March Madness bubble winners, losers: Auburn sinking, Indiana sweating

On Sunday, after a long and arduous wait, the calendar will turn to March.

With it will come a tense two weeks for dozens ofmen's college basketballteams across the country, whose results over the final stretch of the regular season will determine whether theirNCAA Tournamentdreams will live or die.

Such is life on the dreaded bubble for the 68-team event.

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Six months ago, it's an anxiety-laced position few would have envisionedAuburnfinding itself in. Coming off the program's second Final Four appearance in a six-year stretch, theTigersreturned a handful of key contributors, namely guard Tahaad Pettiford, from a squad that went 32-6 while bringing in some impactful new players like Keyshawn Hall.

Auburn's outlook abruptly changed in late September, though, when coach Bruce Pearl stunned much of the sport by stepping down and handing the reins over to his son, Steven. Under a first-time head coach who had never coached in the sport other than under his own father, the Tigers have failed to live up to their status as a preseason top-25 team, with a 15-13 record heading into the weekend of Feb. 28.

It's been especially bleak lately, with six losses in their past seven games. Not all of those setbacks came against the SEC's heaviest hitters, either. In the past 10 days, Auburn has fallen to a sub-.500 Mississippi State team and an Oklahoma squad that seems destined to make a coaching change once the season ends.

While that slew of losses has placed the Tigers in an uncomfortable position, they've got several important metrics working in their favor. As of Thursday, Auburn was No. 35 in the NCAA's NET rankings, No. 37 on KenPom and No. 25 in BPI. On KenPom, it has the No. 1 strength of schedule this season, an unforgiving run of games that featured some notable wins against No. 7 Florida, No. 15 St. John's and No. 17 Arkansas. Though it comes against 11 losses, it has five Quad 1 victories.

Conversely, the Tigers have a pair of Quad 2 losses and are 42nd nationally in Wins Above Bubble, a metric the NCAA Tournament selection committee said it will weigh heavily among bubble teams. There are some landmines lurking among their final three regular-season games, too, with matchups looming at home againstOle Missand LSU, which are a combined 26-30.

Regardless of whether it makes the cut for March Madness, Auburn has experienced first-hand just how hard it is to move on from a legendary coach.

Here's a look at some of the winners and losers among bubble teams from the past week of games:

NCAA Tournament Bubble winners

Statistics cited are as of Thursday, Feb. 26

UCLA

The preseason No. 12 team has had a largely disappointing season, but over the past month, the Bruins have started to elevate their play, with a 7-3 mark in their past 10 games. That spurt has been highlighted by a huge pair of home wins — against No. 8 Purdue and No. 11 Illinois. The victory over the Illini last Saturday was followed up by a 19-point drubbing of rival and fellow bubble-dweller USC, a game in which New Mexico transfer Donovan Dent had 30 points.

Just don't get too excited about the recent success, lest UCLA's coach think you're raising your voice a bit too much.

Missouri

A Tigers team that had just two Quad 1 wins entering February racked up three in a 13-day stretch, edging Texas A&M on the road on Feb. 11, hanging on to beat No. 21 Vanderbilt at home on Feb. 18 and knocking off No. 22 Tennessee at home on Feb. 24. Missouri is now 5-5 in Quad 1 games, though a 4-4 record in Quad 2 matchups could prove to be detrimental to its tournament hopes.

A trip to March Madness this year would mark the first time in 13 years that the Tigers have made the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons.

The Horned Frogs looked destined for an NIT berth as recently as three weeks ago, with a 13-9 mark that most recently included a 26-point beatdown at the hands of Colorado. Since then, though, coach Jamie Dixon's squad has won five of its past six games. While four of those victories have come against teams in the bottom half of the Big 12 standings, a Feb. 10 win against No. 5 Iowa State serves as the centerpiece of an increasingly impressive resume.

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TCU could ultimately be stung by some unsightly losses earlier in the season, including a Quad 4 loss at home against New Orleans and a Jan. 17 loss against a Utah team that's 2-13 in Big 12 play.

The Calgorithm got a beneficial data point last Wednesday with a 73-69 win against SMU, giving the Golden Bears yet another win against a likely tournament-bound team (they've also defeated North Carolina, Miami and UCLA).

Cal's 20-8 record is inflated a bit by a soft non-conference schedule that KenPom ranks 325th among 365 Division I teams. It will have a chance to stack up some wins to wrap up the regular season, with games against reeling Pitt, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest teams.

San Diego State

An Aztecs resume that had very much been lacking a marquee win finally got one, with San Diego State thumping Utah State by 17 last Wednesday to hand what had been a 23-4 Aggies team its most lopsided loss of the season.

While the predictive metrics like the Aztecs — they're No. 42 in the NET and No. 43 on KenPom, as of Thursday — they're negative-0.06 wins above bubble, ranking them only 53rd in the country.

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NCAA Tournament Bubble losers

After an 18-6 start, the wheels have started to come off for the Trojans, who have lost four games in a row. One of those losses came at home against an Oregon team that's No. 107 in the NET and another came by 36 at home against No. 11 Illinois.

On Saturday, coach Eric Musselman's team will get a major opportunity in the form of a home game against No. 10 Nebraska. With a win, USC could improve its lowly 2-7 mark against Quad 1 opponents.

Indiana

Since a double-overtime road win against UCLA that improved their record to 15-7, the Hoosiers have lost four of their past six games, including three in a row. While losses, even lopsided ones, to Illinois and Purdue can be forgiven, a home setback last Tuesday against a 12-16 Northwestern team could loom large come Selection Sunday.

Indiana is only 8-9 in Big Ten play, though coach Darian DeVries' team is still holding on at No. 38 in the NET — even if that includes a 2-10 mark in Quad 1 games.

More:Make no mistake, Indiana is a football school. It's not even close

West Virginia

DeVries' current team is sitting in a slightly better spot than his former one. The Mountaineers have dropped three in a row, including losses to Utah and Oklahoma State teams that are a combined 7-23 in Big 12 play.

West Virginia's down to No. 64 on KenPom, No. 66 in the NET and its negative-2.07 Wins Above Bubble are 69th in Division I. Even wins against BYU and UCF to cap off the regular season may not be enough at this point for a team that likely needs a run in the Big 12 tournament to get on the right side of the bubble.

Santa Clara

The margin for error for teams outside the sport's power conferences, even in a league as strong as the West Coast Conference this season, is sadly small for teams hoping to get an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament.

TheBroncosfind themselves in that precarious position, with a No. 38 ranking on KenPom and a No. 41 ranking in the NET, but with two losses in their past three games, albeit against WCC powerhouses Gonzaga and Saint Mary's. Those losses, while understandable, deprived Santa Clara of a chance to improve its 1-5 record in Quad 1 games.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes have only one non-Quad 1 loss this season — a 67-66 setback on a buzzer-beater at Pitt on Nov. 28 — but they've failed to do much of anything in their biggest games of the season. Ohio State is just 1-10 in Quad 1 games and is 4-6 since a 13-5 start.

It can reverse that discouraging trend, if even just temporarily, on Sunday, when it hosts No. 8 Purdue. A win against the Boilermakers could get the Buckeyes back on the right side of the bubble.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:March Madness bubble winners, losers: Auburn struggles, Indiana sweats

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

February 28, 2026

March Madness bubble winners, losers: Auburn sinking, Indiana sweating

On Sunday, after a long and arduous wait, the calendar will turn to March. With it will come a tense two weeks...

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NFL mock draft 2026: Where Ty Simpson, top QBs could land

The 2026 NFL Draftisn't considered to be particularly strong at quarterback. That still won't prevent teams from spending draft capital on signal-callers.

At least 11 quarterbacks have been selected in each of the last three editions of the NFL draft. The 2025 NFL Draft – which was considered to be similarly weak at the position – saw 13 players at the position come off the board, as teams spent nine Day 3 picks on quarterbacks.

Something similar could happen in 2026. While there is a dearth of early-round talent at the position, there are a handful of potential-packed prospects who teams will take a swing on during the latter half of the draft.

Where could the top quarterback prospects be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft? Here's a quarterback-only mock draft as the draft's top signal-callers prepare to work out at the NFL combine.

7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Los Angeles Rams – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 30. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine

NFL mock draft 2026: Projecting all QB landing spots

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

• Team: Las Vegas Raiders

• Pick: No. 1 overall, first round

This pick can probably be written in pen now. It's a forgone conclusion the Raiders will select Mendoza – the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to an undefeated season and a national championship – with the top overall selection.

Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in his lone season with the Hoosiers. His accuracy, field-reading skills and ability to effectively navigate the pocket haveearned him Joe Burrow comparisons.

Ty Simpson, Alabama

• Team: Los Angeles Rams

• Pick: No. 29 overall, first round

Simpson has a wide draft range, as he could end up being a top-five pick but could also slip to the end of the first round. This scenario would represent his floor, and it would feature quarterback-needy teams like the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers passing on him.

Simpson wouldn't complain about this landing spot. He would get a chance to learn behind reigning MVPMatthew Staffordand establish himself as the long-term successor for the 38-year-old in Sean McVay's quarterback-friendly offense.

Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in his lone season as a full-time starter at Alabama. He will need time to gain more experience and iron out his consistency issues, but his combination of accuracy and ball placement, along with his ability to navigate and manipulate the pocket, should allow him to develop into a solid NFL starter, at the very least.

2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT:Projecting first round heading into combine workouts

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

• Team: New York Jets

• Pick: No. 44 overall, second round

Nussmeier is the clubhouse leader to be the third quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's just a matter of whether teams will view him as a second-round selection or if his combination of turnover and injury issues will push him into the latter half of Day 2.

The Jets may be willing to take Nussmeier here, given that the 44th selection is the team's fourth and they presently have a big-time need at quarterback. New York may add a veteran signal-caller with Aaron Glenn set to face a hot seat in 2026, but pairing that veteran with a younger, higher-upside quarterback like Nussmeier would make sense.

Nussmeier completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions across nine games for LSU last season. He has a solid arm, good anticipation and NFL bloodlines as the son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

Carson Beck, Miami (FL)

• Team: Miami Dolphins

• Pick: No. 90 overall, third round

The Dolphins are in a tough spot at quarterback, as they will have to take a massive dead-cap hit if they releaseTua Tagovailoaduring the 2026 NFL offseason. That may leave them looking for a cheap option at quarterback, and drafting someone to compete with 2025 seventh-round pickQuinn Ewersmay be the squad's ideal solution.

Beck is an experienced, sixth-year quarterback who started 43 games with Georgia and Miami. He threw for at least 3,485 yards in each of his final three seasons and capped his career by completing 72.4% of his passes for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his lone season with the Hurricanes.

Beck seemed to possess merely average arm strength in 2025, his first season since having surgery on the UCL in his throwing elbow. He has prototypical size (6-4, 220 pounds) and throws with good touch and anticipation, but struggles under pressure, coupled with concerns about his arm strength, may render him more of a high-end backup than a long-term starter.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR TUA?Trade chances, landing spots, more

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

• Team: Arizona Cardinals

• Pick: No. 104 overall, fourth round

The Cardinals appear to be heading toward a split withKyler Murray. That could lead them to target a quarterback early in the draft, but they could also rely on a stopgap likeJacoby BrissettorJimmy Garoppolo– with whom new coach Mike LaFleur is familiar – or another young free agent likeMalik Willisto lead the team.

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Regardless of what happens, Arizona may be best served to target a mid-round quarterback as it looks to build up the rest of its roster. Klubnik was once considered a potential first-round pick but was inconsistent in his final season at Clemson. The three-year starter has great arm talent and mobility but will need to improve his field-reading capabilities at the next level.

Klubnik completed 65.6% of his passes for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions his final year at Clemson.

Drew Allar, Penn State

• Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

• Pick: No. 121 overall, fourth round

It's sounding more and more likeAaron Rodgerswill return to the Steelers for an additional season. That still shouldn't stop Pittsburgh from using one of its league-high 12 draft picks on a potential successor with upside.

Allar would qualify, as the 21-year-old was a touted recruit who earned first-round buzz at times while at Penn State. The 6-5, 235-pound quarterback has prototypical size and excellent arm talent but was having an up-and-down senior campaign before suffering a season-ending ankle injury after six games.

Allar completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,110 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions in his final season at Penn State. He would represent an intriguing dart throw for Pittsburgh and would battle 2024 sixth-round pickWill Howardfor the right to be the team's quarterback of the future.

Cole Payton, North Dakota State

• Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

• Pick: No. 164 overall, fifth round

The Jaguars could stand to add a developmental quarterback behindTrevor Lawrenceand experienced backupNick Mullens. Payton enjoyed a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, as the lefthander demonstrated the dual-threat capabilities that allowed him to find success in his lone season as a starter at North Dakota State.

Payton completed 72% of his passes for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while running for 777 yards and 13 scores on 136 carries. What he lacks in arm strength, he makes up for with his touch passing skills and mobility, which could be enough to make him a solid NFL backup.

Taylen Green, Arkansas

• Team: Green Bay Packers

• Pick: No. 199 overall, sixth round

Green was a four-year starter at Boise State and Arkansas and has tantalizing tools. The 6-6, 230-pounder possesses a cannon arm and elite mobility for his size but had mechanical issues and struggled with turnovers throughout his college career.

The Packers could use a high-upside backup behindJordan Lovewith Malik Willis set to hit free agency. Pairing Green with a proven, offensive-minded coach like Matt LaFleur could pay dividends.

Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

• Team: Detroit Lions

• Pick: No. 203 overall, sixth round

Jared Goffis the only quarterback the Lions presently have under contract next season. That could lead the team to explore adding a draft pick to the mix after theHendon Hookerexperiment failed.

Robertson has a pro-caliber arm but showed inconsistent accuracy and ball placement across his two years as a starter at Baylor. He completed 60.3% of his passes for 3,681 yards, 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2025.

Luke Altmyer, Illinois

• Team: Buffalo Bills

• Pick: No. 220 overall, seventh round

Josh Allen's backup,Mitch Trubisky, is set to be a free agent in 2026. If he doesn't return, the Bills could add another quarterback to their depth chart to jockey withShane Buechelefor position behind Allen.

Altmyer was a three-year starter at Illinois who lacks elite traits but was steady in Bret Bielema's pro-style offense. The 6-1, 210-pound quarterback completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions in his final college season.

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

• Team: Carolina Panthers

• Pick: No. 235 overall, seventh round

Pavia was the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2025, as he completed 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions while adding 862 yards and 10 scores on the ground. He showed great toughness while turning Vanderbilt from an afterthought into a legitimate SEC contender, but his small frame – 5-9, 198 pounds – will likely limit him to a backup role in the NFL.

The Panthers could have an interest in developing Pavia behindBryce Young, who is one of the NFL's smallest quarterbacks at 5-10, 204 pounds.Andy Daltonis the lone other quarterback on Carolina's roster, so Pavia would fill the team's need for depth.

Jalon Daniels, Kansas

• Team: Baltimore Ravens

• Pick: No. 252 overall, seventh round

The Ravens could stand to add young depth behindLamar JacksonwithTyler Huntleyset to be a free agent and Cooper Rush struggling as the team's backup last season.

Daniels spent six seasons at Kansas and enjoyed his best season in 2025, completing 62.1% of his passes for 2,531 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 404 yards and four scores on the ground. The 23-year-old's best trait is his mobility, but perhaps he can turn into a backup-caliber passer with some time to develop behind Jackson.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL mock draft: Projecting landing spots for top QBs in 2026

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

February 28, 2026

NFL mock draft 2026: Where Ty Simpson, top QBs could land

The 2026 NFL Draftisn't considered to be particularly strong at quarterback. That still won't prevent teams from ...

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Pistons outlast short-handed Cavaliers 122-119 in OT after blaring horn delay

DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Duren had 33 points and 16 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons outlasted the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 122-119 on Friday night in a game that wasdelayed for 18 minutesin the third quarter because of a blaring horn.

Cavaliers Pistons Basketball

During a timeout with Detroit up 65-64, a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction, with the horn remaining on after signaling the teams to return to the floor. Eventually, the scoreboard was shut down to stop the horn and a manual airhorn was used when play resumed.

Cade Cunningham had 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for East-leading Detroit before fouling out.

Cleveland — which will host Detroit on Tuesday night — led by nine points with 2:44 left in regulation, and Cunningham fouled out with 1:56 to play, but the Pistons outscored the Cavaliers 16-7 to force overtime.

With Cleveland up 114-111 with 4.7 seconds left in regulation, Jaylon Tyson tried to intentionally foul Daniss Jenkins near halfcourt, but Jenkins was able to shoot and draw three free throws that he made.

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In overtime, Cleveland's Evan Mobley missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Jarrett Allen had 25 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland, which played its second straight game without James Harden (thumb) and Donovan Mitchell (groin). Mobley had 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Sam Merrill added 20 points.

Because of the delay and overtime, the game lasted 3 hours, 22 minutes.

Up next

Cavaliers: At Brooklyn on Sunday.

Pistons: At Orlando on Sunday.

___ AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/nba

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

February 28, 2026

Pistons outlast short-handed Cavaliers 122-119 in OT after blaring horn delay

DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Duren had 33 points and 16 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons outlasted the short-handed Cleveland Cav...

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WNBA players' union sends offer to league with revenue sharing, housing concessions, AP source says

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA players' union sent a counterproposal to the league Friday night for a new collective bargaining agreement that included some concessions on revenue sharing and housing — two key areas on which the sides differ — according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

The union's proposal came a week after it received one from the league. TheWNBAtold the union Monday during a virtual negotiating session that itneeds to get a deal in place by March 10to start the season on time, another person familiar with the discussions told the AP. That person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

In the new proposal, the union is asking for 26% of the gross revenue — revenue before expenses — with the salary cap for teams around $9.5 million in the first year. That number is unchanged from the union's previous offer. The revenue sharing is down from 27.5% from the union's proposal from 10 days ago.

The WNBA had offered more than 70% of net revenue in its last proposal. That would be their take of the profits after expenses are paid. Those expenses would include upgraded facilities, charter flights, five-star hotels, medical services, security and arenas.

The union also tweaked its housing offer. The union is still asking teams to provide housing for all players in the first few years of the deal, but in the latter part of the CBA teams wouldn't have to provide housing for players making at least 75% of the maximum salary.

The league had offered that its teams would pay for all housing this season. Then franchises would pay for housing for players on minimum salary contracts as well as rookies in their first season, the person said.

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They'd also pay for the housing of the two developmental players that teams would be allowed to have.

Front Office Sports was the first to report the counterproposal.

If a labor deal is agreed to by March 10, it probably would be signed by the end of the month. Under that timeline, the expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto would be held sometime between April 1-6, according to a timetable obtained by the AP.

Free agent qualifying offers, including franchise player tags, would be sent out April 7-8. Teams would then have three days to negotiate with the more than 80% of players who are free agents. The signing period would take place from April 12-18.

Training camps would open the next day and the season would be able to start on May 8.

The league and the players have been unable to reach anew collective bargaining agreementsince the union opted out of the previous deal, which expired last year.

AP WNBA:https://apnews.com/hub/wnba

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

February 28, 2026

WNBA players' union sends offer to league with revenue sharing, housing concessions, AP source says

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA players' union sent a counterproposal to the league Friday night for a new collective bargai...

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“Heat 2”: What We Know So Far About the Classic 1995 Movie's Sequel

The 1995 crime film Heat starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and the late Val Kilmer

NEED TO KNOW

• In 2022, Michael Mann published his book Heat 2, serving as a prequel and sequel

• Heat 2 is being adapted for the screen, with production set to start in summer 2026

Heat 2is heating up!

The sequel to the 1995 crime classic,Heat, starringAl Pacino,Robert De Niroand the lateVal Kilmer, has long been in development.

For years, casting rumors have swirled about who would star in the film follow-up, and in February 2026,Christian Baleseemingly confirmed his involvement in the project.

The upcoming movie will be based on the 2022 novelHeat 2, which followed the characters before and after the events depicted in the 1995 movie.

"It's been my intention for a long time to do the further stories ofHeat," director Michael Mann toldDeadlinein January 2022. "There was always a rich history or back-story about the events in these people's lives before 1995 inHeatand projection of where their lives would take them after."

Here's what we know so far aboutHeat 2.

What isHeat 2about?

Heat 2is based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Mann and Meg Gardiner. The book takes place in different years, serving as both a prequel and a sequel to the 1995 action epic.

Heat 2picks up right after the movie, with Chris Shiherlis (Kilmer's character in the film) escaping Los Angeles and making his way to South America and Southeast Asia, where he becomes involved with the international drug cartel.

Another part of theHeat 2the novel is set in 1988 Chicago, and follows Vincent Hanna (Pacino's character), on the trail of a sadistic killer named Otis Wardell.

The section of the book also shows how Hanna and Neil McCauley (De Niro) almost met in the Windy City years before their face-to-face in the 1995 film.

Heat 2jumps to the year 2000, where the characters and plots from the different timelines intersect, leading to an intense showdown in L.A.

In an August 2022Rolling Stoneinterview, Mann described theHeat 2book as "a global version ofHeat."

Who is in theHeat 2cast?

The 1995Heatfeatured a star-studded cast, and the sequel is also shaping up to have A-listers on its roster.

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Some of the biggest names in Hollywood have been rumored to be joiningHeat 2, and in February 2026, one actor, Bale, seemingly confirmed his involvement in the project.

According to anXpost fromGood Day Chicago's Jake Hamilton, Bale told him, "I'll be back in Chicago soon forHeat 2!"

Other actors who have reportedly been linked toHeat 2includeLeonardo DiCaprio,Adam Driver,Austin ButlerandBradley Cooper, perThe Hollywood Reporterin October 2025.

With the plots spanning multiple decades, Mann said "aging and de-aging" technology "will be very important in the film," perThe Playlist.

Who is directingHeat 2?

Mann, who directed the 1995 film, is returning to helmHeat 2.

He also co-wrote the book the upcoming movie is based on, but he wasn't originally aiming for the novel to be adapted for the screen.

"It wasn't the intention, but you can't separate the two," Mann toldVulturein December 2023. "I don't know how to write novels. I do know how to write and imagine screenplays, and I wanted the novel to have a cinematic pace and a story-driven structure to it."

"What became exciting was to have them not be the people they are inHeat,but to put them through the experiences that turned them into the people that they are inHeat," he continued.

When willHeat 2start filming?

Heat 2is due to start filming in August 2026.

In a December 2025 interview withThe Guardian, Mann said, "Listen, no picture happens until it's happening, but right now we're looking to start Aug. 3."

According to The Playlist, at the 2025 Lumiere Film Festival, Mann shared thatHeat 2is "an expensive movie to make, but I believe it should be made at the proper size and scale. It's going to shoot in Chicago, Los Angeles, Paraguay and possibly some parts in Singapore."

Is there a release date forHeat 2?

As of February 2026,Heat 2does not have a confirmed release date.

Read the original article onPeople

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

February 28, 2026

“Heat 2”: What We Know So Far About the Classic 1995 Movie's Sequel

The 1995 crime film Heat starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and the late Val Kilmer NEED TO KNOW In 2022, Mich...

Read More