EXCLUSIVE Why Benjamin Sesko is the man to finally solve Arsenal's striker crisis: How basketball leaps, a rocket shot and scented candles can help £70m star emulate Erling Haaland
As someone who can execute a slam dunk as easily as a close-range header, it is no surprise Benjamin Sesko has always reached for the stars.
A talented basketball player who idolises fellow Slovenian Luka Doncic, an NBA star for the vaunted Los Angeles Lakers, 6ft 5in Sesko set his sights on taking 's No 9 shirt from the moment he joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2019.
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Reuters
12 minutes ago
- Reuters
NBA, WNBA extend partnerships with 2K video game
June 13 - The NBA and WNBA agreed in principle to terms for a multi-year global partnership expansion with the 2K video game, the leagues announced on Friday. Also, 2K agreed in principle to terms to extend its relationships with the NBA G League and USA Basketball. "NBA 2K has engaged a new generation of basketball fans in an increasingly digital world," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "By expanding our partnership and creating NBA Take-Two Media, we look forward to building on the incredible success of the NBA 2K franchise." Strauss Zelnick, chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive, said he was happy to continue the partnership with the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). "I would like to thank Adam Silver, (NBPA executive director) Andre Iguodala, and all our partners at the NBA and NBPA for their continued support and shared vision to empower NBA 2K to become the premier interactive entertainment basketball franchise," Zelnick said. "We are excited to unveil NBA Take-Two Media and look forward to seeing how it will create an entirely new and multi-faceted NBA experience for our communities." That also applies to the WNBA, which saw its stars first appear in NBA 2K20. "2K is where millions of young fans deepen their interest and fall further in love with the game of basketball. That's why this partnership is so important," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. "As the WNBA continues to reach new milestones on the court and across fandom, our presence in NBA 2K ensures that our league and athletes are visible, celebrated, and inspiring the next generation of WNBA fans around the world." Terri Carmichael Jackson, the executive director of WNBPA, labeled Friday's news as a defining moment for women's basketball. "Our players continue to raise the bar, and this renewed partnership with 2K ensures their impact is felt not just on the court, but across culture, gaming and the global growth of the sport," she said. "This expansion will elevate the entire league and the women who power it. It's also a recognition of the players' business value and their role in driving the future of the game." Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson and the legendary Vince Carter adorned the covers of the NBA 2K25 series of video games. Tatum was on the cover of the standard edition, Wilson represented the game's WNBA version and Carter served as the face of the Hall of Fame edition. --Field Level Media
The Guardian
24 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Transfer roundup: Everton eye Thierno Barry as Brighton sign Kostoulas
Everton have turned their attentions to the Villarreal striker Thierno Barry as David Moyes attempts to improve his forward options for next season. Barry scored 11 goals in La Liga last season and 19 overall as Villarreal qualified for the Champions League. The France under-21 international is understood to have a release clause of €40m in his contract with the Spanish club but Everton would hope to sign the 22-year-old for less. Barry is currently on international duty at the European Under-21s Championship. Moyes' need to upgrade Everton's attack is pressing with the club having missed out on Liam Delap, declined to take up an option to sign Armando Broja on a permanent deal from Chelsea and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to leave on a free transfer this summer. Calvert-Lewin's departure would leave only Beto and the unproven Youssef Chermiti as central striking options. Meanwhile, Brighton has signed Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiakos for a reported £29.8m (€35m) fee. The 18-year-old, who scored seven goals in 22 games as Olympiakos won a record-extending 48th domestic title last season, has signed a five-year contract with Brighton that starts on 1 July. 'He wants to play in the Premier League and we are excited about what he can bring to the team,' said Brighton's manager, Fabian Hürzeler. 'He will give us different attacking options and we're looking forward to helping him adapt to his new environment.' James Milner also has agreed a one-year contract extension with Brighton as the 39-year-old eyes the all-time record for appearances in the Premier League. Milner, who made his Premier League debut as a 16-year-old for Leeds United in 2002, was restricted to four league appearances last season due to injury, taking his overall tally to 638 Premier League games. Milner, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in January, now has the chance to overhaul Gareth Barry's record of 653 Premier League games. 'I'm really pleased we will have James with us again this season,' said Hürzeler. 'He's a great guy to have in our environment, who is always there for me and the team. I'm looking forward to working with him again.'
Daily Mail
32 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Man City outcast Kyle Walker suffers blow in pursuit of a new club as European giants opt against signing the England full back
Kyle Walker 's permanent summer move to AC Milan is off but the Manchester City captain still has no future under Pep Guardiola. The Italian giants have decided against taking up their modest option on the loan right back and his immediate future remains uncertain. Walker featured 11 times for AC Milan since moving to the San Siro in January but surprisingly won back his England place under Thomas Tuchel, criticised for his role in a friendly defeat by Senegal. The 35-year-old was not included in City's squad for the Club World Cup and could be set for another loan next season. Fenerbahce have been credited with interest. The former club captain angered supporters on Friday by claiming on his BBC podcast that he would give up one Premier League title to have won silverware with Tottenham. 'I would, if I could change it, just to say that I was in that Spurs squad that won a trophy, [the first] since 2007,' Walker said. 'I know what it means. I'd give my second (title), it's hard to give one away, but for what that moment meant (I would).' Meanwhile, City have yet to field concrete offers for another absentee in America, Jack Grealish. Mail Sport revealed in January that Tottenham were possible suitors but that could be complicated by Thomas Frank's interest in Bryan Mbeumo. Guardiola's squad trained for the first time in Florida ahead of their Club World Cup opener against Wydad AC on Wednesday. New first-team coach Kolo Toure led the session.
