There's a new NCAA Emerging Sport for Women in town, and that's something to cheer about. At the 2024 NCAA Convention, the Division III membership elevated STUNT, a cheer-based team sport, to emerging sport status. It had already been accepted by Divisions I and II, and now continues its climb toward championship sport status. Event owners, get ready.

The Belmont Stakes are moving because of renovations; are the Preakness Stakes next? Maybe. A new report from the Maryland Thoroughbred Operating Authority suggests that the state should completely rebuild the facilities at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore over the next three years. It's at least one step toward updating the dilapidated venue.

One emerging aspect of tourism just might fall into the category of "What took them so long?" Dementia-friendly tourism and travel are coming into their own. Bolstered by a rising population of active seniors who refuse to be slowed down, this sector is finding a powerful voice. Can it dovetail with sports tourism with options for affected family members?

With just about six months to go before the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, security plans are well underway. Organizers say terrorism and cyberattacks are the two biggest risks the Games face, but drones are not far behind. It's an issue the NFL already has on its radar, as drones increasingly enter restricted airspace.

First, it was the hope that the united bid of Canada, Mexico and the USA would win the 2026 World Cup. Then came the hope among cities that they would be called upon to host games. Now, we're getting down to the real nitty-gritty: the battle to host the final. And no step, it seems, is too drastic, including changing surfaces and even removing seats.

Who will be bidding to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2026? Hard to know as it's still early days yet but one country has spoken up. Organizing esports has been on the IOC's agenda for the past year, and the possibility of Japan hosting it is gaining momentum after the collapse of its bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics in Sapporo.