Varsity Magazine VOL. 4

The second week of January 2026 was defined by the intensity of the NFL Divisional Round, a historic standoff in the WNBA, and the final preparations for the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.

🏈 NFL: Divisional Round Fireworks

The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara narrowed as the Divisional Round provided both dominant displays and overtime heartbreaks.

• Broncos Edge Bills in OT: In a classic duel on Jan. 17, the Denver Broncos outlasted the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime. Denver’s defense held firm late, while a clutch game-winning drive in the extra period sent the top-seeded Broncos to the AFC Championship.

• Seahawks Stun 49ers: The Seattle Seahawks delivered a statement win, routing the San Francisco 49ers 41-6. Kenneth Walker III was unstoppable, rushing for 116 yards and three touchdowns to lead Seattle back to the NFC Championship game.

• Harbaugh Era Ends in Baltimore: Following their early playoff exit, the Baltimore Ravens officially parted ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, immediately becoming the most sought-after coaching vacancy in the league.

🏀 NBA & WNBA: A League on Hold

While the NBA grinded through its mid-season schedule, the WNBA faced a legal crossroads.

• WNBA Moratorium: On Jan. 12, the WNBA and WNBPA agreed to a formal moratorium on all league business, effectively freezing free agency. This came after the Jan. 9 deadline for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) passed without a deal. Players remain united, with VP Napheesa Collier stating they "will not accept a bad deal."

• NBA Mid-Season Surges: The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their hot streak, with Donovan Mitchell leading a healthy roster that looks like a legitimate threat in the East. Conversely, the Sacramento Kings struggled mightily, missing Domantas Sabonis (meniscus) and dealing with a depleted frontcourt.

⚾ MLB: Bregman Finds a New Home

The "Hot Stove" cooled slightly but delivered one massive shock to the system.

• Alex Bregman to the North Side: On Jan. 10, the Chicago Cubs officially signed star third baseman Alex Bregman to a massive five-year, $175 million contract. The move signals the Cubs' intent to reclaim the NL Central crown in 2026.

🎾 Tennis: Australian Open Fever

The world’s best converged on Melbourne Park for the 114th Australian Open, which officially began on Jan. 18 (with qualifying and practice rounds concluding during the Jan. 11-17 window).

• Defending Champions: Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys arrived as the favorites to repeat their 2025 titles.

• The Venus Record: Venus Williams made headlines by becoming the oldest player to ever compete in the women's singles draw at age 45.

🏎️ F1 & NASCAR: Pre-Season Launches

• F1 Detroit Reveal: On Jan. 15, Red Bull and Racing Bulls held a joint event in Detroit, Michigan, to reveal their 2026 liveries alongside Ford. This marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Red Bull Ford Powertrains era.

• NASCAR Shifts: Richard Childress Racing announced major staff changes, including Jim Pohlman taking over as crew chief for Kyle Busch in hopes of snapping Busch's two-season winless streak. Meanwhile, Tony Stewart announced his return to the seat for the Truck Series opener at Daytona in February.

🏒 NHL & ⚽ MLS: Mid-Season and Off-Season Moves

• NHL: The Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks highlight reels were dominated by Mikko Rantanen, who scored a spectacular mid-air backhand goal that quickly went viral.

• MLS: Inter Miami continued its defensive rebuild for the 2026 season, securing goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to bolster their championship-defending roster.