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LIV Golf Announces Inaugural Showcase Award Winners on FS1, Honoring Top Performers of 2025 Season

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NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf, the global golf league blending world-class competition with entertainment and culture to grow the game worldwide, today announced the winners of The LIV Golf Showcase, the inaugural awards special honoring the most compelling performances, pivotal moments, impactful players, and dramatic moments from the 2025 LIV Golf season.

The 22 awards winners were spread across 13 different players and 12 different League teams; highlighting the strength of the League’s field of golfers. Honors were highlighted by MVP Joaquín Niemann, Breakout Star of the Year David Puig, Clutch Player of the Year Jon Rahm, Shot of the Year Phil Mickelson, and Comeback Player of the Year Bubba Watson.

Multiple honors highlighted the season’s elite execution, led by Bryson DeChambeau, who captured Drive of the Year, with an incredible 410.8 yard-drive at LIV Golf Mexico City 2025, and Win of the Year at LIV Golf Korea 2025 – performances that anchored Crushers GC’s two-award haul. Phil Mickelson also earned multiple honors, claiming Shot of the Year alongside the playful Can I Get a Mulligan (Right Idea, Wrong Result) award. 4Aces GC added two accolades through Patrick Reed’s hole-in-one at LIV Golf Adelaide 2025 (Moment of the Year) and Dustin Johnson’s Escape Artist (Season’s Greatest Save) performance at LIV Golf Singapore 2025.

Following its broadcast tonight on FS1, The LIV Golf Showcase is available on LIV Golf’s YouTube Channel. The LIV Golf Showcase features two awards that celebrate YouTube golf culture and the League’s viral YouTube series, “The Duels.” The broadcast featured a special appearance from golf content creator, Fat Perez from Bob Does Sports, to accept the award for Under the Influence – Best Golf Influencer Moment of the Year.

Player-Voted Awards

  • Most Valuable Player (MVP): Joaquín Niemann, Torque GC
  • Breakout Star of the Year: David Puig, Fireballs GC
  • Clutch Player of the Year: Jon Rahm, Legion XIII
  • Comeback Player of the Year: Bubba Watson, RangeGoats GC
  • Caddy of the Year: Adam Hayes (Jon Rahm, Legion XIII)

Fan-Voted Awards

  • Under the Influence – Best Golf Influencer Moment of the Year: Bob Does Sports

Committee-Voted Awards

  • Shot of the Year: Phil Mickelson, HyFlyers GC (LIV Golf Virginia 2025)
  • Drive of the Year: Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers GC (LIV Golf Mexico City 2025)
  • Putt of the Year: Marc Leishman, Ripper GC (84-foot putt, LIV Golf Miami 2025)
  • Approach of the Year: Richard Bland, Cleeks Golf Club (LIV Golf Mexico City 2025)
  • Sand Save Specialist (Bunker Shot of the Year): Graeme McDowell, Smash GC (LIV Golf Hong Kong 2025)
  • Win of the Year: Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers GC (LIV Golf Korea 2025)
  • Moment of the Year: Patrick Reed, 4Aces GC (Ace at LIV Golf Adelaide 2025)
  • Escape Artist (Season’s Greatest Save): Dustin Johnson, 4Aces (LIV Golf Singapore 2025)
  • The Gambler (Big Risk, High Reward): Cam Smith, Ripper GC (LIV Golf UK by JCB 2025)
  • Best Team Win: Torque GC (−64, LIV Golf Indianapolis 2025)
  • Celebration of the Year: Southern Guards (LIV Golf Chicago 2025)
  • Concert of the Year: Dom Dolla (LIV Golf Adelaide 2025)
  • Tournament of the Year: LIV Golf Adelaide 2025
  • Full Throttle: Sebastián Muñoz, Torque GC (LIV Golf Indianapolis 2025)
  • Can I Get a Mulligan (Right Idea, Wrong Result): Phil Mickelson, HyFlyers GC (LIV Golf Miami 2025)

League-Directed Awards

  • The Impact Award: Majesticks Golf Club

Produced by EverWonder Studio and Lost Tribe Productions, The LIV Golf Showcase featured participation from players across the League, with winners in select categories determined through a considered process blending player voting and fan participation, complemented by expert input from League committees and industry consultants to ensure a representative and informed outcome.

Designed as an animated, interactive 18-hole golf course, the show blends a traditional awards format with candid player conversations, competitive challenges, and immersive animation that brings the LIV Golf season to life. The inaugural awards highlight the depth of interconnected storylines that define the LIV Golf, the depth of talent, the international nature of the League, team golf, and a commitment to storytelling. From individual player journeys and breakthrough moments to team evolution and defining performances, the newest addition to LIV Golf’s broadcast team, Henni Zuël, guides viewers seamlessly between the showcase’s animated world and the practical in-studio set where awards were presented.

“The LIV Golf Showcase reflects the dynamic spectrum of what our League represents,” said Chris Heck, President of Business Operations at LIV Golf. “From traditional performance-driven honors – like MVP – to recognition that celebrates impact, personality, and creativity, these awards showcase the layered storytelling that defines LIV Golf – where elite individual golf competition meets dynamic team play throughout the season.”

(Torque GC’s Joaquín Niemann receives his League MVP award from LIV Golf presenter, Henni Zuël. Photo by LIV Golf)

The LIV Golf Showcase precedes the start of the 2026 LIV Golf season, the League’s fourth full season, which commences February 4-7 with ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia. That event sets LIV Golf’s global schedule in motion, which features 14 events in 10 countries and five continents. The season will continue through Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, and additional international destinations, including LIV Golf’s first-ever event in South Africa (March 19–22).

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Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.

Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion

Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.

Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.

Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals

The Pride wasted little time after the break.

Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.

The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.

Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.

Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.

Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead

The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.

Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.

Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal

Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.

After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.

The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.

Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.

Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.

Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.

Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance

Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.

“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”

Hines continued:

“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”

Match Highlights

  • 49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
  • 57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
  • 85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)

Match Notes

  • Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
  • Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
  • Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
  • Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
  • Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
  • Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
  • Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
  • Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
  • Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
  • The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.

By the Numbers

Final Score

  • Orlando Pride 3
  • Kansas City Current 0

Attendance: 8,058

Team Statistics

CategoryOrlandoKansas City
Possession45%55%
Shots1120
Shots on Goal59
Saves92
Corners14
Fouls53

Heineken Star of the Match: Marta

Up Next

The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.

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Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks

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MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.

In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.

Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’

HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.

“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”

Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami

Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.

His résumé includes:

  • 2021 NBA Champion
  • Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
  • 2021 NBA Finals MVP
  • 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
  • 10-time NBA All-Star
  • Seven All-NBA First Team selections
  • Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.

He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.

Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.

Portis Adds Championship Experience

Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.

The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.

Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.

Heat Part Ways with Core Players

The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.

Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.

Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.

Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.

Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.

Championship Expectations Rise

The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.

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Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time to Advance at FIFA World Cup 2026

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Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — Argentina avoided what could have been one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, surviving a major scare from Cabo Verde with a 3-2 extra-time victory Friday in the Round of 32.

Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Argentina Survives Despite Lackluster Performance

The defending World Cup champions delivered an uneven and uninspiring performance, appearing too comfortable after taking a 1-0 first-half lead on a goal by Lionel Messi.

But Argentina’s complacency proved costly as Cabo Verde, one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories, continued to press and eventually found an equalizer through Deroy Duarte.

Messi Goal Not Enough to Settle Match

Messi gave Argentina the early advantage, but the team failed to build on the lead or control the match with authority. Argentina’s attack lacked urgency for long stretches, allowing Cabo Verde to grow in confidence and push the match into extra time.

 

Extra-Time Drama

Argentina regained the lead in the 93rd minute when center back Lisandro Martínez scored to make it 2-1. Cabo Verde answered 11 minutes later with a stunning equalizer from Sidny Cabral, who curled a spectacular shot past Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez from the corner of the box.

The dramatic strike may stand as one of the best goals of the tournament.

Argentina Advances to Face Egypt

Argentina finally escaped when Cristian Romero headed a corner kick that glanced off a Cabo Verde player and into the net, giving Argentina the narrow win.

With the victory, Argentina advances to face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.

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