Summary

• Brock Lesnar seemingly confirmed his retirement from professional wrestling following a defeat to Oba Femi during Night 2 of WrestleMania 42
• Breaking his traditionally intimidating character, the legend left his gear in the ring, shared an emotional embrace with Paul Heyman, and shook hands with fans
• Lesnar’s departure caps off a storied combat sports career that includes 10 WWE world championships and a UFC Heavyweight title

The combat sports world witnessed the end of an era this past weekend. At Night 2 of WWE's WrestleMania 42, Brock Lesnar appeared to officially call time on his legendary in-ring career. Following a shocking opening-match loss to rising superstar Oba Femi, "The Beast Incarnate" delivered a silent but powerful message to the WWE Universe, symbolically leaving his signature gloves and boots directly in the center of the squared circle.

In a rare break from his usually stoic and destructive persona, an emotional Lesnar took a moment to absorb the roaring atmosphere inside the stadium. After shedding his ring gear, Lesnar raised his arms to the crowd and shared a heartfelt embrace with his longtime manager and advocate, Paul Heyman. Before making his final walk up the ramp, the athlete uncharacteristically took his time to shake hands with fans at ringside, cementing the reality of his departure.

Lesnar’s exit marks the conclusion of one of the most dominant and decorated runs in sports entertainment history. First debuting on the main WWE roster in 2002, he quickly became the youngest superstar to ever win the WWE Championship at just 25 years old. Over the next two decades, Lesnar would go on to capture the promotion's top prize ten times, secure two Royal Rumble victories, and win the King of the Ring tournament.

Beyond professional wrestling, Lesnar also left a massive footprint on the world of mixed martial arts. Transitioning to the Octagon in 2008, he shockingly captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship in only his fourth professional fight by defeating Randy Couture, proving his freakish athleticism translated seamlessly across all combat disciplines.

While Lesnar has yet to release a formal verbal statement regarding his retirement, the time-honored wrestling tradition of leaving one's boots in the ring leaves little room for doubt. As fans and fellow athletes say goodbye to one of the industry's most terrifying forces, Lesnar's legacy as a crossover, once-in-a-lifetime box office draw remains permanently cemented.

Brock Lesnar leaves his gear in the ring. What's next for The Beast?

The FIRST HOUR of #WrestleMania is LIVE RIGHT NOW on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/CkS4hoG231

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• NJ Transit confirmed a massive $150 round-trip train fare for the 15-minute journey from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium, marking a near twelvefold increase over regular pricing
• New Jersey officials stated the governing body provided zero funding for transportation, leaving the state facing a $48 million deficit for the event
• FIFA quickly rejected the criticism by citing a 2018 agreement that mandated free fan transit, pointing out no other major stadium event subsidizes mobility

The road to the 2026 World Cup is getting incredibly expensive before a single ball has even been kicked. New Jersey officials have confirmed a monumental price hike for fans traveling to MetLife Stadium, sparking a heated public standoff over who exactly foots the regional transportation bill. Commuters heading from Manhattan’s Penn Station to the East Rutherford venue will be forced to drop $150 USD for a round-trip train ticket. This astronomical fee represents nearly 12 times the standard $12.90 USD fare for a quick 15-minute, nine-mile ride. Without general spectator parking available on stadium grounds, authorities anticipate around 40,000 fans will rely on these mass transit options per matchday.

The financial burden has triggered harsh words from local leadership. Governor Mikie Sherrill stated that her administration inherited a deeply flawed deal where international soccer’s governing body contributed absolutely nothing for mobility. According to state estimates, running these enhanced operations will cost $62 million USD in total, but outside federal grants only cover $14 million USD. This leaves the local transit agency staring down a $48 million USD deficit. Rather than allowing state taxpayers to get stuck with the tab, local authorities implemented the steep user fees. Officials defended the move, insisting the agency is simply trying to recoup pure operational costs rather than price-gouging the global fanbase.

Unsurprisingly, the aggressive pricing strategy from NJ Transit caught organizers entirely off guard. FIFA fired back at the accusations, expressing public surprise at the massive markup. The organization noted that host city agreements signed back in 2018 originally called for free transport to all matches. FIFA's chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi said, "The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect," adding that the organization aims "to minimise congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and ensure the fan experience is positive and memorable defined by the action on pitch, not delays on the roads/"

"Elevated fares inevitably push fans towards alternative transportation options," he continued. "This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup."

Furthermore, organizers highlighted that no other major entertainment or sporting event held at the New York New Jersey Stadium is required to subsidize fan travel. The sticker shock even drew criticism from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who publicly questioned charging over $100 USD for such a short journey. If travelers want to skip the train entirely, the alternatives offer zero relief, as an $80 USD official shuttle bus or $225 USD premium parking spots at the nearby American Dream mall stand as the only other viable routes.

This logistical clash exposes a deeper cultural tension between American infrastructure and global mega-events. While host cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Kansas City have pledged to keep their fares entirely unchanged — with Houston maintaining its $1.25 rail tickets and Kansas City offering $15 shuttles — the East Coast is leaning into premium monetization. Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium is pushing a similar agenda, charging fans $95 USD for express buses and $80 USD for commuter rail access from Boston. Ultimately, these localized strategies risk alienating everyday supporters, transforming what should be a universally accessible celebration into an exclusive luxury experience restricted by compounding travel costs.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Features O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker in a comedic homage to their fathers’ breakout roles
• Includes a cameo from Terry Crews, a former Rams draftee, alongside neighborhood bully Deebo references
• Showcases current Rams players Jared Verse, Byron Young, and Kevin Dotson in parody roles ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams have officially flipped the script on traditional pre-draft hype with the release of Thursday, a cinematic short film teasing their 2026 NFL draft strategy. Tapping into West Coast nostalgia, the three-and-a-half-minute production serves as a direct parody of the 1995 cult classic Friday. Starring O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker — the real-life sons of original film leads Ice Cube and Chris Tucker — the project masterfully re-creates iconic neighborhood scenes to celebrate the franchise’s return to the first round.

Filmed at the actual South Central house used in the original 1995 movie, the teaser follows the duo navigating standard pre-draft day activities with a comedic twist. Actor Terry Crews, famously selected by the Rams in the 1991 draft, pulls up on a beach cruiser bicycle to re-enact the legendary "What chain?" sequence, snatching a Super Bowl ring instead of jewelry. Adding heavy local flavor, West Coast rap staple YG drops in for a cameo as Stanley, while Rams guard Kevin Dotson hilariously assumes the role of "Big K-Dot," a clever spin on the infamous character Big Worm.

Rams chief marketing officer Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick noted that the initiative intentionally connects with the city's undeniable creative influence. Anchoring the promotional push, the video ultimately wraps with the original film's memorable tagline, "A lot can go down between Thursday and Saturday," serving as a nod to the grueling three-day marathon of the draft itself.

We got the Draft soon… we got s*** to do! pic.twitter.com/2nQuFBR9bW

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 17, 2026

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the 2025-26 season following a nine-year tenure
• The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder joined from Monaco in 2017 and has secured 19 trophies with the team, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory
• Silva, who holds the record for the most appearances under manager Pep Guardiola with 451 matches, expressed his lifelong support for the club in a farewell message

After nearly a decade of dismantling Premier League defenses and cementing his status as a midfield maestro, Bernardo Silva is officially closing his chapter at the Etihad. The 31-year-old Portuguese icon announced his exit from Manchester City at the end of the current season in May. Arriving from Monaco in July 2017 for a reported £43.5 million, the playmaker evolved into the tactical heartbeat of the squad. This departure signals the sunset of a generational run that completely redefined modern English football.

Silva’s tenure in sky blue is nothing short of legendary. Racking up 451 appearances — the absolute highest of any player under Pep Guardiola — he became the ultimate trusted orchestrator on the pitch. Finding the back of the net 76 times and serving up 77 assists only scratches the surface of his actual influence. Over nine years, the dynamic midfielder helped stock the trophy cabinet with 19 major honors. Highlights from his decorated stint include six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup, and the immortal 2022-23 treble.

Beyond his individual metrics, the veteran embodied the relentless winning mentality of the "Centurions" squad that smashed the 100-point barrier during the 2017-18 campaign. Serving as a key member of the generational success orchestrated by his manager, his presence on the pitch provided the consistency required to secure a record-breaking four consecutive domestic league crowns. Releasing an emotional statement, the captain described fulfilling his childhood dreams and branded himself a "City supporter for life." He emphasized a fierce desire to leave everything on the pitch during his final weeks, fighting for whatever remaining silverware the current campaign holds.

Devoted supporters will soon have an opportunity to give their captain his rightful flowers. The front office confirmed that an official farewell ceremony is currently in the works to honor a player who arrived as a promising talent and leaves as a bonafide club legend. As the roster pushes through the grueling final stretch of the season, all eyes will be locked on the Portuguese star while he takes his final bows in Manchester.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Argentine icon Lionel Messi has completed the full acquisition of Catalan football club UE Cornellà
• The move strengthens the 38-year-old's professional ties to the Barcelona region where he spent the majority of his career
• UE Cornellà is a historic Spanish side known for producing elite talent such as David Raya and Jordi Alba

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi officially cemented his next monumental move off the pitch, taking full ownership of UE Cornellà. Finalized on April 16, the landmark acquisition gives the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner total control of the historic club currently competing within Spain's semi-professional football ranks. Returning to the Catalan region carries profound cultural weight for the Argentine legend. He spent the defining years of his career dominating European football just down the road at FC Barcelona. This latest venture operates as a direct investment in the community that originally shaped his global rise, moving his legacy from the pitch into the boardroom.

Established in 1951, the Baix Llobregat institution commands deep respect across Catalonia for its elite developmental model. The organization functions as a powerhouse youth academy, consistently feeding top-tier talent into major domestic and international leagues. Its proven track record of shaping elite prospects is undeniable. Graduates include current Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi's long-time teammate Jordi Alba. The system also produced recent FC Barcelona standout Gerard Martín, RCD Espanyol captain Javi Puado, and two-time MLS All-Star Ilie Sánchez. Maintaining this pipeline of talent sits at the absolute center of the takeover strategy. Club officials emphasized that the new era prioritizes a strategic plan blending massive ambition with sustainable, grassroots growth.

Securing a European club aligns flawlessly with the superstar's expanding portfolio of youth sporting initiatives. The Inter Miami captain already demonstrated his dedication to early-stage development by launching the inaugural Messi Cup. Hosted last December in South Florida, that premier Under-16 tournament gathered global heavyweights like River Plate, Manchester City, and Inter Milan to compete on American soil. Bridging his current life in the United States with his foundational roots in Spain creates a formidable transatlantic network for future scouting. While the icon continues to draw record crowds playing in Major League Soccer, his strategic investments ensure a permanent, localized impact on the next generation of football greatness.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Tyshawn Jones has one of the most powerful ollies in the history of skateboarding. That's not an opinion — it's a matter of public record, documented across video parts, Thrasher covers, and a Ferrari in a parking lot. But what makes it special isn't just the height. It's the ease. Tyshawn does things correctly — the way they're supposed to be done — while making them look so effortless you'd think he stumbled into them.

That combination of precision and nonchalance is the foundation of everything he does on a board, and the ollie is where it all starts. We're talking about a guy who turned a Midtown Manhattan subway entrance into a skate spot, who ollied a loading dock in the middle of a line like it was a curb, and who somehow found a way to top all of it by clearing Samuel L. Jackson down a set of stairs.

We went deep on everything else in our cover story on the icon. This one's just about his ollie — and these ten clips are why it deserves its own conversation.

"Play Dead" (2014)
Ollie Can Into Propped Tile at Muni in Philly

Muni in Philadelphia is one of the most storied spots in street skating, and this clip is a big reason why. Tyshawn ollies over the can, landing easy onto the propped tile kicker— a transfer that demands both precision and serious pop. He claimed the spot by hitting it from the opposite direction, like he never even meant to try in the first place.

"Blessed" (2018)
Ollie Into the 33rd Street 6 Train Entrance, NYC

The 33rd Street subway entrance isn't a skate spot. It's a guardrail, a staircase dropping into the street, and a spiked fence on the other end — all of it in the middle of one of the busiest blocks in Manhattan. The clip appeared in "Blessed," Supreme's second full-length skate video, which dropped in 2018 and featured Tyshawn in the coveted final part. Getting the trick required as much logistics as it did athleticism: Tyshawn brought a crew of friends to manage the chaos, positioning them around the entrance to hold back the crowd before each attempt. According to a New York Times profile of Jones, when he finally landed it, office workers in the building above had gathered at the windows to watch — and when he rode away clean, the whole floor erupted. The photo landed him on the cover of Thrasher. Only TJ could turn a commuter nightmare into a historic skate clip.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tyshawn Jones 💰 (@tyshawn)

"The General" (2022 / 2023)
Switch Ollie Over the Picnic Table the Long Way

When Tyshawn does a trick, he does it correct. He did this switch over a picnic table the long way and got a Thrasher cover for it. Then Gifted Hater, one of skating's most notorious online critics, questioned whether it was legit. So Tyshawn did it again, on Instagram, just to settle the debate. The trick is incredible, but the encore is iconic.

"Blessed" (2018)
Ollie Can Into the Courthouse Drop in NYC

The Courthouse is the spot that made Tyshawn famous — it's where he earned the nickname "The Courthouse Kid," a moniker he picked up after rattling off a string of tricks at the iconic Foley Square spot that stopped the skate world in its tracks. So it's fitting that one of his best ollies happened there too. He pops into a can and sends it down the drop with the kind of control that makes a genuinely dangerous trick look routine. Thrasher later ran the photo, which tells you everything about how it landed.

"Blessed" (2018)
Switch Ollie Over a Traffic Barrel at TF West, NYC

TF West — the William F. Passannante Ballfield in Greenwich Village — is a notoriously barren spot: a flat expanse of asphalt with no ledges, no stairs, not even a curb. The trash cans are basically the only obstacles, which is exactly why Tyshawn treats them like a proving ground. This switch ollie over a traffic barrel is deceptively simple-looking — until you remember he's doing it switch, and that the height he gets is borderline unreasonable.

The Ferrari Ollie (2023)

The setup is exactly what it sounds like: Tyshawn Jones ollied over a Ferrari Monza SP2. But even for someone with his verticle, this one came with a unique kind of pressure. "The Ferrari scared me most because of the price," he admitted. "I didn't want to mess it up." He didn't. The clip went viral instantly and became one of the most talked-about moments in recent skate history — even if, as he noted in our cover story, it somehow got half the views of a video of him dancing with Tracee Ellis Ross.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tyshawn Jones 💰 (@tyshawn)

Federal Plaza (2024)
Ollie Over the Whole Ledge at Federal Plaza, Chicago

Nick Matthews had already done this one, but when Tyshawn posted it on Instagram with zero fanfare it felt like a completely different trick. No buildup, no big moment — just the clip, dropped casually like it was nothing. The ABD status almost makes it better: Matthews made history, TJ made it look like a Tuesday.

Ollie Four Trash Cans at TF West

Most skaters tip trash cans on their sides to keep the height manageable. Tyshawn leaves them upright. Four in a row, cleared with room to spare. At a spot with nothing to skate, he found a way to make it one of the most memorable clips of his career.

"Kingdom Come" (2022)
Ollie Up the Loading Dock in Line

Watch closely and you'll catch him rolling over a piece of trash right before he pops — and it barely registers. What follows is an ollie up a loading dock that clears a height most people couldn't jump standing still, in the middle of a line, without breaking a sweat. And if that wasn't enough, the very next clip in the part is him jumping a public ping pong table and grinding the middle divider. Back to back. Classic TJ: the setup looks like nothing, the tricks look impossible.

The Ollie Over Samuel L. Jackson (2025)

Yes, really. During a shoot, Tyshawn ollied clean over Samuel L. Jackson as he sat on a set of steps — zero room for error, perfect control, and one of the most surreal clips in recent skate history. The Ferrari was scary because of the price tag, but Tyshawn has since reconsidered which trick carried more risk. "Now that I think about it, Samuel L. Jackson is worth way more than that Ferrari. Damn, I never thought of that. Samuel is worth probably 70 to 80 of those Ferraris, probably more. Shit." Just another day on the job.

Read our full cover story on the skate icon here, and purchase a copy of Hypebeast Magazine #37: The Architects Issue on HBX.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Promoter VID Music Group filed a lawsuit against Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association in Miami-Dade circuit court for fraud and breach of contract
• The legal action stems from the global superstar's failure to play his required 30 minutes in an October exhibition match against Venezuela despite a $7 million agreement
• Promoters allege the forward bypassed the friendly to suit up for Inter Miami the following day, aiming to secure optimal playoff positioning

Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association face a massive legal headache after Miami-based promoter VID Music Group filed a lawsuit alleging fraud and breach of contract. The conflict centers around a $7 million USD agreement granting VID exclusive rights to host two October exhibition matches featuring the reigning World Cup champions. According to the court filings, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was contractually obligated to log at least 30 minutes on the pitch against Venezuela. Instead, he watched the 1-0 victory — secured by a Giovani Lo Celso goal — from the stands.

Representatives for the promoter assert that the forward's absence was a calculated business move rather than a genuine medical precaution. Messi reportedly skipped the international duty only to suit up for Inter Miami the very next day, actively pushing to secure crucial home-field advantage for the MLS playoffs. Because the commercial viability of the entire international tour was directly tethered to the superstar's active participation, his sideline spectating triggered millions of dollars in unexpected losses for the organizers.

Financial devastation surrounding the October friendlies compounded well beyond the missing captain. Logistical nightmares plagued the tour, forcing VID to abruptly relocate the second match against Puerto Rico. Originally slated to take place in Chicago, local civil unrest pushed the game down to the Miami area. Even with heavily reduced ticket prices to accommodate the last-minute venue shift, the six-goal Argentine thrashing of Puerto Rico failed to draw a sellout crowd.

Neither the superstar's legal team nor the Argentine federation has issued a formal response to the damaging allegations. The high-profile lawsuit casts a sudden shadow over the national team's ongoing commercial expansion in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With upcoming preparatory matches scheduled at massive collegiate venues like Texas A&M's Kyle Field and Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, event organizers nationwide are likely scrutinizing their exhibition contracts to ensure guaranteed marquee player appearances.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• A’ja Wilson secures the bag with the Las Vegas Aces on a historic three-year, $5 million USD supermax deal, making her the highest-paid player in WNBA history
• The extension cements the future of a dynasty, keeping the four-time MVP and face of the franchise locked in after delivering three championships in four years
• Las Vegas continues reloading its championship roster, retaining 90% of its scoring power while adding polarizing guard Chennedy Carter on a training camp contract

The Las Vegas Aces just finalized the return of their dynasty’s undisputed cornerstone, securing a massive contract extension for four-time MVP A’ja Wilson. While the franchise kept the official numbers under wraps, sources confirm the deal is a fully guaranteed three-year supermax worth $5 million USD. Negotiated by Jade-Li English of Klutch Sports Group, the unprecedented payday allocates 20% of the team's salary cap to the superstar. This valuation heavily reflects the league's surging cultural relevance and a new collective bargaining agreement that significantly bumps the salary cap to $7 million USD for the 2026 season.

Wilson’s historic contract arrives on the heels of a monumental 2025 campaign where she broke nearly every existing standard of greatness. The 29-year-old phenom swept the WNBA awards circuit, becoming the first player to simultaneously claim the scoring title, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP. Averaging 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, she led Las Vegas to its third championship in four years. Aces president and general manager Nikki Fargas praised the center as a "one of one" leader who handles the heavy crown of franchise face with unmatched authenticity and grace. In typical fashion, Wilson addressed her highly anticipated return with a simple, punchy message to fans online: "YKWTFGO."

Retaining the former South Carolina standout officially brings back 90 percent of the offensive firepower from the Aces' recent title run. Having previously taken team-friendly discounts to help construct this dominant core, Wilson now steps into her rightful financial tier. She currently shares the supermax bracket solely with Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, though Mitchell's agreement only spans one year. Beyond rewarding their captain, the front office has been relentlessly busy shaping the supporting cast for another title defense. Key foundational pieces Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and newly acquired Jewell Loyd all secured lucrative extensions to keep the backcourt elite.

Rounding out the offseason moves, the defending champions signed controversial but electrifying guard Chennedy Carter to a training camp contract. Selected fourth overall in the 2020 WNBA draft, the polarizing talent most recently suited up for the Chicago Sky in 2024. Through 84 career appearances, Carter boasts averages of 14.6 points and 2.8 assists per game. Bringing her into the fold offers Las Vegas a high-reward, low-risk opportunity to inject even more explosive scoring into an already stacked rotation as they chase another ring.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Our latest cover story on Tyshawn Jones goes deep on his skating career, his Louis Vuitton ambassadorship, and Hardies Land, the warehouse skatepark he opened in New Jersey before he even put in the plumbing. If you haven't read it, start there. What follows is a different lens on the same subject: the business philosophy quietly running underneath all of it.

There's a moment in Tyshawn Jones's career that says everything about how he thinks. When he found out Supreme wasn't paying its riders, he asked for money. When the deal eventually grew to $83,000 a month, he built three brands on the side. And then when the terms stopped making sense, he walked. By 27, the two-time Thrasher Skater of the Year had eight houses, a 12,000-square-foot skate HQ, and a portfolio of companies built to outlast his skating career. The kid from the Bronx didn't just make it in skateboarding. He turned skateboarding into a business school.

Here are just a few things he’s learned.

Know Your Worth — Then Make Them Pay It

Tyshawn's first lesson came from his mother: "You've got to do what's right for you, don't let these companies stunt your growth,” she told him. He took it literally. When Volcom came calling early in his career, he used the offer as leverage with Supreme to get paid. That instinct — treating his own value as a negotiable asset rather than someone else's decision — became the foundation of everything that followed. The Supreme split, messy and public as it was, was the same logic applied at higher stakes. "A million dollars is not that much money when you live in New York and you're paying 50% in taxes," he says. "We see a basketball player getting $5 million to sit on the bench, and no one's talking about that." He knew what the market could bear and held out for it.

Build the Infrastructure Before You Need It

Hardies Land, the 12,000-square-foot warehouse he's currently building out in New Jersey, isn't a vanity project. It's a vertical integration play. Photo studio, production company, gym, music studio, skatepark: every piece of the operation under one roof, owned outright. "If someone wants to book me for a shoot," he says, "they can give the budget to Hardies Production." The same logic applies to his real estate portfolio, his brands, his financial habits. He's been building the off-ramp to other projects while his skateboarding career is still lucrative. "I've acquired a skill set and [I’m doing] other stuff while I am still active. I'm not waiting until I can't do tricks anymore to start." In a culture where most skaters cash out late or not at all, that's playing a different game.

Run a Portfolio, Not Just a Brand

Tyshawn has three companies and each has a distinct assignment. King is the board company — tight margins, doesn't matter, it's about community and credibility. Launched in late 2022 with his "Kingdom Come" video part, the roster reads like a who's who of New York street skating: Na-Kel Smith, Zach Saraceno, and Caleb Barnett. "Even if King makes zero dollars and we just have the boards to skate, that's more important to me than sponsoring a bunch of people I don't want to be around."

Brick Underneath is the volume play, mass-market basics he wants everywhere. In a market where men's basics have never had a definitive cultural figure behind them, it's hard not to see the opportunity — possibly a male Skims, built on the back of one of the most recognizable names in street culture.

And then there's Hardies NYC, the one he's most patient about. Started in 2015 as a nuts-and-bolts hardware company, it's quietly evolved into something with real fashion range — recent drops have included collabs with Denim Tears' Tremaine Emory and uptown staples Avirex and G-Shock, brands TJ dreamed of affording as a kid.
The brand even has its own home now: a 12,000-square-foot warehouse on the Jersey side of the Hudson, currently being built out into a full compound — skatepark, gym, photo studio, music studio, production company, the works. He calls Hardies his "slow burner," but the ambition behind it is anything but slow: he wants it to eventually "live in other spaces, like a Palace or Stüssy."

Three brands, three different markets, three different timelines. That's not an accident — it's a portfolio strategy most skate entrepreneurs never think to build.

Only Collab On Your Own Terms

Tyshawn works with Tremaine Emory because Emory's "a great storyteller who stands for Black empowerment." He'll collaborate with Avirex and G-Shock because they're authentic to where he came from. He'll even entertain CitiBank, but only if it's a financial literacy course for skaters with the Hardies logo on the card. The through-line is that he's always setting the terms.

"Sometimes people see money and say, 'Okay, I'll do whatever,' but then the outcome isn't that great,” he said in our cover story. “But if you stick to your guns, you'll get something you're proud of." In a culture where collabs often exist just to keep the lights on, his filter is unusually principled — and that quality is a brand asset in itself.

Read our full cover story on the skate icon here, and purchase a copy of Hypebeast Magazine #37: The Architects Issue on HBX.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Rap megastar J. Cole announced the end of his professional basketball tenure in China after playing just one game
• The artist cited an unexpectedly lengthy work visa process as the reason for his early departure
• Cole originally signed a deal earlier in April to play at least three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings

Rap megastar J. Cole has officially concluded his professional basketball stint with the Chinese Basketball Association's Nanjing Monkey Kings. After taking his talents overseas to join the Chinese club earlier this month, the artist's time on the court has been cut short, capping off another unexpected crossover between global hip-hop and international sports.

Initially scheduled to lace up for a minimum of three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Cole’s run was derailed by logistical hurdles. "The work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back," Cole confirmed in an official statement. Despite the abrupt exit, the rapper remained appreciative of the opportunity, thanking the Nanjing club and the CBA for the "incredible experience."

“Also to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket! I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn't able to hit one,” he continued. “A couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall! Either way I'm fulfilled and grateful! Shit, I feel like I dropped 20 !!! And my knees felt like I played 40 minutes!”

This recent endeavor marks the North Carolina native's third time taking the floor in a professional sports league. He previously suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League back in 2021, followed by a 2022 run with the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The overseas hoops venture directly trailed a busy musical stretch for the two-time Grammy winner, who just released his latest studio album, The Fall-Off, in February.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Hypebeast Magazine #37: The Architects Issue is dedicated to the individuals actively building contemporary lifestyle culture — those who introduce a new blueprint and watch the world reorganize itself around it.

Eras are rarely defined in the moment. Only with the passage of time do we begin to understand who and what truly shaped the spirit of a particular period. This issue is our attempt to spotlight those people in real time: the architects laying a foundation today for ideas the rest of us will recognize tomorrow.

This includes our cover story with skateboarder and entrepreneur Tyshawn Jones, a generational talent who has expanded his brand from skate and streetwear into business and luxury fashion, setting a new standard for what an athlete mogul can look like in 2026.

The Architects Issue also includes music features on Brent Faiyaz, Joji, John Glacier, and Liim Lasalle, plus an introduction to Sounds Like Paulin, the latest project from designer Benjamin Paulin.

Art features dive into the work of Tokyo airbrush master Ryota Daimon, New York illustrator Aurel Schmidt, and wig artist Tomihiro Kono.

Fashion stories spotlight Dutch designer Camiel Fortgens, skateboarding footwear label Village PM, Bangkok-based jewelry and custom watch outfit Patcharavipa, Japanese label ssstein, Cologne-born denim brand No/Faith Studios, and NYC’s own Homerun.

Longform conversations with filmmaker Park Chan-wook and tennis powerhouse Naomi Osaka round out the issue.

In our guide section, we highlight Stone Island’s latest textile research, Hong Kong’s newly reopened cultural space BELOWGROUND, and 20 years of Nòmarhythm Textile’s hand-dyed, art-driven garments.

Across 277 pages, we present the architects of now.

Order Hypebeast Magazine Issue 37 on HBX here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Historic $1.08 billion USD series marks the highest combined luxury tax expenditure for any matchup in MLB history
• Dodgers lead the sport with a $413.2 million USD base payroll while the Mets follow at over $380 million USD
• Recent major roster reinforcements include superstar slugger Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Díaz suiting up in Los Angeles

Baseball’s luxury tax brackets are officially getting shattered. On top of being a premier on-field matchup, the latest 4-0 clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets is a historic $1.08 billion USD exhibition of sheer financial dominance. According to the latest luxury tax data from Spotrac, this showdown marks the highest combined expenditure for any single series in Major League Baseball history. The Dodgers currently lead the sport with a jaw-dropping $413.2 million USD base tax payroll, carrying an estimated $161.5 million USD tax penalty. The Mets follow closely behind, boasting a $380.2 million USD payroll and a $125.2 million USD penalty bill. Together, the staggering footprint of these two juggernauts highlights a growing economic disparity within the sport.

Los Angeles has utilized its massive revenue streams and cultural cachet to assemble a modern-day superteam. Armed with back-to-back championship aspirations, the Dodgers recently added superstar Kyle Tucker to an already legendary core featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Ohtani continues to rewrite the record books, recently launching a leadoff home run to extend a historic 45-game on-base streak and eclipsing Ichiro Suzuki for the longest run by a Japanese-born player. The integration of unparalleled talent has transformed the Dodgers from a traditional baseball franchise into a global lifestyle brand.

However, the massive investments haven't completely erased early-season turbulence. A key subplot for Los Angeles involves former Mets star closer Edwin Díaz, who secured a massive payday with the Dodgers but has recently worked through a noticeable velocity dip. The dominant right-hander blew his first save of the year, leading manager Dave Roberts to treat the high-profile arm as a day-to-day project. Meanwhile, international sensation Roki Sasaki is experiencing the predictable extremes of a high-profile rookie campaign, navigating traffic on the mound while adjusting to the relentless spotlight of Dodger Stadium.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Apple TV and IMAX are joining forces to broadcast five live Formula 1 races at select movie theaters across the United States during the 2026 season
• The immersive initiative officially launches with the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, featuring a 150-minute theatrical event encompassing pre-race coverage and podium celebrations
• Priced at approximately $30 USD per ticket, these screenings arrive as a major cornerstone of Apple TV's inaugural year as the exclusive American broadcast partner for the global motorsport

Formula 1 enthusiasts across the United States are officially getting a massive upgrade to their race day viewing experience. Live Grand Prix action is heading straight to the big screen, courtesy of a groundbreaking new collaborative effort between Apple TV and IMAX. The ambitious theatrical program officially kicks off with the highly anticipated Miami Grand Prix on May 3. This initial Florida screening marks the first of five major international races strategically scheduled for widespread theatrical release throughout the upcoming championship year.

Motorsport purists and casual fans alike can expect a highly immersive, 150-minute IMAX broadcast package designed to elevate the standard watch party. The curated theater sessions offer a uniquely social viewing atmosphere, meticulously built around the race itself. Each screening includes 15 minutes of dedicated pre-show buildup, uninterrupted coverage of the full grid battle, and the traditional post-race podium ceremonies. Stepping into a premium auditorium allows supporters to feel the visceral roar of the engines and experience the high-speed drama in an entirely unprecedented format.

Following the initial Miami debut, the schedule moves rapidly through the sport's most iconic global circuits. Audiences can secure tickets to catch the legendary Monaco Grand Prix in June, followed by the historic British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. The high-speed Italian Grand Prix takes over the silver screen in September, while the United States Grand Prix rounds out the theatrical calendar in October. Fans looking to attend these exclusive cinematic events can expect to pay approximately $30 USD per ticket, transforming a standard Sunday morning race into a premium weekend destination event.

This aggressive theatrical strategy arrives at a pivotal moment for the sport's domestic media presence. The IMAX rollout directly follows Apple TV's acquisition of exclusive broadcast rights for the United States, effectively signaling a new era for American viewership. Capitalizing on the widespread global box office success of the recent "F1" feature film, the tech giant is clearly intent on merging the adrenaline of live sports with the communal scale of modern cinema.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Tyson Fury returned to the ring to defeat Arslanbek Makhmudov via unanimous decision after 12 rounds
• The 37-year-old heavyweight immediately challenged Anthony Joshua on the live Netflix broadcast
• Joshua confirmed interest in the matchup, stating that contracts will likely be sent over soon

Tyson Fury showed little rust in his latest return to the boxing ring, dominating Arslanbek Makhmudov for a unanimous decision victory at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 37-year-old "Gypsy King," who briefly retired following a second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, utilized his signature jab and precise lead uppercuts to control the 12-round bout. Immediately after the final bell, Fury turned his attention to ringside, directly challenging former world champion Anthony Joshua to a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown.

After a characteristically slow start, Fury dictated the pace against Makhmudov, leading to scorecards of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109. The tension peaked post-fight when Fury grabbed the Netflix microphone to ask Joshua, "Do you accept my challenge?" Joshua, who had been filming portions of the match on his phone, fired back with, "I'll punch you up," and asserted, "I'm the landlord. You work for me."

In the post-fight interview, Joshua confirmed the likelihood of the blockbuster matchup. "Contracts will be sent over. You'll probably see us in the ring," he stated, though he noted he is still dealing with personal matters following the recent loss of two close friends. A clash between the two British heavyweights has long been considered one of the sport's biggest potential events. Fury also paid respects to the late Ricky Hatton during his ring walk, wearing shorts embroidered with "RIP Ricky" to honor the former Manchester world champion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Lil Yachty recently made his WWE debut on SmackDown, aligning with Trick Williams and securing an invitation to WrestleMania 42
• Following backlash from fans frustrated with the heavy influx of celebrities involved in this year's event, the rapper took to social media to fiercely defend his appearance
• Yachty asserted his genuine, long-standing passion for professional wrestling, stating that he watches the shows religiously and knows more history than most of his critics

Lil Yachty is not letting anyone ruin his WrestleMania moment. Following his surprise debut on WWE SmackDown, the Atlanta rapper has found himself at the center of a heated debate among professional wrestling purists regarding the influx of celebrity cameos. After securing an on-air invitation from rising superstar Trick Williams to attend WrestleMania 42, Yachty faced immediate online backlash from fans frustrated with the event's increasingly crowded celebrity roster. Refusing to let gatekeepers diminish his milestone, the Grammy-nominated artist took to social media to passionately defend his deep-rooted love for the sport and validate his place inside the squared circle.

The controversy officially ignited on April 3, when Lil Yachty made an electrifying appearance on SmackDown. Aligning himself with Trick Williams, the rapper helped orchestrate a calculated attack on United States Champion Sami Zayn during a promo segment. The appearance concluded with Williams formally inviting Yachty to accompany him for his highly anticipated title match at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. While many viewers enjoyed the organic chemistry between the two, a vocal segment of the WWE Universe expressed severe fatigue over the sheer number of celebrities—including Jelly Roll, Pat McAfee, and iShowSpeed—infiltrating the company's biggest storylines ahead of its flagship event.

When a fan-made mock poster began circulating online criticizing the corporate synergy and celebrity saturation, Yachty firmly separated himself from the pack of casual celebrity guests. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he delivered a pointed message to the critics. “I understand y'all upset but don't try and step on my f—king moment," he wrote. "I'm at the TV screen every Monday and Friday religiously. I've been to more PLE's [Premium Live Events] than most. I probably know more history than most of y'all. Who's to say I don't deserve to be apart of something I love so dearly?”

Unlike previous celebrity crossovers that occasionally felt manufactured strictly for press cycles, many supporters quickly rallied behind Yachty, noting that his presence felt like a natural extension of his genuine fandom. The rapper has been a regular staple in the audience at WWE events for years, quietly paying his dues as a true fan before ever stepping over the barricade.

With WrestleMania 42 rapidly approaching on April 18 and 19 in Las Vegas, all eyes will be on Lil Yachty as he steps into his newly minted role. Whether he physically gets involved in the United States Championship clash between Trick Williams and Sami Zayn or simply serves as the ultimate hype man, the rapper has made one thing abundantly clear: his spot was earned, and he belongs there.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by WWE (@wwe)

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Jackie Young and the Las Vegas Aces are close to agreeing on a one-year contract worth $1.19 million USD, according to a Thursday report from ESPN
• The monumental agreement will officially make the four-time All-Star the first million-dollar athlete in the history of the WNBA
• The deal keeps the 28-year-old guard off the free-agent market as the Aces look to retain other key stars like A'ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray

The Las Vegas Aces are officially making WNBA history. According to recent reports, All-Star guard Jackie Young and the Aces are close to agreeing on a groundbreaking one-year deal. Expected to be worth $1.19 million USD, the landmark contract reported by ESPN will officially make Young the very first million-dollar athlete in the history of the WNBA, signaling a massive financial shift for the league's top talent and setting a new benchmark for player compensation.

The reported $1.19 million USD figure represents the maximum salary amount for players who are not eligible for the WNBA's newly established $1.4 million USD max contract. By securing this lucrative deal, the Aces successfully keep the 28-year-old standout off the open free-agent market ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive and historic offseason.

Young has been an instrumental piece of the Aces' ongoing dynasty. Drafted first overall by Las Vegas out of Notre Dame in 2019, she has blossomed into a premier two-way player. During the 2025 season, the guard averaged an impressive 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, helping power the Aces to their third WNBA championship in just four years. Over the course of her career, Young has racked up a highly decorated resume, including four All-Star appearances, two All-WNBA selections, and the 2022 Most Improved Player award. She also boasts two Olympic gold medals—winning in 3x3 at the Tokyo Games and 5-on-5 in Paris—alongside a 2018 NCAA national championship.

With Young's return reportedly guaranteed, the Aces' front office can now shift its focus toward securing the rest of its championship core. The franchise will heavily attempt to retain superstar center A'ja Wilson—a four-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP who has already stated her desire to return to Vegas—along with six-time All-Star guard Chelsea Gray.

As the historic $1.19 million USD agreement nears finalization, Jackie Young's contract officially ushers in a new, highly lucrative era for WNBA free agency.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Entering exclusive negotiations to replace adidas as the official match ball supplier for UEFA men’s club competitions starting in 2027
• Projected to double the sponsorship value to over €40 million annually across the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League
• Aims to bolster football category dominance and brand visibility ahead of the 2026 World Cup amid recent stock performance challenges

Nike is on the verge of securing a landmark partnership to become the official match ball provider for all UEFA men's club competitions. This monumental shift marks the end of a 25-year era historically dominated by rival adidas. Facilitated by the UEFA-European Club Association joint venture known as UC3, the proposed four-year deal follows a highly competitive tender process deliberately designed to maximize commercial revenue. Operations under the new banner are slated to commence with the 2027-28 season.

The expansive agreement encompasses the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, effectively centralizing match ball rights under a single brand identity. For the Swoosh, securing this pitch real estate represents a major strategic victory under the leadership of CEO Elliott Hill. The move builds directly on the brand's recent, highly publicized successful bid to replace adidas as the primary kit supplier for the German Football Association.

Centralizing European football’s most prestigious club tournaments serves as a cornerstone in a broader corporate effort to regain dominant market share in the global sportswear category. The American giant is aggressively navigating intense financial pressures, alongside an 11-year low in overall stock value, making these high-visibility acquisitions crucial for long-term stabilization. Dominating the Champions League broadcasts offers unparalleled cultural capital and global reach.

While adidas officially confirmed its impending departure from the historic partnership, the German brand will continue to supply match balls for the Champions League through the culmination of the 2026-27 cycle. This transition timeline guarantees Nike a massive runway for significant global exposure leading up to and immediately following the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. Securing the UEFA stage ultimately offers a premium, high-profile platform for cutting-edge product innovation and aggressive brand storytelling during a critical turnaround period for the company.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• Red Bull head of racing Gianpiero Lambiase has agreed to join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer no later than 2028
• Lambiase will report to Andrea Stella to oversee race team leadership and streamline the team's management structure
• The move follows a series of high-profile departures from Red Bull Racing including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley

Gianpiero Lambiase, the iconic race engineer behind Max Verstappen’s dominant run, has officially inked a deal to join McLaren once his Red Bull Racing contract wraps up in 2028. Stepping into the newly minted role of Chief Racing Officer, “GP” will take over trackside operations from team principal Andrea Stella, freeing Stella to steer the broader technical and executive vision.

McLaren’s aggressive recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing down. Lambiase’s move to Woking reunites him with former Red Bull heavyweights Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay, underscoring McLaren's ambition to stockpile top-tier paddock talent. Despite the bombshell announcement, Red Bull confirmed Lambiase will retain his dual role as head of racing and Verstappen’s right-hand man until his scheduled exit.

The shakeup hits during a seismic transitional era for Red Bull. Following the massive departures of Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and Christian Horner, the team's foundations are looking increasingly vulnerable. Lambiase’s exit only fuels the roaring speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future, especially given the reigning champ's vocal frustrations over the 2026 technical regulations and rumors of an impending contract opt-out.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

As the 2026 World Cup countdown begins, the way football is being discussed is undergoing subtle changes. While the spotlight still shines on professional leagues, national teams, and top players, the intense focus is gradually extending into different arenas—streets, communities, media, and even daily life expressions. Football is becoming a more multi-dimensional experience, with participants at various levels bringing it to life in their own unique ways.

Nike Toma MIAMI

In this context, if we look at Nike Football's actions globally over the past six months, it becomes clear that they aren't simply about a "return" or an emphasis on a single style of football. Instead, Nike is driving multiple things forward simultaneously: On one hand, it continues to serve professional stadiums and enhance athlete performance; on the other, it's enabling more people to engage with football in different ways. From Portland to Miami to Shanghai, these seemingly scattered events are slowly piecing together a more complete picture of contemporary football.

Before the whistle blows, jerseys already learn to breathe.

At the end of 2025, Nike hosted the Nike Innovation Football Camp at their Portland headquarters—not a simple historical exhibition, but a bold move forward. Decades of Nike's football innovations were reimagined in ways that could be understood and experienced today: from early milestones in football innovation, to iconic shoes and jerseys that left their mark on different eras, to the legendary athletes who wowed generations. Every historical element was reactivated, turning "history" into a present-day expression. Undoubtedly the most captivating moment was the unveiling of the revolutionary Aero-FIT fabric technology and the surprise appearance of Francesco Totti, bringing the connection between past and present to its peak.

One of the major highlights was the groundbreaking Aero-FIT fabric technology, Nike's most breathable material to date, which was featured prominently at the event. In Portland's Mad Research Lab, Hypebeast delved into the athlete's world to see how Aero-FIT responds to the ever-increasing challenges of heat. During a two-hour co-creation workshop, the Aero-FIT jersey became the creative canvas, blending performance innovation, creative expression, and football culture. During the first day of the Hypebeast Cup, Nike's Senior Director of Global Football Apparel Design, Stuart McArthur, also shared the magic of this technology.

Before the whistle blows, jerseys already learn to breathe.

It’s in this context that Aero-FIT was integrated into the 2026 national team jerseys, becoming the core foundation for the designs of this World Cup cycle. As high temperatures increasingly impact the playing field, jerseys are no longer just visual or identity symbols; they must also address immediate physical challenges. Through adjustments in structure and fabric weaving, Aero-FIT boosts air circulation while maintaining a lightweight feel, incorporating patterns and prints directly into the fabric itself, eliminating the need to sacrifice performance for aesthetics. On March 27, China’s national football team, wearing the new Aero-FIT jerseys, triumphed over Curacao in the 2026 international qualifiers, marking a strong start. Nike's new kit for China combines traditional colors and cultural symbols with fresh, dynamic visual elements, offering players and fans a rejuvenated matchday experience.

Nike's new national team jerseys also offer a more narrative-driven design. Under a unified design language, each jersey revolves around the unique identity of its team, continuing tradition while introducing bold visual expressions. From Brazil's "frightening smile" to France's "great heist," from the Netherlands' "orange dominance" to England's "lion-hearted glory," the cultural essence of each country is translated into dramatic graphic language. From the field to the streets, these jerseys remain the most direct expression of football culture, continuously reinterpreted in the daily lives of fans.

Hypebeast Cup Shanghai: Football Beyond the Field

If Nike Football's global actions have built a unique expression of the brand, the Hypebeast Cup in Shanghai brought this framework directly into the real world. Around the 2026 World Cup cycle, products and content were presented to football and streetwear fans alike, offering a hands-on experience—everything from the Heritage archive jersey exhibition, the new national team kits designed for modern competition, to the Aero-FIT experience area that showcased cutting-edge fabric technology. Nike condensed the past, present, and future into a single space.

The Hypebeast Cup was more than just a tournament or exhibition; it became a living, breathing space for football culture. Technology served performance, products carried history, and communities provided a medium for expression—football was no longer just something to watch, but a language everyone could participate in and redefine. Over the two days of the event, this participatory culture was amplified—looser rhythms and more street-inspired challenges turned the game itself into a form of expression.

In this context, Nike Toma presented an entirely new form of street football: restless, chaotic, free, yet deeply immersive. In this space, everyone is the protagonist, and offense is the only language. Nike nurtures the next generation of football culture in a pure way, cultivating a culture that belongs to the youth. During the Nike Toma Miami finals in December 2025, Hypebeast also followed the perspective of Mika to experience the charm of Toma first-hand. Perhaps in the near future, Chinese football fans will also experience their own Toma locally.

End of 2025, Nike and PALACE open Manor Place in London

From the field to the street and daily life, football's rhythm naturally flows into urban culture. Nike Football's iconic memories are being reimagined here—from the earlier Hollywood Keepers series, which reinterpreted classic goalkeeper kits through a street lens, to the upcoming MAD 90 collection, which incorporates iconic boot design language into daily wear. Each item allows the rhythms and emotions of specific eras to continue unfolding in the streets and communities, reinterpreted by real-life crowds. The boundaries between on-field and off-field are fading; football is no longer just about matches but a cultural practice that's always ready to be engaged with and expressed.

Marcus Rashford in PALACE SKATEBOARDS x Nike England National Team Kit

Earlier this month, England forward Marcus Rashford arrived at St. George's Park wearing the PALACE SKATEBOARDS x Nike England national team jersey, officially kicking off Nike Football's major World Cup campaign. The national team jersey is no longer just for the pitch; it’s continually reinterpreted on the streets and in community events, becoming a cross-regional symbol of streetwear culture.

When these actions across different cities are connected, Nike Football's World Cup cycle is no longer just a countdown in time—it's an assault spreading out from the pitch: centered around athlete innovation, community-driven participation, and localized connections built in various cities. Football is being reorganized—it no longer belongs solely to the 90 minutes of competition but to everyone who wants to step onto the "field." From Portland to Miami to Shanghai, these seemingly isolated events all point to the same thing: the soul of football doesn't start only after the whistle blows. It is instinct, it is attack, it is present in every unbounded moment—and Nike is making it happen ahead of schedule.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

• The Chicago Sky have officially traded star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in a massive blockbuster deal
• In exchange for the 23-year-old rebounding sensation, Chicago receives two future first-round draft picks (2027 and 2028), while Atlanta also acquires 2028 second-round pick swap rights
• The major transaction arrives at the start of a condensed WNBA offseason and follows growing tensions between Reese and the Sky organization late in the 2025 season

The WNBA free agency period has officially kicked off with an absolute blockbuster. The Chicago Sky have announced that they are trading two-time All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The massive offseason move sends the former No. 7 overall pick to a highly competitive, playoff-ready Atlanta roster in exchange for a significant package of draft capital, completely shaking up the league's landscape ahead of the 2026 season.

In exchange for parting ways with their franchise centerpiece, the Chicago Sky are receiving a pair of first-round draft picks—one in 2027 and another in 2028. Alongside Reese, the Atlanta Dream will also receive second-round pick swap rights for the 2028 WNBA Draft. Chicago General Manager Jeff Pagliocca noted in a press statement that the trade was "designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties," thanking Reese for her numerous record-breaking contributions over her first two years in the league.

The trade effectively closes the book on a somewhat tumultuous sophomore season for Reese in Chicago. Despite tying for the league lead with 23 double-doubles and averaging a league-best 12.6 rebounds per game in 2025, Reese's relationship with the Sky grew visibly strained as the team tumbled to a disappointing 10-34 finish. Late last season, she openly voiced frustrations regarding the roster's talent level and was briefly suspended for a half-game for comments deemed detrimental to the team. Although reports indicated Reese did not formally request a trade, the Sky reportedly worked closely with her to find a favorable new home.

Now, Reese is headed south to join an emerging Atlanta Dream squad that finished the 2025 season with a franchise-record 30 wins under head coach Karl Smesko. She will seamlessly plug into a competitive roster spearheaded by established stars like Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. "I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization," Reese said in a statement. "I'm focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I've got to the Dream."

Reese enthusiastically confirmed the massive trade on her social media channels, posting, “An Angel's DREAM. ATL, WHAT UP?!” The blockbuster deal serves as the first major move of a condensed WNBA offseason, setting the stage for what is expected to be an incredibly active free agency period.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast