Category Sports

Sports Betting States Where It’s Legal in the US 2026 (Full List)

​Sports betting is legal in 39 states and Washington DC as of April 2026, with 30 states offering legal online sports betting through licensed apps. The remaining states either limit betting to retail sportsbooks, operate under tribal-only markets, or do not allow sports betting at all. The landscape changed after the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, allowing each state to legalize and regulate sports betting independently. Since then, new states have launched nearly every year, with more expected to consider legalization in 2026. This page breaks down every sports betting state, including where online betting is available and which states still restrict or prohibit wagering. Below is a complete guide to sports betting legality in all 50 states, including online availability, launch dates, college betting restrictions, and licensed sportsbooks. Sports Betting Legal States: 2026 Quick Reference The table below shows the current status of sports betting in all 50 states and Washington DC. How Sports Betting Became Legal Across the US Sports betting was effectively illegal at the federal level under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) from 1992 until 2018. The law barred states from authorizing sports gambling, with limited exceptions for Nevada and a few other jurisdictions with existing frameworks. In May 2018, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association that PASPA was unconstitutional, returning the decision to individual states. New Jersey launched the first legal online sportsbook outside Nevada that August. More than 30 states have since followed. For the latest welcome offers in legal states, visit our sportsbook promos page. Sports Betting by State: Current Status, History, and Available Sportsbooks The sections below cover every US state alphabetically. Each entry includes current legal status, online and retail availability, college betting restrictions, and licensed sportsbooks where available. Is Sports Betting Legal in Alabama? Multiple sports betting bills have failed in Alabama over the past several years. A 2026 constitutional amendment proposal (SB 257) would let voters decide whether to authorize sports betting alongside a state lottery and casinos. It has not yet gathered enough legislative support to advance. Is Sports Betting Legal in Alaska? The most recent legalization bill (HB 145) was introduced in March 2025 but has not advanced. There is no clear timeline for Alaska sports betting. Is Sports Betting Legal in Arizona? Arizona is one of the most competitive markets in the country with 14 licensed online operators. Both professional and college games are available to bet on, but college player props are prohibited. See our full Arizona sports betting guide for current promos and apps. Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas? Arkansas launched retail betting in July 2019 and added online wagering in March 2022. In March 2026, DraftKings and FanDuel entered as technology vendors through local partnerships, bringing major national operators to the state for the first time. Is Sports Betting Legal in California? Two California ballot measures in November 2022 each received less than 20% voter support. No new legislation was introduced in 2025. Tribal gaming interests hold significant influence over California's path to legalization, and no near-term launch appears likely. See our California sports betting page for the latest legislative updates. Is Sports Betting Legal in Colorado? Colorado has the most licensed online sportsbooks of any state at 16. Both professional and college games are available, but college player props are banned. Full operator list and current offers on our Colorado sports betting page. Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut? Connecticut operates under tribal gaming agreements and is one of the more restricted markets, with only three licensed online operators. Bettors cannot wager on in-state schools like UConn except during multi-team tournaments. See our Connecticut sports betting guide for current offers. Is Sports Betting Legal in Delaware? Delaware was the first state outside Nevada to launch sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. Online wagering launched in December 2023 with BetRivers as the sole online operator. The market is small but fully regulated. Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida? Florida sports betting has a complicated history. It briefly launched in November 2021 under a compact with the Seminole Tribe, was shut down three weeks later amid legal challenges, and relaunched in November 2023. Hard Rock Bet is the only licensed online sportsbook available statewide. Find out more on our Florida sports betting page. Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia? Two Georgia House measures reached the floor for debate in 2025 before missing the legislative deadline. A 2026 bill (HB 910) would legalize mobile betting under the Georgia Lottery without requiring a constitutional amendment, but significant hurdles remain. Follow our Georgia sports betting page for the latest updates. Is Sports Betting Legal in Hawaii? Multiple bills were introduced in 2025 but none passed before the legislative deadline. A small step forward was noted in February 2026, but Hawaii remains one of the most restrictive gambling states in the country with no clear launch timeline. Is Sports Betting Legal in Idaho? No sports betting legislation has been introduced in Idaho as of 2025. The state constitution restricts gambling broadly, and there is little political momentum for change. Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois? Illinois has 10 licensed online sportsbooks and is one of the larger Midwest markets. The state raised its sports betting tax rate in the 2025 budget. Bettors cannot wager on in-state college games or college player props. See our Illinois sports betting guide for current promos. Is Sports Betting Legal in Indiana? Indiana launched in September 2019 and is one of the more established markets in the Midwest with 11 licensed operators. College games are available but college player props are banned. See our Indiana sports betting guide for current promos. Is Sports Betting Legal in Iowa? Iowa was an early adopter and has grown into a competitive market with 14 licensed online operators. College games are available for betting but college player props are prohibited. Full guide on our Iowa sports betting page. Is Sports Betting Legal in Kansas? Kansas launched in September 2022 with six licensed online operators. College games are available but college player props are not permitted. See our Kansas sports betting page for current offers. Is Sports Betting Legal in Kentucky? Kentucky is one of the more bettor-friendly states with no restrictions on college game betting or college player props. Eight licensed operators are available. It launched in September 2023 and has grown quickly. See our Kentucky sports betting guide. Is Sports Betting Legal in Louisiana? Louisiana allows sports betting at the parish level, not statewide. Not all parishes have opted in, so availability varies by location. Eight licensed operators are active in permitted areas. College player props are banned. See our Louisiana sports betting guide for a full breakdown. Is Sports Betting Legal in Maine? Maine is an online-only market with just two licensed operators. There are no retail sportsbook locations. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. Is Sports Betting Legal in Maryland? Maryland has 11 licensed online operators and is one of the more competitive Mid-Atlantic markets. College games are available but college player props are prohibited. Current promos and app reviews on our Maryland sports betting page. Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts? Massachusetts has some of the most specific college betting rules in the country. In-state teams can only be bet on during qualifying multi-team tournaments like the NCAA Tournament. College player props are prohibited entirely. Full details on our Massachusetts sports betting guide. Is Sports Betting Legal in Michigan? Michigan is one of the most established and competitive online betting markets in the Midwest. Multiple major operators are licensed and the market launched in early 2021. See our Michigan sports betting guide for current offers. Is Sports Betting Legal in Minnesota? Minnesota passed a sports betting bill in 2022, but has not launched due to ongoing disputes between tribal gaming interests and racetrack operators. Legislative sessions in 2023 and 2024 stalled, and the 2025-2026 session represents the next major opportunity for progress. Is Sports Betting Legal in Mississippi? Mississippi has had retail sports betting since August 2018 but online wagering is not available statewide. The House passed two online bills in 2026 including one by a 100-11 margin, but both died in the Senate. The Gaming Committee chairman has consistently blocked progress and is in office until 2028. Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri? Missouri voters approved sports betting via ballot measure and the market launched in December 2025. All major operators are now live in the state. See our Missouri sports betting guide for current promos. Is Sports Betting Legal in Montana? Montana regulates sports betting through the state lottery. Wagers can only be placed at authorized Sports Bet Montana locations. The app does not work statewide and no major national operators are available. Is Sports Betting Legal in Nebraska? Nebraska legalized retail sports betting in May 2021, and physical locations opened in 2023. Online sports betting remains prohibited. A 2024 special session introduced online expansion legislation, but it did not advance. A 2026 ballot initiative is being explored. Is Sports Betting Legal in Nevada? Nevada has had legal sports betting longer than any other state and remains the US retail sportsbook capital. Online wagering has been available since 2010, eight years before any other state. Las Vegas features hundreds of sportsbooks at casinos and resorts. Is Sports Betting Legal in New Hampshire? New Hampshire launched online-only sports betting in January 2020 under an exclusive six-year contract with DraftKings. No other operators are available and there are no retail locations. In-state college games and college player props are prohibited. Is Sports Betting Legal in New Jersey? New Jersey was the driving force behind the Supreme Court case that legalized sports betting nationally and launched the first legal online sportsbook outside Nevada in August 2018. It remains one of the largest markets by handle. See our New Jersey sports betting guide for current offers. Is Sports Betting Legal in New Mexico? New Mexico was one of the first states to offer sports betting post-PASPA, but wagering is limited to in-person at tribal casinos under existing gaming compacts. No major national operators are available, and there is no statewide online betting. Is Sports Betting Legal in New York? New York quickly became the highest-revenue sports betting market in the country after launching online in January 2022. Nine operators are licensed. Betting on in-state college games and college player props in New York is not permitted. For current promos, see our New York sports betting page. Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina? North Carolina became the 30th state to offer statewide online sports betting when it launched in March 2024. All major operators are available. College games can be bet on but college player props are prohibited. See our North Carolina sports betting guide for current promos. Is Sports Betting Legal in North Dakota? North Dakota offers in-person sports betting at tribal casinos but has no statewide online option. A 2025 constitutional amendment proposal to allow voters to decide on online betting was defeated in the House. Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio? Ohio launched both retail and online sports betting on January 1, 2023 following legalization in December 2021. Multiple major operators are licensed and the market has grown quickly. See our Ohio sports betting guide for current promos. Is Sports Betting Legal in Oklahoma? Two bills passed the Oklahoma House in early 2025 but stalled in the Senate. Disagreements between tribal interests and legislators have repeatedly blocked progress despite support from the governor and other stakeholders. Is Sports Betting Legal in Oregon? Oregon did not need new legislation to launch sports betting, as existing state law allowed for limited wagering. DraftKings operates via an exclusive lottery partnership. College game betting and college player props are not available. Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania was one of the first states to take legal sports bets following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling and now has one of the most established markets in the country with multiple licensed operators. See our Pennsylvania sports betting guide for current offers. Is Sports Betting Legal in Rhode Island? Rhode Island offers both retail and online sports betting. Two operators are licensed for online wagering. In-state college games and college player props are prohibited. Is Sports Betting Legal in South Carolina? A South Carolina Senate committee held a hearing in February 2026 for S.444, which would establish a Sports Wagering Commission to regulate online betting. Despite the progress, near-term legalization remains unlikely given the political and regulatory hurdles involved. Is Sports Betting Legal in South Dakota? South Dakota voters approved sports betting in 2020. Four casinos in Deadwood began accepting bets in September 2021. Bettors must be on casino property to wager. A 2025 proposed constitutional amendment to allow statewide online betting would need to go to voters in 2026. Is Sports Betting Legal in Tennessee? Tennessee is an online-only sports betting market with no retail locations. Multiple major operators are licensed. College games can be bet on, but college player props are not available. See our Tennessee sports betting guide for current promos. Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Texas sports betting remains illegal despite growing support from major professional sports franchises and some lawmakers. A bill passed the Texas House in 2023 for the first time in state history but stalled in the Senate. No major sports betting legislation advanced during the 2025 legislative session, as efforts again failed to gain traction in the Senate. The Texas legislature meets every two years in odd-numbered sessions, making 2027 the next realistic opportunity for another legalization attempt. Our Texas sports betting page tracks the latest legislative developments. Is Sports Betting Legal in Utah? Utah has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country. The state constitution explicitly prohibits all forms of gambling, making sports betting legalization an extremely unlikely prospect without a constitutional amendment. Is Sports Betting Legal in Vermont? Vermont launched online-only sports betting in January 2024. There are no retail sportsbook locations. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook are the three licensed operators. Is Sports Betting Legal in Virginia? Virginia launched in January 2021 and has grown into a competitive market. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. See our Virginia sports betting guide. Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington State? Washington state passed legislation in 2020 to permit sports betting at tribal casinos. All wagers must originate from tribal land. More than 15 casinos offer in-person and app-based wagering, but the app only works within tribal boundaries. Major commercial operators like FanDuel are not available statewide. Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington DC? Washington DC has legal sports betting available district-wide through six licensed operators. The market expanded significantly in 2024 from a previous single-operator model. The minimum legal betting age is 18, though some operators require 21. See our Washington DC sports betting guide for full details. Is Sports Betting Legal in West Virginia? West Virginia was the fifth state to legalize sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. Both retail and online wagering are available with multiple major operators licensed. See our West Virginia sports betting page. Is Sports Betting Legal in Wisconsin? Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed online sports betting into law on April 9, 2026. The law gives Wisconsin's federally recognized tribes exclusive rights to operate mobile sportsbooks, meaning commercial operators like DraftKings and FanDuel cannot offer independent apps. Launch is expected several months after the law took effect. Is Sports Betting Legal in Wyoming? Wyoming is an online-only sports betting market that launched in September 2021. Five operators are currently licensed in the state. States Where Sports Betting Is Not Legal Currently, the following states have no legal sports betting of any kind: Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, and South Carolina have active discussions and are the most likely candidates to launch within the next two to four years. California and Utah face the highest structural barriers. Which States Could Legalize Sports Betting Next? Legal Sportsbooks by State The operators below hold active licenses in multiple US states. Click any sportsbook name to see current welcome offers, promo codes, and sign-up details. How to Start Betting on Sports in Your State If you are in a state with legal online sports betting, getting started is straightforward: For a full comparison of the top licensed apps across legal states, see our best betting apps guide. Responsible Gambling Sports betting should be entertainment. Only wager what you can afford to lose and never bet to recover losses. All licensed sportsbooks in legal states must offer responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and spending trackers. If gambling stops being enjoyable or begins affecting your daily life, free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day. You must be 21 or older to place a sports wager in most states. Some states permit betting at 18. Age requirements vary by state and operator. Sports Betting by State FAQ Where is sports betting legal in the US? Sports betting is legal in 39 states plus Washington DC as of April 2026. Of those, 30 states offer online or mobile wagering through licensed apps. The remaining legal states are limited to retail sportsbooks or tribal-only markets. Some states, including Tennessee, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Wyoming, are online-only markets with no retail sportsbooks. Others, such as Florida and Washington, allow only limited forms of online wagering.Here is a list of all legal sports betting states, including online, retail, and tribal-only states: AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY How many states have legal online sports betting apps? As of April 2026, 30 states plus Washington DC offer legal online sports betting. Wisconsin signed online wagering into law in April 2026 but has not yet launched.Here is a list of states that allow online or mobile sports betting in some form: AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VT, VA, DC, WV, WI, WY What states do not allow sports betting? Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah currently have no legal sports betting options. Minnesota has passed legislation, but not been launched. Utah faces the highest structural barrier due to a constitutional prohibition on all gambling. When did sports betting sites become legal in the US? The federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) was struck down by the Supreme Court in May 2018. New Jersey launched the first legal online sportsbook outside Nevada in August 2018. More than 30 states have since followed. What states is DraftKings legal in? DraftKings is the most widely available sportsbook in the US, licensed in 26 states plus Washington DC. It operates in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. What states is FanDuel legal in? FanDuel is the most widely used sportsbook in the US by market share. It operates in all major online markets, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, Massachusetts, and more. Can I bet on sports if I am visiting a legal state? Yes. If you are physically inside a state with legal sports betting, you can place bets through any app licensed in that state regardless of where you live. You cannot place bets while located in a state where sports betting is not legal. All licensed sportsbooks use geolocation to verify your physical location. What is the minimum age to bet on sports? The minimum age is 21 in most states. Some states including New Jersey, Iowa, Wyoming, and Washington DC allow betting at 18, though individual operators may enforce a 21 minimum regardless of state law. Always verify both your state's law and the specific app's age requirement before registering. Is online sports betting legal in my state? Online sports betting is legal only in certain states, and the rules vary widely depending on where you are. Some states allow full statewide mobile wagering through multiple licensed apps, while others limit betting to tribal land, a single operator, or retail sportsbooks only. Check the table above to see whether online sports betting is legal in your state. Read More

2026 NFL Draft Odds: Draft Positions for Ty Simpson, Jeremiyah Love, More

​Fernando Mendoza is the biggest name, but not the only big name in the 2026 NFL Draft. Let's check out the Over/Under odds (at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 22) for where some of the biggest names in this year's draft might land. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Ty Simpson Alabama — QB Over 24.5: -270 (bet $10 to win $13.70 total)Under 24.5: +195 (bet $10 to win $29.50 total) What to know: Only two quarterbacks went in the first round last season, after the first three picks of the 2024 NFL Draft were QBs. The last Alabama QB to go in the first round was Bryce Young back in 2023, when he was selected No. 1 by the Panthers. Simpson is heavily favored (-2500) to be the second quarterback off the board in 2026. Jeremiyah LoveNotre Dame — RB Over 5.5: +275 (bet $10 to win $37.50 total)Under 5.5: -400 (bet $10 to win $12.50 total) What to know: The last time a running back went in the top five was back in 2018, when the Giants selected Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick. Ashton Jeanty went sixth to the Raiders last season. Sonny StylesOhio State — LB Over 5.5: -150 (bet $10 to win $16.67 total)Under 5.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total) What to know: The last linebacker to go in the top five just so happens to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, Will Anderson Jr. He went to the Texans with the third pick in 2023. Now, Anderson mostly plays edge rusher for Houston. Carnell TateOhio State — WR Over 7.5: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total)Under 7.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total) What to know: If you count Travis Hunter as a wide receiver, then two wide receivers went in the top 10 in 2025: Hunter to Jacksonville at No. 2, and Tetairoa McMillan to Carolina at No. 8. Three wideouts went in the top 10 in 2024: Marvin Harrison Jr. to Arizona at No. 4, Malik Nabers to the Giants at No. 6 and Rome Odunze to Chicago at No. 9. Tate is favored (-175) to be the first wide receiver to come off the board in 2026. Jordyn TysonArizona State — WR Over 8.5: +140 (bet $10 to win $24.00 total)Under 8.5: -185 (bet $10 to win $15.41 total) What to know: Jordyn Tyson’s odds to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft opened at +400 in March. They have since surged to -500 for him to go inside the top 10. Caleb DownsOhio State — S Over 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)Under 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total) What to know: No safety has gone top-10 in the NFL Draft since Jamal Adams went sixth to the Jets back in 2017. Minkah Fitzpatrick went 11th to the Dolphins in 2018. Malaki Starks was the first safety selected last season, going 27th to Baltimore. Rueben Bain Jr. Miami FL — DL Over 8.5: -400 (bet $10 to win $12.50 total)Under 8.5: +270 (bet $10 to win $37 total) What to know: Defensive linemen always go in the top 10. Since 2013, only twice has the top 10 not featured a defensive lineman — back in 2021 and then again in 2024. Spencer FanoUtah — OL Over 10.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20.00 total)Under 10.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total) What to know: Fano is a close second choice to be the first offensive lineman drafted on Thursday at +110, just behind Francis Mauigoa, who leads the market at -125. Makai LemonUSC — WR Over 14.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)Under 14.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20.00 total) What to know: Lemon is expected to be the third wide receiver off the board, behind Tate and Tyson. He’ll look to follow in the footsteps of recent USC wide receivers Jordan Addison (2023) and Drake London (2022), who were both selected in the first round. Olaivavega IoanePenn State — OL Over 14.5: +225 (bet $10 to win $32.50 total)Under 14.5: -310 (bet $10 to win $13.23 total) What to know: Ioane has the fifth-best odds (+1800) to be the first offensive lineman selected. That said, he is still firmly expected to be a first-round pick. Kenyon SadiqOregon — TE Over 15.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)Under 15.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total) What to know: Colston Loveland (No. 10 to Chicago) and Tyler Warren (No. 14 to Indianapolis) both went in the top 15 last season. Brock Bowers went 13th to Las Vegas in 2024, and Kyle Pitts went fourth to Atlanta in 2021. In other words, the tight end position is on the rise when it comes to the first half of the first round. Sadiq is expected to be the first tight end off the board in 2026. Kadyn ProctorAlabama — OL Over 16.5: +145 (bet $10 to win $24.50 total)Under 16.5: -195 (bet $10 to win $15.13 total) What to know: Proctor is the third choice (+950) to be the first offensive lineman drafted, behind Mauigoa (-125) and Fano (+110). Dillon ThienemanOregon — S Over 17.5: -215 (bet $10 to win $14.65 total)Under 17.5: +155 (bet $10 to win $25.50 total) What to know: Thieneman is heavily favored (-400) to be the second safety off the board, behind Downs. In 2025, only one safety was selected in the first round. That likely won’t be the case this year, with Thieneman expected to be selected in the middle of the first round. Monroe FreelingGeorgia — OL Over 19.5: +185 (bet $10 to win $28.50 total)Under 19.5: -250 (bet $10 to win $14.00 total) What to know: In 2025, eight offensive linemen were selected in the first round, and a similar number is expected in 2026, with Freeling projected to be among them. Omar Cooper Jr.Indiana — WR Over 23.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22.00 total)Under: 23.5: -160 (bet to win $16.25 total) What to know: Cooper is projected to be the fourth or fifth wide receiver selected. If he goes in the first round, he would become the first Indiana receiver drafted in the opening round since Thomas Lewis in 1994. KC ConcepcionTexas A&M — WR Over 24.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)Under: 24.5: -130 (bet to win $17.69 total) What to know: Counting Travis Hunter as a wide receiver, four total wide receivers were selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In 2024, seven wide receivers went in the first round. This year, the line is set at 5.5 wide receivers selected in Round 1, with the over juiced to -165. Akheem MesidorMiami FL — EDGE Over 25.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)Under 25.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18.00 total) What to know: Mesidor is expected to be the fourth or fifth edge rusher selected, behind Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and his college teammate Rueben Bain Jr. He and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk are likely next in line. Denzel BostonWashington — WR Over 26.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18.00 total)Under 26.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total) What to know: Boston will look to follow in the footsteps of former Washington Huskies wide receivers Rome Odunze and John Ross, who were both selected in the first round. He is expected to be among the five or six wide receivers selected in this year’s first round. Jermod McCoy Tennessee — CB Over 28.5: -150 (bet $10 to win $16.67 total)Under: 28.5: +115 (bet to win $21.50 total) What to know: After Mansoor Delane (-5000 to be the first cornerback selected), McCoy is tied with Colton Hood and Chris Johnson at +175 to be the second cornerback drafted. In 2025, three cornerbacks were selected in the first round. Chris JohnsonSan Diego State — CB Over 32.5: +180 (bet $10 to win $28.00 total)Under 32.5: -250 (bet $10 to win $14.00 total) What to know: At the beginning of April, Chris Johnson's odds to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft opened at +550. He is one of the fastest rising prospects and is now -250 to go in the first. Read More

Juan Soto Returns To the New York Mets’ Lineup Amid 12-game Slide

​Juan Soto is back in the New York Mets' lineup — and boy do they need him. The star slugger was reinstated from the 10-day injured list with the reeling Mets on a 12-game losing streak heading into Wednesday night's game against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Soto, who missed 15 games with a right calf strain, was set to bat second as the designated hitter. To open a roster spot, third-string catcher Hayden Senger was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse following Tuesday night's 5-3 loss to Minnesota. New York (7-16) had been outscored 67-22 during the skid while batting .194 with a .284 slugging percentage. The slide began with a 7-2 loss to Arizona on April 8. Soto exited early from a 10-3 victory at San Francisco on April 3, and the Mets won their next three games without him before descending into a tailspin. It's their longest slide since losing 12 straight games in August 2002. New York had not dropped 13 in a row since a 15-game skid in August 1982. The club record is 17 consecutive defeats during the franchise's inaugural season in 1962. Reporting by the Associated Press. Read More

2026 NFL Draft Odds: Back Big Ten to Have Even Bigger Round 1

​If you’re looking for NFL Draft wagers 24 hours before the first round, I've got some harsh realities for you: The pickings are slim. Numbers have moved. The juice for these wagers can be out of control. But don’t worry. I still have a few wagers that are playable today. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. David Bailey second pick in the draft Flip-flop. Flip-flop. Flip-flop. That is how the odds for the second pick of this draft have moved over the last 48 hours. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese was nearly -300 to be the second pick of the draft earlier this week. Then, Bailey steamed ahead of him and became the favorite. Now it’s back to Reese as I'm writing this, so targeting Bailey is worth a wager, with the number still playable. I have a draft guy who’s been spot-on over the years, including nailing Travon Walker as the first pick in the draft back in 2022. He told me a month ago he thinks the Jets are taking Bailey with this pick. I have wagered on that outcome. You’re welcome to tail me or mumble under your breath that I’m a dummy and don’t know anything. Schematically, drafting Bailey second makes sense. The Jets need immediate pass rush help and Bailey is an edge defender. Reese is a fantastic football player, but he’s a hybrid player for now. Do the Jets want someone who needs to grow into the position over a pass rusher who’s more traditional and ready now? That is why I like Bailey to go second overall. PICK: David Bailey second pick in the NFL Draft Over 11.5 Big Ten players drafted in first round The Big Ten has at least 10 players going in the first round — four from Ohio State, two from Oregon, two from Indiana and one player from USC, Washington and Penn State. I'm no math major, but that’s 11 Big Ten players that have good odds of being called up to the stage on Thursday. The question becomes who'll be the 12th of the bunch. Will it be D’Angelo Ponds or Kayden McDonald? Maybe Gabe Jacus is a surprise first-round pick? I just need one of them to win the wager. Out of everything available now, this is playable. PICK: Over 11.5 Big Ten players drafted in first round (+144) Read More

Fact or Fiction? Checking on Ohtani’s Cy Young Chances, Judge’s MVP Quest

​Will Shohei Ohtani win the National League Cy Young? Will Aaron Judge be replaced as the American League MVP? Will the New York Mets turn things around? All those questions are answered on the latest edition of MLB on FOX's "Fact or fiction" with MLB on FOX analyst Dontrelle Willis. Shohei Ohtani will win the Cy Young: Fact "He's already pacing — 18 innings pitched, 18 strikeouts. He will continue to stay healthy. Dave Roberts and Co. are continuing to give him chances. Also, he's conserving himself. He's not running as much. You're not going to see some of those triples that we know and love, especially on the days he has to go both ways, and start and hit. But he's going to stay healthy, 14-2 last month, or they're going to a 5-man rotation to get him enough reps to get him that Cy Young." Aaron Judge will win his 4th straight MVP: Fiction "Yordan Alvarez is a monster. He will stay healthy. Leads the American League in home runs and RBIs, third in batting average. I know the Astros are in last place right now, so he's going to have to consistently do damage to get them out of that cellar, but I think he's going to win MVP." The Mets will finish last in the NL East: Fiction "They better not come into last place, you hear me! All that talent. All that payroll. All that expectation. I believe that they're going to get out of the cellar. Juan Soto will be back. (Bo) Bichette will be better. (Luis) Robert will be better… I just find it hard to believe they will come in last place. It's been catastrophic, but I don't believe it's going to be all season long." The Pirates will make the playoffs: Fact "They will get in. First of all, I love the addition of (Ryan) O'Hearn. He has been outstanding, leading the team in batting average. O'Neil Cruz is a healthy monster. Nineteen RBIs, nine stolen bases already on the season, and I love this rotation top to bottom. Yes, we know the ace, Paul Skenes, but the veteran (Mitch) Keller has a 2.7 ERA, (Braxton) Ashcraft has a 2.3 ERA. They have enough talent, and swing and miss in that rotation to keep their offense in games all day long. And the crowd is starting to feel it." Mason Miller will allow a run before the end of April: Fiction "He is a machine right now. The fastball's going anywhere from 100 to 103 miles an hour. The slider is harder than my fastball… He's getting 70% whiff rate on the slider alone. You keep seeing that nasty changeup. Listen, he's living on the edges. He is a tough cover. I don't believe he's going to give up a run, not only this month, but the next month as well." Read More

LIV Golf Launches First U.S.-Based Team in Oklahoma with OKGC

​LIV Golf announced the official rebrand of Smash GC into OKGC, short for Oklahoma Golf Club. The move converts the team into a U.S. market for the first time as a LIV Golf franchise, and will officially debut at Maaden LIV Golf Virginia from May 7-10. The OKGC will be captained by 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion Talor Gooch, who's originally from Midwest City, Oklahoma. Alongside Gooch on OKGC, team members include Jason Kokrak, Graeme McDowell and Harold Varner III. The rebranding pays homage to Gooch's hometown roots and will allow the franchise to expand its ties into the United States market and boost their global and regional partnerships. Gooch is also an Oklahoma State University alum, one of the premier collegiate golf programs in Division I. The connection between OKGC and the university will create a natural pipeline for player recruitment and fan engagement through top‑tier programs like Oklahoma State and the University of Oklahoma. "This is incredibly meaningful to me. Oklahoma is where I grew up and where I learned how to compete," Gooch said. "To now represent this state through OKGC and bring that identity with us around the world is something I'm really proud of. We're building a team that people can connect with, one that reflects the pride, resilience, and mindset of Oklahoma everywhere we go." This piece is in partnership with LIV Golf. Read More

Here’s How Mike Trout Is Staying Hot By Slowing Things Down

​Remember me? That’s what Trout seemed to be asserting when he rocked the Bronx last week in a firework show that got everyone buzzing about his resurgence. Trout crushed five home runs in the Los Angeles Angels series against the Bombers, becoming the first visitor ever to hit a homer in all four games at Yankee Stadium. No matter how much the baseball landscape has changed over the years — new stars, new rules, new technology, more parity — Trout still stands out. Just like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, and Ken Griffey Jr. represented past eras, Trout is right there on the list of enduring legends and all-time greats. He serves as a bridge between generations of fans. He’s universally beloved in Major League Baseball. So, what gives? How is Trout, in his age-34 season after 16 years in the big leagues, making it seem like he’s still in his prime? He chalked it up to a mentality shift. "I’m just going out there and having fun again," Trout told me on the field at Yankee Stadium last week. "Just out there playing my game, feeling lighter on my feet. And I think we got a great group. We’re all pulling from one string." Trout is off to yet another terrific early-season start. His seven home runs entering Tuesday are tied for fourth-most in the league. His .958 OPS is ranked 13th in MLB. Under new Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, Trout is regularly patrolling center field again after mostly being in right field or designated hitter in recent years. Even though crushing the ball in April has been a trend for him lately, followed by the inevitable trip to the injured list, there’s legitimate reason to believe he can sustain this run for at least the majority of the season. The 11-time All-Star reflected on his career after the Angels’ last-place finish in the AL West last season. Trout couldn’t believe how fast his 15 years in MLB flew by, so he vowed to slow down and enjoy the moment. His perspective coming into spring training was intentionally different. He tried not to pay attention to outside noise. He tried not to take anything for granted, even the mundane moments of putting on an Angels uniform and slapping hands with his teammates before every game. He tried not to rush while working in the batting cage. As usual, people pulled him in different directions and asked him to fulfill multiple obligations. But he kept in mind his new objective: take a beat, and make things simpler. "He’s the greatest of all time," Judge said of Trout last week in the Yankees clubhouse. "He’s been fun to watch his whole career, coming up at such a young age and instantly just putting yourself at the top of the list. It’s special. I know he’s had some tough injuries over the years, but it’s great to see him put himself back in a good spot this year." A small, but meaningful, change in perspective can do wonders for someone as elite as Trout. But there are also physical and mechanical transformations that are behind his exciting start to the season. Noting how difficult it is to return to peak form after athletes suffer lower-body injuries, including managing his knee injuries in 2024-25, Trout dropped about 5–7 pounds this offseason in an effort to be lighter on his feet. Now, after playing 21 games in center field this year, Trout is maintaining an elite sprint speed of 28.6 feet per second, which ranks in the 90th percentile. That’s an increase from last year’s sprint speed of 27.9 feet per second, which fell into the 62nd percentile. Mechanically, Trout has added a new step-back at the plate, bringing his back foot a step back right before connecting. Even though he’s experimented with it before, that’s something we haven’t seen Trout consistently execute over the years. The step-back has helped Trout get more underneath the ball, which has led to the power surge we’ve seen in the early part of the season. Not even Judge, who’s won the AL MVP three times in the past four seasons, could catch up to Trout’s torrent of homers at Yankee Stadium last week. The Yankee captain fell just short, slugging four homers to Trout’s five. "I love watching Judge," Trout told me. "Just like in the last 8–9 years, competing against each other, it’s been fun. I’m a big fan of Judge, and every time I come back to Yankee Stadium, it’s always special going back and forth with him. Being on the West Coast, I don’t see him as much. But I love tuning in after the games and seeing what he’s doing. It’s great for baseball." Trout’s renaissance feels different now. He’s overcome injuries and concerns about his durability. He’s serious about pregame strength and training and postgame recovery in a way he hadn’t been before. He knows what he’s capable of doing, and how much his peers respect him. He’s finally feeling like himself again. The air of inevitability surrounding his at-bats has returned. In an era obsessed with launch-angle tweaks, swing paths, barrel rates and an avalanche of modern-baseball analytics, Trout’s greatness feels almost stubbornly pure. "It’s unreal," Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton said of Trout’s talent. "Cool showing from him and Judgey the whole series. Obviously, you don’t want that against us. But you got to acknowledge the greatness." Whispers of what could’ve been have followed Trout’s every injury over the years, and those maladies were so persistent that they became the norm. Even as Trout is regaining peak performance to start the season, there’s an industry-wide underlying fear attached to every home run, hit-by-pitch, or diving catch. With Trout, it seems like the threat of injuries is always knocking at the door. But, this year, the three-time MVP is ignoring the sound. He told himself he’d focus on having fun this season. And when an all-time great is having fun, so is everyone else. There are so few players that baseball fans can root for, no matter the jersey they wear. Trout breaks through that lens. Like Ichiro Suzuki, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Albert Pujols, Trout is respected by everyone. So, Trout returning to vintage form isn’t just a personal comeback. It’s a boost for the entire sport. It’s a reminder of sustained excellence in an era of rapid player turnover. Seeing greatness again feels rare and nostalgic. Trout looks like Trout again. He’s reminding us how enormous the gap can be between being great and being generational. He’s no longer the young phenom, or the injury-riddled All-Star veteran. He’s the future walk-in Hall of Famer, proving his peak wasn’t a fluke. ___ "In The Dugout" is where we provide an insider's view on the biggest and best storylines surrounding MLB's top players and teams. Deesha Thosar covers Major League Baseball as a reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Deesha grew up on Long Island and now lives in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar. Read More

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Grab a $10 Bonus When You Trade $10 on 76ers vs Celtics, Lakers vs Rockets

​This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Game 2 energy is taking over the NBA Playoffs as teams push to take full control of their series, and the pressure is already sky-high. Kalshi is giving new users a shot to get involved, making tonight’s matchups even more exciting from tip-off to the final buzzer. The Celtics and 76ers clash with Boston looking to dominate again after a big Game 1 win behind Jaylen Brown while Philadelphia leans on Tyrese Maxey to even things up. The Spurs also look to take a 2-0 lead against the Trail Blazers. Kevin Durant is looking to return to the Rockets to help avoid a two-game deficit against LeBron James and the Lakers. New users can jump in with Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS to grab a $10 bonus when you trade $10 on Game 2 of the NBA playoffs. Click here to claim your $10 bonus after trading $10 with the Kalshi for tonight's action in the NBA playoffs. For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page. How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus Kalshi Odds *Odds are subject to change* Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Game Details Shooting Comparison: Top Performers Last 10 Games Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics – Game Details Shooting Comparison: Top Performers Last 10 Games Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs – Game Details Shooting Comparison: Top Performers Last 10 Games Read More

Mississippi State Upsets No. 15 Tennessee Women In 77-62 Win

​Kharyssa Richardson scored 21 points and Mississippi State downed No. 15 Tennessee on Thursday night, 77-62. Richardson was 9 of 11 from the floor and scored 16 in the second half. Trayanna Crisp added 15 points to go with five rebounds and three steals. Madison Francis added 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, while Favour Nwaedozi notched 11 points, 14 rebounds and two steals. It's the second win of the season for the Bulldogs (16-6, 3-5 SEC) against a ranked opponent. The Volunteers won the earlier meeting between these sides 90-80 on Jan. 8. It's the first home loss and conference loss for the Vols (14-4, 6-1 SEC) after entering on a seven-game winning streak and the last remaining team undefeated in SEC play. Their previously slated game on Monday — a contest with No. 17 Ole Miss — was postponed due to weather. With 2:31 left in the first half, the game was knotted at 26 points apiece. The Bulldogs closed on a 9-0 run with a pair of 3-pointers from Crisp, and continued with an 11-3 run at the start of the second half to build a 14-point lead at the 5:53 mark of the third quarter. The Bulldogs' lead grew to as much as 20, and never dropped below double digits from that point on. Talaysia Cooper led with 19 points for the Vols. Mia Pauldo had 13 and four steals, and Janiah Barker added 10 and six rebounds. The Bulldogs, who entered 12th in the country with 43.9 rebounds per game, dominated the glass with a 50-31 rebounding advantage against a Tennessee team that entered 19th in the nation in rebounds per game (42.7). They outscored the Vols 35-11 on the fast break. Next, Mississippi State hosts Missouri on Sunday, and Tennessee is on the road against No. 1 UConn on Sunday. Reporting by The Associated Press. Read More

January Transfer Window Grades: Barcelona Breaks Even, Crystal Palace Overpay For Striker

​January is a notoriously bad time for buyers because nobody ever wants to sell top talent midway through the season. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Some clubs need to raise funds to balance the books, while others can be left with not option but to unload an unhappy player who has made it clear that he wants to join a stronger side. For the most part, though, getting good value for money is difficult, as we saw during the last winter window. Manchester City spent almost £180 million on six players a year ago, and not one of them has been an unqualified success. Of course, that won't stop teams splashing the cash this month, as they look to either maintain their momentum or turn their season around. As a result, GOAL is once again on hand to grade the biggest January deals from the perspective of the two clubs involved, and the player himself... January 29: Jorgen Strand Larsen (Wolves to Crystal Palace, £50m) For Wolves: Outstanding work! Strand Larsen was a revelation for Wolves last season, which is why Newcastle offered £55m for the forward during the summer. Having already lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, the powers that be at Molineux felt that could ill-afford to let Strand Larsen leave too — which turned out to be a mistake, given how poorly he's performed this season (just one goal in 19 Premier League appearances). So, for Wolves to have still managed to get £50m for a forward whose true value is probably half that fee is genuinely amazing. As long as the money raised is invested in the squad, Strand Larsen won't be missed — and certainly not by the fans who'd grown bitterly frustrated with his performances this season. Grade: A- For Palace: A big gamble. Palace clearly needed to sign a striker, with Jean-Philippe Mateta keen to leave Selhurst Park before deadline day, and Strand Larsen has shown that he can score goals in the Premier League — or, at least, he did during the 2024-25 campaign. However, £50m is an obscene amount of money for a potential one-season wonder. After all, while Strand Larsen has scored six times in all competitions this season, half of those goals came against League Two side Shrewsbury Town. Of course, at 25, he's still got room for improvement and Oliver Glasner could help him realise his full potential, but let's not forget that the Austrian will be gone at the end of the season — if not earlier. Palace are clearly doing what they can to salvage a season in real danger of going off the rails and Strand Larsen could well start scoring again in a far stronger side than Wolves — but they've unquestionably overpaid here. Grade: C For Strand Larsen: A welcome change of scenery. After a brilliant debut season at Wolves, Strand Larsen came in for an awful lot of stick during his side's historically bad first half of the season. The feeling was that he was no longer performing at his best after being left disappointed by the club's refusal to sell him to Newcastle last summer. It's hard to imagine that he'd have deliberately downed tools, but there's no doubt that he could have subconsciously allowed his level to drop. Whatever the truth, Strand Larsen now has an excellent opportunity to get back among the goals with a team that generally creates quite a few chances. Palace might not be as big a club as Newcastle but this is still the kind of move he needed to get himself in the right frame of mind — and form — ahead of Norway's World Cup campaign. Grade: B+ January 27: Douglas Luiz (Juventus to Aston Villa, loan) For Juventus: A big boost. Luiz ranks as one of the worst signings in Juve's history, a dreadful waste of money that played a major part in the Bianconeri board's decision to sack Cristiano Guintoli as the club's sporting director last June. By that stage, they were also doing everything in their power to offload the midfielder, who failed to score or assist a single goal in 27 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign. In the end, Nottingham Forest agreed to take Luiz on loan last August with a conditional obligation to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. However, Luiz made zero impact at the City Ground, meaning there was a very real risk of Juve having to take the Brazilian back until his former club came calling. The Old Lady will now be praying that Luiz manages to convince Villa — or someone else — to take him off their hands this summer. Grade: C For Villa: A clear sign of their desperation. Villa are third in the Premier League and just four points behind leaders Arsenal, meaning they've got an outside shot at winning their first English championship since 1981. The problem, though, is that they've just lost three key midfielders - Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn — to injuries of varying degrees of severity. The situation was further complicated by the club's ongoing issues with the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability Regulations (PSR), which means they're not in a position to spend much money in the transfer market. Hence the decision to take Luiz on loan. The word is that the 27-year-old favoured going back to Villa over joining Chelsea and there is, of course, a chance he could get back to his best under Unai Emery. Unfortunately, we've seen scant evidence over the past 18 months to suggest that a return to Villa will result in a return to form. Grade: D+ For Luiz: A great move given he's done nothing to deserve it. Luiz's career has gone into freefall since leaving the club in the summer of 2024. Persistent injury problems didn't help but even when he was fully fit, he performed atrociously at Juve and lost his place in the Brazil squad as a result. His fitness issues didn't disappear at Forest either, meaning there seems little chance of him hitting the ground running in his second spell at Villa. Still, Luiz has an awful lot to play for between now and the end of the season. He badly needs this move to work out and not just in terms of his slim World Cup hopes. His top-flight career is pretty much on line. But he'll doubtless feel that there's nobody better placed than Emery to help him save it. Grade: A January 27: Dro Fernandez (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, €8m) For Barcelona: Absolutely infuriating. Fernandez has been on Barca's books since 2022 and they had incredibly high hopes for a player that only turned 18 earlier this month. Hansi Flick was particularly invested in Fernandez's future, having included him in the senior squad's pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea before handing him his competitive debut in the Liga clash with Real Sociedad on September 28. The Barca boss was, thus, stunned when Fernandez informed him that he felt his development would be better served by moving to Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, club president Joan Laporta called the whole situation "unpleasant", particularly as the Catalans will receive just €8m for such a highly rated La Masia graduate. This is the nature of the game, of course, and Barca have in the past picked up promising players for pittance themselves, but that doesn't make this bitter pill any easier to swallow. Grade: F For PSG: Another satisfying steal. PSG have made quite the habit out of prising high-profile players away from Barcelona in recent years, while they also snapped up Lionel Messi after his contact with the Catalans expired in 2021. This deal, though, is more reminiscent of the acquisition of a 16-year-old Xavi Simons in 2019. Of course, Simons didn't end up becoming a star at the Parc des Princes but the Dutchman did eventually earn PSG an awful lot of money through transfer fees. Fernandez could end up doing likewise, especially as there's considerable doubt over whether he'll find game time any easier to come by in Paris than he did in Barcelona. Grade: B+ For Fernandez: An audacious move. Fernandez had made five appearances this season for arguably the most exciting side in world football, and with the promise of more to come in the coming weeks, months and years. As a result, his decision to leave for PSG has sent shockwaves through Camp Nou. One can obviously understand why Fernandez felt that it might be difficult for him to break into Flick's starting line-up, given so many of the players ahead of him in the pecking order are not that much older than himself. But why go to PSG of all clubs? The Parisians have an even younger - and arguably even more talented - crop of attackers than Barca. Granted, PSG are not the same star-obsessed club they were when Simons joined seven years ago. Their new transfer strategy is focused almost exclusively on recruiting emerging talents, and they're not remotely afraid of giving youngsters opportunities to play, even in the most important of fixtures. However, if the likes of Bradley Barcola are forced to settle for rotational roles at PSG, just how many minutes is Fernandez going to see at this very important stage of his development? The teenager clearly has a colossal amount of faith in his own ability but we can't help but feel he's been badly advised here. Grade: C- January 21: Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal to Marseille, loan) For Arsenal: A smart move. Mikel Arteta is acutely aware of Nwaneri's talent, but the fact of the matter is that the Spaniard has no real need for the teenager right now. Arsenal's squad is so strong this season that even experienced, multi-million pound signings are struggling to get a seat on the bench, let alone a spot in the starting line-up. So, letting Nwaneri go out on loan for the remainder of the campaign makes perfect sense — particularly as the youngster could benefit enormously from working with Roberto De Zerbi. The Gunners could also bank around £3m if certain appearance targets are met, which is not bad at all for a loan deal. Grade: B+ For Marseille: An intriguing addition to an exciting side. Marseille may only be third in Ligue 1 this season - behind both Paris Saint-Germain and, more surprisingly, Lens - but they're the competition's top scorers, with 41 goals in 18 games. In that sense, they don't necessarily need another forward. However, 18-year-old Nwaneri is an extraordinary talent - he proved that last season by netting nine times in all competitions for Arsenal - and the word is that De Zerbi feels the England Under-21 international can add a whole new dimension to his side's attack. The one shame is that there's no option to buy included in the loan agreement. Grade: B For Nwaneri: A very exciting transfer, even if it is only temporary. Marseille is an incredible city, the Stade Velodrome is an amazing arena and De Zerbi's team is a joy to watch at times. There's every chance, then, that Nwaneri will have an absolute blast on the south coast of France — particularly as he'll get to play alongside the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Igor Paixao and Mason Greenwood. Of course, the presence of so many gifted attackers at the Velodrome means Nwaneri isn't going to walk straight into the side, but he'll definitely get more game time at Marseille than he would have done at Arsenal between now and the end of the season. Nwaneri also deserves credit for making such a bold move at such a young age and, no matter what happens, it should prove a very useful learning experience that will likely boost his chances of becoming a regular at the Emirates one day soon. Grade: A January 20: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona to Girona, loan) For Barcelona: A significant first step towards removing Ter Stegen from the wage bill. Given their ongoing attempts to balance the books, the Blaugrana undoubtedly would have preferred to sell their skipper during the winter window in order to edge them ever closer to full compliance with La Liga's financial regulations, so they'll be disappointed that West Ham's reported interest never materialised into a concrete offer. However, Girona have, at least, agreed to cover some of Ter Stegen's salary and the hope is that if the Germany international performs well for the Catalan rivals, it will result in a permanent move this summer — and if not to the Estadi Montilivi, then somewhere else. Grade: C- For Girona: Odd timing on the face of it. After a tough first half of the season, Girona have finally found some form by winning three league games in a row — and keeping a clean sheet in each of their last two outings. However, while the Catalans have climbed to 11th in the table, they're still only five points above the drop zone and, most significantly of all, remain in possession of the worst defensive record in the Primera Division. Ter Stegen could definitely help in that regard. He's had plenty of injury issues in the past few years but he remains an excellent shot-stopper with tremendous organisational qualities. If he's fully fit, Ter Stegen should prove an upgrade on Paulo Gazzaniga. Grade: B For Ter Stegen: Quite the fall from grace. Just 18 months ago, Ter Stegen was Barcelona's captain and undisputed No.1. However, he missed almost all of the 2024-25 season with a ruptured patellar tendon and everything changed for him during that unfortunately lengthy lay-off. Emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny impressed sufficiently in Ter Stegen's absence to earn himself a contract extension, while Barca took advantage of a ludicrously low buy-out clause in Joan Garcia's Espanyol contract to bring in the best goalkeeper in La Liga last summer. Consequently, Ter Stegen went from first to third choice and, after being sidelined by another injury (this time to his back), he fell further out favour at Barca during a bitter, player registration-related dispute that saw him temporarily stripped of the captaincy. Hansi Flick did give him a game in the Copa del Rey just before the turn of the year, but it was obvious that if Ter Stegen wanted to have any chance of making Germany's World Cup squad, he needed to find a new club this month. A move to nearby Girona, therefore, makes sense for a player who has never actually wanted to leave Barcelona. He'll have to eventually, of course, but at least now he's put himself in a position to remind the wider world of his worth. Grade: B January 19: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace to Manchester City, £20m) For Crystal Palace: A disappointing but inevitable exit. Palace were willing to let Guehi leave for Liverpool last summer, but manager Oliver Glasner effectively blocked the deadline-day deal because the club had failed to line up an adequate replacement. Given the defender was still refusing to extend a contract that had entered its final six months, the Eagles were effectively left with no other option but to cash in on one of their most valuable assets before losing him for nothing at the end of the season. It's still a massive setback for Palace, though. The one positive is that at least this time around they have a couple of weeks to find something resembling a worthy successor, but Guehi was so much more than a centre-back. He was the team leader and his departure midway through the season (and for pittance in the grand scheme of things) arguably kills whatever hope Palace had of qualifying for Europe again this season. Grade: D For Manchester City: Another bargain buy! A year ago, City spent a massive amount of money on potential - and it didn't work out well for them at all. This time around, they've brought in a couple of proven Premier League performers for less than £100m, and Guehi should have just as instantaneous an impact at the Etihad as Antoine Semenyo — particularly as Pep Guardiola is short on centre-backs (albeit only for the time being!). As well as being a tremendous defender, Guehi is also a fantastic professional, meaning he should prove an excellent addition, both on and off the field. The transfer market may be open for another fortnight, but we're calling it now: City have already won the winter window - and the fact that they've beaten long-time rivals Liverpool to two transfer targets will only make their success taste all the sweeter for the club's fans. Grade: A+ For Guehi: A step up in class a long time in the making. Guehi may have come through the youth ranks at Chelsea, but he never made an appearance at senior level for the Blues and it was only after a successful loan spell at Swansea City that he earned his first taste of Premier League football with Palace. The England international wrote himself into the history books at Selhurst Park by captaining the club to their first ever major honour and has been deservedly praised for the way in which he continued giving his all for Palace — even after the calamitous collapse of his proposed summer switch to Liverpool. Guehi has definitely taken a bit of risk by joining City in a World Cup year — and let's not forget that we're still awaiting the verdict in the club's Premier League financial regulations case. However, he's going to walk straight into the starting line-up with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones all presently sidelined through injury, and it'll likely take something special to shift him. Guehi showed at Euro 2024 that he has it in him to become one of the game's top centre-backs and Guardiola has provided him with the perfect platform to realise his full potential. Grade: A January 14: Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid to Tottenham, £35m) For Atletico: The ideal outcome. Atletico were reluctantly willing to accept Aston Villa’s offer to take Gallagher on loan with a view to a permanent transfer, so Tottenham’s offer of €40m up front felt like manna from heaven, as that money can be immediately reinvested in Diego Simeone’s squad. Gallagher certainly didn’t flop at the Metropolitano. As expected, he played with the kind of intensity and passion that endeared him to his infamously aggressive Argentine coach. But he had become nothing more than a useful rotational player this season, a decent option off the bench — as underlined by his tally of just four starts in La Liga. So, for Atleti to have recouped what they paid Chelsea for him 18 months ago cannot be considered anything but decent business. Grade: B For Tottenham: A timely addition. Spurs were already short on numbers in midfield even before Rodrigo Bentancur picked up a hamstring problem that is expected to keep him out of action for at least two months, so getting Gallagher represents a huge boost for the under-fire Thomas Frank. The England international is Premier League-proven and should be able to go straight into the starting line-up. Spurs also deserve credit for getting the deal done so quickly, given they’ve seen quite a few transfers hijacked in recent seasons due to their famed hesitancy and parsimony. Grade: B For Gallagher: A welcome return to London. That Gallagher never wanted to leave Chelsea is common knowledge. He was forced out of a club with a frankly ridiculous approach to the transfer market and the fans were very sorry to see him go. They’ll now be seriously frustrated to see him lining out for city rivals, especially as Gallagher has every chance of making a big impact at Tottenham. After all, he’s still only 25, meaning his best years are ahead of him - and he’ll be incredibly determined to hit the ground running with the World Cup now less than five months away. Granted, getting back into the England squad is not going to be easy in light of the toxic atmosphere at Tottenham right now, but his chances of doing so have been dramatically improved by swapping the Atleti bench for the Spurs starting line-up. Grade: A- January 13: Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal to Barcelona, loan) For Al-Hilal: Not what they would have expected after investing so much money in Cancelo. Remember, Al-Hilal paid Manchester City €25m for the Portugal defender just over 18 months ago, while also handing him a three-year contract worth €15m per annum. Unfortunately, Cancelo's proven a colossal waste of cash, with his time in Riyadh characterised by injury issues and poor performances. Indeed, it didn't take long for new coach Simone Inzaghi to realise he couldn't rely on the 31-year-old at all — which is why Cancelo hasn't featured in the Saudi Pro League since September. A winter-window exit was, thus, a formality, and while Inzaghi would have undoubtedly preferred to see him join Inter, given the Nerazzurri were offering to send one of their players in the opposite direction, Al-Hilal will probably just be happy that Barca have agreed to cover some of Cancelo's salary. Grade: D For Barcelona: Not a bad stop-gap solution to their defensive dilemma. Coach Hansi Flick was hoping that Barca would bring in a quality center-back this month, but the Catalans' continuing cash-flow problems made that difficult. However, signing Cancelo helps in a round-about way, as it means that Flick has cover at right-back if he needs to move Jules Kounde into the middle. Of course, the Benfica academy product can also play on the left-hand side of the defence, so while there are concerns about his fitness (as well as his propensity for repeatedly getting caught out of position!), Cancelo does at least offer Flick valuable cover at the back, while he’s also more than good enough on the ball to play further forward if need be. Grade: C For Cancelo: An unexpected return to the 'big time' for a flawed but tremendously talented footballer. Cancelo's club career at the very highest level looked over when he moved to the Middle East after his previous loan stay at Barca failed to materialise into a permanent move. And, aside from a couple of positive performances for Portugal, he's done very little since joining Al-Hilal to suggest that he's capable of recapturing the fantastic form that made him such a popular player at the Etihad before falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola. Cancelo will, thus, be delighted that he's managed to secure a return to Catalunya, given he really enjoyed his previous season at Barca. Grade: A January 9: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth to Manchester City, £65m) For Bournemouth: The end of whatever slim chance the Cherries had of qualifying for Europe. Bournemouth made a brilliant start to the season — thanks in no small part to Semenyo's sensational form — but a run of 11 games without a win saw them plummet down the table. Also, if it hadn't been for Semenyo, that rotten run wouldn't have come to an end against Tottenham on Wednesday. So, there's now little chance of Andoni Iraola's side propelling themselves back into contention for a top-six finish, or even enjoying a good cup run, without their best player - particularly as the most obvious replacement, Brennan Johnson, decided to join Crystal Palace. Of course, looking at this deal from a purely financial perspective, one cannot help but once again laud Bournemouth's business model. Admittedly, it would have been nice if the buy-out clause had been a bit more reflective of Semenyo's true market value, but the club has nonetheless generated enormous profit on another player signed for pittance (£10m to be precise). Still, losing Semenyo midway through the season is a bitter blow for Iraola, who will now be looking nervously down at the teams below Bournemouth rather than those above them. Grade: B For City: A very satisfying signing, given that almost every other member of the Premier League's 'Big Six' had an interest in Semenyo. Some have questioned precisely where the 25-year-old will slot into Pep Guardiola's side, with Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku among those vying for starting spots. But while the Catalan coach has an abundance of attacking options, he doesn't have another winger blessed with the same mix of pace, skill and, most importantly of all, physicality as Semenyo. The Ghanaian's arrival is also likely to result in the departure of Oscar Bobb, and probably Savinho during the summer. Even if City don't recoup any money in outgoings, though, Semenyo could still end up proving a bargain buy, as a versatile and proven Premier League performer with his best years ahead of him. Grade: A For Semenyo: A fully deserved step up in class. Semenyo suffered a succession of setbacks during his teenage years, but always believed himself capable of making it to the top, and now he's got there thanks to his natural talent and wonderful work-rate. Indeed, the mere fact that he left Bournemouth with the best wishes of everyone at the club says everything you need to know about the man. There's clearly a chance that he could win a major trophy inside his first six months at the Etihad (even if we suspect the Premier League title is already gone!), but we're not 100 percent convinced that this is the right move for Semenyo. For starters, Liverpool looked like a better fit for the obvious long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, but the real concern lies in the uncertainty surrounding City. There's mounting speculation that Guardiola - undoubtedly a major factor in Semenyo's decision - will step down as manager before his contract expires in 2027, while there's also a chance that the club will be severely sanctioned for an alleged 115 breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations. So, while Semenyo unquestionably has the talent to shine at City, this is far from a risk-free move. Grade: B+ January 2: Brennan Johnson (Tottenham to Crystal Palace, £35m) For Spurs: A strange sale in one sense. Johnson was Tottenham's top scorer last season, their only player to hit double figures in the Premier League and their match-winner in the historic Europa League final win over Manchester United. And yet just over six months on from that famous night in Bilbao, Johnson has been shown the door — despite the fact that he's contributed more goals in all competitions this term (four) than the man who has effectively taken his place in the Spurs side, Mohammed Kudus (three). The fact of the matter is, though, that the club were left with no real option but to cash in on one of their most valuable assets as Thomas Frank clearly didn't rate the Welshman as highly as his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou. In fairness to the Dane, Johnson definitely has his flaws: for a winger, he's not great in one-v-ones and often goes missing during games. The money is also good (the fourth-highest sale in Spurs' history), but there's no doubt that the club could come to regret selling Johnson — particularly if Frank doesn't see out the season... Grade: B- For Palace: The makings of a masterstroke. Palace made a sensational start to the season but competing on three fronts right up until their Carabao Cup exit on December 23 has taken a heavy toll on a squad that manager Oliver Glasner has said all along lacks strength in depth. Johnson should just help in that regard. The 24-year-old undoubtedly has the quality to force his way into the starting line-up, as he offers the kind of goal threat that Palace have sorely lacked this season. Granted, £35m represents a serious investment for a club of Palace's limited resources, but the smart money is on Glasner making good use out of an attacker blessed with blistering pace. Grade: B+ For Johnson: The right call in the circumstances. Johnson undoubtedly would have preferred to stay at Spurs, but only if he were playing regular football — which he wasn't, and that constituted a major problem for a Wales international intent on being fully fit and firing by the time the World Cup play-offs roll around in March. Sure, there aren't any guarantees that he'll walk straight into the Palace team — whereas he would have immediately taken Antoine Semenyo's place at Bournemouth had he instead chosen to move to the Vitality Stadium. However, Glasner was offering him the opportunity to play for an exciting team that usually creates a lot of chances through transitions - as well as a real shot at lifting a European trophy for a second consecutive season. When one also considers the fact that he doesn't even have to leave London, Johnson looks very well placed to slot seamlessly into his new surroundings at Selhurst Park. Grade: A January 2: Niclas Fullkrug (West Ham to AC Milan, loan) For West Ham: The first step towards hopefully recouping some of the £27m they wasted on Fullkrug 18 months ago. In fairness to the Hammers, it looked like a good idea at the time. Fullkrug was a Germany international who had just played a big part in Borussia Dortmund reaching the final of the Champions League. However, he was plagued by injury problems and even when he was fit, he looked way off the pace and, thus, proved painfully ineffective. The hope now is that Fullkrug stays fit long enough in Milan to convince the Italian club to take up their option to sign him on a permanent basis during the summer. Grade: C For Milan: A perplexing move but one indicative of the current situation at San Siro. Admittedly, Milan are strapped for cash. They're also short on numbers in attack, with Santiago Gimenez out for another three to four months, while there's also talk of the underperforming Christopher Nkunku being sold during the winter window. — which is why coach Massimiliano Allegri has been utilising Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao up front this season (when the latter has been available for selection). However, Fullkrug really doesn't look like the solution at all, given his own injury issues and his dire scoring record in the Premier League (three goals in 26 appearances). Still, Allegri will probably argue that he could at least give them a decent battering-ram option off the bench. Grade: D+ For Fullkrug: Christmas has come late! There's just no way Fullkrug would have even dreamed of ending up at the Italian league leaders while once again struggling so badly at West Ham during a fragmented first half of the season for the fragile forward — so his agent probably deserves a raise. Of course, Fullkrug would be perfectly entitled to point to the fact that he's not the first striker to flop at West Ham — and he probably won't be the last either. He'll also doubtless believe himself capable of getting back to something resembling his Bundesliga best if he can stay fit for the next six months. How much game time he'll actually get is open to debate — particularly as Milan are already out of the Coppa Italia and don't have any European commitments this season — but he probably won't be worrying too much about that right now. At 32 years of age, he's been offered the opportunity of a lifetime out of nowhere. Grade: A January 1: Endrick (Real Madrid to Lyon, loan) For Real Madrid: The smart play. There's obviously a chance that Madrid will come to regret letting Endrick leave during the second half of the season, when the games come thick and fast, and the risk of injuries to key players increases. However, it was in the club's interests to send the frustrated forward out on loan. Endrick had become Xabi Alonso's third-choice striker after falling behind Gonzalo Garcia in the pecking order at the Bernabeu and featured just three times in all competitions. The Brazilian should, thus, benefit enormously from regular first-team football at Lyon, who have not only agreed to pay a €1 million loan fee, but also cover half of Endrick's wages. When one also considers that there's not even an option to buy included in this deal, it cannot be regarded as anything but a no-brainer for Los Blancos as this looks like one of those moves that makes perfect sense for everyone involved. Grade: B+ For Lyon: Potentially a season-changing signing. Lyon were not too badly placed going into France's winter break, sitting fifth in Ligue 1, and just five points off the Champions League places. However, losing Alexandre Lacazette, Rayan Cherki and Georges Mikautadze during the summer transfer window decimated their attack. Indeed, 10th-placed Angers (17) were the only team in the top half of the table to have scored fewer goals than Lyon (22) during the first 16 rounds of the season, with new forward Martin Satriano having struggled badly to find the back of the net. Consequently, the arrival of Endrick, one of the most talented teenagers in world football, is rightly being lauded as a major coup for Lyon — even if it is only for six months. As the club's media channel pointed out, with the transfer being confirmed on December 23, it really did feel like Christmas had come early for the fans. Grade: A For Endrick: An excellent opportunity to kickstart a career that had stalled in Spain. Alonso's appointment as Madrid boss hasn't just been bad news for Vinicius Jr — it also checked Endrick's progress after an encouraging debut season at the Bernabeu under Carlo Ancelotti. It has, therefore, been argued that nothing will change for Endrick as long as Alonso remains at the helm — but that's nonsense. He's still only 19 years of age and has an incredibly high ceiling. A productive spell in Ligue 1 with a team that should also go very deep in the Europa League could well prove the making of Endrick, who has already been handed the No.9 jersey at Lyon. He certainly won't want for motivation, that's for sure. Endrick may not have been called up by Brazil since March of last year, but if he starts scoring freely in France, he's every chance of forcing his way into the Seleccao squad ahead of the World Cup, with the battle for the central striking role in Ancelotti's starting line-up wide open right now. Grade: A Read More