This Southeast Division matchup features the Miami Heat hosting the Atlanta Hawks in the second meeting between the teams this season. The Heat, coming off a dominant win, look to build consistency, while the Hawks aim to snap a two-game skid and improve their road form against a familiar rival.
Venue Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida.
This arena seats approximately 19,600 fans and is renowned for its electric atmosphere during Heat home games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT / 12:30 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on FDSSUN (Heat) and FDSSE (Hawks), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Atlanta Hawks: Kristaps Porzingis (C) – Questionable (Left Achilles Tendinitis); Onyeka Okongwu (F/C) – Out (Dental Fracture); Duop Reath (C) – Out (Right Foot Stress Fracture); N’Faly Dante (C) – Out (Right Knee Torn ACL); RayJ Dennis (G) – Doubtful (G League – Two-Way); Nikola Djurisic (G) – Doubtful (G League – Two-Way); Caleb Houstan (G/F) – Doubtful (G League – On Assignment).
The Hawks’ frontcourt is depleted, potentially forcing more minutes for Clint Capela and Jalen Johnson.
Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic (F) – Questionable (Hip Impingement); Norman Powell (G) – Questionable (Personal Reasons); Tyler Herro (G) – Out (Right Rib/Toe); Terry Rozier (G) – Out (Not With Team). Backcourt absences could strain the Heat’s guard rotation, with Davion Mitchell likely starting at point guard.
Key Player Matchups
This divisional clash emphasizes perimeter defense and rebounding, with the Heat’s experience potentially overwhelming the Hawks’ youth amid injuries.
Matchup
Hawks Player
Heat Player
Notes
Point Guard
Trae Young (25.1 PPG, 10.2 APG)
Davion Mitchell (10.5 PPG, 6.8 APG)
Young’s scoring and assists vs. Mitchell’s defensive tenacity; expect high pick-and-roll usage. si.com +1
Shooting Guard
Dyson Daniels (12.3 PPG)
Duncan Robinson (13.4 PPG)
Daniels’ versatility vs. Robinson’s shooting; Heat may exploit mismatches if Powell is out.
Small Forward
Zaccharie Risacher (11.8 PPG)
Jimmy Butler (21.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG)
Butler’s all-around game vs. Risacher’s rookie potential; key for transition scoring.
Power Forward
Jalen Johnson (19.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG)
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (14.2 PPG)
Johnson’s athleticism vs. Jaquez’s hustle; rebounding battle crucial with Hawks’ bigs out.
Center
Clint Capela (11.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG)
Bam Adebayo (20.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG)
Elite matchup: Adebayo’s two-way dominance vs. Capela’s rim protection. Bench: Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic (scoring) vs. Heat’s Kasparas Jakucionis (playmaking).
Recent Team Forms
Atlanta Hawks: 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 112.6 PPG while allowing 118.2 PPG.
On a two-game losing streak, including a 129-124 loss at Indiana (Jan 31) and a 104-86 home defeat to Houston (Jan 29). Defensive struggles persist (bottom-10 in league), but Trae Young averages 28 PPG recently.
Miami Heat: 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 114.8 PPG while allowing 110.5 PPG.
Won three of their last four, highlighted by a 134-91 rout of Chicago (Feb 1). Strong home defense (top-10) and Bam Adebayo’s 20+ PPG in recent outings fuel their push.
Series History
The all-time regular-season series favors the Heat with 82 wins to the Hawks’ 61 in 143 games.
Miami has dominated recently, winning the last three meetings and 7 of the last 10.
The Heat are 1-0 this season, with a 122-112 victory on March 27, 2025. Atlanta has struggled in Miami, losing 6 of their last 8 visits. No playoff history in recent years, but the 2022 playoffs saw Miami eliminate Atlanta 4-1 in the first round.
Betting Trends
Hawks: 26-25 ATS overall; 14-10 ATS on road; 5-8 ATS as underdogs by 4+. Over in 28 of 51 games (55%).
Heat: 29-22 ATS overall; 15-10 ATS at home; 12-6 ATS as favorites by 4+. Under in 30 of 51 games (59%).
Game Odds
Atlanta Hawks 237.5
Miami Heat – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
This Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference matchup features the Los Angeles Lakers wrapping up an eight-game road trip against the struggling Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers, led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, look to bounce back from a recent loss, while the Nets aim to capitalize on home-court advantage despite their poor form.
Venue Location
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York.
This arena seats approximately 17,732 for basketball and is known for its modern amenities and vibrant atmosphere in Nets home games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT / 12:30 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on YES (Nets) and SportsNet LA (Lakers), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Austin Reaves (G) – Questionable (Left Calf Strain); Bronny James (G) – Questionable (Left Lower Leg Soreness); Adou Thiero (F) – Out (Right MCL Sprain). Reaves’ potential return could boost the backcourt, but his minutes may be limited if he plays.
Brooklyn Nets: Haywood Highsmith (F) – Out (Right Knee Surgery); Ziaire Williams (F) – Probable (Left Calf Contusion); Noah Clowney (F) – Probable (Lower Back Sprain).
The Nets’ frontcourt depth is tested, but key players like Michael Porter Jr. are available.
Key Player Matchups
Expect a focus on star power with Doncic and James facing a young Nets core. The Lakers’ experience could overwhelm Brooklyn’s rebuilding lineup.
Matchup
Lakers Player
Nets Player
Notes
Point Guard
Luka Doncic (33.6 PPG, 9.1 APG)
Egor Demin (~10 PPG)
Doncic’s elite playmaking vs. Demin’s rookie inexperience; expect Doncic to control tempo.
Shooting Guard
Marcus Smart (12.5 PPG, strong defense)
Nolan Traore (~8 PPG)
Smart’s veteran defense could limit Traore; rebounding edge for Lakers.
Small Forward
Jake LaRavia (10.2 PPG)
Michael Porter Jr. (25.6 PPG)
Key scoring duel; Porter’s efficiency vs. LaRavia’s versatility.
Power Forward
LeBron James (24.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG)
Terance Mann (11.4 PPG)
James’ all-around game vs. Mann’s energy; potential mismatch for Lakers.
Center
Deandre Ayton (13.6 PPG, 10.5 RPG)
Nic Claxton (12.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG)
Rebounding battle; Ayton’s recent double-doubles vs. Claxton’s rim protection. Bench: Lakers’ Rui Hachimura (scoring) vs. Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith (defense).
Recent Team Forms
Los Angeles Lakers: 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 114.2 PPG while allowing 112.8 PPG.
Coming off a 112-100 loss to the Knicks, but with wins over Wizards (142-111), Bulls (129-118), and Mavericks (116-110). Strong offense led by Doncic (30+ PPG recently), but road defense has been inconsistent.
Brooklyn Nets: 2-8 in their last 10 games, averaging 108.4 PPG while allowing 118.6 PPG.
Recent blowout loss (130-77 to Pistons), but competitive in losses to stronger teams. Porter Jr. averages 27 PPG lately, but team defense ranks bottom-5.
Series History
The all-time series favors the Lakers with a 67-31 record in 98 regular-season meetings.
Recently, the Nets have covered 4 of the last 5, including a 111-108 upset win as +5 underdogs on March 10, 2025.
Lakers won the prior meeting 102-101 on January 17, 2025, but failed to cover as -9.5 favorites. In the last 10 games, it’s 6-4 Lakers SU, with unders hitting in 5 of 10.
Betting Trends
Lakers: 25-23 ATS overall; 15-13 ATS on road; 6-4 ATS as 8.5+ point favorites. Over in 27 of 48 games (56.3%).
Nets: 24-24 ATS overall; 11-12 ATS as 8.5+ point underdogs; Over in 20 of 48 games (41.7%).
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers – 7.5
Brooklyn Nets 221.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
This Eastern Conference matchup features the surging New York Knicks aiming to extend their six-game winning streak against the struggling Washington Wizards, who have shown signs of life with three wins in their last four games but remain near the bottom of the standings.
Venue Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
This arena seats approximately 20,356 fans and is known for its energetic crowd during Wizards home games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on MSG (Knicks) and MNMT (Wizards), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
New York Knicks: Miles McBride (PG) – Out (Ankle); Mitchell Robinson (C) – Out (Ankle).
foxsports1430.iheart.com +3
McBride and Robinson’s absences weaken the bench and rim protection; expect increased minutes for Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa.
Washington Wizards: Trae Young (PG) – Out (Quadricep); Cam Whitmore (SF) – Out for Season (Shoulder); Tristan Vukcevic (F) – Out (Hamstring); Tre Johnson (G) – Out (Ankle); Anthony Gill (F) – Questionable (Hand).
The Wizards’ backcourt is depleted without Young, forcing reliance on players like Malaki Branham.
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights offensive firepower from the Knicks against the Wizards’ young frontcourt, with key battles in spacing and rebounding.
Matchup
Knicks Player
Wizards Player
Notes
Point Guard
Jalen Brunson (27.5 PPG, 7.2 APG)
Malaki Branham (filling in, ~10 PPG)
Brunson’s scoring and playmaking vs. Branham’s inexperience; expect Brunson to exploit mismatches.
Shooting Guard
Mikal Bridges (20.1 PPG)
Kyshawn George (~12 PPG)
Bridges’ defense could limit George; two-way play key here.
Small Forward
OG Anunoby (18.4 PPG, strong defense)
Bilal Coulibaly (12.5 PPG)
Defensive duel; Anunoby’s recent hot streak (25 PPG last game) vs. Coulibaly’s athleticism.
Power Forward
Josh Hart (13.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG)
Will Riley (rookie, ~15 PPG)
Rebounding battle; Hart’s versatility vs. Riley’s emerging scoring.
Center
Karl-Anthony Towns (24.8 PPG, 13.2 RPG)
Alex Sarr (13.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG)
Premier matchup: Towns’ spacing and efficiency vs. Sarr’s rim protection; could dictate pace. Bench: Knicks’ Landry Shamet (shooting) vs. Wizards’ Justin Champagnie (energy).
Recent Team Forms
New York Knicks: 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 110.3 PPG while allowing 106.5 PPG.
On a six-game win streak, including a 112-100 victory over the Lakers; strong ATS (6-0 in streak), focusing on balanced scoring and defense.
Washington Wizards: 3-7 in their last 10 games, averaging 110.4 PPG while allowing 118.2 PPG.
Won three of last four, including a 116-112 upset over Sacramento; improved offense but defensive struggles persist.
Series History
The all-time series favors the Knicks with 187 wins to the Wizards’ 136 in 323 regular-season games.
New York has dominated recently, winning the last 10 meetings, including a 119-102 home victory on November 3, 2025.
The Knicks are 6-2 ATS in the last eight matchups. No playoff meetings in recent years.
Betting Trends
Knicks: 25-23-1 ATS overall; 6-0 ATS in last 6; 3-0 ATS as 14+ point favorites. Over in 4 of last 10.
Wizards: 21-27 ATS overall; 3-6 ATS as 14+ point underdogs; 6-4 ATS in last 10. Over in 6 of last 10.
Game Odds
New York Knicks – 13.5
Washington Wizards 227.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
This interconference matchup pits two struggling teams against each other, with the Indiana Pacers hosting the Utah Jazz. Both squads are at the bottom of their respective conferences, but the Pacers enter with slight momentum from recent home wins, while the Jazz aim to end a six-game skid.
Venue Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana.
This arena, seating about 17,923, is known for its passionate fans and has been the Pacers’ home since 1999.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on FDSIN (FanDuel Sports Network Indiana), KJZZ, and Jazz+, with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Utah Jazz: Jusuf Nurkic (C) – Out (Rest); Keyonte George (G) – Out (Ankle); Georges Niang (F) – Out (Foot); Walker Kessler (C) – Out (Shoulder – out for season); Elijah Harkless (G) – Out (Hamstring).
The Jazz are severely depleted in the frontcourt, forcing reliance on John Collins and Lauri Markkanen for rebounding.
Indiana Pacers: Obi Toppin (F) – Out (Foot); Tyrese Haliburton (G) – Out (Achilles – out for season).
si.com +1
Haliburton’s absence is a massive blow to playmaking, but Pascal Siakam has stepped up as the primary scorer.
Key Player Matchups
This game features battles between veteran forwards and makeshift backcourts due to injuries. Expect a focus on interior play with both teams missing key bigs.
Matchup
Jazz Player
Pacers Player
Notes
Point Guard
Collin Sexton (20.5 PPG, 4.8 APG)
T.J. McConnell (10.2 PPG, 7.5 APG)
Sexton’s scoring vs. McConnell’s facilitation; both will handle heavy minutes without starters.
Shooting Guard
Jordan Clarkson (17.3 PPG)
Bennedict Mathurin (18.4 PPG)
Volume shooters; Mathurin’s athleticism could exploit Jazz’s perimeter defense.
Small Forward
Lauri Markkanen (23.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG)
Aaron Nesmith (12.1 PPG)
Markkanen’s size and range vs. Nesmith’s defense; key for spacing.
Power Forward
John Collins (15.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG)
Pascal Siakam (23.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG)
Premier matchup: Siakam’s versatility vs. Collins’ rebounding.
Center
Drew Eubanks (filling in, 8.4 PPG)
Myles Turner (16.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG)
Turner blocks shots (2.1 BPG); Eubanks steps up with Kessler and Nurkic out. Bench: Jazz’s Taylor Hendricks (energy) vs. Pacers’ Isaiah Jackson (defense).
Recent Team Forms
Utah Jazz: 1-9 in their last 10 games, on a six-game losing streak, averaging 113.0 PPG while allowing 127.1 PPG.
Recent results include losses to Toronto (100-107), Brooklyn (99-109), Golden State (124-140), and Clippers (103-115). Defensive woes persist, allowing 115+ in four of last five; offense relies on Markkanen (35 PTS in last loss).
Indiana Pacers: 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 116.8 PPG while allowing 120.5 PPG.
Coming off a loss to Houston (114-118) but with wins over Atlanta (129-124) and Chicago (113-110). Siakam averages 27 PPG recently; home form stronger (10-17 SU).
Series History
The all-time series is tight, with the Pacers leading 51-50 in 101 regular-season games.
Utah won the most recent matchup on November 11, 2025 (152-128), but Indiana has won the last two home games against the Jazz.
In the last 10 meetings, it’s split 5-5; Pacers are 10-10 in their last 20 vs. Jazz.
No playoff history between these franchises.
Betting Trends
Jazz: 26-24 ATS overall; 12-11 ATS on road; 5-13 ATS as road underdogs. Over in 6 of last 10. Pacers: 26-24 ATS overall; 14-13 ATS at home; 3-7 ATS as home favorites. Under in 7 of last 10.
Game Odds
Utah Jazz – 2.5
Indiana Pacers 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
This matchup features the surging Detroit Pistons hosting the Denver Nuggets in a cross-conference clash. The Pistons, leading the Eastern Conference, aim to extend their home dominance, while the Nuggets look to rebound from a recent loss and continue their road success.
Venue Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan.
This modern arena, opened in 2017, seats approximately 20,332 for basketball and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during Pistons’ winning streaks.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on FDSDET (FanDuel Sports Network Detroit) and ALT (Altitude Sports), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
National viewers can access it via select cable providers or online platforms.
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun (G) – Questionable (Left Ankle Sprain); Aaron Gordon (F) – Out (Right Hamstring Strain); Cameron Johnson (F) – Out (Right Knee Bone Bruise); Tamar Bates (G) – Out (Left Foot Surgery).
Gordon’s absence is significant, as he’s a key defender and rebounder; re-evaluation in 4-6 weeks. No updates on Nikola Jokic, who was probable recently but cleared.
Detroit Pistons: Caris LeVert (G) – Questionable (Illness); Tolu Smith (F) – Questionable (Calf).
ak-static.cms.nba.com +4
Several G-League assignments (e.g., Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman) are out but not impacting the rotation. Cade Cunningham is probable after recent hip soreness but expected to play.
Key Player Matchups
Key individual battles could decide this game, given both teams’ star power and defensive schemes:
Matchup
Nuggets Player
Pistons Player
Notes
Point Guard
Jamal Murray (22.5 PPG, 6.8 APG)
Cade Cunningham (23.4 PPG, 9.8 APG)
Cunningham’s playmaking vs. Murray’s scoring; both All-Stars, expect high-usage duels.
Shooting Guard
Christian Braun (if available, 12.3 PPG) or Julian Strawther
Jaden Ivey (18.2 PPG)
Speed and athleticism; Ivey’s explosiveness could exploit Nuggets’ backcourt depth issues.
Small Forward
Michael Porter Jr. (18.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG)
Tobias Harris (17.5 PPG)
Shooting threats; Porter’s range vs. Harris’ versatility in mid-range.
Power Forward
Peyton Watson (filling in, 11.4 PPG)
Isaiah Stewart (10.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG)
Rebounding battle; Watson steps up with Gordon out.
Center
Nikola Jokic (26.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 9.0 APG)
Jalen Duren (14.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG)
Premier matchup: Jokic’s triple-double threat vs. Duren’s athletic rim protection. Bench: Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook (energy) vs. Pistons’ Malik Beasley (shooting).
Recent Team Forms
Denver Nuggets: 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 108.9 PPG while allowing 108.8 PPG.
They are on a six-game road win streak but lost their last home game to OKC (111-121). Key wins: vs. Clippers (122-109), at Bucks (102-100). Struggles against top teams like Lakers and Thunder highlight defensive inconsistencies without Gordon.
Detroit Pistons: 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 118.2 PPG while holding opponents to 104.3 PPG.
Dominant recently, including a franchise-record 130-77 rout of Brooklyn and a 131-124 win at Golden State. Sole losses: at Phoenix (96-114) and earlier setbacks. They’ve won 23 of their last 28 as favorites, showcasing elite defense (top-5 in league).
Series History
The all-time series is close, with the Pistons leading 53-49 in 102 regular-season meetings.
Recent history favors Denver, who won 5 of the last 7 at Little Caesars Arena.
However, Detroit snapped a streak with a 109-107 upset win in Denver on January 27, 2026, led by Cunningham’s 22 points.
Nuggets have won the last three in Detroit prior to that. No playoff meetings in this matchup.
Betting Trends
Nuggets: 24-25-1 ATS overall; 15-11 ATS on road; 7-1 ATS as road underdogs. Over in 6 of last 10. Pistons: 26-21-1 ATS overall; 14-14 ATS as favorites by 4+ points; 23-5 SU as favorites by -180 or more. Under in 7 of last 10 home games.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 229.5
Detroit Pistons -5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
HAMILTON – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Monday that they have extended National wide receiver Keaton Bruggeling and signed American receiver and return specialist Xavier Malone.
Bruggeling, 27, joined Hamilton as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season. The six‑foot‑three, 205‑pound St. Catharines native appeared in nine games last year, recording seven receptions for 63 yards. A former 22nd overall pick in the 2022 CFL Draft, he previously played 31 games over three seasons with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, posting eight catches for 83 yards and one touchdown.
Malone, 25, arrives after spending the 2025 season with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers. The five‑foot‑seven, 182‑pound product of Mound Bayou, Mississippi also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Toronto Argonauts (2024). In college, he starred at Northeast Mississippi Community College and Henderson State University, where he totaled 175 receptions for 3,045 yards and 23 touchdowns across 36 games.
The CFL’s Free Agency period opens on Feb. 10, 2026 at noon ET.
The Free Agency Communication Window, in which teams can openly speak with pending free agents or CFL Players’ Association-registered designates, is scheduled for February 1 at noon ET until February 8 at noon ET.
The following players will become free agents should they not sign extensions with their respective clubs.
The status column below indicates whether a player has signed a new deal with his team or is still bound for the open market. The lists below do not include retired nor suspended players.
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were active on the opening day of the Free Agency Communication Window, reportedly reaching agreements with three pending free agents.
According to 3DownNation’s John Hodge, Winnipeg is set to add offensive lineman Jarell Broxton and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna, while TSN’s Farhan Lalji reports that receiver Tommy Nield is also joining the Blue Bombers.
All three players were slated to hit free agency on February 10. Broxton, who earned No. 14 on CFL.ca’s Top 30 pending free agents list, is coming off a standout season in BC. He started 16 games at left tackle in 2025, earning All‑CFL honours and finishing as Pro Football Focus’ top‑graded pass protector.
Ceresna battled injuries last season but still contributed 16 defensive tackles, one sack, and one interception in 11 games with Edmonton. The veteran lineman has accumulated 46 career sacks, including a career‑best 12 with the Elks in 2023, during stints with Ottawa, Edmonton, and Toronto.
Nield appeared in 13 games for Saskatchewan in 2025, posting career highs with 535 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and 42 receptions. Before joining the Roughriders, the Canadian wideout spent four seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. Over 54 career games, he has totaled 1,311 yards and seven touchdowns.
Return to Mexico City for Regular Season Games in 2026, 2027 and 2028; The NFL Also Extends its Broadcast Partnership with TelevisaUnivision
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – The National Football League will return to Mexico City to play regular season games for the next three years at iconic Estadio Banorte, starting in the 2026 season.
The NFL has also extended its long-standing broadcast partnership with TelevisaUnivision, an official media partner for the last 60 years, as part of the league’s commitment to increasing fan access to live games and NFL programming in Mexico, and to continue to grow the sport’s reach nationwide.
“We are delighted to bring regular‑season NFL games back to Mexico City beginning in 2026, reaffirming our deep and long‑standing connection with fans across the country,” said NFL Mexico Director General Arturo Olivé. “Estadio Banorte has hosted some incredibly memorable moments in our international history, and returning here underscores our commitment to growing the sport at every level in the market. We are also pleased to extend and expand our broadcast partnership with TelevisaUnivision, ensuring fans nationwide can enjoy greater access to NFL programming on Canal 5 and Canal 9. This is an exciting moment for the NFL in Mexico, and we look forward to building on this momentum for years to come.”
“Estadio Banorte is incredibly proud to continue making history as the home of the NFL in Mexico,” said Deputy General Director of Estadio Banorte Félix Aguirre. “This multi‑year agreement with the NFL will allow hundreds of thousands of fans to enjoy regular‑season games at one of the world’s most iconic and newly renovated stadiums. The agreement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that the new dawn of Estadio Banorte is defined by hosting sporting and entertainment events of excellence in our country.”
“We are proud to announce the renewal of our NFL broadcast rights in Mexico,” said President of Sports at TelevisaUnivsion Olek Loewenstein. “This partnership reaffirms our commitment to delivering the best sports coverage and bringing one of the world’s most influential sports to a huge and passionate fan base that is measured in millions.”
The return of regular season NFL games in Mexico builds on the league’s history of playing five previous games at Estadio Banorte in 2005, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. With 40 million fans of the NFL – the largest fanbase outside of the U.S. – and with an office in Mexico City since 1998, the league is focused on increasing year-round presence through fan initiatives, NFL Flag development, community impact initiatives and growing the game at every level.
Flag football, the non-contact format of the game, will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). NFL Flag, the league’s official youth flag football program, launched in Mexico in 2000 and this year is projected to reach 3.3 million girls and boys nationwide.
There are 10 teams that hold marketing rights in Mexico as part of the league’s Global Markets Program, an initiative that awards NFL clubs international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the U.S., through fan engagement, events and commercial opportunities.
Fans can sign up for information on the 2026 NFL Mexico City game here
Sixty-two regular-season NFL games have been played around the world with London, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dublin, São Paulo, Mexico City and Toronto having hosted games to date.
The NFL will play nine international games in 2026 – the most on record – to be played across four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums.
· One game in Melbourne, Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, featuring the Los Angeles Rams as one of the participating teams
· One game in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium
· One game in Munich, Germany at FC Bayern Munich Arena
· Three games in London, U.K.
· One game in Madrid, Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium – home to Real Madrid C.F.
· One game in Paris, France, at the Stade de France Stadium, featuring the New Orleans Saints as one of the participating teams
· One game in Mexico City, Mexico at the Estadio Banorte – home to Club América
Fans can sign up to receive information on all NFL 2026 International Games at the following:
* Twenty-four hours after the Lightning completed their four-goal comeback win during the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, the Predators achieved one of their own, establishing the third instance in NHL history of four-goal comeback victories on consecutive days.
* Alex Ovechkin notched his 1,670th career point with Washington to move past Wayne Gretzky on an all-time NHL list as the Capitals earned their third straight win and inched closer to a playoff spot.
* National broadcasts in the U.S. and Canada are scattered across Tuesday’s seven-game slate as the League enters the final three gamedays before the Olympic break.
STAMKOS, JOSI LEAD PREDATORS TO FOUR-GOAL COMEBACK WIN
One day after the Lightning recorded a four-goal comeback win outdoors, the Predators did so inside Bridgestone Arena propelled by a multi-goal outing from Steven Stamkos and a four-assist performance from Roman Josi. Nashville recorded the fourth four-goal comeback win of 2025-26, tied with 1986-87 and 1984-85 for the fourth most at this stage of a season in NHL history (884 GP), behind 2019-20 (5), 1985-86 (5) and 1983-84 (5). Notably, each instance in the 1980s had 840 games in the entire season.
* Josi recorded his fourth career four-assist game, which matched the most by an active defenseman (also Victor Hedman, Morgan Rielly & Quinn Hughes). He also secured his ninth four-point performance and moved within one of tying Erik Karlsson (10) for the most among active blueliners. Josi, who will represent Team Switzerland at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, already paces his countrymen in both of those categories.
OVECHKIN, CARLSON MOVE UP ALL-TIME LISTS IN CAPITALS WIN A pair of Capitals veterans, Alex Ovechkin (0-1—1) and John Carlson (1-0—1), moved up all-time NHL lists and helped Washington skate to a third straight win. The Capitals (28-22-7, 63 points) inched within two points of the Islanders (30-21-5, 65 points) for third in the Metropolitan Division.
* Ovechkin notched his 751st career assist and surpassed Larry Robinson (750) to move into the top 50 in NHL history. The Capitals captain also recorded his 1,029th career game with at least one point, tying Ray Bourque for the seventh most in NHL history behind Wayne Gretzky (1,221 GP), Mark Messier (1,143 GP), Gordie Howe (1,132 GP), Ron Francis (1,123 GP), Jaromir Jagr (1,117 GP) and Steve Yzerman (1,033 GP).
* Carlson recorded his ninth career 10-goal season and became the eighth American defenseman in NHL history with as many. He joined Phil Housley (16), Brian Leetch (13), Mathieu Schneider (13), Kevin Hatcher (12), Reed Larson (11), Gary Suter (11) and Dustin Byfuglien (9).
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OLYMPIC-BOUND PLAYERS DAYS AWAY FROM BREAK
A number of players headed to Italy for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 achieved noteworthy mentions in one of the final days before the NHL breaks for them to represent their country:
* Sandis Vilmanis and Uvis Balinskis (Team Latvia) both found the back of the net with the Panthers and established the first time in NHL history two Latvian-born players on the same team have scored in a single game. Balinskis will be competing in his second Olympics after skating in four games and collecting three assists in 2022 in Beijing.
* William Nylander (Team Sweden) had 1-2—3 to lift the Maple Leafs to their eighth straight win versus the Flames since 2022-23 – their longest active winning streak against one opponent. Nylander notched his 46th career three-point game to pass fellow Swede Borje Salming while moving into a tie with Doug Gilmour for the eight most in franchise history.
* Macklin Celebrini (Team Canada) required the fourth-fewest games by a teenager to reach 80 points in a season (28-53—81 in 54 GP), behind only Wayne Gretzky (45 GP in 1980-81 & 50 GP in 1979-80) and Sidney Crosby (47 GP in 2006-07). He also recorded his 143rd and 144th career points, which put him past Ron Francis (142) for the seventh most by a teenager in NHL history – a list Crosby (202) leads.
* Thomas Harley (Team Canada) and Jake Oettinger (Team USA) helped the Stars win their fifth straight game. Harley scored his sixth career overtime goal and tied John Klingberg for the most by a Stars/North Stars defenseman, while Oettinger became the seventh American goaltender to record 10 winning streaks of five contests.
* Quinn Hughes (0-3—3) factored on Minnesota’s final three goals, including the overtime winner, to reach 400 career assists and help the Wild earn a third-period comeback win. The defenseman logged his fifth three-assist game since joining Minnesota and established a franchise record for most in a season. Hughes (484 GP), who will represent Team USA on the international stage next week, became the second-fastest American in NHL history to hit the 400-assist milestone, behind Craig Janney (477 GP).
SCHMALTZ NETS HIS SECOND HAT TRICK OF THE SEASON
Nick Schmaltz scored his second hat trick of the season – and the League’s first of February – after a January that saw the most in any month in NHL history. Schmaltz helped the Mammoth improve to 29-23-4 (62 points) and move from outside the playoff line and into the first Wild Card seed in the Western Conference.
* Schmaltz joined Logan Cooley as Utah’s second player with multiple hat tricks in 2025-26. The only other team to have two skaters with multiple three-goal performances this season is Chicago (Connor Bedard & Tyler Bertuzzi).
LYON EXTENDS WINNING STREAK IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
Monday’s 10-game slate was covered in #NHLStats: Live Updates and included notes on Alex Lyon and the Sabres. Lyon won his eighth straight road game, which is the longest run by a goaltender in franchise history, while Buffalo (32-18-5, 69 points) moved within one point of Montreal (31-17-8, 70 points) for third in the Atlantic Division.
TIGHT PLAYOFF RACE CONTINUES DURING SEVEN-GAME SLATE
Tuesday features a doubleheader on TNT and HBO Max that opens with a Metropolitan Division clash between the Penguins (28-15-11, 67 points) and Islanders (30-21-5, 65 points) and closes with a Pacific Division showdown between the Ducks (29-23-3, 61 points) and Kraken (26-19-9, 61 points). The seven-game slate will also see the Lightning (35-14-4, 74 points) battle the Sabres (32-18-5, 69 points) on ESPN+ and Hulu while the Maple Leafs (26-21-9, 61 points) face off against the Oilers (28-20-8, 64 points) on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. Pittsburgh, New York, Buffalo, Anaheim and Seattle all enter Tuesday in a playoff position after missing the postseason last year.
* The Penguins and Islanders would meet in the playoffs if they started today as they hold the second and third position in the Metropolitan Division, respectively. Pittsburgh has had success as the visitor since the calendar flipped to 2026 with six wins in seven road games – tied with Florida and Buffalo for the second most among all teams behind Tampa Bay (7). New York, however, has a track record of performing well against Pittsburgh at home with a 7-2-1 record dating to Feb. 27, 2021.
* The Kraken look to extend their win streak to five games for the first time since 2023-24 (9 GP) and maintain their hold over third place in the Pacific Division, with the Ducks hot on their heels in the second Wild Card spot. Meanwhile, Anaheim (55 GP) can become the first team in its division to reach 30 wins in 2025-26 and can do so in its fewest games since 2014-15 (46 GP), a season they finished atop the Western Conference standings before making a run to the Conference Finals.
* The Lightning and Sabres, who rank first and fourth in the Atlantic Division, respectively, are set to clash in their first of four meetings this season and are two of the League’s hottest teams. Buffalo has accumulated a League-leading 22 wins since Dec. 1 and ranks first in points percentage over that span (.750 P%), while Tampa Bay ranks second in points percentage (19 wins; .714 P%) thanks, in part, to eight straight home wins.
* The Oilers, who rank second in the Pacific Division, and Maple Leafs, are set to battle for the second time this season after Edmonton bested Toronto on Dec. 13. The Oilers can win their first season series against the Maple Leafs since 2002-03 (2-1-0), however, Toronto has a 7-2-1 record in its past 10 trips to Edmonton (EDM: 3-7-0).
* Connor McDavid penned a piece in The Players’ Tribune on Monday titled, ‘Dear Canada,’ expressing how much it means to represent Team Canada at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, how it felt to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off, his passion to win a Stanley Cup in Edmonton and how he came to love hockey as a child.
#NHLSTATS MEMOS TO MILAN: MAJOR MATCHUPS WITH GOLDEN DREAMS IN MIND
The national slate of NHL action includes a bevy of stars ready to make their Olympic debut, or return, for another shot at gold:
* Victor Hedman returned to the Lightning lineup in their historic outdoor win Sunday – his first game in nearly two months – and will skate against another Swedish captain heading for Milan tonight, Sabres blueliner Rasmus Dahlin. Hedman is one of 19 first-time Olympians on the Team Sweden roster as the nation seeks its third medal (second gold) at Olympics with NHL players.Dahlin was 17 when he made his Olympic debut in 2018, posting one assist in two games as Team Sweden’s youngest player before becoming the first Swedish defenseman ever selected with the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft.
* Another contest on tonight’s slate also features an Olympic-bound NHL captain – Ducks blueliner Radko Gudas (Team Czechia) – as well as a player from a Nordic nation who made his Olympic debut at a young age, Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen (Team Finland). Tolvanen, 18 at the time, secured a spot on the All-Star Team after tying for second in tournament scoring (3-6—9 in 5 GP) while skating alongside another teenager headed for the NHL in Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen.
* The oldest NHL player on an Olympic roster is Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (Team Canada), who will square off against the youngest player in the League this season, Islanders rookie blueliner Matthew Schaefer. Crosby and Drew Doughty will become the ninth and 10th players to represent Team Canada at three Olympics with NHL players (currently 6 skaters & 2 goaltenders).
* The 21st all-time NHL head-to-head meeting between Oilers captain Connor McDavid (Team Canada) and Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (Team USA) will also be Toronto’s final contest before the Olympic break when Matthews and teammates William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (both Team Sweden) head over to Milan to play for gold. Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will compete alongside Edmonton rookie Josh Samanski (who recorded his first NHL point Saturday) when they represent Team Germany next week – including a clash against Matthews and Team USA to close out Group C round-robin play on Feb. 15.
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