Sep 26, 2026 · 8 min listen · Last updated September 26, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Brock here. September 26th. Five stories from across the leagues — straight ahead. Let's get into it. First, from PFT alt. Seven teams face an 0-3 hole — and only seven 0-3 teams have ever made the playoffs.
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Daily Sports Brief · September 26th
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Seven teams face an 0-3 hole — and only seven 0-3 teams have ever made the playoffs
This week, eight teams kicked off at 0-2, but only the Falcons managed to avoid an 0-3 start. Now, seven teams are in a tough spot, as history shows that just seven teams have made the playoffs after starting with three losses. Among them are the 2025 Texans and the 1998 Bills, but only the 1992 Chargers managed to make it after an 0-4 start.
With 17 games in a season and seven playoff spots available, it’s a bit easier to turn things around, but it’s still a steep climb. Teams starting 0-3 often do so for a reason, and their margin for error shrinks significantly. This week, the Texans face the Colts in a matchup of two winless teams, while the Dolphins, Titans, Chargers, Commanders, and Buccaneers are also looking for their first win. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on.
For all the controversy, narratives, and right-wing meddling happening off the court, the WNBA had another stellar season of fans tuning in to watch the action on it. ESPN announced Friday that for the third straight year, the stretch of WNBA games broadcast across ESPN and ABC this season was the most-watched in its history. Across 29 total games, the WNBA on ESPN networks averaged 1.37 million viewers, up 17% year over year. ESPN aired 17 games this season, averaging 1.24 million viewers, up 32% year over year, while 12 ABC games averaged 1.56 million viewers, up 9% year over year.
Johnny Fisher faces Michael Pirotton in a heavyweight showdown at the Copper Box Arena. Experts are weighing in, and there’s a mix of confidence and caution. Chris Billam-Smith, who has sparred with Fisher, believes he’s fit and ready, expecting him to overcome Pirotton's defensive style. Johnny Nelson, however, warns that Pirotton’s pedigree shouldn’t be underestimated, as he hasn’t been knocked down before. Da'Mazion Vanhouter sees Fisher winning but thinks it’ll be a tough fight.
In another bout, Craig Richards takes on Radivoje Kalajdzic. Billam-Smith backs Richards for his timing and jab, while Nelson highlights Richards' resilience, suggesting every fight feels like a title shot for him. Vanhouter thinks Kalajdzic will surprise fans, but most are leaning towards Richards.
Lastly, Lee Cutler meets Louis Greene in what many are calling a potential fight of the night. Billam-Smith acknowledges Greene’s forward style but favors Cutler’s adaptability. Nelson and Vanhouter both support Cutler, while Cheavon Clarke sees it as a true 50-50 matchup. Paul Ready is picking Greene for the upset.
Tune in to watch all the action live on Sky Sports at 7 PM.
Eye Of Dubai is aiming for a third straight win in the Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap this Saturday. After a solid victory in the Ayr Bronze Cup last weekend, this five-year-old is stepping up with a 5lb weight increase. Dark Thirty, who recently finished third at the Curragh, is also in the mix after a 2lb drop in the weights, making him a strong contender.
In Southwell, Pyramid and Kashooda are set to compete in the Maiden Stakes. Pyramid impressed in his debut and should improve, while Kashooda has shown promise in her previous races.
Meanwhile, Belmont Park features the Joe Hirsch Stakes, with El Cordobes and Pride Of Arras leading a competitive field. El Cordobes is looking to bounce back after a break, while Pride Of Arras comes off a solid win at Kempton.
The day kicks off with action from Australia and includes several other intriguing races across the UK and Europe. It’s shaping up to be an exciting day of racing!
The computer hacker who tried to take down Man City
Rui Pinto, the Portuguese hacker, is a name that might not ring a bell for many Manchester City fans, but his impact is undeniable. Through his website, Football Leaks, he published confidential documents that exposed the club’s financial dealings, leading to serious Premier League charges. Some view him as a criminal, while others see him as a whistleblower shining light on corruption in football.
Pinto’s journey began in a modest neighborhood in Portugal, where he showed a knack for computers from a young age. His former geography teacher recalls him as a typical student, sociable but not overly extroverted. Despite his humble beginnings, Pinto’s actions have sparked significant controversy, particularly his leaks about various football clubs and players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The launch of Football Leaks in 2015 marked a turning point. Journalists like Antonio Varela quickly recognized the importance of the information Pinto provided, despite its illegal origins. This ethical dilemma has been a recurring theme in discussions about Pinto, as many believe the public interest outweighs the legality of the leaks.
Perceptions of Pinto vary widely. Some see him as a hero fighting against corruption, while others label him a thief. Former politician Ana Gomes argues that he should be protected for his contributions to exposing wrongdoing, rather than facing prosecution. As the debate continues, Pinto remains a complex figure in the world of football, embodying the tension between ethics and transparency.
How drawn-out saga of Manchester City’s alleged cheating came to this
Manchester City's story has taken a dramatic turn. The club, which rose to prominence after being bought by Abu Dhabi royalty in 2008, is now facing serious consequences for alleged financial misconduct. Over the years, Pep Guardiola's teams have dominated English football, claiming five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. However, this success has come under scrutiny since an investigation began in December 2018.
Recent reports confirm that City has been found guilty on nearly all counts of over 100 charges related to financial cheating. This unprecedented situation in English football raises questions about the integrity of the sport and the lengths clubs will go to achieve success. The saga is far from over, and it’s clear that this story will continue to unfold in the coming months.
Next is “Five in Five,” where you need to list five correct answers within five minutes. It’s a race against the clock. Lastly, there’s a tricky brainteaser that gives you five lives before the answer is revealed. If you’re hungry for more quizzes, check out their dedicated pages and sign up for notifications to stay updated on the latest challenges.
BKFC 94 delivered some thrilling matchups at the AO Arena in Manchester. The main event featured UFC veterans Darren Till and Yoel Romero facing off in a 190-pound catchweight bout. Both fighters brought their experience and intensity, making for an exciting clash that had fans on the edge of their seats.
In the co-main event, BKFC middleweight champion Dave Mundell defended his title against Jack Cullen. This fight was highly anticipated, with Mundell looking to solidify his reign while Cullen aimed for an upset. The stakes were high, and the action did not disappoint.
Overall, BKFC 94 showcased the grit and determination of these fighters, providing a memorable afternoon of bare-knuckle action. Fans were treated to a blend of skill and heart, making it a standout event in the BKFC calendar.
Tim Tebow pauses his relationship with Life Surge after Pablo Torre investigation
Pablo Torre is a troublemaker. In the best way possible. It was enough to get Tebow to suspend his dealings with Life Surge. “The allegations are extremely, extremely serious,” Tebow told reporters on Friday, "and it’s something that we take very serious. And so for us, we’re having our team do an investigation but also pausing our relationship 'til we can learn more about the facts to be able to understand more.” Tebow was asked whether he knew about the situation before Torre's investigation.
After Week 2 stinger, Saquon Barkley vows to be "fearless"
Saquon Barkley is gearing up for the Monday night matchup against the Bears after a rough outing in Week 2. He suffered a stinger early in the game against the Titans, which limited him to just four carries and one catch. Despite that setback, Barkley is staying positive and focused on his recovery. He acknowledged that he needs to improve his neck stability, something he's now prioritizing in his training routine.
Barkley underwent an MRI that cleared him of serious issues, allowing him to approach the game without fear. He participated fully in practice on Friday and feels confident heading into the game, stating that he's working hard to ensure he's ready. The Eagles, sitting at 2-0, are looking to take advantage of facing a Bears team that might be without its starting quarterback. It’s shaping up to be an interesting night for both Barkley and the Eagles.