• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Update: Hurricane Milton Forcing Teams to Scramble As Storm Nears

  • Another major hurricane is set to have a big impact on professional and college sports.
  • Teams around the Tampa Bay area are preparing for the storm’s impact.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Several professional and college sports teams are likely to be impacted by Hurricane Milton, which intensified to a Category 5 storm Monday. 

A projected path has it making landfall in the Tampa Bay area Wednesday, leading to evacuation orders by local and state officials.

The NFL’s Buccaneers announced they would leave Tampa on Tuesday morning to travel to New Orleans, where they will stay for the remainder of the week, ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game against the Saints. Coaches and players’ media availability will be conducted virtually. 

The University of South Florida, which plays its home games at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium, delayed its home game against Memphis, scheduled for Friday night, to Saturday night. The Bulls are relocating their football operations to Orlando for the remainder of the week, and the school’s campuses are closed through at least Thursday. One men’s soccer game scheduled for Tuesday night was also postponed. 

The NHL’s Lightning left departed the Tampa area Tuesday and traveled to Raleigh, where they will open the season against the Hurricanes on Friday night. The teams are still scheduled to play back in Florida on Saturday night. The Lightning’s final preseason game against the Predators, scheduled for Monday night in Nashville, was canceled Sunday.

Last week, the ownership groups of the Buccaneers and Lightning donated $1 million and $2 million, respectively, to relief efforts surrounding damage from Hurricane Helene.

Impact Outside of Tampa

Jacksonville could also be hit by Hurricane Milton. The NFL’s Jaguars are still scheduled to depart Thursday evening to London for a 10-day trip and a pair of games in the U.K., but they are monitoring the situation, head coach Doug Pederson said Monday.

Miami is not in the direct projected hurricane path, and the Dolphins are on a bye week. The University of Miami also has an off week.

The University of Central Florida is scheduled to host Cincinnati in Orlando on Saturday afternoon. The football team’s X account said they were “actively tracking Hurricane Milton and its possible effects on this weekend’s matchup.” In the SEC, Florida is scheduled to play at Tennessee on Saturday.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

The Eagles Play Christmas Day for NFL on Netflix

The father-son duo will call the Christmas Day doubleheader again.

Commanders’ $3.8B D.C. Stadium Nears Key Council Vote

The Commanders’ proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal is poised for final approval.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Netflix Christmas GameDay cake seen after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

‘We Didn’t Get a Test Run’: Greg Olsen on Netflix NFL Christmas..

Greg Olsen said the game was uncharted territory for him.
Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) at Moda Center.

Trail Blazers Sale and Ownership Group Finalized, Now Awaiting NBA Approval

Dundon’s ownership group also includes the founders of Panda Express.
Valkyries
September 15, 2025

Valkyries Will Try to Remake Ballhalla 50 Miles Away

Golden State will try to stave off elimination in an unfamiliar environment.
September 15, 2025

Warriors $75M Pitch Fails to Sway Kuminga As Season Looms

Kuminga and his representatives want a long-term deal.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
September 12, 2025

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.
Sep 10, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards (8) fights to keep the ball in-bounds during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.
September 12, 2025

Connecticut AG Demands Documents From WNBA About Sun Sale Process

The WNBA reportedly prefers to move the team to Houston.
Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center.
September 11, 2025

Hornets Cancel Sports Betting Night Vs. Heat Over Terry Rozier Tie-In

Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for point-shaving in a 2023 game when he was on the Hornets.
May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
September 11, 2025

Clippers Minority Owner Allegedly Invested in Aspiration to Pay Kawhi

Minority investor Dennis Wong allegedly invested in Aspiration as well.