The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was expanded in part to create matchups exactly like the quarterfinal between English power Chelsea and one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, Palmeiras.

Cole Palmer helped Chelsea get the best of Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday, July 4 to advance to the semifinals. Malo Gusto also played a role in the victory, having his shot bounce off the opposing goalkeeper, Weverton Pereira da Silva, to create an own goal situation and take the 2-1 lead.

Estêvão Willian was named as the Superior Player of the Match in the loss. Estêvão scored his first Club World Cup goal, leveling the score for Palmeiras in the second half at 1.

Estêvão, the 18-year-old player from Brazil, is expected to join Chelsea later this month now that Palmeiras has been eliminated from the tournament.

‘You can see he’s a top player,’ Palmer said about his future teammate on the DAZN broadcast after the game. ‘We’re excited for him to join us.’

Chelsea will play Fluminense in the semifinal on Tuesday, July 8 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Matheus Martinelli and Hércules helped Fluminense earn a 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal at Camping World Stadium in Orlando in the other quarterfinal on Friday, July 4.

Chelsea vs. Palmeiras highlights

Club World Cup bracket

Here’s a look at how the FIFA Club World Cup bracket looks following Friday’s two quarterfinal games:

On Saturday, July 5, UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain plays German Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich at 12 p.m. ET (TNT/DAZN), then Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund at 4 p.m. ET (TNT/TruTV/Univision/DAZN).

Final: Chelsea 2, Palmeiras 1

Malo Gusto helps Chelsea retake the lead in the 83rd minute. Gusto’s kick hit Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton Pereira da Silva before going into the goal. Gusto was not officially credited with the score as it was deemed an own goal against Giay.

Chelsea 1, Palmeiras 1

Estêvão Willian evens the score at 1 with a goal in the 53rd minute for Palmeiras. Chelsea made a pair of substitutions after the goal. Noni Madueke comes in for Christopher Nkunku and Joao Pedro replaces Liam Delap.

Halftime: Chelsea 1, Palmeiras 0

Cole Palmer scores in the 16 minute to give Chelsea the early 1-0 lead against Palmeiras. The score would stand through the rest of the first half.

Chelsea’s Reece James injured

Chelsea captain Reece James suffered an injury before the game on Friday. Andrey Santos replaced James in the starting lineup.

André Silva and Diogo Jota honored with moment of silence

Chelsea and Palmeiras players met at midfield as a moment of silence was held for André Silva and Diogo Jota before the game. The Portuguese soccer players were killed in a car crash in Northern Spain on Wednesday.

What time is Chelsea vs. Palmeiras at Club World Cup?

Friday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal between Chelsea and Palmeiras is set to kick off at 9 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

How to watch Chelsea vs. Palmeiras Club World Cup game: TV, stream

Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
TV: truTV
Stream: DAZN, Sling TV

Watch Palmeiras vs. Chelsea FREE on DAZN

Chelsea starting 11 vs. Palmeiras

Palmeiras starting 11 vs. Chelsea

Joey Chestnut got more than the Mustard Belt for his victory at the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

He will pocket $10,000, as will women’s champion Miki Sudo.

For Chestnut, that worked out to be about $142 for each hot dog and bun he consumed, eating total of 70½ during the annual 10-minute contest in Coney Island, New York.

“It’s awesome,’ said Chestnut, who returned to the competition after a one-year ban. “I’m really lucky. You know, competitive eating, it’s not like people are buying tickets to watch it. And it’s not tons and tons of advertising, so there’s not the most money involved it in.’

Chestnut confirmed he makes exponentially from his three-year contract with Nathan’s, although he has declined to reveal the terms of the deal.

The competitors at Nathan’s compete for a total of $40,000 in prize money, $20,000 for the men and $20,000 for the women.

While $10,000 goes to each of the winners, the second-place finishers each get $5,000, the third-place finishers each get $2,500 apiece and the remaining $2,500 is split among other the fourth- and fifth-place finishers, according to George Shea, co-founder of Major League Eating and the host of the Nathan’s contest.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest prize money

Winner: $10,000
Second place: $5,000
Third place: $2,500
Fourth place: $1,500
Fifth place: $1,000

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The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this year came with a footnote.

One of the eaters was disqualified.

The women’s standings shown on a graphic on the event organizer’s social media site listed “Madison Barone (DQ).’’ She’s not listed in the final results distributed by Major League Eating, which runs the contest.

So what happened?

‘Ms. Barone experienced urges contrary to swallowing after the contest but before the conclusion of presentations and the awarding of places,’ said Sam Barclay, director of operations at Major League Eating,. ‘By Major League Eating rules, urges contrary to swallowing before the conclusion of the event, including presentations and the awarding of prizes, results in a DQ.’

“Urges contrary to swallowing” translates to getting sick.

Barone, a 24-year-old from Manville, New Jersey, did not immediately respond to an interview request sent by email.

George Shea, who has served as the contest announcer since 1991, said he was unaware of any such incident taking place at the time. And he was averse to using graphic language to characterize what took place.

‘We will only say urges contrary to swallowing.” Shea told USA TODAY Sports. ‘We never utter other words. It is like saying Voldemort.’

The Tour de France returns to its roots, with all 21 stages to be raced within France for the first time since 2020. Last year’s race started in Florence, Italy, and ended with an individual time trial in Nice.

The 112th edition will feature seven flat stages, six hilly stages, six mountain stages, and two individual time trials, with 23 teams of 184 riders taking on the 2,075-mile course over three grueling weeks, starting on July 5.

Two riders to watch out for are Tadej Pogačar from Slovenia and Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, who have won the last five Tour de France titles between them. The 26-year-old Pogačar was dominant last year, capturing the Giro d’Italia and Tour, becoming the first rider to win those two races in the same season since 1998.

Pogačar won last year’s Tour by 6:17 over Vingegaard, was also victorious in 2020 and 2021, and was the runner-up in 2022 and 2023.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s race:

How to watch the 2025 Tour de France

All 21 stages will air on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. NBC will have live coverage of stages 1 and 20, with highlights of stages 2, 15, 20 and 21.

2025 Tour de France stage schedule, distance, characteristics

July 5: Lille Métropole to Lille Métropole, 114.9 miles (flat stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET; 8 a.m. on NBC

July 6: Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer, 129.9 miles (hilly stage)

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET

July 7: Valenciennes to Dunkirk, 110.8 miles (flat stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 8: Amiens to Rouen, 108.2 miles (hilly stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 9: Caen to Caen, 21 miles (individual time trial)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 10: Bayeux to Vire, 125.2 miles (hilly stage)

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET

July 11: Saint-Malo to Mûr-de-Bretagne, 122 miles (hilly stage)

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET

July 12: Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Laval, 106.5 miles (flat stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 13: Chinon to Chateauroux, 108.2 miles (flat stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 14: Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy, 102.7 miles (mountain stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 16: Toulouse to Toulouse, 97.4 miles (flat stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 17: Auch to Hautacam, 112.2 miles (mountain stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 18: Loudenvielle to Peyragudes, 6.8 miles (individual time trial)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 19: Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères, 113.5 miles (mountain stage)

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET

July 20: Muret to Carcassonne, 105.2 miles (hilly stage)

Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET

July 22: Montpellier to Mont Ventoux, 106.6 miles (mountain stage)

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET

July 23: Bollène to Valence, 99.7 miles (flat stage)

Coverage begins at 7 a.m. ET

July 24: Vif to Courchevel Col de la Loze, 106.6 miles (mountain stage)

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET

July 25: Albertville to La Plagne, 80.7 miles (mountain stage)

Coverage begins at 7 a.m. ET

July 26: Nantua to Pontarlier, 114.5 miles (hilly stage)

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET; 8 a.m. on NBC

July 27:  Mantes la Ville to Paris Champs Élysées, 82.2 miles (flat stage)

Coverage begins at 9:30 a.m. ET

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The New York Knicks have their new coach.

Former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown reached a deal to the helm, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Friday, July 4. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau, whom the Knicks fired June 3.

With the hiring of Brown, the Knicks are putting their faith in the former Kings, Lakers and Cavaliers coach to get them to their first NBA Finals since 2000. In firing Thibodeau the organization made it clear anything short of a championship is not good enough.

Brown brings more than 23 years of NBA experience as a coach and assistant and a pedigree of working both in big markets and with star players. He had a brief stint in Los Angeles where he coached Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, but he has also worked with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker and, more recently, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

As an assistant, Brown has worked under some of the best coaches in NBA history, inlcuding Bernie Bickerstaff, Gregg Popovich, Rick Carlisle and Steve Kerr. He has been either a coach or assistant of four NBA championship teams (three with the Warriors and one with the Spurs) and eight conference championship teams.

In fact, in first season as an assistant in San Antonio, in 2000-01, he coached a 35-year-old Kerr.

With the Knicks, Brown should have no problem carrying over the defensive identity that Thibodeau had installed over his time with the team. His true measure of success, however, aside from championship contention, will be to evolve New York’s offense to have more creativity with All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns as the centerpieces.

In nine-and-a-half seasons as a head coach, Brown has posted a 454-304 (.599) record and an Eastern Conference Championship (2007; Cavaliers). The Kings fired Brown on December 27.

After crashing out in the NBA Eastern Conference finals, their deepest run in a quarter century, the New York Knicks were searching for a candidate who could get them to the Finals and their first championship since 1973.

Knicks president Leon Rose thanked Thibodeau in a statement but said, in part, ‘Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction.’

The move came a little less than one year since the Knicks had signed Thibodeau to a three-year contract extension that was supposed to keep him with the franchise through the 2027-28 season.

In five seasons with the Knicks, Thibodeau, 67, posted a 226-174 record (.565) and led New York to the playoffs in four of those seasons. This year marked the first time in 25 seasons that the Knicks had reached the Eastern Conference finals, though the Knicks lost the first two games of the series at home, before bowing out in six games to the Indiana Pacers.

The Knicks had made multiple win-now offseason moves ahead of the 2024-25 season in an attempt to compete with the defending champion Boston Celtics and other top teams in the East. New York traded Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for stretch center Karl-Anthony Towns and also unloaded a haul of picks for wing Mikal Bridges.

The Knicks went on to win 51 games to finish third in the conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston.

He performed like the GOAT he is.

Chestnut, 41, won his 17th title, with an official total of 70 ½ hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute contest.

That fell short of his record of 76 hot dogs and buns that he set in 2021.

“Oh, my gosh, I was nervous. First couple of hot dogs I was fumbling a little bit,’ Chestnut told ESPN after the contest.

Patrick Bertoletti, who won with Chestnut barred from competition last year, finished second 46 ½ hot dogs and buns.

“I found a pretty good rhythm,’ Chestnut said. ‘My goal was 70 to 77. I really wanted a little bit more. There’s next year and I’m just happy to be here.’

Chestnut signed a three-year contract with Nathan’s in June, clearing the path for his return to the contest after the one-year ban.

“I love doing it, and I love pushing myself and beating the heck out of people,’ he said.

Here’s how Saturday unfolded at Coney Island:

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest results

Joey Chestnut – 70 1/2
Patrick Bertoletti – 46 1/2
James Webb – 45 1/2
Geoff Esper – 43 7/8
Nick Wehry – 41 3/4
Ricardo Corbucci – 40
Max Stanford – 36 1/2
Gideon Oji – 31 1/6
Radim Dvoracek – 30 1/2
Derek Hendrickson – 30
Darrien Thomas – 29 1/2
George Chiger – 25
Jerome Burns – 23 1/2
Adrian Morgan – 23
Cameron Meade – 20 3/4

Joey Chestnut does it again!

It’s over! Chestnut wins his 17th title with an unofficial total of 71 hot dogs and buns.

Joey Chestnut chasing record

Halfway through the 10-minute contest, Joey Chestnut has eaten 46 hot dogs. That puts himself on pace to break his record of 76.

Joey Chestnut still cooking

Chestnut consumed 30 dogs by the three-minute mark, giving him a 10-hot dog lead over reigning champion Pat Bertoletti.

Joey Chestnut starts fast

Joey Chestnut ate 11 hot dogs and buns in the first minute of the 10-minute contest. But the field is only three behind.

Joey Chestnut’s jaws are set

In a pre-contest interview with ESPN2, Chestnut said, “I’m hungry. I’m going to push it.’

Push it enough to blow past his record of 76 hot dogs and buns to eat 80? Joey?

“Things are going to have to be in perfect rhythm,’ he said. 

Miki Sudo vs. mother-daughter team

Sudo was disappointed with her total of 33 hot dogs and buns, but it was more than enough to beat the mother-daughter combination of Katie Prettyman and Isabeau Prettyman. Katie ate 13 1/8 hot dogs and her daughter Isabeau ate 7 ¼ hot dogs for a total of 20 3/8. That was, more than 12 short of Sudo’s total.

Joey Chestnut is back!

If this montage of Chestnut triumphs doesn’t make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, well, you should probably consult with your doctor.

Miki Sudo assesses performance after winning women’s contest

Sudo was trying to make sense of her showing after eating 33 hot dogs and buns. That was 18 fewer than her record-breaking 51 last year and her lowest total since finishing with 30 ¾ in 2021.

“I feel like I let the fans down a little bit,’ Sudo told ESPN. “I had people in the crowd saying go for 52, and obviously I’m always setting my goals high. But the hot dogs just weren’t cooperating. For some reason the buns felt larger today.’

Sudo devoured eight hot dogs in the first minute, then consumed an average of less than three hot dogs per minute before the 10-minute contest was over.

In the end, she had her 11th title in 11 contests.

“I guess I refuse to lose,’ she said. “I refuse to give him. And even when I do stumble, I get right back up.’’

Miki Sudo wins 11th women’s hot dog contest title

Miki Sudo won the women’s contest by eating 33 hot dogs and buns, winning her 11th Nathan’s contest in 11 tries.

Although she won the pink belt awarded to the women’s champion, her total fell well short of the record-breaking 51 she consumed in the 2024 contest.

Michelle Lesco finished second with 22 ¾ hot dogs and buns and Domenica Dee finished third with 21½ in her debut at Nathan’s.

Women’s hot dog eating contest participants

Miki Sudo
Michelle Lesco
Domenica Dee
Tandra Childress
Katie Prettyman
Larell Marie Mele
Isabeau Prettyman
Jocelyn Young
Kelly Lewis
Camille O’Brien
Elizabeth Salgado
Cherish Brown
Madison Barone
Laura Beitler

Is Joey Chestnut competing in the Hot Dog Eating Contest? 

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest records 

In 2021, Joey Chestnut set the world record for the most hot dogs and buns eaten in one sitting by consuming 76. He had previously broken the record twice in the three contests leading up to that year: in 2018, he devoured 74 hot dogs and buns, and in 2020, he set a new record with 75. This was a stark difference compared to the 2024 winner, Patrick Bertoletti, who took home the Mustard Belt after eating 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

On the women’s side, Miki Sudo is the top dog (eater), munching 51 hot dogs and buns in 2024. 

How many times has Joey Chestnut won the Hot Dog Eating Contest? 

Chestnut holds the record for the most Mustard Belts, winning the contest 16 times. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo has been an unstoppable eating force, securing 10 Ketchup Belts, including one last year.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest odds

All odds via DraftKings on Wednesday, July 2

Joey Chestnut (-2500)
Patrick Bertoletti (+1500)
James Webb (+2500)
Geoffrey Esper (+2500)
Nick Wehry (+3500)
Field (Participant not listed) (+1500)

Who won the Hot Dog Eating Contest last year?

Last year, Patrick Bertoletti won his first Mustard Belt by consuming 58 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo claimed her tenth championship and now holds the women’s world record for eating 51 hot dogs and buns.

List of past Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest winners 

2024: Patrick BertolettI, 58 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 51 (women’s)
2023: Joey Chestnut, 62 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 39 1/2 (women’s)  
2022: Joey Chestnut, 63 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 42 (women’s)  
2021: Joey Chestnut, 76 (men’s) | Michelle Lesco, 30 3/4 (women’s)  
2020: Joey Chestnut, 75 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 48 1/2 (women’s)  
2019: Joey Chestnut, 71 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 31 (women’s)  
2018: Joey Chestnut, 74 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 37 (women’s)  
2017: Joey Chestnut, 72 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 41 (women’s)  
2016: Joey Chestnut, 70 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 38 (women’s)  
2015: Matt Stonie, 62 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 38 (women’s)  
2014: Joey Chestnut, 61 (men’s) | Miki Sudo, 34 (women’s)  
2013: Joey Chestnut, 69 (men’s) | Sonya Thomas, 36 3/4 (women’s)  
2012: Joey Chestnut, 68 (men’s) | Sonya Thomas, 45 (women’s)  
*2011: Joey Chestnut, 62 (men’s) | Sonya Thomas, 40 (women’s)  
2010: Joey Chestnut, 54  
2009: Joey Chestnut, 68  
2008: Joey Chestnut, 59 (defeated Takeru Kobayashi in an untimed eat-off, eating five hot dogs in 50 seconds)  
2007: Joey Chestnut, 66  
2006: Takeru Kobayashi, 53 3/4  
2005: Takeru Kobayashi, 49  
2004: Takeru Kobayashi, 53 1/2  
2003: Takeru Kobayashi, 44 1/2  
2002: Takeru Kobayashi, 50 1/2  
2001: Takeru Kobayashi, 50  
2000: Kazutoyo Arai, 25 1/8  
1999: Steve Keiner, 21 1/2  
1998: Hirofumi Nakajima, 19  
1997: Hirofumi Nakajima, 24 1/2  
1996: Ed Krachie, 22  
1995: Ed Krachie, 19 1/2  
1994: Mike DeVito, 20 

What is a ‘glizzy?’

A ‘glizzy’ is a slang term for a hot dog. The word has unknown origins, but some trace it back to handguns: A ‘Glizzy’ is a slang term for a Glock handgun. The word then evolved to mirror the magazine of a handgun, which is approximately the length of a hot dog. 

What is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest prize purse?

The total prize purse for the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is $40,000, divided between the men’s and women’s divisions. First place winners in each division will receive $10,000, second place winners will get $5,000, and third place winners will earn $2,500.

Who beat Joey Chestnut?

The last person to beat Joey Chestnut at the Nathan’s contest was Matt Stonie in 2015. Stonie ate 62 hot dogs and buns and Chestnut ate 60 hot dogs and buns. Chestnut also lost to Takeru Kobayashi in 2005, the year of Chestnut’s debut at Nathan’s, and 2006.

President Donald Trump announced that the White House will host a UFC event in 2026, in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Trump was speaking to a crowd on Thursday, July 3 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds when he mentioned that Dana White and UFC will use the space available at the White House to host close to 25,000 spectators for the upcoming fight card.

“We’re going to have some incredible events, some professional events, some amateur events. But the UFC fight is going to be a big deal, too,” Trump said.

Donald Trump and Dana White’s friendship

Trump is no stranger to the mixed martial arts scene, having attended multiple events in the past, including UFC 302 and 309.

The President has been spotted on a UFC broadcast in the past sitting alongside White, including UFC 314 at Kaseya Center in Miami.

Trump received a fairly positive reaction from the crowd as he walked out and toward his seat with Kid Rock’s ‘American Bad Ass’ playing.

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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was expanded in part to create matchups exactly like Friday’s quarterfinal between English power Chelsea and one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, Palmeiras.

Chelsea was heavily favored to win Group D, but a 3-1 upset loss to Flamengo – who sit just two points ahead of Palmeiras in the Brazilian league standings – dropped them to second place. The Blues overcame a last-second equalizer from Benfica in the round of 16, scoring three times in extra time to claim a 4-1 victory to earn a place in this match.

Palmeiras came out on top in one of the tightest groups of the tournament, with a dramatic late comeback against Inter Miami securing the top spot. In the round of 16, they took on a domestic rival in Botafogo, going to extra time before Paulinho pounced for the game’s only goal to set the Verdão up with this big test in Philadelphia.

Here’s what to know for Friday’s Chelsea vs. Palmeiras game, including start time, location, and how to watch:

What time is Chelsea vs. Palmeiras at Club World Cup?

Friday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal between Chelsea and Palmeiras is set to kick off at 9 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

How to watch Chelsea vs. Palmeiras Club World Cup game: TV, stream

Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
TV: truTV
Stream: DAZN, Sling TV

Watch Palmeiras vs. Chelsea FREE on DAZN

While some talented players remain available, the biggest moves have taken place, leaving a clear indication of which teams have become far better than they were two weeks ago. Similarly, whether because of luxury tax or apron considerations, or because of differences in roster building, it’s clear teams that lost key players aren’t quite as strong as they had been.

In any case, all teams are chasing the 2025 NBA Finals champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who are returning their young core.

Here’s a look at four NBA teams whose stock is up after the NBA draft and free agency and four teams whose stock is down.

Stock up

Houston Rockets

They are clearly making a move to win an NBA title. The trade for Kevin Durant will generate the most discussion, but Houston also made a few corresponding moves that set it up for contention. Re-signing Steven Adams was huge, as the Rockets thrived with their double-big lineup alongside Alpren Sengun. To bolster that even further, the Rockets signed Clint Capela, where he played the first six seasons of his career. But perhaps the sneakiest expert move was nabbing 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who now gives Houston coveted depth and length at the wing.

Denver Nuggets

In a league that is often called a copycat league, trying to replicate what another successful team did, you need the right personnel. The Nuggets are trying to do what Oklahoma City did — building a team with players who provide depth and offensive and defensive versatility and anchored by an MVP-caliber player (Nikola Jokic in the Nuggets’ case). Denver traded for Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, and signed Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Valanciunas provides much-needed help with the non-Jokic minutes, Cam Johnson is two-way upgrade over Michael Porter Jr. whom the Nuggets traded to get Johnson, Brown is back in his comfort zone where he helped the Nuggets win the 2023 title, and Hardaway was a starter and 36.8% 3-point shooter for a 44-win Pistons team last season. Denver was 50-32 last season, and new coach David Adelman will have a deep roster to try and win a title with Jokic and Jamal Murray leading the way.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have had a tremendous offseason. From getting Kristaps Porzingis at a discount, to solid depth pieces in free agency like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, Atlanta has put itself in position to compete in a wide-open East. The Hawks did lose Clint Capela, though Onyeka Okongwu had taken his starting spot and also lost Caris LeVert, but the Alexander-Walker move offsets that. The move that was a stroke of genius, though, might not be felt for another year. The Hawks traded down 10 spots in the draft and landed an unprotected first-rounder from the New Orleans Pelicans that could become a lottery selection. And, Atlanta still came away with a talented forward in Asa Newell at No. 23.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons added depth with Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson, and they are in the mix for Malik Monk, who was second in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2023-24. Paul Reed returns to Detroit, providing front-court depth. Regardless of the Monk situation — the Pistons might acquire him as part of a sign-and-trade that sends Dennis Schröder to Sacramento, Detroit supplemented its roster with shooting, playmaking and depth, and it has availability to add more players in free agency. As Cade Cunningham progresses as an All-NBA guard, the Pistons are in position to take another jump in the East.

Stock down

Los Angeles Lakers

It’s a strange time in Lakers Land. They lost Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, LeBron James’ future with the franchise is unclear and while DeAndre Ayton has the physical tools to help, will he be available enough and have the necessary motivation and dedication with Los Angeles? The Lakers have been running on two tracks — win now with James and Luka Doncic, and prepare for a future without James. It’s getting more difficult for the Lakers to have it both ways. With Oklahoma City loaded and Houston and Denver making moves, where do the Lakers fit in the West? Are they any closer to championship contention than they were when the lost in the first round in April?

Indiana Pacers

Losing center Myles Turner, who had been the longest-tenured Pacer, is one thing; losing him to a fiercely hated rival is another. But because the Pacers seem unwilling to dip into the luxury tax, they have been limited with the moves they can do. Indiana was also without a first-round pick, though trading early in the second round for guard Kam Jones was a decent move. Still, with no reliable option at center, and with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton expected to miss all of next season with a torn Achilles, it has been a rough go since the middle of the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are in transition with a new front office led by vice president of basketball operations Scott Perry and new head coach Doug Christie. The Kings will acquire Dennis Schröder, and they’re still in the mix for other deals/potential roster improvements (Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is a player to watch), but will it be enough to make a difference for a team that was 40-42 in a deep Western Conference last season? Is he the answer at point guard after losing De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline? The Kings could also lose Malik Monk’s scoring punch. Trading Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric is also a downgrade.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The good: Minnesota re-upped with a pair of its key contributors in Julius Randle and sixth man Naz Reid. The bad: they reportedly lost defensive wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade, getting a 2027 second-round pick and cash considerations in return. Alexander-Walker was a significant part of the team’s identity, but the biggest issue facing the Timberwolves is that — after making consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals but falling short — the status quo doesn’t appear to be the answer. And No. 17 overall draft pick Joan Beringer, 19, is a project.

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The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, a fiercely competitive Fourth of July staple for over 50 years — and the world’s premier competition for competitive eaters — has crowned a women’s champion: Miki Sudo.

During what is commonly known as the ’10 minutes of glory’ on Coney Island, Miki Sudo ate an impressive 33 hot dogs, securing her 11th championship. This amount, however, fell short of the record she set last year, when she won her 10th title in 2024 by consuming 51 hot dogs. In addition to being crowned the hot dog eating champion, Sudo will receive $10,000 from a total prize purse of $40,000.

Here are the top moments from the women’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest:

Miki Sudo wins 11th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest title

Miki Sudo claimed her 11th title by eating 33 hot dogs in 10 minutes on Friday. This performance fell short of last year’s record, where she consumed 51 hot dogs.

Women’s hot dog eating contest participants

Miki Sudo
Michelle Lesco
Domenica Dee
Tandra Childress
Katie Prettyman
Larell Marie Mele
Isabeau Prettyman
Jocelyn Young
Kelly Lewis
Camille O’Brien
Elizabeth Salgado
Cherish Brown
Madison Barone
Laura Beitler