Sports

We'll soon know whether the World Cup is in Philly's near future.

Driving the news: FIFA recently announced plans to reveal the 2026 World Cup match sites that will stretch across U.S., Mexico and Canada, on June 16.

As soon as Herbert Thal takes his first step in Philadelphia's Broad Street Run this weekend, the 90 year old will have made history.

What's happening: Thal, who's gearing up for his ninth Broad Street Run this Sunday, is set to become the oldest person to ever run the annual 10-miler.

The Phillies kick off their 2022 season Friday in a 3:05pm game against the visiting Oakland Athletics at Citizens Bank Park.

State of play: The Phils are looking to end a 10-season playoff drought, and this may be the year they break that streak.

Villanova will face off against Kansas in New Orleans Saturday night.

• If you're looking to watch the Final Four game in Philly, don some blue and white and check out some of these bars.

A Republican-led proposal aiming to bar trans girls and women from participating in school sports that align with their gender identity is moving through Pennsylvania's House of Representatives.

Driving the news: The House Education Committee advanced the bill, dubbed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, in a 15-9 vote Tuesday, state Rep. Barbara Gleim, one of the legislation's main sponsors, tells Axios.

A Philadelphia nonprofit that runs an equestrian program geared toward helping low-income youth is hosting its inaugural Polo Classic on Sept. 24.

Driving the news: Work to Ride, one of the few programs in the country that aims to make equine sports more accessible to youth, is raising money to renovate its center in Fairmount Park.

• The nonprofit is a little less than $2 million short of the $8 million needed to update the outdoor riding arena and build an indoor facility.

Sixers fans posted up the NBA's third highest TV ratings this season through the All-Star break late last month.

State of play: NBC Sports Philadelphia, which is the regional sports network that airs Sixers' games, hit a 2.72 rating, Sports Business Journal reports. It's a dip from previous seasons.

• The Golden State Warriors led the pack with a 7.63 rating, while the Denver Nuggets came in last, at 0.19.

Philadelphia could see as much as $262 million in direct visitor spending from hosting World Cup matches in 2026, according to the nonprofit coordinating the city's bid.

Driving the news: Philly is one of 17 U.S. cities vying to host between five and six matches over the tournament spanning 30 days.