Las Vegas is still being analyzed as an NBA expansion market.

Are National Basketball Association owners souring on Las Vegas? There is a chance that the city has hosted its last NBA Cup final game for a while. The owners have seen empty seats at some games and a lack of enthusiasm in the crowds. Commissioner Adam Silver’s remarks did not sound promising when it came to the NBA Cup final game returning to Las Vegas. “Maybe go to some unique locations for the final game,” he said. “(Amazon) suggested, for example, some storied college arenas. We’re looking for other ways we could do this.” Las Vegas may not be cutting it anymore.

The NBA has been doing business in Las Vegas for years but has not taken the final step and put a franchise in the city. There is the NBA Summer League, there is an annual pre-season game and there have been some regular season games in the city going back decades. “I don’t have any doubt that Las Vegas, despite all of the other major league teams that are here now, the other entertainment properties, that this city could support an NBA team,” Silver said. “I think now we’re in the process of working with our teams and gauging the level of interest and having a better understanding of what the economics would be on the ground for those particular teams and what a pro forma would look like for them, and then sometime in 2026 we’ll make a determination.” The NBA has lost ground in terms of available money to buy suites and premier seats for its product. The National Hockey League and the National Football League have franchises in the market. Las Vegas attracted less tourists in 2025 thanks to tariffs and regulations that are making it tougher for foreign tourists to enter America. The Las Vegas market may have lost some of its glitter.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

With the NCAA football regular season wrapped up, the NFL is reclaiming Saturday broadcasts this week, delivering fans a doubleheader of divisional drama. Saturday’s slate features two back-to-back matchups that could reshape the playoff picture in both the NFC East and NFC North.

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Eagles vs. Commanders: NFC East Title on the Line

The Philadelphia Eagles head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. ET on Fox.

Philadelphia, looking to win its second straight after a midseason skid, can clinch the NFC East title with a victory. The Commanders, meanwhile, are limping to the finish line without quarterback Jayden Daniels, enduring a campaign they’d prefer to forget. For Washington, the focus is already shifting toward 2026, but for the Eagles, this game represents a chance to solidify their playoff positioning and regain momentum heading into January.

Packers vs. Bears: NFC North Heavyweight Clash

At 8:20 p.m. ET on Fox, the spotlight shifts to Chicago, where the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears collide in a battle atop the NFC North.

Green Bay enters at 9–4–1, coming off a disappointing loss to the Broncos and reeling from the season-ending injury to defensive star Micah Parsons. The Bears, on the other hand, are surging at 10–4, winners of six of their last seven, and aiming to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Soldier Field will be buzzing as Chicago looks to cement its division lead against its oldest rival.

Sunday Slate: Packed with Key Matchups

Following Thursday and Saturday’s divisional-heavy schedule, Sunday offers just one in-division contest: the Carolina Panthers visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The day features a full lineup with seven 1:00 p.m. ET kickoffs, two games at 4:05 p.m., and two more at 4:25 p.m.

Marquee contests include the Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers, the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos, and the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions.

Sunday Night Football: Ravens Host Patriots

Week 16 concludes under the lights in Baltimore, where the Ravens host the New England Patriots on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. With playoff implications across the AFC, this primetime matchup caps off a weekend packed with divisional intrigue and postseason stakes.

National Broadcast Information

• Saturday Doubleheader: Eagles vs. Commanders (5:00 p.m. ET, Fox), Packers vs. Bears (8:20 p.m. ET, Fox)
• Sunday Night Football: Ravens vs. Patriots (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
• Radio Coverage: Westwood One and ESPN Radio will carry national broadcasts, with local affiliates providing team-specific coverage.

The NFL’s return to Saturday broadcasts ensures fans won’t miss a beat as the playoff race intensifies. With divisional titles and postseason berths on the line, Week 16 promises drama from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night.

Bucs Loss to Atlanta Sets Up Crucial Clash

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers with urgency after a crushing defeat last week. Tampa Bay blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead and fell 29-28 to the Atlanta Falcons, a loss that left head coach Todd Bowles visibly frustrated. His profanity-laced postgame remarks underscored the team’s lack of focus and accountability. Now, with both teams sitting at 7-7, the showdown in Charlotte will determine who takes control of the NFC South heading into the final stretch.

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Evans and Bowles Light a Fire Under the Team

Star wide receiver Mike Evans and Bowles have been vocal in reminding the locker room that the Buccaneers are better than their recent play suggests. Evans emphasized leadership and execution, while Bowles demanded accountability from every level of the roster. “We understood the message after the ball game,” Bowles said. “Everybody is hard at work and trying to do the right things to win.”

Quarterback Baker Mayfield echoed the sentiment, calling out teammates for missed opportunities while taking responsibility for the offense’s struggles. All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs added that players should “stew” over the Atlanta loss during the mini-bye, using it as motivation to correct mistakes.

Division Title Still Within Reach

Despite losing five of their last six and six of eight overall, the Buccaneers still control their destiny. A win Sunday would put them back atop the NFC South, and two victories in their final three games would secure a fifth straight division title. Even if they split their two meetings with Carolina, Tampa Bay could clinch if the Panthers stumble against Seattle next week.

Bowles reminded his team that December football is about resilience: “You get up the next day, put your head down, you go to work, and you try to correct the little things. We’re playing meaningful games in December and that’s all you can ask for.”

Broadcast Information

Sunday’s game between the Buccaneers and Panthers kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The matchup will be televised nationally on FOX, with regional coverage across the NFC South markets. Fans can also tune in via Westwood One Radio and local affiliates, while ESPN Radio will provide national updates throughout the day. Streaming options include NFL+ and FOX Sports digital platforms.

Fired Up and Refocused

The Buccaneers began the season 5-1 and were 6-2 at their bye week, but losses to the Patriots, Bills, Rams, Saints, and Falcons have derailed momentum. Their lone win since was a narrow 20-17 victory over Arizona. Still, Bowles insists the team has everything in front of them. With Evans leading the offense and Bowles demanding accountability, Tampa Bay knows a win in Carolina could reset their season and reignite their push for another NFC South crown.