A really great breakdown on the Bundesliga leaders, RB Leipzig, NWSL TV deals, the CBA, and much much more.

Seattle

The NWSL is entering a new era in 2020 following the takeover of Reign FC by OL Groupe, the parent company of French women’s soccer team Olympique Lyonnais. ‘Our ambition is to have the two best teams in the world’ – why OL Groupe has taken over Reign FC | SportBusiness

For Lagerwey, it’s always about the long game, and he insists a wait-and-see approach is the right one when it comes to Sounders’ future. Seattle Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey leans into "meticulous and stubborn" offseason approach | MLSsoccer.com

MLS

Veteran lists several priorities for players for this CBA. Bedoya on CBA negotiations: MLSPA offers “have been very reasonable” - Angels on Parade

The league’s growing starpower and increasing stage as a pathway to a European move are two major factors, the former Chivas striker said. As Alan Pulido arrives at Sporting Kansas City, he explains Mexican players' recent MLS interest | MLSsoccer.com

“I wouldn’t say, surprising, because I’ve always appreciated the game and what a beautiful game it is and knew eventually America would catch on.” Kobe Bryant praises MLS' growth, but (probably) won't be the latest NBA star turned MLS owner | MLSsoccer.com

NWSL

After an NWSL board meeting Tuesday, Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler gave updates on some of the biggest talking points facing the league. NWSL faces key questions over TV deal, next commissioner and expansion

USA

Potter will be the link between the younger teams and the full senior WNT. Q&A with new U-23 USWNT head coach Matt Potter - Stars and Stripes FC

Gleason received the honor for his work in finding a cure for ALS, which he diagnosed with in 2011. Steve Gleason, former Saint, receives Congressional Gold Medal - CougCenter

World

That’s a lot of money. Bayern Munich sign mega-deal with Audi worth €50m a season - Bavarian Football Works

Hertha Berlin boss Jurgen Klinsmann says there is “no problem” with his coaching licence, after reports claimed it is no longer valid. Jurgen Klinsmann: 'No problem' with coaching paperwork, says Hertha Berlin boss - BBC Sport

The energy drinks keep making big strides in the table in German football, including leading the Bundesliga currently. How are they doing it? Examining RB Leipzig's stye | StatsBomb

They are minnows located 6,000 miles from France but former Blackpool player Elliot Grandin hopes his Reunion side can continue their run in the French Cup. JS Saint-Pierroise: Indian Ocean island team Reunion causing a stir in French Cup - BBC Sport

BBC Sport’s Guillem Balague analyses the detail behind Ernesto Valverde’s departure at Barcelona and gives the inside track on who was approached. Barcelona: Why Quique Setien was appointed and why Xavi said no - BBC Sport

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations will start on 9 January after its dates were moved, hosts Cameroon have announced. 2021 Africa Cup of Nations moved to January, Cameroon FA announces - BBC Sport

Watford’s £30m record signing, who was nurtured at the same Dakar academy as the Liverpool forward, has become an integral part of the Hornets’ revival. Ismaïla Sarr aims to follow path of his Senegal ‘brother’ Sadio Mané | Ed Aarons | Football | The Guardian

Children under the age of 12 could be banned from heading the ball in training in Scotland because of links between football and dementia. Children in Scotland could be banned from heading footballs over dementia link | Football | The Guardian

Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal will listen to security advice before deciding whether to press on with plans to spend a four‑day break in Dubai. Arsenal await security all clear for February training trip to Dubai | Football | The Guardian