Are you ready for the Madness?

March Madness typically refers to the chaos on the courts of both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments. But we know the real madness is filling out your brackets while pretending you even know a little bit about what you’re doing.

BRACKET BREAKDOWN: Best games, regions and players to watch for women’s March Madness

That’s right. Your secret is safe here. Whether you’ve watched an embarrassingly large number of college basketball games this season or were too preoccupied trying to figure out how TGL works to tune in even once, there is only one certainty when it comes to filling out brackets: Anything is possible.

Here are some tips to help you expect the unexpected while filling out your 2025 women’s bracket.

Embrace the madness — to an extent

Upsets happen. Cinderella runs to the Elite Eight and beyond, however, are extremely rare.

Just one No. 16 seed has advanced past the first round (Harvard, 1998) and all other seeds 14-16 are a combined 0-360 in the first round. It likely wouldn’t be wise to swing for a big upset with these high seeds.

Still, that doesn’t mean there won’t be smaller upsets to find. No. 11 Middle Tennessee took down 6-seeded Louisville in the first round last season, and 7-seeded Duke toppled No. 2 Ohio State one round later. Exercise caution on these middle seeds, too, as only four teams seeded sixth or lower have ever made it to the Final Four — and none lower than 11.

Don’t be odd; watch the odds!

Favorites are favorites for a reason. Public odds set by sportsbooks can be a helpful asset when assessing teams with the best chance to win it all. The usual suspects such as UConn, South Carolina, Texas, UCLA and Notre Dame will undoubtedly be topping those charts.

It isn’t difficult to figure out why. These programs have long been dominant and this season was no exception. Siding with one of these blue bloods could yield some positive results.

OK, but which should you choose? Look at the odds and examine the bracket in sections. Which teams have head-hunters nearby? We mentioned Duke earlier. LSU, while unlikely to earn a top seed, could still make some noise. Chart a path for each team favored high in the odds and see which looks friendliest.

It’s important to remember none of this is an exact science and outcomes can at times feel totally random. All we can really do is have fun and act like we know what we’re doing.

The showdown happened, and the anticipation for WrestleMania 41 is heating up.

After the shocking events of the 2025 Elimination Chamber − when John Cena turned heel and joined forces with The Rock to go on a brutal assault of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes − the two stars in the main event WrestleMania met for the first time since that unforgettable night.

It was a must-see event. Cena spoke about why he did it and what’s caused his frustrations. Rhodes responded and called Cena out.

The faceoff was tense and the electricity in the arena was undeniable, but it wasn’t the only thing that took place Monday in Brussels. The Intercontinental Championship was on the line, a no holds barred match took place and a wrinkle was added to a championship match at WrestleMania. Raw took place earlier than normal since WWE is on its European tour, so here’s a recap of the action from Monday.

Intercontinental Championship match: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Finn Balor

No matter the experience, Breakker has been able to use his wicked athleticism to quickly get ahead of competition, but Balor’s quick thinking helped him avoid an early defeat. The champion tried one of his running spears but Balor not only got out of the way, he made sure Breakker hurt himself in the process.

Balor had control early in the match before Breakker started to gain some momentum. When that happened, The Judgement Day members Dominik Mysterio and Carlito came ringside to distract Breakker and get Balor back on offense. It worked momentarily as Breakker used his speed for a vicious clothesline then leaped outside of the ring for a brutal hit on Balor onto the announcer’s table.

Eventually the distractions came from Mysterio and Carlito and while they tried to help Balor, it inadvertently resulted in Balor taking a hit. Breakker dealt with Mysterio and Carlito and executed the Frankn’steiner and spear to get the win and retain his title.

Mysterio and Carlito attacked Breakker after the match, but Penta came out to stop it from escalating. Breakker and Penta then had a staredown, heavily implying the will be meeting for a championship match soon, possibly at WrestleMania.

Seth Rollins speaks

Following the surprise attack from Roman Reigns last week, Rollins took shots at both the Tribal Chief and CM Punk, who he technically beat in the cage match. Rollins pointed out Reigns and Punk would be at SmackDown on Friday, so he decided he will also be there to deal with his heated rivals.

Creed Brothers vs. Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee

Mysterio and Lee attacked the American Made members earlier in the night, so Julius Creed started the match with no regard for a brutal hit. The Creed Brothers were in control as they went to work on Lee, and Mysterio was later able to get in the fold and turn the tide. Julius Creed tried to fight back and got teed up for a 619. Mysterio hit it and then the frog splash to get the victory.

As Lee and Mysterio celebrated, the masked luchador in an American Made mask attacked the victors and did a diving headbutt onto Lee. He left the ring before security could catch him.

Rhea Ripley argues for WrestleMania match

She signed the contract, but Adam Pearce isn’t having any of it. Rhea Ripley argued she should be in the Women’s World Championship match but Pearce said it’s not the case. Belair then came back to attack her. Iyo Sky then came to assault both stars but Ripley got the last laugh.

Jey Uso vs. Austin Theory

Well that was quick. The Yeet lasted longer than the match as it took just one simply super kick from Uso to end Theory’s night. Uso delivered one to Grayson Waller and took a dive outside of the ring, but Gunther emerged to try a sneak attack on his WrestleMania opponent. It backfired as Uso was able to strip the title away from the champion, and he held it above Gunther. Uso threw it back to Gunther as the Yeet party continued.

Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair sign contract for Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania 41

After the spat between Sky, Belair and Rhea Ripley last week, the champion declared she will not be disrespected again and plans to retain her title against the ‘EST.’ Sky and Belair signed the contract and just as they were wrapped up, Ripley emerged.

Ripley and Belair began to argue and as Sky tried to break it up again, Belair headbutted Belair and then landed a Riptide on Sky. Ripley then grabbed the contract, looked at Raw general manager Adam Pearce and signed it. Pearce was upset and Ripley left, but as of now, it’s technically going to be a triple threat match at WrestleMania 41.

Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile

Nile showed some fierce aggression to start the night, but it was what happened outside of the ring that led to her downfall. American Made leader Chad Gable came out to get a view of the action alongside the Creed Brothers, but the group were taken out by Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee. Mysterio and Lee chased out Gable and Nile was distracted. By the time she turned her attention back to the ring, Kai met her with a swift blow and a GTK to get a quick victory.

No holds barred match: Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser

The action went out of the ring quickly and Kaiser dropped Penta off the announcer’s table. There were plenty of shifts of momentum and not many weapons were used, even though the crowd clearly wanted it. Kaiser later used a chair to corner Penta but it didn’t last long, as the luchador used the chair for some extra damage superkicks. Kaiser was rattled and Penta used the Penta Driver to get the victory.

Cathy Kelly came to interview Penta and asked him what’s next, and he said he will be going for the Intercontinental Championship next.

Cody Rhodes and John Cena meet in the ring

Rhodes admitted he and the fans were willing to hear Cena out, but his reasoning was pathetic. He asked what happened to the man he thought he was going to face at WrestleMania before he called Cena a ‘whiny (expletive).’ He left the ring while Cena stared him down. As Cena made his way out of the ring, the crowd sang, ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.’

Cody Rhodes emerges to face John Cena

The Undisputed WWE champion didn’t let Cena talk much longer, emerging down the ramp as the crowd sung ‘Kingdom’ and made their presence known with the iconic ‘woah’ line.

John Cena takes the mic

After soaking in the moment, Cena finally spoke and said he was tired of being a puppet for the crowd for his entire career. He said he isn’t a babyface or heel, but a human being and fans have been ‘awful’ to him. The crowd had some expletive-filled chants for him in between words.

He added he wasn’t liked when his career started and by the time fans started to like him, it quickly became negative and the amount of times he won still didn’t satisfy people. When he started his farewell tour, he wanted to give back to the fans but he said they easily ruined it. Alluding to his entrance song, he said his time is now.

‘No matter what I do, it’s never enough and you should all be ashamed of yourself. All you ever do is take,’ Cena said. ‘Not one of you sons of (expletive) asked how I feel.’

Even though there were some fans still voicing their support for Cena, the 16-time WWE champion called them out. He said they were just as bad as the ones booing him since he believes he was just their toy, and even referenced the long running joke of Cena being invisible. He said you can’t buy hustle, loyalty and respect while he lives it.

‘I’m breaking up with you. I’m done,’ Cena said as he looked into the camera and crowd. ‘I don’t care about you. You don’t matter to me.’

John Cena makes entrance, gets heavily booed

He has arrived.

Cena kicked off the show and was met with heavy boos as his iconic entrance music played. The crowd re-ignited the ‘John Cena sucks’ chant as his song played.

When time is Monday Night Raw today?

Monday Night Raw on March 17 begins at 3 p.m. ET.

Where is Monday Night Raw today?

Monday Night Raw will be taking place at Forest National in Brussels, Belgium.

How to watch Monday Night Raw

Monday Night Raw is available only on Netflix. Viewers will need a Netflix subscription to watch the event, and it’s available at no additional cost. Fans with any Netflix subscription tier will be able to watch.

Monday Night Raw match card, scheduled events

Cody Rhodes and John Cena meet face-to-face
Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair sign contract for Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania 41
Intercontinental Championship match: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Finn Balor
No holds barred match: Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser
Jey Uso vs. Austin Theory
Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile

Final Four could be loaded with No. 1 seeds, but Auburn must survive tough region.
As good as SEC has been all season, can someone from outside that conference win national championship? See Houston.

Bring on the madness.

We’re days away from our brackets being busted. In the meantime, we can harbor visions of correctly predicting that first-round upset no one saw coming, acing our Final Four picks and winning a bracket pool.

Nobody got snubbed

However, I’m also unconvinced a clearly better option existed. Indiana, Boise State and West Virginia possessed the best résumés of omitted teams.

∎ Indiana’s NET ranking of No. 54 came in 18 spots behind UNC.

∎ Boise State, trying to become the Mountain West’s fifth qualifier, lost 10 games, including a dreaded Quad 4 loss.

∎ West Virginia lost five of its final nine games.

Nobody truly got snubbed. This collection of bubble teams reiterated that the tournament need not expand beyond 68 teams.

SEC will thrive, Big Ten will dive

The SEC proved itself as the nation’s most-elite conference throughout the season, and I expect that idea to hold up these next three weeks. The SEC’s sheer volume positions it for success. The SEC qualified a record 14 teams. Eight of those qualifiers earned a No. 6 seed or better.

That sets up the SEC to swarm the Sweet 16, and, with four teams seeded either No. 1 or No. 2, the conference enjoys a strong chance of multiple Final Four qualifiers. However, I suspect the 1985 Big East will retain its record of three Final Four teams. I’m capping the SEC at two Final Four squads – which I think will be two more than the Big Ten.

The Big Ten came in second among conferences with eight bids, but Michigan State is the only Big Ten team ranked in the top 10 nationally by analytics guru Ken Pomeroy. The conference lacks for the SEC’s scoring punch. I’m picking no Big Ten teams to the Final Four.

Toughest region: South

Auburn earned the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed. Its prize: A potential second-round game against No. 8 Louisville, in Lexington, Kentucky. That’s not a prize. That’s a boobytrap. I rate Louisville, which won 27 games, as the tournament’s best No. 8 seed.

Elsewhere in Auburn’s South Region lurks No. 2 Michigan State, the Big Ten’s regular-season champion, and No. 5 Michigan, the Big Ten Tournament champion.

Also lurking in the South is No. 3 Iowa State, which lost to Auburn by just two points in November.

First-round upset special: No. 11 Drake beats No. 6 Missouri

This will be a trendy upset pick for a reason: Drake rates as one of the nation’s best mid-majors. The Bulldogs play lockdown defense. They beat tournament qualifier Vanderbilt in November.

First-year Drake coach Ben McCollum won four Division II national championships at Northwest Missouri State. Four of his players from his former school now start for him at Drake. That includes guard Bennett Stirtz, the best player on either roster in this matchup.

Missouri has lost four of its last five. Upset special!

First-round upset special, Part II: No. 13 Yale beats No. 4 Texas A&M

Here’s an opportunity for Yale to inflict more pain on the SEC after it upset Auburn last season. Yale and Texas A&M are premier rebounding teams. Expect a physical game.

Yale’s top player, John Poulakidas, poured in 28 points in last year’s upset of Auburn.

Texas A&M’s offense is prone to vanishing acts, and Yale could make the Aggies disappear in Round 1.

Player matchup I want to see involves Auburn’s Johni Broome

If you like low-post battles, No. 1 Auburn versus No. 9 Creighton would be a dream matchup. Auburn’s Johni Broome rates as the nation’s best big man. Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, the four-time Big East defensive player of the year, isn’t far behind on that list.

The Bluejays will face a difficult first-round test against Louisville. If they can survive that, an Auburn-Creighton matchup offers the possibility for brute and brilliance in the paint.

Final Four loaded with No. 1 seeds

I’m selecting three No. 1 seeds in my Final Four. Houston and Florida ranked among my national championship frontrunners for several weeks. They’re led by a balanced cast of veterans, and each team can win with either offense or defense.

I’ll take those two No. 1 seeds to the Final Four, along with another No. 1 seed, Duke. That Duke pick hinges on Cooper Flagg recovering from the ankle injury that knocked him out of the ACC Tournament.

In the South, I’m projecting chaos, from which No. 3 Iowa State emerges to disrupt the party of No. 1 seeds in San Antonio.

National championship pick: Houston beats Florida

Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars have lost just once – in overtime – since November. Houston is balanced on offense, elite on defense and armed with excellent perimeter shooters. Sampson has coached in two Final Fours. I predict he finally captures his first ring at age 69.

Blake Toppmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.

One of the more fascinating pieces of offseason NFL business in 2025 concluded late Sunday night as news emerged that Cincinnati Bengals WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins had jointly agreed to long-term contract extensions to remain with a franchise that has historically struggled to sustain success (and definitely no guarantee that will even be the case this time around, but more on that later).

Regardless, the core triumvirate (including QB Joe Burrow) of what could be the league’s most fearsome passing attack is locked up for the foreseeable future – which means some serious winners in The Queen City … and also some significant losers:

WINNERS

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

Collectively, they’re the most expensive wideout duo in NFL history, per reports. Chase, who won the receiving triple crown in 2024 (his 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 TDs all paced the league), landed a four-year, $161 million pact to become the best-compensated non-quarterback ever – his $40.3 million average annual salary topping the one Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett recently signed. Higgins’ four-year, $115 million deal ranks among the ten richest in the wideout space – especially impressive negotiating from his (and Chase’s) agent, Rocky Arceneaux, given Higgins has only played two full seasons during his five-year NFL career, never caught even 75 balls in a campaign and has averaged 919 yards per.

Micah Parsons

Just as Garrett set the bar for Chase, he may have well done the same for Parsons. The Dallas Cowboys’ All-Pro linebacker is due $24 million in 2025, the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. And given procrastinating team owner Jerry Jones’ propensity to grant top-of-market payouts (Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb), Parsons seems squarely in line to benefit next from that approach – particularly with Jones sitting on approximately $40 million of cap space following recent restructures to the deals of Prescott and Lamb.

Mike Gesicki

The tight end, who only started three games in 2024, recently reached his own three-year extension with Cincinnati after catching 65 passes for 665 yards in his first year with the organization. Those numbers could very well spike given the attention Chase and Higgins will continue to command – especially since Gesicki should enjoy massive feeding grounds in the middle of the field on any given Sunday.

Joe Burrow, face of the franchise

When it comes to the Bengals, Joe Shiesty is the man – and publicly crusaded prior to Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans that Cincinnati needed to retain its nucleus while expressing his admiration for the way the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles didn’t seem to have much of a problem doing exactly that. Ultimatum might be too strong a descriptor, but the implied threat was pretty obvious – and now Burrow has (pretty much) gotten his way from an organization not known for writing massive checks relative to the league wage scale.

LOSERS

Joe Burrow, NFL and fantasy superstar?

The quarterback remarkably finished fourth in last season’s MVP race even though the Bengals didn’t even make the playoffs. He did lead the NFL with 460 completions, 652 pass attempts, 4,918 yards and 43 TDs through the air – numbers somewhat a byproduct of necessity given Cincinnati’s rampant defensive struggles and a breathless playoff push down the stretch that fell one win short of postseason qualification. Yet Burrow may have to be even better in 2025 – does that mean challenging Hall of Famer Peyton Manning’s single-season records for passing yards (5,477) and touchdowns (55)? – now that his demands have essentially been granted despite a largely unchanged roster’s remaining flaws. But is that realistic to expect? Or even fair? Oh, wait – no one ever said the NFL is fair. Pressure’s on, Joey B.

Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings All-Pro – and Chase’s college teammate at LSU – set the bar for wideout money last June with a four-year pact averaging $35 million. Chase badly wanted to top it in 2024 – if only by $1 annually – but has now put that bar out of sight. Jefferson is unlikely to seek an adjustment any time soon, and his numbers may not warrant that for a while anyway as his team pivots to QB J.J. McCarthy, who has yet to throw a regular-season pass in the NFL.

Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals’ All-Pro defensive end – and league’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up in 2024 – continues to await his own financial resolution, one Burrow also plead for. He’s owed $16 million in 2025, the final year of Hendrickson’s contract and well shy of what premium pass rushers make – basically 40% of what Garrett will average over the life of his extension. But given the windfall Chase and Higgins just caught, what’s left for Hendrickson, who’s been permitted to seek a trade that hasn’t yet materialized? Maybe the Bengals figure out a way to come through here. And maybe this is headed for an ugly summer showdown that could precipitate another early season distraction that costs Cincinnati dearly in the win column yet again.

Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor

Tobin, the Bengals’ director of player personnel – still no GM title – boxed himself in with Chase after publicly conceding at the scouting combine that the wideout deserved to be the league’s top-paid non-QB. Too bad he and the team didn’t act on that realization immediately given Garrett’s subsequent lottery basically cost Cincy another $20+ million. But Tobin’s (and head coach Taylor’s) problems are far from over. Whether or not Hendrickson – the only impact player on this largely pathetic defense – returns, this roster needs ample fortifications. Tobin typically manages that via the draft and often doesn’t get deserved credit for the work he does there. But he really needs to hit on some young players to supplement what is now a depth chart that’s almost completely out of whack financially and one that can hardly afford the injuries Burrow and Higgins have too often dealt with professionally given depth also looms as a major concern.

All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.

McGregor didn’t just make an appearance, though. He answered questions from the press, even offering his thoughts on Ireland’s current political landscape.

U.S. press secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared alongside McGregor and confirmed that the fighter would be meeting Trump and other administration officials.

‘We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick’s Day,’ said Leavitt.

McGregor was equally excited, referring to his meeting with President Trump as ‘the most important meeting of my country’s future.’ McGregor said that he wanted to ‘raise the issues the people of Ireland face.’ He exclaimed, ‘What is going on in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability. Our money is being spent on overseas issues that has nothing to do with the Irish people.’

Why is Conor McGregor at the White House?

McGregor has previously expressed interest in running for Ireland’s presidency later this year. Although he is considered a long shot to be included on the ballots, needing at least 20 sitting members of parliament or four local councils to back a candidate to be included, McGregor is not backing down. Sources say that he wants to run an anti-immigration policy, similar to what Donald Trump ran on in the United States.

‘The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. The issues need to be addressed, and the 40 million Irish Americans need to hear this. Because if not, there will be no place to come home and visit.’

McGregor is just four months removed from being found liable for sexual assault.

Rory McIlroy is the 2025 Players Championship winner.

McIlroy beat American J.J. Spaun in a three-hole aggregate playoff Monday morning at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, earning his second Players Championship title and second victory on the PGA Tour this season. McIlroy finished +2 following back-to-back bogeys to close the playoff, but a triple bogey by J.J. Spaun was too much for Spaun to overcome.

Each golfer finished Sunday’s final round with a score of -12. There hadn’t been a playoff at the Players Championship since 2015 when Rickie Fowler defeated Sergio Garcia and Kevin Kisner, so TPC Sawgrass was due for another climactic finish.Here’s a recap of what happened, including highlights of McIlroy’s three-hole playoff win:

Rory McIlroy wins The Players Championship playoff

Rory McIlroy wins his second Players Championship in a three-hole playoff against J.J. Spaun. McIlroy finished +2 with bogeys on his final two holes, but a triple bogey by J.J. Spaun after hitting into the water on No. 17 proved to be the difference.

All the players and the plays: Sign up for USA TODAY’s Sports newsletter.

McIlroy in control after Spaun triple bogey

One more playoff hole to go and it’d take a truly epic collapse for Rory McIlroy not to win the 2025 Players Championship. Though McIlroy wound up three-putting for a bogey on No. 17, Spaun ended with a disastrous triple bogey after hitting his tee shot into the water. McIlroy takes a three-shot lead into the final playoff hole at No. 18.

Spaun hits into water at 17

The famed Island Green at TPC Sawgrass just claimed another victim, and this time it might cost J.J. Spaun this three-hole playoff. Spaun hit his tee shot at the course’s signature par 3 into the water, while McIlroy hit safely onto the green with a birdie putt on the way.

McIlroy takes lead after first playoff hole

McIlory stumbled down the stretch in Sunday’s final round, but he’s jumped out to a quick one-shot lead in the three-hole aggregate playoff. McIlroy sank a birdie putt on the par-5 No. 16 while Spaun wound up with a par. Spaun hit his approach shot and left his ensuing bunker shot and birdie putt short. McIlroy played it safe hitting into the middle of the green after Spaun’s splash into the sand before his birdie.

Spaun and McIlroy tee off at 16

Spaun’s second needed to carry the water just off to the right. With wind a factor this morning, Spaun just cleared disaster on his second shot.

What time is The Players playoff between Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun?

The playoff will begin at 9 a.m. ET on Monday with coverage on the Golf Channel. Fans can also stream the event with Peacock or through the NBC Sports app. It is also available with Fubo, which offers a free trial subscription for new users.

How to watch The Players Championship playoff: TV, streaming coverage 

TV channel: Golf Channel
Live stream: Peacock and Fubo

Watch The Players Championship with Fubo

Weather at TPC Sawgrass: Ponte Vedra, Florida, forecast 

Here’s the latest forecast from AccuWeather: Monday will offer breezes with partly cloudy conditions. The temperature will reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is The Players Championship payout?

The Players Championship is considered by many to be the PGA Tour’s unofficial fifth major, bringing a lot of attention and respect to the winner.

The prize pool is nothing to scoff at either. The winner will take home $4.5 million, with second-place claiming $2.725 million.

The Players Championship 2025 playoff odds

Rory McIlroy is the favorite to defeat J.J. Spaun in Monday’s playoff according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Sunday, March 16

Moneyline: Rory McIlroy (-155), J.J. Spaun (+125)

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.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Kirk Gibson, who has waged a public battle against Parkinson’s disease, is stepping down as a member of the Tigers broadcasts this season on FanDuel Sports Network to focus on his health.

‘Although I may be leaving the booth, my connection with the Tigers remains strong,’ Gibson said in a release Monday. ‘This transition isn’t about me slowing down, it’s about moving forward with my mission to make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s.’

Gibson, 67, was listed as a contributing analyst in late February when the Tigers revealed the broadcast talent for 2025.

Gibson will remain a member of the Tigers organization as a special assistant to the general manager.

‘Whether on the field or in the community, Gibby is a shining example of what we all embody,’ the Tigers said in a release. ‘His grit, tenacity, and dedication to the Olde English ‘D’ are unmatched qualities that have connected him so deeply with generations of Tigers fans.’

Gibson was a star athlete from Waterford Kettering, an All-America football player at Michigan State, a freak athlete with speed and power and an ornery determination to refuse to lose at anything. He played a critical role on the 1984 world champion Tigers before becoming a manager and broadcaster.

‘While today marks the closing of one chapter, his profound influence on the Tigers and city of Detroit will endure and continue to grow in the future,’ the Tigers said. ‘All of us will be working closer than ever to support important causes, including with the Kirk Gibson Foundation to expand awareness of Parkinson’s and improve the quality of life for people battling the disease.’

Gibson announced that he had Parkinson’s in 2015. Since then, he has continued to broadcast games, although his involvement has steadily decreased. Earlier this spring, he was spotted at a spring training game in Florida.

Parkinson’s is a disease of the brain. The cause is not known.

Gibson formed the Kirk Gibson Foundation in 1996 to provide college scholarships to students – both athletes and non-athletes – at Detroit-area Waterford Kettering and Clarkston High School. After Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, the Foundation’s mission expanded to include Parkinson’s awareness and improving the quality of life for people battling this degenerative disease, according to the foundation’s website.

‘On a personal level, I’ll be focusing on my current health while also continuing to support and encourage others battling Parkinson’s,’ Gibson said. ‘Through my Foundation, we are opening the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness this fall. Developing this Center is a huge endeavor that will be the first of its kind in Michigan providing those impacted by Parkinson’s with access to a range of activity-based programs, completely free of charge.’

Earlier this spring, the Tigers announced their broadcast team. Jason Benetti will handle the play-by-play duties for the second-straight season. He will be paired with analyst Dan Petry and former Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks.

Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on X @seideljeff