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PGA Tour, Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and Master Card Extend Relationship To Enhance Experiences for Fans

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3 years ago

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Ponte Vedra Beach and Orlando, Florida and Purchase, New York – Today, Mastercard, The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and the PGA TOUR announced a multi-year extension to their longstanding sponsorship. Mastercard will maintain title sponsorship of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, remain the “Official Payment System of the PGA TOUR” and continue its impactful work with the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.

Dating back to 1995, the PGA TOUR and Mastercard will continue to provide Mastercard cardholders with access to select PGA TOUR tournaments and properties, as well as Priceless® Experiences at these events. Mastercard cardholders will also enjoy exclusive access to a new ticket portal, powered by Mastercard’s Click to Pay, where they can purchase tickets to more than 20 tournaments across the 2022-23 PGA TOUR season at a preferred price.

“The passion for sports is universal,” said Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “Our longstanding sponsorship of the PGA TOUR provides us a platform to connect this passion to purpose with the next generation of fans, all through our shared love of golf. We are honored to continue working together in support of Mr. Palmer’s unparalleled vision for a better world.”

Mastercard’s relationship with the Arnold Palmer Invitational began in 2004, and over the years the well-aligned pairing has helped to raise millions of dollars for children and families in the Orlando area and beyond.

“We are excited about Mastercard’s commitment to the PGA TOUR and continued support of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a celebration of Mr. Palmer’s legacy as a caretaker of our game,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Thanks to Mastercard, the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and the Arnold Palmer Invitational have raised tens of millions for families all over the world. We are grateful to have Mastercard’s backing as we continue to recognize Mr. Palmer’s place in history and his passion for helping others.”

One of the PGA TOUR’s designated events in 2023, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, is among three player-hosted invitationals. Along with The Genesis Invitational (hosted by Tiger Woods) and the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday (hosted by Jack Nicklaus), they reflect the greatest names in golf history. The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard awards a $20 million purse, a three-year PGA TOUR exemption and 550 FedExCup points to the winner.

At this year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, cardholders can take advantage of a host of exclusive Priceless® Experiences, including:

  • Access to the Mastercard Club and experience a multi-sensory brand showcase.
  • Chance to play the Mastercard Mountain Valley CC course in PGA TOUR 2K23.
  • Use a golf swing analysis and Mastercard’s Dynamic Yield solution for personalized club fitting.
  • Experience the tournament’s first Small Business Marketplace, presented by Capital One Business, featuring two local food vendors and Capital One Business cardholders, Mi Apa Latin Café and DF Bakery. Each will receive a financial grant, Mastercard’s Digital Doors toolkit, mentorship sessions and Tap to Pay technology to help them digitize their operations.

The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Invitational host organization, was created to honor its namesakes’ legacy in the game of golf and beyond, including in philanthropy. Committed to children’s health, youth character development and nature-focused wellness, the Foundation and tournament support numerous important efforts, including the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando; redevelopment of the city’s Lake Lorna Doone Park; the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Mr. Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania; and numerous other efforts nationwide.

“No matter where my parents lived, they were committed to helping their communities and providing opportunities for the next generation,” said Amy Palmer Saunders, Chair Emeritus of the Foundation. “My dad believed in teamwork and in the good that golf can do. This sponsorship is an example of both and represents a strong and effective commitment to extending my parents’ legacy.”

Recognized as golf’s greatest ambassador, Arnold Palmer was the long-time host of the tournament, which moved to Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando in 1979. The tournament officially adopted his name in its title in 2007. The tournament continues to honor the legacy of Palmer, who passed away on September 25, 2016, at the age of 87.

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

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5 days ago

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July 11, 2026

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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

Published

1 week ago

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July 6, 2026

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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

Published

1 week ago

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July 6, 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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