Friday, July 17, 2026
Home Blog Page 520

Super Bowl LX is Second Most-Watched All-Time with Nearly 125 Million Viewers, Peaking at All-Time U.S. Record 137.8 Million Viewers Across NBC, Peacock and Telemundo

0
Seahawks-Patriots is Most-Watched Show in History of NBC, Which Celebrates 100 Years in 2026
Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Featuring Global Superstar Bad Bunny Generates Over Four Billion Social Views in First 24 Hours – Up +137% – The Most-Consumed Halftime Show of All-Time on NFL Social Platforms
Telemundo Delivers Largest Spanish-Language NFL Game Audience Ever; Peacock Achieves Best Day Ever on Sunday
Sunday’s Milan Cortina Olympics Presentation Averages 42 Million Viewers, Marking Largest Winter Games Audience Since Day 2 of 2014 Sochi Olympics

NEW YORK – NBC Sports’ presentation of Super Bowl LX set an all-time media record as 137.8 million viewers watched in the second quarter as the Seattle Seahawks led 6-0 over the New England Patriots – marking the highest peak viewership in U.S. TV history.

The Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the Patriots averaged 124.9 million viewers on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, NBC Sports Digital and NFL+, based on official live + same day Nielsen Big Data + Panel, ranking as the second most-watched show in U.S. history (behind Super Bowl LIX on FOX in February 2025).

Super Bowl LX is the most-watched show in the history of NBCUniversal, which celebrates 100 years of NBC in 2026.

“The Super Bowl and the NFL once again delivered a blockbuster audience across the NBC broadcast network, Peacock and Telemundo, and provided an unprecedented lead-in to our Primetime in Milan coverage,” said Rick Cordella, president, NBC Sports. “The Super Bowl and the Olympics are the two most powerful events in the world, and we salute our talented production, tech and announce teams who delivered best-in-class presentations for our viewers, stations and partners.”

Super Bowl LX capped NBC Sports’ milestone 20th season of Sunday Night Football, which delivered a record audience (23.5 million viewers) and is pacing as primetime’s No. 1 show for an unprecedented 15th consecutive season.

Telemundo Delivers Most-Watched Super Bowl in U.S. Spanish-Language History

Telemundo averaged 3.3 million viewers, marking the most-watched Super Bowl in U.S. Spanish-language history. Telemundo’s audience peaked during the halftime show, with an average of 4.8 million viewers – the most-watched Super Bowl halftime in Spanish-language history.

Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Breaks All-Time NFL Records on Social Media

Total social consumption (inclusive of fans, owned platforms, broadcast partners, influencers, etc.) of the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show starring Bad Bunny set a record of four billion views after the first 24 hours, up +137% YoY (Source: Ripple Analytics).

Over 55% of all NFL social views of the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show came from international markets.

The top three most-viewed NFL social posts in history are now Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show clips. In total, these clips have been viewed for over 115 years on social media platforms.

·         “Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love” – @NFL on Instagram – 179 million views, most viewed clip on NFL Social ever; 54% of views coming from outside the United States.

·         Bad Bunny Listing Countries Before Spiking Football – @NFL on Instagram – 168 million views, second most-watched clip on NFL Social ever; 68% of views coming from outside the United States.

·         Bad Bunny Listing Countries Before Spiking Football – @NFL on TikTok – 100 million views; people have spent a combined 53+ years watching this clip already; 60% of the viewership is female, 62% comes from outside the United States; 91% of viewers under 35 and 36% under 25.

The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show averaged 128.2 million viewers from 8:15-8:30 p.m. ET in the United States. Full global viewership for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show will be available early next week.

Bad Bunny on Apple Music

Immediately following the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, Bad Bunny listens on Apple Music were up seven times. “DtMF,” “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” and “Tití Me Preguntó” were the most streamed songs immediately after the show. Other Apple Music notables from the Halftime Show include:

  • In the hours following his performance, Bad Bunny’s Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Set List playlist became the most-played Set List on Apple Music. 
  • The day after Super Bowl LX, Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS landed on the album charts in 155 countries, reaching the Top 10 in 128 countries and claiming the No. 1 spot in 46 countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Germany, France and Spain. 
  • Following his appearance in the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, Bad Bunny occupied nearly a quarter of the Daily Top 100 Global chart, with 24 songs in the Top 100, nine songs in the Top 25, and six songs in the Top 10, including “DtMF,” which was the No. 1 song.

o    Six of the 24 songs re-entered the Daily Top 100 Global chart for the first time since at least February 2025, and his single with Cardi B, “I Like It,” re-entered the chart for the first time since January 2020. 

Sunday’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Presentation Averaged 42 Million Viewers

Following the Vince Lombardi Trophy presentation on the field at Levi’s Stadium, Super Bowl LX play-by-play voice Mike Tirico hosted Primetime in Milan, which featured Lindsey Vonn’s downhill run, and gold-medal winning performances by Breezy Johnson in the downhill and Team USA in the team figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Sunday’s Primetime in Milan and Milan Prime presentation averaged 42 million viewers, marking NBCUniversal’s largest Winter Games audience since Day 2 of the 2014 Sochi Olympics (a span of 53 event days) and an increase of 73% over the corresponding 2022 Beijing Olympics show (24.3 million) which followed Super Bowl LVI.

Peacock Achieves Best Day Ever

Sunday was Peacock’s best day ever in terms of both reach and hours streamed, and featured the post-Super Bowl debut of “The Burbs,” which was the highest Day 1 Peacock original debut ever.

More detailed viewership metrics will be available from Nielsen later this week.

Legendary February Ad Impact

·         NBC/Peacock drove the lifts in breakthrough, at scale, for custom marketing integrations in Super Bowl LX. Compared to competitive NFL broadcasts (Regular Season + Playoffs), NBCU delivered sponsors:

o    +33% lift in brand recall 

o    +31% lift in brand opinion 

NFL programming is the most valuable content in all of sports and entertainment. NFL programs ranked as 86 of the top 100 shows on television during the 2025 calendar year.

2026 NFL Draft First Round Order

0

NEW YORK – The following is the 2026 NFL Draft first round order. The first round will start on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with the second and third rounds on Friday, April 24, followed by rounds four through seven on Saturday, April 25.

2026 First Round Draft Order

#TeamWinLossTieWinning PercentageWinLossTieStrength of Schedule
1.Las Vegas Raiders3140.1761551331.538
2.New York Jets3140.1761591291.552
3.Arizona Cardinals3140.1761641232.571
4.Tennessee Titans3140.1761661230.574
5.New York Giants4130.2351501363.524
6.Cleveland Browns5120.2941401481.486
7.Washington Commanders5120.2941451413.507
8.New Orleans Saints6110.3531431460.495
9.Kansas City Chiefs6110.3531481401.514
10.Cincinnati Bengals6110.3531501381.521
11.Miami Dolphins7100.4121411480.488
12.Dallas Cowboys791.4411261621.438
13.Atlanta Falcons(traded to L.A. Rams)890.4711431460.495
14.Baltimore Ravens890.4711461421.507
15.Tampa Bay Buccaneers890.4711531360.529
16.Indianapolis Colts(traded to N.Y. Jets)890.4711561330.540
17.Detroit Lions980.5291401463.490
18.Minnesota Vikings980.5291471393.514
19.Carolina Panthers890.4711501372.522
20.Green Bay Packers(traded to Dallas)971.5591391491.483
21.Pittsburgh Steelers1070.5881451431.503
22.Los Angeles Chargers1160.6471351531.469
23.Philadelphia Eagles1160.6471361503.476
24.Jacksonville Jaguars(traded to Cleveland)1340.7651381510.478
25.Chicago Bears1160.6471311553.458
26.Buffalo Bills1250.7061361530.471
27.San Francisco 49ers1250.7061441450.498
28.Houston Texans1250.7061511380.522
29.Los Angeles Rams1250.7061521370.526
30.Denver Broncos1430.8241211662.422
31.New England Patriots1430.8241131760.391
32.Seattle Seahawks1430.8241441450.498

NFL team transactions report for Tuesday, February 10, 2026

0

ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS
FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
BUFFALO
Buechele, Shane QB Southern Methodist
Virgil, Jalen WR Appalachian State
NEW ENGLAND
Butler, Mehki G Arkansas State
Gainer, Amari LB North Carolina
Jiles, John WR West Florida
Lang, Marshall TE Northwestern
Metz, Lorenz T Cincinnati
Pharms, Jeremiah DT Friends
Reese, Otis LB Mississippi
Rupcich, Andrew T Culver-Stockton
Saunders, John DB Mississippi
Taylor, Leonard DT Miami
Webb, Jeremiah WR South Alabama

PWHL Notebook: Olympic Winter Games Edition – February 10, 2026

The Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 continued today with more of the PWHL’s 61 Olympians taking the ice for the first time in pursuit of gold. Below is a recap of day six results, notable performances, and a closer look at action ahead.

TUESDAY’S PRELIMINARY ROUND RECAP

UNITED STATES (5) VS. CANADA (0) 
Seattle’s Hannah Bilka scored two goals and Boston’s Aerin Frankel stopped all 20 shots to record the first shutout victory, and largest margin of victory, against Canada in Olympic women’s hockey history. Britta Curl-Salemme (MIN), Hilary Knight (SEA) and Haley Winn (BOS) recorded one assist apiece as the U.S. wrapped up the preliminary round with a perfect 4-0 record atop the Group A standings. Montréal’s Ann-Renée Desbiens made 22 saves but suffered her first loss in six career Olympic starts, with Vancouver’s Emerance Maschmeyer stopping all six shots she faced in just over eight minutes of relief. Canada was without Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin who is listed day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained in Monday’s game against Czechia. The first-place Americans will take on Italy in the quarterfinals, while the Canadians will face Finland to complete the preliminary round, needing one point to secure second-place in the group. 

FINLAND (3) VS. SWITZERLAND (1)
Ottawa rookie Sanni Ahola stopped 13 of 14 shots faced for her first career Olympic win and Finland’s first victory of the tournament. Vancouver’s Michelle Karvinen picked up a primary assist on Finland’s third goal of the middle frame, her first point in Italy, and Boston’s Alina Müller scored the lone goal for Switzerland, finding the back of the net for the second time in four games. The Finns, who were without Fleet forward Susanna Tapani following an injury in Sunday’s game against Czechia, will face Canada on Thursday to decide the Group A standings. Finland can finish in second place with a regulation victory or in third place with an overtime or shootout win. The Swiss finish in fifth place in the group and will face either Finland or Czechia in the quarterfinals. 

GERMANY (2) VS. ITALY (1)
Boston’s Laura Kluge continued her breakout performance in Milan with two points today, including the winning goal with 89 seconds remaining in regulation to finish the preliminary round with seven points in four games. Vancouver rookie defender Nina Jobst-Smith’s third point of the tournament was a primary helper on the game-winner, and Montréal’s Sandra Abstreiter made 23 saves for her third victory. Toronto’s Kristin Della Rovere recorded a secondary helper to finish the preliminary round as Italy’s top scorer with four points. Both teams advance to the quarterfinals as the second and third-place teams out of Group B, with Germany to face the second-place team in Group A and Italy to face the first-place United States.

SWEDEN (4) VS. JAPAN (0)
New York defender Maja Nylén Persson contributed two assists for her first points of the tournament, and Toronto forward Sara Hjalmarsson finished the preliminary round with five points after picking up the primary helper on Sweden’s winning tally at 5:25 of the first period. The win completes a perfect 4-0 record for Sweden atop the Group B standings, setting up a quarterfinal matchup with the third-place team in Group A. Japan finishes the tournament in ninth place with one win and three losses.

Chicago Bulls’ Collin Sexton fined

0

NEW YORK – Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton has been fined $35,000 for making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter of the Bulls’ 123-115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 9 at Barclays Center.

NHL Morning Skate from Milan – February 10, 2026

0
NHL Morning Skate from Milan – Feb. 10, 2026


* #NHLStats takes a look at the players, teammates, rivalries and more in each country grouping entering the round robin portion of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament.

* We are one day away from the first games of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament, with high-impact NHLers including Stars forward Mikko Rantanen (Team Finland), Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský (Team Slovakia) and Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (Team Sweden) set to contest their first game on Wednesday. 

* NHL Network will air NHL Tonight: Milano Cortina 2026 Preview Show Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. NHL Tonight: Milano Cortina 2026 presented by Honda will begin Wednesday, Feb. 11, and air daily at 6 p.m. ET throughout the Olympics. Click here for more details.


* The next edition of the NHL Morning Skate from Milan will be published Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the conclusion of the first day of action on the ice – a shifted timeline that will continue for the remainder of the tournament.
 


GROUP A: CAPTAINS, TOP SCORERS AND GOALIE WINS LEADER

Group A will feature Team Canada, Team Czechia, Team France and Team Switzerland – countries that account for four of the five gold medals from Olympics involving NHL players (CAN: 3, CZE: 1). It also will include 47 NHL players – the second-highest total among the three groups next to Group B (56) – and seven NHL captains, with Sidney Crosby (Team Canada) being the only member of that cohort currently also wearing the “C” for his country at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (with some teams still to announce).

* Four of the top six scorers in the NHL will be featured in Group A, including Team Canada’s Connor McDavid (1st; EDM), Nathan MacKinnon (2nd; COL), Macklin Celebrini (4th; SJS) and Team Czechia’s David Pastrnak (6th; BOS). Group A will also feature the goaltender atop the NHL in wins (tied) in Team Czechia’s Karel Vejmelka (UTA). Those two countries – Canada and Czechia – last met in a knockout game in an Olympics involving NHL players during the 1998 Semifinals when Czechia bested Canada with a 2-1 shootout win before going on to win gold.

* Nathan MacKinnon (Team Canada) and Martin Necas (Team Czechia) are among the Avalanche teammates who will face off in Group A. MacKinnon and Necas have factored on 40 goals together in the NHL so far this season, which is the third most among teammates.

* Team Switzerland features one of the top-producing defensemen in NHL history: Roman Josi (NSH), who sits in the top 25 on the League’s all-time goals (24th) and points (25th) list. Josi and Team Canada’s Cale Makar (COL) both land among the top 25 on all-time single-season defensemen lists: goals (Makar: t-16th), assists (Josi: t-18th) and points (Josi: t-18th; Makar: t-25th).


* France is participating in its third Olympics involving NHL players (also 2002 & 1998). The country is looking for its first win in that scenario since defeating Italy in the consolation round in 1998. In addition to Alexandre Texier (MTL), three other Team France players have NHL experience: Pierre-Édouard BellemareYohann Auvitu and Stéphane Da Costa. In fact, Group A has 68 players with NHL experience, which is the most among all groups. Texier will face off against one of his Montreal teammates in Group A action when Team France faces Nick Suzuki (CAN).

GROUP B: HOST COUNTRY IN THE MIX WITH LONGSTANDING RIVLARY

Host country Team Italy, Team Finland, Team Sweden and Team Slovakia comprise the four-team lot jostling for positioning in Group B – a cluster highlighted by the long-standing rivalry between the Suomi and the Tre Kronor. Finland (1 silver, 3 bronze) and Sweden (1 gold, 1 silver), who met in the 2006 gold medal game, have accounted for six medals at Olympic Winter Games involving NHL players.


* Team Italy will compete at the Olympic Winter Games for the third time in six events involving NHL players, following 2006 and 1998, and seek their second-ever win following a victory against Austria during Group A preliminary round action in Nagano, Japan. Their roster includes Thomas Larkin, who was selected by Columbus in the fifth round of the 2009 NHL Draft (No. 137) – the same year that fellow Group B players Victor Hedman (TBL; Team Sweden), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (TOR; Team Sweden), Erik Haula (NSH; Team Finland) and Tomas Tatar (Team Slovakia) were picked.

Olli Määttä (UTA) is one of three Olympic medal winners on Team Finland, after winning bronze in 2014 (also Anaheim’s Mikael Granlund: 2014 & Mikko Lehtonen: 2022). Määttä, with 3-2—5 in six career outings, needs one goal to break a tie with Kimmo Timonen (3-10—13 in 30 GP) for the most career goals by a Finnish defenseman in Olympic Winter Games involving NHL players.

Erik Karlsson (PIT) is one of two Norris Trophy winners on Team’s Sweden’s roster, alongside Victor Hedman (TBL), and has accumulated 4-4—8 (6 GP) for his country in Olympic Winter Games involving NHL players – a total that includes three power-play goals. Karlsson can become the seventh player with four or more career power-play goals in that scenario, a list that includes fellow countryman Daniel Alfredsson (5).

* Team Slovakia returns 10 players who guided them to bronze at the 2022 Olympics, the country’s first medal of any color in Olympic ice hockey, including tournament MVP Juraj Slafkovský (MTL) after he scored seven goals in seven games. Slafkovský, who owns the second-fastest goal to start a game for the Canadiens this season (1:33 on Oct. 18, 2025), will represent a country that coincidentally owns the record for fastest goal to start a game in the Winter Olympics involving NHL players (Jozef Stumpel: 0:11 in 2002 preliminary round at LAT).

GROUP C: RECENT “ROCKET” WINNERS ON FULL DISPLAY

Two of the NHL’s elite goal scorers, Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews and Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, will be on display when the United States and Germany take to the ice and combat Denmark and Latvia’s goaltending, who have made a habit of rising to the occasion for their country. Matthews (2023-24, 2021-22 & 2020-21) and Draisaitl (2024-25) have combined for four of the past five Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy wins.
 

* Matthews’ 2025-26 season includes a newly established Maple Leafs record for career goals, and the captain of the Original Six franchise will now wear the ‘C’ for Team USA at an international event featuring NHL players for the second time in as many years following the 4 Nations Face-Off. The high-scoring center will look to join the only two American players who have scored five or more goals in a single Olympic tournament with NHL skaters: John LeClair (PHI; 6 in 2002) and Phil Kessel (TOR; 5 in 2014).

* Draisaitl, the highest scoring German player in NHL history who leads his country in goalsassists and points, looks to help his country earn its first win in Olympics with NHL players since 2002, when Germany blanked Slovakia during preliminary round action. Nine players have scored multiple goals for the country in those Games – including his father, Peter Draisaitl (2-2—4 in 4 GP; 1998). His four points during the 1998 Olympics are tied with Mark MacKay (1-3—4 in 4 GP in 1998) for the third most by a German player in one of those tournaments behind Len Soccio (3-3—6 in 2002) and Klaus Kathan (3-2—5 in 2002).

Nikolaj Ehlers (CAR) is the highest scoring Danish player in NHL history for goalsassists and points who will be joined by Hurricanes teammate and goaltender Frederik Andersen, who went 3-0-0 at the 2024 Men’s Final Olympic Ice Hockey Qualification (.938 SV%, 1.31 GAA). Andersen is a two-time winner of the William M. Jennings Trophy, one of 14 netminders in NHL history to capture the award multiple times and one of only two named to a roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The other: Connor Hellebuyck (2x), set to compete in Group C action with Team USA.


* Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ), who earlier this season became the second Latvian goaltender in NHL history to reach 100 career wins and entered the Olympic break with a 5-1-0 record in his last six games, is one of 10 players on Team Latvia’s roster with NHL experience – a list that also includes fellow netminders Arturs Silovs (PIT) and Kristers Gudlevskis (3 GP w/ TBL). Gudlevskis made his presence felt during the 2014 Olympics with a 55-save performance against Canada in the quarterfinals, the highest single-game total by a goaltender during Olympics with NHL players. Overall, a Latvian goaltender owns two of the top-five single-game performances in that scenario (also Edgars Masalskis: 47 saves, 2010 qualification playoffs at CZE).

OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT OPENS WEDNESDAY WITH DEFENDING CHAMPS

The puck will drop on the Olympic men’s hockey tournament Wednesday, with the opening game set to feature the defending Olympic gold medalists from Finland facing off against Slovakia, who are coming off the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in men’s hockey (bronze in 2022).

* Two players who have shone on the Olympic stage prior to their NHL debut are back for another go-around in 2026. Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský was named MVP in 2022, just months before Montreal selected him first overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, after leading the tournament in goals and tying for the lead in points (7-0—7 in 7 GP) to help Slovakia earn bronze. Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen was an Olympic standout for Finland in 2018, securing a spot on the tournament All-Star team after tying for second in tournament scoring (3-6—9 in 5 GP).

* Skafkovsky could go head-to-head with Montreal teammate Oliver Kapanen (Team Finland), the only NHL teammates slated to go head-to-head on the opening day of the tournament.

* Team Finland includes four members of the Stars: Mikko RantanenMiro HeiskanenEsa Lindell and Roope Hintz. This is the second time Dallas has sent four players to the Olympics as part of Team Finland, following 2006 (Niklas HagmanJussi JokinenNiko Kapanen and Jere Lehtinen).

* Team Italy opened the 2026 women’s hockey tournament with a win on home ice (4-1 W vs. FRA on Feb. 5) and the men’s side will look to do the same against a stacked Team Sweden that includes two Norris Trophy winners, 11 players who were top-10 selections in the NHL Draft and four Stanley Cup champions in Victor Hedman (2020 & 2021 w/ TBL), Gabriel Landeskog (2022 w/ COL), Gustav Forsling (2024 & 2025 w/ FLA) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (2024 w/ FLA).

* The Wild are supplying four players to Team Sweden, including forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Johansson as well as goaltenders Flip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt. Gustavsson and Wallstedt will become the first goaltenders to be NHL teammates and Olympic teammates in the same season.

QUICK CLICKS

Gabriel Landeskog (SWE) healthy, grateful for Olympic opportunity
Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) all business in quest for gold
*Jaccob Slavin (USA) had warm sendoff from neighbors
David Pastrnak (CZE) enjoying chilling with Czechia teammates

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (FRA) living Olympic dream at age 40

UK Gambling Commission Chief Executive announces departure

The U.K. Gambling Commission is today announcing that Andrew Rhodes has decided to leave the Commission on 30 April 2026, to take up a new role, which will be announced in due course.

Andrew has provided outstanding leadership of the Commission for almost five years and has overseen a transformation of the Commission and how it regulates the gambling Industry.

Andrew has led the work required from the Commission to implement the Gambling Act Review, with a strong focus on consumer safeguards. This has included the introduction of financial vulnerability checks, reducing the intensity of online games, and banning potentially harmful marketing offers. He has also overseen the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest surveys of gambling behaviour in the world.

Amongst his other achievements, Andrew oversaw the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence and transformed the Commission’s approach to regulation through more robust and outcome-focused strategies.

He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Gambling Commission through such an important period of change. I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen regulation, improve consumer protections, and ensure gambling is safer and fairer. I leave with confidence in the organisation, its people, and the work still to come.”

Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, said “Andrew has provided outstanding leadership for nearly five years and leaves a strong legacy. He has led the Commission through major reform, strengthened our regulatory approach, and ensured consumer protection has remained at the heart of our work. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and wish him every success in the future.”

The Commission will shortly begin the process of recruiting a Chief Executive for an interim period. Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will step up as Acting Chief Executive to cover the areas of work that Andrew will step back from during this transitional period.

The Board has full confidence in the Executive team’s ability to continue delivering on the strategic priorities during this period.

North Carolina releases January 2026 sports wagering revenue report

Between 1-31 January, account holders in North Carolina wagered $686,922,931 on sporting events, including paid and promotional wagers. From those wagers, account holders won $603,006,218.

State law levies an 18 percent tax on the gross wagering revenue generated by sports wagering activity. Gross wagering revenue is a total of amounts received from sports wagers less the amounts paid as winnings before any deductions for expenses, fees, or taxes.

In January, the gross wagering revenue for the state’s licensed interactive sports wagering operators totaled $80,338,762. After the 18 percent tax rate is applied, the estimated tax proceeds for the month would be $14,460,977. This is the projected amount that the N.C. Department of Revenue will collect from sports wagering operators.

Horse Race Preview: Race 9 – Forego Stakes at Turfway Park

Venue and Race Overview

Turfway Park is located in Florence, Kentucky, USA, a Thoroughbred racing venue known for its all-weather Tapeta synthetic surface since 2005, offering racing primarily in the winter months. The Forego Stakes is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, as Race 9, with a post time of 9:55 PM ET (Eastern Time). This stakes race is run over 6 1/2 furlongs on the synthetic track, open to horses aged 4 years and up, with a purse of $125,000.

Expected Weather Conditions

The forecast for Florence, Kentucky, on February 13, 2026, predicts cool winter conditions with highs around 48°F (9°C) and lows near 28°F (-2°C). Winds from the southwest at 10 mph, humidity at 94%, and a low 9% chance of precipitation. Partly cloudy skies are expected, with no significant impact on the synthetic surface.

Track Conditions

Turfway Park’s Tapeta all-weather surface is designed to perform consistently in various weather, and with minimal precipitation forecast, it is expected to be fast. This favors horses with experience on synthetic tracks, emphasizing speed and stamina over turf or dirt biases.

Field Analysis

The field includes 7 contenders, rescheduled from an earlier date due to weather, featuring a mix of synthetic specialists and shippers. Morning line (ML) odds reflect form on similar surfaces. Below is a table summarizing key details, followed by detailed analysis for each horse, including starting position (post position, or PP), recent finishes (last 5 where available), jockey, trainer, and assessment. Analyses consider synthetic/dirt form at sprint distances, speed figures (SF, Beyer-style), and connections. Weights are around 120 lbs.

PPHorse Name (Age/Sex)SireTrainerJockeyML Odds
1Multitask (5/G)Candy Ride (ARG)Eoin HartyGerardo Corrales10/1
2Banjo Chris (6/G)ConstitutionTroy WismerEdgar Morales8/1
3Built (5/G)TiznowWayne CatalanoJoseph Talamo5/2
4Playmea Tune (6/G)Maclean’s MusicJosie CarrollWalter Rodriguez4/1
5G T Five Hundred (5/G)Astern (AUS)Greg FoleyJoseph Rocco Jr.5/1
6Okiro (5/G)Yoshida (JPN)Jose GaroffaloJulien Leparoux3/1
7Hard Rye Guy (6/G)Hard SpunIgnacio Correas IVAdam Beschizza6/1

PP 1: Multitask (Owner: Godolphin, LLC)
This 5-year-old gelding by Candy Ride has shown promise on synthetic but needs a peak effort. Recent finishes: 2nd at Turfway (1/15/26, 6f synth, SF 92, stalked pace); 1st at Keeneland (10/25/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 98, wire-to-wire); 4th at Churchill (9/20/25, 7f dirt, SF 88, faded late); 3rd at Saratoga (8/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 95, rallied); 5th at Belmont (6/15/25, 6.5f synth, SF 90, even run).

Trainer Eoin Harty excels with Godolphin runners. Jockey Gerardo Corrales knows the surface well. Multitask’s SF (88-98) suits the distance, but rail draw requires a clean break—value play if he presses early.

PP 2: Banjo Chris (Owner: Novogratz Racing Stables)
A 6-year-old gelding by Constitution with consistent sprint form. Recent finishes: 2nd at Oaklawn (1/18/26, 6f dirt, SF 99, closed strong); 1st at Remington (11/25/25, 6f dirt, SF 102, led throughout); 3rd at Lone Star (10/5/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 97, mid-pack rally); 4th at Saratoga (8/5/25, 6f turf, SF 92, off pace); 1st at Churchill (6/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 100, dominant win).

Trainer Troy Wismer has solid mid-level success. Jockey Edgar Morales is aggressive locally. Banjo Chris’s SF (92-102) indicate versatility—contender if adapting to synthetic.

PP 3: Built (Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners)
This 5-year-old gelding by Tiznow thrives on synthetic. Recent finishes: 1st at Fair Grounds (12/21/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 105, impressive stretch run); 3rd at Fair Grounds (11/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 100, solid close); 5th at Louisiana Derby (3/22/25, 1 3/16m dirt, SF 95, weakened); 3rd at Risen Star (2/15/25, 1 1/8m dirt, SF 98, game effort); 2nd at Lecomte (1/18/25, 1 1/16m dirt, SF 102, close second).

Trainer Wayne Catalano wins with synthetic shippers. Jockey Joseph Talamo has strong stats here. Built’s shorter-distance SF (100+) make him a top threat—favorite material.

PP 4: Playmea Tune (Owner: Chiefswood Stables)
A 6-year-old gelding by Maclean’s Music with stakes experience. Recent finishes: 5th at Gulfstream (12/27/25, Mr. Prospector Gr3, 6f dirt, SF 85, even); 1st at Woodbine (11/15/25, ALWOC, 6.5f synth, SF 101, strong win); 5th at Woodbine (10/18/25, ALWOC, 6f synth, SF 99, mid-pack); 4th at Woodbine (9/20/25, Durham Cup Gr3, 1 1/4m synth, SF 96, stretched out); 4th at Woodbine (8/16/25, Bold Venture Gr3, 6.5f synth, SF 89, late run).

Trainer Josie Carroll dominates in Canada. Jockey Walter Rodriguez fits well. Playmea Tune’s synthetic SF (89-101) boost chances—live at 4/1.

PP 5: G T Five Hundred (Owner: Michael Dubb & Douglas Nachman)
This 5-year-old gelding by Astern brings class. Recent finishes: 1st at Turfway (1/10/26, 6f synth, SF 104, wire win); 3rd at Churchill (11/22/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 98, rallied); 2nd at Keeneland (10/15/25, 7f dirt, SF 100, close second); 4th at Saratoga (8/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 95, even); 1st at Churchill (6/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 102, dominant).

Trainer Greg Foley has upset potential. Jockey Joseph Rocco Jr. is reliable on synth. G T Five Hundred’s SF (95-104) suit the track—strong player.

PP 6: Okiro (Owner: Yutaka Enterprises Corp.)
A 5-year-old gelding by Yoshida with speed. Recent finishes: 1st at Gulfstream (1/5/26, 6f dirt, SF 103, led all way); 2nd at Gulfstream (12/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 99, near miss); 4th at Keeneland (10/10/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 96, faded); 3rd at Saratoga (8/25/25, 6f dirt, SF 101, rallied); 1st at Belmont (7/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 105, easy win).

Trainer Jose Garoffalo ships winners. Jockey Julien Leparoux excels on synthetic. Okiro’s peak SF (99-105) make him the one to beat—deserved favorite.

PP 7: Hard Rye Guy (Owner: Blanca Salazar)
This 6-year-old gelding by Hard Spun has veteran form. Recent finishes: 1st at Turfway (12/4/25, 6.5f synth, SF 97, closed late); 2nd at Aqueduct (11/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 94, strong second); 4th at Belmont (10/10/25, 7f dirt, SF 90, even); 3rd at Saratoga (8/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 96, board hit); 5th at Churchill (6/20/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 92, off day).

Trainer Ignacio Correas IV targets synthetics. Jockey Adam Beschizza rides hot. Hard Rye Guy’s SF (90-97) suggest board potential—exotics include.

Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – American Beauty Stakes at Oaklawn Park

Venue and Race Overview

Oaklawn Park is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA, a renowned Thoroughbred racing venue since 1904, famous for its dirt track and key Kentucky Derby prep races. The American Beauty Stakes is set for Friday, February 13, 2026, as Race 8, with a post time of 4:07 PM CT (Central Time). This stakes event is run over 6 furlongs on the dirt surface, restricted to fillies and mares aged 4 years and up, offering a purse of $150,000.

Expected Weather Conditions

The forecast for Hot Springs on February 13, 2026, indicates cool and overcast conditions with a chance of light rain late in the day. High temperatures are expected around 53-55°F (12-13°C), with lows near 46-50°F (8-10°C). Winds from the northeast at 6-11 mph, humidity around 69%, and a 47% chance of precipitation amounting to about 0.14 inches. These conditions could lead to a slightly damp track but are not expected to cause significant disruptions.

Track Conditions

The dirt track at Oaklawn Park is anticipated to be fast, given the minimal expected rainfall. However, if light rain materializes, it could shift to good. Oaklawn’s dirt surface typically favors speed in sprints like this, especially for horses with early pace or tactical versatility.

Field Analysis

The field consists of 6 competitive fillies and mares, with morning line (ML) odds indicating a tight contest among the top contenders. Below is a table summarizing key details, followed by in-depth analysis for each horse, including starting position (post position, or PP), recent finishes (last 5 where available), jockey, trainer, and assessment. Analyses incorporate form on dirt at sprint distances, speed figures (SF, Beyer-style), and connections. Weights range from 115-122 lbs, with allowances for recent wins.

PPHorse Name (Age/Sex)SireTrainerJockeyML Odds
1Tapit Quick (5/M)TapitureDallas StewartCristian A. Torres4/1
2Asternia (5/M)Astern (AUS)Randy L. MorseLuis Saez9/2
3Benedetta (5/M)City of LightSteven M. AsmussenKeith J. Asmussen2/1
4Gloriette (5/M)MunningsShea StuartAmir Mendoza12/1
5Majestic Oops (5/M)Majestic HarborDan WardFrancisco Arrieta8/5
6Velvet Devil (5/M)KantharosMichael A. TomlinsonAxel Concepcion8/1

PP 1: Tapit Quick (Owner: Hunter Valley Farm et al.)
This 5-year-old mare by Tapiture has shown solid sprint form on dirt. Recent finishes: 3rd at Fair Grounds (12/28/25, 6f dirt, SF 108); 1st at Churchill Downs (11/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 105); 4th at Keeneland (10/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 102); 2nd at Saratoga (8/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 110); 5th at Belmont (6/15/25, 7f dirt, SF 98).

Trainer Dallas Stewart excels with shippers to Oaklawn. Jockey Cristian A. Torres is a local standout with strong win rates. Tapit Quick’s consistent SF (102-110) and rail draw suit her stalking style—strong contender if she handles the class rise.

PP 2: Asternia (Owner: Joe B. Mulholland Jr. et al.)
A 5-year-old mare by Astern, with tactical speed in mid-level stakes. Recent finishes: 2nd at Oaklawn (1/18/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 95); 1st at Remington Park (11/25/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 98); 3rd at Lone Star (9/30/25, 6f dirt, SF 92); 4th at Saratoga (8/5/25, 5.5f turf, SF 88); 1st at Churchill (6/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 96).

Trainer Randy L. Morse knows the local circuit well. Jockey Luis Saez is a top rider shipping in for big races. Asternia’s recent Oaklawn placing and SF around 95-98 make her a live player, especially if the pace sets up for her closing kick.

PP 3: Benedetta (Owner: Springhouse Farm & Dromoland Farm)
This 5-year-old mare by City of Light is in peak form, with high-class speed. Recent finishes: 1st at Oaklawn (1/10/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 111); 2nd at Fair Grounds (12/5/25, 6f dirt stakes, SF 109); 1st at Churchill (10/25/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 112); 3rd at Keeneland (9/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 107); 1st at Saratoga (7/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 110).

Trainer Steven M. Asmussen dominates at Oaklawn with multiple stakes wins. Jockey Keith J. Asmussen (son of the trainer) has good chemistry with the barn. Benedetta’s top SF (107-112) and gate speed position her as a major threat—likely pacesetter and deserved favorite.

PP 4: Gloriette (Owner: Mike Ball & Katherine Ball)
A 5-year-old mare by Munnings, carrying top weight due to recent success. Recent finishes: 1st at Oaklawn (12/20/25, 6f dirt allowance, SF 114); 4th at Fair Grounds (11/10/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 105); 2nd at Remington (10/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 110); 1st at Lone Star (8/25/25, 6f dirt, SF 112); 3rd at Prairie Meadows (7/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 108).

Trainer Shea Stuart has a solid strike rate in sprints. Jockey Amir Mendoza is capable but less prominent. Gloriette’s peak SF (114) suggests talent, but the wide draw and weight (122 lbs) could hinder—exotics candidate if she repeats her last.

PP 5: Majestic Oops (Owner: William Dory et al.)
This 5-year-old California-bred mare by Majestic Harbor has been consistent in stakes company. Recent finishes: 1st at Santa Anita (1/5/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 110); 2nd at Del Mar (11/20/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 108); 1st at Los Alamitos (10/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 112); 3rd at Santa Anita (9/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 105); 4th at Del Mar (7/25/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 102).

Trainer Dan Ward specializes in sprinters. Jockey Francisco Arrieta rides aggressively and wins often at Oaklawn. Majestic Oops’s SF (102-112) and closing ability make her a top pick—value at 8/5 if the pace collapses.

PP 6: Velvet Devil (Owner: Woods Edge Farm et al.)
A 5-year-old mare by Kantharos, showing improvement but facing a class test. Recent finishes: 3rd at Oaklawn (1/25/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 88); 1st at Fair Grounds (12/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 92); 2nd at Churchill (11/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 90); 4th at Keeneland (10/1/25, 6f dirt, SF 85); 1st at Ellis Park (8/20/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 88).

Trainer Michael A. Tomlinson has upset potential. Jockey Axel Concepcion is a rising star. Velvet Devil’s lower SF (85-92) suggest she’s outclassed, but her speed could factor early—longshot for the board.