If you’re a die-hard Taylor Swift fan tuning into the ‘New Heights’ podcast, you may be curious: What is a 92%er, anyway?

The fervent fans of the Travis and Jason Kelce-led podcast have a group name that represents a little about the nature of the supporter group and has a football meaning behind it.

Referencing an NFL play, 92%ers tune into the Kelce’s podcast every week, with the Aug. 13 one an extra special edition that featured Taylor Swift, the super popstar girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Here’s what to know about the name:

What are 92 percenters?

Jason and Travis Kelce refer to fans of the ‘New Heights’ podcast as ‘92%ers’ in reference to the success rate of a quarterback sneak.

Jason, a longtime center for the Philadelphia Eagles, stated the team’s success rate in running a quarterback sneak was 92%. The Eagles popularized a version of the quarterback sneak commonly called the ‘Tush Push.’

What is a quarterback sneak?

A quarterback sneak is an NFL play in which the quarterback receives the snap from the center and attempts to push forward in order to gain a first down.

The play is typically reserved for short-yardage situations and requires total synchronicity between all members on the offense.

How to listen to the New Heights podcast live

Those looking to tune into the Aug. 13 ‘New Heights’ podcast featuring Taylor Swift can watch on YouTube:

Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, had a sneak peek at the “New Heights” podcast featuring Taylor Swift.

“I knew before y’all did because they called me after the podcast was done. They didn’t call me, they called Brittany,” Mahomes told reporters Wednesday. “I was in the back of the facetime. I’m obviously super excited. Just knowing Taylor (Swift) and seeing the process from just a little bit closer of how she makes the albums. It’s gonna be amazing, (just) because of how much work she (Taylor Swift) puts into it. What better place to announce it than the New Heights podcast where I feel like she can be herself and showcase who she is, and I think people are going to be really excited to watch it tonight.

“I haven’t seen it yet, I have seen a little bit of the clips like everybody else, but I’ll be tuned in tonight at 7:00 (Eastern), so I’ll be able to have something to watch here on this night off that I have.”

While the Chiefs’ star quarterback plans to watch the podcast, Andy Reid does not. However, the Chiefs’ head coach predicted his grandkids would tune in.

“I’m like really old,” Reid said. “My grandkids will be all over it. But I’m happy for them (Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce). Both of them like each other, and what a plus that is. They care about each other, and I think that’s the most important thing. The older you get; you want these guys to have somebody they can settle down with and that whole deal. And so, I think it’s a neat deal for them – both of them.”

For the Swifties out there, Swift is expected to discuss her upcoming album during Wednesday’s podcast. The show begins, as Patrick said, at 7 p.m. ET.

The 2025 Little League World Series kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 13 with four games across the U.S. and international brackets.

In total, 20 teams will take part in this summer tradition that concludes on Aug. 24, with the final two squads left standing competing for the championship.

Action starts with Puerto Rico taking on the team from Cardenales Little League (Barquisimeto, Venezuela). Wednesday’s slate concludes with an evening affair between Fairfield, Connecticut, and Richmond, Texas.

LLWS 2025 scores, schedule today

This section will be updated when games begin. All times ET.

United States bracket

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Game 2: Nevada 16, Illinois 1
Game 4: Connecticut 1, Texas 0

International Bracket

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Game 1: Venezuela 5, Puerto Rico 0
Game 3: Panama 7, Australia 2

Final: Connecticut 1, Texas 0

Luca Pellegrini and Connecticut earned a shutout victory over Texas. Pellegrini threw a strike to record the final out of the game and complete his six-inning, one-hitter.

Texas’ no-hitter through, Connecticut scores

It may have taken five innings, but we finally saw our first hit of the game. Texas pitcher Shane Grawe allowed his first hit off the bat of Connecticut’s Jimmy Taxiltaridis. Unfortunately, Taxiltaridis would get thrown out at third attempting to advance on a dropped third strike. All hope for a run looked lost for Connecticut, but just one batter later, a single would drive in Dante Madera for the first run of the game. It was a very close play at the plate, but replay showed that Madera was in fact safe, giving Connecticut the all important first run of the contest.

Two no-hitters going on in Williamsport

After three games where the victor put up at least five runs, we’ve got ourselves a good ol’ fashioned pitcher’s duel in the final game of Day 1. Both Connecticut and Texas’ pitchers are both dominating their opponents. Infact, through three-and-a-half innings, neither pitcher has even allowed a hit. There has also only been one error on both sides, making it even more difficult to get on base.

This game may very well come down to which team can break through first. This has the making of a 1-0 if anyone has ever seen one.

FINAL: Panama 7, Australia 2

Panama won this game on the strength of a monster fourth inning, tallying five runs in that frame alone. Australia’s defense certainly played a role in this outcome as well. The Aussies totaled six errors on the day, granting Panama several more opportunities to score than they would have had.

Outside of their defense, Australia had several bright spots. This could be a team to look out for as the tournament progresses. If they can improve their defense, Australia could be one of the most dangerous teams in the loser’s bracket moving forward.

Australia notches second run

Trailing by six in the fifth inning, Australia needed to put together something for any hope at a comeback. Well, they got something. It may just be one run, but come the sixth inning, perhaps that one run could make the difference.

Australia still trails 7-2, but they’ve proven capable of getting to the Panama pitching. We head to the sixth.

Panama puts together massive fourth inning

What was a close game became much more difficult for the Australians. Panama tallied four runs before recording their second out. Panama would add a fifth run on an error from the Australia second baseman.

Despite the crooked number, it actually could have been much worse for Australia, as Panama left two runners on base to end the inning. It took a great play at short and an even better pick at first in order to secure the final out. Australia fans breathed a major sigh of relief after the play.

We head to the bottom of the fourth. Panama leads 7-1.

Panama hits first home run of LLWS

A long finish to the first United States game delayed a lot of fans from watching Panama vs. Australia. In fact, viewers missed the entirety of the first inning, where Panama made a statement, hitting a two-run home run to kick the game off, the first home run of the tournament.

Australia would retaliate, picking up a run of their own in the bottom of the first, but they still trail 2-1, heading into the second inning.

FINAL: Nevada 16, Illinois 1

This was a statement win from Nevada, announcing to every other team that they are here and here to stay. Eighteen hits, sixteen runs. It just wasn’t fair in the sixth inning. Even though Illinois put up a run in the sixth, it was far too little too late.

Nevada advances to face the Northwest region in the second round on August 15.

Nevada explodes before bottom of the sixth

After scoring five runs in the first two innings, Nevada’s offense went silent for the next three. However, needing just three outs left to put away Illinois, the Nevada offense decided to give their pitchers a little more run support. And by a little, we mean eleven runs. If it wasn’t the sixth inning, this inning alone would have triggered the ten-run mercy rule.

The hits just kept on coming. Nevada was not just walking, they were smoking the baseball, putting up extra base hit after extra base hit, constantly driving in runs. At one point, twelve hitters were able to reach base consecutively. Nevada tallied five doubles in the inning.

Nevada pitcher Gallegos didn’t need much help. After all, he was throwing a shutout before getting pulled in the sixth due to the pitch count. However, you can never have too much run support. Nevada heads into the bottom of the sixth up 16-0.

Nevada two-out rally plants four runs

With two outs in the bottom of the second, Nevada put together an outstanding rally, tallying two singles and two walks to bring home their second run in as many innings.

The second run prompted an Illinois pitching change with shortstop Brody Herold heading to the mound. The change didn’t help though. Nevada’s Dustin Gruesel drilled a single to left center field, driving in two more runs and leaving runners on the corner for the top of the order.

Nevada would score one more run to put themselves up by five. Finally, the inning would end on a fly ball to center field, but the massive damage had been done. It’s Illinois’ turn to put up a crooked number. They trail 5-0.

Illinois leaves them loaded

Looking to get that run right back, Illinois was doing well, loading the bases in the bottom of the first with only one out. However, Nevada pitcher Garrett Gallegos came up clutch, racking up two strikeouts to strand the runners on the bases. Nevada maintains their 1-0 lead.

Nevada off to hot start

It didn’t take long for the offense to get going on the American side. A leadoff walk and a single put two runners on with no one out in the top of the first inning.

Illinois had an opportunity to limit the threat. A taylor-made double play ball ended up with an errant throw, putting runners on the corners. Two pitches later, a wild pitch would allow Brooks Fescher to score, and moving Cache Malan to second.

Nevada would not be able to bring Malan home, but the run is already giving them some momentum. As we’ve already seen, one run can be more than enough to win in Williamsport.

FINAL: Venezuela 5, Puerto Rico 0

A dominant pitching performance from Venezuela was the story for this game. The team’s strong pitching was coupled with immaculate defense and timely hitting, granting Venezuela a strong win to start tournament play.

Puerto Rico had several good moments, but could not find a way to cross the plate. Don’t let the final score fool you though. Puerto Rico had nearly as many hits as Venezuela (four to Venezuela’s five). However, their inability to drive in runners when they reached base was the difference in this game.

Venezuela will play next on August 15 against Canada. Puerto Rico, meanwhile, moves to the loser’s bracket. They’ll play on August 16 against the loser between Mexico and Taipei.

Samuel Castillo pulls off immaculate double play

After a leadoff single from Puerto Rico, Venezuela was looking to halt any hope of a comeback. Samuel Castillo did it on his own. With a ball hit sharply down the left field line, Castillo snagged it out of the air diving to his right, then firing across the diamond to double up the runner at first.

Castillo’s leather work was a massive momentum swing, and the momentum was already in Venezuela’s favor. It remains 3-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

Puerto Rico keeps runs off the board

The bottom of the fourth inning started off as well as it could for a trailing Puerto Rico team. However, with two outs, a walk and an error put a runner in scoring position, giving Venezuela a chance to extend their 3-0 lead.

It appeared to be an infield hit at first glance, with Puerto Rico curious how they didn’t get an out. However, after some collaboration from the umpires, they decided that the inning was over. Puerto Rico fans breathed a big sigh of relief. They’ll head to the top of the fifth, down 3-0, looking to mount a comeback.

What time is the Little League World Series today?

The first game Wednesday is at 1 p.m. ET with the final game starting at 7 p.m. ET, with Fairfield, Connecticut, taking on Richmond, Texas, to conclude the day.

Little League World Series 2025: TV, time and how to watch

The Little League World Series begins Wednesday with four games across the U.S. and international brackets. Games will be presented across ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Viewers can also watch with Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Times: Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET with the final game starting at 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+ (international games), Fubo

Watch the Little League World Series with Fubo

Previous LLWS champions

Here are the last 20 LLWS champions by year:

2024: Lake Mary, Florida
2023: El Segundo, California
2022: Honolulu, Hawaii
2021: Taylor, Michigan
2019: River Ridge, Louisiana
2018: Honolulu, Hawaii
2017: Tokyo-Kitasuna, Japan
2016: Maine-Endwell, New York
2015: Tokyo-Kitasuna, Japan
2014: Seoul, South Korea
2013: Musashi-Fuchu, Japan
2012: Tokyo-Kitasuna, Japan
2011: Huntington Beach, California
2010: Edogawa Minami, Japan
2009: Chula Vista, California
2008: Waipahu, Hawaii
2007: Warner Robins, Georgia
2006: Columbus, Georgia
2005: ‘Ewa Beach, Hawaii
2004: Willemstad, Curacao

How does the LLWS work?

The Little League World Series is an annual summer tournament hosted in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, home of the first ever LLWS champions in 1947. The tournament is a double-elimination tournament, meaning each team can lose one game before being eliminated from contention following their second loss.

The tournament is also broken up between United States and international brackets, with the championship always being between the U.S. champs and an international opponent.

Which teams are in the tournament this year?

United States teams:

Great Lakes Region: Clarendon Hills, Illinois
Metro Region: Fairfield, Connecticut
Mid-Atlantic Region: Upper Uwchlan Township, Pennsylvania
Midwest Region: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Mountain Region: Las Vegas, Nevada
New England Region: Braintree, Massachusetts
Northwest Region: Bonney Lake, Washington
Southeast Region: Irmo, South Carolina
Southwest Region: Richmond, Texas
West Region: Honolulu, Hawaii

International Teams:

Asia-Pacific Region: Chinese Taipei
Australia Region: Brisbane, Queensland
Canada Region: Vancouver, British Columbia
Caribbean Region: Santa Cruz, Aruba
Europe-Africa Region: Brno, Czechia
Japan Region: Tokyo, Japan
Latin America Region: Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Mexico Region: Chihuahua, Mexico
Panama Region: Arraijan, Panama
Puerto Rico Region: Yubucoa, Puerto Rico

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.

Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, has agreed to purchase the Portland Trail Blazers.
The sale price was not available, but CNBC recently valued the Blazers at $3.65 billion.
The Blazers had been owned by the estate of Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft.

The new owner of the Portland Trail Blazers is already familiar with the colors black and red.

Tom Dundon, the owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, reached an agreement Wednesday, Aug. 13 to purchase the Trail Blazers from the estate of Paul Allen.

The sale price was not available as of early Wednesday afternoon.

CNBC, which provides valuations of NBA franchises, listed the franchise at $3.65 billion in its most recent list.

Since Allen’s death in 2018, his sister, Jody Allen, became the executor and trustee of the estate and therefore the chairperson of the Trail Blazers and NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. Paul Allen’s estate had dictated that the majority of his wealth be donated to philanthropy.

In May 2025, the estate formally put the Blazers up for sale.

Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft alongside Bill Gates, had owned the Trail Blazers since 1988.

Here’s everything you need to know about new Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon.

Who is Tom Dundon?

Dundon, 53, is a billionaire businessman who is the co-founder and chairman of Dallas-based private investment firm Dundon Capital Partners. He’s also the co-founder and chairman of Southpaw Capital Partners.

Born in New York and raised in Dallas, Dundon graduated from Southern Methodist in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

His investments have spanned sports and entertainment, to real estate, healthcare, hospitality, tech and automotive and financial services.

His first big break in the business landscape came in 1997, when he and a collection of partners formed a car financing corporation that became Santander Consumer USA. Dundon eventually rose to become the company’s chairman and CEO.

In 2015, Dundon stepped aside from that role and formed Dundon Capital Partners. He’s also the majority owner of a Dallas-based real estate company called Pacific Elm Properties and is an investor in Topgolf Callaway Brands and Pickleball Inc.

Dundon is also active in several Dallas-area charities and launched the Dundon Family Charitable Fund, which focuses on academic and athletic initiatives at several universities.

When did Tom Dundon buy the Carolina Hurricanes?

In 2017, Dundon’s name surfaced in sales discussions to purchase the Hurricanes from previous longtime owner Peter Karmanos Jr. In January 2018, Dundon completed the sale and became the majority owner of the team.

At the time, per Forbes, Dundon purchased 61% of the franchise’s shares for $420 million. That included operating rights to the Lenovo Center (previously PNC Arena), the arena in Raleigh, North Carolina where the Hurricanes play.

Then, in June 2021, Dundon purchased the remaining shares to become the sole owner and proprietor of the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes ended a nine-season playoff drought in his first full season of ownership and have made the postseason in all seven seasons. They have reached the Eastern Conference finals three times, including last season.

The entertainment and sports worlds are set to collide tonight when Jason and Travis Kelce welcome Taylor Swift to their ‘New Heights’ podcast for the first time.

The highly anticipated show will feature Swift discussing her upcoming new album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ in addition to other topics that have been teased in social media clips throughout the week.

While the Kelce brothers generally stick to sports during their podcast, they occasionally have to deal with backlash in some circles when the subject turns to Travis’ romance with the pop music icon.

In a clip released this morning, Swift pokes a little fun at those haters.

‘I think we all know that if there’s one thing that male sports fans want to see in their spaces and on their screens, it’s more of me,’ she joked.

While the Kelce brothers are obviously big fans of Swift’s music, she hasn’t always been such a diehard football fan.

Travis goes into some of the details of how she deepened her knowledge of the game since they started dating two years ago in a cover story for GQ magazine.

But now that she’s fully on board ‘as a fan of ‘that guy on the Chiefs,” as Jason said in introducing her, Swift can now add ’19 wins, two AFC titles and a Super Bowl’ to her list of career accolades.

‘New Heights’ podcast with Taylor Swift

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 13
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where to watch: YouTube
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Audible | Spotify | Wondery

Travis Kelce reunited with his former speed and agility coach, Tony Villani, to prepare for the 2025 NFL season.
Villani’s training helped Kelce regain his top-end speed, potentially leading to more yards after the catch in the upcoming season.
Villani shared a heartwarming anecdote about Kelce and Taylor Swift interacting with his daughter.

Travis Kelce is getting back to his roots ahead of the 2025 NFL season as he and the Kansas City Chiefs look to erase a 40-22 Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

That process has entailed reuniting with Tony Villani, a speed and agility coach who has worked with Kelce dating back to his build-up for the 2013 NFL Combine.

Kelce took a years-long break from working directly with Villani as the tight end spent his summers in Los Angeles, as he looked to carve out a career in television in addition to his on-field career with the Chiefs.

But now, the two are working together again as Kelce looks to bounce back after one of his least productive seasons as a professional athlete.

Here’s what to know about Villani, his training philosophy and his relationship with Kelce.

Who is Tony Villani?

Villani is the founder of XPE Sports, a company that offers training to prospective NFL athletes, student athletes and basic adult fitness out of its gym in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Villani, a Clemson graduate, earned a Masters of Exercise Physiology from George Washington that kickstarted his career, according to his website. He interned for the NHL’s Washington Capitals and eventually served as the head strength coach of the Orlando Magic for a season.

After working in professional sports, Villani spent time with Cris Carter’s FAST Program, where he ‘focused on sport specific speed, agility, and strength training.’ In 2002, he founded XPE, Inc., which houses his current business operations, including SHREDmill.

Villani has trained over 500 professional athletes in the NFL, NBA and MLB, according to his website. That includes players like Jamal Lewis, Hines Ward and Osi Umenyiora.

Presently, he is training a group of NFL players including Kelce, Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Josh Palmer and Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley, among others.

Tony Villani’s training philosophy

Villani has developed what he believes is a simple philosophy for players to find consistent success at the NFL level.

It’s not necessarily about playing fast, as many athletes and commentators might believe. It’s actually about playing at the appropriate pace to both maximize speed while ensuring a player can efficiently change direction to create separation.

‘We’re in our facility to figure out how to get from A to B as fast as possible in a variety of ways,’ Villani explained to USA TODAY Sports. ‘So it is a science.’

Villani’s thesis is that the NFL world is hung-up on top-end speed metrics, whether it be the yearly results of the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine or analyzing the top speeds of players during game action with the league’s relatively new GPS speeds.

Villani knows those numbers have a purpose, as having breakaway speed in the open field is key in generating yards after the catch.

But when it comes to getting open or finding that space, the 51-year-old trainer believes it’s important to gear down.

‘The magic speed is 14 to 17 miles an hour,’ Villani said.

He isn’t alone in his belief. He referenced working with a couple of long-time NFL stars who told him they never wanted to reach their top speed on the field.

‘That’s exactly what Anquan Boldin and [Darrelle] Revis told me eight years ago,’ Villani detailed. ”I never want to sprint on that football field. If I’m sprinting, I’m losing.’ And it just blew my mind.’

That key lesson has shaped Villani’s training program, which has two key pillars. One is to build and maintain top-end speed, but the other is to teach players how to play at the appropriate game speed to find consistent success as route runners.

How exactly does the latter element work? It emphasizes efficiency of movement and finding ways for players to come out of breaks quickly, which Villani points out is all about controlling speed and limiting steps.

‘If his feet move quick and he took seven steps to get out of the cut instead of five or even three, those quick steps took an extra two-tenths of a second, right?’ Villani explains. ‘So when those quick steps aren’t powerful and moving in a certain way, all they are is dancing feet. They can look good, but sometimes, they’re not.’

Villani also highlighted exactly why it is so important for pass-catchers to focus on shaving those tenths of a second off their times.

‘If you dance, you spend three to four tenths of a second getting off the line,’ Villani explains. ‘That’s three- to four-tenths the quarterback doesn’t have time to throw.’

That’s why Villani has made player movement such an imporant part of his system. As much as explosiveness is being emphasized, he believes balancing it with savvy, well-paced movements is what results in creating consistent separation.

And he believes that like speed, proper movement skills can be taught and learned with the right program.

‘They used to say you can’t train speed. Now they’re realizing you can train speed and get people faster,’ Villani explained. ‘But now, people are still being lazy and saying, ‘you can’t train movement. People either play fast or they done.’ You just have to venture outside the box.’

What Tony Villani saw training Travis Kelce in 2025

Villani characterized Kelce as a ‘master’ of operating in the 14 to 17 mph range on the field. He credited the veteran tight end’s attention to those skills during his 12-year career to date for his sustained success.

However, Villani also believes there was one element missing from Kelce’s game over the last couple of seasons, when the tight end said his game ‘slipped’ as he pursued an acting career.

‘He was neglecting that ability to go from 17 to 20 miles an hour,’ Villani opined.

Villani pointed out that Kelce’s top speed can still reach those heights. He noted it happened in Super Bowl 58, when the veteran tight end made a 22-yard catch in front of Fred Warner with 16 seconds left in regulation. Kelce reached a speed of 19.68 mph on that play, his fastest play as a ball-carrier in seven seasons, per NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

Even so, Kelce entered his 2025 offseason training with Villani only able to reach 18.3 mph without pads. He has since upped that to 20.6 mph with a twice-a-week speed training routine that Villani said ‘wasn’t magic.’

That led Villani to a simple conclusion about Kelce’s speed training.

‘He just neglected it,’ Villani said. ‘He may have gotten comfortable because he kept getting open. He had 93 and 97 catches, but he didn’t have that threat after the catch. He has the moves, but not the juice.’

Villani expects Kelce will have ‘a little bit more juicing yards after the catch’ during the 2025 season based on the results of their training.

Tony Villani’s relationship with Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift

Villani spoke glowingly of Kelce when discussing the 12-plus years they have worked together.

‘He’s literally the most humble, fun-loving, honest, genuine and hardworking guy there is,’ Villani said. ‘What you see on his podcast, that’s him. There is no fakeness to it. That’s him.’

Villani outlined Kelce routinely trains with younger athletes at his facility. He not only serves as an example to them, but he also helps them out and coaches them up a bit when they are in his drill group.

Villani also told a story about a video call he had with Kelce ahead of their planned summer sessions for this season. The two were talking when Villani’s 8-year-old daughter, Carol-Myles, came into the room.

Villani detailed Kelce had long been Carol-Myles’ favorite football player, but she became an even bigger fan amid his relationship with Taylor Swift.

Naturally, Carol-Myles asked Kelce, ‘Where’s your girlfriend?’ before peppering him with a couple questions about marriage. Kelce looked off-camera for a moment before Swift eventually appeared and the two had a brief conversation with Carol-Myles.

‘Her and Travis just hammed it up with my daughter for like two minutes,’ Villani said. ‘And my daughter just couldn’t speak because she was in awe.’

That heartwarming moment led Villani to have an even greater appreciation for the type of people Kelce and Swift are.

‘Neither of them needed to do that,’ Villani said, reflecting on the heartwarming moment. ‘I think they’re just like that. I really do, and it’s very genuine.’

Motivation comes in all forms.

For some, that might be working hard to avoid losing a job. For others, that might mean doing extra to earn a bit more money. For athletes and performers, it could just be to impress a special someone in attendance.

It’s been two seasons since Taylor Swift took over the NFL world following her relationship with Travis Kelce and the evidence is interesting to say the least.

There seems to be a little extra motivation for Kelce when she’s around, which is evidenced by the tight end’s box scores. While Swift might be a good luck charm for Kelce, can the same also be said for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Maybe it’s her or maybe the Chiefs are just that good.

Here’s a look at Kelce’s stats with and without Swift in attendance, as well as the Chiefs’ record in those contests.

Travis Kelce stats with Taylor Swift in attendance

2023 season

Week 3 vs. Bears: Seven catches for 69 yards and one touchdown
Week 4 at Jets: Six catches for 60 yards
Week 6 vs. Broncos: Nine catches for 124 yards
Week 7 vs. Chargers: 12 catches (season-high) for 179 yards (season-high) and a touchdown
Week 13 at Packers: Four catches for 81 yards
Week 14 vs. Bills: Six catches for 83 yards
Week 15 at Patriots: Five catches for 28 yards
Week 16 vs. Raiders: Five catches for 44 yards
Week 17 vs. Bengals: Three catches for 16 yards
Wild-card round vs. Dolphins: Seven catches for 71 yards
Divisional round vs. Bills: Five catches, 75 yards, two touchdowns
AFC championship game vs. Ravens: 11 catches, 116 yards, touchdown
Super Bowl 58 vs. 49ers: Nine catches, 93 yards

The Chiefs finished with a 10-3 record with Swift around in 2023, including a Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers.

2024 season

Week 1 vs. Ravens: three catches, 34 yards
Week 2 vs. Bengals: one catch, 5 yards
Week 5 vs. Saints: nine catches, 70 yards
Week 9 vs. Buccaneers: 14 catches, 100 yards
Week 10 vs. Broncos: eight catches, 64 yards and one touchdown
Week 13 vs. Raiders: seven catches, 68 yards
Week 16 vs. Texans: five catches, 30 yards
Divisional round vs. Texans: seven catches, 117 yards and one touchdown
AFC championship vs. Bills: two catches, 19 yards
Super Bowl 59 vs. Eagles: four catches, 39 yards

The Chiefs were 9-1 during the 2024 season with Swift in the building, with the only loss coming in Super Bowl 59 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City owns a 19-4 record all-time when she’s in the crowd.

Travis Kelce stats without Taylor Swift in attendance

2023 season

Week 5 at Vikings: 10 catches, 67 yards and one touchdown
Week 8 at Broncos: six catches, 58 yards
Week 9 vs. Dolphins: three catches, 14 yards
Week 11 vs. Eagles: seven catches, 44 yards and one touchdown
Week 12 at Raiders: six catches, 91 yards

Swift didn’t begin attending Chiefs games until Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season, going 3-2 without the music star in attendance. Kelce was inactive during the Chiefs’ Week 1 and 18 contests, joining the Week 2 game as the three that didn’t make the cut

2024 season

Week 3 vs. Falcons: four catches, 30 yards
Week 4 vs. Chargers: seven catches, 89 yards
Week 7 vs. 49ers: four catches, 17 yards
Week 8 vs. Raiders: 10 catches, 90 yards and one touchdown
Week 11 vs. Bills: two catches, 8 yards
Week 12 vs. Panthers: six catches, 62 yards
Week 14 vs. Chargers: five catches, 45 yards
Week 15 vs. Browns: four catches, 27 yards
Week 17 vs. Steelers: eight catches, 84 yards and one touchdown

Kansas City was 8-1 when Swift wasn’t around and Kelce played in 2024. The Chiefs are 12-3 in that situation dating back to the 2023 season.

When Mattel approached Venus Williams to make her own Barbie for the Inspiring Women Series, the American tennis legend was given free rein to select any outfit to be immortalized in.

Williams, whose resume is long as her 6-foot-1 frame, had many moments to choose from throughout her trailblazing career. She could’ve selected the first of her seven Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2000 or opted to memorialize her first of four Olympic gold medals at the Sydney Games that same year. Williams could’ve even took it back to the 1999 French Open, where she won the first of her 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her little sister Serena Williams in their iconic braids and colorful beads.

But Williams ultimately selected her win at the 2007 Wimbledon tournament and not for the reason you may think. It was the first year the women’s and men’s singles champions earned equal prize money at Wimbledon, a cause that Williams championed long before her win.

‘Wimbledon 2007 was a huge moment in my career — not just because I won, but because of what was happening off the court,’ Williams told USA TODAY Sports ahead of her Barbie’s release on Aug. 15. ‘Championing for equal prize money wasn’t just about me, it was about pushing for change for all women in sports. To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too.’

Venus Williams: ‘My Barbie doll told my story’

Williams said seeing her own Barbie marked a ‘full-circle moment.’ When she didn’t have a tennis racket in her hand during her early years training alongside father, Richard Williams, and sister, Serena, Venus channeled her creative energy into giving her dolls one-of-a-kind makeovers.

‘I’ve always loved being creative, even as a kid, I used to sew clothes for my dolls,’ Williams recalled. ‘Seeing (my) finished doll was so surreal — it made me realize this doll represents something much bigger. It’s about inspiring young girls they can dream big and break barriers too.’

Breaking barriers is Williams specialty. Two years before she triumphantly hoisted Wimbledon’s Rosewater Dish for the fourth time in 2007, Williams met with officials from Wimbledon and the French Open. They were the two Grand Slams that didn’t pay equal prize money at the time. When no change came from the meeting, Williams refused to leave the ball in the officials’ court. She penned an article in The Times at the start of the 2006 tournament titled: Wimbledon has sent me a message: I’m only a second class champion.

Williams’ article was the catalyst for Wimbledon and the French Open to change. Both tournaments announced equal prize money for all competitors, beginning in 2007. Williams went on to win her sixth major singles title at Wimbledon that year and was the first woman to win the same purse as male champion Roger Federer.

‘My advice to any woman, not just advocating for equal pay but also advocating for themselves, is this: always bet on yourself and keep pushing, no matter how tough it gets,’ Williams told USA TODAY Sports. ‘There’s so much power in believing in yourself. When you use your voice, you create space for others to speak up too and that can create real change.’

Venus Williams collaborated ‘closely’ on Barbie

Williams’ Barbie is wearing a two-piece white set identical to what she wore to defeat France’s Marion Bartoli, 6–4, 6–1, in the 2007 Wimbledon final. Her ‘Inspiring Women Series’ doll also features Williams’ accessories from the match, including her green gem necklace, dangly earrings, wristbands and visors, in addition to Reebok tennis shoes. (Williams signed a multi-million dollar deal with Reebok in 1995 at age 14 after walking away from Nike because she believed she could earn more, as depicted in the 2021 biopic, ‘King Richard.’)

Don’t forget about her racket and tennis ball.

‘Venus chose that outfit herself actually, so she collaborated really closely with our talented Barbie design team,’ Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, told USA TODAY Sports. ‘They (worked) closely throughout the entire process of designing the doll to ensure it accurately reflected her appearance and her personal style.’

Berger said Williams’ involvement with creating her own Barbie ‘added that personal touch to capture her impact as an athlete and an advocate. It’s a moment that’s important not only for the sport, for women, for fans, but to Venus personally.’

What’s next for Venus Williams?

The release of Williams’ Barbie doll comes days ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open, where Williams is teaming up with fellow American Reilly Opelka in mixed doubles. She recently returned to competition for the first time in 16-months at the D.C. Open in July.

‘Coming back to D.C. reminded me how much I truly love this game,’ Williams said. ‘I’ve always stayed true to myself and played on my own terms. For me, excellence has no limits — I play because I love the process, and fully embrace each moment.’

Williams, 45, earned a straight sets victory over World No. 35 Peyton Stearns in the opening round to become the oldest player to win a tour-level singles match since 2004. Williams fell short in the second round against Magdalena Frech and made a quick, first-round exit at the Cincinnati Open, but she nonetheless celebrated being able to play ‘healthier than ever.’

‘Reconnecting with that feeling, along with the energy and support of the fans, was truly something special,’ Williams added.

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.

The NBA Cup play begins October 31, 2025 with a nationally broadcasted doubleheader.
Knockout rounds begin December 9, culminating in the championship game in Las Vegas on December 16.
The Bucks are defending champions, and the Lakers won the inaugural cup in 2024.

We already knew the groupings. Now we know the TV schedule.

The NBA Cup, formerly known as the in-season tournament, will officially tip off on Friday, Oct. 31 — 10 days after the start of the 2025-26 regular season.

The league announced Wednesday, Aug. 13 the full slate of NBA Cup games, including the ones that will be broadcast on national television. This marks the first time that Amazon Prime Video will stream NBA Cup games.

The group stage draw announced last month set up the three groups in each conference, with five teams in each group. The drawing was made at random, based on win-loss record.

Here’s everything you need to know about the national broadcast schedule for the 2025 NBA Cup:

NBA Cup national broadcast schedule

*All times Eastern

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (East B, 7 p.m. on Amazon Prime)
Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies (West B, 9:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime)

Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (West C, 7:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime)
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets (West C, 10 p.m. on Amazon Prime)

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

Miami Heat at New York Knicks (East C, 7 p.m. on Amazon Prime)
Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs (West C, 9:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime)

Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers (East A, 7 p.m. on Amazon Prime)
Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets (West C, 9:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime)

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers (East B, 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock)
Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers (West B, 11 p.m. on NBC and Peacock)

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics (East B, 5 p.m. on ESPN)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder (West A, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (West C, 10 p.m. on ESPN)

Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks (East C, 7:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime)
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers (West B, 10 p.m. on Amazon Prime)

NBA Cup key dates

Oct. 31: Group Play begins

Group Play games will be on designated “Cup Nights.”
Cup Nights will take place every Friday from Oct. 31-Nov. 28.
Additional Cup Nights will be Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Nov. 28: Group Play concludes
Dec. 9-10: Knockout Rounds (Quarterfinals)
Dec. 13: Semifinals (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Dec. 16: Championship (Las Vegas, Nevada)

NBA Cup groups

East A

Atlanta Hawks
Cleveland Cavaliers
Indiana Pacers
Toronto Raptors
Washington Wizards

East B

Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers

East C

Charlotte Hornets
Chicago Bulls
Miami Heat
New York Knicks
Milwaukee Bucks (defending NBA Cup champions)

West A

Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
Phoenix Suns
Sacramento Kings
Utah Jazz

West B

Dallas Mavericks
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans

West C

Denver Nuggets
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio Spurs

How does the group stage in the NBA Cup work?

Group stage games will take place on designated NBA Cup nights from Oct. 31 through Nov. 28.

Each squad will play one game against each of the opponents in its group. The six group stage winners will advance, as will a wild card team from each conference; wild card teams are set based on winning percentage and certain tiebreakers.

From there, the teams will play in single-elimination knockout rounds.

The semifinals and finals will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 and Tuesday, Dec. 16, in Las Vegas.

Past NBA Cup champions

2024: Milwaukee Bucks
2023: Los Angeles Lakers

Life as a college football player requires tremendous sacrifice, from early morning workouts to the demanding balance between academic and athletic responsibilities that leaves little in the way of free time.

Some athletes carry a heavier burden than others.

Archie Wilson is a freshman punter at Nebraska who joined the program over the summer. To play for the Cornhuskers, he left his home in Australia and traveled halfway across the globe.

It has been a difficult adjustment mentally and emotionally for Wilson, who expressed some understandable feelings of homesickness when asked about it this week while fighting through tears.

“I love (my family) a lot,” Wilson said during a news conference during Nebraska’s fall training camp. “I’ve got two little brothers and a mom and dad. That’s the tough part about being here. I love them a lot and I miss them. But they know this is what’s best for me.”

The clip of Wilson received widespread attention on social media, with many people empathizing with him and the pain he has carried.

Though Wilson is new to college football, he played Australian rules football at Haileybury College as a full-back. More notably, he was trained by the Prokick Australia program, which has produced eight Ray Guy Award winners and 29 players that have earned NFL or CFL contracts.

He’s one of two punters on Nebraska’s roster.

For all he has shouldered since leaving home, Wilson will get some much-needed relief later this month. When the Huskers open their 2025 season on August 28 against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium, there will be some familiar faces in the crowd cheering him on.

“It’s good I can still talk to them plenty over the phone and they’re coming in to see the first few games, so I’m looking forward to that,” he said.