* It’s been a while since Joe Maddon managed the Rays, but he’s still a player in Tampa Bay. He’s bringing back his charity event, Thanksmas, on Dec. 17 at his Ava Restaurant in South Tampa.
* Nationally, the sports betting industry took in $13.71 billion in 2024.
* According to Forbes, the NFL was home to 13 of the 21 most valuable sports franchises in the world. Topping the list at $10.1 billion was the Dallas Cowboys.
* FIFA released its men’s world soccer rankings in advance of the upcoming World Cup in 2026. The US, which defeated Uruguay, 5-1, in Tampa last month, is ranked 14th. FIFA’s top five: Spain, Argentina, France, England and Brazil.
* FSU women won their fifth national championship in soccer.