England ruthlessly privatised cricket – Australia embraces it with constant public displays of affection | Emma John

If there is one takeaway for England from this Ashes tour it should be how cricket thrives in a nation where it is readily and freely available as the dominant summer pastime

The drive to Bowral in New South Wales takes you through some of Australia’s most English countryside. Pastoral hills roll right up to the roadside and finish in grassy verges, flecked with yellow and white wildflowers. Alliums stand sentinel around vibrant lawns. Even the eucalypts are cosplaying as beech and oaks. You might be in Hampshire, if it weren’t for the dazzling sun.

Just a few roads from the high street – storefronts full of fancy cookware and country casuals – is the Bradman Oval. This small ground, with its pre-loved outfield, has become a pilgrimage stop for the Australian cricketing faithful. Head out to the middle and you’re walking across the sacred turf where Sir Don honed his skills. Stand at the crease, look past the white picket fence, and you can see the family homes where he grew from boy to man, on Shepherd Street and Glebe Street respectively.

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Yankees claim RHP Kaleb Ort off waivers from Astros

The Yankees have claimed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Astros. 

Ort was DFA'd earlier this week to make room for the recently-signed Tatsuya Imai on Houston's roster. 

The righty originally broke into the league with the Red Sox, but he spent the past two years in the Astros' bullpen. 

He enjoyed a breakout campaign during his first year with Houston, recording a career-best 2.55 ERA in 22 appearances in 2024, but took a step back last season. 

Ort pitched to 4.89 ERA over 49 innings before missing the final two months with elbow inflammation. 

The 33-year-old will now compete for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen in spring training. 

Penguins' Defenseman Nearing Return To Lineup

For once, the Pittsburgh Penguins are getting close to full health. And one of their long-injured players is nearing a return to the lineup. 

Defenseman Caleb Jones - who was placed on injured reserve (IR) with a lower-body ailment on Oct. 25 after getting hit by Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand and going awkwardly into the boards - skated with the team for the first time in his rehab process Friday. He had been skating on his own prior to Friday's practice, and he wore a white no-contact jersey during the Penguins' optional practice.

"It's been a process," Jones said. "I think that was my ninth or tenth time on the ice, so it's just fun to be back. Kind of feeling a little better every day, but just take it a day at a time and try to make sure you're doing the right things to get back quickly."

Jones said that the rehab process has been both difficult and long. He has never missed such a significant chunk of time before, especially time not spent on the ice.

But he made the most of what he could during his recovery. 

"It's been tough," Jones said. "A couple of dark days for sure, but you kind of try to focus on other things mentally, reflect on things you were doing in your game, and try to find ways to improve. Obviously, you can't do anything physically, but try to work on the mental side and see, when you get back, if you can make improvements that way. So, I tried to focus on that and just stay positive and try to attack the rehab process."

Jones, 28, was signed to a two-year, $1.8 million contract during the offseason, and he had one assist in seven games this season. The younger brother of Team USA Olympic defenseman Seth Jones - also of the Panthers - felt he had an opportunity to re-establish himself in the NHL with the Penguins, and he felt he was using his speed and mobility to do just that prior to his injury. 

New Defenseman Ready To Bring 'Good Habits' To PittsburghNew Defenseman Ready To Bring 'Good Habits' To PittsburghNew <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>' defenseman Caleb Jones may have suited up for the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings">Los Angeles Kings</a>' organization last season prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent. But, oddly enough, he found himself training with some players from a different organization this summer.

In fact, Jones didn't think he was the only one establishing himself at the NHL level before he was placed on IR. He also thought his partner in 19-year-old rookie blueliner Harrison Brunicke - optioned back to the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL Wednesday - was playing quite well at that point. 

"I actually thought 'Bruno' was coming along really well, and I was working well with him," Jones said. "And he started out really well, too, so I thought we were building some chemistry. It was unfortunate when I went down, and [he went] back to Kamloops. But he had a little bit of a rough go, and it was just unfortunate.

"It happens. And, hopefully - if he ever gets back up - we can get some chemistry going again. Or, whoever I end up in the lineup with, I can get some chemistry with. That'd be nice."

Penguins Re-assign Top Defensive Prospect To WHLPenguins Re-assign Top Defensive Prospect To WHLThe Pittsburgh Penguins have sent Harrison Brunicke back to Kamloops.

Jones also mentioned that there are no hard feelings toward Marchand, who he trained with a little bit this past summer in Florida.

"I'll make sure Marchand gets me a bottle of wine or something," he smiled. 

Although there is no set timetable for his return at this point, Jones hopes to be back in the lineup as soon as possible, and he circled next weekend against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a potential target date. 

Of note, the Penguins have an open roster spot after re-assigning forward Ville Koivunen to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS). They are currently carrying 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders, so Jones can be activated from injured reserve without the Penguins making a corresponding move.

Penguins Re-assign Young Forward To Wilkes-Barre/ScrantonPenguins Re-assign Young Forward To Wilkes-Barre/ScrantonThe Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned Ville Koivunen to WBS.

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Ex-Sharks Goalie Lands PTO With New Team

Former San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer is looking to continue his playing career.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Ottawa Senators have signed Reimer to an AHL professional tryout (PTO). In addition, Dreger shared that Reimer is expected to join Ottawa in the next few days with an NHL contract.

Reimer landing this AHL PTO with the Senators comes with Linus Ullmark being on a leave of absence. In addition, Leevi Merilainen has had trouble handling the starting role during Ullmark's absence, so taking a look at an experienced goalie like Reimer makes plenty of sense for the Senators. 

Reimer split this past season between the Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres. In 24 games during the 2024-25 campaign, he posted a 10-10-2 record, a .896 save percentage, and a 3.04 goals-against average. 

In 99 games over three seasons and two stints with the Sharks, Reimer had a 37-40-18 record, a .903 save percentage, a 3.05 goals-against average, and seven shutouts. His most recent season with the Sharks was during the 2022-23 campaign. 

NHL Insider Says Jesperi Kotkaniemi Has &quot;Winnipeg Written All Over It&quot;

The Winnipeg Jets dropped their 11th straight game on Thursday, with tensions around the team reaching a season-high. Players, management, and most importantly fans are frustrated with the direction of the team, which has struggled to hold leads, generate depth scoring, and find consistency.

Following the loss, it was revealed that the Jets have set the NHL record for most consecutive losses in one-goal games at 13, sparking renewed conversation about what the team can do to salvage the season.

Reports have emerged that the Jets are exploring trade options, with Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi increasingly mentioned in connection with Winnipeg. The former top-three pick in the 2018 NHL Draft has struggled to find a consistent role in Carolina, which currently sits atop the Metropolitan Division with a 27-14-3 record. Kotkaniemi has often been shuffled in and out of the bottom six and has yet to play a meaningful role in the team’s success.

At 25 years old, Kotkaniemi still has room to reach his potential, but continuing to rotate through Carolina’s bottom lines is unlikely to benefit him or the Hurricanes. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman highlighted the rumors on Friday’s episode of his podcast 32 Thoughts, noting that Carolina is open to a deal that would give Kotkaniemi a fresh start elsewhere.

“There’s interest in him, one of the teams that makes a lot of sense to me,” Friedman said. “If Winnipeg liked the player, and they need a center to play behind Scheifele, he’s signed for four more years. That’s the kind of player the Jets would look at.”

Friedman explained that the fit hinges on how Winnipeg evaluates Kotkaniemi but said the Hurricanes have the flexibility to make a trade happen, potentially requesting an asset that could help them push for a Stanley Cup or a draft pick for future moves. Kotkaniemi carries a $4.82 million cap hit for the next four seasons, but as the salary cap grows, that number becomes increasingly manageable.

Though Kotkaniemi has played primarily on the wing recently, he has extensive experience at center and could slot into Winnipeg’s second line behind Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi or play alongside top-line stars Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. A former 43-point player, he has the potential to reach 50-plus points in the right role, offering the Jets a chance to add a high-end forward without a major cost.

As the losing streak continues and frustration mounts, all eyes will be on management to see if moves like Kotkaniemi could provide the spark the Jets desperately need.

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Ex-Sabres Goalie Signs PTO With Big Rival

Former Buffalo Sabres goaltender James Reimer has signed an AHL professional tryout (PTO) with the Ottawa Senators, TSN's Darren Dreger reports.

Dreger also shared that Reimer is expected to join Ottawa's roster "in a few days" with an NHL contract. 

The Senators taking a chance on Reimer is not too difficult to understand. Linus Ullmark is currently on personal leave, while their other goalies have been struggling. As a result of this, it makes sense that they are bringing in Reimer for more depth between the pipes. 

Reimer had signed a PTO with the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the 2025-26 season, but it did not result in him landing a contract for the season. Yet, based on Dreger's report, Reimer appears to be getting another opportunity in the NHL with the Senators. 

Reimer appeared in 22 games last season with the Sabres, where he posted a 10-8-2 record, a 2.90 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and one shutout. Overall, the 37-year-old had his solid moments with the Sabres.

It will now be interesting to see how much of an impact Reimer can make for the Senators, assuming he gets into game action with the NHL club. 

For first time, Grizzlies reportedly 'entertaining offers' to trade Ja Morant

The Atlanta Hawks just traded their star, in-his-prime point guard to Washington for an unimpressive return — no draft picks, no young players, mostly an expiring contract — because it was the only viable option. There was no meaningful trade market for Trae Young.

Now enter Ja Morant into the conversation.

The Memphis Grizzlies are, for the first time, "entertaining offers to potentially move two-time All-Star," reports Shams Charania of ESPN. "Multiple teams are pursuing Morant in trade talks and rival executives believe the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in return," is the spin from Charania.

That kind of trade will be difficult to find. While there are front offices that like the potential of a Morant comeback story, not many teams are looking for a point guard, let alone a ball-dominant one who is a minus defender and on a max contract. Much as it was with Young, some teams will expect Memphis to add draft picks as sweeteners to the deal to get them to take on Monrant and his contract.

Morant, 26, will miss his fourth straight game Friday night due to a calf contusion, and he has missed 19 games already this season due to injuries and a one-game suspension for an incident with coach Tuomas Iisalo. A combination of injuries and suspensions — Morant comes with a lot of baggage — have kept him from playing in more than 65 games in any of the last seven seasons.

More concerning, when he has played this season, he has not looked as explosive as he once did when he was an All-Star and one of the most dynamic players in the league, scouts have told NBC Sports. Any flashes of that old Morant have been just that, flashes (although his injuries could have something to do with that). This season, he has averaged 19 points a game on 40.1% shooting (20.8% from 3-point range) and is dishing out 7.6 assists a night. He is a drive-and-dish player, not one who has ever spaced the floor with his shooting. And the fact that he is a target on defense is a serious issue in the modern NBA.

The biggest concern for teams may be the money. Morant is making $39.5 million this season, the third year of a five-year, $197 million max contract. He is guaranteed $87.1 million in the two seasons after this one. In the tax apron era, teams know they cannot miss on max contracts, and Morant is not everyone's flavor of point guard — ball-dominant, someone others have to adjust to play around. Being a player who has to have the ball in his hands can work in today's NBA if a player is Luka Dončić- or Jalen Brunson-level, but is Morant that player anymore?

How much would a team be willing to give up in a trade to find out? Enough to get a deal done at the deadline? There are teams willing to take a chance on Morant's potential — a fresh start, get him healthy, and bet he can find his form again — but this is more about teams understanding the risk they are taking on, being willing to take a bit of a flier, not trading for a current star player. The return on that kind of trade may be less than the Grizzlies envision, much as it was with the Hawks when they dealt Young.

Morant joins Anthony Davis as the biggest names available at the trade deadline. Whether either of them finds a new home before Feb. 5 is up for debate, but they will generate a lot of headlines between now and then.

Jets Set Dubious NHL Record With Most Recent Loss

The Winnipeg Jets’ season hit a historic low Thursday night as they lost 4-3 at home to the Edmonton Oilers after blowing a 3-1 lead. The defeat marked Winnipeg’s 11th straight loss and set a dubious NHL record with 13 consecutive losses in one-goal games.

Just two seasons ago, the Jets were celebrated for their league-leading defense and consistently kept games close. That defensive strength helped them win tight matchups and turn low-scoring battles into momentum for their offense.

This season, that trend has completely reversed. Winnipeg has struggled to protect leads, find scoring depth, and maintain consistent offensive play. One-goal games that were once opportunities have turned into heartbreaks, resulting in a streak that no team wants and a record that highlights the team’s struggles.

The Jets’ difficulties have fueled speculation about potential roster moves. Forward trade rumors have circulated around Carolina’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Edmonton’s Andrew Mangiapane as the team searches for ways to spark its offense and stop the losing streak. Until changes are made or a major turnaround occurs, the Jets risk extending their hold on this unwanted record.

For a team that once thrived in close games, the current reality is stark. The Jets are no longer just losing they are making NHL history for all the wrong reasons.

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Panthers' Anton Lundell Fined For High-Stick Infraction Against Canadiens

Following a 6-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell was fined $5,000 by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, the maximum allowed under the CBA, for high-sticking Alexandre Texier. 

This is the second time Lundell has been fined this season; the first was for an incident against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 27. 

Lundell was handed a four-minute double minor in the second period, but the Canadiens did not score on the man advantage.

Lundell finished the game with no goals or points, with a minus-1 and five shots on goal in 19:55 of ice time. Texier finished the game with a hat trick and a plus-2 rating with six shots on goal in 17:15 of ice time. 

Lundell has gone cold as of late, failing to score or record a point in his last four games. In that time, the Panthers have won just one game. 

The Panthers have dropped in the standings, sitting three points back of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, with three teams ahead of them. They are also eight points back of the third spot in the Atlantic Division. 

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Blackhawks Vs Capitals: Projected Lineup, How To Watch, & More Ahead Of Game 44

The Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals are going to face off for the second time in under a week. Last Saturday, the Blackhawks took down the Capitals in a long shootout, Nick Foligno scored the winner for Chicago. 

Since then, the Blackhawks haven't lost and are undefeated in 2026 still. Since the holiday break ended, they are 5-1-1. A win on Friday over Washington would be their fifth straight. 

The Blackhawks are going to be getting a boost in this game. Connor Bedard is going to return to the lineup from injury. He has been out since December 12th. 

Connor Bedard Returns To Blackhawks Lineup On Verge Of Five Straight WinsConnor Bedard Returns To Blackhawks Lineup On Verge Of Five Straight WinsFor Friday's game against the Washington Capitals, the Chicago Blackhawks will be getting Connor Bedard back in the lineup.

Scouting Washington

The Washington Capitals are tied for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but they are below the playoff line due to tiebreakers. A win on Friday night would put them above once again. It's a fight for every team in that conference right now. 

Ovechkin-Strome-Beauvillier

McMichael-Sourdif-Leonard

Duhaime-Dowd-Frank

Milano-Lapierre-Leason

Fehervary-Carlson

Chychrun-Roy

Sandin-McIlrath

Thompson

Lindgren

For over two decades, Alex Ovechkin has been one of the faces of the NHL. Now, he will make his first appearance at the United Center as the all-time leading goal-scorer in NHL history. He passed Wayne Gretzky's mark last spring. 

Ovechkin is still scoring goals at a high rate, despite being 40 years old. When he has open space, the Blackhawks better close it quickly, or he will find the back of the net. Ovechkin scored Washington's only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.

John Carlson is an older player now, too, but he is still an incredibly productive defenseman at 35 years old. Whether it's on the power play as the quarterback or at even strength, the forwards have an easier time creating when he's on the ice. 

A young Capital to watch out for is Ryan Leonard. The former Boston College and Team USA World Juniors star is blossoming into a good NHL player. He scored in last Saturday's game against the Blackhawks, and he'll be looking to score again in this one. 

If Logan Thompson does in fact go for the Capitals in the net, it will be the Blackhawks' second straight game against a Team Canada Olympic goalie. They shocked Jordan Binnington for seven last time out, but beating Thompson will be much more of a challenge. 

Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks didn't have the most traditional morning skate on Friday. Ilya Mikheyev, Arvid Soderblom, and Nick Foligno were all missing due to illness. A flu bug is circulating in the locker room, and it has even caused Jeff Blashill to miss the skate. 

They won't know who is available to play until the afternoon, meaning we won't see the active lines until warmups. With Soderblom being one of the sick players, and a game in Nashville on Saturday night, Spencer Knight will be the Chicago goalie in this one. 

Connor Bedard, as mentioned before, will make his return. You can expect him to resume his role as the top line center and one of the drivers of offense at both even strength and on the power play. 

How To Watch

The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game, it can be found locally on CHSN. Nationally, it can be seen on NHL Network. The puck will drop shortly after 7:00 PM CT. 

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Imminent Return Feels Inevitable For Hurricanes Star With Latest AHL Reassignment

The Carolina Hurricanes announced that they have reassigned defenseman Joel Nystrom to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL Friday morning, meaning that Jaccob Slavin should be returning to the lineup very, very soon.

The 31-year-old defenseman has been recovering from an upper-body injury he suffered after getting boarded from behind by Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer on Dec. 19.

It was a tough blow for Slavin, who was just three games into his return from a lower-body injury that had sidelined him for 28 games previously, but perhaps the new injury gave him even more time for that injury to heal as it was one that had pestered him from the preseason and the team had been extra cautious on.

Slavin, who has been practicing with the team for a little over a week now and recently also shed the non-contact jersey, has been a much missed piece on the Hurricanes' blueline.

The team has done an admirable job stepping up in his and the plethora of other absences they've had to deal with this year, but there's simply no replacing the best defensive defenseman in the game.

With the reassignment, Slavin will be able to be activated off of IR, as the Canes needed to free up a roster spot, and barring no immediate setbacks, he should play Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken as Carolina looks for a fourth straight win.


Nystrom, 23, has been a real gem of a find for Carolina this season.

The sheer amount of injuries the Canes dealt with to start the year meant he got the chance to showcase himself and what an impression he made.

The Swedish blueliner parlayed his opportunity into an extended stretch of games — he now has 33 under his belt, with eight points in that span — and he proved that he can be an everyday NHL defenseman.

That's why the team signed the 2021 seventh-round pick to a four-year extension earlier in the year and if it wasn't for the fact that he can be reassigned to the AHL without the need for waivers, he'd probably still be with the team as the seventh defenseman.

But it'll also be better for him in the long run to get regular playing time down with Chicago Wolves rather than sitting up in the press box with Carolina.

He's gonna be a good player for years to come and his development also gives the Canes a little more flexibility when it comes to potential trade packages as well.

A Perfect Storm: Hurricanes Rookie Defenseman Joel Nystrom Making Most Of OpportunityA Perfect Storm: Hurricanes Rookie Defenseman Joel Nystrom Making Most Of OpportunityA rare seventh-round pick defies the odds, showcasing an already high-level hockey sense. Discover how Joel Nystrom's rapid development landed him a a spot in the Hurricanes lineup.

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With trade to Washington official, Trae Young releases statement discussing change

It's official: Trae Young is a Washington Wizard.

The trade reported a couple of days ago — with Young going to Washington and CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert headed to Atlanta — became official on Friday morning. That is when Young released this statement on X.

The key parts of that discuss his acceptance of change for the man who had been the face of the Atlanta Hawks for more than seven years, since the team traded for him on draft night in 2018.

"The last few years weren't how I wanted them to be, expectations that were created for ourselves, reaching heights that Atlanta has never reached before...However, between the injuries, the setbacks, and situations that didn't make sense, we never truly got to see our full potential. The city that raised me and taught me so much will always be a chapter in this story. However, the pain of staying the same eventually outweighed the uncertainty of change."

Young also showed off his new jersey in the Wizards locker room.

Young goes to Washington in what is essentially a trial run, but how much we see of Young the remainder of this season is in doubt. Washington brought Young in to be a floor raiser with their young core, but this is also a team that owes its first-round pick to the Knicks, top-eight protected. Currently, the Wizards have the fourth-worst winning percentage in the league, and if the NBA Draft Lottery were today, they would retain their pick regardless of how the ping-pong balls bounce. But if Young plays a lot this season and lifts the Wizards up the standings, that dynamic changes. Which is why most people around the league expect it will be next season before we see a lot of Young on the court in a Wizards uniform and the real test of his ability to be a leader and mentor to this team will begin.

MLB Returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026: Full schedule announced

Major League Baseball returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026 with an exciting slate of exclusive games and programming, including Sunday Night Baseball, the return of MLB Sunday Leadoff, a special all-day "Star-Spangled Sunday" showcase on July 5, the Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs, and much more.

It all starts with an Opening Day doubleheader on March 26, as 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates take on Juan Soto and the New York Mets, followed by the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers raising their championship banner at Dodger Stadium before they host the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers’ season opener will be the only primetime MLB game on Opening Day and is one of 27 primetime MLB games across NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN in 2026.

Expanding NBC’s marquee Sunday night lineup alongside the NFL and NBA, Sunday Night Baseball will debut on March 29 with a matchup between two 2025 first-place teams, as the Mariners host the Guardians. The 18-game MLB Sunday Leadoff schedule begins May 3, with the defending AL champion Toronto Blue Jays visiting the Twins in Minnesota. On Sunday, July 5, all 15 MLB games will be presented nationally across Peacock and NBC as part of a special all-day “Star-Spangled Sunday” showcase.

NBC Sports will also stream one out-of-market game each day of the 2026 MLB season nationally on Peacock. Telemundo Deportes will present all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games in Spanish, with Universo televising all games broadcast on NBC.

Opening Day can’t come soon enough. Check out the full schedule below.

2026 SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL & SPECIAL EVENTSCHEDULE

**All Times ET**
**NOTE: Most Peacock Exclusive Games Will Be Simulcast on NBCSN

DateTimeGamePlatforms
March 26*1 p.m.Pittsburgh Pirates at N.Y. MetsNBC/Peacock
March 26*8 p.m.Arizona Diamondbacks at L.A. DodgersNBC/Peacock
March 297 p.m.Cleveland Guardians at Seattle MarinersPeacock
April 57 p.m.St. Louis Cardinals at Detroit TigersPeacock
April 127 p.m.Cleveland Guardians at Atlanta BravesNBC/Peacock
April 197 p.m.Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia PhilliesPeacock
April 267 p.m.L.A. Angels at Kansas City RoyalsPeacock
May 37 p.m.Texas Rangers at Detroit TigersPeacock
May 107 p.m.Detroit Tigers at Kansas City RoyalsPeacock
May 177 p.m.San Diego Padres at Seattle MarinersPeacock
May 247 p.m.Texas Rangers at L.A. AngelsPeacock
May 317 p.m.Chicago Cubs at St. Louis CardinalsNBC/Peacock
June 78 p.m.San Francisco Giants at Chicago CubsNBC/Peacock
June 147 p.m.Texas Rangers at Boston Red SoxNBC/Peacock
June 217 p.m.N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia PhilliesNBC/Peacock
June 287 p.m.N.Y. Yankees at Boston Red SoxNBC/Peacock
July 5**12:30 p.m.N.Y. Mets at Atlanta BravesNBC/Peacock
July 57 p.m.San Diego Padres at L.A. DodgersNBC/Peacock
July 197 p.m.L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. YankeesNBC/Peacock
July 267 p.m.N.Y. Yankees at Philadelphia PhilliesNBC/Peacock
August 27 p.m.Boston Red Sox at L.A. DodgersNBC/Peacock
August 98 p.m.Houston Astros at San Diego PadresNBC/Peacock
August 167 p.m.Seattle Mariners at Houston AstrosNBC/Peacock
August 233 p.m.San Francisco Giants at Boston Red SoxNBC/Peacock
August 303 p.m.Cincinnati Reds at Chicago CubsNBC/Peacock
August 307 p.m.Houston Astros at N.Y. MetsNBC/Peacock
Sept. 63 p.m.Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia PhilliesNBC/Peacock
Sept. 67 p.m.Toronto Blue Jays at Kansas City RoyalsPeacock
Sept. 7***8 p.m.St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco GiantsNBC/Peacock
Sept. 137 p.m.San Diego Padres at San Francisco GiantsPeacock
Sept. 207 p.m.Milwaukee Brewers at Baltimore OriolesPeacock

*Opening Day (Thursday)
**Also on MLB Sunday Leadoff schedule (below)
***Labor Day (Monday)

2026 MLB SUNDAY LEADOFF SCHEDULE
**All Times ET**
**NOTE: Most Peacock Exclusive Games Will Be Simulcast on NBCSN

DateTimeGamePlatforms
May 312:30 p.m.Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota TwinsPeacock
May 10NoonWashington Nationals at Miami MarlinsPeacock
May 17NoonMiami Marlins at Tampa Bay RaysPeacock
May 24NoonPittsburgh Pirates at Toronto Blue JayesPeacock
May 31NoonToronto Blue Jays at Baltimore OriolesPeacock
June 73 p.m.Washington Nationals at Arizona DiamondbacksPeacock
June 14NoonMiami Marlins at Pittsburgh PiratesPeacock
June 213 p.m.Minnesota Twins at Arizona DiamondbacksPeacock
June 283 p.m.Athletics at L.A. AngelsPeacock
July 512:30 p.m.N.Y. Mets at Atlanta BravesNBC/Peacock
July 12NoonMilwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh PiratesPeacock
July 19NoonChicago White Sox at Toronto Blue JaysPeacock
July 26NoonCleveland Guardians at Tampa Bay RaysPeacock
August 23 p.m.Milwaukee Brewers at L.A. AngelsPeacock
August 9NoonCincinnati Reds at Washington NationalsPeacock
August 16NoonBaltimore Orioles at Tampa Bay RaysPeacock
August 234 p.m.Cincinnati Reds at Arizona DiamondbacksPeacock
August 30NoonMiami Marlins at Washington NationalsPeacock

NBC SPORTS’ JULY 5 MLB “STAR-SPANGLED SUNDAY”
EVERY MLB GAME PRESENTED NATIONALLY ON NBCUNIVERSAL PLATFORMS
**All Times ET**
**NOTE: Most Peacock Exclusive Games Will Be Simulcast on NBCSN

Time
Game
Platforms
12:30 p.m.*
N.Y. Mets at Atlanta Braves
NBC/Peacock
1 p.m.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals
Peacock
1 p.m.
Baltimore Orioles at Cincinnati Reds
Peacock
1:30 p.m.
Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Peacock
2 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Guardians
Peacock
2:30 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs
Peacock
3 p.m.
Philadelphia Philles at Kansas City Royals
Peacock
3:30 p.m.
Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers
Peacock
3:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay Rays at Houston Astros
Peacock
4:00 p.m.
San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
Peacock
4:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Peacock
4:30 p.m.
Miami Marlins at Athletics
Peacock
5:00 p.m.
Toronto Blue Jays at Seattle Mariners
Peacock
7 p.m. **
San Diego Padres at L.A. Dodgers
NBC/Peacock
9:30 p.m.
Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Angels
Peacock

*MLB Sunday Leadoff
**Sunday Night Baseball