Sports

Magic Gaming Announces 2024 NBA 2K League Schedule

Published

2 years ago

February 2, 2024

Orlando, Fla. (February 1, 2024) — Magic Gaming opens the 2024 NBA 2K League season on Thursday, February 29 at 6:00 p.m. as they face off against Pistons GT to begin group play in ‘SLAM OPEN’ 3v3 tournament. The season opener will be livestreamed on NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Magic Gaming will finish group play with games against Gen. G Tigers of Shanghai, NBL Oz Gaming, and Hornet Venom GT.

In addition, Magic Gaming will tip-off 5v5 gameplay on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. against Cavs Legion GC, to open ‘THE TIPOFF’ 5v5 tournament. Magic Gaming is scheduled to play three in-person games this season, including ‘SWITCH OPEN’ group play finale on Saturday, March 23 against Heat Check Gaming at 6:00 p.m. at Kia Center.

2024 Magic Gaming Roster

NAME GAMER TAG FROM POSITION ROUND/PICK

Joshua Hunter unguardable Richmond, Va. PG 1^st/5^th(2022)

Darjean Henderson ReturnofDJ Detroit, Mich. SG 3^rd/52^nd (2022)

Justin Stemerman Snubby New Canaan, Conn. SF 1^st/18^th (2020)

Julian Manzanares JBoolin Kissimmee, Fla. PF 1^st/3^rd(2024)

Ashton Agredano LowkeyGodlike Converse, Texas C 1^st/21^st (2023)

The 2024 NBA 2K League season will be split between 3v3 and 5v5 gameplay modes. Each of the 3v3 regular season tournaments (SLAM OPEN and SWITCH OPEN), the STEAL OPEN, and the NBA 2K League 3v3 Playoffs and Finals will take place before the start of the traditional 5v5 season.

Community teams who advanced during the 2024 3v3 Open Qualifiers last month will have the opportunity to participate alongside NBA 2K League teams for a share of the 3v3 tournament prize pool in the NBA2KL 3v3 BLACKTOP SERIES. THE BANNER CHAIN SERIES Powered by AT&T and the NBA 2K League 5v5 Playoffs presented by Google Pixel will continue to feature only NBA 2K League teams.

All 25 teams will compete in THE TIPOFF, THE TURN, SLAM OPEN and SWITCH OPEN. The top five performing teams in each conference at the end of the regular season will automatically qualify for the NBA 2KL 3v3 and 5v5 Playoffs. The 15 remaining teams will compete in THE TICKET, with the winning teams from the two conferences earning the final two spots in the 12-team Playoffs. Over the course of the season, the NBA 2K League will award $2 million in cash prizes.

Season seven of the NBA 2K League will conclude on Saturday, June 29 with the 2024 NBA 2K League 5v5 Finals. For more information on the 2024 NBA 2K League season click HERE.

Magic Gaming will also host its annual media day on Mon., Feb. 5 at AdventHealth Training Center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Media will have the exclusive opportunity to get to know the team with players, coach and staff interviews and photo/video opportunities. Media interested in attending must RSVP to Louis Axen, laxen@orlandomagic.com, to be approved and placed on the security list at AdventHealth Training Center.

Magic Gaming’s 2024 NBA 2K League Schedule:

February – April: 3v3 Gameplay
- February 28 – March 16 SLAM OPEN Group Play (Remote)
- Thursday, February 29 vs. Pistons GT (Remote) 6:00 p.m. EST
- Thursday, February 29 @ Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai (Remote) 7:30 p.m. EST
- Friday, March 1 vs. NBL Oz Gaming (Remote) 6:45 p.m. EST
- Sunday, March 3 @ Hornets Venom GT (In-Person) 2:00 p.m. EST
- March 20 – April 6 SWITCH OPEN Group Play (Remote)
- Wednesday, March 20 @ Pistons GT (Remote) 7:30 p.m. EST
- Thursday, March 21 @ DUX Infinitos (Remote) 6:45 p.m. EST
- Thursday, March 21 vs. Hornets Venom GT (Remote) 9:00 p.m. EST
- Saturday, March 23 vs. Heat Check Gaming (In-Person/Kia Center) 6:00 p.m. EST
- April 19 – 20 STEAL OPEN
- April 24 – 27 NBA 2KL 3v3 Playoffs and Finals (District E, Washington, D. C.)
May – June: 5v5 Gameplay
- May 8 – 25 THE TIPOFF Group Play (Remote)
- Wednesday, May 8 @ Cavs Legion GC (Remote) 7:00 p.m. EST
- Thursday, May 9 vs. Wizards District Gaming (Remote) 9:00 p.m. EST
- Friday, May 10 vs. NBL Oz Gaming (Remote) 6:00 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, May 15 @ Nets GC (Remote) 8:00 p.m. EST
- Thursday, May 16 vs. Cavs Legion GC (Remote) 7:00 p.m. EST
- Friday, May 17 @ Raptors Uprising GC (Remote) 6:00 p.m. EST
- May 29 – June 15 THE TURN Group Play (Remote)
- Wednesday, May 29 @ Celtics Crossover Gaming (Remote) 7:00 p.m. EST
- Thursday, May 30 vs. Raptors Uprising GC (Remote) 8:00 p.m. EST
- Saturday, June 1 vs. Hawks Talon GC (In-Person/leAD Lake Nona) 2:00 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, June 5 vs. Nets GC (Remote) 6:00 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, June 5 @ Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai (Remote) 8:00 p.m. EST
- Friday, June 7 @ 76ers GC (Remote) 7:00 p.m. EST
- June 18 – 22 THE TICKET
- June 26 – 29 NBA 2KL 5v5 Playoffs and Finals (District E, Washington, D. C.)

Sports

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

Published

3 days ago

July 11, 2026

FNN SPORTS

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

Category	Orlando	Kansas City
Possession	45%	55%
Shots	11	20
Shots on Goal	5	9
Saves	9	2
Corners	1	4
Fouls	5	3

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+.

Sports

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

Published

1 week ago

July 6, 2026

FNN SPORTS

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.

Sports

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

Published

1 week ago

July 6, 2026

Willie David

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.