Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
@realbachscore.bsky.social
I write about college, Olympic and other sports for @wsj.com. Sometimes I post about old-timey sports. No relation to “Bachman Turner Overture,” as an NPR fundraiser once asked.
Pinned
No One Wanted to Finance Their Stadium. Now Every Game Is a Sellout.
Building a professional women’s soccer venue was seen as brash. Now the Kansas City Current’s is a blueprint for others.
www.wsj.com
The stadium for the Kansas City Current -- whose construction 40 banks refused to finance because there had never been a professional stadium built for a women's team -- just finished its second consecutive season of sold-out games.
www.wsj.com/sports/socce...
www.wsj.com/sports/socce...
Reposted by Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
Indiana's Curt Cignetti is the oldest first-time title winner in college football's modern era.
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Indiana's Curt Cignetti is the oldest first-time title winner in college football's modern era.
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
Indiana's Curt Cignetti is the oldest first-time title winner in college football's modern era.
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Indiana's Curt Cignetti is the oldest first-time title winner in college football's modern era.
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
@wsj.com @statsperform.optajoe.com
Curt Cignetti, at 64 years, 7 months, is the oldest first-time champion in modern college football history.
After leading Indiana to the national title, he's shredded the conventional wisdom about where to find championship coaches:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
After leading Indiana to the national title, he's shredded the conventional wisdom about where to find championship coaches:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Curt Cignetti Is College Football’s Oldest First-Time Champion. He’s Just Getting Started.
After toiling for years at smaller programs, the veteran coach led Indiana to the greatest turnaround in the sport’s history. But he already has a plan to keep it going.
www.wsj.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Curt Cignetti, at 64 years, 7 months, is the oldest first-time champion in modern college football history.
After leading Indiana to the national title, he's shredded the conventional wisdom about where to find championship coaches:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
After leading Indiana to the national title, he's shredded the conventional wisdom about where to find championship coaches:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Reposted by Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
There are more candy-stripe pants at Hard Rock Stadium right now than in 28 seasons at Assembly Hall
January 19, 2026 at 10:48 PM
There are more candy-stripe pants at Hard Rock Stadium right now than in 28 seasons at Assembly Hall
“There’s more value in college football than there’s ever been. Even though they’re paying players and it’s more expensive, it’s also worth more.”
Top programs like Texas and Ohio State are worth $1.5 billion+, according to an academic analysis:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Top programs like Texas and Ohio State are worth $1.5 billion+, according to an academic analysis:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
College Football Teams Are Now Worth Billions—and Their Values Are Skyrocketing
An annual analysis of programs found that valuations went up 46% over last year, as talent moves freely around the country and levels the playing field.
www.wsj.com
January 18, 2026 at 6:28 PM
“There’s more value in college football than there’s ever been. Even though they’re paying players and it’s more expensive, it’s also worth more.”
Top programs like Texas and Ohio State are worth $1.5 billion+, according to an academic analysis:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Top programs like Texas and Ohio State are worth $1.5 billion+, according to an academic analysis:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Reposted by Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
Famous University of Miami capitalist Nevin Shapiro is back talking smack ahead of the national title game, to @jareddiamond.bsky.social and @realbachscore.bsky.social
“I was definitely ahead of the curve.”
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
“I was definitely ahead of the curve.”
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
January 17, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Famous University of Miami capitalist Nevin Shapiro is back talking smack ahead of the national title game, to @jareddiamond.bsky.social and @realbachscore.bsky.social
“I was definitely ahead of the curve.”
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
“I was definitely ahead of the curve.”
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The burrito bowl wallpaper goes hard
The Hoosiers’ coach transformed one of college football’s worst programs into a national title contender. But, day after day, his burrito bowl order stays exactly the same. on.wsj.com/3LMbWGy
January 17, 2026 at 1:10 AM
The burrito bowl wallpaper goes hard
“I was definitely ahead of the curve. My way wasn’t better. My way was illegal.” — Nevin Shapiro
The history of paying players in Miami football, and the Hurricanes’ resurgence now that it’s legal.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The history of paying players in Miami football, and the Hurricanes’ resurgence now that it’s legal.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Paying Players Nearly Brought Down Miami Football. Now It Has the Hurricanes in a Title Game.
Miami will take a roster worth around $30 million into Monday’s night national championship clash against Indiana.
www.wsj.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:24 PM
“I was definitely ahead of the curve. My way wasn’t better. My way was illegal.” — Nevin Shapiro
The history of paying players in Miami football, and the Hurricanes’ resurgence now that it’s legal.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The history of paying players in Miami football, and the Hurricanes’ resurgence now that it’s legal.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
It appears Oregon has two QB1s for next year 👀
Moore was projected as a top-five pick, but he's coming back. Oregon will again be a preseason top team next year.
The Ducks have also signed former Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola, who joined Oregon knowing this was a possibility. Could sit behind Moore like Moore did Dillon Gabriel.
The Ducks have also signed former Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola, who joined Oregon knowing this was a possibility. Could sit behind Moore like Moore did Dillon Gabriel.
January 14, 2026 at 7:35 PM
It appears Oregon has two QB1s for next year 👀
Illinois' new football stadium videoboard will be larger than Mount Rushmore.
(17,300 vs 11,000 sf)
via Sports Business Journal, wonders-of-the-world.net
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202...
(17,300 vs 11,000 sf)
via Sports Business Journal, wonders-of-the-world.net
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202...
January 14, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Illinois' new football stadium videoboard will be larger than Mount Rushmore.
(17,300 vs 11,000 sf)
via Sports Business Journal, wonders-of-the-world.net
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202...
(17,300 vs 11,000 sf)
via Sports Business Journal, wonders-of-the-world.net
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202...
“His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated."
The enduring excellence of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The enduring excellence of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The Rarest Event in the NFL: A Pittsburgh Steelers Coaching Search
Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons in charge. He was only the third man to lead the team since 1969.
www.wsj.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:54 PM
“His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated."
The enduring excellence of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The enduring excellence of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The College Football Playoff might expand again with no input from players -- which, unlike in the NFL, isn't required.
“We’re putting them into harm’s way for one more game, one more television appearance, one more grand day of revenue."
- fmr. OSU AD Andy Geiger
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
“We’re putting them into harm’s way for one more game, one more television appearance, one more grand day of revenue."
- fmr. OSU AD Andy Geiger
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
How the Big Ten Transformed Into College Football’s Money Machine
The conference that is older than the NCAA itself once envisioned itself as a paragon of academic and athletic balance. It’s now known for unbridled expansion.
www.wsj.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:31 PM
The College Football Playoff might expand again with no input from players -- which, unlike in the NFL, isn't required.
“We’re putting them into harm’s way for one more game, one more television appearance, one more grand day of revenue."
- fmr. OSU AD Andy Geiger
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
“We’re putting them into harm’s way for one more game, one more television appearance, one more grand day of revenue."
- fmr. OSU AD Andy Geiger
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Reposted by Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
A prominent North Korean propaganda tool: its dominant girls and U20 women’s soccer teams
www.wsj.com/world/asia/n...
www.wsj.com/world/asia/n...
Inside North Korea’s Obsession With Dominating Girls’ Soccer
The sport has become something of an athletic arbitrage for the country, which figures other nations won’t subject preteens to such arduous training.
www.wsj.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:01 PM
A prominent North Korean propaganda tool: its dominant girls and U20 women’s soccer teams
www.wsj.com/world/asia/n...
www.wsj.com/world/asia/n...
Curt Cignetti is the most compelling evidence yet that we’re living in a simulation
January 10, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Curt Cignetti is the most compelling evidence yet that we’re living in a simulation
Reposted by Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
WSJ investigation: In the past 6 months ICE agents have fired at vehicles 13 times, leading to:
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
Videos Show How ICE Vehicle Stops Can Escalate to Shootings
A WSJ visual investigation found that the Minneapolis ICE killing is one of 13 incidents where federal immigration agents have used deadly force against civilians in vehicles since July.
www.wsj.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:44 PM
WSJ investigation: In the past 6 months ICE agents have fired at vehicles 13 times, leading to:
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
Reposted by Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
Preston Eagleson was Indiana’s first Black football player (pictured here in 1895). When a hotelier refused to let him eat in the dining room, IU’s entire team opted to choose another hotel. Eagleson’s father sued the hotel under civil rights law — and won $50.
January 10, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Preston Eagleson was Indiana’s first Black football player (pictured here in 1895). When a hotelier refused to let him eat in the dining room, IU’s entire team opted to choose another hotel. Eagleson’s father sued the hotel under civil rights law — and won $50.
Preston Eagleson was Indiana’s first Black football player (pictured here in 1895). When a hotelier refused to let him eat in the dining room, IU’s entire team opted to choose another hotel. Eagleson’s father sued the hotel under civil rights law — and won $50.
January 10, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Preston Eagleson was Indiana’s first Black football player (pictured here in 1895). When a hotelier refused to let him eat in the dining room, IU’s entire team opted to choose another hotel. Eagleson’s father sued the hotel under civil rights law — and won $50.
The college football season continues just as we all expected, with a Miami team that barely scraped into the 12-team playoff securing a ticket to the title game -- in its home stadium:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
Miami Decks Ole Miss in Final Minute to Advance to Championship Game
The Hurricanes, who won 31-27, will face either Oregon or Indiana for the national title at their home stadium.
www.wsj.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:44 AM
The college football season continues just as we all expected, with a Miami team that barely scraped into the 12-team playoff securing a ticket to the title game -- in its home stadium:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The most dangerous weapon in college football? Miami's two-headed sack machine:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
The Deadliest Weapon in College Football Is Miami’s Two-Headed Sack Machine
Most of the College Football Playoff’s remaining teams are powered by superstar quarterbacks. Miami’s title hopes rest on mashing them into the turf.
www.wsj.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:37 PM
The most dangerous weapon in college football? Miami's two-headed sack machine:
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
www.wsj.com/sports/footb...
New Mendoza postgame interview vocabulary word: “conglomerate.”
January 2, 2026 at 12:17 AM
New Mendoza postgame interview vocabulary word: “conglomerate.”
Props to the Minnesota Star Tribune for its important exemption from this narrative:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-sp...
www.startribune.com/minnesota-sp...
January 1, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Props to the Minnesota Star Tribune for its important exemption from this narrative:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-sp...
www.startribune.com/minnesota-sp...
This is actually 🤯
Sun Bowl sideline report with the most important fact of bowl season (the guy who sang "You're a mean one Mr. Grinch" was also the voice of Tony the Tiger saying "they'rrrrRRREEE GRRREEATTT!")
January 1, 2026 at 12:05 AM
This is actually 🤯
Reposted by Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter
You won’t regret reading this story…
Many employees at an electrical-equipment company had stayed through its lean years.
So when Graham Walker sold the company, he made sure his 540 employees got a cut: $240 million, or 15% of the company sale price.
The average employee got $443,000.
www.wsj.com/business/fib...
So when Graham Walker sold the company, he made sure his 540 employees got a cut: $240 million, or 15% of the company sale price.
The average employee got $443,000.
www.wsj.com/business/fib...
The Boss Who Gave His Employees a $240 Million Gift
When Graham Walker sold his family’s Louisiana company, he made sure his 540 employees got a cut.
www.wsj.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:49 PM
You won’t regret reading this story…