Historically, WNBA expansion teams have struggled in their first season. How many games might Golden State win in 2025?

The article provides insight into the typical growing pains of new WNBA teams, setting realistic expectations for the Valkyries while highlighting the league's ongoing growth and the challenges expansion franchises face in establishing competitiveness.

The article examines the potential performance of the WNBA's newest expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, in their inaugural 2025 season, comparing their outlook to the historical struggles of past expansion teams. It speculates on their possible win total and challenges they may face.  

Projecting how good the expansion Valkyries will be in their inaugural WNBA season

<p><img width="832" height="444" src="https://cdn1.thecomeback.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2025/03/USATSI_24731452_168384754_lowres-scaled-e1742391807544-1024x547.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="General view of NBC Sports microphones" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://awfulannouncing.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2025/03/USATSI_24731452_168384754_lowres-scaled-e1742391807544-1024x547.jpg 1024w, https://awfulannouncing.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2025/03/USATSI_24731452_168384754_lowres-scaled-e1742391807544-300x160.jpg 300w, https://awfulannouncing.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2025/03/USATSI_24731452_168384754_lowres-scaled-e1742391807544-768x410.jpg 768w, https://awfulannouncing.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2025/03/USATSI_24731452_168384754_lowres-scaled-e1742391807544-1536x820.jpg 1536w, https://awfulannouncing.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2025/03/USATSI_24731452_168384754_lowres-scaled-e1742391807544-2048x1094.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px" />NBC is about to find itself with an &#8220;embarrassment of riches&#8221; next winter, at least according to Puck&#8217;s sports reporter John Ourand. The network is positioned to broadcast the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, and the NBA All-Star Game, all within two weeks. While that will obviously present some challenges for the network <a class="more-link" href="https://awfulannouncing.com/nbc/ad-exec-challenges-winter-olympics.html">Read more...</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://awfulannouncing.com/nbc/ad-exec-challenges-winter-olympics.html">Ad exec outlines challenges for NBC&#8217;s marquee events next winter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://awfulannouncing.com">Awful Announcing</a>.</p>

This highlights the complexities networks face when managing multiple major events in a short timeframe, balancing viewer engagement, ad revenue, and operational demands. It reflects broader industry pressures to maximize high-profile content while avoiding oversaturation.

NBC is about to find itself with an “embarrassment of riches” next winter, at least according to Puck’s sports reporter John Ourand. The network is positioned to broadcast the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, and the NBA All-Star Game, all within two weeks. While that will obviously present some challenges for the network Read more...
The post Ad exec outlines challenges for NBC’s marquee events next winter appeared first on Awful Announcing.

NBC faces logistical and advertising challenges as it prepares to broadcast the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, and NBA All-Star Game within a two-week span next winter, creating a high-stakes but crowded schedule.  

Ad exec outlines challenges for NBC’s marquee events next winter

<figure>
      <img alt="Las Vegas Raiders Introduce Geno Smith" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HA57fB4N2y4WPJhC4aZ1JejwuAg=/0x0:4897x3265/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74077873/2209047314.0.jpg" />
        <figcaption>Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images</figcaption>
    </figure>

  <p>Which NFL stars have changed teams before the 2025 season?</p> <p id="UtMTxF">If it were up to me, all NFL player transactions wouldn’t be announced before the season and players would just show up on their new teams like it’s the beginning of a new anime arc. However, with all of the already announced player movement taking place during a whirlwind free agency period, it can be tough to remember who ended up where. So let’s go a little refresher, with the biggest names in the NFL in new places.</p>
<h3 id="fhXJ7T">WR Davante Adams is now a Los Angeles Ram</h3>
<p id="tR6LDQ">After Adams’ short stint with the Jets ended with a whimper, the talented wide receiver hit the open market and ended up with the Rams. LA could use a player with his separation skills against man coverage, to allow Puka Nacua to fully blossom with less eyes on him.</p>
<h3 id="Gzihg4">OG Joe Thuney is now a Chicago Bear</h3>
<p id="NC2O98">Thuney is one of the most steady players in the NFL, providing great play at guard and even moving out to tackle when the Chiefs needed him last season. This year, he goes to Chicago in order to help solidify the offensive line in front of young QB Caleb Williams, hoping to get the Bears back on track.</p>
<h3 id="EHHTDX">WR Stefon Diggs is now a New England Patriot</h3>
<p id="doLPNk">Before a torn ACL ended his season in Houston, Diggs was the perfect complementary receiver in the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>’ offense. In New England, he gives Drake Maye a target who can get open quickly and win in the short to intermediate range.</p>
<h3 id="c85BGm">WR Cooper Kupp is now a Seattle Seahawk</h3>
<p id="q1BmD1">Kupp returns home to Washington, where he becomes the complement to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kupp might not be the player that he once was, but he can still be a quality second receiver in the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>’ offense.</p>
<h3 id="uKKwtu">WR DK Metcalf is now a Pittsburgh Steeler</h3>
<p id="zahzaa">Metcalf was traded from Seattle to Pittsburgh in one of two high-profile moves for the Seahawks this offseason, and for Pittsburgh it gives them another shot at a bonafide WR1. In Arthur Smith’s offense of crossing routes and verticality, Metcalf could thrive.</p>
<h3 id="C6n1Br">QB Geno Smith is now a Las Vegas Raider</h3>
<p id="qU3hSO">The other high profile trade made by Seattle was sending QB Geno Smith to the Raiders as he reunites with Pete Carroll. Smith is one of the better QBs in the NFL, with the arm arrogance throwing downfield combined with the accuracy and ball placement to back it up. He’s getting up there in age, but the Raiders’ offense could be a fun one to watch with him at the helm.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
        <img alt="NFL: Super Bowl LIX-Radio Row" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_8m3sfBRNQafOIUOQnokKSrGL3w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25991086/usa_today_25364305.jpg">
      <cite>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</cite>
  </figure>
<h3 id="8PZMza">WR Deebo Samuel is now a Washington Commander</h3>
<p id="aW4wXU">Someone had to be the odd man out as San Francisco begins to pay all of their stars, and Samuel was the one to get the call. In Washington’s RPO-based offense, he should operate well as a quick game and underneath option for star QB Jayden Daniels.</p>
<h3 id="uRhyNc">LT Laremy Tunsil is now a Washington Commander</h3>
<p id="oBSRpW">In a bit of a stunning move, the Houston Texans traded Tunsil to the Commanders as Washington prepares to make their move towards a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>. Tunsil is definitely getting up there in age and didn’t have the best year last season, but a bounce back year in a new area could be in the cards.</p>
<h3 id="Vat3hj">WR George Pickens is now a Dallas Cowboy</h3>
<p id="sZwMOJ">One of the NFL’s most dynamic (and volatile) deep threats is now donning the star, as Pickens recently got traded to Dallas. If the Cowboys can keep him motivated, the field should open up a lot more for WR CeeDee Lamb, and QB Dak Prescott gets a downfield threat on the outside the Cowboys haven’t had recently.</p>
<h3 id="k3a7Rt">QB Sam Darnold is now a Seattle Seahawk</h3>
<p id="pHZQmg">After a miraculous year with the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, Darnold cashes in big time with the Seahawks on a $100M deal. In Klint Kubiak’s offense, Darnold should be able to work off play action and throw the ball downfield, but keeping him from unravelling under pressure has to be priority number one.</p>
<h3 id="1GUoK9">WR Tyler Lockett is now a Tennessee Titan</h3>
<p id="tIQUxP">The final piece of the old Seahawks to say goodbye to Seattle, Lockett is a signing that reminds me a lot of when the Titans signed WR Tyler Boyd last season. He’s an aging veteran, but can still be explosive downfield.</p>
<h3 id="uIUW37">EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence is now a Seattle Seahawk</h3>
<p id="SsR9cU">Lawrence’s stint in Dallas shockingly came to an end this offseason, but finds a solid home in Seattle. If he’s going to play on the edge, he cans till be a reliable run defender who can cause havoc on early downs then be a fun player on stunts and loops come third down.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
        <img alt="NFL Pro Bowl Games" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dpJoNHnTbQIIAPAdJP3Pj3k4MXU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25991087/2197475671.jpg">
      <cite>Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images</cite>
  </figure>
<h3 id="m4koZh">QB Russell Wilson is now a New York Giant</h3>
<p id="ZdBvLD">This is an interesting one. Wilson goes from Pittsburgh to New York on a deal that would seemingly make him a bridge starter once again. The athleticism is constantly declining and the arm might not have the same zip, but if he can get the ball downfield occasionally, he should be able to make things shake until the young QB is ready.</p>
<h3 id="azr3iy">QB Justin Fields is now a New York Jet</h3>
<p id="oJmlYP">Fields finally got his big shot to be the firm starter again in New York with the Jets. The passing is still coming along, but he’s one of the best athletes at the position in the NFL and should give the Jets a dynamic run game to build around.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
        <img alt="While Patriots celebrate new additions, glaring holes remain on offensive line and at wide receiver" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_IG-MRj0hsl75DDn7LF1DDyl-N8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25991088/2204472334.jpg">
      <cite>Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images</cite>
  </figure>
<h3 id="RmHEQE">DT Milton Williams is now a New England Patriot</h3>
<p id="HAdh18">The biggest contract given out to a free agent this season went to Williams, who goes from Philadelphia to the Patriots. He’s a quick gap shooter who should pair well with DT Christian Barmore.</p>
<h3 id="njVtGy">EDGE Josh Sweat is now an Arizona Cardinal</h3>
<p id="CmSGRl">Sweat reunites with DC Jonathan Gannon in Arizona, where he also cashed in after getting a Super Bowl ring. Sweat is a long and bendy pass rusher who gives the Cardinals much more size up front, that they really lacked last season.</p>
<h3 id="pRreN0">CB Darius Slay is now a Pittsburgh Steeler</h3>
<p id="dOKwg6">Slay moved on from the Eagles after a Super Bowl ring, and now tries to get the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> over the Wild Card hump on a one-year deal. Slay is 34 years old so the speed and burst might not be there anymore, but he’s incredibly smart and can recognize routes. The Steelers need CB help bad, and this could be a fine option.</p>
<h3 id="R093RZ">DT Jonathan Allen is now a Minnesota Viking</h3>
<p id="F70ZGW">Allen was the odd man out of their defensive line rotation after a season that got derailed by a torn pec, but in Minnesota he should regain his form once again. When healthy, he’s one of the strongest players in the league and can affect the passer as well.</p>
<h3 id="fRN48w">DT Javon Hargrave is now a Minnesota Viking</h3>
<p id="fy0TOY">The Vikings doubled up on DTs, adding Javon Hargrave as well. Hargrave is older and undersized, but his quickness getting upfield should help turn up the pass rush without needing the exotic Flores blitzes too much.</p>

The piece highlights the dynamic nature of NFL rosters, reflecting how player movement shapes team competitiveness and fan expectations ahead of the new season. Such changes often influence league balance and offseason narratives.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
    

  
Which NFL stars have changed teams before the 2025 season?
 If it were up to me, all NFL player transactions wouldn’t be announced before the season and players would just show up on their new teams like it’s the beginning of a new anime arc. However, with all of the already announced player movement taking place during a whirlwind free agency period, it can be tough to remember who ended up where. So let’s go a little refresher, with the biggest names in the NFL in new places.
WR Davante Adams is now a Los Angeles Ram
After Adams’ short stint with the Jets ended with a whimper, the talented wide receiver hit the open market and ended up with the Rams. LA could use a player with his separation skills against man coverage, to allow Puka Nacua to fully blossom with less eyes on him.
OG Joe Thuney is now a Chicago Bear
Thuney is one of the most steady players in the NFL, providing great play at guard and even moving out to tackle when the Chiefs needed him last season. This year, he goes to Chicago in order to help solidify the offensive line in front of young QB Caleb Williams, hoping to get the Bears back on track.
WR Stefon Diggs is now a New England Patriot
Before a torn ACL ended his season in Houston, Diggs was the perfect complementary receiver in the Texans’ offense. In New England, he gives Drake Maye a target who can get open quickly and win in the short to intermediate range.
WR Cooper Kupp is now a Seattle Seahawk
Kupp returns home to Washington, where he becomes the complement to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kupp might not be the player that he once was, but he can still be a quality second receiver in the Seahawks’ offense.
WR DK Metcalf is now a Pittsburgh Steeler
Metcalf was traded from Seattle to Pittsburgh in one of two high-profile moves for the Seahawks this offseason, and for Pittsburgh it gives them another shot at a bonafide WR1. In Arthur Smith’s offense of crossing routes and verticality, Metcalf could thrive.
QB Geno Smith is now a Las Vegas Raider
The other high profile trade made by Seattle was sending QB Geno Smith to the Raiders as he reunites with Pete Carroll. Smith is one of the better QBs in the NFL, with the arm arrogance throwing downfield combined with the accuracy and ball placement to back it up. He’s getting up there in age, but the Raiders’ offense could be a fun one to watch with him at the helm.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
  
WR Deebo Samuel is now a Washington Commander
Someone had to be the odd man out as San Francisco begins to pay all of their stars, and Samuel was the one to get the call. In Washington’s RPO-based offense, he should operate well as a quick game and underneath option for star QB Jayden Daniels.
LT Laremy Tunsil is now a Washington Commander
In a bit of a stunning move, the Houston Texans traded Tunsil to the Commanders as Washington prepares to make their move towards a Super Bowl. Tunsil is definitely getting up there in age and didn’t have the best year last season, but a bounce back year in a new area could be in the cards.
WR George Pickens is now a Dallas Cowboy
One of the NFL’s most dynamic (and volatile) deep threats is now donning the star, as Pickens recently got traded to Dallas. If the Cowboys can keep him motivated, the field should open up a lot more for WR CeeDee Lamb, and QB Dak Prescott gets a downfield threat on the outside the Cowboys haven’t had recently.
QB Sam Darnold is now a Seattle Seahawk
After a miraculous year with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold cashes in big time with the Seahawks on a $100M deal. In Klint Kubiak’s offense, Darnold should be able to work off play action and throw the ball downfield, but keeping him from unravelling under pressure has to be priority number one.
WR Tyler Lockett is now a Tennessee Titan
The final piece of the old Seahawks to say goodbye to Seattle, Lockett is a signing that reminds me a lot of when the Titans signed WR Tyler Boyd last season. He’s an aging veteran, but can still be explosive downfield.
EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence is now a Seattle Seahawk
Lawrence’s stint in Dallas shockingly came to an end this offseason, but finds a solid home in Seattle. If he’s going to play on the edge, he cans till be a reliable run defender who can cause havoc on early downs then be a fun player on stunts and loops come third down.
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
  
QB Russell Wilson is now a New York Giant
This is an interesting one. Wilson goes from Pittsburgh to New York on a deal that would seemingly make him a bridge starter once again. The athleticism is constantly declining and the arm might not have the same zip, but if he can get the ball downfield occasionally, he should be able to make things shake until the young QB is ready.
QB Justin Fields is now a New York Jet
Fields finally got his big shot to be the firm starter again in New York with the Jets. The passing is still coming along, but he’s one of the best athletes at the position in the NFL and should give the Jets a dynamic run game to build around.
Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
  
DT Milton Williams is now a New England Patriot
The biggest contract given out to a free agent this season went to Williams, who goes from Philadelphia to the Patriots. He’s a quick gap shooter who should pair well with DT Christian Barmore.
EDGE Josh Sweat is now an Arizona Cardinal
Sweat reunites with DC Jonathan Gannon in Arizona, where he also cashed in after getting a Super Bowl ring. Sweat is a long and bendy pass rusher who gives the Cardinals much more size up front, that they really lacked last season.
CB Darius Slay is now a Pittsburgh Steeler
Slay moved on from the Eagles after a Super Bowl ring, and now tries to get the Steelers over the Wild Card hump on a one-year deal. Slay is 34 years old so the speed and burst might not be there anymore, but he’s incredibly smart and can recognize routes. The Steelers need CB help bad, and this could be a fine option.
DT Jonathan Allen is now a Minnesota Viking
Allen was the odd man out of their defensive line rotation after a season that got derailed by a torn pec, but in Minnesota he should regain his form once again. When healthy, he’s one of the strongest players in the league and can affect the passer as well.
DT Javon Hargrave is now a Minnesota Viking
The Vikings doubled up on DTs, adding Javon Hargrave as well. Hargrave is older and undersized, but his quickness getting upfield should help turn up the pass rush without needing the exotic Flores blitzes too much.

The article lists 19 notable NFL players who switched teams during the 2025 offseason, providing a refresher on major moves amid a busy free agency period.  

19 NFL stars who changed teams during 2025 offseason

<figure>
      <img alt="F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rwmmrBxYc4HhvwRvpKl1Vu6rdU4=/0x83:4675x3200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74077855/2153666404.0.jpg" />
        <figcaption>Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images</figcaption>
    </figure>

  <p>The F1 grid returns for Imola to kick off the European portion of the schedule, and another triple-header</p> <p id="q4G0Xf">After a week where the grid was silent, Formula 1 returns to action with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.</p>
<p id="G3vYuc">The grid’s return to Imola marks the start of the European portion of the calendar, and another triple-header for the sport. Following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix the circuit will head to Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the biggest dates on the motorsport calendar. The triple-header finishes with the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of the month.</p>
<p id="B32n5l">With his win in the Miami Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri increased his lead in the Drivers’ Championship race over Lando Norris to 16 points, solidifying the McLaren driver as the favorite in that title fight. Thanks to what Piastri and Norris have done to date, McLaren holds a commanding 105-point lead over Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship race.</p>
<p id="GvpdPs">But we are a long way until titles are decided.</p>
<p id="gcDfMO"><em>SB Nation </em>will have full coverage of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix all week long, so check back early and often!</p>

The return of F1 to Imola signifies the transition into a busy European schedule, highlighting the sport's packed calendar and the importance of iconic races like Monaco in the championship. This reflects the global appeal and logistical intensity of modern Formula 1.

Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images
    

  
The F1 grid returns for Imola to kick off the European portion of the schedule, and another triple-header
 After a week where the grid was silent, Formula 1 returns to action with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The grid’s return to Imola marks the start of the European portion of the calendar, and another triple-header for the sport. Following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix the circuit will head to Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the biggest dates on the motorsport calendar. The triple-header finishes with the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of the month.
With his win in the Miami Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri increased his lead in the Drivers’ Championship race over Lando Norris to 16 points, solidifying the McLaren driver as the favorite in that title fight. Thanks to what Piastri and Norris have done to date, McLaren holds a commanding 105-point lead over Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship race.
But we are a long way until titles are decided.
SB Nation will have full coverage of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix all week long, so check back early and often!

The F1 grid resumes action with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, marking the start of the European leg of the season and the beginning of a triple-header, including the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.  

F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Full coverage from SB Nation

<figure>
      <img alt="Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TUnGWIX2o_i1SCgUpL5JzzLVET8=/0x0:6497x4331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74077832/1408463701.0.jpg" />
        <figcaption>Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
    </figure>

  <p>The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys to kick off the 2025 NFL season</p> <p id="wAVhel">Welcome to NFL Schedule Release Week.</p>
<p id="4RzZGe">Over the next few days the league will roll out its 2025 schedule, culminating in the full schedule release on Wednesday, May 14. Ahead of that day, however, some of the league’s broadcast partners are unveiling “select” games on their slate for the season ahead.</p>
<p id="2Tmkf6">Among them is NBC, the network that airs “Sunday Night Football.” To begin NFL Schedule Release Week, the network and the league announced that the defending <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> Champion <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> will host the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> to open the season:</p>
<div id="ktiBBL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And it begins: Super Bowl champion <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eagles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eagles</a> vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cowboys?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cowboys</a> to open the 2025 NFL season. <a href="https://t.co/Qhr5siERFp">pic.twitter.com/Qhr5siERFp</a></p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1921894065022398649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>
<p id="1bTtV7">The league had <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/24127659">several fascinating options</a> for this game, including the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> and the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a>, the team Philadelphia defeated in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship</a> Game last season. The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> were also an intriguing choice, given the hiring of Ben Johnson and the expectations around that team heading into 2025.</p>
<p id="6dAyek">We might have even seen a Pope in attendance.</p>
<p id="YlcaZ6">However, the league opted for one of the NFC East’s storied rivalries to kick off the season.</p>

This high-profile matchup highlights the NFL's strategy of starting the season with marquee games to draw viewership, reinforcing the league's focus on entertainment and rivalries to engage fans early in the season.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
    

  
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys to kick off the 2025 NFL season
 Welcome to NFL Schedule Release Week.
Over the next few days the league will roll out its 2025 schedule, culminating in the full schedule release on Wednesday, May 14. Ahead of that day, however, some of the league’s broadcast partners are unveiling “select” games on their slate for the season ahead.
Among them is NBC, the network that airs “Sunday Night Football.” To begin NFL Schedule Release Week, the network and the league announced that the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys to open the season:
And it begins: Super Bowl champion #Eagles vs #Cowboys to open the 2025 NFL season. pic.twitter.com/Qhr5siERFp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2025




The league had several fascinating options for this game, including the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders, the team Philadelphia defeated in the NFC Championship Game last season. The Chicago Bears were also an intriguing choice, given the hiring of Ben Johnson and the expectations around that team heading into 2025.
We might have even seen a Pope in attendance.
However, the league opted for one of the NFC East’s storied rivalries to kick off the season.

The 2025 NFL season will kick off with the Dallas Cowboys facing the Philadelphia Eagles on NBC's "Sunday Night Football," as part of the league's schedule release week.  

NFL Schedule Release 2025: Cowboys and Eagles will kickoff the season on NBC

<p>Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs was packed with intensity and physicality, but one moment stood out above the rest. Just five minutes into the final frame, Florida forward Evan Rodrigues took a brutal hit from former teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson. A brawny defenseman, Ekman-Larsson leveled Rodrigues [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/florida-panthers/panthers-evan-rodrigues-takes-brutal-hit-from-ex-teammate-in-game-4">Panthers&#8217; Evan Rodrigues takes brutal hit from ex-teammate in Game 4</a> appeared first on <a href="https://clutchpoints.com">ClutchPoints</a>.</p>

The incident underscores the aggressive nature of playoff hockey, raising discussions about player safety and the emotional dynamics of facing former teammates in high-stakes games.

Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs was packed with intensity and physicality, but one moment stood out above the rest. Just five minutes into the final frame, Florida forward Evan Rodrigues took a brutal hit from former teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson. A brawny defenseman, Ekman-Larsson leveled Rodrigues […]
The post Panthers’ Evan Rodrigues takes brutal hit from ex-teammate in Game 4 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Florida Panthers' Evan Rodrigues was leveled by a hard hit from former teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson, highlighting the game's intense physicality.  

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