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The Omicron surge and China's increasingly scrutinized authoritarian practices provide the backdrop for this year's winter games.

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National

Denver

Axios Denver

Pickleball's surge in popularity is pushing Denver's parks and rec department to take action.

Driving the news: Department leaders want to use $2 million from the mayor's proposed 2024 budget to build new pickleball courts across the city.

The money would come from a legacy fund made possible by a parks tax that city voters passed in 2018, Scott Gilmore, deputy executive director of Denver Parks & Recreation, tells us.

Why it matters: This would mark the city's most concentrated investment toward pickleball to date, Gilmore says, signaling the craze could be here to stay.

It could also serve as a solution to noise complaints from neighbors and a lack of court space for players.

What they're saying: The goal is to build the courts "in places that will not cause conflict for pickleball players," Gilmore says.

Details: The city plans to build six to 10 pickleball courts in areas at least 500 feet from people's homes, though not all sites have been identified.

One that has, however, is Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where officials plan to use some of the $2 million to add six more courts for a total of 10 — the biggest concentration of courts in the city.

Of note: A pickleball court costs roughly between $400,000 and $500,000 to build, Gilmore estimates.

What's next: The Denver City Council is holding hearings on the budget proposal and will propose amendments to the mayor next month. The final spending plan will be approved in November.

Denver plans to invest $2 million to build more pickleball courts

Pickleball's surge in popularity is pushing Denver's parks and recreation department to take action.

A man plays pickleball at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in May. Photo: RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images

News

Axios Denver, anchored by John Frank and Alayna Alvarez, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Miami

Axios Miami

The hype is real: The Dolphins not only have the best offense in the NFL, but are serious Super Bowl contenders.

Catch up fast: The Fins (3–0) put up basketball numbers on Sunday, scoring 70 points and blowing out the Broncos by 50.

Miami, which scored the most points in any NFL game since 1966, could've broken the all-time single-game record of 72 points with a late-game field goal — but showed mercy and knelt it.

The intrigue: Fans at Hard Rock Stadium, cheering for the Fins to break the scoring record, booed when coach Mike McDaniel instead closed the game out.

"It felt like chasing points and chasing a record, that's not what we came to the game to do," he told reporters after the game.

By the numbers: Miami scored 10 touchdowns, eight of them by running backs.

Miami broke several franchise and NFL records, including becoming the first team to score both five rushing and five passing TDs in a single game.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had more TDs than incompletions (four vs. three) and was pulled in the fourth quarter after finishing 23–26 for 309 yards.

Who's next: The Dolphins now travel to Buffalo for a rematch against the 2–1 Bills, who ended Miami's season last year in the AFC wild-card game.

Tagovailoa, who missed that game with a concussion, has a chance to prove that Miami is the best team in the AFC East despite preseason odds favoring Buffalo.

Tuesday Takeaways: Dolphins' historic win

Up next: The Dolphins face the Bills in a wild-card rematch.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa celebrates with coach Mike McDaniel.

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa laughs with head coach Mike McDaniel during Sunday's historic blowout win. Photo: John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

South Florida will again be in the international sports spotlight next year for the cricket World Cup.

Why it matters: The widely watched Men's T20 World Cup is being held in the U.S. for the first time ever, with matches taking place in Florida, New York and Texas.

This isn't the only major sports tournament coming to South Florida. Hard Rock Stadium is hosting FIFA World Cup matches for the first time in 2026.

Details: Local T20 matches will be played at the Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, which has a long history of hosting major cricket matches.

The stadium will be expanded to fit more fans, media and hospitality areas.

Information about tickets was not immediately available.

What they're saying: International Cricket Council chief executive Geoff Allardice said in a statement that the World Cup is an "excellent opportunity to make a statement in the world's biggest sport market."

"We explored a number of potential venue options in the country, and we were hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm the event generated amongst prospective hosts, reinforcing the growing awareness around cricket's massive fanbase and its power to unite diverse communities."

How it works: The tournament takes place in June 2024, with 20 national teams competing for the trophy, Axios Dallas' Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi reports.

Matches will be played in the T20 format, a shorter and more fast-paced form of cricket than test matches and one-day international matches.

South Florida to host cricket World Cup next year

The widely watched Men's T20 World Cup is being held in the U.S. for the first time ever.

Brandon King of the West Indies hits the ball against India at Broward County Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Lauderhill, Florida. 

Brandon King of the West Indies hits the ball against India at Broward County Stadium. Photo: Rich Storry/Getty Images

Chicago

Axios Chicago

The Bears capped an ugly week with an ugly loss to the Chiefs, 41-10, on Sunday. 

Driving the news: The team lost their 13th game in a row dating back to last year, as they start the season 0-3. 

Justin Fields had another rough outing before sustaining an injury on a late run. He came back in the game and threw a touchdown to wide receiver DJ Moore in garbage time. 

What's next: The Bears play the 0-3 Denver Broncos on Sunday at Soldier Field. 

Thought bubble: You had to be that bad in front of Taylor Swift? 

Chicago Bears lose big in Kansas City

The team lost their 13th game in a row dating back to last year, as they start the season 0-3.

Photo of a football player trying to score a touchdown

Jerick McKinnon of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Photo: Jason Hanna/Getty Images

Football

Latino

Axios Latino

Deion Sanders has led the Colorado Buffaloes to an early 3-0 record in his first year in Boulder, making them the buzz of college football. He's also sparked his own economic engine — directly and indirectly — around apparel, tickets, betting, TV ratings and more.

The big picture: Sanders — aka "Coach Prime," a derivative of Sanders' "Prime Time" nickname as an explosive NFL player — has never been shy about promoting his brand.

As a coach, he's using social media, endorsements and an Amazon Prime Video documentary to help turn his image, quotes — and even slights by others— into dollars.

State of play: Sanders signed a five-year, $29.5 million contract with Colorado, but he's cashing in on his likeness, persona and even catchphrases. 

His sunglasses line with Blenders Eyewear made $4.5 million in sales after Colorado State coach Jay Norvell criticized Sanders for wearing sunglasses in a press conference, according to Front Office Sports.

This week, Sanders filed paperwork for four trademarks — for the phrases "Coach Prime," "Prime Effect," "It's Personal," and "Daddy Buck," according to a report from trademark attorney Josh Gerben.

Some of those Coach Prime's catchphrases already have appeared on shirts.

Even before he began his college coaching career at Jackson State, Sanders was a popular endorser in TV commercials, based on his career as a Hall of Fame cornerback in the NFL.

Now his profile in commercials has soared: During college football games, Sanders hawks AFLAC insurance, KFC, athletic apparel, and more. 

Of note: The exposure Sanders has brought the university since the season started is worth more than $90 million, CU Boulder chief spokesperson Steve Hurlbert told the Daily Camera in Boulder.

The intrigue: The head coach isn't the only Sanders making money off the Buffs' recent success. 

His two sons, starting quarterback Shedeur, and Shilo, a cornerback, are among the top NIL (name, image and likeness) earners on the team. 

Shedeur has the highest NIL valuation among college football players at $5.2 million, while Shilo's is estimated at $719,000, according to On3, a news and data site covering college sports. 

Zoom in: Sales of Colorado Buffaloes gear in the team's online store have jumped 505% since December, Hurlbert tells Axios.

Sales so far this month are 764% above the full revenue in September 2022 — making September 2023 the biggest month ever on the team's website. 

The university has sold 22,457 season tickets, which were sold out for the first time in 27 years — only the ninth time in school history. 

What they're saying: "Coach Prime appears to be saying, 'You're not going to appropriate me, and you're not going to be the only one to make money at the expense of my style,' " Ibram X. Kendi, author of "How to Be an Antiracist," tells Axios.

Kendi said others have tried to monetize their branding, but Sanders is on another level. "If it were up to me, coaches would be focused on coaching, as opposed to monetizing their influence." 

"He's a great person and he's done a great job of marketing the program to create a lot of national interest," Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who's won seven national championships and appears with Sanders in the AFLAC commercials, told ESPN. 

Yes, but: Carl Suddler, an associate professor of history at Emory University, tells Axios that Sanders is an "economic machine" not just for himself, but also for Boulder's economy and CU's athletics,.

Between the lines: It's unclear whether Deionomics is replicable model for other college programs.

Sanders was a star, multi-sport athlete at Florida State before turning pro to play in the NFL and Major League Basesball. He eventually became the only athlete to play in both the World Series and the Super Bowl. He played on two Super Bowl champions, in San Francisco and Dallas.

"In many ways as a player, he was certainly one of one, and it may very well be that Colorado has struck gold in their ability to acquire a head coach, who in this day and age, may very well be one of one, again," Suddler said.

What's next: The Buffaloes will face what's likely their most formidable opponent so far this season, traveling to Oregon on Saturday to play the No. 10th-ranked Ducks. 

It gets even tougher next week, when they play 5th-ranked USC.

Correction: This article previously stated that Sanders was featured in a Netflix documentary. The documentary is on Amazon Prime Video.

appears with Sanders in an Aflac commercial

Denver Alerts

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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Denver.

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Deionomics: Coach Prime is big business in Colorado

In igniting Colorado's football program, Sanders has become an economic force.

Photo illustration of an arrow rising out of Deion Sanders' sunglasses.

Photo illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo:  Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images 

College football

Philadelphia

Axios Philadelphia

First off, happy (early) birthday. We can't believe it's been five years since Philadelphians first stared into those monstrous googly eyes of mayhem that we've all come to adore.

Flashback: Like many pruny, radish-red (or in your case, neon orange) newborns, it took a minute for us to see our reflection in you.

We didn't realize what you were all about until those hated Pittsburgh Penguins dismissively responded to your debut with that slapstick shot heard 'round the Wells Fargo Center: "Lol ok."

Your gritty response to Mr. "Happy Feet" — "Sleep with one eye open tonight, bird" — embodied the fighting spirit of Philly, a city that loves blue-collar brawlers who keep punching when their eyes are blackened and swollen shut.

The big picture: The ice is cold, hard and slippery, as you found out during your home debut.

Philadelphia can be a harsh place, we know. It's the City of Brotherly Love. Sometimes brotherly love looks like Will Ferrell getting choked with a headphone cord.

Flash forward: Now you're a man inside a mascot suit and a myth, a sought-after media darling whose dodgy, darting eyes and boorish, mischievous antics have become the stuff of legend.

Your highlight reel: We loved watching you jump-slam a couple of unassuming fans dressed as sumo wrestlers, stomping New York pizza (cheesesteaks all the way, baby) and shooting fans with a T-shirt gun.

When you streaked across Lincoln Financial Field in your birthday suit, the anthropomorphic animal community (read: furries) went wild.

You weren't afraid to incur God's wrath when you played lockdown defense on a group of nuns at St. Francis De Sales School in Philadelphia, then unapologetically swatted one sister's shot and gave her one of the most disrespectful, bragging big-belly thrusts in mascot history.

You're so hospitable, too. When the Rangers' fans visit, you shower them with popcorn baths and good-old fashioned hostility. That's a Philly thing.

Not everyone likes your bully ways, but you're a survivor.

You earned your street cred when you beat that case like Meek Mill.

We've watched you grow up. You've got a girlfriend now, a new tattoo and soon a calendar.

You've lived fully and colorfully, making millions of people smile and wince. You made orange, long glossed over by interior designers and kids digging through their crayon boxes, great again!

The bottom line: Now if you could only help the listless Flyers when they open the season Oct. 12.

Remember that when you blow out your candles on Sunday. Philly's wishes are riding on you.

Happy Birthday, Gritty: Philadelphia's furry friend turns 5

Gritty is growing up before our eyes! He's got a girlfriend now, a new tattoo and soon a calendar.

Illustration of a party hat made out of bright orange fur. 

Hockey

Detroit

The NFL season just started but the Lions are likely going to be down at least five starters against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Driving the news: Detroit's Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks was costly.

Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson reportedly tore his pectoral muscle and is now on injured reserve. Defensive end James Houston is also on IR with an injured fibula.

On offense, the Lions will likely be missing tackle Taylor Decker, guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai and running back David Montgomery.

Why it matters: If star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is still nursing his toe injury, quarterback Jared Goff's top options on Sunday could be a collection of rookies and journeymen.

What's next: Head to Ford Field for the 1pm game or watch on Fox.

Resale tickets start at around $100. Standing room only also available.

Lions are already banged up heading into Week 3

The Lions will likely be down at least five starters on Sunday.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson and the Lions prepare to take the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks last week. The defensive leader is now feared to be out for the season. Photo: Nic Antaya/Getty Images

Washington D.C.

Axios D.C.

The Capitals are hosting a "garage sale" on Saturday with tons of merch and swag.

Why it matters: When the Caps clean closet, fans can get good deals — plus proceeds benefit charity Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation.

What's happening: The sale goes down at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington on Saturday, where the Caps are doing pre-season training (fans can watch for free).

It's first dibs for season pass holders from 10am to 11am, and then opens to the general public until 2pm.

Up for grabs: Bobbleheads, T-shirts, hats, and more (credit card payments only). Load up before the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 13.

Get Capitals merch for cheap at the team's weekend garage sale

Ovie's bobblehead. Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Things to Do

Portland

Axios Portland

The Pac-12's future may be much clearer in about a month, when Washington State University and Oregon State University — the only two schools left in the league as of next fall — say they expect to have a better understanding of where the league is financially.

Why it matters: WSU and OSU have sued for control of the league and need to decide either to rebuild it or join another league.

Meanwhile, they're under pressure to make their decisions soon, to leave enough time to plan game schedules for next year and let student athletes know what's coming.

Driving the news: The presidents and athletic directors of both universities held a joint news conference Thursday via Zoom to address questions about the Pac-12 turmoil.

They also touted the prowess of their teams — both are in the top 25 this year and face off on Saturday at WSU's Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington.

Catch up quick: After all the other 10 schools peeled off for other leagues, WSU and OSU took legal action to stop the departing schools from having a say in the Pac-12's future.

Last week, a judge granted a temporary restraining order in their favor.

What they're saying: OSU president Jayathi Murthy told reporters Thursday the schools need to understand how the mix of assets, like media deals, and liabilities, such as compensation agreements and labor lawsuits, balance out "before we can chart out a path forward."

Even when asked whether WSU and OSU will continue to play longtime arch rivals the University of Washington and the University of Oregon, officials said they'll consider the financials.

"We cannot look at scheduling the future with an emotional lens. We need to look at it through a business lens," WSU president Kirk Schulz said.

The big picture: The Pac-12 appears to be considering three options: join with the Mountain West conference, create a hybrid league, or play with just two teams for a year or so.

Officials declined to offer updates on the status of talks with the Mountain West.

What's next: At the football game on Saturday, WSU's band is slated to play the fight song of their opponent.

"We're going to ask as a show of respect, applaud that fight song," WSU athletic director Patrick Chun said. "Because the two universities are in a fight together."

Seattle

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OSU and WSU weighing Pac-12 options

Officials say they expect to have  more information within about a month.

A screenshot of four people participating in a video conference. All have a background that is grey with the mascots of Oregon State University and Washington State University in white. 

Holding a joint news conference were (clockwise from top left) WSU president Kirk Schulz, OSU president Jayathi Murthy, OSU athletic director Scott Barnes and WSU athletic director Patrick Chun. Screenshot: Emily Harris/Axios

Pro Rata

Axios Pro Rata

Pro wrestling magnate Vince McMahon is hinting that he wants out of the family business, according to regulatory filings tied to WWE's recent merger with the UFC.

Driving the news: The new combined entity, TKO, has registered all of McMahon's shares for sale, thus enabling him to avoid the lockup period that applies to other TKO stockholders like Endeavor and Silver Lake.

McMahon currently holds around 28.84 million TKO shares, which was valued at $3 billion as of yesterday's market close.

Behind the scenes: TKO first disclosed its registration plan on page 184 of an SEC filing early last month, and neither the company nor McMahon is commenting further.

On first glance, this simply seems to be about giving McMahon flexibility. Or maybe even giving TKO flexibility, given the ongoing investigation. Particularly given that the subsequent registration statement, filed last week, doesn't include any underwriters.

But the that same filing says that McMahon, alongside two other TKO executives, "will be selling stockholders in this offering."

That's a definite verb tense, penned by lawyers who are paid a lot of money to be accurate.

WWE founder Vince McMahon sets the stage for his possible exit

The longtime pro wrestling boss is both an enormous asset and liability.

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