The Scorecard: Are there two underdogs in Super Bowl LVIII, or no underdog at all? Plus, the NBA Trade Deadline is here.

Today was the NBA Trade Deadline

At the time this newsletter was sent to inboxes, there were mere hours left before the NBA Trade Deadline. But it’s been relatively quiet leading up to this point.

The New York Knicks traded for OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors, but that was back in December. The Knicks have gone 12-2 since, so it worked out, but the rest is just rumors and interest.

For example, the Philadelphia 76ers might be on the market for a new big man after the team announced that reigning MVP Joel Embiid is going to miss at least six weeks while he recovers from an injury and procedure to the meniscus on his left knee.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been swirling around the trade rumors for a while now. While the team might be looking to add to the roster that currently contains LeBron James, some suggest they should consider TRADING James.

And there’s quite a bit of interest in the Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins was an All-Star in 2022, which landed him a lofty extension later that year. But, maybe too lofty? Now, that big contract could steer interested organizations away.

A massive streaming deal marks changes to live sports

It was announced earlier this week that ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. are going to launch a new streaming service this fall. The service is expected to offer games from 15 different networks, as well as all four major sports.

The platform, which has not been named publicly, is expected to also offer a bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and/or Max.

So….cable. We’re moving back to cable packages, just from our phones and other devices.

For now at least, Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, says a streaming-only Super Bowl would never happen in his time.

Although, the NFL and NBA said the announcement caught them by surprise.

The Super Bowl, obviously

Everyone is headed to Vegas…just a little game going on there this weekend. You know…the LIV Golf Invitational.

I’m kidding, that seems like a very silly scheduling blunder. To compete with the Super Bowl? Bold.

The Kansas City Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. It’s an interesting matchup because national headlines would have you believe that they’re both underdogs. The 49ers and their quarterback Brock Purdy were favored in literally every game they played this season. The Chiefs struggled from the get-go with their season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions but are led by veteran Super Bowl quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his undeniably-favorite target Travis Kelce.

Really, anything could happen. But I hope it’s Taylor Swift celebrating on the field with Travis Kelce on Sunday night. Although, he wouldn’t talk about any rings other than the Super Bowl ring.

Top Stories:

• The World Cup is coming to North America in 2026. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19. Play will kick off in Mexico City. The semifinals will take place in Arlington, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. But, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of the New York Giants, will host the final.

• We have a couple weeks until you need to get your brackets ready for March Madness, but the madness is already here. Top teams have been upset left and right, most recently, the Kansas Jayhawks by rivals Kansas State. Here’s a look at some initial predictions, plus a look at the top 25 as it currently stands in men’s basketball…and the women’s top 25 poll.

Read last week’s edition of The Scorecard here.

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