sports

25 Feb 2025

Here’s What Soccer Superstar Lionel Messi Thinks About Being Name-Dropped in So Many Lyrics

Sure, Lionel Messi is a soccer superstar, but he’s also a mainstay in the music world, often getting shout-outs in lyrics from artists across the globe.

In fact, Apple Music has a whole playlist of songs that mention him, separated by continent and featuring songs by Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Bad Bunny, Stormzy, Burna Boy and many more.

In new clips from his sit-down interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, shared exclusively via Billboard, the Argentine athlete revealed that he’s “flattered” to be mentioned so often in song lyrics. “My sons also enjoy it and they are surprised to hear my name in a song,” he added of 12-year-old Thiago, 9-year-old Mateo and 6-year-old Ciro. “It’s actually really nice to be part of music from that angle.”

Messi continued, “For me, that is very moving and I am grateful to those who did it because I know that in all the lyrics, they mention me with lots of affection, flattering me for some reason.”

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However, it’s not the music that makes him a “cool dad”; it’s his athletic achievements, from leading Argentina to the World Cup in 2022 to his Inter Miami squad winning the 2023 Leagues Cup after his MLS debut. “My thing is the field,” he says. “When things work out well, and we have a chance to celebrate a title as a group or individually and to be able to enjoy it with them is special for me. … To achieve in this sport and to enjoy it with them, for me, that is the best.”

Messi also discussed his general relationship with music and how much sports and music are intertwined. “We listen to music in our everyday lives or before the matches and after the matches as well. The football environment and the locker room has music constantly,” he shares. “Generally, music is present in everything we do.”

He continues, “I’ve always had that craze of listening to music going to games or listening to music before matches. During my whole career, it’s always been this way. Football and music coexist in a lot of these moments and places.”

Watch the exclusive clip below. Zane Lowe’s full interview with Lionel Messi will be available on Apple Music, YouTube and MLS Season Pass beginning Friday (Feb. 28). Fans can watch Inter Miami and all of Major League Soccer’s 2025 season exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

24 Feb 2025

Yankees Will No Longer Play Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York’ After Losses

From now on, the Yankees will celebrate being the kings of the hill only if they’ve earned it.

As announced this week, the Major League Baseball team has decided to end its tradition of playing Frank Sinatra‘s “New York, New York” over stadium speakers at the end of each game, win or lose, now opting to save the track for victories only.

The ruling comes after players and staff reportedly complained about having to listen to the song after losses. Fans at Yankee Stadium can still expect to hear Ol’ Blue Eyes’ 1979 version of “New York, New York” on days where the team takes home a dub, but on days with less favorable results, one of a few substitutes will play after the final out, according to NBC New York.

In the case of the Yankees’ 4-0 spring-training loss to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, a different, much more apt Sinatra track was queued up at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla.: “That’s Life.”

The incorporation of “New York, New York” into Yankee tradition stretches back decades, with Steinbrenner — who owned the team up until his death in 2010 — first commandeering the tune in 1980. The story goes that he first heard Sinatra’s recording at Le Club in Manhattan; after testing it out over the speakers at Yankee Stadium, Steinbrenner reportedly wrote directly to the crooner for permission to make it an official part of game days.

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Sinatra’s version of the song reached its peak at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. It was originally performed by Liza Minelli as the 1977 theme song from the Martin Scorsese musical film New York, New York, and her rendition sometimes played after Yankee losses before the team started using Sinatra’s on all occasions.

The Yankees’ partial retirement of “New York, New York” comes shortly after the team made headlines for implementing a different change: lifting its longtime ban on players sporting facial hair.

24 Feb 2025

Kevin Durant Tells Fans Arguing About Drake & J. Cole to ‘Listen to the Music and STFU’

Kevin Durant wants rap fans to stop arguing and enjoy the music.

Over the weekend, the Phoenix Suns star took to X to share his opinion on J. Cole‘s latest song “Clouds” in a since-deleted tweet. “I don’t care about none of that fake tough guy sh–,” he quote-tweeted over a post sharing the song. “This is mastery.” And of course, fans didn’t let him live.

When one fan tried to say he needed permission from Drake to support Cole while “throwing shade” at Kendrick Lamar, the future Hall of Famer replied, “I’m throwing shade at fans like you, been hatin’ on Cole this whole time. Just listen to the music and stfu.”

When another suggested that Drake and J. Cole make “fake tough guy” music, Durant disagreed and answered, “Rappin about protecting everything you’ve earned is not fake tough guy sh–.” Some also felt like his original tweet mentioning “fake tough guy sh–” was a shot at Lamar’s disses toward Drake; KD cleared that right up and said he was actually shading the fans. “I’m dissing all y’all fans who can’t listen to J. Cole without saying he’s ‘soft,’” he tweeted.

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And when one user told the NBA star that the new Cole isn’t going to get “playback,” Durant simply replied, “Gets playback in my AirPods, that’s all that matters to me.”

Fans got on KD for the crime of liking a J. Cole song, because he and Drake have a close relationship. Durant was credited as an A&R on 2023’s For All the Dogs and recently said Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime show didn’t “mean anything” to him.

23 Feb 2025

Justin Bieber Set for Charity Hockey Game Appearance Today: Here’s How to Stream ‘Skate for LA Strong’ Online Free

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Justin Bieber will make a rare public appearance today, as the singer takes to the ice for a charity hockey game benefitting LA wildfire relief.

Bieber, Ross Lynch, Steve Carell, Taylor Kitsch and Skylar Astin are among the celebrities participating in the event, titled, “Skate For LA Strong: A Celebration to Support the Fire Recovery Efforts in Los Angeles.” Four teams will play in a single-elimination format, with each team’s roster featuring a mix of celebrities and former NHL players, along with first responders from LAFD, LAcoFD and LAPD.

The hockey game will mark one of Bieber’s first official appearances in nearly a year. While the singer has been photographed out and about with wife Hailey — most recently at her Rhode Beauty pop-up in LA — he hasn’t headlined an event since playing a surprise Toronto show during NHL All-Star Weekend last February. Guess hockey brings out the best in Biebs.

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Want to watch Bieber playing in the LA strong charity hockey game? Here’s what you need to know.

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How to Watch Skate for LA Strong Hockey Game

Skate for LA Strong takes place live today, Sunday, February 23 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. If you want to watch the charity hockey game on TV, the event will be broadcast live nationally on ESPN2, truTV and Sportsnet. In L.A., you can watch Bieber take to the ice on KCAL-TV.

How to Stream Skate for LA Strong Hockey Game Online Free

Want to watch the Skate for LA Strong event online? The NHL charity game is streaming on ESPN+. Log into your ESPN+ account to get a livestream of the event. Don’t have ESPN+? A subscription to the sports streaming service starts at just $11.99/month and gets you a live feed of Bieber’s hockey game in addition to thousands of hours of other live sports and on-demand content.

Don’t want to sign up for ESPN+? Use DirecTV Stream, a live TV streaming service that includes a live feed of ESPN as part of its channel lineup. DirecTV Stream has a free trial that you can use to watch Skate for LA Strong online free without cable. DirecTV lets you stream the hockey game from your phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV.

You can also stream Bieber’s charity NHL game online free through Fubo. Fubo is another live TV streamer that includes ESPN, and the service is currently offering a week-long free trial that you can use to livestream Skate for LA Strong free. Fubo’s free trial includes free DVR so you can record Bieber’s game to watch back on-demand as many times as you want.

In addition to Bieber playing on the ice, today’s event will also feature musical performances from Kaskade, Jordan Davis and Lauren Spencer-Smith.  Danny DeVito, Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, Al Michaels, Cobie Smulders, Hannah Stocking, Vince Vaughn and Andrew Whitworth will serve as honorary coaches for the four teams.

L.A. Strong Skate Hockey Game Tickets

While this is a must-see event for many hockey fans and music fans, you actually won’t be able to get tickets to the game. Entry to the wildfire relief event is reserved for first responders, firefighters, and their families.

Bieber’s appearance comes on the heels of a cryptic message posted by the singer on Instagram Thursday, where he wrote that, “It’s time to grow up. Changing is about letting go! Today I’m letting go and remembering the weight isn’t on me to change,” he continued. “The weight is on God. So I give all my insecurities and my fears to him this morning.”

22 Feb 2025

Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg Among Celebs Participating in Benefit Hockey Game for L.A. Wildfire Relief

Justin Bieber is among the stars set to participate in a benefit hockey game aimed at raising funds for those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Actor Steve Carell and musician Ross Lynch will join the Canadian superstar as they lace up for “Skate For LA Strong: A Celebration to Support the Fire Recovery Efforts in Los Angeles,” scheduled for Sunday (Feb. 23) at Crypto.com Arena in L.A.

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Other celebrities serving as coaches at Sunday’s charity event include Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Danny DeVito and Cobie Smulders. Kaskade, Jordan Davis and Lauren Spencer-Smith are set to perform as musical guests. The game will air on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

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The exhibition will feature four teams, each with 13 players, competing in a single-elimination format. In addition to celebrities, the teams will include hockey professionals like Jeremy Roenick, Rob Blake, Mark Messier, Manon Rheaume and Dany Heatley. Athletes from other sports, along with hockey-loving first responders, will also take part.

This isn’t Bieber’s first time on the ice. The “Sorry” hitmaker has participated in previous celebrity games and recently served as a team captain for the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto.

Proceeds from Skate For LA Strong will benefit the Red Cross, the LA Fire Foundation, Cal Fire Foundation, and the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund. The event will be free for all “all Firefighters, First Responders, community group leaders, fire victims and their families as well as for Kings Season Tickets Members,” according to the Los Angeles Kings.

Check out the announcement on Instagram below.

20 Feb 2025

The NBA x Grateful Dead Collection Is a Certified Bucket: Shop Here

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If you’re looking for great NBA merch, the Grateful Dead collection doesn’t miss.

Taking inspiration from the legendary band’s iconic skull graphic, the collab celebrates and reimagines every NBA team logo with a retro rock ‘n’ roll makeover. With all the many, many sneaker releases dropping during NBA All-Star Weekend, pair your new Nikes with a NBA x Grateful Dead tee or hoodie for the ultimate courtside fit.

The collaboration issues merch for all 30 professional teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and the defending champions, Boston Celtics. The lineup features a variety of tees and hoodies with prices ranging between $38 – $74, so fans can shop their favorite NBA team’s merch without breaking the bank.

The world of basketball and music have always been intertwined, especially during major events like NBA All-Star Weekend. Fans gathered in San Francisco this past weekend to celebrate the annual basketball event with celebrities, athletes, and artists taking over the Bay area with must-see performances from local legends including DJ Cassidy, E-40, Too $hort, Saweetie, and more. While the Grateful Dead never performed during an NBA event, their on-going collaborations with the sports league deserves them a celebratory themed night similar to “Drake Night,” or at the very least, a limited-edition skull-themed jersey.

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Until then, shop our favorite pieces from the NBA x Grateful Dead collection on the sports site, Homage, as well as, below.

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

Los Angeles lakers

NBA x Grateful Dead x Lakers Skull And Rose T-Shirt

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

golden state warriors

NBA x Grateful Dead 2022 Champs Warriors T-Shirt

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

miami heat

NBA x Grateful Dead x Heat Hoodie

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

boston celtics

NBA x Grateful Dead x Celtics Skull T-Shirt

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

OKLAHOMA city thunder

NBA x Grateful Dead x Thunder Skull T-Shirt

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

new york knicks

NBA x Grateful Dead x Knicks Hoodie

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

Philadelphia 76ers

NBA x Grateful Dead x 76ers Skull

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

Cleveland cavaliers

NBA x Grateful Dead x Cavaliers Hoodie

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

orlando magic

NBA x Grateful Dead x Magic Hoodie

Grateful Dead x NBA Collection: Where to Shop Online

houston rockets

NBA x Grateful Dead x Rockets Skull T-Shirt

$38

19 Feb 2025

The Best Sneaker Drops From NBA All-Star Weekend & How to Buy Them Online

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

During NBA All-Star Weekend, the best of the best in pro basketball flocked to the Chase Center in San Francisco to show off their talent and skills for fans. Additionally, there are a number of premium sneaker drops from some of the top players in the NBA, including Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving, Victor Wembanyama, LaMelo Ball and others.

We rounded up the best of the best sneaker drops from Nike, New Balance, Puma and other brands. A few of them available now for purchase, while others come out within the new few weeks.

Some of the big standouts in 2025 are LeMelo Ball’s “oozy” Puma MB.04 sneakers in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles colorways for Leonard, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello, as well as Kyrie Irving’s Anta Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work” sneakers that were inspired by plastic takeout bags.

There are even a few Nike Air Jordan drops, with the Jordan 1s and Jordan 12s, that celebrate Michael Jordan’s 40th anniversary with the sports apparel company.

Ahead, you’ll find out picks for the best sneaker drops during NBA All-Star Weekend.

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Puma

Puma x LaMelo Ball x TMNT MB.04

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Kobe 6 Protro ‘All-Star 2.0’

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Anta

Anta Kai 1 Speed ‘Bag Work’

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Black and Varsity Red’

Release date: Mar. 1 at 10 a.m. ET

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Bred’

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

New Balance

Bricks & Wood x New Balance 1000

Release date: Feb. 21 at 2:59 a.m. ET

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Ja 2 Scratch ‘Black Label’

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike G.T. Hustle 3 Wembanyama ‘Black Label’

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Black Toe’

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Galaxy’

Release date: feb. 21 at 10 a.m. ET

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Dunk Low Retro SE ‘We Believe’

Sneaker Drops from NBA All-Star Weekend (and How to Buy Them Online)

Nike

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LV8 ‘We Believe’

Aside from basketball, the Nike Air Jordan 1 sneakers are the go-to shoes for a number of celebrities and top recording artists in pop culture for decades, such as Travis Scott, J Balvin, Teyana Taylor, Kid Ink, Common, Justin Timberlake, Paloma Mami and many others.

Want more? Shop more basketball sneakers below.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

19 Feb 2025

Photos From EMPIRE and Billboard’s Sports and Music Power Event

On Saturday, Feb. 15, Billboard and EMPIRE came together at EMPIRE’s San Francisco studios to celebrate Billboard’s second annual Sports and Music issue, honoring some of the most powerful people operating at the intersection of the industries of sports and music. The issue, which features EMPIRE founder/CEO Ghazi on the cover, as well as a second flip cover featuring Travis Scott, delves into Ghazi’s deep connection with his hometown Bay Area, and his work in bringing the music business back to the region, while also including features on pep bands playing pop music, the music connections with WWE, and more.

The event was DJ’d by KMAT and attended by many of the Sports and Music list honorees attended, as well as artists such as Too Short, Trae Tha Truth, Wale, NLE Choppa, Doria, DJ Luke Nasty and Rexx Life Raj. During the party, Billboard director of business news Dan Rys presented the inaugural Billboard Sports & Music Innovator Award to 2K’s director of global partnerships and licensing David Kelley, and Billboard president Mike Van presented Ghazi with his Billboard cover. “It’s physically me on that cover, but it’s not really about me, it’s about us,” Ghazi said in a speech.

That speech was followed by a surprise presentation by California state assemblyman Matt Haney, who presented Ghazi, EMPIRE COO Nima Etminan, EMPIRE president Tina Davis and others with a certificate of recognition from the state of California, marking the 15th anniversary of the company Ghazi founded in 2010.

“You brought music from all over the world, from Latin America, from Africa, to every single corner of the globe, from right here [in San Francisco],” Haney said in a speech. “And you’ve done it with integrity. You didn’t have to be the biggest record label, you did it your way. And you’ve inspired and touched so many people through that and your love and your commitment.” 

19 Feb 2025

Sacramento Kings Have a Hilarious Response to Drake Throwing DeMar DeRozan’s Jersey Off Stage

Drake has remained at odds with Sacramento Kings star DeMar DeRozan ever since the former Toronto Raptor seemingly sided with Kendrick Lamar during the 6 God’s feud with the Compton rapper last year.

Footage went viral earlier this week when a DeRozan jersey was thrown on stage during Drake’s Sydney concert, and once he realized who was on the back of the No. 10, Drizzy discarded the jersey in disgust as “Rich Flex” rang off.

Like many DeRozan fans, the Sacramento Kings’ social media team came to the defense of the team’s superstar wing with a clip clapping back at Drake.

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The video uses Drake launching the DeRozan jersey, but is edited to a Kings fan happily catching it. “the 916 loves Deebo,” the Kings captioned the video.

Kings fans chimed in defending the Compton native in the Instagram comment section: “DeMar did more for Toronto and Canada than Drake could ever dream of.”

Another added: “SOCIAL TEAM NEEDS A RAISE!”

DeRozan spent the first nine years of his NBA career in Toronto, where he grew a close friendship with Drake, before being shipped off to San Antonio.

“No matter what, when it comes to him, he’ll forever have a friend in me and loyalty out of me because he cared,” DeRozan said of Drake in 2021 after leaving the Raptors. “He was there for me when everything was kind of going crazy.”

However, the relationship looks to have soured when DeRozan appeared in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video after K. Dot shouted out the hooper on the track. DeRozan also showed up to support Lamar’s Pop Out concert on Juneteenth, where Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” for the first time live.

DeRozan attempted to play it down the middle even after showing his support for Lamar. “We love Drake, we always can play him,” he said during an interview last summer. “Kendrick been a friend of mine, family. Damn near family, for a long time, for a while.”

Drake wasn’t having it, and he proceeded to blast DeRozan and the idea of the Raptors retiring DD’s No. 10 during an appearance on the Raptors broadcast in a game against the Sacramento Kings in November, threatening to “pull it down myself” if his number ever went up on a banner.

Watch the Sacramento Kings’ reaction to Drake spiking DeRozan’s jersey below:

17 Feb 2025

Steph Curry Paired His Designer Outfit With This $25 T-Shirt at NBA All-Star Weekend

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Steph Curry stole the show at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game over the weekend, taking home the Kobe Bryant MVP Trophy after leading Team OGs to a 41-25 victory over the Global Stars. Part of the league’s new round-robin, first-to-40 tournament, Curry scored 12 points in the Team OGs win.

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But Curry also stole the show off the court with his choice of threads for the weekend: appearing at an afterparty for his Gentleman’s Cut Bourbon, the Golden State Warriors point guard showed up in a washed oversized bomber and cargo pants from Cali-based menswear label, Nahmias, paired with Bottega Veneta shoes and an Under Armour T-Shirt. Yes, the king of mixing high-fashion with fast-fashion paired his $3,500 outfit with a $25 tee.

Steph Curry NBA All-Star Game Outfit: Shop Under Armour T-Shirt, Shoes

ATHLETE-APPROVED

Men’s UA Tactical Tech Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Curry sported Under Armour’s “Tactical Tech” short-sleeve T-shirt in black. The versatile tee features a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, and a “flatlock seam” construction for a smoother, chafe-free look. Designed for workouts and daily wear alike, the T-shirt comes in a relaxed, loose fit — Curry tucked the shirt in for a more tailored appearance.

What we like: Under Armour says the main body fabric is made from at least 90% recycled polyester. The site has five colors of the T-shirt available online, with a generous run size of small to 5XL. Shop it here.

Curry has long been a fan of Nahmias, the namesake label of LA-based designer Doni Nahmias, having wore the brand’s street, surf and sports-inspired pieces on a number of occasions, from courtside to tunnel walk. As for Under Armour, Curry has been a long-time ambassador for the brand, with his own line of Curry shoes, apparel and accessories. For the NBA All-Star game, Curry took to the court in a pair of custom Curry 12 ‘What The Bay’ Basketball Shoes from UA.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: A detailed view of the shoes of Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Shaq's OGs during the 74th NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center on February 16, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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ALL-STAR SHOES

Curry 12 ‘What The Bay’ Basketball Shoes

The Curry Flow 12s are quickly selling out online but you can still find them on sites like StockX starting at a bid price of $143 here.

As for Curry, this Golden State Warriors start the second half of the season this week, hoping to make a playoff run. The Warriors are currently 10th in the Western Conference standings.