Congrats — you’ve survived the first few days back since the holidays. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you ask), I can’t say the same for these now-former NFL coaches — Black Monday really showed no mercy. From surprise firings to Chiefs tight-end retirement rumors, the year’s already buzzing with potential new beginnings. And just like your playoff bracket, anything can happen. While I’m hoping for a Packers win on Saturday, I’m going to suggest that the team take a page out of the Steelers’ playbook, with this holy pregame ritual. Hey, if it might’ve helped them clinch the AFC North title, maybe it can help us Cheeseheads beat the Bears. And for all you Seahawks fans out there, enjoy your playoffs break this week and the good omen that’s on your side — it might just carry you all the way to the Super Bowl. Now, let’s get to the other sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
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It's Tip-off Time
What’s going on: Season two is officially here — and no, we’re not talking about The Pitt. Unrivaled, the three-on-three women’s league, tipped off this week with some of the biggest names in basketball. Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers dropped 24 points in the Breeze’s inaugural debut, securing its first-ever win. While other stars, like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson, won’t be hitting the court, the viral StudBudz duo — Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman — are back. With eight teams, including two new ones, vying for the championship, the competition promises to be fast, dynamic, and even more exciting than a regular-season matchup. Pass the popcorn.
Our take: Unrivaled isn’t only serving plenty of action — it’s changing women’s basketball. The league, started by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has made waves for offering players better pay, new competitive ground, and visibility beyond the WNBA. It also gives athletes an alternative to playing abroad — something many players have done for years to earn a paycheck. The league has plenty of upgrades, from arena expansion to its first-ever tour stop. Just call Unrivaled the offseason dream women’s basketball fans didn’t know they needed.
