President Donald Trump said on 18 June that he expects Apple Inc. to purchase a large quantity of “Trump Gold Cards,” a loyalty-style payment product linked to his brand.

Trump did not disclose financial terms, timing or the intended use of the cards by Apple. The iPhone maker has not issued a public response to the statement.

The Tampa Bay Rays are in advanced negotiations to sell the Major League Baseball franchise to a group headed by Jacksonville-based home builder Patrick Zalupski, according to multiple reports from Sportico and other outlets.

Both sides have signed a non-binding letter of intent that values the club at roughly $1.7 billion. People familiar with the talks said the Zalupski consortium is the only bidder currently engaged with the team.

The deal has not been finalized, and similar efforts to sell the Rays have stalled in the past under current owner Stu Sternberg. A completed transaction would still need to clear customary steps, including formal approval from Major League Baseball’s ownership ranks.

Coinbase Global Inc. shares surged as much as 10% on Wednesday, climbing from the low-$270 range to an intraday high near $285. The move put the stock at its strongest level since before April, when it fell below $175 during the broad sell-off that followed the introduction of a 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods.

Traders pointed to a decisive technical breakout above resistance at $272 and renewed expectations that the cryptocurrency exchange operator could be added to the S&P 500 later this year. Options activity intensified during the rally, amplifying momentum in the shares.

Eric Trump said he has no public role in a new company linked to the Tron blockchain network, contradicting earlier reporting by the Financial Times that suggested he was involved in the venture.

In posts on 16 June, Trump described himself as “the biggest fan of Tron” and praised the network’s founder Justin Sun as “an icon in the crypto space,” but stressed that the media claims of his participation in the company or an associated U.S. listing were “inaccurate.”

Former midfielder Xabi Alonso was pictured at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on 15 June, taking part in a session alongside forward Vinícius Júnior. Images released by the club show the pair interacting on the pitch as the squad continued its pre-season preparations.

Alonso’s presence at training follows weeks of speculation about his potential role in the club’s technical staff. While Real Madrid has not yet announced any official appointment, local media have described his involvement as part of a “new era” at the Bernabéu, heightening expectations that he could join the coaching setup.

With the 2025 NBA Draft less than two weeks away, multiple media reports say the San Antonio Spurs have not committed to selecting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick.

Harper has long been projected to follow Duke forward Cooper Flagg, who is widely expected to go first to the Dallas Mavericks. However, reporting from AmicoHoops and other outlets indicates the Spurs are continuing to evaluate alternatives and are open to trade scenarios.

Read more

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have publicly backed Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur amid persistent rumors about his potential departure from the Formula 1 team. Hamilton dismissed the speculation as "nonsense" and criticized the Italian media for spreading unfounded stories, emphasizing his commitment to working with Vasseur to bring Ferrari back to the top. Leclerc also expressed surprise at rumors suggesting he might leave Ferrari, reaffirming his loyalty to the team. Vasseur himself responded to the rumors by describing his position as inherently fragile but stated he remains "super calm." He strongly condemned the Italian media and certain journalists for disrespectful and misleading reporting, highlighting the negative impact these rumors have on the team. The situation has drawn commentary from various F1 figures, including former driver Jean Alesi, who criticized the excessive influence of the press on Ferrari. The speculation comes amid a challenging start to the season for Ferrari and Hamilton, fueling media scrutiny over the team's leadership and performance.

Tencent Holdings Ltd. has been reported to be studying a potential acquisition of South Korean game developer Nexon, with the deal valued at approximately $15 billion (around 20 trillion won). Tencent has approached the family of Nexon's late founder Kim Jung-ju, who controls 44.4% of Nexon through NXC Corp. Discussions are described as preliminary.

Nexon, known for titles such as Dungeon & Fighter Mobile and its investments in Web3 projects including MapleStory Universe and Oasys, saw its shares surge by 10% following the reports. The potential acquisition is viewed as a move by Tencent to strengthen its presence in the gaming sector and the Korean cultural content market. However, the proposed deal has raised concerns within the Korean games industry, with some viewing it as a national security threat due to increasing Chinese investment in Korean content. On June 18, Tencent officially denied reports of its interest in acquiring Nexon, labeling the acquisition rumors as untrue.

Bojangles, the fast-food chain known for its fried chicken and biscuits, has hired investment bankers to explore a sale, according to multiple published reports including the Wall Street Journal.

Sources familiar with the process said the company is seeking a valuation of roughly $1.5 billion. The review comes amid robust consumer demand for fried chicken, prompting the Charlotte-based restaurant operator to gauge interest from potential buyers. Bojangles was previously listed on public markets under the ticker symbol $BOJA before going private in 2019.

Henri Giscard d'Estaing, CEO of Club Med, recently expressed a vision for the company's long-term development, including the potential for a stock market listing. However, the company's owner has since clarified that there is no current plan for an initial public offering (IPO). Giscard d'Estaing emphasized that his remarks were intended to outline a strategic direction rather than announce an imminent market debut. He highlighted that Club Med operates in the most promising segment of the tourism market and presented the company's 'Forever Young' development plan. Despite the IPO proposal being set aside, Giscard d'Estaing stated that there is no disagreement with the Chinese shareholder regarding the company's future strategy.

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish has been excluded from the club's 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, signaling a potential departure from the club this summer. Grealish, who joined Manchester City in a record transfer worth £100 million and earns £300,000 per week, has made only seven Premier League starts this season despite having two years remaining on his contract. The decision to omit Grealish from the squad has prompted speculation about Manchester City's intention to sell the player. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland expressed his disappointment over Grealish's absence from the squad on social media, highlighting the impact of the decision on team dynamics. The situation reflects a challenging period for Grealish at Manchester City under manager Pep Guardiola, who reportedly is seeking to move the English midfielder on after investing 117 million euros in his transfer.

General Mills Inc. is weighing the sale of its Häagen-Dazs ice-cream store network in China, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The proposed divestment would involve about 250 outlets across the country, according to media reports issued on 11 June. The review is at a preliminary stage and the U.S. food maker could still decide to keep the business.

Following the disclosure, General Mills’ shares (ticker GIS) eased roughly 0.1% in U.S. pre-market trading.

Mario Lemieux, Ron Burkle, and David Morehouse, the trio that sold the Pittsburgh Penguins to Fenway Sports Group in 2021, are reportedly exploring the possibility of buying back the NHL team. Sources indicate that Fenway Sports Group, which has been considering selling a partial share of the Penguins, is also in discussions with another potential buyer. However, Fenway Sports Group has stated that it is not looking to sell control of the team. The Burkle/Lemieux/Morehouse group declined to comment on the matter. These developments suggest ongoing negotiations and interest from multiple parties regarding the ownership of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is evaluating the possibility of acquiring key assets from British Petroleum (BP), including upstream, downstream, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and gas portfolios. This consideration comes amid speculation that BP may break itself up or face pressure to divest more units. BP’s portfolios are heavily weighted toward the US, which is a strategic factor for potential buyers. ADNOC's subsidiary, XRG, is reportedly involved in assessing mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on BP's LNG and gas assets. The prospect of ADNOC entering the market for BP's assets has intensified takeover speculation.

Marc Murtra, CEO of Telefónica, addressed speculation regarding the company's potential acquisition of Vodafone, describing such rumors as market speculation. Murtra appeared before the Spanish Congress to discuss Telefónica's strategic plans related to defense investments. He emphasized Telefónica's commitment to supporting the Spanish government's defense initiatives, coordinated by Indra, and highlighted the company's intention to facilitate mergers within the European telecommunications sector. Meanwhile, a fund managed by Josep Maria Echarri has raised 120 million euros in under six months, earmarked for acquiring a telecommunications firm, signaling ongoing investment activity in the sector.

Anduril Industries, a defense technology company founded by Palmer Luckey, has confirmed plans to go public in the future. Palmer Luckey, the company's CEO, stated unequivocally that Anduril will "definitely" become a publicly traded company. This announcement follows the company's recent recognition as the top company on CNBC's Disruptor 50 list, highlighting its growing prominence in the defense tech sector.

Jack Grealish is reportedly set to leave Manchester City this summer, with several Premier League clubs expressing interest in signing the 29-year-old midfielder. Sources indicate that Grealish has accepted that his time at City is over and is seeking a fresh start to revive his career. Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Newcastle United are among the clubs leading the pursuit for his signature. Manchester City appears to be considering a replacement for Florian Wirtz, which may be influencing Grealish's potential departure. The move comes amid speculation that Grealish has not fully met expectations during his tenure at City.

The Miami Dolphins began their three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday without two high-profile veterans. All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey was an excused absence as the club and player continue to pursue a trade, while newly acquired tight end Jonnu Smith skipped practice without permission in an effort to secure a new contract.

Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Ramsey will not be fined, describing the situation as "business." Smith, whose absence is unexcused, could incur more than $100,000 in fines if he misses the full week. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who had stayed away from voluntary workouts, reported and took part in drills.

Read more

Diageo Plc, the British distiller and owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) through its Indian unit United Spirits Ltd., is considering options for its ownership of the team. The company is holding discussions with potential advisers regarding a possible sale of part or all of the club, with a potential valuation of up to $2 billion.

RCB, founded 18 years ago and originally owned by Vijay Mallya, recently won its first-ever IPL championship in 2025 after defeating Punjab Kings in the final. The team’s biggest star is Virat Kohli. Following reports of a potential sale, shares of United Spirits rose in Mumbai trading.

Read more

Ange Postecoglou was recently sacked as Tottenham Hotspur's head coach just 16 days after leading the club to its first trophy in 17 years, a 1-0 victory over Manchester in the Europa League final. The decision to dismiss Postecoglou has been described as "strange" by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven and has drawn public commentary, including a call from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne urging the club to reconsider. Following his departure, an emotional exchange of text messages between Postecoglou and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has emerged, with Postecoglou expressing pride and gratitude for their time together. Despite the sacking, Postecoglou is reportedly lined up for a swift return to management, with rumors linking him to a Premier League club and suggestions he may soon take up a new managerial role. Postecoglou had also previously predicted his own sacking, according to resurfaced quotes.

President Donald Trump said on 18 June that he expects Apple Inc. to purchase a large quantity of “Trump Gold Cards,” a loyalty-style payment product linked to his brand.

Trump did not disclose financial terms, timing or the intended use of the cards by Apple. The iPhone maker has not issued a public response to the statement.

The Tampa Bay Rays are in advanced negotiations to sell the Major League Baseball franchise to a group headed by Jacksonville-based home builder Patrick Zalupski, according to multiple reports from Sportico and other outlets.

Both sides have signed a non-binding letter of intent that values the club at roughly $1.7 billion. People familiar with the talks said the Zalupski consortium is the only bidder currently engaged with the team.

The deal has not been finalized, and similar efforts to sell the Rays have stalled in the past under current owner Stu Sternberg. A completed transaction would still need to clear customary steps, including formal approval from Major League Baseball’s ownership ranks.

Coinbase Global Inc. shares surged as much as 10% on Wednesday, climbing from the low-$270 range to an intraday high near $285. The move put the stock at its strongest level since before April, when it fell below $175 during the broad sell-off that followed the introduction of a 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods.

Traders pointed to a decisive technical breakout above resistance at $272 and renewed expectations that the cryptocurrency exchange operator could be added to the S&P 500 later this year. Options activity intensified during the rally, amplifying momentum in the shares.

Eric Trump said he has no public role in a new company linked to the Tron blockchain network, contradicting earlier reporting by the Financial Times that suggested he was involved in the venture.

In posts on 16 June, Trump described himself as “the biggest fan of Tron” and praised the network’s founder Justin Sun as “an icon in the crypto space,” but stressed that the media claims of his participation in the company or an associated U.S. listing were “inaccurate.”

Former midfielder Xabi Alonso was pictured at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on 15 June, taking part in a session alongside forward Vinícius Júnior. Images released by the club show the pair interacting on the pitch as the squad continued its pre-season preparations.

Alonso’s presence at training follows weeks of speculation about his potential role in the club’s technical staff. While Real Madrid has not yet announced any official appointment, local media have described his involvement as part of a “new era” at the Bernabéu, heightening expectations that he could join the coaching setup.

With the 2025 NBA Draft less than two weeks away, multiple media reports say the San Antonio Spurs have not committed to selecting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick.

Harper has long been projected to follow Duke forward Cooper Flagg, who is widely expected to go first to the Dallas Mavericks. However, reporting from AmicoHoops and other outlets indicates the Spurs are continuing to evaluate alternatives and are open to trade scenarios.

Read more

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have publicly backed Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur amid persistent rumors about his potential departure from the Formula 1 team. Hamilton dismissed the speculation as "nonsense" and criticized the Italian media for spreading unfounded stories, emphasizing his commitment to working with Vasseur to bring Ferrari back to the top. Leclerc also expressed surprise at rumors suggesting he might leave Ferrari, reaffirming his loyalty to the team. Vasseur himself responded to the rumors by describing his position as inherently fragile but stated he remains "super calm." He strongly condemned the Italian media and certain journalists for disrespectful and misleading reporting, highlighting the negative impact these rumors have on the team. The situation has drawn commentary from various F1 figures, including former driver Jean Alesi, who criticized the excessive influence of the press on Ferrari. The speculation comes amid a challenging start to the season for Ferrari and Hamilton, fueling media scrutiny over the team's leadership and performance.

Tencent Holdings Ltd. has been reported to be studying a potential acquisition of South Korean game developer Nexon, with the deal valued at approximately $15 billion (around 20 trillion won). Tencent has approached the family of Nexon's late founder Kim Jung-ju, who controls 44.4% of Nexon through NXC Corp. Discussions are described as preliminary.

Nexon, known for titles such as Dungeon & Fighter Mobile and its investments in Web3 projects including MapleStory Universe and Oasys, saw its shares surge by 10% following the reports. The potential acquisition is viewed as a move by Tencent to strengthen its presence in the gaming sector and the Korean cultural content market. However, the proposed deal has raised concerns within the Korean games industry, with some viewing it as a national security threat due to increasing Chinese investment in Korean content. On June 18, Tencent officially denied reports of its interest in acquiring Nexon, labeling the acquisition rumors as untrue.

Bojangles, the fast-food chain known for its fried chicken and biscuits, has hired investment bankers to explore a sale, according to multiple published reports including the Wall Street Journal.

Sources familiar with the process said the company is seeking a valuation of roughly $1.5 billion. The review comes amid robust consumer demand for fried chicken, prompting the Charlotte-based restaurant operator to gauge interest from potential buyers. Bojangles was previously listed on public markets under the ticker symbol $BOJA before going private in 2019.

Henri Giscard d'Estaing, CEO of Club Med, recently expressed a vision for the company's long-term development, including the potential for a stock market listing. However, the company's owner has since clarified that there is no current plan for an initial public offering (IPO). Giscard d'Estaing emphasized that his remarks were intended to outline a strategic direction rather than announce an imminent market debut. He highlighted that Club Med operates in the most promising segment of the tourism market and presented the company's 'Forever Young' development plan. Despite the IPO proposal being set aside, Giscard d'Estaing stated that there is no disagreement with the Chinese shareholder regarding the company's future strategy.

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish has been excluded from the club's 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, signaling a potential departure from the club this summer. Grealish, who joined Manchester City in a record transfer worth £100 million and earns £300,000 per week, has made only seven Premier League starts this season despite having two years remaining on his contract. The decision to omit Grealish from the squad has prompted speculation about Manchester City's intention to sell the player. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland expressed his disappointment over Grealish's absence from the squad on social media, highlighting the impact of the decision on team dynamics. The situation reflects a challenging period for Grealish at Manchester City under manager Pep Guardiola, who reportedly is seeking to move the English midfielder on after investing 117 million euros in his transfer.

General Mills Inc. is weighing the sale of its Häagen-Dazs ice-cream store network in China, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The proposed divestment would involve about 250 outlets across the country, according to media reports issued on 11 June. The review is at a preliminary stage and the U.S. food maker could still decide to keep the business.

Following the disclosure, General Mills’ shares (ticker GIS) eased roughly 0.1% in U.S. pre-market trading.

Mario Lemieux, Ron Burkle, and David Morehouse, the trio that sold the Pittsburgh Penguins to Fenway Sports Group in 2021, are reportedly exploring the possibility of buying back the NHL team. Sources indicate that Fenway Sports Group, which has been considering selling a partial share of the Penguins, is also in discussions with another potential buyer. However, Fenway Sports Group has stated that it is not looking to sell control of the team. The Burkle/Lemieux/Morehouse group declined to comment on the matter. These developments suggest ongoing negotiations and interest from multiple parties regarding the ownership of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is evaluating the possibility of acquiring key assets from British Petroleum (BP), including upstream, downstream, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and gas portfolios. This consideration comes amid speculation that BP may break itself up or face pressure to divest more units. BP’s portfolios are heavily weighted toward the US, which is a strategic factor for potential buyers. ADNOC's subsidiary, XRG, is reportedly involved in assessing mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on BP's LNG and gas assets. The prospect of ADNOC entering the market for BP's assets has intensified takeover speculation.

Marc Murtra, CEO of Telefónica, addressed speculation regarding the company's potential acquisition of Vodafone, describing such rumors as market speculation. Murtra appeared before the Spanish Congress to discuss Telefónica's strategic plans related to defense investments. He emphasized Telefónica's commitment to supporting the Spanish government's defense initiatives, coordinated by Indra, and highlighted the company's intention to facilitate mergers within the European telecommunications sector. Meanwhile, a fund managed by Josep Maria Echarri has raised 120 million euros in under six months, earmarked for acquiring a telecommunications firm, signaling ongoing investment activity in the sector.

Anduril Industries, a defense technology company founded by Palmer Luckey, has confirmed plans to go public in the future. Palmer Luckey, the company's CEO, stated unequivocally that Anduril will "definitely" become a publicly traded company. This announcement follows the company's recent recognition as the top company on CNBC's Disruptor 50 list, highlighting its growing prominence in the defense tech sector.

Jack Grealish is reportedly set to leave Manchester City this summer, with several Premier League clubs expressing interest in signing the 29-year-old midfielder. Sources indicate that Grealish has accepted that his time at City is over and is seeking a fresh start to revive his career. Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Newcastle United are among the clubs leading the pursuit for his signature. Manchester City appears to be considering a replacement for Florian Wirtz, which may be influencing Grealish's potential departure. The move comes amid speculation that Grealish has not fully met expectations during his tenure at City.

The Miami Dolphins began their three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday without two high-profile veterans. All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey was an excused absence as the club and player continue to pursue a trade, while newly acquired tight end Jonnu Smith skipped practice without permission in an effort to secure a new contract.

Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Ramsey will not be fined, describing the situation as "business." Smith, whose absence is unexcused, could incur more than $100,000 in fines if he misses the full week. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who had stayed away from voluntary workouts, reported and took part in drills.

Read more

Diageo Plc, the British distiller and owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) through its Indian unit United Spirits Ltd., is considering options for its ownership of the team. The company is holding discussions with potential advisers regarding a possible sale of part or all of the club, with a potential valuation of up to $2 billion.

RCB, founded 18 years ago and originally owned by Vijay Mallya, recently won its first-ever IPL championship in 2025 after defeating Punjab Kings in the final. The team’s biggest star is Virat Kohli. Following reports of a potential sale, shares of United Spirits rose in Mumbai trading.

Read more

Ange Postecoglou was recently sacked as Tottenham Hotspur's head coach just 16 days after leading the club to its first trophy in 17 years, a 1-0 victory over Manchester in the Europa League final. The decision to dismiss Postecoglou has been described as "strange" by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven and has drawn public commentary, including a call from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne urging the club to reconsider. Following his departure, an emotional exchange of text messages between Postecoglou and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has emerged, with Postecoglou expressing pride and gratitude for their time together. Despite the sacking, Postecoglou is reportedly lined up for a swift return to management, with rumors linking him to a Premier League club and suggestions he may soon take up a new managerial role. Postecoglou had also previously predicted his own sacking, according to resurfaced quotes.