Pattaya Hosts Opening of Asia Cross Country Rally 2026

Don Nelson, one of the most influential coaches in NBA history and the league’s second-winningest coach, has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed that the basketball icon passed away peacefully on Sunday surrounded by loved ones. In a statement, Nelson’s family said friends and relatives had gathered around him during his final days, sharing memories and celebrating a life that left a deep mark on basketball. Nelson’s career stretched across more than three decades. He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, compiling an extraordinary regular-season record of 1,335 wins and 1,063 losses. His total ranks second all-time behind Gregg Popovich. Known for his fearless approach and willingness to challenge traditional basketball thinking, Nelson became synonymous with “Nellie Ball.” His system emphasized speed, spacing and versatile players, often sacrificing size for athleticism and offensive flexibility. The strategy became particularly influential during his time with Golden State and Dallas, where he repeatedly pushed opponents into uncomfortable matchups. Before becoming a coaching legend, Nelson enjoyed an outstanding playing career. He spent 14 NBA seasons and won five championships with the Boston Celtics, making him one of the most decorated players of his generation. His No. 19 jersey was later retired by Boston. Nelson also earned the NBA Coach of the Year award three times and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2025, he received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, another recognition of his extraordinary coaching career. Nelson never won an NBA championship as a head coach, but his ideas helped reshape how the game was played. His legacy lives on in the pace, spacing and positionless basketball that define much of today’s NBA.

The Abu Dhabi T10 League is preparing for a major transformation as it heads towards its 10th season, with new ownership and stronger institutional oversight expected to reshape the tournament following a series of controversies. The league, launched in 2017 as the world’s first major T10 cricket competition, has attracted international players and significant attention for its fast-paced format. However, allegations and investigations linked to corruption, payment disputes involving players and frequent changes in franchise ownership have affected its reputation in recent years. In response to these challenges, the Abu Dhabi government has taken a more direct role in the competition. Through the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, the government has acquired a majority stake in the league, a move aimed at bringing greater stability and long-term planning to the tournament. The authorities are now seeking new franchise owners through a competitive bidding process being conducted under the supervision of Deloitte. Final offers are expected to be submitted later this week, potentially marking a new chapter for the league. Abu Dhabi Sports Council chief executive Matt Boucher said the focus is on creating institutional stability and establishing longer-term agreements with franchise owners. The move is expected to provide teams with greater certainty while helping the competition strengthen its commercial and sporting foundations. Despite the planned restructuring, officials have indicated that the league will retain its current eight-team format. There are no immediate plans to increase the number of franchises, while expansion over the next three years is also not considered a priority. With fresh ownership, tighter management and a focus on stability, the Abu Dhabi T10 League now hopes to rebuild its credibility and establish itself as a sustainable annual cricket competition in the region.