In a world packed with so many different streaming platforms that it can be hard to keep track of which new phenomenon is on what, or even what subscriptions you have, we’re glad to inform you that there’s a new show you can watch for free in the form of Erling Haaland’s YouTube channel.
No, seriously: now Traitors is over, it might just be our latest obsession.
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that in a climate of largely media-trained professional athletes, we always find characters like Erling Haaland refreshing – primarily because he’s an unapologetic but still inoffensive footballer who pretty much does and says whatever he wants, both on the pitch and off.
Including (judging just off the first two episodes alone) cooking and eating steak in the Manchester rain, dressing up like the Joker, talking about how much he loves milk, and chasing his childhood sweetheart through his rather large home.
Ironically, this isn’t technically his debut as a so-called ‘influencer’, having previously released self-made videos of him rapping as ateenager. Yes, it exists.
Nevertheless, now with a proper camera crew behind him and in a much more content-rich stage in his life as one of the most famous sporting personalities on the planet.
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Haaland has gone from not only one of the most exciting young players on the planet, to developing an even bigger celebrity profile since arriving in Manchester and the Premier League at large, becoming a persona-led brand in his own right.
The 25-year-old son of former Blue, Alf-Inge Haaland, was always going to be a popular figure among City supporters, but it says quite a lot that other football fans, even from rival clubs, find it hard to find him anything other than personable, funny and fascinating at times.
You only have to look at the reactions to his conveniently timed Halloween episode, where he dressed up as a famous Batman villain and went around Manchester ‘in disguise’. If you can’t spot the big blonde Norwegian number nine in a crowd, then you’re probably too late for Specsavers, to be honest.
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You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Haaland as the Joker doing kick-ups – so head to his YouTube and tick that off now.
We’re not entirely sure what motivated him to kickstart these high-production value videos now, but we’re not complaining; already, it’s given us more laughs, whether intentional or not, than most run-of-the-mill sitcoms.
It goes without saying that we can’t wait to see what he drums up after the big win against Liverpool, in which he delivered yet again, netting his 14th goal in just 11 Premier League appearances this season.
We particularly enjoyed how he chose to celebrate scoring against his former club, Borussia Dortmund, in the Champions League this month: by heading to Chinatown, seemingly for not only some Pho Cue but for a special late-night trip to Fat Pats, too.
For now, until we get the next instalment of our new and hopefully regularly scheduled Haaland YouTube programming, please enjoy that video of him spitting bars as a teen…
Bodo/Glimt's Erik Botheim dismantled AS Roma with couple of goals and three assists.
Featured Images — Screenshots (via Official Erling Haaland YouTube channel)
Sport
Teams and fixture date confirmed for first-ever regular season NBA game in Manchester
Danny Jones
In another major coup for Manchester, the NBA is coming to our shores for just the second time in our history, and now the teams set to take part have finally been announced.
Having only been played in the UK on a relative handful of occasions, this is nothing short of a massive milestone for the city.
Last crossing the pond back in 2019, the NBA has only visited 0161 once before over a decade ago at the old AO Arena, and there’s only been a total of 19 transatlantic meetings up until now.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, being confirmed as part of the NBA’s new European slate, Manchester is also set to be one of the first venues in the UK to ever host a regular-season game outside of the United States. Massive. Here’s who’s playing and when:
NBA Europe managed to secure a three-year programme of fixtures that will feature as part of the league’s normal competitive season in late 2025.
As you can see, kicking off next year and running until 2028 at the very least, the current deal will see the much-loved sport watched worldwide first land on the continent for a pair of games next year in Berlin and London, before heading to Paris and our very own Manchester in Q1.
Florida’s Orlando Magic and Tennessee’s Memphis Grizzlies had already been announced for the first two games last July, and now the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off for the Manc meeting.
With Basketball England being officially headquartered within the wider Etihad Campus, there was no question that the Manchester NBA fixture was going to be held at Co-op Live.
As well as being not just the biggest indoor entertainment venue of its kind in England but all of Europe, the arena has also recently welcomed the likes of the UFC, WWE and multiple boxing bouts, proving it can serve as the perfect host for premier live sporting action on a global scale.
In addition to the matches themselves, the Spurs and Pelicans will also be holding various fan activities and events within the region as part of the NBA Cares social impact programming initiative, with a focus on health, wellness, sustainability and coaching, as well as both player and even referee development.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS AND SAN ANTONIO SPURS TO PLAY REGULAR-SEASON GAMES IN PARIS AND MANCHESTER IN 2027
Spurs and Pelicans to Face Off on Jan. 14 in Paris and Jan. 17 in Manchester
The NBA today announced that the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs will play… pic.twitter.com/S80Yl102Fg
Speaking on the seismic news last summer, the leader of Manchester City Council and representative for Burnage, Bev Craig, could only echo how big a deal this is for the region.
“Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city”, she said. “This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible.
“With a growing basketball scene in Manchester, this event feels like the perfect fit and will give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.
“When it comes to delivering world-class events, we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners, we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents.”
You can register your interest for tickets to see Spurs vs Pelicans in a proper competitive NBA regular season round right at the Co-op Live in Manchester, right HERE; remember, you can always spring for the discounted posh seats, as well.
Manchester Storm have already set a new record before they’ve even returned ‘home’
Danny Jones
Manchester Storm have already broken a record ahead of next season, and they’ve done it before they’ve even made it back to their original stadium.
Just goes to show that the ice hockey following here in Greater Manchester hasn’t gone anywhere.
Following the news that Manchester Storm will be returning to the city centre for the 2026/27 campaign, they’ve had a flood of interest from both new and old fans.
With that in mind, it didn’t take long for the native team to reveal that they have already set a new record for season ticket sales just a few weeks on from the announcement.
Sharing an update on social media, they write: “Manchester Storm supporters have delivered incredible demand for 2026/27 Season Tickets, with the club recording its highest-ever sales within the first week and the strongest total in its modern history.
“Thank you, Manchester, for your amazing support.”
Crediting ticketing partner StubHero for helping deliver “a smooth experience during this period of exceptional demand” for followers of the local outfit, they’re even set to give away the next milestone season ticket away completely FREE as part of the ‘homecoming’ celebrations.
Writing further in an official statement, they went on to add: “The move back to the AO Arena represents far more than just a change of venue or a return home…
“It marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the club, built around bigger crowds, bigger occasions, and an unforgettable gameday experience in one of the UK’s premier entertainment venues.
Speaking in an interview with internal media, CEO and owner Emma Finnerty said that they’re not just aiming to grow their reputation in Britain: “Our vision is to become the biggest club in Europe.
“When you think of Manchester, you think of Manchester United and Manchester City – and then hopefully we’ll come third after them.”
While the former ‘Storm Shelter’ stadium at Planet Ice Altrincham only held a maximum of 2,500 spectators, serving them more than faithfully over the past decade or so, the AO Arena can literally hold almost ten times that amount. Here’s hoping they get close to full week in and week out.
As hockey fandom continues to grow across the UK, it feels like a better time than ever for supporters to get involved with the sport – and, as ever, they’re keen to get people as involved as possible.
Danny Jones -
10th November 2025 
