2018-19 season, Luka Doncic called LeBron James his idol and favorite player growing up.

Nearly three years ago, James posted an answer on social media to the question, “Fav player ever.” James responded, “LUKA. He’s my fav player!!” After a game against Dallas near the start of the 2019 season, James called Doncic’s game “a beautiful thing to watch.”

What before Saturday seemed like an impossible pairing – there’s no way the Dallas Mavericks would trade Doncic, right? – turned into reality when the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Doncic in a stunning, league-altering blockbuster trade in which Anthony Davis heads from the Lakers to Dallas as part of a three-team deal involving Utah, role players and draft picks.

The biggest trades – and this is one of the biggest in NBA history – are the ones nobody sees coming. In this case, that includes James, who was unaware this trade was in the works and was at a post-game dinner in New York when he learned of the news from team officials after an agreement had been reached, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity so he could speak freely.

The trade comes at a turbulent time for the NBA where dynasties have given way to parity under a new collective-bargaining agreement that restricts a team’s ability to acquire more than two All-NBA caliber players. Plus, the faces of the league are changing as James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant move closer to retirement.

James is still working through the impact of the trade, and his feelings have not been disclosed. Is he upset the Lakers didn’t keep him in the loop on a deal that sends his good friend to another team? How thrilled is he to play alongside Doncic? We’ll get those answers.

James and Davis crafted a friendship more than 12 years ago when Davis, who had just finished his freshman season at Kentucky and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft, played on the U.S. Olympic team. Their friendship grew over the years – they share the same agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul – and then Davis joined the Lakers and James in 2019. They won a title in 2020 and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What does this mean for James and the Lakers? James sat at a dais at All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis a year ago and answered a question I asked about his future in L.A.

“I am a Laker, and I am happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully it stays that way,” James said. “But I don’t have the answer to how long it is, or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully, it is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization and so many greats.”

The 40-year-old James – an All-Star starter for a record 21st consecutive time in 2025 – last summer signed a two-year, $101.3 million contract. However, he has a player option for the 2025-26 season and can become a free agent again this summer. He could sign another short-term deal with the Lakers, explore playing elsewhere or retire. And remember, his son Bronny is playing for the Lakers and their G League team, and dad enjoys making up for lost time with his eldest son.

Retirement isn’t far off regardless.

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that many. I also don’t know if I will ‒ I was asked this question a couple days ago. Will you kind of take the farewell tour, or will you kind of just Tim Duncan it?

“I’m 50-50, I’m going to be honest, because there’s times when I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans that have been along this journey with me for two decades plus, to be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and whatever the case may be and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be. That seems cool.

“But the other side of (it is) I’ve never been that great with accepting like praise. It’s a weird feeling for me. I never really talked about it much, but it’s just a weird feeling for me. So, to go in each city, if that’s the case – I don’t know. I’ve seen Mike’s (Michael Jordan), I’ve seen Kobe’s (Kobe Bryant). I’ve seen a lot of guys. I just don’t know how I’d feel. I don’t know if I’d feel great about it. Maybe the only child in me. Maybe.”

Some close to James are advocating for an announcement on his final season so fans can have the opportunity to see him play in person a final time.

Also, the Lakers may not be done making deals. They only gave up one first-round pick in the Doncic-Davis deal and have another first-rounder available to use in a trade before Thursday’s deadline. Could they land a defensive-minded big man and move even closer to title contention? And rejuvenate James and motivate him to play another couple of seasons?

In star-driven Hollywood, the Lakers are a star-driven team and have been for decades. They have one of the greatest of all-time at the end of his career and now a five-time All-NBA 25-year-old guard entering his prime.

It’s a fascinating dynamic, and the answers to the questions will have far-reaching, league-wide implications.

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

(This story was updated to add a new video)

Caitlin Clark’s final game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena last March was a must-watch event that drew celebrities from all over.

The same can be said for Clark’s jersey retirement on Sunday.

Prior to tipoff at Carver-Hawkeye Arena for Iowa women’s basketball’s Big Ten showdown vs. No. 4 USC, comedian and former late-night talk show host David Letterman made his way into the arena to watch the Hawkeyes and Clark’s jersey retirement.

Clark, the all-time leading scorer in NCAA college basketball history, men’s or women’s, is just the third Hawkeye to have her jersey retired, joining Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards to have received the honor.

Behind 28 points from Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, Letterman watched the Hawkeyes give the fourth-ranked Trojans just their second loss of the season while sitting courtside next to former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder.

Here’s what you need to know on why Letterman was in attendance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday:

Why was David Letterman at Iowa women’s basketball game vs USC?

It’s simpler than one might think: He’s a native of Indianapolis and a fan of the Fever, whom Clark plays for, so he wanted to show his support for her on Sunday.

As noted by Hawk Central, part of the USA TODAY Network, Letterman hosted the WNBA Rookie of the Year at Ball State in December for his Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series.

All told, Letterman is a fan of women’s basketball:

Where did David Letterman go to college?

Letterman graduated from Ball State in 1969. As noted by Ball State’s website, the university named the building for its College of Communication, Information, and Media the David Letterman Communication and Media Building in 2007.

Where is David Letterman from?

The former late night show host is a native of Indianapolis.

The 2025 Major League Soccer season — the 30th in league history — is quickly approaching.

While the Los Angeles Galaxy enter the season as defending MLS Cup champions and Inter Miami CF are the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners, San Diego FC is the latest expansion club to join the league. San Diego FC is the league’s 30th team.

The regular season will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 22 and will conclude with Decision Day on Saturday, Oct. 18.

In the time leading up to the season openers, teams will be shaping rosters in preparation for a run at MLS Cup 2025.

Follow along here this preseason for transfers, trades and other MLS news and analysis:

Dejan Joveljic goes from MLS Cup champs to Sporting Kansas City

Feb. 2 — Dejan Joveljic thought he would be part of the Los Angeles Galaxy for a long time.

But after his best MLS season and pivotal part of the franchise’s 2024 title, Joveljic will be looking to further his accolades with Sporting Kansas City.

One day after being acquired for $4 million — the first cash-for-player trade in MLS history — the change in scenery was sinking in for the 25-year-old Serbian.

‘In 2021, I came to the United States for the first time and I had big goals,’ Joveljic said on social media on Sunday. ‘I joined the most historic team in MLS and I wanted to play and score in every match. I had to wait a little longer than I would’ve liked, but I finally showed everyone what my game is about: scoring goals and doing anything and everything for the team to win.’

Joveljic excelled in the 2024 postseason with six goals in five matches. He scored one of LA’s goals in the 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup title match. — Reuters

Philadelphia Union to trade USMNT prospect Jack McGlynn to Houston Dynamo, per reports

Feb. 1 — Jack McGlynn is reportedly on the move in what could be the first major trade using a new MLS rule.

The 21-year-old midfielder will be traded to the Houston Dynamo, with the Philadelphia Union, according to multiple reports.

In January, MLS announced that teams can now make up to two trades involving cash, rather than needing to move players or MLS-only assets like allocation money, international spots, or draft picks. — Jason Anderson, Pro Soccer Wire

Miguel Almiron returns to Atlanta United

Jan. 30 — Atlanta United announced the return of franchise hero Miguel Almiron.

The 31-year-old Paraguay international helped Atlanta claim the 2018 MLS Cup before joining the Premier League’s Newcastle United for a then-record outgoing transfer fee of $27 million.

Almiron returns from Newcastle for a reported $10 million transfer fee, plus add-ons. Atlanta also had to pay Charlotte FC $400,000 in general allocation money to acquire his discovery priority. — Reuters

Five MLS franchises top $1B in Sportico’s latest valuations

Jan. 30 — Five MLS franchises top $1 billion, with the average team worth $721 million, in Sportico’s valuations announced on Thursday.

The other four reaching the $1 billion plateau are superstar Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami ($1.19 billion; 17 percent increase), LA Galaxy ($1.11 billion; 11 percent increase); Atlanta United ($1.08 billion, 3 percent increase) and New York City FC ($1 billion, 19 percent increase).

Inter Miami and the Galaxy each moved up one spot from the 2024 rankings, with Atlanta United slipping two spots.

CF Montreal again ranked last at $450 million, which was a 2 percent increase. — Reuters

New 2025 Leagues Cup format for MLS, LIGA MX clubs

Jan. 30 — The 2025 Leagues Cup will feature 18 of 30 MLS teams and all 18 clubs from LIGA MX, beginning July 29 to the Aug. 31 final. Tournament organizers announced the new format Thursday.

Leagues Cup 2025 will be played in two rounds: Phase One and the Knockout Rounds. Phase One will feature three consecutive match dates per club, and all 54 Phase One matches will be played between MLS and LIGA MX clubs.

New York Red Bulls sign Canadian defender Raheem Edwards

The New York Red Bulls announced the signing of Canadian defender Raheem Edwards.

The two-year deal is pending receipt of his international paperwork and includes an option for 2027.

Edwards, 29, has eight goals and 28 assists in 177 MLS matches with Toronto FC (2016-17), CF Montreal (2018, 2024), the Chicago Fire (2019), Minnesota United (2020), Los Angeles FC (2021) and the Los Angeles Galaxy (2022-23).

Edwards won the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield with hometown Toronto FC in 2017. — Reuters

MLS, Apple make push for more viewers; ‘Sunday Night Soccer’ game added for 2025

Jan. 29 — Major League Soccer and Apple are making a major push to reach more viewers in 2025.

Soccer fans with Comcast Xfinity and DirecTV can subscribe and watch MLS Season Pass through the TV providers, while T-Mobile users will be able to access MLS Season Pass for free, the league announced Wednesday.

MLS announces clubs for US Open Cup, Leagues Cup in 2025

Jan. 28 — All 30 Major League Soccer teams will compete in at least one, but no more than two North American competitions during the 2025 MLS season.

MLS announced its qualification structure for the four tournaments — the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Canadian Championship — on Tuesday for the next two seasons. The qualifications will be revisited in the 2027 season. — Safid Deen

NYCFC sells prospect Christian McFarlane to Manchester City

Jan. 27 — New York City FC has sold 18-year-old defender Christian McFarlane to Manchester City, the MLS club announced on Monday.

McFarlane joined NYCFC at age 11 and represented the club at every age category, making his senior debut last season. He is expected to join the academy at City which, like NYCFC, is under the City Football Group ownership umbrella.

In 2021, McFarlane became the third-youngest Homegrown Player signing in MLS history when he signed a pro deal with NYCFC at age 14 years, 234 days.

State of soccer in U.S. 500 days before 2026 World Cup

Jan. 27 — Mark your calendars, soccer fans: The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in 500 days.

Expect President Donald Trump, reigning World Cup champion Lionel Messi and the U.S. men’s national soccer team to be among those playing major roles in driving attention to the sport and the tournament during the next 500 days.

What is the state of the sport in the United States with about a year and a half until the big tournament? — Safid Deen

MLS NEXT Pro releases 2025 schedule

Jan. 27 — MLS NEXT Pro — the developmental league for Major League Soccer — will kick off its 2025 season on Friday, March 7. This is the earliest season kickoff date for MLS NEXT Pro, which is entering its fourth season.

The 2025 season will include 29 clubs — 27 MLS affiliates and two independent teams (Caronlina Core FC and Chattanooga FC).

More than 155 players have signed MLS first-team contracts after playing in MLS NEXT Pro. That collection of players includes five who played for the U.S. national team during its January friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica: defender Max Arfsten and goalkeeper Patrick Schulte of the Columbus Crew, forward Patrick Agyemang of Charlotte FC, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi of Inter Miami CF and midfielder Jack McGlynn of the Philadelphia Union.

Most MLS NEXT Pro matches will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

USMNT’s Luca de la Torre joins San Diego FC on loan

Jan. 21 — San Diego FC has announced the signing of Luca de la Torre on a 12-month loan from Spanish La Liga club Celta Vigo.

The U.S. men’s national team midfielder returns to his hometown ahead of the club’s inaugural season in MLS.

‘We’re thrilled to bring Luca home to San Diego,’ SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps said. ‘Luca’s journey — competing in some of the world’s top leagues and representing the USMNT — speaks volumes about his dedication and talent.’

New England Revolution sign MLS veteran Maximiliano Urruti

Jan. 16 — The New England Revolution signed forward Maximiliano Urruti to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026.

Urruti, 33, joins the Revolution after spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Austin FC, posting 10 goals and two assists in 57 games (38 starts) in that span. In 11 MLS seasons, he has 70 goals and 39 assists in 295 games (218 starts) with Toronto FC, the Portland Timbers, FC Dallas, CF Montreal, the Houston Dynamo and Austin.

The Argentina native ranks ninth in goals and 17th in games played among active MLS players. — Reuters

San Jose Earthquakes sign former MLS MVP Josef Martinez

Jan. 13 — The San Jose Earthquakes signed former MLS MVP Josef Martinez to a one-year contract, the team announced.

The deal with the 31-year-old free agent striker from Venezuela includes a club option for 2026.

Martinez tallied 11 goals in 23 matches with CF Montreal last season, his fifth MLS season with double-digit goals. He has 116 goals and 20 assists in 184 matches with Atlanta United (2017-2022), Inter Miami (2023) and Montreal. — Reuters

First look at ‘Onside: Major League Soccer’

Jan. 9 — A trailer for the eight-part documentary, ‘Onside: Major League Soccer,’ has been released.

‘Onside: Major League Soccer’ will premier on Friday, Feb. 21 on Apple TV+, and is produced by Box To Box Films, the company behind Netflix’s popular ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ series.

The documentary will showcase the biggest moments from the 2024 MLS season, which concluded with the Los Angeles Galaxy winning MLS Cup for the first time in 10 years.

‘Onside: Major League Soccer’ is the latest soccer-themed project from Apple, which includes the docuseries ‘Messi Meets America’ and ‘Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend,’ as well as the award-winning scripted series ‘Ted Lasso.’

Austin FC adds USMNT forward Brandon Vazquez

Jan. 6 — Austin FC finally has its impact striker.

At least it hopes so.

In what at first glance appears to be a major get for the club, Austin FC signed forward Brandon Vazquez from Mexican side C.F. Monterrey for a club-record transfer fee to a four-year deal through 2028.

Vazquez, 26, who has made 11 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team in the past two years, scored 14 goals in 48 appearances for C.F. Monterrey after joining the club in January 2024. Vazquez spent 2020-23 with FC Cincinnati, where he broke out in 2022 with 20 goals across all competitions. — Colby Gordon, Austin American-Statesman

When does the 2025 MLS season start?

Dec. 19 — The 2025 MLS season will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Here is the slate of games for ‘MLS is Back’ weekend (all games on  MLS Season Pass on Apple TV):

Saturday, Feb. 22

Inter Miami CF vs. New York City FC, 2:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles FC vs. Minnesota United FC, 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
Atlanta United vs. CF Montreal, 7 p.m. ET
FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET
Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
D.C. United vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Orlando City SC vs. Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m. ET
Austin FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. ET
Houston Dynamo FC vs. FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET
Nashville SC vs. New England Revolution, 8:30 p.m. ET
St. Louis City SC vs. Colorado Rapids, 8:30 p.m. ET
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 10:30 p.m. ET
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Charlotte FC, 10:30 p.m. ET

Sunday, Feb. 23

Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 4 p.m. ET
LA Galaxy vs. San Diego FC, 7 p.m. ET

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.