WORLD SERIES THRILLER: DODGERS’ GAME 7 WIN HOOKS MILLIONS
The LA Dodgers' Game 7 World Series win over the Toronto Blue Jays averaged 25.98 million viewers, making it the most-watched MLB game since 2017. The thrilling extra-innings comeback peaked at 31.5 million viewers.
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                L.A. Dodgers Win World Series, Winning Consecutive Titles -  Photo Credit: Getty Images
                            
                            Millions of people tuned in to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers' stunning second consecutive World Series victory on Saturday night because it was a compelling drama. 
In a thrilling Game 7 that lasted extra innings, the Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays had spectators on the edge of their seats as the defending champions overcame a 3-0 hole to become the first repeat World Series victors in 25 years. 
Fox wowed the crowd with the Dodgers' comeback, which was completed by catcher Will Smith in the top of the eleventh.
The network estimates that an average of 25.98 million people watched the battle across all Fox platforms, based on preliminary viewership figures. 
The Dodgers-Blue Jays series finale is now the most-watched World Series game since the Houston Astros defeated Los Angeles in Game 7 in 2017, thanks to that number. 
Miguel Rojas' game-tying solo home run in the ninth inning kept baseball fans riveted to their screens as the game continued into the late hours on the East Coast. Between 11:30 and 11:45 p.m. ET, 31.5 million people watched the game at its peak.
On average, 25.98 million people watched the LA Dodgers defeat the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series.
In the top of the eleventh inning, Dodgers catcher Will Smith blasted the game-winning solo home run. 
The figures are based on Adobe Analytics data and Nielsen's quick national data. According to Front Office Sports, the exact number will be revealed later this week, along with audience statistics from Canadian broadcasters Sportsnet and TVA Sports. 
Last year's Game 5 of the Dodgers-Blue Jays series, in which LA defeated the New York Yankees 4-1, was surpassed by Game 7. This year's Dodgers-Yankees game outperformed it by 40% in terms of viewership, even though it is also a big attraction for baseball enthusiasts.
The matchup on Saturday also outperformed the most recent World Series Game 7, which was the 2019 matchup between the Washington Nationals and the Astros, by a margin of 10%. 
However, Saturday's first ratings are so high that they surpass both the NBA's audience figures and other World Series data. 
Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June, in which the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in an all-or-nothing match on ABC, was dominated by the contest's linear viewership. According to reports, the 2025 World Series Game 7 attracted 53% more views than the NBA finale. 
With an average viewership of 16.53 million and a peak of 19.28 million in the second half, the Thunder's 103-91 triumph in June was the NBA's most-watched Finals game in six years.  
However, during the opening week of the season last month, the NBA set new records for itself. 
According to Front Office Sports, the league's national games (NBC, Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video) attracted an average of 2.8 million viewers during the first week of the season. In eight years, that was the NBA's most-viewed first week.
The NBA's first games on NBC since 2002, the opening-night doubleheader on October 21, attracted 5.6 million viewers, a 90 per cent increase over the previous year's TNT opener. 
ANTHONY JOSHUA REPORTEDLY SET FOR UNEXPECTED RETURN DATE ANNOUNCEMENT
Anthony Joshua is set for a surprise return to boxing in December, promoter Eddie Hearn confirms. The former heavyweight champion will fight in Riyadh, with a potential Jake Paul bout also discussed.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                    Joshua tipped to step back into the ring - COURTESY/PHOTO
                                
                                Promoter Eddie Hearn has predicted that Anthony Joshua will make an unexpected comeback to the ring.
Hearn said Joshua will put on his gloves again next month, but he has not confirmed who his opponent will be.
Hearn's Matchroom Boxing has three events set for December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: December 13, 15, and 27.
Hearn told DAZN that Joshua would return on one of those dates, and he said, "Yes."
Since Daniel Dubois knocked him out at Wembley Stadium in September of last year, Joshua has not competed.
Hearn, though, has been hinting at the range of choices Joshua would have upon his return.
These include a bout in Africa (Joshua is of Nigerian descent) and a potential 2026 matchup with Tyson Fury.
Meanwhile, Fury maintains that his current boxing retirement will remain permanent.
A bout scheduled for December at rather short notice, by Joshua's standards, was not one of his expected possibilities.
Hearn was also questioned about the possibility of a fantasy contest between Joshua and Jake Paul.
Paul, a former YouTuber who is now a boxer, has drawn attention by announcing that he will face the former heavyweight champion.
Would we accept the fight, if you ask me? We would fight, of course," Hearn said to DAZN.
"It would be a pleasant way to simply wrap up this brief adventure.
"Is Jake Paul truly interested in taking on Anthony Joshua? He is insane. Given that AJ has not truly been in training camp, he might believe he can catch him off guard.
"There is not much to report at this time, but if the chance arose, it would be a fierce battle. Never say never.
COLE PALMER JOINS GLOBAL STARS IN 2025 FIFPRO MEN’S WORLD 11
Chelsea's Cole Palmer expresses his honour at being voted into the FIFPRO Men's World 11 by his fellow professional players. The award, decided by over 20,000 footballers, recognises his stellar year with Chelsea.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                    Cole Palmer secures spot in 2025 FIFPro Men’s World 11 - COURTESY/PHOTO
                                
                                Being chosen for the FIFPRO Men's World 11 by other professional football players is a "wonderful honour" and "the nicest feeling," according to Chelsea's Cole Palmer.
The team of the year was chosen by more than 20,000 men's football players from 68 different countries. The World 11 differs from other football awards in that the players, who are the game's main characters, choose the winners rather than coaches, fans, or journalists.
"It is a wonderful honour to be a member of the FIFPRO World 11, and it is fantastic to be voted by the other players," Palmer remarked. "Being voted by them is the best feeling because they definitely know what it takes to play the game at a high level."
The team of the year was chosen by professional football players based on their performances from July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025, inclusive.
Palmer had flashes of genius during that time, leading Chelsea to the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, when he won the award for best player.
Debutants for World 11 show a power shift.
In the 2025 Men's World 11, Palmer is one of six rookies, demonstrating how football players are recognising a new generation of talent.
Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, and Palmer are all making their first appearances on the World Team of the year.
"Estevao" was Palmer's response when asked what fresh face might be in the World 11 in the future.
Palmer stated, "I think he has all the capacity in the world to go on and do big things," in reference to Chelsea's adolescent Brazilian player. I am hoping he can succeed at Chelsea.