Sports
LIV Golf Announces Inaugural Showcase Award Winners on FS1, Honoring Top Performers of 2025 Season
Published
6 months agoon
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FNN SPORTSNEW 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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Sports
Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks
Published
2 days agoon
July 6, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI (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.
Sports
Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time to Advance at FIFA World Cup 2026
Published
2 days agoon
July 6, 2026By
Willie DavidMIAMI (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.
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.
Sports
U.S. Men’s National Team Meets Belgium in FIFA World Cup Knockout Match in Seattle
Published
2 days agoon
July 6, 2026By
FNN SPORTSSEATTLE (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team will continue its FIFA World Cup 2026 journey Monday night when it faces Belgium in the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET), with live coverage on FOX, Peacock and Telemundo.
USMNT Riding Momentum into Knockout Stage
The United States advanced after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, marking the nation’s second-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory. The Americans previously earned a knockout win in 2002 with a 2-0 victory over Mexico.
After winning Group D with two victories in three matches, the U.S. has scored 10 goals in four World Cup matches and has produced at least two goals in every tournament match.
The Americans enter Monday’s match with victories over Paraguay (4-1), Australia (2-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). Their lone defeat came against Türkiye (3-2) during group play.
Balogun, Tillman Lead U.S. Attack
Forward Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the tournament’s top scorers with three goals, becoming only the third American to score at least three goals in a single FIFA World Cup, joining Bert Patenaude (1930) and Landon Donovan (2010).
Midfielder Malik Tillman delivered one of the tournament’s signature moments with a spectacular free-kick goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina after the United States was reduced to 10 players. The goal secured a 2-0 victory and earned Tillman Man of the Match honors.
Roster Notes
Twenty-three of the 26 players on the U.S. roster have appeared during the tournament.
Seven players have featured in all four World Cup matches:
- Sebastian Berhalter
- Sergiño Dest
- Alex Freeman
- Weston McKennie
- Ricardo Pepi
- Gio Reyna
- Malik Tillman
Goalkeeper Matt Freese enters the Round of 16 with three World Cup victories, the most by any U.S. goalkeeper in tournament history, while also recording two clean sheets.
Veteran captain Christian Pulisic, with 89 international appearances, is the most-capped player on the U.S. roster.
History Against Belgium
Monday’s match marks the eighth all-time meeting between the United States and Belgium.
The Americans hold a 1-6-0 all-time record against the Red Devils. Their lone victory came in the opening match of the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, a 3-0 win.
Belgium has since won six consecutive meetings, including a 5-2 victory over the United States in an international friendly on March 28, 2026, and a memorable 2-1 extra-time victory in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Belgium Brings Experience
Belgium enters the match with one of the tournament’s most experienced squads.
The roster features several internationally recognized stars, including:
- Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois
- Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne
- Midfielder Youri Tielemans
- Forward Romelu Lukaku
- Forward Jeremy Doku
- Forward Leandro Trossard
The Red Devils advanced after overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time during the Round of 32.
Belgium has not lost a match since March 2025, compiling an 11-1-6 record under head coach Rudi Garcia.
Seattle Has Been Friendly to the U.S.
Seattle Stadium has become a stronghold for the Americans.
The USMNT owns a perfect 7-0-0 record at the venue, including a 2-0 victory over Australia during group play earlier in the tournament.
With a trip to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the line, the United States will look to capitalize on its home-field success while attempting to end Belgium’s six-match winning streak in the all-time series.
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